Happy Holidays..

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone, and that 2010 is just a few days away. I am so thankful and grateful for all that I have and all the wonderful people in my life. As crazy as the holiday season is..I love being reminded of what is important. I have had an amazing year this past year. I am so grateful for Richie and all that he does for me. He is my best friend. I don't know anyone who I look up to more than him. He is such an amazing example to me and I have had so much fun spending so much time with him since he has been home. He is so incredible. I also am so lucky to have such an awesome family. Although all 3 of my brothers are younger than I am..I look up to them more than they know. Spencer is so generous and would do anything for anybody at the drop of a hat. He loves to serve as much as he can. He will be an incredible missionary in just a few months. Sam has always been there for me. Especially these last 4 months. Sometimes our schedules are so busy that we don't see each other for a few days, but he never goes more than 2 or 3 days without coming up to my room to check on me and to talk to me. Charlie is one of the kindest people I know. He is such a peacemaker. He never has a mean thing to say about anyone and he is always making sure everyone gets included. He is so thoughtful and always thinks positively. My Dad is such a hard worker and does so much to make sure he can do more than just provide for our family. I am sometimes so amazed at how my dad knows how to fix anything. I know he reads a lot but I honestly can turn to him whenever I need something fixed no matter what it is. My Mom is not only my mom in the family but she is my sister in the family too. Since I have no sisters, I rely on her to keep me sane. Like every mother and daughter we have our differences, but for the most part she is one who I can talk to like I would talk to a best friend. I am so grateful I have the gospel in my life and that I have it as my rock and foundation. I am so thankful for the knowledge we have today. I am grateful for my amazing friends. They have always been there for me. I have been blessed with so many friends in my life and I have learned from their examples. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such incredible people in my life. Happy New Years!

Happy 22nd!

Today is Richie's birthday and I am so sad I can't be with him, but I will be in just two days and then we can celebrate! It will be so nice to have him back from his study abroad. He has been missed greatly. Richie is so amazing and I am so lucky to have him as my best friend and one who I can turn to for anything. I don't know anyone more kind, caring, hard working, compassionate, funny, good looking, thoughtful and smart than Richie. How lucky am I?

Happy Birthday! I love you!

This time of month seems to get crazier and crazier as the years go on. I am really starting to wonder if time really does speed up the older you get. I can't seem to find time for anything right now. I am in the middle of finishing my last week of classes and then next week, finals begin. I decided I needed a break from studying to keep me somewhat sane and came across this quote on a friends blog.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

I love this little reminder. Especially during crazy times like these. It's easy to forget simple yet important little things...especially during stressful moments.

Just notice how much taller these two are than me. Although I am at least 4 years older than they are they still tower over me. Charlie my youngest brother is now my height. Where has the time gone? I feel like it was just yesterday when I was babysitting them. I am so grateful to have three amazing brothers. We have had so many great memories and so much fun growing up together. I can't believe Spencer will be leaving for his mission in just a short six months. He will be such an awesome missionary and I am so happy for him. He will definitely be missed but we are all so excited for him to have such an amazing experience and opportunity.