Peace out 2010!

When this is posted, I'll be in (hopefully) sunny California for one of my best friend's weddings on New Years Eve. Happy New Year!!

I'll be honest, 2010 has been the hardest year of my short 21 years of life.
But I have also been so happy. I don't know how that works, but its true.

Its one of those things where I would never ever go back, and I would never wish it on anyone else, but I am so grateful for what I've gone through. Because without experiencing the things that I've experienced, I wouldn't be who I am today. I have learned that I am stronger than I ever thought I was, and that I can do hard things. I've learned that even when things are really hard and there doesn't seem like there's much to be happy about, there are SO many things to be thankful for, as long as you look for them.
I've learned that God really does answer our prayers. He doesn't answer them necessarily the way we want Him to, but He is so aware of us and our needs. He can see the eternal scheme of things when we can't. The main thing that is needed in life is faith.
Because without Faith there is no Hope 

When  I have gone completely out on a limb, I have developed such a sweet  relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
And that is True & Pure happiness. 

When  experiencing the most heartbreak and sorrow I have ever experienced in  my life, when feeling like there was no way I could possibly go on, I  had no where to turn but to the one person that knew exactly what I was  going through, my Savior, Jesus Christ. I think earlier in life, I had  looked at the Atonement as only a way to be forgiven of sins. But I have  learned that the Atonement is all encompassing, and when I have felt like  I couldn't possibly go on, I couldn't see the light at the end of the  tunnel, I have felt the power of the Atonement. I have felt the strength  that is not my own. I couldn't be more thankful for the Atonement, but I  still have SO much to learn about it. I feel like I will be learning  about it for my entire life.
So many people have come into my life that have had such a life changing impact on me, and I know its not just by chance. I also already had SO many people that loved and cared about me. speechless.

 

Here's to 2011 where I have the great opportunity to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

Thanks for all the love and support- it means SO much. for realz.

xoxo 

The Christmas Post of all Posts

The Best News about  this Christmas is that all the family is back together again! 

It has seriously been so great to be together. Family is so great. for realz.

We started out this wonderful week of Christmas picking Hillary up at the airport. It was so fun to be reunited. Then we all went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and found our long lost medical school friend Andy:

Then the four of us kids were lucky enough to have amazing parents that let us go to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir/David Archuleta Concert at the conference center, since there were only four tickets. It was AMAZING. I've never been a huge fan of little archie but he was SO good.

Thanks to Aunt Marian and Uncle Brent for letting us sleep at your house the night before! 

Aunt Marian even taught us how to make delicious caramels. mmmmm

One night we frosted cookies with two of our favorite families, the Longhursts and Andersons, and then delivered them to lots of neighbors.

Katie with the camera:

Kenz, Hill, me, and Livi

Christmas Eve!!

its tradition that the family always goes out to breakfast. Usually we go to Angies (where the locals eat) but it was a five minute wait just to get your name on the waiting list. So, we went to Village Inn instead.

Amare'e Stoudamire? say what??

Christmas eve dinner. My Dear mother set the table beautifully, as per usual. 

we had a bit of a smaller group this year, just our family, grandma colleen, and aunt sandi and uncle phil. It was delish- crab legs and steak. mmmmmmm.

Aunt Sandi had a fun program for the nativity scene so we did that. 

Then we watched the breath of heaven/nativity movie that we watch every year.

Then we played "Liars Dice" 

Not pictured: Our epic Fort that we all slept in.

Christmas morning!! Opening pajamas the night before makes us all look like this:

These are the creepiest dolls EVER. EVER i tell you. My mom thinks she is so funny getting them for all of us. They sing. through that little circle we'll call their mouth. Okay, it was pretty funny.

 Next to our new Xbox Kinect that we played ALL DAY, One of the favorite gifts of the day, A Perry The Platypus shirt. I'll admit it. My family and I love Phineas and Ferb We watch it together all the time. we are not ashamed.

Then we did something we've never done before. We went to a Presbyterian church and volunteered to help at a Christmas dinner for people that didn't have one. It was such a good way to spend Christmas . Love my family and love this time of year!

Next up, Martin Christmas party at the Cabin and Sam and Jennika's Wedding in San Diego!
 

Everything in the Provo Tabernacle burnt down except....

The Dreaded Week of Every Semester.

F.I.N.A.L.S.  W.E.E.K.

EWWWW GROSS. 

Last night, fully intending to study for hours on end in the library, this happened:

I honestly don't know how it happened. It just did. 

One thing we did learn is that our social skills are OUTSTANDING! and Mcdonalds is delicious. just sayin.

**This may be a little misleading, I did get SOME studying done. But I'm afraid I brought Coco down with me.  

Finals week sucks, so why not make it as fun as we can?

Oh wait, sorry, I'm not supposed to say sucks. 

*thanks for the pictures courtney, hope you don't mind that i stole some :)

 

This is not the first time mind you, this reminds me of finals week Spring '10. The alleged playing of Sardines on the 3rd floor incident.

Before we head home for Christmas break to our respective Utah towns, Chicago, Washington, and Idaho Falls, we can definitely say we left with a bang. 

Peace out Utah State!

PS. HILLARY IS HOME FROM BYU HAWAII ON FRIDAY!! BEST DAY EVER!!!

maybe we'll even wear the exact same outfit again!!:

a Post in Pure Pictures

I feel like my posts have been of a very serious nature lately, which is fine but even I can only handle so much. So shall we peruse some recent pictures? 

Well hey there!  

(way attractive picture of me)

So on the night of the "EPIC" Utah snowstorm, we stayed in and made crepes and plated Ticket to Ride. Such a fun night!

Joni and I. Oh, and KEVIN

Mike, Joni, and Trenton Espenshied:

Next up I have a real treat for you. We had a West Yellowstone Reunion. 

Complete with Tramp Stamp:

 Not everyone could make it, but it was still real fun. We even wore our shirts. (clearly)

It is Aggie Basketball season! Truly the most wonderful time of the year:

Oh, and Andy came home from Medical School for Thanksgiving so we were psyched to see him:

 Joni and I have twinner coats: (sorta kinda)

Temple Square at Christmastime- my favorite! 

Never gets old:

our group:

Typical:

My favorite of the night, a couple making out in front of everyone. Really???

Of course I took a picture:

It just wouldn't be Christmas without the lights at temple square:

Next up was Jennika's Bridal shower! Her and Sam are getting married on New Years Eve Day in the San Diego Temple. Can't wait! 

Jennika got an apron from mama Anderson and is now an official anderson:

Me and the future sisters:

I love Courtney. Like really guys, I love courtney. 

Shleb and Jenn:

Shelb, me, Jenn, & Court. LOVE. 

So there you have some recent shenanigans. 

xoxo!