I flew back to Provo today and Im working tonight. I was a half hour early because no one told me I didn’t have to come in till 11. Oh well. This break was great and I wish it didn’t have to end so early. I didn’t do a whole lot but I felt like I was busy the whole time. I got to see some of my siblings and it was so much fun. Ive been wanting to change my hair so I got highlights a couple of days ago. I only trust one person to color my hair and of course she did a great job. Ill try to take a picture of myself and post it. I also went to the eye doctor and got new glasses. They’re red and I cant wait till they come in. Ok, so its time for a story. This afternoon I boarded my flight and sat down at my assigned seat. There was a guy sitting next to me around my age and we started talking about school and where we were going and all of that stuff. He then asked me if I was from Pasco and I told him no, Im from Mattawa. He then told me he didn’t know anyone from Mattawa but he knew some people that had relatives out there. He asked me if I knew a Michelle Stoddard. Well, that’s my cousin! It was such a coincidence. He apparently grew up just down the road from her and he also knows my Uncle Clint and his family and my grandpa. Small world! I usually don’t enjoy my flights but I didn’t mind this one. Now my dear sisters please don’t get ahead of yourselves and start asking me questions. Anyways, (Michael I know its anyway but I just cant seem to stop saying anyways) Im back in Provo and waiting for my roommates and friends to get back so I wont be so bored. Im gong to be home alone for four days so I welcome all calls, texts, or any kind of communication.

"No longer forward nor behind
I look in hope or fear,
But grateful take the good I find,
The best of now and here."
-John Greenleaf Whittier

My roommates and I had a little Christmas party tonight. It was just the three of us and it was SO much fun. We exchanged gifts, ate pizza and ice cream, and watched a Christmas movie. Kaylee gave me two books and I am so excited to read them. My roommates are leaving Saturday morning and Im a little bummed. Im not leaving till Monday night because of work and Im not excited about being home alone for two and a half days. I do know a few people that will still be around so it will be okay. My flight leaves in about 69 hours…do I seem excited?! This afternoon I had to do some Christmas shopping. Now as most of you know Im not a fan of big crowds or bad drivers. Well shopping a week before Christmas will give you a combination of both. I wanted to pull my hair out as I was trying to get out Barnes and Noble parking lot, and don’t get me started on how busy the mall was. Ive learned my lesson…do your Christmas shopping a month in advance. I will never make this mistake again. The sad thing is I forgot to get my sisters present so I have to go back out tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Rexburrr!

I went to Rexburg this past weekend and it was so cold. We didn’t do a whole lot but it was still fun. On Friday we slept in, went to the Cocoa Bean (I love their drinks), did a little Christmas shopping, and went out to dinner. On Saturday we went to the Cocoa Bean again and then spent the rest of the day with Ross, Jana, and the kids. Parker is one of the funniest kids I know. Ross and Jana went out to dinner while Nancy and I babysat. I think Parker and Lilly are starting to like me more. Parker invited me to FHE, but sadly I had to tell him no since Im back in Provo. I love spending time with family. On a quick note Id like to let everyone that Im really happy. Im occasionally a little sad, but for the most part Im truly happy. Its been a hard two months but everything happens for a reason. Trials will make me a better and stronger person. I love life and where I am at. Im always talking about how I don’t know what to do but thats the exciting part. I can do whatever I want and wherever I want. Life is good. Im going home in a week!

"Don't wait for tomorrow, don't wait for the right job, the right house, the right salary, the right dress size, be happy today, be happy now."
-Joseph B. Worthlin

Tim

So I know I complain about my job quite a bit but I have to admit that I actually dont mind it. Sometimes I actually enjoy it. Lately Ive been working at the boys house and every morning Im suppose to wake up seven year old, red headed, Tim a half hour before I get off. Its quite the fight to get him up. He says hes sick, has a tooth ache, and many other excuses. After he gets up hes actually a funny kid. We have a good time as hes getting ready. He likes to just sit around a talk to me after hes done everything he has to do. As Im writing this Im sitting here talking to him. He says the funniest things, but today he made me so happy. He told me that he likes me the best. Cute, right? So right now I am so grateful for my job.

Grateful

A few of my sisters (Jana I consider you as my sister) have made lists of things they are grateful for this year. I thought I would do the same thing. They are in no particular order.

1. My family-dad, mom, siblings, in laws, nieces, nephews, and the list goes on. They are amazing and I really dont know what I would do without them.
2. My Savior. Everyday I am more grateful that I have the gospel in my life.

3. My job. It isnt great but I still like it and hey, it brings in some money.

4. School. Ok, I know you are all really surprised that I put this but I am very grateful that I am able to get an education so Ill be able to get a good job in the future.
5. Friends. I love my friends.
6. My roommates. I have been blessed with great roommates. We have so much fun together.
7. My health. I have had some health problems in the past year and Im grateful that everything is getting back to normal.

I am so blessed!

I just watch Paper Heart with my roommates. Its about a girl who doesnt believe in love so she decides to make a documentary about it. She goes across the country asking people if they believe in love and what love means to them. In the process she meets someone and they start dating. As the relationship progresses she realizes she needs to figure out if she really does believe in love and if shes capable of it. I loved it. It was interesting to hear everyones different perspectives on love. Watching this movie made me think of a quote from Dan in Real Life. "Love isnt a feeling, its an ability." What do you think? Is love a feeling, do you need to be capable of falling in love, or can anyone fall in love?

I want to see this movie! Its look really cute, right? This may seem childish but I just love the happily ever after endings. Now I know life doesnt always end up like that but that doesnt mean movies cant. Im a girl, I like happy endings.

Thanksgiving break was GREAT! I didnt do a whole lot except hang out with my family. I got to see 5 of my 6 siblings which was great (I miss you Sally). My sister Stephanie is pregnant and she is just about the cutest pregnant lady I have ever seen. Trina now lives in Southern California which means she wont be able to go home as often so it was great to see her, but Ashley and I plan going there for a three day weekend in January. Hello beach! I love getting to see my nieces and nephews. They are all so different but so much fun. Ive only seen my nephew, Tanner once and it was for about a half hour and he was sleeping or grumpy so it was great to really get to know the cute little guy. He looks just like his dad, its so cute! We called him Mini Dave. Now that I am back at school I am anxious for Christmas to come. I hope these next three weeks go by fast so I can go home again. Im only going to be able to go for about week because of work but Im thankful that I am able to go home at all. School is killing me and I cannot wait to GRADUATE! Its a scary thought. I have a couple of ideas in my head what Ill do after graduation but I havent decided for sure what Ill do. I know I will be moving away from Provo. It will be a sad day to leave everyone but exciting at the same time. Its time I move on with my life and start over somewhere new. I guess we will just have to wait to see what my futures holds for me.

Sorry this post is long. So I really enjoy watching Glee, mostly for the music. Heres a really cute song from it. Click here!