The end is near. The end is near. The end is near…… NOT OF THE WORLD SILLY – of the semester! If you can imagine a crazy person bursting out into song at the top of her lungs singing HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH! Etc… insert that image here!!! I cannot wait to be done with my classes!
There is so much to be done but I am ready for the challenge. Next semester brings new roommates and new classes! (Side note: today I cleaned the kitchen again for clean checks… its official my roommates must believe there is a magical cleaning fairy that takes care of clean checks every week….NEWSFLASH…ITS ME!!!!!!!!! I was slightly no COMPLETELY annoyed by it this morning. I had a whole list of things that didn’t get done before class that needed to get done because I walked into the kitchen and nearly had a heart attack at the carefully stacked trash and overflowing sink- sorry I usually try and stay positive about it because I know they weren’t raised in a clean home like me but really you are an adult clean up after yourself?!?!?!?! Okay enough venting!)
For the trip home we are doing a bit different this time- we, apparently meaning Briana and I- We are renting a car and driving down Friday the 16th! It’s a L O N G drive but I look forward to a good road trip! I will be heading back to Idaho the 2nd ish I haven’t figured out that leg of the journey yet!
I spent the thanksgiving here in good old Idaho! I went to Briana’s house for dinner it was great. Weird to not be with family and not a missionary but I appreciate that the Lilly family has seemingly adopted me! I haven’t been home for a holiday since thanksgiving of 2009 which is probably why I am so excited for Christmas! I plan on playing games and having tons of family time, and a few lunch dates with my best friends in California! Get ready!
This time of the year has put me into some serious reflection so although it is not a thanksgiving post I want share some of the things I missed most about not being home for this past holiday… MY FAMILY!
1. My parentals… I have been blessed with wonderful parents. They raised us in a gospel centered home, although we aren’t perfect we as children would never questions what came first in our life- The Lord and His church. Church activities weren’t suggestions. They just happened. Every Sunday without fail they were fulfilling their callings. What a great example!
v Dad- I have always had a special relationship with my dad. I thought it was just me but he has a special relationship with all of his kids. I have always known that he has a non-judging listening ear. His gospel lessons have strengthened my own testimony so much and have helped me work at having a personal relationship with the savior. It is his dedication to church service that has taught me what it means to serve!
v Mom- She has given me the greatest gift of all- namely that of the gift of music/love of music. It is through music that I have really come to understand salvation. She has faithfully served in music callings my whole life- too often going unnoticed… what would sacrament meeting be without the hymns? She has spent her whole life in service to us as children- I am grateful that I had a mom that would have chocolate chip cookies waiting at home. There are so many children that do have anyone to come home to. It means a lot to me and has set a great example to me. She has had kids in high school and elementary school FOREVER- since Kristen started seminary in 1996 she has had children in early morning seminary and will until Tyler graduates in 2018- WOW! That’s what I call dedication… maybe in 2018 she will catch up on sleep! J
2. My siblings… all of them!
v Tyler- what a ball of fun! He just turned 12 and spoke in church. He loves legos and goofing off. But he is the best one to get a hug from in the family. Its like he has this 6th sense of when someone needs a hug… it might be sweaty and smelly but it will make you feel better!
v Mckay- what a stud! This boy sustained me through some of the rougher patches on my mission, his letters of testimony is what I turned to on bad days. He is very spiritual for a 14 almost 15 year old. He is a go getter that is friendly to everyone.
v Matthew- well we all know that he got the talented gene. His love of music is amazing and his ability to write it even better! I am always amazed at his depth when it comes to writing. He has the kindest heart and I love reading his letters every week from south Africa.
v Megan- megatron and I have some of the best talks! She and I didn’t always get along but now we have such a great relationship. She has been through so much the last through years but she has TRIUMPHED! I am so proud to call her my sister… oh and her fashion sense is to die for! J
o Scott- I don’t know scott very well but I am so grateful for the happiness that was brought back to megan!
v Kristen- she is always the listener. She not only helped me adjust after my mission but still puts up with my phone calls pretty much every day! She has raised 3 amazing and beautiful kids and still has time for my complaining… and heck she even spends time planning my life! I am grateful for her example of missionary service it helped in my decision to serve!
o Aaron- It feels like he has been in our family forever- He is the hardest worker I know. In all the things that they have been through the last few years he has always found a way to support my sister and their children. He is one of the most enthusiastic people I know when it comes to NASCAR and I love that about him. I am grateful for the example he has set for my younger brothers of a true priesthood holder.
Ø Max- man his comments make me laugh…. He is a very loving 4 year old!
Ø Sadie- she is all girl. But she is so sweet! I might not have a lot in common with her princess obsession- but who can resist someone that wants to be princess batman?
Ø Charlie- well no way around it he just makes me baby hungry. He is soooooo cute!
Well I am out of time but not out of love! I love my Family!