The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

  I am back in Utah right now. I am not sure if I am happy to be back or not, yet. Going home was kind of a whirlwind of a trip and I wish there was something I could do to slow time down. The 4 days that I was home absolutely flew by. It was so great to get out of Utah for a little and also to relax at home with family! Relaxation and my family are two things that I really miss in my life. However, I really did have so much fun at home! I was able to see most of my close friends and family, the food was great, I got great gifts, the weather was perfect for Christmas... all in all it was just a great trip.

  I am lucky to be an aunt to 5 beautiful nieces and 2 nephews. I was only able to see Brooklyn and Georgia... they are so darling. I miss them so much! I love the cute things they have to say and watching them and how they try to make sense of things. I would say one of the greatest gifts of the year was being able to see the genuine excitement on those little girls' faces. Most definitely a priceless gift! I wish I was able to see more of Brooklyn, Georgia, Claire, Olivia and little Jacob. I live close to Mackenzie and I hardly get to see her two cuties. It has been so fun to see how they have grown over the past few years. 

  For those of you that have never been to my house at Christmas time- - you're really missing out. My mom does an unbelievable job at decorating the house. Her decorations are so unique and gorgeous! I love being home... but being home at Christmas time is the absolute best. I never really appreciated it as much as I should have until I have been living on my own. I don't have near the collection of decorations as my mom and I know that I wouldn't have her skill either. I miss my mom and I know that I should pay more attention to the things she does-- so, for when it is my turn to be grown up, I can instill the same feeling in my home. I am very grateful for my mom and the little things she has taught me over the years. As stubborn and difficult as I may have been in high school, I learned a lot from my mom. There are things that I am able to get done today, that I know I wouldn't be able to do without my mom's influence.

  It was really great to see two of my four sisters! I miss them  a lot. It has been great to grow closer to all of my sisters. I wish we could be together more often! It was so fun to be with my dad also! He's a great man that has a lot of my respect and love. I appreciate his wisdom very much. It is funny to watch the dynamic of a family change as everyone grows and matures in their own way. I like it a lot! 

  I love Christmas time... Can't wait for next year!!! 

Happy New Years Everyone!!! 

FINALS WEEK

Finally... the semester of hell is coming to an end. Pardon the language, but it literally has felt that way. It went by very fast in some aspects and really slow in others. I am really looking forward to finishing these classes and moving on to my next semester. I really don't believe that it could get any worse than this. Maybe I am being a little dramatic. As much as I say I despise school, I don't. I really enjoy to learn! I just do not cope well with the stress of being graded. I pray that as I continue on to more major specific classes I will enjoy it a little more and be less stressed.

   Oh and... Merry Christmas everybody! This picture is a little blurry.. but, just my cute roommates and I in front of our lil' tree. 

    My friend's Hannah and Kim. We were invited to the Kaufusi's family Christmas party last Sunday. It was so much fun, as always. Let me tell you something a little funny though. So, about a week before the party, I got a text from Alexis (Kaufusi), asking if Kim and I would like to sing a song with Corbin (her younger brother) at the family party. So, the party arrived and Hannah, Kim, Corbin and I sang "Away in a Manger". It was supposed to be a talent show, and each family had their own talent. We were the Kaufusi's talent. It was so fun! Corbin, for those of you that don't know him, is hilarious. I laughed several times throughout the song because he pronounced Jesus as "Hay-sus". All of us singing had a hard time staying composed... but, I think we did an alright job.

  Okay, if you haven't seen Miranda Sings on YouTube... you must. My team always makes jokes about her and imitates her. This is a common face of "Miranda"... if I had bright red lipstick on, it's an identical match. Miranda has some Christmas songs, for all of you that are interested. Tis the season!!! 

Merry Christmas!!!!!!  Home in 7 days!!!!

Hawaii!

   I just got back from a little place I like to call paradise! Hawaii is always so amazing. I absolutely love it there, I have been about 6 times now and I think I appreciate it more and more each time. Our team was there to play in the Hukilau Tournament at BYU- Hawaii. We played really well and won both of our games! We had a day to play on the beach and a day to hang out at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was an awesome trip. I was able to see many people that I love. My dad came along with us, my niece Brooklyn was in Hawaii with her grandparents, my good friend Felicia played on the USD team and my longtime friend Aneka (who actually goes to BYU-H). It was so much fun! I am a little sad to be back here in the cold and having to face the enormous amount of homework .

  We were also lucky enough to go to the Laie, Hawaii temple. It was just recently renovated and dedicated. It was beautiful and an awesome experience. 

   When I was about Brooklyn's age (5) I came to Hawaii with my grandma and grandpa and I remember them taking me to this cool thing and taking pictures. It was fun to go with Brookie! I love that little girl.