A Very, Merry Christmas

Being as I will be on a mission the next time Christmas comes around, I know it won't be the same. Among many of the grander and more important Christmas traditions, I won't even be able to post on my blog next Christmas. So, here's to my Christmas hurrah-

It came by way too quick. With being in school and struggling through my last finals, I didn't get the chance to even notice December roll around. By the time I caught my breath and was packed and ready to fly home, it was already the 14th. I figured 2 more weeks until Christmas is plenty to get my holiday fill... I was wrong. This was the quickest I've ever seen it come. I wish it would wait just a little bit longer.

This year I don't even know what to expect. I had no idea what to ask Santa for since I feel most of what I need should be for the mission, and I don't even know where I'm going yet. Luckily, I have the most creative mom in the world that is the absolute best in making specifically Christmas, but every important experience memorable and personalized. I'm scared for when I'm a mom and have to live up to the expectations I've set for myself by what I've grown up with. I guess you know you've been a good mother when your children feel  inadequate to the job before they have even begun. Well played, Mom.

This might also be the last time I'm in a home where Santa still visits. If I miss 2 Christmases I am pushing my luck with Savannah still believing with 3 brothers ahead of her. I am lucky enough to have witnessed all these years of the miracle of Santa working in my house. It might be the best part of being the oldest of so many kids. I publicly believed in Santa for a bit longer than most; now it's more of an inward appreciation for the Big Man. He's done so much for me over the years that my thanks could never be enough. The magic of Christmas is something that is incredibly special to me.

Lastly, I want to remember the children of Sandy Hook Elementary. They became a pivotal part of this Christmas. I am so thankful to have my family, to have a Christmas un-scarred by devastation, and most of all to have the knowledge of eternal life. I know they returned to a loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that they are happy and safe. I am grateful that moreso this season I was able to remember the sanctity of Jesus' atonement, and not just his birth. That he has felt each of their family's pain and sorrow, and that through him, they can be comforted.

I love Christmas, and the special spirit of it all that spreads to everyone. Now, it's just trying to keep it around all year :)

Merry Christmas!

I Hope They Call Me...

There are so many things I have wanted to talk about and need to catch up on, yet have fallen so behind. Because I just took my last final for my Fall 2012 semester, I am now freed from the bonds of the pain of Anatomy and mental breakdowns to do so.

I could rant for hours about how this semester was incredibly difficult, and such a disappointment to me.
I could also write about the excitement of Christmas and to go home.
Technically I never wrote about any of my summer adventures; I could write about that too.

But mostly I just want to write about what has had me on edge since October 6, 2012.

I am indescribably happy about the opportunity to serve a mission so soon. From the minute I heard this announcement, I immediately burst into tears, and didn't stop for a solid hour and a half. I was overcome with such a spirit that I have never in my life felt in that way before. I know this is my Heavenly Father's plan for me and I am so blessed to fulfill it. I have started my papers and want to get it in as close to January 1st as possible, and hope to leave sometime in May. With everything I have been frustrated and disappointed in recently, I am incredibly anxious to be able to serve the Lord, and I think that puts things into perspective very well...and for that, I am grateful!