Christmas in West Virginia

Christmas was different this year. It was different in a good way though and I am grateful for that. This was my first Christmas away from home and I was so worried that I was going to be a total mess. Things ended up being perfect and I didn't cry once. I got a little weepy going to bed on Christmas Eve and thinking that all of my sisters were in the same bed in Utah without me, but I did it. Eric and I had a fabulous time in West Virginia for Christmas and enjoyed being with family. We ate, shopped, went to three movies, played games, and just hung out. It was so nice to relax and not have to worry about school and Eric didn't have to worry about work. We both had to do things for our callings but other than that, we had no responsibilities and it was so nice.  We also had family pictures which always makes mama's happy and we celebrated Eric's birthday with his family while we were there. So grateful for such a loving husband that I am crazy about.

Ever since I was called as Young Women's president, my eyes have been opened to things in this world that I didn't even think were happening around me. This Christmas, I sat back and reflected on things that really mattered. I had my Christmas shopping done in October so I could spend the holiday's thinking about everything that I have been blessed with and the birth of our Savior. I was able to give out my $10.00 on Christmas Eve that I talked about here to hopefully lighten the burden on someone for Christmas and this brought me so much joy.

I am excited to have children one day and to do Santa with Eric. I am excited to get our littles Christmas Eve jammies. I am excited to be with family and to carry out family traditions. As I have been thinking though, I am most excited to teach my children the importance of helping others and to help them remember the real reason that we celebrate Christmas.

Spirit of Christmas

This Christmas has been very different than others in many ways. I woke up this morning and it was 80 degrees outside and I put on sandals and a short sleeved shirt. There is no snow on the ground like I am used to in Utah and it isn't cold outside at all. There are trees and Christmas lights up but it just doesn't feel like Christmas quite yet. As I was thinking of all of the things that are making Christmas different this year, I realized that I have been thinking way more of the real meaning of Christmas and the Savior then I have in past years. I had my Christmas shopping done in October so I could really focus on the birth of our savior during the month of December and remember the real reason that we celebrate this season. When we were in Utah for Thanksgiving back in November, my parents gave my moms parents, brothers, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law's, nieces, nephews, my sisters, Austin, Eric, and I an envelope and we were asked to open it. Inside it was a letter and a $10.00 bill. The reason of this was to go out and do a random act of kindness for someone that may not have much this year for Christmas. I have had this cash in the back of my wallet and I am waiting for the perfect opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. This has been something that has made me think a lot. We are so blessed and there is no reason that we shouldn't be helping others that are less fortunate than we are. I am so grateful for the Christmas season and am so glad that this year's Christmas has been different. It has made me think less of the perfect gift for everyone but on the gift that we have all been given. Our Savior and Redeemer is the "gift" this Christmas season.

Thanksgiving In Utah

Eric and I were able to go to Utah this year for Thanksgiving and we had so much fun! We flew into Salt Lake and then a couple days later, we got in the car and drove to St. George to meet all of my mom's family for the holiday. There was about 50 of us down there and we had the best time. The week consisted of eating at all my favorite UT places that we don't have in Houston (Cafe Rio and Swig..I missed Zupa's this trip), hanging out with the family, exchanging Christmas presents with my sisters since we will be back east for Christmas, having family pictures with my mom's and my dad's side, visiting Grandpa Neal, the boys went shooting, the girls had their toes done, and just having fun. My sister McCalls boyfriend came with us and Eric and I loved getting to know him better. Papa Nathan's birthday was while we are there as well so it was fun to be with him on his big day. Get ready for picture overload! 

Eric, Austin, McCall, and I had this idea to tell the waiter at Texas Roadhouse that it was my dad's birthday so he got to ride the saddle. We were all laughing so hard we were crying. I am so grateful that even though Eric and I live in Houston that we have the opportunity to travel back to our families for the holiday's. Having things to look forward to makes living away so much easier. Now I need to get going and study for finals! Finals are next week and then we will be packing up and heading to West Virginia for Christmas. I hope everyone is having a happy Christmas season.