Cherish.

Ah. I'm back. I have been itching to get my hands back on the keyboard. Clear my mind of whatever thoughts happen to be there as I type. It's been a great break. Busy. Crazy. Yet relaxing. Overwhelming. Easy. Yet sometimes really hard. Long anticipated. Yet one that has flown by. How am I already going back to school next week? How is Christmas gone and New Years too? How are all my siblings back at their houses, sleeping in their own beds...going about their own lives?
How does life happen so fast?
I have no idea. But it does. And as much as I'd like it to, it's not slowing down anytime soon.

So I'd like to share every moment from my entire break with you.

Okay kidding. I won't. (Or you'd be reading for 3 weeks straight, bored out of your exhausted mind.. )
I promise I'll only share a few. Just because they were in some way significant to me. And you don't have to read if you don't want.
Stop for water breaks. Grab a few goldfish, pop a bag of popcorn...it could be a while.
I haven't been in blogworld for almost an entire month. So...here goes. Take it or leave it.

Finals.
I thought they'd never end. They were just as ruthless, exhausting, overwhelming, ridiculous, and frustrating as ever. Especially STATS. Don't ever. I repeat E V E R take Stats 2800. Unless you enjoy living in absolute.... [you know what].... for a good 4 months. When I even hear the word math I feel myself wanting to vomit, feel the tears stinging the back of my eyes, and the headache automatically sets in. Literally. So you can imagine what the word, gulp, "statistics" does to me. Repulsive. Miserable. You get the point. And, it can probably go without saying that I'm not very good at it either. I know, the worst combination right? Lucky me. It only meant long days spent slaving away at the library and hours upon hours of studying. (Yes this is going somewhere I promise).
Now, I'm not one to brag, and especially about myself, but I think seeing that 98% aka A on the final was one of the proudest days of my life. That is when I knew it was going to be a great Christmas break.

Did I say Christmas? Oh yeah. That's the next thing I want to talk about. Christmas!
I love Christmas. I love Christmas music. I love Christmas decorations. I love singing songs about Santa Claus and sipping hot chocolate. I love Christmas stories. I love it all. I love that everyone s l o w s down, just a little bit. Takes time to be with family. I love that we take a moment to help a neighbor, or even a stranger on the street. Our hearts are a little softer. Our eyes a little more open. Our faces a little brighter. Our homes just a little bit warmer. Our lives a little more magical. All because of Christmas.
I'm so grateful for a brave young mother, and a proud sheltering father that cold night in Bethlehem. I'm grateful that the angels sang. I'm thankful for the shepherds, and the wisemen who travelled from afar. But most of all I'm grateful for that small baby boy born in a manger. I'm grateful for the sacrifice He later made so that I could have a second chance. So that I could spend eternity with my family. That is why I love Christmas. Because it is all, really, about Him.

That's another one of my "break favorites." My family. I know everyone thinks their family is great, but I'm sorry to say to all of you- my family just happens to be the greatest. I mean what 19 year old would rather spend every night at home with her family then out with friends? What 19 year old would rather  play games and watch the countdown at home on New Years Eve instead of going to a party with friends? Me. I'd rather do everything with them than anyone else. Yeah I'm serious. That is how cool my family is. See for yourself....

Temple Square

Christmas Eve :)

They are best friends.

One of the best talents of the night.

I mean seriously? Look at that face! 

Girls Day Out!

 Okay but really...who does this on New Years Eve....

My personal favorite photo of the night...

Only us!

And, hate to admit it but...that's not even HALF the fun. Needless to say, I have had a great break. I miss my family already but couldn't be more grateful for the time we had together.

I hope your Christmas was one to remember. I hope you cherish the moments you have with your family. Whether they are all under the age of 5 or all over the age of 20, cherish them. Cherish the stage they are at in their lives. Because for all you young mothers, your children will too one day be grown up and gone. You will no longer be helping them write letters to Santa and singing them "Silent Night" as they drift off to sleep, blankie in hand. So treasure those small moments. For all you not so young mothers, cherish the moments you have watching your children experience life on their own. Take a moment to watch them be parents. Watch with a full heart as your grandkids grow. Because like you have learned many times in your life, those moments pass too quickly.

And as for all of you who don't have any kids yet, make this time special. Take those opportunities. Give that person a second chance. Forgive a little easier this year, love a little more. Give of yourself more than you ever have. Cherish the moments you have with your roommates, your childhood friends, your parents, even your surroundings. Because one day things will be different. Your friends will get married. You'll move to another place. You'll start a life of your own. And you want to be able to look back without a flint of regret in your eye. So live...like there's not tomorrow. Remember. And cherish every moment you're blessed with.

That is my hope for this new year. I hope we will all cherish the small moments, build upon the big ones, and make the new ones the best that they can be.

Thanks 2010. Thanks for all you brought me. All you taught me. And for the person you have helped me become. And as for you 2011, let's make it one we'll never forget.

Yours truly,
The girl..cough cough...sneaking leftover Christmas candy from the cupboard.