Home for the Holidays, Merry Christmas

I finally made it back yesterday, after what seemed like months of over-excitement to come home. As I flew in with my family, I was welcomed with a blanket of snow covering every inch of Salt Lake. Ashley and I have been trying our best to get into the Christmas spirit in Arizona, and though we did a pretty good job, nothing is like being home for the holidays.

A lot of things are different about this year, and they've been making me a little anxious. Luckily, I'm so darn happy all the time now, that I don't recognize stress in my life anymore and it just comes in the form of hives. That's right, hives. It's going to be an itchy Christmas. The biggest change is that I'm back home with my parents and sisters this year, but I couldn't be happier to feel like a little kid again. My mom always makes the house so warm and cozy that it is hard not to feel the Christmas spirit. My expectations are pretty high this time of year and she does not disappoint. I have to admit that I was a little concerned about how my emotions/mental state would be since this is the first Christmas single again, but I think my whole family is breathing a sigh of relief this year as everything seems as it should be. Second, would be that my focus on how I view Christmas has changed a little bit. Not that I didn't realize this before, but I'm recognizing this Christmas as a time for being grateful for family and friends and the time I'm able to spend with them. Most of all, my thoughts turn towards our Savior, and the blessings He has brought into my life. Thirdly, I've managed to survive almost solely on sugar the last couple of days. It's been amazing how many great neighbors my parents have and what incredible bakers they are. It's awesome. I'm excited to see all of you while I'm in town, and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."
Agnes M. Pharo

Happy Birthday Ashley Brook!!

I am always gushing about how awesome my friends are, and today, one of my very best in the whole world, Ashley Brook Branch Lee turns 25. Ashley is one of my very oldest and best friends. We have been best buds since elementary school, and we were an unstoppable duo. I have so many fond memories of Ashley. From "accidentally" wearing the same thing to school, planning our double wedding, to eating grilled cheese sandwiches everyday after school in her living room, and toilet-papering the Branch's house because we weren't allowed to leave the house during our sleepovers - my life would not be the same without her. Being around her makes me happy because she exudes such a positive energy and love for those around her. She has always been supportive of me and all of our friends, will never miss any friend functions, and genuinely wants the best for those she cares about. Ashley helped shape my childhood, adolescence, and because of her, I feel like I always have someone to turn to. So, to my sweet Ashley Brook...Happy Birthday! I hope today is great, and I know this is going to be another fantastic year for you. I love you so much and thanks for always being such a great friend!!! I have a habit of collecting quotes, and here are a few of my favorites that I think fit and honor the relationship I have with Ashley best:

"Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend,
as you will always find me yours."
-Ludwig van Beethoven

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures."
-Kahil Gibran

"A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway."
-Jerome Cummings

"You only meet your once in a lifetime friend... once in a lifetime."
-Little Rascals

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A little Christmas-time reflection (longest post of the year)...

As the end of the year approaches, I have been looking back at everything that happened in 2007, and I'm a little amazed at how fast it has gone by. After an extremely rocky start, my year is ending as one that I know will be engraved in my memory as one of the most influential/maturing/crazy/amazing years of my life. I have grown so much from the experiences that I had and am learning to be grateful that I had them - they brought me to where I am now, which turns out to be one of the happiest places I have ever been. So, instead of reflecting on the harder/rough things of this year, I've decided to compile a list of my favorite. Kind of like "Oprah's Favorite Things" episode, and in no particular order, these are the things that I LOVED this year:

Family - I know this is an obvious one, but I have learned to appreciate my family on a whole different level this year. I have felt and seen their unconditional love for me, and feel so blessed to be a part of their lives. Knowing I am going to be with them for eternity brings so much joy into my life. My Mom is amazing in every sense of the word - I hope to be just like her some day. My parents have stood by me and walked with me through everything. I trust them, love them, I can (and do) tell them anything and everything and they have become two of my very best friends this year. My brother, Bryan, and his wife Amanda are two people that I look up to and respect so much. They are both so hard-working and treat each other so well - their marriage is what I hope my future one to be. Oh, and my sisters. There are no words. They are my two best friends - hilarious, intelligent, witty, kind-hearted and beautiful. I feel like their younger sister because I look up to them so much.

Friends (Old and new) - This always goes without saying, but I have never felt so lucky to have such a great group of friends. Most of us have been close since high school, and I always know that I can turn to every single one of them if I need to. During the rough times in our lives, I have seen them rally together - to support, love, listen and just be there for each other. There are a select few, who held my hand, and took care of me during part of this year - I will be eternally grateful. I love you guys. Also, after moving to a new state (and some I've reconnected with back in Utah), there are a few people that I have met and I am not quite sure how I ever lived without them. They have all meant so much to me, and I learn so much from each one. Friends are so important to me, and I hope I can always be as good of a friend to those who are always being that to me.

The Gospel - I know I said that there are no favorites, but if there was, this would have to be it. My entire life has changed after recognizing this great blessing I have in my life. I have put so much faith and trust in the Lord, and it has given me so much more of a sense of direction and purpose. This has become one of, if not the most important thing in my life. The peace and happiness it has brought to me is irreplaceable. I am amazed at how many incredible and spiritual experiences I have had once I opened my heart to all that is offered to me. It has made me a better person, sister, daughter, friend, and I know one day - a mother and wife.

Blogs - Being away from home, blogs have been so much fun to have - they keep us updated and in close contact with those we love most. I hope all of you know how much I enjoy reading your blog, and seeing what is going on in your lives. Our blog has also given me a creative outlet for venting, sharing and telling about the random spacey/stupid things I do. So, keep them up! Blogging is definitely one of my favorite things this year.

Silk Soy Chocolate Milk - You knew I'd have some weird things on my list, didn't you? This is a recent favorite. I've been trying to drink only soy milk, and once I found the chocolate version, I was sold. You should buy it - it's amazing, and I can't live without it.

Ashley - I could have easily included Ashley in the "friends" category, but she deserves her own. We have almost, quite literally, been together every single day this whole year. I have never spent so much time with one person (and I've been married), and amazingly, I never get sick of her. Our friend Jeff told us last night, "I could never picture the two of you not being together." I don't think I could either. She has been my greatest support, and I appreciate her more than words can express. She knows me better than I know myself, and is one of the people I trust most. I hope she knows how much I cherish her words of advice, her sarcasm and hilarious personality, and unwavering friendship. Having her as a constant in my life, has made this year wonderful.

Trees/Mountains/Environment - You really appreciate what you had when it isn't there anymore. Since we have moved to Arizona, I have missed how beautiful, mountainous and lush Utah is. Not that Arizona isn't pretty in its own way, but I love the outdoors and feel lucky to have grown up in such an amazing place. It makes me want to take care of everything around just a little bit more, and I definitely appreciate it on a daily basis now.

Music - Another kind of silly one, but I have grown to have a whole new appreciation for music this year. And all kinds. It can put you in a good mood, help you feel the spirit, and reflect a certain time in your life. It seems like I have been introduced to a lot of new music this year (a lot from Ashley), and it makes me want to be more musical. I think one of my New Year's resolutions is going to be to learn how to play a few instruments. A little far-fetched, but its a goal. I will let you know how that goes.

Teaching - I have always had about a million things that I have wanted to do, career-wise. I've gone back and forth with medical school, law school, marketing/sales, novelist, entrepreneur, etc...but always, teaching was in the back of my mind. In the little time that I've spent working at a school, I have never felt more personally rewarded and confident in the fact that I'm exactly where I should be. Knowing me, there is a possibility that my mind will start wandering, and I will get on a different track, but for now, it fits - and I've never been happier.

Olivia - If you know me, and you are reading this, you know that I am obsessed with babies. If you have one, I'm sure I have already smothered him/her. I never did realize though, the amount of love you can have for your brother's or sister's child. She brings an indescribable amount of joy into my life. I love watching her smile, laugh, grow and turn into the beautiful child I always knew that she would be. Its so hard for me to be away from her, and I get so excited at every chance I get to be near her. I think of her often, and hope to be the kind of aunt that she deserves.

My Dad - In a way, I've kind of saved the best for last. I have counted heavily on my dad this year. There are too many good things to say about him and not enough time. What seems to fit best for me right now though is- he makes everything OK. When I need him most, he is there. He is a constant support in my life, and makes me want more out of it. He makes me more ambitious and driven, he gives me hope, teaches me to be humble, kind, and to always put family first. He was there and walked with me through the hardest of times, and I don't think I could have done it without him. He is the most amazing, loving, hard-working father I could have ever been blessed with, and I hope to find a future husband just like him. He is my best friend.


I hope that all of you have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Mesa Temple Lights

Just a little glimpse at the Temple lights in Mesa, Arizona. Not Salt Lake, but not bad.

Gym stories

All Scottsdale, AZ LA Fitness male members....PLEASE READ:

1- A skin tight t-shirt with Armani Exchange written across it in sequins is not appropriate gym attire.
2- Also, that same shirt that is cutting off the circulation in your upper body, is not in fact, defining/showing off your muscles. They don't look any bigger. Nor does it qualify you to give out fitness advice of any kind.
3- Use sweat bands sparingly. If at all possible, for sweat.
4- It does not matter how much college memorablia you wear - no one is going to actually believe you played college football. Try and keep it to a minimum.
5- A tight choker/necklace does not make your neck/traps look bigger.
6- Bronzer is for women. Stop. We know you are wearing it.
7- The aerobic/yoga rooms, though they are surrounded by mirrors, are not to be used to practice your dance/clubbin' moves.
8- The black hair dye/greasy spiked hair/orange-tan skin look is out. Shower and rinse that stuff off. Its getting everywhere.
9- The mirrors in front of the weight room are actually there for you to watch yourselves as you lift the weights. NOT for standing in front of them trying out your many sweet facial expressions and to see how many people are "checking you out".
10- The hours between 5-9 pm are not considered "happy hour" and therefore should not be used for picking up women. There have been complaints.

Also, LA Fitness EMPLOYEES:
**Though your position is called, "Sales Professional" the tucked-in shirt/slacks/blackberry-clipped-to-belt is unnecessary. You're not fooling anyone. You work at a gym.

Yes, this is mean. But all true. It couldn't be helped.

Green is sexy

For those of you who remember my promoting of Sheababy Naturals a couple of months ago, the day has finally come. All of their adorable designs are available online now, and are truly one of a kind. These charming baby clothes are all made of 100% cotton - pure, clean, and best of all, helping to preserve our planet. If I had kids, they would only be wearing sheababy. Of course, since sheababy was developed by family, and since the babies/kids on the website are my nieces, I'm a little biased. Check them out:

www.sheababynaturals.com

Also, in an attempt to be more "green," I recently made a purchase that I feel everyone should be able to get in on. On one of my 17 trips to the store this week, I couldn't stop thinking about how many bags were being wasted on me. I don't even want to do the math because of the disappointment I'm sure I would feel about myself. Even asking for paper, it is still a disservice to the environment. I started thinking of what a great business idea it would be to make reusable bags and sell them online. I started doing some research, and it turns out, someone beat me to the punch. I stumbled upon a website that sells really cute/awesome 100% recycleable/reusable bags. BYOB (bring your own bag)! They are pretty good looking, and maybe we can get a trend to catch on. Every little bit helps.

www.bagthehabit.com