Life is a Gift. LIVE IT.

I was just thinking about my life and everything that has happened thus far.... and I have realized that I absolutle LOVE MY LIFE! Yes, there are those ups and downs, and some days you feel like you are just going to tumble and fall; but, there are things that happen that just make you realize all the good that comes from the bad. And you realize how grateful you are for all the good things in your life. This is how it has been lately for me. All hell seemed to break loose all at once. Everything seemed to be heading downward and I felt so crappy about myself. Nothing in my life seemed to be going the way that I wanted. But, as these trials started to beat me down, I realized what I was doing wrong. I wasn't seeing the big picture. Yes, my life was taking a big toll and everything was going wrong. However, I wasn't noticing all of the good things around me. I was just ignoring all the factors in my life that were trying to fight against all the bad. And once I came to this realization, I have started to become much more optimistic and I have been able to overcome all the difficult events. And because of this, I have come to realize why my life is sooo amazing right now. I LOVE MY LIFE!! (:

First of all, I have the best friends anyone could EVER ask for. No matter what seems to go on in my life, no matter how difficult I am and how grumpy I may be, they find a way to cheer me up. I have no idea how they do it, but I am sooo grateful for it! I just can't even imagine what my life would be without them. I love them soooo much!! I have to give a few shout-outs to the friends that truly make my life what it is. 

Brittani Alvey. This girl is THE nicest person I know. She treats me like a true friend should, and I am so grateful for her. No matter what is going on in my life, she knows exactly how to get me to smile. She knows pretty much everything about me. And I trust her enough to tell her everything. She would never go behind my back. This is something I admire her for. And I would never, ever go behind her back. I couldn't. Also, we have some of the best adventures together. She truly knows how to make me laugh. Even when something seems like it shouldn't be funny, we can laugh about it hours on end. Brittani takes care of me like no one ever could. In sooo many different ways (including practically being my mother, feeding me... you know all that kind of stuff). I am so grateful for Brittani and the many, many times we have and will continue to have with each other. My life would SUCK without her. I LOVE YOU BRITTANI!!

Tanner Black. Throughout high school, I really never had a best guy friend. Yes, I had friends who were guys... but not someone who I could just talk to about life, ask for advice.. you know, what a best friend can do. But when I moved to Logan and met Tanner, this all changed. We have only known each other for three months, but I feel like I have known him for much longer. I can tell him anything. In fact, when I just need to vent or he needs to vent, we just go on walks and talk. This is something that I cherish in my life. I can trust him with anything. We would never go behind each other's back. I am so grateful for all the things Tanner has done for me. He has truly helped me out of many trials I have had over the last three months. I respect Tanner for his strength in what he knows to be right and for his willingness to put up with my craziness. I have no idea what I would do without Tanner in my life!

I also am very grateful for all my high school friends... Especially, Lindsay Rose. We have had our difficult times, been in our share of fights. But nothing could ever break us down, because of the friendship we have had for the last 12 years. Lindsay has always been there for me, always had my back. Sometimes I feel like I have never thanked her for this, and I feel really bad about that. Because she has helped me in SOOO many ways. Without her, I probably wouldn't be where I am today. She always supported me in everything I have done, led me in the right path, and given me advice. No matter what is going on, I can always turn to her for help. She is probably one of the brightest people I have ever met. She seriously is so dang smart! But those facts aside, I am just so grateful for Lindsay. She has endured so much in her life, including all the stupid things I seem to do, and I so admire that strength that she has. This friendship that we have held since Kindergarten is soo special to me. I would never ever let it go, no matter what. I am sooo dang grateful for Lindsay and every little thing she has done for me. She will always remain one of my best friends!!! 

Not only are my friends a reason I absolutely love my life. My family make my life the best! As I sit here at home, surrounded by my family, I can't help but feel incredibly grateful for what these individuals have done for me. They support me in my decisions (whether bad or good), are there for me when times are tough, advise me to do what will be most successful for me, and just so much more. I am so grateful to be able to come home for the week and spend some quality time with my family. I have missed them a lot!! I LOVE MY FAMILY!! (:

There is just so much more that make my life so great. Living in Logan, going to Utah State... just to name a couple of them. But, all that I know is that my life is amazing and that I wouldn't change ANYTHING!! 

With Brittani and Tanner. Love these two!!

SO grateful for Lindsay (: Best friends since Kindergarten!

My close friends throughout high school. Miss all of them!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am grateful for everyone of you and I love you all! 

Random Thoughts

Ever had the feeling where you just wished someone loved you? I mean, of course you have your friends and family. But I am talking about a different love. The kind of love shared between two people who really care about each other. Lately.. I have been thinking a lot about this kind of stuff. Why? I really don't know. Just at times, I am sitting there... and I just have a wish that I had someone who I could hold in my arms, someone that would just be okay with sitting there in the silence. Being able to just be with each other. I know I am young, and I know that I will be serving a mission so I shouldn't be worrying about this kind of stuff.... But who doesn't? Love is something everybody is looking for. Some have already found it. At times, I wish I was just like that. I thought I knew love. I thought I had that kind of love once. But that love... well, it wasn't what I thought it was, I guess. And since that time, I have been feeling quite lonely. Seeing so many people every day sharing this love sometimes just breaks my heart. I know I just should not worry at all about this. I will find it. There are just days where you wish you could find it at that VERY moment. 

But, it is a time to be thankful. Thankful for what I do have. First off, I am so very thankful for friendship. Through this walk of life, I have met many great people. Some have gone, some have lingered around, but others have stayed put and been there with me. I am so grateful to have such amazing friends who have been supportive and given me the happiness that I feel everyday. The power of friendship is one of the best things you can ever feel in life. I have some of the most amazing people in my life who can make me laugh, no matter what the situation is. No matter how sad I may be. This is what shows who your true and best friends are. And I am so grateful to EVERY single person who has stayed with me and been there for me in every trial and every burden. I love every single one of you! 

I am also very thankful for a loving and caring family. Being away from where I grew up has truly shown me how thankful I am for the family that I have. They have been there for me, through the thick and thin. No matter what mistakes I make, no matter how stubborn I may be, they are there for me. They forgive easily. And they just care for me. I love them so much. Nothing with EVER take away that love. The powers that try to break down family in these days will NOT interfere with the love I have for my family members. I will not let it. Because without my family, I would be nothing. There is no way I would be where I am today without my sisters, brothers, and parents. I am so grateful for my parents and what they have done for me. I have made many mistakes. Some that could break a bond between a person and their parents. But, this didn't affect our relationship. Forgiveness is such a huge characteristic of both of my parents, and I am so grateful for that. I love my parents! Everything they have taught me has led me to such success in my life and continues to bless me every day. 

I am very thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Every day I learn more and more, and it continues to bless my life. I know without a doubt that the LDS Church is true and that every teaching within this gospel comes from the Lord. I am grateful for the Savior, Jesus Christ, and all the sacrifices he made. Without the Atonement that Christ brought forth, I would be no where in life. This Atonement has allowed me to repent for all of the stupid things I have done in my life and continue on in faith. I love this gospel and am very excited to serve the Lord in every way possible, particularly as I am preparing to serve a full-time mission. I would do anything for this gospel. I am so grateful for the blessings I have received as a member of the LDS Church.

I am also very grateful for the Book of Mormon. Although I need to get better at reading this amazing book, I know it to be true. Every time I open the pages of the Book of Mormon, I learn something new, something sticks out to me. I feel a power within my heart that testifies to me that every word that is on the pages of this book are true and a map to direct my life. If I am having a terrible day, I can open the Book of Mormon and feel ten times better. I find it amazing that a single scripture can change your life, your mood. They can be a testament to you, or they can just be an esteem booster when needed. I am so grateful to have the Book of Mormon in my life and that it is available to me whenever I need it. 

I am very grateful for education. There are so many people who take their education for granted. They feel like school is a waste of time. But I would have to disagree with this. I love learning. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be furthering my education here at Utah State University. I love USU. It is such an amazing place to be. The people here are so friendly, and the professors are great. I am grateful for my professors and all the time they take to give me the best education they possibly can. They take time out of their day to further my education and I am very grateful for this. Education is so important. I would be one stupid kid today if I didn't take every chance I could to further my knowledge. 

At the moment, I am VERY grateful for music. I love that songs can describe exactly how you are feeling. And that they can mean so much to you in a time of need. Or they can just be something for you to go crazy to, to dance to and just have fun. Music is the best thing ever! I have no idea what I would do without it!

I could go on FOREVER and EVER with things I am grateful for, but I will bore you no further. I just thought I would write a few things that I am grateful for and that I will always hold onto in my life. I hope everyone is doing just great and that your lives are amazing. I love you all, thanks for taking time out of your day to read my blog!

Halloween (: It was a great night with my best friends! (:

SO thankful for this person right here! I have no idea what I would do without her. Love you Britt!

Went to the BYU vs. Utah State men's basketball game last night. Waited 5 hours in line to get in, but it was so worth it! EPIC game! You haven't experienced anything in life if you have not experienced the SPECTRUM. USU fans are definitely the most devoted, and the LOUDEST. Such an amazing atmosphere. 

Final Score. Yep, that's right. UTAH STATE IS AWESOME. (: