Best Friends....

Jaley and Sarah are truly best friends. They understand each other and are always so kind. They never fight and can have fun no matter what they are doing. They enjoy the same things and are always laughing. They can be themselves around each other and they honestly don't care what others think. I would love to have a friendship likes theirs one day. Plus they are both gorgeous.
   XOXO, Becca

CHRISTMAS

Christmas was great this year. Last Christmas I was on my mission. It was hard being away from home but being back this year makes it even more special. The only down fall was Logan wasn't here. The highlight of Christmas was definitely when we got to Skype him. Its awesome to see how much he has grown and how amazing his testimony is. He is a great example to me! 

We have so many traditions its always so fun every year. I think thats why the anticipation is too much sometimes. Waiting all year to only get to do these fun things once is so sad. But then again it makes it more enjoyable. 

Every Christmas eve we get to open one present..its always pj's. This Christmas Eve we all got together. We ate Chinese food like every Christmas Eve and read the nativity story. I got all the kids these pop guns from Cabelas and got them "redneck hats". It was so cute to see them run around so excited. We talked about our new goals for the year and what we were most grateful for this past year. It is always fun with family. On Christmas day we normally record ourselves walking down the stairs early in the morning. We have done it ever since we were little but now that everyone is so old we are planning on changing the tradition till we have little kids of our own. 

On Christmas morning we wake up and have a big breakfast. Grits, eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles, and biscuits. Its so yummy. We then mosey on over to the family room and open up presents. I will say it is ten times more special when there is little children around, there is something so magical about their innocence and ability to Believe.  Its nice having this time together though (all of us single). It wont last forever so we are taking advantage of it. Needless to say this Christmas was so much fun. 

XOXO, Becca

GIVING THANKS

Thanksgiving for our family includes.... turkey, crappy table settings, a packed house full of family, thankful hearts, and lots of food!  I have never been a fan of the food that is served on Thanksgiving but I fully enjoy the time I get to spend with my family. I always take advantage of any opportunity to create memories. 

This year I was especially grateful. I had the opportunity to serve a mission in California. It was one of the greatest trials for me and continues to be everyday. I was released from my mission due to a sickness. Doctors still aren't sure what it is but they believe it is Lyme disease. Don't get me wrong though..  It was also a great blessing. I had the chance to learn so much. I learned how to love more deeply, have a sincere appreciation for Jesus Christ and what he did for me, be kind, serve others with a full heart, and above all I learned that we are never alone.. Heavenly Father NEVER leaves us alone especially in times of sadness or trial. There wasn't one time where I didn't feel like their was someone with me. Even when my thoughts were clouded with doubts or fear the light would always shine and my fear was dispelled. I met people that changed my life and created friendships that will last a lifetime. 

So with all of this...how could someone focus on the difficult times when so much good came from it? My goal this year has been to count my blessings and I was tested to see if I would actually do it. There were times where I wanted to give up. There were times of tears and frustration but I am so proud of myself for coming out of this trial counting my blessing still and sticking with my goal. I am not perfect in any manner and still have so much to learn but I am still going and cant wait to learn more. I really do love Thanksgiving and the opportunity to reflect on what I am grateful for. I have a family that I love dearly. I have a Father in Heaven who loves me. I have a house over my head and food on the table...what more could I ask for? 

XOXO, Becca

Baby its Cold Outside..