.Officially Christmas.

Oh, creativity.

I'm sitting in the dark front room of my apartment, staring at the lit up Christmas tree my roommate set up in our window, and wondering where time flies so quickly. I pinched myself this morning to make sure I was seeing the calendar correctly. December 1st? Really??

After a long morning of studying, I found time to visit a couple of antique shops in downtown St. George. As I picked through odds and ends from the 1930s, I got to thinking about next Christmas (I'm positive others are sick of me talking about it, sorry--it's all I can think about). Where will I be? Who will I be working with? It's surreal to be thinking these things. As dad would say, "Jessica, in all reality no one knows where they're going to be next Christmas. For all I know, I could have a calling on the other side this time next year!" (I never much liked when he said this, I just pretend that he's going to die the same day as me...hehe) Let's just put "reality" aside, and just let my mind run away to the pleasure of wishful thinking.
Georgia? Brazil? Germany? Australia? Idaho? Mongolia, living in a yurt in the middle of an obscure mountain range?
Possibilities are endless.
And honestly...? It ruffles my feathers a bit.
Yet, as I seriously think about my life one year from now, I can't help but feel a quiet serenity. It's pretty exhilarating to imagine where I'll be. Not only do I feel peace from my personal confirmation, but a chat with my two oldest sisters this weekend has helped boost my confidence in my decision. I am reminded of the importance of Guardian Angels...and know they're real. On occasion, I need to remind myself that I don't only have family supporting me in this life--there are those who have passed before me. My Guardian Angels, plus the company of the spirit, and knowing I'm doing what Heavenly Father wants, and the support of family and friends...why would I ever shy away from what He wants?
I wouldn't.
I loved having family down this past weekend! Amanda, Trav and Shelby, you were greatly missed. But, putting Dad's comment aside for a moment, there will be plenty of holidays to come!
I'll love my family forever.
And ever.

.gratitude.

Oh, Miss Olivia.
I swear those eyes see things inside
me that I've never seen before.
Nor will I ever see.

My Little Rosie.
Innocence is not common these days...
But you can't begin to tell me
this face isn't chock-full of innocence.

And this little one?
Filled to the brim with delight. Shelby feels more in her
little finger than most people do
in a lifetime--her expression says it all.

These little blessings from Heavenly Father are just a few reasons why my heart is bursting with joy this Thanksgiving season. My sweetheart nieces, along with my niece and nephew in Virginia, another baby on the way back east, plus two nephews on the way (TWINS!), give me more motivation to move forward than I ever thought possible. Here's a few more things on my list...
1) Sunny days with cool air.
2) Nursing school.
3) Swingsets.
4) America's Funniest Home Videos.
5) Christmastime--the whole shebang.
6) Smiling whenever I want.
7) Emotion in general.
8) Genuine, earnest prayer.
9) Toothbrushes.
10) Traveling...by plane, train, or automobile.
11) Grandma's advice.
12) Running away my anger.
13) Temples.
14) The house on Oakridge Drive--and all
the memories that go with it.
15) Hilarious comebacks (Jame...)
16) Music that speaks to my soul. I don't know what
I would do without music, to be honest.
17) Ability to reason.
18) The feeling of having NO FEAR. Only peace.
19) The mail system.
20) Zion's National Park.
21) The whipped-cream-on-the-back-of-the-hand trick.
(ask Matt, he knows...)
22) Sports--whether it's playing or watching.
23) Edwards Jones Investments.
24) Lake Powell and all its glory.
25) Email that allows me to stay in
contact with friends--love you all.
26) Learning by example.
27) Opportunities to share my testimony.
28) The United States of America.
29) GNO's with my sisters. Ha-GNO's. Silly.
30) Hallmark movies.
31) Mint hot chocolate.
32) Pictures. I'm convinced they really do say
a thousand words.
33) Real Christmas trees. The smell is to die for.
34) Anytime I get to sing and play
on the guitar or piano is a good day.
Very. Good. Day.
35) Prayers being answered through other people,
especially when they have no idea
they're even involved.
36) Telephones to call people you don't see everyday.
37) Ability to grow emotionally, spiritually, socially, etc.
38) At the moment? I'm most grateful for the
opportunity I have to
make decisions, and follow through.
I love the feeling of making a goal
and taking steps toward accomplishing it.
Sigh.
Nothing quite like it.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

On the Up and Up...

The more life I live, the more I realize how good life is at throwing me for a loop. I need to remind myself not to feel "settled," because the instant I do, it's like I'm taken on another unexpected roller coaster ride.

I know this has always been the case throughout my life, but my perspective has changed over the course of this past year. My gratitude goes beyond anything I've ever felt.
One of the greatest blessings about this past year? I'm learning to love life, no matter what is thrown my way. Life is meant to be enjoyed. So although at times I feel overwhelmed (which comes pretty easily to me...good thing we're able to change, right?), discouraged, or just plain upset, I find myself bouncing back to optimism with much more ease. In fact, I've created a new life-motto, thanks to my best friend...
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain."
I've realized that no matter the stage of life I'm in, I'm always going to be waiting if I allow myself. Holidays, graduation, mission, marriage, children, etc...there is always going to be something. What a sad and draining way to live! I know if I don't learn to love life now, I'm guaranteed a shallow and dull life. Granted, there are times I don't have to try to love life. But I want the richest, fullest, most satisfying life possible! Why settle for anything less when I've been given the best resources to a meaningful life?
1) Gospel.
2) Family.
3) Opportunity.
4) AGENCY.
Bottom line? I love life.
Sometimes it's a choice, sometimes it's natural. But loving life, even in the deepest, darkest, saddest moments of my life, is just one of my many goals. So there you have it--bounce back from those moments of sadness with some umph, will you? We have way too much to be joyous about.
Now go find it.