can i just say....

that I have the best mom EVER?

Okay, well, it's official: My mom is the best.

I have been laying around being disgusting since my wisdom teeth were torn out of my gums on Monday morning. For two and a half days, I have sat around in the same sweats and tank top, with no make up and bad breath, and she has been sitting here with me watching probably literally 15 movies....Enchanted, Legally Blonde, You've Got Mail, Hercules, Hannah Montana Movie, Julie and Julia, Mulan, Pride and Predjudice, Ratatouille, Sweet Home Alabama, Narnia, WhileYou Were Sleeping, and Anastasia. Okay so maybe that's only 12 but whatever.

She's also been making/serving me soft foods that I can eat like yogurt, smoothies, Spaghettios, cheesecake pudding, blue jello, Jamba Juice, and mashed potatoes and has been medicating me every few hours.

Bottom Line: She is great and I love her so much it's ridiculous.

the greatest time of year.

Christmastime is an amazing time. This year, for me, it was the chance to sit back and to see how blessed I truly am.

As I unwrapped present after present and surrounded myself with new things, I thought about the ever-present gift of my Savior's love and Atonement in my life and wondered if I'm unwrapping that special gift and using it as frequently as I should.

Undoubtedly, reopening that gift and generously applying it to my life is something that I need to always work on. This is the gift that really lasts, that endures forever.

This is the gift that I want to share with everyone!

so close...

Less than two days.

I only have to make it 45 more hours until I receive a small, short break for once in my life.

I CAN DO IT!

a letter.

Dear world,

If you could stop expecting me to do so much in the next 10 days that would be really, really, REALLY nice.

Lots of love,
Alicia

day of thanks

This past week, more than anything else, I wanted to be home for Thanksgiving. DESPERATELY.

However, as I spent the day with the Abbotts in Nevada, I realized that I am so blessed that when I can't go home for the holiday, I have somewhere that I can go that is almost as good.

I am thankful for so many things in my life:
-FHE
-music
-smiles
-sunshine
-my family
-good health
-cell phones
-a place to live
-the scriptures
-the Priesthood
-being able to sleep
-personal revelation
-the power of prayer
-a car to get me around
-my Savior, Jesus Christ
-the opportunity to learn
-heating and air conditioning
-the United States of America
-the fact that I never have to go hungry
-amazing, amazing, AMAZING friends
-BYU...it's really an incredible university
-challenges and opportunities for growth
-markers & highlighters (just because I like them)
-a loving Heavenly Father who is infinitely patient with me

"Live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which He doth bestow upon you." -Alma 34:38

feel the love.

Hey, guess what.

It's raining love!

Let's have some words on the subject, shall we?

"Do small things with great love." -Mother Teresa

"Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." - Franklin P. Jones

"Love is giving happiness back and forth." -Unknown

"Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of everything we do...Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk." -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Love changes everything."

"Our way of life, hour by hour, must be filled with the love of God and love for others."
- Henry B. Eyring

home sweet home.

One month from today, I will be home.

Home home HoMe HOME HOME!

This makes me happy because...

...I get to see my family!

And...

I will finally get to consume some Blue Bell Peppermint Ice Cream. Oh baby, oh baby.