Funny little things...

So... I realize that some things just aren't the same in words as they are in visually
and some things aren't as good visually as they are in words (twilight?)

But I have to try and explain some thing that happened today
though they were probably better if you saw them

First, I went to Kohls
I swear everything in the store was 50% or more off!
Bad for me, good for the store... nuff said

I ran errands this afternoon which included driving my roommate to the airport
I'm sure anyone around was looking at the three of us quite curiously
as Caitlin, Cort and I embraced for a hug and jumped up and down
screaming "we'll miss you," "Keep me updated!" "I'll text you!" "Send me Pictures"
Oh, and there was something about ways to keep each other sane when our families are driving us crazy (though my family would never drive me crazy ;)
I'm sure we looked crazy
And to add to it we made sure this nice airport worker took a picture of us
Yay! I totally love those girls!!!

To add to the list of good today... or absolutely hilarious if you were there
My mom getting a massage (things our of her mouth usually are incomprehensible noises, groans and cries; or weird phrases she made up)
Seeing Cortney's "I can't believe that's what that means" face
Driving around with my best friend, singing out loud to random crazy songs that I don't know the lyrics to (only she gets the privilege of hearing me belt it out)
Doing the swiffer sweeper dance for Cortney and my Mom

And best of all... and I don't care if you think I'm a dork
Someone sent me roses!
I don't know if they realize it or not
but I'm a sucker for flowers
I've always said that any guy could win me over with flowers ;)

So the day was brilliant! I wish you could have shared it with us!
So much fun

I will say this...
I miss all my friends off in their random places
I am beyond happy that my little bundles called dogs are okay (they both almost died today from anaphylactic shock) :(

Otherwise...
I am focusing on the good in life and loving this Christmas break

True

If you don't know me very well I love the holidays!
There is just something about them that get me going inside.
I think maybe it's because they open the opportunity
(or maybe force some)
to think about others instead of themselves.

But Christmas is my favorite!
I've been so wrapped up in school the last few weeks
I haven't been able to stop and think about Christmas to much
But tonight a friend whisked me away on a break
They took me to the Riverwoods

Have you been there since it's been redone?
If not, you have to go!

The lights are wonderful. Not under or overdone
draped over you to add to the stars
and lining the trees along the pedestrian street
I especially like the ones that hang of the new event gazebo
It looks like iceicles melting

The firepits are invitingly warm on the cold winter nights
I saw little kids running up to them so they could look into the depths of the flame

They have a little Santa hut set up super cute
When was the last time you took your picture with Santa
I took one tonight

It was so much fun
The only thing...
I want to be done with finals now so I can move on and focus on Christmas

Focus on...
Making hot cocoa in the morning and sipping it while sitting in the best seat in the house (right next to the fire)
Frantic shopping to find the perfect gift for each person I care about
Baking dozens of different cunncoctions for our neighbors and loved ones to enjoy
Focusing on Christ
Spending hours watching hallmark Christmas specials with my mom
Doing all our family traditions on Christmas eve

and best of all...

Just spending time with the ones I love most :)
Working together for the better of each other

I love Christmas because its the true season of Love
I'm very excited :)

Merry Christmas Season!!!

To my precious audience of one... hey there ;)

I should be studying for finals but I decided to quickly write here.

I had the best discussion I have had in a while with my good friends Callie and Ben
(well... Jared was there for part of the beginning)
We talked about thing all over the place...

Dream Houses... including Jared's very specific design and Callie's emphasis on "nice" ;)
Dance
Christmas Traditions

Later in the day Callie, Ben and I talked on...
Trials
My divorce and the struggles and hidden blessings from it
Dating... of course
Friends
Family
True conversion to the Gospel
What makes us... us
Marriage and what makes it work
What makes us Happiest in Life
Along with a few other random things

I wish you all could talk with Ben and Callie.
They are an amazing couple
I guess I am just saying,
I appreciated our conversation
I feel every one needs a stimulating conversation sometimes
this one made me reflect and ponder a lot

I learned yet again from the old,
what I need to be on a continued search for

So please,
don't forget to stop and think
what can I learn from this
It may even be,
What have I forgotten I learned from this.

We go through trials to lean and become stronger in this life
So we may return unto Him
Don't forget to learn from trials and be grateful for them

I wish you the best on you finals :)

Elisha