Catch up

Hey y'all!! 

I know it's been far too long since I've posted. I just have been so busy since Thanksgiving. Finals literally consumed my life for the past few weeks! BUT, I am finished for the semester and should have all A's and A-'s. So I'm pretty happy about that. I also have enough credits now to make me a sophomore. So I'd say overall, it was a good semester. 

Well. Let me attempt to fill you in on the past few weeks. Unfortunately, most of the time was spent studying, so there's not too much to say.

Sarah and I decorated our room for Christmas the day we got home from Thanksgiving break. Complete with Christmas lights, snowflakes, a beautifully wrapped and adorned door, two Christmas trees my fabulous mother sent us, and a manger with baby Jesus, I'd say we did a good job. 

My snowflakes :) 

Our Christmas trees! <3 

I also went to Salt Lake City 3 times in one week. We saw the lights, the gorgeous temple, did some shopping and also got to go to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional (if you'd like to learn more about it and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, check out the "What I Believe" tab above). It was sooo much fun!! 

 SLC round 1 :) 

 SLC round 1 :) 

SLC round 1 :) 

Roomie love on SLC round 2 :) 

 And round 3!! 

Love her <3 

I also went to a dance with one of my friends, Preston. It was a total blast! 

  The group at the dance! 

Right now I'm sitting in the airport waiting to fly home. I seriously cannot wait until I am home. The song "I'll be home for Christmas" has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I am stoked! As I was buying breakfast in the airport, the girl working asked me how I was. I replied "GREAT!" and she said "you look like you're great!". I guess my excitement is pretty evident. 

Looking back over the semester, I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to attend the best university in the world, BYU, studying something I love, am so interested in, and so excited for. I am blessed to have the best, sweetest roommate and such wonderful friends. This semester was definitely difficult--between all my classes and that stress and finding a place where I belong, there were some rough times. However, the good outweighs the not so good. I learned so much, not just in my classes but also in real life. Life's a learning experience. Life is a journey. And it's meant to be enjoyed, not endured. I know that my Heavenly Father has a glorious plan for me and that He guides and leads me in every aspect of my life. 

If you still have finals to take, don't stress. Those will be over soon enough. If you are travelling this holiday season, be safe. May the spirit of Christmas touch your hearts and bring you happiness, peace, and joy with your loved ones. :) 

Hakuna matata! 

Mallory