'Tis the Season to be Jolly

I have had the most wonderful start to the Christmas season this week. On Monday night for FHE, we took awkward family Christmas pictures. I was able to wear my new Christmas pajama pants that have candy canes on them. I absolutely LOVE candy canes :)

 On Tuesday night, I went to see BYU's production of White Christmas. I grew up watching this movie and I hadn't seen it for a long time so it was fun to refresh my memory. It was a fabulous performance and I'm so glad I went! I couldn't help but think of Kenz during the song "Sisters". I love how close we are and I can't wait till she's here with me next year...(hopefully!)

Oh and the guy who played Phil was so cute! and really energetic and an amazing actor and flirtatious haha! I want to meet him :)

On Thursday, Brother Smith "decorated" our room for the holidays on a powerpoint slide with this fabulous ornament...

I also love all the lights and trees up on campus. It makes everything seem so festive!

And then Friday was the day I've been looking forward to for a long time! I started the day by making cookies and curling my hair. Oh and receiving an itinerary from Logan ha! Then I went to class...boring! I came back home and finished getting ready and then took the bus to Matt and Mikelle's to get the car. I picked up the boys and then we were on our way to Salt Lake! Of course there was traffic but the car was filled with Christmas music and laughter :) We made it there in time to have dinner at a little Mexican restaurant called Su Casa. After getting a little lost in the Conference Center we finally made it to the theater to see Savior of the World! I absolutely love this production and not only do I have all the lyrics memorized but I know majority of the lines as well! I've seen it so many times and I don't think I could ever get sick of it. However, it was fun to actually watch and enjoy it instead of being in it. It really brings the scripture stories of our Savior to life and the Spirit is SO strong. The first time I performed in it is when I really gained my testimony of Jesus Christ and I"m so grateful for that. I love the peace and joy that it brings and it was very entertaining to see a professional group do it. Although majority of it was similar to what we've done, there was a lot of aspects of the stage that I really liked. It testifies so well of a living Christ who served those around him and lived to do the will of the Father. I don't know what I would do without this gospel and I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have. My testimony has grown so much recently and I look forward the spiritual experiences I will have the future that will continue to strengthen it. 

Keza, Katie, Greta, Emily, Logan B, Logan C, Mac, Jordan, Nathan, Mary

We then went across the street to the beautiful Temple Square. Probably one of my most favorite places on the earth. And with Christmas lights it's like a million times better! Despite the freezing weather, as I was walking around I couldn't help but think about how blessed I am. I was able to think about the true meaning of Christmas and how I can't wait to go to the temple someday and how grateful I am that I have such good friends who share the same standards as me and that we have the opportunity to further our education at BYU, a college unlike any other on the entire earth. A college that is only one hour away from our church headquarters. There are so many people that don't have these opportunities and I couldn't help but take it all in. One thing I love about our church is that it's not about what you see, it's all about what you feel. We don't have to see things to believe them, because if we feel the spirit and have faith, then we know. 

Afterwards, Logan's mom invited us over for root beer floats. We chatted and then headed home. It was such a lovely evening and I'm so glad such a big group was able to enjoy this night with me!

What was going to be a boring Saturday, turned out to be amazing. Alan invited me to go up to Salt Lake for the BYU vs. Oregon basketball game and to go see the lights at Temple Square! I didn't hesitate to say YES and looked forward to being up there again so soon! Alan and I played monopoly on his ipad on the car ride up and we made it right on time for the game. We had great seats and it was so much fun to be in the arena where the Utah Jazz play! It was an amazing game and we won! Hartsock is my new favorite player because he is pretty much a beast and was tearin' it up in the paint. Also I want to marry Stephen Rogers because he is very attractive and super good at shooting three-pointers! 

After the game we went to the Gateway mall to have dinner and then we walked over to Temple Square. There were so many people there! But it was amazing nonetheless, and I could not express how happy I was to be there again. 

Mary, Alan, Koa, Allyson, Jake, Haley

"jumping for joy" in front of the temple

isn't it gorgeous?

We thought these chairs looked like thrones and decided that

 we could name ourselves King Alan and Queen Mary

I LOVE hot chocolate!!! 

Especially when it's peppermint flavored and has whipped cream on top!

I love this tree in the Joseph Smith Building. The ornaments are 

so pretty and the tree is so tall. The top reaches the chandelier!

Here's us on the trolley! It's free downtown Salt Lake so we thought we would take advantage of being warm for a small moment as we traveled from Temple Square back to the Gateway.

Now I am sitting in my warm bed with my blankets watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. I don't think I could describe a more perfect weekend. I hope we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas this year and remember our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we serve those around us and focus on what's important, I know we will be able to find lasting joy. I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of this Christmas season!