Little gush about my family!!

Thanksgiving and Christmas break were some of the best times I have had with my family. I am not going to lie, I was about the most "she's a teenager" my parents could've gotten. From age 14-17 I was not about to be caught dead hanging out with my family and not my friends. For some really weird reason I saw it as "lame". Turns out I was the lame one. However, I wouldn't change most of it if I could. I now see how compassionate and patient, my parents in particular, were. That makes my relationship with them even better now. I used my agency in a way that wasn't ideal, but I have learned and grown from it. That's the reason my heavenly father gave me the choice of how I act, the choices I make, and live my life. I know I wasn't a terrible sister and daughter, but I definitely could have been better. So take it from someone who used to back talk, ask for money 24/7 and completely shut out her parents and siblings from her life, DONT DO IT!! I think it all clicked when I met Braeden. The first thing I noticed about him was how much he loved his siblings and parents. I was shocked that it was normal to like, see your family as your closest friends. I am grateful he showed that to me and that I was able to move in that direction with my family. After all family is the greatest gift God has given us on this earth.

Over break I spent most of the time with them, grandparents, my aunts/uncles and cousins. We went to the movies, shopping, out to dinners, played games, cooked and just hung out. Those are the days I missed the most. When I had to leave and come back to the real world, it sucked. But, it gets easier each time I do it. I am developing myself in Kansas and becoming independent. It feels good and I have decided it is okay to miss home like crazy. It would be sad if I didn't. Now I am just excited for the next time I get to see them! It is scary growing up and thinking that getting to do that is going to be a vacation back home. When I say "back home" I mean it. They will always be my home, no matter where they are. I will make a home of my own one day and I am so excited to have two homes instead of one. I really don't see a problem with having a few. I am blessed with the people I have in my life and my eternal family:)

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!

<3

Elliott