He's grown a foot or two.

Just laying here on this cozy little couch in this tiny little secret room, Doing my best not to get hung up on all the amazing memories, that this one piece of furniture possesses. After all, this is the exact spot where Kaden taught me how to do a pushup, where we tried to hide three free puppies from our parents, where we stayed up all night laughing, and crying, and where we went from just being brother and sister to being friends for real. Sometimes when I sit here alone, it hits me, and it feels like 2 years and eternity are the exact same thing.. And I cry....and cry. But luckily, the stunning picture of the temple staring back at me, serves to remind me that there's probably another little sister somewhere in El Salvador. A little sister, who doesn't know that she can be with her big brother forever. There's also lots of families who don't know Christ at all, and so many lost people, searching for the truth. There is work to be done, and souls to be saved and a work that needs to come forward! The Lord sent Kaden, because he knows how strong that kid is, and he trusts him to take part in bringing back some of his most beloved souls:) the Lord knows me too, and he knows that I can handle two Kaden-less years, even when it's hard.

I love you Elder Smith. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be half of who I am if I didn't have your love, guidance, and friendship in my life. I can't wait to see all of the amazing things you'll do out there! We'll see ya in two!:)

Lit Up.

Today I got a text from my BFF, Sarah, with this lovely picture and a caption that read "I'm beautiful." In case you were wondering, no truer words have ever been written. Sweet Sarah, is one of the most beautiful people you will ever meet! And she's beautiful in an incredible way. You see, Sarah has an ability to see the good in others that no one else on this earth has. Unlike so many people her age, Sarah doesn't see labels. She'll tell you you're pretty even when you're rocking sweat pants, she'll be your best friend whether you're the homecoming queen, or the least liked person in the school. She'll never hold your mistakes against you. She'll never see your weaknesses, she'll just love you, unconditionally. In fact, Sarah's a lot like someone else I know, someone who I've never seen, but who's presence I feel everyday; someone named Jesus Christ. I know him a lot better now that I know her, and. I feel very blessed to be loved by a heart as pure as hers.

New obsession.

It's Kinda a crazy music video......but once you get passed that, you realize that you're in love with this song.:):)

My life is a children's book.

"And why would she be sad? After all, the little girl had two houses, two beds, and two sets of people that loved her"
-------------------------------------------

I don't think they've invented a number yet, that's even kind of close to how many times I've heard those sweet words. You see, in my childhood, that book was my favorite thing on planet earth. That's because it wasn't always easy having two homes. And there were times when I wondered "why me" and times when i envied my friends of simpler backgrounds. While the adversary always made a convincing case, that God put me through this because he couldn't see me, I know now, that actually, it's because he saw me ridiculously clearly. and he knew that I needed this to grow, to learn, to become better,and to be happy.

I feel so blessed to have had a chance to see the world through so many different sets of eyes. to have grown up with so many different traditions and memories. To be so loved, and accepted into families that I don't genetically belong to. But most of all, to have had the blessing of heartache and trials early on in my life. It taught me that I could do hard things, and how to have compassion on others. It helped me to have humility, and to never try to do this thing alone. I don't know what my life would be like if things were different, and I don't want to. Being loved and supported as much as I am, and having not only one but two safe places to call home, is the greatest blessing i could have asked for. I love both of my families so much and there's nothing better than getting to belong to them both.

It's time to begin, isn't it?

2012.......

 It was beautiful! but imagine dragons,  as usual, you are so right! 2013 is here, and just like 2012 it's sure to be another crazy, hard, splendid, scary, happy beautiful adventure! It's crazy think about it. In one years time I'll be a SENIOR at Lehi High School,who knows what will be happening or where I'll be, but  too quote  Mads yet agian,

     

    "The less time I spend scared, and worried, the less time I'll be consumed by it. And the more time I'll have to make memories. The present was once my future too. And I dreamed about how amazing it would be. I'm gonna do my younger self a favor and make this the best time of my life. Anyone wanna join me? Let's go have some fun. Let's laugh. Let's serve. Let's make new friends. Let's live like there IS a tomorrow. And that it will be another day to be happy, to reach new goals, and to have new experiences."

she is so wise! It's time to try new things, to fix old habits  to live and laugh and love and just be so happy! Life is a series of adventures! And I can't wait for the next one! Happy new year darlings!

  

New years resoulution?: To Take more pics! Seriously, these arent even mine...it's  pathetic....

       

Maddie Hyde,

Your blog Is lovely and so are you! You were my inspiration to start this in the first place...and you inspire me in so many flippin' ways it's not even funny. I love your post...I love you.

Home for Christmas;)

Yes...It is 1 am...and yes,I am being super lame and blogging right now.. But let's be honest, sleeping just isn't something that happens on Christmas eve:) at this moment in time, there is a seven year old little girl asleep in the room across from mine. There Is also an 18 year old blonde boy here who is celebrating his last Christmas In America. This house is filled with love tonight. It is the same love that was felt earlier tonight at our lovely wade family Christmas party. The same love that will be felt around Wendy's dinner table tomorrow, and the same love that's in Troy's sweet little boys and even,in Granny Smith's sweet holiday visit.:)

Christmas is a celebration of Christ's birthday, and if he could have anything for his birthday, I know for a fact, that it would be for families to come together, and to love and serve each other. I feel so ridiculously blessed to have so much family loving and serving me on this fine holiday:)

*That is all*

Merry Christmas to all...and to all a goodnight:)