Sometimes you are away at school... And sometimes you miss your family. Sometimes you feel sad that you have to get your jacket back out because it's 50 degrees and raining (when it was just 85 yesterday!! From what I hear, this is what the Spring season is like everywhere but AZ -- all moody and whatnot. )

But then sometimes you have really good friends, who know the importance of fresh air and baked goods. And if you're really lucky, these friends (or just one in particular) will know when to listen and when to sympathize and when to encourage... and then the realization dawns on you that you are one lucky girl! And to buck up! and stop moping! You remember all the blessings you've been given (a loving, supportive, hilarious family - good, kind, genuine friends - the opportunity to receive an education - adventures in a new place - your freedom - a Heavenly Father) and wonder why you were ever down in the first place.

So, thank you, Chelsi, for reminding me...

{Post Christmas Vaca}

The rest of my stay in AZ consisted of more fun-filled adventures with my family, a pedi+DC date with one of my best (and oldest) friends, beautiful weather and fiery trees (sometimes AZ gets her seasons mixed up), and again, lots of laughter and love.

By the way, I'm so jealous of anyone enjoying sunny weather in the 70's right now (cough cough, Arizonans, cough cough)... The weather is interesting up here in ID... it can't seem to make up it's mind. Some days it's super windy (we're talking 40-50mph winds), and other days it's rainy, sometimes it snows (but hasn't stuck yet) and last night, it was rather beautiful out, a high 40 degrees! haha! So, enjoy it Arizonans... I am a tad bit homesick :)

{"You only meet your once in a lifetime friends... once in a lifetime."}

My dear friend Kara planned a going-away party for all my girlfriends from work last night. I can't believe how blessed I've been to have these ladies in my life. They constantly inspire me to be better. They're all loving and funny and give much more than they take...

“Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down. And trust your instincts … good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don’t hurt. They’re not painful. That’s not just with somebody you want to marry, but it’s with the friends that you choose. It’s with the people you surround yourselves with.”

Michelle Obama

{Sassandra}

This is my best sister-friend Cassie
(also known as Sassy - which she is, or Sassandra when I'm feeling serious)

Yesterday was her 17th birthday!
(my! how time flies!)

I don't feel like Sass and I are 4 years apart... more like twins of the same age (obviously).
She's just as mature as me (if not more so)
She's kind, silly, and can make me laugh until it hurts
(which happens on a daily basis)

We spend hours upon hours with each other and I never get bored.

Sass is super stylish. She's been a hippie at heart since the age of six (not one of these hipsters who just jumped on the bandwagon). For instance: when we were younger, my mom wanted to redecorate the house, and she let us choose the themes for our rooms, Sass chose to paint her walls a bright lime green with these psychedelic tie-dye wallpaper squares and multi-colored bead strings instead of a door. She knows the Beatles songs (and history) better than anyone, she's artistic and creative, she's an amazing dancer and cheerleader, she makes everyone feel good about themselves, and she's my best friend.

Happy Birthday Sass...
I'll miss you more than you know up at school