Oh There's No Place Like Home (for the holidays)

   Well the Christmas holiday is over, but there is still so much left to celebrate. It has been so much fun just being home with my family these last few days. I have been SO lazy, and I feel like I have probably gained a few unwanted pounds. I always tell myself, 'Kels, you're going to be better this break and no over-indulged too much' but that thought never comes to fruition. I have been ultra lazy (sorry mom) and have been sleeping in till 10:30 almost every day this week. I have also been staying up late catching up on books I've been wanting to read since the summer, and movies or television shows that I missed due to the hectic life of a Junior in college. It has been really fun talking to missed old, and good friends of mine, and learning again what an important thing my family is to me.
   We have had a lot of celebrations here at the Clayton home. We have been doing our Ballard family Christmas party, the Mo-tab Christmas concert and the first presidency devotional (two of my favorite things about Christmas). We have had the family over to celebrate Christmas eve and Christmas day. We have given out our neighborhood gifts, and seen movies and all the wonderful times of EATING with the family. I have thouroughly enjoyed so much of this break, and lucky for me I still have a week left to relax and enjoy the stress-free life of my family here in Sandy.
   As we are approaching a new year, and for me the beginning of so much adventure, I wanted to take some time to reflect on the blessings I have received this year. It has been an amazing 2010, and I'm definitely looking forward to 2011.
 1.) My parents received a call to serve as mission presidents in ??? and are leaving at the end of June. Now at first, I thought that this wasn't a blessing, but a very sad and lonely step backward for me. No mom or dad to comfort me during my last year (ish) of college? No dad to take care of me (financially and otherwise) whom I can just drive home to in a few minutes? What if he's not their for my wedding?? How sad would I be... Etc. Etc. Etc.   BUT. This was truly an answer to my prayers. One of my best friends, Brandi, left on her mission in August, and when she was preparing to leave, I had a strong impression that I should start preparing myself to do the same. This was confusing to me, because I had so much more I wanted to do, and didn't every truly think I'd serve a mission... well needless to say, I will now have the opportunity to serve, but not in the way that tradition may have a girl of 21 serve. I will be able to go out into the field with my parents, and be of service to them and the missionaries for a few months (July and August) until school starts back up in the fall.  If I feel it is right to stay longer, than I will, and what a blessing that would be to me as well.
  2.) My brother got married this year to a wonderful girl. We have been falling in love with little Mrs. Ashley Clayton.  What a blessing she has been to our lives, and to the life of my brother. He is so happy, and so willing to help out. He has been anxious to provide, and has really grown into a man. That was definitely an exciting part of 2010.
  3.) I got the chance again to room with 3 wonderful girls, who I will never ever forget, and will always love. They are my best friends, and are such a blessing to me. They have been there for me through the thick and thin, and they make me feel like I am of worth. What a wonderful group of girls, and I'm excited to jump right in to a new semester with them around. Hopefully, next fall we will again be able to room, but there my be some changes, and that is kind of sad. However, we are growing up together and loving the experiences we are lucky to have.
  4.) I have had 4 jobs this year! I worked at bath and body works (I quit that in October), I have worked as a TA for a fantastic (really, I got so lucky to be his TA this year... he is the dean of the Health department, and also my stake president... who'da thunk.) I got a new job working for a software company (totally not my thing, but it pays well and is only about 6-10 hours a week), and I was able to coach a few lacrosse clinics (that was a highlight of my summer as well!) How lucky am I in this economy to have never been without a job.
  5.) All my guy friends from high school who were a year older than me came home from their missions, and were able to live in Provo with me, just across the street in a fun complex down there. I has been so much fun to be able to live by close friends who I know I can turn to when I need help or guidance or whatever else it may be. One of them is getting married in March, so that is crazy, but we are all very excited for him, and I think some of the boys are even very jealous of him ha ha... ;)
  6.) I have amazing friends who are serving missions all over the world, and they are a constant blessing, and help to me. I am so grateful for the work they are doing, and that my relationships with their families are still there. I miss them all very much, and am excited for the day when all my friends can be back!!!
  7.) I was able to run a 1/2 marathon with my sister and three of my very good friends down in St. George. For them, it was their first time running in a long race, but for me it was hardly even a challenge, meaning, I should probably up my game and do a marathon, but I'll have to wait till fall of 2011 to do that one I think... ;) I am so proud of Katie, and all that she has done this year. What a wonderful example of selfless love and sacrifice she is. I love that girl!!
  8.) I got accepted into the study abroad program (listed below) for the spring of 2011.. What a dream come true!
  9.) My lacrosse team went to the national championship this summer, an experience I may never have again, and am so grateful I got to be an active part in. I really hope I never loose the memories of that week in Arizona. For one of the first times in my life I felt like a true athlete, and that was really a great feeling. Also, we won our regional championship tournament by one point in the last two minutes of the game, and so this year (2011) we get to host it! First time in our franchise history that has happened.
  10.) I traveled a lot this year! I had been to California, Colorado, St. George, St. Louis, Arizona, Park City (okay, so not a destination really, but a vacation for sure), and Hawaii! The same will be said of 2011 except just throw in Italy, France, and England... also a spanish speaking mission and that'll about cover it... :)

I know there are a whole host of other things that happened to me this year, but I am so grateful that I was able to be there. I have had a lot of trials, but I have learned so much from them. I have dated a few boys, and learned a lot about myself and relationships. I have strengthened friendships, and learned to not be as judgmental of people. I have been cavity free for over 3 years no (knock on wood ha ha), I have an amazing family who just keeps on growing and loving and learning right along with me. I have taken steps forward into the unknown, and had to trust my faith in our father in heaven through it all.

I am so grateful for the gospel. I know it is true. With it I have everything I need and more, and I can not wait until the time comes when I can share that knowledge with people in a foreign (or at least different) land. 2010 has been great, but I have a feeling that 2011 will be even better.