Latest Obsession

Alright folks. If you haven't seen this show yet you are missing out. 

The story line may sound dumb or a bit cheesy at first, but give it a chance and watch it because really it's awesome. [Hulu currently has every episode available] Sadly, no shows play at their normal times over Christmas break. But don't you worry there will be two episodes this Sunday to make up for it. Stoked? You better believe it. 

And to add to that excitement guess what show starts this coming Monday?? 

Oh yeah. The Bachelor. With this guy. 

Not necessarily my first pick for the Bachelor, but I'm excited all the same:) 

Traditions at Christmas

I've always loved traditions, especially Christmas traditions. We've done the same things every year since I was really little. This year Christmas is different.

Every other year we (the Thompson kids) trade off holidays between our parents. This year is my dad's year for Christmas. Because of a few different things, I did not go with him and my siblings to Arizona to visit my dad's sister. Part of me was only too happy. Christmas Eve at my Grandma Fausett's house is one of the things I look forward to all year long, but this year it was different.

We had to celebrate Christmas eve a day early, my mom's siblings were celebrating with their other sides of the family. Only one of six siblings was there with me, I'm still trying to get used to the fact that my step brothers will be at every family thing for the rest of my life, and most of all, my cousin Kyle is gone.

We did the same things we always do. We opened our one present, pajamas. We played our gift card exchange/story game. We read the Christmas story and sang songs. But it was just different.

I miss Ashley, Josh, Jayden, and Emily. I miss Kyle.

Even though things were different they were still good. For the first time in years we had Christmas punch, I got to sit with adults at dinner, my aunt Susan brought a book full of pictures of Kyle and his mission adventures, the little cousins were really fun to play with, we had an ice cream cake (boo yeah!!), I'm so thankful that my cousin has the amazing opportunity to serve a mission, and you could feel the love of family.

Different isn't always bad, it's just different. Traditions don't have to be kept exactly the same every year, it's the idea of traditions that counts. It all goes with the Spirit of Christmas. I'm thankful for this time of year to help remind me to look at what's important in life.

The little specifics don't have to come together exactly, they are just an aid to get us thinking, to help us remember. May we remember the real reason for the season this Christmas.

Little Big Brother

18 years ago today one of the best brothers ever was born. That would be my brother John.

We are 13 months apart, so as you can guess we have spent a lot of time together. Some of my earliest memories are of us playing house, watching Disney movies, or running around like hooligans in our backyard. John has been one of my closest friends for as long as I can remember. The older we get the more protective he becomes. He checks out the guys I like and makes sure I have good friends. 

This boy loves crazy socks, soccer, tall tees, shoes, shoes, and more shoes. He wants to go to culinary school and be a chef. I'm all for that plan. 

More often than not he's been known to say things like Hey Britt let's go watch a movie or run to Walmart. Through all the years he's been an outlet for me. He's listened to me cry and complain more times than I could possibly count. 

John has one of the biggest personalities out of anyone I know. Seriously he is hilarious. He makes family get togethers one heck of a party. I love this boy with all my heart! Even though I'm not around as often as I used to be he'll still listen. 

A pair of his lovely socks

The 3 amigos

He has a thing for taking my camera and taking pictures of himself, so it's only fair that someone sees them all, right?

John is often the first one to fall asleep

He can make his cake...

And eat it too

He's a character

No shave November. 

Love you John! Hope you had a birthday as wonderful as you:)

First semester Freshman

Well I did it. Yep I completed my first semester at college. I feel pretty accomplished if I do say so myself. There have been some ups and downs and I've definitely learned a lot.

Things that helped me survive:
Having the best roommates
FHE brothers
Friday break with Alyssa
Letters from my missionary :)
Ice cream
Good music
Having Nicole, Shaundra, and Mallory on my floor
Meeting my twin!! (more about that later)
Test reviews
Studying in the JFSB, it's the best building for that
Friends in classes. Namely Derek, Alyssa, Matt, Becca, Brett, Nicole, and Makenzie.
Mom helping me with papers
My mom in general
My friends at work
Blogs
Quote wall
Late night chats with Carolyn
Cooking adventures
Junk food
Taking pictures

Things I've learned:

Living with six girls is an adjustment, but definitely rewarding

When living with six girls you MUST plan bathroom time

Reading daily is worth it

Going to class and taking advantage of labs is essential

Stay close to the Spirit

When you have an issue with someone the only to feel better about is to talk it out. Don't let it fester.

You can have friends of all ages.
You definitely need to walk through the HFAC  on a regular basis

Don't gossip. It gets you down and makes you more miserable than ever

Stay out of drama

Get enough sleep. Those girls you wanna stay up talking with will STILL be there in the morning. promise:)

Being nice is worth it

Always take the time to be grateful

Go to class

Making dinner with the roommates saves time
Once finals are complete they must be followed up with some brainless tv watching.
Ice Cream makes everything better

I am so glad to be done with Biology, Physical Science, and American Heritage. Generals are somewhat of a pain. I'm excited to get into the classes for my major:)
Ben is gone :(  He's not in our family next semester. We are pretty bummed, but he's only moving next door so he will be visiting often!! right Ben??
Life is changing all the time and I'm trying hard to keep up with it. Thanks for those of you who are accompanying me on this crazy roller coaster!

Semester through pictures

Dinner at Zupas is a fav

So excited for Derek!

FHE family :)

Awkward hugs are a must

This is normal. Promise.

I LOVE these girls:)

Meet Lucy. We're cool.

"Why are we squating?"

Breaking Dawn Premiere

I have the cutest missionary:)

No your eyes are not playing tricks on you. We are wearing footie pajamas.

Let the good times keep on rollin'!