The Break I Call Christmas

Happy Christmas my wonderful friends and family! It’s been such a fun holiday break and I’ve enjoyed spending much needed time with my family.

I’m delighted to finally get the go ahead to tell the exciting news: I am officially going to be an aunt! Yes, Mark and Elise are expecting their first little addition to their family. Baby is due July 6th, 2012. The pair just glow when the topic of baby comes up. I’m so happy for them. They will make terrific parents and raise a tremendously happy and faithful family. Unfortunately, Leesie has confirmed the Clegg girl’s fears of being terribly sick while pregnant. Mark and Elise spent the week before Christmas with our family and she was pretty sick. I admire my brother in law as he sat with her day after day, massaging her feet and holding her hand. Baby is roughly the size of a prune yet he/she received more Christmas gifts this year than we did. They’re going to be one spoiled baby, but I couldn’t be happier. I’m eager to meet the new addition to my family this summer!




Upon arriving home from school, I walked upstairs to my bedroom and found a roughly 5 foot tall Christmas tree decorated in white and blue lights and BYU ornaments. I love it! Thanks mama smurf!! The best surprise came a few days later when mom told me I get to keep it. Woot woot! Mom and I stopped at one of her favorite stores called “Wood Connection” and picked up some crafts to do over the holiday. Yes, I’m truly my mother’s daughter. Our enthusiasm for creativity was magnified greatly when dad let mom and I paint the kitchen / family room. Talk about being eager and thrilled on my part! We’ve painted the walls a deep red and light brown. Our once green hutch is now black. We’ve put our couches, TV, entertainment center, etc. on KSL and we’re energized to hit the Salt Lake RC Willey for a flat screen and leather lazy-boys.



Over the break, I had the chance to walk through Salt Lake's Temple Square with my friend, Miles. We went to a restaurant called the "Blue Lemon" (I'd never heard of it before, but I highly recommend it. Very tasty!). Then we crossed the street and walked Temple Square. It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful that building is. It's my own personal castle and I can't wait for the time when I get to walk inside.








I've attempted to live my life with the perspective of the glass half full. As I’ve grown into adulthood, that perception has been tried and tested by many of the obstacles life brings. Still, it’s a goal I’m always pushing myself to meet.
On Christmas Eve, our family not only celebrated the festivities that Christmas brings, but were also reminded of the 3 month anniversary of the death of our sweet Brenda. No father, mother, or sibling should have to bury a loved one at such a young age. How could anyone find a “brightside” to a tragedy mirrored of this? In contrast, I think I’ve found one at best. Over the last 3 months, my new home away from home has been not in Provo or Draper, but in Orem at my aunt and uncle’s home. What first was an invitation for Sunday dinner has now turned into at least a once a week visit to see my ever so cute cousins Maddy and Portyr and chill with Jim and Sara. Here are 10 of some of the plain and simple truths I’ve learned from them over the last few months. First, upon having a bad day, go to Jim and ask for an egg nog shake. Holy crap – there are no words to how much I love that drink! Second, when in doubt, go to Kohl’s with Sara and she’ll get you a discount on clothes you’d pay more for without her. Third, if you want lots of extra Olive Garden mints, flirt with the waiter (regardless if they are of the same sex as you. Works every time!) Fourth, the game of life can be a challenge. Keep your head up and keep going (darn tomatoes!!) Fifth, choppers are not helicopters. Sixth, there’s always time for a scary movie and seventh The Human Centipede and Saw trilogy will one day be worth the wait. Eighth, Portyr is by far the best 7 year old big brother I’ve met in too long. Ninth, coloring at any age is not a crime and nothing to be ashamed of. Finally, tenth, root beer freezes are God’s gift to humanity. If you need to reach me, most likely I’ll be playing with them or sleeping on their couch. If you really don’t believe me, check your Google Latitude (yes, I have said app now because an iPhone was a Christmas present to myself this year) and I’m watching Tangled with the kiddos.

I’m so very blessed to have such a wonderful family, enjoyable friends and a life that allows me to do what so many will only dream of.
Merry Christmas everyone! And a pleasant 2012!

Loves!


Gingerbread house making! Yay!




Mark made a BYU inspired gingerbread man. We were all extremely impressed.





Yes, I'm still a "daddy's girl".


When we sat down for Christmas dinner, I insisted on taking a picture of Mark and Elise who were sitting opposite me. As I had an empty seat next to me, I decided to take a picture with my one day "significant other". With technology the way it is, we can photo-shop him in later, right?

Happy Birthday, My Sweet Caroline!

Last year, some girls living on my dorm floor decided that we’d celebrate birthdays by buying cupcakes at one of our favorite shops, Cocoa Bean. If a particular birthday did not fall during the fall/winter semesters, we’d simply celebrate their half-birthday. I remember one of those girls, quite loudly, saying “Gosh this is so STUPID! My birthday and half birthday fall on two occasions when we’re not together!” The girl to which I’m referring to is none other than Miss Caroline. Happy 20th sweetheart!
There’s much to be said for Caroline. She’s incredible intelligent. I’d dare say she’s one of the smartest friends I have. She views the world in a much higher degree of thinking than I’ll ever hope of reaching. We’re in good hands with this girl. She’s passionate. Whether it’s passion towards a recycling debate or the difference between classy black heels and trashy black heels, she has a fiery passion and zest for things she knows and cares about. Although some would think her life is perfect from the outside, upon getting to know her, she struggles with the same sort of things we all do. However, she has an incredible strength to overcome the difficulties in her life. She is vastly independent, a characteristic I both love and hate about her, which allows her to take the problems at hand and push through them headstrong. She devotes time and money for the people most loyal to her. From what I see and hear, she’s a devoted daughter and faithful sister. She’s a delightful friend. She lights up a room and puts a smile on your face when she laughs. She’s been a part of me for over a year and she’s made momentous waves on my attitude and life. Through her generosity, laugh and kindness, she’s been one of many to shape the person I am becoming. Thank you so much, my dear sweet Caroline! Happy Birthday! I can’t wait to see you again.

Loves!

Happy Anniversary!

December 21, 2011
First I best be apologizing. I realize I haven’t written on my blog in a while. Sowwy…another thing to apologize for - I wrote this blog post on Sunday. Yes, I realize it is now Wednesday, but I've had a wee bit of trouble with my internet connection since being home. Oops! So while you read this, pretend it's actually last Sunday, not 3 days later.
I’d like to wish my parents a great, big, giant Happy 30th Anniversary! 30 years ago today, Scott Clegg took LuAnn Moldenhaurer to the Logan temple to be sealed for time and all eternity. I can think of no better experience than marrying your best friend, your hero and your greatest support. Here’s to 30 more years of exhilaration and ecstasy. Mom and dad, I love you so much. Thank you for making our home centered on Jesus Christ. Thank you for working so hard every day so I can enjoy the nice home and possessions I do. I’m grateful I can receive a spectacular education at BYU and it is only through you that I could have made it this far. I’m thankful for your individual examples of faith, loyalty and hard work. I know that I can always come home to parents who love me without question or hesitation.
I’m thrilled to report that our family is all together once again to celebrate Christmas. Mark towered over his first semester at the University of Colorado pharmacy school and performed admirably on his finals. Great job, bro! Mark and Elise are happy to be home for the holidays and we are equally delighted to see them again. They’ll be spending the week before Christmas through Christmas morning with our family. Then they will drive to Ogden to spend Christmas dinner through New Year’s with the Berning family. Melina is working hard at the hospital doing the Christ-like work she knows and loves best. I’m looking forward to spending lots of time with her in the next little while.
It’s crazy how fast another semester has come and gone. It’s almost scary when I think how quickly life passes. One of my roommates, Kelsey, stopped by my parent’s house to give me her Christmas gift and we talked how starkly things have changed in only a year. If things can change this rapidly, where will we be this time next year? As scary and frustrating as it can be, I’m happy to be in the stage of life I am (I know…shocking hearing those words come out of my mouth). I’ve been given opportunities some will only dream about. From here, I can go anywhere. What a feeling?! It’s incredible. Terrifying, yes, but equally incredible.
I love this time of year! I love Christmas. Yes, I am indeed one of those people who love to lay by the Christmas tree with a fire blazing closely nearby. I love corny Christmas music and I don’t think I’ll ever tire of watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". I enjoy making chocolate covered pretzels and delivering neighbor gifts via caroling. I love to come home and find new brightly wrapped packages under the tree. I love how everyone seems to try a little harder to be a little happier. I’m grateful for the emphasis on service and charity. This is an excellent time of year to reflect on the things God’s given you and realize how blessed you truly are. I’m grateful for my Savior. I know that He lives. I look forward to the day when I get to kneel at His feet once again.
Merry Christmas everyone! Loves!

P.S. I'm not silly enough to think that people read blogs for the words. I get it; you like the pictures best. Here's a few from this past Thanksgiving. Enjoy!




We girls spent Friday afternoon (after we'd slept off "Black Friday" exhaustion) making candy decorations for mom's work.