Less than an hour left.

There are exactly 38 minutes and 17 seconds left until it is officially Christmas.
Oh. My. Heavens. Yes.

And it looks like it will be a white Christmas after all! WOOHOO!!

I admit it. My little sister and I did get the majority of everything ready for Christmas.

And that's when we realized that we didn't have any cookies for Santa.

Um, no bueno.

So what did we do?
Yup. We grabbed the first thing we could find.

Christmas M&Ms.

And I think it worked quite nicely, if you ask me. (:

And Gracie (who is being very considerate of all the animals this season) also told me that we needed something for his reindeer. So we found some carrots in the fridge.
Ha. Perfect.

So yes. Once Santa was all situated and ready to go...

...Gracie made sure that all of our stockings were hung by the chimney. With care.

(Yes my fellow pinners. My mom sewed every one of those stockings. Personally, my favorite is the little carolers, but overall, they are all pretty adorable. But really.)

So we are ready to go here at the Hill residence.

The only thing I regret this year is the fact that we didn't do Christmas cards.

Some people think that Christmas cards are kinda overrated and not really needed for the holidays.

But not this girl. I love Christmas cards.

From funny, to cute, to personal, to beautiful, Christmas cards always hit that spot when it comes to family and friends.

Ya know, personally I prefer humorous cards. But that's just me.

I'll be back to report tomorrow, but don't forget that Christmas is litterally less than 1 DAY away!!

And we all know what that means! (:

2. Days. Left.

And I am so flippin' excited.
But it's not because of the presents. Oh heavens no.

I love the sound of  my little siblings feet pounding down the stairs in the morning. (at 6 am, no less)
I love the way my sister's face lights up when she looks into her stocking full of surprises.
I love how my brother shows my dad his new lego set, and then opens it that second to build it together.
I love knowing that my mom cares about us enough to make us a homemade breakfast.
I love dancing around with my little sister to the Christmas tunes on the radio.
But most of all, I love my family.
Christmas is a time of year when I come to appreciate my family more than I can ever let them know.
My family sticks through my mood swings, my random bursts of singing, and my crazy Pinterest attempts.
They love me for my random personality, and don't expect me to be somebody I'm not.
And yes. I just had to take a picture of my little bro's classy tie that he wore today.

I know, he's a cutie.

My family brings so much joy into my life. And I love it.

Ok. Story time.
So I'm walking through Target yesterday, doing some Christmas shopping, when a little girl comes in with her mom.  She is absolutely adorable, about 3 or 4 years old, blonde pigtails, and a pink Christmas sweater.  But the best part about her was that she would smile and say "Merry Christmas" to each person she passed.  As she passes an old man she says, "Merry Christmas!" and smiles wide. And the old man's face just lights up, he stands a little taller, and true joy spreads across his face.
This made my entire day.
Because that girl knew that Christmas spirit isn't about the presents, Santa Claus, or any material gifts.
She knew that Christmas spirit comes from loving others, and seeing joy light up their faces.
And it shows that even the smallest act of love and service can make, and change somebody's entire day.
And that is what I think true Christmas spirit is - joy.
This is why I love Christmas.
People are looking for ways to help lift somebody up, or help them to feel as happy and joyful as they are.
I wish this would happen year round, because the Christmas spirit is so infectious. Seriously.

Anyways, I just want to challenge each of you to follow this little girl's example, and go out of your way this season to help bring some joy into somebody else's life.

And guess what. Only 2 days until Christmas.
Can't wait.

3 days. Nailed it.

No really. I literally nailed it.

I am definitely not a nail pro (at all),

but thanks to pinterest, I can feel even the slightest bit crafty and talented.

Ha.

(Here's the How-To Link for all you crafty kids out there)

http://cdn.followpics.com/show/269371621432404473_NnFCWd4h_c.jpg

This is why I love Pinterest.  Because it gives you new ways to try things, different inspirations, outfit ideas, and the occasional belly laugh.

For instance, I found this beaut in my feed and it went along so well with this post that it kinda scares me. But hey, that's life. Full of funky coincidences and hilarious mistakes.

Pinterest. Hits the spot every time.

Anyways, back to the point.

Another great thing about today? It is officially Christmas Break!!!

I mean really, who doesn't love Christmas, and missing school all at the same time??

And don't worry, it gets better.

Only 3 days left.

(:

4 days left.

Only 4 days left until Christmas.
And I really need to go Christmas shopping..... oh dear.

Anyways, what's another thing I love about Christmas?
the sweaters.
Christmas, ugly, tacky, homemade - they are so boss. But really.

Theres furry...

...homemade...

...and super-duper festive.

Then there's the ugly sweater (with a cat no less)...

... the Christmas sweater...

... or both mixed together.

But really. Please see all of it's glory.

It's a doozy. And I love it. (:

I just really love Ugly Sweater Day.

And what's another plus about today?
We didn't die! Woohoo!!
And the fact that there are only 4 days until Christmas.
That makes everything even better!
So enjoy your Friday peeps. Cause Christma is gonna be good.

5 Days. Gotta love choir.

Yes my friends, this week I went to two Christmas choir concerts.
Woot Woot!

This one was for my little sister, who is my baby, and kinda my best friend, in a way. Ha.

Yup. She is right in the middle.

Rockin' my red ray bans, no less.

Oh how I love choir concerts. But whats the best about elementary choir concerts?

The kids.

They are hilarious.

For instance, on this particular night of the choir concert, we caught one girl picking her wedgie, two boys talking throughout most of the songs, a girl bowing after each number, and another girl run off of the stage to go to the bathroom.

Yes, this was a very entertaining, eventful concert.

Have a wonderful Friday friends.

And guess what? 5 days.

Countdown to Christmas. 6 Days.

6 days. 6 days. 6 DAYS!!!
I am so-ultra-super-duper-stinkin' excited for Christmas!!

And in honor of good old Christmas spirit, I am doing a cute little blogging Christmas Countdown.
Ha.

Ok, Day 1.  I love high school choir concerts.
They are absolutely fabulous.
My older sister and SO many other friends were in the choir concert put on at the high school tonight, and they did such an amazing job!

Choir concerts help bring the Christmas spirit into our hearts in a way that music on the radio just can't.  When we watch our talented loved ones perform Christmas songs and carols, it just fills your heart with pure joy.

The Braves did an amazing job at their concert tonight, and I am so glad that I'm taking choir next semester (woot woot!) So don't forget to follow their example, and sing your heart out. Mmm-hmm.
At school, to your mom, on the phone - just belt it.

Have a fantabulous Wednesday, go finish your homework, and don't forget,
6 days!!

Let it Snow. Please.

Christmas decorations? Check.
Christmas music quietly playing in the kitchen? Check.
The tree is all decorated? Check.
Snow?..... uh, cue the snow!
Oh wait. There is no snow.
And yes, I am now officially ready for some snow.
So to get the the "snowy vibe" goin on with Mother Nature, we made some snowflakes.

And yes ladies and gentleman, this is a 100% homemade, Star Wars stormtrooper snowflake.
Can I get a what what!?

 Another way to get that snowy vibe is to find your signature mug, get some hot cocoa, and fill it to the brim with whipped cream. yup.

Now some of you may be laughing, but guess what?
After a week, it worked just grand. Ha. (:

And now everything is covered in white.
YES.This girl now has hope for Christmas.

Entertaining. Very.

Yes, I know, I really should be studying for my biology test...
But who can turn down the cosby show!? I mean really??

My favorite part?
"I'm young, and I'm up!"
Ha. I just seriously love the Cosby Show. And Olivia. (:
If only I loved school that much... hmm.
Right. Biology.

"Okay, but let's get a move on!"
Have a wonderful Wednesday y'all.

Snowflakes and a Cup o' Cocoa.

 Thats right folks. Today it snowed here in Bountiful.

Yipee.

Now don't get me wrong, I love winter, and I love snow. (you kind of have to when you live in Utah...)

When everything is white and the trees look like they've been dusted with powdered sugar, then life is absolutely perfect.

But when it looks like somebody gave a 5 year old the powdered sugar duster, two feet later, you realize that you don't like it that much.

Even when there's a lot of snow (and I mean a lot!) there are some pluses to snowy weather.  I am so lucky to live right beneath the Bountiful LDS temple, and let me tell ya, it is gorgeous.

And hey! Snow does give you some pretty good excuses to do some great stuff, if I do say so myself..
So here are a few fantastic things to do when the chilly weather hits. Ha.

1. Hot Cocoa.
I love hot chocolate. Story of my life here, ladies and gentleman.  If you know me, you should know that I'm the kind of girl who drinks hot cocoa in the summer, I love it that much.  I love how the steam rolls off your face, and the creamy taste you get from whipped cream.  So go make yourself some hot chocolate topped with 10 marshmallows, a wad of whipped cream, and a candy cane. Oh yeah.

2. Fuzzy Socks
This is a must, peeps. Comfort is essential at this point in time, so go grab your most snuggly sweats, and your fuzziest socks and get ready to relax...

3. Books, Books, Books.
Oh how I love books. I've decided that it is more important to finish a book at night then to be mentally present the next morning, I love them that much.  Now, all you gotta do is find a great new book, re-read, or short novel that was assigned in english today..... 

4. Watch a Movie
Or two. Or three. And it's gotta be a good one. I mean, a really good one. Such as:
Tangled, Up, Pirates of the Carribean, any of the Harry Potter movies, Elf, or a good chick flick will always do (:

5. Cookies
You can never go wrong with cookies. Ever. Cookies, cookie dough, cookie crumbs - any form, any shape, any size, and kind - you get the point.  My winter day favorites? Gingerbread cookies or chocolate chip cookie dough.  Mmmm-mmmm.  

So those are just a few of my favorite things to do, but you find whats best for you (:

Well, hope everybody has a sensational friday!

life lately according to my iphone pictures...

First of all, nutella and ice cream? heaven in a bowl, folks.
Secondly, all the of the cups in the top right corner.  Our car was filled to the brim with them.
I mean, literally, packed full.
My mom had bought them to ship off to Zimbabwe, and let me tell ya, there were a lot.
Ok. Now I'm betting that you've never ever seen the instrument that Kaitlyn is holding. Any guesses?
Well don't ask me, because I have no idea what that is.

Alright, now lets take a look at Ashley and Eli in the bottom left corner. Ha. Let's just leave it at Ashley owns brown boots and Eli owns sneakers.... hehe.

To finish this off, can I just say that the picture of the sunset totally looks like the sunrise from lion king!?

Okay. Well, I haven't had much time for blogging lately, but life is going pretty great up here on the hill.
Hope everybody has a swell Monday (:

Fearless.

Don't you just love that word? fearless. Brave, bold and beautiful all at once.
To me, being fearless is not being without fears.  It's taking chances. Risking it all. Living life to the fullest. Letting your heart soar to what you love.

I love how Taylor Swift puts it.

(the whole quote is on pinterest - go look it up. It is totally worth it.)

Being fearless isn't just about us.  It's about making the world fearless for other people too.

Today in Health, we watched this video called Validation.

And I loved it.

So much, that I came home and found it on Youtube. Ha. (:

This is absolutely perfect. (And definitely worth the 16 minutes. hands down.)  I love the way the people lit up when he told them something.  It just makes you want to go out and hug everybody. Although that might be kinda creepy...

Lets just stick to the compliments for now.

This next week, lets be fearless. Take a chance, make a change, let others know you love them. Put some sunshine into their day.

Be fearless. 

In-School Update. Ha.

Right now I am in biology. And we have computers so that we can finish our End of Chapter assessment.  But who's got two thumbs and decided to blog instead!?

this girl!

Sometimes, you just wanna run away from school.

(And this my friend, is the reason photoshop was invented.)

But really, highschool is the bomb diggity. Seriously.

First of all, I can tell you that a glue stick will not glue your lips together. How do I know this?  Because we tried it on Emma last week in French. Ha.

Second of all, don't you really dislike those people in your gym class who try to make running laps like a race?? I mean really though.  "Calm down bro! It's P.E. not the olympics!!" Sheesh.

Funny story. So I'm walking down the hallway, heading for Algebra 2. And right when I walk past a group of boys, I hear "Josh, look! We're matchers today!"

Oh ya know, I just seriously love highschool (:
And because it is only second period, and I'm hungry, I have posted this lovely picture from Full House.

i'm a mormon.

And I love it.
And lucky for me, it is that time of year again, and we all know what that means - general conference.
I absolutely LOVE conference (which is two days where you listen to great LDS church leaders give AMAZING talks). Really. I mean what is better than watching tv for a total of 4 hours, sitting around in your pajamas all day, eating yummy food, and listening to inspirational talks!?
Well, lemme tell ya, it doesn't get much better than that.
Anyhoo, back to the subject.  This year, conference has totally made my life. Because they have changed the age of when girls can serve a mission from 21, to 19.  19!! I've always wanted to go on a mission, but the fact that the age you can go is 19 just makes it 100 and 1/2 times better!

I'm pretty sure everyone else is excited too.Why? Because my news feed is stuffed full about it, my friends and I were talking about like ALL DAY today, and right when me and my family heard the news, we started screaming. And awkward dancing. And it was awesome.

I am so happy that I have grown up in the church. I know that it has blessed my life, and I have seen this gospel working in my life today. 
In one of the talks we heard today from Ann M. Dibb, she says "I'm a mormon. I know it, I live it, I love it."
(I am slightly obsessed with this. Just a little bit.)

Hope everyone has had a terrific Saturday.

thank you.

gracias. danke. merci - however you say it. thank you.
For these past few years, this blog has been a big part of my life.
My public journal, my boredom vacuum, and how I shared my feelings.
I just want to say thank you.
For listening to my rants, and my opinions, my feelings and my worries, and everything else I share.
Thank you for sharing the good times, and the bad times.
And thank you for being such a great part of my life.  I don't know what I would do without my blog.

On a random note, did you know that 23% of all photocopier faults worldwide are caused by people sitting on them and photocopying their butts?

And have a lovely Sunday (:

brace face.

fence face. metal mouth. tinsel teeth. etc, etc.
ha. lucky me.
Downside: Braces in general. ugh.
Upside: Lots of Kevas. Mwahaha. (:

gotta love being a sophomore with braces. the best. ha.

autumn.

Mmmm-mmm. I love it.
Fall is my absolute favorite season. Hands down.

Hot chocolate,

candy corn,

sweaters,

jeans,

pumpkin pie,

bright leaves,

scarves,

boots,

pumpkins,

late nights,

flushed cheeks,

cold air,

football games,

hoodies,

back to school,

apple cider,

corn mazes,

- you get the point.

Even just walking outside, and taking in that deep breath of air? perfect.
But really, I love autumn. LOTS.

B-H-S. Holla.

First day of high school!?  success.
I am absolutely in LOVE with Bountiful High.  And I know that's kinda cliche, but hey, thats how I feel.  A days and B days! No split lunches! You can bring your backpacks and cell phones to class! This is the bomb.com!! 
Anyhoo, if ya couldn't tell, I am definitely excited for this school year.

Why yes, I did make myself a little "good-morning-its-the-first-day-of-school!!" pow ow. Why do you ask?

Lookout BHS - I got my sassy pants on today! (:

Update: Goodbye Summer.

goodbye swimming. goodbye fresh cut lawns. goodbye popsicles. goodbye flip flops. goodbye summer 2012.

This summer was absolutely amazing.  I absolutley loved it..... and I finished quite a few things on my list (:

1. Lemonade Stands

2. Flash Mob

3. Try pizza cupcakes and broccoli ice cream.

WIN.

4. Bowling

And we all know how attractive bowling shoes are. Ha.

5. Catch a fish in the creek

6. Waffle Wednesday

7. Have a tea party
8. Blog, blog, and blog some more (:
9. Hot Dogs + S'mores over the fire
10. Ding Dong Ditch a random house



11. Eat popsicles

12. Scavenger hunts

13. DIY bracelets

14. Homemade Donuts
15. Swimming
16. Go to Lagoon
17.  Finger Pudding Painting

Now this was seriously epic.

 First up, Princess Leia!

 Second, a balloon!

Third, pacman and a ghost!

 Whats the plus of painting with pudding? You get to lick the plate.

And last but not least, a slug bug.

Admit it. That is pretty impressive.

I mean a slugbug? Out of pudding!? That is called skill, my friend.

18. Take lots of pictures

19. Go to Lagoon

20. Visit City Creek

21. Go see wicked. Seriously, one of the best musicals ever. Its one of those few musicals where you can sing to the songs over, and over, and over again. no lie.

22. Get a coarkboard.



(:

23. Trampolines!

24. Go to Get Air

25. Make Jello Worms

Kinda.

FAIL.

26. Trampolines

27. Actually make Pinterest Crafts/Food

28. Sleep Under the Stars

Now thats an adventure

You gotta have blankets..... and more blankets....

 Until you get a super comfy thing like this.

gorgeous night.

Good morning sunshine. 

29. efy. oh my lanta, yes.

It's too bad my camera died in the middle of picture taking :(

Me and Keiffer and Ashton. Take note: Keiffer (blue shirt) is bending his knees.

These guys were so flippin' tall.

30. Make a Tutu.

Its Halloween Themed (:

31. Make Pizza while Listening to Italian Music

and wearing mustaches, no less.

32. Toy Story Marathon

33. Watch 'Shes the Man'.

34. Make Cereal Necklaces

35. Paint Rocks

Pretty cute if I do say so myself.

And not only these. Oh no, there were  a lot of stuff.

Got a job making tutus.

Courtesy Cones (:

Giant Chess Set

Found out where to buy Dippin' Dots.

WIN.

Disney Marathon.

Got attacked by some Biscuit Dough.

Got to listen to PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS from Zimbabwe!!

Girls Camp. Oh the moy of Girls Camp...

Drank Hot Cocoa. In the Summer. Yolo. (:





Anyhoo, goodbye summer. I'm going to miss sleeping in, and no homework, and all of this entertaining randomness.

HELLOOOOOO Highschool!