Family

I've been thinking a lot lately about families and the importance of them. Mostly because I read this awesome talk that I hope you will all take time to read, too. It's long but it explains so much of why family is important to us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I feel like lately so much of what people focus on when talking about how Mormons feel about family is just the whole proposition 8 thing and how we're against gay marriage. I feel like sometimes my belief in the traditional family is taken the wrong way--that I'm anit-gay or believe that gay people are somehow less than me and therefore don't deserve the benefits of marriage that I enjoy. But my belief in the importance of family goes so far beyond petty feelings like that. Many many good people I have known were gay. Or divorced. Or had a child out of wedlock. Or were the product of a family that wasn't "traditional" in the sense I am referring to. Does that mean I hate them? No. I appreciate the difficulty of what they've gone through and are going through. At the same time, I can't deny that a "traditional" family, one with a mom and a dad, is a central part of God's plan. In fact, it is the WHOLE plan. I appreciate how Sister Beck articulates exactly what the family's role in God's plan is and why it is so important to teach it to the rising generation. If you don't have time to read the whole talk, skip the first page or so and get to where it starts talking about the theology of the family. It changed my whole perspective on God's plan and how I fit into it.

Anyway, I hope it affects you the way it did me.

Friends

So, recently one of my best friends from college came and visited. We had so much fun--it was like we were never apart! It got me thinking about all the great friends I've had over the years. I really have been blessed. So, I decided to make a tribute to many of the good friendships I've been lucky enough to create over my lifetime thus far. I say many because there's no way I could ever post about all of them. But here are just a few snapshots of the good times I've shared with so many of you!

High school was rough, but I made it through thanks to these girls!

These girls saved my life! I love them still so much.

Love my church girls. Good times singing together!

College. What would I do without these girls? They are still my best friends to this day. And so beautiful inside and out.

Meggy and Me right after my mission.

Mission friends. My mission changed my life, much because of the amazing people I met. I've been missing them all like crazy lately...

 Working out at the MTC. Too bad I still gained like 15 lbs.

MTC Love. 

My Trainer and first baptism. LOVE LOVE. And yes I know I look like the jolly green giant.

Last companion and my ai suru President and his wife.  

My third companion (wigga wigga ;)) and another favorite. 

Awesome member and my trainer at dinner right before i left for home. I miss them like crazy!!

Post mission I was so lucky again to have awesome friends. Here are just a couple pics:

Building a fort! AHHH I miss you guys!

 I love every single one of these girls. We had so many good times!

My adorable roommates my last year of college. Couldn't have asked for more fun girls to live with!

And of course, there's family. I couldn't live without my family. They are truly my BEST friends. 

The one who knows and understands me better than anyone. The one I would choose to spend ALL my time with and who I am so excited to be with for eternity.

 My new sisters (well, if you call 2 and a half years new!) I couldn't have asked to marry into a better family. 

My cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. I would not be who I am without them. ALL of them. 

My sister. My loudest cheerleader and best friend. Love you sis.

My brother and my newest sister! Love you guys and so excited for you!

And of course my parents. Where would I be without you?! And my new parents-in-law--you guys have also become so important in my life. 

There are so many more people I could include, like all my new friend's in Lund, but unfortunately my picture taking has slowed down since I got here. I really am so fortunate to have so many friends that have shaped me and made me the person I am. Thanks and I love you!