Day 18, 19, 20, and oh yeah: 21.

Day 18:

I got a new coat. It's yellow. I love it. I'm uber grateful for it. I'm also grateful for the online discount code I found that made it oh so affordable, AND: Merry Christmas to me. For real. So Cali, no getting mad at me for buying another coat. You still won't trade me a baby for a coat. I think it's more than fair. 

It's also a lot cuter when I'm standing up and you can see the pleats.

#iknowihaveaproblem

#butAubreysfacecracksmeupinthispicture

Day 19:

Spent the night before and the next morning with some of my favorite girls on the planet for our dear Kaley's birthday. I miss them immensely. There's just something about being in the company of those who borderline know more about you than even your own family might. I just love them, and can name at least a dozen events in my life that would have sunk me to total and complete loss without them in my life.

Kaley thought it'd be a great idea for us to take a picture in front of the hotel sign. It was facing the sun, making picture-taking seriously painful after about the fourth try. :) This picture should have been a video because this was the sound as soon as each picture "took:" 

AAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH OW! Oh my gosh, that hurts so bad! Why? Why? WHY? Why is the sun shining right in my eyes?!

"Guys, we have to take another one. My eyes were closed."

repeat sound from above.

HILARIOUS.

Watering eyes from laughter and owie...the pain, the pain!

hahah...

Day 20:

I wish I had an actual picture of this, but I don't because Tania and Mel were the responsible ones taking pictures, but we had a BOMB Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday with a bunch of people from our ward and the surrounding area. Mel and Tania spent all of Saturday making pies and other food that requires care and slaving over stoves. (I would have, but remember that show that's sort of taking over my life most of the week and every weekend? Okay, then. I didn't get home until late that night. Anyway.) The point it: it. was. amazing.

Our entire living room was turned into a banquet feast. Candles on the tables. Goblets. It was beautiful.

Great people. Great food. Great thanks. :)

Day 21:

On days that seem so busy and full of things that still somehow leave me feeling a little empty for the times in my life that have had days full of someone - I'm incredibly grateful for my life and my blessings. I have so much to fill my life, and so many people who more than fill my heart. I would never ask for the past to come back, but in a conversation with a friend last night, as he asked me what "good girls" want in a guy, I felt incredibly grateful for the relationships I have had that made me see the magic in love...and that it can in very fact be enduring...even though it has yet to stay in my own life. I know it will one day. 

But at least I know something of that feeling: and for that, I am a very grateful girl.

Even when it all seems like it was for naught, I just don't think it is.

Because I can still remember those moments that left me a little breathless - and overwhelmingly grateful.

That's my own rambling, I know...but I make sense to myself at least. :)

So Monday, I found myself reflecting on and being grateful for what I know of love, and for the chance I'll have again someday to know more.

"You'll always be love's great martyr, and I'll be the flattered fool, and I need you."

"We are stitched together, and what love has tethered, I pray to never undo."

I'm just grateful for every day I have to learn a little more and to be a little better than the day before.