There is a certain recipe that my Grandma knows. It is a certain kind of cookie. She used to make them all the time at her job. They are absolutely fantastic. The best way to eat them is filled with ice cream. Before today she hasn't told anyone the recipe. But, today my mom and I went to her house to learn. She showed us all the tricks. The most important one being, patience. Now, I know. I know the secret.
Well, Christmas Day is over. Presents unwrapped, food eaten, and hearts full. My heart is very full. I had a wonderful Christmas day spent with all of my incredible family.
1. This morning I opened presents with my family. Oh, man I love them. Although we feel slightly broken we are so close and know that we have eternity to look forward to.
2. Then we went to church. My home ward is definitely my ward family. At the high school we are known as "THE WARD". We are so close. It is incredible, really. We have all been through so much together throughout the years and we would all do almost anything for each other.
3. Then my dad's entire side of the family came over which was great. We exchanged gifts. It is crazy how so many different types of people can come together with so much love.
4. Next, we went to dinner and my uncle's house with my mom's entire side of the family. We ate tons of delicious food, exchanged gifts, talked, and played games. I love these parties.
5. I finished the day the same way it started, with my mom, brother and sister. I love them. So much.
Family. Family is the perfect way to spend Christmas. The most important reason we celebrate Christmas is CHRIST. Heavenly Father sent his son to this earth, in a very humble circumstance, so he could live and die for each of us. I know that this is true. He suffered for every pain and trial and sin in our life so that we can return to His presence and live with our family for eternity. I can't think of a better Christmas present.
I am currently sitting on Melissa's couch. We are listening to Michael Buble's beautiful voice. None of us are talking. It is just nice to be together. I love my friends.
Earlier tonight Jer, Jen, Kenz, and I went to a FREE preshowing of New Year's Eve. It was soooo good! I really enjoyed it. It had an amazing cast and a great mixture of moments that make you cry, moments that make you smile, and moments that make you laugh. I really liked it.
Tomorrow is the last day of the semester. Finals are next week. I'm not worried about any of them actually, I hope that doesn't come back to haunt me. I am excited to go home and spend time with my family.
I love this season. I love my friends. I love my bed. Goodnight :)
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Much Love,
Lauren Kasteler
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
It's one of those moments where you really want to talk to your mom but it is 11:30 at night and you know she should be sleeping. You don't even know what you would say to her but you just want to hear her voice. Maybe you will just tell her about your day and about the people in your life. She would listen to everything you have to say because even though she is hurting more than you could ever imagine, she is your mom and she would do anything to make you happy. She would ask you if you need anything and you would say,"No, I'm doing alright" even though you wish she was here to give you a hug. She would tell you that she loves you and misses you and it means so much to you that it makes you start crying, but you try not to show it. You try to be strong, for her, even though it is conversations like this that remind you how much you need her.
My name is Lauren Kasteler. In case you forgot. I am incredibly sorry for my lack in updating you on my life. Life is crazy. It has been crazy. Pretty much everything in all my classes was due today so this past week has been really busy. So....in a nuttshell here are some updates:
Last Monday I took my Psychology final.
I was only there for one of the three lectures.
I didn't do very well.
Tuesday I made my mom's lasagna. Delicious.
I've been eating lasagna almost everyday since then.
Wednesday wasn't a very good day.
I got a letter from a certain missionary.
I cried the whole time I read it.
Thursday was my last day of practicum. Bittersweet.
That means that this week I don't have anything to do!
Don't worry, I made a pretty good "To Do" list.
Yes, blogging is on that list.
Friday I had an hour long group presentation.
It went fan-tas-tic.
Religion In Life was splendid.
I took a wonderous nap.
Jerrica danced her heart away at the Institute International Talent show.
I worked on a lot of homework this weekend.
And watched a lot of movies.
Saturday we made banana boats. Delicious.
My throat didn't even itch!
I called and talked to my mom when I was sad.
She reminded me that I still needed to give her a Christmas List.
It was really hard.
I emailed it to her.
She told me that it was pathetic.
It has been so hard to come up with things I want this year.
Sunday was Grand.
Sundays usually are.
Today was the last Monday of the semester.
The last 10:30-6:30 day.
What a relief.
I was mentioned on Bethie's blog.
Even better, she called to talk to me.
Still haven't had dinner.
I have one piece of lasagna left.
I love my friends.
In less than two weeks we will go home for Christmas.
One of them won't be back.
I'm really gonna miss her!
She promised to frequently drive up from Ogden to visit us.
I am so excited that it is the Christmas season!
I love my Savior and I love celebrating his birth.
Anyway, thanks for reading.
I promise to update you more often.
Oh, and here is a video I would like to share with you all.
