It has been such a long time. Most of you haven't noticed, but if you have, then I apologize for my absence. I am grateful for the break that I had over the holidays. I kept thinking to myself that I was going to post pictures and blog about everything that happened since I would have so much free time. However, it always seems that when I get a little bit of free time from school and work, I fill my time with reading different books, watching movies and spending time with my family. That is exactly what happened this time. I read four books, watched numerous movies in the theater and at home and spent every second with my family, both in Pocatello and in Phoenix.

The Christmas holiday was marvelous and the pictures that are on the slideshow are from our trip to Chandler over the break. We went to visit Dallen and Kally and had the best time! I did not want to leave the warmth, sunshine or their family. The kids are hilarious, smart, cute and the funniest little boys you have ever met. I loved playing every sport with them, making gingerbread houses, and reading them books every single night! Dallen and Kally are such great parents and it is reflected in the way the kids act and associate with everyone! THANKS for letting us come and celebrate the holiday with you. You don't know how much it meant to my mom and dad!

Getting back into school has been a pretty manageable task this semester. I am taking 15 credits, and all are major courses, seeing that I am getting closer and closer to graduation. I am done with generals, a communications minor and all my religion. Thus, I am only taking health science courses. They are very interesting so far and I never hesitate going to class. I have always loved school and I look forward to learning everything I can in the next few months.

Everything else seems to be back to normal. I am working in the mornings, and am studying in the afternoons. At night I am either running, watching american idol, playing games, dating or reading. Things couldn't be better and I am loving every second of life! I made a lot of reasonable resolutions this year and I intend to keep all of them because they will no longer be resolutions after a few months. They will become part of my mentality and behavior, making me a better person. I hope that all of you have made specific resolutions as well.



Those that know me also know that I am an outgoing, opinionated person. That can sometimes be a bad thing, and it can sometimes be a blessing. I tend to believe the latter. Whatever the case may be, I am choosing to write a post that I have debated about for a long time. Not because of what I believe, but because many of you may disagree with my opinion when it comes to politics. But as we all sit here tonight on the eve of the inauguration of the 44th president, I would like to share why I believe that change has come to america with this historical and life-changing election.

When I think of historical events in the nation, I think of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I think of the Revolutionary War with John Adams and the longing of religious freedom. I think of Abraham Lincoln and the hero that he was to the slaves who approximately one hundred and sixty years ago, were counted as two-thirds or three-fourths of a person and who were forced to serve the white supremacy of the nation, often the very presidents themselves. I think of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address. I think of the words of the Star-Spangled Banner that were written as the first U.S. flags were sown together. I think of the Civil War and the hatred of the North and South. I think of the industrialization of this country and the gold rush. I think of the Great Depression and the Stock Market Crash. I think of the fireside chats of FDR. I think of John F. Kennedy and his historical speech. I think of the image of his assassination and his young children at the funeral. I think of the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr. I think of "HIS" dream of uniting the nation. I think of Neil Armstrong and landing on the moon. I think of World War II, the Vietnam and Korean Wars. I think of the hippies who preached love not war. I think of the Cold War and the Watergate scandal. I think of the Clinton and his infamous affair. I think of 9/11 and the day our country was attacked by terrorists and the invasion of Iraq. I think of the economic crisis and the historical 2008 election.



Our country has witnessed many historical events since it was first founded upon by life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I consider today to be one of those days. Today, hope and change were brought again into the hearts of Americans. During the past eight years, the nation and it's people have been divided by party lines, policies, gender, race and war. Not since the early 60's has a country been so ripped apart by different issues. I do not blame this on President Bush or his policies. Personally, I respect the man, however when Barack Obama came onto the scene and announced his candidacy for Presidency, a surge began across America. People who had never even thought about politics or registering to vote were now feeling the importance of this election.



They believed hope had been lost in the fighting, ridicule, war, economic crisis and, normal politics of the current administration. Obama brought something new and it was Hope. HOPE to the American people! (something that no one else has been able to do since JFK, Abraham Lincoln, or Martin Luther King Jr). HOPE through his words, speeches, actions, and through his personal story of rising to become the first African American President. The night of November 4, will go down in history. I remember watching CNN and seeing the outpour of emotions being captured throughout the nation. It was hard not to realize just how important this election meant to everyone involved. It was emotional and Pres. Bush was quoted having said he got teary-eyed that night when he saw all the support. Change came to America that night. It was something that was felt and published in every newspaper and magazine. I will always remember that day and today as historical. Barack Obama has brought hope and inspired millions of people to participate in the democratic process. He has taught many to regain trust in the government.



In his speech he said, "In small towns and big cities, we came together as Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to stand up and say that we are one nation, we are one people, and our time for change has come."

For those who oppose and say, he hasn't brought change. I respond and say, though he has not made one written or legalized change, I believe that he has already accomplished one thing; he has helped us ponder the past and envision America as it once was, is and what it can become in the future. He has learned to teach, love, inspire and lead without even being inaugurated. I can't imagine what he can accomplish once he is officially sworn-in.


For that, I believe that this election is already and will always be HISTORICAL. It is the moment in history that is ours.