Never grow up...

Lately I've just been listening to Taylor Swift while editing pictures and I always get stuck on the song Never Grow Up. I know it probably seems like all my posts are about this, but right now this is what I feel in my heart and it is what has been on my mind. I guess as I think about when I was little and couldn't wait to grow up and now I'm growing up. I've been looking back at my life and I see all the "phases" I went through. I wasn't ever a rebellious one and I still don't have a desire to be, but I had plenty of stages.  I went through my I have no idea how to wear makeup but I'm going to anyway stage, that one didn't work out very well for me. The I really want to have a boy like me so I can finally hold someone's hand stage, ya that one didn't go over very well either. The freshman stage of not knowing where I fit in exactly or what I should look like. The try to be cool sophomore stage, and finally a little bit of growing up my junior year. Finally being comfortable with who I was and not caring too much about what others thought or if I was the cool, popular and pretty one. Funny that when we're little that's how we are. I think back to elementary school and anyone could play with anyone. We were all cool back then. We were all popular back then. And we were all good looking back then. But what happened? Why all the stages? This is what I personally think, and you can definitely agree to disagree; it's because we're trying to grow up when we don't need to. Life comes at us fast enough and we don't need to rush it. I wish someone would've told me that before I looked like a raccoon trying to put on makeup. I don't wish that I would've grown up differently, but I wish I wouldn't have been wishing to be older when I was younger. I wish I would've taken more time to stop and smell the roses, swing on the swings a little longer, and to have enjoyed all the little moments that I missed along the way. So lately I have tried to stop and smell those roses that I have overlooked before, take more time to enjoy the little things, and soak in all the memories I can. Here's some pictures of my nieces and nephew just being little and not worrying about growing up.

Superwoman

Kylie- this isn't edited so don't judge too harshly on this one

Katelyn

And sometimes when I have the opportunity to spend time with my family, I take it for granted or I don't cherish it as much as I should. These next photos are of my wonderful family. I love them and thank them for putting up with me and being patient with me. Love you!

I guess this has been on my mind for another reason as well... You see, I have this best friend who for the past year and a half has had my heart. I talk a lot and sometimes he is more quiet and thoughtful, and when I ask him why he's so quiet, he simply says, "I'm just enjoying the moments I get to spend with you." Honestly, it steals my heart every time. But now my moments to be with him are dwindling as he leaves for his mission August 24 and I understand a little better that sometimes I just need to focus on not growing up and just enjoying the moments. Kyle Killpack has changed my life with his quiet way about him. And I'm so blessed to have had his influence in my life. Thank you Kyle! He truly amazes me and I know he will do miracles in the mission field. And for now I'm just enjoying the moments...

One of my favorites- our senior bbq

Enjoy the moments you have, stop and smell the roses, and "never grow up"