Where are you Christmas?

What a roller coaster couple of weeks, emotionally, physically, and mentally. As I begin to write this post a wave of exhaustion is crashing over my body as the waves of the ocean break. I did it, another successful semester done and under my belt. It hadn't occurred to me until after I completed my last final that I am not officially a Junior. Half way done, part of me is so grateful, the other part wishes it was yet the beginning.

After a semester of countless sicknesses, hard classes, work, and having fun I finished with mostly A's and a couple B's. Constantly running on empty and never feeling caught up apparently works for me, makes me work harder that's for sure. Honestly though I'm not super proud of my grades, because I know I could have done better under normal circumstances.

However, I feel as though I have learned more valuable lessons and material than ever before. Perhaps its because I am basically down to only my major/minor classes so everything taught is applicable to my future, or maybe I'm just absorbing more now. Who knows. What I do know is I have loved learning all that I have this semester. Interestingly enough throughout the semester all of my classes began to overlap. I studied the same event or idea in 4 classes. Each gave me a greater perspective and realization that its good to learn from different sources for as we search and study we can discover more of the truth. This makes me excited for future semesters as more of my classes relate to each other and I can study the same events in more detail.

I have learned so much this semester, about subjects of the world along with about myself. I learned I actually have a good shot with a rifle, literally. Shooting is one of my new hobbies I won't lie. I look forward to going more in the future. :) I have learned that I will never be a perfect homemaker, for I FAILED. (haha) No but seriously, I got a B in my homemaking class. Kind of ridiculous if you ask me.. I have discovered that I have a knack for making ugly sweaters.
In fact my sweater was so great, I had people wishing it was theirs and saying they would steal it left and right. :)

I have come to know how truly fragile life is. Almost two weeks ago a friend of mine from home passed away. It was hard coping with his loss, he was only 20 and had so much life ahead of him. I am saddened by his passing and probably always will be, but I am thankful for the realization it has given me, prompting a deep examination of my life.

I have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. Perhaps what I am most grateful for is the discovery, that true happiness has enveloped my life. Pure happiness, the kind when even though the frustrations of the day cloud the brain we still feel happiness.

I am excited to go home for a quick two week break and then be headed back to Rexburg to start another semester. Let the good times roll!

*And She Continues to Live, Happily Ever After*

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

I've been a little behind on this whole blogging business. Life is getting crazy with the semester ending this next week. I can't tell if I'm excited or nervous. It's finally hitting me that I will no longer be living in the same apartment or with any of the same people. After two semesters together we have a lot of memories and its going to to be weird not see any of them every day. I already can't wait to go to Alicia's wedding in February so I can see everyone! :)

Classes have been great this semester, I can't even begin to describe all of things I have learned. I just wish my mind could be more like a sponge and absorb everything I am taught. I try so hard to remember everything but I'm afraid that I am missing things! This whole going to school year round is like a double edged sword.. I get to learn all the time, which is great! Except I'm going to get done early, which means my time in the University learning everything I can is coming to an end faster.. However, not going year round means I have long breaks without learning.. Might just have to go to graduate school so I can be in school much longer and continue to learn :)

Work is going great! Conner (Buzz) is letting me play with his Toy Story toys, and is using his imagination more than I have ever seen. We are "entering" the books and acting out all of the pages and adding our own fun to each. This is the most rewarding "job" I have ever had. I'm telling you I learn more about myself, life, patients, and love every day I work with him than I thought possible. His laugh is contagious, even if I don't have a clue what he's laughing at. His imagination is invigorating. His love is pure. We could all learn so much from his example, I feel blessed to be learning from him as much as he is learning from me.

The other day Conner was playing with a newer toy, I looked at him and said, "Buzz I love your new toy! Who gave it to you?" He simply responded, "My Father." I smile and said, "OH yeah!? Your Mom and Dad gave you a new toy! That is so fun!" He turns his head, looks straight in my eyes and says, "No, my Father, the one in Heaven." That was that, all I could do was smile at him. I have tried to keep his attitude with me this week and remember that our Father in Heaven gives us everything, big or small. And I'm grateful for everything He is willing to give me.

Life's going great. I was asked by my history professor to be his TA next semester! I am SO excited. I can't begin to explain it. He told be I can teach a few lectures since I'm an Ed major to start getting experience. Next semester has a lot of fun coming toward me. Bring it on! :)

P.S. It was 36 degrees today! So warm :) Isn't it pathetic that I think that is warm? I didn't wear tights with my skirt, and wasn't even cold! Hallelujah! Keep the sunshine and warm weather coming! :)
*And She Continues to Live, Happily Ever After*

Attitude of Gratitude

I sure am grateful for Thanksgiving! Awesome food, family, and no classes! I have surely enjoyed a week off of school, sleeping in has probably been the highlight. I never sleep in past 8:30 or 9 at school so being in bed till 10 is such a treat!

The break started off with a little bit of magic by seeing the midnight premier of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Fantastic? I think YES! I cannot wait to see it again, and again, and again. Breaking curfew for Harry Potter was SO worth it, take that honor code police :) haha Seriously though, if you haven't seen it.. Get off your lazy butt and go see it! You won't be disappointed.

Friday was spent in class, packing, and then traveling to Utah. I spent the weekend with my Mom and Grandma Donna putting up Grandma's Christmas decorations. The rest of the week was spent relaxing. Playing with the kids, watching movies, and cooking. Success? I think YES! I have gotten the little bit of homework I brought, but just took the time to enjoy family and a break from studies. Hard to believe in just 3 weeks the semester will be over.. YIKES! In two weeks half of my finals will be over.. This is some seriously crazy stuff.

Back to the Burg in the morning to study and get ready to the week!

*And She Continues to Live, Happily Ever After*

Forget Fall, go straight to Winter!

Today Rexburg came back to me.. No longer are the days of sunny and fun fall weather. No, today we were hit with about 5 inches of snow and don't be fooled it hasn't stopped yet. Just yesterday I was in jeans and a t-shirt with absolutely no clouds in the sky. Way to go Rexburg, you couldn't wait any longer to show your TRUE colors huh?

Although its snowing I am thankful that it isn't too cold, yet. At least the snow is pretty and Rexburg is cute, so that makes it pretty cute! Right? For now at least. I must say I feel bad for the poor freshman who probably thought Rexburg had great weather since the first snow of the season is a month late. Ha-ha, poor little freshman. (I can say that you know, since I'll be a junior next semester) :)

Let me catch ya'll up on my oh so not eventful life. School is going well, my grades are climbing back up. Slowly but surely.. "I think I can, I think I can." Have you ever wondered why it is so easy to lower your grade yet almost impossible to raise it? I hate that.. It plain sucks.

I had the perfect get away weekend this past weekend. My roommate Alicia and I drove to Utah, good-bye Rexburg! It was so wonderful. I got to see lots of family, what could be better than that.
I went down for Brian, Brittany, and Baby Joseph sealing the Salt Lake Temple. It was fun to watch Jared and Kristi's kids while everyone was inside. They had so much fun running and jumping in the piles of leaves we were making. Cameron is so cute with his spunky/happy personality! Every time a pile was made Cam was right there to run through it and mess it up, so adorable!

Of course it would probably be best for my sanity for me to stay in Rexburg more, since every time I leave I NEVER want to come back. As I watched civilization pass away and attempted to welcome to wide open spaces I couldn't help but long to return to Utah. Growing up I always thought it would be fun to live in a small town.. Why did I wish that? I'm sure I'm in Rexburg now to fulfill a childhood dream. When I thought small town I didn't think small town in the middle of NO WHERE! Its okay Rexburg, I still love you although I do kind of hate you sometimes. Seriously though I know I make fun of Rexburg.. all the time.. but I really do love it. Wish it was 2 hours south but I still love it.

I have my housing and classes for the winter semester, there's no turning back now! :) I'm excited it should be a good semester. Only two more weeks until Thanksgiving break! WAHOO! I can't believe how fast this semester has gone by, its ridiculous.

Life's great! I'm happy, almost fully healthy, started a crazy work out today (the Brazilian Butt-Lift, yeah not kidding about the name.. haha), and am caught up from make up work!

*And She Continues to Live, Happily Ever After*

God Works in Mysterious Ways

What a wonderful couple of days!

These past few days I have been blessed with more time than I thought possible. I'm still extremely tired and recuperating from being sick, yet have found time to get things done. Don't get me wrong, I am still WAY behind and playing catch up. Yet somehow I'm less anxious; I'm at peace.

Yesterday I had another fantastic day at work. A class was canceled for Wednesday giving me more time to study for the two exams I have this week (technically I had a third but I finished that one today). I got home from FHE and enjoyed some quality time with my roommate making homemade BBQ chicken pizza. I then proceeded to deactivate my facebook, yes world Julie Hamilton is no longer on facebook, but have no fear this is a temporary measure until I fully catch up from missing school.

Monday night was really great we had a ward FHE with the stake president and his wife, his wife is one precious lady-not to mention hilarious! Needless to say it was just wonderful, they answered questions about anything anyone had. Amazing how I didn't have any questions to ask yet all of my doubts, concerns, and feelings of uneasiness went away. President Kush (the stake president) wasn't supposed to be in town but missed his flight on sunday and was able to attend, maybe he missed his flight so he could help me personally, along with others. I am so grateful for their council and stories.

This morning began "bright and early" and by bright and early I really mean completely dark, freezing, and early. I woke up just before 5:30 am to be at the Rexburg Temple by 5:45, my ward planned a ward temple trip and since a few of my roommates had 7:45 classes so we needed to be there right away. What a way to start the day, I mean come on its almost 10pm and I'm still completely awake and going strong! (Disregard the quick nap I took during my religion class..) We got out of the temple around 7:30 it was still dark and freezing (LITERALLY). Did I mention I felt my eyebrows freeze and my hair became a bit crunchy? Well.. it did. But hey! It was SO worth it!

I have been SO productive today, and I will give all credit for that to the blessings from going to the temple. I have been able to get a lot of reading and studying done, which is so needed. I took a midterm today and even though I was nervous from missing so much I feel fairly confident in my performance. I went to the library after my last class today and although I had planned on working on my Middle East homework, I decided to spend a little time on my religion homework. Almost 2 hours later I left the library with my religion final finished.. Can you call that being productive? I'm honestly not sure. Yes, I am basically done with one class.. But I didn't study for my test this week. Productive? Yes. Counterproductive? Yes. So what does that make it?--Nonexistent? Oh but I can assure you, it is not nonexistent for my beautiful "book of reference" is sitting right next to me. *Humph* Either way, I am way proud of it :)

My roommate showed me a quote that was passed out to her in class today. It reads, "If you wait to do everything until you're sure its right, you'll probably never do much of anything." -Anonymous. Basically sums up my decision making process lately. Not to mention the fact that I am one of the most indecisive persons one will ever meet. Lately though, I've been at a stalemate, a crossroads if you will.

Yes, I finally made up my mind on where to live and got a contract living with my most wonderful best friends Jordyn and Whitney along with other friends. Although I am sad to be leaving my wonderful ward I am excited to embrace a new location, winter semester, and another journey of life.

As I am faced with millions of more decisions I hope to be more decisive and rely on others for guidance, especially the Lord. Let's face it, He does know best. I am grateful for my challenges and joys, may they continue to flood my life. May we always smile, help those in need, and find joy in the journey.

*And She Continues to Live, Happily Ever After*

The Blessings of Awetism (Autism)

Playing catch up was harder than I thought. Its really hard to do midterms, along with catching up on a weeks worth of homework and exams. I am so grateful for the weekend! Thursday was the worst day of all, 4 classes and 2 tests. Unfortuantely missing so much class is really affecting my studies because I can't even play catch up since I currently require so much sleep.

I just want to give an update on little Buzz, the boy I work with. His mom had told me when I was hired that she had a friend who said autism should be spelled awetism, like the word awesome. I must say, today I saw the reason for that completely! I worked with Buzz for three hours today, and it was the best three hours ever! For those of you who don't know, Buzz has not let any of us working with him (besides his parents) play with his toy story toys, books, or even really talk about toy story.

Today it only took about 5 min for Buzz to warm up to me and for us to talk and play! First AMAZING thing! THEN, he started showing me his Toy Story Sticker books and would let me ask questions and we would talk about the characters. After that we ate popcorn and I read his Toy Story books OVER AND OVER, with him telling me which one to read and talking to me about the scenes. Then, we went back to the sticker books and he would point to the characters and say "Do you see them? Who is that?" and quizzed me on all of the characters. Every time I didn't know the name of one he would give me this "you honestly don't know the answer" stare and I would have to beg for him to tell me the name. We did that for the whole book 3 times, plus another book! That is just amazing!

We played some games where he was completely interactive. We made faces to each other in the mirror, after which he called me weird. (haha) That is so great! He's teasing, I absolutely love seeing his personality shine through. To top off an already fantastic day, WE PLAYED WITH THE TOY STORY TOYS!! He would have me take down the bin, and I could touch the toys (as long as he was holding them) and we would talk about each toy and play with them together! How cool is that!

I feel so blessed to be able to work with this little boy and see the miracle of his progress. I always leave each session with such a love for that little guy and hope for the future. He has already made such great strives. I look forward to seeing his progress in the future. I am so grateful for the happiness he brings to my stressful life.

*And She Continues To Live, Happily Ever After*

Too many times to count.

Well this is probably the 8th time I have tried to write this post. Fact of the matter is I don't want to write another "downer post" but that's basically what part of this one is going to be.. poop. Sorry guys.

Lets talk about last weekend first because it was super wonderful! On Friday (10/8) I took two tests, got an A on one and a B on the other, starting my great weekend. I then went home and made chocolate chip cookies with my friend David Ostler from home. During the baking process my good friend Janae from my East Coast Trip who also happens to live in CANADA called me because she was in town! I was SO excited! My night got that much better when Janae and Liesl came over, we ate cookies and played the most wonderful game of curses. I'd have to say it was a pretty decent day. :) Saturday was even better than Friday, I slept in till 9! WOW that is huge, I'm usually up by 6:30 for my 7:45 class. I thought I was in college and could sleep into noon, but no not me I get up early no matter what. ANYWAYS! So, on Saturday I vowed to do NO homework because of the fact that I had had 4 quizzes and 3 exams that week. It was great, I relaxed, slept, went to the store, and just wasted time until my MATS Reunion.

Almost everyone from our east coast trip went to dinner at Brother Kinghorn's house, and I can't tell you how great it was to see everyone! So wonderful. I had a blast. Unfortunately it ended a bit sooner than we all expected so Janae, Liesl, Rachelle, Thomas, and myself had to plan to go to the Straw Maze so the night didn't end so early. We made the best choice ever! The Straw Maze was haunted which made it even more fun. Rachelle and Liesl were holding on to each other for dear life, and I managed to not be scared and actually told one of the "monsters" to SHUT UP because I was annoyed that I was lost. Ha-ha. Classic. Needless to say it was a great night. :)

The week was then not so great.. I got really sick, like REALLY sick. Couldn't go to class at all the entire week. Missed 15 class hours.. needless to say I slept on the couch. Silver lining: Didn't have to lead the music on Sunday (which is terrifying to me!) AND I lost so much weight I fit my old pants again. (Haha) I'm way behind in school which is not okay.. Especially since its Midterms are NOW.

Here's to a week of lots of naps, even more homework/studying, and playing catch up!

*And She Continues To Live, Happily Ever After*