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*