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First things' first, fall semester is OVER! Yippee! That was a struggle, however it is true what people say, "hard work pays off." I've experienced the truth of this before, however, with working 3 jobs and taking 15 credit hours at Grand Valley and working my behind off on school work, this concept was reinforced tremendously. It's not easy being a college student and working, although the results of being a teacher will be SO beyond worth all of the work and stress school causes. I cannot wait to teach my own classroom someday!
Winter break was wonderful as always. I spent much needed time with my family and friends from home which was awesome. The first Saturday of break was my birthday and some of my friends and family all came over to have dinner with me at my house which was awesome. I had one of the best birthday's ever. My sister and I flew to Texas on Christmas Eve to spend time with my grandma and my aunts, uncles and cousins on my mom's side. It was so great to see everyone. We got to meet the newest member of the family, Noah Wayne, which is my cousin's son. It was awesome spending time with him along with all of my other family members who we don't get to see very often. I love going down there. We got to experience their Christmas party which was a BLAST! We loved it! New years eve was spent with Janean, Kaleb, Andy & Seth like the past 2 have been, but it definitely wasn't the same without Sky there :/ I had been traveling home all day NYE so I was exhausted and barely made it to the ball dropping. I came back to school earlier today (Sunday) so I've been able to hangout with my roommates all day and get settled in before the new semester starts tomorrow. I fortunately only have classes on Tuesday's and Thursday's this semester (and one online) which will be nice I'm hoping.
The best news of all is that deployment is FINALLLLLY almost over!! After Sky being gone for 11 months, I'm beyyyonddd ready to have him back at home with me. I don't know an exact date, however just the fact that it's this month is good enough for me right now...the Army is always changin' stuff so it's better that I don't know until it's for sure anyways! It's so crazy to me how fast this came, but looking back on everything that has happened this past year, it seems like it drug on forever. He's ready to be home too obviously. I got a box of his stuff on Saturday and it finally became real to me. After looking at it for a while in the basement, I just started balling because I was so happy. This was the first step to him being back and it was the best feeling in the world just seeing a box of uniforms sitting in front of me...sounds crazy I'm sure haha. I don't have anything big planned for homecoming yet, I just want it to be a good transition for him coming home. I really look forward to hearing his stories and telling him mine. It's honestly been the hardest thing that I've ever had to do, going through this year without the person I love the most, but I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. I've learned so much about life, trust, my relationship with God and my faith, family, friendships, and most of all, love. <3
Some of my best friends came to spend my birthday with me!
I even got to spend time with these cuties over break! They loved Uncle Sky's and my presents!
Christmas with Grandma in Texas
It's sure great to be reunited with my best friends : )



