Life in Kindergarten

I can't believe it has been over a month since I've blogged. I have been so busy since going back to work. I am so grateful for the 5 years I spent at home being a mommy but I am so thankful to be at work! I really do enjoy working and I am so blessed to have a career and spend a lot of time with my children. I am really enjoying my job. I am a teacher's aide for 2 kindergarten classes. That means that I have 51 sweet babies! It's amazing how fast you fall in love with them. They are all different and all precious in their own way. It is never a dull moment in Kindergarten and time flies. Though I love my students and my job, I am still praying that I will some day have my own classroom. I am trusting in the  Lord and know that it will happen in His time.
The boys are adjusting well to this major life change. Baden misses his brother and he has a new "friend" Jake. Rylan is reading! It amazes me. It's makes me so proud, like when he said his first word. We are so blessed and give God all the glory.

Kindergarten!

I can't believe my baby is starting kindergarten! He has no idea how much his life is going to change. I never realized how expensive it was to send a child to public school. Luckily we have great family support. They have all helped buy everything Ry needs to start school in style. I thought I would share some of our great finds.
                        Every kid needs a great backpack. Our patch was made by Ashlyn Nielsen.

Lunch box by Lands End

Pencil Box by Tootlebugs

First day of kindergarten shirt by Chelle Hollis

We are so lucky to be supported by a great family. Thanks MiMi, YaYa, PaPi, Allie, & LoLo. 

USA! USA! USA!

I LOVE the Olympics! Especially the summer Olympics. I have seriously watched at least 100 hours of coverage in two days. My favorites are swimming and gymnastics. I've also enjoyed shooting, archery, men's and women's volleyball, men's and women's beach volleyball, diving, men's and women's basketball, rowing, water polo, and a million other sports I can't think of. I love the patriotism that comes with the Olympics. It has provided us with great learning opportunities for our kids. I've enjoyed teaching them about patriotism and hard work.
Last night I was watched the women's gymnastics team qualifying round. It always fascinates me how these athletes compete against each other, but also as a team. It was a sad moment when the lifelong dreams of individual all around for Jordan Weiber were crushed by her teammate Aly Raisman. The score popped up and one girl was jumping for joy and one was devastated. All caught on national t.v. As the cameras interviewed an excited Raisman a tearful Weiber stood in the background. I realize this a part of life, but geez, these girls have been trainging for this since birth and they only get one chance. It just doesn't seem fair that only two athletes from each team get to go, even if their scores are higher than the athletes from the other teams. I think is it weird, but awesome that these athletes can go from competing so hard with each other, to working together. I watched Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte vigorously compete against each other Saturday night and then swim the relay together Sunday night. That relay was an awesome race that had me screaming at the t.v.
I plan to use this time to teach my kids about hard work and dedication. We will be cheering on Team USA everyday!
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1276946-womens-gymnastics-olympic-qualifications-2012-wieber-out-but-rule-is-unfair

Is it Normal to Cry on the School Supply Aisle??

I've hesitated to write this blog for a while now. It's been a difficult couple of weeks. I've fasted, I've prayed, I've done everything I've been told to do, yet I'm still unemployed. It seems like it's been bad news after bad news. The worst news came Thursday. It felt personal. It hurt. Something I had been counting on and knew that I could always fall back on was taken away. It was a definite blow to my confidence. What did I do wrong? Am I not good enough? Am I too old? Am I too fat? Am I not smart enough? These are questions that I have asked myself. For five years we have lived off of one income so that I could earn my degree. My husband has worked himself to death to provide for us. We are ready for better things. We are ready to pay off some bills and spend more time with daddy.
An all time low was the day I found myself in tears on the school supply aisle at Walmart. Often over the past month I have felt like Pastor Bryant was preaching directly too me. Without his encouragement, I may have given up. As long as I have a mustard seed of faith, I can keep going. I know that there are twenty something little kids out there waiting to be loved and encouraged by me. I know that I can inspire them and help them succeed. I know that I can better their lives. I pray that I get that opportunity. I believe in the power of prayer. Please continue to pray for our family.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt this in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.  Mark 11:22, 23

 

My Boys are Getting Older!

This past weekend we celebrated 2 very big birthdays. My baby turned 3 and big baby turned 30! This was the first time ever that Field picked out a birthday present for the boys. Baden loves to help his daddy cut grass and Field had this vision of Baden trailing behind him on his very own John Deere.

Since this was an expensive birthday present, we decided to have the party at home. NEVER AGAIN. Let me start by saying it is my fault. I put all this pressure on myself to have the perfect party. A party that they will never forget. Like he is going to remember his third birthday party. This party should have been an ad for Pinterest. I love Pinterest. I got all of the ideas from Pinterest. Because I couldn't decide on a theme for the party, I went with colors. That left me a lot of room to do whatever I wanted. We had a balloon walkway. 

                                     


                                                          We had colored popcorn.

I do NOT recommend the colored popcorn. It was great for looks but it took FOREVER to make and it stuck to everyone's teeth.

We had chocolate dipped rice krispy treats. Which I stuck in a wrapped box.

This would have been an excellent idea, if it had not been 105 degrees outside. They started melting and falling. They were delicious though. 

We also had trix pops,

and watermelon stars. I cut the watermelon thin and used a cookie cutter.

The best thing was the koolaid ice. When served in Sprite the ice is really cool and tastes good too. 

We have been blessed with a wonderful family and friends. It meant so much to us to have them there to celebrate. Especially, for Field. It's no secret that Field has a difficult relationship with his parents. It means so much to him to be surrounded by people that love him and want good things for him. Field's biggest goal in life is to be a great dad. I think he excels. I am so blessed to have him as my husband. I fell in live with him at 16 and married him at 19. He's a cop. The statistics are against us but God is with us. There is no doubt in my mind that we would not have made it this far with Christ. I continue to pray daily for our marriage to grow and for the Lord to order our steps. Field has worked so hard to provide for our family. I have never seen anyone who works so hard, sometimes three jobs in one day. This is one reason I so desperately need a job. I don't want Field to have to work so hard. I don't want him to work himself into an early grave. I can't believe he is 30! We are so blessed and I want to thank each and every person that helped us celebrate. It meant so much to have you there. 

Trusting in Him

I was a little discouraged this morning when I woke up and saw that several people had interviews today. However, after the uplifting words from dear friends and the reminder that God is in control, I am no longer discouraged. I know that my adversary is big but my God is bigger! I am trusting in him. I feel confident that I have done everything humanly possible and now I have to let Him take over. I have delivered resumes, emailed principals, visited schools, and talked with anyone that I thought could possibly help me. I can't wait to be a teacher and I have so much to give. I love the students and being in a classroom. I feel at home in the classroom and I have faith that God will find the right place for me.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

And Jesus answering saith unto them, have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Mark 11:22-23 

And they know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken those that seek thee. Psalm 9:10

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. Isaiah 54:10

Bacon Crackers

I made these delicious bacon wrapped crackers for movie night at church last week and they were a big hit. I originally got the recipe from my sister in law but I have tweaked it a little. You will need Club crackers, cream cheese, Hidden Valley Ranch Mix, and a package of bacon. First preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a cookie sheet. Mix a package of cream cheese and the ranch mix.

Spread the mixture between 2 club crackers until the mixture is gone. I use kitchen scissors to cut the entire package of bacon in half. Then wrap a piece of bacon around each set of crackers. If you have guests that don't eat bacon you can leave some sets without bacon. Cook about 20 minutes or until the crackers start to brown. It will be a big hit at your next event. 

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

I have found myself with a lot more time on my hands. I have actually been cooking dinner every night and keeping my house clean. I've had time for Twitter and Pinterest! I have been making new recipes from Pinterest and one I tried last week was Buffalo Chicken Wraps. I tweaked the recipe a little to fit our tastes so I thought I would share it. I bought two cans of 8 croissants. I sprayed a cookie sheet and laid the croissants out. In a big mixing bowl I combined 3 cooked and diced chicken breasts, 1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch mix, one package cream cheese, and one cup shredded cheddar cheese. I put a spoon full of the mixture in each croissant and rolled them over.

I then rubbed the croissants with melted butter and baked at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown. I served them with ranch dressing and homemade buffalo sauce. To make yummy buffalo sauce mix your favorite hot sauce, butter, and your favorite wing sauce. Heat over the stove until warm. This was a huge hit at my house. I served it for dinner but it really is more like an appetizer.

Nicole Morton- UAB Alum

I blogged about L.A. but I didn't get a chance to blog about graduation. Graduation meant the world to me. It was much like my wedding day. I waited for it forever and it was over too fast. I realize that graduating college is not that big of a deal to some people but in my family it is a very big deal. Other than my aunt who graduated from Bevill's nursing program, I am the only person in my family to ever graduate from college. It has been my hope to make my grandparents and the rest of my family proud. It was a dream day and it could not have gone better. As soon as we arrived I headed to join my fellow graduates and hoped that all of my family would find each other and be able to sit together. It seemed like forever but it was finally time to walk over to Bartow Arena and it was an indescribable feeling. I just couldn't believe it was happening to me. As soon as we entered the arena we all started looking for our families. I couldn't have been more proud to see all of my family together and my boys blowing me kisses. The ceremony didn't last as long as I thought it would and the moment they called my name was over before I knew it. As soon as the ceremony was over I just couldn't wait to hug my husband. It's been a long 5 years and we have walked every step together. He has been there every step of the way and this wasn't my accomplishment, it was OUR accomplishment. We worked hard for this and we are so excited for this change in our lives. It has not been easy to live off of one income and we are ready for change. I couldn't hold back my tears when I was finally in his arms. 

After graduation I headed to my party. A party that my sister and Field planned. They had help from a lot of people including Lori, my mom, and Crystal Reno. It was so awesome to be surrounded by all of the people who love me and support me. I don't know that I have ever felt more loved in my life.

Luckily, Lori was babysitting the little rascals that night so Field and I had plenty of time to talk about how grateful and blessed we are. It was an amazing day that I will never forget. Now I am working hard to find a job. Please pray that God works this situation out for our family. We need to know where to register Rylan for kindergarden and whether to register Baden for preschool. I am in good spirits about it and have faith that it will work out. 

The Mortons Go to Hollywood

We've been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit in the nine years that we have been married. Different people are looking for different things but even after visiting some amazing beaches in Mexico and the Bahamas I would say my top 3 picks for vacationing are 1. New York 2. Los Angeles 3. Savannah. Perhaps this is because of my love of history and all things famous. Let me start by saying this blog may be a little scattered. I have so much that I want to say I'm dying to get it down in print. We began our trip with a LONG flight. I am not fond of flying. It makes me sick. It's like riding a roller coaster and guess what, I hate roller coasters! However, we were blessed with good flights and no issues getting through security. We do however, have to arrive extra early to check Field's gun. That all changed once we landed in L.A. After taking a shuttle to our car rental company we were informed that we had no car reservation. We spent the next THREE hours on the phone with Travelocity trying to rectify the situation. I will never use Travelocity again. I was extremely displeased and will be writing letters to the BBB. After a free upgrade to a car that we loved during our trip we were headed to Hollywood. It was amazing to see all of the streets that I have seen in movies and on television! Rodeo Dr., Sunset Blvd., Hollywood Blvd. We were pleased with our hotel during our trip. We aren't hard to please. It was clean and convenient to everything. The only thing we didn't like was the queen bed. We couldn't wait to get home to our king size bed. We immediately headed two blocks to Hollywood Blvd. and Grauman's Chinese Theater. People were already lining the streets for the What to Expect When You're Expecting premier. It was so cool to see what a real Hollywood premier looks like. It wasn't as fancy as I thought it would be. The premier didn't start for another two hours and we were tired from our traveling so we didn't stay. I may regret this for the rest of my life. Seeing all of the pictures from the premier made me really regret not staying. This was a non-stop trip. I had an itinerary with up to 20 things for us to see each day. Tuesday we spent the day at Disneyland! It was a lot of fun but I spent the majority of my time trying to decide what gifts to bring home for the nieces and nephews. We missed the kids really bad while we were there but Baden is definitely not ready. When you stand in line for 45 minutes to ride something, get to the front, and the kid starts crying "mommy I gotta pee", I was reminded that he just isn't at a good age. After leaving Disneyland we hightailed it to The Grove, in infamous shopping center and celebrity hot spot. Andy Cohen, the creator Bravo and all things Housewives was doing a book signing. We got lost three times and by the time we got there the event was over. I wasn't giving up. I dashed under a security line and past a security guard to beg for a picture. Andy was nice and it surprised me how small he was. (Everyone is L.A. was surprisingly nice except the people in DASH(The Kardashian's Store) and The Ivy.) Some other things that surprised us were that the parking meters take credit cards, every single bathroom has toilet seat covers (which I loved), and people drive crazy and honk for no reason. They sell "medical" marijuana on every corner. It was quite sad. You can be in Beverly Hills and in a 5 star restaurant and see 5 homeless people outside. L.A. is the most diverse place that I have ever been. No one spoke English and there were like 5 television channels in english. We started Wednesday with the TMZ tour. I am a huge TMZ fan. Along our tour our tour guide asked questions. I knew the answer to every single question. Some of the questions included Who shot John Travolta's wife? Who was the latest celebrity to give birth at Cedars Sinai? What does TMZ stand for and what does it mean? Who drive their car into that store? etc. She was so impressed she said she was gonna tell Harvey to give me a job. To me this was the ultimate compliment! Baha! I won a t-shirt for being the number 1 fan. After the TMZ tour we went to eat lunch at The Ivy. To be honest, it wasn't that good and it was ridiculously expensive! Don't think you can go to L.A. and order water to be cheap. They don't believe in tap water. They believe in $8 a bottle water. That night we had dinner at Katsuya, another celebrity hot spot. On Thursday we decided to hit all of the out of town spots. We went to Inventori, Tori Spelling's store and DASH. We also went to Venice Beach. Most people don't know that you can't get in the water in Cali without a wetsuit. The water is COLD! Even pools are COLD! We didn't get in our hotel pool once. It was too cold. The nights in L.A. are also cold. However, the beach was amazing. It was beautiful. There were outdoor gyms on the beach and everyone was riding bikes or rollerblading. It was just like on T.V. There were life guard towers just like on Baywatch and reefs close to the shore that you could climb on. There were a lot of stores for shopping and artists and singers. We rented bikes and rode 3 miles one way to the Santa Monica pier. It was a blast. We actually rode through a Fruit of the Loom commercial so you may see us in the background bahaha. The pier was iconic and beautiful. After returning our bikes to the typical California surfer dude we rented them from we drove down the PCH(Pacific Coast Highway). It was more beautiful than you can describe. It should be on everyone's bucket list. We rode through Topanga Canyon and it was beautiful. L.A. is famous for their canyons and they don't disappoint. Next we hit the Griffith Observatory. I wanted to go because I heard the views were amazing and I have seen it on 90210 and Rebel Without a Cause. It was so cool to see the stairs that James Dean jumped off of and where the movie ended in gunfire. The view of the Hollywood sign from Griffith is priceless. Friday was our last day and we went on a tour of the Warner Brother's studio. This was amazing! We got to the see the Friends set and walked around the Big Bang Theory set. We saw sets where amazing movies have been made for 85 years. We got to see the Gellar's house and places where memorable friends scenes were filmed. We saw cars used in notable films like Harry Potter and The Hangover. We saw parts of the Pretty Little Liars set. This is a favorite show of me and my sister. They were actually their filming. We got to see parts of the Gilmore set. This was bittersweet because I miss this show and it was mine and Carrie's favorite show. I wish I could tell her all about it. We saw the ER stage and got to visit the WB museum. We weren't allowed to take cameras in but it was really cool. There were clothes worn by stars in many films. Field's favorite was the clothes worn in The Departed. My favorite was the actual hand written letter from Rachel to Ross asking does it or doesn't it. "It SO does not!" lol. It was SO cool. We also got to tour the Ellen Degeneres set. This was really neat. That night we got all dressed up and went to dinner at STK. It was delicious and ridiculously expensive. $2 for steak sauce. That night we went to see Dark Shadows at Grauman's Chinese Theater. The movie wasn't that good but the experience was once in a lifetime. There is so much history and it was beautiful. Some things I left out: We also saw the cemetery where Michael Jackson is buried, the hotel where Whitney Houston died, and the Hollywood forever cemetery. We will miss the absolutely perfect weather but we are glad to be back to sweet tea and free water. The entire time I was there I missed my sister. She is almost as celebrity crazy as I am and I felt so guilty seeing all of these amazing things without her. If I go back it will definitely be with her. We both share a love of TMZ. She was my celebrity spotter from home. She alerted me to the latest twitter updates and where the TMZ crew was. I stalked the TMZ offices and got to see a few of the staff. I was so excited to meet Peter, the irish guy. I even got him to say hi to Haley and send her a video. It was SO cool. While stalking TMZ Field wondered away to shop in some stores that were close by. I wish that you could have seen the look on my face when he came up the escalator with a famous person. Richard Kind(IMDB it) was in Spin City and much to the love of our five year old, he was in Cars. They were carrying on a casual conversation about shower heads. Seriously. I did not get a picture.  
I know, kill me now. I was so shocked I couldn't think. He was very nice. So I didn't see Brad Pitt or Jenifer Anniston, but that's ok. We had a blast and we saw everything we went to see. We had such a good time and are already talking about where we are going next. 

Dreams come true..

This week two of my dreams will come true. I can hardly believe it. I am so grateful to the Lord for making my dreams come true. To God be the glory. I found it unbelievable that only 22% of Alabamians graduate from college. It seems like more than 22% of the people I know are college graduates so this surprised me. I don't think you have to go to college to be successful or to find something you are passionate about. But I can't help but be "giddy" over this accomplishment. To be honest I never thought I would finish. When I began this journey 5 years ago I had a newborn baby and a desire to be independent. I wanted to know that if something ever happened to my husband, I could take care of myself and my baby. I wanted that little boy to be proud of his mother. I wanted him to go to college. How could I expect him to go to college if I didn't? Not only am I finishing, I went straight through and did not take a single class that I did not need. I can not imagine what life would be like if I had not gone to school. When I think if all the things I would have missed it makes me sad. I learned so much. Not just educational things but life experiences. I met so many people from so many places. I have made amazing friends. Particularly my Brittany. Where would I be without her? I can't imagine. She is so kindhearted and unselfish. I have only ever known one other person like her. I am sure everyone will be glad when this week is over and I stop talking about it. Not only am I graduating, I'm also going to Hollywood. Yes, this is a dream come true. If you know me well, you know how obsessed I am with celebrities. I have always been fascinated with old Hollywood and old movies. I am so excited. I am excited to be going on a trip with my hubby. He has a crazy work schedule so we don't get to spend that much time together. We love to travel and we have been fortunate enough to have traveled quite a bit. We have a blast when we travel and I am praying this trip goes well. I have to be honest I am nervous about being so far away from children. I am also nervous about flying. I do not like to fly. This is also the first trip I have booked through a website so I am nervous about that. I can't wait to see so many things that I have only seen on tv. It's an exciting week. I am praying all goes well.

A little update & my Hunger Games review

Today was the first day of the last 5 weeks of my internship! It's so exciting, planning our trip and getting ready to celebrate! I had the most amazing Spring Break. I got a lot of work done, made 2 trips to the zoo, went shopping A LOT, spent the day with my chunky monkey nephew, saw the Hunger Games, and spent a wonderful day with my hubby.  We ate at a new restaurant, Leonardo's (new to us). It was delicious! We thoroughly enjoyed the Hunger Games.  The book was better of course.  I am a lover of books.  All books. As a teacher I hope to inspire a love of books in my students.  I also enjoy seeing my favorite books come to life in movies.  This is the only way I can share them with my husband who won't even read the label on a shampoo bottle! Surprisingly, he enjoyed the movie too.  I did appreciate that the movie followed the book more closely than the Twilight series and we all know how big of a Twilight fan I am. I had a few issues with the movie.  The top 4 issues were: 1) They changed the way Katniss got the mockingjay 2) They did not give enough background on the Capitol and how it treats the people 3) They portrayed Katniss a little too scared in my opinion.  (Katniss was tough and even if she was scared she was very good at hiding it) 4) NOT ENOUGH GALE.  I realize number 4 was true to the book but geez I love me some Gale. I have been Team Gale since before there was a movie so it has nothing to do with Liam Hemsworth's hottness. Overall I was very pleased.
Please pray that I find a job.  It is a difficult time for teachers but I am trying to hand it over to God.  I know that he will place me where I need to be.

Just a Couple of Girls

This picture was taken Halloween 2000.  Twelve years ago. It's so hard to believe. We were just two 16 year old carefree girls with the whole world at our feet.  I never realized that God had given me one of the greatest gifts of my entire life.  He blessed me with a beautiful soul for a best friend and confidant. She taught me to be a better person, was a Christian role model, and always there in my frequent moments of drama. She was my person. The person that you say, "If I die do this..." to. The person I called in my moments of desperation.  The person that stood beside me when I puked my guts up, got married, lost my first baby, gave birth to 2 babies, and started college at 23. She always believed in me. She always had my back. She was beautiful inside and out. She was brilliant. As April 27 creeps closer and closer and it gets closer to our ten year reunions I miss her more and more. I am so blessed to have called her my friend. I will never forget all of the beautiful moments we shared. You were my angel then and you are my angel now.

Just an Update

It has been a crazy few weeks! I started my internship. This in itself is a huge adjustment for our family. I can no loner do all the laundry, clean the house, and care for the children on my own. On top of that we have battled pneumonia, pink eye, and viruses.  On top of interning I also have class at UAB and homework assignments. I have been working like crazy and I am completely exhausted. However, I love it! I love teaching. I love the kids. I love my cooperating teacher. I love having something of my own.  It has been a long four and a half years and I am SO ready to graduate! I am ready to have two incomes. I am ready to have a job. I am praying for a job.  The downside is that I hate being away from my boys this much.  Especially, Rylan because he is at daycare. I hate that. I have never had a child in daycare and it has been a hard adjustment. It's so much easier to leave Baden because I know that he is with family that love and adore him as much as I do. Despite how tired I am, I am so happy.  I love the career I have chosen. I am so blessed to be this busy. :)

New Beginning

I have been getting complaints that I am not blogging enough.  So here goes. It has been an exciting week but a LONG week.  This week marked my last semester of undergrad.  There is so much to look forward to this year. On Tuesday I begin student teaching.  Please pray that I connect with my cooperating teacher and that I am able to do my best.  This week I also ordered my graduation invitations and booked my graduation trip to Los Angeles.  We are so excited about going to L.A. We are going to see the Pacific Ocean, Disney Land, and hopefully some celebrities.  We love to travel and have been fortunate to have been able to do some traveling in the nine years that we have been married.  We have been to Minneapolis, New York, 2 cruises, and Cincinnati, to name a few.  I would like to visit every single state. I am praying and relying on God for the upcoming changes in our lives.  We have lived off of one income for the last five years, and a public servant's income at that. We are looking forward to having additional income and pray that it will not be difficult for me to find a job.  I am staying open and trying to remember that God will put me where he sees fit.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage. and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

Resolutions

I have wanted to start a blog for a really long time.  This year I have decided to make it my New Years resolution.  I love to journal and write, so I am concerned that I may divulge way too much information. I am dorky. I know I am dorky. My blog will probably be somewhat all over the place just like I am. First and foremost, I am a mom. I adore my boys. I love Twilight, but I also love the bible.  I am conservative, but I am obsessed with celebrities. I love trying new hairstyles and makeup but I may not wash my hair for a week. I have highs and lows. I am happy and love life. I am grateful for the life God has given me. I trust in Him and do not question Him. However, I am tormented by the loss of my best friend. I miss her every day. I struggle with my grief and the loss of the only person who knew every thing about me. She was my person. It was a really hard year. I lost my best friend, was diagnosed with an incurable disease (that most people don't know about), and lost 50 pounds only to gain it all back. I am human. I have high hopes for 2012. I want to be a better wife, mother, and friend. In May I will graduate from college. There are no words to describe what this personal accomplishment will mean to me. No one did this for me. I did it all on my own. No one pushed me or even encouraged me to do it. Everyone thought I was crazy and that I wouldn't finish. Except Carrie, she was my biggest cheerleader and knew I would do it.  I miss her everyday but I also have some amazing friends.  Sometimes I feel guilty for missing her so much. I can't imagine how much her family misses her and I don't want my other friends to feel like they aren't important to me.  They are.  Like I said, this blog will probably be all over the place. That's ok. I'm doing this for me, not you. So, to wrap it up, I am going to try this blog thing and see how it goes.  I'm not making any promises.