So much happens here that it is hard to know where to start. I jumped off a bridge (aka bungee jumped). It was an interesting experience. I won't ever be doing it again Haha but I'm.glad to say that I've done it. It was also nice to see my mom! I am glad she came, even if my friends here can't stop talking about how fun she is. Amsterdam is cold and rainy. We went to the place where Anne Frank was in hiding. It was a very neat place to see. This experience is going.by real fast. I'm going.to.miss here when I leave. I still have oh crap I'm in Europe moments (in fact I was convinced I was in Florida for a few days). I'm still missing my free refills, mt dew, free bathrooms, and taco bell. Plus people make out every where here... Too much pda. That's all I have for now. I promise to go into more detail when I am home but there is just too much to type on this phone and my fingers make periods after every word... Sorry. Have a good day America.

Half way!!

We are now in Prague! My mom is coming tomorrow and I can't wait. Our hotel here is really nice with free WiFi and lifetime tv. The past few days I have been in Austria and Germany. I like.German food.so.much more than all the others ( mainly because they have hamburgers, doughnuts and other things I reconize) I was surprised at how breathtakingly beautiful they are. I often felt like I was in a movie. The mountains just make everything 7 times more beautiful. Yesterday we went to a castle! I can't remember the name of it but it is the one Disney modeled Cinderellas castle after. It is absolutely gorgeous. It is also swan themed so there are swans in every room so obviously it was.meant for me. The princess finally found her castle ;) after that we went to one of the very first concentration camps. It was something I am glad I got to see but it was just so heart breaking. Although it had been sunny all day as soon as we got there it started to rain. I was overwhelmed by the emotion of being there. As I walked alone through the camp in complete silence there was such an eerie feeling. I know the stories but it makes it so much more real just being there. We walked through the exact gate every one of the people.who.died there had to walk through. I can't explain really... I'll have to share pictures and more stories lately. As I get ready for bed I am so thankful for this opportunity. I am so proud to be an American. I am missing my house and my family and Anthony but I know being here is teaching me so much about myself and the world. I am making friends that I already love and cherish. In ways it is flying by and in ways it is dragging on... I can't believe I'm more than half way!! Love and miss you all!

Italy.

I'm now in Italy! In the past few days I've been to a cooking class in Rome, wine tasting in Tuscany, and site seeing in Florence. If it weren't for all the walking we do I am sure id weigh 500 pounds. I've been amazed at how many people know English which makes things so much easier. Jackelyn and I are having so much fun. This is such a once in a lifetime experience. I wish I had time to share every single experience but internet sucks and I have very little time. I can't wait to tell you all about Europe! Enjoy air conditioning, free refills, and text messaging for me. Ciao!

Greece

I'm writing this from my beach chair in Corfu. We have been here almost 5 days now. I can't believe all the things we have done in just a few days. Greece has been wonderful. If I could describe it to you in just a few words I would say its been hot, beautiful, and action packed. The traffic is crazy, the views are incredible, and the showers are really small. All in all I love it here. Most days when I wake up I have to remind myself that it is real. We have done lots of eating, walking, and shopping with a little bit of sleeping here and there. Jackelyn and I are having a great time. I am getting use to the euros, extra sweet cokes, using a new language, and being flexible. Life is good. One thing I found.interesting is that in Greece you shake your head up and down for no.and left to right for yes... It makes communicating very interesting. Our group has already gotten many things we didn't plan on because of this. I also can't read most menus so I'm pretty sure I have eaten a lifetime worth or gyros because that's a gurantee on every menu and its something I know how to pronounce!  I am taking lots of pictures to share when I get home. The next two days we are island hopping and hanging by the beach and then we will be cruising to Italy. All is good from Corfu.

It's time!

This thing I have been counting down to for months is finally here! I can't believe it got here so fast! I am excited/nervous but all in all ready to go!!  I am packed, all my accounts have been notified, I've said the majority of my goodbyes, downloaded google translator and money converter, and so now I just have to sit and wait for 4 pm tomorrow when I will fly away. I am flying to Detroit then Paris and then Athens. I will arrive at 4 pm Tuesday, Greece time (I think that is like 10 am Tuesday, Cross Plains time). In all my flying I have never flown internationally so I am a tad nervous about the whole flying over the ocean thing, but I am sure it will be fine. I really am going to try and blog while I am there. I will definitely be posting on my facebook so keep an eye out! WHEW WHOO!!! Here I go...

Oops

Who has been horrible at blogging... this girl! Oops. Summer just seems so bbusy. I can hardly believe that it is JULY!! Where in the world did June go? Oh that's right... it was spent in a classroom. But now it is over! I don't even know how to say everything that has happened in the past month. Ill just categorize it for ya.

Things that have made me happy: Graduating, being home for two weeks, spending time with friends, teaching swim lessons, eating good food, laughing, tye dye shirts, 4 little kids that loved seeing me, good conversation, weekends at home, drive-in, family olympics, staying up too late, going to bed on time,  meeting new friends, MOVING HOME!, actually being done with school, picklesickels, Callie being engaged!!!!!!, zumba, tan lines, random days, and knowing that I leave for Europe very very soon.

So far my summer has been wonderful! I think knowing that I had very limited time at home has caused me to spend my days more wisely. Life is short ya know? I am so grateful for mine. There have been so many days this summer that I have been reminded of this. I am so thankful for such wonderful friends, for a family that loves me and spoils me and puts up with me, for a home to call mine even if I have done nothing to deserve it. I hope I never take these things for granted.

Things that make me nervous: the question "what's next"... for the first time in my life I have no clue what is going to happen in the fall. I have always known that in the fall I would go back to class, but now what?! I don't know.  If you know me you know that I love plans. I like to either be told or to tell you exactly what to do. I like to know the details. I HAVE NO DETAILS... If I really sit back and think about it I slightly hyperventilate. Is it freeing?.. a little. Is it exciting... I suppose you could call it that. Is it making my stomach hurt just typing it... OH YEA! Everything is going to be fine. It is going to be great... right? Oh dear. I need a job or something, anything. August 22 I will be back and then who knows.. Ehhhhhhhhhh

And on to the last thing before I go to church and sew... I LEAVE FOR EUROPE IN 12 DAYS!!!!! OH dear. There is too much to say about that one. Super excited... a little scared out of my mind. Is this real life? I've just started having to say bye to people that I won't see again until I get back and saying "see ya in September" is just a little intimidating.

Yes, this is a jumbled post. I wish you could all be in my head for a day because it is full of jumbledness... At the end of the day, Life is good and I am doing just fine. It is good to be me. 

Change

I just woke up from one of the coolest dreams I have ever had. In my dream I was back in 6th grade. I woke up and went in the kitchen and my mom was there holding a baby (Wilson). My teeth were hurting from my brand new braces and I told her I wanted to go to school. The next thing I know I was at ERES back in my exact 6th grade classroom. There were things in there I had forgotten all about but they appeared in my dream. I had all the knowledge and memories that I do now but I was in a 12 year olds body. I saw my friends! I took my seat beside that skinny little tan boy that I knew I was going to grow up to love. I wanted to hug him and take a picture of him with my smart phone that I somehow snuck back in the past with me. I wanted to tell him that he looked so cute but then I realized 6th grade me would have never been so forward ;) and I didn't want to alter the future haha.  I had to do my daily writing assignment, and Mrs. Barron was being annoying just like she always was. And then... I woke up.

That dream was just what I needed. That was a great time in my life, but it was a time of great change. I was about to change schools, lose friends, make friends, be challenged, and find out I wasn't as cool as I thought. And through this dream I realized that I wouldn't go back if I had the choice. I love my life now. I love being a "grown-up"! I am glad I don't have braces. I love hugging that boy and knowing he loves me. I love how it all ended up!! I am graduating college!! This is a time of great change, but when I look back on my life the biggest changes have brought some of the best things. So I went to bed dreading this change but I woke up excited and encouraged! So bring it on world in the kindest way possible please... This graduate is ready to see what is waiting on the other side!

If walls could talk

I am done with school!!!!!!!! It feels great. I've been busy. I have packed all day today. It has been hectic and annoying. Tonight as I sit down I realize a lot of the reason it has been this way is because that is how I wanted it. I didn't want to think about it all because I didn't want to hear what these walls had to say.... I am no good at change. 

my bedroom

These walls once full of pictures and color are now bare. This room has seen the best times and the worst. It has been a safe haven on nights I am scared and lonely. A place to be alone. There have been so many happy memories in this room. It has heard joyous giggles and sad cries. In this room I have gotten good news and bad. I've had phone conversations that lasted all night and I have had naps that lasted all day. I love this room.

the dining room

You can't tell anymore but this room is the dining room. A table and chairs have now been replaced with boxed up mementos. This room has seen good meals mostly made by me ;) and bad meals mostly made by Emily.We have sat around the table with friends and talked about everything other the sun. That table has seen countless hours of homework!

Emily's room

And this room... where that stranger who became a friend lived all these years. Just a wall away from me. Always there when I needed her, usually sitting on the bed doing homework or talking on the phone. The room where the hairdryer loudly blows for at least an hour every single morning. Where ants got into the bed and so my 100 pound roommate threw her bed all the way across the room in a mad fit.

there is so much more I could say... but for now I am going to watch Father of the Bride with Emily. Tomorrow I have rehearsal and a manicure and more packing. AND THEN Saturday my family will be here and I will graduate. Oh happy, happy day!!! :) All that being said, I am going to miss these walls.

Thankful for..

A good nights sleep.
Waking up before my alarm and not wanting to go back to sleep.That never happens to me!
A new good friend I wish I had more time with.
The last week of classes! yee freaking haw
Easy tests and extra credit.
Looking for 4 leaf clovers in between classes even if I still haven't found one.
Classes full of good discussion.
Seeing the outdoor thermometer hit 90!
Time to sit and read the Bible and pray while enjoying the sunshine.
Popcorn the real buttery kind.
A car ride with a giggly 5 year old who sees the world in such an interesting way.
Little baby girl greeting you with open arms.
Gossip Girl with Emily I am going to miss these afternoons so much.
Frozen pizza and Mt. Dew.
A clean apartment even if I didn't enjoy cleaning it.
Marking things off of checklists even when there are still a million things to do

This has been a wonderful day.

Life is Crazy

My life right now is a crazy jam packed circus of goodbyes and lasts and excitement and sadness. Emily won an award today... I cried. haha I am so proud of how hard she has worked, and no one in that room deserved it more than her. I am glad the education department agrees. But in that moment I was reminded that that redhead bundle of weirdness is such a blessing to me. I am trying not to think of goodbyes... And I know it isn't goodbye it is see ya later but let's be real, it is. I am saying goodbye to life as I know it and saying hello to a world of opportunity and excitement and newness. In many ways I am excited for that hello, but that doesn't make the goodbyes any easier. All I know is that I love my life. How can one little girl grow up to be so very blessed. I am so lucky to have had such awesome people here that make goodbyes so hard. So in conclusion, most of my posts for the next few weeks are probably going to be weepy "I can't believe it's over" posts. For all of you have read all the  "oh my gosh, get me out of here" posts then I guess you are realizing I am in fact always a rollercoaster of emotions... sorry. 

In other news...

-I got feather extensions put in my hair :) haha 

-My new semi-favorite show but not as good as Little House, the Waltons, or OTH is Big Bang Theory

-I have 6 final exams in 2 days and I have to make a 100 on one of them... Pray

-eating out every meal will make you gain a lot of weight (lesson: don't pack up your kitchen until last)

A whole lot of Fancy!

This weekend I became a Princess! Oh wait... that was Kate. But no worries I was wide awake and watching. Emily even woke up and watched with me and we wore construction paper crowns. I might have cried just a little. I love weddings! It was beautiful. Great way to start off the weekend! But no worries people... I am not in mourning for the loss of Prince William. I know another cutie (and he isn't balding like the real prince)

Perfect ;)

This weekend was really full of fancy and fun. I got home just in time to go and see Andrew take Prom pictures!! I can't believe he went to PROM! Oh my goodness, He looked SO handsome. I think he was probably the cutest boy there. If he is going to Prom then I am officially old... yikes. 

The majority of the rest of the weekend was spent celebrating the marriage of Nick Kahn to Kamber Demers. I can't believe he is married. It too was a beautiful wedding. did I mention I love weddings. I loved spending the weekend remembering old times and dreaming of the future. I loved seeing people I haven't seen in a long time. And I loved seeing such a sweet friend so happy. I am happy for him and Kamber. And they had one thing the Royal Wedding didn't and that was the cutest Groomsman I ever did see sorry Harry. 

Also the bouquet might have hit me right in the face... I don't know if that is a good thing or not. It is an interesting story for why I will have a huge ginormous scab on my face for graduation that might be a little dramatic of a statement. 

Speaking of graduation... we are now in the teens!!! I really have no idea how I feel about this. AHH!!!

It's happening.

well today it happened... I cried. For the first time it really hit me, I am leaving Jackson and I am never coming back. Yesterday I took everything off of my walls in my bedroom. For some reason it seemed like a logical place to start. Considering I have never moved out of anywhere in my life I am kind of new at this whole thing. My family has lived in the same house my whole life. The tornado moved blew me out of my dorm room. And my parents so politely moved all my stuff from my home bedroom into the basement while I was away at school. So I have never had to do this.. but it is coming along. After I got it all off the walls I realized it is never going back up. This place I lived for the past 3 years will soon belong to someone else. They won't know the memories made here. That is sad. They won't know that the microwave will burn popcorn if you don't open the bag in the middle of popping (that took me about a year to figure out). And they won't know that there are little tacks that stick up in the carpet and hurt really bad if you step on them. I wish I could tell them all of this, what a horribly special place this is. I feel like today might be the first tears of many that will come when I realize all the goodbyes that are soon taking place.

So yes I am a little emotional. Partly because in a mere 11 hours my dream of marrying Prince William will be crushed by Princess Kate! Partly because "You're gonna miss this" keeps playing on the radio. And partly because I am having two more BOY cousins.... I was just sure they were girls, but I will love them anyway. (Even though I have not ruled out gender reconstructive surgery for them, I just need their mom to agree)

And Lastly, I wish Princess Diana was still alive... I am really sad about that one.

April Showers, Easter, and Time

If April showers bring May flowers then what do April tornados bring? Well for me right now they bring headaches, terrible nightmares, and stress. All things I am praying will go away soon. I can only hope something as beautiful as a flower can come from this. Jackson is saying goodbye to me with storm after storm after storm. One thing I have learned about storms is eventually they end even if it takes 3 days. No matter how bad they are at the time, the sun will come out "tomorrow" or maybe in 4 tomorrows and I will be more grateful for the sunshine because of these stormy days.

On a happier note... Easter Weekend!
Once again I had a great weekend at home for Easter break. I have been going home every weekend because of different events and even though it is a lot of gas money, it has been worth it each time. I enjoyed celebrating my dad's birthday, going to ballgames, spending time with friends, and spending time with family. The best part of the weekend was definitely rejoicing in the reminder that Christ has Risen! I hope that I never say those words in a lackluster way. It is true, and I was constantly reminded of it over the weekend. I love my weekends at home :) good thing I get to go back in just 3 days!

There seems to not be enough hours in the day to finish everything I need to get done. I have many papers and tests coming up within the next few weeks. On top of the school work I am trying to find time to enjoy the last few moments with my friends here, startin the packing process, and finding time to eat/shower/sleep. I know that it will all get done.

Ugh!

Just sitting on the bathroom floor waiting out another tornado warning. I hate this. I wish I could say something I like about this but I am not finding anything. There goes my positive attitude, maybe tomorrow. These stupid sirens need to be quiet because they make me want to throw up or hit something or cuss or cry... all things I don't feel like doing right now.

I am annoyed. All I want is a Moe's burrito. I am moving somewhere there are no tornados ever.

Even though I am not into the whole post multiple times a day thing, I feel like I am not in the right state of mind to say what a wonderful Easter weekend I had. So later (hopefully today) I shall tell all about my happy, fun, lovely weekend at home... but for now I will sit here and sulk because I have too much homework and I need to clean and I am home alone and I am stuck in this bathroom and I hate tornados.

Weather radio... Check
Laptop... Check
Shoes... check
Wallet/Id... check
Phone & charger... check
Homework to kill time... check
Padded seat... check
My Graduation Cap for a reminder that this is almost over... check

I am getting way too good at this.

26 days... 26 days... 26 days...

The day my life was ruined...

On this day 21 years ago my life was ruined. Okay okay not really, but on that day I did get my very first little brother. I don't remember that day or the year before it, but I know that because of that day my life will never be the same. Today is my brother's birthday.

Mac changed my life. He is literally one of my favorite people in the world. And while I feel a bond with each of my brothers and each one is differently wonderful. I feel a bond with him that I don't feel with anyone else. He is my brother. We fight, we annoy each other, we are completely different but at the end of the day he will always be my brother. We are the Originals ;)

It is a funny thing having a sibling so close in age. He kicked this only child princess off her throne or at least he tried. Almost every memory I have of my childhood involves him. True my parents are also a part of those memories but they were seeing everything from a different perspective than us. My parents remember how things really were and we remember how we perceived them. From the chore chart, to getting Perdita, to MaMa's saggy arms, and our days at home with Dad... No one else will ever remember it like we do. 

He might be pretty okay... but Mac knows how to drive me crazier than anyone else... just like a brother should, I guess. He has mastered pushing my buttons and pissing me off. He has always had a thing for annoying me by stealing my friends. When we were little Courtney use to come over and Mac would get her to come in his room to play Nintendo 64 and leave me in my room all by myself. It use to make me so mad!! Little did I know that this was going to be a lifelong problem. He has moved from stealing my friend to stealing my boyfriend. 

And onto the boyfriend. Mac and Anthony have become best friends. While this annoys me to death it also makes me just a little happy but we don't have to tell him that. It brings me joy to see these two very important men boys in my life be so close. I love that they love each other. Family is so important to me and I am so very happy that these boys hope to be family and get along so well. And I love that he has picked such a wonderful girlfriend. I not only love Mac but I have grown to love Taylor and I am happy he found her. And I can't wait to see where we all end up, I hope it is anywhere together (like the Fracharm or as I call it the Franch)

There are too many stories I could tell. Like the time he drew a man's private parts on a note card and stuck it in front of this red stopping light thing in the back of my first car... SO little did I know, every time I was stopping the people behind me were getting flashed by a bright red R-rated light!! or the time I ran over a car in his truck haha. Or when we were lost forever on the way to the rental house from Disney World. Having granny kick me off the couch so mac could stretch out and watch whatever he wanted on the tv. Family vacations, being in the same apologetics class in high school, long car rides, secrets, gaining two brothers, little fights, big fights, too many things to mention. We could write a book.

So today is Mac's birthday and even though things have changed, we have grown and for now moved away from each other... I will always be thankful for this day because it gave me him. I am so proud of the man he is becoming and for the chance to be his big sister. So tonight I will toast to one of the best mistakes my parents ever made... Mac Swann.

Happy 21st Birthday Little Brother!
I love you.
Thanks for ruining changing my life.

life + books - tv= ?

So much to say so little to write... Get ready for a hodge podge of thoughts in this thing.

I am reading a bunch of books right now, and that seems to be consuming my time. In the past month I have read some great books! I love to read. If you have anytime I would suggest reading any one of these books. Book 1: Choosing to See, Book 2: Respectable Sin, Book 3: The One Year Bible (it really is changing the way I see/read the Bible and if you have ever wanted to read the Bible but have gotten stuck in Numbers like me then you should look into investing in this Bible!) Book 4: One Thousand Gifts.
I gotta say more about One Thousand Gifts. I just started this book yesterday and I can't put it down. My small group leader suggested it to me after I was telling her about how I try to do a thankful for blog every week. It is all about this lady who was challenged to write down 1000 gifts that she is thankful for. It is awesome seeing her life transform as she goes through this experiment. And the thing is as I have read it I too have found myself looking at the world differently. I can't wait to keep reading. I have so many excerpts I want to quote but I cant pick just one. So I won't pick any :) Just go read it yourself. The funny thing is that I feel like each of these books are trying to tell me the same thing... to live fully right where I am, choose to see the good in all situations, be thankful for the things I often overlook. I am working on it.



Oh and I am trying to learn to sleep without the TV on. I always sleep with the tv on. not that there is anything wrong with that but the reason I do is because I am scared. Yes, it is true... I am a scaredy cat. I don't like the dark, I don't like the silence, and I don't like being alone. So I use the tv as a crutch. I am trying to eliminate this crutch for multiple reasons that I don't want to go in to. There is nothing to be scared of... This is a big deal for me. So last night as I was going to bed and I was reading my daily thing and in my verses was Psalm 4:8 which says "In peace I will lie down and sleep for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe"... How crazy is that!!! yea, crazy. I don't need that silly tv. We will see how this goes!

A weekend of Celebrations!

What a wonderful weekend! I turned in my senior paper on Friday, and let me tell you that was a load off for real. This weekend was full of celebrations. 

Celebration #1...On Friday morning Bonnie's grandmother went to be the Lord. She is no longer suffering and is now in heaven with her husband, son, and grandson. Wow. Bonnie is doing really well. About an hour after her death, Bonnie and I were talking and she said "it's the coolest and sweetest thought ever knowing she's running and playing in Heaven with daddy, Peter, my grandaddy, and my Jesus! I mean you just can't be sad thinking about that." Isn't that the truth. I celebrate the reunion she is now having with her family and I hurt for those here longing for that reunion. Please keep Bonnie and her family in your prayers. 

Celebration #2... Mac's birthday. This weekend was the first time I had seen Mac since Christmas. I was glad I could be home at the same time as him. We had a huge family dinner on Saturday night. It was wonderfully chaotic. Did you know that having a massive, funny, crazy family is one of the greatest blessings in life? I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Celebration #3... Max. Yes, Max and Mac are very similar. I was able to be there on Sunday to see Max get dedicated at church. I was so glad to be there for it and for everyone to get to meet the sweet baby they had been praying for. He did not disappoint. Precious miracle baby, Love him. And then I got to walk in the march of dimes. It was perfect weather and perfect company. I did not really know what to expect of this event but it was really fun! Next year I plan on going all out :)

It was a great weekend. I am so glad that I got to go home and that Emily got to come with me. We had fun laughing and talking and not worrying about homework. I have to admit this weekend made me a little sad because even though Emily always leaves the cabinet doors open, and can't concentrate on a conversation longer than 5 min, and talks during my tv shows... I will miss her. She is a great roommate. I am a lucky girl. 

An afternoon treat!

Favorite things of the day... A surprise happy birthday treat for Anderson! An afternoon full of sunshine, giggles, cheers, frozen yogurt, sticky fingers, chocolate smiles, and full tummies! It was a good time and I was happy to sugar them up and then take them home to their babysitter! haha

Birthday Boy! 

A little hyper!

All done!

Two thumbs up for Sweet Cece's

Speed Bumps

I absolutely hate speed bumps. This hate started a long time ago at Davidson Academy. Love that school but the amount of speed bumps there is just a bit ridiculous. I thought that I was moving away from the speed bumps after high school but I was Wrong! Union University has more speed bumps than it could possibly need. On the average day I have to slow down more than 42 no I am not exaggerating times just for speed bumps! I can't stand it.

The funny thing about speed bumps is the fact that I let them make me so mad. I mean I can get livid over speed bumps and today I was really thinking about that. Why do I hate them so much? Mainly because they are getting in my way of where I want to be. I understand their purpose but sometimes I lose sight of that and think that Union has really just put them there to annoy me. or so that they have something to do with all the money they charge to go here

There is a bigger lesson in these speed bumps. This is my life. I am always in such a hurry to get to where I am going that I don't take the time to slow down! I think God loves speed bumps. He likes to say "Morgan, slow down. Notice me. Stop being in such a hurry to get where you are going." I want to graduate, we all know that, but somedays I get really sad because I know it will never be the same. In my mind, Jackson is a speed bump right now... It is in the way of where I want to be. I am conflicted. Somedays are just so "awful" and then there are moments I know I will miss it. There are a lot of speed bumps in my life right now. Sometimes I find myself thinking really God, you are just putting this here to annoy me aren't you?! But in the end all these things have a purpose. They are teaching me to slow down, to notice Him, to notice the things in my life that I wouldn't have otherwise. And maybe they are just there so I will better enjoy the parts with no speed bumps?

So I am going to try to be more understanding, but lets be honest... speed bumps are a pain!

The Journey

It was a great weekend at home, but now it is back to the real world. Jackson was so nice to greet me this morning with a storm. All in all I don't really want to be here right now but you gotta do what you gotta do.

That being  said today I want to share an incredible blog with whoever it is that reads this thing. My roommate told me about this blog a long while ago. She told me I just had to read it and that it was amazing and that it would change my life. Yea yea sure... I didn't read it. Emily was acting crazy walking around talking about this girl and her family. I thought she might be losing it. So basically I ignored her and moved on with my life. I had heard a million great stories of great people and I just didn't have time to read about this girl. I am not going to move to Uganda or adopt so why do I need to read it right?

About a month later someone posted a link to this girl's blog on facebook again! I was bored and so i decided to check it out. Nine hours later yes, I stayed up ALL NIGHT I finished reading all of her posts. I probably could have read through it faster but I had spent that nine hours crying and praying and reading scripture and being completely blown away. Emily woke up the next day and I was walking around like a crazy person. I couldn't stop talking about this blog.

I tried to find a place for you to start, but I couldn't pick just one. But I can give you a little review.. Katie is from Brentwood, TN. She now lives in Uganda. She is somewhere around 21 or 22 years old. She left everything that she loved to serve. She now has 14 (?) adopted daughters. She has an incredible story. So let me tell you that you should go read this blog but you should prepare yourself. Prepare to feel uncomfortable with the situation in Uganda. Prepare to be challenged to make a difference. Prepare to want to go scoop up one of these precious children and bring it home with you. And prepare to be moved by the stories you will read.

I understand that everyone doesn't have nine hours to read this thing, but we all have more time than we think. I would challenge you to at least look through the pictures because I know when you see their faces you will want to know more about them.

Needed

Today has been a funny day...
I just spent 20 minutes trying to open a bottle of Mt. Dew. This is the most annoying thing about living without any men. I mean I guess I am just a wimp but I cannot open anything for myself. However, I have never had problems with Mt. Dew bottles... until lately. Ya know those little bitty bottles that never really satisfy your thirst but make you feel better about drinking half your days calories from a little green bottle? Well I first noticed the problem with these bottles, but today it happened with a 20 oz bottle! I just couldn't open this thing no matter what I tried. I am like about to cry. After trying for 20 min and even trying to poke a hole in the bottle so I could just pour it into a glass... I had to go outside and ask the first guy I saw for help. This happens to me all the time so I am over the embarrassment of it. It even took him more than one try so it made me feel a little better about the situation. I am telling you this top was like super glued on! However I was slightly embarrassed when he said "didn't you just ask me to open your pickle jar last week?" umm... yes? Anyway, I am mad at the Pepsi company right now. Also there is a bottle of juice that Emily has that she hasn't been able to open for two weeks but refuses to go out and ask for help. I just think that is silly. I told her she could probably meet a boyfriend and get her bottle open all in one!

Other reasons I need a man-slave/butler/brother to live here with me...
-take out the trash
-unload my car when I come back from home
-bring in the groceries
-protect me from murderers
-start my car in the mornings (this was more an issue when there was ice every morning)

So if anyone wants to volunteer for this job I will be taking applications.

Decorating!

Lately I have been really into decorating for the holidays. Maybe it is because I wanted something else for my procraftination yea I said it problem. All the craft blogs just do the cutest things and I felt left out. I like it because it actually gives you a reason to show off your cute crafts! And there is a new holiday almost every month so I always get to think of new ideas. My friends think it is weird. Anthony thinks it is stupid (sidenote: he said if we ever have a house we will only decorate for Christmas and the 4th of july.... why the 4th of July? I have no clue. Don't worry I think he will give in eventually!) But anyway... Look at what I made today :)

I started with $2.50 and a dream. And I ended up walking out of Hobby Lobby with all of this and 10 cents to spare!

And all of those things turned into this cute little banner!

It is even cuter in person! I am just not good at taking pictures. And you see those little chicks? They were in the dollar bin a few weeks ago! They are salt and pepper shakers. 

This cute little centerpiece is just making me very happy. 

I don't know what I will do when Easter is over? What holiday is next? 

Things I'm loving...

There are lots of things I am loving today! Yesterday was not a good day. I got stuck in Jackson because of storms. I missed the visitation. I spent a lot of time in a storm shelter trying not to yell at people joking about tornados. Yesterday a lot of things went wrong but today has been a great day! Those not so good days really make me appreciate days like today. So today I am loving...

The Sun!
I am so glad the sun decided to come out today. It wasn't exactly warm, but it was warmer than it has been. I love when the sun is out. I have had the windows open all day mainly because I cooked salmon last night and this apartment still smells like fish. It is crazy how much more motivated I am on these sun shiny days. Oh and did I mention I absolutely love how the days are getting longer! That means summer is coming!

A map of my trip!

Speaking of summer... I am loving the fact that in 104 days I will be on a plane to Europe! AHhHh! How exciting is that?! I'll be honest I have never really just dreamed of going to a foreign country for an extended period of time. The decision to take this trip was very influenced by Jackelyn because she was going but needed someone to go with her. And then backed by my Mom and her love for traveling. I was a little reluctant at first but who in their right mind turns down a once in a lifetime trip to Europe?! When we booked the trip there was still over 200 days until we departed and it didn't feel real to me. But now... we are almost in double digits! I am so so so excited. I am sure I will talk about this a lot more as I get closer to departing.


A glue gun is like the duct tape of the crafting world. I am amazed by all the ways I can use this baby. Now that my sewing machine is broken I have been using my glue gun almost every day. I am not sure whose glue gun this is actually. It is in our apartment and we all have used it at some point or another. Now that we are moving out we have realized most of the stuff we own we aren't sure who it is going to go home with. Since Emily and I are the only ones who live here I have got a 50/50 chance of taking it back to Cross Plains with me! I am hoping she won't fight too hard for it ;) but if so I will be asking for a glue gun as a graduation gift!




And lastly this song. When I am at school I really only listen to Christian radio and that is mostly because there aren't many stations to chose from but also because the music always seems to be a blessing to me. I enjoy this station and it always seems to be playing just the song I need to hear. When I first heard this song come on the radio I didn't really like it all that much. I thought it was annoyingly upbeat and I was not in the mood how ironic. Well I slowly but surely started catching on and now it is one of those songs I find myself humming throughout the day. It could be a theme song of mine considering I am really good at noticing the things that drive me nuts and not the ways I am blessed.

Oh and did I mention I am loving chocolate cake! This is really weird for me I am usually not a big chocolate eater. I have never really gotten why people go so gaga over it. But lately I have been craving chocolate cake like a mad woman! I may have had chocolate cake with every meal including breakfast for the past few days. oops... The good news is tonight will be the last of my chocolate cake and hopefully the last of my chocolate cravings!

Oh yea and I am graduating in 46 days... and I LOVE THAT!

and I love you :)

My GrandBob

I can't sleep. Part of it is because I need to, and part of it is because of the brewing storm, and part of it is something completely different. Someone is on my mind tonight and he just won't let me sleep... He always was bugging me.

Lately GrandBob has been on my mind a lot. It all started when I got my cap and gown in the mail. It is funny how little things can trigger hurts you try to hide. As I looked at my cap I saw that little yellow tassle and it all flowed back like a flood. Because it reminded me of my high school graduation. GrandBob died almost exactly a week before I graduated high school. My last tassel was buried with him. Though we did all we could to go on with the high school festivities there was a major hurt present and the major absence of someone we all wished was there. It was a mix of emotions in a time that should be joyful. And so thinking of graduation is not usually a happy thought for me.

And then there was the announcements of the twins. And though we are all excited, my heart hurts for them. I wish I could give them my memories of him. The way he talked and laughed and told stories and said "hey mo" and that funny smile he had after he got those fake teeth haha. I wish they could know him like I did. And while I know we can tell them I also know, as a person with a granddad that I never knew, that they will never really understand. They'll never realize how much he loved, and how proud of his grandchildren he was, and how much he would have done for them. Part of it is because I didn't really realize these things until it was too late. I hope he knew how much I loved him too. He should be here to see them. I want them to know. It isn't fair.

And then there is the part where I am packing up my room. I have started packing to move out of my apartment. While I was packing I came across some things that really made me miss him. These are tornado things. I know I talk about tornado things a lot. I wish I didn't but the truth is I am still healing from that day and as much as I wish I was okay there are somedays it still scares me. Well as I was packing I came across this piece of wood and my fancy Bible. Now I see these things every day and they are usually ignored, but not lately. This fancy Bible is my last gift that has both his name and my Gigi's name in it. It was my graduation gift. I am sure he had no clue he was giving me this Bible for graduation and I am perfectly okay with that but his name is in it and I love that. I took this Bible everywhere my first semester of college but for some reason when I moved back to school in February I forgot it at home! Which turned out to be a saving grace because it was safe and sound when that tornado blew through. and then... This piece of wood hangs above my bed. It has engraved in it "Moe Swann" with a bunch of characters underneath that we have no clue what they mean. I can't remember who but someone found this piece of wood in GrandBob's shop sometime after he died. He was making this for me or maybe I was just on his mind, we don't know. Either way it is from him to me and I love it. When I moved into my dorm I brought this wood with me. It hung above my bed. And then the tornado happened, and I thought I would never see it again. There were scraps of wood everywhere. There is no way someone was going to pick up this one piece of wood and realize its importance. But someone did. Somehow it came back to me even though I have no clue how. I love it. It is a silly piece of wood that got found in a garage and then found in a demolished dorm room and has some kind of meaning I will probably never figure out. But it is mine and it is from my grandfather.

And the real reason I think he is on my mind tonight is because of Jackelyn. As I mentioned, Jackelyn's grandmother just died. This has had me thinking a lot. I wish I could tell her all the good things you are supposed to say. I want to say "oh it stops hurting" and "oh youll see her again/soon" and "it will be okay". But I know that even in 4 years there will still be nights that it hurts, and that some days soon won't seem soon enough, and that even though it will be okay it will never seem fair.

There are still days I look up and think that he will be walking in at any minute. There are times that it is obvious everyone is feeling the same way. There are things I know he would love like watching Mac play college baseball, or having the Raglins living in Cross Plains and all the family dinners that occur. Seeing Wil pitch on opening day of East Robertson Dixie Youth. Teaching Andrew and Keaton to drive. Seeing Kole in that East Robertson jersey and talking about how he is the best one out there. He would have loved it.

I was so lucky to have my GrandBob. He was not blood, but he was definitely my grandfather. He pulled my hair and drove me nuts. He bought me candy cigarettes when my mom wouldn't let me have them. He remembered every great thing I ever had done. He was so proud of me. He made us all laugh by always needing to pet the cat and tell us about James. His butt crack was usually showing and most of the time I knew him he smelled like smoke. He wore his muddy boots in the house right after I mopped the floor, and he had no clue why I would be mad lol. He built crazy cool things and then also things that no one understood. He was definitely one of a kind. I miss him.

My weekend!

was really boring...
but I did make a really good cake, and I cleaned, and I did homework, and I watched movies.
and there is still homework that I need to do always.

I'm not in a great mood. I am working off little sleep. And I don't understand why I have to wait while everyone else gets what they want now. Patience. Breathe. yes I am being dramatic

My roommate is finally coming home tonight! I won't have to sleep with my bedroom door locked and all the lights on anymore. I get scared when I am here alone.

And tomorrow I am taking a trip home to be with my friend Jackelyn. Her grandmom died and tomorrow is the visitation. I love Jackelyn and I can't wait to be able to give her a big hug. If you can please pray for safe travels home and back and that I will know the words to say or not say and that she will know how very loved she is even though she is hurting and missing her grandmother.

So this weekend wasn't so great but oh well, it could have been worse.

Planning life.

I am very plan oriented. I like to have plans. I like to know what is going to happen and when it is going to occur. I have a color coded planner that tells me what to expect each day. Classes without a planned out syllabus tend to drive me nuts. If we are supposed to do something tomorrow then I like to know what time we are going to do it... tomorrow night just won't cut it because night to me might be different than night to you. I like to know so that I can plan my day accordingly. I need lists. I need a plan.

I haven't always been like this. It is beginning to drive me nuts.

If God would give me an itinerary I would love it! For some reason He seems to constantly be changing my plans for His own. Life is funny like that. Even though I realize not all people need plans like I do, I do believe that most people like knowing the plan. And not only do we like plans, but people like to know your plans. How many times a day do I get asked what I am doing after graduation, when am I going to get married, where do I want to work... well guess what people, I DON'T KNOW and it is killing me!!! I would love to know. I wish I could tell you or better yet I wish you could tell me.

Things I wish I knew... where I will be working after graduation, if I will get into OT school, where will I go to OT school, if not what will happen (will I go to a different type of school, will I stick with the job I have, will I like what I do), when will I get married, where will I live?????? The list goes on and on but these are my top concerns for the next five years. If I just knew these things then I could plan out the next five years accordingly.. right?

I know I know "the fun part of life is the not knowing"... well maybe for some people but for this anxiety ridden 22 year old the idea of not knowing freaks me out. I have a plan in my head for all these things obviously.. but I don't know why I am trying to figure it out. My plans are always changing. Things are always getting in the way of how I want it to be or think it is going to be. The only thing I dislike more than no plans is when people change set plans.

So in conclusion, I like plans. I don't like that I don't know what to expect in the next few years. If we have plans don't change them without a lot of notice. I am ready to know.

I will just continue to repeat this verse to myself.
"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11


At least I know there is a plan and it is a good one even if I don't know it yet.

Camp

This past Sunday I had the privilege of signing the song "Our God is an Awesome God" with a guy name Kevin at our church. Kevin has some form of mental retardation, and while I am not sure of his exact diagnosis I know that in the end Kevin is Kevin and a diagnosis doesn't matter.

Two summers ago on a whim I decided that I should work at a camp. I started to look online for different camps that were hiring. While camp sounded great, I also knew that I really wanted to be able to spend some time at home too. Well I came across this camp that seemed perfect. I would get to go home on the weekends. I would only work for around 6 weeks and there would be weeks where I could stay home. The only reason I was hesitant is because this camp was like no camp I had ever been to. This was a camp for people with disabilities. I would be responsible for the personal care of multiple people every week. I would work with adults some weeks and children other weeks. If you know me you know that I have problems with poop. I just think it is the grossest thing ever, and that was one of the things that scared me the most about my new job. But in the end I decided that I could get over it. So I went to camp and I had no clue what was about to happen.

I arrived at camp and had to go through all the trainings. I was prepared for all situations. We learned the basics like CPR and First Aid but we also learned many other things like transferring, showering, putting on braces, changing adult "diapers", clothing. Oh and there was a whole session on how to protect yourself in case one of your campers decided to attack you... yea. The training week had me scared to death and all I could think was what in the world have I gotten myself into this time!

Well let me to tell you that I had gotten myself into a life changing experience! I have SO many stories that I could tell you. I can tell you that my life was forever changed by working at camp. I went there thinking I was going to help them so much, but they taught me so much more than I could have imagined possible. I learned life can change in the blink of an eye. I learned that sometimes the best thing to do is laugh. I learned to not judge a book by the cover. That people are people, and that God can give you strength to do things you didn't think possible. That summer I laughed more than I knew I could yes I wet my pants once from laughing so hard and my campers found it hilarious, I cried tears of happiness of sadness and just because I was so tired I couldn't move, I hurt for my campers when they hurt, and I experienced a kind of love I didn't know before. I heard stories that changed my life and I was reminded daily that God has an incredible plan.

I had so many campers with incredible stories but there is nothing like your first camper. The first week of camp I met such a sweet lady named Julia. You can read her story here ... when I met her it was Julia's second year at camp. Because of her injury she had severe memory loss. She would remember the funniest things. I would wake Julia up every morning and reintroduce myself, I would remind her that she is at camp and that I was there to take care of her. What I loved about her was how amazing life was to her. The normal things that we never notice, she thought they were amazing. She would say Wow like 100 times a day. I remember one morning asking her if she wanted an apple (knowing that she loves apples) and she asked me what an apple was... let me tell ya it is hard to figure out how to explain things that like apples to someone who doesn't really have any reference points. So I showed it to her and I told her how to eat it and she took a bite. "Wow, This is Amazing!" she said as she smiled the biggest smile ever. This was just an apple. That week we also took a trip to the drive-in. I had mentioned this to Julia and every day when it was mentioned I would get to explain what it is. Considering she didn't even really remember TV... she was completely amazed by the thought of this movie. I remember going to the movie and sitting behind her. We saw Night at the Museum 2. She laughed louder and harder than everyone else there even though I knew she didn't understand most of the movie. She was there in that moment and she was so happy. She kept saying "This is the best night ever"! The next day when I asked her about the movie she looked at me like I was crazy. Julia had such a sense of humor. Since she was my first camper, she was also my first transfer. One day I was transferring her from her wheelchair to the toliet and I lost my balance and we both fell on the floor. I was almost in tears because I felt so bad. We were laying there and she says "Don't worry, I won't remember this in 10 minutes" and so we laughed and laughed until my co-counselor came to save us haha. She was the happiest person I have ever known. I remember when she was leaving one of my coworkers came up to me and we were talking. Julia had been her first camper the summer before. I remember her saying "You will never forget her, but she will never remember you". And she was right... Julia taught me so much. She knew she wouldn't remember that movie, but that didn't keep her from enjoying it. She was amazed by life. I want to be amazed by the things that other's take for granted.

Over the summer I had close to 30 campers. They were all different. They were all beautiful. Each one of them has a special place in my heart. I wish that I had time to tell you about every one of them. Lately camp has been on my mind a lot. I didn't get paid enough. It was not glamorous. I did things I didn't think I would be able to. And at the end of the summer I knew that it was all worth it. I am blessed to have known each of my campers, and I am blessed to know Kevin. They make me a better person. I hope that I never forget my time at camp, and I hope I have the chance to work with more of these beautiful people in the future.

What the bobbin!

Well I was going to show you my cute new camera strap cover today but... I can't. I can't get my sewing machine to work. For some reason I can never get my stupid bobbin thingy to pick up. After working on it for the past HOUR I decided it was best to give up before I was to the point of throwing the whole thing out the window. I read the manual, youtubed videos, googled advice, and went to the singer website but no... no help. I know I am doing it right. All I need is that one little thread to cooperate, but it won't. I am mad. I really wanted to finish that project today. Oh well. The worst part is that no one that I know here sews so I have no one to ask for help.

The funniest part of this is how heated I am over sewing right now.. I find it to be one of the more frustrating things I have ever done. Mainly because of the stupid bobbin. I kinda thought this would be a relaxing, "let's have fun" kind of thing... but it is not. If you don't sew then don't start. Sometimes when I am doing things like sewing or cooking I have to step back and say "Morgan, You don't have to do this... you are choosing to. Chill!" But the thing is I want to. I want to be able to cook and I want to be able to make, I want to sew, I want to craft. I love the feeling of "yes, I made that". I might not be the best, but you never get better without trying.

Around here I hear the word "someday" a lot. People are always saying well someday, when I have a family or a husband, then I will learn how to cook. Or when I am older then I would love to sew. But today is the today. I have more free time in my life right now than I probably ever will. Yes, I go to class and study but I have plenty of time. I only care for myself. If I want to nap then I nap and if I want to color then I color. There are no kids, no bills, no full-time job, no husband. I have time to make cute pancakes and figure out what works and what doesn't. I can burn the chicken and nobody knows but me. I can experiment and make things that are really good but I can make things that are really gross too and end up eating ice cream for dinner instead. I can work for an hour trying to thread a stupid bobbin. I have time to learn all the things I want to be able to do when someday comes around.

So why do I love it here? Because here I am learning more than just Psychology. I am frying chickens and painting bird houses. I am learning to be Me before I have to learn to be an employee, a wife, a mom, etc, etc, etc. I am gaining skills that they don't teach you in class. I want to be well-rounded. I want to do it all even if that isn't possible. That is why I am cooking and sewing and blogging and painting and traveling to Europe for a month. Because I want to be different and I don't want to wait for someday.

After that rant, I believe I will go back to that stupid, dumb, frustrating bobbin now.... maybe I will have a cute camera strap soon!

Just Because..

I love "just because" gifts. So I may be a little spoiled and I get just because gifts more than I should, but I will not complain. :) So this week my favorite things are all the just because gifts I got over Spring Break.

1. Knives! These beauties were purchased for me by my Granny Rie. She bought them a while back, but I just now got them because I had not been home. Cutco knives are really nice and really sharp! I may have already cut myself by accident. I have already used them a few times and I absolutely love them. I also got a vegetable peeler and a pizza cutter!!

2. A Griddle! I have been wanting a griddle for a while now. And then one day last week I was walking through Kroger and TADA... this wonderful thing was staring at me for the low price of $18. That is a deal!  So after texting the Easter Bunny she agreed I should get this griddle even though she thought my excitement over a griddle was extremely weird. So now I have a wonderful griddle to make all kinds of fun things on. I really do love it and it is all I ever dreamed it would be haha. Do I have a place to store it in this apartment... no. Do I care... nope! It is bigger than any countertop space I have so for now it is living in the den. I don't mind so hopefully Emily won't either :)

Would not rotate... Sorry. 

3. A cup, a candle, and a bib. Gifts from my aunts... just because. My cup says "what happens tonight... goes on facebook tomorrow" and I just think that is so true and funny! A candle because it was buy one get one free so Holly bought one and I got one free! It smells so wonderful. I love candles. and then a bib. These bibs were how Holly told my mom and Aunt Kathy that she was having a baby. She thought I was going to be there too but unfortunately I wasn't :( Little did we know that one bib wasn't going to be enough for two babies! I have also decided that since I am 22 years old and so much more than just a silly cousin that I would like for the babies to call me Coco Mo for cousin Morgan. Is that not the cutest name ever. So Levi, Bambam, and Pebbles... You can all begin to refer to me as Coco Mo. Thanks in advance. :)

And those are all my new favorite things... I am a very lucky girl in many ways!

True Life... Morgan Edition

Do you ever just not want to start something because you are so convinced you will fail? It is kinda like getting in shape... I know I will love the results and I love the way I feel after working out but it is the actual going to the gym and doing it that I hate. I have tried about a million times to get "the best body ever" but after about a month of being hardcore, I eventually give up and just go back to the way it was before. Now this is where I get honest. True Life... I am a crummy Christian. One of the biggest things I have learned in my small group is that until you get honest with yourself and others then nothing is going to change. Honesty is hard. It is ugly. The truth is not always as pretty as you want to paint it, but the truth is the truth. I would love to say that I do it all right... I never sin, I always go to church, I do my "quiet time" every day, I spend hours in prayer every night. But.. that is not true. The truth is that I am a human, I sin daily, sometimes I sleep through church, I never have a quiet time, and I usually fall asleep during my night time prayers, I don't stop to pray before I eat (unless I am with my friends or grandmother), I have never read through the Bible, and sometimes my mind wanders while the preacher speaks. That is the truth and I would like to delete all of this and just keep it to myself but I won't. And the hardest part for me is to realize that even though I am constantly failing, God loves me. I would like to insert a lot of Bible verses here but I just don't know any off the top of my head and I am too ashamed to google for verses right now. I am undeserving, and He loves me anyway... I really believe that. Well this is all stemming from a conversation I had last night with guess who?! Anthony. At the beginning of the year we made a list of things we would like to do this year. Some things were big some were little, it is like a little bucket list. Well one thing we both wanted to do was to read through the whole Bible. Of course last night he brings this particular goal back up. He started the conversation with "Why don't we start doing a Bible Study together so we can discuss it and hold each other accountable." Sounds like a great idea right? but my brain immediately flashes back to all the Bible studies I have started and never finished. I have a bazillion books, studies, Bibles, and devotionals. But quiet times to me are like going to the gym. I love the results, I love the changes they make, but I hate the actual process of stopping what I am doing to do them. yes, I know I am horrible.   So I start thinking.. Why start if I know I am going to fail? So what do I do... lol well I try to convince him to do the Bible study I am already doing with my small group because hey I already have to do that, and it is pretty good. I can read my chapters within like an hour a week, and there is a lot of things to talk about. Well after some discussion we both realize that is not going to work because I am already half way in and by the time he got the book I would be done. So we discussed something we both would think we would like and I talked to my friend about some ideas and I started searching. So in the end I brought up the idea of doing the one year Bible since that way we would be reading the Bible and get a devotional and it was highly recommended to me. And after discussing it and thinking and praying about it we have decided to do it. And maybe I am a horrible person.. for not just jumping at the opportunity. Trust me, I know I should. But ya know sometimes it takes someone else encouraging you to take that first step, and sometimes you have to pray for the desire to do things. So that is where I am... praying for the desire to do this and that this time I will finish what I set out to do. I believe that God can do crazy, amazing things if you are willing to let Him. I believe that spending alone time with Him can change your life in countless ways, I believe the first step is being honest and asking others to join you. So maybe all the people who read this are already super humans and are great at Quiet times and maybe you are all thinking oh my goodness Morgan is horrible and I can't believe she wrote all of this but... this is me. This is where I am, and I believe that God will meet me here.

So the truth... I am a sinner, but I have an Awesome Savior who already knows everything I just wrote. He gave me this book (The Bible) that enables me to learn more about Him and His truth. He loves me. He saved me. There is so much more to write, but no time.

Pray for me. For real...

Where to Begin...

Well I am back at school now. The only good thing about being back is that it means I am a step closer to being done. I really don't hate it here... I just love it there. Spring break was wonderful. I got to do all of my favorite things. Though I always have trouble leaving, my time at home is always worth the sadness of saying goodbye again. So what did I do over Spring Break? Well...

 I went to Dallas. It was beautiful there. I absolutely love weddings and Maresa's was one of the prettiest I have ever been to. It was also great to get to spend time with Courtney and her family. The Yates girls taught me many important lessons in my young life. They always made sure Courtney and I were dressed cute, hair done, and where we needed to be. I remember when I was little just thinking they were the coolest, prettiest girls ever. Courtney and I loved spending our time reading the diaries, getting our hair braided, spying on their conversations, and striving to be like them haha. They were the big sisters I never had and while we thought they were cool, we also thought they were terribly annoying and didn't really know what they were talking about. I am glad that over the past few years they have become my friends and not just my best friend's sisters.

 I went to games. I love going to baseball games on a warm sunny day. Having a big family with lots of boys means that there are always games to go to. I got to see 3 different baseball games and 1 soccer game. Monday was the first time I have ever gone to a game to see the coach, but I think I liked it a lot. East Robertson had the cutest first base coach I ever have seen ;). I love seeing Anthony doing something he loves so much even if it means I have to sit on the sidelines and watch instead of spending time with him.

 I helped Anthony's family move furniture. Sounds bad but I enjoyed it. It was a good excuse to spend time with them. Anthony spends so much time with my family that it is always fun to go spend time with his. It makes me laugh how much he is like each one of them in different ways. We also ended up staying up almost all night cleaning out his bedroom. That is not something you should do with someone you don't really like lol. We went through old yearbooks, read Senior wills, looked at his baby pictures, read baseball articles, discovered his Snoopy doll that he use to sleep with, and found things that brought back tons of memories. I was actually sad when the last drawer was emptied because I was having so much fun. But no worries because the fun continued the next day and I have never had so much fun moving furniture.

 I went to Sonic every day over the break. I did not have the intentions of doing so but that is how it happened. One night while Anthony and I were at Sonic I got that overwhelming holy cow this can't be happening I am a grown up feeling. Our "first date" was at Sonic. Of course, it wasn't really our first date but it was the first place we ever went just the two of us. We both got our driver's licenses on the same day (January 18, 2005?) That is a funny story in itself but... you know when you first start driving you just want to drive everywhere. Well that night we decided we just had to go somewhere! So we decided to go to Sonic but the only problem is that we both wanted to drive. I lied to told him my parents really didn't want me riding with him, and he lied to told me his parents really preferred him to drive... So in the end we both drove separate cars to Sonic and then got in the same car to eat. Well as I was sitting there last week I was right back in that moment. Only this time there wasn't a skinny little 16 year old teenage boy sitting beside me. I was sitting in a car with my best friend, talking about life and the future and fears and dreams, and I was happier than ever. Moments like that are why I love home.

As you can tell this post is turning into the adventures of Morgan and Anthony. Sorry. The majority of my time was spent with him and I loved every minute of it. I did so many other beautifully wonderful things that I could go on and on about. I loved every minute of my time at home. I was with people I love, in a place that I love. I feel well rested, fully loved, and ready to kick these next 55 days in the butt... so now Back to the real world.