Hello friends! It has been far too long since I've blogged about something happy, so here I go.
I have so much to be thankful for that I'm not even sure I'll be able to write all of it down. So far, 2016 has been filled with the most incredible thing--happiness!!!
First of all, my second year in Omaha has been so much better than I imagined. I've met the best people, my dog is here, my cat is here, and this place feels more and more like home every day. I'm taking classes that have reinforced my love for children and books. I got a 93% on a math test (that one's for you, Grandpa!), and I'm learning about things that I genuinely want to learn about.
I have the best job on the planet. I am incredibly grateful to have met Carrie and her two wonderful children. We learn together, we struggle with math together, we read together, we spell together, and we have so much fun. They teach me more than I teach them--lessons of creativity, patience and kindness. I beam when I see the love in their eyes when they play with my dog. Those kids make me a better person every day! I have a pretty good feeling my mom had a hand in placing them into my life.
My roommates! Never did I ever think this living situation would work as well as the way it has. Sometimes they drive me crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Movies and late night trips to Bucky's are a couple of my favorite things! The best part is that I always have someone to talk to and I never feel alone. We just click and we are completely honest with each other. It doesn't hurt that the boys are always willing to kill spiders in the kitchen. These people are my family and I love them.
My FRIENDS! Even the ones that live 4 hours away...know that I love you so much and I could not handle the tough days without you. Chances are, if you are in a group chat with me and I'm asking you for boy advice constantly (like every 5 minutes, let's be real), I consider you one of the very best friends I have. I can't forget to mention the new friends that I've met this year. I'm shy and I'm not very good at meeting people, but somehow I've come across some really great ones. Two of you are getting married in the next couple of years and I am SO excited to stand beside you. Sierra, my mom will be there beaming down at you. I know she is so proud of who you are. Molly, she would have loved to meet you and I know she's so glad we are friends. Ugh, I love weddings and I'm tearing up thinking about it. There are so many people who have added to my list of reasons to smile lately. Thank you, friends...you know who you are. :)
I miss my mom so much and I would do anything to have her here with me. Still, as I am finding myself and becoming more confident each day, I'm seeing all of the things she would be proud of me for. I'm musical, I'm kind, I'm intuitive, I'm compassionate. I'm freakin' smart!!!! Thanks Momma, for helping me become who I am. There is so much less crying these days and there are so many more smiles.
