BS!

Not what you're thinking-- I now have a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education! After 4 1/2 years of studying, sitting in class, typing papers, doing projects at MGCCC and USA-- I'M DONE! And proud too. Allow me to take just a few sentences to brag on myself ( I won't do this often). WHY? Because in 2008, I married my husband. Which somehow meant I would drop out. And in 2009, he impregnanted me. Which also meant that I would drop out. And in 2010 (with only one semester left-- student teaching), I delivered the most beautiful baby girl. What did this mean? That it would be too hard for me to leave her, and I would drop out. Again, in 2010, my husband impregnanted me! And with only a couple months left of student teaching, what would I do?? By now, you should know! But, I didn't! And of that, I'm proud. Because I will admit, there were some TOUGH times when all I wanted to do was DROP OUT! Student teaching was the hardest, but the end in sight kept me going (and all of the nay-sayers too). It was the getting up early, being on my feet 5 days a week, planning lessons, coming home to cook and clean for my family, taking care of a 5 month old (who can keep you ON YOUR TOES), ALL while trying to nurture a baby growing inside of me. Especially during my first trimester! All of you mommy's know that it's EX-HAUST-ING. And all you want to do is SLEEP. Thankfully, I have a WONDERFUL family who, on the days when I needed help, was there. To watch Hallie, cook, clean, etc. while I napped. For them, I'm grateful.

This chapter of my life is over. And it's hard for me to grasp. I feel like I should be registering for classes, going to college, studying for tests, etc. That's all I've known for the past 16 1/2 years. I do plan to continue working on my masters degree. Although, I haven't completely decided on my field. Either counseling or special education. Until the decision is made, I'll be a full time stay-at-home-wife/mommy. And after two weeks of being home with my Hallie bug, I've thoroughly enjoyed it. It's nice to feel somewhat relaxed everyday with little stress and no place to go! I'm sure I'll miss that "hectic" life sooner or later. I've been able to catch up on some MUCH NEEDED cleaning around the house. The little things like organizing drawers and closets, CATCHING UP on laundry, wiping down cabinets, dusting window seals and baseboards, etc. OH YES-- and now I'm able to plan dinner and have it sitting on the table when my dear husband comes home from a long day at work. And that's exactly what he loves. It makes me happy to be able to do anything he wants/ needs. For example, last night he craved peanut butter rice krispies (at 11pm). And since I didn't have to be in bed at any certain time because I didn't have anywhere to be today, I made them for him. And to see him smile and enjoy them, gave me pleasure. I couldn't do those things without him. I'm so thankful that he works SOOOOO HARD to provide for us and allow me to stay home with our babies.

I said all of that to say, I GRADUATED (magna cum laude)!! On December 18th, I walked across the stage at USA's Mitchell Center and received my diploma. Well, the hard back cover that it goes in. ;) Afterwards, I enjoyed a wonderful evening with my husband. First, we did our Christmas shopping for Hallie. We'd already purchased $130 worth of toys on Amazon. So, we had intentions of picking up two more items: a bathtub ring and bath toys. Instead, we spent $200 and didn't get either of the two items we'd intended to buy! Austin was like a kid in the candy store! As we walked the aisles he'd say, "She's got to have this! Look at this! This looks fun! Oh- she'd love this!" And not being able to decide which toy she'd like best, we got them ALL!! She's going to have a wonderful 1st Christmas! I'm sure you're thinking she's only 7 months old, she won't remember. You're right. But she'll have PLENTY of pictures to look at one day! Back to our wonderful evening: After shopping, Austin treated me to The Wash House in Fairhope, Alabama. OH MY-- such a delightful meal. And if you're a lover of food (like me), you MUST try it. Make sure you bring your checkbook! It's a little expensive, okay, quite expensive. But OH, SO, WORTH IT. Very romantic too. Don't forget to make reservations! And try their Key Lime Bread Pudding. It's rated #1 dessert in the Southeast by some magazine (Austin could tell you). After our dinner, we rode through downtown Fairhope and looked at all of the Christmas lights! Such a romantic evening with my love.

Here's pictures of graduation:

Section 103 girls!

My love.