Adventures

Tomorrow I'm leaving to embark on a three week journey throughout Ireland. I have never been and I am so grateful for the opportunity.

My blog may go on a bit of a hiatus during this time but I will continue to journal and I have no doubt that I will find countless things to be grateful for during my travels.

Mothers' Day

I've already celebrated my giving, yet a bit unconventional, mother on this blog. Today, I celebrate all mothers. I celebrate an entire day set aside to acknowledge mothers. At our house Mothers' Day is synonymous with laughter- belly laughter, tears from laughter. Mothers' Day is the source of inside jokes and lots and lots and lots of crazy family-style love.

Happy Mothers' Day! Thank you so much to all the amazing mothers out there. The world could not keep turning without you.

Pets

My house has always been filled to the brim with pets. It's part of the joy of being the daughter of a veterinarian. I cannot imagine going to sleep without my cats at my feet or the sound of barking in the background of my dreams. Away from home I miss the time I have with the extra cuddly members of my family.

Thanks Zoobie, Milo, Leo, Scout, Titan, Susie, Marlin, Layla, Baby, and Skipper for adding a whole new dimension of joy and love to my life.

Slowing Down

Today I spent the afternoon with my grandparents. They take things so sloooowly. As I started to get frustrated with their pace I reminded myself how grateful I am for time with them. Slowing down gives me a chance to appreciate every second of that precious time. I move through life at an incredible pace most days. It's refreshing to slow down and take stock of everything that's going on around me, the people I'm with, the lessons I'm learning.

Thanks.

Hard Goodbyes

I know it seems silly to be grateful for goodbyes that are hard, but the tears in my eyes are a reminder that my life would not be the same without the person I'm bidding farewell to in it.

You all make it hard to leave. You are my home, but it's time to let you go, because you are going to do amazing things.

Thank you for all that you mean to my life.

The Last Day of School

Finally.
Freedom. Summertime. Love.
All the shenanigans that not having stress and deadlines leads to...

Thank you.
Bring it on, summer 2010.

That Teacher

You know the one. The teacher that taught lessons that will stick with you forever. The one whose impact went so much deeper than memorizing facts to repeat for exams; the one that taught lessons of value. Mine was Dr. Hudson. What I learned from her is still benefitting me today.

Thank you, Doc, for pushing me to be better all the time.

Sunny Drives

I've gotten really used to driving with my summer job and long distance drives to and from school after each break. No drive is better than the ones on perfect, sunny, warm days... windows down, music up.

Thanks.

Kappa Beta Phi

Joining Dorian has been the best decision I've made in college. These beautiful women are my family away from home. When I am weak and hurting or laughing too hard to breathe, they're there. If I'm smiling, they're the cause. My entire college world revolves around these people. I will never be able to express enough gratitude for all they have brought into my life.

Thank you so much Dorians. You are incredible.

Puddle Jumping

I've never seen the rain as something to run from; I want to soak up the cleansing gift from God straight through my toes. I want it to drench my hair and drip down my face, and, more than anything, I want to run run run and JUMP and splash the big puddles forming down the sidewalk and get everybody all wet.

Thanks for this joy.

Hope College

I knew from the moment I visited this place three years ago that I would make a home here. I had a few reservations about its reputation, of course, but I was willing to risk it. I could not have imagined at that time how my life would be impacted by my decision. Each day there are huge strides in the right direction that reverse any idea I had of Hope's reputation. As a campus we are growing and I am grateful to be a part of it.
I am having the time of my life here. I grow everyday through the relationships and experiences that Hope brings into my life. I can't even begin to recount the times I've cried tears of joy and laughter since I've been here. As my third year is ending I find myself reflecting on how fast it's gone and how far I am from being ready for it to end. I know my final year here is going to challenge me in some amazing ways.

Thank you so much Hope students. You have no idea what you mean to my life.

When Everything Falls Into Place at the Last Second

It all comes through in the end and it is perfect.

Thank you.