It's the most wonderful time of the year ;

I saw this picture & had to use it. It reminded me of the year we moved into this house. We were moving over the Holiday break so we didn't have the time to put up decorations and stuff. I remember drawing a Christmas tree on paper & taping it to the wall of my old house so that we'd have something to put the presents under. I was 10 years old. & boy was life simple then. Ha. The truth is my life is simple now. At least compared to everyone else, it seems. I see the things my friends are going through and I can't help but feel like everything is handed to me and handled for me. I mean, yea, I have my problems. Heck, I'm not going to have a vehicle for the next eight months. But that's nothing compared to the problems other people have. It's only a car. I was blessed to have it as long as I did, even. It's not that I'm asking for a hard life. I'm just floored and how easy I have it. God has been so gracious and merciful to me. And for what? It's not like I've done anything to deserve it. I just don't understand. Then again, I don't think I'm supposed to. Oh, the wonder of my God.

Anyway, it's almost Christmas! I'm so excited. And for the first year it's not because of the presents. Heck, I don't even remember what I'm getting. And I really don't care. I'm looking forward to waking up & watching the parade with my parents, enjoying the delicious meal my Mom's going to cook, and just thanking God for all of the amazing people I have in my life. And I'm so thrilled that I get to see Jared! I really didn't think I was going to be able to. With him having so many family things going on we barely get to see each other over the holidays. As much as I would love to spend them with him, I'm okay with it. I don't feel like there's a need to rush things. And I'm so glad that we got that cabin for a few days up in the mountains. It'll be good to hang out with friends and just relax before the new semester starts. It's going to be a doozy, I know it.

Speaking of school, I got my grades in yesterday. I did fairly well. Especially for not putting in a whole lot of effort. I had 5 As, one A-, one B+ and one B. My GPA is a 3.667. Everyone seems to be really proud of me. I thought it was going to be a lot harder in college. And, I guess, in a way, it is a bit more challenging. And I'm sure it'll only get harder from here. So I better buckle up for the ride. It's important for me to stay focused and keep my head out of the clouds. Which is kind of hard when you have the most amazing boyfriend on the planet. But that is a risk I am willing to take. ;)

I haven't gotten my check from playing at graduation yet. I'm kind of getting anxious about that. I know it's not much but when someone says they're going to pay you, they need to pay you! It's just a little frustrating. I am thankful, though, that I'm getting paid at all. I guess I should be saying that instead of complaining about it. Man, it is so hard trying to be perfect. Haha.

I'm pretty much on cloud nine right now. Today has been wonderful. My whole life is just incredible. I wish I could live it the way I'm supposed to. Because God deserves nothing less for all that He's given me. But like I said, it's hard trying to be perfect. And I fail more often than I succeed. But my God is gracious. And I am oh so thankful.