And Another Semester Begins

Well, we're home again (I mean Boise home). Today was our first day of classes for our new semester. I only had two today, but Drew had four. It's been an interesting adventure trying to figure out how to get to campus with only one car. Almost none of our classes are at the same time, so we both will be spending a lot of time on campus. Although I didn't like this idea at first, I realized that it will allow me a lot of time to finish my homework, which means I will be able to just relax when we finally do get home.

Christmas break was wonderful. We got to see both our families, which was nice. We were very lucky, our break was a WHOLE month. Poor Hilary only got about two weeks, which is sad because we would have loved to see her more. We also missed Heather, Jon, and Asher, though we were lucky enough to see them for a couple of hours one night. It was weird not having them there, but I completely understand the splitting time between the families. It is a hard thing to juggle two families, but we love them both so much.

The start of this semester marks something else exciting. In February Drew and I will celebrate our six month anniversary. It's amazing how fast time has flown by, but I've loved every minute of it. Also new this semester is the fact that I will finally be starting my education classes. I'm so excited because it means that I am starting to get closer to the goal. It also means that I will be taking classes in the subject I am completely interested in. Drew has also started a lot of his upper level classes. If everything works out according to plan he will have his degree by the end of the next school year! We are both so excited and can't wait for what's ahead this semester.

Home!

Yep, you heard me right. We are taking our first trip home (as in Idaho Falls) from our new home (as in Boise). I can't wait to see everyone. It has been forever since I've seen anyone from Idaho Falls.

The reason we are heading home is for the Hillcrest Joust. Hillcrest is the high school that both Drew and I went to. The Joust is the debate tournament hosted each year by the school. From what I've heard, this year it is going to be HUGE! They've had to invent new rooms to hold debates, and they have been begging for judges for the rounds. It will be interesting to go back to doing the high school debate thing. It feels like years since I've helped out at a tournament!

Even though seeing some of my old friends and family will be fun, the real reason this tournament holds such great memories for me is because it was the place that Drew and I were "formally" introduced and set up on a date. (Thanks Marcy and Mom). So this time last year was when Drew and I sorted debate ballots together (oh, so romantic, I know). It will be exciting to get to go back to this place as a married couple, instead having an awkward get to know you session (okay, it was never really awkward, but you have to exaggerate the story a little sometimes). Anyway, I am very excited to go home, and I'm sure Drew is too. Hopefully we see some of you there!

Halloween...Not just for kids

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. Everyone gets dressed up, and goes around to houses getting candy. What can be better than that?! And then I grew up...

Not to sound disillusioned, I still love the costumes and the festivities, but it's just not as much fun if you don't have something to do, such as a party or having friends over, or have kids around to dress up and get ready. I have always loved helping my sisters get ready for Halloween. I especially love playing with the makeup. It's just weird because no one in our neighborhood has any decorations up. That has NEVER happened at my house. My family, especially my mom, loves to put up the decorations. And in the neighborhood I grew up in, every family decorated pumpkins, or put up decorations. It almost doesn't feel like Halloween without decorations. And of course, Drew and I don't actually own any decorations. It's sad to realize that I have to grow up. So the question is: How am I going to spend my Halloween?

In true just married with no kids or decorations fashion, we are going out to dinner and a movie. Is it sad that this is what we chose to do on Halloween, probably a little bit, but it is one of the only "real" dates we've had time to have in I don't know how long. I guess we finally had to have a holiday to have an excuse to do something.

So, what this all comes down to is this: I am going to be so excited when I have kids to celebrate Halloween with. I love costumes and candy, and I'm sure my kids will too! (Honestly, who doesn't). So yes, Halloween is a holiday for the young at heart, but who ever said we have to grow up?

Crazy is what we aim for...

This past weekend I had the chance to spend time with my family. They all decided to come up for the weekend, and it worked out perfect because it was also my mom's birthday, so we all got to celebrate together. I haven't had a chance to see my sisters since the beginning of school. Having them all here just reminded me of all the crazy, fun family times we spend together. We spent the better part of the first night helping Melissa, the oldest besides me, with her Affirmative case for high school debate. Luckily we had Drew there, otherwise it probably would have taken the two of us all night. And even with Drew there it still took until one thirty in the morning. (That's probably due to the fact that we went out to eat with my family, and that always takes forever!) It was fun to have my sisters stay in the apartment because it was just like old times when we all would stay up together. This also brought me to the realization that I am most definitely an old married fogie because I went to bed MUCH earlier than my sisters. Which brings me to the funniest part of this weekend.

As we were getting ready for church my sister called my name from the bathroom. In almost a panic she asked me what to do with her underwear. Needless to say I was a little confused about what she meant. She went on to say that she had stayed up so late the night before, and was so tired, that she had gotten ready for the shower and then stepped in...with her underwear on!

I guess this just proves that my family is truly crazy, me included, but I would never really want to change that. It just adds flavor to life, besides, we always have good stories to tell. (Even if we don't use our real names.)

It was also amazing to see my littlest sister, Katelyn. She is just growing up so much. I swear that everytime I see her she gets older. I can't believe that she is already in seventh grade! There is just so much going on in her life. She joined a ballroom team and is doing excellent. She is so much fun and I can't wait till I get to see them again, hopefully in two weeks, when we come home for our home town high school debate tournament.