Rain, rain, rain!

Though many people may disagree, I have loved the rain the past couple of days. Aside from the cold that is. My favorite is when it's pouring rain with lots of thunder and lightning. In an odd way, I find it sort of comforting.

It makes me want to snuggle up with a book (as nerdy as that may be), or watch a great movie. I love the times just as it's starting to downpour and you have to make a mad dash into your house or car. I love that excited feeling of trying unsuccessfully to avoid the rain and getting completely soaked. After that you might as well just keep playing in the rain!

Someday, I want it to rain so hard that I can go down the road in a canoe. And someday I want someone to dance with me in the pouring rain. Since I tend to be a hopeless romantic, I had to throw that one in there haha.

Another favorite part of the rain, is that it's always followed by a rainbow. No matter how hard the storm gets, there is always that amazing fresh rain smell and a great rainbow.

Bittersweet Endings

One of the only things I ever really worried about with college was getting crazy room mates, the kind that steal your socks in your sleep...or worse. However, I ended up getting to room with three of the most amazing girls.

We had frequent ice cream runs, ate countless treats, and distracted each other constantly from homework. They have been there for me countless times throughout the year, even if it was just to listen to me ramble or to take me to bed when I fell into my sleep-like state.

They are each so amazing in different ways, and I'll always be grateful that I got to see what it is that makes them that way. I'll also forever be thankful for everything they did/do for me. They each never failed to help me figure out my little problems, bring comfort, let me leak on their shoulders or make me laugh. And since we all thought we were pretty funny (which of course we are), there were endless laughs and good times.

Even with such a great year though, it had to come time for things to change. It meant many good things and new adventures for each. However, along with change also had to come goodbyes. I'm definitely not a fan of goodbyes, sometimes they just seem too permanent.

So instead of saying goodbye, I'm going to stick with "See ya later!" And even though we won't be rooming together anymore, or even in the same town for a couple, they'll still be my close friends.

Moral of the story, don't be afraid of letting people come into your life. You never know the impact they might have or the memories you might make! :)

Hooray for Easter!

The past Easter weekend I got to spend with three of the cutest little kids alive...my nephew and nieces!

They make me laugh so hard! Emilee is quite the little diva. At times I think she's convinced she's a 16 year old teenager instead of a 5 year old little girl. Anything pink, frilly or candy coated and you'll have her full attention

Tyson...oh goodness...probably the funniest little boy I have ever met! And so adorably sweet. He is 100% cowboy and not afraid to tell you so. Give him a minute and he'll tell you all about Woody, Bullseye, and of course Baby Jacob his new calf. Even though he was hoping for a baby brother this weekend...he still handles a house full of girls pretty great!

Little Macy, my little mini-me...or so everyone says. She is the happiest little thing..but don't let her sweet little smile fool you! She'll pull one of her adorable little looks...and turn around and get into everything she's not supposed to...then after she just looks back and smiles with surprised innocence. Though I'm more then certain she knows what she's doing..the little tease!

And to top it off...my newest niece finally came along! Little Miss Courtney Jane! Now I get another chance to teach who the favorite aunt is...

Now the ride back to Cedar was also an adventure in itself...Thanks to Whitney's brilliant idea, we decided to write a word in the fence of an overpass with cups. Sounds easy right? Well...little did we know that not all overpasses have roads to them. After a hike up a hill, through the rain nonetheless, we accomplished it!

Grandpas

As a little girl...I'd always sit up on my grandpas lap. He'd bounce me around and I'd pretend to steal the pens out of his overalls and he'd pretend like he didn't see me trying to sneak them out. Other times I'd just curl up in his lap and fall asleep while we watched an old western. He never failed to make me feel special or giggle uncontrollably.

He has always been there to play the role as both father and grandpa without complaint. He has the most pure heart out of any one I know, he works so hard for everyone around him no matter who they are. He is the first one so many people call when they're in need, and he would give them all he has I think if my grandma wasn't there to stop him. He doesn't express his emotions as much, he is more of the kind that shows their feelings through acts. He has so often been my security net, making me feel like everything would be okay without saying many words.

I love his passion for auctions, he can find the beauty or use in things that most of us would consider old and broken. I love his sense of humor, and how he calls all pop "soda water." I love how adorable he is with all of the grandkids. Most of all, I love that even though I'm grown up, he is always there for me. Hearing his words "Amanda, we're so proud of you" means more to me then he could ever imagine. Sometimes though, I wish I was a little girl again, crawling into his lap and not having to worry about a thing in the world.

I don't know why I felt the need to go on about my grandpa, but I guess it falls under the category of my life. I guess lately I've been thinking about the different people that have impacted my life. So there ya have it....my rambling of the day.

*Catching-Up*

First off...doesn't that face make you just laugh...haha love it!

Anyway...what a week! It was one of those where you feel like you're in a sea of water and just managing to tread enough to stay afloat. And to top it off...it seemed with everything I was running late. Late to class...late to work...late studying...getting to bed late.

Now after a busy Saturday I'm simply content to spend the rest of my night catching-up. Catching up on what you might wonder? My sanity. It requires a night of good food, possibly a movie, laughter and most of all no stress. Everyone needs at catch-up day....I think it should be an event celebrated weekly. If I were an evil genius that could take over the world...I would definitely make catch-up day a requirement.

On a different note....even with a crazy week and partially losing my mind, it was still good. I realize more and more often all of the amazing friends and people I have in my life. I don't know what I'd do without them. To make it even better...the weather!! It makes me oh so very excited.

I'm quite certain my mind has gone and left for summer. Sunshine, popsicles, late nights, star-gazing, fireworks...Ahhh!! I'm certain Cedar is going to be a mazillion times better in the summer then in the freezing cold winter. Only two more weeks left of the semester! :)

Up up and Away!

Someday I'm going to try this. Just like in the movies...Up or Danny Deckchair...I'll float away in a sea of colorful balloons, off to some new adventure.