Back to School

I am now half-way through my second week of school at University of South Florida, and things are going well. The first week was pretty stressful, as I spent the first couple of days trying to get all of the classes I needed. But thankfully, I was able to register for everything required for me to graduate by the fall. I can't wait! I must admit, as I hear many of my friends talk about their upcoming graduation in May, I feel a little sad and discouraged that I still have two semesters (and possible some summer classes) before I finish my degree. But then I remember the reason I decided to transfer, and it's worth it. I get to see the cute face of my loving husband every day!

My course load is pretty full, and I am definitely going to be reading a lot this semester, but I am looking forward to getting back into my Major and building my writing skills. I am blessed to have a respected university close to my home, and I really like how much smaller the campus is compared to that of Colorado State University. I know that God has brought me here for a purpose, and I trust that He will continue to bless me as I follow where He wants me to go.

Our First Christmas

This year marked the first Christmas (and New Year) that Ryan and I shared as a married couple. We were so blessed with an incredible and full holiday season. Ryan was able to get leave from work to travel with me and our little dog to Colorado.

Even though we knew we would be gone over Christmas, Ryan and I still decided to buy and decorate a real tree for our first home together. We loved picking out the perfect tree for the apartment, stringing the lights around it, and carefully placing ornaments and paper snowflakes over the branches. We also opened our presents to one another and filled our stockings before we left for Colorado. I felt so content sharing Christmas traditions with my wonderful husband for the first time.

While we were in Colorado, not only were we able to spend time with my family as we stayed in my parent's house, but we were also able to see his family members over the course of our visit. My parents-in-law and one sister-in-law traveled to Colorado this year as well and stayed with Ryan's sweet grandma, who happens to live within 10 minutes of my childhood home. It was such fun seeing everyone over Christmas. Being with family always makes the holidays special to me, and this year, I was lucky enough to spend Christmas with both of my families! My younger sister's boyfriend (ironically, also named Ryan) accompanied her to Colorado for a few days as well. I really enjoyed getting to meet the boy that my sister is so crazy about and of course having quality time with her too. We all had fun celebrating the joyous time together.

Ryan and I returned to Florida just in time to celebrate the coming of 2010 together. My adorable cousin, Colleen, invited us to a private party at a restaurant near Tampa. It was great to have special plans for New Year's Eve and to spend the evening with two people I love. We got to dress up and welcome the new year in style :-).

I hope you all had an equally magnificent Christmas season! Enjoy the pictures of our holiday fun!

Decorating our tree!

My cute, tall husband putting up the star

With my lovely mama at "home"

I love my daddy :-)

Enjoying beautiful Colorado. We loved having a white Christmas!

Rusty and me with Jenna, my sweet sister-in-law

Yay for sisters and their Ryans :-)

With Colleen at the New Years party

Having a blast!