12.04.09

Hola! Sorry it's been a while, I've been busy with my trip to Kansas and other such things. I just got home yesterday. I'm sooo glad to be home! Not that I had a horrible time in Kansas, but it's just hard to be away from home for so long (three weeks), especially with things being kind of difficult for the past few months; home is sometimes a much better place to be.

As far as my activities and adventures in Kansas goes, I had a wonderful time! It was so great to see my friends and my family and visiting my old church and seeing how everyone is. The weather was cold and cloudy most of the time, but we had a couple really beautiful days, too. I didn't get to see any snow, though, which is what I was hoping for. :(

After we left Kansas on Thanksgiving, we went to my grandparent's "get away" house in the woods of Missouri (it sounds big and nice, but it's very small and...quaint. haha.We all love it so much though!). We had a second thanksgiving there with them the next day and spent the whole weekend there sitting by the fire, riding four wheelers and chowing down on post-thanksgiving snacks.

We left on Sunday and went to Branson for a few days. Our cousins and their son met up with us there and we hung out and have a marvelous time!

We left on Wednesday morning and got back yesterday and have been unpacking and catching up on things since.

Yesterday, I decorated my Christmas tree (I have a mini one in my room). Hanging proudly near the top is and ornament I got in Branson (I get a new ornament every year). It is a tarnished silver dove with a pattern and "hope" written on it.
I saw it and thought it was so fitting for this time in my life. Even though things are hard, I've decided hope is the theme of my year this year. Even when things are dark, there will always be hope. Hope for a time of joy, hope for a bright future, hope for a time when a moment of happiness won't be immediately followed by brokenness and disappointment.
This year is a year of hope and renewal. I won't be forgetting this year. This year is important and pivotal in the development of my future. It will count.
Well, I have to go! You have a great week! xoxo