Fall is HERE!

Fall has finally arrived... although on some days it feels like it is verging on winter. I suppose that is normal in the wonderful state of Illinois that I have grown up in. :) Anyway, SO much has happened since I last wrote in this blog! I have officially begun my senior year of college. SENIOR! Where has the time gone? This semester has been the busiest one yet and is my last semester of classes before I start student teaching in January. Right now, I am just trying to savor this season of life before it is gone all too soon. Two weeks ago, I went home for Fall Break. Saturday morning, bright and early, we headed to Edward's Apple Orchard.

 Here is Oliver ("Ollie") the golden retriever getting a belly rub from my grandma. He is the owner's dog.

My family always arrives before opening. Crowds just ruin the experience. Of course, we were first in line for the famous fresh out of the oven donuts.

Simply mouthwatering.

Not only is their cider delicious, it is also wise. :)

Here is a shot of Ben & I on their picture bench.

Corey & I.

On Monday night, I hung out with Kourtni & Stephanie. We ordered dinner from Chef Chen. It was SOOOOOO delicious! We had a great time! I miss those girls SO much when I am away at school. :( I will leave you with this ADORABLE image of Kourtni's daughter Shannon in her Halloween costume. :)

I love the Smell of Fall...

Basically, I just love fall!!! :) Being home this weekend has rejuvenated my spirits a bit. It's always good for the soul to be home. =) I was also able to enjoy some Edward's Apple Orchard donuts & cider! Yummm! I wait all year to get some of their food! And today is absolutely GORGEOUS! I wish I could just stay home & enjoy this beautiful weather but alas, I must return to school. Well, see ya next blog! :)

School & Friends

Well, I have officially started my junior year of college a week & three days ago (if you count when I moved in!) =) I can't believe that I am already a JUNIOR! I student teach THREE SEMESTERS from now! It's so crazy to think that I will be teaching in my own classroom in the real world in less than TWO YEARS! CRAZY!!!! Many people have told me to enjoy this time in my life because, although the "real world" has its blessings, college is definitely more fun. I definitely plan on enjoying these last two years of my life being a college student. I am very blessed to be rooming with the same wonderful girls as I did my sophomore year of college. :) They are wonderful, Christ-like, upstanding, funny, beautiful women & have changed me for the better in so many ways! I will be sad when Renee, Rachel, & Caitlin graduate this year but I am just so thankful for my roommates & the past two years that I have been able to spend with them! As for actual school, it has been really hectic the past week & a half. I am taking 17 credit hours which is nothing unusual for me but it appears that this semester I picked all of the tough classes or the ones who give out a LOT of assignments. Blaah lol But I know that I will get through it perfectly fine! It will just take even more effort on my part! Well, I have to get ready for my 8:30 class! See you next blog! :)