One. Week. Left.

Guys the time is winding down!! In just over a week, I'll be back home with my family & my dogs & working & having no school work.
Can't. Wait.

College has been much tougher than I ever thought it would be. Many different aspects tie into the first semester being a little challenging but this too shall pass. I've learned SO much and am just taking more and more steps towards my ultimate goal - which I'm incredibly excited about.

With no set schedule (besides classes), little sleep, homework, and other various socially & mentally draining events - you get a little exhausted. So I'm very much looking forward to being home for almost a month!

Highlights of my first semester?

- Getting to know my roommates better & we're actually adding our best friend to our dorm room next semester :)
-Yes, we were one of those dorms that bought a "pet" fish. Hank Alexander Nigel Sven I - aka Hans. (long story, don't ask. We just call him Hank)
- I'm very thankful for the weekends I got to go home - a lot of students aren't able to.
- Random adventures to Target.
- Playing Just Dance with my roomies until midnight - and losing every single time I might add.
- The support of friends & family! I couldn't do this journey alone.
- My GORGEOUS campus - any season is picturesque.
- Extremely thankful for my boyfriend who pushes me to do my best & supports me through everything. Going to college with him has been such a blessing!
- Also, my sister Erin is my biggest support. She wouldn't complain when I texted her ranting or upset. She drove the 2 hour commute to come see me on weekends I was alone (or just bored). She totally understands me & my heart. It's tough not sharing a room with her anymore but I know we'll be there for each other in everything we do.

Praying all my lovely followers have a safe & blessed Holiday season. Enjoy those around you and don't take them for granted. Remember the real reason for Christmas. I'll be back soon!

xoxo,
~Michlyn

From Our Family to Yours

Wishing you the best this season!

xoxo,

~Michlyn & Family

Recovering

I'm still recovering from Christmas break and all it's lovely-ness. :)

I think I went through a mental shock when school started again.

Let me give you a little look into...

What Christmas Break is really like.....

The First Day:

Expectation: Everyone is all happy and cheerful...you talk about exciting things in all your classes and enjoy some Christmas gifts from friends.

Reality: You can hardly sit still long enough to endure that reeeaally long 50-ish minutes. A lot of teachers are crabby and impatient because they have to put up with psycho teenagers. You also have to turn in a paper, project, or presentation in almost every class.

Freedom:

Expectation: The last bell rings and everyone skips into the halls like magical elves. You gather your things, and say goodbye to your friends.

Reality: That final bell rings and people are everywhere. No lie. You can barely get your books and leave the class without being run over by a stampede. Fortunately, teachers decided to not assign homework and you get home to obnoxiously post all over facebook that Christmas break is HERE!

Christmas Celebrations:
Expectation: You're a teenager and you're as cool as a cucumber. You're excited for your gifts, but no need to show excitement.

Reality: You are so stinkin' excited for that one thing you KNOW you're gonna get that you almost pee your pants. Then, on Christmas Eve night you're just like a little kid waking up every hour and trying not to open your door to take a peek at the presents.

Post-Presents:
Expectation: You got a pile of presents and just don't know what to do with yourself. You explore and use every gift you got and are busy for days.

Reality: All the gifts you got are amazing. You were totally blessed! It's like waking up to a dream and you use your new things to get used to them.

Almost New Years:
Expectation: You've been building snow-forts, visiting family, saying endless thank-yous, and relaxing until you ring in the New Year.

Reality: You haven't gotten dressed for a week, probably haven't showered for a few days and are starting to smell like road-kill. Your room looks like an endless pit of dirty clothes, price tags, and boxes. So you decide to actually get ready and then sit on the couch with no where to go.

New Years Eve:
Expectation: You're going to someone's house to celebrate with your friends, play hilarious games, eat tons of food, and kiss that special someone when you see the ball drop on TV in Times Square.

Reality: You chill with some friends and people you just met. As you go into the frigid weather and freeze as you force yourself to have fun when someone asks you to go sledding. Then you overly stuff yourself with food, and choke down some cheap, fake champagne when the clock strikes midnight.

One. More. Day:
Expectation: Any homework that was assigned is finished, new outfit set aside for the return back to school, and you get yourself to bed nice and early for the busy day ahead.

Reality: All you really did for the past 2 days was sit at the computer for hours without end, watch some stupid TV, text some friends, and begin to start bad habits that could get you the name "couch potato". Then you go to bed at midnight and feel like a zombie when you try to wake up in the morning.

All together - The break from school and doing almost nothing everyday, was pretty nice! :)

~Michlyn

My Christmas

Eeeeekkk!!! BEST. CHRISTMAS. EVER!

I am so happy that God put me in this amazing family.

I got so much more than I needed. Seriously was spoiled the socks of my feet this year.

My goodness...Here you go... :)

(Top to Bottom)

Erin // Scout // Me // Jace // Tareh Jo

Sisters // My dad // Dad & his sisters (he has no brothers) // My grandparents

Opening presents on Christmas morning :)

My favorite gifts:

Boots//Volleyball//Mocassins//Scarf//RED CD//Gym Shoes//Earphones//Earrings

AND MY PHONE! Erin & I each got a phone :) Sooo excited!! That's right...never had a cell phone before.

 2012 teenager shocker moment :)

HOPE YOU ALL HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS!

~Michlyn

The Meaning of Christmas

Just thought I'd brag and say I took this picture... I know, shame on me. ;)

Well I'm back!!

You guys... I just need to say...

I am ridiculously blessed!!!!

This Christmas was so great!

It was filled with joy, laughter, & love.

It's not about the money or presents.

Or the cookies or lights or the snow.

Christmas truly has a meaning.


Christmas really should be explained more...We wouldn't have a Christmas without the most important one.

OUR INCREDIBLE SAVIOR WHO WAS BORN ON THAT COLD DAY IN DECEMBER!!

Goodness gracious, he was born in a dirty stable outside and layed in a feeding trough (manger) to sleep.

He was the most important person ever born. He saved the sins of the entire world - This tiny little baby was literally perfect.

So instead of complaining about not getting the best present, or the weather being too cold... let's remember...

Jesus is the reason of the season!

Blessings,
~Michlyn

Wordless Wednesday - One Year

Most Wonderful Time of the Year

When you rush from store to store, last minute and get things off your Christmas list.

When you watch crazy people spend way too much money.

When you bake cookies with your grandma.

When you watch humble people stand outside and ring that annoying great bell.

When you look out the window and the earth is covered in a white sheet. 

When you get a tree and decorate it until it's hanging to the ground

When you drive around town and look at the beautiful lights on peoples' houses.

When we remember the birth of that special little baby, Jesus, born more than 2000 years ago.

When you pray to the Lord Almighty that you don't crash on the icy roads.

When you bundle up warm from the cold weather.

When you drink hot chocolate and watch Christmas movies.

When you get a nice long break from school.

When you wrap gifts up for everyone in your family.

When you see pretty bows and shiny ribbons.

When you eat too much at the many gatherings you attend.

When you are especially grateful and giving.

Blessings,

~Michlyn