Goodbye Nebraska );

It's been such a long, busy week and a half. I'm back home in Utah, but still have not un-packed but who would right away??? There is so much that has gone on the last 10+ days. now that I am home safely, I'll tell you my car story. Monday afternoon the kids and I get in the car to go to the store--- yeah we didn't go. My car wouldn't start at all. My first thoughts: "seriously?? I drive to Utah in a week!" Stressful. Things always seem to go wrong at the worst timing. No worries though-- it was nothing major, and we got it taken car of. phew!! The kids and I got our pictures taken before I left, so that Ali and Jaxson can frame it to always remember me. Last Saturday I spent ALL day cleaning, throwing lots of things out and packing everything up. So fun.......... NOT! I'm definitely not a big fan of packing at all. Last Sunday is when The Mom&Sisters started their adventure out to Nebraska.... but with the horrible weather they didn't make it until Monday afternoon. I was so excited to see them. I had just seen them two weeks ago, but I was even more excited to see them in Nebraska then I was in Utah.

We spent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday playing.... my last few days in Nebraska and with my little buddies.

Wednesday, was my last day with the kids... and I was really emotional, but didn't show it. Thursday was the hardest day of my life. Harder then I thought it would be. I adore these kids and I really miss them! When it was time to leave I didn't want to go home at all. The last few days being home I've been an emotional wreck, I cry all the time! It's going to take me some time to get used to being home.

I still can't believe I have been in NEBRASKA the last FIVE MONTHS!! It's just weird to me to think I've lived in nebraska-- of all places!! but... I am so unbelievably grateful for this awesome opportunity that I had. and seriously, for everything the Hawkes did for me while I was there. They are an amazing family.

I have LOVED watching these kids all day, everyday. I really do love Ali and Jaxson with all of my heart. I didn't know that it was possible to love little kids this much. Ali has been such a good friend to me these last few months. I adore her. I've loved watching Jaxson grow.... from a baby to a little boy. I've seen him do so much. Rolling over to sitting up, to crawling to standing and to walking. They are my buddies. I love them.

This whole thing has been an amazing experience for me in every way possible. I know that I was meant to come to Nebraska-- There was a reason for me to come and have this experience. I have grown up so much, and become a responsible adult. I have got a feel on what it will be like to be a mother. To live on my own (away from home) and most importantly I have grown a strong testimony of this gospel. I believe that it is the true church with all of my heart. Most of you know that I have struggled in the past and have gone through some very hard experiences-- being in Nebraska helped me get through it all and I have become closer to our Lord these past 5 months.

I'm so thankful for the friendships I have built. The Hawkes are my second family, because for 5 months they have been my family. I love them all so much and will miss them tons. I hope that we will stay in touch.

Thanksgiving we were suppose to celebrate with the McKee's but since we were on the road the entire day, we had our Thanksgiving dinner at SUBWAY! :) a turkey sandwich of course. I'm so so thankful for all my friends and especially Family. For everything that I have.. home, food, clothes, job, the gospel.

Nebraska Checklist:

~Eat out as much as possible (CHECK!)

~ Go to a Nebraska Huskers Football Game (CHECK!)

~Runza (CHECK!)

~Missouri River (CHECK!)

"missing someone gets easier everyday because even though you are one day further from the last time you saw them, you are one day closer to the next time you will."