God is great and life is good!

So, we made it through our first dual-family Christmas! It was crazy, hectic, busy, exhausting, and every other synonym -- but I wouldn't have changed one minute of it! I loved being able to share my favorite time of the year with Zach. I loved that he was able to be with all of my family and that I was able to show him off!! I also really enjoyed being included in his family's events. I also still love being introduced as "fiance" =) It was a somewhat mind-boggling moment when his sister reminded us that by next Christmas, we would be married. I am so excited and in such awe at the amazing things that are happening in my life right now.

This time off from school has been so refreshing. I am glad to have another whole week before I need to return to work. I am still hoping that this time off will rejuvenate my soul and my spirit so that I can come back to work with the same sense of purpose that I began this school year with. I am also hoping that with the help of my TFA boss, I will be able to change some of my mentalities so that I can take value in "small wins" and appreciate the small changes that I am making, instead of purely focusing on the overwhelming mountain that I am attempting to climb in such a short period of time.

Speaking of climbing a huge mountain -- I have taken on another personal mountain to climb. On March 21, 2010 I will attempt my first half marathon. Today is my first official day of training. Yesterday, Coach Olsen took me to the track for a time trial. He needed to see where I was starting in order to create a personal training plan for me. For my future reference -- I completed a mile in 9:36. I am hoping that by the time I complete my half marathon, I will be able to laugh at that time -- because yesterday I was somewhat embarrassed at the shape I am in. Well, you have to start somewhere! And I guess the worse you are, the better you can get, right?! I am excited about this new challenge.. and I DO mean CHALLENGE. I'll keep you posted!!

A whirlwind...

These past six weeks have been a complete whirlwind, which is why it has been so long since my last update! My apologies!!

The biggest news since my last update?? I got engaged, of course! I could not be happier, and was beyond surprised when it happened.

In the last few weeks, we have also attended my sister Kristi's debutante ball (always an interesting experience), attended Zach's company Christmas party, shopped for a new ring, hosted our first potluck dinner, I completed my first semester as a high school teacher (BIG accomplishment -- I can barely believe I made it), and now we have begun making wedding plans.

The plans are limited so far. I have come home to Birmingham and Mom, Kristi and I spent yesterday exploring two reception sites, as well as making a trip to our first bridal salon! I couldn't believe I was actually trying on wedding dresses. The both of them teared up when they put a veil on my head. I was mostly just in shock still. There were a few dresses there I really loved, but I wanted to give myself plenty of time to look and think about. This is, of course, the time in my life I have been dreaming about for years, so I see no reason to rush it!!

Zach is on his way to Birmingham this morning. This will be our first time ever trying to split up Christmas (and other holidays). It will be interesting trying to see everyone and be everywhere that we are supposed to be, but I hope family will be understanding. I am just loving every minute of our life right now. It is so exciting that to think in just barely any time I will be his wife.

This is all I have for now - I probably could have written more but I am out of blogging-shape! I vow to update more often though!!