I am soooo glad I am not an only child!!!!

Sorry I haven't posted in so long. It is exam time and the semester is finally wrapping up.



This weekend, I have been at ECU by myself. My roommate left Thursday afternoon and will be back Sunday afternoon. This is the first time that I have ever been COMPLETELY alone in my whole life, and I have come to this conclusion, I DON'T LIKE IT!!!! I don't like it AT ALL. Sure, everyone loves to have some peace and quiet every once in a while, but a weekend is too long for me.

I am so thankful for my siblings. I may complain about them or argue with them, but at the end of the day I love them with all my heart. I wouldn't trade any of them for anything!!!! Maybe if I had been an only child I would think differently; however, I am not an only child. I don't think I fully realized how TRUELY grateful I am for the siblings that I have, until Thursday night when I was laying in bed starring into the darkness.

Owen - I know you probably don't read my blog, but I want you to know how much I love you. You are my rock and my shield. I know you will defend me in any situation. I love the way you are embarassed by your buffness and how you shy away when any girl tries to come and talk to you. I can't believe that you are taking driver's ed. If I don't think I should be old enough to go to college, then I definitly don't think you are old enough to be driving a car!!! We may fight and get angry with each other every once in a while, but I want you to know that I will ALWAYS love you and I will ALWAYS be there for you!!!

Alexa - I always know I can go to you when I need a good laugh, sometimes I laugh at the joke itself and sometimes I laugh at you because you think you are so funny! :-) I am so thankful that you are my sister. Even though we are completely opposite in our fashion sense, we are similiar in so many other ways. I am so proud of you for stepping out and making friends. I know how hard it is to make new friends. I am so sorry that I missed your first show, I know you did AMAZING!!!! Thank you for being you, and not changing for anyone!!! We will be sisters forever, no matter where we live, no matter how famous you get, no matter what we do in life. I will ALWAYS love you and do anything for you!!!!

Ian - You will always and forever will be my baby. I know that sounds funny, because I am not your mom, but from the moment you were born, I knew we had a bond that no one could break. We are so similar in SO many ways, and I hadn't noticed it until I left for college. You are a very gentle and kind hearted boy. When others are upset or hurting, you are upset and hurting for them also. You are growing up to be an AMAZING young man. I will ALWAYS be there to snuggle with you whenever you want, no matter how big you get. No matter what happens in the future, I will ALWAYS be there and come to you whenever you need me!!!

Baby I don't know - I don't know you yet, but I already love you. You have had a special place in my heart for a long time. I long for the day when I can hold you. I even long for the day when I just know your name. Wherever you are, please know that I love you, I pray for you, and I can't wait until you come home to us.

I wouldn't trade my siblings for anything. They have made me the person I am today and I will be forever grateful!!!

Thankful Day #4 - My family

1) I am thankful for my family. - They are my support system.

2) I am thankful for my dad. - I wouldn't be the girl I am today without him. He has been everything a father should be and more. I hope to one day find a man just like my daddy. My dad works hard, provides, and cares all for us. I am truly blessed to have a father as great as him!!!

3) I am thankful for my mom. - My mom is the best role model a girl could ask for. She is caring and loving. I would be lost without her. Sometimes, I don't show how truly thankful I am. She is always there to comfort me when I am upset, to show me the truth in things, and to overall be supportive in all I do.

4) I am thankful for my brother, Owen. - Owen was one of the first people to teach me not to be selfish. We may fight about somethings, but we love each other a lot. Owen will always be there to make me laugh and tell me all the statistics about the latest football game. He is a handsome, buff, incredible, sweet, kind, and loving young man. I will always love you and be there for you, Owen!!!

5) I am thankful for my sister, Alexa. - Alexa teaches me how to be fun-loving and free. She may be the complete opposite of me, but we will always be sisters and I will always love her. She may drive me crazy with her miss-match earrings, and her outragious outfits, but she will always be my sister and she will always be there for me.

6) I am thankful for my brother, Ian. - Ian will always be my baby brother. He is the sweetest, loving, kind, cuddily, thoughtful 9 year old I have ever met. I will always be there for him, no matter where I am. I know everytime I walk through the door I will be hugged until I can't breath. I will always love you, Ian!!!!

7) I am thankful for the sibling I haven't met yet. - Adoption is hard. I don't know who this baby is, where they come from, what they are like. I will continuosuly pray for this baby. I can't wait for the day when I can see them and call them by name.

8) I am thankful for my puppy, Lillie. - Lillie is an amazing puppy. She is loving and loyal. She is always excited and ready to be near me whenever I am home.

9) I am thankful for PawPaw Register. - I have been very lucky to have the grandparents that I do. PawPaw Register has always been a huge part of my life. He has been there for my small accomplishments and my big accomplishments and cheered me on in both.

10) I am thankful for Grandma and PawPaw Lee. - I will always be thankful for the many times that I have spent with both of you. Many kids don't have grandparents that want to be a part of their lives. I am thankful that my grandparents are the complete opposite.

11) I am thankful for Grandma Nemitz. - She know just when to text me. Especially when I am not having a pleasant day.

12) I am thankful for Tim, Maranda, Teagan, and Baby Horst. - Thank you for being such a huge part in my life. I will always remember the Christmas's, Beach trips, birthdays, and sleepovers that i have been blessed to share with the 4 of you.

13) I am thankful for Josh, Amanda, and Landon. - I will always be Amanda's boogerbear. I am thankful to Josh for taking such good care of Amanda. I love to squeeze Landon and here him laugh.

14) I am thankful for Todd, Jennifer, Savannah, and Avery. - I enjoyed those special times I got to spend with both Savannah and Avery when they were born. I have enjoyed the birthday shopping trips with Jennifer. I have also enjoyed playing Cornhole with Todd.

15) I am thankful for Trish. - I am thankful for the midnight twilight movie trips. The many times she has let us stay at her house and the many holidays and birthdays I have shared with her.

16) I am thankful for my church family. - I always know I can count on my church family to pray for me and encourage me to continue and push on towards the Greater prize.

17) I am thankful for my school family. - I haven't been at ECU very long, but I have made friends that I hope to have for many years to come.

18) I am thankful for my future family. - I look forward to the day when I can hold my own children and teach them the lessons I have been taught by my own family.

Thankful Day #3 - I am thankful for the Bible!!!

1) Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. - I am thankful for this verse, because it reminds me Who my creator is!!!!

2) John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. - I am thankful for this verse because God was so unselfish and sent His ONLY son to do for the sins that I have committed.

3) Psalms 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? - I am thankful for this verse because it has been a great comfort to me in times of trouble. It reminds me that I am never alone and that I don't have to be afraid of anything because I have Christ on my side!

4) Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all you heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. - I am thankful for this verse because it helps me remember that I can't do ANYTHING by my own power.

5) Matthew 20:16 - So the last shall be first, and the first last. - I am thankful for this verse because it shows how Christ doesn't care who you are, He will take the lowest of people and they will be considered first above the highest.

6) Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. - I am thankful for this verse because it tells me that I don't have to carry my burdens, Christ will carry them for me!

7) Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not by works, lest anyone should boast. - I am thankful for this verse because of Christ's unfailing love and grace. I can't save myself and God saves me by His grace.

8) 1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. - All ages can make a big impact.

9) 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - All we have to do is confess and He will forgive and take us in.

10) Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. - Ask the Lord for His strength in all that you do.

11) Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. - I am not the person I once was. I am saved through Christ!!!

12) Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. - Christ knows our plans and future. Everything is in His hands!!!!

13) Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Fearing God is one of the best things you can do!!!

14) Psalms 136:1 - Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His loving kindness endures forever. - Thank God for everything you do in life. We accomplish NOTHING by our OWN power!!!

15) Psalms 119:105 - You word is a lamp to me feet and a light to my path. - Knowing God's word will guide your way!!!!!

16) Job 1:21 - He said, Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. - Be thankful and stay faithful to God in all circumstances!!!

17) Genesis 1:27 - God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. - We are made in the image of God.

18) John 11:35 - Jesus wept. - Even Jesus cried.

Thankful Day #2

Friends:

1) I am thankful for life long friends. No matter where I go or what I do, I know that those friends will always be there for me. Through thick and thin, through happiness and sorrow. I know I will never have to go through life alone.

2) I am thankful for new friends. For a long time I didn't think I knew how to make friends. Most of the friends that I have are ones that I have had for as long as I can remember. However, this summer and just the few month at ECU, I have come to the realization that I do know how to make friends. So far I have made quite a few.

3) I am thankful for movie dates. I love going to the movies with my friends. I like to watch them laugh at things that aren't very funny and jump/scream at parts that aren't scary! :-)

4) I am thankful for memories. I will always remember the fun times I have had and will have with my friends. Some memories are crazy and some are serious, but all will stay in my mind for forever.

5) I love scandalous and spontaneous outings with my friends. I am not one to just go and do things; however, having the friends that I have, I just have to go along! :-P Sometimes, it is a lot of fun and others I feel like my head is going to explode!!!

6) I am thankful for Red Robin. My friends and I love to eat at Red Robin. It is one of my favorite restaurants.

7) I am thankful for ice cream. I love ice cream in general, but eating ice cream with friends makes it all the better!!!

8) I am thankful for celebrations. I love celebrating the little things with my friends. However, don't get me wrong...I love celebrating the big things too.

9) I am thankful for texting. I text my friends on a regular basis. It isn't so much the texting, but the staying in touch at a moments notice.

10) I am thankful for pictures. The majority of the pictures hanging on my wall and up on my shelf are of my friends.

11) I am thankful for field trips. Going on field trips with my friends make them so much more adventurous and exciting.

12) I am thankful for quotes such as, "It's just a decoration." and "That's a good one coach!" :-)

13) I am thankful for co-op. Yes, this makes me sound like a nerd, but I wouldn't be as close to those people as I am today if it weren't for co-op.

14) I am thankful for Argentina being purple and going through Antarctica to get to Haiti!!! :-P

15) I am thankful for Tae Kwon Do. I would have some of my very close friends if it weren't for tae kwon do. It is kind of hard not to become best friends when you are told to get to know one another because you were going to be partnered for life!!! :-P

16) I am thankful for rainy days and good movies. My friends like to get together and watch movies. It is even better when it is raining. It makes it much more cosy and makes the moments all the more special.

17) I am thankful for summers filled with friends. Some summers my friends and I see more of each other during the school year than we do during the summer. However, during the summers that we do get to spend time together, it is so much fun.

18) I am thankful for missions trips. I really enjoy going on missions trips with my friends. We make friendships that are very close and we get to share the love of Christ while making those friendships!!!

Thankful

It is November 2nd. Thanksgiving is 22 days away. I have decided to choose a topic each of those days, and write 18 things that I am thankful for.

Here is the first topic:

College:

1) I am very thankful for my roommate. Brittany keeps me sane. She deals with my craziness. She deals with my insane studying before an exam mindset. I am so thankful that we already knew one another. Some of the people I have met on campus have not been as lucky has I have been in the roommate department.

2) I am thankful for the knowledge to be able to come to college. I may complain about going to college, but I know that I wouldn't have been able to go to college if it weren't for the knowledge that my parents and other influential adults in my life made sure I had before I came to college.

3) I am thankful for Chick-fil-a. Chick-fil-a makes my day better when I am having a bad day. It also gives me a different option other than cafeteria food!!! :-P

4) I am thankful for my Chemistry Professor. A lot of the other General Chemistry 1 professors are not very helpful, thorough, or pleasant. My professor wants us to ask for help. He goes above and beyond to make sure that we fully understand all the material.

5) I am thankful for a big dorm room. I never realized how much stuff I have and need for every day life. I am glad that our room is plenty big for both of our stuff.

6) I am thankful for Campus Crusade. CRU is helping learn to branch out and make new friends, all while learning about Jesus and how we need to be a shining light for Him on campus.

7) I am thankful for new friends. Finding friends was one of my main concerns when getting ready to come to ECU. I have already met a few friends and am working towards more everyday.

8) I am thankful for hot water. There is nothing like coming from a long day of classes and getting in the hot shower to melt away all the stress of the day.

9) I am thankful for coloring books. Who knew coloring was so relaxing. I love to color while I am taking a break from studying or doing homework.

10) I am thankful for my bed. My bed is always a comforting sight at the end of the day.

11) I am thankful for my quiet times. The Lord always finds knew ways to view His love for me. He has been teaching me lately that I am His and His alone.

12) I am thankful for my cellphone. I call and talk to my mom 2 or 3 times a day. I wouldn't be able to do that without my phone.

13) I am thankful for Hot and Spicy Cheese ITS with Chocolate milk. Nothing more delicious for a late night snack.

14) I am thankful for skype. The other night I got to play a board game with my family over skype. It was a lot of fun.

15) I am thankful for the nice ladies at the dining hall. The ladies always bring a smile to my face and always ask me how I am doing.

16) I am thankful for tour groups. I love watching the tour groups that come to visit. It reminds me that I was just like them not to long ago.

17) I am thankful for Dr. Pepper. Just because! :-)

18) I am thankful for prayer. I am continuously brought to my knees in prayer about my life's decisions. What should I do next? Where should I go? Who should I reach out to?

I hope you enjoyed my first list!!!

College

I am now a freshmen in college. Wow, I cannot believe it!!! It seems like just yesterday I was eating under the kitchen table dressed up like an Indian with my little brother. Now, I am experiencing something entirely new and different. I will admit, I was not excited about coming to college. I didn't want to leave home, leave my friends, leave my family, leave everything I have ever known.

Move-in day was not as tough as I thought it would be. The night before; however, was an entirely different matter. I cried, I worried, I pouted, etc. One of the things that got me through that night was seeing my friends. I was partially so upset that night because I had wanted to get together with my friends before I left, but they all told me they were too busy to come and hang out with me. However, what I didn't know was that they had a plan. My amazing friends came and surprised me with a going away get-together. They came and made me feel better. They came and made me realize that I wasn't going to lose all the friends I have always had. They came and made me realize that I wasn't going to college by myself. I was going to have my family, my friends, and most of all God, there to support me the whole way.

The morning of move-in day, I was a little teary, a little shaky, and a whole lot of nervous. My parents and 2 friends came for moral support. The drive to ECU was one full of laughter and fun. I had fun decorating my room, buying all of the "necessities" and making the place feel homey. I didn't cry when my parents left. I didn't cry when I went to lay down that night (though I was sure that I would).

Saturday came and went. My whole family came to school so that my siblings could see my room and see the campus. They took my roommate and I out to dinner, and then it was time for them to go. That was a hard goodbye to say. It felt so weird to watch them all pile into the van and wave goodbye to me. I wasn't going with them, I was staying here. I did cry that night. At that moment, I couldn't see why I had come, I couldn't see the positive experiences that I was sure to have. Then I started to pray. I asked God to never leave me nor forsake me. I asked Him to protect me and give me peace. I asked Him to help me live my life to the fullest and give all the glory to Him. He answered. I felt immediate peace. I knew I was going to be okay and I knew that I wasn't alone.

The first day of class came and I was excited because it was Chemistry. Chemistry is my major and I am an all out Chemistry nerd. However, I quickly became nervous walking to class that day. I have been homeschooled my whole life. My biggest class had 10 people in it. How was I going to fit in, how was I going to make friends, how was I going to do everything the professor asked me to do. I sat down in that class and immediately felt peace and understanding. I talked to the people around me, I understood the material, I knew I was going to make it. I knew that God was on my side and that all things are possible with Him.

I am still not entirely set on the whole "being away from home, family, and friends" yet. However, it is getting better day by day. I am plugging in to a christian ministry on campus, I am meeting friends, I am meeting other Chemistry nerds, and I am overall giving my college experience to Christ.

My life saying will always be: "Don't Let the 'But What If's' scare you from the 'I Will's' that make life worth living!" ~ Pastor Richard Mills, Faith Baptist Church, 4/2003! I can't let the things I am scared of, get in the way of the things I know I can accomplish!!!!

A New Blog!!!

Yes, this is a new blog. I do have a different blog; however, I decided that I wanted to have a blog that was specifically for my college experiences. My first post will be able my first few days at ECU. I just wanted to post first and say that this is still Emily, just a different blog.