Almost the end of November

It doesn't seem like November should almost be over, it has pretty much came and went without a hitch. This week is Thanksgiving which is an


Last Thanksgiving with my
favorite little girl, Brooklynn

exciting and somber time all in one. I will be missing that time with my family, but I am excited because I am going to be joining another family! On Friday, it marks the one year anniversary to my moms heart attack and that is a happy thing but brings back some not-so-good memories. Thanksgiving last year was not a good day, I could argue that it is one of the worst ones I have ever experienced because my mom had her heart attack and I was in hives. It doesn't seem completely possible that it has been one year, this year has been incredibly busy and scary but I am so proud of how far my mom has come along and how well she is doing! Ally and I will be joining her church member mentor and my choir buddy and her family. Tina has 3 children and we are lucky to be able to join them! We are excited to join their family because they are such an adorable family and have so much fun; the kids play soccer, they have animals, and Tina likes to crack jokes. Plus, they are even making the turkey without rosemary and thyme for me due to my allergies, doesn't get much better than that! I will be taking an Oreo dessert to their house for the meal and Ally will be making scotcharoos. We are even planning to go Black Friday shopping and spending the night at their house. One of Tina's children has a bucket list of things he wants to do during holidays and one of the things on his list is going Black Friday shopping, he is shopping for something very practical-shoes. If you know me, I have had quite a few eventful moments Black Friday shopping! Memory Lane: I was about 5 years old or so when my mom and I went to Shopko in my hometown, Mason City, and there was a giveaway at the doors and it was this cutest little bear and I was determined to get one. When got into Shopko and went to the door where there weren't any bears left, but there were some at the other door on the other end of the store, so I proceeded to get on my hands and knees and crawl in between people's legs and made my way to the bears. I was able to get 2 bears and I was a happy camper, even though I violated many bubbles and probably scared a few people. This year, I promise I will not make a scene this year- I wouldn't be a pretty sight to see a 23 year old woman who is 5'10" crawling between people's legs!
On Saturday, there was a holiday parade right outside of our house on Front St in Harrisburg, the parade wasn't that great... there were quite a few gaps, some lasting up to 5-10 minutes, but it was really neat to be able to see people in the parade and actually know
someone! When I moved here 3 months ago, I didn't even know anyone in the state, now I am able to identify people and see familiar faces, and they know me! I had the opportunity to walk in the parade with St. Stephens but decided against it because I wanted to see it. It was very cold that morning, about 25 degrees, my bum was frozen when it was over, but I enjoyed watching it because I knew people who were walking in it. It was a holiday parade but it was mostly Christmas, but the parade was around Thanksgiving.


First knitting project!

My knitting is coming along well. I started to make that cute, chunky scarf and got through an entire skein of yarn and decided that it was too wide and not good, so I ripped it all out and started over. I think in general it is going really well, its relaxing for me and since it wasn't a big weekend, I got quite a bit done. I am learning it left handed, which is huge in making it easier on me because I am dominantly left handed. It's fun looking at patterns and actually being able to tell if it was knitted or pearled and noticing the different patterns as well.
I am making it my goal that this week while most of the house is away, to get my graduate school application done and submit it. It is not due until February 1st with interviews starting January 15th but it's highly competitive and applicants are encouraged to submit it early. When I talk to different people and they ask how many different schools I am applying to and when I only tell them I am applying to one, they often give me a look and then just say "well, good luck to you". It may be a little crazy to only apply to one school, but there isn't another school I would want to go to. I have housing arrangements made for next year, so regardless if I get into Minnesota State, Mankato Counseling and Student Personnel- College Student Affairs, I will be in Mankato. Mankato has definitely became my home away from home, but is close enough to home where I can go home and see my friends and family whenever I need to. Please take a moment and send positive vibes my way while I finish up this pesky application!
It will be a nearly empty house this week after Tuesday since everyone but Ally and I will be heading home, my time to go home is roughly 25 days away, I can't wait for that! Iowa is calling my name!

Love,
Katie