The End of the Road

I feel pretty ECSTATIC about graduating because I don't have to go to another class (until my grad program) but also, because I did it! But I don't feel as compelled to walk as I thought I would. I met some really great people in college, I fell in love with the man who became my husband, I fell asleep in grassy patches, I played on an intramural soccer and basketball teams which I would have never done had it not been for some great people that I met, and I also learned a lot about myself. I love a good challenge and many people complimented me on my ability to work and go to school, but honestly I was just doing what I had to do to go to school and make something of myself (by the way, thank you to those people!)
I have changed more in these past four years than I ever thought I would. When I graduated high school I was like "man, I'm mature and stuff" looking back on it now, I'm glad I finished maturing a little more. Today, on my very last day of undergraduate college classes, I am confident in my abilities, I can carry on an educated conversation and stand behind my thoughts without second guessing myself, I believe in my values, morals, and goals, and I just truly love the person who I have become. Through this journey of hellacious college graduate-ude I have had the greatest support system ever. Shout out to the following:

My husband; I'm sorry for all of my mental break downs, all of my 100% dairy ice cream binges, and minor freak outs about ' I don't think I'm ever going to graduate!'- I did it! Hah. But truly, you have been my constant and the one person who can talk me down when I have wanted to throw in the towel, burn all of my school work, and just work as a stay at home survey taker (not really though, because that would be awful). I can't say I wont still have the first two out of that list, but I can promise to take deep breaths and my lactose pills :)

My Family; You all raised me, fought with me, challenged me, and cared for me though my entire college career. You even supported my 5 major changes- I know none of you believed me when I said that "this time was the last time" proved you wrong, whether I like it or not I'm graduating with it :) I am who I am today because of all of your love and support, I love you guys!

My Wonderful In-Law's; You welcomed me into a loving, supportive, amazing family and I have been forever grateful. You guys also did the polite nod and smile every time I changed my major- much appreciated :) But really, you helped me through a deployment, through major changes, and transitioning into a marriage- I can't tell you how much I love you guys!

And all of my friends; I know I am bound to miss names so I am making this broad- because you all know who you are :) You guys loosened me up and showed me that it's okay to relax a little bit. Thank you all for being a wonderful support system and for providing MANY laughs- those got me through to this day!

See ya later college, it's been real.

What's new with the Armstrongs?

Oh so many things are new with us. For starters we got a dog! She's a pouty little lab boxer that constantly holds us accountable for exercising, melts our heart with how cuddly she is, and has had nearly 10 vet visits in the short 7 months we have had her. I'm not exaggerating when I say 10 times. We were warned that the dog's first year is the most expensive because they get into everything. Well our dog is no acception to the rule. The vet, vet's nurse, receptionist, and other help around the office know us on a first name basis. I'm pretty sure they have just set aside a good hour each month for us just incase, considering the fact that it's just about monthly that we see them. Before you know it we are going to start having the vet over for dinner and our dogs will start dating and it will be a cute country song or something like that...? The following reasons are why we have taken her to the vet: She's had, a scratch to her eye, giardia, a bacterial infection, another bacterial infection, food allergies, and most recently a bout of heat stroke/ dehydration that made her nauseous and ill. On top of all of that the girl wont keep anything out of her mouth! She is as bad as a baby. If it's on the floor for more than 2 seconds it is instantly in her mouth.  She's lucky she is so cute, loving, gentle, energetic, loyal, smart, and did I mention cute?
Meet Sage, hopefully the most expensive four legged addition to our family we will ever have:

This little lover was born in California and her original owner did not know that she would get larger than 25 pounds- uh hello, she's a LAB BOXER not a pomeranian. So they had to surrender her to a shelter. This shelter was NOT a good place, especially for an adorable puppy like herself. They were a kill shelter, and we are so thankful for the Willamette Animal Rescue shelter in Salem for rescuing her, because about a month after they had rescued her we met her and have loved her ever since.