Cheerful

I'm currently sitting on my bed, listening to my fan shoot back and forth as I breathe in the scent of my favorite tea-light candle. Thank you Bed Bath & Beyond for making those cute little things for my enjoyment. My room is COMPLETELY cleaned & organized, with every thing I own in a particular spot. Many of you may know that I love to keep stuff and I'll keep it for as long as I can (until my Mom makes me give it away or throw it away) For the past few weeks, I've been tackling my room. I never wanted to start it because I knew somewhere under my bed I would have to get rid of something that brought a smile to my face. Before I moved home, I started with baby steps. Igot rid of 7 bags of clothes....Go ahead, say it.... "You go girl!" But anyways, I've tried to make more room for everything because in all reality, I don't need my pencil pouch from the 6th grade or all of my sparkly little picture frames that held all of the hilarious pictures of my friends and I.

I officially did it. I did keep my pencil pouch to save all of the other little knick-nacks I just couldn't get rid of. Most of them are very important to me, like all of my seashells from the beaches I've been to, or the bookmark that my sweet baby brother made for me that says "Merry Christmas" with the most ridiculous looking Elf on it. I just can't bring myself to do it. However, I did suck it up and donate tons of stuff to the Thrift Store. I'm definitely a regular there now, don't worry. It's been fun sorting through all of my memorabilia!

On a different note, I've kinda-sorta...okay you caught me...Got addicted to something. Pinterest.com is the coolest website I've come across so far. It is just a board where people pin stuff they think is cool. For example, recipes, DIY projects, wedding ideas, photography, and travel. I love it and I have come up with some pretty ideas. Well, I actually stole them from someone.. :) I found an idea called "52 Things I love about You."

First, I made a list of 52 things I love about Kaden. Second, I typed them out and glued them on a playing card. I used a whole deck of cards (52). I punched holes in it, put rings around it, and made a cute cover for it! BAM, that's it people. Just call me Crafty Catherine. Here is the final product:

I thought it turned out so great! Kaden absolutely loved it. I also sent him a "Christmas in July" care package because who doesn't like getting Christmas twice a year! I individually wrapped every thing I bought him! He opened it on Skype and his facial expressions will forever be burned in my mind!

Sorry for all the transitions, but I graduate from The University of Alabama on August 6th, then off to my friend Katie's wedding!

What an exciting day! I'm excited for graduation and remembering the April Tornado. Tuscaloosa will always have a very special place in my heart!

Also, our family minus Zach took a camping/hiking trip to Cade's Cove Tennessee last week! We didn't fully rough and tough it, but we didn't have a shower for a week. Calm down, I'm only kidding! National parks do not have showers so we had to pay 5 bucks to take one. I took 2 showers, thank you! We hike 2 trails...Abram's Falls (5 miles) and Mt.

Leconte (10 miles & Tennessee's 3rd highest point.) Of course the Page family cannot go any where without having a good time. We saw a black bear, ate at the Pancake Pantry, bought our dog an Alabama jersey, grilled hot dogs, listened to the crickets, scared Dad a time or two, slept good in a tent. I will always forever be grateful for my parents taking us on trips. I've been to some pretty interesting places with my friends and

family! Next stop....Kentucky!! Another state I can mark off!! #23 Woop!

Well, thanks for reading (if you read this far!) I'm continuing to catch up with all of my friends.. MISS you guys!

Deployment

For the last five years, I've spent a huge part of my time sending letters and care packages to my brother, friends, and complete strangers.

For most people, it's not a matter of life but for me the military has become my life. My older brother has gone on 2 deployments, both lasting 4-6 months. Saying that, my emotions have sky rocketed from really high to sometimes quite low. Whether it's watching interviews on TV, or seeing pictures of Military homecomings, I always see it somewhere.

Kaden has officially been gone a month. Thankfully, we have had the opportunity to talk every single day (besides 1 day). He calls me when he can and when I see the long number on my phone, my face lights up! It's a very reassuring feeling the very moment I talk to him, see him on Skype, or receive an email. Nearly 37 letters and 4 care packages later, we are officially 1 MONTH down on this journey. A journey that sometimes seems to fly by, yet other times drag on. The summer always gives me an opportunity to relax but I must say I'm ready to get back into the swing of a routine. I'll be subbing this school year as I look for another part time job. I fully believe the Lord will guide me wherever I need to be.

Thank you to all of you who have faithfully prayed. As I sit here blogging, I'm reminded of the verse, "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." How comforting!!

I hope that everyone is having a fantastic summer in this Alabama heat, whew! And if you ever want to make a day, send Kaden a letter :)

A1C Goodell, Kaden S

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