summer changes and thoughts

The weather does not change much in Gainesville. Almost year round we have had sun, heat, and the smell of camping right out side our front door. We truly our blessed to be here in Gainesville, Florida where we are able to enjoy the outdoors, experience new creatures; such as gators and armadillos.
I am constantly amazed that our lives have taken us here. A year ago we did not know our lives would be in Florida. We did not know Dan would finish in the top 25% for both semesters. We were worried that he would not have an internship. We did not know how to raise a child, how to deal with tantrums as a team, or what our little girls personality would be like. In a year we have found that being a parent is an active role, more than we had suspected. I feel very strongly that although Carli brought a personality of cheerfulness and kindness into this world Dan and I have been able to help her develop and fine tune her emotions into a very active and rambunctious young girl. She cares about others and I am truly grateful for her love to serve everyone around her.
Writing is hard since I have not been very active in writing down my thoughts. Since moving away from my friends in Rexburg I have learned a lot about how I am in a relationship. I have a lot of time to reflect. I recognize that in high school my best friend and I would take rather than give to one another. I know that I was out to serve myself rather than to help her grow for the most part. I feel a lot of regret and sadness when I think about how we treated one another. I remember feeling like I was being left out and that my ideas were used when I was not included. The details are not what matter but the growth that I have felt in the last few months do. I feel like I have begun to realize that although I felt alone and betrayed that often times I was mistreating her as well. I have the tendency to speak more about my own troubles and woes rather than being a listener. I wish I could apologize but she and I rarely talk now. I am sorry to my friends that I have talked over, belittled, and taken for granted.
Amanda Holman is my best friend. She and I have been close since fall 2007. Rooming with her Winter of 2009 was a bit intense since I still was so concerned with myself and all my troubles. She has stayed beside me, helped me to grow, and allowed me to be who I am. I am grateful for who she is as a person. She truly is one of the most outgoing and loving person I know. I wish her the best in her life.
I need to go since a baby is crying. bye!