In All Things

Happy Lent

2012-02-22T18:01:00.000-05:00

Today starts Lent, Bloggies.
40 days until Easter.
Until we celebrate that Jesus didn't stay dead!!

I didn't grow up celebrating Lent, but I have come to enjoy these 40 days as intentional time of focusing on the Lord.
I've never been able to jump on the "give up some kind of food or drink for Jesus" bandwagon. Maybe it's because I didn't do it as a child, but for me, giving up desserts or caffeine for Lent becomes more about me rather than about Him. (Please know I am speaking 100% for myself only here- if that's what you choose to give up, I support you all the way). So I struggled to think of what I should "give up" that would really draw me closer to Jesus.
Last night I found it.
First of all, I'm giving up my "snooze" button. Y'all, I love to snooze. So much so I set my alarm early, just so I can tap dat. I am a morning person, but those precious 10-60 minutes I get from pushing snooze do miraculous things. However, by snoozing I loose out on time I could be spending with Jesus first thing in the morning. So, goodbye sweet snooze button. See ya in 40 days.
The next thing(s) I'm giving up are: complaining, criticizing, and blaming. I doubt anyone would describe me as a negative person (for that I am thankful), but there is not denying the fact that I do complain, criticize, and blame more than my fair share.
I'm opinionated and share my opinion often whether or not it is asked for. Oops.
Complaining comes far, far too easily for me. I'm a YoungLife leader (if you're one too, enough said there), I spend all day everyday learning about or being around elementary schoolers, I'm training for a marathon, and I have extreme roadrage... Complaints roll off my tongue so easily. Stopping now. I've already been aware, caught myself a couple times, and uttered silent prayers. I'm going to need lots of patience, reminding, and grace with this one.
And I hate being blamed for anything. Whether or not it was my fault. I dish out forgiveness quickly, so I am often slow to ask for it or accept blame. One of my favorite books is The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews (typing this out makes me realize I really need to read it again). In it, Truman says, "The buck stops here." That's my motto for these next 40 days. Time to suck it up and take the blame.
The last part of Lent is already my favorite. My roommates and I made lists last night of 40 people we are thankful for. Over the next 40 days, we are taking one day per person to prayer continually for that person and write them a letter. It's only been one day and it's been such a blessing already. I am so, so looking forward to having the opportunity to let 40 of the people who have influenced my life know how incredibly thankful I am for them.
And that's that.
Happy Humpday!

Power in weakness

2012-02-16T11:48:00.001-05:00

I have discovered that my previous post was incredibly wrong. Turns out I am highly allergic to Valentine's Day. I felt so sick on Tuesday. I guess all the love in the air quite literally made me nauseous. Tragic. But I spent most of the day in my bed feeling horrible. But Tim Riggins kept me company, so I am in no way complaining.
Sparing the details and moving on...

BIG NEWS HERE PEOPLE:
Abby ~~Troutman~~ Fennell (I don't know when I'll get used to that) and I are RUNNING A MARATHON! Whoa baby, I can't believe it. The Knoxville marathon. April 1st. We're doing it.
We both have run the half so we are ready to step up our game.
I am seriously so pumped.
But at the same time, this marathon is something we both are so positive we would never be able to complete without God. 26.2 miles? Abby and me?! Not. A. Chance.
But we can do all things through Christ.
This verse has come up twice since we paid last night...

2 Corinthians 12:9

⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

At first I was confused. I don't want to go into a marathon being weak. But then I think... of course I do! Christ's power in me! Whatta a treasure!

That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10

So I will boast in my weakness and my inability to do anything on my own.

It will not be easy. By any means. It will be hard. And I will be weak. It will be a challenge. The biggest challenge I've ever faced probably.

Here's to running a marathon, by the strength and to the glory of the Lord alone.

Let's go!

Here I am after the half. Let's see if I can double this wimpy thing.

And my brother a couple years earlier after he ran a marathon. He's a beast. And my inspiration.


And my running partner. So encouraging. So thankful for her.

If you're ~~looking for some entertainment~~ incredibly bored without anything better to do on April 1st (no foolin') from 7:30a.m. until about noon, feel free to come cheer us on. We'd love the support!

It's That Time of Year Again...

2012-02-13T23:49:00.000-05:00

Yet another year has past. The "in case you forgot you are single" holiday is upon us.
That's right folks, Valentine's Day.
Actually, truth be told I am pretty neutral about this holiday. I love love (a phrase I thought I coined, clearly I did not), so naturally I would love a holiday all about love, right?
Oh, but you cannot forget the fact, dear reader, that I have spent the last 22 Valentine Days s-i-n-g-l-e (once again, if blogs aren't for confessing sad, lonely facts about your life, what are they really good for?). So... I should hate it... right?
But I don't. Despite my attitude in that "forever single" sentence, I don't spend the day wallowing in my misery. I would 100% be lying if I said being single doesn't sometimes stink, but, for the most part, tomorrow is just another day.
Hence, my inability to truly define how I feel about the holiday.
So I sit here. In neutral.
Now before you sign me up for eHarmony or Christian mingle, let me say I have had some pretty stinkin' awesome Valentine Days.
Roses on my back porch. And in my mailbox. Balloons and cookies and milk. Notes. Candy. Big shout out to my cheesy but oh-so-thoughtful guy friends in high school. Really, what loving boys.

But now, my senior year in college I am evaluating my thoughts on this holiday which is quickly approaching. And actually my thoughts are similar to what I wrote in this post.
I am being pursued by the all-loving God!
That is what marriage is supposed to represent for us anyway, this perfect love relationship.
And yet I have it.
God loves me. And wants me.
Wow.
What an awesome fact to just take in.
It is the only love that fully satisfies. Ever.

I read this today... "When I focus on the earthly relationship I don't have, I am being completely ungrateful for the love I already have"
Mhmm...

So, flowers, cards, chocolate, they are all so great! But what a gift we have been given. One that far exceeds anything we will ever find here.
Single or married. I hope we don't forget the ultimate pursuer of our hearts.
Do not forsake your first love.
(Revelations 2:4)

Happy Valentine's Day, Bloggies!! Go spread the love.

I love BIRTHDAYS!!

2012-02-12T22:43:00.000-05:00

This weekend I celebrated two of my all time favorite peoples' birthdays.
Da-da-da...

DREW CRAWFORD!!!!

He's handsome.
He's the one I share all my growing up memories with.
He's smart.
He's the best bigger younger brother a girl could have.
He's funny.
Hes athletic.
HE'S TWENTY-ONE!
Good gosh, I can't believe it.
Three cheers (of water, of course) to you, Babe Dew!
Love you to the moon.

Anddd.....

REBECCA COX!

She's so hilarious.
She's adventurous.
She's a concert going pro.
She's one of my very best friends.
She's a total babe.
She's a blogger(!!!)
And she is SINGLE, fellas!
Happy two-two, Reba!

I dare you to find someone who had better reasons to celebrate this weekend.
I am truly so blessed.

Now here's to an awesome week. Monday- Leh go!

My favorite winter of all time

2012-02-07T21:51:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite winter of all time.
I love that it has been so very "mild."
I love that I've run in shorts and tshirts everyday.
I love that February is acting more like mid-March.
I love that it hasn't snowed. (Although I do miss snowboarding)
I love that I can get away with driving with my windows down and heat seater (as I like to call it) on.
I love this season!!

I don't love that the daggum groundhog thing saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks on winter. I'm gonna go ahead and assume he's wrong. Here I am making my own predictions, peeps.
I also don't like that people are comparing this winter to the infamous winter of '93. Such a fun winter (that I remember oh so clearly as a 3 year old), but I honestly don't think I could survive it.

So anyway, here's to livin' up this b-e-a-utiful weather, pretending like it's spring, and being tempted to rethink winter as my least favorite season.

Happy Tuesday, Bloggies!

SYLS

2012-02-05T17:47:00.000-05:00

I am confident that everyone who reads my blog has seen this already. BUT just in case you haven't, watch.

Stuff YoungLife leaders say.

I haven't figured out for sure if this is only funny to YL leaders, or to all people. And if it's more specifically funny to only Knoxville YoungLife leaders. If you don't fall into these two categories, watch it just in case. And let me know what you think. And if you fall into either or both, enjoy with your whole heart!

I've watched it everyday since leadership on Friday and lol-ed everytime.
I would love for this video to go viral so I can say, "Hey, the latest YouTube sensation?! Yeah, they're my friends."

So, this is funny because it's true...

Happy February!

2012-02-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

So I know this actually came out like 4 months ago, but I am still watching it. I deserve to be judged for it.
The two boys at the end?
I want them to be mine.

And ya know, what's better than a reason to laugh (or at least smile) on this yucky day? Nothin.

Thanks for being 100% stereotypical, February.

You sneeeaaaaky Mom!!

Happy rainy February first, Homes!

Saturday Morning Thoughts

2012-01-28T10:32:00.000-05:00

Have you seen "Failure to Launch?"
Well if you have, there is a scene Justin Bartha (I had to look up his name) and Zooey Deschanel (I had to look up how to spell her name) (These two parentheses led me to Google, which is very interesting today, did you know it is the 125th anniversary of the Largest Snowflake? No? Me neither. And just how big was the Largest Snowflake? Apparently it was 15 inches. That's pretty dang big.)

Anyway, I'm going to continue now. So there's a scene and they shoot a Mockingbird outside the window. Well I'm about 96% sure that would be the same fate for this stinkin' bird outside MY window if only I had a BB gun. But let's be honest, I don't have great aim. So it would probably live out the remainder of its VERY vocal life in peace. If you've seen the movie maybe you can empathize with what I'm experiencing. If you haven't (or maybe even if you have) you just think I am insane. It's the bird. I'm telling ya.
Okay, one last thing, I saw this on Pinterest and it in NO way relates to MY life, but it made me think of some conversations we college seniors have been having recently.

"It is a risk to love.
What if it doesn't work out?
Ah, but what if it does."
-Peter McWilliams

Mmhmm....

Now I'm off to go kick but running with partner in crime, Abby. Sometime we get a kick outta proving people wrong. More on this later.

Happy freakin' weekend, Homies!

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus....

2012-01-19T16:20:00.000-05:00

Over 15 million views.
SO many of my friends have been posting this on Facebook for awhile, but I just now watched it.
If you haven't yet, do. Now.

Repeat

2012-01-17T22:50:00.000-05:00

I know I've put this on here before, but I'm doing it again. Because it is too stinkin' good.

We spend most of our lives trying to make things happen for ourselves and for the people we love. But life is not reduced to what you give or know or achieve. Nor is it reduced to your mistakes, your failures, or your sin. Life isn’t even defined by whom you love.
Rather, it is defined by the God who loves you. In other words, you are not the central character- not even in your own life’s story. This is not meant to demean you; it’s meant to set you free.

-Sacred Thirst by M. Craig Barnes

Tell me, does it get any more better than this?

Such freedom.

Photo Friday

2012-01-16T16:51:00.000-05:00

One of my New Year "Resolution" was to take a picture everyday. I've since decided to upload them to here every.. uhh... Friday. Starting next Friday of course. But I thought I'd go ahead and share the first 16 now.

Temporary tat to ring in NYE.

My first sip of Diet Coke in over a year. Sadly, not how I remember it.

The first "snow" of 2012

This is the day I almost forgot to take a picture. So I had to document the book I was reading. So good.

Becca got engaged!!! Not really. But Target's got real nice $17 engagement rings.

We had game night at Red Saile. Here's some serious Bananagram-ers.

Red Saile love

Oh. My. Word. I question if we are really related quite often.

Sweet roomie made this. What talented Red Sailers we are!

Extreme Makeover Home Edition parade. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sometimes we sit on the floor and eat.

And we like to do hip hop videos. Especially when our neighbors come in and catch us red handed.

One day it was so cold the doors in the car wouldn't open or close. Rough life.

Big Orange Country! Go Vols!

The beginning of our 8pm to 2am shift of working on the EMHE house. So fun!

That's a picture of our Christmas tree. Still up. Almost a month after Christmas.

My favorite thing about doing this is that I see moments to capture pictures (no matter how silly) in normal, everyday moments. I hope I can keep this up.

Shout out to my sweet sweet friend, Delaney. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Stuck in My Head

2012-01-11T12:56:00.000-05:00

Y'all, this is currently the song on repeat on my ipod/itunes/head.

Happy last first day of school!

Enjoy!

The End

2012-01-10T20:05:00.000-05:00

Class starts in about 12 hours. Goodbye dear Christmas break. You were so good to me.
Tomorrow is my last first day of undergrad. Whatta time whirlwind, how does life go by so fast?
I'm digging my heels in hard this last semester. This wonderful college utopia we've been living in can't be just one semester away from ending! Noooo.

Our freshmen year. What babies we were.

Now seniors. I shed a tear while typing that.

Well, here's to having all my friends back in Knoxville, knowing what day of the week it is, and going to bed at a decent time.
Ready or not, here we go!

It's That Time of Year Again

2012-01-09T00:22:00.000-05:00

The Bachelor is back on. I'm ashamed. But can't stop.

Here's Ben.

And here are some thoughts:
1. Poor Ben. These girls seem a little weird. But maybe they'll improve.
2. Kacie from Tennessee. I like her a lot. She must have just had a lapse in judgment when she did the heart fingers in her opening introduction.
3. I really think they should keep a running tally of the contestants BAC levels with their names and ages. They all act ridiculous already but I'd like to know just how serious to take these people. It would greatly help me in judging their commentary.
4. I would adore it if Chris Harrison (who has not ever aged a day) said, "This actually isn't a very dramatic season. Sorry to disappoint."
5. Watch last Monday's episode for why white girls should not rap. The end.

And that's all I've got to say about that.

It's Twenty-Twelve, Y'all!

2012-01-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

aka the year I graduate college. Wahhh! Weird.

I l-o-v-e New Years. I love the new starts we get. It's just so... fresh. Like opening a brand new jar of peanut butter. Mmm... so good.

We brought the new year in in style.

The lakehouse was so fun. Great friends. Good food. Lots of laughs.

Decorations everywhere. This is just one example. And an example of the...uhh... wildlife.

I shot a gun- two actually. Turns out I'm a horrible shot. Be afraid, be very afraid.

We had the bonfire of the year (pun intended). This does not do it justice. I'm anxiously waiting for someone to put up a video of once we started throwing multiple fireworks in. Just embracing our redneck-ness.

Of course we ate black-eyed peas and drank champagne and wore hats and glasses and had noise-makers. I was a little anxious about being in the central timezone, but really we got to celebrate twice! We watched the NYC ball drop at 11 and then had our own little gem of a ball drop....

A Buoy Drop!

This is homemade and dropped at midnight. Oh baby.

I just adore these fresh starts. Happy 2012, Bloggies!

What a Year It's Been!

2011-12-30T15:09:00.001-05:00

Some of my favorite memories of twenty-eleven:
In January it snowed A LOT so we went snowboarding and Abby got engaged!
February made me lol and we went to D.C.- will always be one of my favorite weekends of college. We were fist pumping on Today's Letters!
I love every post of March.
I ran a half marathon in April. I might still be sore:) Apparently I also went on Spring Break a month late. For sure a Spring Break I'll never forget. Knoxville became Mega-Storm central and I stayed up until 4 for the Royal Wedding.
In May, there was that Big News Weekend and lots and lots of adventures.
Blogging is hard to do in June. But I did my best documenting our fun times and of course Abby and Andy's wedding.
I skipped blogging in July my parents celebrated their 25th anniversary in August. I also held onto summer for as long as I could.
September as always has my favorite weekend of the year- Boomsday. We went to STC for leadership weekend. Awesome. I turned 22! And I kept on livin' the summer life.
October was full of our dear love Pinterest and pumpkins.
Fun weekends and RT4 and camping and days in the dark and Thanksgiving were November's adventures.
December had Formal and Chickfila opening and of course Christmas.

Wow. What a fast year. But a good one. So many new things. So many adventures. Such a blessed life.
May 2012 be just a incredible! (and not world ending)

2012 Bucket List

2011-12-28T15:48:00.000-05:00

For your listening pleasure while you read. Ya know, since this is our last year or life and all. Psh, yeah right.

I figure if this is my last year to live (insert sarcasm here), I might as well make a list of all the things I wanna do this year. I'm sure I'll feel the need to add on, but this is it for now!

Kiss under the mistletoe. Might as well take advantage of that hanging greenery, right?
Be a "regular" somewhere. (Although I think Tyler knowing our drink orders- and names!- every Thursday night at Steak 'n Shake might be as close as I get). But I wanna be able to "have the usual."
Own an iphone. Once they make them a little less fragile.
Freaking finish an entire tube of chapstick instead of losing it.
Surf. Gnarly.
And jump the wake on the wakeboard. So close... yet so, so far away.
New Years in Times Square. My friends did it and complained about standing up for 14 hours straight. But I have much more endurance than them.
Write in wet cement. Rebel.
Solve a Rubix cube. A (blonde) girl can dream, right?
Skydive. Duh.
Take a homeless person to dinner.
Spend an entire day watching Disney movies. This can happen over Christmas break. I have no doubt.
I'm pretty confident it's time to start (wish I'd never stopped) training for another half. Who's with me this time??
Eat at In-n-Out.
Celebrate every holiday.
Knit a scarf. AND finish.
Shoot a gun.
Watch a meteor shower. Coool.
Snowboard.
Eat pizza in Chicago and NYC. Then form my own opinion on which is best.
Spend the night on top of Max Patch without a tent. Oh hey stars.
Play tennis. Love.
Read. A lot. (Give me some recommendations! I gotta fill this Kindle up!)
Be intentional. Be intentional. Be intentional.
Figure out how to rock skinny jeans. Just. Can't. Do. It.
Read through the whole Bible (again).
Less time on "things" more time on people.
Change a life.
GRADUATE COLLEGE!
Ride a mechanical bull. I mean this in a total not trashy way. Are mechanical bulls trashy? I think they probably are. But I wanna do it.
Swim in the ocean at night. Insert Jaws theme song here.
Seize every opportunity.

This is still one of my favorite posts ever. And I'd love to (try to) keep these resolutions in good ol' 2012.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

2011-12-27T12:06:00.000-05:00

The Crawford house becomes a whirlwind of wrapping paper, a chorus of "ohh I LOVE it"s, and an explosion of joy on Christmas morning. I love every minute of it.

A little look into the 25th of December at our house:
5:45 a.m.- Addie wake me up to tell me in detail about a dream she is *currently* having.
7 a.m.- Sam wake up. But is not allowed to speak. Fortunately, Addie made him a basket of things to keep him entertained until...
7:57- a.m.- Sam decides it is close enough to 8 to wake the rest of us up.
8:20 a.m.- Drew is finally on his feet so we all go get in bed with our parents until they agree to join us in the living room.
*Insert craziness here.* Sam runs around like crazy and gets more enthusiastic with each gift he opens. The peak of his ecstasy coinciding with the bottom of his stocking. Never knew a kid could be so excited about toothpaste. Dad walks around the living room and collects anything that can burn and adds it to his fire.
10:30 a.m.- We all go to the aunt/uncle/cousin's house for brunch. I love this most. We eat and talk and laugh. And don't worry about a thing.
3- We come back home and spend the day watching movies and sorting pictures. Once I have my scanner with me I might put up a couple of gems. Anyone who knew me from 7th grade- freshmen year of high school, thank you for you charity friendship. That was a rough time in my life.

So, that's Christmas, fortunately we know most of all, it's not about our presents, it's about His presence. Which we are most grateful for.

Here's a quick pic of what I made my momma for Christmas (thanks Pinterest).

Merry two days after Christmas, Bloggies!!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve, Bloggies! I hope all y'all are enjoying time with your sweet families. I sure am.

This is the song that I've been singing the past few days. It makes me cry sometimes. (shocking:))

And this. Made me giggle and tear up too.

That's all I've got for now.
Merry Christmas y'all!

Eat Mor Chikin

2011-12-17T00:02:00.000-05:00

This is the story about that time I decided I never wanted to eat Chickfila again.
Okay, not really. I still love Chickfila. But I DID threaten.

We had an adventure to our first ever Chickfila grand opening!
I don't know if y'all knew this, but the "First 100" who get to a Chickfila the day before it opens by SIX A.M. (that's early homies) win free CFA for a year.
Holy fried chicken goodness, I may be a bit Chickfila brainwashed, but I can't think of a single thing better than that!

So me, accompanied by 5 friends who are girls and 11 boys who are also friends, went to Nashville for their brand spankin' new Chickfila.
And we had an adventure.
The *freezing* morning stated with us waking up in Franklin, TN at 4:20, and driving to Nashville. There ended up being more than 100 people there by 6 so they handed out raffle tickets and had a drawing. Me and my friend Jessie are the two unlucky ones who did not win, but fortunately our dear friends had decided in advance to split whatever winnings we had amongst all of us. So we ended up with 35 free combo meals each. I'll take it.The girls were 4 of 6 and the boys went 7 of 11. Therefore girls are better and luckier. But all around, not too shabby.
So Chckfila allows guests to stay with the Top 100 winners so Jessie and I weren't forced to roam the streets of Nashville for 24 hours. No, instead all 17 of us (plus the other 181 humans) were corralled into the parking lot of the CFA and not allowed to leave for 24 hours. And it was a blast!
We set up our tent (with the help of our new friends- some older men. Not sketchy at all!) and spent the day playing. We read and talked and threw the football and had a cornhole tournament and threw the Frisbee and played spades and Uno and danced and had relays and almost got blown away in our tent (and chased down our little yellow tent multiple times) and ate Chickfila until it was coming out our pours. For every meal- including a snack! And sweet tea to drink... all. day. long. That is why I claimed to never eat it again.
But we all know I love Chickfila way too much to follow through with that. And it's more than their food, although I'm obsessed with that too. It's the way they treat their costumers. They were genuinely thankful to have us there. And they took care of us. And let us know how much they appreciated us. It really is an incredible business. Three cheers for Chickfila!

That is all of our stuff. 6 girls. 24 hours. Roughin' it.

The gang's all here (minus 2)

The Halls team LOVES Chickfila

Us after we got our coupons. After 24 hours in the parking lot. We have an excuse for looking so rough.

So, the question I've received multiple times is of course, "Was it worth it?" And I have to honestly say, yes it was. I would for sure do it agian. It was an experience and it was just so fun. I want to tell everyone I know to go to an opening, but then the odds of me being drawn drastically go down. But let's be honest, I'm already incredible unlucky, so I might as well spread the word so all my dear friends can experience this chicken goodness.
Eat mor chikin, folks.

It's a Wonderful Feelin'

2011-12-04T18:26:00.000-05:00

... all the love in the room from the floor to the ceiling. It's that time of year. Christmastime is here!

Oh how I've loved jammin' to Christmas music these past few days.

Even though finals aren't over, I am 100% in the Christmas spirit.

However, since finals aren't over, I don't have time to full-out blog right now. But here's a teeny tiny, itty bitty sneak peak of this weekend.

Hip-hip hooray for formal!

I am a Vol fan

2011-12-02T00:16:00.000-05:00

We are raised to hate the Florida gators here in Big Orange Country. But this Tim Tebow guy...

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Tim-Tebow-why-the-heck-do-we-hate-him-110211

Read this. Now.

Seriously. Read it.

"...not because what he was doing was wrong but because it was right."

“You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.”

What an example. Wow.

So thankful for VIPs like him.

And what I reminder that even my own life (as simple and unimportant as it seems) should not make sense to people of this world.

Happy DECEMBER, Bloggies!!

No more class!

2011-11-30T21:02:00.000-05:00

CHRISTMAS BREAK! Oh how I love thee.
For this moment I am skipping over the fact that I still have FIVE finals to take. Five. Five. Really? Oh boy.
But it is Christmas break in the fact that we are d-o-n-e with classes. High five for the fastest semester of my life. Daggum.
And it is coooold now. Like, don't-wanna-get-out-of-my-warm-bed-at-all cold.
Also, our internet is down. Perfect timing Comcast. (but really, probably a good thing. Forces me to get in my car and go somewhere public- thanks neighbs and Panera and Hodges- you suck)
So anyway here's to:
eating TONS of yummy soup.
and jamming to my main man, the Bieb's Christmas album
and cuddling and movie watching with the roomies
and studying (gag)
and wearing Wallabees for the first time all year- insert rolling your ankle with every step here
and showing off my dance moves at the Christmas formal. Shout out to my date. Ow-ow.
and YoungLife end of year leadership. The thankfulness. The words. Don't exist. Can't. Even. Form. Sentences.
and watching Friday Night Lights anytime I can- I am 100% not above passing up studying for this show. Yes, I've jumped on the bandwagon. A little late. But who's judging?
Now some quick pics to sooth your studying eyes:

TWO PICTURES OF MY YOUNGLIFE TEAM BECAUSE I LOVE THEM SO MUCH! Don't judge me. Or do.

Thankful, thankful, thankful

2011-11-25T17:47:00.000-05:00

So stinkin' much to be thankful for, I just can't stand it!
Thankful for
...my sweet, huge, loud, caring, busy, competitive, loving, hilarious family. I feel like this is totally a given, but they get a thankful shout out none the less!
...my friendsies. Where would I be without y'all? Probably living in my parent's basement spending my free time knitting and petting cats. Thanks for saving me from falling into this life before my time.
...East Tennessee. Thankful for the mountains, the accents, the people, the food, and all the other Southern traditions that come with life in this sweet little valley.
...Pinterest. Because without it I would continue to live my life as an uncrafty, boring, bad cook, lame human. So maybe I still am, but at least it makes me feel more creative.
...iTunes. I l-o-v-e music. And since I can't sing, I crank up the jams and drown my voice out. Perfection.
...seat heaters. It's cold outside, but my butt is warm. Yes please.
...turkey comas. I ate so much food yesterday I think I shall never be hungry again. And I'm pretty sure I have a Thanksgiving food hangover. Must. Go. Take. Nap.
...football on TV. Yeah, I'm really into the game. Perfect excuse not to leave the couch.
...only 30 more days until Christmas! Lots of cookies and lights and music between now and then. Oh yes.
...the Red Saile house. I love that we love having people over there. I love the house. I love that people just show up every.single.day. But I especially love the people I share it with.
...Jesus. Most of all. Without my Savior my life would have no meaning and my joy would be incomplete.
Some pictures of somethings I am oh so thankful for!

3/5 of the Red Sailers. (Thankful for 5/5ths though)

FOOD (uh oh, I'm hungry again...)

Seester and Momma

Daddy

Brudder

The Fab Four. We'll never be able to take a real picture.

Turkey naps

And after dinner back massages

Happy Black Friday, Bloggies! I hope you are still so full and so happy you still can't move.

Just an update...

2011-11-23T10:38:00.000-05:00

So... what's been going on?

Last Wednesday our neighborhood became a dark hole.
No power.
At least we were all in it together.
The boy neighbors were worried about how we would eat. #priorities
Fortunately, I have good friends who offered shelter at their houses. Thanks to all y'all.
My favorite part was playing murder in the dark and mafia with our dear neighbs. Fortunately (again), the power came back on so we got some quality visible hang out time.
So our day pretending to be from the olden days of darkness really wasn't all that bad.


Here's one of our neighbors. Because if this blog isn't for publicly humiliating myself and others, what's it for??

(Side note: we did wake up younglife on Wednesday morning. So I got up at 4. Drove over some down powerlines. Got back to my street at 6:30 only to discover- good gracious I can't get home!! Red Saile 100% blocked. So naturally I go to my biffle's house. "She has an 8a.m. so she'll be up soon," I think. Well turns out she gets up at 7:30. So I parked it (literally) outside her house and "slept" in my car for an hour. Talk about an experience.)

The view from our driveway. Hey 17 KUB trucks.

WE FINALLY GOT A WIN IN NEYLAND STADIUM!!!
So what it was against Vandy?
It was hands down the best game I've been to in college.
I don't know what made it so extra incredible. I guess the victory in overtime?
But it was fantastic.
I didn't have an opinion before, but now I think the Vandy coach is quite the sore loser.

Monday I learned two valuable lessons: 1. Always look at the weather before you leave the house (SO unlike me not to know). And when in doubt, it is worth it to walk back down the flight of stairs in the parking garage to grab an umbrella from the car "just in case." 2. Double check your texts before you send them. Twitter does not equal texting one friend.

We've been having lots of parties at Red Saile. Birthdays and "just because" parties. And I love it. Keep 'em comin' through Christmas break.

So here's to backyard football games and triptophan turkey comas. Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Now three cheers for a FIVE day freakin' weekend!

I neeeeeed

2011-11-16T14:16:00.000-05:00

Y'all. I need this. Bad. Today preferably.

Thank you for changing my life Pintrest

Umm... Seriously? Who wouldn't wanna crawl in this thing and take the longest nap ever?!

Especially today.

Sideways rain? No thank you.

Insert this gem into the Red Saile house and we can take some killer naps today. Our electricity is out. No internet, lights, tv, distractions.

Mmm... My bed is suddenly sounding like a not so bad second place to this beauty. The "Moody Nest".

Insert hours of restful and much needed Zzzz here.

Over and out!

Say what, another list blog?!

2011-11-15T16:44:00.000-05:00

Today I got frustrated. But I shouldn't have. There's so many great things to be happy about!
I don't know why I'm stuck on making lists recently, but I am. So deal with it.

I won my fantasy team last night. High five for Aaron Rodgers. He rocks.
I walked around outside BAREFOOT yesterday! Go ahead and make Tennessee stereotypes because it was awesome. Winter, don't come to Knoxville. Ever!
I also won a bet. I love making (and winning) pointless bets.
LAST FULL WEEK OF CLASSES! Holy cow, this semester went by super duper speedily. I'll do a thousand finger slaps for that.
Solo coffee dates. Holla for learning how to have "me" time.
Pretty fall leaves still clinging to the trees. Cling a little longer dear leaves!
Coffee + rain = perfection
Hallmark commercials that make me cry. (not sure why this is a happy thing. other than it is a happy sad cry)
Crazy dreams with random people in them. Huger Games plus friends into my subconscious mind? Hmm... weird. But okay, I'll take it.
Dinner reunion with the last year roomies! Nothing better than reminiscing about all the funny times from last year with my friendies.

And that's a wrap! Happy Tuesday, homies!

11/11/11

2011-11-11T00:37:00.000-05:00

In case you hadn't realized, IT'S THE LUCKIEST DAY OF OUR LIVES!!
As of 37 minutes ago, it is 11/11/11!!
Take all the magic from wishes at 11:11 or on the shooting stars or eyelashes or birthday cakes candles or four leaf clovers and multiply it by a million and you get today.

And don't even get me started on what happens at 11:11 on 11/11/11... better get the mega-wish of your lifetime going. A perfect date and time palindrome that occurs only once every 100 years. Aren't we... lucky? ;)
Dream big people.

So pause, reflect on this moment, this unique occurrence that you won't see again in your life. Whoop, whoop.

But really, have a fantastic Friday.

Rainy Humpday

2011-11-09T18:38:00.000-05:00

Rainy Wednesday, you make me want to curl up on the couch and snuggle and have a Disney movie marathon.
Psychology class, I despise you. I don't even need to take you. Yet here I am studying for another test. You are the worst decision ever. (Please don't fail me for whining about how much a hate you.)
Wake-up YoungLife, thank you for being the highlight of my week. I don't know if there is anything better than laughing at my high school friends as they wake up in a panic. You are totally worth getting up at 4a.m. for
YoungLife team, so thankful for each of y'all. Glad we can laugh, talk, cry, pray, and live life together. Y'all rock.

This is what my chair looks like. Hunt it down people!

All my friends who are leaders on "formally known as West side of Knoxville", I'll be praying like crazy for y'all this weekend. You friends are so incredible lucky to have you. Look for the chair I signed while on Work Crew there. And keep an eye out for my 'rents. Wahoo for their first YL camp since high school! Talk to 'em. They're me in adult guest form.
Anyone in Knoxville this weekend, we stand few and proud. If you're into Friday Night Lights and/or Lost please give us a shout out because that is what my weekend will consist of. Please and thank you.
Beautiful fall leaves, when you're in full swing and beautiful (like now) I start worrying you'll be gone way too soon. Please hang on to that tree as long as you can. I love you.
Flannel, I love you too.
MEREDITH, told ya I'd give you a shout out:) Thanks for reading my blog. You make me want to blog all the time. Give STC a hug for me!
This weekend, I'm not ready to let you go yet, so here's some catch up pictures

Thankful for friendships that last through the years

Oh baby, God is good!

This genius of a man, John Piper, tweet this the other day:
"Don't stop praying until the mountain has been moved."

Mmmhmmm....

Happy Humpday, Bloggies!

It's da weekend!

2011-11-05T18:21:00.000-04:00

We get a WHOLE EXTRA HOUR of life this weekend, Bloggies! 60 minutes of pure bliss. I am so excited I can't settle on one idea of how to spend it. Here's to endless possibility. High five for that!

In other news, I spent last night: a) roasting hot dogs over the fire b) burning my tongue on apple cider c) playing "never ever have I ever" d) getting way to way to competitive in mafia e) eating my weight in puppy chow f) snuggling in a tent g) debating the probably of actually contracting frostbite on my toes h) eating s'mores for breakfast i) being one with nature j) being in awe of God's creation k) realizing how out of shape I am while hiking up the most giant hill l) ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Go Vols and Geaux Tigers! (I'll always cheer against Bama)

Happy freakin' (long) weekend!

I'm gonna be a teacher!

2011-11-04T14:09:00.000-04:00

This isn't anything new. I've been going to be a teacher since I was about 4 years old. But right now I am particularly pumped that it is what I get to do for the rest of my life.

Reach Them to Teach Them. Incredible.
The theme was "One."
One + One = Infinity
You + God = Unlimited possibilities

Manuel Scott was the keynote speaker. Holy motivation. He was in-freaking-credible. My favorite yet.
Manuel was one of the original Freedom Writers. From the movie with Hilary Swank. His story is played by the character Marcus. I haven't seen the movie. But clearly I desperately need to. I did hear his story though. Wow. What a difference one person can make.

Sooo, thanks fort the push Manuel... it's into the inner-city I go. I want to teach where kids need me most. Where they need a teacher who believes in them, gives them hope, loves them. Kids lives will be different because of having me as a teacher.

Call me naive. That's fine. I am. But, I can dream. I can try. I can run with the enthusiasm and passion that I have right now. Go ahead and tell me I can't. I won't make a difference. I can't honestly change kids' lives. No one will be there to support you when you need it. It's too hard. Fortunately (or maybe in your mind- unfortunately), I am stubborn enough to want to figure it out on my own. I'm headed to where I can make a change!
I've also been thinking about switching to high school eventually. What?! Who am I?? I adore little kids. But I love Halls High Schoolers too. And what a difference Erin Gruwell made for her high school students.

Anyway, just some thoughts.
I'm sure my mom will read this and die. Congrats Mom, you did this:)

I love to talk

2011-11-03T13:58:00.000-04:00

So much to say, so little time.

Reach Them to Teach Them. Rocked. Big time. More on that another day.

So yes, I love to talk. I talk A LOT. I talk to friends, I talk to strangers, I talk to people who try to get me to stop talking to them, I talk when I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I'm nervous, when I'm bored, when I'm upset. I talk all the time. Fact: I'm a talker. I can listen too, don't get me wrong. But I very rarely am short on words to say.

Well tonight I get to talk in a totally different way. I am talking at YoungLife club. Every time I get to talk I am so honored. If I think about it too much I cry (which, let's be honest, isn't an incredibility unusual thing). But really, what a privilege it is to get to stand up in a room full of high schoolers and tell them about Jesus!! Wow.
I love how intentional it all is. I love picking out what I'm going to say so carefully. I love knowing what our Halls High School friends need to hear. And saying it to them.
I love that it's not me.
It never has been me.
I love that freedom.
I love that peace.
I just keep coming back to how incrediblely grateful I am for this opportunity. How easily I forget that it's not like this everywhere. I am far to quick to take this joy of my life for granted.

So anyway, tonight I will be talking. Intentionally. I cannot wait.

Happy Thursday!

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-11-03T13:50:00.000-04:00

That awkward moment... where you write a blog post and forget to publish it......
Sorry this is 4 days late!

Happy Halloween, Bloggies!

This weekend I celebrated this spooktacular holiday with:
Halloween themed YoungLife club. Who doesn't love creative costumes high schoolers come up with?
A trip to Chatt-town to hang with good friends and spend some quality time with my baby bro.
Oh and of course that awe-to-the-freakin'-some concert we went to.
Holy cow, I discovered I am head over heels in love with Ben Rector.
And needtobreathe... they take my breath away.
Seriously, what a jammin' to music fun time.
Saturday, once again I watched my dear Vols lose. It's a rough life being a Tennessee fan.
But at least this time I watched it from the comfort of a couch. Call me a fair weather fan. I still love the Vols.
Sunday was the last day before we finally caved and turned on the heat. So the day was spent cuddling and watching movies.
Before braving the cold for a little Halloween celebration.
Rock, paper, and scissors.
Did we play? Absolutely.

Loved getting to hang with my brudder!

An unintentional Chelcie sandwich

Sweet friends. In pretend London.

Hi Blake

I. Am. In. Love.

Rock, Paper, Scissors. Heck yes.

Here's to trick or treating, bellies way too full of candy, sugar highs, scary movies, and getting to pretend to be someone else for the day.
Happy Halloweeeeen!

FALLing Slowly

2011-10-25T22:15:00.000-04:00

Hi blog. Missed you this week.

The title of this blog really has very little to do with this post, except for I loved Fall this weekend, but here's a little music to jam to while you read....

Good news: my tests are over.
Good news: I finished my 20 page paper.
Bad news: I found out my teacher moved it back to next Monday, once I got to class last night. Are you freaking kidding me?
Good news: I'm already done with it!
Good news: One whoooole week of (mostly) freedom. Or at least not having to think about a stinkin' 20 page paper all week.
Good news: This week was awe-to the-some. I adore fall.
And this weekend was fall to the max.
And despite having a 20 page paper due on Monday, I still lived it up this weekend.

It stared off on Thursday night at the Ryan Long concert with some of my sweet Halls friends. We loooove Ryan!

On Friday night we had leadership. Which I always love. (Side note: I've had enough up front at leadership attention to last a lifetime.)

Then we had movie night at Red Saile!
I don't know why I didn't take pictures of this. It was a scary movie watchin', hot chocolate and apple cider drinkin' cookie eatin', blanket snugglin' truck sittin' corn poppin' good time.
But really, it was an overwhelming, crowded, crazy blast. We'll for sure do it again sometime!

Then on Saturday after watching this girl dominate her state cross country meet (she won a bet I made). So proud of this kid...

Newly Braceface. Love her so much.

...We went to a pumpkin patch!! HECK YES FOR FALL!

Becca feeding the wildlife. And Kendall unsure what to think.

Perfect pumpkin picking is a particular process. (How's that for alliteration?!)

This pumpkin patch was in Halls and it was fabulous. GO! We got apples and cider and delicious baby pies. And pumpkins. Duh.

After the pumpkin patch we watched our Vols get dominated by Bama. I hate Alabama. But if ya gotta watch your team lose (again) might as well do it in a house full of good food and good friends! Followed by a celebratory bonfire for still having team spirit through think and thin! GBO.

Sunday, funday was church followed by me spending all day writing my "not-due-until-next-Monday-I-have-got-to-learn-how-to-use-email" paper.

Seriously, I am so thankful for this weekend. And for this life.

Thank you, God, for giving me a life I don't deserve!

I thought it was senior year...

2011-10-18T20:25:00.000-04:00

This week got out of hand very quickly. I did not see it coming and am still a little confused as to how exactly it happened. I ~~have~~ had three tests (two down, one to go- holla!) and a 20 page paper due all within the week. I thought this was supposed to be my senior year of college! (While we're on the subject, I just registered for my last ever semester of college. I think the phrase "time flies when you're having fun" was made for this moment. Good gosh, someone make time slow just for a little while!)
These moments are where my love-hate relationship with school is clearly seen. THREE TESTS AND A 20 PAGE PAPER! But I still wanna stay here for-ev-er.

Here he is folks, Mr. John C. Hodges

So anyway, since after 3 and a half years I still haven't learned to study in advance, Mr. Hodges and I have taken up a relationship again. And it's getting serious pretty quickly. It was touch-and-go for awhile (see the second sentence of this post... it is my senior year) but we are back at it in full swing.

But I have decided, no one has died from too much work yet. And I doubt I'll be the first (especially since I am taking up my oh-so-precious study time to blog). So I figure I'll survive.

Some good news for me- maybe bad for you- it's going to be gross and cold and rainy all day tomorrow. Perfect for writing a dang long paper!
Here's to sleepless nights, hot coffee, rainjackets, sweatshirts, snack breaks, chatting breaks, Pinterest breaks, any-excuse-possible breaks, and dominating at college.
Over and out, Homies!

A Pinteresting Day!

2011-10-14T18:20:00.000-04:00

Before y'all go into thinking I'm bipolar or something, let me just say, although I am 99.9% of the time just SO happy and joyful, that other .1% of the time when I'm just not, I have to choose joy. I choose to be happy. Like today. I'm still sad I'm not a Windy Gap. But I am choosing to be happy, despite circumstances.
So here's my day full of wonderful ideas thanks to Pinterest.

Pumpkin cookies (minus baking soda- oops)

Not actually on pinterest but it should be. We made these last night with the Halls girls going to camp.

A headband out of a tshirt I made this morning. Saw-weet!

We even Ding Dong Ditched our neighbors. It was just like being in high school again, but instead of angry dads with sleeping babies, our friends got to enjoy yummy treats. So fun for us and them.

Happy freakin' weekend!

2011-10-14T01:31:00.000-04:00

I debated on whether or not to publish this post. I am usually so happy and so enthusiastic in general. But today, not so much. But you know what, this is my blog and I do what I want. So here it is world...

Let me just be real for a minute. Today I have been sad. I really, really want to be going with all my friends (high schoolers, teammates, and even leaders at other schools) to Windy Gap this weekend.
I actually can't think of anything I want more at the moment.
I am SO pumped for all my friends going.
They are going to have the best time.
And get to hear and talk about Jesus all weekend.
I am not mad or frustrated or annoyed (although I've been all of those too).
I am just so sad for myself and my Halls friends who didn't want to go.
I don't want this to be a whiny post about how much I wish I was going to Windy Gap. So I apologize. Just sometimes ya gotta let it out.

However, I am reminded that circumstance don't determine my joy. That comes from Christ alone! Wow. Thanks again, Jesus Calling.

But sometimes I get discouraged. YoungLife is hard. Particularly when you do ministry for three years and don't see fruit from it.
I read this, though, and it seems about right...

“You job isn’t to fill other people’s cups. Your job is to empty yours.” – Andy Stanley

Umm... Okay. Clear reminder. It's not up to me! I am relieved of the pressure. But it's still sad. That's really all.

I know this was lame and whiny (even though I tried to avoid it...), but I hope someone was a tiny bit encouraged. God is loving. And faithful. And I am thankful that we don't always understand Him. And He is good. And life is good. So good.
And to all of my friends going to Windy Gap, have the greatest time at the best place on Earth! (Drink a Cheerwine slush for me)

Jesus Calling

2011-10-11T14:53:00.000-04:00

"Jesus Calling should be retitled to Your Daily Prophecy.” to quote someone I’m following on twitter. And I agree. 100%.

Confession: I’ve been struggling with the fact that I won’t be going to Windy Gap for weekend camp for the first time since I became a leader. And it sucks. A lot. The girls I hang out with straight up don’t want to go. So they make excuses. I’ve fought every excuse you can imagine. And I can’t win. They aren’t going. So neither am I. And I’m sad. I love them. And love Windy Gap. And love Jesus. And I want them to experience all this. But they won’t. Not this year anyway. So I’m totally bummed.

I’m trying so hard to see God’s reasoning for leaving them (and me) behind this weekend. I will worship Him even though I am disappointed.

So here is where “Jesus Calling” comes in. I feel like I’ve been doing okay in trusting the Lord in having another plan, but I have been complaining. Oh dear. To anyone who will listen. Because it IS hard. But here’s J.C. had to say...
"...you have not let go of My hand. I am pleased with your desire to stay close to Me. There is one thing, however, that displeases Me: your tendency to complain."
Insert "oops" here.
"You may talk to Me as much as you like about the difficulty of the path we are following. I understand better than anyone else the stresses and stains that have afflicted you. You can ventilate safely to Me, because talking with Me tempers your thoughts and helps you see things from My perspective."
Philippians 2:14-15
Yep. So that clears that up.
Complaining- see ya never!

I started this post a couple days ago, but waited to publish it and now I just have to put in the quote from Jesus Calling today on here.

"The only thing you absolutely need is the one thing you can never lose: My Presence with you."

so good. so thankful.

Finally gonna see the T...

2011-10-08T12:37:00.000-04:00

It's gameday again!
I still haven't see the team run through the "T." My favorite part of Tennessee football. But tonight's the night! Finally.
We play Georgia tonight. I'm so excited for this game.
It's the perfect day for football.
And I love night games.
And we baked this morning. (Or I guess I should say no bake...)
See?
Yum...

"Football shaped" no bakes

SO easy to make. I'll definitely be making these again.
Basically life is so good today.
This post is really just to let all my faithful readers know that I am indeed still alive.
And loving this life. So blessed. Beyond what I deserve.
GBO.

I'm a picture thief

2011-09-28T22:14:00.001-04:00

...and whatcha gonna do about it?
Here's me living the good life:

Fall lake days. I love you.

Summer. Come back.

It's FALL y'all

2011-09-23T15:54:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of my favorite season!

Can't wait for...
drinking coffee on cloudy afternoons.
cuddling in blankets.
good comfort food.
FOOTBALL.
crunchy leaves.
yummy smells.
wool.
apple cider.

I LOVE FALL!

But we are having a little bit of a problem with letting go of Summer and are heading to the lakehouse this weekend for one final goodbye. I can't wait to play all day in the water with my friends!
Yay summer turning into Fall!

Happy freakin' weekend, Bloggies!

Duces

2011-09-20T23:44:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure what's taken me so long to write this post. But here it is... finally.

I'M 22 Y'ALL!
aka duces.
aka twenty-THREE is next.
aka old.
aka nothing exciting happens at 22.

But it was a great day of birth. I'm still having a hard time contemplating the fact that I'm 22 (and a week). And I've lived every moment of it. Holy moly life goes by fast.

I felt so loved. So many texts and calls and of course the Christmas of Facebook (thanks Meghan Davis). From Panera breakfast to lunch with the Grandparents to ice cream surprises to dinner and small group and party at Red Saile. It was really a fantastic day.

My biffle (BFFL= best friend for life) is so great at birthdays. If celebrating birthdays was a spiritual gift it would be her's. Hands down. She's the one that organized the party by sending out a text that said,
"Today is Chelcie's/Bubs/Klutz/whatever you like to call her birthday! Come to Red Saile at 9 to celebrate with the happiest girl I know."
If someone said that about you, you can't tell me it wouldn't just absolutely make your ~~day~~ life. She is awesome.
And boy did she cover some territory with that text. Because we had quite the crowd at the Red Saile house. And a huge variety. (I guess that's a benefit to not fitting perfectly in anywhere- LOTS of friends! From LOTS of different places). Such a fun thing.

A little late night neighborhood bonding finished the night off. (Have I mentioned how awesome I think it is to have cool neighbors? It rocks.)

It meant so much to be celebrated. I feel humbled to get call such awesome people my friends.

I love my backporch. Spending time out there was a perfect bday treat!

My personal poster that was made and signed (and is still hanging). One of the perks of being a YoungLife leader.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who made my birthday special.
Love y'all more than ice cream and cake and cake.

Double dippin'

2011-09-13T16:07:00.000-04:00

I didn't name this post that because someone was biting snacks and dipping back into the dip. But I'm doubling up and writing about two things at once. So almost the same thing. But not. At all.
Preface: this is lengthy. So grab a Diet Coke or tune out your professor before you read on...

So anyway,
SharpTop Cove leaders' retreat was this weekend. Just what I needed. Time with my favorite people, time with Jesus, and time with people encouraging and lifting us up.
Sometimes doing YoungLife ministry gets discouraging (high schoolers can be mean!!), so it is just great to be able to get away for a little while and be reminded that what we do matters and someone is appreciative.

Some of my favs:

Love, love, love

From Bearden Bulldogs to YoungLife leaders all over TN. Holla!

Sweet teammates (plus Blake)

More sweet teammates

I had a theme of matching boys this weekend:

First PM

Then Austin

My most favorite "take away" from this weekend was "You don't have to be awesome." Weird thing to take away from all that was said? Maybe. But I really have loved reflecting on this.
Tom Job was the "speaker." (I feel funny calling him this because it seems like "speakers" speak at the kids and Tom seemed to be speaking to us. Like he was having conversations specifically with us. I don't know, this probably doesn't make sense, just my thoughts...). Tom told a story on Saturday night and I'm going to try and retell it. (If you are reading this and were there and heard the story too, bear with me if I get some of the details wrong, I'm going for the gist of it.)
A guy he knows was working for sometime in Boston. One day on the subway he ran into a girl. He started talking to her and just knew he had to see her again. She was leaving to go home in California in two days, so they decided to meet for coffee the next night. That night felt led to share his faith with her. So he talked and she listened. He knew he needed to ask her if she wanted Christ in her life too, but he just couldn't make himself speak it. He got scared. He wasn't awesome. So she got up, thanked him, and left. Tom told us that story exactly 10 years to the date after it happened. September 10. The next morning, the girl got on a plane that flew into the World Trade Center. She never made it back home. The man was so upset. He knew he had missed his opportunity. And now it was too late.
But years later he was watching Dateline when a couple was being interviewed about their daughter who had died in the attacks. They said she had called them the night before she died and told them her life had been changed that night and she couldn't wait to tell them about it when she saw them again. She never got the chance. But it was the was girl. Her life was changed. This man once thought he missed his opportunity, when in actuality he changed a life. He thought that he hadn't been awesome. He hadn't done it right. Yet, a life was changed despite his mess ups. This girl's life was still changed. Because of him.
So often I feel the very opposite of awesome when doing ministry at Halls. But then I'm reminded I don't have to be awesome! Because Jesus is.

Now, on to my "double dip." How in the world has it already been a decade since September 11th? Wow. I remember it so clearly. West Valley. 6th grade. I was Addie's age! Mom picked Ashley Campbell and me up from school. Her dad, our pastor, got Sarah and Drew from their elementary school. We went to Grandmom's house. And watched TV all day. I'll never forget it. I was so young. But felt so old. I remember that beeping. The sound of the personal locator devices the rescuers were wearing. The ones that were going off after the towers fell. An eerie thing to remember. Re-watching news reports from that day make me cry now. They did then too. But for different reasons now. I was scared then. Now I'm just sad. But remember how "together" we felt? The whole country was united. Patriotic. Joined together. One nation. Under God. I would never, ever wish for September 11th to happen again, but to go back to that feeling again... I remember it still. As an 11 year old I knew those days were special. Scary, sad, upsetting, but also full of hope and a feeling of "we're all in this together." I would love to get back to that. I am so thankful for this country. So thankful.

So that's that for my double dipping post. Sorry it's lengthy. Thanks for hanging in there.
Happy Tuesday!

STC!

2011-09-09T11:21:00.000-04:00

I know some of you (Morgan Stridde) get sick of my Halls team love posting. So just skip this one.

A adore my team.
Because honestly, what other team jams to duets in the 30 minute car ride back home from their high schools?
...Or picks up ~~sticks~~ wands in the YL parking lot and casts spells on each other for the rest of the night?
...Or has a team thread that makes me pee my pants daily? (That might be a personal problem)
...Or sends back and forth texts of lyrics with "dance" in them all.day.long.?
...Or is just so stinkin' awesome in ways I can't even explain??

I'm positive all y'all's teams rock so much, I'm just constantly overwhelmed by how blessed I am to get to lead at Halls with the people I do. So I apologize. But at the same time, I am pumped to get to hang out with them (and all you other great leaders!) all weekend.

Three cheers for a mini vacay to hang out with YL leaders from all over the state at SharpTop Cove!

I'm excited to hang with my team and all the others who do ministry in Knoxville, and all the others from all over Tennessee (including a couple of friends from high school!!) that I'll meet so soon.
And I'm excited to just get away. Niiiiiice.

I did work crew at STC when I was a junior in high school. Don't blame me if I walk around singing "We are the work crew, we serve the Lord and you..." all weekend. Old habits die hard.

And this was the last time I was there... senior year of high school. Cute.

And these are the people I am most excited to hang with. Obsessed.

Happy freakin' weekend!

What-what's your fan-ta-ta-sy

2011-09-08T21:15:00.000-04:00

This maybe is a slightly inappropriate title. But I feel like it fits. Because....

I have a Fantasy Football team.

We are in a league called "Girls Rule."
We cheer passionately for our teams.
We don't really know what we are dong.
We talk trash with the best of 'em.
This is real life.

I have rolled my eyes at guys for getting SO into this every year. And yet, here I am. I'm distracted from this post because I'm trying to watch the Packers v. Saints game as I type. And trying to keep up with the changing points on NFL.com. I'm not 100% sure what is going on, but I do know that I'm cheering for Aaron Rodgers. Go, Pack, go!

So, just thought I'd let y'all know, I've officially joined the world of actually caring about NFL and rooting for my fantasy team.

And all you girls in the league reading this, you are going down. We're gonna stomp you. My team rocks. That's all the trash talk I got. Boom.

Now, it's back to doing high school cheers to the TV. "First and 10, do it again, go, gooo!"

A little rain...

2011-09-07T00:35:00.000-04:00

It's been so dry here. And HOT. And sunny. For so long. And now that it's the biggest weekend of the year here in Knoxville, it pours. Stupid tropical storm Lee. But we don't let a little bit of rain (or a stinkin' monsoon) get us down! We've been through worse. Remember this and this?
So, despite the rain, it was a BIG Labor Day weekend here in Knoxvegas.

First UT game of the year- there was absolutely no way to be prepared for you. I was hot, hot, hot and sweaty. Then soaking wet and freezing. But you were worth it. I think. Temporary misery for a life long memory? I hope that's how that works anyway.

The "T"- I'm talking to you, band members, not that wonderful bus that drives us lazy college students around. This was definitely towards the top of my reasons-to-be-excited-for-the-football-game list. And it you didn't happen! For the second time in 300 home games since the tradition started. Such a bummer.

UT football team- Thanks for not being superstitious and dominating even though the game didn't start too smoothly.

White dress I wore on Saturday- Thanks for nothin'!!

Waffle House- Thank you for being so close. And for always being open. And for letting us hang out after games.

Oregon- I only cheer for you because your uniforms ROCK. Just needed to get that off my chest.

Northstar- Every Sunday I am thankful that I go to church where I do. Thanks for always giving me something to think about.

Delaney- We may not be great at studying together, but we sure do rock at making dinner and inventing desserts. Forget elementary ed, wanna open a restaurant instead??

Game time decisions- Thank you for leading us to Boomsday. Glad we were so in sync on Sunday night.

Boomsday- You are my favorite night of the year. (Maybe not really very favorite, but easily top 5). You did not disappoint this year. I do believe this was the best year yet. Keep 'em coming.

Weather- thanks for proving me right when I swore it never stormed at Boomsday. We took your sprinkles in stride.

Annual Boomsday dance party- I have absolutely no words for you.

Labor day- Quite possible the dreariest Labor day to date. Literally did not get out of my jammers until 6:00. But I don't think there is anything better than watching movies, eat popcorn, and snuggling with the roomies all day long. But you know what? How rare is it that we get to take a day to just do nothing? So I think rainy Labor day, you were a blessing in disguise!!

Now, in picture form:

A little lake action to kick LBW off right. Please and thank you.

The Red Saile house (and Austin Thomas) LOVES the Vols.

BFFS GBO Need I say more?

Bulldogs turned Vols. Love.

Boomsday. What's not to love?

Gametime decision makers.

It's football time in Tenneesseeeee

2011-09-03T13:59:00.000-04:00

It's the first game day of the season!!!!!
We are pumped at the Red Saile house.
Lots of changing and exchanging of clothes.
And blasting Rocky Top throughout the house.
And we are ready.
More than ready.
For tailgating.
For watching the team run through the T.
For shaking shakers.
For high-fiving strangers.
For celebrating.
For touchdown scoring in that checkerboard end zone.
For watching the fireworks go off over the river.
And for singing Rocky Top ALL.NIGHT.LONG.

GBO!

IT'S GAMEDAY!!!!

Love

2011-09-01T14:04:00.000-04:00

Y'all.
I'm in love.
You may have noticed that a boy has not been mentioned on here before.
And I'm gonna keep it that way.
For now.
It's not that kind of love.
But almost.
The current love of my life is this little gem...

Nutella.
Be still my heart.
I literally cannot stop eating it.

I'm gonna go cram more nutella covered grahams in my mouth now.
Happy freakin' (loooong) weekend, bloggies!

Total bro weekend

2011-08-29T22:33:00.000-04:00

This weekend was... extreme. I feel like I totally embraced being a bro. And of course I did not bring my camera. Too anything. I'm failing at that these days.
But I'll verbally recap.

On Saturday I went to the Pro Wakeboard Tour. Gnarlyyy.

This kid was there.

Harley Clifford.
aka wakeboard pro
aka Aussie hottie
aka 17 year old (age is just a number, right?)
aka legit best wakeboarder in the world
aka my crush
Oh and we have the same birthday (4 years apart). If that's not a sign I don't know what is.

Whoa baby I was so star-struck. Going to the Tour was really a treat.
We got in for free. And somehow ended up also getting to be Mastercraft VIPs.
My friend Taylor let some people come out on his boat where we tied up with tons of other boats and watched from the water. I've never seen so many boats tied together. So many people in bathing suits. I kept saying, "This is SO college." Typical me.
But it really was fun. And very impressive.
And made me wanna go wakeboard again.

On Sunday after church we went to the Quarry. Fist pumps and leg kicks for being daredevils and jumping from cliffs and free climbing rock walls. Bad A.

2011-08-25T19:18:00.000-04:00

Today I told one of my friends that the best decision I ever made was having a schedule with no class on Fridays. That might be a tad dramatic, but it is seriously glorious.
Three day weekend every week? Mmm. Love it. Even more than Chaco tans.

How about this thought: I'm a senior again?! What the what? Whenever scientists figure out where the time goes and how to slow it down a tad, please someone alert me a.s.a.p. Real world, I am not even a tiny bit ready for you yet!

Anyway, I adore this quote (actually I might have posted it before, and probably will again someday...)

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

~ Mary Oliver

Happy freakin' weekend!

25 is a long time...

2011-08-23T16:52:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my parent's 25th anniversary.

All I can think is, daggum. That's a looooong time to have a crush on somebody.

I try to say I'm still young, I'm only 21(!!). So of course I can't imagine liking someone that much for so long. BUT, my mom was 20 when she married my dad. So much for that reasoning...

I really am proud to call them my mom and dad. I'm proud to say they've been married for a fourth of a century. I'm proud to say they are still in love. And I'm proud of the job they've done in raising me and my brothers and sister.

My dad has shown me every day of his life (whether he realizes it or not) what kind of man I should be looking for to marry. Not just in the way he treats his own wife, but how he treats me. I'm think my parents are beginning to wonder if they've done too good a job at this and they won't ever have grandkids :) - Let's hope I'm mostly kidding here... My dad supports my mom in all she does. Not only does he have a job himself, but he also plays "Mr. Mom", taking us to school and practice and made my lunch every.single.day (what wouldn't I give to have that again?!- I just ate a handful of Peanut M&M's for lunch- yay college!). My dad had made sure none of us- his wife and all four kids- never had to do without. Anything. And I will be grateful for his love for as long as I live. My dad loves his wife so well. He encourages and love her. He is witty and creative in showing his love. And I adore it. I've found notes left around the house of "Reasons why I love you..." for my mom many times. I will be incredible lucky if I can find a man half as wonderful as my dad is to my mom. I am a Daddy's girl through and through.

My mom loves my dad too. She cooks yummy dinners for when he comes home from work. And buys sweet tea because he and I like it. She tells him when he's getting out of control and needs to take it down a few notches. I guess they balance each other out pretty well. Without her who knows where my dad would be??

My parents have taught me so well. I hope they are proud of how I've turned out. I feel like they've done a good job. I feel so blessed that they've demonstrated to me and my siblings what true love looks like and how a marriage should work, with Christ at the center. It's not always easy but it's worth it. It's always worth it.

Happy 25th anniversary to the 'rents!

Ups and downs

2011-08-22T12:25:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to publish this for awhile. Forgive me!!

Woooow. Whatta first week back it's been.

This week was legit crazy. Here's just some good and bad things about this past week...

Monday- On Monday morning I'm totally convinced that every YoungLife leader in Knoxville (including me and my team) got up early and drove to the high schools to see their high friends on their first day back. This blessed my heart. So much.

Wednesday started classes. They were actually pretty good... until they got canceled. Oh. My. Word. Insert huge freak out panic moment here. I needed comfort and sympathy and the lady in the Bursar's office definitely wasn't the one to provide it. And neither were some of the other people I turned to first. In my mind I knew it would be okay, but that did not stop an overwhelming sense of panic from creeping in. And lots of tears. I'm a wimp. But thank goodness for friends who've "been there, done that" with having schedules dropped. I will forever be in debt to those who calmed me down. But it's all okay now.

One good thing that came out of my trip to the Bursar's office is, I'm pretty sure I maybe might have met my future husband in line. Sparks were flying. I think it's what's called "love at first sight". Too bad I don't know his name.

Another good thing is getting to hang out with the new neighbs every day/night. It's so great having friends so close. One of the boys houses is calling me their sixth roommate. I guess this is okay until I start having to pay rent.

I finally got to go wakeboarding again (good) but didn't do well at all (bad).

I went to Cookout two days in a row. I'm totally convinced Christians have the best food (In-N-Out, Chickfila, Cookout... must I go on?!). De-to the-licious. But even better- cheap!! Cookout, oh how I love thee.

And, we love making midnight runs to Krispy Kreme with the neighbors. This is also very good.

Friday night, once again I was reminded of how much a adore being a part of this ministry called YoungLife as so many of my friends went to the first football games of the season. Halls actually won! We're breaking our 0-10 streak from last year. Wahoo! Sometimes I weird myself out with the loyalty I feel towards the Red Devils...

These are the days I love (and hate) college.

Feelin' hot, hot, hot!

2011-08-11T14:45:00.000-04:00

Before we dragged our mattresses downstairs too.

The Red Saile house does not have AC. It makes me glad I won't be going to hell. On night one without air conditioning we embraced it and got a mega-mattress and slept down in the basement with about 15 fans. I'm not sure if it was the excitement of a sleepover or the heat or the hair that kept blowing in my face from the fans, but I'm pretty sure I slept for about 20 minutes.
Mis- as in miserable. So in the meantime I've been having real sleepovers and couch surfing until Saturday when it's finally fixed. We Red Sailers will also be loving anyone who bring us buckets of cold water, freezers, ice cream (you can bring that even when we do have AC again), fans, or handful of ice cubes. Slip-n-slide? Water ballon fights? Hit us up.
But the good news is at least it's only a high of 90 for today and tomorrow. Whatta relief.

Nerd mode

2011-08-09T18:39:00.000-04:00

I'm still getting over my depression of finishing Harry Potter. Although I am finally seeing the last movie tonight- fist pumps and leg kicks for that! In the meantime, I'd like to thank The Hunger Games for being more than enough entertainment. Go, go, go and get these books pronto! (I've only read the first one but I finished it in one day. My fingers are itching for the second!!)

That's pretty much what the past few days have consisted of. Reading and being reunited with friends. Insert that "Reunited and it feels so good" song here.
Side note: I don't think I even know that song at all...

And of course going to Mooya also known as my new favorite place. Turkey burger? Yes please. It's almost like having my very own In-N-Out right down the street. And I'm pretty sure they love Jesus too. They're just so nice. Uh oh... another craving is coming on. I'm going to need an intervention soon.

So all that being said, if anyone else has any good books now is that time to share them with me. I'm on a roll. We can go to Mooya and discuss the symbolism and motifs. Just kiddin' about that last part- I don't miss high school English that much. Everything else I'm 100% serious about though. Mean it.
Over and out Bloggies

2011-08-05T11:34:00.000-04:00

As long as you have breath, God's purpose for your life is not yet finished. He has so much more for you to do.

-Tony Dungy

This has already been retweeted my two of my friends this morning and I loved it both times I read it. So I had to share.

TGIF bloggies!

Happy Fourth of... August?

2011-08-04T10:53:00.000-04:00

I know I missed the 4th of July blog posting opportunity, actually I'm exactly one month late, but in a moment of patriotism I just had to blog
Hip hip hooray for America!
Now, let me just say, I always love this country. And I am so, so thankful to live here. But after watching The Patriot with our new neighbors then seeing Surprise Homecoming on TLC (not to mention the womens World Cup a couple weeks ago- so close...) I just had to do fist pumps and leg kicks for this place.
So I think today I will wear red, white, and blue and really appreciate living in this one nation under God.

Go Amurica

July!

2011-08-02T15:53:00.000-04:00

I took a blogging hiatus for the month of July. Why? Because I felt like it.
Anyway, I am back, Bloggies?

So what have you missed this month of July?

Lots and lots of Spanish. Thank goodness that is over and done with for-ev-ver. Thank you Squints for perfectly matching my enthusiasm for the meaning of forever. Still no hablo espanol though.
Also lots of hanging out with this cutie.

Such a sweetheart. But man oh man am I glad that this season of the Nanny Diaries is over too.

The 4th of July! We went back to Topsail. Our house is g-o-n-e. But we stayed in a much bigger and much nicer house than ours. So we all accepted it with open arms. I'm glad that Shark Week is now, not a month ago.
- We also went to the g'rent's condo in HHI. I have so many memories of that place.
- I read and watched the entire Harry Potter series in two weeks. Insert nerd jokes here.
- Playing soccer. And sweating 200 liters. Yum.
- #lakethings of course. What better is there to do in summer in Tennessee? I dare ya to find an answer to that.
- New roomies and new neighbs. Fist pumps and leg kicks for both.
Blogger is making it way too hard to put up pictures with the words. So here are pictures for your viewing pleasure!

We go for the wind-blown look
Practically pros

...unlike Andy :)

We got caught in a monsoon on the lake on Taylor's birthday. Hence the boys huddling together. Although, I wouldn't be shocked if they were cuddled up just for fun.

Note to self(/ves): when the sky gets eerily dark, book it back to the marina!

Oh how I wish everyday was cow day. What wouldn't I do for free Chick-fil-a?

Dad and I drove through a storm on the way home from HHI, but we came out to some pretty spectacular skies.
This is what happens when you end up being the only girl on a lake day. The boys beat you up. True life.
So that's July for ya! I am so hot and so tired. Reliving the last month in 30 minutes is exhausting. But that's that. It's good to be back.
Over and out homies!

These days...

2011-06-30T12:11:00.000-04:00

...are made up of:
Bare food living. I don't wear shoes anywhere anymore. I guess I'm just really embracing my Tennessee stereotype. Ain't no thang.
Scratching mosquito bites. I know I shouldn't. But the momentary relief that comes from leaving red scratches on my arms and legs is 100% worth it. Ahhh relief.
Wearing a sock in my hair. Yep.
Windows down at night. With my hand out the window. Bouncing to the country music on the radio.

Becky and I wakesurfing together.
Sam jumping on the pogo stick 863 times.
"Barefoot Blue Jean Night" being the official song of the summer. As declared by me. Insert this song on repeat here.
And packing for the beach. Okay, I haven't actually started this one yet. But we are going. Tomorrow. Fist pumps for way to many Crawfords and one sweet Irish girl all staying in a house together!

I shoulda done this awhile ago...

2011-06-28T23:55:00.000-04:00

I don't know what's taken me so long to share this. Because it's been such a great reminder for me over the past several months. I love it, and come back and read it at least once a week. Which is why I don't really know why I haven't shared it on here. I guess I just kinda wonder if any of y'all who read this ever think about or struggle with the same things as me. But a lot of my friends really have loved it. And I figure that someone out there has to be like us. And after a quick convo with a friend tonight, I decided I needed to put it up here. To encourage whoever you may be.
A couple of months ago, one of my friends and I were taking a mini study break. We got to talking and eventually wandered upon the topic of dating. Both of us are single, while all of our roommates are not. Naturally (at least I hope this is a normal thing), frustrations and feelings we'd rather not have were shared. While it was great to have someone to vent with and talk somethings over with, we left feeling like we had something in common, but didn't exactly bring the conversation back where it needed to be, which is centered on God. But a few minutes later I walked by him and he made me come sit down and read the email his aunt had just sent him.
It was perfect.
For then.
And now.
That's how I came upon this.

The great wedding was ten days ago, many more coming up this summer, another friend from high school got engaged today, and lots more are dating. I love it, but at the same time, this is such a good encouragement for us single friends.

"Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone – a soul relationship with another – to love thoroughly and exclusively.

But God to a Christian says, “No, not until you are satisfied – fulfilled – contended with being loved by Me alone – Not until you give yourself totally and unreserved to Me – Not until you have discovered that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, will you be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me – exclusive of anyone or anything else – exclusive of any desires or longings.

I want you to stop planning, stop wishing and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing – one that you cannot imagine – I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you. You just keep watching Me – expecting the greatest things.

Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am. Keep listening and learning the things I tell you – you just wait. That’s all – don’t be anxious – don’t worry – don’t look around at the things others have gotten or that I’ve given them. Don’t look at the things you think you want. You just keep looking off up to Me or you’ll miss what I want to show you.

And then when you are ready…

I’ll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you would dream of. You see, until you’re ready and until the one I have for you is ready – until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I’ve prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me……and this is the perfect love. And dear one, I want you to have the most wonderful love; I want you to see in this perfect human relationship a picture of the love that I offer you with Myself.

Now, know that I love you – utterly believe it – and be satisfied.”

I wrote a lot at the beginning because there's not a whole lot to say to follow that up. My words seem so inadequate compared to these. So I hope you liked this...

Better than the royal wedding!

2011-06-25T10:53:00.000-04:00

Who am I? It's been way to long my dear, faithful readers.
In my defense, it's been a busy week.

My bffl got married (holy moly, still can't believe this is real life)
I had the last week of first sesh summer school. Good gosh that went by muy rapido. And I'm not complaining one bit! 5 day weekend (until second sesh starts)! Time to partay!
We've been surviving tornados. Knoxville had moved from Tennessee to Kansas without any of us knowing.
I started working a "real" job. "Real" in that it is nannying so I still get paid without having to take out taxes (holla for not being grown up yet) and get cash and don't have to work 9-5. But it is kinda real because it is regular, everyday working. Farrah is a cutie. And we are buddies.
Also been wakeboarding and wake surfing. Ain't no thang. Just a matter of time until I'm throwing raleys and tantrums (I'm not talking about the temper kind... Although I might be throwing some of those too...). Gnarly.

So I thought I'd throw some pics out while I munch on this huge bag of candy from the wedding (Peanut M&M's for breakfast? Sure, why not?) and love this stellar week!

Tornado day. A tree fell on our cars. Glad I parked on the other side of the driveway.

The down power lines (and trees) and the barricade the neighbs set up to keep people from driving into the wires and electrocuting themselves. So thoughtful.

Who knew a waterproof digital camera could be THIS fun?!

Late night happenings. These are the days I love.

TCBY and friends. This is the good life.

WEDDING TIME!

Just gettin' ready after a little double drive thru time. I kinda wish we could do this every week.

BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!!!

This is after it cleared up a bit. Rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck, right? So huge thunderstorms must mean you'll have the most wonderful marriage eva!

So we had a little down time before the wedding. One of my favorite parts of the day.

Rehearsal dinner. Such a sweet night.

One last Red Saile pic. So thankful for this past year!

Lastly, one of my favorite pictures of all time. Love, love, love.

So if you can please forgive me. I've been busy. Not a lot of time for deep thoughts and witty reflections on life. So this is it for now.

Over and out Bloggies!

The last pre-wedding post

2011-06-17T23:55:00.000-04:00

The wedding is tomorrow! I am so pumped. I honestly can't imagine being more excited for my own wedding (gah, but I hope I am! Somehow...). Seriously, I could pee my pants from excitement.

The bridal brunch, rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner were all today. It makes it so real. Wow.

The brunch was so tasty. I am about 99% sure that I could eat breakfast food all day, everyday. Yum.

And Abby gave us the most beautiful pearls. I can't wait to wear them tomorrow. They're gorgeous. Now if only I remind myself I have to guard these pearls with my life. Much nicer than my usual Target $4 pearl earrings.

Red Saile became an explosion of girls and clothes and make up and dresses and shoes and bobby pins and hairspray this afternoon. I guess that's foreshadowing for tomorrow. Oh my.

The rehearsal. Was weird. How can we be practicing for our friends' wedding- tomorrow?! Eek! They gave us tips to avoid passing out while we're standing up there. At all costs. I thought that only happened on America's Funny Home Videos. Worst case scenario, one of us will be the next AFV star or internet sensation.

Good thing there aren't any pools around Cedar Springs...

The rehearsal dinner. Two thumbs up. It was beautiful. Becca and I wrote a poem. I thought about putting it up here, but it's full of inside jokes. And mistakes. And I was shaking like crazy saying it in front of everyone So we'll just keep it to ourselves. And everyone at the rehearsal dinner. I was a little bit worried we were going to have a "Wedding Crashers" moment where the girl tries to be funny but instead just hears crickets. But fortunately that didn't happen.

We laughed and cried and did fist pumps and celebrated Abby and Andy.

Here's to a night of no sleeping from sheer joy. It's like prom times 500thousandmillion (that's a real big number I just made up). Hopefully we'll doze off a little bit and dream of wedding all night long.

AND here's too Mr. and Mrs. FENNELL!

In case you were wondering

2011-06-15T17:13:00.000-04:00

Just a few things you should know...

1. Wendy's new fries. Oh. My. Goodness. I had them for the first time last night. Are you freaking kidding me?! Umm... I do believe I am going to have to go to Wendy's again today. I already need an intervention.

2. The rain and storms today? #amis Pray that the 30% chance on Saturday will become 0%. Pronto.

3. Also, I just finished reading Heaven is for Real. Ahh-maz-ing. So good. Read it. It took me a little less than one day to read. That's less than 24 hours, Bloggies. Now, I'm not going to pretend I'm not a reader. I am. But that is pretty speedy for me. I've read parts of other books about people who had near death experience or died and came back to life, which were alright stories, but the difference about this book is that a little kid is telling it. He wasn't trying to capitalize on his experiences, make money or gain fame, he was just telling about what happened to him. One of the things the boy in the book repeats over and over is, "Jesus really loves the children." Isn't it crazy how he uses them? How 'bout that childlike faith, eh?

It's a great book. Really quick read. God sure does love to amaze us.

4. Another Spanish test tomorrow. What?! Esta clase es loco.

5. Wedding in THREE DAYS! Really that only two. Thursday and Friday. Since today is practically over and Saturday is THE day. And actually since Friday is the Bridesmaid luncheon and the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner that doesn't really count either. So, what I really mean is ONE DAY LEFT! Hollaaa!

6. Oh, and one more thing, I have Bieber Fever. Big time. Thanks Never Say Never. Please don't throw me in jail.

Over and out!

Blogging is hard in the summer...

2011-06-12T14:01:00.000-04:00

Dear sweet little blog, sorry I've neglected you. But like I said, sometime you're just too busy livin' life to blog. So here's a quick update to just remind you I haven't forgotten totally completely about you.

I loved playing with this sweet war eagle friend for a WHOLE week!

Just posing in a parking garage. Why not?

Lots of partays for so so soon to be Abby Fennell

A little Scooter/ Rollerblade to Weigles for 69 cents Icees. Just another reason to adore summer.

Late night secret adventures. Oh I hope we never forget this night.


Some hardcore par 4 frolf. Girls only date rock!

I just love all the fun FREE stuff we've learned to entertain ourselves with this summer.
Less than a week until Abby is married. Three cheers for "Clubs and Tools" party tonight. Can't wait to do some putting and celebrate this awesome couple!

Can't beat summertime

2011-06-05T23:53:00.000-04:00

I'm starting to feel like I sound a liiiitle bit like a broken record. But these days have been some of the best days of summer. Again. Despite having Spanish everyday, I do believe this is on track to being the best summer ever.
The past few days have been full of sun and water and food and friends. Tell me, does it get any better?!

I sorta felt like this week would be a little lame since so many people were at camp (but they are finally back! and I cannot wait to hear every detail!), and just Sarah Hope and I were holding down the for at Red Saile. But boy, was I wrong- it has been so fun. We've been a couple for the week. What a treat.

We've spent so long in the Sun the past few days. Summer tans are something to smile about. But it's been so hot we've spent all our time in the pool or on the lake. And I am NOT complaining about that.

Wake surfing is the new thing to do. My favorite thing about it is being close enough to the boat to talk to the people on board while you're riding. Sometimes I get bored wakeboarding. Too far away from the boat. It gets lonely. (Taylor would die if he read that.) We're going to be pros (I use the term lightly) by the end of the summer.

My "smart" phone decided to not be so smart and take a little swim in the bottom of the lake. Those suckas aren't waterproof. Not so smart after all.

National doughnut day!! Why isn't everyday free doughnut day? I definitely took advantage of it. I had three. That's right three free doughnuts. And I don't regret it. At. All. Plus, running into friends and going to get doughnuts, running into more friends there and going to get more doughnuts makes for a fun night.

And the Chickfila double drive through patio has been seeing lots of us lately. There's just something about sitting outside, eating Chickfila, and having Caleb "refresh our beverages" that we just can't resist.
We also walked to Menchie's last night. Gah, so great. I would do that every single night.

My creativity has sparked this summer as well. These are two of the projects we've attempted this week.
First, a jersey knit bracelet. All you need is an old t-shirt and two fingers. Viola! Awesome.

It's a little hard to see these, but fingernails painted in swirls. All you do for this is put a few drops of different color polish in a cup of water, swirl it with a toothpick, and dip your fingers in. Tada! Swirly nails.

And lastly, we practiced hairstyles for Abby's wedding. Less than two weeks! I am so pumped for that day! Unbelievable. Time flies when you're having fun!

June!

2011-06-02T18:06:00.000-04:00

Happy June, Bloggies!

June. I have high hopes for you, middle-of-the-year month.

But not too high. Because much to my disappointment, my feet will be staying in this country while my heart will be here....

Where it is 99% of the time.
So instead of being here...

I will be here...

Bleh.

I wish so bad I could just live in Nicaragua and count it as learning Spanish, but sadly Mr. Whoeverisinchargeofmegettingadiploma says that doesn't count.

Well since I've gotta be here, I might as well make the most of it!

Summer school has officially started (not exactly what I'd call "making the most of it"). But really, it's not so bad. I have to get up early, but that makes the day seem so much longer! And I'm out of class before my friends even wake up. I don't miss a thing! The other good news is that the two hours really do go by fast. I'm not sure how, but they do! And I have two of my best friends in class too. So at least we get to hang out while we "suffer." And I really, really want to know Spanish. So unlike Econ (gag) or Stats, this is something I actually want to learn. See it really isn't all that bad? (Remind me to come back and read these words while I'm hitting snooze again at 7 tomorrow morning.)

In the spirit of making the most of being here in Knoxville, I'm going to dinner with two of the most wonderful people. We have many things in common, but one special bond that makes these dinners/lunches/breakfasts just so great. Can't wait.

It's almost Friday, Friday, Friday! You're welcome for getting Rebecca Black stuck in your head, again. Enjoy!

*P.S. Nick Reviez, told ya I'd give you a shout out one of these days. If you are still reading my ramblings, here it is... I just saw you on the news! Nothing new for you, but I love getting the surprise of randomly seeing people I know on the news, what a treat! Secondly, thank you for everything you do in our community. I know there's so much more than just what's seen on Channel 10. I'm sad the "champions" won't get to see you in the locker room anymore, but so pumped for all the kids (and adults) you are impacting! And you're heading to the number one place I want to be so soon. I'm trying my hardest not to be jealous. You're going to be changed forever. Love every single moment of it for me.

Memorial Day weekend

2011-05-31T11:26:00.000-04:00

It had been h-o-t HOT this weekend.
But yesterday was probably one of the top Memorial Days ever.
We were without my boat friend's boat all weekend, so my expectations weren't too high for this "unofficial kickoff of summer."
But it was so great. We went to Midnight Hole. Ever heard of it?

Well basically, you go on a nice little mile and a half hike then reach this. You climb up on those huge rocks and jump off into the freezing water. It was SO fun. I wish I had taken pictures. Who am I?! A slacker I guess. But really, it was great.
Since we were with boys of course we had to go exploring and climb further up the river. And of course there has to be the token girl to faceplant on some rocks. So glad I could fill that role for everyone. You're welcome friends. That's why you bring me along. But you know what? It's not really summer if I don't have swollen, bruised, and bloodied knees. I'm just doing whatever it takes to welcome in the summer!

We also had a Memorial Day miracle and got to sit on the patio at Dead End for dinner. Yum. It was the perfect end to the day.

I can't wait to go again.

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life.

Yesterday's purchase...

2011-05-28T17:18:00.000-04:00

I made the best purchase I have ever made in my 21 years of life (or at least the past week) yesterday.

And if you have even kinda been around me within the past 24 hours you already know what it is, if not,

insert drum roll here...

I got some roller blades!!!!!!

Oh yes! Why walk when you can roll?! And now, I can roll baybay.

And you know what maybe the best part is? They were only FOUR DOLLHAIRS at Goodwill. Gosh, gotta love that place.

So, I'm ready to hit the wide open road, blaze some trials, do some shredding.

If you have anything with wheels- a long board, a bike, a skateboarders, some of your own roller blades and/or skates, basically anything but a car ('cause that just wouldn't be fair), strap on your helmet, knee, elbow, and wrist pads- you know I'll need 'em all- and come join us!

Fist pumps for being on wheels and having a Greenway in the backyard. Hollaaaa!

Just another summertime adventure

2011-05-27T12:20:00.000-04:00

Question: What's the best way to get soaked and cold and scraped and bruised and muddy and filthy and have the absolute best time of your life?!
Answer: Spelunking!

I would usually say "caving", but "spelunking" just sounds so much more hardcore. And clearly, that's what we are.

Who doesn't love climbing down rocks, swimming through dark water, belly crawling through tight spaces, and slipping down a straight mud slide?

My friends learned quickly not to let me hold the ~~expensive~~ any flashlight as I fell and dropped the same one underwater... twice. But it kept working! That's what I call resilient!

Good gosh, I just love summer.

Also, pray for all my dear friends who are on their way with their high school friends to Frontier Ranch right now. They are going to have the best week of their lives!

Happy freakin' weekend!

(I'm actually quite impressed with myself that I know what day of the week it is)

And the winner is...

2011-05-26T19:30:00.000-04:00

... Scotty McCreery!
Most of y'all probably don't even know what I'm talking about.
American Idol- to fill you in.
Yes, I still watch it.
Yes, if I miss it, I'll catch up on TiVo.
Yes, more than just the "bad rounds" where all you do is laugh at people.
Yes, I ~~like~~ love it.

And my for the first time ever (since Carrie Underwood) my fav won! Wahoo Scottie!

(Thanks Google image)

I feel like I know him. Really. He loves Jesus. And gave Him credit. He's so humble and sweet and thoughtful and calm. I'm hoping he'll fall in love forever with the runner-up named Lauren Alaina, ya know, since he's way too young for me. But they are both precious.
And incredibly talented. He sounds kinda like Josh Turner. His voice is real deep. And country.
Sorry JB, he's my new 17 year old crush. (I hope that's okay to admit on the blog...)

What I'm loving right now...

2011-05-24T11:01:00.000-04:00

...in this exact moment, I'm loving:

... wearing blue nail polish. I figure a year from now when I'm in the big girl world, I won't be able to paint my finger nails colors like this. So I'm livin' it up while I can.
... this big huge red umbrella I am sitting under on our backporch. Can I please spend every day of the summer under this thing?
... coffee. Mmmm...
... today. The past two hours have been full of really sweet time, and it's just getting started.
... hair in a messy bun. It's going to be one of those days.
... the smell of the fresh cut grass from the neighb's. Yum.
... my Moleskine journal. Love everything about it.
... Radical. Almost.finished.
... the Bachelorette starting. And when I say "loving it", I really mean loving to hate it. But can't stop.
... not really having a plan for the day. I just wanna sit on the porch and drink coffee and talk.

I'm loving this Tuesday. Hope today is just so great Bloggies!

Weekend Update

2011-05-23T12:57:00.000-04:00

After my weekend hiatus I am back! Goodness, this weekend seems like it's been a month long. So full. But so good and fun.
And if you are reading this, I guess you didn't get raptured. Me neither. So since we are all still here, I'll continue my humble little blog...

Friday:
My all-star sister starred in a play. I'm sure she'll win an Oscar for that performance. Gotta love fifth grade plays. Enthralling. But really, if you want to have your self-esteem built up, go to a fifth grade class at A.L. Lotts, I don't remember the last time I've been told, "You're so pretty" so many times in such a short span of time.
Then the champions had their end of year party. After legit creating a pizza sauna in my car with 12 Little Caesars pizzas, I got to hang out with these champs.

Unfortunately this is the biggest "group picture" we got. I guess that's what you get for letting the kids take over the camera.

...because why wouldn't you look at the person next to you instead of smiling at the camera?!

I'm going to miss these kids so much. Now that my mom is leaving inner-city elementary I don't know what I'm going to do. I really want to find a new way to stay involved in the lives of kids like this. I know there's Big Brother Big Sisters and Boys and Girls Club and many others, I'm just not sure which ones would be the best for me. Any suggestions??

I finally learned how to Fishtail. Who knew it was so easy?!

After party time, I got to spend some good time on the lake. The water was wayyyy to cold for me to even think about getting in. But it was still so nice to ride on the boat. After having classy dinner at Dead End (here's my plug for Dead End- if you haven't been, go. Now. Absolutely delicious. Really. Love) in our bathing suits, we had one of those nights where you just laugh and giggle and talk and love life with best friends.

Saturday:
We had our first shower for miss bride to be. Brunch was tasty. I would eat it every single day if I could. Mark my words. It was just so fun to get to celebrate her. Less than a month until my sweet friends are married! Unbelievable.
We headed back to the lake after the shower. (Catching a theme in my life?) I love summer.

Then we went to another one of my favorite summer things, the drive-in. The South at our best right there. I love the drive-in. I'll go back next weekend too. I still kept my record going for never having made it through the second movie. I fell asleep on the gravel this time. That was a mistake. I have bruises.
Sunday:
Church and friends and a new umbrella and birthdays. We enjoyed our back porch with good friends. That is probably my favorite part of our house. Please come sit with us on our back porch anytime. This is officially and open invite to all my readers :)

And it was this girl's birthday! ------------------------>
What a cutie!
This is what she really looks like.
And I love her. My sweet roommate Sarah Hope. We got to celebrate her last night. And it was so fun! She got a new bike that she oh so thoughtfully parked in the middle of the hallway so we can all look at it everyday. But really, I love living with you Soap. And celebrating your birthday was so fun. I'm thankful for good friends an reasons to hang out and laugh. Love you Soap, happy birthday!

Such a fun weekend. Now happy Monday, Bloggies! I hope this week is just as good for all of you as this weekend was for me.
I'm so thankful we are so blessed.

Thursday

2011-05-19T17:31:00.000-04:00

It's getting warmer!! Today we laid out*, got sonic drinks and $1 ice cream cones, wore shorts and t-shirts, and drove with the windows down and sunroof open-
tis the season!

The Red Saile house is going through major changes. Little miss bride to be is gone and rooms are being traded like crazy.
The lesson of the day:

Make sure the shades of green paint are the same when attempting to cover up holes in the walls...

(Get ready real world, we are going to be a part of you in ONE year. Oh dear that is terrifying for you and me both.)

Some other highlights of this summer day were:

attempting (and semi-succeeding) to learn how to do this,

My hair looks pretty much exactly like this (NOT)

crying silently over this,

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Oprahs-Top-20-Moments/12

Memorable guests on Oprah today. My oh my, bring on the Kleenex!

adding this to the "to do" list,

Can you say de-to the-licious?!

and looking forward to this,

C'mon upper 80s!

Mmmm, sweet summa time!

*so it was cloudy and chilly, that's okay! We were still in our bathing suits by the pool.

You know that saying...

2011-05-18T18:58:00.000-04:00

...the one that goes, "April showers bring May flowers." (What do May flowers bring? Pilgrims hahahah...)

Well now we in Knoxville know that a quite similar saying goes, "April mega-storms bring May winters!" We're still trying to work out the flow of it, ya know, make it rhyme all nice. But that's all we've got right now.

But really. What in the world? I had to bring back out the jeans and pullovers for these past few days. Goodness.

Fortunately for us, summer round two is supposed to kick back into gear starting tomorrow. Fist pumps and leg kicks for that! Finally summer can be as it's meant to be.

Getmeinthatsunshinepronto!

Oooh to be here again...

GameTime in Tennessee

2011-05-16T16:32:00.000-04:00

The other day started as if it was going to just be another one of those days that doesn't really add anything to your life. You know those days? I hope so. Saturday was almost one of them.

GameTime in Tennessee at Neyland Stadium was Saturday and it was uhh-mazing. I am so proud of all the hard work and effort lots and lots people put into making it a success.

Y'all. If you didn't go- for any reason- you missed out. Big time. You have GOT to be there next year.

They did sports camps and gave concerts and it was all free.

But the best part is, they told people about Jesus.
Roger Woods, Chris Walker, Nick Reveiz, and Sarah VanSickle were incredible. I loved hearing their passion and enthusiasm.
Someone said that athletes will have more influence in a year than many pastors will have in their entire lives. How sadly true this is. But how encouraging is it that there are athletes that are will and able and want more than anything to share the gospel with others?! Wow.

I decided not to be a counselor for the event because I really wanted to bring some kids with me (but I sure did question that decision...) I begged, and I mean begged, my mom to bring some of her students from Sarah Moore Greene. Being the charming pain in the butt I am, I got my way, and convinced her to bring two of them along.

Well all day it was cloudy and rainy and gross. But the skies cleared right before the event was set to begin. We all were so glad and praised God for being sovereign and in control of the weather. I was so glad not to be sitting in the rain and silently thanked God for clearing the skies and bringing people to the stadium for something other than football. However, it didn't stay that ~~beautiful~~ clear.
Clouds rolled in and it POURED. Rained like crazy. But you know what, people stayed. They STAYED! They moved up under the covering, but they stayed!
My mom, Addie, Sam, the two girls from SMG, and I actually left to eat but got a texts from one of my mom's friends saying she was on her way so we went back. Probably the best God-intervention we've ever had.

Anyway, Sarah was talking and I wish so bad I could remember everything she said because she absolutely killed it. Wow. That girl has some passion. But she was talking about the rain and kinda being confused why God would let that happen and how He wanted warriors who would stay through the rain but the most b-e-a-utiful rainbow appeared behind her. Here it is:


I wish pictures did it justice...

Our God is an awesome God!

The final speaker gave a message of conviction and redemption. But the best part was, my brother, my precious little baby SamSam ACCEPTED CHRIST! So did the two girls we brought with us from Sarah Moore Greene! NOW it makes perfect sense why I just had to get my mom to bring them along. Also why I had to go with them and not be a counselor. Oh, it was just so awesome. And I am so, so thankful for this event!

I am thankful for people like the ones who put this together. Who aren't afraid to dream big. Who take risks and take chances. Who pour time and money and effort and love into reaching people. Who trust God to come through for them in every circumstance.
People like this are such inspiration and I am beyond thankful for this event and their lives.

So that day that I thought would be just another one of those lame days, turned out to be a huge day in my life, but even bigger in the lives of three of my favorite elementary schoolers.

I guess what I'm really trying to say, is there are no insignificant days. Everyday counts. So just keep that in mind.

Confessions:

2011-05-14T14:09:00.002-04:00

This is a safe place right? I think so. So I thought I'd share some confessions. I read it on another blog and it inspired me to do the same. Enjoy.

If you know how to shut a door quietly, I secretly do fist pumps and leg kicks in your honor. Thanks for not being a slammer.
I have a bag of Gummy Bears by my bed. ~~Sometimes~~ Lots of times I wake up in the middle of the night hungry, so I eat them.
I actually despise Subway. Please don't make me eat there.
Every morning when I wake up I feel like my teeth are going to fall out. RIP retainer.
I pull my eyebrows when I think really hard- they are looking a little sparse thanks to finals.
Sometimes I watch channel 21- the news on repeat- just because I like knowing what's going on.
I always read tweets on my phone after my alarm goes off to motivate me to get out of bed in the morning.
I claim to not like almonds, but I actually don't mind them all that much. I really don't know why I say this.
Sometimes I think about the Nazi's when I drive my Volkswagen And I feel bad.
I bite my nails.
I've asked for the same thing for the past 2 Christmases and birthdays and haven't gotten it. Call me perseverant.
I love love. I don't think this is a confession though.
I like to eat with little spoons and forks. In fact, I would rather wash a little spoon that is in the dishwasher than have to use the big giant clean spoon in the drawer.
I always get samples at ice cream stores- just so I can eat my ice cream with the little baby sample spoon.
I've had a running list of baby names I like since I was about 8.
I choose the mountains over the beach.
I love reality tv. Once again, probably not that much of a confession.
I cry in movies. Pretty much every movie that has even a remotely sad scene will have the people next to me whispering about the tears on my cheeks.
I like room temperature water.
I am far to easily distracted.
Despite what you see regarding my grammar on this blog, I actually get really annoyed when people don't use words correctly, specifically: your/you're.
Sometimes I'll stalk someone's facebook pictures all the way through.
I love American Idol. Love.
I cry every time I go to the dentist.
If Christmas music comes on shuffle on my Ipod, I don't change it.

I know. I am weird. But that's enough for now.

Summa!

2011-05-11T20:02:00.000-04:00

"Sometimes you are just too busy living life to blog."

-Me

So, sorry these posts have been sporadic and spacey.

But so far this summer is TWO thumbs up. And it's only been one day.

Wahoo!

And I'm about 99% sure it's only gonna get better.

I'm ready for some summer lovin'!

(By that I mean some of me lovin' some of summer- not like the summer lovin' from Greece. On second thought, I'd probably be open to some of that too)

Anyway, this summer has already been full of playing and friends and ice cream and sunburns and pools and sun and movies and cookouts and everything that is good.

And right now it seems so endless.

Ahhh, yay sweet, sweet summertime!

ALMOST summer!!!!

2011-05-09T23:52:00.000-04:00

This post is just to say:

1. It is almost summer (even though basically everyone else is done and I still have two more tests- gag). But let the 14ish hour count down begin. Hip, hip, hoorayyyyy! Forgive the unnecessary enthusiasm. 13 hours in the library can mess with the mind.
2. I'm pretty sure I am going to die from this spider bite. Consider this y'all's chance to say goodbye. But really, it is creating a rash that is spreading like wildfire. Hopefully I'll at least make it through these last two finals.

Well, over and out Homies!

Happy Monday!

HMD!

2011-05-08T21:10:00.000-04:00

I must take a study break to give a shout out to:

the one that made me want to be a teacher
the one that gave me three clones of myself-that I love so much (okay, she had help with this one)
the hands down best teacher I know
the most creative and most like to help me in a help-I-hit-a-wall-and-can't-think-of-anything-cute-to-do crisis
the most obsessive ice chewer I know
the one that is oh-so-witty
the one that makes me laugh. so much.
the one that I would chase a random car down Magnolia for- insert fearlessness here
the one that would tell me I would only need a "butterfly stitch" when my elbow skin was exposed to the bone- insert reasonable lying here
the BEST M&M cookie maker I know
the one who I know reads this blog, even if no one else in the world does
the one who change across town high school alliances for her kids (go Dawgs, go)
the one who loves her kids (biological and those in her class) like crazy
the one who drove me to YoungLife club when I was a freshmen and forced me to get out of the car- insert "where the heck would I be without that" face here
the one who has worn a scar on her stomach for 21 years because of me
Who gave me the name with too many Cs- insert "no it's actually -cie" here
the one that passed on:

blonde hair
embarrassingly bad math abilities
a love of reading
the problem of tears rolling down our legs if we laugh to hard
the uncanny ability to bruise in weird places
a love for gummy bears and M&Ms-and everything sweet come to think of it
a horrible sense of direction
a love of the mountains
a hate of water parks (but maybe that's not inherited, just a normal thing to hate swimming in thousands of other people's spit and pee. Ew.)
a need to chase crazy dreams
and incredible good looks :)

So here's to one of the most influential people in my life. Someone I love so much. Someone I am permanently indebted to. Someone who leads me, prays for me, encourages me, teaches me, loves me, and is my biggest fan.

Here she is, in all her glory:


I know you love this one, Mom

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you!

Happy Seis de Mayo!

2011-05-06T18:09:00.000-04:00

I had our very last YoungLife club of the semester (and the very last one with Spenser- ever) last night. Surprisingly, it was pretty uneventful. No tears or wails of sadness.
But because of this I didn't get to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. I don't like Mexican all that much, but I was so craving it yesterday. Bummer.
But is was worth it.

You know those naps when you wake up and think, "yes! now I can go conquer the world!" Well I love those. And I've had two of those in the past two days. I am hoping this trend continues.

I'm trying really hard to live in the present. And not look forward to Tuesday. This is when my days will become full of watermelon, lake days, drive-in movies, cookouts, s'mores, soft serve ice cream, friends, days at the park, Spanish (but I'm going try to ignore that as much as I can), and hopefully a rockin' job!
Ahhh...

But as for now, it is the weekend!
Tonight I get to have a sleepover with my awe-to the-some adoptive small group. These homies took me in and words cannot express how grateful I am for that. Seriously. I'm so glad they could fill exactly what I needed.
So I am pumped!
Also, there's another dance party this weekend.
Ohhh how great it will be to have this wonderful break from studying!

Log, Bec, and me breakin' it down.

Choose joy.

Love-Hate Relationship with finals

2011-05-04T18:18:00.000-04:00

...but mostly hate.
But like I said yesterday, I kinda like 'em too. A little bit.
Why?
Well I think it's because everyone is equally miserable. Kinda evil, huh?
But it's kinda like that on rainy days too. Where everyone is nice to each other because we all just want to break down and shed a couple of tears. I hope I'm not the only one who wants to do this... a little bit....?

So everyone seems a tiny bit nicer. Like, I don't know, life becomes another one of those High School Musical "We're All in This Together" moment for this week.

We are all doing the same thing. Stressing, hating school, wanting summer, dreading tests, taking shots of caffeine, cramming, going delirious, hating the 30 minute rush hour internet limit at Panera, taking study breaks, and kicking exams in the butt.

And I guess that's why I think it's a little bit fun.

Now, I'm off to go finish cramming alllllll the Econ I did not pick up on this entire semester into my small mind.
Because tomorrow I'm going to use Econ for the very last time EVER in my whole entire life. That is a guarantee. And all the haters out there can shut it because I'm going for an A (but if you aren't a hater keep your fingers on both hands and your toes and your arms and your legs and your whole entire body crossed that somehow by the grace of God-and Ken- I do get an A).

MC=MR golden rule of economics. Got that down. Don't know what it means, but it's important.

A+ here I come.

Happy Humpday and good luck!

Just some quick pics

2011-05-03T23:24:00.000-04:00

No time to blog. Studying for finals is lame. This is something I'm not going to miss when I'm out in the real world (even though I kinda like it...). There's no way I am even attempting to explain that sentence. Anyway, since I must study and sleep, I thought I'd skip the words and just stick with some pictures for today...

When will we ever outgrow awkward family photos...?

Umm... Seriously?! Share the wealth, Kid.

This isn't going to turn into a team bragging sesh. But I love her a lot.

I'm keeping my fingers quiet (but these people rock)

............. love

Half marathon runners! Almost missed 'em!

So proud of my friendsies! They are all-star runners!

And that's that.
Good luck studying everyone! Coffee, gum, friend's left over Dining Dollars used towards pizza, umbrellas, and breaks of laughter are all your friends. Use them wisely.

Mondays Rock!

2011-05-02T18:08:00.002-04:00

...wanna know why? Because no more class so every Monday is Saturday! Holla!

I went to Nashville this weekend to celebrate the one year anniversary of the floods. Not really. But I did go. And it was a p-a-r-t-y! Photos to come later.

For now, I'm still thinking about Osama being dead. I chaperoned a fourth grade field trip to see "African Cats" today. And it was actually good! (Not gonna hide it, I teared up a little bit... Typ) But it left plenty of room for thinking. And this is what I thought about...

It's not natural to celebrate the death of a man, especially as a Christian, a man who dies apart from Christ. But I am thankful for, not the death of that man, but that the hatred and death he was about is over.
I'm thankful that everything he represented is gone.

Here's a free tip for any terriorist/bad guy who reads this blog and is set on killing innocent people unjustly: avoide May 1st. Hitler, Osama both didn't make it through those days. So watch out.

The average girl married a prince and became a princess, and the bad guy got killed. The good guys win! So, as everyone else is saying, was Disney controlling the news this week? I'm about to pull out all our VHS's and rename the characters Kate, William, and Osama.

So we got Osama, now where's Waldo? And some please tell me where in the world is Carmen Sandiego??
Apparently I'm reminiscing childhood memories today.

So "Party in the U.S.A." can continue to play on throughout my house. As overall, it was a good weekend. Proud to be an American.

It's my biffle's (BFFL= best friend for life) 21st birthday today!
Here she is:

She loves me. A lot. Promise.

My computer is running on looooooow battery (that little warning just popped up and as I'm typing this, I realize I've never actually read it before. Weird.) But Because of that I must go. Also, I think it's a sign from God I need to go study Econ.

So over and out!

Happy Monday, Bloggies!

Big News Weekend!

2011-05-01T23:46:00.000-04:00

Woooooow! This week is off to a big start (and I haven't even thought about finals...)
My sleeping sched is all outta wack.
First the royal wedding, now Osama Bin Laden is dead! What?!

I feel like so, so rarely do people join around for collective good news.
And I love the news.
And I love that I got a text to my phone from wbir that made me get out of bed and go turn on the news.
And I love that social media networks are my favorite media source.
And I love America.
And I love that people haven't forgotten September 11 (I was in SIXTH grade- what the...?!)
And I love that we can breathe a tiny sight of relief.
And I love when the good guys win.
And I love to support our troops.
And I love when we can stand together and cheer for something good. Finally.
So this is a happy day.
Not just because Osama is dead, but because of the comradery that we get to experience as Americans in the following days.
These are some of my favorite days.
When we all do fist pumps and leg kicks just for being Americans.
And being proud.
I love the feeling of all of us cheering together.
Remembering.
Celebrating.
Loving this country.

I actually just read this tweet: "We aren't celebrating death as much as we are celebrating the removal of the potential for more death."
Exactly.

Now excuse me while I play "I'm Proud to Be an American" and dance around the house.

Go 'Murica.

Happy Royal Wedding Day!

2011-04-29T16:13:00.001-04:00

Remember when I said I love love? Well I still do. And I was a teeny tiny bit embarrassed to say I was up at 4:00 this morning watching it. But it was just so dang cute I can't help but admit it! Kate's a princess! I don't know what the obsession is with royalty, but I love it too. It's like a real life fairy tale.
It was so beautiful. And I loved it.
This was my favorite part:

(thanks Google images for this classy little double image)

Prince Harry (or Henry as I like to call him) getting a sneak peak. Presh.

Now, I have to admit that I was already up at 4 this morning. Miserable. I was working on a portfolio for education classes. Ugh. But I've decided it's worth it now! Usually being up at 4a.m. would have nothing good to offer. But I had the royal wedding to keep me company. Holla!

It gives me the warm and fuzzies and I hope they stay so in love forever and ever.

Now, I am off to end of year leadership with my all time favorite humans. Then to good ole Nashvegas to watch :( the marathon. But I most definitely will be yelling super duper loud for all my friends running. What my legs won't be doing, my cheering will make up for! There are going to be a lot of people hanging in Nash this weekend so after my nice little nap today, I am pumped to get it started!

Happy freakin' weekend, Bloggies!

P.S. Please don't forget to pray for Bama. As much as I hate 'em sometimes, I'd never wish anything like that on anyone.

Tornado Alley

2011-04-27T22:59:00.001-04:00

I'm starting to think that's where we live now...
And I'm sure you're thinking, another weather post?? What in the world? Well we've been having some c-r-a-z-y storms here. Little Knoxville is not used to the weather. At all.
It's been a heyday for good ole Todd.

Thanks for keeping us safe.

But really. I've run for cover more times this week than I've ever done in a span of three days before.
MegaStorm struck first on Monday, gave us a little taste yesterday, and was back with vengeance today. For real.
We are still in it. I can't remember ever seeing hail like this before.
But something about these storms really brings people together I think.

Here are some of us seeking shelter for the first time today (thanks, Paul Michael, for covering up my face...)

Then there was some more major bonding time going on for me in cars, the YoungLife house, the 'brary (again) and finally my home sweet home. I am thankful for the time I've got to spend with friendsies!

But it is scary. And I'm pretty sure I never ever wanna drive again.

Now, I'm just waiting for our power to go out. Just as long as it doesn't go out at Panera (again-That literally effected my entire day).

If y'all are reading this, that means you are still alive. For that I am grateful too. Congrats on surviving (so far) the Megastorm of 2011!
This storm has taken a lot out of me. I'm exhausted. Only 20 more minutes until it's over! We will survive!

Remember that time there was a tornado?

2011-04-25T22:22:00.000-04:00

Good gravy how 'bout that outta-nowhere-what-the-heck-just-happened pop-up storm we had today?

It went from a windows down, sunroof opened, reading at the boulevard kind of day to THAT.

I was at the double drive through Chick-fil-a enjoying some free sandwiches (thanks for lovin' college kids CFA!) and chilling on the patio talking to my friend. We started noticing some lightning, but thought we'd wait it out. That was until the people sitting next to us food blew into our laps. We decided to head for my house. Next thing you know, we were stranded in flash-floods-hail-lightning-wind-thunder-rain storm. In our cars. The fire department was going to crazy while we sat at a traffic light f.o.r.e.v.e.r. My hands were shaky and the Jetta was about to blow away with me in it.
All HAIL was breaking loose. I'm pretty sure.
We made it home safely. Finally. But man oh man it was scary.

And Knoxville is in shambles.
See?


I'm thinkin' this is good enough reason for no class tomorrow...

My friend's house. Glad she was here and not standing in the street when it happened!

Confession: I stole these pictures from some friends. Goodness. Glad we are all okay.

We are now housing some friends who don't have power. And googling lyrics to rap songs as we sing along and eat popcorn. Welcome to college. I love laughing with my roommates.

"It's your flippy whippy man wah."

Easter Weekend

2011-04-24T19:27:00.000-04:00

Bloggies! I am back from my unintentional blogging sabbatical. I stayed with the fam Friday night through today, and would you believe it? The internet at my parent's house is broken. So no blogging, twitter, facebook, email, studying... for me. What a blessing. (I'll know tomorrow if God is faithful in blessing my intentional family time in the "no studying" aspect of this weekend- Econ, I'll hate you forever).
Friday.
Good Friday. I pray I don't forget the incredible blessing of the cross. Ever.
My parents and I went to Secret Church. From 7pm-1am. A Bible study. It was led by David Platt, author of Radical. Wow. Really the only way to describe it is as drinking water through a firehouse. Hopefully one day I'll be able to process it all and blog about it. Yeah, I'll have to come back to that. For sure.
Saturday.
I got to go to lunch with my favorite high school homies! We did bulldog cheers and sang the fight song in the middle of "our" Moe's. Not really. But we did talk and laugh and reminisce. I hope we get to do this until we are 104 years old. Crazy that they are still my very best friends. I am beyond thankful I didn't have to wait 'til college or later to find life-long friends. We got to become besties when we 14. Holla!

Gosh, we have so many stories. And we are still adding to the looooong list. Yippee!

After lunch the Fab Four plus Marley and Mom hit up the boulevard for a little outside play time. Saturday afternoon gave me reason #732 why I wanna fill my own home up with bunches of kiddies. I've never once regretted being 1 of 4. I love it to the moon and back. We played fetch and Frisbee and soccer. Team girl all the way. Although, I have to admit, the boys did beat us 9-10. That game left us sweaty and gross and collapsing on the blanket begging for Icees. Hanging with the boys apparently gives me more energy because once we got back home, we were at it again. This time boys vs girls basketball in the driveway. See? How would we have been able to do this is the 'rents had stopped after two or three? Gosh, I just love the sibs so much. And hanging with my family. They rock. I don't know why in the world I'm so blessed but so stinkin' thankful once again.

Dinner (just the 6 of us for once), practicing driving the stick shift (which resulted in laughter from my fellow drivers on the road- unbelievable), and Slumdog Millionare watching was the perfect end to what was probably my ideal Saturday.

Andddd Sunday.
Easter.
This is also going to have to be continuted. (This is already long and I am watching the clock tick closer and closer to my Econ test time. Gag.)
Pastor Scott focused on Jesus's feet. You read that right, Bloggies, his feet. What in the world? That's so like Scott to take a story I've heard 15,000 times (not saying it's still not so, so meaningful- just common) and put a completely new spin on it. How awesome. Yes. I'll come back to this too.
Backyard lunch with the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, friends, people I don't even know at all, and my family ended Easter with fun, egg hunts, too much food, laughter, stories, joy, and thankfulness.
I am just so grateful for this life, this holiday, this family, this weekend. Now let's get this last week of school in motion.
1, 2, ready go!

My all time favorite people

P.S. You're welcome for the throwback high school graduation pictures today. Cue Vitamin C's "Graduation Song" here.

Over and out, Bloggies!

Thursday is Friday

2011-04-21T17:02:00.000-04:00

Happy freakin' weekend Bloggies!
Today was the last day of school for the week- fist pumps and leg kicks for this- duh!
Because Easter is this weekend. That means Good Friday is tomorrow. I swear every holiday that comes I say is my favorite, so following this trend... I LOVE EASTER! But really, it is just so special. I'll try to better say my thoughts in another post, because it is truly a huge celebration. And I am beyond thankful.
My baby brother comes home tomorrow. Haven't seen him since Christmas. So I can't stinkin' wait!!

Easter 2010 and 2009. What's not to loveeeee?!

Off to go cheer super loud for my sweet Halls friends. Run, (insert their names here), run!

P.S. Don't forget to vote for my momma! (See yesterday's post). Y'all rock, Bloggies!

Another call for help!

2011-04-20T20:10:00.005-04:00

Thank you for all comments/texts/calls/tweets at me/facebook messages/wall posts/face to face voting y'all have done. Seriously. One particular phone call all the way from CALI really helped me make up my mind. And I do believe I will get the best of both worlds! But I will most DEFINITELY be called crazy for it. But from what I hear it is 100% worth what I'm going to do. Don't worry, I'll keep you updated.

Since you really came through for me yesterday, I have another HUGE favor to ask y'all.
This is my mom:

Maybe not her best picture, but what really is important here is that cup right there in the middle of the picture. See it?

That cup (and many, many, many others like it) are always, always found in my mom's hand.

What is in this cup you may ask yourself?

What kind of delicious beverage could she be drinking at all times?

Well, bloggies, it is actually ice.

That's right.

I.C.E.

My mom ALWAYS has a cup of ice.

Pellet ice to be exact.

She's an addict.

I'm not exaggerating.

Or kidding.

This is real life.

Here she is on one of the happiest days of her life. The begging of the day she found this huge cup at a gas station that she got to fill all the way to the tippy top with ice. Then she went to Dead End Barbque for lunch, later in the day, and what'd ya know- they filled it all the way to the tippy top with ice for her AGAIN.

Would ya look at that face of pure joy?!

Now, you are probably asking, what does your mom's addiction have to do with me?
Allow me to explain...
This is big news, so you might want to sit down to read it...
My mom entered a contest to win-- HER VERY OWN PELLET ICE MACHINE!
Good gravy, this is big time bloggies.
If my mom had her own one of these, we'd all be doing fist pumps and leg kicks every single day. For sure.
My mom spends $8 a week on ice. One again, this is a real life statistic. Maybe hard to believe, but true. For a teacher's salary, this can add up quick. So this is one reason why this win could be oh so significant for Mommy dearest.

So help my mom win a lifetime supply of her very own "calorie free popcorn."
Help us "adult kids" stop having to make Sonic runs for bags of ice on our way home.
Help us have room in our freezer for yummy things like ice cream instead of bags of ice.
Help us not have to plan our meals out based on which restaurants have nugget ice (we know all the ones in Knoxville- I guarantee you that 100%)
Help my mom's checkbook by freeing her from these ice purchases.
Help!

All you have to do is go HERE (http://www.luvthenug.com/share-the-nug/entries/213/) and vote for her. The contest lasts one month, April 20, 2011- May 20, 2011. You can vote one time per email address per day.
Not only is she the most deserving/needy HANDS DOWN, but she also followed the rules best with her oh so witty poem.
So please, please, please be as helpful as you were yesterday!
Help this woman's wildest dreams come true.
But really, it'd make her (and everyone in our family's) day to win. So go vote!
http://www.luvthenug.com/share-the-nug/entries/213/

This is a democracy!!

2011-04-19T10:46:00.000-04:00

Okay, bloggies, I need your help. I have a dilemma. I have two things I really want to do on the weekend of April 29-30.
Option number 1: End of year leadership.
Option number 2: Half marathon in Nashville.
I want to do both big time.

Option number 1- I am obsessed with my team. Don't know if I've mentioned it :) (That's for you Morgan Stridde) And I love leadership and it's the very last one. That means it's the last one I'll have with my team as it is now. And the final horah for us leaders before summer.
Option number 2- I realllllly want to run the half in Nashville too. I want to do it before I'm out of shape again. And I like to run. And a lot of my friends will be there.
Problem: You gotta pick up the race day packet on Friday in Nashville by 7 p.m. So I can't do both.

I just can't seem to make this decision on my own, so you gotta VOTE!
Help me!!!

Monday, Funday!

2011-04-18T16:27:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday, Bloggies!

Hope y'all all had a great freakin' weekend!

Gosh, I sure did.

And a pretty durn good Monday, too.

I'm obsessed with spring.

I don't have allergies, and I don't mind my white car being green, so as far as I can tell, I've got no reason not to like it.

Walks (lots of 'em)

Strawberry cupcakes (De-to the-licious)

Cheap corndogs- don't judge me.

I love food.

Currently I'm stranded on campus. How this happens, I'm not sure. But here I sit. Alone in the amp. Weird.

That's how come I am just typing out whatever comes to mind, I think.

This is a pretty easy week, I think (again). I maybe wouldn't even know if I had stuff due anymore. (Sorry, Mom)

Finals are just around the corner. I know this for a fact.

Easter is this weekend.

No school Friday.

Abby's wedding is TWO months from today. I can already hear the wedding bells...

Good gravy, life is good.

Why do I forget this sometimes?

I really don't know.

I have got to have the most spastic thoughts of anyone in the world.

Thanks for stickin' around to read 'em.

You're welcome for all the profound thoughts of the day.

Y'all rock.

Over and out.

About this time last year. Can't wail 'till this becomes everyday again.

BFT

2011-04-16T22:15:00.000-04:00

Isn't it crazy how perfect God's plan is?
I did NOT wanna be a leader at Halls. I had no reasoning, I just didn't know anything about it so I didn't want to be there...Here I mean. Because here is where I am.
And it's crazy perfect because Halls fits just right. I love it here. I love doing ministry here. I love the community. I love the high school kids here. I love red. I love the challenge. I love it all. But the thing I love to love the most is my team.

Best freaking team in the world!!!! I know y'all know this already. I hope you don't hate me for the amount of this blog space that is spent on my YoungLife team (that ROCKS).

Quest graduation was last night.
See?

Our littles! Can't even describe how obsessed we are with Tex, Jessica, and Katey.

They represented us so well walking across that stage last night. So proud of our kiddies!

Then we had team overnight aka my favorite night of the year.

The torrential monsoon couldn't stop us. Between climbing in and out of cars, switching bags to different cars, leaving two teammates at the YL house (oopsies. Side note: we only went to Jason's, so they made it there fine), dropping gym shorts on the ground, jumping in puddles, and dancing in the rain... we were soaked (and kinda/very much freezing) but we were on our way! ...to the tiniest cabin in the middle of the boonies.
Seriously tiny. Pretty much one room. We were c-o-z-y.
Absolutely perfect.

I claimed to have peed my pants more times than I can count with these people.

Prank calling (so we're in our 20s and still making prank calls- who cares?!),
I have NOT laughed so hard in a loooooong time. And I laugh A LOT. Laugh HARD a lot too. Really. Pee pants moment number 378 right here:

"Shame on Kroger" for them daggum bad apples!

eating, eating, eating, (no pictures of this because anyone who woulda been playing with the camera was stuffing their face),

playing THE question game,

This picture is pretty much the most accurate description of the game.

talking until our eyes literally closed.

Their our eyes are open here. But this was many, many, many hours before the final whisper was said

and staying up wayyyyyy too late.

Note the rained on look. So glad these people don't just love me for my looks.

We shared so much with each other. It's crazy that not only am I learning new things about our n00bs (all-stars), but also my 'mates I've know for two years now (how in the world has it been that long already?!).
I really wish I could describe more, but what happens on team overnight stays on team overnight :)
I'm finding that really, it's indescribable. Words can't begin to depict how much I stinkin' love 'em.

Funniest/best-looking/greatest/most awesome team EVER!

But they are also the reason why I have had zero energy today and am looking at 10:00 pm as if it is 4 o'clock in the morning. Good thing today was yucky anyway. I love having no desire to stay up late on the weekends.

Night, night bloggies!

I think it's Wednesday...?

2011-04-13T23:53:00.000-04:00

It's Hump Day again! (I'm fighting the urge to slip the word "only" right after "it's")
But really, we made it through this day. Only two more until the weekend! We can do it!
I think my brain has already used up all it's allotted knowledge for the week. I'm 100% serious. I have zero brain cells left. Could cause a problem. So heads up if you try to speak to me the next two days.
Tomorrow we have SeNiOr ClUb! (they deserve fancy writing too) I am pumped to see these seniors rock it. I can't wait to sit back, relax, and let them entertain. They are incredible. It will for sure be awesome.
Friday is P-to-the-ROM at Halls! Wish I could pull out that dress and dance with my friends (on second thought, I really don't wish that at all...) But I am super excited to see them all dressed up and going. What a treat!
Friday is also Quest graduation aka everyone gets to see how great our new leaders are. They'll be jealous times, like, a million. And then team overnight. Aka I get to hang out with my favorite homies all.night.long.
See? So much to look forward too.
Two more days. And class in 8 hours...
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

For your viewing pleasure...

Prom. Wow.

Thoughts...

2011-04-12T23:11:00.000-04:00

I hesitate to publish this, because I wonder if thoughts I've been thinking come out as well in writing as they would in speaking.... But I guess I can always speak them to you too if you want to hear 'em. So, here goes nothing.

Okay, here's some real quick things I've been thinking about. Real, real quick.

1. God has an adventure to take each one of us on. Seriously. An adventure. Who doesn't stinkin' love adventures?! And this one is one of more than a lifetime...

2. We were not saved to sit still. Hmm...

This next part is from a book I'm reading, Radical. Much more about that soon to come I'm sure...

3. God commanded us to take His word to all nations.
Matthew 28:19- "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

Acts 1:8- "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

This is not a "calling"... it is a command.

Funny how we find it so easy to keep the privileges of Christianity (Matthew 11:28 and John 10:10) promising to "give you rest" and "life to the full", yet we assign obligations (Matthew 28 and Acts 1:8) to others. Not at all saying we are not abundantly blessed and are indeed given these wonderful promises, but how much are we also in debt to this world who doesn't know Christ? We cannot say we "are not called" because clearly, we are all commanded. All of us in Christ.

4. I just can't help but to see that we were created for something so much more than this.

How much are we missing out on, being stuck in our routine of this American life? I don't know, but I don't want to miss this grand adventure God has in store.

Can every day be a lake day?

2011-04-11T15:14:00.000-04:00

I'm back bloggies!
Our little weekend get away was absolutely perfect.
The weather- goodness gracious. I think summer came in a month early. It's tricking us all, but I'm loving every minute of it.
The water- freeeezing. But what better midday wake up could you ask for though?
The food- good for the soul. I love having parents to take care of us for a little while.
The wakeboarders- just as talented as they were last summer.
The bees- buzzing. Typ.
The dogs- best friends.
The company- couldn't ask for better.
Weekends like this remind me how incredibly thankful I am for this life. I don't know why I get it, but I am so grateful to be so blessed with good health, good friends, good setting, good life.

Stolen pics of our weekend escapade.

I think

that if I could do this

every single day

of my life

I would...

Our Sweetie. Who wants her?!! :)

Bees don't stand a chance with us around.

Who wouldn't wanna be here?!

Happy Monday, Bloggies!

Every day should be Friday...

2011-04-08T20:34:00.000-04:00

...and you know why? 'Cause Fridays rock! That's all there is to it. SO glad that today Friday. Rebecca Black agrees with me too. I hope you're now all singing "Friday." I'm sorry. I probably deserve to be hated for that a little bit.

Today I got to hang out with my favorite champions in my mom's class at Sarah Moore Greene. So proud of these kids. They are most definitely going to dominate the TCAPS. Gosh, they're the coolest. If you haven't yet, go visit them soon. A couple of celebs came today too. One of the benefits of living in a college town is football player and cheerleaders will sometime drop by to spend a day with you. How cool?!

Also, thanks everyone for praying. My talk was good. Club was smaller than we've been used to, but it's always an honor to get to tell high school kids about Jesus. Goodness, I'd do it even if there was just one there!

This weekend I'm going into summer mode 100%. Headed to the lake for a little sun, water, wakeboarding, and all around lovin' every minute of life. I cannot wait.

Here is my new team I blogged about here.

Please, someone tell me that Halls doesn't totally have it.

I love these people like c-r-a-z-y.

Happy freakin' weekend bloggies!

Talk-y talk

2011-04-07T11:57:00.000-04:00

I get to do one of my most favorite things in the whole wide world today. It's my turn to talk at YoungLife club! And I get to talk about the resurrection. About how Jesus didn't stay dead after he was killed! Good gravy, that's amazing! And I get to share it with all my high school friends tonight.
It's crazy how much I love these kids. I want them to get it so bad. In the past two years I've gone from not knowing where Halls is, not to mention a single person from there, to loving the high school kids there like they were family.
So tonight at approximately 8:53 I'll get to stand up in front of them and tell them about Jesus. And how he's alive!
I am so excited. Not nervous yet. Just pumped. And honored. I know I will be nervous. I always am. (I always consider running for the bathrooms to keep from peeing my pants during the content songs). But for now I'm just ready to share with my friends.
I hope we have a good club.
My teammates will set me up so well. I know it. They rock.
I'm ready to bring it. Lehhh go!

Also, according to a Twitter study, Tennessee is the happiest state in the good ol' USofA. Fist pumps and leg kicks for being from a happy place :)

How can you not be happy when this is the life you get to live?

Found Pup

2011-04-06T20:09:00.000-04:00

Meet Henley/Finnley/Charlie/Ellie/Puppy/Dog/WhatintheworldareyoudoinglivingattheRedSailehouse??

This is our sixth roommate.
I mentioned her yesterday.
Whatta a cutie.
She got rescued from storm on Monday.
We love her.
And are looking for her real parents.
But they have not called.
Or gone to animal shelters.
Why?
We don't know.
So here she is.
Loving the backyard.
Puppies aren't bad when they come trained.
She's taking a nap on the couch.
We have no parents here so pet on the furniture are okay with us.
So if you know of someone missing this precious pup, hollar.

Until then, she'll just be one of the Red Saile girls.

List form

2011-04-05T19:50:00.000-04:00

Short, random (typ) post today.
1. I survived class form 8a.m.-7p.m. today. I love dominating Tuesdays.
2. And I have small group in 12 minutes. Stinkin' LOVE my small group! Such a blessing.
3. Sit down to read this folks... I wanna run another half!!!! Someone do it with me this time. I know you can. I want to go fast. So you gotta push me 'cause I'm a wimp.
4. I still have problems with stairs. (see last three words of number 3)
5. I'm talking at club on Thursday. Beyond pumped. I love telling high school kids about Jesus. Have I mentioned that everything about Halls rocks? :)
6. You most definitely can pray for God's words not mine. Sometimes I have so many words...
7. We have a puppy at our house. Long story, but we gotta find it's momma and daddy.
8. My friends are interviewing to be teachers this week. Three cheers for having AWESOME teachers come from UT!!
9. It's my roommate's birthday tomorrow. So if you see her give her some lovin'.
10. We all survived the highly anticipated storms yesterday.
11. My parents' house has holes in the roof from a tree crashing through though- see number 10.

Something to think about via Albert Einstein. Whatta genius.

"There are two ways to live your life. One as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

Apparently I go to list form when I'm not sure what to blog about... Guess I'm a creature of habit.

Happy Tuesday, Bloggies!

What you've all been waiting for

2011-04-04T16:10:00.000-04:00

Since the little blog is looking a bit gray with all these words and not so many pictures, I thought I'd go ahead and throw some SBXI love out there.
Spring break '11 was SO fun. I adored being with my best friends and not having to think about a single thing. Beautiful.
It did start out a little rough with us having a mini disaster in which we ended up spending the first night on my aunt's mother-in-law's condo floor. But praise Jesus it was for the best! Instead of ending up in trashy and totally 100% out of our league Panama City, we got to stay in relaxing, family oriented, much more our style Sea Grove Beach. Perfect.
We talked and read and laughed and took pictures and ate and played in the ocean and ran from jellyfish and went on walks and dance (a lot) and ate ice cream & McDonald's and followed sharks aka copia fish down the beach and watched dolphins and watched basketball (including seeing TN lose big time and putting $10 on our brackets, only to all lose that too) and watched the Bachelor and tried our best to be college-y and stay up late (but failed) and flew kites (thanks neighbs) and loved loved loved the sun and sand and water and beach. Mmmm... I miss it mucho.
SBXI in picture form:

Our first night. A little traumatic. In bed by 9:30.

Fist pumps and legs kicks for finally having our own home sweet home

Happy faces 'cause we l-o-v-e spring break!

Such cute friends I have. (Not to sound like Yoda)

We still support our team-even though they lose.

Sandbar love.

For all y'all who are wondering, I am sore today. Oww. Stairs are my arch nemesis right now. But other than wanting to sit down and not move again, I fell great! Yippee for surviving!