Eager Anticipation....

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...or at least that's what they say.  To tell you the truth, I haven't felt super Christmasy until the last couple of days.  It seems like the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are so jam-packed with parties and events and obligations that it's hard to actually stop and enjoy the season.

On the Christian calendar, these four weeks are known as the season of Advent.  Advent actually means to anticipate the start or coming of something, often eagerly.  It's sometimes so hard to sit still and reflect on what it means to wait for the second coming of Christ, much less what it must have meant to have waited in silence for 400 years for His birth.  As I celebrate Christmas this year, I really want to spend time reflecting on the Cross and considering how different life would look if I lived in this conscious expectation all year long.  After all, without Christmas there would be no Easter, when my redemption became reality.

Last week DYP celebrated Christmas with a fun party at the Bragg's house.  There were lots of fun people to hang out with and Dirty Santa was a hit as usual!  The gifts ranged from a very lovely Sacagawea doll (I'll let you imagine that) to various gift cards....

DYP Christmas Party

Then on Friday night we went to a Tacky Christmas benefit party.  I saw lots of fun Auburn friends and people that live in Birmingham that I don't see very often.  It was great to pull out all my tacky sweaters and such and go out with friends.

Before Tacky Christmas

Laura, me, and Megan

And of course there was Candlelight at Dawson.  Sadly, no pictures, but it was fun to get dressed up and go out to dinner afterward.  Candlelight is one of my favorite Christmas traditions.  Although the service never changes, I think it's the consistency that makes it so special.

Tonight is Christmas Vacation at the Alabama Theater.  I've already watched it four times since Thanksgiving, but there's just something about watching it at the Alabama preceded by carols and the Wurlitzer that complete the Birmingham Christmas experience!

While all these events and time spent with friends are fun, it's the Christ child in the manager that is the single most important thing to celebrate at Christmastime.  When we loose sight of that, the rest of it just becomes pointless junk.

"Come thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free.

From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.

Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the Earth thou art.

Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart."

Thankful...

...for oh so much!  It's that time of year again.  I challenged my kids at school today to name one thing they are thankful for.  Of course most of them said the same things...family, friends, pets, and XBox.  But as I thought about the same question, my answers were a little different.  Yes, I am certainly thankful for my family and friends, but there are a lot of other "things" in life that make me happy.  A friend recently told me, as I lamented their true insignificance, that they are just little Earthly reminders of God's grace in our lives.  So with that in mind, here are some of the things I am thankful for this year.

1. Diet Coke

Are any of you really surprised?  It is the first thing I consume every day, and likely one of the last before I go to bed.  

2. Chick-Fil-A 

Without a doubt my favorite fast food.  The girls I lived with in the dorm at Auburn used to joke that I would eat it every meal.  Many, many nights I would get home from whatever class or lab I had been to and see who I could recruit to make a trip to the Chick with me. 

3. My Frye Boots

My mom bought them for me when I was in college and they are without a doubt my favorite pair of shoes I've ever owned.  I wear them so much I've already had the soles replaced twice. 

4. iPhone

How did I ever live without it?  Seriously, it's just another example of Apple genius.  And group messaging...well that has just revolutionized my life. 

5. Auburn
I spent the best 4 years of my life in Auburn.  Not only did I get a degree, but I made life-long friends. 

6. Family Dinner
Wednesday nights are my favorite night of the week.  I've had standing dinner plans every Wednesday night for the past two years with my favorite people.  I'm thankful for such a wonderful group of friends to do life with!

I'm afraid in the grand scheme of things, this list seems pretty trivial, but I am really thankful and blessed beyond measure.  As I told the kids at school, this Thanksgiving I am truly thankful and privileged to have a job I love and to have the opportunity to invest in the lives of these precious kids.  Science is important, but their eternity far exceeds chemistry and physics.  More than all these things though, I am thankful to be loved by the Creator of the Universe and to be in relationship with Him.

 I'm headed home to see the fam jam to day.  Word on the street is mama's made homemade dressing....and for that I am truly thankful too!

Happy Birthday...

...to me!  As my birthday week draws to a close, I can't help but think about what a lucky, lucky girl I am.  To have been celebrated for nearly a week by the people I love most in this world is a truly humbling thought.  What's even more remarkable is to see the Lord's hand in each relationship, season, and situation I've encountered in the last 25 years.  He has proven Himself over and over to be a God of the details and I have to catch myself when I doubt for one second that He might overlook something...He certainly will not.

I started the birth-week celebrations with a quiet weekend at home with the parentals.  We had the best time grilling out and catching up.  Several of our friends stopped by to share in the birthday fun on Friday night for cake and coffee...must be getting older since I've started drinking decaf!

Robert...the official birthday cake holder

One of the details the Lord did not overlook was providing me with sweet community and deep relationships.  We celebrated the big 2-6 and Halloween on Monday night with all my favorite people.  Lindsey planned such a fun party and we loved giving out candy to the (few) trick-or-treaters on our street.  Apparently we don't live on the most happening side of Oxmoor??

Our sweet Trick-or-Treat friends...Thomas, Lucy, and Lauren

In other exciting birthday week news, I found out on Monday that the Honduras mission trip I've been wanting to go on has moved to the last week in May!  So it looks like, if all goes as planned, the day school is out I will be headed south for a week to work with Forgotten Children Ministries.  I am so thankful that this opportunity has come my way.  The God of the Details strikes again...this trip has typically always been the third week in May (read: the LAST week of school) which is a terrible unacceptable time to ask off for five days.  It just so happened that someone mentioned the trip to me a couple of weeks ago and how I should go.  I kind of blew him off knowing the dates would never work out.  But I also remember praying that very night..."Lord, if you want me to go, then just work it out."  Well what do you know...not two weeks later, the dates have been changed and my name is on the list.  I'm taking that as all the confirmation I need.  If you know me well, this is a big deal for me...I've never been out of the country before, and I'm a real big fan of the Ritz-Carlton.  But I am super pumped about serving these sweet kiddos in Honduras alongside some of my friends from Birmingham!  Nothing says 26 like stepping outside your comfort zone, right?

And finally, the fam-jam has celebrated my birthday week in Vegas.  Hope they brought me something good!  Here's to the entering the second quarter-century....

All my favorite people...and the rally squirrel.  They sure do know how to make a girl feel loved!

Fall is in the air...

...and what better way to celebrate than by carving a pumpkin?  Last night Lindsey and I hosted our Sunday school class for a pumpkin carving party.  It was so much fun!  I counted about 27 people crammed into our tiny house at one point, but no one seemed to mind.  We had so much fun eating, chatting, and of course carving!

My pumpkin--monogrammed of course!

Lindsey

Sweet Catherine...this was her first carving experience!

Finished Pumpkins!  Catherine, me, Bradley, and Graham

 I am so thankful for the sweet fellowship of DYP.  If you live in Birmingham and are looking for a Sunday school class, we would love to have you!

Group Picture

Sweet Auburn....

....the Loveliest Village on the Plains.  What a way to describe the place that has so shaped my life!  Yesterday I went to Auburn for the AU/UF game.  I always love going back, especially during football season!  Fortunately I scored a great ticket with my good friend from high school and his family, and got to enjoy the company of some of my all time favorite girls!

After a quick trip down 280 and a lot of catching up, sweet Lindsey and I arrived just in time to tailgate on the Quad with Chaney, Callie, Caylen, Mal, and Erin.  It's always so fun to be together, no matter what we're doing.  This time we got to see lots of husbands/families/babies, etc. which is always exciting!  Believe it or not, amidst all the talking and visiting, I took a total of about two pictures.  Someone has one of all of us...hope they send it my way soon!

Tailgating with Caylen and Chaney

I headed into the stadium just in time to see the Eagle fly and the band perform.  The Eagle definitely is still my favorite part.  It's a tradition that never, ever gets old!  Auburn played well found a way to win, which is always good, but the people watching was probably more exciting than the actual game.  As much as I like football, I tend to watch more of it on t.v. than in person because there is always so much going on in the stadium that I'd rather see!  One hot dog and a diet coke later, and I was good to go for the second half!

I also had a great time catching up with Brett...I'd gotten used to seeing him all the time when he did a short 3 month stint in Birmingham for work, so I was overdue for a visit.  Thanks for the ticket/parking hookup!

War Eagle! 

It's not what you think...

...Contrary to popular belief, I am not now, nor will I ever be an Alabama fan.  That being said, some of my nearest and dearest do pull for the Tide, and I do love a good tailgate and football game, so I will admit that I did go to Tuscaloosa last weekend and I did have a good time.  It was not the first time, and I doubt it will be the last, but don't look for me to be wearing crimson.  Don't worry, I already have my ticket for next weekend's Auburn/Florida game, so let there be no question about my loyalties.

Tailgating on the Quad

This weekend was especially a treat since I got to go with my dad.  I am the product of a divided household and a mother who hates going to the ballgame, so Big Rich and I took the opportunity and did it up right.  We had great tickets courtesy of a friend on his honeymoon.  We hit up all my friends' tailgates and walked around the Quad and downtown Tuscaloosa.  The game was actually a lot of fun and I even conceded to having my picture made with him at the Bear Bryant statue.  Oh the things I will do for that man...please don't tell anyone....

Us and the Bear...good thing I was a girl, lest he had named me Paul Bryant

There were a few moments I did have this overwhelming desire to be an undergrad again.  Think about it...when else in your life do you really have little to no responsibility other than going to class and making decent grades and someone else is footing the bill?!?!  And there's just something about live music, tons of people jammed together, school spirit, and dancing that makes me want to do it all over again.  I wouldn't do anything differently, but if I just had one more semester.....oh the fun that could be had!

Wade, LRS, me, and Graham before the game...maybe my favorite part

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Christopher Columbus for his sense of direction, or lack thereof, in providing me with this exceptional mid-October Monday holiday.  It's been a perfect day of laziness, lunch and an afternoon of fun with RB and G, and a little solo shopping at the Summit.  When you find a better day, get back to me.

Speaking of AU next weekend, I can't wait to see some of my favorite people in the whole world.  All my Alpha Gam friends will be together this weekend.  I can't wait to see everybody and cheer for the Tigers.  It's just like we never left when we're all together...lots of talking, lots of eating, and lots of laughing!

Sweet Alpha Gam friends

Hope you've had a great weekend too!

ABC Me

So I saw this on a friend's blog (ok, so she's not my in-real-life friend, but she's a great girl, so I wish...add her to your reader), and thought it was cool.  Plus, I'm just out of anything super fun and exciting to blog about, so this will just have to do.

The ABC's of Me...


A. Age: 25


B. Bed Size: Queen...slept on a double growing up and now going home and sleeping in my old bed feels like sleeping in a bed made for midgets.  It's amazing what those extra few inches will do for you.

C. Chore that you hate: Taking out the trash.  Definitely my least favorite chore of all.  I hate to admit (because I know my mother reads this blog) that last week Lindsey and I finally took the garbage from the back porch to the alley and I counted 3 bags of trash, 4 or 5 pizza boxes, and 3 diet coke boxes.  SICK!

D. Dogs: Sweet mercy...that touches on an interesting subject.  I used to be terrified of dogs.  Like we're talking jumping up on top of cars and speaking in an unknown tongue kind of afraid.  However, they are starting to grow on my a little.  It still amazes people, but since sweet Max (RB's dog) came into our lives, the four-legged friends are no longer on my black list.  In fact, sometimes I consider getting a Pug and naming him Frank...please take this opportunity to pick your jaw up off the floor and try not to act so shocked.

Max's Christmas Sweater

E. Essential start to your day: Diet Coke.  No question.  Ask anyone who's ever had the pleasure of living with me.  You seriously do not want to try to hold a conversation with me til I've had the first one.

F. Favorite Color: Hmmm...a little tricky, but for fall, definitely mustard.  But I'm also digging navy these days.  Robin's egg blue is a perennial favorite too.

G. Gold or Silver: Both.  Depends on my mood and what I'm wearing.

H. Height: 5'5"...5'6" on a tall day.

I. Instruments you play: NADA!  Well, that's really a lie; I can play #29 in the Baptist Hymnal on the piano.  That's "How Majestic is Your Name" for those of you unfamiliar.  My dad made me quit taking lessons because he couldn't stand to hear me practice.  Yes, I was that bad.

J. Job Title: Teacher...which equates to counselor, instructor, coach, friend, parent, mentor, peacekeeper, mediator, comedian, etc. depending on the day.

K. Kids: No...good babysitter though.  That has to count for something, right?!

L. Live: Birmingham, AL but proud to call Guntersville home!

The Fam at the Lake

M. Mother's name: Sherry...she's a good one to know.


N. Nicknames: Ha...funny question.  Marth, Marsha, Marta, Mary...Just ask my friends.


O. Overnight hospital stays: Besides when I was born, none.


P. Pet Peeves: Slow drivers in the left lane, definitely.  Road rage much?


Q. Quote from a movie: There are too many to name!  I can quote Father of the Bride in its entirety.  Jerry Maguire is a close second..."I love him!  I love him for the man he wants to be.  And I love him for the man he almost is."  "Shut up, just shut up, Jerry.  You had me at hello!"

R. Right or Left handed: Right...all the way!

S. Siblings: None.  And yes, at 25, almost 26 years old, I am still playing the only child card for all it's worth.

U. Ultimate Vacation: Anywhere in Europe, but domestically, Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket.

V. Vegetable you hate: It's so unsouthern of me, but turnip greens.

W. What makes you run late: Nothing if I can help it.  Lateness drives me notes, so I do everything I can to be on time!

X. X-rays you've had: Do teeth count?

Y. Yummy food that you make: Don't really know where to start on this one.  I hate to brag, but I'm a pretty decent cook.  See "M for Mother's Name"...she taught me everything I know.

Z. Zoo animal: I loathe the zoo more than almost any other place in the world.  The end.

What are the ABC's of you??

99 Days...

...until Christmas!  I meant to write this yesterday when there were exactly 100 days, but time got away from me.  What can I say??  Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and I anticipate the season all year long!  Some of my favorite memories involve Christmas; I love all the traditions, the decorations, the presents, the music (but I stick to a hard and fast rule that you don't play it until after Thanksgiving!), and the parties, but most of all, I love why we even have Christmas to begin with.  I love that we celebrate a Baby who "became flesh and made His dwelling among us" and that He died and rose again so that we might live.  Think about it...without Christmas there would be no Easter.

So without further ado...some of my other favorite things about the most wonderful time of the year.

1. My annual Christmas party with my high school friends.  We started this tradition when we were seniors in high school and haven't missed a year.  We get together every year for breakfast on Christmas eve, and it's the one time of year when we're all together and have time to catch up.  It's always so much fun to hear what everyone is up to and to meet the newest significant others.  Pretty soon there will start being babies at this party...maybe Santa will make an appearance then!

One of the first Christmases--our sophomore year of college maybe?

Christmas 2010--We've grown a little...and this is without most of the spouses!

2. Christmas with my family...We still sit around just the three of us and open presents on Christmas morning.  It's always so much fun and so relaxing...and then the onslaught begins.  Not that I don't love my extended family, but, well, if you have a family, then you know what I'm talking about.  Usually on Christmas night our "real" family comes for dinner.  It's my favorite!  These are our closest friends in the world and the family we've chosen!

Christmas Night 2010--Claire, Rebecca, Meg, and me

Christmas Day 2010

3. Christmas music.  I love it all!  Sacred music, contemporary music, cheesy music...makes no difference.  But hands-down, my favorite Christmas song of all is Christmas in Dixie by Alabama.

4. Decorations and food...my mom and I love to decorate and cook for the holidays.  Putting up the Christmas tree is the highlight of my Thanksgiving break.  It's a good thing they moved the Auburn/Alabama game back to its rightful Saturday this year, because it's caused a little issue with when to put up the Manley family tree in recent years.  I look forward to Christmas food all year long.  My mom only makes homemade dressing once a year, so if you want it, you better show up for Christmas dinner.

Christmas 2007 maybe?

5. Candlelight at Dawson.  This is a new favorite tradition that I hope to participate in for many years to come.  This is such a special service at Dawson and I appreciate the fact that it doesn't change much from year to year.  The many generations that gather to celebrate the true meaning of the season is always so neat to watch and when the lights are dimmed and candles lit to sing Silent Night, it's hard not to be moved.  You've got to get there early if you want a seat!

Dinner after Candlelight

6. Christmas Parties.  It doesn't matter what kind or where.  I love a good reason to get together with people to celebrate the holidays.  Last year Lindsey and I hosted a really fun tacky Christmas party for our friends here in Birmingham.  It was really funny seeing who could outdo whom with tacky sweaters and other holiday paraphernalia.

Tacky Christmas Party 2010

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.  We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

John 1:14 

What are some of your favorite traditions??  The countdown is on!

Catching up...

...on not much at all!  That's not the whole truth, but not a whole lot has been going on around here lately save the comfortable routine that school/social life/sleep/repeat provides.  Here are a few highlights of the past few weeks:

1. I went home for the weekend to visit the fam a couple of weeks ago, and while I was there, the best thing happened.  My sweet friend Claire got engaged!  Having missed Meg's impromptu engagement party a couple of months ago, I was so excited to be there for Claire's surprise engagement.  We're so excited to welcome Vaughn to the family and are looking forward to celebrating with them in June.  I've known Claire forever (and I mean that in the most literal way).  She was really my first friend and I'm so thankful that we got to do childhood, high school, and college together and now we're getting to enjoy the next season of life even though we don't live in the same place.

Claire, Vaughn, and me at the Beach--2010

2. Precious Luke Stevens Rice made his grand appearance.  I've been so excited about this little guy since I heard of his coming back in January.  His mama, Sarah, was one of my dearest friends at Auburn.  We lived together my junior (her sophomore) year and then again the following summer.  She and Adam are two of the best people I know, and the only two times in my whole life I've been speechless, they've been involved--the night they got engaged and the day she told me she was expecting a baby.  Luke is a lucky little boy to have a mama and daddy that love each other, love him, and most importantly love the Lord.  They will constantly point Luke toward Jesus and I pray that he will trust Him for salvation at the earliest possible age.  Can't wait to meet you in person, kiddo!

Luke Stevens Rice
Photo from Sarah's blog

3. Sister came to visit!  No, she's not really my sister, but I do love this kid.  Mom and Dad brought her for lunch on Monday.  What a treat on a rainy day.  You wanna talk about personality....she's eaten up with it. It's been such a joy to watch Sister grow up from the tiny little girl she was when I first met her into the spunky, funny, smart, sweet girl she is now.  This weekend is her 10th birthday and I can hardly believe it. Clearly she won't let me put bows in her hair any more or dress her up in tutus, but if it sparkles, shines, or otherwise draws attention, the girl is all about it!

New York--Spring Break 2010

At the Lake--Summer 2010

That's about it around here, folks.  Here's to watching lots of college football this weekend.  Hope all my friends who went to Happy Valley packed their snorkel and goggles.  Looks like it's going to be a wet one in State College.  More importantly, it's going to be a great weekend for football in Auburn.  I'm hoping the Tigers have another last minute miracle to pull out.  War Eagle!

"And because Auburn men and women...

...believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and LOVE it!"  The most wonderful time of year is finally upon us!  Yes friends, football season is back.  And it seems like the defending National Champion Auburn Tigers have plans to make it another heart-stopping, anxiety-laced season of late game miracles.  Oh well, it won a national title didn't it?  We'll take another season just like that!

I don't get to Auburn during football season as much as I'd like to now that I've joined the workforce, but as a tribute to my days on the Plains, let's take a walk down memory lane with some of my favorite gameday pictures.

Freshman Year--Georgia Game--with Kristen and Bobby

Sophomore Year--at Tiger Walk in Athens

Junior Year--Spirit Director--On the field at the first game

Junior Year--AU vs. Florida with Amy, Chaney, Mal, and Caylen

Junior Year at a Pep Rally

Senior Year in Gainsville--Mal, me, Lindsey, Chaney, Lib, Erin, and Caylen

Senior Year Homecoming--my birthday tailgate with Kristen and Bobby

5th Fall--before the Georgia game with Sarah, Megan, Cameron, Lindsey, and Marci

 WAR EAGLE!

25 Things...

...you may not know about me.  I found this on another blog I "stalk" and thought it might be fun to see if I can come up with a list of little known facts about myself.  So here goes...

1. I have never been out of the country...anyone up for Europe??

2. I cannot wink with my right eye.  Apparently my face got squished in-utero and now the muscles in my right eye won't work.  It twitches when I get really tired, but other than that, it's pretty much just for looks (no pun intended)!

3. I love Jolly Rancher jelly beans, but I only eat them two at a time of the same color.  And I hate the red ones!

4. I know all the counties in Alabama by the number that appears on car tags.

5. I have an Alpha Gam sweatshirt that I got during pledgeship and I never, ever go anywhere without it (except maybe home to Mom and Dad's).  I usually wear it every day, except lately when it's been 100+ degrees.  Lord willing, I will never part with it.  My friends make fun of it and it has all kinds of holes in it, but it's just the perfect shirt!

6. I wore the same shirt every Saturday during football season last fall.  It was a new Auburn shirt that my sweet Alabama fan Lindsey brought me, so we'll see what kind of luck the shirt brings this year!

7. I drink between 3 or 4 Diet Cokes a day.  Please don't judge...I'm trying really hard to work in some more water, but DC is just so addicting.

8. I really, really dislike reading fiction books.  There is so much "fake" about this life, I'd just much rather read something real.  Currently, it's Radical Together by David Platt, but this summer I've also finished PDub's book, From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, Radical, and Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  In the que: The Kennedy Tapes and Forgotten God.

9. I could eat LaBamba every day.  If you live in the Birmingham vicinity and have not discovered this little gem, let me tell you, they have the BEST homemade guacamole this side of Mexico City.  It's a tiny little hole in the wall in Edgewood, but it's hands down my fave (cheap) Mexican in town.  They might or might not recognize me and know what I want to drink when I go in!

10. I could live in Nike shorts and a tshirt and be happy.  Don't get me wrong, I love getting dressed up and certainly love me some clothes from the Crew, but there's a lot to be said for shorts and a tshirt.

11. I'm on my third pair of Rainbow flip flops in the last seven years.  I discovered these babies my freshman year at Auburn and wore the first pair every.single.day to the point that the soles wore off.  My mother made me throw the second pair away because they smelled so terrible.

12. I know every word to Father of the Bride.  Cheesy movie, I know...but my very favorite nonetheless.

13. It's on my bucket list to stay at every Ritz Carlton in the country.  A lofty goal, I'm aware, but attainable just the same.  Check out their website and tell me you don't want in on this!

14. I shave my legs every.single.day.  No questions asked.

15. I require (at least) eight hours of sleep every night.  Anything less and it could be bad.

16. It's also best to not mess with me first thing in the morning.  I'll be happy to talk to you after I've had the first Diet Coke (see #7).

17. If I could be any character from t.v., I know for sure who I would be--Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls.  She was smart, quirky, and had the quickest wit ever.  Not to mention the crazy number of cheeseburgers she ate at Luke's...

18. New schools supplies thrill me...pencils, pens, markers, index cards, paper... it all makes me endlessly happy!

19. I never delete emails from my personal inbox; however I am non-functional if there are unread/un-attended to items in my inbox at work.

20. I make my bed every day.  I used to be annoyed when my mama made me do it as a kid, but now it's one of the first things I do when I wake up.

21. I do not find running or exercise fun in the least.  Despite my best efforts, I have yet to experience a runner's high.  That doesn't mean I've quit trying, but it for sure hasn't happened yet.

22. In that same vein, I completed my first 5K last spring.  I did not train one single time and finished in 38 minutes--pretty decent.  Even funnier...I forgot to take my running shoes, so I ran in a borrowed pair.  I'm planning to employ that same strategy this year and see how it turns out!

23. I'd choose the beach over the mountains for sure, but the lake over either any day!  Once a lake girl, always a lake girl!  Wonder if I can still get up on the skis?

24. I absolutely cannot stand when they say "Let's give the Lord a handclap of praise." at church.  Like, it makes my flesh crawl.  Not that there is anything inherently wrong with it at all, it just wigs me out to hear the worship leader say it.  I believe the Lord desires our authentic worship, not forced applause!

25. I prefer to change seasons not by some lunar calendar but by what sport we're watching/participating in at the time.  Clearly September-January is football season, basketball takes us through late March/early April, and baseball carries us right back around to football season.  Much easier system, don't you think?

So there you have it, 25 things you might not have known about me.  Learn something every day...

Ready or not...

...it's here!  That's right, school has officially started.  Teachers went back last Monday and the kids came on Thursday.  If the beginning is any indication, it's going to be a great year.  Not only do I work with some of the most fun people around, this year's batch of kids seems to be really good as well. 

Such fun people to work with!

I was sort of sad to see summer go last weekend, but it's nice to be back in some kind of routine.  I don't think it matters how many first days of school you have, every one brings with it the same excitement and anticipation.  The only difference in being the teacher instead of the student is learning 145 names as quickly as possible!  I would say I'm halfway there!

We'll see how I do with the blog now that school is back in full swing...hopefully there will still be enough blog-worthy material and enough time to write about it.  This has been a fun summer outlet, so surely with football and other fall fun there will be plenty of carry over in the days to come!

Wrapping up...

...the most fun summer in recent memory!  I can't believe summer vacation is really over, but school starts Monday and the kids will arrive on Thursday.  I have really managed to pack a lot in the past 8 or 9 weeks.  I usually find myself with lots of days with nothing to do, but that has not been the case this summer.

Last Friday night Lindsey and I hosted a little end-of-summer shindig complete with tailgate games and Just Dance.  We had the best time playing ladder golf and corn hole, but by far Just Dance stole the show.  Everyone, and I do mean everyone, participated.  Some of us are clearly better dancers than others.  We finished off the night with a little trip to sing karaoke.  Most of the pictures will remain password protected to maintain the dignity of all those involved!

Robert and me Just Dancing

As soon as we got everyone out the door in the wee hours of Saturday morning, I fell into bed to get a few hours sleep before my big trip!  I flew to Washington early Saturday to spend a long weekend with Chaney and Charlie.  Chaney was my roommate senior year at Auburn and is such a dear friend.  We spent most of our time just catching up and enjoying each other's company, but we did squeeze in some shopping, eating (duh!), and house-hunting for her and Charlie...they are moving back to D.C. from Richmond in May.  Sunday afternoon we shopped in Georgetown and stood in line for a treat at Georgetown Cupcake.  The line moved really quickly and the cupcakes were great, but for all you locals, they don't hold a candle to Dreamcakes!

Standing in line for Georgetown Cupcake

I flew home Tuesday night only for reality to set in that I MUST get myself and my classroom ready for school to start.  I've been working in my room to get things ready and now we're down to the not-so-fun stuff like writing a syllabus, making lesson plans, and mountains of paperwork.  Thursday will be here soon enough and I can't wait to meet these sweet kiddos!

Last night I made a quick trip to Auburn because....MEG IS ENGAGED!  That's right, my sweet Meggie is getting married, and I was so excited to get to be there for her candlelight.  Meg is so very precious to me...the sister I never had to be honest.  I remember when she was born and have loved getting to watch her grow up into such a beautiful, smart, Godly woman.  I like to kid and say I've taught her everything she knows, but in reality, she has taught me so much.  For years she put up with me dressing her up in all kinds of crazy outfits, parading her around like she was my own real-live baby, and constantly telling her what to do.  I am thrilled that she and Jack are getting married and am so looking forward to June 9, 2012!!

Meg's Alpha Gam candlelight

As I celebrate the last weekend of summer, I look back and am so thankful for time well spent and friendships and relationships deepened over the past two months.  The Lord is so faithful to provide, and he has done so "immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine" here in the 'Ham.  And I have to keep telling myself...just because school is starting doesn't mean the fun is stopping!  I'm looking forward to a fun fall filled with my favorite people (and football)!

The countdown is on...

...we're looking at a mere twelve days until I rejoin the working world.  That's right people, school starts a week from Monday.  I cannot believe how fast this summer has gone by!  The beginning of school always brings with it such mixed emotions.  On one hand, I am sad to see sleeping late, not getting dressed til noon, lunches out with my working friends, babysitting, and random road trips go by the wayside, but there is a certain excitement that comes with new school supplies, routine, and a fresh batch of kiddos.

Every year I sort of adopt a prayer or idea that I live by in the classroom, and life in general.  The first year was Ephesians 6:19 ("Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I may fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel..."), and last year was the good old Dawson saying "God is good at all times and in all circumstances."  This year I have decided that I am going to focus on "Making much of Jesus".  This idea has popped up in a variety of different places lately, so I can only assume it is the Holy Spirit leading me to my new "theme".  Steven Curtis Chapman has a really great song that I heard on the radio last week that sums up the idea perfectly:

I want to make much of you, Jesus

I want to make much of your love.

I want to live today to give you the praise

That you alone are so worthy of.

I want to make much of your mercy

I want to make much of your cross.

I give you my life

Take it and let it be used

To make much of you. 

The start of school also means that football season is not far away.  We're 38 days away from kickoff and I couldn't be more excited!  I love everything about it...the rivalries, the tradition, the tailgating, the boys in ties, and of course, the perfect gameday dress.  It won't be long until we're planning our entire weekend around kickoff and our biggest concern will be how many times we will have to be up early for the 11:30 SEC Network game.  Last week I went to the Greater Birmingham Auburn Club Kickoff Party and heard Coach Chizik speak.  Needless to say, I was thrilled to be surrounded by so many good Auburn people.  As soon as I locate my camera cord (pray about it; the situation could be dire) I will upload some pictures, but just trust me when I say I was thisclose to ole Gene himself and he is just as precious in person as he appears on television.  Can't wait to see what the reigning National Champions can do on the gridiron this year.  WAR EAGLE!

Ok...I'm off to pack for my last impromptu road trip of the summer.  And then I'm off on a whirlwind (albeit planned) vacay to see this girl!  Can't wait....

Chaney's Wedding, May 2010

Catching Up...

...before the summer gets away from me.  To say that it has been a fast summer would be a huge understatement.  But as I reflect on the time since school was out in late May, I can safely say it has been a lot of fun and time well-spent.  Here's a glimpse at what's been going on.

Lindsey and I spent some time housesitting for our sweet friends who went to China to adopt a precious little girl.  We enjoyed some time in a "real" house with more than 1200 square feet and made sure our friends got to come take advantage of the sweet setup as well.

Happy Gotcha Day, Caroline!

Then of course we celebrated the 4th of July at the lake, but that was a post of its own.

Girls at the Lake

And in the last week or so, Lindsey and I have been crossing some house projects off our list.  Since we moved in this new house in April we've had a running list of things that needed to get done/bought/accomplished, but with both of our crazy schedules, only in the last couple of days have we both been under the same roof without a zillion other things to do.  We finished decorating the bathroom and finally have furniture on our front porch, so consider this your invitation to come over and enjoy the great people watching from the new chairs.

No summer would be complete without its share of adventure and mishaps, and let's just say yesterday we had us a big one.  We had enjoyed an afternoon at the pool when IT happened.  Let me preface with the fact that we are both FINE, but we had a little accident, deployed airbags and all.  Harriet the Honda (Lindsey's car) did not fare so well and will be spending some time at the body shop.  We were a sight to see on the side of Acton Road yesterday afternoon where we stood in our bathing suits waiting on the police.  When the paramedics and firemen unnecessarily arrived on the scene, I did make a paramedic dig around in Lindsey's car for my shorts and tshirt...I hope they don't charge Blue Cross for that.  Word to the wise...if you're going to have a wreck, try to do it within a municipality because if you do it in Jefferson County and no one is dead, the sheriff's department won't come.  We waited about two hours for a State Trooper to show up.  All that to say, it definitely could have been much worse and we are both so very thankful for seat belts, airbags, and the Lord's provision.  And if you saw us on the side of the road, please do not hold our appearance against us.


So here's to enjoying the rest of the summer....