Currently...

I ran across this post that I wrote around this same time last year, and I decided to do it again this year to compare the differences!

Reading: Restless: Because You Were Made For More, by Jennie Allen. This book is incredible. Here's my favorite quote so far: 

"God is accomplishing a thousand tiny purposes at any given moment around us. There is only so much we can know, but we can leave the stuff we can't know to God and believe He has it all worked out. It may feel quiet, and we possibly even feel forgotten, but God is moving to work out His plans all around us. What is our part? Trust." 

Listening to: The Art of Celebration by Rend Collective which just came out yesterday. It is FANTASTIC. Hop on over to iTunes and buy it. Also, Tides by Bethel Music is pretty good. It's only $4.99 on iTunes. You can't beat a deal like that. 


Eating/Drinking: Baked Lay's BBQ Potato Chips and anything caffeinated...I need as much caffeine as possible to survive student teaching. 

Cooking: One Pan Chicken Alfredo.  This is one of the BEST pinterest recipes I have ever made. I will definitely be making this one again.

Running: Every now and then...I had a plan to become better at running this year, but let's be real, it's not happening. I ran some the other day at boot camp. I have all these dreams of being a cool runner, but I never put forth the time/effort to become one. Maybe one day.

Writing: Lesson plans, lesson plans, and more lesson plans. And reflections about lesson plans. It's all about lesson plans. 

Feeling: Ready for spring break, a little sad because Hannah + Jonathan  are moving, and sort of old because Jack turns FIVE in a couple of weeks. Five, people, five. 

Wearing: Gap, Old Navy, or JCrew pants + cardigans. #teacherlife

Missing: Camp, Australia, my besties, and free time. 

Wanting: To have my new iPhone...just trying to be honest here, people. 

Learning: How to trust those around me and how to trust the Lord COMPLETELY. 

Enjoying: Good books, evenings with friends, time at work, and catching up with some of my favorites. 

2013 Year in Review

2013 was a fab year. In January, I wrote this, "21, you've been nothing short of fantastic so far! I cannot wait to see all the fun things that come with your year!"

This year was incredibly fun. I made and met some incredible new friends, God worked in magnificent ways, I fell in love with a beautiful place, and I continued on this journey that God has called me to. There are some things I wish had taken place during 2013, but they didn't, and I'm just going to have to be content in where he has me this year. So, without further ado, a look back on some of the highlights of 2013! 

January: I turned 21!

February: I led my senior girls in their last DNOW! 

March: Drew got married, and my BD and his wife got saved!

April: Kaila and I went to Atlanta, and I threw Hannah a bridal shower. 

May: I went to Hilton Head twice, and Hannah got MARRIED!

June: I went to camp!

July: I was still at camp!

August: I went back to camp for a weekend, and I went to Florida for Labor Day Weekend. 

September: I went to camp again (clearly I fell in love with camp this year).

October: I started my student teaching (and SURVIVED it).

November: I spent a lot of time with the Dukes at camp, and I hosted my first Thanksgiving dinner! 

December: I hosted the FIFTH Annual Tacky Sweater Christmas Party!

2013, you really were great. I made some awesome best friends, I slept outside two times too many, I stood by one of my best friends as she got married, I drove to Asheville and back too many times to count, I had two of my best semesters in college, I read as often as I could, I cooked a 20 pound turkey, I was a student teacher for five weeks, I made it a full summer at camp, I watched my birth dad and his wife get baptized, I became an even bigger fan of phone dates and spur-of-the-moment visits, I spent more money at Gap then I should have, I joined a new church, and I made as many fantastic memories as possible. 2014, I cannot wait to see all the joy and fun you bring! 

Post Finals

Finals week is over, and I feel like I finally have my life back. This semester was incredibly tough in that it was so time consuming, but it is OVER. I have officially read 8 books in the last 10 or so days, and I'm currently working on books 9 and 10. It's so nice to read for pleasure!!! When I'm not reading, I've been spending some time working and hanging out with friends. I plan to enjoy every single minute of this Christmas break and not think about school ONCE!

 We made Christmas trees out of ice cream cones and icing and lots of sprinkles. I love these boys, and I love spending time with them!

This picture CRACKS ME UP. It's from our Thanksgiving dinner, and I think it's hilarious at how Kaila and I are making basically the same face. 

AUBURN WON THE SEC CHAMPIONSHIP.

We decided to roll a tree at my parents' house (making our own Toomer's Corner), and one of my parents' neighbors, whom we've never met, drove by, yelled War Eagle, and joined in rolling Toomer's with us. 

Can't wait for Pasadena! 

And it's official! I'm going back to camp next year!

Camp Life

I've been at camp for over five weeks now, and I can hardly believe it. I've been extremely busy, and the days are long, but I've enjoyed every minute of camp. I can't believe that we only have three weeks left! Here's a glimpse into my life via my iPhone over the past five weeks!

This is the view from the dining hall. Not too shabby if you ask me. 

Let me introduce you to the camp divas. 

My roommate, Mary Leslie (affectionately known as ML), for the summer. She's the best. 

Divas go camping for the second (and last) time of the summer!

I LOVE this sweet girl, and I love that camp is full of so many sweet families!

Just a book and a view...by the way, you should all check out the book Melissa by Frank Page, my former pastor. It was wonderful!

Cookout with the sweet ACITs one night! (ACITs are our Assistant Counselors in Training, and I'm one of their supervisors for the summer.)

One of the other ACIT supervisors and I made them some Fourth of July cupcakes!

Some of the Senior Staff women and the Full Staff women on Fourth of July!

My parents came up for a visit one weekend!

The staff spent the day here on the day after the Fourth. It was bliss. 

The Great Gatsby

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” 

- F. Scott Fitzgerald

If I had to pick one book from my scores of books that I read in high school that was my favorite, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald would be that book. Maybe it was because my teacher taught it really well or maybe because it was so well written and it is a classic. I just loved that book. So of course when I saw that there would be a MOVIE, I was thrilled. And to make it all the more better, I went with some of my best friends to the midnight showing (actually it was at 10 pm but whatevs). It was fantastic. The movie was very close to the book, which made me happy, and it kept me intrigued throughout the whole thing, even though I knew what was going to happen next. Do yourself a favor and go see it soon. You won't be disappointed. 

Currently..

...I am...

Reading: Secrets Over Sweet Tea, a novel by Denise Hildreth Jones, one of my favorite authors, books for class, and Glorious Ruin by Tullian Tchividjian.

Listening to: Campfire by Rend Collective Experiment (literally OBSESSED with this album) and some old school John Mayer album my dad got at a yard sale and gave to me, like circa 2001 old school (I don't even think I knew John Mayer existed then).

Eating/Drinking: Panera Smokehouse Turkey Paninis--by far my favorite go to meal; Naked Juice Berry Blast and Red Machine--I 100% give credit to my old boss, Grant, for introducing me to these fantastic drinks. LOVE them.

Cooking: Baked chicken and canned vegetables. Real creative, I know.

Running: Every now and then, shooting for at least once a week. Running is by far my least favorite exercise, but I'm trying to like it. Key word there, trying.

Writing: Extra credit papers for class, toying with a little piece of fiction, and dreaming about writing a book with my four best friends. 

Feeling: Anxious for spring break and this summer!

Wearing: Jeans and t-shirts or athletic shorts and t-shirts complete with Chacos and hats. #collegelife

Missing: Australia and my best friends. What else is new? (BUTTTTTT, the fab five managed to all be in AUG this past weekend, and we grabbed breakfast together. SCORE.)

Wanting: To feel like I'm doing a good job at balancing my studies, work, social, and spiritual life. 

Learning: How hard self-discipline is, and that the rewards of being a disciplined person are worth it, even if it doesn't seem like it in the moment.

Enjoying: Making As on tests that I study my butt off for and this gorgeous spring weather!

A Big Deal

"I didn't think it was this big of a deal," she said to me, after the shock of the surprise started to wear off. "I mean, you guys must have driven all night. That's crazy."

It was a big deal, I reassured her. And the driving didn't matter to us. We would've driven longer if we had to. It was a big deal, and we wanted to be there.

During all the wedding festivities on Saturday, I didn't pay much attention to my phone. I kept it on me to keep up with the time so that I'd lead the bridal party to the back of the church on time, and so that we could get Drew and Alli out of the reception on time. At one point, I saw I had a message from my birth dad's (BD) wife, but of course I didn't look at it. After everything was over with the wedding, I headed home, and I hadn't even changed clothes when I sprawled out on the sofa, ready to catch up on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I hopped on FB first, and that's when I read it.

My BD and his wife got saved!!!! Something I'd been praying about for almost four years. Before I even met either one of them. My friends, my family members, and coaches and teachers from high school have all prayed about this. There were plenty of times when I thought I'd never see the day that it would happen, but God is gracious, and I did get to see it.

On Sunday, they got baptized, and I wanted to be there. My mom had something at church she couldn't miss, so about 40 minutes after my dad and I found out, we were in the car, headed to Huntsville. I was already SO tired from the whole wedding weekend, but I was also SO excited that we'd get to see this! We pulled into Huntsville around midnight our time, checked into a hotel, got up early the next morning, and surprised the whole family. It was such a cool thing, and I will never forget that day!

After the service--where they got baptized AND joined the church!!!

And no trip to the great state of Alabama is complete without a meal at Momma Goldberg's. 

Almost exactly 24 hours later, we pulled back into Augusta, exhausted yet excited. What a perfect weekend. So grateful, and I can't wait to see what the Lord does in my BD and his family!!!

Also, while I wasn't driving, I read Karen Kingsbury's latest novel. Of course, so good. Check out the trailer below. Side note: I totally get my love of reading from my dad. We both packed in about 20 minutes, and we both packed books to read while the other was driving. 

Best of 2012

I found a "Best of 2012" post from this blog, and I really liked it. I thought it would be a fun way to recap 2012, so I tweaked it a little bit...

Best Recipe You Couldn't Not Make Again: Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Seriously one of the easiest yet greatest recipes I've ever found. It's perfect for parties, I absolutely love it, and everyone who has had it loves it too!

Source

Best Book You Couldn't Put Down: When God Writes Your Love Story
Chelsea suggested this book to me back in the spring, and it's pretty sad that I just finished it on Thursday. That being said, it really was a good read (even if it took me 9 months to finish it). It was convicting, encouraging, and inspiring. Even if you aren't in a relationship (like me), it's great to read for the future, for ways to practice being a good future spouse, and for ultimately glorifying the Lord no matter what your relationship status is.

Best Song You Couldn't Get Out Of Your Head: My Dear by Bethel Music

LOVE this song. I just absolutely adore it. Go listen to it once and then you'll be headed to iTunes to buy it. Seriously. One of my all time favorites.

Best Moment: Saying Goodbye In Australia

Okay, I know that sounds pretty ironic, and honestly, I thought the same when I decided to put that one down. But, the more I thought about it, I knew that was it. Throughout the entire summer, I really struggled with getting up in front of people and speaking. It was one of my hardest challenges, but by the time I said goodbye at the church in Australia, I was the one asking to stand up in front of everyone to give my goodbyes. No one was telling me to do so; I was wanting to do so. To me, this was just a small example of how the Lord had changed me during my time there. While it was one of the HARDEST things I've ever done, it was one of the best because I could see what the Lord had done in and through me and I could give HIM all the glory! Miss those people so much.

Best Hard But Good: Quitting My Job

Quitting my job as the High School Ministry Intern at WBC was definitely one of the hardest things I've ever done. I loved every aspect of that job, every single thing I learned, and every single memory I made. It was so hard to say goodbye to that comfort zone, but the Lord blessed me so by doing it, and if given the opportunity, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Best TV Show: Duck Dynasty and Downton Abbey

If you haven't watched either of these, you're missing out. 

Duck Dynasty=hilarious. I mean, one of the funniest shows in the history of television AND they are Christians. Like legit Christians. It doesn't get much better than that!

Downton Abbey=phenomenal. It is such a good show, I don't even know how to fully explain its greatness. Season 3 premieres in the US on Sunday and I'm THRILLED!

Best Gift Given: Casie's Birthday Present

I have to say, I love giving gifts. It's definitely my love language, and I love to give something to someone that I know they will absolutely love. For the past couple of years, Drew and I have been going in together for Casie's birthday so that we could get her something a little more special. This year, we wanted to do something different than the massages, tennis shoes, etc that we typically get her. So, we came up with a certain number of reasons why she is a great person (the same number as the age she was turning), and we put them together in a mason jar. It was so fun to do and give, and I know Casie loved it!

Best Gift Received: Australian Coffee Cup

There is a famous Australian potter named Robert Gordon who makes dinnerware there. The people I did a Bible Study with all summer gave me this adorable coffee mug, which has a peach on it. I love it because it reminds me of Australia, but it also has the peach, which reminds me of my home, the wonderful peach state! 

Best Craft Made: Burlap Banners

I enjoyed making my burlap banners for fall and Christmas. They were so easy to make, and I know I'll be making more soon!

Best Trip/Adventure: Australia

Hands down, one of the best things I've ever done in my entire life. I loved every moment of that trip, and I cannot wait to go back one day!!!

Best Newly Discovered Artist: The Lumineers

I love The Lumineers, and I love how well known they are now. They are SUCH a good band!

Best Lesson Learned: Giving Up Something Good For Something Better

Sometimes, the Lord calls us to give up something that isn't bad at all. He calls us to get out of our comfort zones, to give up those things that are familiar to us, those things that are GOOD, because He has something so much greater in store. Even when it's difficult to say goodbye or do what it is He's called you to, do it because HE'S the one who knows what the future is. He's already got it mapped out, and He knows that it's going to be good!

Best Verse: Deuteronomy 31:8

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." 

While every single verse in the Bible has just the same importance as another, this is the verse that meant a lot to me over 2012. This verse gave me peace when I didn't know what I was doing next but I knew He'd called me to go to Australia. This verse gave me comfort when I was in Australia, and I was scared to death because I didn't know anyone or even why I was there. And this verse gave me just what I needed when I left the beautiful country of Australia and came back to Augusta, not knowing what to expect. The Lord hasn't forsaken me, and He's going to take me through 2013 just like He did in 2012. 

It's Almost...

...Christmas Break!

Monday is my last day of classes, I have one final next Thursday, I take my last final next Monday (I literally am taking the last final the university is even giving), and then I'm on Christmas Break! I'm SO ready to be done!!

Things I'm looking forward to doing this Christmas Break...

1. Sleeping in!
2. The 4th Annual Tacky Sweater Christmas Party (I feel OLD). 
3. A day trip to Athens with some of my seniors!
4. Spending time with my best friends. 
5. Turning 21 (what in the WORLDS?!?)
6. Spending Christmas Eve with some of my favorite cousins. 
7. Using the Rosetta Stone my dad got me earlier this year to brush up on my French!
8. Having time to CLEAN!
9. Reading a few books. 
10. Making some homemade jam (does that sound like I'm 85 or what?). 
11. And just enjoying time off from school. 

What are you looking forward to this Christmas season? 

i love weekends.

This weekend was probably one of the best weekends I've had this semester. Let's just say any weekend that I get to spend time with my BFFS makes for a fabulous weekend. And I got to spend time with two of them and talk to another this weekend. I. Love. Weekends. 

The weekend started off with sleeping in, then meeting up with Chelsea at Target. While there, Hannah met us, and we talked about all sorts of wedding stuff and other things. I love how we don't need anything big to be with each other; we can literally just stroll the aisles of Target and catch up on life. Ahh, they're truly something special. 

I spent some time with Jack and Joe that night, and then Saturday morning Chelsea and I headed downtown to go bridesmaid dress shopping with Hannah and some of the other bridesmaids. The dress is really pretty, is super comfortable, and has pockets. Any dress with pockets is a win to me! It was so fun to spend this time with Hannah and some of the other bridesmaids, and it made this whole thing seem real to me! I cannot wait for J & H's special day :)

Saturday was also my Mom's birthday, so we spent the evening together, and it was a good day celebrating my sweet mom! Sunday was another just good day, and today and tomorrow are my fall break. So, I'm loving this time off of school, getting things done and wrapping some of my Christmas presents...is it bad that I'm already halfway done with my Christmas shopping list and it's not even November? Oh well :)

Apparently taking pictures on an iPhone is too much for my dad...yay for blurry pictures. 

This is how we feel after taking so many blurry pictures :)

4 pieces of mail from WBC in one day...think I'm involved at my church at all? 

favorite boys in the entire world :)

I guess that's one way to drink your milk :)

Bridesmaid shenanigans! SO. MUCH. FUN. 

So excited that this comes out tomorrow!!!!