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. 

Pax, ATL, 7, & More

What a horrible title but I couldn't think of anything more creative, so that's that.

If you've seen any type of news coverage or are friends with anyone who lives in Augusta, than you know that we got hit really bad last week by Pax. While Atlanta and Charlotte got snow, we got ice. Ice, ice, and more ice. My parents and I were without power for almost five days, and it was no fun. Okay, it was sort of fun the first night...reading by oil lamps (because only my parents would have those) and having flashlight wars, but after that it was no fun. I am incredibly thankful for a gas fireplace and a gas hot water heater. We survived, and while there are rumors of another ice storm in the next 10 days or so, I'm going to enjoy the spring like temps we have right now.

Kaila and I had been planning to go to Atlanta this past weekend since, well, since the last time we went to Atlanta. It's fun to get out of Augusta, and it's fun to see old friends. We said goodbye to crazy looking Augusta and hit the road headed west. It was a very low key weekend, but it was really nice. Our big adventure was going shooting, and it was so fun, even if I wasn't very accurate :)

Rend Collective let out a music video to their song "My Lighthouse" yesterday. I love it so much already, and I can't wait to get their new album in March!

Also, I was planning on starting my next month of 7 yesterday, and I was going to do only 7 foods. But with where I am spiritually and emotionally, I decided to do my social media month starting next week. I'm going to be doing my 5 weeks of student teaching, and I think it will be the best move for me so that I can be fully committed to teaching and not distracted. 

Happy Tuesday!

a few weeks in

I'm not sure whether going back to school after Christmas is worse than going back to school after the summer. Christmas break is such a tease to me. It's a wonderful time of the year, and so many of my friends are home. You eat good food, you make lots of memories, you turn a year older, etc. And then just like that it's over. In the summer, it's weeks and months of doing that, so I'm kind of ready for the routine again. Either way, I'm still partially in denial that I'm in the third week of spring semester. Part of it has to do with a canceled class and MLK day. Hopefully next week will be normal, and I'll be back in a routine.

Anyway, I've been enjoying people and life as much as I possibly can despite having to go to class. Pictures below prove this statement:

Casie, Jack, and Joe took me out for birthday ice cream. LOVE that family. 

;)

I went to camp last weekend, and it SNOWED.

Running ground school for the ropes course in 30 degrees will make you look like you're headed to the arctic. 

I also spent some time learning more about my job for the summer!!!

Have you ever heard of Graze? It's a company that sends you healthy snacks. You get your first box free. It was SO good! I really enjoyed these snacks!

"I Like You" by Ben Rector, my most recent favorite

recent favs

the season of sweatshirts

Y'all, fall is upon us. Really. I've worn a sweatshirt or long sleeve t-shirt the past couple of days (no need to mention that it is freezing in every classroom on campus), and it has been fantastic. I'm planning on breaking out all of the fall decorations this weekend, and I'm excited about hopefully completing a couple of DIY projects (Pinterest inspired, of course) to add some new decorations to my house. While I haven't broken out the scarves and cable-knits yet and I'm anxious to do so, I am a little sad to say goodbye to summer. Here's a few snapshots of life post #labordayvacay...

While fall is definitely my favorite season of the year, I'm going to miss sitting outside in the evening and watching the sunset. I hate how early it gets dark now!

This was taken when I babysat for one of my favorite families a few weekends ago. 

Did you dress up like a pirate and get a free dozen of doughnuts from Krispy Kreme? No? I didn't either, but I have an aunt who is willing to look ridiculous for the sake of free doughnuts. And I didn't complain!

My aunt was in town for a few days, and it was so fun to spend time with her (as it always is). 

This guy showed up at my house on Tuesday night for Bible study since he was back in Augusta for the night. What a FUN surprise!

Andddd I got this today! In less than two weeks, I'll be in the classroom, doing some teaching. I'm excited yet scared to death at the same time. 

Just a quick update, but I knew if I didn't do this now, I wouldn't for a long time! Enjoy a few of my newest favorite songs...I know I'm like super behind on these but they're still some of my favorites

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!

Golf Boys 2.Oh

If you haven't seen this video, you have to watch it. Now. 

Don't you just love it? I think it's great. The best part? It's on iTunes, and all of the money goes to Charity Water. Also, it was written by Mat Kearney who is one of my favorite artists. This video just has so much good in it! It made me excited for Masters Week, which is just 4.5 weeks away! 

And if you've never seen the first video, check it out below. You'll enjoy it, too!

Miscellany Monday

1. I'm exhausted. Let's just say working 25 hours instead of your scheduled 10 and having 3 midterms to study for and take over a span of 5 days is awful. Just awful. Add in a dentist appointment (which I actually enjoyed) and other things like eating, going to the gym, and laundry, made for a crazy hectic week last week. I'm so looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning!

2. Have you heard of Rend Collective Experiment? I'd seen pictures of their latest album, Campfire, floating around Instagram, so when I saw their album was only $7.99 on iTunes, I decided to buy it. One of the best decisions I have ever made! I absolutely LOVE their album, and I really like "The Campfire Story" (below). I also saw that they will be in Asheville, at the Cove (which is basically on the same property as CCC), while I'll be at camp!

3. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I see one of my cousins on campus. We recently started greeting each other with "Hey, cousin". It makes me smile. A lot. #thelittlethings

4. I rented two good movies from Redbox this past weekend--Here Comes the Boom and Won't Back Down. Here Comes the Boom was a really sweet story, and it was definitely a "feel-good" movie. So was Won't Back Down. As a future educator, I was so inspired. I won't give away the ending, because it's really good, but watch the trailer. You'll know then that you want to see it! Side note, the lady who is the voice of the mom in The Incredibles is in it, and it is quite odd to see her as a person, not a cartoon. 

5. So, I got a fish last Saturday, and it proceeded to die on Sunday night. I went and got a replacement fish on Monday, and that one died on Wednesday. I'm going tomorrow to get a third, and if this one doesn't last, I'm throwing in the towel.

6. Drew and Alli are getting married THIS Saturday! I truly cannot believe that their wedding is finally here! It feels like just yesterday that they got engaged. I'm so excited for them, to get to play a part in their special day, and spend some time this weekend with some of my absolute favorite people.

Happy Monday!

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. 

thanksgiving break (and the next week).

Thanksgiving Break was MUCH needed. Even though only one of my professors decided to cancel class, it was still a good week. I love weeks where I can spend time catching up with sweet friends and spending special time with my family. I got to see my four favorite best friends from high school, and I got to spend time with my sweet Auburn friend. It really was a good week.

The week was also spent...

...being grateful for these people...

...Black Friday shopping with the fam...

...and decorating the house for Christmas!!!

This week has also been FULL. I have one full week of classes left, a week of finals, and then I will be done for a little while. I'm so ready for a break!!!

You know you're getting old when...

...new pillows and...

...a new shower curtain make you happy.

Thanks Kirkland's for the employee discount day this week. 

The "we unofficially officially want you" means exciting things for this summer! More details to come once it becomes "officially official" :)

These have been blaring in my car pretty much everyday since November 1st. I've always been a big fan of Stephen Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith's Christmas albums, but the Lady A and Hillsong ones have been blowing me away this season. Get them all!!

I'm a huge Duck Dynasty fan. It's hilarious, and it's clean. I love watching this family on Wednesday nights, and I can't wait to read their book. I saw this video, and I was even more of a fan! Enjoy!

Have a fantastic last day of November!

you REALLY must watch these.

Heather + Andrew :: Coming Soon
from CandleLight Films on Vimeo.
This video has caused me to fall in love with the song, My Dear by Bethel Music. Check out their latest album, The Loft Sessions.


Psalm 46
from WBC Media on Vimeo.
This is the music video to a song my roommate's boyfriend wrote. They're rockstars. Really, they are. I can't wait for the day when I get to say, "I knew them when." :)



I'm typically not a fan of late night television...it's usually too vulgar or crude. But this is just plain funny. You've gotta watch it.



And this is just TOO cute. Love it.

recent favs. no shame.

You don't really experience summer until...

...you get a really bad sunburn.

And boy, did I get a really bad sunburn this weekend. But, as Chelsea said, it's the "price of a good weekend". And it is. I'll take my awful sunburn for the wonderful weekend that I got to have.

On Friday, I headed to the loveliest village on the plains for one of my seniors to visit Auburn and to spend some time with one of my bestest friends, Caroline. It was also Auburn's first home game, and we got tickets from one of my dad's friends from college, which is always a fun experience. We hit up a lot of the local favorites, from Toomer's Drugstore to Momma G's and so many more. I do love that town, and it was so good to spend some time with some wonderful people.

Our view...props to Dad's friend, Johnny, for being awesome and having great seats. 

Caroline is the director of Aubie. She's that cool. And apparently on Saturday she was on TV twice. Yeah, she's pretty legit :)

All decked out in our orange and blue...and the beginning of the burning of the skin. 

Fortunately, Auburn won, but it was too close of a game. We went into overtime and won with a field goal. In the words of Johnny, "We stink." This year is definitely not going to be a repeat of 2010. 

We taught Jamie the tradition of rolling Toomer's Corner. 

SO grateful to have this girl in my life. 

It's always fun for me to see some of my worlds collide. Although Caroline is from Augusta, she was already at Auburn when Jamie moved here, so this was the first time they've ever hung out. It was so good seeing them hit it off and get along so well! 

On the way home, we stopped at an Australian cafe in Atlanta. And I scored myself some of these bad boys. Mmm, so excited to have some Australia back in my life. 

In other news....on Saturday, I was sitting in Caroline's apartment just talking with her and Jamie. My phone rang and I'm calling it my first "big girl phone call". It was my friend Hannah, my roommate from last year and one of my good friends from high school. The second I saw her name, I knew what this call was about. 

SHE'S ENGAGED! 

I had the privilege of watching Jonathan and Hannah begin dating, round two, around this time last year, and watch them get into a comfortable phase all during the spring of this year. They've known each other for years, they even dated back in high school, but this time it was different. Jonathan is graduating from Southern in December, so the two of them are ready for the next step in life. I'm so excited for them, and as surreal and weird as it seems, I can't wait to help one of my best friends plan her wedding. When did I get old enough to say things like that?

New favorite song..."My Dear" by Bethel Music. Check it out!

end of the semester!

I had ALL intention of posting this post last Monday, but I never finished it...so, two weekends + one week all in one random end of the semester recap!

Classes ended this past Wednesday, finals for me are next week, and the end is in sight! Also, three weeks from today I'll be hopping on a plane, headed to Australia! I cannot believe that it's almost here.

Last weekend, Maggie was in Beauty and the Beast at ACS. I went to the play with Maggie's sweet momma, Mrs. Leslie, and had so fun watching Maggie do her thing! It was one of the best shows ACS has put on in a loooong time!

Current favorite song. 

Check out The Lumineers.

For my education class, I have to observe in an elementary class for 20 hours over the course of the semester. The class I was assigned to was a K5 class, and I really enjoyed observing them! They made me this precious "goodbye" book, and it made me smile so much!

Hung out with these girls last night...sleepovers at my house are always a BLAST...especially with these three :)

Caroline and I both LOVE lemons, just one of the many reasons why we're going to be great roommates :)

I bought a bag of them last night, and to quote Jamie: "We all got our lemon swag on!"

Love this...we are the APPLE of HIS eye!!

Wednesday was Senior night...unfortunately one of my last Wednesday nights with the high schoolers! 

Spent some time the other day writing notes to my favorite co-workers. Boy, am I going to miss them!!

Filled my backseat with pizza last weekend for dinner for our mission trip training...and yes, my car STILL smells like pizza :(

Micah brought Harris and Millie Kate to watch the drama (shown below) last weekend at their practice. Harris kept this face the entire time; Mills just wanted to join in! 

Loved watching them practice...this is the same drama that I took place in two years ago when I went to Panama. It was cool to see how God has grown the group and multiplied it! When I went, we had just a little over 20 people; now they have close to 40 people going and can split into two groups, which makes for more ministry to be done!

Hope you're having a great Saturday, friends!

Thursdays.

Thursdays are great days. They really are. For me, 5 o'clock on Thursdays starts my weekend. I had a fantastic week, albeit the fact that my car is in the shop and I've been carpooling with my mom this week. Wanna feel like you're in middle school again? Just have your mom drop you off at college. Yeah, not my proudest moment. I am thankful though that my car is getting fixed (let's just say a windy day + a basketball goal + my car + DNOW weekend = an ugly scratch (plus some) on the roof of my car) and that my mom has a flexible schedule to where we can carpool this week.

Florida was fantastic! It was a MUCH needed time out of Augusta to get refreshed and to spend time with family. We got to Florida late Thursday night, and as we were bringing luggage in and getting settled in, my mom came out of the spare room holding a big quilt. I had completely forgotten that my aunt was making me a t-shirt quilt, and I was SO excited when I saw it. She's the greatest!

We spent a lot of time shopping while in Florida. Ikea was one place on our list, as well as Sawgrass Mills Mall, which is about 3 miles of outlet stores. How great is that?! We got great deals at both places, and I was completely satisfied. Then, my aunt told us about a new shopping center she wanted to take us to. So, my mom, aunt, and I took a little quick trip to this place. It's one of those outdoor shopping centers, and we spent our time at one end at four great stores. West Elm. Pottery Barn. Crate & Barrel. The Container Store. It was so fun, and again we made some great purchases.

I went and saw the movie October Baby tonight with my parents. It was a showing before the movie comes out in March, and it was SO good. Watch the trailer below. You don't want to miss out on this movie!

I'm grateful today for the people in my life who get me and who love me because they can not because I deserve their love. A few phone calls with Chelsea (check out her new blog), text conversations with sweet godly older women, and a few quick texts from high school friends have made my week so much better! I'm looking forward to getting a lot done this weekend--Australia stuff, homework, and hanging out with sweet people. I also "met" my teammate for Australia this summer via facebook and some of my Australian contacts. I'm so excited to see what God does in and through all of us this summer!

I'll leave you with this great song...you know I really like Ben Rector :) 

2011 Recap Part 2

The next part of my 2011 post...

I try to go out of town at least once every month each year. I succeeded in that this year.

January: Atlanta for Passion 2011 (So excited that I'll be there tomorrow for Passion 2012!)

February: Miami, Key West, and Nassau for a cruise with Leah and our families! My family also got to see my mom's side of the family which was also great! 

Atlantis, the famous resort in Nassau, the Bahamas

with my cousin Renee who lives in Key West

with my mom's best friend and sister, Aunt Lisa, in Miami

March: Hillsong United Concert in Atlanta! One of the best nights of worship I've ever experienced!

April: At the beginning of the month, I headed to Athens for breakfast with my friend Mollie Kate, and I went up to Commerce to do some shopping. It was great to see her and get out of Augusta for a day. At the end of the month, I went to Asheville for CPR training for camp. Another great day out of Augusta! I so love Asheville! 

May: So I didn't get too far out of Augusta for the month of May, but I'm counting it as out of Augusta because I was in South Carolina and I was in a different zip code than I normally am. My great group of friends from ACS headed to the lake for the day! It was a perfect summer day with some of the best friends ever! 

June: I headed to camp in Asheville! We all know how that ended, but I did go to Asheville for three days, so I did get out of town that month!

July: I went to Atlanta with the high school to go rock climbing and to watch a Braves' game. It was SO much fun, and surprisingly it wasn't too hot!

August: Hilton Head with the family! Oh, it was SO good to get away for a few days and spend some time with my parents. I do love HHI, and I really enjoyed bike riding that week. On my way back, I made a pit stop in Statesboro to see Chelsea and it was great!

September: KENTUCKY! I headed up with Chelsea to see my BD get married. A little crazy, but a great weekend. 

my crazy Uncle Johnny

October: My last middle school event for a while. I headed to Crowders Mountain State Park in North Carolina with the eighth graders for a retreat. It was fun but LONG! The pictures from that weekend don't need to be shown again :)

November: I headed to the great state of Alabama with my dad to watch Auburn play! I got to spend some time with Caroline, and it was a GREAT weekend! 

one of the most beautiful places in the world

(oh, and war eagle! they won the Chickfila Bowl last night!)

December: West Virginia for ski trip with the high school! 

i love snow :)