Some Good Ones

Last year's Super Bowl commercials had me in tears. Dodge's "God Made a Farmer" by Paul Harvey was too good, Jeep's "Whole Again" about soldiers was incredibly classy, and Budweiser's Clydesdale commercial was a classic. This year, I found myself laughing over the commercials instead of crying. Here are a few of my favorites from the Super Bowl + some other favorites.

Tim Tebow + TMobile

Budweiser's Puppy Love

This Coke one was really cute.

Did you see the reunion of the Full House guys on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon the other night? 

If you haven't seen Delta's newest safety video, you should watch it just for the cameos of famous 80s stars. It's incredibly cheesy, but I laughed because of the cheesiness. 

And, make sure you watch this one. It's the full story of Budweiser's A Hero's Welcome. 

Last one...the Olympics start TOMORROW! I am so excited. Make sure you have your tissues ready before you watch this thank you to moms from Proctor & Gamble.

snowwwwwwww

I didn't wear a jacket to work on Monday. I didn't even have a long sleeve shirt on. And by Tuesday evening, I had two shirts and my ski jacket on because it was SNOWING! In Melbourne (Australia), they say you can experience all four seasons in one day. In Augusta, I'd say you can experience all four seasons in one week. It's supposed to be in the high 60s this weekend. Anyway, it snowed, and you can bet that we had SO MUCH FUN! Two snow days + two-ish inches of snow + six friends = a really fun night.

This was only the beginning!

We had snowball fights on snowball fights on snowball fights. It was so fun to feel like a five year old again. 

The next morning, I headed over to my parents' house to see their snow. Lucy didn't enjoy the snow as much as the rest of us did. 

My backyard was so pretty!

Right after my dad took this, we attacked him with some snowballs. My mom and I also had quite the snowball fight :)

Hope you and yours enjoyed the snow if you had some! 

I don't know about you...

....but I'm feeling 22! Thanks TSwift for making 22 a little more exciting to look forward to than other ages!

22 has been great so far. I brought in the new year and my birthday with a few friends at Kaila's boyfriend's house. It wasn't anything crazy, but it was spent with some of my sweet friends, so I'll take it :)

I celebrated my birthday with lunch with my sweet friend Caroline, phone calls from two sweet friends and two sweet "nephews", lots of texts and FB posts, and dinner with my parents. I'm going to have dinner with my best friends from high school one night, and I'm heading to Atlanta this weekend for a birthday trip with some sweet friends! It's been a great birthday so far.

I decided to come up with 22 things that I want to accomplish through this year. And here they are...

1. Read one book a month that isn't school related.
2. Complete the 7 challenge (more to come on this later).
3. Become certified to run the high ropes course and the intermediate ropes course at camp this summer.
4. Visit someone that I didn't visit in 2013.
5. Do something completely spontaneous. (I know this is kind of ironic as I plan to do this, but you know...I'm trying.)
6. Have a phone date with a friend once a month.
7. Try a new recipe once a month (except for the two months I'm at camp).
8. Become more involved with my church.
9. Send out 5 letters each month to friends/family.
10. Redo the 4 card table chairs that I didn't redo in 2013.
11. Buy the meal or drink of the person behind me in the drive thru line.
12. Apply to grad school and/or apply for a teaching job (EEEEEEEKKKKKKK).
13. Memorize a Scripture each week; so basically memorize 52 verses.
14. Visit the Dukes with Emma Kate.
15. Go to a new place.
16. Work out more than I did in 2013.
17. Learn how to start a fire.
18. Visit the Biltmore.
19. Surprise a friend.
20. Volunteer for something.
21. Try a new food/beverage that I normally wouldn't want to.
22. Grow closer to the Lord.

In Case You Didn't Hear...

....AUBURN WON THE IRON BOWL ON SATURDAY.

The worst part? I had given up hope on my beloved tigers. Really, I had. It was 28-21 Alabama with about 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter, and I just couldn't handle it anymore. So, I headed to Old Navy to make some returns, and I glanced at the ESPN app on my phone to see that the game was tied. Still, I had little hope that the tigers were going to pull through. I called my mom to ask her a question, and pretty soon after I heard some incredibly loud screams from my parents.

Because of this.



The amount of texts I received after this saying "Congrats" and "War Eagle" was pretty hilarious. I decided to look up prices of SEC championship tickets, and Dad and I decided that we couldn't drop $600 for nosebleed seats (although it would be a trip of a lifetime).

Love this shirt from J&M!

Did I say War Eagle? War Eagle. Here's to beating Mizzou on Saturday and winning the SEC championship. I think it's their year! (And even if it isn't, we beat UGA & Alabama. I'll take it!) 

weagle, weagle...

My dad went to Auburn for his undergrad and grad degrees, and it is no secret that we are an Auburn family! I've grown up saying, "War Eagle", and I love to go to the prettiest village on the plains whenever I have a chance. While I agree that the Iron Bowl, where Auburn and Alabama play each other, is an incredible rivalry, the Auburn-Georgia game is just as big to me. I think it has to do with the fact that I live in Georgia, and I'm surrounded by so many Georgia fans. So, when Auburn beat Georgia on Saturday in a "miracle catch", I was beyond thrilled. Didn't see it? Just check out some of the clips below...



This radio call might just be my favorite...


Way to go, Gus Malzahn, on turning this team around. Here's to beating Bama next week!

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

Spring!!!

Happy First Day of Spring! It has been so nice having some much more enjoyable temperatures around here these past few days. But the pollen has not been fun at all! While I'm anxiously awaiting spring break (and the end of the semester, honestly), these past couple of weeks have been busy and fun!

Loving my new kicks (thanks, Dad!). 

Little bit of Easter decorations :)

Pretty best friends. 

Best photo bomb ever. 

4.5 miles (walking) with this girl make for a great morning!

Spring means...a new door mat! Thanks, Target!

You know it's almost time for The Masters when you see this at Walmart...no Augusta native would buy these (I hope!).

I've been trying my hardest to perfect one of my grandma's recipes. It's just not happening. These are supposed to look a lot more orange than they do. There's just something about grandmas who can cook well. 

Hope you enjoyed the First Day of Spring!!

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!

janvier

The month of January has come and is almost gone. This month flew by! Wasn't it just Christmas yesterday? I've been busy working, going to class, and just other life things. As always, it's so much easier to capture life these days with the iPhone, so here are some photos from the month of January.

Spent some time babysitting this sweet boy and his little sister. Love love love Harris and MK!

I've been working there for two months, and I set a store record. This sort of made my day :)

This is also sort of made my day. It's not everyday Jon Acuff follows you on Twitter...and then I realized that he follows 57K people. Still pretty cool.

Want some good pizza? Go to Earth Fare. This was considered one slice, and it is SO good! (and better for you than some other places)

Some of my favorite Australian friends sent me a package! 

And back of the beginning of the month, we had a wonderful New Year's celebration at my house! 

If you've never watched Parenthood, do yourself a favor and hop on board. Seasons 1-3 are on Netflix and 4 is on Hulu. I don't know how I've been missing this great one for so long!

Happy Tuesday!

catch up!

 The past few weeks have been FULL...not only with school and work but also with sweet friends, Christmas traditions, and much more. As always, it's easier for pictures to show what's going on. So, here we go...

Annual watching of The Santa Clause.

Love this sweet girl and lunch dates with her family!!

I'm pumped about Gus Malzahn coming back to Auburn. I'm really excited to see how he changes (and hopefully improves) the football program. War Eagle!

We love us some Steak 'n Shake!!!

It was this sweet girl's birthday the other day! Love my favorite Louisianan! 

I made some sausage balls the other night. They weren't as good as my Grandma's though. Practice makes perfect, right? Eh, I hope so. 

I ran into my Pastor on Sunday, and he said, "Hey, twitter friend! Thanks for the retweets." He then went on to preach a WONDERFUL sermon on Sunday, and I replied to one of his tweets about it, and he replied to mine. I'm not gonna lie; it pretty much made my day.

Best Christmas gift from my sweet roommate! And yes, we decided to exchange them early because we couldn't wait until Christmas. 

Hope you're having a fabulous Tuesday! 

october ramblings

So, to me October means a lot of things. Football, fall, chili, fun decorations, colder weather, more money spent at Starbucks, my mom's birthday, etc. And the past few days, Augusta has actually felt like fall. I love it. However, I know that living in Georgia means in can be 60 one day and 90 the next. I'm not really looking forward to the non-fallish days. 

October also tends to mean midterms. This week is midterm/project week for me. I AM SO READY TO BE DONE. Midterm week also requires a little procrastination, therefore a post about life these past few days seems to be the perfect way to procrastinate for a few minutes. 

I hung out with this sweet girl the other day. How cute is she? 

The beaver strikes again...I have to say this was one of the most fun nights I've had in a while. And how stinkin cute is Harris in his Spiderman costume? 

Got to see the best friend! And I just realized we're wearing the same shoes. 

The beaver goes to Sonic!

Please. Stop. Growing. Up. So. Fast. 

So, last Thursday, I went to class, watched Jack and Joe for 3+ hours, went back to class, and then came back to watch Jack and Joe for another 4-5 hours (some while they were asleep). This picture pretty much sums up our day. Lots of screaming, but LOTS of fun :) 

#bestfriends

#theprodigalfriendhasreturned

Gross, I know, but my broken/sprained/really badly bruised toe. Of course this happens right when I want to start wearing boots and cute fall shoes but I can't because it hurts too bad! 

This candle from Bath and Body Works just SCREAMS fall. I absolutely love it. Go, do yourself a favor, and buy one of these. You'll LOVE it. 

These are my most favorite recent snack. So, so, so good. 

And a few of my most recent favorite pins...

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.

Paw Paw

10 years ago today, my sweet Paw Paw, the world's greatest grandpa, left this earth. Even though I only had him here for 10 years, they were 10 wonderful years. I definitely didn't fully appreciate him until after he was gone--funny how that always manages to happen. But, I'm so grateful for the man that he was, the hard worker that he was, and the loving grandpa that he was, even if he showed his love in ways different than those around him. 

I'm the only grandchild on this side of the family, and I will one-thousand percent admit that I was completely spoiled from both my grandpa and grandma. My grandpa wasn't the softest man in the world, but I'm told I was one of the only things that made him smile. :) Let's just say we had a very special relationship, and I still miss him lots. 

I decided to take a walk down memory lane and look at pictures of Paw Paw and me from over the years. There were SO many of my parents that I wanted to post, but I figured if I did, that credit card of theirs that I have would probably be gone and I didn't want to risk that :)

This was one of the things I loved most about my grandpa. We'd ride that "tractor" for HOURS, with me on his lap. My grandparents lived on a huge farm, so he'd let me steer and I absolutely loved it!

Apparently white hats and black and khaki plaid were totally in fashion. 

Random fact about Ashton...I had red hair as a baby. No lie. 

Christmas 1995

I think this is the first time Paw Paw saw me.

Anybody else remember those awful velvet dresses that everyone loved? I can't believe my mom let me wear that in public. 

The bed-head hair started real early in life. 

So, I love this picture for a few reasons. I love how Paw Paw is looking at me, smiling, not at the camera. He has a great smile on his face, which was pretty uncommon. I also LOVE that Christmas sweatshirt I'm wearing. Can I please resurrect that thing and wear it at our Tacky Sweater Party this year? I might win tackiest sweater. Goodness, that thing is awful. 

I'm pretty positive this is the last picture we ever took. What a great man you were, Paw Paw, and I'm glad that your legacy lives on.