Oh What A Year!

It has been a year of ups and downs in my life, but I must say that I am thankful for every hill and every valley. I think this year has made me a much stronger, happier person. I am looking forward to next year, it will most certainly be a big one. I am looking forward to the blessings that the Lord has in store and for what He is going to do in my life through the World Race. I can only imagine what I will be writing about next December. I can't wait. For now I am going to think back on each month of the last year.

January as always held Behold. My most favorite time of the year. I got swine flu, but it was totally worth it to spend a weekend with 1,000 kids that want to grow in the Lord. I am amazed every year of what the Lord does that weekend. And as always the beauty of Sumatanga.

February... Let's see what happened this month? Oh yes! The snow! What a fun day that was with all of my friends. Just spending a day playing like little kids outside in the city that we all love so much. I miss the days when we were all together like that. Sadly now we all have to be adults and live apart with jobs. This was also when I get got my job at Tiger Suites. The job that really made me love the hospitality industry despite the weird hours and no time off.

March brought with it spring break. A week of bliss at the beach with my friends. I must say one of my favorite moments was riding to Panama City to eat at the Pirate Ship and Lee almost killing several people riding on motorcycles. It was a cold spring break, but I did a lot of reading and relaxing.

April was my last, and most fun, AOII formal. Andy went with me and we danced ALL night! We watched the 4D movie several times and mostly just laughed a lot. We ran around the World of Coke like little kids. It was so much fun! I will always remember that night with all of my friends together celebrating making it through 4 years of college. I really do have the best friends.

May brought with it graduation for Mallory, Jessica and Kristi. As sad as I was that they all had to grow up a little faster than I did I was so proud that the had met such a huge goal in their lives. Also several of my very best HRMT friends graduated. I have the best major ever. I don't think anyone else makes friends in their major like we do. May also brought Taylor and Lindsay's engagement. What an exciting time that was for the family.

June had several events. Meegan got married. One of the best weddings I have ever been to. It was so much fun! I don't think I ever even told her how honored I was to be invited to share that day with her and Daniel. Also I turned 23. Depressing. I had so much fun celebrating with my friends and ushering in a new year in my life. This was also when I spent a good amount of time in Birmingham with Sarah. I met her wonderful friends and they have all taken me in as their own.

July- the first thing that comes to mind is 4th of July and a WHOLE week at camp. July was absolutely amazing. I got to spend a weekend with my family in one of my three favorite places. We are freakishly close and any time that I get to spend with them is a treasure. I was also honored to be a counselor at senior high II in July. A week with kids, young adults, and adults that love the Lord. I got to unload a lot of burdens this week and the Lord opened my heart to the opportunities He had in store. My trip to camp made me think of Laura since it is one of the many things that we have in common. Maybe one day I can work there and she can come visit a lot.

August was the start of my last semester at Auburn and a large chunk of some of my very best major friends graduating. Bittersweet is the only way to describe it. This was when I really started grasping the fact that I was going to be an adult soon and that most of my friends were already there. This did present me with an opportunity to become better friends with several people in my major and I wouldn't of traded that for anything. This was also the month that I got accepted to go on World Race!

September was the start of the best season of Auburn football to date. WDFJ got in full swing and we had a special team and a special family. The main game that I remember is Clemson. It was hot, humid, and we won at the very last second. It was amazing. Football also meant that Melissa got to spend a lot of quality time at the condo. Sarah passed on staying with me.

October was a month SLAMMED with football! The game that sticks out the most in this month is LSU. We had the most epic tailgate ever! And we won the game, and Cam had Heisman play of the year. It was a great great month. This was also the month that Glittered game day signs were in full swing with Laurie. We bonded over hours of glue and glitter in her garage. I wouldn't of made it through the fall with out Laura. She was a constant companion in the craziness that was life. We had a weekly Glee and Teen Mom date. I am sad that she is moving to Atlanta. I might go stir crazy without her here.

November was Taylor and Lindsay's wedding month. The whole Nash family headed to Denton Texas for a weekend of family togetherness. We also got watch LSU woop up on Alabama. We had so much fun dancing around in our hotel room in PJ's and having get low contests. I am sure that everyone thought we were crazy but we are a little so that is ok. Also, Auburn won the Iron Bowl 28 to 27. Don't worry Bama, we will spot you 24! Laura, I am counting on you to send me play by play emails when I am gone next year.

December was the month I became an Auburn Alum. My whole family came down to celebrate with me. It was so special. We were also the first class to graduate in the new arena. Melissa and Sarah both got to come to graduation which was lucky since they both have such big important jobs. Luckily because of my wonderful cousin I get to stay in Auburn so I still feel like I am in college. I also got the chance to see Melissa be in charge of giving children Christmas presents. I can not wait until she has kids they will be very well behaved.

That is basically everything about my year. It was a great one!

Now I am going to bring in the new year with Laura, Mal, Dev, Bobby, Lacy and a few other in Atlanta. Our last outing before everyone moves off.

Insomnia Inspired

I know everyone is shocked that I am actually writing, but what else can you do at 1:30 am when you wanted to be asleep by like 10:00? That is right, nothing. So I thought I would take a moment and tell everyone about what has been going on lately since you have all been anxiously waiting.
This weekend was my cousin Taylor's wedding in Denton, Tx. I had never been to Texas so I was very excited to go. Even though we did not see too much of the state it was a great time had by all. Lindsay looked beautiful and she is a great new addition to our family. I can tell how much they love each other and I hope to someday find the same love that they share. I am so excited for them, Lindsay welcome to the crazy bunch.
I think it is these times that make me realize how blessed I am to be a part of such a close family. I really have not ever felt like I am one of three, but more like one of eleven. I know that I have such a special bond with my family and that is something I will never ever trade. one example of this is the fact that before Amy and I headed to Trussville Wednesday night we stopped at the Summit. One of the things we bought were frienship bracelets. This is so that while I am gone we can wear them. Who else does that? I am sure that we scared half the people in Texas and made them think that people from Alabama are crazy, but hey we can't help it that we are fun.
Also, just in case anyone was questioning it, I have the cutest grandparents on the planet. I am so blessed that they raised their daughters the way they did because family really is the most important thing in life.

World Race fundraising has begun and so far I have raised over $1,000.00. Wow, I am so blessed. The Lord has called me to do this, and He has provided just in the way that I thought He would. I am so blessed. I know that I still have a long way to go, but with the Lord on my side nothing can stand in the way.

It's Been Quite a While

Hello everyone! I have been living a not very exciting life lately which is the reason for the lack of posts, but I just thought I would take a few minutes out of my Sunday to update everyone on my life.
School is going too quickly for my liking. I don't really want to graduate, I don't really want to leave Auburn. I have gotten very comfortable with my day to day here, with finding my way around. I am nervous about what is going to come next.
Everything for World Race is underway (I have gotten 2 donations!) I am getting more and more anxious about this everyday, I know this is my calling, but like I said before I am scared to leave my comfort zone.
Auburn football is almost over, then what will I obsess with? Hopefully something more productive than what it does to my life when it consumes it. We are still undefeated and hopefully we will remain #1 in the BCS. The Iron Bowl is going to be epic.
I realize that I have the best family and friends anyone can ask for. I know that everyone thinks that, but I know that it is the truth. I am blessed beyond expression. I thank the Lord for those people everyday. The ones that have made me who I am. The ones who make sure I am happy and healthy and help me make the tough decisions.
Life is pretty sweet!

What I have learned in the past four months...

The past four months of my life have been an overwhelming learning experience. So I thought I would take a few minutes before I go to sleep to share a few of those things with who ever might want to read them.


1. The Lord's plan with ALWAYS prevail. No matter what we have planned, He will win and it is easier and less stressful to just let go and let God.
       Proverbs 19:21- “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

2. I have a desire to be the hands and the feet of God. I want to go where he might want to send me. I want to see all his creation and how vast it is compared to me.
3. My view of myself must be very messed up. I have had some very close friends of mine reveal to me lately how little I think of myself. I now know that because I was crafted by My Father I am special. I have to remember that.
         Psalm 139: 13 “I lover her Smile. I love her ways. I love to hear her laugh. And the silly things she says and does. She brings me great pleasure. This is how I made her.”

4. I don’t want to be defined by my worldly relationships. As important as my relationships are with family and friends are I will never again let anything but the Lord define me.

5. My family is so important to me. I make decisions they don’t understand and they just go with it and support me. They love me even when I completely confuse them. They amaze me with their support and I am oh so blessed to have them in my life.

Basically I have learned more than I ever thought possible in such a short amount of time. I never knew having your life flipped upside down could be such a blessing. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Just Some Random Thoughts From My Brain

Lately life has been moving on at a normal pace which I am really enjoying. I haven't been super stressed and I haven't been super bored. School is getting going and I am really enjoying my classes and really trying to get the most out of all of them. I am really enjoying my facilities class. I like our new professor and the fact that he has lots of experience and can relate to us really well since he is an Auburn Grad.

I have also spent lots of quality time with my friends and my family. This has been harder to do not living with my friends but we are doing our best with our weird schedules to work each other in. Molly, Laura and I went to dinner tonight and it was good just to be able to chat about life again. I have also been spending lots of quality time with Laurie making glittered signs for Gameday this weekend. (I will post some photos after the game.) My crazy Auburn loving family has been in Auburn lately for the games and will be here again on Saturday. I am excited because Haley, Taylor and Lindsay will be joining in. All the old condo residents back together again.

I have also been thinking a lot about my life between graduation and World Race. I want to do something where I can be involved in my church a lot and help out with the youth and try to grow that program. I know that the kids in church are the lifeblood because they are the ones who will keep it on the move. When I was there we had such a strong group and I want that again for the kids that go there. I want them to be on fire for God in a way that when they leave Auburn they will always remember that He is there.

Gameday is in 4 days people!!! Get your Navy ready!!!
God Bless!

Back in the Swing of Things

As most people know school is back in full swing. I know this because I have already had to do a three minute power point presentation and I have a 2 to 3 page paper due on Thursday that was assigned today. I just love school. I am dreading when all of my projects really get going, I have 4 this semester.

I just took a personality test for World Race this is what it said "Warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative. Want harmony in their environment, work with determination to establish it. Like to work with others to complete tasks accurately and on time. Loyal, follow through even in small matters. Notice what others need in their day-by-day lives and try to provide it. Want to be appreciated for who they are and for what they contribute."
Do we think that is accurate?
I finally paid my $150.00, so it is official that I am going to be gone for 11 months to 11 countries that are TBD. I am starting to get scared but I am also very excited at the same time.

Another exciting thing is that football starts Saturday. WOO HOO!!! I don't care who you cheer for this is one of the most exciting weeks. Finally being able to see if your team will live up to what is being said about them. Just getting to see your team take the field. I can not wait to see the Eagle fly, for Auburn to run out on the field. I am so freaking ready! I am also very excited for the family tailgate. I just love fall on the plains, I am pretty sad that it is my last one though.

In honor of football season I decided to start reading Hard Fighting Soldier where I left off several years ago. It is amazing that the chapter I read hit home so hard. It talked about peace and being at ease and how it isn't up to us to solve everyone's problems. Sometimes if you jump in too soon people forget to look to the Lord instead they can't get past the person sitting there beating them with the word when they don't want to hear it. Not only do we have to wait out our own storms but God's perfect timing will provide us with a time and a place to talk to others about their storms as well.

I had a long talk with Jacob last night. I continue to be thankful for his friendship. He is one person that no matter how much time passes in between our conversations I know that we can always pick up right where we left off.

Oh if anyone has fund raising ideas I am open to all options!
Have a great and blessed day!

Peace with the Plan

Thus far the past few months have been very exciting when it comes to planning my future. I don't think anyone really realizes how excited I am, mostly because I think I am afraid to be excited. For once things are actually working out peacefully. It is amazing what peace God's plan can bring. I hope and pray everyday that I am following His will for my life. I know that I must be because I've never felt at ease about anything in my whole life. I guess some people are probably wondering what in the world this plan is that I am talking about. I was recently accepted to take a trip of a lifetime. I was accepted to go on The World Race. It is an 11 month mission trip to 11 different countries. (You can find out more about it at http://www.theworldrace.org/.)

I was originally accepted to go on Route 2 in January, but due to some school conflicts I had to ask to be moved to July race. I am not going to lie I had a good bit of anxiety about this. I didn't exactly know how well they would accept me needing to change, but in about 10 minutes I got switched to a different route and the mystery of if is exciting me so much because they don't have the countries planned. I told my Mom today that this means I am going. So now to start raising money, everyone get out your wallets just kidding, I would appreciate prayers and support of any kind. I am excited, but also very scared at the same time. I just want to be the hands and the feet of the Lord and serve His children. I just keep thinking about Isaiah and saying "Here am I, send me."

Enough deep stuff for now. So since I have no passport, and I kinda need one to travel around the world, I started the application process this week. I am a tad nervous about it. It just seems like a good bit of unchartered territory, but I guess that is what life is. Anyway I will keep you posted. If anyone has any good tips for how to live life for a year out of a backpack please let me know I need all the help I can get.

Oh and Amy and I made chocolate chip muffins for the baking challenge last week. They were good. I would probably add some applesauce next time. Also, school started back this week. So far so good. I am looking forward to my classes. So far they are pretty exciting. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone better and making new friends, it's a new skill I am working on.
I hope that everyone out there feels as blessed as I do.

New Seasons Ahead

"God never sends you out alone. Are you on the eve of change? Do you find yourself looking into a new chapter? Is the foliage of your world showing signs of a new season? Heaven’s message for you is clear: when everything else changes, God’s presence never does. You journey in the company of the Holy Spirit, who “will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you” ( John 14:26 NLT)."- Max Lucado

I got my weekly email from Max Lucado today. With all the many stresses I have around me right now about my future and things pulling me one way or another and trying to make everyone happy, including myself, this was just what I needed. A small reminder that whatever path I choose whatever I am called towards, God has sent me someone to keep me company. God has sent me someone that will watch over me and care for me. That is amazing to think about. That each of us has someone we can turn to, even when we think we have no one, and that someone is sent directly from our Heavenly Father. What a love he has for us? How amazed I am every single day that He loves me.

This was week two of the baking challenge. I made chocolate chip cupcakes. Very odd recipe, but also pretty yummy. When I was mixing them up I thought to myself several times that the batter looked a lot like cookie dough, but I followed the recipe so I know I was doing it right. There weren't any chocolate chips in the batter but then there was a topping that was pure chocolate chips, it was declicious. Molly ate one and said she liked them because it kind of tasted like a chocolate chip cookie in cupcake form. We shall see if they all get eaten.

Last night was the season finale of SYTYCD. It was very depressing to me because that show makes my life have just a little more joy in it. Lauren won which was great because now Kent can come back as an All-star which is just fine with me. I am going to Bham this weekend for the grandparents birthday party which should be fun. Also we are going to have Birmingham Fam Jam Saturday night. I am pretty excited about the whole thing. Good weekend ahead!

Also yesterday was Jacob and Taylor's brithdays. I hope that they both had wonderful days! I always love my birthday and I feel like everyone should get to enjoy it. I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

I couldn't think of a cute title this time...

Well life is moving along rather quickly. Before I know it I will be back in class and back drownding under papers, projects and tests. As scared as I am about finishing college in December and having to become a responsible member of society I am ready to start doing, seeing and going. I want to see how people in other countries live, to be able to realize how truly blessed God had allowed me to be. Sometimes I think I forget that fact. I am putting brave face on and going after things I never thought I would be able to do. I am finally loving my life again, and I wouldn't change that. I realize that in the past year God has put me through trials and tribulations to show me that no matter how tightly I hold on He is going to make my life what he wants it to be, that is super scary and super exciting all at the same time.
The hard times I have gone through have also let me realize those people that are truly important in my life. I am also very thankful for my family and friends (They are one in the same to me). As much as they want me to be safe and happy I know that they will always support the decisions that I make if they know that I am making them for the right reasons. They have been my comfort and my strength and I don't tell them how important they are to me nearly enough. I am so glad that my family is as close as we are because if I didn't have them in my life it would be way less fun. I am also thankful that no matter how far away my friends may be or how busy they are they will always help me in any way they possibly can.
I am so thankful for Jacob. I am so glad that we have chatted as much as we have in the past few months. He is one friend that I hope never to lose in my life because he provides me with a place to share all my secrets and I know that I couldn't of made through everything without him.
I am also very thankful for Byron because he is one person that I know will always tell me straight up and not sugar coat things because it makes me more comfortable. He is one person in this life, out of many, who really challenges me to take bigger steps in my faith and I am so glad that he has because it has opened up a whole new world to me. He is also always the person I turn to first when I need support in anything. When I need prayers of strength or just of let my day get better he is the person I turn to.

On a lighter note... Amy and I baked the Nutella Chocolate Chip cookies and they were more than delicious. Right out of the oven they might have been one of the best things I have ever eaten. They are everything that a cookie should be. I will post pictures at a later date.
I had a pretty fun day on Thursday taking pictures of all my friends that are leaving me to graduate in 2 days. It was tons of fun just to get to spend time with them before they all head off into the real world of jobs. I am going to miss them a lot though because one of them was in my groups for at least one project a semester. Sally, Hollie and I will just have to hold down the fort I guess.
Alright that is it for now, I could go on but I feel like I am boring everyone! Have a great day!

Long over due

Well I must say that I am long over due for a blog update, but I have been super busy so there really hasn't been time for one.

First of all, I moved from Taleeda back to the Condo. Dad came and did an amazing job helping and we got my two years of stuff moved out in two days. Impressive I know. It was a lot of work, but now I am settled and life is good. Molly and Suz moved into their new apartment and I can not wait to go visit. I am trying to give them time to get all settled before I just bust in. So far I have moved in and only spent two nights here. That is all changing now though.

Saturday was Taylor and Lindsay's engagement brunch and tailgate gift card shower. It was a day full of family fun. I always enjoy when the family gets together. I don't know where I would be without them. We are a fun bunch I tell you.

Sunday Sarah, Julie, Laurie, Amy, Abby and I headed off to six flags for a day of adventure. That was exactly what it was an adventure. From the moment we stepped out of the car until we got home last night all we did was sweat, which I know is gross but its true so there is no avoiding it. I must say that I love roller coasters. I love going fast and feeling the wind in my face, its a thrill! We rode Goliath first and ended with Super Man. I was sad that we missed out on the monster plantation, but everyone knew it was cold in there so the line was extremely long all day. I think I may write a letter asking them to take better care of the wooden roller coasters though. They just about beat me to death. I am still having a hard time moving my neck. Although this was probably my final trip there, unless I can go back when it is much MUCH cooler, it did make me want to go to Harry Potter World so much that I started re-reading the seventh book today. I can only imagine the amount of money I would spend there though.

My baking challenge starts this week. I think I may turn it into bake/cook one new thing a week. We'll see though. Friends I see a lot of dinners in your futures. I am starting the challenge with cookies. I will take some photos and report in on how it goes.


Here are a few pictures from the brunch.

Taylor and Lindsay

My sweet Grandparents

My Mom and I

Camp Sumatanga

As most people know I spent an amazing week last week at camp sumatanga working with high school students. Our theme for the week was faith. We discussed all the aspects of faith in our small groups and I continue to be amazed at the struggles that kids today have to go through and how they still come out on the other side with faith in God. This week also gave me a lot of hope that our world isn't going as badly as I may of thought. A lot of times it seems like we all get so caught up in the bad that is happening that we ignore the good which makes me sad because the kids that I met this weekend have far more good to give to the world then bad.
I had not only a wonderful cabin of girls but also a small group that was open and willing to discuss what was going on in their lives. That is so hard for a high school kid to do and I was so amazed at their honesty. I also got to get to know my camera a little better thanks to Byron and our photography interest group. I took lots of pictures its just that none of them include me and another person, there wasn't time for any of that. I also climbed the mountain for the first time which I must say was absolutely amazing. The view from the top is so much more worth it then when you just drive. Last week was a new experience for me, but one that I wish I could return to. When I left the whole way home I was thinking I loved every moment of the past week. I loved getting to build realtionships with high school kids as well as with the other counselors that were there. I met so many amazing people in such a short amount of time. There is no way to put into words how much I needed to meet the people that I met this past week. In college towns we are surrounded by people who think the only way to have fun is to go out and make fools of themselves, well I can now counter that argument. I just had one of the most fun and fulfilling weeks of my life while I was sweating mass amounts, without cell coverage, not having a computer, no late nights. I played outside and talked to people about what they think is important. It is one of those things that makes you look at how you live your life as well as the way the people around you live their lives.

It was such a fun week as well as a restoration of me. I have never felt like this before. I see so many doors that God is opening and each of them is something that would be amazing and change my life forever. It is nuts that God is showing me this quickly the reason why everything that has been happening is. I am slowly but surely becoming more free of the ties that bind me to my comfort zone, and maybe not even slowly. Thanks to a plan so much bigger and so much better than my own I can now go "Wow, I am so glad I am not walking down that road anymore." That is such a great feeling. To just let go and know that what is coming is so much better. I am glad I can see it, I always knew it was coming but now I can see it with my own two eyes.

A Lineage of Grace

Over the past few weeks I have been reading A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers. Each time I finish one of the stories of these incredible women it makes me wonder why I haven't read the stories before. Each one is inspiring in different ways but each has one thing in common, the never ending faith that the women had that the Lord was all they ever needed. I saw this the most in the story of Ruth. She took on a faith foreign to her because of the example set for her by her mother-in-law. She was so loyal to Naome and to God that she abandoned everything she knew and went with Naomi. Even though they had very little she had faith that God would provide. Even when people threw rocks at her and when they lived in a cave she still had rock solid faith that God would provide for her, and he did. He gave her Boaz who loved her and had longed for a wife for many years. He was able to provide for them because of his faith.

I just finished the story of Bathsheba and I am in awe of her as well. Yes, she made a mistake but don't we all? I know that I have. For a long while the only way that Bathsheba could function was knowing that the Lord was watching over her family. I am also in awe of her bravery. She would of given up herself to protect her sons. She wanted to actually. She was always in awe of what mercy God granted his people. In awe of the mercy he granted her. Even though she sinned grately she was forgiven because she repented. She was the only one of David's wives that raised her sons in the way of the Lord and it was her son that became king.

Each woman in the series has brought about a characteristic that I pray that I can have. Tamar had a great strength that even when women were of little worth she stood for what she knew was right. Rahab walked in blind faith and had bravery. She turned her back on her family even after she had saved them not knowing if she would be accepted into God's peolple because of her profession. Ruth prayed constantly that her needs and Naome's needs would be met, but that Naomi's would be met first. She was a prayer warrior and God delivered. Her faith was never shaken. Bathsheba had a great strength and great wisdom. She had a moment of weakness, yes, but she also learned so much from the discipline that she recieved. It taught her so much and she passed that knowledge onto her sons.

Reading the stories of each of these women is helping me to understand what potential each person who follows Christ has. It is scary and not always easy, but how much do we learn when something is easy? Not a lot. When we learn a lesson the hard way it sticks, that doesn't mean that every lesson has to be hard, but each lesson must be learned none-the-less. Every person that wants to be brave, faithful, strong, and a prayer warrior can, it just takes dedication and a really big God. The good thing is we have a God that is bigger and stronger than we can ever imagine, and he loves us more than we could ever know and he grants us the gift of grace daily.

Fourth of July Fam Jam 2010

This weekend was the Fourth of July and I am not sure we have ever had a better celebration. Everything kicked off Saturday morning after Julie arrived and went until about 4:00 on Monday when we all headed back home and back to real life.

Saturday was a very fun filled day. Everyone gathered on the Pier and we all talked for a while and then Dad came down and took us all on a boat ride that was wonderful! I love it when you can just ride around and see the lake, although if you told me to navigate us back to the house it would not be a good day because I wouldn't be able to. We went to the waterfall where we always anchor the boat and just swim. Then I skied for the first time in about 3 years. At that point it was almost 2:00 and we all realized we were starving so Dad drove us back to the house. When we got back we noticed someone walking down the steps and for the life of us couldn't figure out who it was and then all at one moment we realized it was Haley! Complete shock! Haley flew in from NYC just to be with the family for the weekend! It was great! After that we headed back out on the water for a little while. Upon getting off the boat everyone else headed upstairs while Emily, Amy and I made fools of ourselves while trying to take pictures. I didn't realize how hard climbing on the pier over and over is. When we got back Mom prepared a clam bake that was absolutely amazing! I can't believe that we had such amazing food all weekend, well actually I can.

Sunday the rest of the crew arrived that included Julie, Marty and baby Mason. It was so great just to have everyone together for so many days. We once again spent the vast majority of our time out in the sun. We went on several boat rides. Dad cooked his famous Fourth of July feast for everyone and as usual it was delicious! We also took a family photo in our awesome Fourth of July t-shirts. It is so rare for so many of us to be in one place all at the same time anymore so we had to take advantage of it. That night we shot off lots of fireworks that I am sure were the best on the lake. That night was pretty epic because we managed to fit 15 people into our very small house. It required 4 twin beds, a double bed, a sofa, a futon like couch, 3 double air mattresses and 1 twin air mattress. We decided after this that we could of fit two more twin beds in there so that is the goal next year- 17 people!

Monday night was not a good night. Mel had to put Fe to sleep because he had cancer in his neck. I know that it is so hard to go through something like that and I know that it just takes time. He was the only cat that I ever liked, mostly because he thought he was a dog. He was so great and he was such a good pal to Melissa all these years so please keep her in your prayers while she is going through all of this.

Weekends like this past one always help remind me of how rare the bond is between my family. I don't really think of us as 11 different grandkids from 3 different sets of parents. I have always thought we were far too close to just be cousins. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I only saw my family 3 or 4 times a year. Instead I am blessed to come from a family that is incredibly close. We are all different, because no one is exactly a like but we all have qualities that are similar if not all then time than at least some of the time. I really don't even know where I would be or what I would do without all of their love and support. That is how I know that whatever happens to me I will always be ok because I have such a huge support system.

Why does the weekend end?

This weekend was a ton of unexpected fun. At one minute Jacob and I were joking about him coming to Auburn and then a few hours later here he was. I was so glad that he got to come, I have really missed spending time together like we used to. He is one of the only people that will just tell me things as he sees them and a majority of the time he is right. I felt bad because we didn't do anything overly exciting, but I don't do many overly exciting things. We went to the pool which was fun, but I burnt my face which will peel and look gross, but I am glad that I got some sun before the fourth so maybe I won't get burnt to a crisp on the lake.



Laura and I tie dyed on Saturday which is one of those things that I love. For some reason I like it and I don't know why. I think its because you try your hardest to make it look pretty but you really have no idea how it will turn out until you open it up the next day. So no matter how hard you try it is going to look the way it wants not always how you want. My cover up turned out pretty good, but the t-shirt turned out black haha. That is ok though because really I just wanted it so I could sleep in it. Here is a picture of the cover up.
I am really looking forward to July. I can just tell that its going to be the best month of my summer. I think that is mostly because I will spending a large amount of time with out any cell phone coverage.
Melissa put a picture of a rainbow on facebook today and tagged me in it. It was beautiful. God shows up and you don't even see it coming sometimes. I read the story of Rahab yesterday at work in Lineage of Grace. I had always heard to blanket statement that she was a harlot who did great things for God, but by reading her story for myself I thought what is must be like to have faith like that. Have faith in someone that you don't even know that much about. Faith enough to leave your family. It inspired me. I want to have the faith of Rahab and Tamar, women who had no idea what they were getting themselves into by believing in God but chose to have faith in him anyway. That is going to be my challenge daily, to have faith and no that whatever happens to me it is in God's will.

Today Was One of the Good Ones

Today was overall a very exciting day. I woke up this morning around 8, due to the return of my nightmares, and prepared to order football tickets online for the first time since freshman year. I wasn't worried about getting tickets, just getting a ticket for the iron bowl, but no worries I got them.

Next I headed to get my license renewed, finally I have a horizontal one. That isn't very exciting but oh well.

After that I headed to the grand opening of Earth Fare. I wish I had a ton of money so that I could buy all of my groceries in there. It was very exciting but also very over whelming.

I then came home and decided I wanted to bake so I got my baking cookbook out and began searching and found a recipe for Angel Food cake.

I then went to Keisel with Wynn and we just walked and talked for a long time. It was really nice, I am going to miss him a lot when he graduates in August. I am going to miss all my friends when they graduate.

I then came home and made a decision to go to publix to buy the stuff to make dinner and bake my cake. Then all the roomies watched so you think you can dance. A very normal day, but also very fun.

Here is the cake:

Rainbows

So, a long while ago when I was having a life crisis I was talking to a friend who told me he prayed for rainbows as a way to know that the Lord hears you. So lately I have really been praying hard for one rainbow. I know that my prayer is up to me, but aren't things easier when you know that everything is going as God intended? Well I have been praying relentlessly that God will heal my heart and just help me know that this is what is best and so that I can begin to believe what everyone says. So the praying and searching for rainbows haven't turned much up, in a way I feel like that is God saying "My child it is up to you to mend this, I am here to help but as much as I may want to mend your heart you have to let me." To that I say good point. I have to make an effort to say "what is done is done, and there is nothing I can do to change it." So any way back to what I was saying, I saw a photo on facebook just a few minutes ago of a beautiful rainbow coming out of storm clouds.
If you ask me, that is perfect for the situation I am in. I feel like my life for the past few months has been a storm of emotions, and not the happy ones. I am normally a positive person, but for the past month I have been stuck in the negative of everyone else has an exciting life. Everyone else is in a reltionship with someone they love that loves them back. I have been so worried about what everyone else has and felt so sorry for myself that I forgot all of my many blessings. Ok I got off topic again, I think this was the rainbow I had been searching for. Thanks to Byron I found out I got to make up my own rainbow rules.

On a happier note I have discovered myself realizing that I think some words that we consider normal are weird, today I discovered that I think Smith is a weird word.

Everyday life

I am sad to report that not too much has been going on lately. I spend my days reading, which is slowly beginning to get old. The only outside activity I have is work. I never thought that I would be wishing school would start back, but I am.

I did go to Meegan's wedding on the 12. It was so fun! Best wedding I have ever been to by far.

I went home this weekend for Father's Day. It was very relaxing except for the drive home when I thought that a rain storm was going to knock me off the road. I got home and Dad was very surprised which made me happy I didn't tell him I was going home. When I got home Mom and I went to look at the Nook. I think it would be the perfect purchase for Mom, but she decided against it. Sunday we went to church to hear the new preacher. I forget how much I really miss everyone when I haven't been around in a while. Mom and I ventured to the lake after church, the first time I have been all summer. We were there for about 5 minutes. We then went to Target to pick out the shower curtain I want to buy and then get monogrammed, they of course were sold out.

I took pictures around the house, mostly of plants so I will spare you from having to look at them.

I am now back in Auburn avoiding unpacking. I am really ready for school to start back so that I have a distraction. Plus fall is my favorite time of the year.
Sorry I am boring.

Excitement!

The past few weeks have been packed with excitement! First was Sarah's 25 birthday. I traveled to Birmingham on Friday where we celebrated with all of her friends. We went to Zoe's for dinner which is super exciting because we don't have on in Auburn and then went to Hayley, Jessica and Mickel's apartment to get ready to go see 17th floor. It was a fun night and I was very happy that I got to celebrate with her.

Saturday I went home and went to lunch with Paige. We sat at Jason's Deli for 2 hours just catching up. It had been too long since we spent any time together. After that I went home and just rested, which was quite enjoyable.

Sunday I went to church with the fam which was awesome since I rarely get to go anymore because of work. I got to see so many people that I haven't spent much time with lately because I never get to go home anymore because I have a job that consumes so many of my weekends, but hey that is the life that I have chosen so I might as well get used to it. When we got home from church Mom and I drove to Huntsville to look at cameras so that I could decide which one I wanted to buy with the money that I had saved up and the money that I was going to get for my birthday. Which of course then made me want a camera that I hadn't even thought about getting. We also went to Earth Fare which made me really excited for the one we are getting here. That night we had my birthday dinner. It was a great relaxing weekend.

Monday and Tuesday weren't overly exciting.

Wednesday was my 23rd birthday. I spent most of the day just relaxing because I hadn't been feeling well for a few days. That night the roomies and I went to niffer's for dinner and the balloon man that made me this awesome hat that was a huge attention getter as the night went on.

Thursday I went and purchased my wonderful new camera which I love.

Today I went around campus and took the first photos with my camera. Here are a few:

I am now very excited to take my first pictures with people in them. When that will be I have no clue.

That is it for now! When more exciting things happen I will let you know!

This made me really think...

"Sometimes you have to be strong for yourself. You have to know that you're a good person and a good friend. What is meant to be, will end up good; what is not, won't. Relationships are worth fighting for, but sometimes you can't be the only one fighting. At times people need to fight for you. If they don’t you must just move on and realize that what you gave them was more than they were willing to give you. Hopefully people realize great things when then come around and don’t lose something real. Always fight, until you can’t anymore, and then be fought for."



Through out the past few weeks all I could do is think about moving on, but having to leave a part of me with someone else. Then my best friend of many years wrote this quote on my facebook wall. It sounds dumb but it made me cry. I am trying to be a mature adult and leave behind a relationship that his impacted me in such a major way that I don't really think I even knew what I was up against when it came to leaving it behind. This really hit home. I can't try to maintain anything alone. I have to find someone willing to fight just as hard for me as I am for them. I know that everyone has said it probably 150 times in the last few weeks, but for some reason hearing it in the words of someone that had probably been through it and had found a way out made all the difference in the world.

I am surrounded everyday by loving wonderful people who want nothing more than for me to live a life that fulfills me and for so long I haven't been able to see the dream that they have for me because my dreams have always been to fulfill those around me and enrich their lives in a way that makes all their dreams come true. Now I realize I get to live the rest of my life the way I want. They way that I had always hoped. Meet the man that loves me so unconditionally that it would kill them for anyone to hurt me. I will meet the person who loves me just as big and just as hard as I love them.

This all sounds very depressing I know, but to me it is not sad it is hopeful. I guess I realize that their is a whole big world out there and I am someone who can now go out and find my place in it. And I think that is about as exciting as it gets.

2 Weeks

Who knew that two weeks could feel like a year. It seems like so long ago that I was in a relationship thinking that I was getting married at any moment. That just shows me that God's plan is bigger and greater than I could ever dream of. I really don't know how I would of survived without my friends and family. Of course my heart still hurts, but I think that I am gaining strength on a daily basis. The hardest part about the whole thing is just gaining back the parts of me that I lost or the things that I changed about myself in order to make everything work.
Being alone is a fear of mine. I've never liked it and I don't really think I ever will. I like being surrounded by people and always having someone to talk to and tell my stories to, even if they aren't interesting. I feel like most people feel the same way as I do. I know that the more time I spend by myself the more I will become accustomed to the whole thing, but that doesn't mean that I want to.
Also, I have recently annoyed every person I know to try to find a hobby. So far we haven't come up with many. I want something active, something that makes me feel good and forget about everything else. I would love to mountain bike, but I really don't think that is a good idea, I have balance issues. I actually took the time to google hobbies, needless to say it didn't really help. It mostly just told me I could go to Hobby Lobby.
Thats all for now I guess.

Epic

Wow, I have now given into the blog world, secretly I have always wanted to, but didn't think anyone would read so I didn't. Now I don't really care. I want to be able to look back in a few months and see how my life has changed and how much better I am doing than this day.
We'll see where the wind blows me over the next few months while I tackle getting a grown up job, moving away from the girls that have made me the person I am today, and not being too close to the family.
Thats all for now, like I said no one will read this.