Merry Christmas from the Elves!

After months of practicing some very complex choreography and hours upon hours of voice lessons (some of us needed it a little more than others), I truly believe we were able to bring a whole new life to these familiar Christmas tunes...don't you?

Merry Christmas and lots of love from the girls :)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Found It!

It is absolutely amazing to me how much life has changed in the few short months since I began writing this blog. My purpose has been to seek God's will for my future as I navigate through this very exciting, yet often uncertain time... and, as we all know, one of the most important areas in which I have been seeking His guidance has been in the always challenging job search.

Well I am VERY EXCITED to report that I have officially accepted an offer to join Wells Fargo Securities as an Analyst in their Investment Banking/Capital Markets group this Spring! I am beyond humbled that God has allowed me this wonderful opportunity in such a challenging job market, and I cannot wait to begin my career.

In addition, I will be living in the beautiful Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina. I cannot imagine a better place to call home for the next few years. The city is the perfect mix of Southern Charm and Northern Influence to challenge me and expand my horizons, but still leave me feeling right at home! This is such an exciting time and I am looking forward to all of the fun new transitions and experiences soon to come!

Happy Day

I would like to take this opportunity to say "thank you Jesus" for all of the small, wonderful details he adds to my life. I think it is so important to remind yourself each morning of the blessings He has so lovingly bestowed upon each of us...so here is my short list for the day:

1. AUTUMN! Each year, I get so excited when the seasons change! I always tell people that I love the "in between seasons" best, and I really really do! There is something so familiar and comforting about the fall...I always know it will bring with it some of my very favorite things like pumpkin spice ANYTHING, great wool jackets, and let's not forget, FOOTBALL!

2. Opportunities and options GALORE! I am so blessed to have the greatest job I could ever ask for during my last semester at Auburn. Working with Special Events fills my days with joy, fellowship with amazing women, and beautiful beautiful flowers! We just finished creating the arrangements for an event at the President's home tonight, and it was just wonderful. Flowers = therapy for me, and I truly enjoyed getting my hands dirty this morning while styling some gorgeous fall arrangements.

I am also so fortunate to have the opportunity to interview with some wonderful companies over the next month, from Dallas to Charlotte to New York! I cannot wait to meet with each of them and discover the career path that God has intended for my life.

3. Friends who are ever so faithful and a family who unconditionally loves, strengthens, and supports me. I am constantly surrounded by my betters, each person teaching me new lessons in their very own way. I have become a combination of the personalities who have shaped me, and I thank God for the inspiration and encouragement they each bring to my heart.

I am truly, truly blessed.

Trust Fall.

Trust in the Lord. Something so very simple, yet often impossible to grasp and hold on to. How often do we put our trust in Jesus, only to revoke it minutes later? Our moments of faith are so easily washed away by the waves of doubt and uncertainty, leaving us feeling desperate and distraught over and over again. 

If we are truly honest with ourselves, trusting God as provider is often one of the hardest things to do. Instead, we sit and worry, allowing fear of the future immobilize us and leave us searching for answers. But this is not the way the Christian walk was meant to be! In these moment, I am often reminded of the words to one of my very favorite hymns:

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,  

Just to take Him at His word; 

Just to rest upon His promise,  

Just to know “Thus said the Lord.” 

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er! 

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh for grace to trust Him more! 

Beautiful. How many times in my own life has he proved Himself capable to guide me and protect me? Our God is GOOD. Through and through, he is 100% GOOD. And he never changes. Never Ever Ever. We can take him at his word and rest comfortably in his promises. What a blessed assurance! Each day I trust Him, I find myself longing to lose more and more of myself into His will. I long for the grace to trust Him more! He has provided everything I have needed in the past few months, and I am so grateful to have a father who knows what is best for his child. I know He has been telling me to stop searching and listen to His small still voice of wisdom. Thanks Jesus for the peace and direction and blessings upon blessings you so lovingly provide when I finally do :)

And what a blessing this beautiful fall weather has been! When I walked out of my front door this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by the crispness and chill of a new autumn day! I am so looking forward to going home Thursday to grab some of my fun fall clothes before heading out on our trip to Knoxville this weekend! 

Drastic Measures.

Instead of pretty fall dresses and cute blazers, I have decided that this would probably be a more appropriate uniform for the semester. Points for creativity, right. . .???

"Raindrops Keep Fallin on My Head"

This past week in Auburn we have found ourselves in the middle of monsoon season...and I am happy to report that  "Singing in the Rain" has been my theme song. The rain has brought so much joy this week, so comforting and invigorating at the same time! The little girl in me has loved the fun and sense of freedom that you get from just letting loose and splashing about in a rainstorm. 

Thursday I set out for one of my runs, and although the clouds looked somewhat threatening, I decided to just go for it. Well, little did I know that 2 miles into my run I would get caught a mile away from home in one of the biggest downpours of the week! I seriously considered seeking shelter under a nearby awning to avoid getting soaked, but as I continued to move forward, I ended up having one of the greatest runs of my life. Completely drenched, hair soaked, shoes full of puddles... big huge smile on my face. It felt so great to forget all of my cares, not worry at all about what I looked like, and just continue to put one foot in front of the other. 

Thank you Jesus for the small things.

One and Only.

Lord, let this be the attitude of my heart. Take everything else away from me and leave my heart with Jesus. 

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I am alone,
When I am alone, 
When I am alone,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I come to die,
When I come to die,
When I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus, 
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
You can have all this world, 
You can have all this world, 
Just give me Jesus.

Day Two: 2.5 miles

On the road again. . .

Well I have decided it is time. . .

Beginning last summer, Toney and I made it our goal to complete a half marathon. We got off to a great start, but slowly life and all its little details got in the way...ie, she got engaged/married and I ventured off to New York. And although I had many plans to continue running while in the Big Apple, long work days and exhaustion turned my grand ideas into something more like delusions of grandeur. Instead of jogging through Central Park each day, trudging the 40 blocks home became enough of  a workout for my little blistered feet. 

But now, I am putting all of that behind me and setting out to pursue a new goal. I am beginning training this week to run a half marathon within 6 months and a full marathon within a year. IT WILL HAPPEN. 

I hope to grow not only physically through this, but also spiritually. This goal is a lofty one, and I hope to depend fully on Christ to complete this work. I would love to hear your thoughts and advice as I begin this process. I am searching for a verse to pray over as I run each day and would appreciate any ideas from all of you! I will make sure to keep everyone posted as to my progress!

Day 1: 2 miles

Today, I Choose. . .

JOY.

over and over again.

Two Very Wise Men.

It seems that no matter the event in my life, be it very happy or very sad, King George always has the perfect song to sing to my heart. This weekend, he reminded me of just how blessed I am to have two of the truest friends a girl could know. Niki and Teresa have been beside me for every joy and held my hand through every sadness. We've twirled and two-stepped our way through the good and the bad and they're the first in my mind when life presents a new twist. When we we're "little girls" four years ago in Texas, we played one George song over and over and over again. And while the lyrics were written for a little more of a romantic relationship, I would like to think that Mr. Strait was thinking of us when he sung the chorus.

You know me better than that
You know the me that gets lazy and fat
How moody I can be
All my insecurities
You've seen me lose all my charm
You know I was raised on a farm
Oh she tells her friends I'm perfect
And that I love her cat
But you know me better than that

Its the MOST special thing to have true friends like that. Friends who have seen you at your worst, and know how great you can be at your best. Friends who have rubbed cake all in your face when you've started to take yourself too seriously, and then proceeded to consume the rest of that cake with you - lazy fat and happy all together. Friends who know your imperfections, share your hopes, encourage you to pursue your dreams, love you when you're riduculous and fill you back up when you're empty. I would not be the person I am without these two, and as long as I have their tan hands to hold, I know we will always be able to walk forward, one foot in front of the other.

But as great as George's wise lyrics can be, and as special as my sweet friends are, no one knows how to speak to my heart like my Jesus. I am the queen of ignoring his wisdom and stubbornly plowing headlong down my very own path. Thank you, thank you, thank you God for being stronger than I. Thank you for yanking me back to your side when I wander away from seeking your plan for my life. Thank you for longing to share my joys when I'm standing on the mountain and walking by my side through the valley. Thank you that no matter how far I run away, it only takes one step to turn around and return to you. Thank you for being my joy, my hope, my peace. My protector, my lover, and my Lord... Thank you for loving me enough to break my heart so that I can bring glory to you. Thank you for being a jealous God and desiring all of my affections and focus. Thank you for holding me in your strong hands and never letting me down. Thank you for being the only one that I can truly trust, truly rely on, and never make a wrong decision when my heart longs to seek your will. Thank you Jesus for loving me like none other.

With this in mind, I have found such peace in the words of another very wise man. St. Patrick of Ireland, who himself had wandered away from the love of God, and through trials and pain was brought back to serve, once wrote these beautiful words. Oh that I could live by them each and every moment of my life.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Thank you Jesus. You are always right.

My First Love

As many of you know, a temporary lapse of judgment has led me to take a course in beginning Chinese this semester. While I know how important this class will be for my future in the business world, it has caused me to momentarily abandon my first true love...la langue francaise.

And oh how I adore everything French. Culture et couture. La joie de vivre. The urgency et vitesse with which love and move fluidly through life. And all of it is reflected beautifully in every aspect of their language. I adore the way that there are so many instances in which you can't even really translate some French into English without completely losing some of the meaning. . .it is the most spectacular language in the world and I would love nothing more than to speak it each and every day. So au revoir le Chinois et vive la francais!!! Or at least after this semester. . .

A House Divided. Literally.

While in New York this summer, I took on the personal responsibility to emphasize not only the superiority of SEC football, but also tried to make sure that everyone was aware of the cultural implications of the game as well. I put forth my best effort, but was saddened to find that it is nearly impossible to teach anyone who has never lived in the South the full extent of everything that is SEC football...or of the bitter that rivalries exist between our beloved universities. I did, however, recently come upon an article that I feel does do some justice to my cause. . .

A House Divided

By: Anne Halliday

Jennifer and Eric have been married for 13 years, and they’ve only watched one Alabama-Auburn game together. One was enough.

Eric, a die-hard University of Alabama football fan whose father operated a camera for the Bear Bryant Show, knew he was in for trouble every autumn when he married Jennifer, whose dad graduated from Auburn University’s veterinary school in 1969.

Their rivalry (and their home’s exterior colors) intensified two years ago when Jennifer entered an essay contest sponsored by The Home Depot and the Birmingham sports radio station WJOX. Her 190-word description of their life when the Iron Bowl rolls around won, and The Home Depot painted their Alabaster home crimson and white and orange and blue. With football season just around the corner, Southern Living sat down with the couple to find out what it’s like to live with the enemy.

Where did you grow up and go to school?
Eric: I grew up in Homewood and went to The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Jennifer: I’m from Hueytown and went to Samford University.

When did you start rooting for Alabama and Auburn?
Eric: My dad worked for the Bear Bryant Show in the 1970s, and I’d go to the tapings with him as a kid. Every weekend we’d listen to Alabama games on the radio or watch them on television.
Jennifer: We always had Auburn season tickets. From the time I was about 9 years old we went to every home game and almost every away game.

hy can’t you watch the Iron Bowl together?
Eric: She’s too crazy.
Jennifer: I’m not crazy; I’m just not watching it with you. Alabama won the only game we’ve ever watched together--so you know it was several years ago--and Eric went insane. He’s more fun to watch than the actual game because he gets so animated, running around and throwing things.

Have your kids picked sides?
Eric: Rebecca, who’s 11, pulls for Alabama. Ethan, who’s 6, hasn’t made up his mind.
Jennifer: Yes, he has; he’s for Auburn. Rebecca says she’s for Alabama, but she does that to make her dad happy. She wants to go to Auburn because it’s a better school.

What do you love most about each school?
Eric: Alabama’s winning tradition. When the state was going through negative times, Alabama football was always winning.
Jennifer: Auburn University symbolizes resilience. We were the underdog, but now we have a few of our own awards.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done during football season?
Eric: Entering The Home Depot’s contest.
Jennifer: A lot of our neighbors actually thought we’d painted the house that way. Luckily, as part of the contest, it stayed like that only for a couple of months.

What advice would you give to an Alabama fan marrying an Auburn fan?
Eric: If you can’t work that out, you’re going to have bigger problems.
Jennifer: Honestly, when you’re thinking about spending your life with somebody, should football be the biggest priority?

Crimson and White vs. Orange and Blue
Eric recommends that Alabama fans who want to read more about the Harrells’ house visit www.rollcrimsontide.com/HouseDivided.html. Jennifer says Auburn fans should check out www.auburnfootball.com/a-house-divided.htm.

Case in point...I guess this article justifies my mother's reasoning on "never allowing me to marry an Alabama Fan." 

4 days till Wegl Wegl Time. Hallelujah.

The Golden Girls

Well we finally did it....

After 2 weeks of behaving like old women, my three best Auburn friends and I, (who collectively should be referred to as the Golden Girls of Auburn) got ourselves up off the couch, shook off the grandma pjs and made ourselves presentable. We then proceeded to take ourselves out for a much needed night of fun and dancing with the rest of the college crowd in Auburn! It was so nice to not be a bum for the weekend...

We also attended the wedding of two precious friends this weekend, Haley and Kenton KILLEBREW! It was such a precious, God-centered wedding, we all felt so blessed just being there. They were so in love, I don't even think they realized there were other people in the room! Best of wishes Mr. and Mrs!!! WE LOVE YOU!

Day 1 as a Super Senior

Well today is officially my last first day of school. And its about time...four years ago I started out on the greatest adventure of my life so far, and here I am, back for what I must say is a rather unclimactic ending. I guess it kinda feels like I've been left behind at a theme park after closing...all the rides are still here, but its just not quite the same without all the people. I will definitely miss my friends, who have all scattered themselves from Birmingham to China. Auburn is wonderful, but these people made it the experience I will never forget. 

On another note, I am currently in the middle of reading the Time Traveler's Wife (a wonderful book to read if you have not yet done so!). And it has kinda gotten me thinking about all of the moments in my life that I would return to if I had the ability to travel through time. Here are my top three:

1. The summer of 2005 right before I began my adventure at Auburn. Teresa Niki and I spent two memorable weeks in Dallas/Ft Worth as a last hurrah before we went our separate ways for college. I will always remember it as one of the most special times in my life as we two stepped our way through hours of George, great food (duh), and a little harmless flirting with a few Texas cowboys. I truly believe this trip set us up to stay just as close together through the four years that followed...I know nothing will ever be able to touch that.

2. Mid-June in Paris, Summer 2007. I was sitting on the lawn underneath the Eiffel Tower with Susan, Chloe, and a bottle of French wine. It was such a small event, but it was the moment I felt as though I had finally arrived in Paris, and everything was going to be okay. As we sipped rose and watched the tower sparkle, I can still remember the way I felt as homesickness began to fade and the joie de vivre of French culture made its way into my heart.

3. Climbing into the taxi cab on July 31, 2009 as I made my way back to La Guardia. With home ahead of me, and a successful 8-week internship completed, I have never felt such a feeling of accomplishment and self-assurance as that. I came, I saw, and I conquered my goals...with very few meltdowns involved I must add! It was a defining point in my life, and I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to experience it. Thanks to all who believed in me and made this possible. 

So those are some of the highlights. Frankly, I would be quite happy to start all over as a freshman and relive my entire college career. I can understand a small amount of what my parents must feel at times, when they say how much they wish they could go back and put themselves in my position, knowing what they know now. I wonder how different things would be if you had a real life mulligan to use every once in a while?!

But, as of late, there are no time machines, and all we can do is continue to move ahead and relish the time we are given in the present. As time begins to fly by, faster and faster, I am realizing just how precious the present is. I hope to make the most of every moment and not let the little present things or the past things or the things in the future that I may worry about get in the way.  Je veux chercher la joie de vivre dans chaque jour!

Et je veux la meme pour vous, mes amis! Bonsoir cheris.

Leaving... on a Jet Plane. Don't Know When I'll be Back Again...

Well its all packed up. 8 weeks of my life crammed back into a suitcase. I was actually quite surprised at how quickly I was able to repack...I guess that's kinda like my life right now though - finishing up one thing and moving right onto the next faster than you can turn your head. I swear I am shocked I haven't gotten whiplash from all of these transitions lately! And the scariest (yet most exciting) transitions are yet to come...

I was talking to Mom last night when she asked me "Well, is there anything else in New York that you haven't gotten the chance to see?" And while there are a pretty significant number of things that I could have run around to see one last time, I never let myself do that...by "saving" a few things, it subconsciously reminds me that this won't be my last time here. I know that I will be returning back to this wonderful city soon enough, and I want there to be something special waiting for me to do once we are reunited. I have fallen in love with this city, and just like any good relationship, I am anxiously awaiting the next time we can be together so I can get to know it even better.

In the meantime, I will miss my "new boyfriend" so much...I will miss this city's people. The crazies and the friends I've made and the strangers I never met. I'll miss the walk home from work each day when I had the chance to unwind and watch the city gear up for another night out. I'll miss dodging big yellow taxis and real-life frogger. And most of all..PINKBERRY! Haha it will definitely be a huge adjustment moving home to a whole new way of life! 

And then there's the other half of me...I cannot tell you how excited I am to see the South again. Ohhh Southern gentlemen and country radio. I have missed you more than you know! It has been much too long, and I hope to never be gone this long again. Tonight, Mom and Dad are picking me up from the airport and we are driving directly to...SUPERIOR GRILL! Shocking, I know...I can taste the margaritas now! It will be so great to see my family and friends again that it almost eases my sadness over having to leave...almost.

So there you go...8 weeks come and gone. Time to put my life into one of those big yellow taxis and move forward onto the next big adventure. And if this experience has taught me anything, it has given me the confidence and assurance to know that when the next big one comes around, I will be able to take whatever comes with a smile on my face and a peace in my heart. Thank you Jesus for this opportunity.

Goodbye, Big Apple. See you again soon...And Hello Sweet Home Alabama. Its been much too long...

A Break in the Silence.

Dear Blog World,

Yes. I know. I have been a terrible blogger for the past two weeks. I am a slacker. But when you're wrapped up in a city as busy as New York, it can be kinda hard to sit down for a minute and take the time to write out your thoughts...especially when, at times, it can be pretty difficult to even HAVE a coherent thought other than "wake up. eat. work. eat again. sleep. repeat" or  (and probably most importantly) "avoid that big yellow taxi!"...but the rat race really is wonderful. Seriously. There is no place on earth like New York City. I am learning, little by little, just how much I really am capable of. New York is a sink or swim kind of city. It will either take you down or make you great. And it is my goal to let it teach me everything it can during my short time here. I am becoming more independent and self-sufficient by the day, and it is the most fulfilling feeling in the world. My "delicate Southern skin" is getting tougher and tougher, which is something I really needed. By necessity, the learning curve is light years faster in the Big Apple.

I should probably talk a little bit about work, because as we all know, that is the really the reason I am up here (hey mom and dad!). I could not have asked to work for a better company or group of employers. I have the utmost respect for each of them, and it has been such a blessing to work in a place where people are so willing to take the time to teach you. I have gotten to take such a hands-on role in this internship, and I learn 100 new things each and every day. I could not have asked for a better group of people to work with. The other interns are great, even though they are all a bunch of yankee (or british) boys! It is super.

Last weekend, we took a short break from Manhattan to travel to our nation's capitol. It was incredible. I truly enjoyed being surrounded by so much history! I loved all of the monuments, but I have to say that my favorite is a toss-up between Lincoln, Vietnam, and WWII. They were each so unique and special, and it is amazing how an inanimate object can draw such strong feelings of pride and emotion. I loved it. I also had the chance to catch up with Andy and Will, two really great Auburn guys who are currently working in DC. We had a wonderful dinner and then went out to some local bars in Georgetown. It was such a treat to be able to hang out with them and hear about their experiences outside of Auburn! I really did love Washington, but I missed the big city. I remember sitting outside waiting on the guys to go to dinner, and all of  a sudden feeling this weird sense of self-consciousness! I kept trying to put my finger on what was wrong, and realized that I really did miss being surrounded by all of the craziness in New York! I missed the city where just about anything goes, and you can be exactly who/what you want and nobody even notices. It was definitely a strange feeling...I can only imagine how much it will be magnified when I cross back over the Mason-Dixon :)

This weekend, we will be celebrating the Nation's birthday an hour north of the city at Susan's home in Katonah. We are going to spend the day at her pool, grill out, and then drive a little ways to West Point to listen to music and watch the fireworks! I am very excited and I cannot wait to slow down a little bit and enjoy a long weekend outside the city!

So there you go...my life over the past four weeks, very condensed. I will try to do better to update more regularly from now on. But no promises :) I love all of you at home, and miss you so much! Happy 4th! 

Over and out.

Hey there Big Apple!

So I have officially been living in the city for almost a week now, and yes, I do realize that I have yet to post a new blog...so here goes! 

I am absolutely HEAD OVER HEELS in LOVE with this City. It is true. I adore it. Seriously. The moment I stepped off the plane, I felt right at home. Everything just seems so oddly familiar. I guess I should begin the story of my adventure with my first experience after collecting my belongings at baggage claim. For those who know me, I am sure you can imagine the amount of "useful items" that I carried along with me for this little 8-week excursion. For those that are unaware, I found it completely necessary to shove 90% of my own personal belongings into 3 black suitcases and lug them off to New York. This is not a hard thing to do when you have your mother and father available to assist you to the check in counter, but it is a whole other story when you find yourself alone in an airport with about 100 yards between you and the taxi line. Long story short, I am sure onlookers found the sight of a little blonde girl from Alabama attempting to haul over 150 pounds of stuff over the length of a football field. Fortunately, I survived in one piece though, so on we go with the rest of the story!

Saturday was just like every other time I have been up here this year, which was incredibly comforting and definitely helped with the adjustment. Susan met me at her apartment and we walked up the street to one of our favorite restaurants to catch up over a late lunch. We then promptly headed home to enjoy an amazing 3 hour nap (also typical) before getting dressed and heading to dinner at the historic Delmonico's Steak House. The only word that can be used to describe the filets we ate is flawless...absolutely flawless. If you are ever in NYC, it is definitely a must try...especially during the summer when they have a wonderful dinner "date" deal! We then headed over to the West Village and met up with some friends for a very fun first night in the city! 

Sunday I was able to check into my dorm and meet my roommates for the summer! It was so much fun getting to know everyone, and I really do love our new home! These residences are super nice and I am so lucky to get to live somewhere like this for 8 weeks.

I began my internship bright and early Tuesday morning at 8:00 am. After a few missed turns and getting stuck out in a significant amount of rain, I finally reached my destination at 685 5th Avenue. Its a wonderful place to work (literally ONE block away from Cartier!). I could not have asked for a better work environment to spend my summer. I really have enjoyed my first week with this company, and I know that I will gain so much from what I will learn there this summer!

Tonight, Susan and I enjoyed a typical "frenchy" picnic on her floor and watched 27 dresses! I think we are going to head up to her home in Westchester tomorrow for the night...so fun. 

Anywho, I think I am about to jump in bed, chat with my roommate a bit, and get some sleep! I will definitely try to update more now that everything is starting to settle down! Goodnight city :)

Packing it All Up

I can't do it. I have been trying for three days to pack up my apartment, and I cannot bring myself to do it. I feel like my subconscious keeps preventing me from taking yet one more step towards making everything so final. I do not enjoy this whole change one tiny bit! This house holds so many memories, I can't imagine leaving it. Sunday afternoon, I came home from Toney's wedding and walked straight into her room, just like I normally would. All of a sudden, the realization that she would never be coming back hit me like a ton of bricks. So, like any other mature 22ish-year old girl would do, I promptly sat myself down in her floor and had myself a good long cry. I miss you ETP, and no matter what your marriage license may say, you will always be my Toney :)

Here are some pictures from Elizabeth and Caleb's beautiful wedding in Huntsville. It was truly an honor to share this wonderful day with you two. Love you both!

A Blonde, Brunette, and a Red Head...Always.

Love my Toney!

The Bride with her mashed potatoes...of course!

Elizabeth and Caleb's Sweet First Dance

Formal Photos before the Wedding

Being a Bum

Today is all about being lazy. Isn't it nice, every once in a while, when you have a day when there is literally nothing that you have to do? No obligations, no appointments, no worries. I am so used to having all kinds of random commitments, so when one of these glorious opportunities does finally arrive, I often waste it away feeling anxious and guilty about not being productive. But not today! I am truly enjoying this beautifully lazy summer afternoon on my couch, listening to music and catching up with friends! It is fantastic. 

And I have good reason to rest up today because this weekend will most assuredly wear me out! I cannot believe May 23rd is only 2 days away!!! My sweet Toney is getting married! It seems like just yesterday she was running into my room to show me her new "Christmas Present!" I cried then, and I can guarantee that when we are all standing together at the front of the church on Saturday, I will cry all over again (very happy tears, of course!). Elizabeth has meant more to me this year than words can explain, and I could not be happier for her and Caleb! I know that they will be so good to each other, and I cannot wait to see the beautiful marriage that God has planned for them. Love you both :)

Baytowne, Bachelorettes, and saying goodbye.

This past weekend, we loaded up the cars, packed 11 girls in a two bedroom condo, and had a blast in Sandestin for Toney's "Last Big Fling before the Ring!" It was a fun-filled weekend, complete with sand, sunburns, and lots of seafood! It was so wonderful to get to spend one last weekend with some of my best friends from college, and celebrate the upcoming marriage of one of my all time closest friends. After a rocky start, we finally arrived late on Sunday evening. Ashley and I promptly made our way through Baytowne to Hammerheads and quickly devoured two amazing Mahi sandwiches while listening to a wonderful live band. Monday, we woke up, ate breakfast at my FAVORITE breakfast place ever (Another Broken Egg. Blackberry grits are a must try!), and spent the entire day at the beach! I am not usually a big fan of just sitting on the beach in one place for extended periods of time, but after "finals" week, I appreciated the rest and when right to sleep! Monday night, we threw Elizabeth a lingerie shower, then donned our "bachelorette gear" and set out for Rum Runners. After a very fun (and memorable) night, we all ended up sitting together in the big chair, wishing the weekend (and college) wasn't drawing to a close.

This week, Slay and I are taking a one week class at Jeff State, completing an entire 3-hour course in a matter of 6 days. It is wonderful! I am wishing I had taken advantage of this before! I came home tonight, and as always, sat on the back porch with dad and enjoyed some good wine and good conversation while Tinka chased the squirrels (unsuccessfully) all around the yard! I cooked dinner for everyone tonight, under Dad's constant "advice" of course. It was yummy, and I had such a great time getting to sit down and catch up with my sweet family!

3 weeks to New York....:)

Free at last.

Today essentially ended my final exams for the semester! WAHOOO! I have not been to bed since I woke up yesterday morning, but there is just such a great feeling that comes along with knowing that you have NO more class obligations! Needless to say, I am super happy :)

And what is there not to be happy about? I have realized lately just how blessed I truly am. Not that everything in my life has been working out perfectly (far from it!), but I have been learning to find contentment in the little things that make life great each day. I mean really...life is wonderful! I am so excited about this week's events...starting with a fun day with friends and Cinco de Mayo tomorrow!

On another note, I don't think it has really hit me that most of my friends are GRADUATING on Saturday! My best friend, Teresa (aka T-Rere) is included in that group, and I cannot believe it is already happening. Fortunately Niknik and I are a little slow (in more ways than one) and will both be hanging around for a while longer! It feels like just yesterday that the three of us were just getting back from summertime in Texas and we drove to Livingston to drop Teresa off at school. Talk about some crying...it felt like we were all being separated by way more than a 3 hour drive across the state! And here we are, 4 years later, still as close as always. My girls. I can safely say that I doubt there will ever be two people who will have such a unique impact on my life. I am who I am because of their friendships, and its a wonderful thing :)

Make it stop.

Time. I feel like the more you try to hold onto it, the quicker it runs away from you! Lately I have been trying to squeeze out every last memory from this year, but it always leaves me wishing there was time for more. Many of the things that I have taken for granted for so long are all coming to an end, and it is making me realize just how precious our time is. I would give anything for one last chapter meeting, another college spring break, one more Tuesday night with WEGP, and another year to live with the greatest roommates ever. It is teaching me that no matter how much I might want to wish for the future and think "I can't wait until this, that, and the other thing...", I need to seek to be content with each moment the Lord decides to put me in. Cause hindsight truly is 20-20, and you never know how much you will wish you could go back and love everything all over again! 

I had a wonderful weekend with some of my best girlfriends, celebrating the engagement and upcoming wedding of our sweet friend, Mandy Jones. After spending a fun night in Montgomery with Mom at Nana and Joppy's, I met up with them and drove down to her hometown of Troy. We spent some time catching up and getting ready, then threw on our boots and headed up to the football suite at the stadium for a night of good food and country music! We had a great time and I even got the special treat of running into my brother, who had come as the date of one of Mandy's family friends!

I received some INCREDIBLY exciting news on Thursday. After interviewing, I have been given the opportunity to intern with HFP Capital this summer in New York City. I cannot wait to work really hard and learn lots and lots about the practical applications of everything have been studying in college! I know it will be very challenging at times, but I am so very very excited to see where the Lord leads me in this process. I will be moving up to the city on June 5th and returning back to the South on August 6th. Ahhh...NewYork NewYork here I come!!

Tonight I am working on some final projects for my classes and I will probably go for a run to give me some time to think about everything I need to do in the upcoming week. Before gas prices shot up and the economy went bad, I used to love jumping in my car and driving down Wire Road with the windows down when I needed some good alone time to think and decompress. Currently, running has replaced this, and become my new, less expensive "me-time." I have found it to be much easier on my bank account, yet horrible for my ankles! 

Home Sweet Home

It never fails. There is nothing that can put a smile on my face like being able to spend a lazy weekend at home in Birmingham. There is plenty of good food, good wine, and long conversations with my parents that always serves to rejuvenate and redirect me. And this long Easter weekend has exceeded expectations...

The highlight of the weekend occurred Friday night when my entire family (grandparents included) attended "Secret Church" at the Church of Brook Hills. This 6-hour long lesson would be most closely compared to what I would call a Bible-Study-Marathon. It was an intense study on the "Cross of Christ" and turned out to be a night I will not soon forget. Throughout the night, we had the opportunity to gather together in prayer for the many persecuted churches around the world who are unable to meet as we do in the United States. The sermon given by Dr. David Platt was such a blessing, and I am so grateful to have had the chance to experience this event. 

Tonight, we are enjoying a relaxing night at home, complete with homemade spaghetti and apple pie! I am so looking forward to the large gathering of family and friends we will be having for Easter lunch tomorrow. I know it will be a special time of AMAZING food, fun, and fellowship as we remember the Resurrection of our precious Savior, Jesus.

My own little circus...

Per request of my Nonnie, I have decided to quit being a slacker and update my blog... if you would even call it that. I always have good intentions to update, but never feel as if I have anything very important to say. So, instead of waiting until I have some monumental news to write about each time, I have decided to just leave it to the various small happenings that occur in my every day life. So, overwhelmingly mundane or not, here I go! 

I must say that trying to find a path to take next year has become somewhat of a three ring circus juggling act. I've been tossing all of these random ideas around, trying desperately to catch just one. I've dropped many, caught a few, and a few times I have had the overwhelming urge to just hurl a few to the ground. Through all of this chaos though, I have learned one important thing. If you can just keep juggling a few at a time, and do your best to keep all your pins in the air, eventually the right one will fall into your hands. So, I am just going to keep on, one little bit at a time, and praypraypray that it works out! Ok, well I think that is enough of the circus analogy...

School is winding down, and I cannot believe just how quickly this semester has flown by. My pledge class just had our last Swampwater ever, and while we had a wonderful time, I feel like I spent the night trying to deny the fact that in just a few short weeks, we will all be separated for good. I can remember my Bid Day in 2005, running up to the hill to greet my new "sisters." We were all so excited to see where our time at Auburn would take us, growing together as friends along the way. And I could not have imagined another group to have shared this time with. Looking ahead, I cannot wait to see where the future takes all of us. From graduation, to summer trips, and many weddings and new careers, I know that we will all be very successful in our lives ahead, just as we were during our time on the Plains...

I'm gonna miss this...

It is absolutely amazing how quickly time flies by. When I was five years old, I remember waiting around on things for what felt like FOREVER, and today, my only wish is that they could slow back down. Two years ago, I was nervously anticipating a week long process of interviews. Little did I know that the results of those interviews would change the direction of the rest of my college experience. After becoming a War Eagle Girl, I was welcomed into a group unlike any other. This group is so unique, and I know it will be the most special thing I will remember from college....and not for the reasons most would think. Yes, we have gotten to participate in some pretty cool assignments, but the one thing I will always treasure is the relationships that are formed from being a member in this group. WEGP is family. These 24 people have become some of my very best friends. We share a common bond formed through our love of Auburn and for each other. I will never forget that first night at callouts, retreats at Camp Mac, our first road trip to "P-Cola", the very first time I stood on the field in Jordan Hare Stadium, away game trips, "car twister," Christmas parties, family visits, meetings in Lowder, and deep conversations with some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Its how I met my roommates, my best guy friends, and became a part of a "blonde, brunette, and red head triple threat!" And I feel like the whole thing just flew by. We are moving on, and a new group is moving in. I will miss the easy conversations and endless laughs with the people who have become my family here at Auburn. And although I am very excited to begin a new chapter in my life, I must admit it will be a little strange walking ahead without a guy in an orange jacket there to escort me as I go :)

Changing Directions

Here I am all over again. Standing before a brand new milestone in my journey, eagerly searching to find out what is ahead. Of all the traditional "landmark moments" in life, college senior definitely trumps every 16th birthday and high school graduation in terms of uncertainty and confusion. With each decision comes another, and then 5 more after that. Should I move far from home, and stretch beyond my comfort zone, or pursue a career in Birmingham, where friends and family will be waiting for me? I find myself constantly second guessing each step, fearing that one wrong move could affect everything I have worked so hard to accomplish. So what have I done? Like most college seniors, I have sought advice from career counselors, professors, parents, friends, books, the internet, etc. In all of the chaos, I am beginning to realize that I have left out the one most important counselor of all. The only one who has my perfect "life plan" in mind and has never made a mistake. When left to my own devices, I make a mess of things 100% of the time. Yet, the next time an important decision comes around, I find myself charging head first down the same old "do-it-myself, my way" path that almost certainly leads me into more confusion! Oh that I could learn to trust and rest in the promises of my King! So as I begin this new chapter in my life, my hope is that I will learn to let someone else write the rest of my story. Walking hand in hand, day by day, believing and resting in His promises and learning to obey, even when I "think" I know what I am doing...this should be interesting!