Best pajamas EVER

Last night, I got the best sleep I've had in years. Not because I was super tired or because I had fresh sheets...it was because I was wearing the best pajamas EVER! You've got to get some for yourself. Victoria's Secret, long pants and a cute ruffled spaghetti strap top--made from the softest fabric ever MODAL. I've never paid so much for pajamas...but it was worth every penny in just one night! Thanks to my bestest friend Natalie for passing along the the pj info!

Nothin' like a niece

Before yesterday, it had been three weeks since I last saw my niece. With all the new things that she can now do, you would think it had been a year. She loves to sing and enjoys serenading anyone within earshot. Her favorite songs of choice are the ABCs and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Never in my life have I heard a more precious rendition.

Looking forward to two weeks from now when I pull into the driveway and that little girl peeks her head out the door, runs to meet me and throws her little arms around my legs. Pure heaven. I just love being an Aunt!!

Emma Kate showing off her cool leopard shades

The girls are back in town

Note: To any people living or visiting the Atlanta area this summer...BEWARE. My girlfriends are back in town and we are ready for a summer to end all summers. I mean, look at those faces. Don't they just scream happiness and fun!

Hard to believe that I met these two kids just short of a year ago. We were interns together last summer and have oh so many stories to tell. These girls are beautiful, honest, self-less, independent, accomplished, fun-loving, hilarious...the list could go on and on. What I love the most is how they love the Lord with their whole being and strive to live for Him daily. It just doesn't get much better than Ansley Fetz and Sara Holcomb. I'm so blessed to have these girls in my life and super pumped to have them back in town!

Ans and Sholcomb...Loves ya!!

My second job...

I love being around kids. They are so fun and when you're with them, it's ok to act a little goofy. In fact, it's encouraged. Every Monday I am thoroughly entertained by these precious little ones. We sing silly songs, dance, read books, make tents out of blankets and anything else that I can think of. They're really into singing and dancing these days, so I'm thinking sometime soon we're going to have to make some musical instruments...Mondays are just too much fun!

Now, I'm not mother to either of these little ones, and would never claim to be, but over the past 6 months I've had the chance to watch them grow and learn new things, and it makes me super proud. I can hardly get over all of the things they can do! Emma Kate and Ella aren't sisters, but they will both be quick to tell you that they are best friends. It's so fun to witness that special bond that they share, and it reminds me that no matter how old you are, friends are important!

Now that I've gone on and on about these precious girls, I would be remiss if I didn't give credit to their parents. Ron, Courtney, Art and Katie..thanks for letting an Alabama gal play with your girls each week!

What a difference a year can make...

In the past year, I've gotten a job, moved to another state, met the most fabulous friends, traveled to 6 new states, joined a small group and started teaching a Sunday School class (9th grade girls). Life has been busy, but it's been GREAT!

On this day one year ago, I graduated from college. Well, I at least put on the robe and walked around campus taking pictures with my friends. I wasn't up for sitting throught 3 hours of a graduation ceremony, so I opted to save some time and money and just have them mail my diploma to me! Most people that know me find this rather suprising due to the fact that I am so sentimental...but that's how I wanted it, and I still don't have any regrets about it.

So, in honor of my graduation one year ago--even if I didn't do the whole walk across the stage thing, I still graduated--here's a little "ode to college" album with lots of random pictures. Hope you enjoy.

The Capstone--Heaven on Earth!

A tribute to Mom

For the past 22 years, I have been home with my Mother on Mother's Day. Since I wasn't able to make it home this year, I had to settle for sending a card and a gift and a few Happy Mother's Day calls throughout the day.

When I was growing up, Mother's Day was always a special day at the Smith house. My Mom is a Mother to three girls, so she deserved every bit of the pampering she received. I can remember making those special gifts for Mom through the years at church and school. You know, the flower pots with your picture on one of the flowers, the placemats made with your handprints, the pins and keychains that say "I love my mom," etc... Mother's Day was always a special day at the Smith house. As I've gotten older, it seems near impossible to pick out a gift for my Mom. She has everything that she wants, and the things that I can think to give her seem so materialistic.

So, to my incredible Mother, thanks for your encouragement, support and unconditional love throught the years. I can't imagine life with any other Mom but you! I love you!!

This song by Sheri Easter sums it all up pretty well. Mom...thanks for being satisfied with my "weeds."

Handful of Weeds


Four years old, with dirt on my face
I've been out in the yard picking dandelions all day
I burst through the front door when I gathered enough
To give to my mom to show her my love
And when I held out my hand, she looked down at me
She said, "I've never seen flowers as beautiful as these."

She's the one who told me about Jesus
She's the one that taught me to sing
She deserves an armful of roses
But she's satisfied with a handful of weeds

Now that I'm older and out on my own
I wish I could find more time to make it back home
I could have done better, I know in my heart
Than to scribble a note on a last minute card
And then she calls on the phone and the first thing she says,
"I've read this card over and over again"

She's the one who told me about Jesus
She's the one who taught me sing
She deserves an armful of roses
But she's satisfied with a handful of weeds

She's always known what true love means
And I want her to know what she means to me

She's the one who told me about Jesus
She's the one who taught me to sing
She deserves an armful of roses
But she's satisfied with a handful of weeds
She's more than satisfied with a handful of weeds.

Feeling OLD

I'm 23 years old, but for the most part I don't really feel that "old." However, every so often, something happens to make me feel OLD.

For instance, about two months ago a girl that I used to baby-sit tried out and made cheerleader for the third time. When I got ready to call her to tell her congratulations on making it--and being selected as the captain, I remembered all of the fun times I used to have playing with her when she a kid and felt OLD.

A few weeks later, I was home visiting my parents. Things were going well until I walked into church, looked over at the kids in the youth group and only recognized about 5 out of the 50. Keep in mind, my hometown has about 4000 people and I've lived there and attended the same church my entire life. I felt OLD.

My latest OLD experience happened just yesterday...Cinco de Mayo. This has always been a day celebrated in some shape or form with friends, laughter, secret clubs and rooftop escapades highlighting the more recent years. Well, this year, with baby-sitting occupying my night and work duties beckoning me at 7:30 this morning, the festivities were nonexistent. While it did feel better to know that the majority of the friends that had celebrated the past Cincos were missing out this year as well, I still felt--and feel--OLD.


Here are a few pics to help me relive the memories...

***In case there has ever been any doubt, this night is definitely in my college Top 10! Love y'all!!***

Worth the wait

When I woke up this morning, it was pitch black outside. I'm an early riser, so this is often the case. I like to start my day by reading my Bible and spending some time alone in God's creation. This morning began like many other mornings. I got up, got my Bible and headed out to the porch. When I finished reading and got up to go inside, something told me to "wait." Confused, I sat back down. I didn't have to wait very long to realize why. The sun was beginning to rise over the trees, enveloping the sky with the most beautiful colors. I'm so glad I took the time to wait and see His beauty. God is such a great painter!

PS...Much to my surprise, this blog thing is actually getting kind of fun.

The best teachers

I can't imagine what life would be like without children. I don't have any of my own, but I have been blessed with a precious niece, Emma Kate. With beautiful blue eyes and golden blonde hair that curls just perfectly at the ends, she just has the way of brightening up even the yuckiest times in life. Sadly, she lives 4 hours away and I don't always get to see her on those crummy days. Thank goodness baby-sitters are still needed!

Children can teach us so many things. Last night I was baby-sitting for a precious 20 month old--Emma Kate. Not my niece, but she is every bit worthy of the name "Emma Kate." As we played with bubbles, sang songs, had bathtime and read books, she reminded me in her own gentle way to live in the present. Children don't bask in the past---the don't remember it. Children don't worry about the future--they can't fathom it. They've got Matthew 6:25 and Luke 11:3 down! It's too bad that when we grow up, we become aware of the concepts of past and future and forget all about those days when we were children and living in the present.

I can't mention my niece without showing you a few pictures. The first one is of my niece and my fabulous sister, her Mom, on Easter. The second one is a little bit dated, but one of my favorites.

Trying not to miss it...

I may not be blessed with the most beautiful voice, but I absolutely LOVE to sing! I listen to music when I'm getting ready, when I'm in the car, while I'm working...music is pretty much a constant in my life. Even if it's not coming out of a speaker, I'm usually playing songs in my heart.

In addition to being a gal that loves to sing, I also like to listen to the same morning show on my way to work. My morning show of preference is Kevin and Taylor on 104.7. My car radio usually stays on that station, but yesterday I was listening to something else. So, when I got in and cranked up the car this morning, it wasn't tuned to 104.7. Instead, it was on a country station and the Trace Adkins' song, You're Gonna Miss This was just beginning. Coincidence...I think NOT. What a great reminder to make the most of every season in your life, because one day you will look back and "miss it." Hearing it with fresh ears this morning just gave me a new zeal to savor every bit of my twenties.

Click on the link to watch the video!

It wasn't a rock...it was a boulder

So...I meant to type this last night, but I got home and was completely worn out. I know I said that I would do this for 21 days in a row last time...but I messed up. Don't kill me. I'm new to this thing!

Wednesday is my favorite day of the week. It pretty much has held that title since I was in preschool and we had a special song we sang on Wednesday. It continued to be my favorite day as I got older and had activities like youth group and sorority chapter meetings taking place on Wednesday nights. Now, it only seems fitting for me to have small group meetings on my favorite day. For those of you who have never heard of this "small group" deal...it's basically the new sunday school...groups are small (we have 9 people) and we meet in each others' home. It's a pretty neat deal.

I'm sure some of you are probably thinking "what in the world does any of this have to do with the subject of this post 'It wasn't a rock...it was a boulder'?" I'm getting there...it just takes me some time! Last night we sharing stories and chatting about life and I realized, once again, how naive I was growing up...and how naive I still am now. I thought I grew up under a rock, but last night I realized it was definitely a BOULDER! For the record, it was a wonderful way to grow up and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Until tomorrow...or whenever I get around to posting again.