Christmas 2009

Christmas Christmas Christmas. It's one of my favorite times of the year. This year, I was able to spend lots of time at home. I almost felt like I was a student again! Just another perk of my job. :)

There are lots of little traditions that we have, but some of my occur on Christmas Eve. My church has a Christmas Eve service...I LOVE candlelight services...and afterwards, my family always invites a group of people over for dinner . There's nothing super fancy about it. Just people, food, laughter--lots of laughter, and if you're lucky a good game or two.

When I found out that I was going to be an aunt, I started making a list of things that I wanted to do with my niece or nephew. One of those things was accomplished this Christmas...making a gingerbread house. Emma Kate and I had a great time putting our little house together. We liked it so much that we made a manger too. Things were going great until she wanted to put Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the manger. Yes, I know, I should have thought about that before, but I hadn't. We had to do a little improvising with the candy we had leftover. Mary and Joseph were a little rough, but I was pretty impressed with our Baby Jesus...that's the most important anyway, right? :)

After Christmas Eve comes Christmas Day. You're just going to have to trust me that we followed with tradition and took a picture sitting on the stairs. They are way too bad to post for the public to see!

Children at Christmas...there's really nothing like it! EK got lots of fun gifts. Her favorite was the baby that does all kinds of things. Way to go, Santa!

I didn't have much to want this year...but since I haven't been buying clothes, I was quite thankful that Mom and Dad came through with lots of them. It was especially nice when I was packing a few days later and had some new things to wear! Then, when I thought all the unwrapping was done, Mom and Dad surprised me with something that I can use to wash and dry all my new clothes!! I had planned on purchasing a washer and dryer, but was so excited to not have to do that. They are both SUPER nice!! Woohoo for clothes..and being able to keep them clean and dry!

The next few days were spent lounging around the house, watching football games, getting work stuff organized and preparing myself to chaperone a youth ski trip to North Carolina. It's a hard life, but someone has to do it. :)

Coffee Shop Thoughts

I love coffee shops. Just typing that statement makes me giggle inside because if you told me two years ago that I would one day love them, I would have laughed in your face.

Coffee is not something essential to my day. Yes, it is true that I have it a few times a week, but I much prefer tea---of the green variety to be exact.

But the coffee shop. It is so much more than coffee.

It is people. It is comfort. To take a line from Starbucks...it is my third place.

Tonight, I find myself sitting at a coffee shop. Green tea in hand. Bells ringing as customers enter and exit. Some ordering their usual. Some looking at the menu of options for what seems an eternity before deciding on the house coffee.

iTunes is pulled up. Praise and Worship Genius mix is making it's way from the computer to my ears. My journal is open and my pen is moving. Well, not really moving now...now, I'm blogging...but, you get the picture.

Lots of reflecting is going on right about now. This time last year I was finishing up my time at Chick-fil-A. The job that had been my stability from the moment I graduated college was drawing to a close. I had no clue what life beyond July would have in store. When I think about where I am now, I still can't believe the way God has orchestrated the details. Life is 100 times better than I could have ever imagined.

The job. Whoa. It is me in a job description.

The families. Goodness gracious. Love them. They treat me as if I'm their own daughter.

The teenagers. Blessing after blessing. I know I'm supposed to be leading them, but I have yet to leave a meeting that they haven't taught me something.

God is so good. I am so thankful. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am right in the middle of His plan for my life and it feels so good. I am reminded of that as I sit here in this coffee shop. I pray that I will never forget it.

Birthday Blessings

It’s practically the end of the day. In fact, it’s way past the end of my day. I prefer to be in bed by 9:30…but I just can’t let the day finish without taking the time to wish someone a very happy birthday.

Today is my older sister’s birthday. On this day, 29 years ago, my Mom was 24 years old. My Dad was 28. Up until that day, they had lived lives of singleness and coupleness, but when 9:00AM rolled around, my sister gave them the opportunity to live the life of parents. Obviously, I wasn’t there that day, but I can imagine it was a day of much happiness and celebration.

My sister changed the world for my parents that December day, and she has continued to change the world throughout the past 29 years.

With each passing day, I am more and more thankful for her.

She has weathered a lot in her 29 years. She has gone through things that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Yet, through each and every storm, she has taught me so much. She's shown me what it looks like to walk the narrow road. She's demonstrated the importance of truly forgiving. She's modeled the concepts of God's unconditional love and His overwhelming grace better than any I know.

Confidential to the Birthday Girl: Happy Happy Birthday to you, my dear sister. Sure, I may have complained once or twice about being the middle sister...but I take it all back if it means that I wouldn't have you for an older sister. I'm so thankful for the road that you paved and continue to pave for me. With each passing year, I find people associate me with different people and things, but I am so thankful that one of those associations is one that I have had for my entire life...Cile's younger sister. I don’t know what God has in store for you this next year, but I know that no matter the circumstance one thing will be certain. You will use the year to continue to inspire and encourage those around you. I love you so so much!

A Presidential Dinner

 

November 16, 2005 was one of the more significant days of my college career.  It was the day I was elected president of my sorority. 

The lessons I learned while I was president are far too many to count.  Some things were easier than I expected…others were harder..but I will forever be grateful for the opportunity that I was given to lead a group of 200 women. 

November 18, 2009 was election day for my sorority and those memories all came flooding back as I drove down to Tuscaloosa to take two very special girls out to dinner. 

Sarah Beth has served as president of the sorority for the past year.   I knew from the moment she walked in the door her freshman year that she was going to do great things.  I had high expectations of her, but she totally exceeded them.  I couldn’t be prouder of the way she has lead our chapter.

Sweet Sarah Beth…You’ve given so much of yourself the past year and now it’s time to relax and celebrate all you have accomplished.  Looking forward to next semester---a time sure to be filled with spontaneous lunches, shopping trips and surprise visits. 

Abby was elected president last night.  I’m beyond thrilled for her and our sorority.  In the past few months I have gotten to know her on a more personal level.  Through early morning conversations, working lunches and car chats this precious girl from Wisconsin has quickly become one of my dearest friends.  I have no doubt that the chapter will continue to flourish under her leadership. 

Dearest Abby…I have a feeling the next year will be one filled with much growth and happiness and probably a little stress and a few tears…but believe me, sweet friend…you are the best person to lead our house and it will be worth it.  My advice… because you know me well enough that I always give it. :) Pray…A LOT.  Surround yourself with people that will be honest with you and support you.  Follow your heart.  Keep things in perspective. 

Birthday Week – Part 1

My freshman year of college, I went out to eat with a group of friends to a little Italian restaurant in Tuscaloosa for my birthday. It wasn’t necessarily planned, but that one night was the start of a new tradition.  With the exception of last year, I have gone to DePalmas for a birthday dinner with some of my closest friends. 

So incredibly thankful for this group of girls.  For supporting me and loving me.  For listening and advising.  For making me laugh and wiping my tears.  My life is so much better because of my friends…thanks for an incredible evening!

 

  With my bestest friend, Natalie…and Baby Berry :)    She’s been a constant at the yearly birthday dinner.  Thanks so much for making the drive down!!  LOVE YOU SOO MUCH!!

Love my roommate, Sara Beth.  She was the mastermind behind the dinner.  Thanks so much, sweet friend!  Hate that it took 24 years for our lives to cross…but I’m looking forward to lots of fabulous times in the future!

It was fun to have my little  sister there for the celebration this year…even if she did un-invite me to her birthday celebration.  :)

Here’s part of the group.  Aren’t my friends precious?!?!  

Quarter of a Century

In less than a week, I will be 25 years old. Come Saturday, November 21, I will have lived a quarter of a century.

I haven't mentioned it before today because I don't really know what I think about it.

In my mind, I feel more like I'm 22.

My days are spent interacting with college students. Nights and weekends with college gals, babies, children and pre teens. This isn't the typical life of a soon to be 25 year old...it's FAR better!

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be 25. I mean, it's only a number. And the fact that the number is increasing is only a reminder of all the wonderful things that have happened in my life.

I did the year by year update last year...and pretty much wore my little brain out with all of that recalling...so I won't be doing that again, but you're more than welcome to scroll through the archives back to November of last year if you want to see Lindsey through the years. :) If I can get my act together, I'll do a recap of 24 sometime this week...it was definitely a year that I don't want to forget.

For those of you that have already passed 25...what are your thoughts on it? Was it a great year...or not such a great one? I'm still working on my 25 year goals...so, is there anything I need to know or make sure that I do?

Doing Life

When I moved to Atlanta in May of 2007, I was introduced to a term that I quickly added to my vocabulary. The phrase was doing life.

Andy Stanley, the senior pastor of Buckhead Church would often ask "who are you doing life with?" He encouraged the church to actively invest in the lives of others and ever since I have found myself looking to do just that.

I have been blessed with some incredible people to do life with. Family. Friends. Coworkers.

Over the past few weeks, I have been pretty absent from the blog. Not because I don't have things going on in my life...but because I've been so busy doing life with others.

The move to Birmingham a few months ago brought about something I had never really thought about...relationships. Lots and lots of new relationships...relationships in addition to the ones that I formed in Atlanta.

The move brought more families...more friends...college girls...middle schoolers. I am loving the new relationships. It's an absolute blessing to be able to do life with so many...but relationships take time, energy and effort. So, by the time I get a few free moments to blog, I find that I'm exhausted---physically and emotionally. I can't even put two sentences together.

As much as I miss the frequent blogging, I can honestly say that I know my time is being used for something incredibly important. I'm going to try to get better at posting more frequently, but if you don't hear from me, just know that I'm using the time to invest. To dig deep. To cultivate relationships. To do life.

Homecoming Happiness

Two weeks ago, I went home for a few days. It was glorious. I got to spend some time with my family and was able to see lots of friends. I know I've said it before, but I absolutely love being from a small town.

The town I'm from is all about the schools, so the football program has a big following. I was so excited when I realized that I would be able to make it home for the annual homecoming football game. Here are a few pictures from the few days I was in town...

Quick photo shoot before the parade. She was being a cheerleader this day.

Started taking care Miss Mallori when she was in diapers. So glad she found me at the parade!

I used to baby-sit Caroline as well. Can't believe she's old enough to be the Senior Homecoming Attendan. Isn't she gorgeous?

It was my sister's 10 year reunion this year. Doesn't look like she's old enough to have graduated 10 years ago, does it? Emma Kate stole the show, as usual. It's true, I'm a bit biased, but I do believe that she was the cutest kid there.

My new favorite picture. Love that laugh!

Party at The U of A

I love Homecoming at Alabama. It’s a time of traditions and memories. I found myself thinking back to my days as a student and loved watching all of the families with young children. So many Moms and Dads doing their best to make sure their child falls in love with the UA. Love it.

I got the chance to see so many people during my two day visit. First up…some of my favorite UA seniors…Addie, Sarah Beth, Carley and Sarah. Can’t believe all of these girls were freshmen when I was a senior. I loved spending some time with them at the piano bar. We got there early and pretty much stalked a family with a kid until they left so that we could overtake their table. Good music. Fun girls. Lots of laughs. Really jealous that this fun establishment wasn’t around when I was in school.

The group…minus Sara. Guess she was working on her song requests for the evening. With my newest BBM friend

The Sarah Elizabeths. :) These two are TROUBLE.

Saturday was a day filled with some reunions. First up…the freshman year roomie. When I found out on Friday night that she was going to be in town, it became top priority that I see her. She lives in NYC now, so I have to take advantage of her visits south! I could not have asked for a better person to live with in the dorm and I’m so thankful that our friendship didn’t end when we turned in our room keys. Sure, we don’t talk near as much as we used to…and we no longer have every class and group project together…but we are roomies for life. Seeing her is always a treat!

Jennifer was one of the first people that I met when I came to Alabama 6 years ago. She’s beyond incredible and now has one of the cutest little girls ever. We’ve reconnected on our blogs and was beyond excited to finally get to meet her daughter this weekend. Isn’t she a cutie??

Earlier in the week, I made a trip to Tuscaloosa for work. Work trip turned walk down memory lane when I found myself at the Delta Zeta house..pomping for seven hours. For those of you not educated in all things UofA Homecoming, pomping is what we call rolling pieces of tissue paper. You have to have lots of it for the lawn decorations.

During my seven hour visit, I struck up conversation with quite a few cuties…Miss Brittney was my partner for quite some time. I rolled. She glued. We were unstoppable. We weren’t picture ready on Monday…but we definitely were on gameday! LOVE LOVE LOVE her!

Another of my seven hour pomping friends was Karley. You can’t really see it in this picture, but she is wearing the cutest elephant necklace.

So glad I ran into this little chika when I was leaving for the stadium. We were in need of picture to replace some of our others…and this one is definitely one of my new favorites. So much love for Miss Abby! For those of you wondering…my gameday outfit…that was all Abbs! I could never be that stylish on my own!

Gametime. FINALLY. Great seats and great company for the game. The Bubbas behind us were a little rough around the edges, but they made for some good laughs. Cile, Mom and me…all smiles…7-0!

After the game, we went back to the sorority house to rest up a little bit before the evening festivities and look who came by to visit.

Enjoyed chatting around the table with you and your man! Tuscaloosa is definitely better when we are able to both be there!

Sorry for the photo overload. I just couldn’t cut any out!

Happy Half Pre-Birthday

October 14. Six months from now, the date will be April 14. April 14 is Natalie’s due date. I’m a fan of the half birthday. Technically, this isn’t Baby Berry’s half birthday…but I guess you could say it is Berry’s half pre-birthday. Right?

If you don’t agree, that’s fine. It’s my blog…and I say it is. :)

Natalie doesn’t know this…well, I guess she is about to know, because she reads this blog…but I’ve been writing little notes to Berry ever since she told me the news. Don’t get too excited. I’m not sharing those with you.

But, it honor of the half pre, I am going to give you a little peek into some of the thoughts that have gone into a few of those notes…

I remember the feeling I got when my sister first told me that she was going to have a baby. I remember the rush of emotions. The elation. The excitement of knowing that I would be an Aunt.

When Natalie first told me that she was going to have a baby, my mind went right back there. I know this little one won’t share my same blood line...but the emotions that I feel are so similar. Sometimes, I think I may even have a little more excitement.

Wait. Did I just say that I’m more excited about my best friend’s baby than my own niece. That doesn’t sound right. Let me explain. I was thrilled beyond belief when I found out that I was going to be an Aunt…but now, almost 4 years later, I know what it feels like to be an Aunt. I know the love that a child you help to mold can bring. I know the excitement that comes with all things baby…and toddler..and preschooler.

It’s not that I am more happy that Natalie is pregnant…it’s just that now, I have an idea of how fun this next chapter of life is going to be and I’m super excited about it.

I lived about an hour from my niece when she was born…and recently lived almost five hours away. It made visits less frequent than I would like. Add the fact of being a mere 15 minutes away from baby Berry to the knowledge of what it feels like to love and be loved by a child and it just gets me all giddy inside.

I find myself thinking about life with Berry all the time. Playing scenarios over in my head. Hey, I love to play me some pretend!

My favorite little scenario as of late looks something like this. Getting off of work. Driving over to Natalie, Scott and Berry’s place. Bringing over a fun little dessert. Convincing them to take some time for themselves to go out on a little date. Holding, feeding, changing, playing with and singing to their little one.

Oh…it’s going to be good. April just can’t get here fast enough.

Confidential to Berry: Happy Half Pre-Birthday! Just so you know, you don’t have to wait 6 months to make your appearance…you can come a tad earlier if you’d like…just make sure you’re good and healthy first!

First weekend of October

Traditions.  I like them.  A lot.  There are lots of things that I do, say, eat…just because I’ve always done it that way.  The funny thing about most of the traditions in my life is that they have been along for so long that I don’t really remember how they started. 

I love Wednesday. I’m pretty sure my love for Wednesday began in preschool.  We sang a special song and said “happy hump day.”  I loved that song.  For as long as I can remember I have shared my love for Wednesdays with some of my friends.  I call/text/email them just to say Happy Hump Day.  Weird, I know..but, it’s kind of tradition…and when I don’t send the messages, my I often get a call or two from my friends asking why.

My favorite birthday treat is yellow box cake cupcakes with the pink strawberry icing from the can and the cheap-o sprinkles.  No, it’s not my favorite treat…far from it…but it is my favorite birthday treat.  I don’t remember the first time that my mom made the cupcakes for my birthday, but I know my birthday isn’t the same without them.

Last year, I went to Boston over the first weekend of October.  This year, I did the same thing.  While there, I decided that this was a new tradition that I was going to be adding to my list.  I even told my friend Sara that if she ever moved, we would both be coming back the first weekend of October for a yearly reunion. 

My little vacay to Boston was wonderful last year and it did not disappoint this year either.  The fall weather was perfect.  I was able to get some use out of my favorite accessory—the scarf, and as always…time with my best buddy left my heart happy.  The only problem is we were so busy hanging out, relaxing and having fun that we forgot to take pictures.  Well…I do have a few…but they pale in comparison to the 100 or so that we took last year. 

 

One of the things I love most about visiting a friend in another city is that they already know about it.  They know where to eat. Where to walk. No maps required.  Sara totally knows her city.  The first night we went to an Italian restaurant called Sonsi.  Oh my goodness, it was good, and the atmosphere made it even better.  We sat and chatted for over an hour before heading back for a relaxing evening at her new little abode in Beacon Hill. 

It rained most of the day on Saturday, but it didn’t slow us down a bit.  We had a delicious brunch at the Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro.  If you are EVER in Boston, this is a MUST.  The best vanilla bean pancakes you have EVER tasted.  After breakfast, we made our way over to the Museum of Fine Art.  It was the perfect way to spend a rainy morning and it kept us busy until right around 2:45.  We had 45minutes to get to Cleary’s to watch the UGA/LSU game…it was going  to be close, but Sara managed to make it so that our walking route took us right by my favorite places in Boston…Sweet…home to super yummy cupcakes.  We tasted of the goodness and even made it to Cleary’s in time for kickoff.  As you can see from the picture, we were decked out in our Georgia gear…but sadly, they were not able to pull out a win.  We drowned our sorrows in some yummy Mexican and finished the night chatting on a rooftop deck overlooking Boston.  It was perfect.

 

I don’t like Sundays in Boston because that’s the day that I leave, but since I had a late night flight out, we were able to pack the day with fun.  Church in the morning was whoa good.  Then we made our way over to the North End to grab some pizza and a cannoli from Mike’s Pastry…another Boston must.  The weather was perfect, so we took our pastry to go and walked down to the harbor.  I hated to leave…but work was calling my name…and laundry was calling Sara’s name. :)

In case you were wondering, this is what 2 months worth of clothes looks like.  While I was there, I saw her put all of it into washing machines.  Mission accomplished. 

 

Confidential to Sholcomb:  See you next October, buddy.  Well, I better be seeing you before that, but next October for sure.  Love your city.  Love you.  Thanks for being such a fabulous hostess!!

Discretionary Income

Discretionary income. Some have a lot. Some have a little. Some spend it on technology. Some spend it on food. Some spend it on clothes. I spend it on concerts.

I didn't grow up going to concerts, but have been to more than my share in the past few years. I love them. Sometimes they are at venues where I'm able to sit back and relax and listen. Other times I'm standing the whole time. I love them both.

My friend and one of my favorite of all time roomies, Christen, was around when the concert bug began to bite me and we have made quite the concert going pair.

A few weeks ago Jill joined us and our trio made the trip to see Sugarland. Oh my goodness. Incredible. I had seen them perform live before, but had never seen them headline a concert. It was better than I imagined it would be. In fact, I'm pretty sure it is my new favorite concert experience. Since we saw them perform in Atlanta, we were able to be a part of the hometown crowd. Pretty much I LOVE it when that happens. There is always something special about that.

It rained the whole day...hence the yuckiness of my hair in the pictures...but the clouds parted right before the concert started and we had a wonderful evening of singing under the stars.

Such a fun concert. Seriously, if you ever get the chance to see them life, do it! Forget the technology. Forget the food. Forget the clothes. Spend the money on the ticket!

Me? Kreative?

I love blogging. I love writing posts. I love reading them. As much as I love all things blog, I would never consider myself in the award winning category, but after today, I guess I am.

One of my favorite bloggy friends, Mrs. Jones from A Real Life Wife has nominated me for an award. How fun is that?!?! Many thanks to you, Mrs. Jones...and know that had you not already won the award, I would be giving it right back to you. You are, after all, a much better blogger than I am!

So...here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link the person who nominated you.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

Seven things you may not know about me:

1. I love to travel, but I prefer to do it alone or with a limited amount of people.
2. I have two phones...one for personal, one for business. It's true that I could use one to accomplish both tasks...but I'm odd and like the iPhone and the Blackberry. Hence...two phones.
3. I'm was born and raised in a small town and I often dream of moving back there when I have a family. I've got to find that family first though!
4. I'm an early to bed early to rise kind of gal. I love that most of my friends have now entered the working world and we're able to meet up for breakfast before work.
5. I haven't purchased any new clothes for myself in 5 months.
6. I hot roll my hair practically every day. No, I'm not a pageant girl...I just don't know how to fix my hair, and rollers do the work for me.
7. I absolutely LOVE college campuses. It thrills me to no end that my current job allows me to make frequent visits to the local colleges.

Seven Kreativ Bloggers:

1. Jennifer at Tales of A Peanut
2. Jenna at these are the days
3. Becky at The Details are in the Fabric
4. Ashleigh at Thankfulness Project
5. Christen at Sound of Silence
6. Jenn at Jenn's Jabber
7. Sara at Liberty Land---yes, it is true that she is approaching the one year mark of not posting, but when she does post, it is quite humorous. She has also promised to update in the near future, so I decided to include her. Now, Sara, UDPATE!

A Bloggy Lesson

My last post was written two weeks ago.

Though it was unintentional, I guess you could say that I was taking a sabbatical from my blog...a blog-atical, if you will.

I don't really know how it happened, but it did. In fact, there were quite a few things that happened during my absence that I could have blogged about. But, I didn't blog. And, it was in that not blogging that I realized something about myself.

I'm a creature of habit, but get me out of my routine and it's almost as if I never had the habit to begin with. This is true in so many areas of my life.

Eating. Exercising. Journaling. Reading. Calling friends. Spending time with the Lord. And now, blogging.

I've known that for a long time...but the aha came in understanding why.

I struggle to forgive myself for getting out of the routine. Instead of just saying, oh well...I missed it...I end up getting so frustrated with myself for getting off track. Then, before I know it, I look back and I'm not just off track, I'm on a whole new road. It can take me days, weeks, months to get back into the swing of things. It's not a good rut to get stuck in.

That may not make any sense. I mean, I'm out of practice in terms of putting my thoughts into writing. Of course, even if I was good at that, it took me years to figure out what the problem was in the first place. So, it would make complete sense that it doesn't make sense. :)

Hopefully, now that I've had this little realization, I can get to working on it. After all, the first step to fixing a problem is identifying it.

So, it's identified. I'm forgiving myself. I'm moving on. However, I must say...though I really missed blogging these past few weeks, I'm grateful because it taught me a lesson that I've been needing to learn for a long time.

Birthday Blessings

Thank goodness we celebrate birthday weeks in my family! Otherwise, I would have been in big trouble when Tuesday came and went without nary a post about my baby sister's big day.

September 8, 1988...Kara was born and my world was changed. Truth be told, I don't have much recollection of times before she was around, but considering how much the addition of the 5th member of the family has added to the other 4 of us...I have no doubt my world was changed.

But...before I get into all the goodness of Kara...can I just say that I can't believe that she's 21. That means I'm about to be 25. Excuse me?? 25?? There must be a problem.

Anyway...back to the goodness of Kara.

As a child, she was by far the cutest of all of us. Pretty blond hair that curled just right at the ends. Always the social butterfly. Everybody loved...and loves...Kara. She's just plain fun.

We're quite different, and that used to bother me to no end. Now, I think I was bothered mainly because I longed for some of those traits.

She's laid back. Seriously, I have NEVER seen her stressed. Sure, that's because she usually doesn't think about things until they are long supposed to have happened, but even then, she doesn't get worked up about it.

She's never afraid to ask. This used to bother me...okay, sometimes it still does...but pretty much, I wish I did it more. If you tell me to do something, I pretty much do it. Likewise, I take past decisions to determine what an outcome would be. For instance, if my parents have never let me have never let me go on a trip by myself, I probably wouldn't ask if I could study abroad. Kara doesn't seem to be phased by past decisions. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to ask for it. Truth be told, she gets it often...but as I've gotten older, I've realized that may not be so much because she's the baby...maybe it's just because she asked.

She's HILARIOUS. Her sense of humor is quite different than mine. Much more dry. She even pretends that she doesn't enjoy it when I call to give her the joke of the day...but she is definitely a laugh a minute. Everything she says and does is pretty much comical. What makes it even funnier is that half the time, she has no clue why everybody is laughing.

She's knows what she's good at. This is something that I'm just now starting to get. Find out what you love...what you're good at...and do it. Kara has known forever that she likes to write. She doesn't like math or science, so she didn't bother much with those subjects. She loves writing...and reading for that matter. Pretty sure she won the Accelerated Reader trophy every year ! :) Anyway...back to writing. She's great at it, and in less than 2 years will have her journalism degree and will probably be traveling all over writing things that everybody wants to read. I love that.




Confidential to NB: Happy Birthday, sister. I have no doubt that you've enjoyed your birthday week! I love you so much! I only have two people in this world that I can say are my sisters...I'm super thankful that one of them is you.

It's That Time of Year

So...I totally stole this from my friend, Becky...but, it's so good that it deserves the re-post.



I'm so excited that I'm back in the state of Alabama for football season. Living in Atlanta was great, but there were WAY too many Auburn and Georgia fans for my taste. ROLL TIDE!!

A Berry Happy Day

Look at those smiles. I mean....that's probably the biggest smile I've seen on my face in I don't know how long. Not because life has been bad...but because this particular night this picture was taken was filled with an extraordinary amount of goodness.

I went over to visit with Natalie on Saturday night and it was this particular night that my bestest friend in the entire world told me something and showed me something that I've wanted to hear and see for quite some time.

Wanna see? She showed me something that looked very similar to this...







That, my friends, is a little 7 week old, healthy and thriving little baby. My best friend and her sweet husband are going to be PARENTS!! It's way too early in the process to know if it's a little boy or a little girl...and right now they're leaning towards not finding out (which, by the way, I LOVE)...so for the time being, this little one is being called Berry. Why Berry? Because little Baby Orr's first picture looks just like a little berry. Berry. I'm absolutely in love.

I was so excited that I could hardly sleep Saturday night. I'm thinking all things baby!

I started praying for this little one a REALLY long time ago, and actually got into some trouble for praying they would have a little one early in marriage. Actually, when Natalie found out about my secretive prayer, she was quick to inform me that if she had had a baby soon I would have to move to Birmingham to help take care of it.

Well, I decided to move...and here comes baby.

Now, I'm not so naive to think that my moving is what made this happen...buy I'm thrilled beyond belief to be able to be a mere 15 minute drive away from my best friend as she begins this next phase of life...mommyhood!!!!

As we sat this weekend and reveled in the happiness of the moment, we couldn't help but to look back. Two years ago, we were living in different cities...neither of us had met Mr. Right (side note, I still haven't...you didn't miss a post). Well, now she's married to a man that exceeds her wildest dreams and soon they will be welcoming new life into this world. God is so good!



Natalie and Scott...

Words don't even begin to describe the happiness that is in my heart. Happiness for each of you individually, for the two of you as a couple, for your families, for little Berry...and for me. :) Y'all are going to be the best parents ever!

Getting Settled

I got up early yesterday morning. Had a great quiet time with the Lord. Chatted with my roomie while she applied her makeup. Went for a nice walk around my new neighborhood. Got myself ready for the day and drove down to Tuscaloosa. Stopped by the sorority house to drop off some things that belonged to my sister. Had lunch with two precious girls at one of my favorite Tuscaloosa eateries while discussing the upcoming semester, sorority life and t-shirts. Met another girl at a coffee shop to discuss some of the same topics. Went back to the sorority house to drop off a package and see a few friends. Drove back home with lots of happiness in my heart.

Woke up early this morning. Spent some time with the Lord. Chatted with my roomie while she applied her makeup. Opened the computer and started to get work done. Emails to send. Calls to make. Designs to approve. Expense reports to mail. Five hours of hard work in my pajamas. Changed into workout clothes for a quick walk around the neighborhood. Showered and went to the park to visit with my bestest friend while she baby-sat. Continued our conversations over lunch. Got a quick mani/pedi. Back to the house to churn out about 3 more hours of work. Washed some clothes. Walked to church to attend the new member class. Enjoyed running into some old friends. Came back home to do a little more work before calling it a night.

I'm getting settled. This house. These roommates. This community. This job. And, I can say without a doubt that I absolutely LOVE it all.

A Delta Zeta Saint

On my bid day blog, I bragged on the president of my sorority. Then I introduced you to Abby, the girl that I'm hoping and praying will be the next president. But anybody that knows anything about sororities...and if you've read my blog for long enough, you know at least a little...knows that the girl that runs the recruitment show is not the president. It takes someone special to manage the beast that is recruitment. We call her the Vice President of Membership. Actually, we call her the Recruitment Chair.


This year, my sorority was blessed to have the best recruitment chair on the planet. Seriously...I would put her up against your recruitment chair any day. Let me explain...

Most sorority positions are such that you only have them for a year. You couldn't have paid me to be the secretary or president for any longer than that! It takes a girl who's on top of her stuff and well respected by her house to do the same job for more than one term...and that, my friends, is what our recruitment chair did. TWO YEARS of recruitment!!

Unlike everybody else, she WILLINGLY signed up to have the same job again. She knew there would be angry alumni. She knew there would be girls trying to get out of rush workshops. She knew there would be sleepless nights. She knew...but she agreed to do it again.


This recruitment chair that all sorority girls wish was theirs is Sarah Hudson.


She's the one on the far left...and she totally blew me away last week. She was beyond organized. Everybody knew what they were supposed to do and when they were supposed to do it. Encouraging words flowed freely. Smiles were given to all. And, despite the minimal sleep she got, she did not pitch fits when things went a little crazy.

Example of things going crazy would be when a hook for hanging drapes came out of the ceiling one night...bringing part of the ceiling with it. I was terrified that we may have come to the end of our little recruitment Utopia, but little miss adaptability, Sarah Hudson, wasn't phased in the least.


Confidential to Hudson,

If someone had told me three years ago when you pledged that you would be our recruitment chair not once but twice, I would have never believed them. You have far exceeded all of my expectations for you...and I LOVE it! During my years in the sorority, I have had the chance to watch quite a few different girls tackle the job of recruitment chair, but none...NONE...of them could hold a candle to you. The fact that you so selflessly agreed to hold the position for two years only elevates you even more. Thank you for what you've done for your house...my house...our house. You're beyond incredible! Get ready, because I'm going to be coming down to Tuscaloosa soon and showering you with thanks....friend kind of thanks...not the advisor kind. :) Love you, pretty girl!

Oh Happy Bid Day

This past week was lacking in sleep, food and maleness...but overflowing with laughter, chatting and femineness. It was a wonderful week capped off with a great group of 76 new girls excited to be Delta Zeta pledges.

As I drove home to Birmingham this afternoon, I was thinking about some of the highlights of the week. There were quite a few...but here's the short list.

--I loved getting to know some of our current actives. I'm pretty sure I mentioned before that I was a senior when the now current seniors were freshman. So, when I walked into the house last Monday I recognized very few faces. By the end of the week, I found myself not only recognizing faces but being able to match faces with names.

--Watching our Serious Night ceremony. No matter how many times I've seen it, it gets me choked up each and every time. The crying was taken to a whole new level this year though because Sarah Beth...the little recruit that I fell in love with three years ago during that same ceremony...was speaking the same lines that I had once said.

--Squeals and pure excitement was all around as the girls read out the bid list...and those things only increased when the new girls rounded the corner running towards the sorority house. It made my heart happy inside to see.

With sweet Sarah Beth on Bid Day. I cannot believe that she is a senior this year. I didn't get any sleep this week, but this girl got even less. She has worked for months to get the best of the best girls and as the bid list was read this morning, it was clear that her hard work had paid off. I could not be more proud of her and all she has accomplished.

Confidential to SB...I'm thankful for the chance you gave me to be your advisor this year, but I'm even more thankful for the blessing it is to have you for a friend. Friend date soon!!

Let me introduce you to Abby Johnson. This cute thing of a girl came along the year after I left. Bummer. I would have loved to be in the house at the same time as her. I remember the girls being excited when she pledged our house two years ago. I had talked to her a few times before, but this week we got the chance to have some deeper conversations. She made me smile, made me laugh and made me cry. She's pretty incredible and is the one that will be teaching all of our new little Delta Zetas what it means to be an active. I can't think of a better person for the job. In addition to taking care of the new girls, she also works on all things t-shirts. Translation, I will get to work with her when I start my new job and I am super excited about that.

I love the faces in these two pictures. I mean...that's pure excitement right there. Excitement for the new girls, excitement for finally reaching upperclassmen status, excitement that rush week is OVER.

Lots of ways to describe this picture....but I think my favorite would have to be this one...

Presidents: Present and Future :)

One Happy Advisor

There is really nothing like recruitment. Especially at The University of Alabama. We do it different here. We go all out. Wanna know what it's like? Just read what my friend Becky has to say.

During my four years at Alabama, I had the chance to see 4 different sides of recruitment. I went through as a freshman, recruited girls as a sophomore, loved on girls as a recruitment counselor my junior year and then got to walk around and say hi as a senior. There were definitely some parts that I liked more than others, but overall, I am a lover of recruitment. Sure it's crazy...but there's just something about it that makes me happy.

I have been looking forward to being the recruitment advisor for my sorority from the moment I was asked, but what I have gotten to experience these past few days has far exceeded even my expectations.

I was a senior when the girls who are now seniors were being recruited. For the record, I can't believe that they are graduating. They were my babies. Now, they are looking for some babies to call their own. Tear....take that back...tears.

They're so on top of things they don't really need an advisor, but I'm thrilled that I'm able to sit and watch them do their thing.

Feels Like Home

I am now an official Birmingham resident. After months of straddling Atlanta and Birmingham, all of my belongings are finally in the same place.

As I was organizing and settling in on Friday, I couldn't help but think about the many places that I have called home. Before I moved away for college, I had lived in only three places...and one of those was for 13 years. Then I l left the comforts of my parents' home and entered into the "moving" stage of life. Since graduating high school, I have lived in 8 different places.

Sometimes I stayed a few weeks, others a few months...and sometimes, when I was lucky...I stayed for a year...and then one time, I stayed three years.

My sophomore, junior and senior years of college I was blessed to call the Delta Zeta sorority house my home. I loved everything...or most everything...about it. I mean, I highly doubt that I will ever get to live in a 3 story house with 20 bedrooms, a huge kitchen, dining room, living room, library, computer room, 2 TV rooms, study rooms, fully finished basement and SLEEPING PORCHES!!!!

Yes, life was good at the Delta Zeta house. What fun memories I have from living in that place.
I went back for a visit on Saturday as an alum. I will go back tomorrow as an advisor.

Advisor.

Really?

Advisor?

Yes. I am the Recruitment Advisor.

For the next week I will find myself spending hours upon hours at the Delta Zeta house. I can't believe it. Seems like yesterday that I was a rushee struggling to pick a sorority to join. Six years ago I went through recruitment. Six years ago I joined a sorority. I quickly realized that the sorority was more than a club to be a part of. The sorority was a home.


I know that soon my house in Birmingham will feel like home. But for this week, I will look forward to going back to the Delta Zeta house. It was there that I laughed, cried, made life-long friends and grew-up. It feels like home and I'm so excited to go home this week.

Google Analytics

My friend Sara recently introduced me to something that has changed my life. Well, that may be a little of a stretch...but she did introduce me to something that has changed my blogging life.

She introduced me to Google Analytics. I have only had my blog connected to it for a week, but I love it so much that I just had to tell all of you in my little corner of the blog-o-sphere. If you're interested in all of the statistics that go along with the blog, you will want to add Google Analytics to your site. It's easy. It's FREE. It's the best blog tracker I've ever used.


Thanks, Sara!

No More Naps

I love a good nap. Sadly, I have had to trade them in though. Today made day two without a nap. What's the occasion for ditching the naps so abruptly? Well...that interview that I had a few weeks ago...I officially accepted the job and my first day was yesterday.

Right now I'm in full on training mode. The office is full of fun people and the girls that are training me are so sweet. I'm learning a lot so nights are usually spent relaxing and rewriting my notes.

I gave a little mini description about the job earlier, but since I've officially accepted it now, I feel comfortable with sharing a little bit more.

I interviewed for and was hired to be an account manager for the Geneologie division of Emory Group. Emory Group does lots of things, but they specialize in selling custom t-shirts. As a Geneologie account manager, I will focus on selling custom t-shirts and other fun items to sororities and fraternities. Sorority girls....and I can say that because I was one...they have to have a shirt for everything....and they like them to be different. Emory Group can take care of the designing, printing, bagging and shipping.

Thankfully, I won't have to do any of the designing. Those poor people would have the worst shirts EVER. I'll just be the one managing the relationships with the girls and guys in charge of t-shirts for their house...yeah, each sorority and fraternity has someone that is just in charge if t-shirts...and finding out what they need and what they want it to look like. For right now, I will only be calling on The University of Alabama, Auburn and Samford.

That's probably not the best explanation...but hopefully that gives you an idea.

I'm so excited about this new opportunity. There are so many positives. One thing that I'm most excited about is the opportunity to do work on something I'm passionate about with PEOPLE that I'm passionate about serving. COLLEGE GIRLS, people....LOVE THEM!!! On top of that, the hours are really flexible so I will be able to still do things for a women's ministry and I will have a steady income. I feel like I'm going to really enjoy this...and I think I'm going to be really good at it too. I sure hope so anyway.

Can I just say that God has exceeded my wildest dreams!



I may be scarce on the blog these next few weeks...I have agreed to be the Recruitment Advisor for my sorority next week. Super excited about that, but as I remember from when I was in the sorority a few years ago, it is going to be LONG hours. Then, I'll be full speed ahead on the new job. As soon as I get the ground work laid and feel more comfortable, I'll be back on a more regular update schedule.

WINNER! Day 5: Going Away Giveaways

Have I told you how much fun I have had doing these giveaways. It truly is more blessed to give than receive. It has done my heart so much good to be able to do some giving this week...and it has helped to keep my mind off the sadness that is in my heart about the upcoming move. Thank you, sweet blog friends for reading, commenting, following and tweeting. Y'all have filled my heart with happiness.

I have loved reading through all of the comments this week. I smiled every time I saw a comment about Chick-fil-A's great service...I doubt many of you knew it, but that is what I worked on for 18 months. I loved getting to share my love for Strengths Finder and Buckhead Church with you. Then the suggestions you gave for books was incredible...I have read many of them and they are among my favorites as well. Those that I haven't read have been added to my "to read" list. Finally, what a blessing it was to read so many of the sweet Grand Weaver comments. I truly am thankful for the way that each of you has been woven into my life.


Ok...enough of that. I'm about to cry. You're wanting to know who the winner of book The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias is. So...here you have it...commenter #5...

Commenter #5...Elizabeth! Yay for Elizabeth! Let me tell you a little bit about her. We are from the same hometown and she is a little older than me. I've known and looked up to her for as long as I can remember, but there are two memories from years ago that really stick out in my mind when I think about her. I feel it fitting to share them since she won The Grand Weaver and all.

Let's see, they both took place when I was in elementay school.

The first memory that I have of Elizabeth was from the Presbyterian Church during Vacation Bible School.

Sidenote---when I was a kid, I went to VBS at all of the churches in town and the Presbyterian Church always was my favorite.

Anyway, Elizabeth was one of the youth volunteers teaching the music. I remember her standing on the stage and singing and teaching us the motions to Awesome God. To this day, I think of her...and those motions...every time I hear the song.

Memory number two. Elizabeth was a cheerleader when she was in high school. What little girl doesn't look up to a cheerleader? I was as far from cheerleader material as you could get, but I went to cheerleading camp just because I wanted to see Elizabeth. She taught a dance to Runaround Sue. A dance that I failed miserably at doing...but it was almost better because I got so much private attention.

Vacation Bible School and cheerleading camp are LONG past for me, but I'm thankful that is not true for my relationship with Elizabeth. Now a Godly wife and mother to her own beautiful little girl, more recently, she has become one of my biggest cheerleaders with her encouragement and prayers.

Congratulations, Elizabeth! I'm thrilled that you won this book! Please email me your mailing address so that I can get your book in the mail to you. My email address is on my profile page.

WINNER! Day 4: Going Away Giveaways

I'll give you one guess to figure out where I am. If you said Starbucks, you're right. A sweet mother agreed to be my witness this time and the winner of the book What Happens When Women Say Yes To God by Lysa TerKeurst is commenter #7...


Commenter #7...Amy! Only one problem. Per her comment, she requested to be taken out of the running because she has already read the book. I'm trying to get this update up, so I don't have time right now to go into details about how fabulous Amy is, but trust me...she is...and she will be featured on the ole blog super soon. Hopefully in the next few days if I can get my act together, and I can assure you, you don't want to miss it!


Back to the random.org number generator I went, and this time, the winner was commenter #12...
Commenter #1...Jan! I was so excited to see that she won because I don't know who she is...at least I don't think I do. I was hoping that at least one day someone I didn't know would win so that y'all wouldn't think it was rigged.

Jan, from your comments you sound like a sweetie...and I know you're a smart one because you said you went to The University of Alabama. Now I'm just hoping that you'll comment on today's giveaway so I can find out how you ended up here.

Congratulations again, Jan! Please email me your address so that I can get your book in the mail to you. My email address is on my profile page.

I can't believe it...but we are almost through with the giveaways for the week. Only one more! If you haven't registered for giveaway number 5, you have until NOON tomorrow.

Day 5: Going Away Giveaways

These past two years, I have found myself saying the same thing over and over again. Different people, different circumstances, but similar words. Words that go something like this..."I'm so glad the Lord allowed our lives to cross." or "I'm so thankful that the Lord allowed that event to happen."

A few months I was expressing those sentiments to my friend, Caroline. The way the Lord brought us to each other is quite a story and I can hardly believe the depth of our friendship in such a short time. It was during that conversation that she told me about a book that she had just finished reading and thought I would enjoy as well. The book was incredible. The basic premise is that God holds all of the strands of our lives. He is the Grand Weaver. He knows the design for our lives, and He weaves those threads to make a masterpiece.

During my time in Atlanta, so many threads have been added to the tapestry of my life. Families, mentors, friends. Jobs, books, churches. How comforting it is to know that even in my moments of confusion, God still has the threads. He is weaving. He is bringing people into my life...allowing things to happen, both good and bad...and all to grow me and help me to see his unconditional love.

My time in Atlanta is not one that I will soon forget. It is filled with too many life changing people and moments for that. Thanks for letting me share them with you this week.


For the last Going Away Giveaway, I am giving away a copy of the book that Caroline told me to read: The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias.

Here's what you need to do to be eligible to win The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias:

Use your best memory to leave me a comment recalling how The Lord first wove our lives together. For some, it may have been years ago...others may only have to think back to a day ago when you followed a suggestion of a friend to this blog. I've gotten a lot of new readers recently, so I'm just curious. If you comment anonymously, make sure you include your name and how I can contact you.

If you want to increase your chances, you can do either or both of the following.

• Become a follower of my blog and leave me another comment telling me that you became a follower. If you're already a follower, just leave me a comment telling me that you already are a follower.
• Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL for the tweet in a different comment.

Get to commenting. The contest will end tomorrow, AUGUST 1, at NOON EST. The winner will be chosen using random.org's random number generator.

If you don't win, you can purchase it here.