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!