A Week with my Sister

Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author, and last year I read his book Three Weeks with My Brother. He gave me the wonderful idea that I needed to take a trip with my sister. Well, last year the timing did not work out, so we planned the trip for this summer. She is joining the Peace Corps in August and will be gone for 27 months, so our vacation couldn't have come at a better time. Bethany and I chose to spend our week together in beautiful Colorado.

On Sunday, we left Nashville and flew to Denver. We rented a car and headed for our first destination: Golden. Our Aunt Marcella and cousin Emily were there for a softball tournament, and we decided to spend some time catching up with them since we rarely see them. It was a great visit!

On Monday, we drove to Colorado Springs to tour the Olympic Training Facility. I am a HUGE fan of the Olympics, and this increased my excitement for the upcoming games. We had planned to visit Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, but those tourist attractions were closed due to the wild fire. The fire was unbelievable and such a sad thing to see. We shopped in Old Colorado City and relaxed at the hotel the rest of the night.

On Tuesday, we drove to Granby and stayed in a condo (thanks to Seth and Ashley) for the rest of the week. We hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park each day. Our hikes included: Shadow Mountain trail, East Inlet trail (Adams Falls & Mt. Craig), Green Mountain trail, and Colorado River trail (Grand Ditch). One day we drove along Trail Ridge Road, which offered breathtaking views of the mountains. Another highlight was attending the Granby  Rodeo on Friday night.

I am so thankful for the week I was able to spend with my sister. The views were spectacular and the company was delightful. Thanks Sissy for taking a week off to travel with me!

(A post with pictures to follow.)

Sweet Baby

Summer Bucket List
Meet my nephew Latham and spend the week spoiling him...CHECK! 

I met Luke and Laura in Nashville, so I could ride with them to Virginia. The trip was long, but I was glad I could stretch out in the back while Luke drove the entire way. We had a lot of fun hanging out with Adam and Cathy and snuggling with the little guy. I stayed a few extra days to help. Some things I love about my little nephew: his awesome hair, his sweet smile, the way he fell asleep in my arms, the way we cuddled every day, and our rocking time at night. I can't wait to see him again at the end of the month.

Our first date night
Mommy and Daddy went to Outback.
We went for a walk around the neighborhood.
You fell asleep and I enjoyed watching you rest.

 My little cuddle buddy
This is the life...

Summer Bucket List

Well, this time next week I will be finished with another school year. It's hard to believe it's ending, but I'm looking forward to the summer. I decided to make a list of things I want to do before school starts again in August.

• Meet my nephew Latham and spend the week spoiling him
• Take a trip with my sister
  (Okay, the first two are things I already have planned. On with the list...)
• Nap in a hammock
• Picnic at the park with someone special
• Make homemade ice cream
• Host a cook out for friends
• Convince my sister-in-law to let me nephew, Gentry, spend a couple of days with us
• Go to a baseball game 
• Have a mini reunion with my Memphis family
• Take my Grandma to Trowbridge's 
• Shop in downtown Franklin with the Turkey clan
• Learn how to use the software system for my sewing machine
• Relax at the beach
• Take a trip with Craig
• Eat cupcakes at Muddy's 

Hopefully, at the end of the summer, I will be able to check all of these items off my list. Here's to a great summer!

G-Man

From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were going to be a special little boy. 3 years later, you are my little BFF. Gentry, you bring so much joy to our lives, and we love spending time with you. You are so cute and say the funniest things. There is never a dull moment when you are around! I love to see you cuddle with the blanket I made you when you were born. My heart melts when you curl in my lap and say, "I love you BFF." I love to dance and sing with you and just be silly. You love back rides, and I love to hear you giggle as we run through the halls. I love our Face Time visits and that sweet smile that always greets me. Your precious prayers fill my heart with thanksgiving. What a blessing to have you as a nephew! We love you so much!!

Welcome to the World

Latham Patrick

Meet my precious nephew who was born this morning at 2:57 a.m. to my brother, Adam, and his wife, Cathy. He weighed 8.29 pounds and measured 19.5 inches long. We are overcome with JOY that he is here and can't wait to meet him, hold him, and spoil him rotten. I don't know if I can wait to May, but I will settle for lots of pictures and facetime meetings until then.

Latham is a family name on my dad's side of the family. My grandfather was William Latham. My dad is Roger Latham. My brother is Adam Latham, and his son is Latham Patrick. Today would have been my grandmama Ruby's (grandfather Latham's wife) birthday, which makes this an even more special day for baby Latham to arrive. Patrick is also the name of Cathy's dad, so this little guy is blessed with a long line of godly examples.

We love you Latham (and we think your parents are pretty amazing too)!!

87

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

Meet my amazing Grandma who is 87 years young today. This past weekend I was able to join my family for a birthday celebration in Nashville. It was so much fun to hang out with everyone! When I asked my Grandma what she wanted to do for her next birthday, she said I hope it's just like this one. She has taught us how to love our family, friends, and the Lord. She has the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. What a blessing to have this godly woman in my life! I am so thankful for her servant heart, constant support, and willing spirit to teach me so many things (sewing, crocheting, cooking, and so much more). I love you Grandma!!

the beach

So calm and relaxing.
At least for a few hours until this happened...Spring Break 2012
Every college student joined us this year.

Spent the week with James, Elizabeth, and Andrew
People watching on the beach...especially fun with all of the college students
Read every update on Peyton Manning's decision
Inhaled yummy seafood at Captain Dave's, The Crab Trap, and Dewey Destin's
Nertz of course was played
Got to meet babies Madelyn and Evie on the way home (as well as visit with their wonderful parents)

Baked LOTS of desserts
Relaxed and loved being with friends
Enjoyed watching the cops make underage drinkers pour out their beer coolers one by one
Ate Ben & Jerry's Milk and Cookies ice cream every night
Koozies, swimsuit broaches, portable beer pong tables, and sorority tank tops were a few of the things we forgot.

The Hunger Games

Meet Katniss, Effie, & Rue

I have the best job! I work with amazing people, and we have a lot of fun. For example, last week we celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday by dressing like our favorite book characters. Well, of course, we wanted to be characters from "The Hunger Games." If you have not read the book, I highly recommend this three book series. Oh. My. It's wonderful! I am counting down the days for the movie premier (March 23). Laura, Audrey, and I plan to dress in costume and go to the midnight showing. We may or may not make it to school the next day. In what other profession can you have this much fun?

like the old days

This May will mark 10 years since I graduated from high school. 10 years, that's hard for me to wrap my brain around. I'm starting to feel very old and was reminded of my age yesterday.

When I was in high school, I spent many weekends baby-sitting for Coach Willis and Lisa. Landon and Mary Brooke were very young, and Annie did not come along until my senior year. I remember playing basketball with Landon in his upstairs bedroom on almost every occasion. He always wanted to be Luke, my brother and someone he admired, and I was the rest of the Panther team. Well, it's crazy that those little kids have grown up and now play on the varsity team for Mars Hill. Both the Lady Panthers and Panthers played in the finals of the Northwest Regional Tournament yesterday.

I decided to join my dad and Luke for the games. It was so much fun to watch the Panther basketball history continue to get richer. My heart broke for the girls in their loss but was filled with excitement over the boys' victory, in which many thought was impossible. It was exciting to watch Landon and Mary Brooke play, and I admired the hard work of both teams. I guess some things never change.

It's great to be a Mars Hill Panther.

let's talk about adam...

Happy Birthday to my oldest brother, Adam!! Just like this picture, he has always been right by my side. Like the time, I went to Lipscomb and had a hard time adjusting. He made a special trip to Nashville to spend some time with me. During this trip, he introduced me to several of his friends who looked after me the entire year. Or the time, I interned with him for two summers. It was a blessing to be able to work in ministry with him and following his example. Those were two of the best summers of my life, and he was right there with me. Thanks for sticking up for me and for protecting me. You are an amazing brother! Thanks for your constant support and thoughtful actions. I love you!!

verse for the day

On Wednesday nights, I'm part of a wonderful Bible study with some amazing women. We are studying the book of James using Beth Moore's Mercy Triumphs. Every time I spend time in the study or watching the video, I feel the Lord speaking directly to me. It's been very uplifting, especially during a rough time. Last night, we watched a video, which moved me to tears. Our God is an AWESOME God who knows exactly what we need and uses people, His word, and various other things to provide comfort, peace, strength, and healing. Thank you Lord!

Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, BUT your grief will turn to joy. John 16:20

meet my new friend

Isn't she precious?

On Tuesday, my dear friend, Melissa, gave birth to this bundle of joy! I couldn't wait to meet her, to hold her, and to snuggle, so Craig and I made a quick trip to Florence. Melissa and I have been friends since Kindergarten. She took me under her wing and watched out for me. I was scared about school, and she was brave enough for the both of us. From that day on, we could not be separated. She has always looked out for our group of friends and has played the role of our Mother Hen for years. I know she's going to be an amazing Mommy to Molly. Molly, you are a lucky girl, and you are blessed with wonderful parents. Congrats Melissa and Eric! I am so happy for your little family. She's beautiful, and I can't wait to watch her grow.

beautiful baby girl

Two of my other dear friends also gave birth to baby girls in January. Congrats to Mary Brook and Graig on the birth of Maggie and Meaghan and Brandon on the birth of Madelyn. I can't wait to meet these little girls!

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to my Mother-in-Law, Carolyn Wright!!

I won't tell you how old she is, because you should never tell a woman's age. However, I will let you know today is a special day for her! I am so thankful to have a sweet, caring, and thoughtful mother-in-law. She loves to help others in need and would do anything for anyone in her family. She goes to great lengths to make holidays special and vacations fun. She puts a lot of time and energy into her family, and we are all so appreciative. Most of all, I am thankful for the amazing son (well, actually sons, but right now I'm only talking about Craig) she raised. He is thoughtful, sweet, loving, caring, supportive, encouraging, helpful, and so much more. He always puts me first and serves with the heart of Christ. Thank you for raising Craig to love me with all of his heart. We are blessed to have you in our lives! We love you!! Happy Birthday!!

Roll Tide!

Well, in case you didn't know, my team played last night in the National Championship. I wore my houndstooth jacket and red scarf to work. My students made predictions about who would win and the final score. We went over to Chris and Britney's and watched the game with some friends. I was very excited, but I was a little nervous all day. I believed the game would be a higher scoring game than the previous one, and I had a feeling we would come out on top. However, I had no idea we would dominate! Our defense was amazing, and I was so proud of the team for never giving up. All I can say is, "Roll Tide!"

Christmas

This year we made lots of trips back and forth between Nashville and Florence, which made us very thankful that the drive is only two hours. We were able to spend time with family and friends. Here is a glimpse through pictures of Christmas 2011...

We love spending time with our nephew!
This year we kept him for a day, which is something
we hope to do each year. I think we were more tired than
Gentry at the end of the day.

Christmas in Florence
So thankful we had a few days to spend with
my entire family. Next year, Adam and Cathy's little boy
will be the center of attention. Looking forward to another nephew!

Scarves from Grandma
What an amazing woman!

Bethany wrapped all of our presents in items from
her costume bucket. Hats, goggles, Batman, etc.
Never a dull moment with my sister!

Painting with my Spivey cousins
This year we had a painting project with my
little cousins. Lucy, Sophie, Elsie, and Lola with
their beautiful handprint Christmas trees.

Birthday balloon from my BFF
Gentry gave me this balloon for my birthday.
I love this little boy!!

Christmas in Franklin
We always enjoy spending time with Craig's family
on Christmas Eve.