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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!