Good news!

My thesis has been approved!! Woo hoo! It is such a relief and I am one step closer to graduating!

The academic standards committee met today to go over my petition and I will hopefully hear the results tomorrow. I have literally been waiting months on this! Either way though, everything will be ok.

I have 1 tests and 3 finals left until freedom! I can't believe how fast this year has gone by! I can't wait to start student teaching next year, it's going to be so much fun...

Love...


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End of an Era

I'm beginning to think that I might just need to make a new blog with the gmail address that I know. I will let yall know if i do.

This is the end of an era for me... And it's a very sad/happy time. Today was my last Sunday at work, and I was holding back tears all morning long. I really really loved my job and the people I worked with, especially Kelly. We have become extremely close over the past year, and I'm going to be sad to not get to walk into the office every other day and discuss life with her. I know that the decision I made is the right one, and I look forward to what God has in store for me in the future, it was still hard to say goodbye and leave such a good thing.

My roommate is moving back to little rock in a little over a week. While we have had our rough moments, I absolutely could have not gotten through this past year without her. She was always there to go get coffee or icecream with when I was having a particularly rough day. She dealt with all of my weird quirks, and we have had so many amazing late night conversations on God and just life in general. I will miss her so much when she leaves.

As graduation nears, I realize that I'm at a place in my life I never dreamed I would be. I am happy and content. I look forward to the plans God has for me in the future, but i am enjoying the present. I know that where I am is exactly where God has placed me and that there is so much to look forward to in the future. The door is wide open for me to follow my dreams, wherever they may lead me. I'm excited to see where my mission field may lay... I want to make a difference and lead others to Christ in any way I can. I would never be at this place in my life if I hadn't gone through the trials that I've faced this past year. Some days are still filled with tears, and the ever present pain in my leg is a very physical reminder of where I have been, but God is refining me through the fire. Praise the Lord His love endures forever.


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To answer the question...

Yes, I am still locked out of my gmail account. What's a girl to do?
I have been praying for focus because I knew that I would have a really stressful and busy month, well I think God gave me a little too much focus and I've been the energizer bunny lately! Seriously, this dedication to my schoolwork has come out of nowhere and it's amazing!! I don't know how I could have ever gotten everything done these past several weeks. Proof of Gods amazing goodness!
I seriously need prayers for my petitions that I am waiting on. They will determine whether or not I have a super crazy summer or just a crazy summer. The committee is meeting on April 28th so if you think of me then, I'd really appreciate the extra prayers.
I'm sick right now so that's a major bummer, and I'm taking my Praxis 2 on Saturday so I will be in the library all day tomorrow studying for it. Wish me luck:)
Love you all, sorry for such a boring post.

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Thursday Tidbits

I am currently loving my new spring candles that make my apartment smell like an island paradise.

Somehow, my birthday always turns into a multi-day event. It began today with bliss cupcakes from the ladies I work for. Yummm...

Typically I don't stray from my lavender vanilla bubble bath, but I found a new sent that smells like oranges and it is simply wonderful.

Yes I am still locked out of my gmail account.

I love my girlfriends and especially nights like tonight. Low key, dinner and a great chick flick. I'm going to miss them so much next year.

Steph and I walked lake Fayetteville yesterday and almost stepped on a copperhead snake.

I have the WHOLE month of may off. I haven't had this kind of break since my senior year of high school!

Several of my friends are getting married, one is pregnant, one has a beautiful baby girl, and one has been searching for her dream job. Wow. Did we grow up already?

I love the fact that my future is wide open...

It's a good thing that I love all my friends' husbands/fiancées and they don't mind setting an extra place at the dinner table.

I love driving around with my sunroof open.

My parents and sister are
Coming up this weekend!

I ordered new furniture for my apartment, and I can't wait for it to get here so I can
Decorate! Wow I sound old...

That's all!

MIA

I know I have been MIA lately, and the truth is that I have been locked out of my gmail account (which I post on my blog from) due to the fact that I forgot what my username is. Haha. That's pretty typical of me. So in the meantime, I am posting from my phone. How great technology is. I will post at a later date all that has happened since spring break, but here are a few highlights:

I got accepted into my masters program!!!! Praise Jesus! I am so so so happy and excited and GRATEFUL that I am not having to look for a job right now :)

I am out of the boot from my surgery and I got my stitches removed last Friday. I'm so glad, they were so annoying! My leg feels great, my ankle is just really weak so I've been really trying to stengthen those muscles.

I am so thankful for renewed, restored, and new friendships that God has brought into my life. Having such a great support system makes the hard times not so hard....

We just began the 2nd part of our Daniel study by Beth Moore and it is amazing! The book of Daniel is just overflowing with prophecy and really intertwined with the book of revelation. It is really neat getting to learn about all the different theology concerning heaven, hell and the endtimes.

It was different being away from my family for Easter this year, but I loved getting to see all my kids at church and spending the afternoon with some amazing girlfriends. I have been reminded so much these past several weeks of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and when we repeatedly sin it is like we are throwing that sacrifice in His face.

That's all for now! Love you all :)


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Everybody Dies Famous in a Small Town

I've never regretted growing up in a small town. Maybe, it's because I've also lived other places, or maybe it's because my parents always made sure that I knew that life also existed outside of Cabot--they always had me involved in activities outside of Cabot and I had other friends who went to other schools too. But, every time I look back on my high school and junior high days, I have really fond memories and I STILL love coming home to this "small town".

Some of the things I love:

• I love sitting on my back porch and watching the golfers on the 17th fairway. I also love, that 9/10 we know at least one of the golfers and it never fails that they will walk over to say "hi".
• I love walking up to the clubhouse to eat fries and "clubhouse" ketchup.
• I love the fact that I can't go to Walmart without seeing at least 5 people that I know.
• I still love driving down mainstreet with my windows down, sunroof open, and music blaring.
• I love going to Sonic, or going to get snowcones with my girlfriends on a random summer night.
• I love the fact that I can walk to at least 5 friends homes.
• I love that it's impossible to come into town without everyone knowing.
• I love that the lady at the tanning salon still remembers my name.
• I love that I can still talk my way out of any ticket I may get.
• I love that it's not necessary to get all dressed up to go hang out with my guy friends, but every guy always notices when you do.
• I love that my guy friends are still like brothers to me.
• And I love that even though we are all grown now and many of us have families of our own, when we get together, it's like no time has passed at all.

Even though I am very much a city girl, I absolutely adored growing up in a small town :)

Nerves

I can't help but be amazed at how well my recovery is going this time! I can walk around without any pain, just some soreness around my ankle. My ankle is very bruised and a little swollen, and these stitches are driving me crazy! haha. I'm so ready to get them taken out (Next thurs). But other than that, everything is great!

I'm beginning to get nervous as Graduation is looming near. I'm in the process of applying for a teaching job (more on that later) and I find out next week if I got accepted into my master's program. I'm really REALLY nervous. They don't accept many Secondary Science teachers into the program (maybe 5?) and so it's pretty competitive. I know whatever happens, is all in God's plans, but I can't help but be a little antsy to just find out and figure out what the next year of my life is going to look like.

Well sorry this post is short and kind of boring! Love love love!

It's done!

Well my surgery went perfectly fine! God is soooo good! My anesthesiologist was wonderful and I had no adverse reactions to any of the medications this time. When I woke up I literally felt no pain at all and haven't since my surgery! It's amazing :). My foot is just really sore, swollen, and bruised. I'm having to use crutches right now bc my foot is so sore and my stiches hurt, but other than that everything is great! I was even wide awake by the time my mom and sister came into my recovery room. The Lord is so good and now I'm just looking forward to a week of some much needed rest and relaxation!


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T Minus 24 Hrs.

Well here we are... I can't believe how fast this semester is flying by. It's the day before my surgery and I can't help but realize how drastically different it is this time around. Last night, I went out with a bunch of friends to celebrate (yes celebrate) my surgery! Actually, we realized it would be the last time I could go out for a couple of weeks so we took advantage of the fact that it was St. Patty's day and had a blast! Anyone who knows me knows that I don't really drink a lot, so that's not why I enjoy going out. I just love seeing everyone and getting to hang out. I also LOVE meeting new people and you always meet the most random people on Dickson. Love it!

The nerves are starting to kick in and I'm trying not to think about tomorrow morning. My parents should be here any minute and we are going to go eat a last meal since I can't eat past 12. Haha! I'm sure it will be mexican!

Have a wonderful, safe, and fun Spring Break :)

Here we go again... Surgery #3

My surgery is three days away. While I tell everyone that I'm not dreading it, and that it will be a very simple procedure with little recovery time, to tell the truth. I'm really scared. My accident was over a year ago and it's amazing how time can dull any memory of pain. But sometimes, if I'm laying in bed I can remember. The excruciating pain those first several months. The sadness. The loneliness. It all comes back. I'm so thankful God has brought me through that dark valley and into the sun again, but Satan knows where to get me at my weakest point. My first surgery, happened so fast that I didn't really have time to be scared. I got hurt at about 10:30 that morning and was in surgery by 10 p.m that night. I remember crying once when they told me I was going to have to have an external-fixator (my worst fear) but even then they were whisking me away to enter the operation room. The external device was so painful, that I was incredibly ready for my second surgery. But even then, that morning, it was hard to get me out of my bed to have to go to the hospital. Both of those surgeries I never had another option. They were my only choice if I was to ever walk again. This one though, was my choice. I could have left the bone fragment in and just been limited for the rest of my life, but I'm so ready to be normal again. I'm ready to run again. I'm ready to wear heels again. So I guess I'm scared that I've made this decision to have surgery, and what if something goes wrong? What if my recovery takes longer than expected and here I am smack dab in the middle of my last semester of my Senior year. I hate anesthesia too, I always have the worst side effects of it, and they always have a problem keeping me asleep during surgery. Yet, with all of my fears, I have to give everything to God. He is so much bigger than this surgery and He already knows the outcome. He is good and holy and perfect, He brought me this far. So come on surgery. I'm ready!

Today

Today started out in the best way possible because I discovered happy hour at Inta Juice. Smoothies are so my weakness, but I don't get them very often because they are so expensive! Not anymore though. Mine is only $2.78 each morning and thats with 2 supplements (I get energy boost and protein). I have always had a really bad problem of being nauseous in the mornings, and my mom heard that if you get a smoothie with protein in it, it works wonders! Let me tell you, it does! Plus, I'm not hungry nearly as early which is great! Oh and I just looked it up and my smoothie only has 125 calories in it! Woo hoo!

This morning was wonderful at school because I had time to get caught up on some schoolwork, plus chat with a couple of girlfriends :) LOVE that! Then I had lunch and met up with my best friend from high school Christi, and her little brother. Those two are so funny when you get them together because they are just alike. Plus, I practically grew up with Chad (Christi's little brother). It's crazy to me that he's a freshman in college now! I had lab this afternoon, and while lab is never fun, it's always great getting to talk to Chelsea, because she always cracks me up. Or maybe we crack each other up? haha!

I got in a REALLY good workout today! I love it when that happens! I'm trying to work my way up on the eliptical and right now I'm at 20 minutes. Pretty good for me.. haha. And I burned 285 calories today! Ok, I've mentioned calories a lot in this post and I'm seriously not one of those health freaks, but I have some odd fascination with numbers. It always makes me think twice about food choices. Like do I want to drink this coke since I would have to spend 10 minutes on the eliptical to burn it off? Plus I'm trying to loose 12 lbs to get back to the weight I was when I graduated high school. Ha, we'll see how that works when I'm stuck on the couch again post-surgery.

Well, now I'm supposed to start studying for my Physics test that's on Wednesday, but I'm sure I'll get distracted (as I was typing that last sentence I did in fact get distracted and ended up spending 30 minutes on the phone...ohhh I digress)

Ok, that's all! Have a lovely Monday night :)

Forgive.

I had the privilege of having lunch with one of my best friends from high school yesterday, and lunch turned into four hours spent in the restaurant discussing every single topic of life. One topic that has continually stayed on my mind since then is the subject of forgiveness. We can't even begin to understand the magnitude of God's forgiveness. It's endless. His mercies ARE new every morning. It's such a wonderful thing, yet perhaps the most confusing to me. I think we automatically want those who have hurt us to hurt too, but this isn't the right way of thinking of things. In Psalms it says "I have lived to be old and gray and I have NEVER seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread". Hold your head high girlfriend because the Lord will NOT forsake you. He has not forgotten you! He only wants to best for his daughters and so if it seems like He is taking a while to fulfill the desires of your heart, know He is only seeking the best for you and continue to do good. After all the Lord says, "when you seek me and want me more than anything, I will give you the desires of your heart". You are beautiful and you are loved tremendously by the creator of the universe. God hasn't forgotten about you, and His forgiveness is never-ending. As far as the east is from the west, He banishes your sins.

Lessons from My Mom

Isn't it funny how the older you get the more you realize how right your Mom has been all these years? Now, do know that I'm only admitting this because my Mom has no idea what the website for my blog it.

Here are some examples:

When I was younger, I was so upset one weekend because I wasn't invited to a girls birthday party. My mom told me that a year from now, none of this will matter. A year later, I was standing on the football field being announced as a homecoming maid. She was right.

My Mom always said time heals all wounds. She was right, but she also knew the therapy a little shopping could do too.

My Mom always told me that she thought I should go into teaching. I resisted with everything I could. I will start teaching next year.

My Mom told me last year, that this year this time I would be walking and my accident would be a distant memory. Well, it's not exactly a distant memory, but I am walking and enjoying every moment of it!

She always stressed the importance of not tanning in a tanning bed too much. She still looks great at 52 and some of my friends already have wrinkles!

She told me that guys get sick of girls who are easy to have.

She taught me to adore my Grandparents, and I'm so happy that I have such a close relationship with them now.

She told me to not drive too fast, I've gotten 4 speeding tickets.

She told me four years of college isn't that long in the big scheme of things, it has flown by!

Now, I never admit my Mom is right, but secretly I do listen to all of her advice and try to follow it most of the time :)

Don't Know Where To Start?

Last summer, I felt pretty far from God. I knew I needed to get my relationship with Him right, but I was just at a loss of where to start. Looking back, there were several different tools that God provided me with, in order to fall in love with Him all over again. I hope these can help other girls too:

1. Music: I love love love music. I have found that there is a direct correlation between the type of music I listen to and how my relationship with God is and where my thoughts are. When I am listening to "Christian" music, I am constantly reminded of God's love and grace and am thinking on a much broader scale than just worldly things. It definitely helps my walk to listen to this type of music in my car, house, anywhere really. Some people I'm loving:

• Jeremy Camp: This guy has such an incredible testimony and great lyrics to his songs. They are also all pretty upbeat.
• Francessca Bertelli (sp?): I LOVE her! I feel like some of her songs were written specifically for me! "I'm letting Go" Umm... yes.
• Mandisa: Heard her in concert for the first time this past weekend and she's incredible! Her music is the type that makes you wanna dance along. Great morning music
• And as always... Shane and Shane: This music is almost always on when I am having a quiet time or just want a little peace. It's very soothing, and reminds me of being in youth group in high school.

2. Beth Moore Bible Studies/Books: Beth is so knowledgeable and I love the way she teaches. She gives great insight, yet it isn't too over my head. I feel like I learn so much about God and the Bible from all of her Bible studies, and I feel like she truly cares about all of her readers.

3. My group of Bible Study Girls: It's so great meeting up with these girls at least once a week to discuss life. They are always so encouraging, and its uplifting to be around them. It's great knowing that I have a group of prayer warriors who are just a text message away! I've prayed so long for a group of girls who are on the same level as me spiritually, and I'm so glad that I have them now!

Happy Birthday!

Wednesday is my favorite day of the week! Typically, by Wednesday, the stress of the week is mainly over, I have time to work out in the afternoon, and I have Bible study with my wonderful girls on Wednesday nights! It's fantastic!!

But today is extra-special because it's my Mom's Birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! Love you!

Funny

I can officially celebrate because the busiest two weeks of my life are over now! I'm so glad to be done with tests for now!!! The rest of this week is going to be soooo good.

So one of my things on my life list is to laugh every single day. That's not exactly hard for me mainly because I do so many stupid things that I laugh at myself very often. So I thought I would share with yall my recent experiences. Maybe you'll get a laugh too :)

This past weekend my roommate and I went to Tulsa, OK to a women's conference. Being the control freak that I am I wouldn't let Steph drive. So here we are zooming down the interstate singing to the music and enjoying the sunny weather when I start seeing signs for a toll booth. First of all, Steph and I panic because we seriously have no cash on us. After digging through the glove compartment we manage to find enough coins to pay our toll. Well, I've never actually driven through a toll booth before and I didn't realize that you had to get in a separate lane if you were paying the toll than if you had a Pike Pass. Yep, I didn't get in the right lane and here we go zooming past the toll booth. Oops. So I called my dad and he told me that they were going to come arrest me (I'm sure he got a big kick out of that), so all weekend long I was terrified that a cop was going to take me to jail for not paying my toll. Well on the way home, I DID get in the correct lane for the toll and I told the nice toll booth lady my story and she let me pay double so I wouldn't get a ticket! I'm sure my Dad will be happy about that :)

Story #2

Ok, I've NEVER had a real massage before. I've always wanted one, but could never justify spending the money. So, Steph and I are walking through the mall in Tulsa and she convinces me to get a massage from one of those creepy guys that stand in the middle of the mall and massage people (normally I would never do this, but I was feeling adventurous that night, ha). So we both get massages at the same time. Well all is going well and I'm thinking this feels pretty good. Suddenly, my guy's hands go south. Yes, he starts massaging my butt. I'm thinking to myself that this is really strange, but I've never had a massage before so I just thought that thats what they do. I mean it was in the middle of the mall! Afterwards, Steph asked me how I liked it and I told her that it was ok it just felt really weird having some guy massage my butt. She gave me a funny look and said they're not supposed to do that. We laughed for a good 10 minutes. So yea, I'll never get another massage in the mall again.

A Lesson Disquised as a 12 year old

Last night I was helping with a 6th Grade confirmation class at the church. They were helping stuff Easter eggs and then afterwards we fed them pizza. Wow! I forgot how much energy 12 year olds have! They definitely kept me on my toes. I also forgot how much 12 year old guy eat! Haha. After they all had their pizza they were sitting down in the room just eating and talking amongst themselves and I just stood back and watched. I had forgotten how much fun kids are at that age, and at the same time what a difficult period of life it is for them. As I was listening in on all the conversations that were going around the table (thankfully they are still at the age where boys sit on one end and the girls sit on the other end) I noticed a little girl who was sitting all by herself and looked a little lonely. She was somewhat close to the large group of girls that you could tell were the "popular" girls, but definitely not a part of them. Now, I know exactly how those girls operate, so I walked over to the girl who was sitting by herself and asked her if I could sit next to her. Then I started talking about how much I loved her outfit and we started discussing clothes and school and everything else. Sure enough, every single one of the girls in the large group began staring at us wondering why I was complimenting this girl and talking to her. I think this girl will have some new friends from now on :)

We've all been in that situation at one time or another, just waiting for someone to reach out to us and show us that they care about how we feel. I am constantly being reminded that I can have so much more of an impact on someones life by reaching out to those who aren't necessarily the cool crowd than the ones who already have so much going for them they don't see the need for Jesus, or even another friend for that matter. I never realized that I could use my Junior High/High School experiences to help young girls going through the same things. What a blessing!

It's For You

Thankfully my life is filled with joy most days. Deep, Joy. But there is still a constant lingering thought that I have to fight the devil over every single day. I am terrified that my prince has already passed me by. I want so desperately to be married and to be a mom, and I fear that that's not what God's plan is for me. Sometimes, I'm scared that I already messed things up too bad. I wonder where my future husband is? Are you in one of my classes? Are you ministering to kids somewhere far away? Do you think of me too? Do you pray for me and wish that I would hurry up and get to you? Because I do, I pray for you and wish that you would just come a little sooner. I'm lonely sometimes. I want that person to snuggle up to in bed, someone to make fun of me when I do stupid things, someone to wipe my tears. I want you to tell me that you are so mad at that person who completely shattered my heart. I want you to want to beat him up (no I won't let you, but I want you to WANT to). And then I wanna know that it was all worth it. I want to stand at the end of that aisle on my wedding day knowing that all the pain, the tears, the waiting. That everything was worth it for this moment. And while I am waiting on my earthly prince, I am leaning on my heavenly Prince. And yes, Lord it was all worth it. The pain, the tears, I know that you are just tearing away the bad fruit so that I can produce good fruit. You trusted me with pain. I trust you with my life. With every decision. I know it won't get easier here, but I know that my life is not my own. It's yours, for your plan. There is freedom in your will. True freedom.

I'm so amazed at how much my heart is changing. I am no longer looking to earthly things, but towards the heavenly plan. I am not who I once was. I hope someday that I can sit down and tell a young girl my whole story, and I hope that she will walk away changed, and believing in a God so much bigger than me. God has been shaping a one-of-a-kind testimony for me, and while it has been painful and difficult, it has been so worth it. If my story can turn even one person to God, it will all be worth it.

I know Jesus looks back to the cross and says Yes, It was all worth it.

Let Me Hold You Longer

Well Hello! I just had one of the most incredible weekends/end of the week last week. My heart fills so full it is about to burst! I know I say it all the time but God is soooo good, the best thing about our circumstances is that we are GUARANTEED a happy ending! Isn't that great? Weeping may last for the night, but JOY comes in the morning and let me tell you my JOYS have been overflowing. God has just been so good here lately, and doing things I never thought possible. Never underestimate the power of our God because we serve a MIGHTY God. Nothing is impossible with Him. I am amazing at how much God loves me and how well He knows my heart. I am also amazed at how much He is changing my heart.

I have such a huge heart for people now that I didn't have before. I just want to love on people and hear their stories. Everyone has a story, and each one is so incredible and has so much to teach us! I am constantly thinking about people as I pass strangers on the streets, in school etc. I wonder what has shaped their lives? Do they know how much God truly loves them, regardless of what they have done? Do they know that life is so much better than what the world has to offer us?

I am starting to think of a country half a world away. This would definitely come as a shock to most because I have NEVER wanted to do any type of missions that takes me away for long periods of time. I've never wanted to leave the comforts of my home. I am so surprised at how God has created this stirring in my heart. I'm not sure where it will lead to, but if He calls, I'm beginning to be willing.

I can't wait to be a teacher and have the opportunity to make a difference in so many teenager's lives! I love these kids! They are so easily influenced and I want to influence them in the right direction. I can't wait until I have my own classroom.

And as I think of all these things I can't help but think of my Mom and how hard is must be for her to slowly let go and let me go out on my own. How hard it will be when I have children of my own and have to slowly release my grip on them. This poem from Karen Kingsbury sums it up perfectly:

Let Me Hold You Longer

Long ago you came to me,

a miracle of firsts,

First smiles and teeth and baby steps,

a sunbeam on the burst.

But one day you will move away

and leave to me your past

And I will be left thinking of

a lifetime of your lasts…

The last time that I held a bottle

to your baby lips

The last time that I lifted you

and held you on my hip.

The last night when you woke up crying,

needing to be walked,

When last you crawled up with your blanket,

wanting to be rocked.

The last time when you ran to me,

still small enough to hold.

The last time that you said you’d marry

me when you grew old.

Precious, simple moments and

bright flashes from your past-

Would I have held on longer if

I’d known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park,

your final midday nap,

The last time when you wore your favorite

faded baseball cap.

Your last few hours of kindergarten,

those last few days of first grade,

Your last at bat in Little League,

last colored picture made.

I never said good-bye to all

your yesterdays long passed.

So what about tomorrow-

will I recognize your lasts?

The last time that you catch a frog

in that old backyard pond.

The last time that you run barefoot

across our fresh-cut lawn.

Silly, scattered images

will represent your past.

I keep on taking pictures,

never quite sure of your lasts…

The last time that I comb your hair

or stop a pillow fight.

The last time that I pray with you

and tuck you in at night.

The last time when we cuddle

with a book, just me and you

The last time you jump in our bed

and sleep between us two.

The last piano lesson,

last vacation to the lake.

Your last few weeks of middle school,

last soccer goal you make.

I look ahead and dream of days

that haven’t come to pass.

But as I do, I sometimes miss

today’s sweet, precious lasts…

The last time that I help you with

a math or spelling test.

The last time when I shout that yes,

your room is still a mess.

The last time that you need me for

a ride from here to there.

The last time that you spend the night

with your old tattered bear.

My life keeps moving faster,

stealing precious days that pass,

I want to hold on longer-

want to recognize your lasts…

The last time that you need my help

with details of a dance.

The last time that you ask me for

advice about romance.

The last time that you talk to me

about your hopes and dreams.

The last time that you wear a jersey

for your high school team.

I’ve watched you grow and barely noticed

seasons as they pass.

If I could freeze the hands of time,

I’d hold on to your lasts.

For come some bright fall morning,

you’ll be going far away.

College life will beckon

in a brilliant sort of way.

One last hug, one last good-bye,

one quick and hurried kiss.

One last time to understand

just how much you’ll be missed.

I’ll watch you leave and think how fast

our time together passed.

Let me hold on longer, God,

to every precious last.

Life List Revisited

It's time to update the life list! Amazing how you can do anything you set your mind to! Really, you can!!!

The ones in bold are the ones I have accomplished thus far :)

1. Go cow tipping.

Ironically this is the first thing I think of.

2. Go camping in the middle of the forest.

3. Shoot a perfect free throw.

4. Complete a marathon.

5. Go on a vacation by myself.

6. Drive to California.

7. Go to San Antonio.

8. Vacation in Greece.

9. Take a photography class.

10. Buy a Nikon D40 camera.

11. Teach a little kids Sunday School class.

12. Adopt a child. So I haven't technically "adopted" a child, but I have a kid from compassion now and he is ALL mine!!! So excited! I'll introduce him in a later post:)

13. Learn how to use a lighter, a real one.

14. Learn how to shoot a gun. A real gun, the ones that kill people.

15. Fall in love. The everlasting kind of love.

16. Learn Yoga.

17. Laugh every single day. (Thus Far)

18. Give a complete random person $100

19. Work in a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving.

20. Go to New York.

21. Meet Karen Kingsbury. YES!!!!! More to come later!!!!!!!

22. Make a difference in someone's life.

23. Ace a ridiculously hard class.

24. Overcome incredible obsticles.

25. Get the metal taken out of my leg.

26. Buy a dog.

27. Learn how to bake at least one thing really well.

28. Buy a subscription to every magazine that I read.

29. Memorize one new bible verse every week for a year.

30. Learn how to play chords.

31. Learn to sail.

32. Swim with Sharks

33. Play poker at a Casino in Vegas

34. Go Skinny Dipping.

35. Learn how to dive (Yes I can't Dive)

36. Go on an African Safari

37. Invent a cure for something.

38. Dance in the Rain

39. Sing Kareoke at a bar

40. Attend the Miss America Pageant (to watch)

41. Eat Lobster in New England.

42. Take Cooking Lessons

43. Take Painting Lessons

44. Flip a house.

45. Learn how to drive a stick.

46. Eat pastries in Paris.

47. Spend an entire week holed up in a Cabin with my husband, with no connection to the outside world.

48. Attend the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockafeller Square.

49. Own an Acura MDX.

50. Drink wine in Napa Valley, CA