These are a few of my favorite things...

I love my friends.

Last night we had an Oprah/Pinterest-inspired "Favorite Things" party. This was a sequel to our "Pinterest" party that we had back in the early fall/late summer. There were six of us, so we each bought 5 items of something that we consider a favorite and brought them with us, and our price limit was $5. Becky made heavy hor'devours, Heather made a delicious dairy/soy free chocolate cake, and we exchanged our loot.

This cake was decadent. So yummy, HDP.

This is what I was going to bring, but I couldn't get myself together to make five of them. Brain fog from too much holiday food??? I did make Karen's though and so she just got it for a belated birthday treat. Instead, I brought my favorite winter nail polish for everyone. "Grey Area."

Here is an up close picture of the goodies: Personalized ornaments, washi tape, emi-jays, MODA lip balm, Starbucks mixes, and nail polish.

Here is an "arial" shot. And that's me in the gray boots behind the table too. :)

I am so thankful for such good girlfriends and love making these memories with them. Thanks for a great night, ladies!

I love my friends.

Last night we had an Oprah/Pinterest-inspired "Favorite Things" party. This was a sequel to our "Pinterest" party that we had back in the early fall/late summer. There were six of us, so we each bought 5 items of something that we consider a favorite and brought them with us, and our price limit was $5. Becky made heavy hor'devours, Heather made a delicious dairy/soy free chocolate cake, and we exchanged our loot.

This cake was decadent. So yummy, HDP.

This is what I was going to bring, but I couldn't get myself together to make five of them. Brain fog from too much holiday food??? I did make Karen's though and so she just got it for a belated birthday treat. Instead, I brought my favorite winter nail polish for everyone. "Grey Area."

Here is an up close picture of the goodies: Personalized ornaments, washi tape, emi-jays, MODA lip balm, Starbucks mixes, and nail polish.

Here is an "arial" shot. And that's me in the gray boots behind the table too. :)

I am so thankful for such good girlfriends and love making these memories with them. Thanks for a great night, ladies!

Some of my current favs...

This funny face saying "cheese..."
Using this great resource to help plan my weekly meals and grocery lists... and feeling inspired through keeping up with her unique story and witty words. I love her photography tutorials and her harlequin story is worth the read for sure! Plus, she knows what she's doing in the kitchen. Her mac and cheese is scrumptious.

Listening to my favorite songs on demand on the great Grooveshark. While I will always be a loyal Pandora member, my instant gratification moments are best met by Grooveshark--

especially when I want to hear my favorite songs from my favorite show. I have not missed an episode, and I refuse to delete them on my DVR. I feel like I LIVE this show. I can find a match to every single one of the characters from my students, and the music just makes me happy--Mr. Schu's not too bad either... :)
Rereading and TEACHING my favorite book by my favorite author to my AP kiddos in conjunction with our "gender" unit.

Graduating myself from a "My Agenda" and keeping my life organized with my new "Mom Agenda."

Ending my day studying one of my favorite books of the Old Testament with Beth Moore's unique commentary. This go around I'm reading Esther as a suspenseful, complex God-orchestrated road to self-discovery with a rapturous love story, and I can hardly wait to settle down with it--and a cup of hot tea--each evening.Waking up to this pretty toothy grin, chapped cheeks and all!

This funny face saying "cheese..."
Using this great resource to help plan my weekly meals and grocery lists... and feeling inspired through keeping up with her unique story and witty words. I love her photography tutorials and her harlequin story is worth the read for sure! Plus, she knows what she's doing in the kitchen. Her mac and cheese is scrumptious.

Listening to my favorite songs on demand on the great Grooveshark. While I will always be a loyal Pandora member, my instant gratification moments are best met by Grooveshark--

especially when I want to hear my favorite songs from my favorite show. I have not missed an episode, and I refuse to delete them on my DVR. I feel like I LIVE this show. I can find a match to every single one of the characters from my students, and the music just makes me happy--Mr. Schu's not too bad either... :)
Rereading and TEACHING my favorite book by my favorite author to my AP kiddos in conjunction with our "gender" unit.

Graduating myself from a "My Agenda" and keeping my life organized with my new "Mom Agenda."

Ending my day studying one of my favorite books of the Old Testament with Beth Moore's unique commentary. This go around I'm reading Esther as a suspenseful, complex God-orchestrated road to self-discovery with a rapturous love story, and I can hardly wait to settle down with it--and a cup of hot tea--each evening.Waking up to this pretty toothy grin, chapped cheeks and all!

His power works best in our weakness...

That sure was the truth today.

We had it all planned--our lunches made, our bags packed, our clothes laid out. We were in bed by 10, ready to accomplish one of our New Year's resolutions of getting up at 5:30 so we could actually enjoy our morning.

Then she happened. Maggie happened. 1:45 a.m. She started pooting loud poots that woke her up, freaked her out, and STUNK. Worse smell ever. She started chasing her butt, sniffing the air and crying, crawling up my back, then down, then over Patrick to do the same. He took her out, and she evidenced her stomach ailments. And she was so emotional about it--freaking out all over the place. We called the emergency number at our vet's office, and Patrick was at Walgreens at 2:53 a.m. while I tried to keep the poor girl calm. A dose of benadryl and pepto bismal later, she seems to be back into the swing of things...

Not us. Sleepless night. Poor Patrick--his first day of his new job was today, and he hardly slept. As for me, it was my first day of the 2nd semester, and I hardly slept. For Miss Addison, it was her first day in the big girl room at school, and she hardly slept because of some emerging teeth...and then was upset all day today. Rough all around.

We had big plans for tonight--to go our to dinner with friends to celebrate a 30th birthday, to celebrate P's first night of being officially back. It didn't happen. We were wiped--emotionally, physically, psychologically...

So we bailed, came home, and in my sheer exhaustion and thankfulness that His grace sustained me through the day, made my husband another supper--this time turkey meatloaf with mashed potatoes--a recipe from Real Simple last February. I'm not a meatloaf girl, but this one was made with spinach and mustard, and I scarfed it down. In addition to using my les creseut again for the potatoes, I also used these sadly often overlooked kitchen utensils:

First, my vegetable chopper. I took a cooking class at Williams-Sonoma, was mesmerized by this gadget, and have used it ever since. I used it last night to chop my carrots and celery, today to chop my spinach and onion.

Secondly, my egg separater. I received this as a wedding gift from my Pampered Chef shower. I have only used it one other time in my 4+years of marriage, but it sure came in handy tonight since this recipe called for 1 egg white.

After a long day, it was enjoyable to come to my house and cook in my kitchen with my little helper so excited to stand on her stool and help her mommy. Her daddy liked his dinner too!

I'm off to bed to make up for last night.

That sure was the truth today.

We had it all planned--our lunches made, our bags packed, our clothes laid out. We were in bed by 10, ready to accomplish one of our New Year's resolutions of getting up at 5:30 so we could actually enjoy our morning.

Then she happened. Maggie happened. 1:45 a.m. She started pooting loud poots that woke her up, freaked her out, and STUNK. Worse smell ever. She started chasing her butt, sniffing the air and crying, crawling up my back, then down, then over Patrick to do the same. He took her out, and she evidenced her stomach ailments. And she was so emotional about it--freaking out all over the place. We called the emergency number at our vet's office, and Patrick was at Walgreens at 2:53 a.m. while I tried to keep the poor girl calm. A dose of benadryl and pepto bismal later, she seems to be back into the swing of things...

Not us. Sleepless night. Poor Patrick--his first day of his new job was today, and he hardly slept. As for me, it was my first day of the 2nd semester, and I hardly slept. For Miss Addison, it was her first day in the big girl room at school, and she hardly slept because of some emerging teeth...and then was upset all day today. Rough all around.

We had big plans for tonight--to go our to dinner with friends to celebrate a 30th birthday, to celebrate P's first night of being officially back. It didn't happen. We were wiped--emotionally, physically, psychologically...

So we bailed, came home, and in my sheer exhaustion and thankfulness that His grace sustained me through the day, made my husband another supper--this time turkey meatloaf with mashed potatoes--a recipe from Real Simple last February. I'm not a meatloaf girl, but this one was made with spinach and mustard, and I scarfed it down. In addition to using my les creseut again for the potatoes, I also used these sadly often overlooked kitchen utensils:

First, my vegetable chopper. I took a cooking class at Williams-Sonoma, was mesmerized by this gadget, and have used it ever since. I used it last night to chop my carrots and celery, today to chop my spinach and onion.

Secondly, my egg separater. I received this as a wedding gift from my Pampered Chef shower. I have only used it one other time in my 4+years of marriage, but it sure came in handy tonight since this recipe called for 1 egg white.

After a long day, it was enjoyable to come to my house and cook in my kitchen with my little helper so excited to stand on her stool and help her mommy. Her daddy liked his dinner too!

I'm off to bed to make up for last night.

Sit N' Spins and Library Loves

Remember this toy from when we were kids?

Well, this is my little person's new nickname as well as her new trademark move. I really need to video it to document, but she'll just pivot around on her bootie and squeal with delight. And the girl moves FAST. Sometimes she's looking for a specific toy; sometimes she's pivoting to change direction; mostly she just goes round and round. It is hilarious--especially when she shows off her especially fast moves on hardwoods. She's also constantly flipping her pacie in her mouth--twirling it with her fingers while she's playing, while we're trying to rock her to sleep, any time is is in her mouth. We can't tell if it has something to do with teething, if she's fidgeting, or if she just likes to flip that pacie. It's adorable, and I need to try to video it as well. I did video her whistling today, and if I can figure out how to post it on here, I will.

Today, we enjoyed a trip to the library with Lindsay and Savannah. I almost didn't go because I wondered if she was too young to get into it, but Lindsay assured me that any time a child can be read to is an opportunity to take advantage of. She loves reading like I do, and she was right. Addison loved the theme for today, MUSIC, and she bounced and clapped, squealed and whistled as Ms. Kristin read all of the books aloud. She also tried to engage all of the other little people with her social skills. :) Afterwards we got a couple of pictures of the girls. In this one, they are both intently absorbed with Dora and Boots. Savannah soon became entranced with her dictionary, and Addison tried to take over Dora. It was fun, and we enjoyed our outing!

Remember this toy from when we were kids?

Well, this is my little person's new nickname as well as her new trademark move. I really need to video it to document, but she'll just pivot around on her bootie and squeal with delight. And the girl moves FAST. Sometimes she's looking for a specific toy; sometimes she's pivoting to change direction; mostly she just goes round and round. It is hilarious--especially when she shows off her especially fast moves on hardwoods. She's also constantly flipping her pacie in her mouth--twirling it with her fingers while she's playing, while we're trying to rock her to sleep, any time is is in her mouth. We can't tell if it has something to do with teething, if she's fidgeting, or if she just likes to flip that pacie. It's adorable, and I need to try to video it as well. I did video her whistling today, and if I can figure out how to post it on here, I will.

Today, we enjoyed a trip to the library with Lindsay and Savannah. I almost didn't go because I wondered if she was too young to get into it, but Lindsay assured me that any time a child can be read to is an opportunity to take advantage of. She loves reading like I do, and she was right. Addison loved the theme for today, MUSIC, and she bounced and clapped, squealed and whistled as Ms. Kristin read all of the books aloud. She also tried to engage all of the other little people with her social skills. :) Afterwards we got a couple of pictures of the girls. In this one, they are both intently absorbed with Dora and Boots. Savannah soon became entranced with her dictionary, and Addison tried to take over Dora. It was fun, and we enjoyed our outing!

Sanz-off and the ultimate arm workout

I don't like sand. But I love the beach. Paradox? I like to look at the sand--the way it changes as the ocean waves ebb and flow, and I don't mind if it gets squished between my toes when I walk on the beach; however, I HATE it when it attaches itself to my freshly sunscreened legs, when it shows up in crooks and crevices like armpits, necks, and backs of knees... or when my 8-month-old thinks it is hilarious to roll over face first from her nice plush beach blanket into the grainy grimy sand and then stick fistfulls of it into her mouth.

Amy and I were people-watching today while our girls were napping (wait, read while Caroline was napping because Addison was too "busy" playing and trying to charm onlookers while eating sand...) and we noticed this girl who had the coolest gadget EVER. I need to ask her where she got it because all I have been able to find on the internet is this:

It's the same concept, but not nearly the same caliber of gadget that my lay out neighbor had. She would get up from her towel, brush off the backs of her legs, and then brush off her beach chair. I was mesmerized. I have always wondered how girls can look so perfectly put together while laying out--like they are not hot or sweaty at all, their hair and make-up just perfectly proportionate to their perfect tans. That person is not me! I am the sweaty, visor-wearing girl with tan-streaked legs because I was too impatient to put my sunscreen on evenly. Maybe if I can locate this tool to get the sand off me, I can be one step closer to being girl #1.

We began our morning with a nice long walk after breakfast. Yesterday, we tried to alternate our walks while the girls were taking their morning naps, but that didn't work, so this morning we decided to go early while it was still cool enough to take the girls. Our first half of the walk was perfect--nice breeze, cool shade, happy babies. When we turned around, we were directly facing the rising sun and there was no breeze. In order to protect our sweet babies' porcelain skin, we chose to walk the return portion of our trail like this:

It was HARD. 30 minutes of walking like this is quite the workout. Keeping the stroller from zig-zagging back and forth, making sure the girls were shaded, avoiding bumps and tripping, we were WORN OUT, and my arms are going to be so sore! But it was awesome. We got lots of looks and laughs, but, "oh the things we will endure" for the protection of these little bathing beauties. I may even do it again tomorrow.

I don't like sand. But I love the beach. Paradox? I like to look at the sand--the way it changes as the ocean waves ebb and flow, and I don't mind if it gets squished between my toes when I walk on the beach; however, I HATE it when it attaches itself to my freshly sunscreened legs, when it shows up in crooks and crevices like armpits, necks, and backs of knees... or when my 8-month-old thinks it is hilarious to roll over face first from her nice plush beach blanket into the grainy grimy sand and then stick fistfulls of it into her mouth.

Amy and I were people-watching today while our girls were napping (wait, read while Caroline was napping because Addison was too "busy" playing and trying to charm onlookers while eating sand...) and we noticed this girl who had the coolest gadget EVER. I need to ask her where she got it because all I have been able to find on the internet is this:

It's the same concept, but not nearly the same caliber of gadget that my lay out neighbor had. She would get up from her towel, brush off the backs of her legs, and then brush off her beach chair. I was mesmerized. I have always wondered how girls can look so perfectly put together while laying out--like they are not hot or sweaty at all, their hair and make-up just perfectly proportionate to their perfect tans. That person is not me! I am the sweaty, visor-wearing girl with tan-streaked legs because I was too impatient to put my sunscreen on evenly. Maybe if I can locate this tool to get the sand off me, I can be one step closer to being girl #1.

We began our morning with a nice long walk after breakfast. Yesterday, we tried to alternate our walks while the girls were taking their morning naps, but that didn't work, so this morning we decided to go early while it was still cool enough to take the girls. Our first half of the walk was perfect--nice breeze, cool shade, happy babies. When we turned around, we were directly facing the rising sun and there was no breeze. In order to protect our sweet babies' porcelain skin, we chose to walk the return portion of our trail like this:

It was HARD. 30 minutes of walking like this is quite the workout. Keeping the stroller from zig-zagging back and forth, making sure the girls were shaded, avoiding bumps and tripping, we were WORN OUT, and my arms are going to be so sore! But it was awesome. We got lots of looks and laughs, but, "oh the things we will endure" for the protection of these little bathing beauties. I may even do it again tomorrow.

"Simplicity...

is the ultimate sophistication," says my Life is Good coffee mug. And I'm buying it. This summer I am seeking simplicity.

And right now I'm enjoying the quiet that comes with morning nap time.

is the ultimate sophistication," says my Life is Good coffee mug. And I'm buying it. This summer I am seeking simplicity.

And right now I'm enjoying the quiet that comes with morning nap time.

New Hot Spot

For all of you Nashvillians, you have to show this new place some love: Curious Gourmet Cupcakery! , home of the "Keep it steady; they're a little top heavy" cupcakes. I had read about it in the VIP Franklin magazine, and yesterday, after an especially long day at work, my dear IHS friends {April, Becky, Heather} and I needed to relieve some tension and have some "friend time," so we made our way to Downtown Franklin's Main Street to enjoy this delectable treat. As we entered the cafe and saw the array of flavors displayed, we began salivating on the spot. These cupcakes are straight from Heaven and JUST what this pregnant girl needed! We each ordered a different flavor: peanut butter cup {pictured left}, vanilla bean, devil's food, and lemon meringue and tried a sample of each. We sat for two hours on comfortable chairs and sofas and destressed over good conversation, our devouring of our treats, and coffee drinks. I was able to bring home one for Patrick, and he agreed that we will frequent this place for after dinner dates!

For all of you Nashvillians, you have to show this new place some love: Curious Gourmet Cupcakery! , home of the "Keep it steady; they're a little top heavy" cupcakes. I had read about it in the VIP Franklin magazine, and yesterday, after an especially long day at work, my dear IHS friends {April, Becky, Heather} and I needed to relieve some tension and have some "friend time," so we made our way to Downtown Franklin's Main Street to enjoy this delectable treat. As we entered the cafe and saw the array of flavors displayed, we began salivating on the spot. These cupcakes are straight from Heaven and JUST what this pregnant girl needed! We each ordered a different flavor: peanut butter cup {pictured left}, vanilla bean, devil's food, and lemon meringue and tried a sample of each. We sat for two hours on comfortable chairs and sofas and destressed over good conversation, our devouring of our treats, and coffee drinks. I was able to bring home one for Patrick, and he agreed that we will frequent this place for after dinner dates!

Beach Savers

Well, since it is summertime, and I can be outside or at the pool, I am temporarily leaving my Dove Energy Glow behind...
*
Patrick and I are enjoying Castaway Cottage this week for our vacation, and I am developing a summertime beach-giene. Here are some products that are making my vacation low-maintenance and laid-back {some of which I found on my own, others that I have taken from magazines}.
*


This hair product has been my saving grace. Many of you know that I have humidity-challenged hair, and my typical once-a-week wash-and-straighten routine will NOT work. After days with ocean waves and chlorinated pools, I am managing to pull off a relatively frizz-free curly 'do with the aid of this $3.99 product!










*
I am loving this softoil in the evenings. It moisturizes, enhances your tan, and gives your legs a shiny--even sexy, if you will--glow without the sliminess and baby smelling-ness of typical baby oil.













*
This hand cream by philosophy was worn by Lindsay's labor and delivery nurse, and Mom, Linds, and I all have used it since then. It has a calming smell, and it makes your hands feel so soft!










*
I haven't actually used this one yet, but I plan on purchasing it ASAP. I put SPF30 all over my face, wear a visor and sunglasses, and I want to try a new bronzer to give my face a sun-kissed look too!










*
We've had him loaded on our ipods forever, but just this week we have deemed him as one of our favorites and definitely our go-to choice for this vacation. I'll credit our newfound interest in him to Katie Highfield Lassiter and her wedding. She walked down the aisle to one of his beautiful tunes, "I Have and Always Will."






*Last but not least is this product given to me by my dear friend Kelley. The Arbonne Ginger Citrus body butter has been hydrating my skin and making me smell so good!

Well, since it is summertime, and I can be outside or at the pool, I am temporarily leaving my Dove Energy Glow behind...
*
Patrick and I are enjoying Castaway Cottage this week for our vacation, and I am developing a summertime beach-giene. Here are some products that are making my vacation low-maintenance and laid-back {some of which I found on my own, others that I have taken from magazines}.
*


This hair product has been my saving grace. Many of you know that I have humidity-challenged hair, and my typical once-a-week wash-and-straighten routine will NOT work. After days with ocean waves and chlorinated pools, I am managing to pull off a relatively frizz-free curly 'do with the aid of this $3.99 product!










*
I am loving this softoil in the evenings. It moisturizes, enhances your tan, and gives your legs a shiny--even sexy, if you will--glow without the sliminess and baby smelling-ness of typical baby oil.













*
This hand cream by philosophy was worn by Lindsay's labor and delivery nurse, and Mom, Linds, and I all have used it since then. It has a calming smell, and it makes your hands feel so soft!










*
I haven't actually used this one yet, but I plan on purchasing it ASAP. I put SPF30 all over my face, wear a visor and sunglasses, and I want to try a new bronzer to give my face a sun-kissed look too!










*
We've had him loaded on our ipods forever, but just this week we have deemed him as one of our favorites and definitely our go-to choice for this vacation. I'll credit our newfound interest in him to Katie Highfield Lassiter and her wedding. She walked down the aisle to one of his beautiful tunes, "I Have and Always Will."






*Last but not least is this product given to me by my dear friend Kelley. The Arbonne Ginger Citrus body butter has been hydrating my skin and making me smell so good!

New Finds

I'm so pale. I mean washed-out-whale pale. There was no Spring Break beach trip for me; there's no tanning bed days ahead for me this season; I haven't even seen the sun in a week since it has been monsooning in Tennessee. I'm desperate, so I went to my new favorite neighborhood SuperTarget.

First, I did some research. We all know those self-tanning lotions that smell putridly of... tanning lotion. Most of us have turned yellow at some point in our attempts at achieving a nice color. I've fried myself in the tanning bed, and I've even done the whole body spray thing. I think I've finally found the answer: Dove Energy Glow. It smells great, goes on smooth, and builds a natural result after daily application.

Before I made my purchase, I *googled* consumer reviews on several of these products. {My favorite section of Real Simple magazine is where they compare similar products for value, style, and approval, so I decided to do this same experiment.} Dove was rated extremely high.

I'm so excited about my new find. Anybody else found a product out there worth sharing?

I'm so pale. I mean washed-out-whale pale. There was no Spring Break beach trip for me; there's no tanning bed days ahead for me this season; I haven't even seen the sun in a week since it has been monsooning in Tennessee. I'm desperate, so I went to my new favorite neighborhood SuperTarget.

First, I did some research. We all know those self-tanning lotions that smell putridly of... tanning lotion. Most of us have turned yellow at some point in our attempts at achieving a nice color. I've fried myself in the tanning bed, and I've even done the whole body spray thing. I think I've finally found the answer: Dove Energy Glow. It smells great, goes on smooth, and builds a natural result after daily application.

Before I made my purchase, I *googled* consumer reviews on several of these products. {My favorite section of Real Simple magazine is where they compare similar products for value, style, and approval, so I decided to do this same experiment.} Dove was rated extremely high.

I'm so excited about my new find. Anybody else found a product out there worth sharing?

About Time

So... I'm not much of a blogger anymore, and I'm sure that even my few faithful readers have given up on me at this point, but I thought it was time for an update.

I have completed the first quarter of my teaching this year, and am celebrating Fall Break in full force. I have desperately needed a break to get rejuvenated and have some fun! Patrick and I are also anticipating our 2nd wedding anniversary this Sunday. We just got back from Washington D.C. as our celebration last night and had a wonderful time. We both visited the city as young teenagers, but it opened our realm of experience to view the nation's capital through adult eyes. We enjoyed all the monuments and museums, and my favorite events included the Holocaust Museum (especially since I taught Night this quarter), Georgetown, and the National Cathedral. Thanks to April S. and Kris G.C. for the wonderfully fabulous recommendation for D.C. Coast, a restaurant that Patrick and I easily dubbed the best dining experience of our marriage thus far.

Our other highlights of the fall include preparing for Lindsay and Daniel's Savannah Michelle, the Parade of Homes, working on our home (entries and pictures to come--hopefully), and celebrating Lori and Clay's upcoming wedding!

So... I'm not much of a blogger anymore, and I'm sure that even my few faithful readers have given up on me at this point, but I thought it was time for an update.

I have completed the first quarter of my teaching this year, and am celebrating Fall Break in full force. I have desperately needed a break to get rejuvenated and have some fun! Patrick and I are also anticipating our 2nd wedding anniversary this Sunday. We just got back from Washington D.C. as our celebration last night and had a wonderful time. We both visited the city as young teenagers, but it opened our realm of experience to view the nation's capital through adult eyes. We enjoyed all the monuments and museums, and my favorite events included the Holocaust Museum (especially since I taught Night this quarter), Georgetown, and the National Cathedral. Thanks to April S. and Kris G.C. for the wonderfully fabulous recommendation for D.C. Coast, a restaurant that Patrick and I easily dubbed the best dining experience of our marriage thus far.

Our other highlights of the fall include preparing for Lindsay and Daniel's Savannah Michelle, the Parade of Homes, working on our home (entries and pictures to come--hopefully), and celebrating Lori and Clay's upcoming wedding!

Some of my favorite things...

Yesterday I spent the day in Auburn. I get a good feeling every time I drive on campus--something just clicks and makes me peacefully reflect; it's quite inspiring. :) Living in Montgomery, you'd think I'd visit quite often. Sadly, it's not often enough. I had a gift card to use from speaking at a retreat, a free day since Patrick is at camp this week, and some friends to catch up with... It was a good, refreshing, fun day, and I thought I'd write about some of my favorite things about the place. Disclaimer: This list is inconclusive; it just includes things I did yesterday...

1. The Auburn Christian Student Center: I don't really know how to begin to put into words how this place impacted my life. I thought I knew what being a Christian looked like before I came to Auburn, but I say with conviction that my faith was solidified through my involvement with this ministry. Jim and Mary are spiritual heroes to me. I learned that being a Christian didn't mean being perfect or even "good." I learned how to share my faith and study with someone who was seeking to know God. I saw lives transformed. In this imperfect, but genuine place I learned a little more about what I wanted my life to be like. Yesterday, I got to see Jim and Mary and spend time with one of my best friends who is interning there for the summer. It was good.



2. Chi Omega : Before coming to Auburn, I had all of those Lifetime movie channel preconceived notions about sororities. I went through RUSH to meet people (since I knew no one), and I was surprised by Chi-O. It was not carbon copies of girls, but unique individuals who intrigued me. I pledged, and my life has been blessed through that organization with some of the coolest friendships I have experienced... All of my roommates in undergraduate years were Chi-O's, and during our Junior and Senior year, we were privileged (at the time we really believed this :)) to live at this big old house called the Chi-O mansion that had been passed down from pledge class to pledge class. I have so many fond memories from there, and I spent a big part of yesterday with one of the "mansion girls"--as we were called.

3. Amsterdams: The home of the famous "turkey wrap" with honey mustard and sweet potato chips. I'm salivating as I write this...

4. Heartstrings: The best gift shop on the planet... and the place where my gift card from the retreat was from. I remember thinking during my last days at Auburn, "IS there life after Heartstrings...?"

5. Momma G's: There's not much better than a Momma's Love combined with the famous nachos... (doritos with melted pepper jack cheese... I've tried to recreate them at the house, and I can never do it...) Yes, I ate the whole thing by myself, and, yes, I'm salivating once again!

Anyway, it was a good summer day, and it helped me not miss Patrick so much... Sigh.

Yesterday I spent the day in Auburn. I get a good feeling every time I drive on campus--something just clicks and makes me peacefully reflect; it's quite inspiring. :) Living in Montgomery, you'd think I'd visit quite often. Sadly, it's not often enough. I had a gift card to use from speaking at a retreat, a free day since Patrick is at camp this week, and some friends to catch up with... It was a good, refreshing, fun day, and I thought I'd write about some of my favorite things about the place. Disclaimer: This list is inconclusive; it just includes things I did yesterday...

1. The Auburn Christian Student Center: I don't really know how to begin to put into words how this place impacted my life. I thought I knew what being a Christian looked like before I came to Auburn, but I say with conviction that my faith was solidified through my involvement with this ministry. Jim and Mary are spiritual heroes to me. I learned that being a Christian didn't mean being perfect or even "good." I learned how to share my faith and study with someone who was seeking to know God. I saw lives transformed. In this imperfect, but genuine place I learned a little more about what I wanted my life to be like. Yesterday, I got to see Jim and Mary and spend time with one of my best friends who is interning there for the summer. It was good.



2. Chi Omega : Before coming to Auburn, I had all of those Lifetime movie channel preconceived notions about sororities. I went through RUSH to meet people (since I knew no one), and I was surprised by Chi-O. It was not carbon copies of girls, but unique individuals who intrigued me. I pledged, and my life has been blessed through that organization with some of the coolest friendships I have experienced... All of my roommates in undergraduate years were Chi-O's, and during our Junior and Senior year, we were privileged (at the time we really believed this :)) to live at this big old house called the Chi-O mansion that had been passed down from pledge class to pledge class. I have so many fond memories from there, and I spent a big part of yesterday with one of the "mansion girls"--as we were called.

3. Amsterdams: The home of the famous "turkey wrap" with honey mustard and sweet potato chips. I'm salivating as I write this...

4. Heartstrings: The best gift shop on the planet... and the place where my gift card from the retreat was from. I remember thinking during my last days at Auburn, "IS there life after Heartstrings...?"

5. Momma G's: There's not much better than a Momma's Love combined with the famous nachos... (doritos with melted pepper jack cheese... I've tried to recreate them at the house, and I can never do it...) Yes, I ate the whole thing by myself, and, yes, I'm salivating once again!

Anyway, it was a good summer day, and it helped me not miss Patrick so much... Sigh.