I'm going try and get back into blogging! It has been way too long, and I'm not sure how long it will last, but I did enjoy it before. So tomorrow I will be 28. It's crazy to think about that. 30 is right around the corner. Every year at my birthday a friend mine likes do this thing where we mention three great things that have happened this year and three things we are looking forward to in the next year. I'm not going to bore you all with the things that am looking forward to/hoping will happen in the next year, they are always the same for the most part. This year has brought about a lot of transitions and changes, so I am going to share three great things that happened to me this year. Let's go in order...
1) New Job- In April I started a new job at First Baptist Children's Ministry. I could not be happier! It's funny because when I first got my degree in Child Development, I remember telling my Mom if I could choose where I wanted to work it would be First Baptist. I knew a lot of kids that went there, and I heard nothing but great things about the center. Plus it's a church, so I wouldn't have to hide my love for Jesus, instead that would be something I could share with my kids. In April my dream came true. I am so thankful to have a job that I love. My co-workers are amazing, and I have made friendships with a lot of them very quickly. I teach 3-4 year olds, which is where my heart is. It has been a great experience and I am looking forward to many more years at FBCM!
2) New House- In June, I made the decision to move out on my own! It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love my parents, but there is nothing like being on my own, and doing what I want do when I want to do it. I also love that I can have people over at my house. During this process I have learned to cook, which has been fun! I am looking forward to cooking some more with new things that I got for Christmas. I am so close to everything, and it is perfect! I am also learning to budget-when you live on your own, you have a lot of bills to pay. I could not have made it without my parents help, but I am so thankful that I was able to do this! I have learned a lot about myself which has been good! In just a few weeks, I am going to have a new neighbor which I am also very excited about!!
3) New Church-which also brings new community! The month of November brought a change in church membership. Since I moved to Lincolnton I started going to Freedom. Most of my friends go there, and since Pastor Clint came he brought a lot of people around my age that I have built relationships with. I loved Mount Anderson, but it's about a 20-25 minute drive my house. Freedom is about 2. I prayed a lot about this decision, for months and months because I wanted to make sure this is where God is calling me. I felt the Lord speak clearer than ever during this time. So Freedom is now home, and I am growing, learning more about Christ. This also brings a new community. I have made some great new friends during this time that I will forever be grateful for. I'm also thankful for old friendships that have grown because we are seeing each other more often. I am thankful to have a great group of people to do life with!
So 27 brought about a lot of changes, which were all good! So bring it on 28 let's see what you got!!!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
The Republic of Georgia
I'm back!!! Sorry it has been SO long!! 6 months...goodness!! I have a confession, now that I have a Iphone I hardly every use my computer. I know how awful that is, and I am trying to do better. So my life has changed a lot over the past 6 months. I finished my first year of teaching...praise Jesus! There were days were I wasn't sure that I would make it through the year, but I did! And let me just say I was one sad woman when I had to tell my sweet babies goodbye.
Most importantly I want to share with you what God has been doing in my life. A couple months ago we were doing a ladies bible study at my church on the book of Nehemiah. I will be honest I have not really studied the bible like I should until this study. It really made me dig deeper and I gained a yearning for the Word like never before. During this study we talked a lot about having a heart that can break. I was trying to think when is the last time that my heart has really been broken before the Lord? Kelly Minter was the writer of this study, and her and her family traveled to the Amazon many times. So as I was digging into the book of Nehemiah I really felt the Lord tell me that I need to go. Go where? Somewhere where I could share the news of Jesus and eventually have my heart broken for the Lord. Don't you just love the way the Lord works things out? Listen to this...
I have had the privilege to know Tim and Katie Douglas for many years. I first met them at Boger City and they are currently serving in the Republic of Georgia. They had to come to the U.S. for a few months because Katie was pregnant and needed to have their child here. So they came and got to be a part of the Mount Anderson family for a few months and I loved every second of it. While they were there Tim took on the roll of our Associate Pastor and there were talks of a possible trip to the Republic of Georgia. I was so excited, I was like this is my opportunity. Originally the plan was to go next summer, I was like okay I can do that. That will give me some time to save some money and to make sure 100% that I want to go. Well God had another plan....We had a few people show a lot of interest and so they decided to get a trip together this summer. I will admit at first I was freaking out about the money, about should I go, should I not? But when God calls you to do something, you just do it without hesitation (or with as little as hesitation as possible).
I say all that to say this....I AM GOING TO THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA ON TUESDAY!!!!!! I am utterly amazed at the way the Lord has provided. In the beginning I was so worried about the money. Tim said to me many times, "Winter the money will come, don't worry." And guess what? It did. The Lord is not going to call us somewhere and not provide. I had to learn that the hard way, but I am beyond grateful. (Thank you to all of those who donated)!!! I am going with a team of six people, and I am very excited! We will be doing some VBS and sports camp with the children. We are also going to a remote area to help out some refugees and do a baptismal service.
Please please be in prayer for our team!! Pray for safe travels and for lives to be changed. I would also ask that you pray for me. Pray that the Lord will take away my anxiousness that I have about flying. I have only flown once and I was really young so I don't really remember it. But I know that the Lord has called me to go, and so I am not going to let this keep me from doing His will. Thank you in advance!!
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8
Winter
Most importantly I want to share with you what God has been doing in my life. A couple months ago we were doing a ladies bible study at my church on the book of Nehemiah. I will be honest I have not really studied the bible like I should until this study. It really made me dig deeper and I gained a yearning for the Word like never before. During this study we talked a lot about having a heart that can break. I was trying to think when is the last time that my heart has really been broken before the Lord? Kelly Minter was the writer of this study, and her and her family traveled to the Amazon many times. So as I was digging into the book of Nehemiah I really felt the Lord tell me that I need to go. Go where? Somewhere where I could share the news of Jesus and eventually have my heart broken for the Lord. Don't you just love the way the Lord works things out? Listen to this...
I have had the privilege to know Tim and Katie Douglas for many years. I first met them at Boger City and they are currently serving in the Republic of Georgia. They had to come to the U.S. for a few months because Katie was pregnant and needed to have their child here. So they came and got to be a part of the Mount Anderson family for a few months and I loved every second of it. While they were there Tim took on the roll of our Associate Pastor and there were talks of a possible trip to the Republic of Georgia. I was so excited, I was like this is my opportunity. Originally the plan was to go next summer, I was like okay I can do that. That will give me some time to save some money and to make sure 100% that I want to go. Well God had another plan....We had a few people show a lot of interest and so they decided to get a trip together this summer. I will admit at first I was freaking out about the money, about should I go, should I not? But when God calls you to do something, you just do it without hesitation (or with as little as hesitation as possible).
I say all that to say this....I AM GOING TO THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA ON TUESDAY!!!!!! I am utterly amazed at the way the Lord has provided. In the beginning I was so worried about the money. Tim said to me many times, "Winter the money will come, don't worry." And guess what? It did. The Lord is not going to call us somewhere and not provide. I had to learn that the hard way, but I am beyond grateful. (Thank you to all of those who donated)!!! I am going with a team of six people, and I am very excited! We will be doing some VBS and sports camp with the children. We are also going to a remote area to help out some refugees and do a baptismal service.
Please please be in prayer for our team!! Pray for safe travels and for lives to be changed. I would also ask that you pray for me. Pray that the Lord will take away my anxiousness that I have about flying. I have only flown once and I was really young so I don't really remember it. But I know that the Lord has called me to go, and so I am not going to let this keep me from doing His will. Thank you in advance!!
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8
Winter
Thursday, January 3, 2013
New Year. New Me.
This post was inspired by my best friend Anna. While attending a New Year's Eve party the other night, she came up with an idea that her family does every birthday. You say three good things about the past year and three things you are looking forward to in the coming year. I have never really been big on making new year's resolutions I really liked this idea. So here are mine...
3 good things from 2012
1. Getting a job-although there are days where I question if this is where I am supposed to be I am thankful to have a job doing something that I love. I am thankful that I now feel financially stable and that I don't have to ask my parents for money.
2. In June 2012 my best friend came home from Argentina. This is a good thing because although we talked while she was gone, it was def not the same has having her here every day and just being able to pick up the phone to call her. I know that her time in Argentina was the biggest blessing for her, and that she has grown so much. I am glad she is home!
3. Realizing how important family is. I know how cliche this sounds, but it's the truth. When you think family is the only thing you got, you realize not to take them for granted. I am very grateful for mine especially during this past year.
3 things I am looking forward to in 2013
1. Losing weight and starting a healthier lifestyle!
2. Growing in Christ even more! I feel that 2013 is going to be a great year and that God has big things in store for me! I can't wait to see what these things are.
3. You knew it was coming-the possibility of meeting my future husband. I know that this may not be the year, but I am being hopeful in prayer that it is. But it will all depend on God's timing. Trust me I'm ready.
Happy New Year!! Looking forward to a great 2013
3 good things from 2012
1. Getting a job-although there are days where I question if this is where I am supposed to be I am thankful to have a job doing something that I love. I am thankful that I now feel financially stable and that I don't have to ask my parents for money.
2. In June 2012 my best friend came home from Argentina. This is a good thing because although we talked while she was gone, it was def not the same has having her here every day and just being able to pick up the phone to call her. I know that her time in Argentina was the biggest blessing for her, and that she has grown so much. I am glad she is home!
3. Realizing how important family is. I know how cliche this sounds, but it's the truth. When you think family is the only thing you got, you realize not to take them for granted. I am very grateful for mine especially during this past year.
3 things I am looking forward to in 2013
1. Losing weight and starting a healthier lifestyle!
2. Growing in Christ even more! I feel that 2013 is going to be a great year and that God has big things in store for me! I can't wait to see what these things are.
3. You knew it was coming-the possibility of meeting my future husband. I know that this may not be the year, but I am being hopeful in prayer that it is. But it will all depend on God's timing. Trust me I'm ready.
Happy New Year!! Looking forward to a great 2013
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Letting Go
As I mentioned in my last blog I am really struggling with this phase of life that I am currently in. I am trying to find my place in this world. I'm not sure why I act like God isn't going to give me what I need or that he isn't going to see something through, because he always does. This morning Maria gave her testimony to our Sunday School class. Something I needed to hear. She talked about how we (as women) always have a plan. We plan out our entire lives. For example. I wanted to be married by now, and at least having a child or two. But guess what I'm not. Maria had the same sort of plan as in the fact that she wanted to get married and have kids right after college. She was with this guy for 6 years and thought he was on the one. But long behold God had another plan. And it was Jason. The man of her dreams. Never in a million years would she have thought she would have waited that long to get married. Long story, short her testimony inspired me because I am all the time planning my entire life. I need to learn to LET GO. I need to trust that God has his OWN plan, that in the long run will be way better than mine. His plan will meet all of my needs in HIS TIMING which is the hardest part.
Friday, November 16, 2012
I'm Back
I'm BACK!! I know it has been awhile..months actually. Having a big girl job keeps me pretty busy and I do not have a lot of time for blogging. There are a lot of things going on here lately that I want to update you on...
First things first, please be in prayer for some very close friends of mine and their church. And also my old youth pastor Eric. His life is being dramatically changed, and I'm hoping that he will use these changes for God's glory. It's funny because I feel like sometimes we don't see the bigger picture and then something happens and it's like wow...I get it. Eric is someone who "raised" me in youth, and I'm not sure I would be where I am in my life now without him. Please be in prayer for him, and his family.
Wedding season is in full swing again. The next few months are going to be filled with showers, bachelorette parties, and weddings. My friend Jessie (who I mentioned in the last blog) is getting married on December 15th. I was asked to be one of her honorary bridesmaids and I was delighted. Jessie is a great friend and I cannot wait to share this special day with her and Hayden. My friend Donia FINALLY got engaged to her boyfriend Robert. Let me tell you this is one engagement I (and Donia) have been waiting on for a super long time. Robert originally told me he was going to do it last December, and yet here we are in November and it just happened. It was well worth the wait, and I am thrilled for them!!
I am still struggling a little bit with this phase of life I am in. 25 is such a hard age! Let's not talk about the fact that I am going to be 26 next month...blah! It's so weird because most of my friends that are my age are either engaged, married, or having babies. I am not doing any of those things. Yes-I have a good job that I love, but I am single and starting to feel like I don't really fit in anywhere. You always hear people say that when you go to college it's the biggest change of your life. I beg to differ, I think when you graduate from college and get a real job is the biggest change of your life. The real world is tough and I am leaning that the hard way.
Life is hard, Life is all about change, Things happen when you least expect them. I am praying and believing God for bigger and better things!
Happy Friday
First things first, please be in prayer for some very close friends of mine and their church. And also my old youth pastor Eric. His life is being dramatically changed, and I'm hoping that he will use these changes for God's glory. It's funny because I feel like sometimes we don't see the bigger picture and then something happens and it's like wow...I get it. Eric is someone who "raised" me in youth, and I'm not sure I would be where I am in my life now without him. Please be in prayer for him, and his family.
Wedding season is in full swing again. The next few months are going to be filled with showers, bachelorette parties, and weddings. My friend Jessie (who I mentioned in the last blog) is getting married on December 15th. I was asked to be one of her honorary bridesmaids and I was delighted. Jessie is a great friend and I cannot wait to share this special day with her and Hayden. My friend Donia FINALLY got engaged to her boyfriend Robert. Let me tell you this is one engagement I (and Donia) have been waiting on for a super long time. Robert originally told me he was going to do it last December, and yet here we are in November and it just happened. It was well worth the wait, and I am thrilled for them!!
I am still struggling a little bit with this phase of life I am in. 25 is such a hard age! Let's not talk about the fact that I am going to be 26 next month...blah! It's so weird because most of my friends that are my age are either engaged, married, or having babies. I am not doing any of those things. Yes-I have a good job that I love, but I am single and starting to feel like I don't really fit in anywhere. You always hear people say that when you go to college it's the biggest change of your life. I beg to differ, I think when you graduate from college and get a real job is the biggest change of your life. The real world is tough and I am leaning that the hard way.
Life is hard, Life is all about change, Things happen when you least expect them. I am praying and believing God for bigger and better things!
Happy Friday
Friday, August 17, 2012
Growing Up
I am now entering this phase of my life that some would call ADULTHOOD. Although technically by law you are an adult when you turn 18, I don't think you have really achieved adulthood until you have graduated college, started a big girl job, got married, have kids, etc. I believe that all of the things contribute to adulthood...Why you ask? Because all of these things consist of doing at least some part of these things on your own. Let me be the first to tell you that growing up is hard to do.
It's weird because this weekend is when the majority of college students go back to school. This is the first time in 2 years that I am not moving back to Boone. There are some days where I wish I could move back to Boone, but then there are other days where I am so thankful that I don't have to deal with the stress of registering for classes, or moving into a new place. Now I am having to deal with the stress of making sure my classroom is ready for 18 preschoolers. Which is also a lot of stress, but I am also very excited about beginning my big girl job. It's hard to believe that I am the LEAD TEACHER. I am in complete control of 18 children, and their lives are in my hands for most of the day. I am trying to prepare my heart and my head for this. I am a lucky girl because my internship was better than I could have ever imagined, and I learned from one of the best teachers around, I am still a little nervous about having my own classroom and my own set of children. Please pray for me in the coming weeks that God will give me a peace about getting everything done, and a heart that is so ready to love on these children as they enter my classroom.
Back to the growing up thing. As most of you know I have attendeda few a ton of weddings in my day. Just recently two of my very close friends got engaged. My friend Nicole to her lifetime boyfriend Alex. My lifelong friend and old roommate Jessie to her boyfriend Hayden. I could not be more excited for these two couples!! Another part of growing up is getting married, but I am patiently waiting on God's time for that. On another note, my friend Emaly (who is the same age of me) just had her first child on August 7th. This is another event that blows my mind. She has a baby, she is my age, and one of "us." But let me tell you how much I love that little baby already. His name his Micah Parker Williams and he is absolutely adorable!
So between big girl jobs, engagements, and having kids I would say that most of my friends and I are now in the full stages of adulthood. Stay tuned it should be a good ride...
XOXO
It's weird because this weekend is when the majority of college students go back to school. This is the first time in 2 years that I am not moving back to Boone. There are some days where I wish I could move back to Boone, but then there are other days where I am so thankful that I don't have to deal with the stress of registering for classes, or moving into a new place. Now I am having to deal with the stress of making sure my classroom is ready for 18 preschoolers. Which is also a lot of stress, but I am also very excited about beginning my big girl job. It's hard to believe that I am the LEAD TEACHER. I am in complete control of 18 children, and their lives are in my hands for most of the day. I am trying to prepare my heart and my head for this. I am a lucky girl because my internship was better than I could have ever imagined, and I learned from one of the best teachers around, I am still a little nervous about having my own classroom and my own set of children. Please pray for me in the coming weeks that God will give me a peace about getting everything done, and a heart that is so ready to love on these children as they enter my classroom.
Back to the growing up thing. As most of you know I have attended
So between big girl jobs, engagements, and having kids I would say that most of my friends and I are now in the full stages of adulthood. Stay tuned it should be a good ride...
XOXO
Monday, June 18, 2012
Changes
I know that I have been MIA lately. I have sat down a dozen times to write this blog, but then realized that I didn't have enough time or something else came up. Here it goes...to say life has been busy is an understatement. I have gone through a lot of changes in the past few weeks and I am excited and sad about some of them.
I spent the last day of school with my kids at my internship. We had a little graduation thing for them and it was precious. I was so sad! I can't believe the school year was over and that I finally had to say goodbye to these kids for the last time. One of my sweet little girls in my class made me this teacher bag with her hand prints on it that stood as the flowers. She wrote my name on it and her name, and the year. It was the cutest thing and I cannot wait to use it. Saying goodbye to my kids was hard, but I know they are going to go on to be the best kids they can be. I am thankful that I got to be a part of that.
In other news, my plans for the summer I have changed. I thought that I was going to be keeping the Carpenter girls all summer, but I am not. They had some family members step up and volunteer to keep them for the summer for free. Completely understandable, but I was very sad. I spent two days with them last week and those were my last two days with them. One day Caroline cried and on the last day Julia would not let me go. I was so heartbroken for them. I know that they were looking forward to spending the summer with me, and now that as all changed. I will miss them dearly. So what am I doing this summer? Working at BBQ King of course. I am so thankful for that job, and thankful that Keith is going to let me work this summer. I also plan to go to the Outer Banks with my WHOLE family, and hopefully make a visit to Boone very soon. I miss that place like crazy. Also, a HUGE event that is happening tomorrow is that my best friend ANNA SIPE is coming home from Argentina for good. It has been two years, which some days is hard to believe, but I am so excited to have her back in my life on a day-to-day basis. Although I will say since she has been gone I feel that our friendship has only strengthened but because we have managed to stay in contact and put forth the effort to remain close. I can't imagine what my reaction is going to be tomorrow when I see her, and know that she is home for good. I AM SO EXCITED just thinking about it!
More exciting news....
After my internship I was in full-job hunt mode. I was freaking out thinking that I wasn't going to find anything, and I knew that my parents would not be happy. Being in a school setting for my internship I decided that I was ready to try something else and that I really wanted to be in a center if possible. Well as luck would have it I called this place in Denver (that I had heard really good things about) called Ms. Em's Child Development Center. The Director told me that they had a lead teacher position open for NC Pre-K starting in August. I thought...how perfect! Because my internship was with NC Pre-K so I already knew the curriculum and was comfortable in that setting. I filled out the application, went an for an interview, and GOT THE JOB!!! Ahhhh...I am so excited. God is so good!! Not only do I get to work in a center, but I am getting paid through the state and benefits through the state.They also operate on the public school calender. So it's almost like I am working in the public school but I am not. The best of both worlds? Possibly. It is hard for me to fathom the fact that I am going to be in charge of my own kids come August. I have an assistant-that's crazy to me. Do I feel prepared? Well yes-mainly because I had the best cooperating Pre-K teacher in the world. Thank you Rosemary! So I will start in August, but this summer will also consist of a lot of planning. I am going to have my own classroom! Hello BIG GIRL STATUS! I can't wait to start this journey of being in the real world! Life after college isn't that bad!
That's all for now!
I spent the last day of school with my kids at my internship. We had a little graduation thing for them and it was precious. I was so sad! I can't believe the school year was over and that I finally had to say goodbye to these kids for the last time. One of my sweet little girls in my class made me this teacher bag with her hand prints on it that stood as the flowers. She wrote my name on it and her name, and the year. It was the cutest thing and I cannot wait to use it. Saying goodbye to my kids was hard, but I know they are going to go on to be the best kids they can be. I am thankful that I got to be a part of that.
In other news, my plans for the summer I have changed. I thought that I was going to be keeping the Carpenter girls all summer, but I am not. They had some family members step up and volunteer to keep them for the summer for free. Completely understandable, but I was very sad. I spent two days with them last week and those were my last two days with them. One day Caroline cried and on the last day Julia would not let me go. I was so heartbroken for them. I know that they were looking forward to spending the summer with me, and now that as all changed. I will miss them dearly. So what am I doing this summer? Working at BBQ King of course. I am so thankful for that job, and thankful that Keith is going to let me work this summer. I also plan to go to the Outer Banks with my WHOLE family, and hopefully make a visit to Boone very soon. I miss that place like crazy. Also, a HUGE event that is happening tomorrow is that my best friend ANNA SIPE is coming home from Argentina for good. It has been two years, which some days is hard to believe, but I am so excited to have her back in my life on a day-to-day basis. Although I will say since she has been gone I feel that our friendship has only strengthened but because we have managed to stay in contact and put forth the effort to remain close. I can't imagine what my reaction is going to be tomorrow when I see her, and know that she is home for good. I AM SO EXCITED just thinking about it!
More exciting news....
After my internship I was in full-job hunt mode. I was freaking out thinking that I wasn't going to find anything, and I knew that my parents would not be happy. Being in a school setting for my internship I decided that I was ready to try something else and that I really wanted to be in a center if possible. Well as luck would have it I called this place in Denver (that I had heard really good things about) called Ms. Em's Child Development Center. The Director told me that they had a lead teacher position open for NC Pre-K starting in August. I thought...how perfect! Because my internship was with NC Pre-K so I already knew the curriculum and was comfortable in that setting. I filled out the application, went an for an interview, and GOT THE JOB!!! Ahhhh...I am so excited. God is so good!! Not only do I get to work in a center, but I am getting paid through the state and benefits through the state.They also operate on the public school calender. So it's almost like I am working in the public school but I am not. The best of both worlds? Possibly. It is hard for me to fathom the fact that I am going to be in charge of my own kids come August. I have an assistant-that's crazy to me. Do I feel prepared? Well yes-mainly because I had the best cooperating Pre-K teacher in the world. Thank you Rosemary! So I will start in August, but this summer will also consist of a lot of planning. I am going to have my own classroom! Hello BIG GIRL STATUS! I can't wait to start this journey of being in the real world! Life after college isn't that bad!
That's all for now!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Internship
Warning: If you don't like kids or are sick of hearing about my internship, you should probably stop reading now.
I am blessed girl, there is no question about that. Back in January when I first started my internship I had no idea that I would love it so much, or become so attached to my kids. I feel that I truly got to learn from one of the best Pre-K teachers around. She taught me so much, while also letting me do all the things that I wanted to do during my time spent there. I would love to get to work with her again one day!
My kids are amazing. I knew that Friday would be a hard day, but I think I held up really well. I only cried TWICE!! One of my sweet boys brought me this wreath made out of crayons right after I had read this really sweet card from one of my parents and the tears just started flowing. That was the cutest gift I have ever received. I tried to clear up my tears real quickly. At breakfast it happened again. One of our parents ate breakfast with her daughter and she said to me, "She (her daughter) was not happy because I was leaving." I noticed that this little girl wasn't acting like herself that morning, and I wasn't sure what was wrong. Well I found out real quick that she was sad. Sad that I was leaving. So those are the two times that I got emotional, until I got in my car to leave of course. During group time my teacher asked each child, "What do you love about Miss Graham?" Some of the responses were because she's sweet, or because she is beautiful, she has pretty hair, she reads to us." I almost lost it then-but I held it together thankfully. Before lunch the children gave me some gifts and then we had a group hug. This was such a great moment for me. I LOVE THOSE KIDS! We decided that we were going to skip nap time this day to celebrate. Trust me, we hate nap time just as much as the kids do, so this was a treat for all of us. We went outside to the picnic tables and had cupcakes, and cheese puffs...what fun! As each child left I gave them a thing of bubbles, and hugged them so tight because I never wanted to let go. It was a hard day, but it was also a great day. One that I will never forget. I am going to go back and visit them for special events such as water day, and their graduation. Seriously, these children have changed my life, and I will always be grateful for that.
So now that I have finished my internship, I am OFFICIALLY done with college! Ahh...it feels so good. The job hunt is in full swing. Please join me in prayer that I will find a full time job for August. I will be doing the nanny thing for the summer.
-the newest app state alumni
I am blessed girl, there is no question about that. Back in January when I first started my internship I had no idea that I would love it so much, or become so attached to my kids. I feel that I truly got to learn from one of the best Pre-K teachers around. She taught me so much, while also letting me do all the things that I wanted to do during my time spent there. I would love to get to work with her again one day!
My kids are amazing. I knew that Friday would be a hard day, but I think I held up really well. I only cried TWICE!! One of my sweet boys brought me this wreath made out of crayons right after I had read this really sweet card from one of my parents and the tears just started flowing. That was the cutest gift I have ever received. I tried to clear up my tears real quickly. At breakfast it happened again. One of our parents ate breakfast with her daughter and she said to me, "She (her daughter) was not happy because I was leaving." I noticed that this little girl wasn't acting like herself that morning, and I wasn't sure what was wrong. Well I found out real quick that she was sad. Sad that I was leaving. So those are the two times that I got emotional, until I got in my car to leave of course. During group time my teacher asked each child, "What do you love about Miss Graham?" Some of the responses were because she's sweet, or because she is beautiful, she has pretty hair, she reads to us." I almost lost it then-but I held it together thankfully. Before lunch the children gave me some gifts and then we had a group hug. This was such a great moment for me. I LOVE THOSE KIDS! We decided that we were going to skip nap time this day to celebrate. Trust me, we hate nap time just as much as the kids do, so this was a treat for all of us. We went outside to the picnic tables and had cupcakes, and cheese puffs...what fun! As each child left I gave them a thing of bubbles, and hugged them so tight because I never wanted to let go. It was a hard day, but it was also a great day. One that I will never forget. I am going to go back and visit them for special events such as water day, and their graduation. Seriously, these children have changed my life, and I will always be grateful for that.
So now that I have finished my internship, I am OFFICIALLY done with college! Ahh...it feels so good. The job hunt is in full swing. Please join me in prayer that I will find a full time job for August. I will be doing the nanny thing for the summer.
-the newest app state alumni
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Easter
This weekend has been nothing short of glorious. It all started with Secret Church on Friday night. This is something that I have never been to before, but it was awesome. We gathered at Mt. Anderson around 7 to watch a podcast (kind of) by David Platt, it did not end until about 2am, but I could not make it that long. I am hoping to go back and finish out my study guide because what I did hear was some pretty powerful stuff. This study was called the cross and suffering. As a Christian I still always get discouraged when "bad things happen to good people." After Friday night I no longer have that mentality. I wanted to share with you all a few of the things that I learned during Secret Church.
1)The cross is the key to understanding all suffering. For Christ suffered on the cross for our sins, although most of us think that means there will be no suffering in our lives, that is wrong. Suffering will come, all Christians will undergo suffering, but God is still in control.
2) Everything in all history, including suffering was planned for Good Friday. I have never really thought about this until now. Everything points to Good Friday. Everything before the cross points forward to it, and everything since then points back to it. The cross means everything to us a Christians because for us Jesus paid our debt so that we may have life more abundantly.
3) I would encourage all of you to read Genesis 1-11, this chapters assure us that there is hope. These chapters have changed my life over the course of the past 2 days...it is some good stuff!
4) Things to remember...We have a King who is guiding us. God is constantly working in our lives. He orchestrates every detail using a variety of circumstances.
5) His perfections never change.
6) We need to embrace the curse and run to the cross.
7) God will show himself faithful to us. I know we hear this a lot, but I have taken the past few days to really mediate on this. For me, this is saying why worry because you know that God is faithful? God has a plan in his time, in his way, and regardless of what that is it will be good, because He is good and he is faithful always.
8) God uses suffering to teach us to rely on Him. When bad things happen we always have questions and these are the times where some of us rely on God the most and then others turn away from God during this trials. God wants us to trust him completely, and for some of us this may mean going through some tough times to teach us to fully rely on him.
God is teaching me some great stuff right now, I am learning, and growing. I feel like I am in a new place-a great place. And all I want to do is shout from the rooftops about how great God is..which leads me to the next point. Easter Sunday-what an amazing service we had a Mt. Anderson. Growing up in a Baptist church I have never really been the first to raise my hand or to clap. When I went off to college and started attending Cornerstone Summit this was a norm for them. It soon became a norm for me because the Holy Spirit began to speak to me, and I wanted to raise my hands, dance, etc. Anyway, long story short I felt the Holy Spirit begin a work in my life this morning like never before. Just thinking about what Jesus did for me, and how he arose from the grave on this glorious morning is enough to make anyone shout with joy. We were singing a song this morning, "The Power of the Cross." One other person was standing up and I stood up too and lifted my hands to the one who paid my debt. Now, normally this would never happen. I would just sit there and close my eyes and sing. This morning I gave up on caring what others thought, and just thought about my Savior (that's all that matters). It was the best feeling. During the next song almost the whole room was standing, and tears were flowing from my eyes. It was a POWERFUL time, and my heart was so full I was overwhelmed. I know that this is one Easter that I will never forget. "I will rise when he calls my name, no more sorrow, no more pain. I will rise on eagle's wings, before my God fall on my knees."
Happy Easter!!
1)The cross is the key to understanding all suffering. For Christ suffered on the cross for our sins, although most of us think that means there will be no suffering in our lives, that is wrong. Suffering will come, all Christians will undergo suffering, but God is still in control.
2) Everything in all history, including suffering was planned for Good Friday. I have never really thought about this until now. Everything points to Good Friday. Everything before the cross points forward to it, and everything since then points back to it. The cross means everything to us a Christians because for us Jesus paid our debt so that we may have life more abundantly.
3) I would encourage all of you to read Genesis 1-11, this chapters assure us that there is hope. These chapters have changed my life over the course of the past 2 days...it is some good stuff!
4) Things to remember...We have a King who is guiding us. God is constantly working in our lives. He orchestrates every detail using a variety of circumstances.
5) His perfections never change.
6) We need to embrace the curse and run to the cross.
7) God will show himself faithful to us. I know we hear this a lot, but I have taken the past few days to really mediate on this. For me, this is saying why worry because you know that God is faithful? God has a plan in his time, in his way, and regardless of what that is it will be good, because He is good and he is faithful always.
8) God uses suffering to teach us to rely on Him. When bad things happen we always have questions and these are the times where some of us rely on God the most and then others turn away from God during this trials. God wants us to trust him completely, and for some of us this may mean going through some tough times to teach us to fully rely on him.
God is teaching me some great stuff right now, I am learning, and growing. I feel like I am in a new place-a great place. And all I want to do is shout from the rooftops about how great God is..which leads me to the next point. Easter Sunday-what an amazing service we had a Mt. Anderson. Growing up in a Baptist church I have never really been the first to raise my hand or to clap. When I went off to college and started attending Cornerstone Summit this was a norm for them. It soon became a norm for me because the Holy Spirit began to speak to me, and I wanted to raise my hands, dance, etc. Anyway, long story short I felt the Holy Spirit begin a work in my life this morning like never before. Just thinking about what Jesus did for me, and how he arose from the grave on this glorious morning is enough to make anyone shout with joy. We were singing a song this morning, "The Power of the Cross." One other person was standing up and I stood up too and lifted my hands to the one who paid my debt. Now, normally this would never happen. I would just sit there and close my eyes and sing. This morning I gave up on caring what others thought, and just thought about my Savior (that's all that matters). It was the best feeling. During the next song almost the whole room was standing, and tears were flowing from my eyes. It was a POWERFUL time, and my heart was so full I was overwhelmed. I know that this is one Easter that I will never forget. "I will rise when he calls my name, no more sorrow, no more pain. I will rise on eagle's wings, before my God fall on my knees."
Happy Easter!!
Wedding Season
Well wedding season is in full swing! I figured I should update you on how the first two went. The first wedding of the season was Drew and Kayse's. Let's just say that it was so so sweet. You could just how excited they both were, Kayse could hardly contain her excitement, and I think that is exactly how a wedding should be! I also know that when you attend weddings you can often tell if Christ is their center of their relationship. I have known Drew for a long time and know this Christ is the center of his life. But even if you didn't know this about them, you saw it during the ceremony. Their love for one another has steamed from the one who loved us so much that he died for us. And for me, that makes a wedding so much sweeter! Some of my friends that I went to church with in Boone were at the wedding and it was so good to see them! I miss them, and often miss Cornerstone Summit! Drew and Kayse were off to Jamaica and I am so excited for them to start their lives to together!
Next wedding, Cole and Lindsey. Their wedding was yesterday and it was GORGEOUS!! Lindsey's dress could have not been more perfect for her...she was stunning! Cole was handsome as always. I thought this wedding would be a real tear jerker for me because Cole and I were really close for a long time, but I didn't shed a tear! I think I was just overcome with too much happiness in my heart for them. Their wedding was precious and the reception was beautiful. THIS WEDDING WAS PERFECT FOR THE TWO OF THEM!! I haven't seen Cole or Lindsey in a long time before the wedding, but it's nice to know that some things never change. Cole Sain has always always called me "Winter Paige Graham." every time he sees me. And yesterday was no different. I walked up to him, and the first thing he said was. "Hey, Winter Paige Graham." I know that most of you probably think that is stupid for me to make a big deal about that, but it was nice that although I haven't seen him awhile, our friendship is still there, and the special things we say to one another will ALWAYS be there. I am thankful that although we grow up, people get married, have babies, etc some things will never change! Like I mentioned before Lindsey looked stunning and oh so happy! Two BBQ King friends falling in love and now getting married makes my heart smile! I would have never thought that a few years ago when we all went to Charleston together that I would be attending their wedding, but I did and they are MARRIED!! Shout out to Matt for going with me...thank you.
CONGRATULATIONS...
MR. and MRS. DREW GOODSON & MR. and MRS. COLE SAIN!!
I love you all and so glad that I got to be a part of your special day because you each hold a special part in my heart. I pray that the Lord blesses your marriage in ways you never thought possible! XOXO
Next wedding, Cole and Lindsey. Their wedding was yesterday and it was GORGEOUS!! Lindsey's dress could have not been more perfect for her...she was stunning! Cole was handsome as always. I thought this wedding would be a real tear jerker for me because Cole and I were really close for a long time, but I didn't shed a tear! I think I was just overcome with too much happiness in my heart for them. Their wedding was precious and the reception was beautiful. THIS WEDDING WAS PERFECT FOR THE TWO OF THEM!! I haven't seen Cole or Lindsey in a long time before the wedding, but it's nice to know that some things never change. Cole Sain has always always called me "Winter Paige Graham." every time he sees me. And yesterday was no different. I walked up to him, and the first thing he said was. "Hey, Winter Paige Graham." I know that most of you probably think that is stupid for me to make a big deal about that, but it was nice that although I haven't seen him awhile, our friendship is still there, and the special things we say to one another will ALWAYS be there. I am thankful that although we grow up, people get married, have babies, etc some things will never change! Like I mentioned before Lindsey looked stunning and oh so happy! Two BBQ King friends falling in love and now getting married makes my heart smile! I would have never thought that a few years ago when we all went to Charleston together that I would be attending their wedding, but I did and they are MARRIED!! Shout out to Matt for going with me...thank you.
CONGRATULATIONS...
MR. and MRS. DREW GOODSON & MR. and MRS. COLE SAIN!!
I love you all and so glad that I got to be a part of your special day because you each hold a special part in my heart. I pray that the Lord blesses your marriage in ways you never thought possible! XOXO
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Update on Alli
God is so good! Alli went to see the ENT doctor this week to find about more about those spots on her thyroid (I thought they were on her stomach, but I was wrong). Anyway, the Dr. said that they did not seem to be of any problem and that she would NOT need to have surgery to have them removed...YAY! This is the best news, God really does answer prayers. Thanks to all of you who joined me in prayer for this sweet little girl. Speaking of her, I was going through some old pictures today and I found one of my favorite pictures of her when she was probably close to the age of 1. I wanted to share it with you guys...
Could she be any cuter?!
In other news, I did some spring cleaning today and put away all my winter clothes and got out all my spring/summer clothes. I love spring/summer because that means that I can wear dresses...I love dresses. Anyway, hope you all are enjoying this lovely weather! Have a good week!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Progress
So most of you know that I have been reading Made to Crave. And yes I am still reading it, but only because I am doing it with a great group of girls and we only do two chapters a week. This book is changing my life! Before I began to read this book I never really thought about losing weight as a spiritual thing, but my perspective has definitely changed. In the beginning of this book it talks about craving God more and other things less. Let's be honest I crave food A LOT, more than I crave God a lot times. I have come to the realization that I don't want to live my life this way. I want to be a strong, healthy, woman of God. When people ask me what diet I am doing, I always say I'm not calling it a diet I am calling it a lifestyle change. The reason being that this is something that I want to continue to do for the rest of my life. I don't want a short-term fix, I want a long-term fix. And one that will also bring me closer to my Lord Jesus Christ. So far I have lost 8lbs, but when we first started this I was not really exercising. I just thought Oh I will start it later, whatever. Well when I read the chapter on exercise in this book, I knew that I needed to get my butt in gear. So that is exactly what has happened. I am on day 4 of walking around my neighborhood twice every night. On Monday I started where I would run from the first house on my road until my house. Which isn't very far, but at least it's something. I can't tell you how much better this makes me feel about myself. I know that I can do this with the help of the Lord. And I AM DOING IT!! In this book Lysa talks about how she hated exercising, but every time she felt the need to stop she would pray. God spoke to her many times and said "Don't do it in your own strength, do it in MINE." I say those words in my head daily, because trust me this is a very new thing for me so it is hard. But I am making progress and I am so proud of myself. Well it's time for my daily walk...have a good one!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Busy Bee
I have been a busy bee to say the least, which is the reason that I have been MIA! There has been so much going on that I don't even know where to start, but I do want to share some of the things that are going on in my life!
I am still LOVING my internship! I have grown to love my kids more and more. I didn't even know that it was possible to love them this much. I am already dreading the day that I have to leave in May. This past week we did Dr. Seuss! Ilike love Dr. Seuss and this was the first week that I started doing most of the leading/teaching. On Tuesday we made Thing 1 and Thing 2 by painting our hands (Thank you Pinterest)! They loved it, and I loved it too. On Friday, we made green eggs and ham, they didn't love the green eggs. Then I also bought candi quick, melted it and then had them make an egg shape on wax paper and put a green M&M in the middle. They thought this was so cool, and could not wait until after lunch to eat one of them. We had so much fun this week and I am looking forward to the upcoming weeks.
Weddings, Weddings, Weddings-It's that time of the year again, the time for wedding season to begin! Over the past two years I feel that I have attended more weddings than I could imagine, but here I am again with at least 5 weddings that I will be attending before the year is out. My friend Drew will be the first. He is getting married at the end of this month! Drew and I were in a bible study together and became very good friends. We have prayed about this day for a long time and I am so excited to celebrate with him and his wife on their special day. Next on the list is Cole and Lindsey. They both used to work at BBQ king. Cole and I were very close at one point, I can say for sure at one time that he was one of my best guy friends. It is so funny to me that they are getting married because I remember many years ago when Cole, Lindsey, Paolo, and I went to Charleston. On this trip Cole told me that he had some interest in Lindsey and I was like aww that's cute, little did I know that I would be attending their wedding in April! Life is crazy sometimes, but I am excited for both of them. June brings another wedding, my friend Andrew and then in August my friend Alysha who also worked with me at BBQ king. I am so glad that both of these people have found their soul mates! They deserve it. And let's round out the year with my friend Aleia getting married in December! I seriously cannot wait for this wedding, it is going to be a blast. A girl told me at work today that I was the "wedding witness queen." I am starting to believe that is true, but I love every second of it!
I also recently became a NANNY!! I pick these girls up everyday after my internship, take them home, do homework with them, etc until their parents get home. I LOVE IT! God truly blessed me with this job because I had been doing a lot of praying about finding something else to do with children and it was like BOOM this just fell into my lap. I have known this family for a long time, and I am so glad to spend more time with them. Also, I am going to do it this summer as well...YAY! I can't wait and an extra bonus is that they have a pool...I will be tan this summer.
In other news, God is teaching me so much during this season of my life. Post-college is a hard age because most of us aren't sure where we are going, or what exactly we want to be doing. I have had to adjust to moving back home and living with my parents. It hasn't been awful, but there are some days where I am ready to get out, but other days where I am content. God is showing me to be patient. He is showing me to trust in His timing. Good things are coming I just have to believe. When I walked across that stage in December I had no idea that I would be doing the things that I am doing right now, but I thankful. And the blessings keep coming. God has placed me with a group of girls and we have been studying the book Made to Crave. This book is changing my life day by day. Believe me I could not do it without the help of the girls involved, but I am learning to eat healthier and live a healthier lifestyle and so far I have lost 8lbs!!!
Praying and Believing!
I am still LOVING my internship! I have grown to love my kids more and more. I didn't even know that it was possible to love them this much. I am already dreading the day that I have to leave in May. This past week we did Dr. Seuss! I
Weddings, Weddings, Weddings-It's that time of the year again, the time for wedding season to begin! Over the past two years I feel that I have attended more weddings than I could imagine, but here I am again with at least 5 weddings that I will be attending before the year is out. My friend Drew will be the first. He is getting married at the end of this month! Drew and I were in a bible study together and became very good friends. We have prayed about this day for a long time and I am so excited to celebrate with him and his wife on their special day. Next on the list is Cole and Lindsey. They both used to work at BBQ king. Cole and I were very close at one point, I can say for sure at one time that he was one of my best guy friends. It is so funny to me that they are getting married because I remember many years ago when Cole, Lindsey, Paolo, and I went to Charleston. On this trip Cole told me that he had some interest in Lindsey and I was like aww that's cute, little did I know that I would be attending their wedding in April! Life is crazy sometimes, but I am excited for both of them. June brings another wedding, my friend Andrew and then in August my friend Alysha who also worked with me at BBQ king. I am so glad that both of these people have found their soul mates! They deserve it. And let's round out the year with my friend Aleia getting married in December! I seriously cannot wait for this wedding, it is going to be a blast. A girl told me at work today that I was the "wedding witness queen." I am starting to believe that is true, but I love every second of it!
I also recently became a NANNY!! I pick these girls up everyday after my internship, take them home, do homework with them, etc until their parents get home. I LOVE IT! God truly blessed me with this job because I had been doing a lot of praying about finding something else to do with children and it was like BOOM this just fell into my lap. I have known this family for a long time, and I am so glad to spend more time with them. Also, I am going to do it this summer as well...YAY! I can't wait and an extra bonus is that they have a pool...I will be tan this summer.
In other news, God is teaching me so much during this season of my life. Post-college is a hard age because most of us aren't sure where we are going, or what exactly we want to be doing. I have had to adjust to moving back home and living with my parents. It hasn't been awful, but there are some days where I am ready to get out, but other days where I am content. God is showing me to be patient. He is showing me to trust in His timing. Good things are coming I just have to believe. When I walked across that stage in December I had no idea that I would be doing the things that I am doing right now, but I thankful. And the blessings keep coming. God has placed me with a group of girls and we have been studying the book Made to Crave. This book is changing my life day by day. Believe me I could not do it without the help of the girls involved, but I am learning to eat healthier and live a healthier lifestyle and so far I have lost 8lbs!!!
Praying and Believing!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Prayer Request
This is one of those blogs that I am not posting on Facebook or Twitter because it is very personal. I am asking those of you who read this blog to join me-join me in prayer for my niece Alli. She is ten years old and one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Long story short she was having some stomach pain back in November and they had to take her to urgent care. At that time the Dr. thought that it was just an infection and gave her some medicine. Later on, there were 2 spots that showed up on CT scan, so last week she had to go have an MRI done. Of course that is so scary for a ten year old, or even an adult for that matter. I talked to my stepsister tonight and she said that Alli has an appointment in Chapel Hill on Thursday and they will know more then. Please please please join me in lifting her up in prayer. I don't think she really knows what is going on, but I am sure that she must be scared. I am scared for her. I am worried. I can't even imagine something happening to this little girl. I am trying my best not to worry because I am a firm believer in God takes care of his own, and that he is going to take care of my sweet Alli. Thank you in advance!!!
Praying & Believing!
Praying & Believing!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Life Lately
Life has been crazy busy which is the reason why I have not blogged in a while! Sorry guys-there is a lot to catch you up on. First things first, I turned 25 on December 29 and this was the one birthday that I was not really excited about. My dear friend Anna threw me this great surprise birthday party for me. I knew that we were doing something, but I had no idea what. She had a lot of help from my sister and Emaly! I was really surprised and I was so glad that everyone I love was there including my BBQ fam who mean the world to me. Donia made my cake which was so pretty and so delicious! I am so thankful to have such great friends and family who made this day so special for me!
New Years was good, didn't do much just hung out with some friends. I didn't really make any resolutions this year, because honestly for me I think they are overrated because I don't ever keep them. So I just thought why make them? That is probably not the best attitude to have, but oh well. I did start doing this new thing in my journal that I got from Pinterest. It's called Peaks, Pits, Praises, and Prayers. I am trying to write down these things weekly in my journal. It has been such a blessing already. I have always been one to write down my prayers and journal often. I can express myself better through writing.
On to the best thing that has happened to me in the past few weeks. I started my internship at Childers' Elementary a few weeks ago. Let me tell you, I LOVE IT!! I had no idea I would fall in love with my kids so fast. They are all so precious. The first weekend I had off, on Sunday I told my mom I already missed them. Can you believe that? I know it may not be that way all the time, but right now I am enjoying every moment spent with them. This week I have been a little under the weather. I went to school on Tuesday, but my cooperating teacher suggested that I go home because I looked like I didn't feel well. I felt horrible-but didn't want to leave my kids. Some would call me crazy, but I just call it love for the children. I am looking forward to the next coming weeks. I have already become so attached and I think they have become attached as well.
Last thing-the playoffs for the NFL have begun. First of all football is my favorite sport as many of you know, but I hate the fact that the season is so short. I felt like it just started yesterday, but it didn't. Anyway, the Saints defeated the Lions last weekend to move to the next round. Matt came over to watch the game and we ordered wings and had some great football food. It was a great time and that W helped! So tomorrow we play San Fran which is a really good team. I am hoping we pull through because I don't want to see the Saints stop playing until we have a another ring! Sorry for this tidbit for those of you who don't like sports!
All in all I am blessed girl! Hope you all are well!!
New Years was good, didn't do much just hung out with some friends. I didn't really make any resolutions this year, because honestly for me I think they are overrated because I don't ever keep them. So I just thought why make them? That is probably not the best attitude to have, but oh well. I did start doing this new thing in my journal that I got from Pinterest. It's called Peaks, Pits, Praises, and Prayers. I am trying to write down these things weekly in my journal. It has been such a blessing already. I have always been one to write down my prayers and journal often. I can express myself better through writing.
On to the best thing that has happened to me in the past few weeks. I started my internship at Childers' Elementary a few weeks ago. Let me tell you, I LOVE IT!! I had no idea I would fall in love with my kids so fast. They are all so precious. The first weekend I had off, on Sunday I told my mom I already missed them. Can you believe that? I know it may not be that way all the time, but right now I am enjoying every moment spent with them. This week I have been a little under the weather. I went to school on Tuesday, but my cooperating teacher suggested that I go home because I looked like I didn't feel well. I felt horrible-but didn't want to leave my kids. Some would call me crazy, but I just call it love for the children. I am looking forward to the next coming weeks. I have already become so attached and I think they have become attached as well.
Last thing-the playoffs for the NFL have begun. First of all football is my favorite sport as many of you know, but I hate the fact that the season is so short. I felt like it just started yesterday, but it didn't. Anyway, the Saints defeated the Lions last weekend to move to the next round. Matt came over to watch the game and we ordered wings and had some great football food. It was a great time and that W helped! So tomorrow we play San Fran which is a really good team. I am hoping we pull through because I don't want to see the Saints stop playing until we have a another ring! Sorry for this tidbit for those of you who don't like sports!
All in all I am blessed girl! Hope you all are well!!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Graduation, Christmas, and More!
So much has happened over the past few weeks and I honestly have just not had time to sit down and write about it. So I am going to try and fit it all in this one post without it being super long. So here goes..
First thing was graduation! Without a doubt, this was one of the best days of my lives. Although after I walked across the stage I become very anxious and just wanted it to be over where I could get to family. Right as graduation was over I looked up at my family to see my mother and father hugging. I had to look away because I did not want to cry! Graduation lasted FOREVER and when it was finally over we headed to canyons for lunch. This was a great time filled with eating, socializing, and opening gifts. I got a lot of great stuff..yay me! After lunch we went back to my house to finish packing up and we came home with 3 cars full of stuff. I was so exhausted when I came home from Boone, but my best friend Anna had just gotten home and I was dying to see her. We just hung out and enjoyed each other's company...it was great.
On to Christmas, let's just so I was so slack this year in my shopping. I waited till the last minute and I will NEVER EVER do that again. Things were just so busy with graduation and moving home. I got it all done...thankfully! Santa was very good to me this year, although I didn't ask for much besides clothes for my internship there were some great surprises. One which included a legit New Orleans Saints sweatshirt. Christmas morning we went to my grandmothers house, and it was a lot different that most Christmases. After lunch and gifts I went to my dad's and spent some time there. We went to grandma's and I got to see a lot of family. But of course the best part was seeing Chris, Alli, and Patrick. They are so grown-it makes me want to cry when I think about the fact that Chris will be driving in like a year and half.
Christmas came and went, but the day after Christmas was spent watching my man Drew Brees break the record for the most passing yards in a single season. And watching my Saints defeat the Falcons to win the NFC South...what a great night it was! Yall now how much I love football and Drew Brees.
Next on the list, turing 25 tomorrow!! Oh my goodness I can hardly believe it. I will officially be out of my early 20's. Not real sure how I feel about that. My best friend Anna has planned something, but I have no idea what it is because she won't tell me, but I am excited! I will be sure to let you all know all that goes!
I hope you all had a great Christmas and a happy new year!!
First thing was graduation! Without a doubt, this was one of the best days of my lives. Although after I walked across the stage I become very anxious and just wanted it to be over where I could get to family. Right as graduation was over I looked up at my family to see my mother and father hugging. I had to look away because I did not want to cry! Graduation lasted FOREVER and when it was finally over we headed to canyons for lunch. This was a great time filled with eating, socializing, and opening gifts. I got a lot of great stuff..yay me! After lunch we went back to my house to finish packing up and we came home with 3 cars full of stuff. I was so exhausted when I came home from Boone, but my best friend Anna had just gotten home and I was dying to see her. We just hung out and enjoyed each other's company...it was great.
On to Christmas, let's just so I was so slack this year in my shopping. I waited till the last minute and I will NEVER EVER do that again. Things were just so busy with graduation and moving home. I got it all done...thankfully! Santa was very good to me this year, although I didn't ask for much besides clothes for my internship there were some great surprises. One which included a legit New Orleans Saints sweatshirt. Christmas morning we went to my grandmothers house, and it was a lot different that most Christmases. After lunch and gifts I went to my dad's and spent some time there. We went to grandma's and I got to see a lot of family. But of course the best part was seeing Chris, Alli, and Patrick. They are so grown-it makes me want to cry when I think about the fact that Chris will be driving in like a year and half.
Christmas came and went, but the day after Christmas was spent watching my man Drew Brees break the record for the most passing yards in a single season. And watching my Saints defeat the Falcons to win the NFC South...what a great night it was! Yall now how much I love football and Drew Brees.
Next on the list, turing 25 tomorrow!! Oh my goodness I can hardly believe it. I will officially be out of my early 20's. Not real sure how I feel about that. My best friend Anna has planned something, but I have no idea what it is because she won't tell me, but I am excited! I will be sure to let you all know all that goes!
I hope you all had a great Christmas and a happy new year!!
Friday, December 9, 2011
It's Almost Over.
I attended my last college class ever yesterday! I can't believe it. Wednesday I was ball of emotions because that is one of the days where I have most of my Child Development classes and for some of those we don't have exams, so I won't get to see a lot of those people again. I am so excited to be graduating, but I would have never thought I would come to App State and make so many friends. So I am sad at the same time. I would have never survived my classes without some of those wonderful girls. Saying goodbye was hard, and I still have some of the hardest goodbyes left.
On Monday, I picked up my cap and gown...ahh! I can't believe this day is almost here. I feel like I have been on this journey forever and it is finally getting ready to come to an end. I really haven't had a lot of time to enjoy this countdown to graduation because I have been so stressed about my Nutrition class. This class has been a struggle for me all semester, probably because I am a Child Development major and I have no background about Nutrition. That exam is on Monday and it is my hardest so prayers would be much appreciated. I have been making flash cards all morning because the final exam is cumulative and it is has 120 questions on it..wow! Good thing I don't have an exam on Tuesday because my brian is probably going to be fried after that. I am studying all day tomorrow and Sunday, and just praying that I do well. After Monday I will have two more exams, but I am not in the least bit worried about them. So after Monday I will be home free!
Sunday is my last Sunday at Cornerstone Summit. These people at this church have truly changed my life over the past 2 years. I am so thankful that I got involved in a church up here and so thankful that it was this one. I have never grown or learned so much about Christ during my time spent here. I am thankful for a pastor who knows how to "walk down our street" week in and week out. He has taught me things that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Again my emotions will be running high on this day as well.
All of my roommates will be leaving on Friday, but luckily my sister is coming up on Saturday. I am so excited to spend some quality time with her before my big day (I know I sound like I am getting married). Between Saturday and Sunday all of my family will be piling in. I cannot wait to see all of them...ahhh! It is going to be the best day. I am excited, nervous, anxious, ready. I have so many mixed emotions!
To all of the college students, Good Luck on your exams! Next time I blog I will be a graduate..
On Monday, I picked up my cap and gown...ahh! I can't believe this day is almost here. I feel like I have been on this journey forever and it is finally getting ready to come to an end. I really haven't had a lot of time to enjoy this countdown to graduation because I have been so stressed about my Nutrition class. This class has been a struggle for me all semester, probably because I am a Child Development major and I have no background about Nutrition. That exam is on Monday and it is my hardest so prayers would be much appreciated. I have been making flash cards all morning because the final exam is cumulative and it is has 120 questions on it..wow! Good thing I don't have an exam on Tuesday because my brian is probably going to be fried after that. I am studying all day tomorrow and Sunday, and just praying that I do well. After Monday I will have two more exams, but I am not in the least bit worried about them. So after Monday I will be home free!
Sunday is my last Sunday at Cornerstone Summit. These people at this church have truly changed my life over the past 2 years. I am so thankful that I got involved in a church up here and so thankful that it was this one. I have never grown or learned so much about Christ during my time spent here. I am thankful for a pastor who knows how to "walk down our street" week in and week out. He has taught me things that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Again my emotions will be running high on this day as well.
All of my roommates will be leaving on Friday, but luckily my sister is coming up on Saturday. I am so excited to spend some quality time with her before my big day (I know I sound like I am getting married). Between Saturday and Sunday all of my family will be piling in. I cannot wait to see all of them...ahhh! It is going to be the best day. I am excited, nervous, anxious, ready. I have so many mixed emotions!
To all of the college students, Good Luck on your exams! Next time I blog I will be a graduate..
Saturday, November 26, 2011
taylor.
Today marks a very special day. Today is my roommate Taylor's 22nd birthday!! My very first semester at App there was a very quiet girl who sat two people over from md in a history class. I would have never thought that girl would be the best roommate and such a great friend as she is now. I met her through that history class and a mutual friend. During the next semester we hung out a few times in a group, but I still didn't really know her. I guess our friendship truly began one weekend when it seemed like everyone left Boone but us. We rented a movie on Friday night (which has now become our Friday night ritual) and went to Los I think (which happens often). Then on Saturday we made breakfast and just hung out. This was only the beginning, Christmas came around and I knew that I needed a place to live for the next year...I was kind of panicking. Come to find out, Taylor didn't have anyone to live with as of yet either, so we said why not? Little did I know that this would be the best roommate situation I have ever been in. We are so different, but like a lot of the same things and so it works. We both like for things to be clean, movies on Friday nights, mexican food, and wine. She loves baseball, and I love football. We both have our days where we are in mad moods and neither one of us wants to talk. We are both graduating December 18th...thank goodness! Now we spend out nights watching Dancing with the Stars, Glee, and Modern Family. We spend Friday night watching movies and most of the time baking something from Pinterest. Last weekend she got to come home with me and experience good ol' Lincoln county. She keeps me sane, and promised me if I ever went to jail she would bail me out! We have made so many memories that I will always cherish! It's hard to believe in less than a few short weeks we will no longer be roommates.
On this special day, the day of her birth I want her to know what a blessing she has been. Good roommates are hard to come by and I can truly say she is one of the best. I am so glad that God placed us together a year and half ago.
Happy Birthday Tay! I hope you enjoy your day and feel celebrated all day long! I can't wait to celebrate with you when we get back to Boone. I am so thankful you are my roommate. Love you!
On this special day, the day of her birth I want her to know what a blessing she has been. Good roommates are hard to come by and I can truly say she is one of the best. I am so glad that God placed us together a year and half ago.
Happy Birthday Tay! I hope you enjoy your day and feel celebrated all day long! I can't wait to celebrate with you when we get back to Boone. I am so thankful you are my roommate. Love you!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Thankful
As Thanksgiving apporaches I wanted to write about all the things that I am thankful for so here goes..
Family-There is no doubt about it I have the most amazing family in the world. They are so supportive, loving, kind, and only want what is best for me. Yesterday I had one of the biggest scares of my life which made me even more grateful. Side story-my niece Alli had to be taken to urgent care yesterday because she was having some severe stomach pain. They sent her to the hospital to have a CT scan, but nothing major showed up on it just that her white cell blood count was double what is was supposed to be. Needless to say when I heard this news I about had a panic attack. The doctor gave her a shot of antibotic and sent her home saying that it was probably just an infection. Praise the Lord! I talked to her last night, and she seemed to being doing well. I am thankful that she is okay. I am thankful for my parents who have taught me so much about life, love, and being happy. I am so glad that in 28 days I can give them something they have been waiting for for a long time...me graduating college. My sister is also another thing that I am thankful for...she is amazing, and I could not imagine my life without her.
Anna Sipe-I am thankful that I get to see her in just 4 short weeks. I am thankful for that amazing friend she has been throughout the past few years of my life. Although she has been halfway across the world for well over a year now I don't feel that our friendship are waivered one bit. She is the one thing that remians constant in my life, and someone I know that will always be there no matter where life may take us. I am truly blessed to call her my bestfriend.
Taylor- I am so thankful for good roommates, and I have been blessed with one of the best! Taylor and I get a long so well, and I think it is because we are a lot different from one another, but somehow it works. It is hard for me to believe that in 28 days we will no longer be sharing a house together. She has been such a great friend. We realize when one of us is in a bad mood and we know that we should stay away. And yes, we are those roommates who live in the same house and text each other when one of us is upstairs and one is downstairs. I couldn't imagine my life without her in it.
BBQ Crew- I love them. The old crew, and the new group. My life has been made better because some of these people are in my life. I have spent some of the best times with these people outside of work. When you work together it's almost like you become family.
App State Football- Coming from a family that lives and breathes college football. I have to be thankful for it, but most importantly I am thankful that we are going to the playoffs and I get to see at least one more home game as a student.
I am sure there are a ton of things I left out, and there will be another blog to come again soon I'm sure, but these are just the things that have been on my mind lately. Here are some pics of these things I am thankful for..
Family-There is no doubt about it I have the most amazing family in the world. They are so supportive, loving, kind, and only want what is best for me. Yesterday I had one of the biggest scares of my life which made me even more grateful. Side story-my niece Alli had to be taken to urgent care yesterday because she was having some severe stomach pain. They sent her to the hospital to have a CT scan, but nothing major showed up on it just that her white cell blood count was double what is was supposed to be. Needless to say when I heard this news I about had a panic attack. The doctor gave her a shot of antibotic and sent her home saying that it was probably just an infection. Praise the Lord! I talked to her last night, and she seemed to being doing well. I am thankful that she is okay. I am thankful for my parents who have taught me so much about life, love, and being happy. I am so glad that in 28 days I can give them something they have been waiting for for a long time...me graduating college. My sister is also another thing that I am thankful for...she is amazing, and I could not imagine my life without her.
Anna Sipe-I am thankful that I get to see her in just 4 short weeks. I am thankful for that amazing friend she has been throughout the past few years of my life. Although she has been halfway across the world for well over a year now I don't feel that our friendship are waivered one bit. She is the one thing that remians constant in my life, and someone I know that will always be there no matter where life may take us. I am truly blessed to call her my bestfriend.
Taylor- I am so thankful for good roommates, and I have been blessed with one of the best! Taylor and I get a long so well, and I think it is because we are a lot different from one another, but somehow it works. It is hard for me to believe that in 28 days we will no longer be sharing a house together. She has been such a great friend. We realize when one of us is in a bad mood and we know that we should stay away. And yes, we are those roommates who live in the same house and text each other when one of us is upstairs and one is downstairs. I couldn't imagine my life without her in it.
BBQ Crew- I love them. The old crew, and the new group. My life has been made better because some of these people are in my life. I have spent some of the best times with these people outside of work. When you work together it's almost like you become family.
App State Football- Coming from a family that lives and breathes college football. I have to be thankful for it, but most importantly I am thankful that we are going to the playoffs and I get to see at least one more home game as a student.
I am sure there are a ton of things I left out, and there will be another blog to come again soon I'm sure, but these are just the things that have been on my mind lately. Here are some pics of these things I am thankful for..
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The End of a Good Thing
So today wrapped the last day of my favorite show in the world...One Tree Hill. This showed started when I was a junior in high school and I have been a devoted fan since then! I honestly feel like this show has made me the person that I am today. I seriously wanted to be Brooke Davis. A few years ago my friend Cindy and I went to Wilmington for a One Tree Hill Charity Event. We drove all over Wilmington (literally) looking/taking pictures of all the houses/places that were used in One Tree HIll. We saw Peyton's car The Comet, The Rivercourt which at that time was painted with Peyton's love letter to Lucas that was used at the end of season 5,and the outside of the studio. We wanted to tour it, but they were already closed that night when we went. The next day was the One Tree Hill Charity Basketball Game. This is where we got to watch all the stars (well the boys) play basketball and then we got to meet the stars and get their autographs. Little Jackson who plays Jamie did the Soujia Boy and Lee Norris (Mouth) told me that my name was beautiful. For me, this was one of the best days of my life! I was getting to meet the people that I watched week in and week out, and who I felt like were a huge part of my lives on Monday/Tuesday nights. I watched Peyton act like she didn't love Lucas, and then she did. Lucas loved Brooke, Brooke didn't love him,and then she did. The Peyton/Lucas/Brooke traingle kept us all wanting more. But knowing in the end that Peyton and Lucas were made to be together. And oh, sweet Nathan and Haley...always and forever. I have watched them love, cry, fight, lose, their success, and their failures, and it has all come down to this. I can't believe after 9 seasons and 187 episodes it is finally coming to and end!
Goodnight One Tree Hill...Thanks for all the memories!
PS. The season doesn't premiere until Jan. 11, and so there is still that and thankfully I have all the DVD's!!
Goodnight One Tree Hill...Thanks for all the memories!
PS. The season doesn't premiere until Jan. 11, and so there is still that and thankfully I have all the DVD's!!
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