Where Are You Christmas?

Christmas break = So far....so good. :) I am loving relaxing and not having any responsibilities. It has been so great being with Brett and his parents for the last couple of days! Last night we went to Callaway Garden's, Fantasy in Lights. It was a little rainy but cleared up just for us! It was a perfect night, just cool enough to let us know it was winter! :)

Beautiful sky....

Pretty nativity...

 Twas the night before Christmas....

Loved those twinkling lights.....

Looking a little tired and windblown but it really was such a fun night!

Today we headed to do a little Christmas shopping in the Auburn area. I remembered Linds telling me about a cupcake shop in Auburn and well, nothing more needed to be said. :) We headed to Gigi's cupcakes. 

 I mean...I had no doubt they would be delicious and they did not disappoint!! 

 Naturally, I chose the one with the most chocolate. It was so incredibly good.

 They were all decorated so pretty!

 If you are in the Auburn area you should definitely check it out. It is one of the few perks of Auburn. Sorry Auburn friends....a small dig. :)

I am certainly sad to leave the Kittrell's tomorrow but excited for a day with this little girl tomorrow...

Happy Friday! Oh, and 7 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!

Thank you Thanksgiving Break!

Well, today I started Thanksgiving break and it has started out just wonderful! Unfortunately, this was my last night with Brett before he goes home for a few days but we definitely had a fun night together. Go ahead and get out the wine cause it's about to get cheesy. We got up on the roof of my house to star gaze. Haha. Cheesy? Yes. Do we do this often? Absolutely not. So is it okay? Well, I think so.

It was a bit cloudy but a beautiful moon!

Sweet boy set it all up for us!

Such a fun last night together!

What a lovely evening! I am also anxiously awaiting the arrival of Eric, Lindsey, and Virginia!! Ahh....I cannot wait to squeeze that little girl and take a million pictures of her!

Hopefully we will have more blogging over the next couple of days!

I hope your Thanksgiving break is starting out as great as mine!

Just the Two of Us

Maybe I'm just really pumped that I get to blog on a school night and don't have anything stressing me out or maybe I'm just lame but I saw this on someone else's blog and decided to do it. My family will say I am so gay but whatever....

Here are 30 questions about just the two of us :)

1. What are your middle names?

Anne and Brett. His first name is Joel which I love!

 2. How long have you been together?

Over two and a half years. Woo.... :)

3. How long did you know each other before you started dating?

We knew each other about 9 months before we started dating....We have a crazy story.. haha

4. Who asked who out?

Come on now....him of course!

5. How old are each of you?

I am 22 and he is 21. I know...robbing the cradle! We're only about 6 months apart

6. Did you go to the same school?

College? Yes. 

7. Are you from the same home town?

No....it is unfortunate.

8. Who is the smartest?

That boy is so smart. Seriously.....one of the smartest people I know. He knows something about EVERYTHING!

9. Who majored in what?

He is a physical education major and will graduate in May. I am an elementary education major and graduate in December.

10. Who is the most sensitive?haha. Me fo sho!

11. Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?

Belo Horizonte, Brazil on a mission trip! Yeah...far. haha

12. Who has the worst temper?

Eh....depends. Probably him but with me he really doesn't use his temper much but in competitive situations...watch out.

13. How many children do you want?

hmm....long ways away but I would guess 2 or 3. But, as I have learned....the Lord will decide that :) 

14. Who does the cooking?

My mom. HAHA. I mean....me more than him and I definitely will more when we get married but.....he likes to help!

15. Who is more social?

We are both fairly social. Brett has never met a stranger but I am more of a "Let's have a party" kinda girl.

16. Who is the neat freak?

Oh me. Boy oh boy....the fights that are to come. :) 

17. Who is the most stubborn?
Well........me? Yeah...probably me.

18. Who wakes up earlier?

Umm...ME. Always!

19. Where was your first date?
Our first official date was when I went to Phenix City to see him and meet his family for the first time. We went to Country's Barbecue (I know...so appropriate if you know Brett) and then went to his house and watched a movie.

20. Who has the bigger family?
That would be me..

21. Do you get flowers often?

Not often but that makes it all the more special when it happens!

22. How do you spend the holidays?

Haha. For now....separately. I'll be excited when we can spend them together!

23. Who is more jealous?

Definitely me. I'm not crazy jealous but I have had my moments...

24. How long did it take to get serious?
Gosh....not long at all. I mean it was well over a year before "I love you's" were exchanged but we both knew pretty early on.

25. Who eats more?

I'll just be honest....probably me. Dang it.

26. What do you do for a living?

Both still in school but I will be teaching soon!!!

27. Who does the laundry?
Well, he always does his own and now that I'm at home....my mom. Spoiled much? But I will do it when we get married.

28. Who's better with the computer?

Probably pretty even I would guess..

29. Who drives when you are together?

Most of the time it's Brett but usually in my car.

30. What is your song?

No song.......lame.

What A Day!

Mmm.....A day off in the middle of the week. Sounds good. Thank you Veteran's Day. I had the best day yesterday. I slept in....and by that I of course mean I slept till 7:30ish. But hey, 7:30 is better than 5! I got up and hung around the house in my PAJAMAS! I got ready and was so blessed to go to BSF yesterday morning. I know I have blogged about BSF before because basically my family is obsessed. haha. BSF is Bible Study Fellowship. It is a wonderful Bible study and you can probably find a class near you. Check out their website for more information. Anyways, I was able to go. I am not involved in a class because I cannot go on Thursday mornings. It is unfortunate but I was thankful for the opportunity this morning. In BSF they are going through the book of Isaiah and let me tell you that hearing a lecture definitely helps Isaiah to come alive and I was able to understand more of what was going on. It was so encouraging.

During the lecture, Pam talked about the Holy Spirit because in this portion of Isaiah that she lectured on, there is a clear picture of the trinity. She reminded us that although we are not able to physically walk with Jesus every single day as the disciples are, we have something much better. We have His Spirit which NEVER leaves us. She explained that we should never be jealous of someone else's relationship with the Lord because, "His faithfulness to others will NEVER interrupt His faithfulness to me." What comforting knowledge. A couple of principles from her lecture and I'll be done....(sorry)

"King Jesus has left believers His Spirit and His Word until He returns in glory!"

and

"When King Jesus reigns, unity and praise will characterize His people."

Sorry for the preaching....Bottom line: I wish I worked at a school that would let me have Thursday mornings off. :) Thankfully, an evening women's class is coming SOON!!

After BSF I got to meet this boy for lunch and spend some time with him. Breath of fresh air. It is interesting because Pam also talked about anxiety at BSF. While I don't consider myself to be extremely anxious there are times when it just hits me. Well, of course, today it did. I just had a lot on my mind and was basically over-stressing and having a "girl/dramatic" moment. This boy always knows just what to say to calm me down. Bless his patient heart.

We ate, talked, ran some errands, and spent some much needed quality time together. Brett's parents came into town and I went with his family to watch Brett coach the first varsity basketball game of the season. The lost but played hard. It was a tough game. We wrapped up the day with the last South Alabama football season. What what. STILL undefeated ladies and gents. STILL. :) All in all....days off in the middle of the week have my vote. It is early and no I did not type this post....this early in the morning. I had started it yesterday and it got late so I thought I'd finish it. I know you are all dying for my next post. haha. Just kidding. I am off to see my first graders shortly.

Have a happy Friday!!!

"I could never lose You. And this life will pass away,

but You will never change."

-Eternal, Sanctus Real

Well...It's About Time!

I know! I know! It has been f.o.r.e.v.e.r! I feel like so much has happened since I last blogged! I am in the middle of student teaching and my 20 consecutive solo days! I am all by myself and honestly, it has not been terribly stressful but it has been a lot of work! Loads of lesson plans and preparation for my weeks=not much time for blogging! But, I am loving it and I am halfway done!! In two weeks a good bit of craziness will be over!

I was able to have a little fun last weekend! Brett bought me Carrie Underwood/Billy Currington tickets for my birthday and finally the day came when it was time to go to the concert! It was like a birthday present almost 3 months later and it was FABULOUS! We had such a fun time!

Oh Billy....He was wonderful!

She was beautiful and talented and so entertaining! She definitely busted out some....

"How Great Thou Art" in the middle of "Jesus Take the Wheel." Best part of the night probably.

I tried to upload a few videos but blogger is being weird.

Katherine, I took a video of Billy Currington singing, "I Got A Feelin'" just for you! Remember when we were obsessed with that song? Speaking of Katherine I have to give a huge Happy Birthday!! It was on Tuesday but I just have to say it on here!!

I know we have plenty of other pictures together from wayyyyyyy long ago but this was one from the beginning of college and I thought it was funny. Crazy to think we have been friends for like 12 years!

And....look how far we've come! P.S. This was the most recent picture I have of us. Over a year ago. This is sad and needs to change soon! :) Love you!

In other news....well, not much is going on. I have been struggling through plenty and learning so much. I think that God has really used this semester to teach me about the power of prayer which is so encouraging. He has also revealed a lot of sin in my life. We have also been going to a Bible study/Discussion group on Wednesday nights. We are doing the video series, The Truth Project. It is basically a series that discuss how we can have a biblical worldview. It has been great to be with the Estis' of course and we have also met some pretty great people! I have learned so much and been so encouraged!

Lastly, I will be celebrating 2 and a half years with this boy tomorrow....and by celebrating I mean saying...."Yay. 2 1/2 years!" :) haha. Either way....I am happy to be in this sweet relationship and I love this boy with all my heart!

I hope everyone has had a relaxing weekend!

Something to encourage you on your Monday....

"I see you there hanging on a tree. You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me. Now you are sitting on your heavenly throne...soon you will be coming home! You're beautiful! When we arrive at eternity's shore...where death is just a memory and tears are no more. We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring. Your bride will come together and we'll sing, You're beautiful!" -Phil Wickham

Loving this song right now. :)

Bittersweet Day

Yesterday was a good day. It was also a sad day. It was my last day at the summer enrichment program that I participated in for the last 5 weeks. Parents came, we had a ceremony/program, and students said their goodbyes. It is amazing how much I fell in love with these kids over the last four weeks. I hated to say goodbye.

Our fourth graders did such a great job with their performance as well. I am unbelievably proud that I got to work with such an amazing program. The experience I received was one like no other. I think I mentioned before that they were giving four scholarships to the girls they selected. I was honored to be one of the recipients. What a blessing and what an honor. I have been so encouraged by all that this program has given me and the support that I received.

After the program was over the staff and I cleaned out our rooms and celebrated at Buffalo Wild Wings. I was so lucky to have such a fabulous group of people to work with. We had so much fun.

After we finished our lunch I headed home and Brett and I went on a swim. I feel like I haven't gotten to really enjoy our pool this summer. The program has been so time consuming but now I can relax for a bit! I am thrilled. Brett and I cooked dinner and enjoyed a movie together. It was a nice night to just chill. Sadly, it was his last night in town but we enjoyed spending time together.

Ok...next.....a little off subject.

A couple of weeks ago I finished my book for June. This book was a reread. I love Francine Rivers. Most girls are obsessed with her book, Redeeming Love, and while I love that one, I have to say that The Atonement Child was better to me. I know, I know. Everyone thinks I am crazy. I think I love this one because it addresses an issue I am passionate about, abortion. It is a story about a girl who is raped and then has a choice to make. There are lots of details that go into it but I won't spoil it for you. Girls, read it!

Well, it was going to be a day in the pool but it is looking like it might just be a rainy day. Either way.....it's a good day. I am off to a breakfast date with Brett before he leaves....Have a wonderful Saturday folks.

Two Great Years

Yesterday, May 1st, Brett and I celebrated two years together. We had so much fun. I woke up early and went to his house to surprise him and cook him breakfast. He was definitely surprised to find me walking into his room with a plate of pancakes! :) After we ate I went home to get ready and he came to pick me up a little later. We exchanged gifts and boy oh boy...I was in for a surprise...Look what he got me!!

I was so shocked and so excited. He got this lens for me because of my trip to Africa. I also got some beautiful tulips as well. I could not wait to try my lens out! He did so good and I felt completely spoiled!

We then headed across the bay to have lunch. We ate at California Dreamin' and had plans to go to the Fairhope pier or to the Grand Hotel so I could use my camera. However, it was a bit of a yucky day so we decided not to drive as far. We went to Five Rivers on the causeway. I had so much fun using my camera and practicing different things. We had a great time! Here are some pictures from our day....

2 YEARS! :)

I feel like this might be a good time to share exactly how Brett and I met. I was a sophomore and he was a freshman. My roommate, Julie knew Brett and one day she put it together that we might have a class together. We soon connected the dots and realized we had sociology together. We began to talk a lot in that class. He stole my phone and put his number in it and called himself so he would have my number....Creep. :) We began to text all the time. One day...after about 4 months of being friends, he told me he liked me and wanted to know if I felt the same way. I. was. shocked. I told him that I really enjoyed his company but that I just saw him as a friend. Dang.

Anyways, we continued hanging out and talking and just being friends. It never got awkward which shocked me! He just kept on being a great friend. About a month later, my feelings began to change. All of the sudden I was wondering if I might even like this guy. I tried so hard to not show anything or lead him on in any way. I still did not know if I was supposed to be in a relationship with this boy. I kept praying and trying to seek the Lord. I knew I liked him....but he did not know and I didn't want him to. One night, about three months after he had initially pursued me, we were talking on the phone and he said, "Laura, do you think we haven't dated because you aren't interested or because it's not the right time?" Dang. I was cornered and could not lie. I told him I just didn't think it was the right time. About a month later...or maybe less...we were dating. :)

After two years together I can say that without a doubt it was the Lord that brought us together in his perfect timing. I know that it was hard for Brett to wait five months but I know he would tell you that God taught him so much during that time. I am so thankful to have this boy in my life.

I love so much about him. His curiosity about everything, how unbelievably smart he is, his love for sports (not who he chooses to cheer for necessarily...Roll Tide!), his passion to help people, his servants heart, his consistent prayer life, his humor, his love for others, and most importantly his relationship with the Lord!

I am truly blessed and thank the Lord for blessing me with such an amazing guy.

Thank you for loving me and serving me so well Brett and for taking such great care of my heart for the past two years! I hope we have many more together!

It's Not My Fault

So......my lack of posting as of late is not because of me. Seriously....I mean, I have been busy and been working on a million projects but I have had time to blog and wanted to blog. Here is the problem....Okay, about four years ago I received the best graduation present, my mac. I L-O-V-E it! However, this mac is four years old and is running on fumes. After four years of college it is full of pictures, music, and about a million documents, powerpoints, etc. Bless its heart. I'm sure it is thinking...."I am done." Or maybe that is just what I am thinking...Because seriously...I am done. It has been good to me but it is time for an upgrade. This will have to wait until sometime this summer and I am going to do my best to be patient. Basically, my computer is struggling to upload pictures and is really just acting old. Oh technology!

Anyways, I could update you on the past 2 weeks but I'll just go with this weekend. It was oozeball weekend. Some of my greatest memories have been made playing oozeball! It is volleyball played in 18 inches (give or take) of mud and it is so much fun! I have played every year except last year (not by choice :) ). Here are some pictures from these three fun years!

Some sweet friends at oozeball 2007!

:) oozeball 2008...back before we were dating but can't you just see

the admiration all over his face? :)

Our team in 2008

The Sticks in the Mud--2009 oozeball team!

Sweet boy..

After our domination. haha. Jk. We lost but had so much fun!

Well...that is all I got for now. Hopefully, we will have more luck with this computer soon! Macs really are amazing.....mine is just a bit ancient. :)

I hope everyone has a great week! I am hoping it goes by quickly because Saturday is a very special day.

I will be celebrating 2 great years with this guy. I am so thankful!

Happy Monday!

A Lovely Getaway

So..when you hear LaGrange, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama....you may not be thinking of lovely vacations spots. However, for me, it was just what I needed this weekend. As soon as I got done with a long and completely stressful day with my fourth graders, I headed home and packed up to head to LaGrange, Georgia with Brett.

Why?

Because of this angel right here. Brett and I went to spend the night with Eric, Lindsey, and Virginia. We were already planning to spend Easter weekend with Brett's family so we decided to make the trip there first. I am so thankful we did. I have missed this peanut and it was so good to visit with Eric and Linds and see their house.

Sorry its blurry...

Daddy teaching Virginia how to play the guitar.. :)

She moves those hands...A LOT which is why it's so blurry! She loved Brett!

I could eat her! She is the sweetest, most adorable baby and I love her!

We then headed to Phenix City to be with Brett's parents. We came for Easter but also for one of Brett's friends weddings. It was such a relaxing weekend and so good to spend some time with the Kittrell's.

Before the wedding...

Easter Sunday....There are better pictures but they are not on my camera!

This morning when I woke up I was able to spend some time in the Word and obviously, I thought a good bit about my Savior and the sacrifice He made for me. Last night, Brett and I were talking and he looked at me and said, "2,000 years ago someone died for us. Why'd He do it Lou?" We talked about how much love our Father has for us to send His only Son to die for a bunch of sinners who are so unworthy. I am so thankful for the life that He lived and the death he bore for me.

"In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee. The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" -Luke 24:5-7

"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes through a man." -1 Corinthians 15:20-21

"Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:54-57

He is RISEN and I am THANKFUL!

I also wanted to let you know.... My book to read for March was a book that was given to me over a year ago. My parents read it and then Brett read it and several other friends I know. I tried to read it when I got it but after a couple of chapters, gave up. I began reading it at the beginning of March and pretty much the same thing happened. Remembering my New Years Resolution.....I kept trying and trying. Well, let me tell you...it was tough for me to get into. I got down to the last 3 days of March and as I forced my way through the first few chapters...I could not put it down. I would say it is one of the best books I have ever read. I am going to be honest....I finished the book on April 1st so hopefully, you will have some grace even though I missed my deadline by a day. :) I would highly recommend it. I was in tears as I got to the end of this book.

I hope you all have had a wonderful, relaxing weekend and a great Sabbath!

He is risen indeed!

Spring Break? Is that you?

Yes. Spring Break is almost here. I pretty much consider it to already be here. I still have to go and teach my fourth graders tomorrow and I have to teach fifth graders for a bit on Friday..but....no more classes, no homework (at least for a few days), and no tests. Bliss. I plan to enjoy every minute of this break.

On Friday afternoon I will be leaving to go to Panama City Beach, FL and I am so so excited. Now, to most people...PCB is simply a beach...a nice vacation spot....a party place. But..to me, it is a city filled with probably some of the greatest memories I have ever had and definitely a place that I hold dear to my heart. I spent two entire summers in PCB. To most, this probably sounds wonderful and it was. Don't get me wrong. They were crazy, tough summers that stretched me and taught me so much. I think I have mentioned before that the reason I was there was for Summer Beach Project. It is a project through a ministry called Campus Outreach. I was encouraged to go my freshman year and then after my sophomore year it was simply a no-brainer that I would go back. Let me take you back and share some of the firsts that I experienced at SBP 2007 and 2008.

First of all...my luxurious home for both summers was....

Let me tell you...one room, 6 girls, one bathroom. Talk about a challenge! Plus....I mean....you can't see the room but just look at the name of this hotel...oh wait....I'm sorry, "MOTOR INN." Yes, this is where I stayed. I could stop here and give you a list of things I learned just through my living conditions. :) Don't get me wrong..a hotel with about 100 college students living in it was also unbelievably fun!

Secondly....I also had some pretty great jobs while I was there as well....

Summer of '07=Burger King Summer of '08=Chick-Fil-A

Busy? Challenging? Humbling? Absolutely. More fun than I could ever imagine a job being? Absolutely! I would not have changed where I worked for anything!!

I also had a couple of experiences that were simply fun.

In 2007 I was able to look into the future and see what I would look like in 50 years. :) Anndddd....in 2008 I became one of Jesus' disciples and grew a beard. Okay...just kidding but we had a lot of fun dressing up like this.

I learned to swing dance! Oh goodness...this is a skill that I will be forever grateful to have. Okay...actually...my swing skills pretty much can only be credited to this guy in the picture with me. Meet my dear friend, Caleb Bridges aka "King of Swing." He is a stud and makes me look good when I dance with him!

In the summer of 2008, in addition to growing in my relationship with the Lord I also began a relationships with this special guy and began to fall in love. Sorry...don't mean to be mushy but this was kinda a big part of this summer. I learned a lot about him and a lot from him. I watched the Lord stretch him and teach him so much that I know contributed to the man he is today and the man he will continue to become.

Mostly, these summers were filled with friendships that I will cherish forever. Seriously, I treasure the time that I spent working, talking, raging, LAUGHING, praying, and growing with each person.

^One of my closest friends thanks to SBP and South's group from 2007^

All I can say is WOW! Far too many memories were made with this girl. I love you Brynn!

^My roomies for the summer and my sweet discipleship group^

But above all other things...I grew in my relationship with the Lord. I learned to study God's Word in ways I never knew. I was fed so much Scripture and so much truth. I learned how to serve when it is tough. I learned how to have grace with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I was shaped and molded and stripped.

So as I said, Panama City Beach might be just a place to vacation for some...but to me...it is a place where I met so many friends, made countless memories, and a place where the Lord challenged me and I can't wait to go back for a few days! :)

This was long, tedious, and quite possibly uninteresting for some of you. Forgive me as I strolled down memory lane. Have a good spring break (those of you who get one!)