Barberville

Do you have things in your life that bring you great joy and you don't even know why? I most certainly do...

One of those things is the "Largest Road Side Stand in the World." It is something I driven by for years on my way to and from school. Each drive by piquing my curiostiy more and more, until I just couldn't stand it any more. I had to stop! I had to see what this place had to offer me, aside from the giant buffalo and Statue of Liberty lamp post out front. From those things alone, I knew what was inside had to be amazing. What I saw when I stopped has changed my life forever. Never in my life have I seen stuff like this...knights in armor...Mexican pottery of every animal imagined... giant roosters... life size alligators... fountains... fluorescent palm trees... religious icons... fruit... swords... jellies... juice... sinks... the list could go on and on and on...

So here it is...my tribute to it. The next time you're driving west on State Road 40, make sure you stop by to rummage through the incredible inventory of the "Largest Road Side Stand in the World."

(I promise to post pictures soon...for some reason Blogger and Phinneas- my computer- are not cooperating!)

Graduation!

Shippy is officially a college graduate!


Check out those yellow shoes!


Ashley and Baby aka Abbey...her little sister!


Jess and Ash...roomies!



We had a great time afterwards at the Ale House. I am so proud of what Ashley has accomplished and will miss her now that she's back in Orlando...

Big Day!

Today is a very big day for some very important people in my life!

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERICA LAYNE!
Erica was my first friend in Umatilla. She is smart, beautiful, spontaneous, fun, and a great daughter! I hope you have the best birthday, ever!!




Second, HAPPY GRADUATION, ASHLEY!
Today is Shippy's graduation from college. I'm so very PROUD of her! She has been a great friend, teammate, and encourager, always bringing fun and laughter wherever she goes. I am very glad to have such an amazing friend like her!

Brief Thoughts on the Summer

So it has been almost three months since my last post. Lots has happened between then and now. I've been to five weddings, participated in the Ms. Universe pagent, worked four camps, visited two foreign countries, failed an important test, lost a roomate, acquired a new roomate, and gotten a new job. Oh! and Mom and Dad got a puppy!! All in all, it has been a pretty busy summer!! When I get time, I'll elaborate more on all of these topics. For now, you'll just have to be satisfied knowing that I am still alive, exhausted, but alive.



The Ms. Universe Pagent at Lauren's house...my favorite was Tracy aka Ms. Cuba!



AnnE was a beautiful bride. Jami and I had a blast going to Kansas City to be her bridal assistants!



Impact was great again...here is the amazing Rec Staff...contrary to popular belief, we really do work hard!!



My crazy SuperWOW staff. They were great! What an amazing three weeks...



Laura, Stephany, me, and Sara Hope...wedding crashers...I mean photographers! Beautiful wedding on the beach at Jekyll.

Dinner Time!

All of my friends are getting engaged....and married! This is wonderful! I'm so happy for them all, really I am. In the midst of all of this happiness, I usually say that I just want to go out on a date. Really, I just want someone to buy my dinner....that's it....no committment, just dinner.

Well, my wish has come true. I have had free dinner, from boys, the past four nights! Tuesday night, it was dinner at the Loop with Lauren, Jeff, and John...thank you John! Wednesday night it was Chili's with Stephen...gracias mi amigo. Thursday night it was Zaxby's with the whole Tutherow crew...thanks Ryan. And Friday night was Sonny's with Uncle Virgil, Aunt Pam, and the boys...thank you thank you thank you!

This all goes to show that prayers are answered...and not always how we intended them to be! I am learning that it is ok to not go on dates...(and that you can still get free dinner!)

Maybe one day I will have a dinner date...maybe not...but until then...I'll just wait and enjoy the dinners I do get!


He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
Psalm 111:4-6

May 13, 2007

Yesterday was a very special day for me on many different levels.

It was Mother's Day. And I love my mom very, very much. We got to spend the whole day together and it was great. She has been such a profound example of what a mother should be, how a mother should act, and how a mother should love. I hope that one day I will be able to be half the mom she was for me and my sister.

May 13 is also the day that I lost one of my best friends and one of the most influential people in my life- Colby Hayes (http://www.nhimministries.com/main.asp). I will never forget the first time we met (or the second time we met) and the incredible impact he had on everyone around him. Colby loved the Lord like few I have ever met. He lived life where each day was an adventure. He couldn't sit still for more then 5 minutes. He always had to be doing something. Colby was like the brother my family never had. Before he went to heaven, Colby went skydiving. To hear him talk about it and to see how his face lit up, you couldn't help but smile and get excited yourself. He told everyone about it and told everyone to do it. Our good friend Mark decided that it would be fitting to skydive in honor and memory of Colby. And we did. It was just as incredible as Colby described. I don't think I can adequately describe in words the experience. A year has gone by so fast. I hope that he'll show up some time when I least expect it, like he's been gone on a long vacation. I can't wait until I see him again!


This is the plane we flew out of. A professional group jumped before us. They were filming formations!


We landed safe and sound. Mark's landing was very smooth...mine, not so much....at least I landed where I have the most "padding"...

I'm a BIG kid now!

Friday, May 4th was the first day of the rest of my life!


Amber was was recognized for receiving a high pass on her Honors Portfolio. We went to a ceremony where she was given a certificate. I am so proud of her!

It was graduation day!! Jami and I graduated at the same ceremony. It was great! Aunt Pam, Uncle Virgil and Aunt Trece came. Gam and Grandma spent the week in St. Augustine with mom and dad. It was so nice to have everyone there.



Now what? I'm still trying to figure it out...but for now, I'm excited about being a graduate and for what the future holds!

I Love Spring

some people may be surprised to find that i love plants...flowers...trees...pretty much any type of foliage.
other people are not surprised by this fact at all.

one of my favorite times for plants is the spring. i love new growth. it is so refreshing and hopeful.

here are some pictures i took in march when i was in georgia. i hope they are as inspiring to you as they are to me!












Look around you: Winter is over;
the winter rains are over, gone!
Spring flowers are in blossom all over.
The whole world's a choir—and singing!
Song of Solomon 2:10 (the Message)

Visual Update...

Sharon is now officially Mrs. Sharon Mendez! WOOOOO HOOOOO! Jason and Sharon were married on March 24, 2007. It was an awesome wedding.

Here are a few pictures from the wonderful day!

Incorruptible

This weekend it all came together...months of planning and praying. The BCM Ladies retreat was a success. Much thanks to Lauren, Tiffany, and Abby for all their hard work and help. Also to Christa Kirby for driving down to share what was on her heart. It was awesome. I think that all the girls had a great time. I know that I learned a lot, laughed a lot, and got to know so many new people. The t-shirts turned out awesome and we didn't run out of food. All-in-all it was great. Now that it has come and gone I'm a little sad. It went by so fast! But I guess that's life.

The semester is almost over. I'm going to be graduated....GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE...in two weeks. That's absolutely insane. CRAZY! Until then, I have a million things to do and of course not enough time...



Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

I do...want to...just not yet...

So apparently the thing to do now is get engaged. I have had 6 friends in the last few weeks get engaged.

Melissa, Lauren, Nick, Katherine, Jenn, and Leah, CONGRATULATIONS! I really am so happy and very excited for all of you...

...honestly though, I feel like I'm missing out on something. It's not that I want to be getting engaged, but I guess maybe I feel like I'm missing out on something really fun?! And sometimes I feel a little bit lonely...but not all the time! :)

Engagements lead to weddings and weddings = FUN! I'm looking forward to soon celebrating the end of Sharon and Jason's engagement and the wedding which will begin their new lives together! And then comes Jeremy and Laura's and little Sarah's!

So, yay for engagements and yay for weddings...

And I promise I won't feel sorry for myself when someone else gets engaged...but people, please give me a few months to recover and prepare myself! ;)

Anatomy

Today the athletic training program took a field trip to the Orlando Science Center. We went to see the "Our Bodies: The Universe Within" exhibit. It was absolutely incredible.

Check out: http://www.ourbodytheuniversewithin.com/

**you may want to view the website with caution...there are pictures of human bodies disected...this may make some people queasy**

I am in awe of the human body and how amazing it is. The whole time we were there I kept thinking about how cool God is for designing our bodies the way they are. The meticulous preparation of the specimens was impressive. Having worked with cadavers, I know that it is frustrating, tedious work. I applaud all those who took time to prepare this exhibit!

After the trip, most of the class went to work on putting together race bags for the Gate River Run. We have 12,000 to make and hopefully are more then half way done. Stuffing bags is hard work. I think I'm going to be sore from doing it! haha! I really enjoyed spending time with my classmates and getting to know them better. This is one of the first times I've really had to connect with them. I'm looking forward to this weekend because we're working at the Scottish Highland Games. It should be a very interesting weekend!!

loooooooove

happy valentine's day to all!

valentine's day is usually not a holiday i celebrate much, but this year has been different...

yesterday, ken sent us a dozen red roses!! beautiful!
my grandma gave me a card.
jami gave me a sweet card, chocolate flipz (yum!), and sassy red nail polish!

i feel very loved.

today is also my parent's 31st anniversary. i hope that one day i will find a husband who will make me so happy for 31+ years, like my dad has for my mom!

since i dont have a "special someone" today, i want all of my friends to know how much i love and appreciate them. i'm very blessed to have so many great friends! i wouldn't trade any of that for one silly boyfriend!! :)

have a great day!!

and always remember, we have access to the greatest love of all, a love that will endure forever!

FOREVER

It feels like I haven't done this in forever....

well, not too much is going on...well, I guess that's a lie....lots is going on

Last weekend I went to Cari and Chris's wedding. It was beautiful. This weekend is Sharon's bridal shower in Atlanta. Next weekend is BCM state conference in Orlando. During the week I am working, going to school, interning for my education minor, and doing athletic training stuff at Episcopal every weeknight. AnnE is still living with us...but not for too much longer. Her parents come next weekend.

The weeks have been flying by. I can't believe January is over and February quickly doing the same. Hopefully by next week I will have applied to graduate schools! YIKES! I'm not ready to grow up...but I guess it is going to happen whether I'm ready or not!

I'll try to post more consistently!! I pinky promise! :)

Full House

One of my favorite shows and soon-to-be the story of my life...

AnnE is moving in for a month, starting tomorrow! I'm so excited, but a little bit nervous!! Four girls, 3 rooms, 2 bathrooms. Definitely going to be very interesting around here! I can't wait though. We're going to have FUN!

Back to my favorite show...
I grew up watching Full House, thanks to my best friend Jenna. I don't think I missed an episode on TGIF. I lived for Friday night TV. And what ever happened to predictability? The milk man, the paper boy, evening TV? Sigh...those were the good ol' days.

As I type, I'm sitting on the couch watching Uncle Jesse and soon-to-be Aunt Becky plan their wedding...I should be cleaning up and getting ready for AnnE....

but just remember that...

Everywhere you look , everywhere you go
There's a heart
A hand to hold onto.

Everywhere you look , everywhere you go.
There's a face
Of somebody who needs you.

Eveywhere you look,
When you're lost out there and you're all alone,
A light is waiting to carry you home,
Everywhere you look.
Everywhere you look.

Holiday FUN!

WHEW!

It has been a busy few weeks. Right after exams, I worked softball winter camp. It was great. I love those kids! They're so much fun!! I got to be in charge of all the younger kids...wow! I had great help from Shippy, Katie, Jess, Christina, and Lauren. I hope that one day I'll be able to coach...

My next stop was home for a few hours and then off to Maine for a whole week. IT WAS INCREDIBLE! The weather was beautiful...mid-30s most of the time. We didn't get snow, but it didn't matter. We hiked and slept in and hung out with family. All of my dad's family flew in to be with our Gammy for Christmas. We had a blast!!

The third stop in my whirlwind break is Macon, GA for YEC...which is where I am currently blogging from. Amber, Becca, and I arrived at the hotel a little while ago, thankful we didn't have to drive up the morning of. I'm anticipating three jam packed days of merch and camera and friends and minimal sleep!! WOO HOO!

After YEC, we're heading up I-75 a few more miles to visit my Grandma in her new apartment. As I type, mom and dad are packing up her belongings and furniture and loading it in to a U-Haul. We'll go visit her for the day and help her unpack some before heading home.

Then it's New Years and then back to school. I think I'm going to need a vacation from my Christmas vacation!




One more thought- I am so thankful for my whole family and the time we got to spend together this Christmas. We all get so busy in life and rarely have a moment to spend together. They are so special and a tremendous blessing to me. I am also so thankful for the faith that binds us together. God is so good to me!

what a great day...

First of all, I had a final at 8 am. Its 38 degrees outside. I didn't get much sleep and felt very unprepared. The test was hard, probably didn't do too hot...

...then I go to the computer lab to pay my credit card bill on-line. Guess what! No money in my checking account. Wonderful. Even better, probably won't have money in it for a while...

Recap so far: freaking cold, failed final, no money...good morning, right?

Now I get to go have my leg looked at for the wound research I'm participating in. Usually not a problem, but today my leg hurts. I think one of the wounds is not cooperating. This is not going to be a fun time...

But...there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I get to go shopping with Lauren for a Bible for a French student! I might get my hair cut! I get to babysit Salvatore! and I'm going home for Cari's bridal shower!

Sorry for the crummy attitude, but the cold weather makes me very cranky! I'm trying hard to not be crabby all day! Writing this down is making me feel better already...

a visual

Here's a quick glance at a few of the things I've done, where I've been, and who I've been with!

Bert, Shannon, and Bill at the Snow Ball Dance!

(Dec. 1, 2006, Jacksonville, FL)

Trip to St. Augustine with the International Students!

(Nov. 4, 2006, FL)

Amber, Tabby, Teeter, and me!

(Nov. 25, 2006, Brentwood, TN)

Ford, me, Ruby, and Trevor (in the back)

everyone has kids now!!

(Nov. 23, 2006, Canton, GA)

Annual Chili Dinner at the Lowe's...

What a good lookin' crew!

(Nov. 24, 2006, Sandy Springs, GA)

hello old friend

Hi! It's me...remember me? I know I haven't posted in a long time and I apologize!

Things have continued to be crazy busy, but I guess that's how life is going to be....forever!

Here's a quick run through of what's been going on....

• Thanksgiving break trip to Canton, GA and Franklin, TN- got to see so much new family (baby Ford and baby Quinton!) and my dear friend Stephy!
• volunteering at the Snow Ball Dance (fun time for adults with special needs)- definitely the highlight of my month!
• preparing to run in the Festival of Lights 5K (tomorrow), and by preparing I mean just thinking about it because I haven't been running! :)
• had my leg "scraped" for a wound study my professor is doing
• Courtney and Tim's wedding in Miami- she was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen! (it makes me tear up just thinking about it!)
• got to spend time with Jenna and her mom! I miss them so much!
• saw friends I haven't seen in almost 10 years! Becca, Sara, Katie, Torri, Tyler, Jason- you guys are the best!
• Couch came to visit on Turkey day! YAY! (She had to though...the "above Macon rule" was in effect!)
• turned in a huge project for my Special Methods: secondary science class...lesson plans on a butterfly garden...life-changing!
• taking the GRE on Tuesday, Dec. 5th! AHHHHHH!

That's pretty much it. The semester is almost over. Life is just flying by! I hope to post more consistently soon....I hope...

so...

So here's the deal:

1. I'm sick of not having internet...but at the same time, loving it! There is some sort of freedom in not constantly checking my email or seeing who is on AIM...

2. I'm so excited about the new Bible study I'm going to with Lauren. We're studying Esther...and the girls are so cool!

3. Courtney and Amy are coming down this weekend for the Florida-Georgia game....WOO HOO! I cannot wait!

4. I've met some really cool people from church...that makes me excited! I really want to make more friends at Southpoint and get involved in the cool ways God is working through them...

5. I got to "work" for Starbucks on Saturday at the Race for the Cure... Man, that was intense...
First of all, we were up super early. Second, seeing so many people supporting such an amazing cause really made me think. Third, people freaking love Starbucks...especially free Starbucks! Borders doesn't get people that excited about their coffee :)

6. The volleyball team is doing really well. I'm enjoying continuing to get to know them and spending time with Stephanie and Shauna and Katie and Megan. They're such cool girls....

Alright, well I guess that is enough for now...it's getting late and I still have more homework to do...

Pray that I don't get overwhelmed as I begin looking for and contacting possible graduate schools...and I have to take me GRE soon...AHHH!!

until next time....

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3