My 2010

I know I'm a little late, but I was looking through my pictures and I realized what an amazing year I had in 2010. I have the most amazing family and friends on the planet. I am so incredibly blessed to live the life I live. These are just a few of the things I learned or really realized during 2010. This is by no means everything, just everything that I happened to catch on camera! :)

Sometimes you meet the most amazing friends on New Years Eve!

Winning is way more fun than losing. Example: Cotton Bowl 2010 vs. Egg Bowl 2010

Snow is fun for about an hour, then its just a pain. Little did we know, but Snowpocalypse 2011 would put the snow of 2010 to shame.

Brown(er) hair is not for me, Mississippi State University is not for Maggie, and apparently blonde hair is not for Mallen.

Every now and then, being a Saints fan pays off--even if you are a bandwaggoner like my sweet friend, Hannah :)

Live tennis matches are a million times better than televised tennis matches, especially when you're watching Maria Sharapova.

Some things NEVER change.

Anchors are always in style.

You are never too old for Kids Kamp.

Tarballs are gross--oil spills should be avoided at all costs.

Playing paintball with middle school boys (or Kristen Dorsey) results in major bruising.

Taking people to New Orleans for the first time is SO much fun!

The best clinic to help with at KidXtreme (VBS) is most definitely Rodeo.

Getting water OUT of a canoe is much more difficult than getting water IN the canoe. Thankfully, Christopher and Spencer were there to save the day (after flipping our canoe over).

It takes four grown men to change the tire on a church trailer.

You never know when God will put incredible people in your life who will change you forever.

I missed my calling. I should have been a baton twirler--fully sequined costumes and dancing to patriotic music. What more could a girl ask for?

I, without a doubt, have the most beautiful and talented sister any girl could ever ask for. I admire her and look up to her (in more ways than one).

I have the best sorority sisters a girl could ever dream of!

Seeing Kamp friends never gets old-even when they are cheering for the opposing team.

I have the best dressed dates and friends.

I will always love Harry Potter.

Mississippi State students need our help with a few dance moves.

Peace&Blessings

Day 4--A favorite Television Show

Without a doubt the easiest topic on this list—even though there is a tie between Glee and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. These would also probably fall under the “guilty pleasures” category, but I’m not ashamed.

Glee is my dream. What would be greater than walking down the hall and breaking out in song? Nothing. The Brittany Spears episode is one of my favorites; along with “The Rocky Horror Glee Show” and “A Very Glee Christmas.” If you haven’t seen Glee, watch it. Tuesday nights at 8:00 (during Crusade, but its on Hulu by Wednesday).

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is pure genius. Who doesn’t want to watch a bunch of insanely rich women prance around Beverly Hills and create unnecessary drama? Lisa Vanderpump is quite possibly one of the most fabulous women to ever live. She is uber classy and with her sidekick, Giggy, she always finds fun somewhere in the 90210. In the very near future, I hope I can take a trip to BH to eat at one of her beautiful restaurants!

Peace&Blessings

Day3--A Favorite Book

I love reading, so I have more than one “favorite book,” but the one book I could read over and over again and never get sick of is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. I read this book in less than three days while I was at Kamp—meaning I stayed up really late at night and read during every bit of my spare time. Once you open it you will not put it down.

Francine Rivers tells the story of Hosea through a man and woman living in California during the 1850s. The story illustrates God’s never failing love for us regardless of our sins. She relates the story directly to the book of Hosea and after reading her book; I will never read His book the same way again.

Reading this book I saw a real picture of how much my Father loves me. No matter how ugly and dirty I am, He still pursues me wholeheartedly and embraces me with loving arms.

"I will heal their waywardness and love them freely…" Hosea 4:14

Peace&Blessings

Day 2--A Favorite Movie

"Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” –Truvy Jones

What is sweeter than a group of women who genuinely love each other?

Women who stand by one another through thick and thin, who understand the hardships and struggles of life and embrace each others flaws. What a unique group of women! These women each had their own struggles and battles, yet they showed one another continuous support and love. Through marriage, birth, death, divorce, and every other heartbreak and happiness that life throws at them, these women stand by each other.

I didn’t grow up in Chiquapin Parish, Louisiana; however, I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by a group of women who are incredibly similar to the women in this movie. They all have different careers, goals, and families, but regardless of the situation they are always there for each other. They are always there to give an encouraging hug or bring over a casserole for dinner when someone has had a bad day. Constantly showing one another love and expecting absolutely nothing in return. There may not be a Truvy’s Beauty Parlor in Brandon, Mississippi, but there are houses throughout Crossgates that serve the same purpose. There is always an open door with a glass of tea, cup of coffee, or a cold diet coke along with incredible advice and a support system that surpasses anything I’ve ever seen. A group of women who can cry together, laugh together, and together take on the challenges of life.

I have one amazing sister of my own who I absolutely adore, and I currently live in a house with 58 incredible sisters who mean the world to me. And I hope that when I’m all grown up and have children of my own I am still surrounded by strong, Godly women who will love me like my mother’s friends love her. Regardless of where life takes me, I pray that God will surround me with women who will constantly challenge me and encourage me to grow; that He will give me friends to hold me up during the storms of life and rejoice in my triumphs.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (favorite KidsKamp verse ever)

Peace&Blessings

Day One--The Soundtrack of Your Life

So, I'm going to take a shot at this 30 Day Blog Challenge thing. Since I tend to neglect my poor blog, maybe this will help. And for the record, I didn't make up these topics, I found the list online. Here we go...

As I've said before, I wish my life was a real live musical. There is no way I can fit all of my favorite songs in one post, so here are ten of my current favorites (minus the songs from Glee and The High School Musical trilogy that I absolutely LOVE).

I’ll Fly Away—I love hymns, especially this one. Really, who doesn’t want to hang out on the celestial shores of Heaven? I know I sure do. Just a few more weary days here on Earth and we’ll fly home to Jesus!

She’s Everything, Brad Paisley—I know it’s corny, but one day I want my husband to feel this way about me. And I want him to sing it to me all the time. Annndddd if he can play the guitar (or piano) that’s a definite plus for him.

If I Die Young, The Band Perry—definitely one of my newer favorites. However, if I die an early death I would like to be sent down the river in a pretty satin dress.

Lead Me, Sanctus Real— http://sanctusreal.com/ watch “The Story Behind ‘Lead Me.” You will never listen to this song the same way again. What a powerful song and testimony. I have been blessed with the most amazing father here on this earth and he has shown me a beautiful example of the love of Christ. He has led my family with strong hands and he never ceases to amaze me. Every time this song comes on KLOVE I get teary eyed thinking about the Godly men in my life and the way they have changed my life and continue to do so.

Move Shake Drop REMIX—this song will forever remind me of my sweet Delta Gamma sisters (I know, super cheesy) and the amazing times we had. Dancing with Madeline, Saralauren, Lori Beth, and Hayes to this song in the chapter room is still one of my favorite memories. I cannot imagine my college years without the girls I have come to love so much!

What Love Really Means, JJ Heller—This song is a tearjerker, but it is such a beautiful illustration of Christ’s love for me! No matter how imperfect I am and no matter how many mistakes I make He will “love me for me,” how comforting is that!?

Tearin’ Up My Heart, N’SYNC—when I was in fourth grade I would have chopped off my right arm to hear JC and Lance to sing me this song. I went to the concerts, watched the Disney TV specials, and even bought the dolls. Too bad the latest generation of tweens has never heard of N’SYNC, Bacstreet, or Lizzie McGuire. What is this world coming to?

He Won’t Get It, Sweetwater Jade—I know most people don’t know who this band even is, but they’re amazing and I love the girls who are a part of it. Shout out to Whit, Jean, and Kelsey!

For Good, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth from Wicked—Hands down my favorite Broadway production, EVER. I have so many incredible friends and one of the most amazing families I could ever ask for. They have all taught me so much and I don’t know where I would be without them. If not for them, who knows what I would’ve become.

My Hallelujah Song, Julianne Hough—of course this one had to make my list of favorites. I think this song can describe how I finally feel-at peace and content with my life. I have finally stopped looking to others to complete my life.

Peace&Blessings