Mom & Dad Would Be Proud..

Just in case you haven't heard yet this is how my alma matter, James Madison University, kicked off December Finals Week. - Yes this is the brand new 30 million dollar library that we should be using to study in but of course we don't.



JMU DUKES!! Never change!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

This past weekend I visited one of my college roommates Samantha and her family. Sammie and I have known each other since our Junior year and the memories we have created have been truly amazing. I was a honored to be apart of wedding. A shoutout to Stuart, one of the most standup men I know. For my second trip to Denver, I was truly going to get some loving from Mr. Reid Carsten Siffring. (below)

He is the most precious child and just has a wonderful spirit. After I had received enough hugs, kisses and naps with the little one, it was time for Sammie and I to have some girl time.

Although a short trip Sammie and I were able to enjoy some pampering, go to the movies, and enjoy some Sushi which all usually happen when we are together. I love spending time with her and just catching up.

Denver is the most beautiful place to visit and despite how many times you see them the Rockies are just breathtaking.

 

All in all it was a wonderful trip and I look forward to going back soon whenever that might be. Although its sometimes hard to have friends in different time zones, its nice to know you have family all across the world.

I have a super busy week, but look forward to a post from the upcoming weekend.

thankful.

i am thankful for...

Christ's abundant love - by God's grace i have been saved and would not be the person i am today if for not His love. i am thankful for His death on the cross for me.

my dad - a quiet, strong, determined, genuine and hardworking man who has loved me unconditionally. i am honored to be his first child and only daughter. i am thankful for the little moments that make our relationship what it is today. i love you.

my mom - a hardworking, caring, wise woman whose love is incredible. her advice continues to amaze me and shape who i am becoming. i am blessed to have such a wonderful mother. i am thankful for your encouragement and strength. i love you.

my parents - thank you for the wonderful example you have set for us. i know we haven't made it easy, but thank you for continuing to be a team.

my brothers - to andrew and daniel - two young men who truly have a spirit for life. your ability to make people laugh is intoxicating. continue to grow into the men i know you will become. thank you for being my brothers. i love you both so much and know that despite the distance we will always be there for each other.

family - to the rest of my family - you are the most dynamic group of men and women i know. i am thankful for the relationships we have and continue to grow. i love you all for your individuality.

friends - i wish i could thank you all individually but that would take years. to each and every single one of you from east to west i am thankful for the way you all inspire, challenge, support and love me. i know that because of each of you i am a better person. thank you.

my roommates - elizabeth and ryann - two beautiful women(inside and out). although we have been the peachtree 3 for only a short time i have loved every minute we spend together. thank you for who you are and your kindness. i am thankful to have you both in my life and look forward to the future.

a child's innocence - to my cousins who are all under the age of 5 and to my sunday school class - your way of looking at life is a refreshing and an encouraging reminder. i am thankful for your spirit and love for life.

time differences and technology - without these two things i would not be able to cultivate and maintain the relationships i have. i am thankful for the opportunities these two things allow me to accomplish.

music and art - two things that i enjoy and respect those who exude talent in these areas. i am thankful for those who share their talents.

hope. faith. the future - the ability to know my life has so much more ahead of me. i am thankful for the ability to dream and accomplish, to grow and make reality. thankful for a faith that gives me the strength to know everything will be okay.

laughter. joy. happiness. - all of which my life would not be complete without.

patience. encouragement. strength. wisdom. - all qualities i am thankful to posses and continue to learn.

and for...
love. sunshine. sunsets. the beach. the stars. the ocean. healthy competition. football. virginia. late nights. road trips. cooking. bonfires. lacrosse. fireworks. jmu.

a slight obsession.

Here is the offical trailer for The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks..

You better believe I will be there.

Hot Pockets, Apples to Apples, Football, God, Bowling and The Last Song

By the title alone, you can see this weekend was one for the books.

Friday Night: Laughter is the best type of medicine, even if you are not sick. It truly just makes for a great evening. While in college, I worked for UPB, although short lived, I learned alot and grew very much. In that time, I had the opportunity to drive Jim Gaffigan to the airport. At the time, he wasn't a very well-known comedian except for his "Hot Pocket" skit. This Friday, I went to Baltimore, where I say fourth row for my first comedy show. It was truly an enjoyable experience and the company I was with made it even more so. I also came to discover that Baltimore is not an area that I would want to live or raise my children and understand the hatred that goes toward that city.

Saturday: Saturday was filled with excitement as I awoke to participate in McLean Bible Church’s Turkey Outreach – a Thanksgiving holiday food drive, if you will, 1000 volunteers, packing 6000 boxes which included a turkey, a bag of potatoes, corn, green beans, bread, cake mix and the gospel. Each box fed a family of 10. Its incredible what little time it takes to make such a huge difference.

Saturday evening was our first event at the Peachtree. It was a fun filled evening of homemade sangria, light snacks, new friends and a classic game of Apples to Apples. It makes me so excited for the next event. A monthly theme of parties might be occurring from now on.

Sunday: As usual, I started the morning off with teaching pre-school Sunday school. The rest of the day followed with a football and a good book. I know it sounds strange to watch football and read a book, while enjoying a Magic Hat #9, but I wasn’t truly loving the game the G-men weren’t being broadcasted in VA, so I made the most of the day.

Sunday evening continued with Frontline, dinner at Bertuccis and bowling. I still can not get enough of bowling. I am convinced no matter who you go with, weather you just met them or have known them forever, bowling is something everyone can enjoy. Even if you are horrible or you are some strike superstar, there is always laughter.

In the past couple weeks, I have met more solid men and women after Frontline, who I have truly enjoyed spending time with then I have in a long time. I am happy about meeting new people and expanding my social circle. I do not however look forward to cooking a steak dinner for the boys whom we lost to last night. A bet is a bet.

The night ended with me staying up until 3am to finish my recent Nicholas Sparks find, The Last Song. Although predictable, I still cannot get enough and obviously will stay up until late hours to finish the book. A great read, like always, and worth checking out.

Christmas Cocktail

Tonight the invitations went out for out Christmas Cocktail on December 12. It's less than a month away and the planning has already begun :)

It made me sad in a way thinking back to the Mason Street Christmas Cocktail we hosted our senior year... full of craziness and shenangans, but I hope this will be the start of something classy here at The Peachtree.

We look forward to seeing you all dressed up and fancy!

Dear John

I have read all his books and seen all the movies based on his books. I have met him in person and I anticipate the movies to come out. Nicholas Sparks is the one author who I truly enjoy and love his writing.

The most recent announcement of his movie "Dear John" with Channing Tatum just made my day. Dear John to be released in February. Check it out :)

My Wish For You

One of my greatest college memories was the night Sarah, Bonnie and I took Jennifer(our favorite Southern gal) to a Rascal Flatts concert in Charlottesville. We celebrated both Sarah's and Jennifer's birthday, ate a the wonderful Cheeseburger in Paradise, and truly enjoyed ourselves.

Tonight I found ElfYourself and well when you find sites like this the sky is the limit. So a tribute to two of my best friends... that despite the time zones and the distance.. I love you both and this is for you. I hope it makes you smile and laugh as much I did.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I'm Going Public

Today my mother, Joanne, made her blogging debut from NC, my best friend Sarah entertains us with her wit when Seattle allows it, Jordan inspires us with her art/music from Chicago, Lisa reminds us to love the simple things in life and “make lemonade,” and Samantha amazes us as she balances being a wife and a mom in Denver. Those are just to name a few who update regularly. For all the others who keep us in their hearts and minds daily, weekly, maybe only monthly we appreciate it.

The women above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to explaining who I am and where I come from, and as time goes on you will understand how each of them have impacted my life. For the women listed above and so many more, thank you.

This week I am back in the Burg - that's right good ole' Harrisonburg, VA. The place where I had spent 4 years learning who I was and who I didn’t want to be. There is something about driving on 81(North or South) and reaching Exit 245 -it just does something to the soul and if you are fellow alum, I am sure you know what I am talking about. I am here for a few days, watching EG and BB, while their parents are enjoying a nice vacation. Although I couldn't even attempt to explain how much JMU/Harrisonburg has made an impact on my life (in one blog at least)- the Burg will always be a place of joy, happiness and fond memories.

For now, I am going to enjoy some Thursday night TV, a hot cup of tea, and a quiet/clean house in front of the fire.

I hope you enjoy the journey...