Sink or Swim?

Well, since it has been over a month since I have updated, and I have been chastised by my boyfriend that I need to update, I figured it was time. Okay, I made that sound a little more dramatic that it really is. He hasn't chastised me, more like subtly acknowledged the fact that I haven't updated.

I started grad school officially a week ago. It is challenging. It is time-consuming. It is fun! I really enjoy my classes, although the trouble I went through to get into all of them was a pain, it will definitely be worth it come May when I only have 4 classes to take this summer. I officially start student teaching in 7 months. And that just blows my mind to think I will be in a classroom in such a short amount of time! So exciting.

Regarding post-grad school. I have decided to not at all complain or worry about finding a job. I know I will need to be prepared when the time comes but it is something that I can't control and I can't do anything about it until NEXT summer. Therefore, worrying is no good and not helpful. (When is it ever?) It's all in my hands whether I sink or swim and I will do everything in my power now to make sure I swim! Worrying will only sink me.

Alright, keeping this short and sweet today. Hopefully it won't be another month until I update.

Too long.

It has been far too long since I have updated. I have excuses, but I will not use them. I am currently at work, but I am ready to leave this very moment. I've been looking forward to this weekend for a while and I'm ready to get on the road and head back home.

This weekend, my boyfriend and I are going to visit my parents and spend some quality time with my best friend and her husband. Not only that, but he gets to meet some of my dearest friends in the world. (Beth is at the top of the list.) This is what I imagine this weekend to look like.


Ice skating (or embarrassing both myself and my hockey playing boyfriend)



Some good cuddle time by the fireplace.


Wicked Phase 10 competition.

So excited and would really like to leave right now.

Fairweather Christmas

Have a very Fairweather Christmas to you and yours.

Here is the outcome of our year Christmas card! I just ordered them from Shutterfly and really love the design. It is a little trendy for us boring Fairweathers. But I love it regardless! I also love the photography, which was done this year by a great family friend, Jessica Rogers Photography.



*Click to see a full size image, I can't figure out how to make it large without pixelated.

I think it turned out really great! I can't wait to get them in the mail... even though I won't be here when they get to town!

Thankfulness.

"Prideful people can't be thankful."

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I decided to list some just some of the things that I am thankful for. Some serious, some not... but thankful none the less.

I am thankful for:
-family
-friends
-grace
-good humor
-the promises of God - and that they still apply to me
-a sweet boyfriend who puts up with me
-a hilarious roommate (who also puts up with me)
-parent's support
-having a job (even if it's not ideal)
-the middle school girls I lead
-my co-leader & mentor - along with her fantastic family
-organization - having an organized home/room
-a cute little puppy that licks my face even though I hate it
-Skype/FaceTime - makes living in a different countries a little easier
-being able to live in Knoxville
-the Military and those who serve
-encouragement
-that the blood of Christ covers me
-blogs that I get to read when I'm bored at work
-a good nap
-people who know just what to say and when to say it
-Pal's half & half peachie tea
-the ability to use the internet to look up anything
-Glee
-that my parents are still in love after 30 years
-peace & understanding

What are you thankful for? Are you prideful or thankful? You can't be both.

slowly but surely.

Slowly but surely, I am learning more and more about myself everyday. And today is no different.

If you really knew me, you'd know that I hate waking up early. But this morning, 6 am came early but was totally worth it. Even though I've only been awake for less that three hours, a lot has happened in that small amount of time. With all that's going on in my life and all that has been eating away at me and on my heart, I met with a very wise lady this morning that could totally relate and give some really fantastic advice. I am thankful for people in my life that aren't afraid to be honest and loving at the same time, and I am learning that I have a lot more of those people than I expected. She opened my eyes to see that maybe part of the issue was me and my sinful nature. Actually, not maybe... that is part of the issue.

The verse she gave me that really made me realize this is from Galatians 5.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Instead of trying to "fix" others, which I can't do anyway.. I need to focus on being filled with the Spirit and ask Him to work in me. Through this, hopefully I will be able to help others make changes and live life with them. I have noticed myself being selfish, jealous, conceited, and self-centered (which I'm really good at hiding). Not being loving, honest, and true. (The lady I met with added BOLD to that mix as well.) Instead of hiding, I need to use opportunities to be bold in my faith.

So today, I am thankful that I am becoming a better person today than I was yesterday... and hoping that tomorrow I am a better person than I am today. But realizing that I am not doing this alone, I can only do this through Christ and the Holy Spirit living and moving in me.

Christmas in November.

Every year my family does a Christmas card and sends it out to our 100 closest friends. This year is no different. Since M&S are heading to Italy in a week, Dad flipped and said we absolutely NEED to have pictures taken NOW. So last Saturday morning we had a great family friends take pictures for us. Here is Jessica's photog blog.



This is one of the sneak peek pictures.

Jessica is an amazing photographer and a blessing to be around. Oh, and she is hilarious. I'm certain we were her favorite clients thus far!

With that being said, Shutterfly is offering a great deal to bloggers that I read about through my sweet friend, ABC. (She's fabulous. ) All you have to do is post your favorite design they are offering for the Holiday season and they will give you 50 free cards. Pretty sweet deal, huh?

Imagine that... ABC and I like the same things. Here are my 3 favorites. 2 of which happen to be some of her favorites too.



Holly Frame Christmas



Pretty Poinsettia




Nativity Blessing

Sign up here! It's a great deal & I'm sure my parents will just love that I have taken initiative to do this!

you got nerve.

I have a nervous stomach. I'm pretty sure it is because of my interview for Grad School this evening and it's all that I can think about today. My mind is racing with questions. The odds are not too great. They are only taking 6 applicants and there are over 60 (My guess at least. I know there were 40 three weeks ago.) Not great odds, but I'm confident in my interviewing skills, my personality, and my love for children. Honestly, the worst thing would be that I finish school Spring 2013 instead of Summer 2012. I need to have a better outlook on the interview and admissions process... I just hate that they only take very few post-grads (They mainly take people without their undergraduate degree already so they can finish in a total of 5 instead of getting the degree and taking 2 more years. - UT has a great program if you know you want your teaching license early.)

Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

This verse is what I will cling to today. Because I have Christ on my side, I am strong, I am courageous (even if my odds aren't great), I have no need to be frightened or scared or dismayed. He is with me in scary interviews that determine my future for the next 2 years, and he is with me regardless of the outcome of the interview. That's the good news!