Partners in Crime?

Oh yes! Dad & Weston are definitely partners in crime. Sure they look sweet and innocent in the photo from our beach vacation a couple of years ago... but don't let them fool you!

Mark-ism: [noun] derivative of Weston-ism / cute and/or funny quotes spoken by Mark, also known as my dad

The following are Mark-isms from this past weekend.

As Weston swings the bat in the house...
"Son, what have I told you about that? Do I have to tell you again and again? DO NOT DROP YOUR SHOULDER WHEN YOU SWING!"

How's that for swinging bats in the house?

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While passing a rather plump woman yesterday, Weston said "Whoa, look at that fat lady" to which my mom replied "Don't talk about fat people, that's rude." Followed by dad busting out laughing and saying "But her butt has a butt!"

So there you have it folks... Partners in crime Part I

Have a happy Monday!

It's your thang...

...do what you wanna do!

Sorry, its just the song that's stuck in my noggin. Anyhoo.

Do I have a reason for the extended break from posts? Well, yes, I do! Our router is broken so the only computer in our house with the internet is in my parents room, and well, since I don't spend any time in there here (??) I don't have many opportunities to post.

Besides, I've been busy making pillows (I'll show you later), getting things ready for Candice's shower (you know, the one with the cute invitations?), travelling to showers & dinners with good friends, work, going to church league softball games... you know, the usual.

So yes, I'm still alive and well, just without the internet. So I'll "talk to you" soon!

I am...

A list-making, hard-core planning, good-book reading, beach-bumming, summer-loving, former cheerleader of 7 years. A party & shower hosting, Target-loving, craft-making, conservative-believing, daughter of two wonderful parents. A non-feminist, God-loving, cockroach-fearing, thoughtful-organizing, family-loving, girlfriend to a handsome man of almost 6 years. A chicken-eating, non-potato-liking, good-cooking (ha!), sewing-aspiring, picture-taking, best friend in a group of wonderful people. A children-loving, orange juice-liking, mountain dew-craving, UNC-loving, sister to one 10-year old brother. A color-loving, cute-dress wanting, wedding-infatuating, shag-dancing, corny-joke telling, pharmacy-working, future teacher.

But most importantly, I am daughter to the Alpha & Omega, Beginning & End, The I Am. The All-Forgiving, Omnipresent, Mercy-Providing, Grace-Giving, Lord of All Creation. Our God, the King. Holy, Loving, Faithful, and Perfect.

Without Him, I am nothing.

“But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain...”
1 Corinthians 15:10

Patience

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

It has been so clear to me lately that God is trying to teach me patience. I am not good at waiting. I like to get things organized, make a plan, and get things done. I am definitely a planner. (A list maker and a planner.) The problem with that is forgetting to make sure that my plan matches God’s plan.

What is so frustrating is repeatedly “hearing” not yet when I’ve done everything right. Waiting, waiting, waiting…, and not liking the person I become when I am impatient. When other people get what they are waiting for, after making rash decisions, through sinful means, etc. and I wait and wait and wait and am rewarded with a test in (more) patience... it stinks and it feels unfair! But, as a best friend (ahem...Katherine) reminded me once, when God finally agrees the timing is right to carry out His plan, it’ll be that much sweeter because I’ll know that I did it the right way.

God’s timing is perfect. His plans are perfect and because of this, each day I wait is for my own good. Even though I don’t always want to see that and I go through emotional roller coasters because of it… in the end, it will all be well because God pieced every part of His plan together perfectly with a loving heart and caring hands.

Ok, in case you need to read it one more time: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

So obviously this post was more for me than for you (as a reminder and an attempt to put things in perspective for myself), but I hope you can take it as a challenge to notice what God is trying to teach you right now!

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

...just for good measure :)

Background

I did my background using a program called GIMP. It is very similar to Photoshop but it's free and you can find the download info online. I also used GIMP along with Picnik to make my header. If you want information/tips that I learned through trial and error just shoot me a message/email (lcase@email.unc.edu).

And, if you don't feel up to making your own, but still want a new cool background, I really enjoyed making mine and would be willing to make you one too if you direct people to my blog.

You can also find cute backgrounds at www.thecutestblogontheblock.com.

You may have been wondering...

...what I have been up to...

Well, taa-daa! How do you like my new background and header? I made it myself! Trial and error can take a really long time eh?

Even though I loved my old background and header, I wanted something fresh and summery and this is what I arrived at! Leave me a comment/facebook message and let me know what you think! You know, if you want.

Good things:
- Relaxing bubble baths (Tuesday night, check!)
- Finishing a good book (Maggie's Miracle, check!)
- Summer afternoon storms (Tuesday, check!)
- Days off (Wednesday, check!)
- Getting to sleep till 9 (Wednesdy, check!)
- Getting to see my cousin's newborn triplets in the NICU for the first time (Wednesday, check!)
- Going on a date with my handsome boyfriend (Wednesday night, check!)
- Fridays! (Check!)

Well, I guess you could say I had a pretty awesome week! How was yours?

I'm back!

Hey hey! I'm back from Special Olympics NC! I had such a blast! It was exhausting, but such a blessing to get to know other volunteers, coaches, and especially athletes! The special population has always been close to my heart and I have worked with several organizations in the past. I've volunteered as a tutor in a TMH (Trainable Mentally Handicapped) classroom, did my Senior Project as a TMH teacher, volunteered at Summer Moore Center (a preschool for mentally handicapped children), and even helped out at Special Olympics Pitt County - but none have been as rewarding as Special Olympics NC. There are so many people that will tell you how fun and fulfilling SO can be, to the point that the comment sort of loses its power. But, just imagine hundreds of athletes from all across the state coming to compete. These athletes range from age 8 to 80 and have all kinds/ranges of disabilities. They practice for their event (swimming, weightlifting, gymnastics, track, softball - you name it!) for months and their coaches and family members come out to watch them compete. All of the preparation and execution of SONC is carried out by volunteers like you and me! I worked the aquatics events and was amazed at how good these athletes could swim! Some were in wheelchairs and swam! Most can swim way better than me! One event was the 1500 yard freestyle (that's 60 25 yd laps!!!!) It takes like 30 minutes for them to swim that! SERIOUSLY? I would drown after about 10 laps! The athletes are so fun, sweet, and loving and SO excited to be there!

I believe that all good things are from God and SONC is DEFINTELY a good thing! What a blessing for these folks to shine and be constructive with their time! What a good thing to come together for so much good, clean fun!

Unfortunately, due to state budget cuts and a slumping economy, SO (state & local levels) face a decline in support. If you are looking for somewhere to be generous with your time &/or money, I strongly recommend looking at your special population!

Check out SONC's website for more information!

Anyhoo... I could go on and on and tell you tons of stories about my experience, but I'd rather you go and experience you're on blessing at SONC! It's SO awesome!

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So I finished Pride & Prejudice (like a week ago... oops!) and it is SO great! Just as good as I expected it to be! It totally lived up to my expectations! I love it just as much as I do the movie! Definitely read it!

Now on to Maggie's Miracle by Karen Kingsbury... I've heard it's good, so we'll see!

Weston "graduates" elementary school tomorrow! He keeps telling people he's getting his high school diploma - he means his diploma but he adds high school haha! So silly! I can't believe he's going to be in 6th grade! Yikes!

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Finally... a belated birthday blog shoutout to my Mom! Her birthday was Saturday so I couldn't blog post it then, but nonetheless.... Happy Birthday Mom!

Getting ready...

...to leave tomorrow for NC Special Olympics in Raleigh! I'm volunteering through Teaching Fellows and I'm so pumped! I'll be gone until Sunday - please pray for cooler weather and no rain!

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I had an awesome lunch with Carrie and some fellow cheerleading vets - Jana, Anna, and Kimberly - at Moe's Southwest Grill of course :) We had a great time catching up...

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And then I went to hang out with Rebecca (my cousin) at the hospital while Paul (her husband) visited their TRIPLETS in the NICU! YAY!!!!!!

Welcome to the world Miss Caroline Avery (3 lbs 8 oz, 15 1/2" long), Miss Carrington Riley (3 lbs 13 oz, 17 1/4" long), and Mr. Caden Stancill (3 lbs 11 oz, 15" long)! Babies and Mommy are doing well! Thanks for your prayers!

"See" you Sunday/Monday!