{funny observations}

there are 2 things i find distinctly "college student"

one is ramen, two is coffee.

you know it's true.  college students can make a meal out of ramen and coffee and they're 2 staples you'll find in 90% of college student's rooms.

the funny thing i've noticed is that everyone takes those 2 things very differently.

we'll start with ramen.  some people make it on the stove, others make it in the microwave.  everyone has certain flavors they always get (mine happens to be chicken).  some people go with lots of broth, i like to dump most of mine out, some only like the noodles.  then there's the flavoring.  some go full-on flavor, others do half, and some people just like the noodles.  then there's the vessel of cooking.  if you make it on the stove, you're about limited to a pot, but i have a specific bowl that's perfect for ramen, my roommate uses one of those huge glass measuring cups.  

oh ramen.  

then coffee... i pity the baristas who work at the starbucks on campus.  very rarely do they dole out decaf (it is finals week after all...) but there's the milk choice (whole, skim, soy), skinny with lots of whipped cream (i'll never understand...) flavor choices out the wazoo, black, sugar/splenda/sweetener/truvia, extra hot, tall/grande/venti (you're crazy)... goodness!

oh to be a college student... 

{316)

i love my church... i like that even though it's massive, it uses it's size to do huge things.

our current series is called 316, focusing on john 3:16.  the verse is all about how God loves us and what that should mean for our lives.  along with that, they're partnering with a group called lifeline ministries that focuses on feeding and bringing the word of Christ to poor and impoverished people groups throughout the world.

southland's goal was to feed 1,000,000 people.  1 person packs an average of 300 meals during the 2 hour time slot, and each meal feeds 6 people (3,1,6... coincidence?).  it's really cool because the meal of dehydrated vegetables, soy protein, chicken flavor w/vitamins and rice costs $.60 per bag...

last night, katie and i went with our girls from life group (plus our boys... and a few 1,000 other college students), and went to pack.

it was awesome and fun and such a rewarding experience to know that what we did last night is going to give meals to thousands of people.

our group total?  136,000 meals!

newlyweds, ready to pack some meals

we rocked the hairnets...

brad and ian had jobs that suited their personalities :)

{the reason}

the snow is falling and it finally feels like Christmas to me!!!!

i like taking time to stop, think, and realize all the many reasons to be thankful, especially during this Christmas season.

how easy is it to get caught up in the shopping, the decorating, finals and making holiday plans to forget why we celebrate Christmas?

Luke 2:11-14- Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

i love luke's version of the Christmas story... the simplicity of a Savior, born to poor, young parents.  he wasn't born into riches, his first bed was a feeding trough for animals, but he was surrounded by love.  i like that the God i serve sent Jesus as a humble, innocent child and chose to have him raised with wonderful, but normal parents.  i love that upon his arrival into this world, the stars shone brighter, people like shepherds came to worship him, and angels were telling people to not be afraid.

i'm thankful for a savior who lived among the poor and beaten down people, who had nothing visually that appealed the people, but who attracted all by his actions.  i'm thankful that he lived a life of a servent, even though he was the God of the universe.  i'm thankful he died on a cross so i could live for eternity.

in this Christmas season, i'm thankful for his humble beginning...

merry Christmas (a bit early!)

{wilmore christmas}

have you ever seen a hallmark christmas movie?  how about a lifetime one?  oh... you're not roommates with erica dupps? (love you :) )  well if you've ever wondered what one is like, it's wilmore christmas.

every year, wilmore has an old fashioned christmas.  this is complete with a tree lighting, santa in an old fashioned fire truck, cookies/hot cocoa/coffee/other christmas samplings, live music, and the finale is christmas carols at the church.  it's precious.

a few non-traditional favorites: ham sandwiches at the local grocery store (with people setting up lawn chairs for the live music... when was the last time you set up chairs in the grocery store?  i didn't think so...), being served cotton candy from a man in a kilt, santa skateboarding on a longboard, and hologram glasses that turn lights into fun festive holiday themes (like angels, snowmen and stars!).

it was a fun time with great friends and a holiday tradition i look forward to every year :)

the boys showing off their sweet glasses 

it's a star!

now a snowman

merry christmas!

{freedom}

i won't lie... i kind of like not working.
the past few days i've gotten so much done!  school work (which i have tons of), laundry, sleep, and crafty things :)

today i made homemade pizza dough, wrapped presents, finished my 10 page paper and finished most of my christmas shopping!

here's a sample:

presents: wrapped and ready

pinterest find... it's an orange peal candle! it was alright...

it's a Christmas tradition.... (mistletoe)

{elf yourself}

confession:

i love elf yourself (elfyourself.jibjab.com).  it's hilarious, and my family greatly aids in awesome pictures to pick from.

my lovely sister, kacy made this year exceptional.

go see for yourself... here

{thanksgiving}

i have so many things to be thankful for...

i have an awesome family who i got to go home and see for break!  it was so nice being home and hang out with my parents, relax, and visit.

my parents just moved over the summer, so it was my first time to the new house, and it's really cool.  it's on the lake, so this summer will be even more fun!  kayaking, canoeing, and wakeboarding, here i come!

that boy of mine gives me another reason to be thankful.  i like when he comes home with me.  he's funny, and cute, and treats me so well.  he does his best to show me Christ every day, and that alone is something to be thankful for :)

i'm also thankful because i'm done at the va!  it was a great learning experience, but i think i've realized i don't want to be a workaholic, and i don't really want to only do cognitive therapy for brain injuries 3-9 years out.  i can now sleep in, catch up on school work, and prepare for comps over the break...

another thing i'm thankful for... a new car!!!!
columbus (being so close to the honda marysville plant), has way more used hondas than lexington.  dad and i did some shopping via craigslist, test drove a few cars, and after much anxiety, prayer, and talking it over, i went with a 99 honda accord.

she's quite the upgrade from brownie... leather interior, sunroof, and my personal favorite... air conditioning! (it's the little things in life).  a name is still pending, but so far, we're bff.  with brownie, i gave her a goal of 4 years, and she was just shy, so this new car's goal is 10.  here's to hoping she surpasses it!

i have much to be thankful for this season...