engaged?!

So, from time to time, I'll decide to wear my beautiful fake diamond ring.

it is freakishly huge- like 4 or 5 carar solitaire and smaller pieces all around the band.
but absolutly beautiful.

I wear it when I'm feeling sassy.
Or when I need a break from all the gentleman callers who are banging my door down.
Or just because I want to create a little drama in the boring lives of the people around me.

But, the last time I wore it, I startd to realize something on a bigger.
I really want to get married. It's something my heart desires.
But, when I was wearing that ring the other day, I realized that as much as I want a husband. And as much as I want to get married, I realize more and more that HE will not be my everything.
The ring serves as a reminder that a ring, or a wedding, or even a husband won't complete me.

Only God in heaven can complete me.
Only He can by my everything.

I still want that husband.
But I want God more.

Austin Leon Smith

My Pepaw passed away yesterday. Very weird. He'd been sick for a while now-- about 6-7 years. He'd lost his vision and had alzheimers's-- and other just general old people things.

He was amazing.

I grew up going to Mississippi for the summers-- and memories of riding in the ol' blue pick up out to the farm, walking to church Sunday mornings and nights, shucking peas on the back patio, eating breakfast out in the garden, camping at Clarkco, baiting my own hook for the first time, watching the Braves on TV after dinner, him always drinking lemonade instead of sweet tea-- are permanently a part of who I am.

Even as an adult, the memories overwhelm me. A few years ago I did a project about WW2-- from the war perspective and the homefront perspective-- so, I interviewed my Pepaw aboout his tours of duty in the European front-- and how he fought and where he fought.

Even just last year, my dad and I went to visit the grandparents when one of their best friends who I've known my whole life passed away. At the graveside, Pepaw was too tired to walk out to the service, so he and I sat in the car-- and laughed. I couldn't even tell you what we were laughing about, but I remember his quiet little laugh and that glint in his eye to just remind me that he still knew enough to be himself.

I'll probably remember that laugh for a long time.

I love you, Pepaw.

Random Tagged-ness from Abby

Random #1: I think I'm really awkward on the phone. So, I don't answer calls or call people sometimes. I mean, not like my bffs. But other peeps. I'd much rather see you in person or just send an email.

Random #2: I do not water chestnuts. The sound they make when you crunch them makes me want to GAG. I will pick every single one of them out of whatever I'm eating.

Random #3: My dad always a game with me and my siblings about being the favorite. I love it. We're all the favorite. Except my mom really is. We all know this.

Random #4: I sometimes wear a fake diamond ring. Just because I feel like it. And I'll make up a full stories about my fiance and wedding. It makes me smile. :)

Random #5: I busted my head open on the bottom of the pool when I was 12. I had to get 13 stiches in my hair line on my forehead. I have a scar.

Random #6: I don't hate getting shots. I always ask for them at the doctor's office.

Random #7: I like the smell of cigarettes. Not the smoke part. But the smell. It's calming to me.

Random #8: I drink Diet Coke so much that I don't like Coca-C0la Classic any more. It's too sweet.

**There are a bunch of rules. But I am not a rule follower, so I shall not be doing that part. Unless you want to be tagged. Then I tag you.**

so lazy

I am officially so lazy.

Seriously. I have done nothing of any value for the past week. Well, I went to White Water with my cousin. But, I don't think that really counts.

Summer is awesome.

I'm an AUNT!

So, my brother and his wife had their baby last night at 10:14pm. He's a big one! 9 pounds, 11 ounces-- 21 and a quarter inches long. He's precious! So fun!!! We waited for EVER for him- he was only a week late- but he's here now! His name is Brody Austin Smith! He's so BA! :)

All I have right now is his pictures from my mom's phone-- I'm sure I'll get some more today because I am an amazing aunt! Love him already- which is weird!

on the brink of cuteness

you know how you meet guys (or guys, when you meet girls...) and they're only quasi-cute? like they're "on the hump" of being cute. and then their personality throws them over to one side or another?

there are things that throw guys into the cute category:
-being Alabama fans
-being really funny- especially if you have the same sense of humor as me
-loving Jesus whole heartedly

there are things that throw guys into the skank nasty gross category:
-being super cocky
-joking on Alabama and being wrong about their facts

a little too crowded

my house is adorable.

but it's crowded.

not so much with people (even though there are four girls living together here!).

but with stuff.

and it's not really a bad thing, but sometimes I want to buy new furniture and can't because there is NO where for anything else to go!

but, I'm not really complaining. i just want things:

is this sad?

so, in preparing to read "The Outsiders" with my kids, I did this whole power point on The 60s in order to familiarize them with the setting. in my research, I came across this dress...

I love it. Is that lame? I'm thinking my mom can make it. I want it. Granted, the shoes are HORRIBLE, but I find something fun to go with this....

Tell me your thoughts!

summertime!

so, I'm a teacher, so I judge seasons based on the school calendar, so it's summer! get excited! kids finished on friday- I only have one more day! Love it!

Today I'm rocking a kinda random outfit-- yellow bermuda shorts and a pink tshirt with brown flips. cute, I think. but kinda random.

summer summer summer summer time!

the best thing about summer is the music. i love summer time music. songs that could have never been popular all of a sudden are chart toppers because it's warm outside and everyone wants to sing loud w/ the windows down to a song that makes you jump around! love it!

doing that thing I do

How much does everyone love the movie "That Thing You Do!"? Seriously? One of the greatest ever. It's a girl movie, and I can respect that, but I think the average boy can tollerate it as well. Tom Hanks is kind of an ass in it, so that's entertaining.
And the bass player doesn't have a name- even in the credits, he's just listed as T.B. Player. THAT IS FUNNY. gotta love it.

i love the music. not gonna lie. know all the words to more than just the title song.

the best part is Capn' Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters. hands down. and even better is when Lenny tells the radio dj that his influence was Capn' Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters. STELLAR. hilariosity.

you better love it. i do!