The Shred

I really don't like to work out. I usually try to go during the down times so I don't see many people. It was a total whim when I ordered The Shred off Barnes and Noble website when I getting books for class. I usually do not like workout videos, but my new love is The Shred! I typically think workout videos are cheesy and not very helpful. But this one is great! It is so challenging and also very quick. It is a 20 min workout that includes strength, cardio, and abs. It is so great for my schedule because I usually do not have much time so this is perfect! I will keep you posted on my progress!

Wax on

Dear Children, let us stop saying that we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.
1 John 3:18

I practically live in my car these days. I spend A LOT of time driving between Nashville and Murfreesboro for class. I can honestly say that most of my meals take place while I am on I-24. Most people have an emergency kit they keep in their cars that include a flashlight, batteries, jumper cables, and other items. My emergency kit includes work out clothes, granola bars, school supplies, luggage, and half of the shoes I own... just in case. Like I said before, I live out of my car.

I had the biggest surprise and one of the nicest gifts given to me on Sunday. Lauren and Jerad called to say they needed to stop by and bring me something. When they got here, they pulled me outside and explained they wanted to wash my car. Being a single girl, this is not something that is on my "to-do" list. For one, I do not have the desire or the time to invest in washing my car. Secondly, I do not have any of the supplies to be able to wash my car, nor would I know what to buy to do this. Thirdly, I would gladly take it to a place to have others wash my car, if I knew where there was one in Nashville.
Lauren and Jerad explained that they wanted to wash my car for the reasons stated above. They know that a single girl does not have the ability to do this well. They also know how much time I spend in my car and wanted to give me a place that was clean and pleasant to be in. I was so shocked and surprised that I didn't really know what to say. They are so wonderful and would not let me say no. So Lauren and Jerad washed my car!

When I say that they washed my car.... I mean they detailed my car! They washed, waxed, vacuumed, cleaned, scrubbed, and shined my car. I think my car looks better now than it did when it came off the lot! My tires are so clean! My interior is like a different color! I can't believe it!

Being Young Life leaders , we are always looking for cheesy metaphors to include in one of our talks. My favorite one from the day came when Lauren noticed that my car did not LOOK dirty, but once they started washing it they noticed it really needed a good cleaning. That is how our lives are. They look "clean" and all together from the outside, but once you start washing away your sin, you see how dirty you really are. Another metaphor we talked about was for the wax and how it protects you from harmful elements. Yet another example is how the inside needs as much care as the outside of the car, yet me sometimes neglect that part (or I know that I usually do for my car).


I can't tell you how much this meant to me. This was much more than getting my car washed. This is God's way of telling me how much HE loves me! Lauren and Jerad totally SHOWED me His love. I can't explain it... but I like it.

The Disco

I love it when Lauren comes home to visit her family in Murfreesboro! She usually makes the trip from Austin to Middle Tennessee about twice a year. This weekend, we got a fun group together to go to the Hollywood Disco! Such a fun/sketchy place to go dancing! Please also note, Lauren drastically changed her hair color! Welcome to the dark side Lauren!
Seriously do not know what I would do without this girl! I always have so much fun with Adrienne! One thing I love about Adrienne is that she loves to try new and trendy places in Nashville! She also LOVES the Disco! Check back later for our predictions on the Bachelorette! Lauren and Mason are such lawyers.... always on the blackberries! If you look close, you can almost see the light up dance floor in the background!

Kaitlin's Big Day

It was a very special day on Sunday! Kaitlin got baptized at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. It was such a great day with the baptism and then a delicious brunch at our house. I am very sorry to say that it got a little crazy and we did not get many pictures of the day. But here are a few from the day after she changed outfits!

So Nashville

I have lived in Nashville for over two years and I finally had my first experience at the Ryman! For a huge country music fan like myself, the Ryman Auditorium is like the Mother Church of country music. The Ryman was the origional home of the Grand Ole Opry and is so historic and wonderful. I have been wanting to go there for so long, and finally had the opportunity during the Bluegrass nights at the Opry. I was so excited about being at the Ryman that I cried when I walked in. Seriously. It's lame I know.
I really enjoy Bluegrass music so Ben and I went to the Ryman to hear Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. We were in for such a surprise when Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top Express came out to preform before Rhonda. Now, for those of you who are about to fall asleep about this exciting post about Bluegrass music, let me tell you that Bobby Osborne was the guy who actually wrote Rocky Top! You know when you hear Rocky Top on the radio? Yeah, I saw that guy in person. It was SO EXCTING! Again... more tears.
Can you see him in the orange jacket? I want to add that to my list of favorite things... people who wear orange jackets! Enjoy this little video I took of the LEGEND Bobby Osborne!

Little Big Town

Nashville is a big city, but it has a small town feel. I love that about Nashville. I love that you can go to the grocery store and see people you know. I love that we have famous neighbors, but it doesn't seem to be a big deal. Well, unless your name is Rachel! I LOVE my celebrity sightings and I try really hard not to freak out. Tonight I was having dinner with sweet Jessie, one of my YL girls. We ate dinner at Peter's sushi which is one of the best places in Middle Tennessee to get sushi. Not only is it delicious and very reasonably priced, it is also the favorite of the stars here in Nashville.

While we were eating, we see some people walk in who have "the look." If you live in Nashville, then you know exactly what I am talking about. We both knew they were famous, but could not put a name with the face. After getting confirmation from Peter, we knew they were the band Little Big Town! On our way out the door, Jessie talked to the band and met their families and other band members as well! She is way cooler than I am because I did not talk to any of them but it was still fun and always exciting!

It is rainy season in south Florida

Did you know that? This is the time where Florida gets most of their rainfall. My family just got back from Port St. Lucie where we got to experience some of that wonderful rainy season. But we had a great time! It was such a great trip and so much quality time with my family and sweet Kaitlin Grace.

Dinner at Crawdaddys... our favorite!
All the girls!
Me and sweet Kaitlin!