spoken word: a man's promise

For all of the ladies in my life:

I was listening to this tonight. incredible and powerful. 

Be blessed.

What I'm loving Wednesday

I'm loving: how our community pulled together after the tornado

I'm loving: that I spent my afternoon at CofO with some people planning tornado relief efforts

I'm loving: that we have friends over to spend the night because they have no power 

I'm loving: my brand new Northface that my grandpa paid for! I got it yesterday and I'm in L-O-V-E- 


I'm loving: that I leave for Israel in 8 days! EIGHT!! ahh :)

I'm loving: my fun bright pink nails!

I'm loving: each new blog I find and fall in love with 

I'm loving: that i had my first day back at the ziplines on Saturday! I love that place so, so much!

I'm loving: Justin Bieber's new single with Far East Movement! go buy it. you can thank me later :)

I'm loving: the IBT ladies I met from my post on Monday!  

I'm loving these finds on Pinterest this week: 

What are you loving today? 

Tornado in B-town, my town.

     Y'all have probably already heard the news about the tornados that rolled through the midwest and Branson last night. My family is ok. Thanking the Lord for his mercy this morning. 


     For information on Branson, here is the facebook page set up. There is also a page set up called Branson, MO recovery. 

     I've contacted all of my friends and they are all physically ok. It literally puts  knots in my stomach to have to text friends saying are you ok? Something I never though i would have to do.  Some have damage done to their homes. Please keep praying. I will try to post a full update later. I'll leave you with some pictures from my facebook feed. This is so surreal. 

The Hilton 

Friend's house

My church

Please keep praying. 

Sometimes and Always

Sometimes: I try to pretend I am too old for Justin Bieber.
Always: I LOVE him and bought his new single today. Biebs Feves 

Sometimes: I want to enjoy every moment of high school left

Always: I want graduation to be here soon (68 days)

Sometimes: I try to blog on the weekends

Always: I miss at least 1 day

Sometimes: I don't want to go to the gym

Always: I feel incredible after I run 

Sometimes: I try to eat less fastfood and pack my lunch

Always: I eat fastfood at least three times a week

Sometimes: I attempt to sing

Always: I can't sing so I make the best of it

Sometimes: I try to stay away from online shopping (car, car, car)

Always: Ebay sucks me in and I bid like a mad woman 

Sometimes: I think want to get married 

Always: I decide I will die a nun (ok kidding but serious about the single part)

Bloglovin Testing

Testing....

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Last day to enter my Starbucks giveaway!

Last day to enter my $10 Starbies giveaway! I even added another way to enter, making a grand total of +9 ways to get entries! I'll post the winner tomorrow morning! good luck!

Emily 

My Twins

This post might be filed under things you don't need to know about Emily's life or this is TMI for a blog post! Read on at your own risk. Consider yourself warned. 


In the words on my 15 year old brother, "Wanna hear a joke?" Emily's Boobs. It is no secret, my cups do not overflow. The Lord has blessed me in many ways but give me boobs wasn't on the list. I have never been extremely bothered by this, until a fateful day at Victoria's Secret at a location I will not say. 


Wanna know a secret? I've never been fitted. I mean I just guessed and tried on until something fit right. I mean seriously I could figure out I was an A, sometimes a B on a v-e-r-y- good day. I usually wear sports bras but when I'm not, I have some 36A (or sometimes B) bras. I was with a friend at Victoria's Secret who swears by their bras and she suggested I get fitted. There are 3 fitting rooms. I was in the last one. I took in some different bras to try on. I'm rather self conscious, so it never occurred to me that the sweet little DD ladies at VS would come knocking on my door. (note: they aren't exactly the quietest people either)

First door: VS lady "How is 34 DD doing" 
34DD: wonderful


Second door: VS lady "How is 36C doing"
36C: they fit amazing! thank-you


Third door: my fateful door. VS lady "How is 32A doing" or was it 34A?
me: after hearing laughter from the other doors and choking o my spit" I'm FINE thank-you! 


I have never been so embarrassed in.my.life. I threw my little bra back on with my t-shirt SO fast. After turning bright red of course. I walk out and she gives me my little "perfect sizing" chart and I practically run outta that store. I don't think I'll be headed back in to VS anytime too soon! 


Don't get me wrong, I do know there are so benefits to having small "twins"
1-You can have some help, a push-up bra when you are an A or a B. 
2-They don't get in the way when I run. You know because of ALL that running I do :)
3-You don't sag after you have children. 
4-Less back problems so they say.


In the words of Dolly Parton, "God did not invent Plastic Surgeons so they could starve."


Are there any other sisters out there in the IBT club? I'd love to meet you. For real. 


Happy Monday! 

Friday Links!

I love, love, love this post from Melissa, for I am a daddy's girl through and through. Her words are so true and so captivating. 


I'm really sad that this hoodie sold out :( i was just about to buy it! boo!!


This story breaks my heart. so, so sad


One of my favorite blogs, Loves of Life, just announced that she is having a 2nd little girl! I'm so happy for her. Go read her blog. You will fall in love with her just like I have! 


One of my favorite photogs, Heather, shot these pictures for a Monday wedding. This bride is absolutely stunning!! 


I just found this blog. It is one of my new favorites!


I'm obsessed with the new arrivals at Francescas this week! 


I'm also obsessed with Train's new single, Drive By! 

This bloggy mama has the sweetest little girls! True, Brave, Soul, and Glow! 

Have you entered my Starbies giveaway yet? 4 more days! 

Happy Friday Friends!

Thankful Thursday: ITFGC

I just love this picture.

crazy and ridiculous! :)

ITFGC: I'm Thankful For: Graduation Countdown
     I mentioned this in my Monday post! Everyday I text Addie something I'm thankful for and she texts one back. It's simple and it's easy, but it makes me realize how much I have to be thankful for, the little things. I'm mainly writing these down as a journal for myself that I can look back upon in the future.  


77: I'm thankful that I'm heading on a roadtrip with the Jr. High Kids from youth group.
76: I'm thankful for coffee to compensate for the 4 hours of sleep I got.
75: I'm thankful for this gorgeous weather we're having
74: I'm thankful for sibs who take care of me when i'm sick
73: I'm thankful for an incredible boss
72: I'm thankful for a great deal on a Northface for Israel 
71: I'm thankful for fresh starts

It's OK Thursday

It's OK that:
*I'm nervous about leaving for Israel in 2 WEEKS! 
*I haven't even started packing yet. 
*I haven't run 1 day this week because I've been super sick. Mama said the lungs have to rest!
*I haven't colored my hair in over 3 months!! It's awful I know! 
*I activated Picket Fence Blogs last night! Feel free to click on my button on the right hand side.
*I want spring to be here right now!!
*I'll be working at least 60 hours a week this summer.
*I'm wishing I was at Blissdom
*I'm mentally checking out. I know it's only February, but I'm ready to graduate! 71 days my friends!!
*

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving that it's 60 degrees today and it totally feels like Spring! 


I'm loving that I won another giveaway this weekend from Tara! :)


I'm loving that I leave for Israel in 2 weeks! 


I'm loving that I found this Northface for half price!

I'm loving that my check from my grandpa came!


I'm loving this dress I found on Modcloth! 

I'm loving that I had a starbies date with my little brother! I luff him!

I'm loving that I'm figuring out who will be taking my senior pictures!

I'm loving that I'm getting my voice back little by little!

I'm loving all the new music on my iPod!

I'm loving that I've had extra time with the sibs this week!

I'm loving the fun silver nailpolish I have on right now!

I'm loving that I'm working the coffee shop at church tonight!

Happy Wednesday! 

Keeping it real

      I'm keeping it real today. I usually do my cheesy little link-up on Tuesdays. But I'm sick, so that goes out the window.  It started out with me losing my voice, and a little cough. Sunday it went into a full out head cold along with coughing, stuffy nose, headache, and no voice! Can you say no good? I hate being sick! 
      I mean if I'm keeping it real that means that I'm going to be honest and say I don't pretend I'm all ok and don't need medicine or my mommy. I will take all the meds and bubble baths I'm allowed. I've been taking Vitamin C like nobody's business, along with Aleve, Sudaphed and cough syrup. It's gross, but I'm thankful for it. Looking forward to the day where I can breathe through my nose again. Speaking of which, I've gotta go blow my nose for the 47th time today! 


Keeping it real,
Emily 

Monday Randoms:

Oh hello Monday. I haven't missed you. At all actually. The weekend flew by and then blink, back to Monday again. *sigh* Have y'all entered my giveaway yet? 1 more week!! 

~I started losing my voice over the weekend at the conference. Between shouting and having fun, as well as little sleep, I think my immune system was shot. I woke up this morning with a headache, stuffy nose, cough, and no voice! I think losing my voice is the hardest thing! :( 


~A bunch of my bloggy friends are headed to Blissdom this week! I'm so excited for them and secretly wishing I was going! It looks like a blast!  


~On a happier note, I started the 78 days of thankfulness with my friend Addie, that I've mentioned before! I was really being whiny last week and kept mentioning my graduation countdown and how fast I wanted it to come. I've just hit that point of being over high school. I'm ready to be DONE! Addie came up with this idea that everyday, I text her something I'm thankful for, and she texts me back something she is thankful for. We'll do this for 78 days until graduation! I know it sounds silly, but it's been a fun way to get my mind off constantly wanting the time to pass faster! I'm learning to find little things that I'm thankful for :)


~I went into Victoria's Secret and for the first time (i know it's bad!!), I got fitted! I mean I had a general idea but I wanted to know for sure! The girls there were so sweet, even though I was completely self conscious of my flat self. I'll be rocking the 34A from here on out! 



~I'm anxiously awaiting hearing anything from CofO! The priority deadline was February 15th and I got in ALL my paperwork before then. Now I just wait and wait until I hear something. It's killing me and teaching me some patience. I know that God is in control and I'm supposed to trust that, but I would like an answer!

~My sweet grandpa, Pop-Pop, is sending me a check to help me pay for my israel expenses and buy some souvenirs while I'm there! It was totally unexpected and completely a blessing! 

~I'm beginning to look at senior picture ideas and outfits! If y'all see anything cute or something I might like, feel free to email me or comment! I'm getting excited!

~I have another 5 minute speech due this Friday in class. I'm so nervous. I've already done 2 or 3 this semester and have 2-3 left. I love talking and chatting with people, but I hate getting up in front of class. It scares me so bad!! 

~I'm hoping to run week 7 of C25K! I'm really hoping this sickness leaves and quickly! I can't afford to lose any motivation!! I did get a new pair of Nike's on Friday and I LOVE them :) I can't wait to use them! 

I might have a bit longer of a brain dump, but my head is clearly congested, and need to rest up! Oh and Happy President's Day!! 

a weekend with Jr. High Kids

my weekend:

Friday morning, 37 of us headed to St. Louis for Believe12. I mentioned it in this post. I had an amazing time. This was my first time "chaperoning" an event and I LOVED it! I learned so much by just spending time with everyone. They were so fun! Here are so pictures from our car ride up. We took 2 busses and 1 SUV! Dance parties and singing loud happened almost the entire time! 

This is Julie. She is awesome. She cooks all of our food for us for every single youth event I can remember! Mission trips, fall retreats, you name it. She cooks for it. Friday night, both of us went shopping at SAMS, Wal-mart, and some local grocery stores. After quite the detour, we finally found the shopping center! It was dark, and the GPS decided to go stupid on us. We rolled our eyes and did a fair amount of laughing at ourselves that night haha! We were making memories for sure! 

This is a SMALL fraction

of the food. very small.

Worshipping with 4000 teens was 

incredible. High energy for sure!!

I never thought this would be a part of the weekend.

He is fine now. Thankful for quick EMT's and wise doctors!

My Jr. High girls made me try on these

ridiculous 5 inch platforms at Journeys!

Zebra, sparkles, and SO tall!

These is about 1/3rd of the sleeping area

for the girls alone. overpack much?

myself included! :)

I LOVED spending time with these sweet girls! 

Happy Sunday! :) 

Friday: Headed to STL

2012

       This morning I'm heading to St. Louis with the Jr. High kids from youthgroup! I'm SO excited and ready to hang with all of them!! We are going up for Believe 2012, a conference meant specifically for Jr. High age kids! I can't wait to see what God is going to do with these kids and their hearts for Him! 

       I'm looking forward to spending time with them. I can't believe that I'm a senior in high school and i once was this age. umm really? was i ever really this excited? crazy? loud? never! ha! who am I kidding? I LOVE these kids! I'm ready for late nights, loud music, a 4 hour roadtrip and some incredible memories with crazy kids!


Happy Friday! We've made it to the weekend!! 

It's OK Thursday

It's OK that:
*I have literally told every single person I can that I ran for 20 minutes WITHOUT stopping last night! That is a B-I-G- deal for a couch potato-just started running 6 weeks ago-kinda girl! I'm SO happy and excited!!
*I haven't started packing for Israel, but I have been doing some online shopping for backpacks, luggage, clothes etc
*I straightened my hair for the first time since Christmas. lazy much?!
*I'm so tired and all I want to do is sleep.
*I decided to do another random giveaway! 
*I get excited with each new blog follower I get! 57 and counting!
*I have a HUGE crush on Channing Tatum. I mean who doesn't? Seriously.
*I'm going to watch The Vow again! I LOVED it!
*I'm skipping a really good concert tonight to have a coffee date with someone that I LOVE :)
*I bought new running shoes this week! eeep I can't wait to use them!
*I'm going to STL this weekend with the Jr. High Kids from youth group for a conference! I can't wait to hang out with some of the sweetest, coolest kids around! 


Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesdays: The Grammys

PS: giveaway over at Green Fashionista through tomorrow! 

Top 10 Tuesday: Bucket List

Here we go for week 3 of Top 10 Tuesday! Show me the Top 10 things on your bucket list! Note: this is not an impossible bucket list ie: climb Mt. Kilimanjaro    or win the Nobel Peace Prize. I want goals that I know I can probably reach. Luckily for me, I found most of mine in picture form via Pinterest! I can't wait to see what is on y'all bucket lists! 

1-

2-

The way that I'm in a starbucks rut,

it could take quite a while!

3-

4-

I've never done this before.

Summer 2012?

5-

I live no where NEAR a beach,

therefore it goes on the bucket list.

6-

ahhh Paris and London.

someday

7-

I've been to about half of them 

and driven through about 35. 

8-

I'm always changing my mind about what

 I want to do when I "grow-up" ha! 

remember this post? 

Hopefully, I'll have a job that travels!

9-

Yes I know! This is simple.

It seems easily reachable.

But, I don't see it happening for at least 10 years

therefore it goes on the bucket list.

10- 

This seems like something that shouldn't

be on a bucket list, because it should come

so naturally. Something that isn't a life goal.

not for me my friends!

Happy Valentine's Day too! :)