capturing history

My memories of my grandparents' lives together...


My favorite gas station



Weezy's parents' general store



Hulaco General Store




The water tower that marks the road to turn to...




The Bagwell Farm


As I rode around Joppa, Hulaco, and Ryan, AL today, I realized how special these places are to me. My grandfather grew up on a farm and fell in love with a girl from Ryan. Weezy loved to share stories of her parents' general store. Hulaco General Store was a must-stop when in town for the best suckers. The water tower shows you were to turn to get to the Bagwell Farm, where you would always be greeted with a smile and a hug.

sweet and sour

Today was a very exhausting day. Now that it's over and time to go to bed, I am looking back on the day and wondering why I didn't enjoy the moment more. This morning, I had a LONG meeting with my mortage man, who I just love! He's so funny! After my meeting, I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off. Then, the best part of my day, Grace. She came to spend the afternoon with me while she waited on that smelly boyfriend of hers :) I haven't had a day with just Grace since I don't know when. It was exactly what I needed. She helped me pack, we ran errands, and watched Cake Boss and Say Yes to the Dress. It's exactly the afternoon I needed. But, instead of enjoying it, I was freaking out about tomorrow...moving day. With all my belongings packed up, I look around this place and sigh. I have so many happy times in this apartment. We celebrated Calla's birthday last year, the National Championship, my first place by myself...just to name a few. I can't believe how much has changed in a year, a month, and a day. Grace and I were discussing how we end up at the right place at the right time...
I never in a million years thought I would be so much in love with Birmingham as I am now. I never thought one person I would depend on for advice would be my best friend's boyfriend. I never thought I'd be a cat lady. I never thought I would like living by myself. I never thought I'd discover so many things about a city alone. I never thought I'd be so happy in my job. I never thought I'd own a house at 22. I never thought I would miss and cherish Guntersville as much as I do now. I never thought my life would go like it is now.
I am so happy and blessed!! :)

Thank God

I have so many reasons to be thankful to God. Today is just an example of His grace and mercy. Talk about perfect timing...
This morning, I woke up around 3:00. I couldn't sleep...I had so many things on my mind. At 4:00, I called to check on Barbara and is happy to announce that Aubrey Anne Snow was born at 2:00 AM. :) I am so thankful for the friendship I have with Barbara. I can't wait to watch Aubrey grow up. She is loved so much, and her parents are going to give her the world!!
At 9:30, my family walked into the parole board room. We sat in front of 3 parole board members, and across from 7 people there to protest our wishes. The opposing side had the opportunity to speak first. During this time, my family sat quietly, waiting on them to stop telling all the lies. I prayed the whole time that God would be with the parole board members. Then it was our turn to talk. I am so proud to call these people my family. They argued their points, stated our concerns, and accomplished what we were there to do. He was denied parole for 3 more years!! Thank you, God, for hearing my cry. I am incredibly thankful for my family.
When I got back to Birmingham, I headed out to see Aubrey. On my way, I got the phone call... I am going to be a home owner!! The seller accepted my offer and I am getting things going. I can't wait to move into my new house!! I am thankful for the patience and willingness of my realtor. :)
What a day!! I don't think it could get any better. I hope your day was just as good...

Time Flies

I can't believe it's July 11th. Where has the time gone?! I haven't done anything exciting all summer...
This weekend has been a blast!! It started Thursday when Jessica and I went for a walk in her part of town. She found a really cute house for me, we walked up a thousand hills, and returned back to her house drenched in sweat. Thursday night, LaToya and I went out. I love spending time with her. She always amazes me... Friday I spent the day by the pool, looked at the house Jess found for me, had dinner with Calla, Jessica, and Paul and then went out. We had a good time!! Saturday, I slept all day...literally! :) Saturday night I joined Paul, Calla, Jessica, Grace, and Neal at Blue Monkey for the piano man. I love that place! Today, my mama came to town. We went to church, then I showed her and all my friends the house Jessica found. I made an offer and I hope they accept it!! I am feeling really good about this one :)

This week is going to be another great week. Tomorrow I plan on going to school to clean up my new room and visit Barbara at the hospital, hopefully Baby Snow will come on so I can see it. Tomorrow night I will be traveling with my mom and Mikey to Montgomery. Tuesday will be a very stressful day. My aunt's ex-husband is up for parole. In case you don't know the story, 23 years ago he tried to kill my aunt. Lucky for us, he was unsuccessful. He did paralyze her. She lived an incredible life afterwards. She was Ms. Wheelchair Alabama, was an advocate for women against domestic violence, and love her family and God with all her heart. She lived in fear of his return to the public, and it is our family's mission to keep him in prison. Dren died in Sept. 2001. Please pray that God watches us on Tuesday and helps the parole board to make the right decision. Tuesday when I get back, I will be going to see Baby Snow :) I can't wait!! Wednesday, I will be painting in my new classroom. The rest of the week will be spent packing up to move out on Saturday. What a week!!

Happy Birthday America!

New Do's

I love hair cuts. I love how they make you feel before, during, and after. Today, Jessica met me for a hair cut. The best thing about watching your friend get a cut is watching the transformation. Jessica ventured out and got an entire half inch cut!! Haha. I tried to get her to do more, but no luck. I was the brave one today. I had 5 inches cut!! I am a new woman. I wanted change, and man, that's what I got. Here's a picture of our new do's. Thanks for the being our photographer, Paul.

Kate

I am having a hard time falling asleep. Kate's on my mind. She leaves for South Africa tomorrow. I can't imagine how anxious she is to get there. I am so proud of her for so many things, but one thing she does continuously is trust on God to lead her heart wherever He wants her to go. Amazingly, He provides opportunities for her to share His love. I am so thankful to have her as my friend. Tomorrow, she'll leave from Atlanta and I won't hear her voice again til August 6th. I am already ready for that date. I can't wait to hear the wonderful tales she will have when she gets back. I am nervous for her because it's so unsafe for women to be in the area she will be. I pray that God protects her while she is doing His work. Please pray with me that He protects and guards her.

The funny thing about this is that for some reason, everytime she leaves, our relationship grows. I talk to her everyday, literally everyday. Even if it's just a text. While she was in Italy last spring, we facebooked everyday. I would share my experiences during my special education internship, while she would tell me about the Italian days she was living. I have never checked my emails so much as I did when she was gone. And I have a feeling it will be like that again. Best friends are hard to find, and I can't imagine living without one of mine.

Last night, Calla, Kate, and I enjoyed Birmingham. We ate at PF Changs then went downtown. I was sitting at a bar downtown, taking in the beauty of two of my favorite people in the world. Kate just has a way about her. You can't help but love and trust her. She would go to the end of the world for anyone. Calla is so herself. She has an amazing character that always surprises you and makes you laugh. She lives life to the fullest and I am thankful our relationship has grown this year.

I love you, Kate. I am so proud of your devotion and courage. :) Can't wait to hear about the way God moves through you!!