Snowball fight

So I was taking pictures of the snow when all of the sudden Jason attacks me with snowballs! Somehow I managed to record it, even though I slipped and busted it!

Campout with the Boys--(Bear Grylls style)

2007 Mini-Class Reunion :) Some of the girls!
Christmas Cookies

Beauty & the Beast Musical in Birmingham :)

RADICAL

I first heard about this book at Camp Ozark this past summer. I noticed one of the counselors reading it, and I asked her what it was about. The book is Radical. The author, David Platt is the pastor of the Church of Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama. I've heard him speak before and his love for the Lord is so evident. I picked up the book last night at Books a Million and started reading immediately when I got home. I'm on Ch. 4, but so far, my eyes are wide open to the approach Platt talks about in Radical. Here are some things to think about:

Book Overview:

In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to BELIEVE and OBEY what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel of JESUS."

-You and I desperately need to consider whether we have ever truly, authentically trusted in Christ for our salvation.

-The dangerous assumption we unknowingly accept in the American dream is that our greatest asset is our own ability.

-This is how God works. He puts his people in positions where they are desperate for his power, and then shows his provision in ways that display his greatness.

-The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, the Helper, the Guide, the very presence of God living in you.

So today, I PRAY that we can all learn to put our trust and faith in Jesus.

White Christmas

SNOW

Snow in Oneonta, Alabama :) About a week or two ago!

Keith Fitzhugh

I enjoy keeping up with the news but sometimes it becomes so boring, so pointless to me. However, the other day I saw this story about a guy named Keith Fitzhugh who turned down money from the NFL. I didn't pay that much attention to it until last night when I was watching Jay Leno. Jay Leno keeps me laughing, throughout the week, his sense of humor just makes me laugh! So anyways, Keith Fitzhugh was on the show last night. Considering Jay Leno usually only interviews "famous" people, I was anxious to see how he would respond.

Incredible.

He told Jay the whole process of how he turned down the money, and ended up keeping his job working at the train. A train. What struck me the most, is what he said in the end.

"You only have 1 mother, and 1 father." He knew by choosing money/football/etc over his family that he would be taking a risk. He considered his options and I applause him for that. He represented MSU very well last night, and I'm sure their team is thrilled.

That's what I call a classy person.

98 % Finished

According to Degree Works, or the graduation tracker for UA, I am 98 % finished with school!! I only have 1 more class to take, including my internship in the Spring :) It feels SO good to almost have 4 years of college out of the way!!!!

I believe with my whole heart that the Lord has the perfect job picked out for me. My parents keep telling me to hold my head up high during these hard economic times. I really believe it's all about FAITH!!!

I finished The Last Song last night and OH.MY.GOODNESS. Such an amazing book that is full of insightful, meaningful, and a loving storyline. Here is a quote from the book as I finish my post.

"Never forget that God is your friend. And like all friends, He longs to hear what's been happening in your life. Good or bad, whether it's been full of sorrow or anger, and even when you're questioning why terrible things have to happen. So talk with Him."

20 Degrees

I just checked the weather on the Weather Channel online and yes, it's 20 degrees in Oneonta, Alabama!! But with the wind, it feels like 7 Degrees. I need to go run, but I think I may just have to wait and see!

If you know me, you know I thrive for adventure. There are SO many things I want to do in life and when I ever find the time and money, nothing is going to stop me. As for now, Dad and I have a new goal.

I graduate May 7, 2011 and shortly after I'll be in Hannah's wedding May 28, 2011! Our journey will begin a few days later. My Dad is going to take off 2 weeks of work and we are going to hike 120 miles. We will end up in Damascus, Virginia. If we backpack 10 miles a day, it will take us about 11-12 days. We will carry everything, food, sleeping bag, hammock, etc. I'm really excited because I've never been on a long back packing trip. A few days is the longest I've gone. I know it will push me physically and mentally but I'm ready to tackle the challenge. 2011 is going to be a fantastic year for me and I'm excited to share this hike with my Dad.

Well, back to reading. This book has me hooked. Have a great Monday!

Love,
Catherine

Concert Pictures

Julianne Hough!

Joe Nicholas :)

Waiting for Joe and Julianne to come out!

After eating at JClyde! Yummy! This is what you do when you have no heat in your car. Layer up! 3 shirts, 1 jacket, 3 pairs of pants, and my boots....I'm set! Haha!

Lady Antebellum - Hello World (Music Video)

Just take a moment to watch this video......

Joe Nichols & Julianne Hough

Another great concert to add to my list in 2010. Last night, I drove to Birmingham and met Meagan at her house in Homewood. We went to this amazing restaurant called JClyde. We found a coupon for 2 bucks--for a 25 dollar gift certificate. We had to spend 50 dollars so we ended up only paying 18 bucks total each. It was a great deal! We went all out... Fried Green tomatoes for appetizer, salad, and I had bow-tie pasta with chicken. Can you say stuffed?

Afterwards, we went to the concert at Workplay on the corner of 5th and 23rd in downtown Birmingham. After my alarming incident this past summer in downtown, I've always been a nervous wreck going down there. Especially at night. Birmingham ranks the 8th most dangerous city in the U.S. Needless to say, I had my eye over my shoulder as we were walking from our car.

We got inside, made our way to the stage, and ended up on about the 3rd or 4th row! Joe Nichols and Julianne Hough (from Dancing with the Stars & dating Ryan Seacrest) put on a great, acoustic performance to benefit St. Jude's. I was really impressed considering it was a real, informal show. Maybe that's what I should do with my life, critique country music shows. haha. Well, anyways, the best song of the night was "Gimme that Girl." #2 most played country music song in 2010. We waited around afterwards to try and get our picture made with them but the meet and greet was before the show. Awesome night though!! In 2 weeks, I'm going to see GARTH BROOKS :)

Here are the country concerts I've been to in 2010:

1. Justin Moore (front row)

2. Jamey Johnson (about 10th row) -terrible concert by the way, unless you're into that music.

3. Eric Church (2nd row)

4. Jason Aldean

5. Luke Bryan

6. Joe Nichols

7. Julianne Hough

8. Garth Brooks (Dec. 19)

There are still a lot of artists I haven't seen that I will see one day.

1. Alan Jackson

2. Brad Paisley

3. Taylor Swift

4. Carrie Underwood

It felt good sleeping until 9:30 this morning. Kelly Peacock is coming to Oneonta today, yeah!!! Hope everyone has a great Thursday!!

Lots of LOVE,

Cat

50 States

My lifetime goal has always been to travel to all 50 states. Tonight, my dad and I made a list of all the states we've been too. Dad's been to 27, Mom's been to 25, and I've been to 22. Here's my list:

1. Alabama

2. Georgia

3. Florida

4. South Carolina

5. North Carolina

6. Tennessee

7. Mississippi

8. Louisiana

9. Arkansas

10. Virginia

11. West Virginia

12. Ohio

13. Pennsylvania

14. Maryland

15. New York

16. New Jersey

17. Massachusetts

18. Maine

19. New Hampshire

20. Nevada

21. California

22. Hawaii

Plus, the Bahamas and Canada.

I'm so close to being half way finished! We also planned a train trip tonight that we plan on taking soon. Here's the route.

From Memphis, Tennessee to Essex, Montana.

These are the states we would cover. I AM PUMPED!

1. Tennessee

2. Kentucky

3. Missouri

4. Illinois

5. Wisconsin

6. Iowa

7. Minnesota

8. North Dakota

9. Montana

Cookie cake from my 4th graders and Mrs. Browder :)

Cookie Cake and Christmas Lights

How I love Christmas-time :) :) :)

My last day at Moundville was yesterday and and everyone made it so special for me! My teacher bought me a cookie cake,(My absolute Favorite) and my kids were sad to see me go! I couldn't help but cry as I was leaving. As I pulled out of the parking lot, I couldn't help but smile and thank God for such an amazing experience!

Now...I have to finish all my assignments and I'll be on my way home for 40 days!

Well, I'm sitting here watching the SEC championship game with my Christmas tree all lit up. So pretty.

Oh and one more thought...I have the best guy friends anyone could possibly ask for. Last night we went and watched Whiskey River Band play and I just couldn't help to be thankful for every single one of them. I know they always have my back no matter what.

God is good............ all the time.

Overwhelmed

Tomorrow is my last day of 4th grade! I feel so lucky to have had a great semester like I did! My teacher Mrs. Browder is probably the kindest woman I have ever met. She helped me so much this semester and I have her to thank for everything! My kiddos, oh boy. Where do I began?

So today, I decided to make Reading a little more interesting. I jumped up in a chair and started singing Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. My kids LOVED it. I'm sure they thought I was crazy. Talk about priceless facial expressions. We all sang along, and one kid even went to the extreme to put red marker all over his nose. Hilarious. My last week at Moundville has been nothing less than amazing. I truly love what I do. It's comforting to know that I will be completely content to teach for the rest of my life. My sweet kids complete me. I mean, who doesn't like seeing 21 sweet faces greet you in the morning. Or tell you how wonderful you are? Or laugh at your stupid jokes? Or even share their candy with you? If that's not pretty close to perfect, I don't know what is.

My heart is one hundred percent in Education and helping students. A piece of my heart aches tonight for many of these kids. I would take every one of them home if I could. I just hope they realize how much they have shaped my life over the past few months. It's been a pleasure. Well, I'm heading to bed....Going to eat at the Waysider for breakfast with my bestie KP!