Escape

I cannot wait to be sitting here in less than 48 hours.  Away from all distractions: work, email, phones, facebook, etc.  There are so many refreshing things about escaping from the busyness of life.  This is John's last week in Atlanta until late August so there is much to do before Friday.  It cannot come quick enough!   

School's Out!

It was a tradition in my house growing up to have your picture taken on the first day of school. So, of course, I took John's picture back in August on his first day. I think I would like to take pictures of my kids on the first and last day of school. The last is so much more exciting. Today is John's last day of school for his first year in the MBA program. I forgot to take his picture this morning though, so maybe I can get one tonight after his last exam. In the meantime, I couldn't help but post this precious photo of him from preschool. This "3 year old" expression perfectly captures John's excitement this morning as he flew out the door joyfully singing. :) Whether it is St. Anne's day school or graduate school, the last day of school and the onset of summer is fun no matter what age or stage in life.

I love John's joy in life and determination to go and conquer the world learning and in business. He has worked so hard this year and it has paid off. He is thrilled about his internship with J&J for the summer and I am so proud of him.

Happy Summer!

P.S. I know John and I will be thrilled for a healthy baby girl or boy come October. However, I would secretly love to one day have a little boy that looks just like this one and giggles at me when I take his picture for preschool.

To my Friends

SURPRISE!!!!
It's Baby Phelps :)

It's Official...

I really like golf. This year was my 3rd year to go to the Master's with John. Two years ago when I went for the first time, I knew absolutely nothing about golf- and I am actually pretty tuned in with sports. My brothers did not grow up playing or watching golf so I guess it never struck my fancy either. I could not have told you the difference between a birdie or a bogie. And Tiger Woods was the only golfer I would somewhat recognize.

John loves golf . He grew up playing and going to the Master's each year. The last two years I have tried so hard to learn as much as I possibly could about the sport (only while at the tournament, of course). I have asked John so many questions (probably multiple times) to try and understand. I was so proud when this year during the tournment, he turned to me and said, "You've become quite the little golf fan." He realized this year I was not asking questions, I was participating in the conversation and keeping up with the tee cards just as he was doing so.

When I told John how much I was loving the golf he said, "I think you just love the Master's." We laughed, but in reality, I think it is true. I love experiences with lots of history and tradition - and that is the Master's. The whole thing truly fascinates me. All the rules: The secret society of members, no phones, no cameras/pictures, no public selling or purchasing of tickets, no sponsors, etc. The traditions: the volunteers in Augusta who make this production happen (so smoothly and very organized), local school teachers who take their spring break to make all the sandwiches, nothing in the concession is over $3, the same very short and simple menu every year, and of course so many of the same fans who come back year after year. It is very much a family event. And talk about a great place to people watch!

Bobby Jones did a great job making this an elite course and tournament. It is amazing how honored people are just to be able to watch the golf at Augusta National. It is refreshing to see a place and an event with so much respect from fans. Of all the sporting events I have witnessed, this is the only one I have never seen a drunk fan, a piece of trash on the ground, a fight or a police officer escort someone out of the crowd.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to have gone several years. It is a remarkable southern sporting event. If you ever have the chance to go, you must take it!

So maybe I do just love golf while at the Master's.

Easter

I have to admit Easter is my favorite holiday and one of my favorite times of the year. Christmas is always a child’s favorite holiday though, right? Not for me, even as a little girl it has always been Easter. Growing up Easter was all about a new dress for church, a day you could officially bring out your white and seersucker for the season, the onset of warm weather, Easter baskets with eggs full of pastel colored candy, and the amazing Easter egg hunt at my grandparent’s house. While I still love these things (and who doesn’t?!), it wasn’t until later in life that Easter held a larger meaning to me.
Last week as I was reading and reflecting on Holy week, I read several verses about this topic: Luke 9:18 where Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do the crowds say I am?” In Matthew 21, those crowds called Him a king, a prophet, and a teacher. The same crowds who called Jesus those words, crucified him just days later.
In light of these scriptures, I’ve reflected on who Jesus is to me? I heard a quote last week that said, “Most people make Jesus someone they can live with instead of someone they cannot live without.” I pray Jesus is someone I continually cannot live without. At different times in my life and depending on certain circumstances I face, Jesus shows me he is a provider, a father, a faithful friend, an encouragement, a listening ear, and much more.
No matter what my joys or struggles, Jesus will always constantly be my Savior and my hope. Those who call him Lord, He freely gives life. As believers, Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection give us life and hope in Him. And because of that Easter will continue to be my favorite time of the year!

L-O-V-E

It is a lot of pressure to know exactly how to start a blog-especially if you are not much of a writer (like me). So, I figured what better way to start off than to let those I L-O-V-E do the sharing. Hannah, our creative writer in the bunch, says it best:

"13auburnfriends. This is what we call ourselves. Cliche, I know. 13 seems a bit much. I know. What can you do? There are 13 of us. And we are best friends from college.

Through crazy circumstances we all came to know each other at Auburn University. Our time in college has come and gone. Despite being spread all over the country, our friendships remained unchanged. Wait. I take that back. Our friendships have changed. How is it that our friendships are more hearty, authentic, and colorful now? Almost two years after college?

We put together a little video for one of the 13auburnfriends and her family and sent it to her on a particular day that needed a little sparkle.

Hope you like it. We think we are hilarious."

(Hannah, I promise to write on my own from now on!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HSahuyCQSs

Play L-O-V-E