Senior Realization

So I'm back again to recap the rest of June. After Jackson's birthday occurred, the next big occasion was going to the beach with Laurel's family. On Friday morning, Laurel picked me up from my house. We weren't supposed to be leaving until two that evening; however, Laurel told me that she had some errands to run, and she wanted me to help. We started looking for a swimsuit for her, and ended up buying Wetzel's Pretzels instead. Who needs swimsuits if you have food? No one. Anyways, with no swimsuit in hand we went back to Laurel's house to get on the road. We loaded the Armada with Laurel picking in just about 10 minutes, which could be a new record. As soon as the car was loaded we headed towards Red Box. We ended up checking out Mockingjay, DUFF, and The Cobbler (in which we walked away unsure of if we liked it or not). With an hour or so left in the car we decided to lip sync to multiple songs on the radio. Which was one of my favorite memories of our adventures together. You can find our adventures of the beach on Laurel's post from what we ate to what we did. For me the whole trip was kind of a blur. An exciting and slow blur. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent there with my best friend. She is a truly terrific best friend to have. We work together so nicely, and very rarely argue. I have no idea how long it would take me to adjust to a life without Laurel. After getting back from the beach (with our three new turtles for Jackson's late birthday present), the next day Laurel, Jackson, and I went to the movies together to see InsideOut. It was so adorable and I would see it again in a heartbeat. In case you haven't noticed, our group loves movies. :) That night I went straight to a babysitting job for five hours. It's been a packed couple of weeks. The next day was Father's Day. I was glad to have at least one day with no plans, and I just spent time with my wonderful family. The very next day we traveled to Impact. Impact is an annual event for Christians to get together to grow spiritually and make new friendships and whatnot. It is always a great way to keep your summer going spiritually. It was a week packed with 8 different classes and 9 sessions. Then when the day finished we would go to our Lipscomb dorms and chat for hours. I love having my girls by my side. We learned so much about love during this year's Impact. I really felt it take hold in my life. As we got ready to leave Impact to return home, Laurel slept about 45 minutes later than everyone else and was the last to leave the room (everyday). We were sad to leave, but had hearts full of the love of the Lord. We got home early Saturday; this brings us to Tuesday. I finally had my Senior pictures appointment arrive. I was the first of my friends to explore the upcoming duties of a high school senior, and it was nerve wrecking. Casuals were first as I had to choose one of four areas: water features, flower garden, railroad tracks, or "country". I choose the one the photographer recommended which was the "country" one. It was filled with a little, rundown house and an old, rusty pickup truck. Next I had the formals. I had to take cap and gown pictures and it all became so real. I'm going to be a senior this year. We can talk about it all we want, but now it finally became real. I'm going to graduate this year, and it will be a hectic time. Mexico is the last big event of the summer then before we know it, the shortest high school year will be here. All that's left to do is submit to the rollercoaster that is high school as we finish the grand finale. Senior Year.

Me & Laurel - Me, Laurel, Emma, Jackson, and Alex
Laurel - Laurel & Me
Our View
Me - Alex & Me

IMPACT

"Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful,is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It hears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

I got back from my last Impact as a camper yesterday...
Next year I will be going as a roadie (someone who helps out behind the scenes)
It will be so different.
Senior year is really hitting hard.
I cried a lot this year, like way more than usual
God really "pulled up a chair for me" this year (that's a saying we have in our youth group for when you feel like God is speaking straight to you through someone)
I've experienced a lot of hurt in the past couple of years, like stuff that I wouldn't want anyone else to have to go through
Thankfully, God put amazing friends into my life to help me get through
This year's theme was LOVE, real love
So, each class that we went to had a different topic coming from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
I really learned a lot
I also grew a lot closer to some of my friends
The girls in my room and I had nightly discussions as we ate a TON of junk food :)
I couldn't have asked for any better people to share life with
We talked about some deep stuff, but we also goofed off quite a bit
We never went to bed before 1 in the morning
Impact was created for Christian teens to grow closer to God, but it's also about having fun
and. we. had. fun.
We made bracelets, played 9-square, and listened to a bunch of cool bands and individuals in the coffee house
I'd have to say that the most fun thing we did (besides worshiping God, which was fabulous and fun) was that Lipscomb hosted a Senior Dinner.
We had catered food from SATCO, popsicles, a magician, and we made T-Shirts!
It was just super cool
I also filled out my first college application... and it was nerve-wrecking
I'm not ready for this
I want to stay with my friends forever
My friends inspire me, and one of the most inspiring things was watching Mark worship, I couldn't help but smile (I hope he doesn't get embarrassed by me saying that)
I'm gonna miss that feeling
I'm gonna miss everything about my friends
Especially how they always comfort me when I cry
On friday night, the last night of Impact, we always get letters that our parents have written for us, and I love that tradition that we have
Everytime I read them, I cry, like full out ball
I love my family so much and those letters are so reassuring
I never get homesick so I rarely communicate with them when I'm gone, but I always look forward to those letters
My mom included old pictures in it this year and they made me laugh at myself because I'm so weird and my dad wrote a 5 page letter that was like a perfectly formatted essay
Both of them mentioned how great of friends I have, and I could not agree more
Skid always says "you are who you hang around"
And I couldn't be any happier to be anyone else than my friends
I've begun the year of lasts
And I hope that the friendships I have now last forever
Impact will always have a special place in my heart and life
Till next time :)

Me & Emma - Me & Mark - Jordan, Jordan, Jackson, & me
Me, Averi, Emma, Alex, & Olivia - Me & Austen
Olivia, me, Emma, Jackson, & Alex - Olivia, Emma, & Me (with the band Brother Parker)
Me, Mark, & Emma - Me & Austen

Live
Laugh
Love
~Laurel <3

The Beach :)

First of all, I would strongly suggest that y'all listen to "When I'm With You" by Ben Rector
I have this playlist that I always listen to when I blog and it's the first song on there
Plus, I got to go to the beach with my best friend this week and when I started listening to that song, I just saw pictures of us at the beach go through my head
The song can be about anyone you're close to: a best friend, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or just a friend
It's an adorable song.
Anyways, this week at the beach has been amazing
It was pretty relaxing, wind in our hair, sun in our face, the beautiful view of the palm trees and the ocean, just wonderful

DAY 1
We painted our nails because it always makes pictures of your feet in the sand better ;)
My dad lost a pair of sunglasses and his hat to the waves
The waves were so rough

DAY 2
We rented bikes and just cruised down to Seaside and back
I almost lost my hat when we were biking... my favorite camo hat, but I got it, no worries
However, my dad was not as lucky, he lost another pair of sunglasses
I'm not sure the waves will ever let up
One of my favorite things about the beach is the way my hair gets wavy and blonde
It's wonderful
Any time that I get to spend with my best friend is wonderful
Especially when there are cute boys around ;) haha
But neither one of us are brave enough to speak to them

DAY 3
Tonight we went to Old Florida Fish Market, and I really wanted some hush puppies, so I asked the waitress to substitute fries for hush puppies and she said, "how about I just bring you some and you don't tell anyone, and if they ask, just say you have no idea how they got there"
She was hilarious, they were real HUSH puppies, she was keeping me quiet haha
And, Olivia and I played rook against my parents and we didn't finish until like 1:00 am and then, being teenage girls, we stayed up even later talking

DAY 4
So, I think both of us got a little red today... Not good
I also got a new swimsuit! It's very cute :)
We played volleyball on the beach and then soccer with a volleyball
The waves were less rough so I actually got out and floated (ish)
Afterwards, we went back to the condo and watched a few guys paddleboard
One was really good and he was riding the waves, almost surfing. It was really impressive
For dinner, we went to "The Red Bar"
The food was great, which made up for the long wait (we waited for over an hour)
Their menu was very interesting... They didn't have printed menus, they were written on chalkboard and there were only 5 things to choose from... But everything tasted amazing!
And again, Olivia and I sat on the balcony before bed
Just enjoying each other's company and chatting away - and snapchatting Mark ;)

DAY 5
Today was just super relaxed
We went to the pool in the morning and the ocean in the afternoon
We both read "not a fan" by Kyle Idleman
It's a very good read, it's about deciding whether to be a 'fan' or a 'follower' of Jesus
I highly recommend it
Anyways, the waves had finally calmed down enough for me to go out for awhile and just float
Then, when we had gotten back to the condo, my parents had made dinner
We had brie and artichoke & crab dip for our appetizers; shrimp, broccoli, french fries, and bread for our main meal; then, for dessert... ICE CREAM!
And, we played quelf, the card game. It was hilarious to play
Then, to end the night, we watched Jimmy Fallon on tv and Olan Rogers on youtube (they are both super funny guys, if you've never seen them, you're missing out on a few good laughs)

DAY 6
Sooo, we slept in a little later than usual, woke up for lunch
Then, pool and the ocean
And, for our final night, we went to Seaside for dinner
But, before we could go to bed, we had to have ice cream, again :)

DAY 7
Our last day...
We were leaving rather early
So, Olivia and I went to the ocean one last time
We sat and read, and did a little bit of people watching (it sounds creepy but it's pretty funny sometimes)
Our fun had to come to a close though, so we headed back up to begin packing and cleaning

We came, we saw, we conquered... then we cleaned

Me & Olivia

Live
Laugh
Love
~Laurel <3

Another View

Hey guys! This is Olivia; Laurel wanted me to post as another side of view for the blog. I'm just now getting around to writing on it and have never written anything publicly before that wasn't for a grade so we'll see how this goes. The summer has started quickly as I just now realize that we've finished the first week of June already. The first event of the summer, at least for Laurel, Alex, and me was my sister's wedding. It seems like she is too young to get married only at age 20; however, I believe they will make a blissful life for the two of them. Their wedding was very "rustic on a budget", but was gorgeous enough that I would be very happy if it was my own wedding. I was maid of honor, and as I walked down the aisle before her I could hear the distant sniffles in the crowd and the other bridesmaids. The actual wedding day went very rapidly, but the days after the honeymoon have led to slow days filled with her at our house (because their house is not yet ready) and her husband at work. It has been tense at times, but we still love each other dearly. It will be sad to see her actually go, as right now it doesn't seem much different. I will continue to avoid the sadness of her leaving with the distractions of perks with the absence of "the couple". Kids Camp has been a terrific start to the summer as we realize what we should be doing with our time this summer: growing closer to God. During my time at Kids Camp I was put on the yellow team which is also known as the Stalwarts. We came in dead last, but we believe we had the most team spirit and the best experience there, which is all that matters. While at Kids Camp, we had to mentor a few of the campers on our team. When I was told this I began to be a tad frightened; however, the more I mentored, the more I felt spiritual and leadership growth. I left Camp with many hugs from lovely girls I had met and mentored, fantastic new friendships, and a renewed love for Jesus Christ. Two of my three camper girls even got baptized at camp/ at church the next day. I realized once I returned home that I should've gone to Camp all along, because I feel like I missed out on some great memories that could have happened, and we only have one year left. I feel as if this could be our motto for this next fun-filled year: "one year left". I'm sure by the end of this year we will all be brought to tears, as on one night singing in the amphitheater Mark decided to pray for the graduating and upcoming seniors, which alone made us misty-eyed. One day passed and we arrived at Jackson's birthday. We had a great time doing all that Laurel posted, and although it was very last minute, I truly believe we accomplished what we wanted which was to show him the thought of how we care for him. He is truly one of our best friends, which is why we are the three amigos. This group means a lot to me, and I believe it has been a big contribution to me beginning to come out of my shell and try new things. I am eternally grateful for the times we have had, and will have in the future because this year we believe in making the most of things with no regrets going into college. From events such as Prom and Summer Dance,  bigger events like Camp and Mexico, or smaller events like shopping trips and birthdays: we will leave behind no stone unturned or forgotten. With this in mind join us on our journey to have no regrets, and make the most of our last year together: Senior Year.

Me & Jackson - Me & Laurel
Me - Me & Laurel
Laurel & Me - Alex, Me, & Laurel

Jackson's Birthday

Today was one of my best friend's birthday. He turned 17.
Now, he can legally drive more than one person in his car ;)
A few of my friends and I planned him a surprise party (we like to say it was as much a surprise to us as it was him)
We planned it all last night and had it a lunch time today.
BUT we had fun, and that is all that matters
We went to Kids Castle and had lunch under the pavilion.
We ate, enoed, and played on the playground like little kids (even though we're all teens)
Afterwards, we went and saw "Tomorrowland" - btw it was really good
All in all, I think today was a success.
Happy 17th Birthday Jackson! :)

Jordan & Me - Our Chaco Star
Me, Jackson, & Jordan - Jackson, Me, & Jordan (flying off)
Olivia & Me - Mark, Jackson, & Jordan
Jackson, Jordan, & Mark

Live
Laugh 
Love
~Laurel <3

KIDS CAMP

John 17- "we are not of this world"
Today, I got back from Kids Camp.
It was awesome! This was my first year, and I was a counselor.
I had so much fun spending time the elementary students and my fellow counselors.
Our theme was "not of this world"
So, we did everything as if we were in space
Our teams were battleships with outer-space names.
For instance, I was on team Andromeda (which is a galaxy)
Kids Camp is hard to explain but there are different teams that compete for points and whoever gets the most points wins.
We play different games like dodge ball, kickball, sack races, tug-of-war, etc.
The last night of camp, we play "the big game" and you have to go searching for tiles with letters on them and figure out what the letters spell out and whoever gets it first launches off a firework to notify everyone that their team won.
This year, the blue team won "the big game" but, the orange team won overall.
My team came in 5th, which isn't too bad.
All that really matters is that you get closer to and learn more about God and you have fun!
I loved being able to hang out with my friends and compete against them.
I enjoyed every moment of camp: the sleepless nights, singing in the amphitheater, chats on the basketball court, team events, meals with the kids, devos, skits, the wheel of funny, and especially the campers' love for God and their love for their counselors
I can't wait for next year.

Me & Jackson - Me & Olivia
My Team
Jordan & Me - Me & Mark

" because we're all about that space, bout that space, time travel

we're all about that space, bout that space, time travel

we're all about that space, bout that space, time travel

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

you can see Andromeda using just your eye

because we are the galaxy so close by

we wear green because we're good and we don't tell lies 

we're a crew that serves because we want to follow Christ

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

you know we're all about that space, bout that space, no trouble 

we're all about that space, bout that space, no trouble 

we're all about that space, bout that space, no trouble "

Live
Laugh 
Love
~Laurel <3

The Summer Dance

Okay, so I meant to write this awhile ago...
Anyways, two of my friends decided to host a dance to raise money for an orphanage in Mexico. The dance was a hit. It was so much fun.
I went with Mark. And we had a blast! (at least I did, I hope he did too)
Leah (my cousin) got to go to, she went with Austen.
Neither one really wanted to dance so they just looked at stars AND planets ;)
I am so glad I got to go.
Leah and I were a tad late because I played in a tennis tournament that day in Chattanooga.
Honestly, I'm glad I lost my last match, otherwise I would've missed the dance.
The dance was definitely a great way to kick off the summer!

Me, Mark, & Olivia
Me & Mark
Austen, Leah, Mark, & Me

Live
Laugh 
Love
~Laurel <3