9.19.2010

Memories in Music

Every now and then, I believe it is good for the soul to listen to some good music that brings back to you memories of your past; the good and the bad memories. 
One album, in particular, that without fail brings me back to 1st semester sophomore year (my favorite year of college) at UA is One Cell in the Sea by A Fine Frenzy. So many fall memories laced within the lyrics of that album. Memories of sitting by the river with a boy far too old for me, studying together after coming to the realization that we could never be more than friends, uncontrollably laughing when "Almost Lover" came playing through my earbuds and hoping he wouldn't look over to see why I am in hysterics. Memories of late night drive thrus at Arby's and even later late night talks with two amazingly crazy girls, dreaming about future loves and gushing over our Incredible Creator. Memories of driving around after midnight with the windows down and music blaring (typically with my amazing friend Gina and blaring "Embracing Accusations" by Shane and Shane). Memories of sitting in the Rose Tower parking lot fully engulfed in the infamous "If I perish, I perish" conversation with my best guy friend, Whaley. 
I'm not exactly sure why the fall semester of sophomore year brings me so much comfort in the memories, but something about it brings me happiness when I look back to it. Fall semester, specifically, was a time of such spiritual and emotional growth. I remember one night drinking a cup of coffee at around 9, which resulted in about 6 hours of digging into the Word of God and scribbling question after question in my journal. For the first time starving for more of God's truth.
And while it was a time of growth, it was also a time of darkness and loneliness. Much of which I have kept to myself, until now. It sounds funny (and it kind of is) but there were many nights when I would wake myself up sitting up in my bed talking to whoever was visiting me in my dreams. I remember the many journal entries asking God when it would my turn to find happiness with a guy; when would it be my turn to truly, whole heartedly love someone. I don't know what it was about that year that made me feel so ready to meet real love for first time, but I was certainly ready.
Something I realize now, but had no clue at the time, is all that spiritual growth I was experiencing was happening for a reason. All that loneliness I was experiencing was present for a reason. Little did I know in November, when I was asking God "When?", that he was preparing me for when He would say "Now". 
On April 2, I went on my first date with Rob. The most special date I had ever had. He put so much thought into it. And from the very beginning, and for the first time, I had a boy be completely honest with me. There was never any question in my head about his feelings for me. Absolutely no run around. Something I had never witnessed. His intentions were true and truthful. We spoke about God's purpose for our lives. We argued over predestination and agreed that we were to Go to the nations no matter predestination or free-will. 
I knew that this person was a man among the boys. I knew that together we could move mountains. More importantly I knew that it was with him that I wanted to learn what real love meant, even at the risk of another disappointment and heartbreak. Because in this situation the reward was far greater than the risk, and that I knew with all my heart. 
I guess the reason I feel so much comfort from the memories of the fall semester of my sophomore year is that it reminds me that from pain and suffering comes immense growth and strength. From great darkness comes greater light; from loneliness comes community. From the storm comes the rainbow.
Isn't it amazing the memories one album can stir up within us? With all that said, if you've never heard of A Fine Frenzy, go to Amazon.com and start off with their first album One Cell in the Sea. Once you've listened to that one about 1 million times, go back to Amazon.com and purchase their newest album A Bomb in a Birdcage. If that's not your style, figure out what is and make memories to go along with your personal soundtrack. 

9.07.2010

Favorite 4-yr-old Quotes



Just to give a little background: most of these quotes will come from one boy in my class who seriously says the funniest things I have ever heard. I'll be sure to keep this one updated as my kids say more hilarious 4-yr-old stuff.


  1. While trying to pack up his fish pillow after nap time: "I keep trying to put it in there, but it keeps swimming out."
  2. After spilling his water on his pants: "I didn't spill it; it jumped out."
  3. After I get onto the class for talking when they've been asked to stop: "I'm not talking"....welp you are now...
  4. "Mrs. Caitlin, my eyes won't wake up."
  5. "My throat is so hungry."
  6. "My mom, my dad, my sister, and me are moving into a big house like yours. We're going to have a clipboard and boxes of markers just like yours." - I'm pretty sure he thinks I live at the school.
  7. "Mrs. Caitlin, how do you know?" -kid, "Because I know everything" -me, "You don't know what God looks like..." -same kid. Owned.
  8. "I was in heaven when I was a baby" -kid, "I was too. Maybe we were friends there" -me, "Ugh! No, you weren't there!" -kid. Owned. Again.
  9. "When I can't find anyone to play with, I just play with myself."

    To be continued....

    Tuesday is the new Friday

    I'm not sure if it was the incredibly lazy 3-day weekend that Rob and I took part in this past weekend or if I'm sure just getting lazier by the day, but tonight I have been DRAGGIN'. 
    A typical day for me ends right around 6 pm. Praise Jesus that today my last child left school at 5:30 today because if he had stayed any longer I don't know that I would've made it home awake.
    Rob and I finished supper (a very classy Krystal dinner) around 7 pm and I was snoozin' by 7:30. Geez! The only days I ever feel like this are Thursday and Friday nights.
    Thankfully I woke up an hour later to the sound of Rob's Xbox turning on. Don't worry I'm a sweet enough wife I let him play his game. I kept myself awake by facebook stalking all my Tuscaloosa buddies and writing on just about everyone's wall I could think of. 
    This post has absolutely no other purpose than to ask: Is it just me or does tonight really feel like Friday night? 

    9.05.2010

    Sometimes the best BC doesn't come in a Pill

    For starters, I finished my job at Banana Republic and started my job at First Baptist Ridgeland's Daycare/Pre-k. I have now completed my 3rd week with my kids and I still love it (it was at this time that I had already turned in my 2 wks notice at Banana, ha!). 
    While eleven 4-year-olds can be a bit (okay a lot) much at times, I honestly couldn't think of a better job for me right now. If nothing else, they are definitely the BEST form of birth control there is. Especially after last Friday.

    A couple of weeks ago the morning teacher of my classroom asked me if I could substitute for her Friday (9/3) so that she and her family could make their way to her Bro-in-law's wedding in Ohio. I told her, "Absolutely!" I did not know what I was getting myself into. 

    Earlier last week I developed my traditional sinus infection (it's a bi-annual thing for me). It started off with just a slight runny nose. No big deal. But of course, as always, it got worse and worse every day. Wednesday I opted to call in sick because my body literally felt like a steam roller had flattened my body overnight. I also knew that if I didn't take Wed. off there was no way I'd survive Friday. 

    Thursday morning I felt GREAT. I even felt good enough to take little M for a walk in the park. I went to school like I always do and still felt fine. I got home that night and went to bed. When I woke up the next morning, at 6 am, (after sleeping with my mouth wide open all night), it felt like I had literally swallowed needles, scraping my throat all the way down. I felt worse than I did on Wednesday. Awesome! This is looking good. 

    I have decided that there is something about Thursdays and Fridays that turns my sweet little angels into wild monkeys! Most likely it's the fact alone that it's Thursday and Friday and they're tired of being in school. All day Friday my kids were screaming, whining, tattling, smarting off, etc to me. I was amazed at their crazy behavior. I even tried to bribe them with the cookies I had baked for them the night before. I decided to give them a second chance after rest time (because I really didn't want to/need to take those cookies back home with me). 

    Because I was there for 10 hrs, I got an hour long break during rest time. When I got back I asked the stand-in teacher how they did and she said that each one of them was knocked out as soon as their heads hit the pillow. So I decided that was enough reason for me to give them the cookies. I know that I really probably shouldn't have given them the cookies, but I baked them to celebrate our two September birthdays and I didn't think it was fair to ignore their days, especially when they were the only two that weren't acting wild. 

    They were perfect little angels during all of snack time (wouldn't you be if someone had just stuffed your belly with delicious sweets?)! I was so excited for the rest of the day to go that smoothly. HA!
    By the end of the day I had a throbbing headache, zero voice, and was literaly counting down the hours until I could go home, drug myself up with Sudafed PM, and go to sleep! Which is exactly what I did. 

    I left the school right around 6, met Rob at a local Mexican restaurant, had a strawberry Margarita, went home, took a Sudafed PM, and was sound asleep on the couch by 9:30. Later that night Rob tried to get me up to move into our bedroom. But apparently I yelled "No!" to him enough that he gave up and left me on the couch (clearly I had spent too much time around 4-yr-olds that day). 

    From now on, I will NEVER miss another day on my birth control. Granted I don't intend to ever have 11 children, but I still do not believe that I am anywhere near ready to have a (constant) child. I love kids, but sometimes, there is nothing better than giving them back at the end of the day for Mom and Dad to deal with the rest. 

    More Faves

    The Reception!!!




    First Dance



    Proud Parents

     Best man Speech

     MOH Speech (on the Blackberry haha!)



     Dad's Speech

     Mom's Speech (who cares about proper etiquette, it was sweet)





    Boogy time!


     High school BFFs (and Step Monster)


     So sweet! 

     FOOD!

    "What are you doing Rob?!" -Cj 

    It's a steal, Dave! All You...
     and Ben comes outta nowhere and snags the win!

    Girls' turn
    Bethany's the winner!

    Ben has always said he'd end up with Bethany...I guess it's a sure thing now

    Time to go!!

    And they all lived Happily Ever After

    The End...or really, the Beginning...

    Fave Wedding Pics Cont'...

    The Ceremony!!!









    Post-Ceremony Lovin'

    Hugs from my sweet Moms