O dear Christian college we love you...

...our dear alma mater today.

I escaped after my summer school final for a few days last week for one last get-away before I report back to work tomorrow for the fall semester.  Had a lovely time hanging out and eating sushi with my favorite brother, sister-in-law and nephew!

He actually prefers the potstickers and plain rice and a unique technique with the chopsticks!



The grown-up's beautiful food!



Future drummer??

Then I headed out to Abilene where I got to have lunch with my Aunt Sheila on her birthday at the delightful Hickory Street Cafe and hang out with my Me-Ma for a couple days.

On Saturday before I left, I drove around my college campus to witness the annual freshmen-moving-into-the dorm day and live in a bit of nostalgia, reminiscing how 17 years ago that was me (17 years!?!?!)  I got to chat with my friend Mollie on my way out of town and we agreed that day was the beginning of a wonderful time of our lives.  I am so thankful for my 4 years at ACU - starting friendships, building my faith, growing in  confidence, leadership, humility and knowledge.  Here are a few pictures I snapped on my way out of town.

Yea for Gardner Hall!

My room was the 3rd floor - all the way on the end (right!) 

The campus now boasts buildings with old memories for me and new places for new memories!
Whenever I drive in to town and see the tower of light, I sing the school song :)  Jacob's ladder is such a great new addition to campus. 

Signage pointing to other new & old sites on campus

Including the new Royce & Pam Money Fitness & Recreation Center - Excited to go back when it's open (in a couple weeks)  It's huge!  In this picture, this side of the new building faces the Student Center.

And last, but not least - one of my favorite all time pictures - the day I moved into Gardner Hall as a freshman - right across the hallway from my life-long friends Kristen & Mollie.  Such a sweet moment to capture with our families!



 Blessings to the new crop of ACU Wildcats!  May the memories they're making today last a lifetime.

And now - on to a new school year for me, too.

p.s. Post title is the first line of the ACU School Song. 







I Will

"I Will" - the title to a Beatles song that was one of "their" songs when my parents were dating.

And - appropriate words to say at a wedding.  Which is what they did 40 years ago today.

Thanks, Mom & Dad, for the great example you are in love, in patience, in compromise, and in growth.

"Here's to the next 40!"

And as bonus examples - my mom's parents celebrated 63 years of marriage yesterday on the 14th, and my dad's parents would have been married 62 years the day before on the 13th (and were happily married for 55 years when my Pa-Pa died).  What a blessing to be surrounded with such love and faithfulness!

P.S. Post title, as mentioned, is from the Beatles.

Wonder of Wonders...

...miracle of miracles!  

My blog has been up for a year and I posted (semi) regularly!  At least the average was about 3 per month and that's really more than I thought I would :)

Thanks to those of you who stop by periodically.  No big news today.  Just wanted to celebrate one year in.

Here's to next year!

p.s. Post title from "Fiddler on the Roof" - truly one of my favorite Broadway songs!

I will always love you

Happy Birthday to my Me-Ma Booker! 

She will forever be our "crusty bottoms" biscuit maker and Queen of the chocolate and/or pecan pie! 

Thank you for passing down your attention to detail, your devotion to remembering other's birthdays, and your blue eyes!! :)

Love you!

p.s. Post title IS from musical theater (not Whitney Houston).   The song was sung in the movie version of "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" by Dolly Parton.  So pardon the unfortunate situational reference and revel in the sentiment of this situation!  :)