Little Baby Sebastian is Here!

I still can't believe it, but my friend, Katie Talley Gomez delivered her baby, Sebastian, TONIGHT!! She is now an official and perfect mommy!! She went into labor early this morning, and the little one came into the world around 8.  Seeing the faces of Katie, Christian (the daddy), and little Sebas was way too sweet for words.  This little boy is a very special handmade gift of joy from our Heavenly Father.  This was so evident by the expressions on the faces of this brand new family! 

Of course the whole club was in attendance.  Here is our photo shoot in the waiting room...

Our surprise face when we received the text that Sebas was here! 

We couldn't wait to meet the newest and youngest addition to the club.

Practicing holding Sebas with the Barbie dolls in the waiting room.

Eagerly and patiently and nervously awaiting the arrival.

UVOO Gomez Family

It's Christmas Time in the City

My family and I bundled up for a walk through the city of Maryville to see all the Christmas trees in front of the courthouse tonight.  

Lindsay and Mom were the best walkers.  

They were really excited about the trees in the -14 degree weather!

Here are a couple of pictures from ice skating on Market Square last week.

Yes, I was holding on for dear life!

Oh, Andy! 

(check Rachel in the back)

Before we hit the ice, we met at Oodles to celebrate passing math classes!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

For the past week I have been going absolutely non-stop with celebrations and Christmas festivities. It all started last Friday with a special celebration of Hallie's graduation. Yes, sweet Hallie is a college grad.  Proud of you friend! Here is a picture of us last Christmas on our way to see Chris Brown in concert!! Unforgettable memories!

Hallie, Me, Mrs. Cleckner, and Jess

Saturday night was a Christmas party with my girls and Jess's girls.  It has become a Christmas tradition to get together for a fun night of pizza, games, and caroling!  The girls dress up every year in tacky Christmas sweaters or onesies and we go caroling to our friends.  

Sunday night I gathered once again with friends to celebrate Jesus' birthday at Hallie's house.  We all made a dish for dinner.  Needless to say it was a delicious feast.  We all partnered up and and bought presents for an Angel tree.  Jess was my partner and our little angel was Gregory.  He got a two wrestling men and his very own wrestling belt.  We made ornaments and just stayed up late having fun girl talk.

Monday night I met up with my future cousin, Kristin.  We were fitted for the most comfortable and most beautiful bridesmaid dresses.  Then it was off to the mall for some Christmas shopping. 

Tuesday night, Dandy Lions Christmas party!! A long awaited night on my calendar.  It was a surprise to us what the night had in store for us.  After the shop closed, we jumped in the car and headed to dinner.  We ate at Silver Spoon.  After dinner we were given a gift certificate to my favorite store in the whole world...SEPHORA!!! I just go into my own little world in that store.  It has everything a girl loves.  Just when I thought the night couldn't get any better, we ended with a "sweet treat" at Marble Slab Creamery.  

Wednesday night, yet another Christmas party with my math friends, (they aren't just my math friends, they are real friends too) Rachel and Andy.  We went down to Market Square to do nothing other than ice skate!! So fun and pictures will be posted soon.  They are priceless.  After I retired my blades, I met up with Jess to exchange our Christmas stockings.  We opened our presents by the light of a candle and the Christmas tree as we listened to Christmas music.  We could not have had more Christmas spirit.  I love my time with Jess.  Every time I leave her, I am just reminded of how awesome it is that we can be two totally different girls with two totally different personalities, but with one common love for our Father, we have become the best of friends :o)  The night ended with spending the night my little Natalie.  She didn't cough right in my face or steal all the covers this time, but she did set the alarm for 6:50 when we didn't have to get up until 7:20.  Yes, the alarm went off every five minutes.  Most people might get annoyed at this, but it makes me laugh out loud.  Of course Nat would do something like this, and that is why I love her and her friendship so much.

Thursday was a huge and long and great day.  I got to spend the day with M-Wag, (Mark Wagner).  This doesn't happen much anymore because he lives in Seattle, Washington.  According to him, it is the best city in the world!  We drove to Nashville listening to Christmas music, listening to a sneak peak of his new cd, and listening to the Garmin speak Spanish to us. We got to Nashville and began packing up music things, like drums, speakers, stands, etc.  I felt very musical.  Then we met up with a lot of his friends from Nashville.  I got to meet a lot of new people and hear a lot about music! We ate a pizza place called Mafiosa's, delicious!  After dinner we went to the best concert ever!  It was the Andrew Peterson concert at the Ryman Theater.  There isn't much to say other than it was incredible!  It was pure joy watching and listening to people rejoicing with singing and music as they told the story of the miraculous birth of our Saviour.  After the show it was back to Knoxville.  I don't think I have even fought so hard to stay awake in my life.  I arrived back in my warm bed at 3:30 am.  Fun times!

Today I spent the whole day working at Dandy Lions.  It was crazy busy, which is great.  I even got a little surprise when little Drew Carver walked in the door.  He told me that we have baby Jesus' birthday coming up soon.  Bottom line...he is awesome.  

Huge post update! It is the most wonderful time of the year, and I want to share it all with you!!

A Total Blog-Worthy Day

Oh My Word! Today, December 8, 2008, will never be forgotten by friends, family, my math teacher, and me.  Today was the first day of Christmas break '08, and it was a crazy day.  I woke up and exercised for the first time pretty much since school started.  It felt absolutely wonderful, and I cannot wait to exercise tomorrow...endorphins, I have missed those suckers! Anyway, with a short trip to the bank I was ready to begin my Christmas shopping.  While I was busy with my elf duties, Rachel called and said that our Math 341 grades were up.  Just a little background... I have been studying for this final for the past month of my life.  Mathematical Analysis does not come easy to my brain, so I had to make a 75 on my comprehensive final to pass with a C or the class would not count toward graduation which result in re-taking the course.  Now this is a huge, big deal because if I did not pass I would not graduate which would mean I would not be able to do my internship for teaching next year.  I had faith that if that happened that Jesus had a plan and it would all work out the way it was suppose to because He is Jesus and that means He is sovereign and way above a final! But, just to be honest I would really love to wear that cap and gown this spring.  So, back to the story, the teacher gave me a C-, which does not count as passing in the math dept.  I was devastated and quickly wrote an email asking to talk with the teacher.  Luckily He emailed me back to say, "I will be in my office this afternoon, but I don't see anyway I will be able to change your grade." I tearfully grabbed my purse and headed to the top floor of Ayres Hall for a serious meeting.  After talking for a little while we realized I was 4 tenths of a point away from a C, and if we could find a some place on my test where he could give me one more point I would have a C easily. So, the search began.  I felt as if I was in a movie because we went through every problem with him telling me how lenient he was on grading the test until we got to the last part of the last problem! I actually got the answer right, but he didn't give me the points for it...silly man! So I sit here typing tonight having passed my Mathematical Analysis course.  Never have I ever worked so hard, prayed so diligently, and trusted immeasurably.  I really have a new meaning for the verse in Matthew that says, "with God, all things are possible."  

The day ended with a pedicure (signature color of the season is now: Rosy Mistletosies) then more Christmas shopping then dinner at Pimento's with Natalie then Secret Santa with Becca, Chels, Jessica, Laura, Natalie and Cara(via telephone).  

I learned a lot today, but most importantly I was reminded of how loved and supported I am by my parents, sister, friends, and Jesus.  They were all with me every step of the way praying, calling, and holding my hand! I am one lucky girl!!

Please enjoy my family and I below!  This is what you might define as "study break."

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas Spirit

How cool is this Christmas Blog template?! Right now I am probably the sickest I have been in a while. I have no clue where this came from, but I feel as if I have been hit by a train. This is definitely not good and is putting me way behind on my study schedule for my finals next week. I can only study for about 15 minutes before my eyes have closed and my head has conveniently fallen onto the pillow. I came home as to not infect my roommates with such a horrible disease! So needless to say, I am in need of some Christmas cheer. I think I found it by switching my blog design to Christmas colors. I absolutely love it!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

Thanksgiving 2008=the best Thanksgiving ever!  Quick recap of a day that I am so very thankful for...

1) Wake up to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

2) Taking as long as needed to curl my hair and pick out my outfit for the day

3) Family, one by one, walking through the door of our house

4) Ran out of room on my plate for all my delicious yummies

5) Dessert!

6) Nap

7) Dessert!

8) ELF the movie

9) The longest walk of my life! After the movie, Dad asked me if I wanted to go on a walk, so I said sure!  Little did I know that this walk would be over a hour long and all over the city of Maryville.  I loved it, but I should have worn my sneakers for comfort rather than the Uggs for warmth.  

Now, that the turkeys and pilgrims have been put away it is...CHRISTMAS TIME!!!  If you really knew me you would know that the Christmas season has not officially started until the Bales' family has decorated the family tree while watching the movie White Christmas. This is the tradition of all traditions in our family.  I am happy to report that right at this moment I am taking a break from the decorating and quoting every word from this movie to blog about this special time at the Bales' household.  I would love nothing more than to share this with my blog family also, so here is a clip from one of my favorite parts of the movie.

A Spaghetti Thanksgiving Dinner

Jane, Victoria, Taylor

Tonight three of my YL girls and I celebrated Thanksgiving, spaghetti style!  We fixed spaghetti, bread, salad and of course chocolate chip cookies.  The night ended with a photo shoot and looking at the Tiffany website at engagement rings.  They cracked me up by showing me which ones they wanted and describing the stories of how they wanted the proposal to go.  Yes, they are only juniors in college.  It was truly a girl's night.  

we are becoming grown ups

The Club

Trish(Caroline), Saboody(Sabrina), Katalley(Katie), Suzy(Me), Saybaugh(Lindsay)

This past Saturday we had a baby shower for one of the club members, Katalley Gomez (Katie Talley Gomez).  In case you are wondering what club I am talking about, in high school four of my friends and I called our little group "the club."  Everyone at Maryville High School knew about the club.  I have way too many memories with these four girls.  It was very sweet to reunite this Saturday in Maryville to celebrate Katie and a future club legacy, Sebastian.  This little baby is due on Christmas!! 

Fame for a Day

I woke up this morning with a text and an email telling me that my picture was in the paper.  I will admit I get a little embarrassed, but at the same time absolutely love it! My friend and fellow Dandy Lion, Molly Teague and I had out picture taken last friday during the Art Walk in downtown Maryville.  The first graders of Foothills Elementary school were our featured artists. They painted pumpkins and put them on display outside of Dandy Lions on the front porch and steps.  Here is a link to the article.

Proud to be an American

Today will be the day that I vote for the first time for our country's president!! WOW! It blows my mind.  I will head over to the polls after work today around 6 30 to cast my vote.  The first president I will be voting for will be McCain.  Congrats McCain! Win or lose, you still got my first vote!!

Election Day Enjoyment

                                  

Thank you Carver Family

Tonight we dressed up in costume at Young Life club.  Jessica and I were the sisters of the famous Snow Brothers.  The Snows aka Nic and Carson are game characters that are idolized by the kids at Central, and tonight their sisters were introduced.  We weren't nearly as funny as they boys, but we had fun laughing at ourselves.  Today was a big day for three reasons...#1 I had to be a character at club, and that is a big deal and very stressful and #2 I had the opportunity to wear a Carver John Deere hat.   Joy said to come on over because they had about eight I could choose from.   So I made a quick trip to the Carver household to pick up the hat for the evening.  It was special.  It was even the Owner's Edition. WOW! Thanks Carvers! #3 Drew Carver! As I was leaving the house today I heard a little voice yell, "Bye Steph!"  It has been so fun to watch this little boy grow up this past year.  Most of our time together has been spent on the front porch of Dandy Lions climbing up the steps and waving at cars or unrolling the ribbon rolls or just redecorating the store together.  Sweet times with this almost 2 year old.  It made my heart melt to hear him say my name and blow kisses!  

We Danced Anyway

This weekend was the big wedding weekend for my friends Cara and Adam.  The festivities began Thursday night with a lingerie/bachelorette party for Cara.  Man did our cheeks blush with each gift! After the showering of gifts we hit the town to dance the night away.  It was so fun to be with my best friends dominating the whole dance floor.  We are not the least bit humble about that :o).  Friday night we met up after the rehearsal dinner at a concert.  I think my ears are still ringing from how loud the band played.  Finally, Saturday arrived! Phone calls were constant as we tried to get all the last minute details of the big night together.  The ceremony was too sweet for words.  Cara's brother, referred to as the "president of the wedding," officiated and her mom walked her down the aisle.  The wedding just had a very homey and laid back feel to it.  Then, once again we danced the night away celebrating two special friends.  The songs the band played were so fun.  I can't say I knew half of them, but we danced anyway!!  Now, I am back to the real world sitting in Hodge's Library.  HUGE test tomorrow in mathematical analysis.  I have to say I would rather be on that dance floor!

Cara is getting married

A couple of pictures from our beach photo shoot...

funny friends

sweet friends

ridiculous friends

pretty friends

This past weekend a group of friends piled in the car for a girls weekend celebration trip down to the beautiful and very rainy Edisto Island. We celebrated our friend Cara Accardi, the soon-to-be Mrs. Adam Grigsby!! The trip was so much fun. We laughed so hard at all the memories we have with her and each other. The funniest one by far had to be when Cara and I reminisced about our days at dear Camp Ba Yo Ca. She loved it while I despised every minute of it. She was the tomahawk throwing champion while I was the puppeteer extraordnaire. We spent the days walking on the beach and taking naps, and we spent the nights making dinner and laughing until we were sore. One night we went into Charleston to catch a chick flick, which fits perfectly into a girls getaway weekend. Needless to say, we celebrated Cara and her friendship well! This beautiful girl is going to the chapel on October 25. Congrats Cara!!!

A Gap I Call Windy

October 3-5, 2008 equaled 8 hours of sleep for me! Never have I ever been more energized off of 8 hours of sleep. This weekend at Windy Gap spent with my Central girls was indescribable. So fun is it for me to spend every moment of a whole weekend with girls making them feel worthy, lovely, and beautiful! How priceless to have a front row seat in watching Jesus whisper His love to each one of them in unique ways throughout the weekend.

A Bales Family Birthday TODAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY

Today, my one and only sister turned 24! Can you believe it?! She is really growing up.  She started celebrating yesterday when her boyfriend, Jay, took her out to dinner and to see Chicago. If you know my sister you know she lives for Broadway plays, so this was the perfect gift.  Mom and I went over to see Linds for a little bit this afternoon before her girlfriends picked her up for a fun night.  I don't know what they did, but I do know they surprised her with a Wicked cake and two tickets to see Wicked in the ATL!  Tomorrow night is family night. Since I have Young Life club, we are all going to meet at Litton's for dinner. Can't wait! Happy Birthday Lindsay, I am glad you were born, so I could have an older sister just like YOU

Love to be Little

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Hebrews 10:24,25

Tuesday nights mean sleepover with a little house guest named Natalie! Last night when she came over, I opened the door to find that we were wearing the same exact outfit.  We both ran in the Jingle Bell 5K run together last year.  It was a bitter sweet time between us.  Nat is quite the runner, and let's just say I try!  This little girl is about the closest thing you can get to me without actually being me.  There is no doubting that our friendship was orchestrated and formed by Jesus.  The way He has planned our lives has just been made for us to be together to spur each other toward love and goodness. Even though our busy lives go in opposite directions most of the time, our time together spent encouraging, crying, laughing, learning, and celebrating is too valuable to give up!  We are finding that as we grow up we are learning a lot of the same lessons as we face the same trials and obstacles.  How sweet of Jesus to give me a friend other than Him to hold hands with as I grow up and live a life the way He has planned for me! 

Windy Gap Preparation

A trip to Windy Gap would not be complete for our Central girls without perfect, homemade t-shirts.  Tonight we met to carry on the tradition.  In the past we have worn tall tees and tie-dye t-shirts.  This year, with the discovery of glow in the dark puff paint, we will light up camp in our black t-shirts and neon bandanas. 

*Ninjie Stars*

The following video has supplied my life with much laughter lately.  It is a MUST SEE!! Please take the time to watch and join this epidemic of laughter it is causing.  Trust me, you will not regret this decision.  It is absolutely, positively hilarious.  I do caution you, after watching you will be plagued by quoting this video incessantly.  Thank you L-MO!!

fun friend friday

firehouse subs, sept 19, 2008

lunch would not be complete for rach without firemen

Meet my sweet friend Rachel.  When we are together a lot of times she looks at me and says, "Where did I find you?"  I'm not really sure how to answer or how she found me on this huge campus, but I can say that I am sooo thankful that she did.  We are both majoring in Mathematics with the hopes and dreams on becoming high school teachers.  This is not the only reason why I am thankful for her.  She brings silly things like laughter, craziness, awkwardness into my life that leave unforgettable memories.  She also is there to encourage me through school and life!  She is a significant part of my heart, and I couldn't be happier about that!

Fight Vols Fight!

This week has been jam-packed full of life!  School definitely is back in session, and Young Life is exploding with energy, and what is a crazy week without a torn meniscus scare that requires a 2 hour doctor visit?  Luckily, the diagnosis was that it didn't seem to be torn, but running is slowly but surely becoming not an option for exercise.  Young Life is so sweet for my right now.  I spent another Thursday going to lunch and then going to club that night.  This week at club I was given the opportunity to speak.  To be honest it absolutely scares me to death, but goodness, what joy it brings to be able to share the realness and love of Christ to about 37 high school kids.  Jesus definitely showed up and took charge as I stood up and spoke.  He just continually amazes me each time.  I am overwhelmingly thankful to be a part of His plan at Central High.  Needless to say it has been a roller coaster of a week, but I wouln't have wanted it any other way!  Today is the home opener for the Vols! Campus was sooo packed last night.  In fact it was so packed that I couldn't even find a place to park my car.  It forced me to pack up my sleep over bag and drive home.  Craziness, but I can't say that I minded spending a night in Maryville :o)  I am about to head back to Knoxville to spend the day with fun friends watching the game and preparing for a cookout tonight.  I guess all that is left to say is...GO VOLS!!

the "go-to" move

This past Friday night was spent with two of the most fun people in my life, Carson and Jess. They are both on my Young Life team, so we spent our night going to the CHS football game and then of course a trip to TCBY. The night started off a little stressful because Jess and I lost track of time...oopsies. We were late, so I immediately lost my driving privileges. The stress did not last long because the windows were rolled down, the music was turned up, and the debut of my "go-to" move blew their minds. After the game we met up with a couple of our other friends to eat the country's best yogurt. Chocolate sprinkle cone with chocolate yogurt and laughing so hard it hurts is a great way to end your night!

....and yes that is what Carson wore the whole night, and yes it was an intentional front tuck with shorts as short as Jessica's.

Thankful for Thursdays

I never realized how great a Thursday in my life is until this particular Thursday.  I woke up from spending the night with a dear friend and started my day.  I had my Special Ed 402 class this morning.  This class has been by far one of the sweetest and dearest classes I have ever taken.  I am learning how to connect with such special people that I often do not think I could ever connect with.  After class it was off to another Thursday lunch at Central High School.  How awesome it is to walk into a high school lunch room and hear your name shouted at you by 5 high school girls! Wow!! How blessed am I to have such sweet friends at Central.  I pray that I can love on them ten times better than how they love on me! Lunch was full of crazy and silly conversation...oh to be in high school again!!  After lunch it was back to the books at Hodges Library.  It really is my home away from home, and I really do love studying with my math friends.  We are all very different, but somehow have found a way to connect and laugh until we fall out of our desk chairs.  Then it was time for the first Young Life club.  Tonight Britney and I led music.  Even though I cannot carry a tune in a bucket, it is so sweet to look out at my YL family singing their hearts out with their friends and to look out at my girlies as they forget about what is going on in life and sing/shout like crazy.  To end the day was just as great.  I got to come home to my highschool/college friends, Meghan and Jordan.  We got to sit on my bed and have girltalk.  I am very thankful to have friendships that are timeless!  So from Math 423 homework to singing Sweet Home Alabama, it was a special and sweet Thursday.

My First Blog!

***SURPRISE***

Here is my first blog. I am really excited about becoming a part of the blog world. It has always intrigued me, and secretly I have always really wanted to have one...so here goes nothing!!