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!