Look at how she shines.

New Year's Eve is coming soon. I love that night. It's romantic. It's exciting. It's magical. I'm a fan of dressing up, counting down, and celebrating. I want to wear a shimmery dress and dance with Drew all night long. So I hope you can pull out your favorite sparkly item and rock it all night long.

Drew's flying in tomorrow morning. It's going to be romantic. It's going to be exciting. It's going to be magical. I can hardly wait.

A White Christmas.

You heard me right. A white Chritmas in Texas. Our Lord is amazing. It's Christmas Eve, I'm at work, and it's okay, becuase there's snow outside. That makes even the simplist things magical. Hot chocoalte is sweeter, glittens are warmer, and hats are a necessity. Definitely my kind of weather.

Although, this is another idea of a magically white Christmas to me. In a different sense, but still just as cozy.

Let's Go Out.

As I sit at my desk at work, stamping deposits and counting cash, I can't help but browse the web. I even get lost a few times. But I just had to share the treasures I found today.

Doesn't that make you want to get all dolled up and hit the town with your handsome man on your arm? Cause it sure makes me want to. Since I do have the most handsome man of them all.

Cold Hands and The End.

Spills:
Cold Hands- For some reason unknown to me, my hands are always cold in the wintertime. When my hands are always frozen, it's just simply hard to function. I guess I could wear gloves everywhere I go but that makes it even harder to grab things, stamp things, and type things, all of which help to bring in my paycheck. So that'd be a no on the gloves every minute of every day, although I do wear them whenever I can. And I mean the glittens are nice around the house, but let's face it, those aren't professional no matter what kind you get.

My Broken Chair- My chair broke at work yesterday, like the thing we rest our feet on. It was loud. It was embarassing. It was not my fault. Everyone looked at me like "Really Macy? That was loud and we're trying to shop online and read the news." So I just kept my eyes forward and continued admiring some great photography. But I will say, the blood did began to rush to my feet rather quickly, so yes, I did switch my chair with Sam's after she left.

Country Music Radio- Do you think they realize they play the exact same songs every hour? If I hear the words "Baby what are we becoming.." start a song again, there's really no telling what I'll do.


Toasts:
The End of the Semester- It's a thrilling feeling to be finished. And to know I'm improving. I don't even know what to do with myself when I'm home or just sitting at work. I feel like I need to be writing a paper or studying, but yes, it does feel good to just sit and not have to figure out any finance problems that really hurt my brain.

My Sweet Roommates- It's been fun to just hang out with them and study together or catch a good show. The house will sure be quiet without them over Christmas break. No tap taping from Hope's Makeup, or Shae's alarm going off, or Meredith trying to sing whatever song she last heard. I just love those girls.

Picture Texts from my Boy- He's sweet. Just so sweet. I miss him more everyday. Honestly. The picture texts remind me how adorbale he is and how stinkin lucky I am. So very very lucky.

Just a Little Piece.

Drew left his shoes. And I've left them there. I told him I'd mail them, and it's on my -to-do list. But I like having them in my room. I'm hoping he'll make an emergency trip to Texas becuase it's "National Wear Your Rainbows Day" and he won't have his. I'm hoping that since they're sitting there, it means he went out in his Asics and he'll be back from a run later. But of course none of those things are the case. So instead, they just sit there and stare at me. It's not like it's a sweatshirt that smells like him, or a T-shirt I can sleep in at night. It's just his shoes, which are about three sizes too big. But they still make me smile everytime I come into my room and almost trip on them. Or when I'm picking up all the other shoes thrown around my room, and I decide to leave those there. It helps the whole missing him like crazy thing, but only a teensy tiny bit.

My Constant Prayer.

"My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word.

When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes.

Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law.

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.

I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame.

I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart.

Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.

Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain.

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.

Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.

Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life."

Psalms 119:25-40

If I could wear that on a poster board tied with shoe string around my neck, I would. Those words motivate, calm, and heal me. Oh, how I love the word of the Lord.

Thank You Pandora.

You have opened up my taste in music so much. You have introduced me to some great tunes. You always provide the perfect mix where each song has one thing in common, sheer brillance. I thoroughly appreciate the inventor of this genious music box. The song that pops up never fails to interest me and so what do I do? I am able to make a list of artists that I can't wait to look up and find other sweet treasures by. It's just so fun. If you're a music lover, Pandora can easily become your heaven.

I'm a music lover.

Pandora's on right now.

Yes, I believe I'm in heaven.

2.

This is proof that I spent the whole weekend in front of a computer, dealing with end of semester homework that I hate oh so much. In the middle of marketing strategies and consumer behavior articles I also got to spend some sweet time with my baby sister, Daley Joy. It was fun, appreciated, and so needed. We laughed, we ate, we talked, we decorated, and did I mention we laughed? She has the most precious heart of any girl I know. I just ache to let her know how special she is and loved she is. I feel as though I can never express how I want nothing less then the magnificent best for her. She's at time in her life where the decisions she makes now will seriously affect her more and more. I love seeing her grow in the Lord. It amazes me. I strive to have the faith and integrity she does. Let's just say I could go on for hours. Thank you Jesus for my amazing family. I'm blown away by how fabulous they are. I'm so ready for some good family time this week. Plus with the Chapmans. Woohoo. This is gonna be good in.....2 DAYS. Ohhh yes.

3.

3 days!
3 days!
3 days!

It feels good to be home. Oh so good.

4.

Okay, so it's 4 days. So close.
And all that candy sits in a bowl, on my desk, with tons of their little friends just begging to be munched on. But i'm not giving in. I'm just not.

Ask me if I ate that candy.
The answer's no, no I didn't.

Ask me if I wanted to eat that candy.
The answer's yes, yes I did.

5.

I had a little breakdown last night. Like the kind where you cry for no reason but try to find eleven different reasons. After the news about my cat passing away and the overload of the semester, I just made the wrong decision to not smile the rest of the night. But my sweet boy made sure I smiled.

It's five days until he gets to see that smile in person.

And I guarantee you that the smile won't leave my face after that.

Brady Bulldogs have a playoff game here in Abilene tomorrow night and my excitement for that is off the charts as well. Getting to see my family, some good football, and great friends. I'll slip my red gloves on, button up my coat, and get to hug all my favorite people. While yelling at the top of my lungs, "TOUCHDOWN, TOUCHDOWN, WE WANT A TOUCHDOWN!" It doesn't get better than that.

6.

Six days away.
Lord, please keep me patient.
I absolutely can not wait.

7.

It's now a week.
This time next week I'll be praying for work to zoom by as I continue to stamp deposits and cash checks.
And by the way, Drew's quote of the day has got to be, "Don't hate, situate."
Ohh dear, I like that boy.

8.

It's eight days till he gets here.
The countdown starts today.
Who am I kidding? I've been counting down since the idea hatched.

Truly, Madly, Deeply.

I called my Dad last night to talk to him, thinking I would catch him watching a little TV or cleaning out the garage. I asked, "So what are you doing?" and I hear my mom in background say loudly, "We're going on a random Thursday night date!"

They are so unbelievably in love. I love the example they have set for me. Seeing the simple ways they still flirt with each other after twenty-two years of marriage. Sometimes I feel like I get a glimps of them as newly weds, and I like that. My dad uses his creativity in the cutest ways to make my mom giddy on her hardest day. The love they share for each other truly inspires me to love with every piece of my being. To strive for a love like they have and to practice the patience and edurance they have for each other. My father is without a doubt the most patient man I know. Not only with my bold mother but with all of his four girls. Although my mother is a very passionate woman, she uses that passion for life to love my dad in the deepest way possible. Seeing them continue to fall more in love everyday is heaven for me. And makes me and my sisters strive to find a twety-three year old version of Mr. Rod Young.

The selfless love my parents share makes me so excited to share life with a man like that someday. To love him with all that I have. To be as selfless as I can all to express that love. To trust in the Lord to guide us in the strongest love imaginable.

I guess cleaning the garage will have to wait, they're going to listen to Rod Stewart and shop for light fixtures.

I absolutely love....

-the first two minutes of a warm shower.
-being Drew's girlfriend.
-experimenting in the kitchen.
-the quilts my great-grandmother made.
-stories.
-college football on saturdays.
-photographs.
-the feel of clean sheets when I crawl into bed.
-the color green.
-successful grocery shopping.
-any picture where Drew is kissing me.
-laughing with my Mom, Daddy, and Sisters.
-Jasmine Star photography.
-learning new things.
-well-needed runs.
-bank holidays.
-really good hugs.
-helping my mom set the table.
-childhood memories.
-the grace of my Savior.
-visiting new places.
-calling my Daddy and just listening while he talks.
-creating pointless lists.

Halloween Candy and Warm Toes

Spills:

Halloween Candy: Man oh man. That stuff is all over our house. In ever bowl, in every box. The scariest part of Halloween to me is how much I give in and eat chocolate all day. And lately, it's really been scaring me.

Being called on in class and not knowing the answer: The professor looks at you and expects you to wow him with how much you read the chapter, when no one in the class even opened their book. They're all thinking. "HA! Let's see what answer you can come up cause I sure didn't have one ready."

When there are no parking spots left in the Business Lot: I just don't really feel like parking anywhere else. Anything outisde that lot is not the distance I am used to walking. So what do I end up doing? I circle around and wait till someone looks like they may be leaving, then sneakishly (and by that I mean stalkerishly) drive slowly behind them till they reach their car and back out. What's that you say? Would I like your parking spot? Why yes, I would be just delighted.

TOASTS:
My new UGG boots: My boyfriend is the greatest. And my feet definitely thank him for the warmth these shoes give me. I wear those suckas everywhere. I hate when my feet get cold, so I just slip these on before class and know that I won't have to worry about it. Bottom line, I just lurv these boots. Andrew, here's to you and knowing exactly what I needed.
The stray cat Leopold: He is just plain precious. My roommates say they hate him but then I'll catch them slipping him some leftovers or making his bed more comfortable. I know they're fallen for his soft fur and faint meow. I thoroughly enjoy seeing him waiting for me on the porch when I pull up. He adds a lot to the Radpad and I say he's a great addition. Leopold, I raise my glass to you and the way you decided to land on our yard.
Those dreaded P90X workouts: This is a love/ hate relationship I share with this DVD set. I've been faithfully doing a workout a night and strangely enough, I look forward to them everyday. Then during the workout, I'm fighting every move and coaching myself to finish Lateral Leapfrog Squats. But all in all, a toast to you Tony Horton, for repeating yourself over and over so that I can burn all the calories that Halloween candy is attacking me with.

Watch and Learn.

When I was a little girl watching my mom do laundry, she would fill the soap lid with soap and pour it over the clothes. Then she would fill it the soap lid with the water that was coming out and pour that water over all the clothes. I never knew why she did this or how it helped, I just knew it was part of the way she did laundry. There are so many things that daughters do because their mothers did. It may be the simplist things but that's how we were raised and that's who we learned from. I learn so much from my mother. Wether its from ways I want to be just like her or mistakes I see her make that I then learn from. She's an amazing woman and I loved being her sidekick when I was a little girl. She's a blessing of a mother and best friend. As much as I may try to deny it, I think I inherited a little more from her than my crazy curls.

Last night I did my laundry. I started the load and the water started rushing out. I filled up the soap lid with soap and poured it over my whites. I took the lid and filled it with the water coming out and began to pour that water over my clothes. I dont know why I did this or how it helped, I just knew it was part of the way my mom did laundry.

Just Can't Get Enough.

I liked seeing him waiting for me at the airport.

I liked the way he picked me up in his arms when I ran to him.

I liked how organized his room was and knowing he cleaned just for me.

I liked picking him up from class after coffee with one of my best friends.

I liked sharing fried pickles at a little shack for lunch.

I liked the way he took me shopping and was so helpful and patient.

I liked cookng the most amazing dinner ever with him and Nana.

I liked imitaing the screaming woman on "No Deal" with him.

I liked our road trip to the football game and conversation along the way.

I liked the way he suprised me with the cutest new boots right before the game.

I liked the way everytime he looked at me he complimented my hair.

I liked standing next to him and yelling "ROLL TIDE ROLLLL" at the top of my lungs.

I liked how he kept me warm whenever a chill would blow through.

I liked hearing him and his dad talk about the game.

I liked helping him collect cups afterwards.

I liked that him and his dad surprised me with Dreamland's.

I liked watching that last play over and over with his family and freaking out everytime.

I liked the way his parents introduced to me to all their friends at church.

I liked the conversation we all shared over lunch.

I liked how he made sure I made it to the airport on time.

I liked seeing him running to me after parking the car and giving me a great goodbye.

I didn't like looking out the plane window and seeing Alabama drift out of sight.

All that to say, that weekend could not have been any better.

I'm cold but the Chocolate's good.

Spills:

The temperature of the Business Building: It doesn't matter what the weather is outside, you can always count on it to be about 42 degress in any class. As if trying to understand the beta on a stock isn't hard enough already, try doing that when you can't stop shivering. Makes for a pretty tough eight'0'clock class.

Hard Wood Floors: I'll admit I love the way they look, but keeping those suckas clean is a whole other issue. And it's a tough issue. It doesn't matter how many times we sweep, mop, or scrub they don't get clean. It's like the dust and crumbs come up out of the floor, cause I know we aren't that messy.

Patience: I'm struggling with that more than ever as I am trying to wait 6 days to see Drew. It's hard, and it's really taking everything in me to not just run straight to Alabama. I mean i've been lengthening my runs, wouldn't that be even better practice?

Toasts:

Hershey's Chocolates: Shae filled our candy bowl with some delicious, melt in your mouth chocolate kisses and they are mighty good. Too good even. Every time I walk by the table I seriously think they are yelling to be eaten. And anyone who knows me and my love affair with chocolate knows that I give in, everytime.

My high school Football games: I have attended the last three games and yelled my heart out. It's like I have fallen back in love with high school football games. I love being with my family and watching the Bulldogs pull out exciting victories. It's so fun and one of my favorite ways to spend a Friday night.

Homecoming SING: I went to the show Thursday night to see what it was my roommates had been working so hard on for the past two months. They were so so great. I felt like a proud mother screaming and clapping until my hands hurt. I now can say I forgive them for leaving me home alone with Jay Leno every night.

195 Hours.

That's how long it is until I get to jump on my best friend. Slowly pushing my way through the travelers at the Atlanta airport, looking for his handsome smile in the sea of faces I don't even know and run to give him the biggest hug I am capable of. I treasure our weekends together so much. We always enjoy the greatest afternoons, sweetest nights, and greatest conversations.

I can't wait to sing along in the car and dance like crazy with him. I can't wait to help his sweet Nana cook a great meal. I can't wait to see his Dad and yell our heads off at the Bama game. I can't wait to see his new apartment and spend some time with his roommates. I can't wait to walk next to him and grab his hand when I want to. I can't wait to make him laugh in the simplest ways. It's going to be an absolute blast. And I'm so thankful it worked out.

I like you Andrew. And 195 hours from now, I can't wait to give you the sweetest kiss, and anytime during the weekend that I feel it is necessary.

Young: Party of 5.

From roadtrips to vacations, basketball games to track meets, and home cooked meals to christmas cards, I owe most of who I am today to my family. I didn't realize how absolutely thankful I was for every little thing they've done until I moved out and was no longer waken everyday to my Dad yelling upstairs and Shelby's sneezes. Even though 91 miles would not be classified as a very long distance, it still feels far to me. When I have to miss out on Daley's first year of high school basketball and Shelby's senior year festivities. I wish I could be there for it all. A couple weekends out of the semester don't feel like enough to me. I want to be able to grab lunch with Dad when I've got some interesting business questions for him. I want to be able to rent a movie and cook some desserts with Daley. I want to be able to go look at colleges with Shelby. I want to be able to take spontaneous shopping trips with my Mom. All I can do now is pray hard for them daily and keep my phone my close by when there may be any Young meltdowns they feel like I should be a part of.

Although I must say, all this distance makes the weekends spent with them so much sweeter. Being gone for so long and then coming home helps me to appreciate the simpler things: a sandwich brought to me at a high school football game, a drive home with some really good music, a nap with the sweetest cat in the world, a steak dinner that hit the spot along with some Mi Familia, an afternoon with my amazing Dad in the Hill Country, a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies made just for me, and an oil change done on my car by my father himself. Not to mention an awesome caving adventure that brought my family even closer as we got to crawl 200 feet underground and sing our favorite songs together till the souls of Dad's shoes fell off. Thank you Jesus for my precious family and these great memories.

A Faithful Bride.

Ezekiel 16

"..because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect.."

I want to be a faithful bride. A bride who loves her God with all she has. A bride who gives Him all the glory. A bride who gives Him all her attention. A bride who appreciates the love He has for her. A bride who strives to be adorned with jewels of wisdom and colors of humilty. A bride that uses what her God has given to the best of her abilities.

I read this chapter this moring and was immediately humbled and aware of how ugly we are before the Lord picks us up in His hands. It's such a beautiful picture of the Lord and such an unlovely picture of us. 'We are His portion and He is our prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes.' He deserves every ounce of love our hearts can possibly give. I don't want to hold anything back from my Father. What kind of bride are you to our God?

Slight Chance of Snow.

I'm a tad possessive of my Sunday afternoons. That's right, I love getting a message from the Lord and having all afternoon so soak it in and enjoy the day. I'm a fan of relaxation. I'm a fan of writing. I'm a fan of sleeping. I'm a fan of conversation. I got a piece of each of those things this afternoon, making my Sunday complete. I also got to indulge in a pretty fab Mexican meal at a church dinner which I can just say was the cherry on my "sundae".

I'm amazed at the love I feel from my Jesus. The blessings that unexpectedly remind me of that love. The people placed in my life to share with me that love. Even though I may be struggling with contentment, the Lord has shown me in the little things, such as a comfy spot on our velvet couch to laugh with my three favorite girls and a mother who always lets me know how much I'm missed, that there is no other place I'm supposed to be. Thank you Lord for putting me in this moment. For allowing me to mess up and loving me despite my imperfections. I think the possessiveness of my Sunday afternoons come from the fact that that's my day to slow down, soak in my Father's love. And to thankfully come out relaxed and refreshed, drowning in the love that washes me white as snow.

Toasts and Spills.

There are good things in life and then there are things that aren't as fun. And by that I mean bad. So to the good things, the things that make you want to freeze that moment for fear you'll never feel that way again, I give a toast. I raise my glass to you. Where as the bad things are more like a spilled drink. Where you have that moment that you just think "Well shoot, my meal would have been much better without this happening. I can't raise my glass to you, because it is now empty and dripping all over my Banana Republic skirt." You, bad things, are my spill.

SPILLS:

Hanging Shelves: Okay, yes I'll admit I am not the one hanging them but I am witnessing my roommate tackle the task, and it seems to be a bit of a challenge. Hanging it and then having to move it stinks because the first hang leaves scars. Yes, big screw hole scars, all over our cute purple wall. Hang in there Mer, keep your eyes on the goal.

882 Miles: That's how much distance is between me and the man who's stolen my heart. I'm not a fan of all those miles. I want to call him and be able to say, "Hey boyfriend, come over, let's spend the evening together cooking a yummy meal and watching our favorite movie." But unless someone invents a teleportation device real quick, that's not happening. I'll keep an eye on the news.

Bono: Take your sunglasses off. Please. I think I could do without your repetitive "ohhhhh--ahhhhh" and your retro lights. Wait, yes I could do without it.

TOASTS:

Lady Antebellum: This band is great. Like the kind where you know any song you hear from them will quickly become your favorite. Not to mention, she has a voice that makes me actually stop singing along so I can hear her sing. Which I rarely ever do, I'm a singer alonger, always. Unless, she has the voice of an angel, to which I will raise my glass and give you a toast.

Time Off: YES. I get to travel that 882 miles and spend four days with my best friend. And enjoy some great SEC football. And Zaxby's. And see some of my favorite people. This is going to be great trip. And my excitement is pretty much off the wall. Manuel (my boss), I raise my glass to you for giving in and letting me take off, I will stamp seven more deposits a day just for that.

Roommates: These girls keep me laughing, healthy, and safe. Between one being in nursing school, one being super creative and artsy, and another always reminding me to lock the door, I am a healthy, safe girl living in the cutest house ever. I like that I enjoy nights at home just because they're fun to be with. Girls, I raise my glass to you and your patience with me and my terrible living habits.

20.

Twenty things about me. Because I know you're dying to know.

1. My father is the greatest man I know. The love I have for him is stronger than any love I've ever felt. It's a blessing really.

2. I wish so badly I had more reasons to wear high heels, instead of having to create my own reasons.

3. My boyfriend lives 882 miles away from me. God has something up his sleeve with this. But in the meantime, I don't ever take a quick kiss from him lightly.

4. I live with three of the sweetest, most amazing girls you'll ever meet. It's fun. And it makes me happy.

5. I have an obsession with wedding photographers and their blogs. Mainly Jasmine Star.

6. Don't be alarmed if I bust out in a crazy dance, with no music, or no warning. I'm just expressing myself.

7. Traveling piggy back quickly puts a smile on my face. Drew stays on high alert for anytime I may jump on.

8. I'm a new fan to Alabama football. But I'm quickly becoming pretty loyal.

9. Sometimes I debate paying all my life's earnings to meet Taylor Swift. Lately I've been leaning toward, "Yes Do It."

10. A day started off in the Word teaches me so much. My Jesus loves me unconditionally and it's such an awesome feeling.

11. My boyfriend is my best friend. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

12. I love having a sweet, passionate mother who knows me better than anyone. I love learning from her.

13. I'm a clean freak. An "everything has its place" kind of girl.

14. I will never be able to show my sisters how much I truly love them. But I can keep trying.

15. I tend to have a little trouble with vulnerability. I'm working on it though. Me and God are working on it.

16. I put entirely way too much salt and pepper on anything I eat. And I mean anything.

17. My new top thing on my wishlist is an adorable pair of cowboy boots. Yes, I'm a small town girl from Texas who doesn't have any. And the more I think about it, I'm pretty shocked myself.

18. I like when I have a "good curls" kind of hair day. Makes me not feel so bad when I straighten those suckas out.

19. I enojy friendship. Having someone know you well. Getting to know someone well. Doing life together. It's great.

20. I'm new at this blogging thing. You may have to give me a break for a while.