"She"

Today, my friends let's talk about Momma-girl! That's right...let's discuss the one who gave us life and say...Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I have spent some time lately thinking over my life thus far. Achievements, mistakes, and how I have evolved as an adult. Now to make the understatement of the century, I have wonderful parents. And for that I know I am special.

Here are a few snip-its of childhood memories that I'm thinkin' make me who I am today...

My mother standing in the doorway between the living room and kitchen saying, "Always say ma'am and sir." Granted this was probably before the grandmother came to visit but it stuck. 

"You can't quit." As I came home from a less-than-stellar practice I exclaimed that I was quitting! After helping me realize I was a drama queen, I accepted what she said, then scarfed down her yummy spaghetti. All was well in the world.

"I will always find out." Fact. She did always find out. How? I couldn't tell you. I just hope I acquire this super power when I have children.

After a few weeks of what I would call, soul searching, I have realized the best quality that my mom has given to me. Strength. Without ever saying "be strong" I have acquired her ability to never let the big things get me down. Yes, we have all experienced bad days-bad people-and bad news but it's what we do with those situations that makes us strong or weak.

Sorry for the subtitles. But this video is amazing. Perfectly put Rob Bell.

I think the most admirable quality in a mother, is her ability to protect her own. When a large, intimidating man yelled at my brother (for accidentally stepping on his leather jacket) my mom simply asked him if we would like to...

"take this outside?"

Oh yes...she did. Nobody is messing with her child! But it's pretty awesome, right? A mother-a woman who smiles and lifts you up, will stand for you when you're down.

God surely knew what he was doing. He made the woman so perfect, such in His image. He uses us to show the world his kindness, unconditional love that is hindered by no circumstance. I hope and pray that you have found this love.

Momma & Me

Who Says You're Not Perfect?

What a wonderful song! Wouldn't want to be anybody else!

Don't Ever Give Up!

Now, although I am totally aware that I am competitive by nature-I realized today that I might like winning a little too much. Let me explain...I put a lot of time and work into things that I am passionate about and hear me now, I am passionate about winning!

As I am sure it all started when I began competitive cheerleading, it has surely spilt over into my life as a sorority girl. But tonight, I had a little (shall we say) Come to Jesus meeting with myself. It is not all about winning, but about the fight and heart behind what you are attempting.

So, while I am here (trying my very best to be the ultimate Phi Mu consultant) I know now that it is not whether we win or loose, but that we never, ever give up. (Because our name, the Phi Mu name, is worth the fight).

And, in the end...if we get that Number 1 spot (please. please. please.) it will just be icing on my pink, quatrefoil cake.

In the South...

Catie Ronquillo Photography

Tea is sweet & accents are sweeter

Summer starts in April

Mac & Cheese is a vegetable

Front porches are wide & words are long

Pecan pie is a staple

Y'all is the only proper noun

Chicken is fried & biscuits come with gravy

Everything is darlin'

Someones heart is always being blessed

Hand written notes...My fav.

Personal gestures are few and far between now-a-days and I am here to say there is just nothing better. While flipping through some old congratulations letters to the newly installed Phi Mu chapter at JMU...my roommate/consultant friend (KJ) came across this card that my lovely Alpha Omicrons wrote (Southern Miss, Phi Mu chapter).

It made me so proud that they took time to let the girls know how excited they were to now have more Phi Mu sisters!

So, today...put pen to paper. For something or nothing at all.

And, get to writin'.

Denim Domination

In a moment of weakness today I purchased my first 'Jirt.' Yes, a jean shirt. Now, you may be thinking that it might be the farthest thing from cute but I am here to tell you otherwise! I got inspiration from my favorite Bachelor contestant, Emily. The blond bombshell wore it on a safari date and looked stinkin' adorable!

As always, Target didn't disappoint today and I purchased this cute button up for $20! Now it just needs to get a little warmer so I can pair my respectable jean top with some khaki shorts and boots! Until then i will spend time getting caught up on Pretty Little Liars. Farewell friends!

Weekend Ride

Every boy loves his toys but this girl wants a Bronco. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade my Volvo for anything but if I could pick one ride to have for pretty days like today it would be a...

1966 Yellow Bronco.

I can see it now...hair down, John Mayer blasting, with a big glass of tea, and my love in the passenger's seat.

"Belle in a Bronco." I like the way that sounds.