Day of Silence.

Caitlyn. 

Angels.

My heart. 

It's a heavy, heavy and burdened heart.

This...horrific excuse of an event has tugged on heart strings across the world. 

Sandy Hook Elementary. 

Newtown, Connecticut. 

Friday, December 14, 2012. 

A mere 11 days before Christmas day.
The day we celebrate the birth of our Savior who is always present, always loving, always forgiving...

28 people deceased. 

20 of those are little first-graders. 

6 of those are faculty. 

I cannot speak for you all but this tragedy has left my heart and emotions very raw. 

It doesn't take much for me to cry. 

My mind, which is controlled by my heart these days, cannot stop replaying what the news outlets have released about the gruesome details surrounding the event. I hate it. I hate every single bit of this. 

If anything has ever touched my heart, it is this. 

This senseless act against the purest, least evil form of human life: children. 

 

As a sister, I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose my baby brother or baby sister. 

I cannot imagine the inner turmoil that would overcome my being. 

I cannot imagine the anger I would possess. 

I cannot imagine the emotional roller-coaster I would forever live on.  

As a daughter, I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose my mother. 

I cannot imagine the enormous loss that would overcome my life. 

I cannot imagine the sheer upheaval that would ensue in my family. 

I cannot imagine the emptiness my heart would forever own. 

As a friend, I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a friend. 

More specifically, a Best Friend. 

I cannot imagine the tremendous loss of one's confidant=The person you share the silly/stupid/entertaining/true-life moments with and the person you call when you want Mi Pueblo. 

I cannot imagine the overwhelming sense of instability that I would live in because my Best is gone. 

I cannot imagine the unknown I would live in, knowing that the person who I told all of my secrets to is no longer with me. 

But being the mother of these children, that is one thing I cannot and will not imagine. 

I do not have children of my own. I cannot imagine the heartbreak. 

The only thing I can say is, I know my mother loves me to no depth. 

And a love like that is an undying love. 

An unconditional love. 

A love that words do no justice. 

A love that would die for her children, if it meant better for them. 

An unfathomable thing. 

I am mourning the death of innocence and childhood.
I am mourning the death of respect for one another. 

I am mourning the death of humanity.

To the parents, children, siblings, and friends of the victims, you are heavily on my heart and in my prayers.

May those precious angels rest in peace. 

caitlyn. 

 

Soulmates.

Hey Friends.

Today's blog is a special one. 

There are many, many things that I am thankful for. 

More than I could even name on this blog. 

Of course, some things more than others. 

And some are just lovely conveniences.

But there is one thing that I am more than thankful for. 

It's my well being and a part of my soul.

My eyes.

I know- y'all were expecting something like, "my freedom to vote", yada yada, blahhhh...(because it's election day. Yeah, I'm not that excited about this whole election thing. 

I VOTED. But, I'm still not in love with either of the candidates. Let's not go there..)

Bringing it back in...

Every Sunday that rolls around, I must drive that awful, awful drive back to Columbus from Pontotoc. 

1.5 hours. 

PURE. TORTURE. 

Simply because there is nothing but rolling hills and cows. 

So serious. 

Anyway, I always drive back before the sun sets because
#1: I hate to drive at night,
#2: I'm petrified of hitting a deer, and
#3: because I don't want to walk into my apartment at night time because I know there will be no light on.
I'm basically a huge chicken. 

So, I usually leave P-Town around 5 o'clockish... Well, 4 o'clockish now because of the time change.

That means that I am driving during the most gorgeous time of day. 

(one of the many pictures I have of these Sunday afternoons. So marvelous.)

This past Sunday, I was so stunned by the breathtaking portrait that was painted for me.
My words are failing to describe to you the beauty of these sunsets. 

I wish each of you could be with me as I'm witnessing these spectacular works of art change before my eyes. 

My eyes. 

As I am seeing this huge painting span across the autumn sky, the thought crosses my mind, 

"I can see this. I am so blessed. Thank you, Lord." 

And it hits me.  

Only a year and half ago, my sight was almost completely gone.
Adios, vision!

I almost lost it because of PTC. 

I remember telling my Best at that time how I wanted to see my children one day, how I wanted to travel this beautiful world, how I wanted to SEE LIFE. 

I appreciate my eyes. 

SOOOO MUCH. 

I think mostly because I know what it's like to not have the luxury of sight.

(my favorite place in the world. so perfect.)

 

We recently had a discussion in class about spirituality vs. religion.
I, myself, think that I am a much more spiritual person than I am religious.
I find myself to be more in tune with my self in nature and seeing acts of nature.
Sunset, sunrise, whilst snowing... You get the gist.
Sunsets and such make me reflect on myself. 

Reflection helps me to improve within myself; helps me to identify the good and the things that need work.
It's like a wake-up call telling me I'm not the only person in the world... 

That I'm a part of something much bigger than myself.

 Much, much bigger.
And y'all, I am so thankful for that. 

I find myself, more and more each day, thankful for knowing that there is something bigger than myself in control of this crazy, crazy place. 

Don't think I've gone all liberal crazy and lost my religion.

I haven't. 

It's just being modified to me and what I believe. 

I just thought it was amazing that these perfectly placed paintings have helped me to grow and evolve into a different person. Hopefully, a BETTER person. 

I found this quote today: 

My mountain is waiting.

caityn. 

Stress Management 101.

Hello sweet friends!

Happy Thursday!

 ALMOST THE WEEKEND! 

I feel that's all I live for these days...

So, brief overview of life of the Party Girls in D-40...

We are both college seniors-graduating in May.

She's engaged. I'm single.

We both have to-do lists miles and miles and miles and miles long.

But yet find stupid excuses to put them off until the next day. 

Example: It's an abnormally warm day in October. It would be a shame to waste it inside. So, we sit on our deck and talk. And plan her wedding. And talk. Until it's 6:30 and we are like, what just happened?!

We get our work done! That's all that matters. 

We enjoy good food. And wine. 

We loveeee Sunday Night TLC. 

We are pretty much amazing. You wish you were us. 

Especially after I show you these videos. 
 

 Enjoy.

Video #1. The one that started it all...

 

 So. Much. Fun. They are such THUGZ. And I am SO not.

Video #2. Got a little carried away...

 

Love my backup singers.

And Video#3. TOO much fun.

Yes.

This is how WE relieve stress. They say laughter is the best medicine? 

Totally true.

This senior year is shaping up to be quite the memorable one. 

 Can't wait to see what else it holds! 

Here's some pictures from our super fun video set.

ROCK ON! 

peace.

caitlyn

Life.

Happy Thursday, Blogosphere! 

My, oh my. These past few weeks have been cray-cray.

Let's see.....

My precious roommate got ENGAGED to Jim Bob(Jimmy, in real life.) 

and I could not be more excited. 

Aren't they just precious!?!

The ring! So gorgeous.


 Our apartment is Wedding Central. 

We are hanging cork board in our common area this upcoming week for ideas and such. I'll have to post a pic when we get it up.

I saw this idea on pinterest. I knew I had to do it when Hannah got engaged. 

AHHH so much fun, y'all!!!!

 Bridal magazines, ring pops, and a hanger with her new last name, Mrs. McPherson.  

Fun stuff.

Next...

So, now that I'm not in SLP, I'm taking a few EDU classes.

Yeah, this whole going to MUW is an experience I'd like to forget.

But since I can't, I've got to somehow find a way to get through it. 

Long story short-I was placed in Columbus High School for the remainder of the semester.  And I ask God every day what I did to deserve this hand I've been dealt. And it is testing me in every way possible. 

 I would LOVE to just spill it all out for y'all(because the stories I have are pretty unbelievable) but I'm pretty sure I'd be violating some sort of HIPAA law. Or something. And, I'd like to graduate in May. 

But just know, it's been a learning experience. 

less than 2 months left. PTL.

Next....

My mama is currently traveling the eastern coast and I AM BEYOND READY FOR HER TO COME HOME.

She left this past Friday and will not be home until this next Sunday. 

9 days y'all. 9 DAYS. Come home already. 

Geesh.

I got to take her to the airport, though. And if you know me, you know my infatuation with Airplanes. (I mean, its a bit ridiculous. The Air force base is the only reason I like Columbus. So serious.) 

I was giddy. 

So, I sent her on her way. Adios!

Next....

This past Saturday night I got to spend some QT with my little sister, Gracie.
We watched the Ole Miss game in our robes. 
It was rainy and cold. YAY for fall weather!
sister bonding. 

 

Next....

Just some highlights in pictures.

Sweet angel Lexie. loveher.

 Naturally.

 Difficult prayer. 

 GREY'S ANATOMY! Love these two. It's a good thing this isn't real life.

Oppa Grande Style.

This is a real fear I have/had. Scarrrry.

alright, alright, alright!
 

Too true.

 This was my day yesterday! I was cute! 
And no one of significance saw me. tragic.


I have a mountain of lesson plans to fix and more to write.
booooooo.
Goodnight, y'all!

caitlyn.

My fall TO-DO list!

Hey Blogger-ville!

It's been a bit of a crazy week. And it's only Tuesday. 

I've found that blogging is a de-stresser so.... here I am.  

Gotta get rid of some anxiety.

And also be productive(in some sort, haha) at the same time!

So, here is my to-do list!

Caitlyn's Fall To-Do List

1. Buy new clothes. 

-I've lost some weight since last year, soooooo a lot of my clothes don't fit.
Seriously, I put on a pair of dress pants the other day and I looked like MC Hammer. 

Fun times.

2. Pay for graduation. 

-Ha, I need to do this soon. Before December. Mental note. 

WHOOO-HOOOO!

I'm a college senior. I graduate this year. 

Craaaaaaaazy.

3.Find the perfect outfit for The Egg Bowl. 

-I know this will never happen. It just makes me feel better knowing I've thought about it. But seriously. I'll look a hot-mess by the time I get there so what does it matter? 

Brainstorming:

(all looks can be found at: When I get skinny.)

4. Find more Crock-Pot recipes. 

-So, I've pretty much mastered this one CP dish. And, if I must say so, it's pretty darn delish. It's an Italian Chicken recipe. 5 ingredients. No prep. And sooooooo good. 

I just need more recipes to add variety to my life. It's getting a bit monotonous.

The food aspect is, at least. 

 Recipe: here!

5. Plan Spring Break.

-I know, I know. It like, 6 months away. But, if I don't start early, I will freak out. 

So, Lauren and I are planning on going to D.C. but we will see how that works it's self out during the next 6 months. :) 

6. Take fun pictures.

-I really want to do something to remember this time in my life. Mama, I want to do our family pictures this year somewhere where the leave have all fallen and they are red and yellow. Right before sunset.
Pretty. 

7. Read a book outside.

-It's just lovely outside right now. And I hope it will stay this way for a little while. And I'd love to find a spot that I can go and enjoy the changing seasons. 

8. Survive SCHOOL.

-I am so sick of it all. I can't even talk about it any more. 

9. Find that PERFECT fall nail color.

-Girls, you all know what I mean. The one that just screams "IT'S FALL, Y'ALL!!!".

I need to find it. I'm loving the browns, nudes, wines, reds...

I love them all. But, there is this one from OPI...

Espresso.  I'm in love!!!

10. Get some mums.

-I'd love to put some outside my door at my apartment but I did not inherit my mother's green thumb. So, I might kill them. But I think they would be so cute. So festive. 

 Mama Noni, are you proud?

11. Open the windows and air my apartment out!!!!

-I CANNOT wait for this day to come! I absolutely love doing this. It's just been a little bit too warm so far or I've had other things happening the days it has been cool enough. But soon y'all. 

D-40 is about to get slapped with some fresh air.  

12. Respect the pumpkin.

-Flavor, that is. I'm not a fan. At all. 

I want to like pumpkin(because of the amazing recipes on Pinterest) but I don't. 

Maybe my taste buds will change. 

Well, that's all I have on my mind right now...
There will be more.

Goodnight, y'all.

caitlyn.

Lauren, 23, North Mississippi

I'm linking up today for Singles Day with Kelly's Korner Blog. 

Hello bloggin' world!

I'd like you to meet someone very special to me.

My Best, Lauren Patton.

There is SOOOOO much I want to tell everyone about my best friend! There is NO possible way I can put it all in one blog. So, I'm just gonna hit the big stuff. 

Okay!

 A few things you need to know about this precious woman:

 -She loves the Lord more than anything in the world. She reminds me daily of how a Godly woman is supposed to act and carry herself with dignity and self-respect.

  

 -She is a 1st grade teacher! And she loves her little firsties! And they loveee her! This girl definitely has a huge heart for children. I admire her for that.

-She is the bargain shopper extraordinaire! Y'all, this girl finds THE BEST deals. I don't know how she does it. 

 (pretty sure this was a thrift store find. Sorry Elle Pea if its not.) :)

Just an example of how thrifty she is!

-She is the biggest Ole Miss fan you will EVER meet. You can win her over just by saying, "HOTTY TODDY!!!!". You better be able to hang with her and her love of OM. It's deep rooted but it is one of those things that makes her Lauren.

-She has a precious fur-baby named Harper. That dog runs the show. But, she's precious! 

-She loves her friends. If you looked up the definition of a "good friend", Lauren Patton's picture would be right there. This girl has friends for days! (see my post about my afternoon with Miss Ole Miss.) 

 But really, she is a great friend. Can't express it enough.

 -She is spontaneous. The girl has no plans. She just does. And for me, who must have a plan at all times, she definitely takes me out of my comfort zone. But, it's fun! She is so much fun! She LOVES life and it is very evident. She LOVES people and that too is very evident. And she LOVES the Lord and that is what stands out to me the most.

 -She is a HUGE family person. She loves her family.
(Pictured: Her father, mother, and brother.)

-She is just so cute, all the time! Her style is pretty phenomenal. And I think she is gorgeous. Not only on the outside, but genuinely gorgeous on the inside.
She's really precious, y'all. And I am so blessed to call her my Best.

Of course I think my best friend is the bomb-diggity. I mean, she's my Best?!

But, I know her heart. We are in the same club-The Singles Club- and we talk about this stuff. She will make the best wife, mother, and best friend any man could ever ask for. 

If you have questions or want to know more about my sweet friend, email me at: divalifeincollege@gmail.com or her at: lil_patton07@hotmail.com

Okay you single men.... Let me hear it! 

caitlyn.