Growing Up

     This year has been great. But it has also been trying. One night recently it all sort of caught up with me really late. Slightly hoping my mom would still be up I shot her a text. Instead I heard my door open. In came papa bear holding some clothes and hearing my sniffles. Trying to be a good dad he sits on my bed to talk to me. Unintentionally he sat directly on my leg making me shoot it out from underneath him. He then came and laid down next to me just as he did not 10 years ago when he would read me my nightly bed time story. Even though our conversation was heavy and full of tears on my behalf, I couldn't help but reflect back to that time of innocence for me. Reading my favorite book called "A Silly Day." I've never felt more safe than I did in that moment. Even though I'm 17 I think it's safe to say that most of us just want to wrap our arms around our daddy's and have him tells us that everything's going to be alright. Because for that second, minute, hour, day, or even life time, you can't help but believe him. I realized in this moment I'm growing up. The frustrations, doubts, and worries I'm having are normal. Things like college and careers seem to be the headlining topic of conversation this year. But it continually in stills in me that this time next year when I'm freaking out my daddy won't be there to climb in bed with me, hold me, and tell me everything is going to be alright. That when I don't feel good my moms not going to be there to wait on me hand and foot. That my nana isn't going to call me with computer help and then feed me a big supper afterwards. Life is about to change big time and I'm scared out of my wits. Yes I'm so excited for change and new beginnings but there are more last coming up very fast. So I ask that you keep not only me in your prayers but the entire senior class because I know that I'm not alone in this feeling. As my dad was leaving my room he picked up my quilt off my floor and handed it to me. This quilt is the same one that was on my crib so it brings me a sense of comfort. Then I went in search of my lamb named Lamby who I have had as long as I can remember. You best believe that these two things will be coming with me next year. We've been through a lot and there's more to come. I look forward to what the rest of this year brings. Hopefully less worry and more smiles but I think some worry is healthy. I am grateful for every moment that has lead me to where I am right now. I genuinely believe that I am finding myself again. I was lost for a bit but I think slowly but surely I'm coming into my own again. As always, thanks for reading!!!

XOXO, Emma Rose

Thankful

Today my heart is filled with sadness. A beloved teacher has passed. Mrs. Martha Claire Fitzner was one of the most inspirational teachers I have ever had. The things she taught me have stuck with me throughout my school days. She was my first grade teacher and I loved her so much. I still have my journal from the first grade that she had us keep. If you are friends with anyone on facebook you have seen the post about her impact. Her frog themed room and daily brushing of her hair were things I will NEVER forget. I know she touched not only my life but the lives of so many other students. Keeping her family, friends, and her past and present students in my prayers. I ask that you do the same. There has been a sad vibe throughout the school today. But God has her up there and he was waiting for her with open arms.

Last night Mrs. Mandy talked to us about thankfulness. How we find it easier to complain but how many days do we get up and say thank you God for giving me another day. I am so thankful for everything Mrs. Fitzner taught me. I am thankful for my family, friends, my health, and so much more. We take days for granted but we never know when our last day is going to be. So everyone tell a loved one you love them today. I love you all.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15

XOXO, Emma Rose

Back to School

     We did it. We made it this far. Senior year. What all the hype has lead up to. It's just about how I expected it to be. Lots of "oh where are you going to college?" "don't blink or you'll be my age" "well don't rush anything. This IS the best time of your life."
     So we rode in taking our reign as the senior class. Apparently we run this but we just aren't so sure.We went on the annual senior retreat and "bonded" as a class. It actually was a lot of fun. There is nothing like hanging up eno's and just talking about life with your friends. I am very thankful for my class even though I say I'm dropping out of high school on a daily basis.

    We have begun our last first. Last first day of school, last first youth group, last first small group, last first football game and pep rally, and this is only the beginning. On our "run in" t shirt we had the quote "Don't count the days. Make the days count." Even though every day we are thrown these dates of future endeavors I am trying to treasure every moment.  It's one of those surreal things where every now and then I will stop and think "I am a senior in high school." I can remember being little and never thinking I would get to this point because it seemed so far away. But now its here and I can't believe it. So to the Class of 2016 I love you all. Lets do this.  Hope you enjoy a little video I put together of senior retreat and run in! Thanks for reading and watching! XOXO, Emma Rose

Summer 2015

Summer. For each person it means something different. For some it may mean laying out every day and having epic pool parties. Others may find themselves at a real job every day of the week. For me it meant lots of babysitting and binge watching. While I could go on about the unimaginable hours I spent watching Greys Anatomy and Gossip Girl, I'm choosing to tell you about the memories that were made this summer.  As I said earlier, a lot of babysitting and binge watching took place. However, I did get to enjoy lots of time with some of my closest friends, lay out, and take a few fun road trips. I hope you enjoy seeing a little glimpse of what I was up to. I hope to later be able to post an iMovie of some go pro videos from different places I have been this summer! Without further ado, enjoy!!!

Baby cuddles is the best part of my "job"

The Habitat for Humanity Duck Race

VBS or start of my new career? 

went to see AL at nerd camp

Happy Fathers day to the best dad ever.
Radical Dadical

I would say I spent 85% of my summer in this
exact spot. Two favorite things

Got to see my Bertha at a meeting for Jesus

Stayed up until midnight to apply to Ole Miss
Hotty Toddy!!!

treated myself to mani?pedis and coffee

Making homemade ice cream on the 4th of July

fireworks with my fav Han Fran

Helen (Anna Katherine) took me to the beach

My love Amy surprised me in a lovely way

pool party or photo shoot

a very small portion of the AMAZING staff of
Happening #14

Nick Ellis was in charge of Happening #14 and he
did an incredible job. 

late night movie dates with my loves

ending summer with my favorite people 

go back to back they said
it'll be fun they said

Thanks for reading!!!

XOXO, Emma Rose

The Future

     Hello lovely reader. I hope this post finds you well. I have recently had a lot of time to do some deep thinking. In fact I have so much on my mind and going through my brain I find it hard to put down in words. Since summer began my life has not been that eventful. A lot of sleeping in, babysitting, and a little bit of fun has what it has mostly consisted of. I have had a lot of time to think and begin to plan for what this coming school year has to hold. I am hopeful. Hopeful that my senior year of high school is filled with laughter, love, and memories. That through every happy, sad, and anger filled moment that I continue to seek God in everything that I do.
     One thing I have realized this summer thus far is just how much I need to enjoy the little things. I realize that in a years time my mom won't be there to comfort me when I am upset. That I won't be able to have random movie nights with my parents. That I'm not going to be able to walk in after school and see bandit. Everything is about to change. While I am so ready to meet fresh faces and start clean. Part of me wants to hold on the high school and the comfort that comes with it. I am optimistic though. I know that I will have those core friends that I hold on to. However, I may not ever see the faces of some of my classmates again. That to me is scary. This small bubble I have grown up in is about to pop. So while I am eager to jump ahead and go onto new adventures, I am going to really just take in and make memories that will last a life time this summer and upcoming school year. But for now I will not rush through summer to school time. I will soak up what I have left of summer and milk it for all its worth.
“We're so busy watching out for what's just ahead of us that we don't take time to enjoy where we are." - Bill Watterson

This picture is a very accurate depiction of my summer.

                                             

You Say Goodbye and I Say Hello

     It's all coming to an end. The whirlwind that has been Junior year has come to an end. As we have turned in final assignments and received exemptions, I have felt very reflective of the past year and what it has entailed. There has been some good moments, bad moments, scary moments, and surreal moments. I don't know quite how to wrap my mind around all that has happened. We ran in as seniors a few weeks ago and it was such a crazy feeling. This year has been different. Everyone always says that junior year is when you and your friends really find yourself. It's so true. For the most part, we have all matured a little this year. So I am now officially a senior.  I've had trouble comprehending what is all about to happen in my life. I've described it to people as like a scary movie. I know what is about to happen but I still get scared when something pops out from behind a door or something. I have seen the classes in front of me graduate. I can't comprehend the fact that a year from now my days at Heritage will be over.  I am so thankful for every single good and bad thing that has happened this year. You may be wondering why I would be happy about bad things. I'm happy because every event that has happened has lead me to where I am now. I wouldn't have the friends or memories I have if these things wouldn't have happened. A lot of times it's easier to dwell on the bad things that happen but we need to look at the happy events. (preaching to myself a little) So to my class thanks for the fun and weird times this year.To my parents, thanks for dealing with me. To everyone reading this post, THANK YOU this has been such a major outlet for me to just be able to write and be myself. We aren't finished yet. Many more summer post are to come.

 

First pep rally/dress up day

grioting for our pats

surprising Anna Katherine at an OHS football game

powderpuff football game

Tennessee vs Ole Miss 

One Direction Concert

Thanksgiving with the Ballingers

Frozen Birthday Party

Christmas Eve

Rave themed basketball game

New York City
Spring Break

The Happening

PROM

Market Street

Boyce Adams for Congress Campaign

Last time to park in the sophomore/junior parking lot

Heritage Academy Class of 2016

New York City

     Where to start? Well just like Julie Andrews said "lets start from the very beginning!" So after a very confusing two months of we are going, we aren't going, and we finally landed on, okay we are going. This would be our first family vacation in over 5 years. The weather decided to not be on our side for our little vacation. After having our flight cancelled out of Memphis, driving to Nashville to catch another flight, and arriving at our hotel 10 minutes before the start of the Broadway show I was attending the only word I can use to sum that up is overwhelming.
      So we left Wednesday and ended up in The Big Apple on Friday night. On Friday I went with our friend Jennifer Rose to a see Les Mis and stay with her at her apartment. Before I go on may I just say how absolutely talented the cast of that show is. I've never seen anything like that in my entire life. It gave me such a new appreciation for the actors and actresses. After we saw the show we went to Ellen's Stardust Cafe. I had ice cream for dinner and it was amazing. While I was living a New York experience the rest of my family was out with my moms high school best friend for an evening on the town. So I woke up early Saturday morning ready to conquer the day. Suitcase in tow, Jennifer and I hopped on the subway to meet up with the rest of my family to get on with our day. Scottie and my father weren't quite ready to get up yet so my mom, Jennifer, and I went to get breakfast. We ate at The Galaxy Diner and I had the best omelet ever. (sorry dad) We went to check on my dad and Scottie and they were finally up. So we went to take family pictures in Times Square. Saturday we hit a lot of the big stuff. Times Square and Rockefeller Center were our main victims for the day. Central Park was covered in snow and it was BEAUTIFUL. There were so many children sledding and families out walking it was great. We stopped in The Plaza because my childhood dream was to be Eloise. So I got a macaroon and a ginger ale and walked the underground part of the Plaza. We ate some New York pizza per my dads request but it was very good. We continued through the day shopping and taking in the city as much as we could. For dinner we ate at a restaurant called Five Napkin Burger. I think all of my family would highly recommend it!
     On Sunday we went to the 9/11 museum. It was an absolutely overwhelmingly surreal experience. It was so much to take in. I would recommend if you have the option that you should go but after you do just sit and decompress for a bit. We did not do that after and we all agreed as a family that we wished we would have. So after that we had a few places in Soho and Union Square that we wanted to go to. Sunday was mostly a shopping day but fun none the less. Sunday night we ate at another burger place but this one was all organic. It is called Bare Burger and it has the BEST burger I have ever eaten in my life. One thing I noticed in New York while shopping is just how nice some of the dresses, bags, shoes, and just merchandise was. As someone who has always loved make up and clothes walking into Saks Fifth Avenue was one of my favorite parts.
     There are so many more details and stories I could share but this post is already long enough. I have waited for so long to go back to New York and really experience it. When I was 10 I went for a day with some family friends of ours. It was everything I had dreamed it would be. I am so grateful for my experience and that we had such a nice family vacation. I was indeed in a New York State of mind.

We obviously couldn't start our day without Starbucks.

Off we went on our crazy adventure. 

 

Took my first Uber.
Photo creds: Jennifer Rose

Selfies in Times Square because why not?

Mommy and I in front of our beautiful hotel

This picture makes me laugh because it truly shows how
different we all are. 

Thanks for showing me the ropes Jen! 

Concrete Jungle

Radio City and Ed Sullivan Theater

Live from New York its Saturday Night!

Central Park 

Big time dreamers

 

Family Selfies on the top of Rockefeller Center

love my radical dadical 

9/11 museum 

My mom wanted a picture of us by the 9/11 Memorial
we all agreed it didn't feel right to smile. So instead we just
observed the names of those who lost their lives. 

Dinner with Jennifer at Bear Burger

He thinks he is so cool.

 I would love to hear some of your New York stories! Leave me a comment! Thanks for reading!!! xoxo