everything that feels like home

This past weekend I got to go HOME! (Thanks, Dad, for financing the wonderful weekend.)

It had been 9 weeks since I'd been home, which was 8 weeks longer than I'd ever been away from home.

It all started Thursday afternoon with a "use-all-your-meals-for-the-week-before-you-leave-because-they-will-expires-before-you-return" party at lunch. (Nate, this one's for you.) Good friends. Good food. Good day.

My dad had arranged for an airport shuttle to pick me up early in the afternoon right outside my dorm so that I didn't have to leave Tiff (yes, the orange bug has a name) at the airport over the long weekend. I flew from Oklahoma City to Atlanta to Augusta. Not my first time flying. First time flying by myself.

All things considered, I guess taking someone else's seat on the short flight from Atlanta to Augusta was definitely not a worst case scenario.

After 6 hours of traveling and a time zone change, I arrived at the Augusta airport around 8:30pm and was met by my parents, brother, and best friend. My little puppy greeted me when I walked in the door... and Coal remembered me! Huge relief. He stayed by my side, my constant companion, all weekend.

Over the weekend, I was able to visit so many people and places that make home, HOME.

Friday afternoon I popped in for a short visit at South Aiken Baptist Christian School, where I taught math and English last year. I so enjoyed my time there catching up with my students and teacher friends. Crusaders, I WILL be back.. for good.

I got to visit with my grandma while she was on puppy duty and tell her all about my classes, work, and "free time," which is really just a figment of the imagination.

Friday afternoon I met my best friend at the park and had a surprise waiting for her. We've been planning her weekend visit out here for months, and I've been dropping hints about the surprise I had planned for her trip, but she didn't find out until then what special thing is in store for the weekend. Any guesses? We're headed to a Hunter Hayes concert in Tulsa. She was surprised. And excited.

My mom and I spent some girl time together, since she's constantly surrouned by the male presence (yes, even our dog and fish are guys). Mother-daughter shopping trips are not unusual, but perhaps they are not quite the norm when you both come away with new running shoes, shorts, and shirts.

Norman doesn't have Moe's, so a trip home wouldn't have been complete without "Welcome to Moe's" with this guy on Saturday before we started a college football watching marathon. Though it was not a football day to remember, it was just the way I'd want to spend a Saturday.

I got to sing with the choir at church on Sunday, which was something I knew I had missed. I just hadn't realized how much. They're such a great group of encouragers who love the Lord. Go join them! (shameless plug, but Mr. Howard would be proud)

I also visited with my second family, the Eberls, on Sunday afternoon. It was so fun sharing stories, experiences, lessons learned, and laughter with them.

And just like that, the whirlwind of a weekend was over. My family got up really early Monday morning to drive me back to the airport for a 5:30am flight, but not before the obligatory photo op.

After reflecting over the past few months - months that have brought challenges and changes I could never begin to imagine - I've come to a couple of conclusions. There's nothing quite like being away from home to make you realize how wonderful it really is. And home is more, much more, than a place. Home is people. Home is where the heart is.

everything's bigger when it's OU/TX

This weekend was one of firsts.

First trip to Texas...

First time at a state fair...

First OU/TX weekend...

First college weekend away...

Friday afternoon, Brandy, Lauren (no, not me), and I (yes, this is me) set off for Dallas, Texas. Of course, we had to stop right across the border. Ironically, a couple on motorcycles had the same idea, so we were able to do a whole photo-op.

First time on Texas soil

After spending the better part of an hour stuck in football traffic, we arrived safe and sound at the Courtyard Marriott. (Thanks, Brandy!) Exploring Dallas was the only thing on our agenda Friday evening, so we set out to learn the ways of the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) train with hopes that we wouldn't get lost on Gameday. We were at least almost successful in this respect. We found a Fuzzy's for dinner, think mix between Salsa's and Mi Rancho for my Aikenites reading this. We toured some of the downtown Dallas area and found a neighborhood with streets named after Disney characters (ahhh!!) before heading back to the hotel where we spent the night watching TV and writing a book. Okay, technically they did the TV watching and I did the book writing, but it's all good. Staying up way past our bedtime resulted in some fairly humorous stories and pictures. Such good times.

Our backwards Oreo (Caption credit: Brandy)

Saturday brought many learning experiences to the three of us. First, Brandy and Lauren learned that I really can sleep through just about anything, as it took half an hour with the TV, lights, and shower on before I moved. Brandy said she waiting me out, because she was afraid to try to wake me up. I may or may not have told her a while back about the time I punched Drew when he woke me up one night so that I could move from the sofa to my bed. (Sorry again, Drew.)

I learned that everything truly is bigger in Texas, especially creepy statues like Big Tex. As if the fact that he's 20 stories tall isn't enough, his mouth moves so that he can talk. Ah, yes, awkward. On the plus side, he makes a great "meet here if we get separated place." The only problem is that he is that place for every. single. group. there. Good thing we didn't get separated.

I learned that great stuff happens on the sidelines before a football game. Because I was one of the 35 students in charge of running the Oklahoma flag onto the field prior to the game, I got to hang out on the sidelines pre-game. While the stadium gradually filled with fans for both teams, I took lots and lots of pictures. Oh, and I did get to meet AT&T's Fan Coach. Definitely one of my finer moments.

Sidelines, pre-game

Greg and Samantha Ponder have nothing on me now. ;)

I think it's fairly safe to say that all of Oklahoma learned that pride goes before the fall and that trash talking prior to a big rivalry football is not necessarily the best idea anyone has ever had. After a less than stellar performance by our football team, OU's side of the stadium suddenly seemed a lot roomier in the fourth quarter. But being the hardcore fans that we are, we stuck it out to the very. last. second.

"Are you sure you want a picture to help you remember this?"
- anonymous fan

The last thing I learned is that Oklahoma fans greatly hate Texas... and their football team... and their mascot. I thought the Clemson/Carolina hatred from South Carolina was bad, but this one might just have topped that. However, their hatred could not deter me from adding another mascot picture to my collection. Thanks, Mr. Cow, uhh, I mean Longhorn.

yes, that's two finger I'm holding up

...and hopefully those won't be the lasts.

a little bit of everything

So the past week has been a blur, mainly because I'm working like mad to get ahead in all of my schoolwork so that I can do nothing but simply enjoy being home in less than a week. But, even amid all of the work, a little play is necessary, right? Here's a look at a couple of things I've accomplished over the past several days...



"Boomer Sooner" in Arabic

Anyone who knows me knows that I will do just about anything for a free tshirt. ...and that there is no such thing as too many tshirts.

All I had to do to acquire this beauty was wear green and stop by the Saudi Student Association's tent in the South Oval on appreciate your culture day.

Just a few days ago, I again raided the South Oval for a free tshirt. This one is navy blue and advertises for the "Fitter Foods" program our cafeteria is promoting. Hey, free shirt. Need I say more?

Before Soonerthon 2013

Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to run in the Soonerthon 5K, which benefits the Children's Medical Center here in Oklahoma. It's an organization similar to USCA's dance marathon that I participated in back home during my undergrad college days.

Unlike many races that take place early in the morning, this one was set with a start time of 7:30pm so that the event's tagline "Keep Glowing" was actually possible. This was not the first evening race I'd ever run, but it was the first race I'd ever run while holding glow sticks... and wearing neon. Let's just say, I was visible.



Last Saturday was OU's second conference home game, this time against TCU. I've really enjoyed having a football team to cheer for on weekends, though the day is pretty much taken up with pre-game preparation and waiting in line to rush the stadium for (almost) front row seats. My friends and I have the whole stadium entrance thing figured out pretty well, as we had third row seats for the second time this year.

We also have fairly good luck at ending up in ridiculous situations that are just begging for a picture. Hence, this picture of the Taco Bell Fan of the Game. He was on the row behind us, so naturally I had to ask if we could take a picture with his taco. (This is the part where Brandy wonders what she did to deserve a wacked out roommate who takes pictures with foam tacos).

Fox Sports 1 was on site for broadcasting our game, so before we got in line outside the stadium, Brandy and I thought we'd check out the giveaways and games they had going on. We found this gigantic blue Transformer and got to fulfill our dream of being football players. Ehhh, just go with it, ok? 


At Fox Sports 1 with the Transformer

Trying out our football skills

It's also been neat to see all of the teams that seemed so foreign to me when I was on the East Coast in the middle of our ACC/SEC rivalries. For example, TCU just doesn't journey that far East, so this was likely my one shot at getting a photograph with their oh so photogenic horned-frog mascot.


One of my most-prized pictures to date

It was certainly not the easiest thing I've ever done. But I am woman. I will not be deterred.

OU/TX is this weekend, so I'll be venturing into another  new state for the first time. I can only imagine what's in store, and I cannot wait to share it with you.

"OHANA" means family

This past week has flown by. And by flown, I mean, airplane fast.

- Perhaps the cooler temperatures on my bike rides to class helped to change my perspective...
- Or the fact that Tuesdays are always a little brighter because it's Hot Chocolate Cobbler day at the dessert station in the caf...
- Maybe it's because papers and constantly due in all of my classes, so "free time" is once again a thing of the past...

Perhaps in a normal week, one or more of these things could be the reason behind the flash that has been this week. But this was not a normal week. Why?

My family came to visit!

While I've always thought of myself as a home body, I have found out during the past 8 weeks how very right I was. 8 weeks. That's how long I've been here. 8 weeks. That's how long it's been since I've seen my brothers or my puppy. 7 weeks. That's how long it's been since I've seen my parents. (Because, you know, they drove me out at the start of the semester).

Since this past Sunday night, my dad (V.P.!!) has been presenting at a conference in Dallas, Texas. Like any good wife, mother, and homeschool teacher, my mom decided it would be the perfect time to pack up Drew and his school books (and my car!! Yay, Tiff!) and drive every one of the 1,062 miles from Aiken to 2730 Chautauqua Avenue in Norman, Oklahoma, for a visit.

They came in Friday evening, my cute orange little bug in tow. I treated them to the delicacies of the cafeteria that evening and stayed with them at the hotel to maximize family time. The rest of the weekend was spent showing them around campus, introducing them to the awesome people I've met out here, and of course, watching college football. Oh, and did I mention that my mom made me chicken pot pie in my apartment. So good!

 Goodbyes aren't nearly so hard when the time isn't so long and the distance isn't so far. While they left early Sunday afternoon for Dallas, I knew I'd be seeing a couple of them later in the week, and ALL of them again soon.

This Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were possibly the least productive school-wise of my college career, simply because it is almost impossible to focus on studying when you have company (hey, Mom and Drew) - especially company that you haven't seen in two months. Lucky for me, I'm plan-in-advancer, so everything that was due this week had already been done. After lunch today, Mom and Drew left, once more, for Texas, where they will join Dad before starting the 15+ hour journey home tomorrow.

 

Such a great weekend. Such a great week.

Oh, and did I mention it's just 2 weeks, just 14 days, until I'm HOME for a visit?! Can't. Even. Wait.

Alright. Here it is. The third and final (at least for now) request I have for your help!

This time, it's not for a current class, but a book that has been very close to my heart for a very long time. Some of you have heard about it.  A few of you ask about it. Many of you don't know about it.

The Gift of Moments.

My vision for this book is that it will be a compilation of "God-moments". What are "God-moments"? My mom and I love sharing them, but basically, they are those coincidences that just can't be mere coincidence or good luck.

...that check that arrived in the mail that was just enough to pay rent next month.

...the phone call from the doctor saying that the tests denied his previous diagnosis.

...the stranger that showed up at the accident and was never seen again.

The great thing about this book is that God is SO BIG. He's limitless. And His stories of provision are limitless as well. 

Another great thing is that all the stories are true. No fiction here. While some of the stories have happened directly to me, in my life, others are stories from friends, pastors, family members... The list goes on. Now, to maintain privacy, names may be changed or locations altered, however, the heart of the story will remain the same.

In my spare time (haha, teacher-friends, does free time even exist?!) I've started writing some of the stories that will comprise The Gift of Moments. However, it's nowhere near completion at this point. One, because it's not written, and two, because I'm always looking for more stories!

By now, you've probably figured out my request, where you all come in. Yep, you've got it. I want to hear your story. Now, here's the thing. A lot of times we downplay our own story of how the Lord has worked in our life, thinking it's not as good as someone else's. Let's just go ahead and establish that when we're bragging on our God, no story is too big or too small. They are ALL HIS stories.

Okay, so here's what I'm asking, if you're willing... Send me your "God-moment". I want to hear your story. And I'll bet a lot of other people do as well.

Hey hey hey!

I apologize for the lack of blog post yesterday... I plead "not guilty." Or perhaps more appropriately, college football? It really is an all day event when your school has a home game at night. 

The good news: we won! The bad news: we probably didn't deserve to. Rough night for the Sooners. 

Okay, so I'm back to give you method #2 for how you can help. Just to review briefly, convince everyone you know that this is the place to read up on all things... well, at least all things that fly through my brain. Trust me, it's probably worth your time. ;)

Method #2 is this..

I was homeschooled. I was homeschooled for the majority of my educational career. (Yes Mom, I did the math. This is still true.) 

Well, *spoiler alert* the book I'm working on for my nonfiction involves some of my homeschooling adventures and explores those timeless questions...

"Did you have friends?'

"Can you talk to adults?"

"Did you get to sleep in every day and do school work in your pajamas?"

...and the classic assumptions...

"It must be nice having your mom just give you 100s."

"I wish I got to watch TV all day."

Here's where you all come in. Whether or not you were homeschooled or have homeschooled your children, chances are you at least know someone who does. So, the two options...

1. If you were homeschooled or are a homeschooling parent, what was the best part? Favorite memory? Worst part? Perks of homeschooling? Thing you would do differently? Thing you wished you had known? Favorite question to be asked by a non-homeschooling family? Best field trip? Favorite stereotype (true or untrue)?

*I don't need to know the answers to all of these, but one or two would be incredibly helpful.*

2. If you are part of my non-homeschooling friends, how did you encounter homeschooling? What were some stereotypes you had of homeschoolers (true or untrue)? Most annoying thing about homeschoolers? Would you consider this for your family? Perks of not homeschooling?

Again, *I don't need to know the answers to all of these, but one or two would be incredibly helpful.*

So that's it. Easy, right? Maybe not so much. But.. your answers truly are valuable to me! 

How do you get them to me? Two options, yet again. (Doesn't it feel good to have options!)

1. Email me!! At lestephens129@gmail.com

                         OR

2. Facebook message me. >>>>> Lauren Stephens

Thanks so much! Look for my third and final request for your help coming soon. And by soon, I mean tomorrow.

Here Goes Nothing...

Hey y'all.

A LOT has changed recently. Now, I'm still writing tonight from the good 'ole USA. Just the center of it. And by center of it, I mean literally. Norman, Oklahoma. Smack dab in the middle of 'Merica.

Many of you have been following my journey West (kind of like the explorers in the olden days) on Facebook and Twitter. Well, my plan is to give a more detailed, written account of my grad school adventures here on Blogger. But before I go into detail about some of the humorous (and not so humorous) experiences of the past few weeks, I have a proposal to make...

Over the next few days I will reveal three ways that you, yes you my reader friend, can help me. From wherever you happen to be.

So tonight, here is the first way.

I am currently taking one of my required classes for my PW (Professional Writing) degree. As I am writing a full length nonfiction manuscript over the course of the next 3 months, I have a total of 12 milestones to complete along the way. All these milestones are leading up to the finished product, which will be a nonfiction book of publishable quality - complete with a letter to an agent, marketing plan, and book proposal and synopsis.

All I am asking you to do is to take a moment and follow my blog here on Blogger. Then, share the link to it (if you're feeling really helpful) on your Facebook or with your friends. My goal over the next few weeks is to get the traffic on my blog, my "readership" if you will, at an all time high.

That's it. Simple. Follow lavished by grace... and share lavished by grace...

And maybe tune in tomorrow for the second way you could help.

Thank you all! Goodnight!