the most eventful blog post ever written.

**I first wrote this blog post yesterday, when all of my thoughts were well put together and everything flowed with a beautiful rhythm. And then Blogger decided to make it disappear into Blogland as I clicked the publish button. So here goes on Round 2...maybe I can still convey some of the same thoughts.

This is one of those blog posts that should probably be split up into 4 or 5, because it's seriously that eventful. And surprisingly, all of these events have occurred over the past 4 days. So needless to say, my weekend was one for the books, just like I predicted. I guarantee this will be the most epic blog post ever...so get ready, and read til the end, because lots of big things are coming your way.

I guess I'll start at the beginning and work my way to the present. 

In a few weeks, my sister and I will be moving in together!! Friday, my mom came into town and made a few last minute appointments to see some houses around town, as housing in Oxford comes and goes quicker than a fling of Kim Kardashians. Luckily, one just sort of fell into our laps...we'll soon be signing a lease on a brand new 2BR/2Bath house that isn't too far from where I live now. In lieu of some news to come later in this post, it's without a doubt the best option for both of us at this stage in our lives. Although I'm going to miss my current roomies more than words can say, I'm really looking forward to living with Katie, especially since we haven't lived together since we were hormonal, bickering teenagers under our parents' roof. The house is small but is going to be gorgeous, so I think it will fit us just perfectly! I can't wait for what's next.

Friday was also my sweet boyfriend's birthday, so most of the day was spent cleaning, cooking, and preparing for our 7 guests to arrive into Oxford to help us celebrate in style! Andrew and his friends from home are like one big happy family, so I love being around them when they're all together. It's so wonderful to see them all so happy with each other, laughing their heads off, enjoying each other's company...I know Andrew had a wonderful weekend, and that makes me so happy. Of course, the weekend couldn't have gotten much better--Rebel baseball, crawfish, and Double Decker. Perfection.

Later on Saturday, I headed home to shower and get ready and opened my mailbox to see this little gem just waiting on me to open it up...

Of course, my heart stopped...knowing I was just ripping it open to see if it started off as "Congratulations..." or "We regret to inform you..." Luckily, mine started with a big ole "Congratulations!" which means I'm officially accepted into UMC's Master's program to become a Nurse Practitioner! I start in August, on their part time program, as I'll still be working full time. God has some big, incredible plans for me in the next few years...and I'm so thankful for that. I'm so thankful that my future is in His hands, and not my own. Such wonderful news!

And that's not even the biggest news to share in this here post...you just get ready.

After freaking out over my acceptance letter for a few minutes, I had to scramble and finish getting ready because I was meeting my family in Memphis. And why was I meeting my family in Memphis, you ask? Well, because my little sister got engaged Saturday night! She and Ben are officially getting married!!! Sweet Ben had our immediate family and his immediate family at a restaurant to surprise Katie with a little engagement celebration...it was such a wonderful night, toasting the happy, newly engaged couple! I am so happy for my sister...and SO excited to get to planning!!!

My poor little sister decided to keep it a secret, so she was able to have a candlelight (one of our sorority traditions) at their last Kappa Delta function. And lucky for me--I'm an alumni here, so I was able to be at their Senior night and got to see her candlelight first hand...it was such a special night. I think she really shocked everyone...everyone was super excited for her, and it made my heart so happy to see her that happy! 

I had a few moments alone in my car the other night, and I just sat there, overwhelmed with God's blessings just being poured over my life. Matt Redman's song, "10,000 Reasons," came on the radio, and the tears just started flowing. He is so good. So, so good. Despite me trying to remind myself that I was going to ruin my mascara, I was just overcome by emotion...this is the chorus of that song:

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

All I could say was "Thank you, Lord. Thank you, thank you, thank you." Those are the only words that I could get out of my lips, between sobs. Thank you, Jesus. I can't get over how perfectly things are falling into place right now...it's so crazy to me how I can look at my life right now and see exactly where God's hand is piecing together all of the puzzle. It just overwhelms me...in the most wonderful way. I am so blessed and so thankful. Whew, what a weekend. A new house, accepted into grad school, and my little sister is engaged...such a whirlwind.

And as if that's not enough, I must add in a little sappiness about my precious boyfriend...today is our 1 year anniversary! He has officially put up with me for an entire year...the quickest, best, most perfect year of my life. Happy Anniversary, baby. I've loved every second of our first year together, and I can't wait for the next 80 by your side. You're my one...thank you for loving me. 

Does it get much better than this? Life is so good right now. I am so blessed.

Happy Tuesday, y'all!