My Top 10 of Summer '11

Today is the last day of summer.  I feel like summer ended in August, but as my calendar points out tomorrow is the equinox of autumn.  Therefore, as of tonight it's sayonara summer.  As we say goodbye to the long carefree days where the sun smiled down on us, I'd like to revisit some of my favorite moments.  Officially, summer began June 21 but I'm going to take some liberties and go back as far as May as I recount my favorite summer memories.  Let the countdown begin (in no particular order)...

10. College Friends Beach Weekend in Sandbridge, VA

9. Meghan Kathleen Howie got engaged to Christopher Hueghan...MKH forever <3

 

 

 

8. A week in Florida with my Krissypie! 

Pool, drinks, beach, Everglades, Harry Potter, shopping, food, Jefferson, sunshine...precious time with my a wonderful friend...bliss!

7.  Lindsay's Wedding Day
A beautiful ceremony and fun reception to celebrate Dan and Lindsay's nuptuals.  It was really special to have my dad walk Linds down the aisle and faciliate the exchange of vows.

6.  Deep Creek Lake Girls Weekend
Had a blast with college girlfriends at Nicole's lakehouse!  Hiking, boating, tubing, and ice cream eating fun was had by all.  And most importantly, we had quality time together to catch up on life.

5. Georgetown Cupcake!
Finally was able to get in without having to wait in a line blocks long. 
We had the red velvet with cream cheese icing.  So good.

4. Gonzo's Nose at Tarara Winery
Got completely soaked, but had a blast with J & J dancing in the rain and drinking wine.

3.  Fourth of July Fireworks
We watched the DC fireworks this year from the Navy and Marine Memorial.  It was especially beautiful to watch the fireworks fall over the Potomac and see the reflections of the light bursting on the water.  A spectacular show.

2.  The Help!  In honor of the movie, Cassie and I made chocolate cream pies from scratch.  It was somewhat of an undertaking, but they turned out really well and was a great addition to our girls movie and book discussion night.

1.  Wicked at the Kennedy Center with Momma
Fabulous show!  Loved the story, the music, and a fun night out with my sweet mom.

Remembering 9/11

I awoke this morning with a heavy heart.  The vivid memories of 9/11 have remained. 
I was a freshman in college, just starting my third week of classes.  I was in chapel when Dr. Keehlwetter interuppted the regular courses of service that morning to announce that a plane had crashed into the North Tower in NYC.  We were stunned, but unaware of what was happening.  Less than twenty minutes later, in my World Civ class with Dr. Kemeny, we found out that a second plane had hit and before that class ended the Pentagon had been attacked.
I don't remember much of what I thought that day, rather what I felt.  Walking back to my dorm late that morning, I felt scared.  I wanted to find my friends, who weren't even really my friends yet.  We had only known each other a couple of weeks.  I wanted to call my family, but phone lines were jammed and it was impossible to get through.  I felt alone.  TVs were on everywhere with the coverage and footage of the terror that had found it's way onto American soil.  I felt unsafe. 
Our life has changed post 9/11, but I was reminded this morning in church that even though the world around seems to be crumbling, our God is faithful.  He has not changed. 
President Obama read Psalm 46 at Ground Zero this morning.  The words of the Psalm are powerful and comforting.

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3

So as I go about my days, waking and sleeping, I shed my heavy heart.  With a light spirit and my hope in God alone, I know that my Lord is a shield about me.  I pray for our nation and the world to turn their hearts toward Christ.  He is to be exalted, even in the midst of uncertainty and evil. 

As we remember 9/11, the fallen are not forgotten.  May we not forget the Lord of all- present, past, and future. God Bless America, and may America Bless God.