tfm: total Freshman Move

*(Thanks to Elizabeth for inspiring me to write again!)*

Y'all, I feel like such a baby! I'm officially a college student-woot woot-and in the throws of my first college finals. I'm just counting the days until I can be home and sleep!

(R to L: Madi, Bliss, Elizabeth, and Me)

I knew a little of what I was getting into after seeing all the girls go through their first year of college; I honestly think I was more prepared than most freshmen. I have definitely tripped up the stairs, dropped my books, and gotten lost in true freshmen style, but I have been surprised by how normal it all feels. Also, it has been so great to have Elizabeth here with me! Love my sissy!

The Lord has blessed me greatly. I cannot say that enough. Some of my best friends live on my hall in the dorm and are always there to strengthen and encourage me. I just keep hearing this phrase over and over in my head: "Ponder anew what the Almighty can do." His strength is apparent every single day. I'm so thankful that He reminds me how precious life is when I so easily get distracted. 

(Friends at a football game!)

(WARNING: Soap box ahead...) 

I've just been thinking lately of how fast time goes. Every day is incredible. Every day is so very human that it hurts sometimes. Life is predictably spontaneous; it's irrationally logical. It's a paradox. Life is full of "ifs" and "maybes" and "hopes." I've learned that life is full of longings. I long for the future--my hopes of what might come. I long for the past--the warmth and security of home. I long for people, I long for places, I long for life. I live it every day yet some kind of vivacity always seems just around the corner or just passed by. The position that we are in right at this exact moment in time will never occur again. You will never get this second back. You are never the same person, never in the same state, never the same at all. Yet we spend these precious seconds as we are right now longing. How sad! Every moment we breathe is a paradox of mourning and rejoicing. It's a breath of heaven and hell- of life and death-all at once. And what we choose to do, and say, and think, and be in this very millisecond can change the course of history. There is power in every moment; there is life in every breath if we so choose. 

I feel like this time in my life is critical to who I'm going to be. As I enter into this determining time, which was always my future, I'm excited to breathe life in every moment. I can't wait to experience what's ahead of me! This first semester has already flown by. Here's to what's next!

Next is a rather lengthy look at what my first semester has looked like! 

Sorry I went a little picture crazy...Enjoy!

(Mary Catherine, my roommate, with power tools in the dorm...)

 (One of my best friends who's in high school visited!)

(Freshman Formal with Grantham)

(Some of my blessings!)

(Game day bows from Madi's mom!)

 (Dressed to impress with my friend Luke)

 (The wonderful fans for my intramural flag football team. They were half the fun!)

(Road tripping...)

Can't wait to be on the road to home in less than a week! I am thankful for every moment of my college experience and am excited for Christmas! 

Merry Christmas!

~Mary Claire

Psalm 103:2

"With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been."

Updates

Well time sure flies when you're in the middle of college!  We four would know, because ALL OF US ARE IN COLLEGE NOW.  That's right, even our youngest sister has made it to the big leagues.  On that note, a HUGE thank you goes to our parents for supporting us thus far in a million different ways!  We are four lucky girls to have parents like ours.
This year I changed schools and am with MC, while Sarah and Anna are holding down the forts at their schools.  Goodness we miss each other!  Thanks to technology we have been able to keep up pretty well; here is a picture from the most ridiculous of skype/oovoo/chat sessions...

I would say that our semesters have been going well.  God has been providing for us and teaching us so much as we grow up!  Mom and Dad have been adjusting to the life of empty nesters which has turned out to be a life of road trips this fall...they are such troopers!  They have visited us all more than once and have logged I don't know how many hours in the car driving.  Also, Anna has visited Mary Claire and I, which has almost won her the title of Best Twin.  (I'm still in the running, so don't get too comfortable, Anna.)

Here is a picture of Anna, Mom, and Dad's visit!

I have had a wonderful semester full of sorority things and my new choir!  I have loved being able to SING again!  I am so thankful for this semester and how God has provided me with amazing roommates, friends, and classes.  

Roommates!

Choir friends!

Old and new friends two-stepping...it's a huge deal in Texas, y'all.

Sorority sisters!

I am seriously so blessed.  Throughout all of the changes in my life my family has been supportive and loving.   One of the highlights of my semester was Thanksgiving break when the whole family was together for the first time since August!  There really is nothing better than spending time together.  We were in in heaven, or at least Tucker was...  

Sorry this post was a little picture-heavy, it is finals week and this girl is a little weary of writing.  But thinking about my family has been a great study break!  The Christmas countdown has begun, people of the world...get ready for a fantastic Christmas vacation!  Pictures to come...! :)

Elizabeth