Cool story

Not much time to update on life right now, I'll try to do that again soon. But I just came across this really cool story on CNN about the Chilean miners. The Jesus Film, which is affiliated with Campus Crusade for Christ who we work with, was able to send down some things to the miners to encourage them. Such an awesome story, check it out here.

:)

Erin

Fall Faves

So I'm totally copying other bloggers right now. Two of my friends, Nichole and Haley periodically post some "favorites" in life at the moment. In light of fall FINALLY being here, thought I'd post some of my Fall faves...

(1) Hot Apple Blasts at Carribou: I could have looked up the calories in it, but then it would no longer be a fav. I'm sure its awful for me. But on a crisp day, there's nothing like that caramel apple cider. Man, I wish I had one right now. Let's be honest, I'm probably going to get one in the morning.

(2) All things pumpkin: Fall is awesome because it means it is socially acceptable to bust out the canned pumpkin and start baking. And I already have. Made pumpkin dip this weekend and IT IS DELISH. Here is the recipe in case you want to try it (thanks to Jeanette for passing it along!):

3/4 c cream cheese (6 oz.)

1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c canned pumpkin

2 tsp maple syrup

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Put first 3 ingredients in bowl and beat with mixer really well until cream cheese lumps are out. Add syrup and cinnamon and beat until smooth. Cover and chill for 30 min. Serve with apples or ginger snaps.

(3) Good TV: With the exception of So You Think You Can Dance and the occasional Bachelor/Bachelorette, summer TV leaves a lot to be desired. So fun that the good shows are back! Liz Lemon, Michael Scott, Jeff Probst, Heidi Klum and many others...I have missed thee.

(4) Football: Haha, no not really football in and of itself. (Although, side note, I did join a fantasy football league this weekend!) But there's nothing like a nice fall day in Kenan stadium (especially when we can actually win). And really just all of campus in the fall is so beautiful, I love getting to walk around campus this time of year.

(5) November and December are close-ish: October is really great, but it also means November and December aren't that far away. And that means time with family, fun traditions, getting to decorate and that my bday is just around the corner.

Welcome fall, I'm glad you're here!

Other recent happenings

Ok, I've finally recovered from the blob and can now update on other recent happenings in the Smith household. This will probably be random as I'm trying to update you on a month's worth of stuff. Here we go...

In August we started up another year at UNC...my 8th here on staff. I really cannot believe it's been that long. I guess I'm not blending in with the college students as much anymore since one of them called me middle-aged last year. Yea, funny story, ask me sometime! Then at fall retreat a few weeks a girl asked what year I was and I told her I was on staff. "Yea, I thought you looked older" she said. Ok, I got it guys, I don't look 22 anymore, huh?!

Anyways, its been a great start of school so far. Lots of fun students around and I'm getting to work with my girls from last year who are SENIORS now. Crazy! It's always a blitz the first month or so and although we love it, it's nice we finally have some time to breathe again.

A few weeks ago we got to go to Kansas for a long weekend to celebrate Josh's parents 40th wedding anniversary! I hadn't seen most of his family since Christmas (too long!!) so it was really great to be with them again. We celebrated the anniversary with a great dinner out, Josh got to hit up a Kansas State game with his bros, I got some shopping in with my sister in laws which was so fun and we got to see our super cute nephews and nieces. That was a long sentence. Anyways yes, cute nieces and nephews. Two of my favorite kid moments of the weekend. My niece Ella had her bday party while we were there and she LOVES princesses. Duh, what 4 year old girl doesnt?! Anyways, she got a card that when she opened it had a song from Little Mermaid. She gasped really loud and looked like she was going to cry from excitement. One of the cutest things ever. Ok second cute story was when we were out to dinner for the anniversary. We gave Josh's parents their present which was this cool picture that had their wedding pic and each of their kids' wedding pics on it. Props to my bro in law for a great gift. Anyways, super-cute nephew Ike, after Josh's mom opened the present and was thanking us, exclaimed, "I KNEW you would LOVE it Granny!!" Presh!

So, trip to KS was a great time and ended too quick! While we were there we took some family pictures. I don't know how to put them up here (or even if I am allowed to) since we went through a photographer but here's a link to check them out if you want:

www.plazaphotography.com/galleries/Smith/

Hmm, what else has been going on lately. Oh, Josh decided in August that he wanted to run a half marathon (when i was typing just now i typed "we wanted to run a marathon" by accident. noooooooo!!!! definitely not true!). So he's been training for that. I'm so proud of how disciplined he's been- he's already up to 7 miles! He's running in November at the Outer Banks so I'm excited to go watch (yes, definitely just watch) his race!

Well I can't think of anything else exciting and am also getting sleepy so Seacrest Out. Sorry no pics this time. You can just refer to our pic on the right side at the top of the blog if youre really wanting a pic I guess!

Until next time...

Erin