What My Loved Ones Say About Me

Good morning, friends! Over the past few days I’ve seen other bloggers have their loved ones write a few facts about them. I loved the idea because it may give you a different perspective of me than how I would describe myself. I recruited my mom and one of best friends to join in the fun and share a little of their perspectives of me…I added my comments in italics. The original link up for this blog can be found at From Mrs. to Mama…

First up is my mom:

-She has boxes and boxes of children's books that she's bought for her (one day) classroom.

-She laughs out loud when watching funny movies or TV shows.

-Turtles give her the heebie-jeebies. Complete truth right there.

-She spontaneously starts dancing in grocery store aisles.

-Her personality is a harmonious balance of "roots" and "wings."

Now my best friend:

-She has the best laugh. It's one of those laughs that makes you laugh, even if you didn't hear the joke.

-Samantha is super organized. I am not. I admire her for that.

-She has 200+ children's books. They're organized by category and size.

-She's a primper. Before getting out of the car, she brushes her hair and touches up her lipstick. It's why she always looks so good.

-I used to call her "Sam" but then she decided she liked "Samantha" better. I’ve always gone by Samantha…she called me Sam for a short time right after we met.

-She loves her school. She even did a dance about it one time. I don’t remember this dance, but I bet it was funny!

-She is basically the most feminine person I know.

-She has a "big band" station on her XM radio (for fun summer days).

-She is one of the Godliest women I've ever met. She encouraged me to seek our Father more, and I could not thank her enough for that.

-She is one of those friends that will never leave your life. Though we are in different states, our kindred hearts have not drawn apart.

-She recently discovered Snapchat, and I recently discovered how big her repertoire of silly faces is.

These make my heart happy. I encourage you to have your loved ones write about you too…so fun to see what they come up with!

If you really knew me…

Throughout the summer I saw several bloggers doing the “If you really knew me” post, but I never wrote my own. So I decided it was about time that I sat down and shared a little more with you. I genuinely enjoyed learning more about other girls and I hope these give you a clearer picture of who I am. Without further ado…

If you really knew me…you would know that I’m very facially expressive. Most of the time I wear my emotions on my face.

If you really knew me…you would know that I never wanted to be a teacher. In middle school, I tried to convince my best friend with much gusto that she should never become a teacher. I laugh now because I couldn’t imagine pursuing anything other than elementary education.

If you really knew me…you would know that my mom and I have a special connection. We’re like Lorelai and Rory. We even have our own language…she sent me this email earlier this week and to you it looks like gibberish. But, I knew exactly what she was saying.

If you really knew me…you would know that I love when I’m told that I look like an elementary school teacher. I actually get told that fairly often.

If you really knew me…you would know that I would much rather spend a day in the mountains than at the beach. Even though I was born and raised in Florida, I’m definitely not a beach girl.

If you really knew me…you would know that my love languages are quality time and words of affirmation.

If you really knew me…you would know that I don’t get upset easily. I’ve always approached life with a joyful heart. Even when I was little…

For some reason I had this saved on my computer and I just had to share.

If you really knew me…you would know that I genuinely get excited for my first cup of coffee in the morning. Sometimes I even wake up singing “the best part of waking up is Folgers in my cup!” Please tell me you remember that commercial?

Those are all I have for now! Hopefully I haven’t embarrassed myself too much… :)

Let's Get To Know Each Other

I discovered a new blog, Create Like Crazy, this morning and snagged the idea for this post from her. She created a list of random facts about herself to use as an atypical "about me." I loved what she shared and was inspired to create my own list...

1. I have a habit of reading the last page of a book early on.

2. I'd rather go to the mountains than the beach.

3. I can never settle on what my "dream" grade level to teach is. Just when I fall in love with the little ones (K-2nd), I develop a love for the older kids (4th/5th).

4. Only two books have made me cry; Redeeming Love and A Thousand Splendid Suns.

5. I've kept a journal consistently for the past three years.

6. I write letters to my future husband that I'll give to him once we're married.

7. A large majority of my clothes are from thrift stores.

8. Peanut butter M&M's are my downfall.

9. Driving with the windows down while singing along to my favorite songs is a stress reliever for me.

10. Tulips are my favorite flower, but gardenias are a close second because of their smell.

11. I could listen to (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding over and over.

12. I truly don't know what I would major in if I weren't pursuing elementary education. I'm a huge (future) teacher nerd.

13. I lived in Tallahassee until I moved away for college. I don't ever plan to move back.

14. I blog stalked for two years before I started my own. I've grown to love this creative outlet and community of women I've "met."

15. I love my middle name, Grey. I wish I had never stopped being called Samantha Grey when I was seven or eight.

So, there you have it...a hodge podge of random facts about me. If you decide to make your own list please share it with me!

Me, Myself, and I {Link Up}

Today, I’m linking up with Breanna, Kristen, Amanda, Shane, Danielle, and Jenna to participate in the “Me, Myself, and I” link up.

Time to tackle those questions…

1. What is your biggest phobia?

I’m not sure if it’s a phobia, but I hate swimming in water where I can’t see what’s beneath me. I grew up in Florida where most of the beaches along the panhandle have crystal clear blue water. So, I don’t like swimming in murky water. Eeeek! It gives me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about what I may be swimming on top of…

2. If you could relive any day of your life, what would it be and why?

Oh goodness, this is the toughest question in my opinion. There isn’t one day that stands out in my mind…I have many days that bring sweet memories. But, I would like to go back a relive a day in fifth grade. There are so many things I loved about that year!

3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what would it be?

I’m only 19 now, so I have lots of living to do. But, my mom always says that each year gets better and better! If I could choose an age to stay, I would pick 30. By then I’ll be in my 8th or 9th year teaching, probably married to my best friend, and getting ready to have (or adopt) a child. What’s not to love about that?!?

4. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for?

I haven’t been mistaken for a celebrity before! But, I would love to be mistaken for Kate Middleton. I can’t think of one woman who would be opposed to that.

5. What songs are included on the soundtrack of your life?

-"To Whom It May Concern" by The Civil Wars

-"Dance With Me Baby" by Ben Rector

-"Dreams" by The Cranberries

-"Liberty" by Shane & Shane

-"Seeds" by Brooke Fraser

-"Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison

Now, it's your turn to link up! I would love to see how you'd answer the questions. 

I am me.

I eat frozen yogurt for dinner more often than I should.

Used book stores make me giddy with excitement.

I secretly love that I get told how much I look like my mom all the time.

I dance in the aisles of grocery stores.

I hate taking pills so much that when I have to I make lots of exaggerated faces.

I’ve never had a messy room. Truly I haven’t.

I collect children’s books for my future classroom library…I have 287 so far.
I could eat coconut by the handful.
I'm a morning person. I have 7:45 and 8:00 classes, but I like it.

I watch Sweet Home Alabama every time it’s on television.

I dream about teaching overseas, but I would be just as happy in a classroom here.

I embrace change (most of the time).

I’m so thankful that I’ve never given my heart away. I’m saving everything for the man I marry.

What makes you who you are? Make your own list.

{The idea for this post came from Emily at meme & he}

Meet Samantha

Hello! Thanks so much for visiting my blog.

I am a sophomore in college pursuing a degree in elementary education.
I left my hometown of Tallahassee, Florida to attend Lee University in Cleveland,Tennessee. I have been redeemed by the unfathomable grace of Jesus Christ.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Handwritten letters

Driving with the windows down

Children's books

Warm summer days

God scripted love stories

4th grader smiles

Reading lots and lots of books

Coffee (with cream and sugar, please!)

Peanut butter M&M's

Rocking chairs on the front porch

Used book stores

Talks with my mama

Journals

Great Smoky Mountains

2nd grader hugs

The smell of gardenias
Local coffee shops
Popsicles
Joy-filled classrooms