Fun Times in March...More to Come...

Well, this month has been yet another busy one.  First of all, my best friend in the entire world had her 27th birthday on March 1st. Here is a picture from her fabulous skating party.  We had so much fun rolling around the rink on one, 10 pound skate.  Actually, that was Kristy...she was the expert.  The rest of us, well, we were hand in hand trying to maintain a sense of balance. Megan, me, and Daniella were really trying hard to roll with our homies. (You know you were already singin' it...rollin' with the homies...from Clueless...caught ya now.)


We kind of coordinated our outfits on purpose...NOT!  Great minds think alike, right, homies?



The whole gang at the party...minus our photographer, Gloria.  Thanks, Gloria!

Hand in hand...the amateurs!



Nothing short of delicious...oh, cookie cake, you were not here long enough! 



Me and my best bud, the birthday girl herself, Kristy



Look at the o' so fabulous-o banner Daniella made by hand...talented!

Yes, she is talented, too...showoff!!  ;)

Our home group gals...thanks, Scott for taking the picture!!

Secondly, this month brought on a much needed Spring Break!!  I was so ready for this break, as I had pushed to complete the 5th grade Math curriculum on the Thursday before the break.  We have our state test, the dreaded TAKS, on April 4th (a week from Monday).  I wanted to make sure I allowed 2 solid weeks of review before the test.  This has never been done by me before, so I was pretty stoked.  Anyway, Spring Break--AHH!!  I relaxed A LOT!!!  I got to go home for a few days to see my family and a few friends.  My sweet, hard working, strong, go-getter mom was in the bed the entire time.  She went in to the doctor to get a shot for strep and came out with her sciatic nerve punctured.  Yes, you heard me right...sciatic nerve punctured.  I have not seen my mom in this condition in many years, as she has been in and out of paralysis my entire life.  She literally would not even try to push herself to get out of bed, like she normally tries.  Instead, she laid in the bed while we watched a movie or two, looked up motivational movies for teachers, and chatted about life.  It was a fun time to spend with her, although she was in a lot of pain.  My dad and I got to hang out as well.  He would come in and check to see if we needed anything, usually winding up in him chatting with us about life, too.  It was really nice to just be me (and Lola) and them for a change.  Not that I don't love having my brothers around, but to have their full attention was kind of fun.  My dad really enjoys having Lola around.  He will go in the backyard and throw the ball with her and chase her around.  It is fun to see him enjoying her so much!  She sure does love running in the big backyard they have in Alabama.  My younger brother and I informed my parents of all the fun renovation ideas we have for their house, starting this summer.  My mom was surprised that we had even considered anything like this, but we told her...it is the least we can do, since we are able.  They have done so much for us, so it is an honor to be able to do for them.  When discussing this with them, my dad gave us a few ideas he had already considered.  We had so much fun making plans for a face lift to their home.   

On my trip home, I got to see my ear doctor.  It was a blessing in disguise because he hooked me up with an inhaler refill, antibiotic, and ear drops.  My sinuses were so backed up he didn't even poke and prod my ear like normal.  He ordered a steroid shot and everything.  I had no luck trying to get in touch with my primary doctor here in Texas, so to know that I had some relief over my break was super refreshing!  Before going to the doctor, I got to spend the afternoon with my sweet friend, Ashley McBrayer.  I absolutely LOVE this girl!!  She is an amazing woman of God, whose faith has grown enormously and has challenged me more than she will ever know.  She just returned to the states from South Korea.  She was teaching English in South Korea for 2 1/2-3 years.  After talking with her, I am almost convinced that I could totally get used to teaching in another country.  I will let the Lord play all of the cards out the way only He can, but I am more open to being wherever I need to be, as long as the Lord puts me there.  I know it is not right now, but I am interested to see what the future holds for me in this area.

I also got to see my sweet cousin, Mollie, and her adorable baby boy and stunning husband.  She just delivered Logan right at a month ago, and he is just adorable.  Looking at him with Mollie and Andy's baby pictures side by side, I am not sure who he looks like more.  I am eager to see him again this weekend, as I travel to Georgia for her sister's wedding.  Helen is our youngest cousin on my dad's side of the family, but oh, so in love with her fiance, Ben.  I am so happy for them!!  I look forward to seeing the gorgeous ceremony and beauty that Helen will be on Saturday!!

While having lunch with Daniella at my favorite, Chick-fil-A, I saw 2 friends.  It was a great surprise to run into Brandy McKay Unger, a treasured friend from the W, and Mandi Livingston, a encouraging friend from the volleyball days at TCHS.  It brought a smile to my face to see both of these sweet ladies.  I had hoped to see several others, but as life will have it, it just didn't work out.  I hope to catch up with the rest this summer! The last night I was at home, we had to go to eat at Jalapeno's, of course.  I may have already eaten there once, but white cheese dip--you gotta have that twice!!  It was nice because I got to see my older brother during this dinner, while I had eaten with my dad, younger brother, and Anna the first time around.  My mom pushed herself to go eat with us this time, but she was back to the bed until she went back to work on Monday.

Kristy and I drove back to Texas on Wednesday.  Although we loved our time with family and friends, it is always nice to get back in my own space.  For the remainder of the week, I got to spend time with my home group leader, Mary.  She is one of the most encouraging, gracious, God-fearing women I know.  I always enjoy time spent with her!  I also got to do a couple things I had been wanting to do, such as...relax on the couch, play with Lola, and clean out clothes.  I got a couple of post office runs in, in addition to a session for the 8th grader I tutor. 

On Saturday night, I had the joy of seeing yet another treasured friend, Mary Martha.  I went to meet her, her mom, and her 2 kids in Fort Worth.  It was so nice to be able to spend the evening with them, running around the mall, eating in the food court, and playing in the hotel room.  Mary Martha and I have known each other for 11 years now...can you believe that MM?!?  We were college roommates, and she is the reason I even considered moving to Texas.  I thought...I could at least go where I knew one person, right?!?  Thankfully, the list of people I know out here has grown and the job is much better where I am, but man, am I thankful she was willing to let me try out Texas with her.  I have so much fun watching her kids grow, as well as, talking to her and her mom about life.  It is always so much fun to hear the stories both of these ladies have to share.  They will keep you laughing for sure. 



Handsome Andrew



Adorable Rani



What sweet memories...right, MM??



Since Spring Break, a couple of things have taken place...TAKS practice and prep for sure, but the most exciting part--I found out I was one of 14 people selected to go on an 11-day mission trip to Visakhapatnam, India.  I am so eager to learn more about this trip.  All I know about the trip is this...Team members will travel to Visakhapatnam, India, on the eastern coast. Vision Nationals is doing a wonderful job reaching out to both Hindus and Muslims in various ways. There will be opportunities on this trip to care for orphans, teach local pastors and assist this ministry in any way we can.  I mean, I am just super excited to be able to love on some kids at the orphanages.  I told my leader I have a lot of love to give, so bring it on...he just laughed.  I will post more details once I have them. 

If you are still reading, whew...you are a trooper...now get some rest or have a great day, whichever applies to you.  :)