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.  :)

February

Okay, people, I am staying true to my word...here is a post from February.  :)

So, this month has been an interesting month.  I have tried to get more focused while I am at school.  For the most part, I have been pretty successful!  I am trying to keep to myself, team, and students.  It has been easier to maintain my focus this way.  I have not been caught up in all the drama that comes with a building full of women, right?!? 

I will give you an update on my goals and all...how about that for a post?  :)

1. Credit card debt-free...I am down to my last month for this one, people!!  I am so excited about getting this one completed!!  March's post will give y'all the final woohoo!!
2. Pay off my car...This will take place this year, which is so exciting!!  Once the credit card is done, the car is tackled!!  I am seriously going to do it!!! 
3. Attend a Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Stars game...I have tickets to a Dallas Stars' game and am making plans for the other two!
4. Establish a nice customer-base for photography by taking family, children, and maternity photos...I have taken 1 family's Christmas card photos, 1 family's pregnancy and newborn photos, so getting there with this one.  I also have a couple of birthday parties coming up, as well as another family's photos.  :)
5. Travel to New York City or Chicago...I need to work on this plan!! 
6. Donate half of my clothes...I have donated about 1/4 of my clothes, but sadly I have replaced most of them.  I have to work on the latter part.  I guess if I am going to replace them, I need to start out donating more so I end up having less, right?!?
7. Lose 15 pounds and tone up...I have not lost any yet, but have at least done more activity than I ever have...I can thank the snow for that one, since we stayed in the house, looking for things to do.  We got out the Wii, and now we are all trying to be more active with games like Dance Dance Revolution, Wii Sports, Just Dance 2, Biggest Loser and Wii Fit.
8. Learn how to landscape our yard...Now that Spring is here, and it is prettier outside, I will start to work on this one!!  :)
9. Learn how to coupon well, saving at least $50 a month...I haven't hit my target yet, but I am diligent in cutting coupons and organizing them.  I need to get the system down better.  I did at least save $35 last month, which is better than nothing, I suppose. 
10. Try 2 new recipes a month...I have so been sticking to this one.  December-Pasta Bake and Upside Down Pizza, January-Cajun Chicken Pasta and Lasagna with Cheese Ravioli as the layers, February-Chicken Spaghetti and Baked Ziti, March-...  All of the dishes were yummy, but my favorites were Cajun Chicken Pasta, Chicken Spaghetti, and Baked Ziti.  Check out Pioneer Woman for these favorites!!  :)
11. Take a cruise...Hmm...need to plan this one, too!! 
12. Write 4 songs...I have a couple of songs being thought through, but haven't stopped to put them into words yet.
13. Blog at least 1 time a month...You already know this one...I will not miss again!! I will be putting pictures up soon, as I have heard from you out there that I have been slacking!!
14. Attend 2 musicals...At Disney World, I saw Finding Nemo and Lion King.  Let me just say...Lion King is my FAVORITE!!  Maybe I can see another one (or two) in New York!!!  :)
15. Install a new fan in my room...Planning for this one around Spring Break!! 
16. Stay under budget each month, and put the remaining money in savings...I have stayed under budget each month, but have had unexpected expenses that needed the money that would have been put into savings, so alas...haven't moved it to savings yet.  :(
17. Add over $1,200 to my savings...I have put $300 in savings...more to come!!  :)
18. Write thank you notes...Not good with this one, but hopefully will get better.
19. Go to San Marcos...planning this one for summer, I believe.  It looks like I will be traveling a lot this summer!!  :)
20. Sell most of Mary Kay...I have sold a good bit of it, but still have a lot to sell.  I am going to be putting together a variety of combinations to sell to people at school or home, so we will see.
21. See 2 new movies a month...I know, I need to get out more for this one, but I have at least stayed on top of the goal, right?  December-Life as We Know It and Karate Kid, January-When in Rome and Eat, Pray, Love, February-(500) Days of Summer and The Secret Life of Bees
22. Send happies to my friends and their kiddos...I have actually gotten good at this one!!  :)  I have sent happies every month, which makes me feel so good.  I love giving to others!!
23. Become a covenant member of The Village Church and serve in a ministry...I will attend membership class for The Village this coming weekend and will be filling out an application for ministry once I am a member. 
24. Learn how to play 4 new games...I have to get this one going for sure!!  I did play some of a computer game with Kristy and Megan during the snow days, so I think that counts.  We completed several puzzles during our hunt on Nancy Drew. 
25. Learn how to edit photos...I am attending a workshop in April that will hopefully help me with this one!!  :)
26. Donate my hair to Locks of Love...Currently I have about 6-7 inches I am willing to cut, so it looks like this will be accomplished this summer.  I am hoping to donate 10-12. 
27. Become a vendor on Etsy for my letter photography crafts/projects, in addition to other photography...I have created my profile, but need to decide on prices and such before I put everything up. 
28. Read a book of the Bible each month...I am not doing too well with this one, although I am currently working on reading through Esther, as the Parma Place Girls continue the study.  I am also reading through Ruth for Bible study, so getting better, but still not quite there. 
29. Do 1 Saturday cleaning a month with the roomies, followed by a craft :)...We for sure did this in Dec. and Jan., but didn't do it in Feb.  I say we did it, but what I meant was...we did the Saturday cleaning, but have yet to do the crafting part.  Hopefully, we will get better with this part! 

So, there you have it...an update on the goals.  It looks as if the end of the year and summer will be busy trying to accomplish them, but so many of them are ongoing from month to month and still others are soon to be accomplished.  I will update with pictures next time.  Until then, happy February!!  :)

Argh!!

I so missed posting in January by 1 day!!!  That is so frustrating, since I have really been trying to make a conscious effort to hold true to my birthday goals for 30.  I cannot believe I am saying that...I will be the big 3-0 this year!!  Honestly, I look at the last 29+ years, and just wonder...where is all this going to lead me?  Am I going to ever be married with a family?  Am I ever going to be able to start up a photography business for real?  Will I ever be financially stable?  Will I ever find a routine in eating healthier or working out?  Will I ever have enough push in me to become more spiritually sound and knowledgeable of the Word?  Will I ever push myself to write thank you notes and send cards? 
I look at the goals I have set for myself and just want to scream.  I feel like I always have things I WANT to do, but for some reason, everything within me WON'T let me actually accomplish them.  I don't know what is going on within me.  I feel like I am in the middle of an inner battle, starting with accepting myself as I am.  I spend more time beating myself up than celebrating who I am in Christ.  I find every flaw within me and what is on the outside. 
I want to have beautiful teeth, tanned skin, toned body, and an ear without an ornament on it.  I am really tired of wearing my hearing aid, but truly know there are no other options, so acceptance is necessary.  Also, I am so sick of not having strong, white teeth, but without enamel, acceptance is necessary.  I am also sick of not being able to drop the pounds and keep them off like I once could, but without a plan, acceptance for my current weight and pushing to lose it has to be key.  Also, tanned skin...well, until summer, this paste will have to do.  :)
I guess that I am writing this blog to let you all know of some inward struggles.  I have always been a goal setter and goal getter.  For some reason, I have let so many others control my drive to accomplish things.  It is frustrating and stressful when you live for others.  I am currently fighting Satan's hold for pleasing people.  I am trying to rid myself of the chains that have a hold on all that I am. 
I will be learning a lot about this idea, as I dive into the study of Esther by Beth Moore with the roommates.The title is Esther:  It Is Tough To Be a Woman.  I know that I will learn a lot from this study, as the first week has already challenged me in ways I never knew it would.  I have lots to learn about myself, especially the way I view myself.  If I cannot love myself as God loves me, then loving others the way God does is impossible.  I am trying to defeat the inner struggle that won't let me accept who I am and move forward to improve my self worth in Christ.  I look forward to learning more about who I am in Christ, and redeveloping the love I have for myself and others.
I know that God has been waiting for me to come back to Him and understand that He is so in love with me and has a great plan for my life.  It is just that I now have to remember that for all of the goals to be accomplished, I have to come to an acceptance of who I was created to be, as well as stay focused on Him, so "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."  I am reclaiming that verse, so that I can stay focused on the prize that is set before me by God.  He has such a mighty plan for my life, and I have let so much be robbed by doing anything and everything to please others instead of Christ.
So, all this to say...goals are there, and I am going to do all that I can to reclaim the person I am in Christ...the one who is so focused on Christ that nothing could stop me from doing anything He puts in my path.  So here is to accomplishing all the things I desire from the first paragraph and all the lists I have written down in the past... 

Goals for 2011

Instead of making a large list of things to accomplish without ever accomplishing one, I figured I should stick to 5 attainable goals, so here they go...

1. Excercise more. (Walk Lola 3 times a week, do something on the Wii at least twice a week)
2. Eat healthier. (Cook at least 4 meals at home weekly, eat cereal or oatmeal for breakfast, and eat about the same time for every meal.)
3. Read more of the Bible. (Read one book a month.)
4. Shop with coupons, after making a menu for the week and/or month.
5. Send thank you, birthday, and thinking of you cards every month.  (Maybe even think ahead and send gifts for birthdays.)

I figured if I made them specific, baby step-type of goals, I may have a better chance at accomplishing them.  I will keep you all updated more, too, as I am trying to be more proactive in the day to day. 

More blog posts to come...lots to go back through from the past several months...

29 Things to Do Before 30

I hope to accomplish the next 29 things before I turn 30...yes, I said it, folks...before I turn the big 3-0!!! I cannot believe I am approaching this landmark year, but time is not stopping, so here goes nothing...

1. Credit card debt-free
2. Pay off my car
3. Attend a Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Stars game
4. Establish a nice customer-base for photography by taking family, children, and maternity photos
5. Travel to New York City or Chicago
6. Donate half of my clothes
7. Lose 15 pounds and tone up
8. Learn how to landscape our yard
9. Learn how to coupon well, saving at least $50 a month
10. Try 2 new recipes a month
11. Take a cruise
12. Write 4 songs
13. Blog at least 1 time a month
14. Attend 2 musicals
15. Install a new fan in my room
16. Stay under budget each month, and put the remaining money in savings
17. Add over $1,200 to my savings
18. Write thank you notes
19. Go to San Marcos
20. Sell most of Mary Kay
21. See 2 new movies a month
22. Send happies to my friends and their kiddos
23. Become a covenant member of The Village Church and serve in a ministry
24. Learn how to play 4 new games
25. Learn how to edit photos
26. Donate my hair to Locks of Love
27. Become a vendor on Etsy for my letter photography crafts/projects, in addition to other photography
28. Read a book of the Bible each month
29. Do 1 Saturday cleaning a month with the roomies, followed by a craft :)

There you have it....29 things I hope to do in the next year...

Thankful

Today is coming to and end, and I now need to make sure I give thanks for all the wonderful things, people, moments, etc. in my life...so here it goes....

I am thankful for...

1. The forgiving nature of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who above all things deserves more than I have been giving lately.
2. My supportive, loving family, who totally understands what it means to be there for each other through the good times and the bad.
3. The most encouraging, patient friends, who have been shoulders to cry on, listening ears, and the most sacrificial givers of their quality time...you know who you are for sure.
4. The internet and computer, which allows me to not only stay connected to my friends and family that are not living with me, but also have connections to tasty recipes, fun blogs, my bank account, tools for teaching, drama all around the world, and music.
5. Music, for it truly is what makes my heart happy and speaks so clearly to me.
6. A beautiful house to call home.
7. A sweet, lovable puppy who I have grown to love and cherish. (Thanks to Kristy for helping me with sweet Lola. She is truly lucky to have you love her as much as I do.)
8. The discovery of new recipes. I have truly developed a love for trying new recipes, foods, and spices. I am truly loving all the new flavors that are being discovered. Pioneerwoman is rockin' my world!!
9. My students. They make me want to come back to school each and every day. Some days leave me discouraged, for I feel as if I have not been able to fully reach each student; however, then I come in and they just smile and give hugs and knuckles, and I just melt.
10. Television. I know sometimes it is trash I am watching, but sometimes I just need to stop thinking and just enjoy some good entertainment, right teachers?!?
11. Money. I am so ready to be able to say the words....DEBT-FREE!! I am getting so close I can taste it, but this next year seems like it is going to be forever long, since it is the home stretch. Every little penny will be pinched, so that I can meet the goal of being debt-free by next Christmas!!
12. Photography. It has become my outlet of sweet moments lately. I was able to use this gift to take pictures of my grandmother's beautiful flowers so she could see her yard. I have also had the privilege of taking children's pictures, family pictures, and maternity pictures. What a joy it has been to take these pictures and bring a smile to my friends' faces.
13. Good health. For the most part, I am a healthy girl. I have the freedom to live my life each day without the worry of being in a hospital or a doctor's office.
14. Laughter. I love to make other laugh! It is super special when I can bring someone out of a dark place just by being a cut-up. I also love sitting around and laughing with my friends and family. There is something so special about this small gift given from the Lord above. He sure knew we would need laughter in this life. I am very thankful for this.
15. Sweet memories. I have had the sweetest memories made this year with friends and family. One of the sweetest memories is the time I had to spend with my grandmother before she went home to be with Jesus.

There is so much more I am thankful for, but these are the top 15 for this year. What are you thankful for?

July was a busy month

Yes, it is true, July is now over. During this month, I have traveled here, there, and everywhere. I will start with the beginning...the first week of July I thought was the beginning of my summer...well, my tutoring kids and workshops took over. I went to a workshop I was really excited about on the first Tuesday. I learned how to "Teach Like a Rockstar"! I was so impressed with this workshop. Hal Bowman did such a fantastic job of getting us motivated. I walked away from that workshop being fired up for the school year. My whole fifth grade team was there, so it was fun to get pumped up together. Guess what?!? I am totally going off of the rockstar theme and using it as my classroom theme this year. Before I took on this theme, I thought it was going to be a breeze finding rockstar decor...wrong! I have looked everywhere for anything rockstar-related. I have found a pretty good collection of things by now. More on that later. Later in the week, my fifth grade team and I met to talk about plans for the year. Seeing that 3 out of 4 of us are new this year, we had a lot to discuss. It was an overwhelming time as lots of new policies, procedures, and ideas were thrown at me. I am really excited about this year, yet nervous all at the same time. I will be teaching Math and Science only, which is awesome...well Math makes me happy, but Science, well that is a different story. The fifth grade Science curriculum is loaded. It is a lot of information for these young adults to learn. I look forward to finding new strategies and uses of technology for this group. By the way, I should have some of my kids from 2 years ago, which makes me smile. I loved that group of kids, so let's just hope that they are just as much fun as fifth graders.

The next week, I had the opportunity to go to Houston to attend Debbie Diller's workshop. For those of you not in the education world, she is basically an elementary education guru. She is fantastic. I learned lots of new tricks of the trade, especially ways to utilize every square inch of my classroom. I actually got to have lunch with her son. He was nice, but we are very different. It was a nice time, though. Debbie is just phenomenal. I got to chat with her a couple of times, as I have been to several workshops of hers and made a connection...since I am a single gal and she has a single son. I do appreciate the connection, though, since she is a rockstar, but not only that, she has such a passion for helping others and pushing them to achieve their full potential. My friend, Lisa, went as well. We had so much fun!! We have now let our brains start meshing in order to create some ideas of our own. Maybe there will be a book one day...that would be awesome...one of our goals. :)The day after I got back from the workshop, which was in Houston, I drove to Alabama. I for sure was glad I went. I got to spend some much needed time with my grandmother, Nana. She is struggling so badly right now. She not only has lung cancer and emphysema, but also COPD. Basically, she has an awful time trying to breathe. She is in so much pain. It is so hard watching her like this. I love her so much and have a hard time being away from her when I know she is hurting like this. A fun story, though...while I was there keeping her Friday night, I asked her what she needed from the store. She told me that she was good, but I told her I should add a couple of things to the list, so I did. Later, when my mom called, she asked what was on her list and I told her...strawberry daiquiri mix and rum. My mom was like, okay, I will get it. My grandmother and I were laughing so hard, since it was all a joke. After many laughs and a happy moment on the phone with my mom, I thought I should continue it. I asked my grandmother if she was still having big parties once her "babysitter" went to sleep for the night. She told me to be quiet and not say anything. I was just rolling by this point. It was a very happy night, despite the pain I watched her experience.
The night I kept my grandmother was the same night as my 10-year high school reunion. Due to the circumstances with my grandmother, I was not able to attend. It was a really hard thing to miss, but I knew I would never get my time with my grandmother back. I had to make the decision to be with her. I really missed seeing everyone, though! I was able to go through all my old pictures from high school and college. I tell you what, I had some of the best memories. It was some sweet, yet sad moments when looking through those pictures. It was hard to see all of the friends I have lost touch with along the way or drifted from, yet sweet to see the many that I have reconnected with in the meantime. I am so thankful for second chances with so many!

While at home, I hung out with my family and friends. I drove over to Columbus on Monday night to have dinner at my favorite place in Columbus, Mi Toro. I was joined by 2 of my favorite people in all the world, Amanda and Lea Ann. I love it when I catch up with old friends and feel like no time has passed. We just picked up where we left off. My dad's national guard brigade had a family picnic. This was the first time all 5 of us were around to attend. It was such a sweet day, although incredibly hot outside!!

After that, I just chilled with my grandmother, brothers, parents, and friends. The weirdest part of the time at home was that Daniella and Kristy were both in Texas. I did, however, get to meet up with Joy, Courtney, and Mollie while at home. It was so wonderful catching up with all of these ladies!!

After I was at home for almost a week, I went to Shocco Springs, Alabama to help Mary Martha with her 2 kiddos, Rani and Andrew, at Camp Happy Days. We had so much fun spending time together. I am such a quality time kind of person, so to have that much time with Mary Martha was a blast. Andrew and Rani were so precious!! We laughed a lot!! Andrew just smiled the whole time and Rani just giggled. I cannot believe how much they have both grown since the last visit. I enjoyed having so much time with both of them! I tell you what, I know that God knows what He is doing. I am so not ready to be a mom of 2 yet. Keeping both on their schedules, entertaining them, and providing all needs is tricky. I have always admired moms of more than one kid, especially when they are close in age. I had so much fun taking care of the kids, though!! Check out these pictures...what cuties!!

You can't get much sweeter than this...one of my favorite things in all the world...swaying or rocking a baby to sleep...priceless!!

I also got the blessed opportunity of hanging out with Haven and Lea Ann. They sacrificed so much to come to Shocco and go hang out for a few hours. I so appreciate all the effort you went to in order to spend time together. We went to a shady Mexican restaurant with a broken air conditioner. The things we will do for white cheese dip and quality time, right girls?!? Anyway, we also got the chance to reminisce and laugh. I miss being on the same campus of these girls!!
I can't say thank you enough to each person who sacrificed time to spend with me. I am blessed beyond measure!! God has truly taken care of me in the friend category!! I miss you all and hope that we don't wait so long to see each other next time! I am honored to be in the company of so many amazing people!!
I hope to catch up with even more people next time!! I missed seeing y'all this trip, but look forward to the visits ahead!!