iPhone Dump: Things I'm Loving

I would like to start out this blog post by admitting my very real materialistic ways. I love clothes. I love shopping. I love getting pampered. I love purses. I love painted nails in the summer. I do. I admittedly do. I am the epitome of a girl. In other words, I AM VERY GIRLY. The first sign of healing is admitting your problem, is it not? I think I'm well on my way to complete healing. Though I'll always be a girl who loves girly things. There's not much hope of that ever changing.

So, bear with me as I share some of my favorite things as of late. All of which are very materialistic and have captured the heart of my iPhone camera.

BTW, have I mentioned that the iPhone dump is becoming one of my favorite posts? Because it is. That is all.

After returning home from a quick trip to Wisconsin over the Easter weekend, my sweet roommate Bethany revealed to me a little gift she had picked up for me while visiting H&M in Chicago (they went there for a day trip!) for no reason at all. Can you say schweet? It was the cutest green and navy blue striped top I am wearing below in the photo. I LOVE it. And I LOVE her. In fact, I wore it the next day. Thank you, Bethany!

I've always had a slight obsession with purses. Ask my mom, grandma, friends or anybody else that knows me and they'd agree. However, I'm also a bargain shopper at best (thanks, Mom!), so unless it's name brand (which doesn't do just a TON for me) I'm not going to spend hundreds on a purse. Yes, I may have one or two Coach purses sitting in my closet, but I can guarantee you those were also purchased at a bargain price. However, when I saw this gem in TJ Maxx the other day, I couldn't resist. Does that coral color not scream summer to you? Best part? It was cheap and cute. Truth be told, I actually left the store without buying it, but decided after not getting anything else that day, to go back and purchase it. I am in love.

Orange nail polish. What's that you say? Yes, orange. Who knew I'd ever buy such a color? But I'm loving it more and more. On the nails it actually came out more like a coral shade than anything else and I was very pleased. I led myself to believe that with my nails painted, I feel more like a princess. And that was only appropriate for the royal wedding. I have no doubt Princess Kate would approve. Again, if I'm going orange, I'm going cheap.

Here it is on my nails. Right now I'm feeling like I may have a future career in hand modeling. QVC, anyone? And while we're on it, can we discuss that ring? It's not new, but I wear it every chance I get. I LOVE it. But don't ask me where I got it because I don't remember.

I've always teased my hair. I have some mad back-combing skillz. No like. You can see for yourself here. However, I've always just used a wide tooth comb. I learned how to do all of this by my sweet hair wizard, Tania. She's a gem and I love her. However, on Saturday after cutting my hair she pulled out this odd looking brush and went to town on teasing my hair. I left the salon looking like I had five bumpit's in my hair. I should have taken a picture. I was very impressed and she informed me of the new brush they'd just come out with. It was her new favorite thing which immediately became my new favorite thing, so I bought it. Yup. Don't judge. I LOVE it. It's a miracle teaser. No bumpit needed.


And there you have it, folks. The most materialistic post ever written. I hope you'll love these things as much as I do. Thank you, iPhone camera.

What are some things you're loving lately? Care to share?

Happy Friday, y'all.

Easter 2011

I had a wonderful, long Easter weekend. It started Thursday evening as I convinced my parents to go get frozen yogurt with me. I had a craving and it needed to be dealt with. I think it was a very good decision.

I was about to say this past month I feel like I have been going ninety to nothin’, but the honest truth is, I have been a bit crazy town lately, so I was thrilled when the only thing on my calendar on Friday was a birthday dinner that night. Not only was that the only thing on my calendar, but both of my roommates were out of town, which meant I had the apartment to myself.

Typically I don’t enjoy that, but I was excited about some quiet, alone time. Granted, by Friday night I was ready for company, but it was a nice break.

I literally did nothing on Friday. Slept. Got donuts. Read. Layed by the pool. Relaxed. It was very good. And I don’t feel the least bit guilty. That never happens.

Saturday was pretty jam packed, but it was a good day. It started out at praise team rehearsal that morning, then I headed to my friends, Greg and Allison’s, garage sale. They are currently in the process of adopting a little girl from China and had a garage sale to raise some support. It was hot, but fun! I am praising the Lord with them for how he provided for them and can’t wait until their China girl is here with them being loved on by a wonderful family!

Easter morning I was up bright and early. Honestly, getting up wasn’t that hard for me because Easter is easily one of my favorite holidays, and plus, I never sleep that great when I’m home alone, so I was almost happy my alarm went off. I know that’s weird, but I’m just being honest.

It was a wonderful morning that we got to celebrate our Savior. All morning I just kept thinking to myself how blessed we are to be able to celebrate a RISEN Savior. He’s not dead. He’s very much alive! Singing on praise team was such a highlight and the team I got to sing with was incredible. My new favorite song now is O the Blood by Kari Jobe. Look it up, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you, Jesus, for your blood shed.

Want to know another fun thing? On Friday I realized it had been exactly two months since I’d gone shopping. Oh, sweet victory in Jesus! He has been challenging me and changing me more in the last four months than ever, but that’s another post for another day.

After church we headed to our friends that are family to us house, the Snow's, and enjoyed a low key afternoon napping, eating and playing in the pool. My brother and his girlfriend joined us as well, which is always fun since she brought the kids with her. I enjoyed every minute of it!

I was also happy to have both of my roommates back home! I had enjoyed the quiet, but was ready for people. I got to pick my roommate, Bethany, and her boyfriend, Ben, up at the airport really late that night and it was fun hearing about all their fun adventures in Wisconsin and Chicago from the weekend! Also? She brought me back the cutest top from H&M. Love it. Love her!

Meet my brother Brien. We love him. Even when he wants pictures on the bench by himself. ; )

Awkward family photo. I am framing this one. I love my brothers.

The wind was a bit mighty. Hello, hair!

I requested we try once more inside the house. Much better. However, by this point half the family had changed and my white pants were as big as day. Oh well!

Mom and sweet Jessie. Our Katrina friend, turned family. We love her.

Me and Jessie!

Me and mom.

Emily DID NOT want her picture taken. So hiding was the next best thing.

Then she peaked to see if I was still there.

But how could you not want a picture of this love in these sunglasses? I think she looks like a cabbage patch doll.

Then she realized I was there. So she went back to hiding.

Hiding on mama's back!

Did I take enough pictures of the progression of her shyness? Love it.

I knew she'd break out soon. And she did! She kept yelling, "Cannon ball!"

The pool provided much entertainment!


This is when I put down my camera and got in myself. How could you resist?


I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well! I’m thankful that our Savior is still risen and alive today and not just Sunday. Praise Him!

My Deliverer

A few months ago our family life pastor asked me if I would consider coming along on the Father Daughter Retreat to share a few of the teaching times, talk to the dad’s about girls, and spend some time getting to hang out with the girls themselves. I didn’t hesitate to say yes because it sounded like a fun opportunity. So, I spent this past weekend out in the wilderness with a bunch of daddy’s and daughters. I typically work with just middle school and high school girls, but the majority of the girls that attended this retreat were in elementary school. To say I loved meeting some new five year old friends is an understatement. When I was student teaching, Kindergarten was my favorite placement, and I was reminded of that this weekend. They are a kick in the pants!

Saturday night I was given the interesting opportunity to steal the dads and talk just to them about all things girls. What girls need, different developmental stages and especially what these girls need from their dads. After the initial intimidation (because hello, I’m not a dad nor do I have children), I have to say, it was a blast. Each of them were on the edge of their seat, pens out taking notes and asking a lot of questions. I felt as though I was preaching to the choir since they were the ones actually there with their girls, but I ended up loving it. I can honestly say, of all the teaching times I’ve done, this was probably my favorite.

That next morning, Sunday morning, my sweet dad left Houston very early and drove up two hours so that he could be a part of a Q&A between us and the rest of the dad's and daughters. They were allowed to ask us anything they wanted. Nerve wracking, but it was really fun!

I’m not sure how it came up, but my dad ended up telling the story of the day I was born. For those of you who don’t know, I was five weeks early and very tiny. My mom, thinking she was in labor, went to the hospital only to be sent home. The doctors said she still had some time. Alas, they were wrong so back to the hospital my parents went.

Once they were settled in their room, all the doctors and nurses left and all of the sudden my mom exclaimed that I was coming and I was coming now. My dad, not knowing what to do, called the nurses and doctors, but realized at that moment that I was indeed coming very quickly. He only knew one thing, someone was supposed to catch me and I was not supposed to fall on the floor.

In one single push I was out and lo and behold, my dad delivered me.

Of course, I remember none of this, but have heard the story countless times.

This may seem insignificant to you, but I think it is very special, especially in light of this coming Sunday, Easter Sunday.

My earthly father delivered me into this world, and my heavenly father delivered me, from me, at the young age of five. I didn’t know all that Christ would mean to me now, but I knew then that I wanted to spend eternity with Him.

If I desire anything, I desire to make much of Christ. To intentionally live in a way that brings most glory and honor to Him. I didn’t really grasp that until my senior year of high school, but since then, I have known Jesus as my deliverer from all of my ugly shortcomings and I am ever so grateful. He loves me too much to leave me the way I am, and I can promise you He feels the same way about you.

On Sunday we will celebrate a risen Savior. He is indeed risen and very alive. I’m proof of His mighty deliverance and sanctification. Christ was delivered over to death so that we might be delivered from death.

I’m not sure where you stand with Christ, but my hope and prayer is that each of you know Him as your own personal Savior and deliverer. I’m not saying it’s all fun and games and easy. Quite the opposite, actually, becoming more like Christ is the hardest thing ever. It requires a lot of dying to self. Something that doesn’t come naturally to me, to you, to any of us. But knowing Christ as your deliverer is knowing what true peace is. What true love is. What true grace is. What true mercy is. Knowing that he won’t remove all your troubles, but He’ll certainly see you through them. And it’s worth it. He’s worth it.

Christ loves you dearly and wants to deliver you. It is his joy and desire to do just that. That all would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. You won’t find true deliverance anywhere else.

I can promise you this, just like my dad knew someone was supposed to catch me and not let me fall, Christ will catch you. He will not let you fall to the floor. Cry out to Him. He’s got you.

"He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Romans 4:25

"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us." 2 Corinthians 1:10

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn[a] of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2

iPhone Dump: Lately

It's been a while since I've done an iPhone dump, and my pictures need some serious dumping, so why not now? I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I currently have 1,078 pictures on my iPhone. It's really pitiful. And I'm not even a mother so I don't have cute kids to blame the excessive picture taking on. The iPhone is a very dangerous tool.

So, I present to you now, thanks to my iPhone, what I've been up to lately. Buckle your seat belts, it's a wild ride...

I've currently been eating Pop Chips by the bag. They're good. They're addicting. They're healthy. They're hugely endorsed by Jillian Michaels. Need I say more? Really, you should try them.


Back in the day when I was in college, I sold custom made chargers as a side job while learning how to create math games for first graders. I really, really enjoyed doing it and it was a great way for me to earn money. I'll have you know that I was also a substitute teacher during college, which I also loved, but let's be honest, Huntsville Independent School District wasn't known for bringing in the big bucks. And I was a poor college student. I stopped doing it when I graduated because of time and at that point, I had a real live adult job. Since then, I've done a few here and there for people that have asked, but stopped promoting it.

A few weeks ago I decided to make one for our apartment and LOVED it. I wrote my favorite verse on it and put in on our bar. All that to say, I am 99% sure I am going to start selling them again. I've been working out a few details and hopefully, sooner than later, you'll see a blog all about the chargers! They're making a comeback, folks, and I am so excited!


I've been eating sno-cones. Yes, yes I have. Spring break was when most of the stands decided to open for business and I was in heaven. I've enjoyed them with some of my old girls, like Mary...

And some cute little eight year olds, like Sophie. Any guesses on her flavor of choice?

Yum-O. Love this girl.


I've changed my name to Waldo. I know Waldo is more masculine, but Walda sounds odd. You see, I have this red and white top that I'm finding I love. However, when I bought it months ago, I didn't realize how much I represented Waldo. Secretly, I kind of like it. And actually, I am planning on bringing Waldo with me during my Summer Tour of 2011. We'll call it Where's Waldo? Creative, I know.

Waldo enjoyed a sno-cone.


Marla Taviano recently added a link to her blog to purchase one of these shirts. They are brilliant. When you buy a shirt, all of the money goes towards rescuing a girl out of human trafficking. Marla talks about it more here if you are interested. I would encourage you to go read it and check it out for yourselves. After all, these girls have a name. Let's help them in Jesus' name.


Lately I've been reading these books. Some are newer than others, and some just haven't been moved from the pile. But they're all fabulous. This is what my bedside table looks like most times. That is unless you are coming over, in that case, I've probably stacked them neatly from biggest to smallest. I'm OCD like that.


It's no shocker that most of my time has been consumed by training for a triathlon. I spent a lot of time swimming, biking and running. To say I'm in better shape now than I've ever been is a complete understatement. This was the day I got my outfit complete and was very excited to be wearing complete spandex from head to toe.


Once the tri was over and we were home, we attempted taking a nap. It was short lived. Here Bethany has strategically placed two chairs together in an effort to create a comfortable napping spot.


I've been enjoying our Tuesday night Bible study for young "single" adults. I have grown to love this group of people am looking forward to what the Lord wants to do in and through us. Every week we have the wonderful privilege of being led by Greg, our missions pastor, and his whole family tags along. I LOVE THEM! This week we celebrate his wife, Allison's, birthday a few days late. A cake and candles were in order. Sawyer was all about it.

Me and Allison. She is easily one of my favorite people. The real deal.


Lastly, Montrose Street Reach has been on my radar. For a little over a year we've taken our students down to Montrose (simply a street in Houston) to participate and serve at street church. Talk about a neat, out of your comfort zone opportunity. The folks we serve are not like us at all, but need Jesus as much as we do. It has been neat seeing our students embrace these Wednesday nights. I always leave humbled and broken. My heart hurts for the life some of these friends have chosen, but I'm thankful they're coming and that Jesus is not only better, but bigger.

Seriously, does your pastor look like this? Love it.

Serving in the child care area. They are the most precious kiddos!

Can you even stand it? My heart was mush last night. Complete mush. I fell in love with this itty bitty bundle of joy.


And that's what I've been up to lately. Thank you, iPhone. How about you?

Just Call Me a Triathlete

*Disclaimer: This is the unabridged version of my triathlon. Don't say I didn't warn you. ; )

Did you hear my rejoicing and singing and clapping on Saturday morning when I crossed the finish line of my lonestar sprint triathlon? If not, you might need to get your ears checked. That's right, folks, just call me a triathlete. Jen said it best last week when she proclaimed that I'd come a long way from picking flowers during my soccer games back in the day. It's so true. I'm not sure when I crossed over to being an athlete, but I have to say, it feels really good. There is something about pushing and training yourself physically that is exhilarating.

I clearly didn't understand that growing up as I was the girl that dreaded all things P.E. During high school I had a few of the coaches consistently ask me to join the basketball and volleyball teams, but I assured them they did not want me. The ball and I were enemies, not friends.

All that to say, I had so much fun on Saturday. During every leg of the race (except the swim where I was sure I was going to drown) I kept thinking, am I really doing this? Am I really competing in a triathlon? Me, the most non-competitive person you'll ever meet? Of course, all of those thoughts combined with telling myself that this was the funnest thing I'd ever done and I was having the best time of my life. I'm certain that if I'd not repeated that to myself countless times, I would have never jumped in the water in the first place.

Let's be honest, had Lindsey not convinced me to do this and had Bethany not have done it with us, I would have never have signed up in the first place. Those two made this experience that much more fun. During the race I kept telling myself I'd never do this again, but now I'm not so sure. Those endorphins are tricky. Plus, there are so many things I would probably do different. Especially in training. I now know better what to expect, so I think doing it again leaves room for improvement.

I don't think I've ever thanked the Lord more during a workout. Seriously! I was beyond thankful for the body and stamina He'd given to be able to do this. If I had a quarter for every time I repeated out loud, "Lord, we've got this!", I would be a rich lady. It may sound cheesy, but it's the truth. And oh my word, the respect I have for Iromen is out of this world. I don't know how they do it. I think I'll stick to my sprint triathlons and maybe a few 5k's here and there.

Now onto the details...

We left Friday afternoon for Galveston. Everything was hosted at Moody Gardens which was awesome, because I happen to think Moody Gardens is very pleasant and I didn't mind staying in that hotel, either. All the participants had to pick up their registration packets by 7:00 that evening or we couldn't compete, so off we went!

Bethany and I heading down there after stopping to get a smoothie!



Once we arrived, we immediately went to the registration tent. What should of taken us an hour to get there, took us more like two, so we wanted to make sure we were good to go. Of course, it was then that reality hit us. What in the world did we get ourselves into? Everything was very legit and all of the sudden we felt very unprepared. Seeing everything set up made it very real. The bike racks! In just a few short hours these would be full. I was so intrigued with everything.



The official Ironman tent.



They were in the process of setting up the finish line. I was happy to see that.



Once we got settled, we headed to Mario's to carb load! It's only appropriate when you've got a big race the next morning. ; ) I have to admit, it felt very weird eating Italian food in Galveston, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.



The next morning we were up and at 'em by 5:00 a.m.! Early race calls for an early wake-up call. We put on our tri gear and headed down to the transition area. By this point I was still feeling calm, but not sure what to expect. My only desire at that point was to be done with the swim.

The biggest blessing of the entire weekend was Lindsey's aunt and uncle. They were in from out of town to compete in the half-ironman the next day, and literally helped us with every single detail and transition. Since they were volunteers that morning, they were allowed in every area. I honestly don't know what we would have done without them. They are Iroman pro's and calmed all of my fears and anxieties. Not to mention the fact that they kept my camera and documented the entire day very well. We could not have asked for more patient or helpful trainers.

Lindsey's bike transition all set up!



Body marked and good to go! Please note, it was very early, we're wearing spandex and feeling very unattractive, and slightly chilly. There is no feeling glamorous.



I find it interesting that they put the age you're going to be at the end of the year on the back of your leg. What's so wrong with marking your current age?



My thoughts on all the markings? Well, at least they'll be able to identify me when I drown.



The green arm bands were our golden ticket.



Who doesn't feel beautiful in a swim cap? BTW, do you see the pier behind us? Yes, that is the pier we jumped off to tread water before our swim wave.



Lindsey's aunt and uncle giving us last minute advice!





Last pic before we walked to the pier. AH! The excitement and anxiousness was setting in.



Lindsey is done with the swim transitioning to the bike.



Off she goes!



Me transitioning to the bike. Happy to have completed with swim without panicking!



Bethany and I pretty much stayed together during the swim. Transitioning to the bike as well!



Off B goes!



Off I go...apparently looking terrified.



Me coming in from the bike with jelly-like legs...

\



Lindsey happy to be done! Way to go, Linds! She finished before me and Bethany.



Sadly, we didn't get a picture of Bethany finishing. But here I am happy as a clam to be crossing the finish line in 2.5 seconds.



We did it!



Feeling very proud, happy, accomplished and relieved to be done in this moment. What a fun experience!



We're strong! Thank you, Jesus!



We each wore our medals with pride! Love them!



Way to go, girls! So happy!



Me with my parents! They were great cheerleaders!



FOOD! Enough said.



Before gathering all our stuff, we felt it was only appropriate to get a pic with Lindsey's aunt and uncle, whom we now we refer to as Uncle Tim. Incredibly thankful for them and all their help!



After the race, we literally hopped in the shower, let our hair go and headed to Fisherman's Wharf to celebrate the big race with our families! It was a very windy, but gorgeous day. I love sitting outside!

Ben sitting in between the two champions! ; )



One last pic wearing our medals. Yes, we were those obnoxious girls who wore them during lunch. : )





I cannot thank you enough for all your sweet words of encouragement on twitter, facebook and texts. Seriously meant the world to me! I didn't see any of them until the race was over, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt that people were cheering me on all over. Not to mention your prayers. They were felt! Y'all prayed away a lot of fears and anxiety. The peace I had all morning was unbelievable. Without those prayers I would have been a nervous wreck and would have most likely panicked.

It is very humbling when, while running, a lady runs past you with "65" on the back of her leg, knowing that she started the entire race at least 20 minutes after you. But, very encouraging when she tells you you're doing a great job and to keep it up!

I will forever be the biggest cheerleader for anyone running a race as it makes all the different in the world. There is something to be said about encouragement and perseverance. It does only good.

So, thank you for being the best cheerleaders and encouragers. Those that came, those that cheered along the sidelines, those that also ran the race, and you internets. Until the next one...