An Exhausted Mess

So, there is a reason that I have been completely and utterly blog MIA (in every sense of the word including blogging, reading and commenting) for the past two weeks. Or, how about fifty million reasons! To say that the past two weeks have been nothing short of crazy and fast would be a complete understatement. I feel like I've been to Mars and back. However, it has all been filled with great fun.

Here is a peak into my past:

Got to see Sally, her precious boys and her sister Kaye's new baby before the crazy summer went all wacky. It was so much fun and holding that darling child baby for hours on end was just the sweetest thing ever. Have I ever mentioned that I love babies? Well, in case you were wondering, I LOVE ME SOME CHILDREN.

Went to a wedding for a girl who was in my sorority.

Got to see a ton of my precious Phi Lamb girls there, which was a blast.

Spent too much money at Target. (Story of my life.)

Traveled to Port Aransas and back with some of the funnest, most hysterical high school peeps ever, to enjoy a week based around being "Simple." Talk about a great high school beach week retreat. I LOVE ME SOME HIGH SCHOOL CAMP.

While in Port Aransas, stayed up until the wee hours of the night chatting and laughing about who knows what. (Believe me, you may not want to know what!) And you know, it was the kind of laughing that makes your side split, your breathing stop, and tears roll down your face. I LOVE ME SOME LAUGHING.

Ran on the beach with the girls.

Took jumping pictures on the beach with the girls.

Had mud fights with peeps on the beach.

Worshiped on and at the beach.

Which basically boiled down to the fact that I spent 24/7 outside all last week either on the beach, or in the pool.

I LOVE ME SOME BEACHES.

Came home to immediately start VBS week at church. I LOVE ME SOME VBS.

Was in charge of water day at VBS.

Heard a few kids puked at VBS because they were so hot. Isn't that pitiful? Bless their hearts.

Spent three record breaking heat days (no lie!) outside during VBS so the (almost 1,000 children) could enjoy water moonwalks galore and never ending water games.

Seriously, when I say record breaking heat, I mean it. Like it's June in Houston and we're already sporting 103 degree heat which makes the heat index 107. Would someone please tell me what's going on? It is only June. Not to mention that Houston no longer believes in rain. It's just gross.

Okay, moving on...Debbie Downer.

Went to the Astros game with the high school peeps to watch them loose...again.

Sat behind Hunter Pence at the Astros game. It made the loose worth it.

Have had great, serious, encouraging conversations with some precious girls. I LOVE ME SOME GIRLS.

Told the girls that it is so much easier said than done to wait for my man. Told them it's the number one thing that I wrestle with. But told them that even though it's stinkin' hard, and it stinkin' hurts sometimes, it's so worth it.

Saw The Proposal. Undeniably cute and hilarious. Would totally see it again.

Saw Transformers. (Truth be told, I was so exhausted I fell asleep during the movie. I know. In Transformers? It's so loud. But the tiredness consumed me.)

Two movies in one week? I just broke my own record.

Am gearing up for a wedding shower, wedding and birthday celebration this weekend.

Looking way more than forward to leaving for Colorado next week.

Rambled on a blog about nothing.

Told myself I'd be in bed before midnight tonight, and it is 12:08.

And completely still in shock that Michael Jackson died today. Like seriously. Absolutely wild.

Feel the same way about Farrah Fawcet, except for that we all knew she was really sick. But still, all in the same day? Just wild, wild, wild.

On that note, I'll leave you with way too many pictures. They do say pictures paint a thousand words.

Could this be any sweeter?

Sweet cousin bonding time.

Jude thought I needed an airplane and the baby girl. You know, because baby girls and airplanes are in the same category.

Big yawn.

Because every little boy needs a helmet when taking care of his cousin.

The Newlyweds.

All the Phi Lambs with beautiful Christine.

Off they go!

We love running on the beach.

And we also love jumping on the beach.

My precious group of girls!

Yours truly. The Cruise Director/Captain...Lindsee Eddy.

Ninety to Nothin'

I knew this summer was going to be crazy, but I figured we'd just ease into the craziness.

Boy was I wrong.

I like to tell people that my summer is already over because from now until the end of August when school starts, my calender is completely and utterly full.

This week has been insane because we are not only getting ready to leave for our high school camp on Monday, but the Jr. High festivities started Tuesday night, then I taught one of our first summer bible studies on Wednesday night, and before leaving for camp, I have to have everything done for VBS since it starts the week we get back and I am in charge of "water day" for close to a thousand kiddos. It's a blast, but it's work.

So, to say that this week has been a whirlwind is a complete understatement.

I actually ended up not going to Metro tonight because I had too much to do and don't feel like I have enough time to get it done. I was sad because I love Metro and will miss it next week since I'll be at camp.

With that said, here is my itinerary for the rest of my summer that has already ended...

Next week: High School camp in Port Aransas from Monday to Friday.

The next week (The last full week of June): VBS at our church.

July 1st - 10th: Vacation in Colorado with the family. (I CAN'T WAIT!)

Come home for one week.

July 18th - 25th: High School Mission trip.

Home for a week again.

August 2nd - 7th: Jr. High Camp.

Come home and we immediately start transitioning everything for the fall.

These are just the times I'll be gone, it doesn't even cover everything else we have going on for the summer. I'm telling you, there is no slowing down in the summer with youth ministry! Don't hear me complaining, it is beyond fun and I am blessed that I even have the job I do, but it can take a toll at times.

Needless to say, I am excited that the summer is in full swing, but I may be M.I.A a bit due to my wild schedule. But then again, maybe I won't because I somehow find more time to blog when I'm busy.

Time will certainly tell.

However, the thing I'm excited the most about this summer? Building stronger relationships with the girls I'll be spending tons of time with on the trips and just doing day to day stuff. Oh, y'all, it thrills my heart. I love them endlessly. And I love their pure, need for authentic relationship hearts.

So, all that to say, I would definitely appreciate a prayer from you if you think of me this summer. Just that I'll have stamina and energy, especially as we leave for camp on Monday! Also that I would be intentional about taking time out for myself and not getting too burned. That I would feed my own soul. (It's so easy not to do this, just for the record!)

Hope you all have a splendid weekend. I've got meetings, and errands and weddings, oh my! It will be fun. Thanks for reading the most boring post of rambling about summer ever.

Adios, peeps!

A Blessed 24th Birthday

This past Tuesday, June 2nd, I turned the BIG 24. (For those of you thinking I really think 24 is a big number, please note that I am being completely sarcastic.)

The entire day was so much fun and one of the best birthdays yet!

It started out that morning walking into a decorated office. My boss and our intern did a great job of demolishing that place and making me feel very loved! The flowers are from my dad who brought them to the office before I got there. So sweet!

Here is my desk. Please know that my desk normally does not look this chaotic, but the boys had to do what the boys had to do. There were all sorts of themes within the decor including pirates, baby showers, princess and lastly my favorite, Biggest Loser. Yes, Biggest Loser paraphernalia and all. They know me so well! You just never know what you can find at the handy dandy Dollar store.

JJ thought it would be funny to print out a picture of the beloved Bob Harper to make me feel extra special. Bob said to me, "Hi Lindsee...I think you're the Biggest...WINNER! Look at my abs but don't stumble!" How wrong is that? I know that everyone that walked in my office that day probably thought I was the biggest heathen ever. Not my idea, folks, not my idea. But very clever nonetheless. They also bought me a Biggest Loser cookbook and a scale. I was just tickled pink.

Bob had a lot of messages for me that day. This is outside my office!

After work I enjoyed the best dinner at Taste of Texas with my family and some of my closest, sweet friends. I am still overly full from that meal, but y'all, that place is just mouth watering! We laughed, and talked, and ate, and laughed and ate, and opened gifts and ate some more and then called it a night. However, I wish I had a dollar for every time the waiter said my name. I'd be a full and rich girl! He was super nice.

Jen came to dinner to celebrate with me! I love her.

Two of my sweetest girls, Claire and Jen! Thank you girls for loving me the way you do!

This would be the Death by Snickers dessert. I had one bite and took the rest home! (Talk about self-control! On my birthday nonetheless!)

Take a look at this progression of pictures. We couldn't get a good one because Jack kept squeezing my leg!

Jack and Cheryl! My pseudo parents!

My sweet parents!

The Texas Eddy's celebrating at Taste of Texas. And the taste of Texas is indescribable!

My tall friends, Claire and Russell!

This is how we roll. I love my brothers.

We're good buds.

After dinner we headed to the Martins house where Jack made a cake for me.

Read that again.

Jack, Jen's dad, baked me an Ice Cream Mint Chocolate Chip Cake for my birthday. Y'all, it was so good. Now you know why I had major self-control at Taste of Texas with the death dessert.

Here I am very excited about the cake.

Around the cake was mint M&M's and Ghirardelli chocolate mint squares. So creative! But even more tasty. On the inside, not only was there cake and ice cream, but all Jr. Mints.

I finished about half of this piece! Rich, rich, rich!

Mint Chocolate Chip, Ice Cream Cake goodness.

After my second dessert we headed home and I felt like the most special, loved, full (thanks to Taste of Texas) and blessed girl on the planet. It was such a sweet day!

And guess what? It didn't even end there.

Normally at the office we take each other out for our birthdays, however, Tuesday was a crazy day and we had meetings all day, so instead they took me out on Wednesday.

We went to none other than, Lupe Tortilla. I was really feeling a need for some good Mexican and Lupe's does not disappoint. The funnest part was that not only did the whole youth staff come, but then all of the youth pastors wives, Anna and Angie, plus Dana and Mike came as well! Seriously, y'all, talk about feeling loved! I know I keep saying that but I just felt blessed and showered in love all day. We had a great time and the chicken fajitas hit the spot!

All in all, it was one of the best birthdays yet! I don't even know how to begin to thank everybody who made this day so special to me and showered me with love and blessings. Each and everyone of you mean the absolute world to me. So, thank you, thank you, thank you for your texts, emails, facebook messages, calls, gifts, presence and love. You blessed this 24 year olds heart more than you'll ever know.

So, here's to 24! I pray this year is one of the best yet, just like this birthday!

Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me with the best family and friends a girl could ever ask for. And thank you for yet another year I am able to serve you! You amaze me!

Happy June!

Happy June, everybody.

I happen to adore this month because it means it's my BIRTHDAY! I know, how self-centered can I be? But, I love my birthday. And in 2 hours and 42 minutes I will be the big 24. Crazy, I tell you!

Anyhow, before I get all excited over my birthday that isn't even here yet, I have to discuss with you the past week. Because on Monday', we all know how appropriate a re-cap is.

So, here goes.

Last Week:
Last week was just plain crazy. But seriously, when is the month of May not crazy? I basically spent all my time like a nerd staring at a computer screen putting together a slide show to recognize all our graduating seniors in big church. High School and college alike. (And yes, I still call it big church.) This was my third year in a row to do this, and while I do thoroughly enjoy doing it, it just takes up time. So, before I bore you with any more power point, slide show details, we'll just skip to Friday.

Oh wait, before we skip to Friday, I need to tell you that I started on Level 2 of 30 Day Shred this past week. I was knocking on heavens door all the while screaming profanities at Jillian. Bless my sweet heart. It's so hard, but I love it. (It's sick how much I love that stupid exercise DVD.)

Friday:
Well, of course I worked, but right after work I headed to see five of the 8th grade girls take pictures before they went to their 8th grade dance. Can we just have a moment of silence, please, for all of our past 8th grade dances.

Thank you.

They were beyond precious and you could tell being all dressed up they weren't in their normal atmosphere, and so naturally, were pretty quiet and shy about taking pictures. I am sure as the night went on, they had no problem capturing their gorgeousness, but at first, it's always a little awkward.

Pretty Girls!

After taking pictures I headed to BJ's Brewery to celebrate Grant's birthday, who just so happens to Jen's husband. Have I ever told you how much I absolutely love this family?? Because I do. I just do. They're like my own and for that I am so grateful. I truly mean that! No other family do I feel more at home with than I do them. After some wild conversations at dinner about famous actors and actresses, and Jen pretending to be Pacey from Dawson's Creek talking out of the side of her mouth (all the while Jaclyn and I were wetting ourselves) we went back to the Martin's house (Jen's parents), where we proceeded to sort pink and purple skittles and watch Jack bake two marvelous three tiered cakes for his precious grand babies who were turning three. It is a sight to behold, y'all. Jack's got talent.

She'll hate me for these.

But, we still love and accept here for who she is and where she's at in life.

I went home that night exhausted and happy.

Saturday:
We're gonna go ahead and skip right on over this day, because truly, nothing worth documenting happened. Basically, I was a lazy bum.

Sunday:
After a wonderful morning at church, Jen came out to Cypress, so she and I and our moms all went to lunch at a little Mexican place near us. We proceeded at this lunch until after 3:30 pm, which tells you that good times were had! And they were. (This was a special treat only because all of the men in our life, my dad and all their husbands, were golfing for the afternoon.) So, thank you, men for golfing Sunday afternoon so that we could have a fun lunch. I like you all.

Once I got home I took me a long nap. Oh, it was glorious! Sunday naps are few and far between these days, so I took full advantage of my bed that afternoon.

That night was our Senior Send Off at church, so of course, I spent the evening up there where I got to hold the sweetest baby ever for at least an hour and "bop" him to sleep. Can we get an "Awww!" (The "bop" is where you stand and "rock" from side to side all the while bopping your knees. It totally does the trick.) Oh, I needed that baby fix. And any 7 month old will certainly give you that fix. I am my mother's daughter. Oh, and I also loved getting to celebrate all the seniors, of course!

Monday:
Today was fast and furious. And to be completely honest, I love Monday's like that! We were crazy busy at work, and then after work I came home and went straight to Jazzercise so I would be home in time to watch The Bachelorette. (Guilty pleasure, don't judge.) Which by the way, gets crazier and crazier each night!

And now, here I am blogging.

All the while trying to decide what I am gong to wear tomorrow for my birf-day. A girls got to look cute on her birthday, does she not?!

On that note, I better get to my closet.

The Art of Hugging

Last night I enjoyed an evening at Chili’s with a few of my high school girls. We had a blast, and without a doubt, laughed our heads off. I, honest to goodness, think we scared everyone sitting at tables near us away. Bless them, is all I kept thinking.

After literally closing the place down, because we’d been there for four hours, we walked outside to say our goodbyes and that is when we got the most tickled. I went in for a hug with one of them, and the inevitable awkward hug took place. I about threw myself to the ground I was laughing so hard, especially when, for the next 30 minutes, we proceeded to discuss the awkward hug. I know you’ve all experienced such a moment, so I think we should take some time to review the different types of hugging.

The Side Hug:
The side hug is one of those “safe” hugs. It’s the kind of hug, that if I were to hug a boy I worked with, this would be the one. It’s the appropriate hug. But, there’s nothing like one person going in for a frontal hug, and you going in for a side hug. It provides to be an all around awkward situation. Hands have the potential to be placed in inappropriate places, and at least one person ends up having a contorted body. It’s just not cute. If you see a person with just one arm raised, please note, they are going for the side hug, so I would advise you to do the same. And when in doubt, just go for the side hug. It’s still friendly.

The Cheek Hug:
This is when the frontal hug takes place, but instead of your necks fitting perfectly together, you both turn your heads the same way like your about to take a precious picture. Basically, your cheeks are hugging. This one is tricky, because if one of you tries to move your cheek without the other person being aware, an unexpected kiss may be involved. So, if stuck in a cheek hug, just pretend that all is well, smile and release. (Then please, I am begging you, laugh about it and discuss the awkwardness.)

The Neck Hug:
There is a certain way when hugging, that you can place your arms to perfectly fit into someone else. However, a lot of people go for the neck, or the waist for that matter. What happens here is if both of you go to hug the neck, you simply can’t, so one has to go for the waist. Who’s it going to be? Plus, I always feel that if you are to do a neck hug, the person who is not hugging the neck, but hugging the waist, should follow up by picking you up and swinging you around. It just seems appropriate. I would leave this hug for that extra cute couple, or the couple who just got engaged, for that matter.

The Stiff Hug:
There are certain people who just aren’t huggers. And I completely understand and respect that, however, I am not one of those people. In that case, the stiff hug happens often. This happens when you go in for a hug (frontal hug that is) and the person is taken by surprise so they stands there like a soldier. You get nothing in return and release your hug immediately because you feel awkward that you may be the only person showing affection. If you hug said person enough, they may relax a bit, and then in the end you’re doing them a favor by teaching them how to hug and that appropriate physical touch is indeed, okay. They’ll thank you for this later in their marriage.

The Crying Hug:
Need I even explain this one? We all know my weird obsession with guys hugging girls when they’re upset. This would be that situation. Or, it could be vice versa. However, in my life span I see more girls crying than I do guys. In this case, the girl can either feel free to hug back, or just stand there in a complete puddle of a mess. Just know guys, that girls enjoy a hug or pat on the shoulder/back when they’re crying. Whether or not they readily admit it, they do. We know it means you care and are being attentive to our needs. Plus, it’s just cute. For an example, take a look here.

The Perfect Hug:
There is such thing as a perfect hug. This is where is just “fits.” Both of you go for the “frontal” (could I think of a better word?) hug with one arm going above the shoulder and one arm going below the arm pit, all the while your heads fit right in that perfect spot on each other nook of a shoulder. No awkwardness here, just a simple “I love you!” type of hug. Hopefully, this is the kind of hug that each of you have experienced more often than not. It is indeed, the perfect hug.

Unfortunately, since I have been in these situations countless times, especially with the girls in ministry, I have now learned to either go for the side hug, or I simply ask my girls, is this gonna be a side hug or a frontal hug?

I promise you, open communication when hugging is key to less awkward moments. Just try it. That is unless you have the art of hugging down and it’s never awkward. If that’s the case, I aspire to be you.

Until then, keep perfecting the hug.

How To Be A Bad Blogger

Want to know how to be a bad blogger?

Just follow in my footsteps. Only blog once a week (if even) and never comment on anybodies blog posts.

The truth is, even though I have taken a few unannounced bloggy breaks, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. On Saturday, Jen and I met up and had dinner and saw 17 Again and while we were in the bathroom, I told her that I just haven't been into blogging lately.

She agreed.

It's not that there is a lack of content to blog about, there is absolutely plenty to blog about, but I just needed a brain break.

I also needed a break from the bloggy guilt I had been feeling. Honestly, I can get so caught up in it, and how many comments I get, or how many posts I am commenting on, or the content of the post, or how involved I am and yada, yada, yada and it just becomes exhausting and not enjoyable. Which is sad, because I thoroughly enjoy blogging. It's pretty much therapeutic for me.

Plus, I had a lot to do last week and I was determined to stay focused. And stay focused I did.

So, here I am, not promising much, but I'm here.

This summer may be kind of sparse for the mere fact that unlike teaching, ministry, especially student ministry, takes on a whole new level of commitment in the summer. Anything and everything goes on daily and it gets pretty crazy pretty fast. Hence why I am enjoying the calm before the storm right now.

Anyway, enough about my bloggy business that I know y'all don't care one iota about, but I just had to get it out there.

However, lest you be fooled that I've had nothing on my mind the past week, think again.

Let's pull out the handy dandy numeral system, yet again, to get a peek into my brain.

1) I can't not mention The Biggest Loser in this post. My life is forever committed to this show! And on top of that, I think I've recruited a few folks to this obsession with me. Helen ended up winning the whole competition. I was a bit disappointed because I was totally going for either Tara or Mike, but either way, Helen did work hard and I am still proud of her. For those of you that true fans of the show like me, I have a few tidbits for you that you may or may not enjoy:

First, I happen to listen to Jillian Michael's podcasts and out of her mouth, she said she thought Helen was too skinny. Thank You! I agree. Yes, she looks fabulous, and yes, Jillian is still more proud of her than anyone, but she thought she was a bit skinny. Not unhealthy, though. (If you want to listen to her once a week podcast, you can either listen online here or you can download them on iTunes by searching KFI Sundays in podcasts. She honestly has great health and fitness advice, and is hilarious. Plus, she talks about the show fairly often. I'm not advocating that I agree with everything she says, but it is interesting nonetheless.)

Second, they already started filming Season 8 of the show, and guess who's back? Daniel from the orange team. I am just thrilled for him. He was the 19 year old boy who weighed almost 500 lbs at the beginning of last season, has lost over a hundred pounds, but still has a long way to go. Needless to say, in Jillian's words, he is now the leader of the pack. I absolutely love that they did this because I always feel awful for the contestants that have to go home early on, and he was one of those that really needed to be there.

Thirdly, since they are already filming for next season, it means that it will start in August or September. Woo Hoo! I can't wait.

Fourthly, Season 8 is hosting the biggest girl they've ever had on the Biggest Loser campus. She is almost 500 lbs as well. Jillian admitted to ripping her to shreds the first few days, and that America will most likely hate Jillian that first week, however, she said there has already been a huge breakthrough with that girl. My heart just breaks for those people. Seriously! But I am so proud of them and how they are willing to do anything to change the course of their physical life. I'm telling you, I get way to invested in these contestants.

Lastly, and most importantly, Bob Harper drives a porsche and is supposedly very in love with somebody at the moment. He melts my heart. But, who's heart does he not melt? I just adore him. And love how he genuinely cares about his contestants. On that note, I'll end my Biggest Loser tangent.

2) Since I'm already on a roll with reality T.V., I might as well give a shout out to the new season of The Bachelorette. My little brother watched it with me last night and was tickled by how I analyzed every man on the show. There are most definitely some interesting folks for Jillian to chose from. There is no doubt this season will be riveting. Especially with Mr. Tanner who is wildly obsessed with feet. Creeper.

3) As stated earlier, Jen and I saw 17 Again this weekend. I wouldn't say it's a buyer or deserves an Oscar, but it was cute and entertaining. Every teenage girl, however, loves it because our sweet Zac Efron is a cutie in it.

4) Jazzercise plus 30 Day Shred has been kicking me in the rear. Before you go thinking I do them both everyday, think again. I'm simply not that crazy. I do one or the other, but either way, my instructors at Jazzercise have taken it up a notch, or ten. Last night I had sweat dripping of my eyelashes. Not cool, folks. Not cool. I may take a break tonight because my thighs can't handle any more squats or lunges. When you have to hold on to a stationary object to sit down on anything, especially the toilet, you have yourself a problem.

5) Friday night we had our first mother/daughter event called This One's for the Girls! It was so, so much fun and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. However, this will be an entirely different post. Mostly I just wanted to thank y'all for your prayers. You ladies amaze me for being so committed to prayer for some girl you barely know. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. Pictures and more on the night coming soon.

Well, somehow this post went from being a bad blogger to reality television. So, on that note, I'm out. It's lunch time for this homegirl and Subway is quietly calling my name.

The Not-So-Amazing-Recap Of My Uneventful Week

I had one of the most relaxing, non-stressful weeks this past week and it was glorious. Sometimes when that happens, the weekends following are crazy, but, the pattern continued this weekend and it was nothing short of relaxing as well, and very quiet I might add. Here are a few things I loved about the week, and a few things I am looking forward to this week...

1) I was only gone one night this week, which was the normal Wednesday evening. I honestly didn't know what to do with myself. Normally the only night you can find me at home is on Mondays, so it was especially nice this week.

2) Thursday on my day off, I really didn't have anything to do, so I did nothing of productiveness whatsoever. I felt a tad bit guilty, but as I reflected on that day, I realized how rejuvenating it was. Doing absolutely nothing. I get so caught up in business that I tend to never stop, and quite frankly, Satan loves that because it's a great excuse. I really need to find a balance.

3) I have found that when I have more down time, I don't blog as much. Not only blog, but I don't comment much, either. And when I don't blog/comment much, the traffic really slows down. Is that strange? I blog more when I'm busy. Either way, I really enjoyed some time away from the computer nonetheless.

4) The Biggest Loser was absolutely fabulous this past Tuesday. Y'all, the last four contestants ran a stinkin' marathon. I am just so all up in that shows business it's not even funny. I think it is becoming a very unhealthy obsession. But oh, to just give them all a hug and tell them how proud I am of them!

5) My parents went out of town this weekend, and this twenty-three year old girl put her big girl pants on and stayed home by herself. That is huge y'all, huge. Just ask anybody that knows me. I'd rather sleep in my car than sleep in a house by myself. (I know, it's awful.) I'm a chicken baby. But, I did it and I am so proud of myself! I actually enjoyed having the home to myself most of the weekend and the quietness that came along with it. Yet again, so relaxing and rejuvenating.

6) Saturday afternoon, after much productiveness Saturday morning, my big brother called me to see if I wanted to go with him to the Astros game that night. Of course I did not object and we had so much fun! Our seats were five rows up from third base which was awesome and Hunter Pence did not disappoint. And the Astros won! Holla! (The best part of the night was when someone hit a fowl ball and it came flying at our heads and landed literally on top of my purse. However, homedude in front of me was adamant on getting and keeping the ball, so I let him have it. And when I say it came flying at our heads, I'm not exaggerating, we all ducked. True story. It was on T.V.)

7) We had a very nice, low-key Mother's Day this afternoon. After lunch, I was excited to give my mom the new chandelier I bought her from IKEA that she had been eyeing for her dining room. And of course, all the crazy funny cards! I seriously love nothing more than picking out cards for people. I spend hours doing just that! I even took a nap this afternoon. Score! And mom relaxed too. So, Happy Mother's Day to all of you fabulous mothers out there. I hope your day was extra sweet!

Now onto my excitements for this coming week...

1) The Biggest Loser Finale. Seriously, y'all, I think it is the best, and most inspiring reality show out there. (Don't judge, I know a lot of you out there are arguing with me because I didn't say that American Idol was the best. But for me, Biggest Loser is my choice!) And really, who does not just love Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels. LOVE them to pieces. Even though Jillian kicks my butt in 30 Day Shred, I still love her. It's really a love/hate relationship. (The thing is, even if I am addicted to the awesomeness that is this show, confession is the first step to healing, right? Ha!)

2) This coming Wednesday night is our last Wednesday night service for the semester. At least until June when the summer schedule starts! As much as I love this service, I do enjoy getting a break from it. Wednesdays are really long days, so this gives us about a two week break before summer hits with full force and we go nutty. However, it will be weird just going home after work on Wednesdays. I'm not sure what I'll do with another free night. Any suggestions?

3) I love my bosses to pieces, however, both of them will be out of town for part of the week. When they are gone, I tend to be very productive on Girl's Ministry stuff and can really focus on it, which is so nice!

4) So, with that said, this coming Friday night I am having my first ever mother/daughter event called This One's for the Girls and I am so excited. A little nervous, but more excited. It's going to be a great night with worship, lots of chocolate, games, encouragement, and some extremely fun prizes that I would like to keep for myself, but unfortunately, have to give away. Since the boys will be gone this week, I will really be able to focus and be very proactive in getting everything done that needs to be done for it. Thankfully, I have some amazing ladies who are helping me and I am so grateful. Seriously, what would I do without them? If you are a mom or a daughter, what is something you would want to do at a mother/daughter event? What are some fun games you could play? And lastly, mothers, what is something you want your girl to know, and you feel like you've drilled it in her head time and time again and she still doesn't "hear" you? Something that someone else may have to say for her to believe it? I am very interested in this and would love your input.

5) Sweet Missy will be having her baby this week! I am so excited for her and know that little Miss Ellison will be just darling. I just know I'll be refreshing her blog all day tomorrow when they induce her. Go see her blog for more details, and also, I'm sure she would appreciate your prayers very much!

6) This may or may not happen, but, I may get to meet sweet Janelle this weekend. We shall see! It's definitely in the back of my head and I am hoping we can make it work. I just love her and sweet little Ella.

Well, I think that's all. If you're still reading, bless you. What I thought would be maybe four points turned into thirteen. I really need to learn how to simplify. But, that's just how I roll!

One Year of Ministry

A year ago today I walked into my office for my very first day of ministry. They called it “Lindsee De Mayo” all day which made it really fun.

With that said, today is a sweet day in that it is my “one year anniversary” of being on staff as the Girl’s Ministry Director at my home church. To say that it has been a sweet, yet hard journey would be a complete understatement. I can honestly say that I have been challenged in my own walk with the Lord more than ever and have changed as a person. He continues to sanctify me through and through daily and as rough as that can be, it is so sweet.

Even though I’m just a rookie in ministry, I decided I would share with you some of the things I have learned in one year. So here goes…

1) When you get a lot of girls in one room, there is no telling what might happen. And honestly, they may not even act like girls! They may act more like boys in their bodily functions than we ever care to admit. And frankly, that’s okay, because that’s when the laughs run rampant.

2) Ministry can be very lonely at times. But, it’s in those times that I’ve learned I have to press into that loneliness and really seek after His face. Nothing besides Jesus Himself will curve that loneliness. Or the void I feel.

3) I don’t pray near enough for my girls.

4) I truly can do nothing of significance without the Lord. Everything I try to do or conjure up on my own is only in vain and will flop, or really make no difference whatsoever.

5) The faith that some of the girls I serve exude, is an absolute inspiration to me. I feel so privileged to be able to work with them. It is an honor I couldn’t have asked for!

6) More often than not, the plans I make get shot down. Years ago I planned on graduating and being married by now. Clearly, that’s not reality! So often I want to fight Him for taking away “my” plans, but then I remember that His plans are better than I could ever imagine. Whether or not I’m married.

7) Life is nothing but seasons, and I want to enjoy the season I’m in now and not rush it, as hard as that can be and as impatient I tend to be.

8) The girls I serve can smell a fake a mile away. I have no option to be anything but real with them and my struggles. I am so far from perfect. And I don’t ever want them to think I have it all together.

9) I still feel more than inadequate to do what I do. But, HE is equipping me.

10) I’ve never need the Lord more than I’ve needed Him this year. That may sound a little dramatic, but it’s the absolute truth. He is my Rock!

11) My hearts desire is that the girls I work with would have a love for Jesus that surpasses everything. Sometimes I feel like I expect so much out of them, but I want to expect a lot out of them!

12) Jr. High girls and High School girls are completely different, but I love them both.

13) According to the 6th grade girls, I am a giant. Especially when I wear heals.

14) I have a wonderfully, supportive staff that I appreciate so much. Their walking this journey with me, and at times, we’re all a little confused.

15) Youth pastors have a certain “look” about them, you can point them out in a crowd of a million. No lie.

16) In ministry, you have to be very, very flexible and at no time should you expect to have a consistent, normal schedule. I mean, what is normal anyway?

17) I wish I knew a million more things about the bible than I do. It’s just so thrilling and a lot of the times I don’t give it enough credit, or thought, or what have you. I should dig into it and read it a lot more than I do.

18) More and more this year I have desired consistency in my walk with the Lord, and more and more I realize that if I want that consistency, I have to be self-disciplined and more intentional about what I spend my time doing.

19) You can figure out a lot of information on Facebook. It makes all things official.

20) It is so hard not to have “ministry guilt” because I can’t get to know each and every girl that walks through those doors in a deep way. It’s just impossible, but oh, I love them.

21) My life is really busy, in a very inconsistent way.

22) I would be an absolute wreck without my lady volunteers. Seriously. They make my life about 100 times easier and I am so grateful for their service to me and the girls, and their awesome ideas. Plus, they make planning retreats and events way easier.

23) I have learned to delegate.

24) We absolutely, as a youth staff, cannot hold our meeting on our church campus. We tried it just last week, and the interruptions kept us from having long periods of productiveness or conversation. Hence why we hold our weekly meetings at Starbucks.

25) Being in ministry really is all about food. You eat non-stop.

26) Nothing is very shocking anymore. And boy oh boy, do I still have a long way to go.

27) Girl's Ministry is just flat fun. I have the best job in the entire world.

I am so grateful for the job I have. Sometimes I wonder how in the world the Lord would ever entrust me with such a position, but loving and discipline these girls has been nothing short of an absolute blessing. They’ve taught me more than I could ever teach them. They make me be real, they challenge me and I love it.

Most days I still feel like I just started yesterday and have no idea what I’m doing, but I am hopeful now that I have one year of ministry under my belt, that the Lord will continue to lead and guide me as I lead these girls. I pray He will. And I pray He’ll make me love Himself and these girls more than I ever could have imagined. He is up to something in Cypress, TX and I am thrilled to be along for the ride.

So, here’s to one year! Thanks for coming along with me for the journey. I am so grateful to each of you as well for your encouragement and love. It means the world to me!

A Few of my Favorite Things from this Weekend

This weekend was absolutely fabulous. And to share with you how absolutely fabulous it actually was, I will use our handy dandy numbering system!

1) Friday night my sweet Hannah came from Huntsville to stay with me. She was on her way out of town on Saturday, so instead of driving five hours all day Saturday, she cut the first hour and a half out by driving to Houston Friday night. Oh bless my heart! I adored having her here with me. Remember that time when I told you that she too is in the same season that I am and she understands me? Oh yes, she does. My favorite part of the night was when we were on our way to dinner at Chuy's and she said, "Lindsee, I almost called you on Wednesday night because I knew you would understand exactly what I was feeling." And thus began our ongoing conversation about this season of life the rest of the night. It was so encouraging, good, and just uplifting. I love her to pieces. And I am so grateful for her friendship and the way the Lord has blessed it!

Plus we got to enjoy dinner with my sweet Claire and her friend Mandy at none other than Chuy's. There quite possibly may be nothing better than their ranch-jalapeno sauce. Mouth watering! The best part of the night was when Claire spilled her water everywhere and our waiter gave her a kid cup after that. Priceless.
2) Saturday started out with me sleeping to my heart's content. And oh, it felt so good! These past two weeks have been non-stop, so the sleep was much needed and so nice. After waking up, I put on my workout clothes, and headed to Target to get a few things I needed and a gift for little Miss Grace Parker. You absolutely cannot go to a two year old's birthday party empty handed!

I truly had every intention of shredding when I returned home, but the shower was calling my name because like I just said, I had a birthday party to attend. Grace was just the cutest thing! And boy did she get some fun presents. I kind of wanted to be two again. Plus, I got to hold baby Dean again and be with some of my favorite people in the World. It was a good party all around with two exceptionally good cakes, one of which was made by her precious Pops. And when Jack makes a cake, you best try it. Soon he'll have his own bake shop. It's very impressive!

Y'all can pray for Jaclyn now though, because currently she is at home with a Kidney Stone and is trying to pass it. Not fun at all. And might I add terribly painful? Just a total inconvenience with a two year old and a six week old!

3) After I got home from Grace's party, I changed into my Broadway attire. Lest you be fooled, I wasn't actually in a Broadway production that night, however, I went with my little brother (aka Freshman in college) and his BFF to see RENT! Since then, it has pretty much consumed my every thought. I have a weakness for good Broadway shows, thanks to Jen, but especially have a weakness for good harmonies, and folks, RENT does not disappoint in the harmony section. To say that Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp brought it is a complete understatement. They are two original cast members and it was so fun seeing them live. I've seen Adam Pascal twice in Aida in NYC, but oh, he just fit the role of Roger so well. I was wishing for Jen the whole time, because when we witness good harmonies together, we like to hold hands and squeal as silently as possible. It's just our thing. I didn't have a hand to grab, but my brother and I occasionally would grab our hearts and just sigh while glancing at each other. It was that all knowing look of, that was incredibly awesome. We love us some good stinkin' music and some good stinkin' singers.

We did stay after to meet some cast members and that was pretty fun, too. I really only cared about meeting Adam, but unfortunately, he was sneaky and left without saying hi to anybody. But, I completely understand. They work hard and are exhausted by the end of the day. And frankly, so was I.

4) After church and a meeting on Sunday, I got to be at my Mom's piano recital. She has literally been a piano teacher my whole life, and this year was the 20th anniversary of her having recitals in the same church! How awesome is that? I know I'd be biased by saying she is the best around, but seriously, she is the best around. Before the students got up to play someone prayed and he said that my mom exuded all of the Fruits of the Spirit, and I couldn't agree more. She not only is absolutely fabulous at what she does, but she loves it with her whole heart. Needless to say, it was very neat day and everyone did great.

Those are just a few of my favorite things from this weekend. I hope you had a great weekend, too! Tomorrow is my one year anniversary of being at this job. Can you believe it? One whole year. However, we'll address that in a different post. Adios!