what I have been up to this summer??

hi friends...

I have been asked by friends what I have been up to this summer...or what do I usually do in the summers off due to being a teacher? good question...well, this summer I went to Alaska with my mom. I know crazy. It was amazing. We went on a cruise that left out of Seattle. It was a seven day cruise that hit Juneau, and a couple of other cities in Alaska that I can't spell, and then the last stop was Victoria, B.C.- this had to be one of my favorite cities. It is so clean, historical, and beautiful. I have to say this was such an amazing trip for a few different reasons- 1. I got to spend time with my mom (you can never get time back) 2. The breathtaking beauty that surrounded us the whole time (made me just worship my creator and the creator of these beautiful sights all the more) 3. It made me appreciate taking a deep breath (something I take for granted every day). you can see my pics at http://doesntgetmuchbetterthanthis.shutterfly.com/

I was truly blessed by this trip and it will go down as one of my favorite times of my life. But honestly I have a lot of sweet moments this summer. I got to have my nephew 2 whole days and one part of a day. He is growing so fast and he just keeps getting more and more precious I can hardly stand it. I love him so much. Its for sure hard to be 3 hours from him.

I have had the time to catch up with friends, which I for sure take for granted during the year- and this is a goal I have every summer. I have also had a ton of friends who had babies towards the end of the summer and that has been awesome to get to hang and meet these new precious lives. I have a feeling next summer I will also have quite a few babies to meet and hang out with.

Right now I am getting to take care of four kids ages 9, 11, 14, and 16 while their parents are in Africa (yes I am getting a paid a little bit). But its neat to feel like I am a little part of their Africa experience even though I am not getting to go this year. They live in a really beautiful part of Wimberly, TX and its been so nice to sit on the front porch or walk through their neighborhood. I have come up to several deer...they are so funny. But, I have just enjoyed the peaceful moments and the beauty of this area. I just feel truly blessed.

Life is sweet...

so places I recommend going to if you get a chance...
blue hole in wimberly
zdt amusement park in seguin- its relatively cheap but clean and the people are nice- great for kids under 12
any snow cone place...realized how amazing joy it can bring a kid...
seeing an old movie at the Paramount...its a neat experience
the symphony on Sundays
gruene hall such a fun place to see a show and I just love gruene


so books I recommend....

A praying Life by Paul Miller...its has been life transforming...oh my goodness I want everyone to read it

the above the line series by Karen Kingsbury...yes she is a little cheesy but I so love her heart and what this series is talking about

so I ask your prayers as I begin this year. We have some new staff on my team- for them to feel part of the team. Lots of new adjustments in our district...that we can all roll with the punches. and most of for connections with my students- that I will listen and really hear their hearts and look past what they are reacting and see their hearts.

also, thinking about starting a part time venture with a friend...just that I will listen to God and not go before Him and be wise...more details to come with that...excited about the possiblity.

and that I will continually trust God and believe His immense love and his plan for my life.

thanks friends and family for being in my life. I just stand amazed how gracious God had been in my life thus far...