365 Blog-Day 86

Tonight was Nichole's last night to teach her testimony class at Highland. She was nice enough to let me come for the 9th and final Wednesday night class for a party. She made a slideshow with pictures from throughout the semester. There was cake and punch and lots of stories shared from women whose lives are now different thanks to the opportunities that this class gave them to share with each other and support each other. It was so neat to see the impact that she has on others. I met Nichole in 2nd grade at Highland and we have been the best of friends ever since. I guess it's been 17 years that we've known each other. She is a huge part of the reason I wanted to go to OT school. For those of you who don't know her, she has cerebral palsy, but she doesn't let that stop her or slow her down. I knew that she had the potential to do a lot with her life and she has. She volunteers at Freedom Fellowship church during their summer musical and had a dream to start this class about a year ago and has followed that dream through. She met with ministers and prayed for months before they ever met. I really am proud of who she is and the woman of God she has become. I love you Nichole.

365 Blog-Day 85

So, if you're still here reading my blog...I'm just going to warn you that I haven't had many picture-worthy moments lately. So, here I am surrounded by a bunch of paperwork that I've been going through. I also went through my stuff in Caleb's closet, Katy's closet, my closet, and the garage. I got rid of or gave a way or threw away a bunch of stuff, but I bet I could do more. Maybe I'll do more tomorrow.

365 Blog-Day 84

Quincey and I were pooped after the long wedding weekend, so we took a nice nap on the couch. I just love her new hair cut-she looks like a totally different dog. She's so soft and cuddly now :)

365 Blog-Day 83

Here's the view from the cabin that Caleb and Maegan stayed at on Saturday night. It was such a cute and cozy cabin. It had 2 chairs overlooking this view of West Texas. Not too shabby. After picking up and cleaning up on Sunday, we took a trip up to see the view. We made it just in time before it started pouring rain.

365 Blog-Day 82

What a wonderful day. My brother Caleb, or Aubey (as I used to call him), got married to my new sister and best friend Maegan. I absolutely love the two of them together and am so happy for them to begin this journey together. My dad performed the ceremony and it was beautiful-he's so eloquent with his words. They shared communion together as a couple and braided a three strand cord to represent that they will entwine their relationship with The Lord. It was really unique. Maegan's mom Danise built the arbor and the archway and created most of the decorations for the tables herself. She is so creative and good with her hands. We had an excellent meal of pork chops, danced the night away, and visited with family and friends. It was so good to see everyone all in one place-a little overwhelming trying to visit with everyone. I wish I had more time to sit down and really chat with those who came. Caleb's grooms cake had a big fish in the middle of it and Caleb, being the fisherman that he is, fileted the fish behind the gills and then chopped him in half. haha So funny. Maegan's brides cake was beautiful and yet again, her mom designed the flower arrangement that layered the cake. Mom and Caleb danced to "Heart to Heart" by Toby Keith, Maegan and her mom danced to "You Can't Hurry Love" by The Dixie Chicks, and Maegan and Caleb danced to "It Feels Like Home to Me" by Bonnie Raitt. They left in a 4-wheel drive Kubota to drive up to the top of the hill where their honeymoon cabin was waiting along with two chairs overlooking property below and stars above. It was a magical night and it seemed perfect to me. I even got to do a little two stepping with Caleb, a little "get down" dancing with Katy and Maegan and the other bridesmaids, and a little line dancing with everyone else.

365 Blog-Day 81

Today was the bridal luncheon and the rehearsal dinner! So fun! The Musgrave girls hosted the bridal luncheon at The Taylor's barn and it was so cute! We had Hickory Street chicken salad sandwiches and they were amazing! It was so fun to have all the gals together for a relaxing meal and talk. We then went out to The Miller Ranch to set up for the rehearsal dinner. It was so cute and fiesta themed--burlap and leather table cloths, beautiful colorful gerber daisies, lanterns, and fajitas for dinner!! It was beautiful weather and the location was gorgeous. The ceremony was set up right next to a pond and the tables and chairs were under the trees near the cabin. It couldn't have gone better. We had time for blessings for the couple and I loved hearing what people had to say about both of them. I especially loved hearing about the legacies of our grandparents who have gone on before us, but who left a part of themselves in these two. We enjoyed it even after it got dark because the trees were lined with Christmas lights! It was so pretty.

P.S. Kasey's flight to Africa left on Sunday, so my dad took the time on Friday to do a special blessing and prayer over her as she sets out for a few months. It was so neat. I'm so proud of her for giving of herself and her time to make a difference in these kids lives by giving them a chance to go to summer camp. Please be praying for her as she adjusts to this change and that she will feel God's presence and share that with those she encounters.

365 Blog-Day 80

After trying on our dresses last night, I realized that I should probably lay out and tan a bit before the wedding. Katy has never been darker than me, but she was last night. She's been tanning lately and I've been stuck inside studying. Gus decided to join me and even snuggled up next to me in the sun and tried to lick all the sunscreen off of me. haha Sweet boy...just wanted some lovin'.

365 Blog-Day 79

I got the pleasure of making communion bread for the wedding. They are having a communion portion where Caleb and Maegan take communion as a married couple. Pretty neat. I was smart and made two because I love unleavened bread. It sure was good. :)

365 Blog-Day 78

Dentist. Check. Haircut. Check. Make 312 programs for brother's wedding. Check. Time spent bonding with family and future sister. Priceless.

Hehe I know that was cheesy, but hey, what can I say. It was a cheesy kind of day.

365 Blog-Day 77

Kelsey and her boyfriend and roommate stopped by for the night on their way back home from college in Kansas. It was a fun treat to have them here along with their hedgehog and pet scorpion. haha After seeing them off this morning, I helped mom put together a coloring book for the kids to color at the wedding. Kasey came over for a fun little visit about all of our crazy life changes and how excited/anxious we are. It was good to see her. I was cleaning house later on today when I came across these glasses. I'm pretty sure they belonged to my grandfather (Paw Paw). I remember as a kid when I used to dust the house, I would put on these glasses and pretend I was being proper while I dusted. I figured it's never too late to act like a kid, so I stuck them on for old times sake. I love the picture of my grandmother in the background as well as the frame next to her picture that says "I write you letters by the thousands in my thoughts." Great phrase. It was nice reminiscing. I also thought about how much my grandparents would have loved to be able to go to Caleb's wedding this weekend. They will be remembered and honored. Love you Mee Maw, Paw Paw, Gram, LA, and Pa.

365 Blog-Day 76

Went to Buzzbrews for Kenner's birthday and my last home group hang out :(...

Christy, April, Kenner, Marci, Michael, Jessi, Josh, Arturo, Megan, and I all went after church for brunch. Then, Arturo, Marci, Michael, and Jessi helped me pack up my car. I couldn't even see out of the rear-view mirror when we finished packing it up. I stopped by Tara's wedding shower on my way out of town. I cried from Dallas to Arlington thanks to the CD that Megan made me that made me think of all the things and people in Dallas that I'm going to miss. It has been an incredible 2 years. I can't believe it's time for me to leave. I will miss everyone so much.

It was a fun night back in A-town though. We practiced our dancing skills on the back porch with Maegan' family. We had our own little Oplin at The Allen's.

365 Blog-Day 75

Went to Mo's bachelorette party in Arlington and then drove back to Julia's house-warming party. It was such a blast. It was fun to just sit on the porch and chat with new and old friends. Her place is super cute-she's so creative with her ideas. I got to meet her parents and see part of the reason why she's so awesome. I'd love to have a place like hers someday with a porch, a claw-foot tub, and a big dog. I'll just dream for now.

365 Blog-Day 74

I finished packing up all of my stuff today in my apartment. :(... It looks so naked and bare. (Please excuse the nasty carpet stain-it was there before we moved in.) It is weird not having anywhere to sit down besides the floor or my bed or the toilet haha. I also met up with Sarah Lang for dinner and frozen yogurt. It was so great talking with her. We had some pretty great talks and even did a little shopping at The Galleria.

365 Blog-Day 73

Megan, Marci, and I decided to go to Bass Pro Shops on Lake Ray Roberts. Marci had never been before, so we explored a bit and then played a few rounds of the hunting game. We were all starving, so we ate on the water at The Flying Saucer. After dinner, Marci and I curled up in bed and watched 27 dresses. It was so nice to watch a movie without feeling guilty about not studying.

365 Blog-Day 72

Finished my final final finally!!! It was/is such a nice feeling to be done with classes forever! As soon as we got out of our exam, M'kenzi, Laura, Victoria, Holland, Staci, and I drove to Highland Park Pharmacy for some milkshakes. We made it back to school through the downpour and high winds for our end-of-the-year party. The whole class went out afterwards to celebrate! It was truly one of the best nights of my life! I think I was just so happy! I even sang "Man, I feel like a woman" during Karaoke with Cori and Stacey! haha Good times.

365 Blog-Day 71

I studied from when I got up to when I went to bed, so I rewarded myself with Rusty Taco. It was all free thanks to Laura for my gift card! I had a Rusty taco, a fish taco, and a chicken fajita taco as well as chips and guacamole! Soooo good! Definitely hit the spot!

365 Blog-Day 70

After our final this morning, Katie, Kristyn, Holland, Deb, and I played tennis for the last time at The Village. We quizzed each other in between matches for our final on Wednesday. Then, Katie and Kristyn and I met up at Kristyn's apartment to lay out and study some more. After a few hours, we figured we were pretty well toasted and came inside for some free coffee! You can pick your flavor and it makes it one cup at a time.

365 Blog-Day 69

Caleb had his bachelor party this weekend at Lake Texoma. On their way back to Abilene, Dad, James, and Riley stopped by my apartment to lighten my load. They took my table, chairs, porch furniture, night stand, lamp, games, ironing board, sleeping bag, and end tables. It was a fun surprise to have them swing by. I got to give my daddy a hug to pass onto my mom for Mother's Day.

Thanks boys for helping me move!

365 Blog-Day 68

So, apparently we didn't have enough fun the first time, so we revisited Top Golf. After church we went to Red, Hot and Blue barbecue and then went to Top Golf afterwards. Then, the few and the proud went to BARCADIA!!!! Saweet! So fun! haha ;) Megan spent the night and then we went to McDonald's to celebrate Mothers Day--??? haha IDK

April and I with Mr. Pirate Arrrrggghhh

365 Blog-Day 67

Marci decided to cook steaks for the guys in home group tonight. We don't have a grill, so we had to improvise and they were really quite tasty. We were proud of ourselves. We then went to Top Golf to play some mini golf and hit the batting cages.

Josh, Jim, me, Marci, and Michael (taking the picture)

365 Blog-Day 66

Sarahs (Sarah and Sarah Beth) Birthday Bash! Cinco de Mayo in Flower Mound. We went to Agave Azul and had amazing mexican food to celebrate. Stayed with Sarah Beth and Bella (her boxer). It was another last--last Panera breakfast with Cinnamon Crunch Bagel and Hazelnut coffee. I'm not a crier, but when Sarah Beth exited off of 635 I fought back tears the whole way to school. God really has blessed our friendship. There is just something about it that we have been completely ourselves from day one.

365 Blog-Day 65

Tonight at home group was my going away party. It was bittersweet. We had a blast taking fun pictures and eating hot dogs and custard and brownies and sopapilla cheesecake, but when they surrounded me with prayers I was overwhelmed with love, happiness, blessings, sadness, and anxiousness. They gave me a neat frame that has a cork board. I'm gonna put pictures of all of us and our adventures over the last couple years. I love love love these people. They have been there for me and have listened to my questions and have walked with me through this part of my life. I have made lifelong friends and hope we continue to hang out. Each person has blessed me in a unique way and I will cherish these friendships forever. I have grown so much and learned so much from their wisdom. Love you Bryant Home Group. ;) I will miss seeing your faces every week.

365 Blog-Day 64

Marci and I went on a jog tonight. It is 2 miles around our apartment complex and we basically played tag the whole way around. We each went at our own pace and stopped to walk a couple of times, but ended up getting back to our apartment about the same time. I was proud of both of us! Marci has such long legs, so I don't like running at her pace because I have to take 2 steps for her every step. I'm not much of a runner, but had some extra energy today. I couldn't believe it, but I made it 1.5 miles without stopping. I know that sounds kinda puny to most of the world, but it's pretty great for me considering I rarely EVER run. I used to hate it, but actually enjoyed it tonight. I think it's because I'm gaining my endurance back thanks to Jillian Michael's. I just love "hate" her. ;) haha

Anywho, the rest of the day was good too. I started off with my older adult lab where we quizzed each other on board exam questions and we missed quite a few...cool...hopefully we'll learn that info on fieldwork. haha

Then, I went to lunch with Sharon, my home group leader. We went to this really cute cafe in Richardson called The Chocolate Angel. I had chicken salad with cranberries and roasted nuts, pineapple and strawberry sorbet, tomato basil soup, mango tea, and French coconut pie. Wow! What a meal. Sharon loves the little boutiques in the area as well, so we ended up shopping the afternoon away and she got some really cute boots and skirts and shirts! I got a really cute watch that I've been debating on for quite some time. I think they are "the new thing". It has a rubberized band with a bling-bling face. I got a clear/white band with a silver face. It was 20% off and I'm always a sucker for a deal.

365 Blog-Day 63

I got the best surprise today-a hand written letter from Laura Smith. It was such a fun surprise to have in my mailbox. Inside was a picture of us from when we studied abroad together. We were being gangster in Rome. I also got a gift card for my favorite restaurant in Dallas (Rusty Taco). She must really know how to get to my heart. Thanks Laura for a great twist to my otherwise dreary day of down pouring rain and reading.

Went to dinner tonight for Girls Night Out with home group at Cafe Brazil. It was my last one. I am not liking thinking about all of these "lasts".

365 Blog-Day 62

Went to Beltway with the brother and (nearly) sister this morning. Loved worshipping next to them and praying together during communion. Just love those two love birds.

They had another shower today and got a bunch of cute stuff yet again. Melinda and Lane also had a shower today in Abilene, so I am getting my experience with these wedding showers.

365 Blog Day 61

Bowling with the brother and (almost) sister. I found out that I bowl weird. Apparently I do this strange wrist twist, but I still managed a couple of strikes (nothing compared to my fellow bowlers). I felt like I was among professionals. I should have joined the lane next to us with granny shots and bumpers on the gutters. I did throw a trick shot between the legs though. ;)

365 Blog-Day 60

I got to school by 7 to prepare for COS. I was in charge of videotaping, photographing, and timing presentations. I snuck out 2 sessions early to drive back to Abilene for Maegan's bachelorette party. We ate at Cypress street and then had a lingerie party and games and cake and punch and fun fun fun! We spent the night and had free cook-to-order breakfast the next morning! We had a blast!

365 Blog-Day 59

Tonight we had COS (Celebration of Scholarship) social. The students present their research all day on Friday and we host a speaker. So, on Thursday, we have a social with the speaker to get to know her. It's always at Mrs. Campbell's house. This is the set up crew. We had fun! I am thankful not to have to mess with the preparation part of the event though. It went well and my duties are complete. Yay! One more thing to check off my list for the end of the year.

365 Blog-Day 58

Craziest day I've had in awhile...Started off with Jillian Michaels kicking my butt on level III, going to a luncheon for school, having a research meeting, taking our school pictures, having class from 2-6, going to homegroup, finding out that everyone else had even crazier days in my home group. Jesse got her car stolen and her iPhone died. Another girl's family lives in Alabama where the tornado was, so she was pretty shaken up by the event. Another girl's grandfather fell and isn't doing well. Etc. So, we didn't think it could get crazier, but it did. The Richardson Police Department called and said they found Jesse's car at a hotel. So, we decided it would be a good idea to caravan to pick up her car as a home group. Little did we know that when we got there, they would be arresting the guy right in front of us! It was quite the adventure! We then looked for 31 cent scoops from Baskin Robbins that Marci found out about, but it was also fireman appreciation day, so the line was outrageous. So, we drove back to Dallas and I went swing dancing until 1 AM for my last time here in Dallas. I met a friend from Fort Worth and we both couldn't even get to the building where swing dancing is, because there was some sort of wreck with the DART rail system and towing trucks were hauling people off from my normal parking spot, so I decided not to risk that one again and spent about 30 minutes looking for parking (this part of Dallas I will not miss)

Unforgettable day for sure!

365 Blog-Day 57

Megan texted me this morning with the best good morning text ever! It said "Free tickets to the Ranger's game...you in?" Duh! Of course! So, I invited Michelle. We had a great Girls Night Out, even though the Rangers lost miserably. The hot dogs, drinks, garlic fries and nachos made up for it. Did I just admit that I ate all that? It's ok, I did Jillian Michaels to make up for THAT!