| Life Lately: Rooted [phone photos] |

Almost two months have gone by without a peep from me on this blog. A LOT has changed and happened within those two months. My life has been going a mile a minute and just now I am finding a pace that I can maintain. You can't go your whole life sprinting, your legs would look amazing but you are going to be completely exhausted! Life is about to change very soon and it has me filled with an anxious excitement!
In my last post I shared about my decision to remain in Michigan and not re-locate to Texas. God telling me to "get rooted" has been the phrase that has carried me through this faith testing journey during April and May. When you feel your faith start to shake, get rooted. Establish yourself & grow deeply!
That's what the past two months have consisted of, growing and rooting. Being intentional with friendships, securing family relationships, and gaining a confidence in ministry.
"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Slapped with selfishness

Learning that it's not about me is a great lesson to learn. When you are put into a situation where you have to be selfless and put others before yourself, it can become real clear how selfish you have been. Watching children can show you how selfish you are. Wanting to do something for yourself but getting derailed by a family event can show you how selfish you are. Having all your friends birthdays in one month causing your finances to be stretched and no extra funds for you can show you how selfish you are. [yup... all recent personal lessons. ]

Friendships, family, relationships, and children, each of these requires a big amount of selflessness. Others come first and I come second. We've all heard it and for the most part abide by that simple life rule but for the moments when we need another reminder, God will give us one. I love it when God really brings home a lesson to me. This lesson of selflessness has been brought home after caring for my little cousin for the past couple weekends. As I stepped into the role of "best cousin ever," I found myself becoming completely selfless and pouring myself into my little cousin. Speaking into her life, training her, and showing my love with lots of hugs and cuddles. I also found myself totally exhausted. Giving of yourself takes a lot out of you. But each morning came a new dose of energy and desire to do it all again. Waking up and asking God for a selfless spirit shows Him your humility and true desire to put others before yourself. However, don't ask God for this if you aren't ready to be tested. Because He will test you and your test might come in a small [but very cute] 3 year old.  

Philippians 2:3-4

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others."

Christmas Break Part 2 [phone photos]

Christmas break is officially over. Time to go back to work. I think a break from your job and regular routine is neccesary. You return refreshed and relaxed. I also miss the kids I take care of very very much. 2 weeks is a long enough break. I was able to see the majority of my family and friends. I also ate lots of tacos, saw lots of movies (Frozen-2x, The Hobbit in 3D, and The Book Thief), gave and received gifts, and took a road trip to see my Gramma. I sure packed in a lot of stuff in just 2 weeks. 

Here's part two of my Christmas break phone photos. If you missed part 1 go HERE. 

^if you ever need someone to make a nun habit for a puppet, I'm your girl.^ 

^washing the dishes after our church Christmas dinner and listening to a cassette of 'A Very Veggie Christmas' is a very long tradition. ^

^i went to the gym almost every day over break and loved taking the time just for myself.^

^i think it's safe to say that all my Christmas biggby coffee gift cards have been spent. also can we just take a moment to acknowledge how perfect my eye liner is... i mean, i had to include a selfie. ^

4 day weekend

Having Independence day on Thursday was the greatest blessing ever. The 4 day weekend was filled with amazing fun. From my birthday festivities to family time at Sandy Pines. I spent my birthday with my family and my second family. I learned to cook an amazing meal under the supervision of my Mama. Enchiladas verdes, spanish rice, and frijoles borrachos.

We also had our own froyo bar instead of a birthday cake! After dinner we all went to see despicable me 2, which was hilarious! My birthday was nothing short of amazing! 

Independence day starting with a parade and ended with fireworks. There was hot dogs, pasta salad, swimming and an intense game of phase 10 in between. 

Praise God for a Monday off to relax and recover after the past 4 days of fun! 

We're Going To The Zoo

I still enjoy going to the zoo as an adult however, it is more fun when you bring kids. This past weekend myself and 4 other friends road tripped to Binder Park Zoo for the day. It was the perfect day. The sun was out and it wasn't too hot or too cold. Just a perfect 68 degrees!

 There we were, four blondes and the mexican off to check out all the animals, hike in the swamp, and of course feed the giraffes.