Texas Vacay

Go to Texas to visit my cousins has been crossed of my 2014 to-do list. This vacation was amazing. Words can't describe how God used my mom and I to not only connect with family but to share our gifts of ministry with others. I was able to spend a lot of time with my family and make some new friends along the way. It was not your ordinary vacation. I was up early and went to bed late. I spent a lot of time talking and building a stronger relationship with my cousins and my Tia. They got to see what God is doing in my life and encouraged me to keep following after Him.

I was finally able to attend a service at Tree of Life. God's presence was so evident in that place. I didn't want the service to end. I was greeted by everyone with love and felt right at home. 

I got my butt kicked at OutFIT [an outdoor bootcamp class] that I went to with my 2 cousins. [At one point I had wood chips in my hair and dried mud all over my hands. Tough workouts!]

I spent time in downtown Fort Worth and explored the Arts Fest with my mom. 

I went to the Stockyards to see the Longhorns and eat some bbq. 

We had a spa afternoon with the girl cousins and got manis & pedis. 

I squeezed out every last minute of this vacation up until I had to leave. 

I got home and was so inspired by their lives. I love how God is using each and every one for His glory.  They all are great examples for me.
When I got home I realized that I barely took any pictures. I was so busy creating real memories that I didn't capture any with my camera. Oh well, guess I will just have to go back and visit again soon. 

Enjoy the pictures that I did take. 

Until next time... 

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. ^

Northern Living

The past week was spent up north in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Which is an adorable fancy pants town with very chic and expensive houses. Aka... where I should be living. I decided that I am going to live in a condo above this cute little fudge shop and work at the 

childcare center in downtown Petoskey. (hey... a girl can dream right?) 

It's weird how such a beautiful place like Northern Michigan can make you forget about all your responsibilities back home. For a week I forgot about them and dreamed up a northern living life. Biking was a way of transportation and salt water taffy was everywhere! 

Who wouldn't like that life? 

During the week my dad and brother went zip-lining. I put countless miles on my bike (including a 30 mile trip between Petoskey and Charlevoix). Running along the beach was a daily activity. I tried to even out my band camp tan lines at the pool. We shopped at local boutiques downtown. We crossed the Mackinaw Bridge and shopped in Mackinaw City. 

Overall the week was wonderful. A break well deserved!