I love New York!!!

6 days ago, I found myself sitting in DFW waiting on my friends and our plane to take off on adventure that I NEVER could have dreamed was truly about to come true.  

 

The reason for our journey was an amazing opportunity.  We were selected to go to the Teacher's College to study Argumentative Writing (the closest thing to Texas' Expository) with amazing educators!

It was an experience that tops all staff development that I have done in my life.  We were challenged and encouraged and stretched.  We debated and laughed and even cried some.  I was exhausted on some days, but on others I felt on fire.  We walked...walked...walked...and walked.  I had no idea how many stairs there were in New York.  It was physically and mentally challenging!

 

   

  

 

 

 

One of the best parts of the city was going to the school.  We got to spend a morning with 5th graders who were working through the writing process!  It was phenomenal!  

On our way there, we had breakfast here.  Blessed!  I tell you I am a blessed girl!!

Today, after stepping back on Texas soil yesterday, I am still in shock that I spent 4 nights in New York city!

Today We Celebrate...

I am so very lucky to be an aunt!

I love that I get to be their aunt!  Yesterday, the youngest of my nieces and nephews turned three.  How is that possible?  I can not believe that this girl is that old!  Anyway, I digress on my disbelief.  Since yesterday was her birthday, today, we CELEBRATE!!  Her Mommy and Daddy decided postpone the party with all of her friends until the backyard isn't a swamp.
So, her family surrounded her and got to love on her!  It was a GREAT day!

I simply LOVE every single thing about this girl!  She delights my heart.  What a joy she is!

Her hugs are the best things!  She melts into your arms.  

This girl is a mess!  Her little, sassy personality is so much fun!  She LOVES to sing.  

She loves to tell her daddy and her brother, "No!" and then smile!  

She is hysterical, and her laugh is contagious!

She might be a little sneaky!   LOVE HER!!!

She wants to be just like her Bubba!  So, she got a scooter and a bike!  So fun!

LOL!  All of my nephews and nieces make the BEST expressions!  

This one....oh this one....she is part of my heart!

Little Miss Hollywood!

Watch out world...here comes Layten Brynn!

I might just be a little biased, but I believe I have the BEST nieces and nephews in the world!  

I am so thankful that I get to love on them!!!

Watching and Waiting

There have been a handful of times in my life when I have felt like I was standing in the middle of a busy station watching everyone go in different directions.  They all have a calling, a purpose or a passion to take them on the next journey.  

I stand watching.  

Not knowing which direction my next step should be.  Not sure of where the road leads for me.  

I stand watching.  

Lovers heading in one direction.  Professionals heading down a different path toward their next big deal.  Families laughing down the road of memories.  

I stand watching.  

The happy girl is taking another tunnel with many following her.  People slipping by me to follow their given or chosen path.

I stand watching.  

Not daring to take another step.  
Not sure.  
Wondering.  
Watching.

Tonight, I feel stranded in the middle of the station of life........
wondering....
which way to turn....

I have been the lover hand in hand.  I have been the professional.  I have definitely been the cheerful one who has many friends along her way.  

Yesterday, I would have said I was any one of these and I would have fervently told you that I was following His path....

Today, I am standing.  
I am watching.  
I am lost in a storm, and I desperately need to feel His love and gentle guidance.

Desperately!  

So, I stand watching.....and waiting.

It's Official!

I got the letterhead in the mail, yesterday!  I have been accepted to grad school at the most amazing university in the world.  Yes, that is my humble opinion!

I am so excited to begin my grad school experience!

Here's to the bucket list!

Here's to checking off a goal!

Let's get this party started!

Representing

Today, I decided that it was the day to represent my successful journey through the 31 days of March.  I had told my kids about the challenge, and they were very excited about the t-shirt!  What an awesome accomplishment to share with my 4th graders!!

5 years ago..

I finally downloaded the timehop app!  This guy popped up as 5 years ago!  How was this five years ago?!?!?  I am in shock and complete disbelief!

Until I look at this picture and realize how fast time flies!  I adore this 5 year old!

From Where I stand...

From where I stand....

there are a world of possibilities!  I believe in each and EVERY one!

What Nourishes Me....

What nourishes me....

Many different things:

This nourishes my soul!

This nourishes my body especially since I have been taking a probiotic!  I am ALWAYS thirsty!

This nourishes my energy!  :)

He nourishes my heart!

My Favorite Color

I mentioned a couple of days ago that writing about my favorite colors would not be that hard because I had posted several pictures and they all had things in common.

I also wrote a slice of life about my favorite colors.

So, for today....

Shadows...

Shadows....

My precious mother's shadow is over all of us.  She poured life and love into everyone she met.  So, these pictures represent a few of the ways.

Memories of laughter shadow my life...

She loved flowers...We had a gorgeous day at the Arboretum!

An Inspiring Quote

Oh, gosh, I have so very many!!!  However, I remember one from when I was in junior high.  It has stuck with me for all these years...."If it is to be, it is up to me!"