Galveston Beach

This summer Michael had to work in Houston for a week, so we decided to make a little vacation out of it and head down to Galveston! We had a great time going to the beach, watching sailboats, seeing dolphins, and eating great food :)  It was a wonderful time to get away and spend time together.  We also have this dream to visit all the Major League Baseball stadiums.  So since we were in Houston, it was the perfect time to cross off Minute Maid Park...home of the Houston Astros! And to top off the wonderful, one of the Angel's pitchers threw Michael a ball after the game!  He was so excited!!!  It truly was a wonderful mini-vacation :)

 

 

 

 

Valentine's Day Surprises

 Recap Post #1 from the Past Year

Valentine’s Day kicked off with sweet gifts from my First Graders!  I was blown away by their love!! I truly treasure each one of my twenty-one little students.  Thank you First Graders!

For Michael and I, we decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a big way this year.  We celebrated for two weekends!  Since our favorite thing to do is spend time together, I filled the first weekend with fun activities for us do together.  I started the morning by taking Michael to some batting cages.  Michael loves baseball and I love watching him play!  Needless to say, he was a pro in that batting cage!!  Then we headed to one of his favorite restaurants, Chipotle, for a delicious meal.  The day ended with a wonderful dinner at Cheesecake Factory, a sweet Starbucks Date, and a trip to the movies to see a Good Day to Die Hard. I also had fun dressing up! I love being married to my best friend!!   

Michael planned the second weekend and he kept it all a surprise until we were an hour from our destination.  I love surprises and I had fun making guesses about our weekend!  Our destination ended at an adorable cabin in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.  The weekend was filled with hiking, campfires, and yummy food.  Thank you Michael for such a sweet gift! 

Summer Fun Up North

Summer is here and I am so thankful!!  One of my goals for the summer is this blog. I have been wanting to regularly post to keep family and friends updated, but always seemed to be too busy with school.  Now that school is out, there is no excuse! The goal is to blog at least once a week, but maybe it will be more! My first summer adventure took me back up North to see family and friends for a week.  It was truly a blessing to have this time with them.  After seeing friends back home, my parents and I headed up to Sioux Falls to go camping for the weekend and see our family for a reunion.  It was a joy to see everyone!  Thanks to my cousin for planning the reunion.  

It was also wonderful to see my brother and sister-in-law who are expecting their first baby in October!  We then continued up to Spicer, Minnesota to enjoy the lake, bike rides, and campfires.  Although it was wonderful to see my family, I loved coming back home to Dallas and my hubby!

A New Year.2013

 

 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  -  2 Corinthians 5:17

As I get ready to begin the new year, God has laid this verse on my heart.  It may sound cliche, but this verse reminds all over again what a blessing it is to be a new creation in Christ.  It truly is one of the biggest blessings of our faith.  I am thankful to start a new year!  There are so many unknowns and hopeful thoughts.  Before I look to 2013, I want to remember the joy that was 2012.  It was a year filled with joy, love, and fun. 

1.  My Faith:  God, thank you for loving me new each day!  Thank you for forgiving my sins and making me a new creation through your love and grace...a gift I don't deserve and cannot earn. Each day of 2013, my desire is to grow more deeply in my relationship with you.  Thank you for your patience as I strive to become more like you.

2.  My Husband: Michael, I love knowing I have been married to you, my best friend, for over a year and half.  I am so thankful for your love, encouragement, and support. Thank you for continuing to date me, making me laugh, and filling my heart with joy. You truly are a gift!!  I can't wait to fall more in love with you each day of 2013.  

3.  My Family: Although I don't get to see you very often, I am so thankful for the opportunities Michael and I have been given to travel back up North to see you.  Thank you for intentionally investing in our lives!!  I love you!!

4.  My Walker Family:  Thank you for raising such a wonderful son, brother, nephew, and grandson!  I have loved becoming part of your family.  It was truly a joy to spend Christmas with y'all in Ohio!  Thank you for making us smile and laugh :) 

5.   Our Friends (both near and far): Northern Friends, it has been hard to be so many miles away from you as our lives continue to grow and change.  Thank you for being so good at keeping Michael and I updated through phone calls, texts, pictures, and facebook...although we all know I fail in that area :)  Hence, the attempt to keep the blog updated more often!!  Texas Friends, where would we be without you?  Thank you for welcoming us into your lives.  Texas would not be so sweet without you!  

6.   My Twenty-One First-Graders: Room 606, I know you can't read this, but I am so thankful for every single one of you.  You truly bless my heart each day! I love seeing you arrive bright and early each morning with smiles on your faces and hugs for your teacher :)  I am truly blessed to be your teacher!!  

It is my prayer to be more intentional in my relationships this year!  Michael and I are incredibly blessed with an amazing family and group of friends.  Please know we never take you for granted :)  

May your 2013 be overflowing with JOY!