27

Today I am 27. I had a wonderful morning of flowers and presents left on my front porch by Nicole, sleeping in and cuddling with my hubby. Although Dave bought me my birthday present early (yay completing our bedroom set with matching nightstands) he knows me so well and knew I needed a little something for the day of. I'm feeling blessed and loved and am having a good day despite having to go to our taxes on my birthday!

thank you baby.

And to celebrate I got a new banner and button. Feel free to grab it on the right side bar. Have a great day!

Dave's B-day Weekend

Hi everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend! Here in MD the weather was beautiful and we got out a bit to enjoy it. Since it was Dave's birthday weekend we did mostly things that he wanted to do, but I still had a bunch of fun. There was some pizza, running, golf range, Medieval Times, Home Depot (with gift cards), ice cream cake, football, and drilling a much needed hole into our tv stand.Overall Dave felt very loved by everyone with all the cards, gifts, and texts. Thank you.

Friday's Letters

Linking up with Ashley again for Friday's Letters. And not to brag but I finally figured out how to add her button onto my blog...it only took forever!

dear husband, HAPPY BIRTHDAY weekend. Your birthday isn't till Sunday but we're going to celebrate all weekend long. I have some fun things planned!

My husband (on the right) and his brother.

              dear friends, i love you and i hope you know I'm always here for you. Some of you are going through some hard times and I hope you know I'm praying for you and here if you need to talk.

dear best friend, so excited for you guys and your baby bump news!
dear weather, I'm really enjoying the fall feeling and the coolness. Scarves will be making an appearance soon.

I hope you all have a great weekend and get out and do something fun!

Arrrrr

It's talk like a pirate day matey's. And it's also my dad's birthday!!!

I've been in a bit of a blogging slump lately but hope to come out of it soon. 

*Ittle Bittle turns 25!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!

Today my sister turns 25! It's crazy to me how it feels like yesterday she turned 15. I can only imagine how my parents feel. She's only 17 months younger than me but I've always felt protective of her, and you could same the same for her of me. Growing up moving around every year to two years we developed a strong bond and a close relationship. I remember being in elementary school (and having a little mean streak) and I told Katie that she wasn't my friend, she was my sister and she couldn't be both. I think she cried at that and I would have too. How cruel (sorry sister, I didn't mean it.) And how far from the truth that statement was. Without her I wouldn't have gotten through so many things. I cherish our relationship and I am so blessed to have her.

She's embarking on a journey at the end of August....
Ready? (cuz I know I'm not quite yet....but trying to get there)

She's moving to CHINA! 

I'm not sure how to explain what she will be doing so here it is in here own words:

"Well, long story short, after considering a variety of exciting possibilities it was soon made evident to me that the Father knew exactly where I needed to be (even if I didn't!). And so, I am thrilled to announce that on August 28th I will be moving to Baoding, China.

This was definitely not something that was on my radar even a few months ago, but everything seemed to be pointing me to this wonderful and unique opportunity to teach and build intentional relationships with Chinese college students. I feel absolutely privileged to be a part of what is going on in China and excited for the role I get to play. I will be going overseas with an organization called International English and Cultural Studies and  teaching English and building relationships with students at Hebei Finance University, running English Club there, encouraging my fellow teachers (16 of us total, 4 of us at HFU) and working alongside the national staff person and US Director.

This is a three year commitment but I will be able to come back to the states for the summers since the university will not be in session and the students are from all across China. I can’t even yet imagine what  is in store for me, my fellow teachers, my students and the city of Baoding. I’m excited to immerse myself in the culture, learn Chinese and get to know my students, hoping for  great opportunities to talk about life."

Katie, a birthday years and years ago.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beautiful, inspiring sister. I love you so much more than you know. I pray for your safety and that your presence in China does amazing things. I'm so lucky to have a sister as amazing as you and be able to call you my best friend. I know this year will be a monumental one for you. I love you.

*In college I was in a sorority and if you know anything about those God awful things you'd know there are big sisters and little sisters. Well my sorority had an annoying (and catchy) way of saying little sister...ittle bittle. And since I like annoying and catchy phrases I took it home to my real little sister. She hates when I say it and so I bring it back from time to time to annoy her.