A Birthday Tribute

Some of my favorite people in the world are Mandy and Filipe Santos.  I have known them for so many years and they have changed my life.  Someday, I hope to see them more often!
Well, yesterday was Mandy's birthday, so this is one day late.  But, I thought I'd list the great things I remember about Mandy.  Someday I hope to be as great of a wife and mom and leader.
Anyway, here are some memories/characteristics/things that are awesome about my friend:

1. One year she let me spend Valentine's Day at her house because her husband was out of town and well, I had no date.  We watched a girly movie and I was so grateful to not spend another Valentine's day alone.
2. She and her husband talked and walked me through one of the weirdest and most awful situations in my life.  That alone equals hero status.  
3. Whenever I call, even if not often, she's got the greatest advice, and she makes sure she sticks to the Scriptures.
4. She's got a lot of integrity.  She honors her husband and I hope I can honor Billy like she honors Filipe.
5. I remember some times that I wanted to quit or duck out of responsibilities, and she was there to let me know that I needed to push through - and I'm thankful I did.
6. She is a great mom to some adorable kids - I'm sure the third one is just beautiful.  I can't wait to see him.
7. She leads small groups amazingly.  I know so many people here are touched by her, and I can't imagine the people she's touched where she's at now.
8. She came all the way across the country for my wedding, and made me feel super special.
9. She planned my bachelorette party and made it really personal (and not awkward!) and I will always remember it!  
10. She probably has no idea how awesome she is!  That makes her even more awesome!

Anyway, Mandy, happy late birthday!  Hope this reminds you how special you are!

On another subject, I won a blog giveaway!  Amy at Ha ha. Wait. What? just gave away a super-cute ring and I WON!  I'm super excited and I can't wait to get it!  Go check out her blog, it's awesome! 

Single Sentence Sunday

Yay!  It's back!  Remember to comment with your link if you do one!  No McLinky this week - I'm waiting to see if it even grows!

Today's Sentence:

Sometimes, the more you give, the more full you become.

I can't wait to hear all of yours!

Refocusing

Taking the day to get away with God.


No long post for today!

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but 

let God transform you 

into a new person 

by changing the way you think. 

Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, 

which is good 

and pleasing 

and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Getting away to refresh and transform with my Jesus.

See you all tomorrow!

Happy Thursday + My First....

Happy Thursday blog world!  I am so glad it's almost the weekend, and I really love Thursdays.  Even though I have two classes left today, I have this lovely break that I'm spending at Barnes & Noble - arguably the most wonderful place in the world.  The smell of this place just calms me, not to mention they have books everywhere and Starbucks coffee.  Simply lovely.

Anyway, KA over at Medical School Mrs. just gave me my first Blog Award!  I'm so honored because I love her blog and have enjoyed forming our little blogger-friendship!

Well, this award comes with conditions (which I am so excited to comply with!) :

1. List 6 things you are a master in.
2. Pass it on to 6 bloggers you think are masters at friendship, and make blogging so awesome.

6 Things I am a Master in:

1.  Reading all of the time.  Especially Christian Romance novels. Since becoming an English major, I have been enlightened that these are not really quality writing, but they just are so wonderful!  One of my favorite authors is Lori Wick.  The first book I ever read of hers was The Hawk and the Jewel, and to this day, I go back and read my favorite parts of it, just for comfort's sake.

2.  Being the Biggest Bare Escentuals Fan ever.  Everything I use makeup-wise comes from them.  I have the Bare Minerals foundation, blush, warmth, and Mineral Veil (which is a must-have!).  I also have their liner-shadow, eyebrow color, lipgloss, and mascara.  Oh, and one of my all time favorite products is the Skin Rev-er Upper.  It's just glorious for your skin!

3.  Loving Billy.  I am so far from being the best wife, but I don't know that anyone could love my husband as much as I do.  Or at least, I'm glad to be the one who gets to love him best!

4.  Trying new recipes.  I am a master at trying but not always succeeding.  I love to attempt to be good, though.  (Check out my post, Gourmet!)

5.  Speaking Starbucks lingo.  I have got it down, people.  I'd work there if I wanted a job (and if I was hired, of course).  But seriously, they compliment me on it.  It's not really a gift - I think it's a learned skill from having such an addiction. 

 

6.  Using Parenthesis.  I think I use them all of the time.  They are quite useful!  I just overuse a little much.  If it bothers you, I sincerely apologize!!

6 Bloggers I'm Awarding:

Cait from The Blessed Life

Jane from Wishful Thinking

Amy from Our Journey Together

Taylor from A Little Slice of Heaven...

Anna from Small Things with Great Love

Carissa from Lowercase Letters

Again, Happy Thursday!  

Don't you love this picture?!

I can't wait for watermelon & summer!

(photo credit here)

honorable mentions:  Chelsie, Mandy, & Melissa have lovely blogs!

March Love List

Melissa over at Operation NICE just gave a "nice" assignment a couple of days ago, and I thought it was so adorable!

Write a March love list:

(What I love about March)

• The surprise I get when it arrives because of February's abrupt ending (28/29 days...)
• Spring Break (especially from Shakespeare)
• All of this rain (really, I do love it!).  I think its romantic...
• Change of weather just as we get tired of coldness and heavy scarves... Well, maybe not the scarves, but chunky stuff is out the window soon.  Can we implement scarves in summer?!

• In middle school, I designated March 12 as Snickers day and it caught on with my friends - we celebrated until we graduated high school!  I still like to eat one on my self-appointed holiday.

• March 12 is really Girl Scout Day!  I was one! Actually, I was only a brownie, but I have great memories of learning how to make homemade ice cream and learning pledges (I'm such a dork!).  But my favorite part about any Girl Scouts are:

• I really just love it because it's what is coming next.  I always get excited about the next season.  When spring is done, I'm ready for summer, and then fall, and then Christmas.... Anyway, I love life and I love new things!

My nice assignment really did make me feel nicer!  Try it!