February Fun and March Madness

I got invited to be a breakout speaker for the Saturated conference in February with my friend Jane. We got to teach on what it means to hear from God and use the gift of prophecy to encourage others. It was such a great opportunity to really dive deep into this topic and I had so much fun creating a presentation, icebreaker, and activation activities together. And it was so amazing to see how God worked that weekend and how powerfully He spoke to so many women! 

Maggie got to connect with two new friends (Yaretsi who's family is from Ecuador and Ashley who's family is from Mexico). I love how she reaches out to others and how these girls love to enjoy life's simple pleasures -swings, sweets, and swag (she gave each girl a gift bag full of candy and lip balm). 

Wednesday night family nights always look a little different. This time, it was a few Minute to Win It challenges; other times it's a giant crossword puzzle, trivia game, or blog book reading session. I also enjoy our times just as a family like the Saturday we went to Optimist Hall to eat some delicious food and then to Schiele museum and the movies. As the song says, "These are the days we'll remember..."

It was a delight to get to visit with Roe and Joel when they came in town for a friend's wedding. These two always know how to make me smile! And we got to try a new Vietnamese restaurant before they had to head home. Now if I could just bottle up their hugs and laughter so that I would always have one on hand when I need it! :)

Chris and I got to get all decked out and attend this famous musical. He helped me understand what was going on especially since I'd never seen the play before (or read the book or seen the movie). I did take a peak at an online synopsis and loved the final sentences:

As Valjean dies, the spirits of Fantine and Éponine guide him to Heaven reminding him that "to love another person is to see the face of God". They are joined by the spirits of those who died at the barricades, all of whom sing of the coming of a better world.

I’m so thankful to be loved and to love so many beautiful people in my life!

Chris and I got to get dressed up again (this time in a Miami Vice theme) to attend a fundraiser event with our QCP friends (with bonus friends Wendy and Bryce). I love being able to do life with this gang! It enriches me so much to have such good friends! 

I sure do LOVE these faces!! I don't take it for granted that I am the one that is blessed to be their mom and that I get to steward them the best I can before they fly the coop. I sure hope they come to understand the deep love that Chris and I have for them as well as the sacrificial love that their birthparents also have. It reminds me so much of another Father and Son combo that I know! One who loved us to death (literally)! 

We got to have a virtual game night via Zoom with my sweet sibs and Mom!

Going to a Checkers game each winter is one of the best nights of the year! The enthusiasm when goals are scored are just so much fun to watch and be around. Of course, Maggie likes to come for the snacks! :) 

Alice and I got to sneak in a quick exercise together at Riverwalk. I love being in a big group with all our friends, but sometimes these one on one moments are when we get to share our hearts the most. Thankful for friends like this one to "walk" through life with! 

Yikes! Chris gave us quite the scare on February 21st. I got a call at school from the Fort Mill High secretary that Chris had had an allergic reaction and was being transported by ambulance to the hospital. That was the longest ride of my life from Oakdale to Pineville! After some epinephrine and IV fluids along with some medicine to regulate his incredibly low blood pressure, he got to feeling better within a few hours and I was able to take him home. It appears (after doing some additional allergy testing) that he may have been allergic to the medicine he takes for his stomach acid reflux. It sure was incredibly frightening to see him lying there (purplish blue in color) and pretty out of it. I'm very thankful for his buddy Kivett at his school that insisted he go see the nurse and for the staff at FMHS that took such good care of him and made the executive decision to get him some additional help. The Atrium nurses and doctor were super kind and responsive too. It could have been a lot worse and I'm so glad it wasn't. We need this fella to stick around...we have a lot more living to do! 

Maggie joined Scouts (Troop 927) in March. She had to bounce back and forth certain Monday nights between Hip Hop and attending meetings at St. John's but she certainly does seem to enjoy this new group of girls and the opportunities to learn some real life skills and knowledge. 

I was nominated and won the honor of being Teacher of the Year for my school (Oakdale Elementary) and I got to celebrate with friends that night. It was such a special thing to know that the teachers at my school thought of me so highly and I hope that I can represent ODES well this year by being a support to as many students and staff as possible! 

We got to celebrate an "Alice In Wonderland" themed virtual tea party at the end of March with my family. It was quite silly, but there was a sentimental side to it as well as we wrote unbirthday "words of life" for each other. I love that my family indulges these whims and that we get to connect in unconventional ways! 

In case I haven't said it yet, it is so important to have a supportive tribe! I am lucky enough to have multiple! And Chris does too! These gals came in town to support Carson's daughter in a volleyball tournament and we got to go back to our old stomping grounds at Winthrop University (but boy, had it changed!!) That's okay though...our friendship is as strong, if not stronger than ever!

 

Scout Sunday at St. John's was a family affair. This is the church that one of my best friend's dad's used to pastor when I was in college. It's neat to think about the impact that this building has had and continues to have on so many.