Panama City, FL...here I come!

Thursday, June 26th I will leave from Prestonwood Baptist Church on charter buses with hundreds of high school students headed towards Panama City, Fl. I have been given the wonderful opportunity to go and be a beach camp leader for the week. I have 8-10 high school aged girls staying in a condo with me right on the beach.




This past weekend I hit up Walmart to get a few things for the trip and realized that getting extra sunscreen and aloe-vera gel would be wise. Instead of just getting things I needed, I began to think of what they might forget and need...I guess this is what it feels like to be a mom!

I'm so excited to have this opportunity to be a leader to these girls. I pray that God will be able to use me and have the girls open up and share their hearts. I look forward to not only blessing the students, but also to being blessed by my girls. Pray that God will grant us safe travels and a wonderful time when we arrive. Also keep in your prayers the kids who do not know Him...may the words spoken and songs sung touch their hearts in a way so that they feel His presence and come to know Him as their Savior!

Oh, and try not to be too jealous of us being in the sun hanging out on the white sand beaches :)

I'll fly away

Seeing that I live about 15 minutes from DFW airport I am frequently looking to the sky admiring those big birds in the sky. I am always mesmerized by the ability of such a heavy object to virtually become weightless and soar upwards towards the clouds.

Sometimes I wonder if I should have been a pilot, but then I am abruptly reminded of my weak stomach and how I can't even handle the Mexican sombrero at Six Flags without tossing my cookies. I guess every girl can dream, right?

Plus who wouldn't want to be able to be among the clouds and get a bird's eye view of our amazing country and earth. I will continue to enjoy living in my apartment close to the airport and just be amazed at the talent and knowledge of pilots. God truly blesses each of us with talents and gifts...maybe in Heaven I can earn my wings.

And if you do fly, I suggest Southwest. They're my favorite!

Oh and on a random side note, new favorite game = Nacho Loco
- It is very similar to Uno, but has a more fun name, thanks to Amy!!!

Mr. and Mrs. John Koehler

One of my good friends from growing up got married this weekend to a wonderful man. I was so blessed to be a bridesmaid and enjoyed getting to share this special event with the two of them.

I have known Liz since Kindergarten so seeing her in a wedding dress was surreal to me the entire time. I can remember us chasing various boys around the playground and then of course competing in OM in middle school and then going to the big high school together. After we graduated high school, Liz hung back and took some basics at CCCC while I went off to Baylor.

She transferred the following year to Texas A&M where she studied to become a teacher. While attending college she worked at Sam's Club for a bit and that's where she met John...actually in the freezer :) Such a cute and fun story...a little over a year later, John met her at the end of the aisle, looking very handsome and overjoyed to see his beautiful bride.

I was so impressed that Liz had planned everything on her own and knew that this wedding would be a grand event. She looked stunning and kept calm the entire time...I was amazed!

Here's to you Liz and John, a lifetime full of following God's will, loving each other unconditionally, and making memories that you'll never forget! LOVE YOU BOTH!!!

I've never...

Last night as I was putting the finishing touches on my amazing taco salad, I had a great realization.

I have never been mad at my roommate, Kathryn. Of course as soon as I said that out loud to her, she busted out laughing at me. But it's true...I've never been mad at Kathryn.

Maybe it is because we just both understand each other and what we do and don't like, maybe it is because she is a patient person, maybe it is because she knows how to ignore my retarded comments...who knows! But yes, it is true, I have never been mad at my roommate of over 3 years.

Kathryn has definitely come out of her shell since we first started college at Baylor in the fall of 2003. She was a quiet thing that was obsessed with FRIENDS. I swear that when the last episode aired, she cried. But I love her...she's made me even play the FRIENDS trivia game. Of course, I think she likes to play against me since she waxes me every time. And how could I forget our countless hours of racquetball at the SLC that have translated into some hours spent on the Wii tennis game.

She is great, I've never been mad at her, she is a best friend!

The Art of a Taco Salad - for Julie

I thought for today's glimpse into my life I would dive into my world of cooking and my affinity for Mexican food as well. If I could eat salsa and chips everyday, I would, but all of us ladies know, that isn't feasible...only in Heaven :)

One of my favorite, quick and easy meals is the almighty Taco Salad...so much Mexican goodness packed into a bowl. Ole!

It all starts with the beef. If you don't have good beef, your base is going to be all off! Since Kathryn and I are attempting to be healthy so we go for a 93-7 lean ground beef. It is essential to drain the beef by putting paper towels into a colander and shake up the meat before adding the taco beef seasoning. I know some of you are groaning at the thought of not having flavorful grease, but you'll thank yourself when you're 70!

Fresh fixings make all the difference in the world as well...personally, I'll shred some lettuce, cut up some non salmonella tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and throw in some black beans, and a little bit of cheese. Plus how could I ever forget about the ever amazing guacamole and fresh salsa!!! If you're going for a low-carb option, cut out the chips, but if not...I prefer the yellow corn Tostitos.

Feel free to bum this concoction or make it your own by adding other ingredients. Make every day Cinco de Mayo :)

Adios, mis amigos

Maiden Voyage...

So, here I am...a first time blogger, embarking on this world of diction for all to see.

This blog will be a bit longer, since I'm bringing everyone up to date on my not so glamorous life!

I graduated from Baylor in May of 2007 and made my trek back up to Dallas shortly after walking across the stage. It was definitely a bitter sweet time, I was sad to leave behind my amazing house in Waco, friends, and all the memories of being irresponsible...but I knew that I had to press on into the working world with a smile on my face. I was so blessed to find a job at a company called GuideStone Financial Resources. We are responsible for maintaining insurance, retirement, and retail accounts for the Southern Baptist Convention. I was even able to obtain my Series 6 and 63 licenses. (If you would have told me that I would be working with investments a year ago, I would have laughed hysterically in your face!...God truly does have a plan that is different from our own at times.) I am able to interact with participants on a daily basis and exude our motto of "Serving those who serve the Lord, with the integrity of our hearts and the skillfullness of our hands". It is so great to be able to wake up and drive into a company that has a mission for making eternal differnces!

Enough about work!
I live in Coppell, TX with the lovely Kathryn. She and I have been living together for close to 3 years now and I can't imagine having anyone else as a roomie! She is a great friend and always up for a few laughs. Our apt is great for entertaining and we love the Wii that was purchased a few months ago on a whim! (I'm a sucker for those impulse buys).

Love life...
Bryan and I have been together for over 4 1/2 years now. I can't believe that we are still so in love. He definitely is my best friend and I can't imagine where I would be without him. Bryan has finished up his last season playing baseball with DBU and graduated in May. He is currently looking for a job around the DFW area...keep him in your prayers!

That's all for now...my goal is to update this at least 3-4 times per week. Adios for now!