Nick!

Over Thanksgiving LB got a dog. His name is Nick and he is wonderful. She is in Panama right now, so Julia & I are taking care of him. He is pretty playful, he likes to take naps under the bed, and he LOVES to be petted. Here is a picture from when LB took him to the Christmas tree farm with her family. I haven't taken any pictures with my own camera, maybe I will soon and show you how cute he looks in his little coat!

Christmas Parties A Plenty

Last night began my stream of Christmas parties. We had our community group party. We decorated cookies and drank hot chocolate and had a lot of fun. I feel like we're finally getting to where we are really a group. It's really fun to see friendships forming! In the next 2 weeks I have a student ministries party, a work party, a party with old work friends, and a party with my 7th grade girls. Such a busy time of year!

I attempted to start my Christmas shopping on Monday when I had the day off, but needless to say, there were several things including me locking my keys in my car, that kept me from getting much done. Hopefully I can find another not too crowded day to attack the rest of my shopping!

Catching Up!

So sorry I haven't updated in a while. I have been out of town every weekend for a while and it just got me a little behind. Since I last blogged, I have been to Florida to see Sarah compete in an Ironman, home for Darby's wedding, to a girl's retreat and then home for Thanksgiving. It's been a little busy, but lot's of fun. Here's some pictures from everything I've been up to.

Michelle, Emily, Sarah, Nat, and Me

Me & Darby before the wedding

Thanksgiving with the Family

Our yearly attempt at a Christmas card picture. Aren't we cute? :)

I love the trees!

This weekend I went to Pine Cove on a retreat with all our junior high kids. We headed to east Texas with 3 charter buses full of junior highers! We had a lot of fun. My whole group went, which rarely happens, so I really enjoyed getting to spend time with my girls. I loved being back at Pine Cove - it's really beautiful out there in east Texas!

Tori, me Maddie, Maddie, Amanda - My whole group!

One of my girls ziplining.

Maddie & Maddie before ziplining

Me & Maddie

 

State Fair Fun

One of the perks of my new job is Fair Day. Yes, that's right, I got paid to go to the State Fair with all of my coworkers. I had never been before, so it was super exciting for me. I had a Fletcher's corn dog and a funnel cake - SO good. I didn't venture into the crazy fried things, I decided to stick with the things I knew I would like. It was just a great day to get to know some of my coworkers that I didn't know very well at all. We went to the bird show and rode some rides; it was overall a pretty fun day!

As for a job update - it's going well. I know I will be glad when I'm not so new and don't have to be told how to do everything, but I also know that I will get there. Thank goodness! I still absolutely love working with the people I do - it is such an encouraging work place. There are also things like staff prayer every Tuesday morning that make me feel like I'm not even at work.

This weekend I'm headed to Pine Cove with my 7th grade girls. It will be a great time, full of fun and hyperactive junior high kids! It's a jam packed weekend of activities, but it is such great time for small groups to bond. I love it! I will definitely put up pictures when I get back!