Summer Lovin'! (Stole the title from Liz)

I just got back from a super cool girls reunion in Georgia. Thanks to Elizabeth, the initiator, we plan to see each other once a year. When Elizabeth's parents lived in the Valley meeting there was so convenient for all of us. Now her parents live in Mexico and she no longer frequents "El Valle" as much. For those of you who don't know our story, I met Liz at Iglesia Biblica when we were just kids. As time passed we developed a life long friendship. Jamie came into our lives when we were a bit older. We were damas in each other's Quinceaneras, went to many summer camps, and shared many other precious moments. Our reunions are always full of laughter and long walks down memory lane.

Time has passed and we have grown up. Liz is a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. Jamie is an accomplished nurse traveling the world with "Operation Smiles" and is starting Grad school in the fall. (Molly Sims was with her group on the last trip.)

Our trip consisted of lounging, exercising, gaming, blogging, sightseeing, etc.

One night we went to a Jillian's and played the night away. Jamie is really good at this boxing game. Liz was pretty good herself. I failed miserably. Maybe I'll train to do better next year.

Another day we went to one of Atlanta's newest attractions. It was really neat. We spent our day exploring the different parts of the aquarium and learning about marine life.

On our trip we had the privilege of seeing Becky when she came over for dinner. She filled us in on her recent wedding.

One of the hightlights of the trip was meeting sweet little Kate! She definitely has mommy's personality - very loving and friendly. She was extremely well behaved and cooperative. Here she is wearing an outfit Auntie Imee got for her.
Overall the trip was awesome. We had a great time catching up. Thanks girls and see ya next year in Austin.

That 70's party!

My friends Sylvia, Lora and I hosted Samantha's 30th birthday bash this weekend. She is the first of our friends to, you know, go there . . . . . . . . AHHHHH! I can't say it. We all plan to do something really cool for our birthdays this year.

So, Sam's theme was the 70's. I wish I would have taken more photos but I was running around taking care of business.

Mi casa es su casa.

My brother Milton and my Dad have started a little construction company in the Valley. I was able to get some pictures this last visit. So, if you know anyone who needs to build a home, give them a call!

Cheers to Cheryl!

Yes my friends, another wedding. My brand new friends Cheryl and Craig will be getting married this summer. These are pictures at her bachelorette party.

We had a great time! Although, I did get pulled over by a cop on the way home for going 39 on a 30. Thank God I was only given a warning.

Libby D Ranch

I had the most relaxing and interesting getaway last week. My dear friend Carlie invited me to spend a week at her mom's ranch in East Texas. It was just wonderful. Her mother Libby is such a sweet hostess and made me feel right at home. She cooked the most wonderful meals. A couple of nights we had meat from the cattle on her ranch. Cool huh? Here are pictures of the "tank" or pond at the ranch.

We also went fishing. I actually put the live bait through the hook and caught 7 fish! These pictures are taken at a lake in the area.

Here are some pictures of us having fun
climbing the largest rocking chair in the world, picking berries at a berry farm, and riding the motorcycle.

An Older Man!

My dearest husband turned 30 last Thursday, June 14th. We headed out to "Taste of Texas" of course and then to "Dave & Buster's" for some games. Throughout the evening friends and family showed up to the different activities as surprise guests. He had a fabulous time!


The biggest surprise of the evening was when Erik (Phillip's best man) showed up. Phillip & EriK had lost touch for a few years. Phillip didn't know I had found him and invited him to the party. As you can see they wasted no time catching up. They picked up right where they left off!

Correction!

Alright, I've gotten enough grief about this so I need to make a correction.

I have been on a lake before this - never on Lake Houston and never tubing. That is what I meant to post. I've been on a boat ride before and I've been canoeing. This last experience was very different though. I had never had this experience before!!!

Sorry for the confusion.

First time on a lake!

I know, I'm almost 30 and had never (until this weekend) been on a lake. Here we are at Lake Houston. It was tons of fun and hope to get out there again. Thanks to our friends Carlie and Eric we had a fabulous time on their super awesome boat. Here's the proof. I'll write more later.

Reasons to Celebrate

Hope you had a wonderful Easter Sunday. Our Redeemer lives. We celebrate His resurrection and victory! I take for granted that I receive God's grace everyday. I receive it in my husband's loving kiss, my father's care, my brothers' health, etc. I don't often reflect and rejoice in that. Instead I try to find what is wrong with my world. Blessed are we my friends!

Speaking of blessings, Phillip and I are celebrating that this month we paid off our 5th credit card. Soon we hope to be calling Dave Ramsey on his radio show with our Debt Free story (http://www.daveramsey.com/) . We are so excited! The Lord has used this Total Money Makeover to help transform our lives. It has given us new hopes and dreams for our future. Well, I have to go. Just wanted to share a little about what is going on around here.

If you think of us please keep us in your prayers. We are working on a few project this year and would like to keep distractions to a minimum. Pray that we would be disciplined and obedient.

Sarah & Albert's Wedding

Spring Break!

One of the best things about being a teacher is the time off. I had a wonderful Spring Break, although I can't say I'm ready to go back.

On Wednesday night my friend Samantha kindly invited me to join her for a "Rascal Flatts" concert at the Rodeo of Houston. We were on our way when they announced that the group cancelled the performance because he was ill. We went and enjoyed ourselves anyway. The performers we did get to hear were country singers Joe Nichols, Jack Ingram and Clay Walker.

Here are a few shots of this last weekend. It was a three girl get-away/bachelorette party for Sarah! We'll be traveling for the wedding next weekend. Meanwhile, here we are in San Antonio. We visited the River Walk and Fiesta Texas among a few others. We also had some business we had to take care of on one of the days and there are a few pictures while we waited for a fax. I can proudly say that I have now driven all by my "little" self to the Valley (7 hours) and to San Antonio (3.5) hours. I don't think I could have ever done this without Phillip's reassurance and confidence. Thanks Babe for believing in me. This is huge for a Valley girl like me people! If you've ever driven in these two cities you know how crazy that can be. I thank God for watching over me.