"Howdy!"

I've just reconnected with one of my best friends from high school (via facebook, of course!) and it has brought a flood of memories and emotions.  As many of you who are reading this know, I grew up in Texas, and didn't actually move to Seattle until college.  Now, since my family is now in Washington, and since Russ is from Seattle, I usually claim that as "home" here at school.  And really, Seattle feels much more like home than Dallas, but my years in Texas have definitely shaped and influenced me in many ways.  For example, I cannot go shopping without getting dressed up, I always root for the Cowboys and Rangers over any other teams, and I say "y'all" and "fixin."

Seriously though, my Texas years brought a lot of good to my life.  Many influential friends, teachers, coaches, and youth group leaders are still near and dear to my heart.  Unfortunately, I've done a downright lousy job keeping in touch with most of these people.  Granted, I think it is somewhat normal to lose touch with old friends as time goes by, but I feel bad because I don't think many of these people know how much I still care about them, and how thankful I am that God used them in my life.  So here's a shout-out to some of the people from Texas that I miss, and love, and hope to cross paths with someday...

Heather--you are probably the only person I met in Texas that I still regularly talk to!  You are the best of friends and I've been so blessed by your love, support and friendship over the last 12 (!!!!) years!

Justin--It was so great to reconnect with you today!  Memories of biology, Bible study on Job, accountability to stop cussing, relationship advice, being your conscience, and many fun times come to mind when I think of you! 

The MCA Gang--Amanda, Brittany, Dane (aka Danger), Justin and Whit--we had some good times! I'll always remember movie nights, photo shoots, countless funny quotes and inside jokes, and never ending relationship drama (it was high school after all)! Your friendship always meant so much to me, I hope you knew that!

BYG--Kristen, Melissa, Kristin, Ashley, Jessica, Kevin, Paul, Jeff and so many more...Cary mission trips, pool parties, ski trip, camp, going out after church, sand volleyball, basketball in the parking lot...so many great memories!  I grew up with most of you guys and it made me so sad when our church group basically fell apart.

Rolf--you were by far the best youth leader I ever had!  Thanks for stepping up to lead our group when no one else would.  You've obviously been gifted to serve others in ministry and I'm so thankful for your calling.  God has, and will continue to work in great ways through you!  I'll always think of you as my big brother.

Teachers--Ms. Miller, Mrs. Schappelle, Mrs, Adams, Mrs. Marcell, Coach Garrett, Coach A, Coach Bo --What a privilege it was to be your student! I learned so much from you, both academically and in life lessons, and I'm forever grateful for that!  Your hard work is so important, thank you for sacrificing your time, energy and money (since you could make a lot more doing something else) to invest in your students!

I don't want anyone to feel left out or singled out, I just wanted to share some of the nostalgia and sentiment on my mind!  Thanks again to everyone who took the time to be my friend, listen to me, teach me and pray for me through those very formative years!

Two

Can you believe it, my little baby Tori is now a big two year old! We had a family celebration that included playing at the park, eating dinner, opening presents, and of course cake and ice cream! She received some wonderful gifts thanks to grandparents and great-grandparents (THANKS!) and has been enjoying playing with/wearing them the past few days. Here's a few pics from all our fun!

Privacy and Security

I've been writing on this blog for about 6 months (off and on) and something I've struggled with in this process is whether or not it's OK for my blog to be public.  I have been sharing pictures, names, and information about my family, but should I not?  Should I be limiting who can read the blog, or is it safe to be putting this kind of information out there?  Will some creep come looking for my children?  Will someone try to steal my identity?  I tend to second guess decisions, and can get anxious over them, so I'd like to know what y'all think!

Opinions?

Grandpa and Grandma's Visit

So it's already been a few weeks since they've been here, but better late than never right?  We were privileged to have Russ' grandparents visit us over Father's Day weekend.  They were troopers and dealt with the heat and our busy household with grace!  It was so fun to have them here and to show them our lives here in the Lou.  We visited the Gateway Arch, went to church, out to eat, and ended the visit with seeing Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park. Here are a few pics from their visit. 

Grandpa and Grandma at the Arch

Russ, Grandma, Grandpa, Derek and the girls walking

Looking up at the tallest monument in the country

They had a baseball exhibit in the museum downstairs...perfect for the worlds biggest baseball fan!

Pointing out Duluth, MN's minor league team on the list

Great-Grandparents with Sophie

Tori did not want her picture taken

She finally was happy to get one with her Great-Grandma!

We had so much fun and can't wait until we get to see them again!