april highlights.

April showers better bring May flowers!! Geez, I thought Texas was supposed to be in like a drought. Not this month. It rained and poured and rained some more, but luckily I was still able to have some fun!

Here are a few highlights from April:

• After church on Easter Sunday, Stephen and I dyed Easter eggs! 
• I FINALLY got a coffee table!! Somehow during Bible study the subject came up that I was looking for a coffee table and one of the ladies had hers for sale on Craig's List for $90!! I took her right up on the offer. It couldn't be more perfect in my living room. 
• Skye is back in 'Merica!!!!!!! Katelyn, Stephen and I made a quick trip to San Antonio to celebrate her being home. So so so pumped I got to spend time with my bf!
• We spent a few Sundays this month sailing! It's hopefully going to be a new hobby for us, but we aren't certain at this point. It is really not an easy thing to learn. You have to consistently watch puffs (wind), sheets (sails), lines (ropes), and water the entire time. It can get really stressful on a windy day!

Not pictured:

• Stephen, Lauren R., her boyfriend, Eric, and I went to another outdoor concert at our favorite winery. It's always a fun time.

my valentine.

Stephen and I originally thought we would be in separate places for Valentine's Day so we celebrated early and then we ended up being together so we celebrated again!

The week before last week, I decided to send Stephen a formal dinner invitation for February 7th at 7 o'clock in the evening. He said yes!

I really tried to do it up right. I set the table (correctly), bought candle sticks, bought a jukebox so we could have some jams (The Red Hot Chili Peppers greatest hits CD) haha. I'm laughing thinking about how silly I am.

I bought all the ingredients, including the fillet mignon, from Sprouts. I watched numerous YouTube videos on how to properly cook a restaurant style steak. This is the recipe I followed for the process. I seasoned mine with olive oil, kosher salt and pepper on both sides. That's it and they were amazing! Like A-Mazing.

For the mashed potatoes, I followed my mom's famous recipe! It is as follows (for a small serving):

Ingredients:

• 4 red potatoes
• 1 can pet milk (found in baking section)
• 1-2 TB butter
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Peel potatoes and boil with water.
2. Boil until you can stick a fork in them and they are really soft.
3. Once potatoes are really soft, drain water and mix with hand mixer.
4. Add butter, salt, pepper, and HALF a can of pet milk.
5. Taste. If more salt or pet milk is needed, then add it.

I made sweet potato mash for myself. Basically, it is the same recipe as above except I omitted the pet milk!

For my asparagus, I followed this one.

It ended up tasting and turning out beautifully, but only because I spent an honest amount of time prepping and planning for it. I mean I was adding the steaks to our plates as Stephen was ringing the doorbell. Perfect timing! His job was to bring the Merlot and he did a great job!

I'd say I met my 2014 New Year's Resolution "cook more."

I'll be honest and say I did not bake a dessert. I picked up an individual slice of cheesecake from Tom Thumb and it did not disappoint.

Set Timer Photography!

We spent the evening sipping wine, visiting, and enjoying my $30 jukebox! I'm still daydreaming about how perfect it was. :)

As mentioned above, we celebrated twice.

On actual Valentine's Day, Stephen surprised me with roses, wine and a sweet card:) and had the idea of having a picnic. Uh, yes please! We went to Eatzis (aka Heaven on Earth) and picked up our lunch. I got a salad and he mashed potatoes and chicken. Stephen insisted on getting a dessert.

Side note: I can have self control and not get dessert. Stephen doesn't have self control and always gets dessert. Now on the flip side, he can take TWO BITES and be done. I take ONE BITE and can't stop. I hate it! So yeah he took 2 bites. I took 12.

We went to Bed Bath and Beyond and picked up a fancy picnic blanket and then headed to Arbor Hills. Y'all, it was sunny and 75. The perfect day for a picnic. We also brought a little Boss music player and listened to George while we ate.

It was seriously one of my favorite days since I moved to Plano and I got to spend it with my favorite person.

I'm excited to spend many more Valentine's with my one and only Valentine.

better late than never.

I’m back! I can’t believe I went the entire month of December without writing a single post. This past holiday season was the busiest I’ve ever experienced (Stephen’s family is large!) and I had no time to blog. So here’s to Merry Christmas, goodbye 2014 and Happy New Year!

And y'all, I'm sorry for this really long post.

December started out with our Belvin Family Christmas in Dallas at my house! My sister wasn’t going to be here for Christmas so we celebrated early. My brother, sister-in-law and nephews were able to join us as well! We had the usual Christmas dinner with every casserole imaginable and opened gifts around my tiny tree. After the food coma, we headed to Arbor Hills Nature Reserve with the family and three dogs. Arbor Hills is one of my favorite places in the area because of the trails and trees. I can pretend I’m in the country.

 We had a blast. It felt like we were back at Double Spring Ranch where I grew up. It was an awesome family weekend and we ended it with church on Sunday morning.

The weekend after my family Christmas, Hannah and I ran our first half marathon, the Dallas Metro PCS! The weather ended up being perfect. It was around 50 degrees and cloudy. It was supposed to rain all day Sunday, but luckily, it didn’t end up raining until that afternoon. We had so much fun! Around mile 6, I remember thinking “Oh man I’m not even half way.” But we pushed through and I met my goal of finishing it in 2 hours!

Through all of our training, Hannah and I kept Hebrews 12:1 as our motivation to keep going.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race set before us.”

Later that week, Stephen and I attended his annual work Christmas party. This year we got a chance to get drawn by the cartoon artists. Stephen looks like Jay Leno! It was so fun!

                                                         

                   

Fast forward one more week and it was time to head back to Louisiana for Christmas break! Stephen’s family is really big and there is always something going on. I went to three family functions with him. We had a white elephant party, a pig roast and one other Christmas gathering. All of his family is so sweet… seriously, every aunt, uncle, grandparent, and cousin made me feel so warm and welcomed. He’s a lucky fella!

As the new girl at all of his family get togethers, I didn’t want to be the one taking pictures and ordering everyone around to line up for a snap shot, haha. So I really don’t have any pictures of all the fun. Hopefully next year I won’t be shy and I can capture these sweet people on camera!

I got Stephen new golf clubs for Christmas and they were a hit! His brother was a huge help with picking them out. He got me a beautiful bracelet and the blender of my dreams!!! Seriously, this thing changed my life when I lived with my parents and now I have one for my own kitchen. He is the best gift-giver!

Stephen and I had such a great time at home. It was so amazing to both be off of work with no responsibilities getting to spend as much time as we wanted together. Our parents live right down the street from one another so that’s extremely convenient. We got to go back and forth between our momma’s home cookin’. One afternoon we went to his family’s farm and shot my new gun -- definitely one of my favorite days!

                                                                      

                                                   

                                                                   

           

We decided to stay in Louisiana through New Year’s and go to the O’Neals camp again. It sure was a party! Mr. David set up huge speakers with a microphone…. we had a real DJ… Mr. Greg….he was WAY too good at it! I got to have an a-mazing piece of King Cake!! We stayed up until midnight and did fireworks. It was a good time catching up with our friends.

 I am so thankful for every single person I got to share this Christmas season with. My people are the best. My Jesus is the best. 

Louisiana sunset.

P.S. For some reason the font for this post is all messed up. It's driving me insane, but I can't figure it out. 

november highlights.

If November wasn't crazy... December sure will be! I can't believe 2014 will soon be coming to an end. The saying is so true, "The older you get, the faster time flies." November was filled with so much good food, friends and family.

Here are a few highlights from the eleventh month of the year (in no particular order):

• Stephen's mom and step-dad spent a weekend with us! Sightseeing included: Dallas Galleria, Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, a yummy Italian dinner, Sunday morning church, and the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Shops at Legacy.
• When we walked into Belk at the Galleria, there was a long line.. I thought everyone was real excited about seeing Santa Claus. Turns out it was JESSICA SIMPSON. My twelve year old hopes and dreams of being her best friend came rushing back in an instant!!! I used to adore her when I was little. I never missed an episode of The Newlyweds and saved every magazine she was on the cover of. Seriously, the best moment and surprise of my life.
• Stephen and I put up my Christmas decorations at my house and drank hot chocolate under the tree.
• I purchased new stockings from Heart & Home! They are perfect. Stephen claimed the red one with the snowman.
• Earlier this month Stephen played in the Turkey Bowl at church aka a flag football tournament. His team ended up placing third and he could barely walk for days! It was fun to cheer and watch.
• I baked the most delicious pumpkin pie cake from M Loves M for Thanksgiving dessert. Instead of 3/4 cup of almond flour I only used 1/2 cup and added an extra 1/4 cup of all purpose flour. I also did candied pecans instead of pumpkin seeds! I know everyone likes a good pecan. IT IS AMAZING.
• Some of my students wrote me "thankful" letters for their ASL class. The one above is from one of my students from last year. I had no idea I had impacted her life that way! Makes the job worth it.
• Hannah and I practiced yoga over Thanksgiving break. My standing splits is making lots of progress! #yogawillchangeyourlife
• Last, but not least, Stephen's mom took the picture of Stephen and I in front of the big tree in the Galleria. I love my country boy.

july highlights.

Summer, can you please stop and stay awhile? I cannot believe July is already here and gone. Not only has it gone by fast, but we haven't had enough hot days to make it feel like a legitimate July. I mean only two days in Texas over 100 degrees is....nuts.

Here are a few highlights from the luckiest (seventh) month of the year:

• Stephen & I got to spend part of our 4th of July at Lake Corsicana & part of it at my Uncle Jeff's house. It was a real treat. I am so happy Stephen got to meet my uncle who is basically my pawpaw. We had a yummy lunch with him and then a lake day & firework filled evening in Corsicana. It was so much fun! 
• My sister got to come visit me on her day off! We started off the day doing some hot vinyasa then a mani/pedi and then bought her some much needed new make-up. I wish she could come visit every Wednesday!
• Back in March, Stephen got me a little birthday surprise... a trip to San Francisco! We finally got to go a few weeks ago. I had so much fun exploring! We saw San Fran, Napa Valley, Sausalito, & Muir Woods. Almost the entire trip the weather didn't get over 70 degrees -- A-mazing. It was a real adventure & I can't wait until I get to see more of the west coast.. or as Stephen says "West coast wheelin.'"  Thank you, Stephen, for such a sweet surprise. You're so thoughtful & I love you so much.
• In east Texas this past weekend I got to meet Stephen's dad, stepmom, & two of his siblings, Brandon & Jordyn. We went to dinner, drank coffee, cooked out, & ate yummy cupcakes. It was so great to meet more of his family - they were all so sweet & precious! That's Jordyn pictured above with her cat, Ella. 

I'm going home to LA in a few days. I haven't spent more than a weekend at home since Christmas. Looking forward to the quiet, home cooked meals, catching up with old friends, & rocking on the back porch. :)

april highlights.

I have to say that April has probably been the busiest month I've had in 2014. Lots of weekend trips, lots of time with friends and family, and lots of fun!

Here are a few highlights from the fourth month of the year:

• Earlier this month, I got to meet my dearest friend, Skye, in Waco for the weekend. Her and I had never taken pictures in the world famous bluebonnets so we made sure it happened. She will be leaving to serve in the Navy in August -- I am very thankful for the time we spent together and I can't wait until I get to see her again! Praying for you, Skye!
• Stephen and I wanted to make sure we made a Rangers game before the hot weather made it to Texas. Needless to say, we got what we wanted. It was 40 degrees and windy the night we went, but we still had a blast!
• Him and I also got to make TWO trips home in April! Once for Easter and once for a friend's wedding party (see my hot date ^^^). We both loved our time in our peaceful, country hometown with family and friends. My nephews are getting so big!
• We went to the driving range to practice hitting the golf ball. I really would like to learn how to play but... I just don't know if there is any hope. I might have it the ball three times in 25 swings...Stephen did an awesome job though!
• My admin team had an Easter egg hunt for us one morning -- too much fun.
• A month after Chloe's passing, my dad decided it was time to introduce a new member to the family. Meet Pecos! Pronounced pay-cuss. She's a Miniature Australian Shepherd -- I can't wait to see her in person! I have a feeling she might replace my sister and I. 

Not pictured:

• Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures at my family Easter gathering nor Stephen's. I did experience "popping eggs" for the first time. Stephen and his cousins do it every year!
• I also got to spend time with Courtney and her precious, Ella Jane, but Ella wouldn't even let me smile at her haha so I'm hoping to get a picture this summer.

easter blessings.

"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel and said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.'" Luke 24:1-6 (ESV)

I can't imagine how Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James felt as they watched Jesus, their Savior and closest Friend, beaten, whipped and nailed to cross. They had witnessed the moment He had taken His last breath... and now they were being told He had risen.

 Risen.

Not dead, but alive!

Yes, Jeus really did conquer death. Most of the time it is hard for me to wrap my brain around this Truth. With all of the tragedy and pain surrounding us on Earth, I find it hard, at times, to trust and not to fear because Jesus already has the victory. He has the victory of every crime, war, murder, and sin. He has the victory of every abortion, divorce, disease, and death. He has already won every single battle.

Those that are in Christ Jesus shall not fear, for we will never perish.

This is the Truth that brings me much peace and joy when I make the choice to trust and believe.  

february highlights.

Here are a few highlights from FEBRUARY:

• I celebrated L Rut's birthday with her! We went to a comedy club and then to a piano bar. It was such a fun night --- Happy Birthday, Lauren!
• It legitimately snowed one day. School wasn't canceled so I drove to school while it was pouring snow. I felt like a mountain woman (sorta).
• The cute dog pic was the "Happy Valentine's Day" text I received from Stephen while he was out of town. Haha. We celebrated a little late on Sunday! We checked out the historic downtown Plano and then had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. It was his first time to go and we were both too full for cheesecake. Maybe next time.
• Hannah came to visit again last weekend! Her, L Rut and I went to a yoga workshop at my gym. We were introduced to Acro Yoga for the first time. Oh my gosh. So cool and fun! Can't wait to learn more about this new practice!
• (At the very last minute) Stephen and I decided to go to Shreve last weekend to visit Chels & Dave and go to the Mardi Gras parade! I haven't done MG festivities in years --it was so fun. It was great to catch up with our friends!

I'm so excited about the warmer days ahead and MARCH.

a jolly holiday.

Christmas break. Every teachers favorite part of the year... minus summer break of course.

I got to go home to Louisiana and it was much needed. Home is the only place where I can completely relax because I have absolutely no responsibilities. Oh! No words can describe the feeling of not having a single responsibility.

Luckily, my sister was able to take a few days off of work and come home too. We did Christmas with my brother, sister-in-law and nephews the Sunday before Christmas. Momma cooked a big, yummy dinner and we exchanged gifts. My nephew, Slade, named my sisters new beta fish Superman.  He loves his superheros! I'm pretty sure both of my nephews love my pet turtle Raphael more than I love him. They are just too cute. I was thankful for the time we had with them!

Hanging with Skyler.

Hanging with Raphael. 

My family and I went to the Christmas Eve service at my parents church. It's a family tradition. After the Christmas Eve service, when I was little, we would make hot chocolate, turn out all the lights except for the lights on the tree and drink our hot chocolate underneath the tree. The past few years we haven't done that. I'm thinking I'm going to make it happen next year.  On Christmas day my mawmaw and pawpaw Maurice drove up from Lake Charles. We ate hamburgers. Haha I know most people don't eat hamburgers on Christmas day, but we changed it up a bit.

Other than getting together with family, seeing old friends and exchanging gifts, my time at home was pretty chill. My friend, Abbey surprised me with the first two books of the "Mark of the Lion" series and I read both of them in a week and a half. I couldn't put them down.  I had forgotten that I could sit and read for hours at a time. I also forgot how quiet my hometown is. I went for a few long runs. By long, I mean 7 to 8 miles. I had maybe 10 cars, at the most, that passed me the entire time. In Dallas, I wouldn't even be able to count all the cars that pass me during a long run. Each year I notice that I am more thankful for the little things. And I feel like the little things get smaller each year!

Katelyn brought her puppy Skyler home with her. That dog is a little angel just like my nephews. My parents and I ate up all the time we had with her.

Beyond thankful for the holidays. Time for families to gather, break bread and share.

Skyler entertainment. 

I ended up going home 3 days sooner than I had originally planned. I hadn't realized how long my to-do list was and I didn't want to be rushed before heading back to work.

I got home Monday night and then Stephen had the idea to go to south LA to our friend's camp for  a New Years party on Tuesday morning. Bring on an adventure! It was definitely a lot of time spent in the car, but it was totally worth it. Stephen and I listened to the same CD at least four times. It was a good CD. :)

Friends since 5th grade.  

Chelsea Clay. Love her.          

It's not a party without a bonfire.

                                                   
Yes, the old man pictured above is lightening his cigar with one of the 500 degree burning logs from the fire. Not kiddin' you. He was quite a character. He also caught his jacket on fire from sitting with his back towards the fire for too long.

We had s'mores, beautiful fireworks, and yummy champagne. It was such a fun time! I am also thankful for childhood friends. We can sit and share stories from over ten years ago. Not everyone can say that about their friends. More blessings from a small town.

Happy New Year!

december/2013 highlights.

Has December already gone by? Wait. Has the year 2013 already gone by? I cannot believe it. This past month and past year has been full of newness, surprise blessings (I'll explain this in detail later), blogging!, hardships, adventures, laughter, tears, grace, forgiveness, and provision of Jesus Christ.

Here are a few highlights from the twelfth month of the year:

• Stephen asked me to be his date for his company's Christmas party. It was so much fun! I got to meet the guys he works with and his boss. I'm so excited for him and his new job. Jesus blessed him with the perfect job.
• My small group had our annual Christmas party. We did a potluck dinner and I brought boudin. Everyone loved it! We played games and visited. Still can't believe I have such an awesome Christian community to do life with. 
• I think the biggest surprise blessing of the month and year happened a few weeks ago on a regular Tuesday evening. After coming home from work and showering, I came downstairs to a house covered in sewage. Yes, you read that correctly. It was an absolute nightmare and I hope no one ever has to experience it.  Long story short Jesus TOTALLY blessed me through it. I had to have all my floors replaced and luckily, insurance covered all of it and MORE. I was able to upgrade to beautiful hardwood floors and put some money in the bank! Never would I have been able to afford it, IF my house hadn't been covered in crap. Gross. I know. Jesus truly does work in mysterious ways. 
• The sunset picture is one I shot while finishing a run in the park down the road from where I live. You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl. I am so thankful I have this park to escape to after a long work day...even if it's in the middle of the city. 

Here are a few highlights from 2013 (most of these have been mentioned in previous blog posts, but I wanted a quick summary of this eventful year!):

January: Started my very first blog "Sojourner Stories." No explanation for the start of this blog other than Jesus laid it on my heart. Praying about a change in my life. New city?

February: Visited with HR in Dallas to discuss a potential teaching job. Praying. Is Dallas the right place?

March: Spring break trip with my mom to the beach & celebrated my birthday. Praying about making a big move to TX.

April: Attended my first real Louisiana festival. More prayer.

May: Attended a teacher job fair in Dallas. Finished my first year teaching. Feverishly praying. Would I be in DeRidder another year?

June: Anxiously waiting for interviews...got two interviews. Got a job! Prayers were answered. Went to Boston and New Hampshire for vacay. Praying.. where would I live?

July: Hosted a baby shower for a dear friend. Signed three contracts of possible future homes, one of them was the answer to my prayers! Packed up all my belongings and...

August: Moved to Dallas. Unpacked all my belongings. Started my new job. Praying for strength. 

September: Faced major spiritual warfare with all the unfamiliarity in my new chapter of life. Struggled with working for huge school district. Found my new home church. :) Praying for more strength & discernment. 

October: Still battling spiritual warfare, but confident Jesus has me right where He wants me. Made new friends at church and joined a small group. Mom and dad came for a visit! Praying in thanksgiving! 

November: Peace was established at my job and confidence restored. Thanksgiving celebration at my house with the whole family and friends. Praying & thankfulness. 

December: Final exams (no fun for students or teachers!). Christmas vacay (fun for students and teachers!). Mom and dad came to the rescue during my house catastrophe. Traveled home to Louisiana for Christmas break. Caught up with old friends. Spent time focusing on the goodness and generosity of my Savior, Jesus Christ. In awe of His power physically, spiritually and mentally over the entire year. Never would I have been able to do an ounce of what He did THROUGH ME without constant prayer and discernment. HE LIVES. 

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities---all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV)

november highlights.

 

November. I loved seeing all the colors of this month in Texas. The leaves were every shade of yellow, orange, red, and brown. The sky was gray on more days than it was blue. Fall. I love ya.

Here are a few highlights from November.

• I went home for the first time in over 3 months. It was a much needed restful weekend. I got to watch Alex cheer, Hannah & I did a 10.7 mile (!!) run, I met Ella Jane, and my parents & I ordered Thai food takeout. It was so great. Never have I appreciated my hometown so much. 
• I ate my first satsuma! For those of you that know me know this is huge.
• Some of my darling students wrote me thank you notes for their ASL class. Melted my heart.
• My first Christmas tree is now standing in my living room! It was my Mawmaw's - needlessness to say, it has a bit of sentimental value. :) 

Not pictured (are the two things I wish I had pictures for):

• My small group, Catalyst had our Thanksgiving dinner at Babe's!!! Endless biscuits and sides. Yum. Oh how thankful I am for Christian community.
• My best friend, Eleni visited me! Of course, we didn't take a single photo. But we did cook a delicious butternut squash chili, drank coffee, shopped, laughed, played. It was a beautiful time to have her here!

harvesting memories.

This is how you know you're an adult: everyone comes to your house (that you own) for Thanksgiving!

Okay...maybe there are other circumstances that make being an adult evident, but this is one... My family and Skye all came here for Thanksgiving. We had such a wonderful time. Skye (hasn't made an appearance on my blog because I hadn't seen her in a year!!:() arrived on Tuesday and my parents and sister arrived on Wednesday. Skye and I were in charge of desserts. We baked a chocolate pumpkin bundt cake. We wanted something pumpkin & festive, but also chocolate. This cake ended up being the perfect combo!

Katelyn: MK attempting to be Aunt Jemima.

 
Our TG couldn't have been more perfect. The sun was shining and the skies were blue. Katelyn's friend Erin also joined us along with the four dogs, Skyler, Chloe, Pita, and Brody. It was a dogsgiving as well as a Thanksgiving.  My momma did a fantastic job on our meal. Complete with ham, corn casserole, mashed potatoes, dirty rice, and rolls. Mmmmmmmm. Thanks momma!

And of course we had to get "holiday pictures."

             

 

After our food coma, we took the pups to the park!

After these past few days, I am overflowing with thankfulness. I am most thankful for my Jesus, my family, my close friends, my home, my church family, my job, and my salvation. Jesus has given abundantly to me this past year. Today I make the choice to be thankful for what He has provided and blessed me with, instead of comparing myself to others and what I don't have. I choose to eat from all the trees in the Garden of Eden, instead of focusing on the one tree Jesus has not provided me the freedom to touch. 

He is so gracious! 

P.S. Skye and I found the most affordable Nativity scene the other night after we ate IN-N-OUT BURGERS (it was Skye and I's first time to eat there>>>"harvesting those memories"). 

Skye: I'm waiting on some guys to come ask us out.
Me: Skye, we are at In-N-Out & we just stuffed our faces. 

Me: Isn't baby Jesus so handsome?!
Skye: I can't see him.
Me: Neither can I.