march highlights.

HELLO, SPRING!

 

Here are a few highlights from the third month of 2015:

• It snowed a lot one day earlier this month. And by a lot I mean like 5 inches! It was absolutely insane and absolutely beautiful (mainly because I had off work).
• My school nurse and bible study leader, Darlene, got married!!! At the ripe age of 72! Her new husband, Tom is 77!! Their story is the coolest ever and God is so so good (they were both widowed). We had a wedding shower for her at work!
• Over Spring Break, Lauren taught me how to finally curl my hair. 25 going on 13.
• I celebrated my 25th birthday! It was such a fun day. The two students pictured above brought me gifts, Eleni and Stephen sent me flowers to work, I got numerous calls and texts, Stephen got me new Sperrys for our upcoming sailing adventures, we had dinner with the Chabots, and I ate half of the red velvet cake Stephen got me. Thank you to all who poured out love to me on my special day!
• Stephen and I celebrated Chelsea and David at their couples shower last weekend! It was lots of fun and we got to visit with so many old friends and mentors. Looking forward to the future Rudd's Big Day!

Not pictured:

• My friend, Courtney, had her second baby girl, Cora. Oh my - she is a gorgeous baby!

I am really behind on blogging about all the excitement that happened over Spring Break and a day-date to Austin!! My goal is to get those two posts up in the next week!

 

Happy April Fool's Day tomorrow:)

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.

you are my sunshine.

beautiful mommy-to-be.

JOY! That is the most appropriate word to describe the feeling when celebrating the arrival of a friend's baby girl.

I hosted my friend Courtney's baby shower for her little Ella Jane! I wanted to use supplies and decorations that would suit Courtney's fancy. Since her and Nehemiah didn't get married too long ago, it was pretty easy to know what direction to go in. I knew her favorite flower was baby's breath and that she prefers simplicity over anything. I had a lot of fun putting it all together with the help of her mom, stepmom and some of Court's lovely decorations. Below are a few photos of what I came up with!

2 part sign-in table:

 Wooden covered sign-in book - Etsy 

"Note to Ella"- handmade from Microsoft Word Publisher; 

polka dot paper from Hobby Lobby 

Mantel:

"Boots" canvas made by (not photographed by!) - Canvas People

Table:

Flowers -- baby's breath

Flower vases -- burlap & pink lace ribbon from Hobby Lobby

Cake --Jo's Party House

Diaper cake -- ribbon & burlap from Hobby Lobby

Beverage bar:

Mini bottled waters - these are handmade labels but labels are available at Hobby Lobby

*NOTE: Be sure labels are waterproof*

Dot straws - Hobby Lobby 

It's so cool how God created life & children --a miracle above all miracles. I hope you felt special, Court because you are. Love you :)