I didn't want to be a screen shot!!!!!

But you are and I love you!

You're number 1 in my heart.

(Deanna, don't worry- I'm just saying that because she was fine with being number 2, but why not give the girl what she wants)  ((Good thing only you can read that part))

The Eve of Summer

I woke up to a phone call from someone I love (*cough, cough.... Jane) and I'm very grateful for that because the Lord used it to place my heart here this morning:

CAMP

I have been so blessed by the years I spent at camp and this morning it is amazing to me that for the first time I get to observe it from the outside world.  I want to write this to the people that are there this summer and who are living out the good news at Sky Ranch:

There is no other place that you'll pour yourself out for others the way you do at camp this summer.  You are on the eve of something incredible that you can't predict and that you can't force.  You can only trust the One who has placed you there and that's my prayer for you on the eve of your first day of campers... to trust.


Realize that you will walk in grace this summer, whether it's your first summer or your fourth.  There will be times when you feel like it's you who's doing everything, but in reality it's only by grace.  When you feel the tension in your body to stop or quit, push through and let go because that's when you know something incredible is about to happen in your own life and in one of the lives' of your precious campers.


Remember to laugh.  Remember to not take yourself too seriously.  Wear a gnome around your neck and for one summer let go of the plans you might have for the next school year or the start of your "real life" after school and just be there.  Trust and be there.  And know that you're not in this alone.  You have your brothers and sisters at camp and at home, camp leadership who loves you and somebody on the other side of the world who is thinking and praying for you every day.

Kingston & Me

A Photographic series done in black & white

Subtitle: Fuzzy pictures

Subtitle: Sharp picture

It's all about the lighting.

Or maybe Kingston is controlling the camera's fuzziness without us even knowing...

We'll have to ask him if he's one of the X-MEN when he gets bigger.

Updated Post-it Plan

You know how when someone's gone and you just really miss them.  You been there?  And then you start this plan, but you forget to do it for a few days and you feel like a bad friend.... an inconsistent friend.  Well, I just can't be an inconsistent friend to Kate Wright.  I mean, she's such a consistent friend to me and to Aliza.  Kate Wright is the type of person who comes into the kitchen when we're eating lunch and helps Aliza stay focused.... stay on task..... eat instead of daydreaming.  She helps Aliza turn a frown upside down.  And to Norah- man, Kate Wright does the car wash.  (don't worry, she's crying everyday in your absence).  I mean- THAT'S CONSISTENCY.

So, I decided to start over, to get a new plan.  And I lost steam after a little while because it would have been really demanding.  But at least that little Texas girl knows that I care.

You have to read it from the bottom up.

Post-It Plan

I took this girl to the airport yesterday:

(Don't worry, that's not her baby.  That's Kingston.)

But after waking up this morning to the realization that my very good friend Kate Wright is gone for a month, I came up with a plan....  A Post-It Plan.

That's all I can announce for now because it's top secret and this is posted onto the world wide web, on which Kdub is a frequent attendant.  I'm saying too much already.  I need to stop.

Just a Little Emily

Many things remind me of Emily Watkins.

Every time I have the giggles I'm reminded of my old roommate.  When I would come home from work and see her.... I would start to giggle and I wouldn't be able to stop.

When I see someone dancing or listen to country music I'm reminded of her.

And the other day when I made some things out of tissue paper, I was also reminded of her.  So this one's in your honor, Watkins.  Keep on livin' even after Taylor is gone.

I even dressed up the camel...

And we both miss you!

(Me and the Camel)

An Encouragement to my friend Amanda

This just happened a few days ago:

Yup, still rockin' the triangle.

And you had everything to do with that.  :)

Love you!

My Friend George

is one cool guy.  Thanks for the new header George, it's wonderful!!!

A Smile

This picture brought a smile to my face today while thinking about the past 5 1/2 months:

Taken by Gloria :)

52

This weekend was officially the first time I went to 52 for any extent of time.  And boy was it worth it...

New Year's "Resolutions"

Kate and I enjoyed our last meal of 2010 together at MORE cafe, one of my favorite restaurants.

I had a really good MORE Rooibos tea latte, pictured here:

And after Gloria gave us the idea, we went over some of our New Year's resolutions...

taken from:

Don Whitney's “Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year or On Your Birthday”

King Sprout

I got to hold Kingston too...

I'd say it was worth it.

If you asked me, of course.

The Curious Case of the Cup

Yesterday, I posted that I went to the top of the Burj Khalifa.  You're probably still in shock.  But I didn't tell you the whole story.  As my bag went through security, the guard found something suspicious...   And I had to leave it in Norah's stroller at the bottom.

Want to know what it was?...

This cup.

You're probably wondering why I was carrying my favorite American size Ikea cup in my bag while visiting the Burj Khalifa....  I know, it's weird.  But we went to the Burj with everyone for Amanda Appreciation Day, celebrated in all 50 states.  It's McConnell hall tradition to bequeath something to anyone who is leaving.  That cup was my one prized-possession over here and I gave it to Amanda because it meant so much to me... but she means more.  I even left a little coffee residue from the morning so that she would have it to remember me by.

I have a suspicion that they didn't want me to take the mug up to the top because they thought I might throw it over.  Just so everyone knows, I wouldn't do that.  Don't worry.

But as I bequeathed my one prized-possession to Amanda, I needed another coffee mug to enjoy during my early mornings....

Thankfully Gloria gave me one for Christmas.

Small Groups

Small groups of people are the best.  Last week, on Tuesday a small group of us went to eat out together and it was so much fun.  I wish that I had gotten more pictures.  I'll try again next time.  Promise.

The epitome of small..... group.

I Wanna Be A Sadie...

Anybody seen Funny Girl?

We Won't Let Anyone Rain on Our Parade!

Singing with the song.

Emily's very own interpretation of the song.

Christmas Cheer

Our friends the Parks invited us over yesterday to get in the Christmas spirit.  This is what Christmas spirit really looks like:

Sugar cookie dough!

We spent the afternoon making delicious cookies and it was wonderful!

A slice of pumpkin pie made by Emma.

Emma and her cookie artwork.

Wow.

If anyone knows what this is, I'll give you a long distance high five!

It was made by Kate Wright.

I made this one...  I found out that cookie making isn't exactly my gift.

But I still had fun!

The Joy of Skype!

Here are some more skype dates that have made my day!  Everyday, every way!

I'm so blessed to have such wonderful friends!

Amanders

Lil' D

The Baby Shower

This weekend we threw a baby shower for two of our dear friends.  The funny thing about baby showers is that most people over here have never been to one.  It's an American occasion not found in many other parts of the world.  So in honor of many peoples' first experience....

Gifts were given.

Beautiful cupcakes were made.

Now I claimed credit for these, but really- Donny made them.

She makes the best cakes in the world!

The spread was created.  Sweet and savory!

A chocolate boat floated over looking very Arabic.

(And it was the best chocolate I've ever eaten...)

And of course like any proper baby shower, games were played.

Two Friends that I Love

I am blessed to have friends here.  I can't express how wonderful it is to spend time with Amanda and Kate, as well as, so many other friends I have met since arriving.

Amanda and I spend a lot of time together, even when we have time off.  I don't know when we would ever have the opportunity to be on an adventure together like this again in our lives.  It reminds me of the good ol' days.  She sees me when I'm in a silly mood, when I'm grumpy or sometimes crying, when I'm contemplating life and when I'm singing and dancing around.  So many emotions, so little time.  :)  But really, it has been wonderful to share in this experience together and to grow along side her.

Kate and I knew each other in college, but we were more like acquaintances.  Since living here, that has all changed and I'm so grateful to get to know her each day.  Especially because we laugh together a lot.  She is such a sweet friend!

Amanda and I gazing at the beautiful fish/reflection of a huge candy shop in Dubai Mall

One time, I turned Amanda into a camel with my mind...  I had to really concentrate to do it.

Kate and Kate

(I can see why people think I'm 14...

Does anyone have a magical aging potion?

Actually scratch that, I'll live the way I was made)

The three of us... so fun!