Happy April!

The month of April is a busy one for me this year...went to New Orleans for a volleyball tournament (previous post), celebrated my 25th birthday (crazy!) on April 9, had another volleyball tournament in Dallas, and now I'm heading off this afternoon for Minnesota for yet another tournament! It's been packed, but have loved every second of what I get to do! I really don't understand why the Lord has allowed me to do what I am doing...I am humbled every day for the people I get to walk through life with...even if they are in high school! :) Both Bible Study on Tuesday nights and time spent with my volleyball kids all are moments I cherish!

A few pictures from the past 2 weeks...

A red velvet cake for my bday

Jordan and Madeline took me out to eat

at Cheesecake Factory for my birthday dinner!
Love these girls!

Of course you have to have a solo picture with your cake...

Madeline, Me, and Kailey

Saturday night (April 10) I had another birthday dinner, but this time with some of my family! We ate at this place called Fresos in Burleson!! I think it's climbing the charts on a being a favorite!

I brought home a few things from New Orleans for my nieces

(one of yet to be delievered to Raylee who lives in New Braunfels)

We finished 3rd at the Dallas Lonestar Qualifier!
Being silly! I love these girls!

new places

Traveling has become a new occurrence for me, especially with coaching volleyball. The first weekend of April, during Easter, I was in New Orleans with my team. I loved seeing new places and being with my kids; however, I missed being home with my family. It is one of my favorite times of the year to spend with the family in celebrating our risen Lord. We did have our own little Easter egg hunt with my kids in New Orleans. (Pictures posted below)

Laura (head coach) and I

Riding the trolley to the French Quarter

In the middle of Jackson Square in the French Quarter

Walking around..I loved the old buildings!

We had an early Easter egg hunt for the girls!

Probably one of my favorite things to watch! :)

Easter Egg Pic..post hunting

Another look at the buildings in the French Quarter

One of my favorite pictures...

part of the old buildings and

then the new modern buildings in the background

Shadows

life is full of light and shadows.

a silhouette of one thing or another. the part that is not tangible with our own hands. but seen with our eyes. and felt when we stand in them. shadows are hidden pictures. bringing coolness. rest. refuge. a covered area not damaged by the sun. but kept aside. its a place where we can see more clearly. a beautiful collision of grace. for a shadow to fall, an object must cast it from the light. therefore, its between the radiance of light and the place it falls. to receive and experience the shadow. one must step into it. not be afraid. but realize it's there for a purpose.

the cross of christ is casting a shadow on us. he is the object. the person. the one who is standing in the gap between us and his father. who is the magnificent glorious light. in that shadow there is hope. our eyes are opened. to see the great love the father had and still has for us. our God views us through his son. not seeing our dark hearts or sin. but seeing one who is purified. cleansed. restored. redeemed. all through his son's death on the cross - burial - and powerful resurrection. what inexpressible joy we have in him who has saved us. the shadow of the cross is where i am found.

i recently came across a song sung by the david crowder band. it's titled shadows (reason for this post). what new meaning it brought forth.

Chorus:

when shadows/darkenss fall on us.

we will not fear. we will remember.

we will remember the cost.

we are resting in the shadow of the cross.

In sickness & in health

Last weekend I went home to help with Mom and Dad. As you all know, my precious Mom broke her arm and continues adjusting with only one good arm for the time being. Up to this point, she has been Dad's full-time caretaker in making sure he is up on his meds and food intake. With Mom not 100%, my siblings and I have been taking shifts at being home. Mom has enjoyed the company, plus also the extra help with meals and basic chores around that house.

Dad helping Mom get her ice

machine adjusted on her arm.

Mom didn't want me to take

this picture but I did anyways! :)

*Keep praying for both Mom and Dad as they both heal in specific ways...Mom : for her shoulder, the bone gragh to take, swelling to go down, and overall recovery....Dad : for him to eat more, allow time to rest, increase of his strength and energy level, and overall weight gain.