Keep Calm & Fight On.

Jill's event is NEXT Saturday! I can't believe that it is right around the corner.  It feels like yesterday we had just started to plan it.  Time flies...I'm nervous about everything getting done on time.  There are still centerpieces to make, decorations to assemble, favor bags to decorate, etc...But I am so happy.  And excited. And HAPPY!  It's such a thrill doing something that I love.


Jill.  Jill is the reason FOR this event.  Jill is my co-worker and dear friend. She is a wonderful example of a godly woman and an amazing teacher to her students. About a year ago, Jill was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer.  Not once did she complain or ask God, "Why?"  She fought with grace and humility, and as a result inspired others around her.  I can say for a fact, she inspired me.  Jill finished chemotherapy a month ago and is in the process of undergoing radiation.  Next  Saturday her friends, family, co-workers , past students and their parents will celebrate Jill and her brave fight against breast cancer.  I am thrilled to be apart of Jill's life and this "Celebrate Life" event.

Much to my excitement, Jill asked me to coordinate this event.  It's my first "official" event and I am over the moon.  I just want everything to be beautiful for Jill.  And, I want her to understand how much people truly love her...and how much she has inspired the people around her.

I had a lot of fun creating the invitations for this event.  Jill is such a fun, up-beat person to be around so I wanted the invitations to reflect that.  And, that's the first "impression" that the guest will get of what's to come at the event.  So, I wanted it to be something fantastic.  Jill's one request was that everything was to be pink.  So, I thought I'd start with the invitations. :)  What do you think?

End of a Chapter.

Without them, well I...

I wouldn't know that Jake & the Neverland Pirates was only THE coolest T.V. show there is right now.

I wouldn't have learned that more than anything, 3 year olds just want to dance.

I wouldn't be able to say "Awesome, possum!" Because they are the only people that thought that was HILARIOUS.

I wouldn't have stepped out of my comfort zone and into the role of lead teacher.

I wouldn't have grown as a person.

I would have more hair...

I wouldn't have memorized the entire Animal Alphabet Friend song. (Thanks, Abeka.)

I would have remained a cautious and timid person.

These kids were my heart this year.  We had our rough patches, but I am so proud of my little ones.  It was gift watching them grow this school year.  I'm going to miss them more than anyone will know, but I know my season with them is over.  

Here's to new beginnings & taking risks.

-Katie

(or as my kids used to say a couple of million times a day...Ms. Kaaaaatie)

Highlights.

Well, hey there.

I am just getting over being sick which means I can taste and smell again.

My first big event is in two weeks and I am nervous as all get out.

I start my new position at work on Monday.

June is a crazy busy month filled with birthdays & get-togethers.

I miss swimming.

Cooper's wound is finally all healed up. 

I am excited for our upcoming bridal portraits.

Did I tell you where they would be?

How rude of me.

Harbor Park.  SO EXCITED.

Crystal Clear.

Some of my memories are hazy and hard to recollect.  Others are so fresh, I feel like they just happened...

I remember,

Carrie Underwood singing "Alone" on American Idol.  It gave me goosebumps.

Watching my first midnight premiere. It was Spiderman 3 with Sandy & Lesley.  We had just gotten off work and there were exactly 3 seats left...in the very front row.  Terrible movie, terrible neck pain, great time with friends.

Doing the Ropes Course junior year for Mrs. Boyd's English class.  That day & that class changed me forever.

Hearing Micah Tawlks perform "Here Am I Lord" at Acquire the Fire.  That was the first time I had ever seen a man completely and utterly on fire for Christ.  

Going on pretend hikes with Kat & Cyn in the "woods" that used to be in Mt. Trashmore.

Hurricanes when my dad was deployed.  We all slept downstairs and kept the radio on all night.

Listening to Adventures in Odyssey at 7:30 every night with Jen & Joe.

All of the grandkids sleeping over at Grandma's house after Grandpa Louie died.

Chris asking me out on the steps in the hallway at New Creation.

When Johnny Damon got traded to the Yankees. I was LIVID.

Riding in a taxi with Cynthia in New York at 13 years old.  By ourselves.  Without a tip.  It was petrifying.

-Katie