Summer '12

It seems my blog has succumb to the fate of others I've read: "has it really been x months since I've written anything??" yea...guilty...lets move on

My summer has been busy with work, church activities and time with friends.
At church, I've been involved with our 5 yr old sunday school class, media team with photography for baptisms and service events and other ad hoc events including those supporting new members and marriage. Definitely a variety which I enjoy. On a more consistent basis, I've been hostessing a Bible study and co-leading it with a friend. It's been a good season to get to know some other women in the church, encouraging and comforting each other through some pretty life-shaking challenges. We studied Hebrews and Mark Driscoll's doctrine series. We've had some wonderful discussion and I've seen the Holy Spirit turning on some lightbulbs as I've watched the ladies' eyes. So encouraging to be part of growth.
Though, for everything there is a season. In a few short weeks, I'll start an MBA program and have thus elected to no longer host or lead.  I feel at rest about this decision though. Career-wise and personally, its time for a new season.
Work has grown more challenging yet has its moments of also being encouraging and rewarding. I've been recognized as a diligent, competent worker. Definitely something my often self-deprecating, female brain needs to hear! 
Time with friends has been a blessing. It's been a long time since I've had friends who have known me so well (through taking the time to observe and get to know me) that they can tell me why I'm struggling with something based on how my personality handles it. They've also been some of the most encouraging people in my life. They've reminded me of my strengths. (repeatedly.... making sure I accept and use God's gifts of ability and character)

Here's a brief overview of the last few months' events

 Elaine's Bridal Shower

 Company "Family Fun Day" at a local park. Pictured is part of my work team.
This was actually very nice. They rented one of the buildings so we ate and had a quarterly meeting inside then went outside for kickball, blowup obstacles courses and enjoying each other outside the office.
For Memorial Day, my group of friends decided to copy this idea (without the building and obstacle courses) Apparently very few people know that if a building isnt rented that day, its park benches and grills are first-come, first served. We had a great time in the area right behind the group in this picture. Great tree cover to grill out, sit at the benches and chat or cheer on the volleyball game we threw together. Definitely one of my favorite group gatherings!

 The end of a sweet season. Bittersweet to watch Katie and Nick end their time with the company and move on to bigger things. They're each still in town so Katie and I still catch up fairly regularly and even explored a new "hole-in-the-wall" coffee shop/lunch spot a couple weeks ago! Cant wait for the next lunch date with this awesome sister :)

 Oh Ken... A staple group activity is Friday movie nights. I think this was after Brave or maybe Snow White?? (Avengers, Brave and SpiderMan win for me this summer!!!) He put on one of the girls' headbands and channeled Jordy LaForge... I really love time with this group especially considering how much I laugh! Such great medicine for ANYTHING! This may have been the same night that I heard one of the guys say they needed to use the restroom on our way out of the movie.....so I purposely blocked his path (they bring out the mischief maker in me hehe) He very adeptly placed both of his forearms under my armpits and escorted me to the theater door at speed! I was carrying a half-full small popcorn. You may be able to assume the rest.

For those wondering about the quilt...
I'm still working on it. Havent had the time necessary to really focus on it :( At the moment, it is completely basted! (this means that there are thick threads loosely running through each row and column to hold all three layers (front with the shirt squares, middle batting and back sheet) together. I've bought more thread, template plastic, a template pencil, a quilting hoop and quilting needles. I'll have to go total things up but that probably added another $40ish... (in case anyone is still following about how much this costs and what steps are involved. As this is my first adventure in quilting, I know I've bought some items I didn't end up using or using as much and of course tools I didn't previously own so I'm expecting this will be one of the more expensive routes...)

And lastly, fourth of July!!Food, a slip-n-slide, FOOD, Fireworks, hanging out and chatting, oh and food ;)

 My favorite picture from the day. My coworker, Doug, and his son on the slip-n-slide

 Blogger is insisting on not rotating correctly but this is little man wearing my shoes. This little one can consistently capture the attention of a room full of adults. So much personality!