Day 11

Day 11: A picture of something you hate.

No, I don't hate Drew.

I hate bananas.

They smell gross.

They look gross.

They taste gross.

GROSS GROSS GROSS.

Frogs. I stinkin hate frogs.

Frogs make me cry.

I am TERRIFIED of frogs

TERRIFIED.

Day 10

Day 10: Someone you do crazy things with.

Stacy! My partner in crime.

LOVE THIS GIRL.

Day 9

Day 09- A picture of someone who has gotten you through the most.

Oh holy night.. there are a bunch of people who get this dramatic girl through the craziness in her life. So the following pictures are a few people, but not the only people who have gotten me through the most:

Mary and Stacy

They're the best.

Alex- oh holy night, I would die without this kid.

No lie.

Kim and Lauren- Dallas friends who are incredible humans.

Stacy... she's amazing and my 2 years in VA after seminary

would have been horrible were it not for her.

Ben and Becca... two of the greatest people ever.

Wonderful wonderful friends.

100 Years

Yesterday, was my church's Centennial Homecoming celebration.

It was a big day.

When I first moved here, people heard that I enjoy writing, and asked me to write 5 devotions for a centennial devotional book they were making for our congregation for this year. I thought it was odd to be writing for a church I barely knew, but I did, and it was a great experience.

We've been working toward this big day for awhile now.

So yesterday, I sat up in the balcony for the first time ever, and looked down at a PACKED OUT sanctuary. There was a state senator and representative here, a plaque from the governor, former staff members, and HUGE EXTRA HUGE choir and orchestra... and lots and lots of people in attendance for this big celebration.

I think, looking around the sanctuary and seeing all the people, all the families represented, taking in all the tradition, and joy of the people who feel like they've been a part of something bigger than themselves... it helped me to understand my new church a little bit better. One of the people speaking from the pulpit asked the congregation how many people had gotten saved while attending Red Bank, and all over the room hands went up all over the place, young and old. It was incredible to see.

Right now, we're going through a hard time. Not having a pastor is never fun, but watching the slideshow of pictures from years past, and seeing those hands, helped me see the legacy of this church, and appreciate all that the Lord has done here.

Day 8

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

I love to laugh. It was hard to pick just ONE picture that makes me laugh, and well since this is MY blog, I decided I could post more than one.

Exhausted after Stacy and Lance's wedding festivities, this is the kind of shenanigans we found ourselves in to. Ashley, Megan, Mary and me.. and some sweet lipstick.

The DTS girls and our last Christmas together

Junior prom- enough said.

Stacy G and me and one last time rockin Wilson Philips, "Hold On"

the night before I moved down here

Sweet 80's gear right??

Day 7

Day 7... A picture of your most treasured item.

Yes, I am aware that the picture is weird, and flipped so everything is backward, but this is indeed, a picture of my Bible. My Bible, is my most treasured item. I would be so sad if I were to lose this specific Bible... mostly because its got all my notes from seminary spread throughout it. There's some good stuff in there. I've had that Bible through some of the most difficult times in my life, and there are pages in it that resemble my journal in a lot of ways. If my house were on fire, that would be the first thing I'd look for to grab.

Day 6

Day 6- A person you'd like to trade places with for a day...

I would trade places with Mary! She's spending this year in Sudan, at the orphanage we went to back in 2009. I'm so proud of her, yet so stinkin jealous of the year she's having! I love reading her blog and hearing about her days, and all the funny things she sees the kids do. I would LOVE to trade places, or at least join her there for a day... or a week... or a month. :)

Day 5

Your favorite memory...

Ok, so this is really a million different memories. The girls I met at DTS, the 2 1/2 years I lived in Dallas, are some of my favorite memories. Those years helped me find worth and value in myself, because of how they so fiercely loved me. We had some hilariously fun times, and I still find myself remembering those times, and laughing. I miss those girls a lot and am grateful the Lord gave me that time... even if it was just for a season, it changed my life nonetheless. This particular picture was bittersweet as one of my favorite people on the planet bid us all farewell, as she left school a semester early, to move to Nashville for an incredible job opportunity.

So many great memories!

Day 4

A picture of your night...

Tonight I'm surrounded by some high school girls and we're watching "Titanic"... but usually, late at night, I'm talking to some of my crazy friends who are spread all across the country.

Most nights, if you catch me late enough, I'm usually on skype talking to my friends who live far away. It's not nearly as difficult moving to a new place, when there are so many ways to stay in touch. In this picture's case, I'm talking to two of my favorites, MeLissa in Nashville, and Leslie in Illinois. Love these girls, and I'm grateful for nights where we get to "hangout" thanks to the wonderful world wide web.

Day 3

A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

Brothers & Sisters

I try not to, but I love this show! I don't really watch much tv,

but this is one that I'll always watch online, every week. I love it. Don't judge.

Day 2

Someone you've been closest to the longest...

STACY!

Stacy and I met the summer before we started the 5th grade (1993). Both being Army brats, we were used to moving around, and kind of holding loosely to the friendships we'd made in the past. Little did we know that Stafford would be "home" for longer than the usual 3 or 4 years, and that our friendship would have plenty of time to grow. Our friendship those first few years had its rocky moments (mostly because I was a jerk, and I also didn't understand Stacy's obsession with that raccoon from "Pocahontas"), but lots of laughs too. Stacy is the person that first shared Christ with me both in conversation and in the way she lived her life, during one of the most difficult times of my life. She has been a continual rock of support and love over the past 17 years, and I honestly don't know what I'd do without her. I've certainly tested the limits to see just how unconditional her love is, and every day, she amazes me with her loyalty and love. I see Christ in her, and she pushes me to be more like Him in my own life.

I consider her friendship to be one of the greatest gifts the Lord has given me.

Day 1

day 1: A picture of myself with 15 facts...

1. Purple is most definitely my favorite color

2. I cry really easily... happy tears, sad tears, mad tears- doesn't matter.

3. Because of fact #2, I will always wear waterproof mascara and will forever be on the hunt for good eye makeup remover.

4. I had a dog named Hilda growing up, and most days I liked her more than my family. Ha! Sorry if any of you are reading this.

5. My favorite movies are Forrest Gump and Gone With the Wind

6. I am terrified of frogs. TERRIFIED.

7. I am the least courageous person I know

8. I LOVE to laugh. LOVE IT.

9. I love to read

10. I was dumb when I was little, and when my dad left for Desert Storm, I couldn't figure out why everyone wasn't totally freaking out.... mostly because the only war I knew about was the Civil War, and when my dad got on the bus with the other guys he was deploying with, I couldn't understand why he didn't have his bayonet with him, and wondered if he even knew how to ride a horse!

11. I think some of the happiest moments I've ever experienced have taken place on the rec field, in the rec circle, at Fuge, in the midst of a Bible study who just had a killer time doing their initiatives and are celebrating in explosive cheers... all after having just met 3 days before.

12. I love music.

13. I hate bananas. They make me gag. The smell.. the taste... the texture.

Bananas are gross.

14. I swam competitively for 12 years... yet I can only really remember 2 of my races vividly.

1) Was the 50 free when I was in middle school, swimming against all these really fast girls,

but because one of them was talking crap about me, saying how much better she was than me, behind my back, and didn't know I heard her, my adrenaline kicked in and I placed first in a heat my times would have normally placed me closer to last. It was awesome... the best part, my parents were at the end of my lane sitting on a pool chair when I started off the block, and when i hit the wall at the end, my dad was out of his chair, on his feet, cheering for me. Every girl likes to make their dad proud AND kick the butts of girls who talk smack.

(To be fair, she did come and congratulate me and apologize for hurting my feelings)

2) The 200 IM in high school my junior year. My coach placed my younger sister in the same event as me and uh, I couldn't let Sarah come anywhere close to beating me. I almost died in that race from lack of oxygen, but I beat Sarah by an entire lap. (again, to be fair, Sarah didn't care about swimming nearly as much as I did)

15. The greatest blessing I've ever received is having the opportunity to lead students to Christ... that never gets old!

60 day challenge

So, my friend Torri is doing this 60 picture challenge on facebook... and I decided to try it out here on my blog. So mixed in with my regular blog posts, you'll get a little extra excitement. Prepare your heart.

Here's the list:

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of your night.
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the crazy things with.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss.
Day 31 - A picture of a tradition you have.
Day 32 - A picture of a crazy night.
Day 33 - A picture of the house you grew up in.
Day 34 - A picture of your currently most played CD.
Day 35 - A picture of your favorite place to eat.
Day 36 - A picture of your ‘other half'.
Day 37 - A picture of the people you spend most of your time with.
Day 38 - A picture of the best part of your day.
Day 39 - A picture of your favorite movie.
Day 40 - A picture of your favorite Disney character.
Day 41 - A picture of your pet.
Day 42 - A picture of your dream house.
Day 43 - A picture of something you can’t function without.
Day 44 - A picture of someone you’re told you look like.
Day 45 - A picture of your room.
Day 46 - A picture of where you wish you were right now.
Day 47 - A picture of your favorite place to shop.
Day 48 - A picture of your favorite actress/actor.
Day 49 - A picture of where you live.
Day 50 - A picture of your most frequented place.
Day 51 - A picture of your dream car.
Day 52 - A picture of your favorite sport.
Day 53 - A picture of someone you think is hot.
Day 54 - A picture of the one thing you would bring if you were stranded on a deserted island.
Day 55 - A picture of the last movie you saw in theaters.
Day 56 - A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 57 - A picture of your favorite holiday.
Day 58 - A picture of your favorite animal.
Day 59 - A picture of a random item that you own.
Day 60 - A picture of something you’re excited about

God has made everything beautiful for its own time.

He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so,

people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Romans 13:14

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart,

I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD;

may I never forget the good things he does for me.

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.

Psalm 103:103

I have chosen you and will not throw you away.

Don't be afraid, for I am with you.

Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:9-10

O Lord, you have examined my heart

and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up.

You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.

You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.

You know everything I do.

You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.

You go before me and follow me.

You place your hand of blessing on my head.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too great for me to understand!...

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

and knit me together in my mother's womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

Your workmanship is marvelous-- how well I know it.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,

as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

You saw me before I was born.

Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.

They cannot be numbered!

Psalm 139 1-6, 13-17

I hope, wherever you are, that you're experiencing the same kind of beautiful weather that I am in Chattanooga. The last few days have been so lovely! Top that off with a sweet view of the moon, and goodness gracious, how can you not stand in awe of the Creator?

This week was pretty good.. getting back in to a routine, after a crazy last few weeks.

On Friday, a friend of mine drove down from Knoxville. We worked camp together in 2008 in New Mexico and I hadn't seen him since he came to visit me at camp this past summer. I've lived here almost 6months, and so it's silly that we're just now hanging out, but that's what happens when life gets crazy busy!

We went to lunch and then to the Tennessee Aquarium downtown. I'd been wanting to go to the aquarium, since it's supposedly one of the best in the country. It's two stinkin huge buildings! Now, it's no National Aquarium in Baltimore, but it was definitely a fun way to spend the afternoon with a friend... and a million little kids and their parents!

This upcoming week should be fun. My students are all on spring break, so I'm praying that I get to spend a lot of time out of the office hanging out with them, rather than at my desk. We'll see! I might be crazy, but on Wednesday night, I'm having a sleepover for the high school girls at my apartment. It should interesting to say the least! I'm excited though!

To Whom it May Concern

Why are you so far from me?

In my arms is where you ought to be.

How long will you make me wait?

I don't know how much more I can take.

I missed you

but I haven't met you

Oh, but I want to

How I do.

Slowly counting down the days

Till I finally know your name

The way your hand feels 'round my waist

The way you laugh

The way your kisses taste

I missed you

but I haven't met you

Oh, but I want to

How I do

Dear, whoever you might be

I'm still waiting patiently

The Civil Wars

"To Whom it May Concern"

The Root of the Problem

So yesterday morning around 3am, I woke up in excruciating pain. Usually when that happens it's because kidney stones have struck again, but not this time... this time it was my mouth. My teeth were KILLING ME. How the heck do you wake up out of a dead sleep with your tooth hurting?

Pain, when you're sleepy, is like a million times worse than if you're completely conscious. I was borderline delirious. Somehow I managed to make it until 8 before I texted my sweet friend Rebecca to ask if she could call her dad (a dentist) to see me.

Nothing says, "hello tuesday!" like 3 hours in the dentist's chair getting a root canal.

The experience and its horribleness was lessened not only by Dr. M's kindness, but the fact that there were pictures of Alex and Rebecca on the wall staring at me through the whole ordeal.. as if to say, "See Molly, tooth decay is a serious problem. You should brush better."

Praise the Lord though... my pain is gone and Rebecca's dad is my new BFF.

He's also the person that drove Rebecca's brother and Alex over to my apartment to kill my mouse during the snow/ice storm.

He's a hero.

---

Tonight will be my first Wednesday night with my students in 3 weeks. I was sick 2 weeks ago, and in Virginia last week. Next week, we're off for spring break... So I'm looking forward to seeing everyone tonight!

AND next week I'm having a sleepover with my high school girls (Lord, help me!) AND starting a Bible study on Tuesdays with Rebecca, Olivia, and my roommate Bethany. I'm excited.

Good things are happening for sure. Life is busy, but the good kind of busy.

T-I-R-E-D

Ok.. so this whole, lose an hour thing, is killer!

Or it might not be daylight savings time, but the fact that I've been going non stop for the last 3 weeks.

Last week was great. I can't remember if I blogged about this or not, but last Monday, Seth and I drove to Atlanta and met up with my friend Allison who drove into town for the Hillsong United concert. I wasn't a huge fan of Hillsong's newest CD because it was a studio album, and I like their live stuff.. but the concert was incredible! Such a powerful time of worship! I loved experiencing it with two of my favorite friends, and then being in an arena full of other Believers. It was awesome! I was stinkin tired though, after the retreat and everything with my students.

Then Wednesday, I left with the band for Virginia. We left in the afternoon, and got to the guys' hotel in Spotsylvania around 1:30am. The rain was crazy, and we were hauling a super heavy trailer. It wasn't too terrible though. My parents had dropped off a car at the hotel, so I drove myself home to Stafford. I got there after 2, did my taxes, and then slept for a few hours. I woke up bright and early to go up north to the doctor. It took me two stinkin hours to get to Reston! I was so mad! Boo for Northern Virginia traffic!

After the doctor, I met my older sister at a bridal boutique and tried on a bridesmaid dress for my younger sister's wedding. Then, went across the street, and met my college roommate Leigh Anne and her husband (another great friend from college), TJ for lunch so I could meet their newborn daughter Shannon. Oh my gosh, she is so small and beautiful. I almost cried, seeing my friends, who I've got so many crazy fun college memories with, in this new chapter in their life. I'm so happy for them!

THEN after that, I headed back to Stafford and got to see Mrs. Cosner and catch up with her. Oh goodness, I treasure her friendship and place in my life. I don't know what I'd do without her wisdom and encouragement. Even though it was a crazy day, I was more than happy to schedule in some quality time with her before I headed down to Fredericksburg to the church the boys were at.

That night, the guys played an hour and a half long concert... and I sat up in the balcony, watching them lead a group of middle schoolers in a concert/time of worship. I was so proud of them. I even cried a little. They did such a great job. They've reworked some of their original tunes from their first EP and they sound incredible! I couldn't even tell when they stopped playing signed artist's stuff and moved on to their songs. They were so good!

Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday night we led worship for Spotswood's middle school disciple now. They were incredibly enthusiastic, and I'm hopeful that they grew in their relationship with Christ through that weekend. It was huge blessing to be so close to home, as a ton of my friends from Stafford, and my family, were able to come down to see me, and to see the band lead worship. It was wonderful to have my life in Chattanooga meet my life in Stafford... wonderful, but kind of weird too.

In all, it was a great weekend of ministry, and seeing friends and family.

We drove back through the night Saturday, rolled in to the parking lot at the guys' church at 7am. I slept for an hour and then headed to church. I was crazy tired yesterday, but it was worth it, and the Lord definitely gave me strength throughout the day.

Thanks for those of you who prayed for us!

Today, I'm heading to Virginia until Saturday night with the boys in the Seth Medley Band. We're leading worship at Spotswood Baptist in Fredericksburg and I'm super excited to be so close to home, to get to see everyone. It's going to be a fun few days for sure.

Pray for the SMB boys... Their schedule looks like this: Today: drive 8 hours. Lead worship 4 times over the next few days. Drive 8 hours back to Chattanooga through the night on Saturday. We'll lose an hour, so the guys will probably get an hour of sleep (hopefully) before they have to be back at their church on Sunday morning to lead worship there. After church, they hop in the car, drive 4 hours to Kentucky to lead at an event, before they're back home on Thursday.

It's going to be crazy, but the Lord is doing big things in their ministry and in their lives. I'm excited for them.

Praying for safety, and that the Lord would give the boys energy to minister to the students at these churches.

I'm excited to spend some time with my favorite boys this week and to do ministry with them!

Spring Retreat

Wow! I'm exhausted! BUT it's the kind of exhausted you can't really be upset about, because you know that it's from something great that happened.

This weekend was our spring retreat, which has been, by far, the biggest task I've been in charge of since coming to Chattanooga. 3 months of prayer, planning, and promoting went in to this bad boy, and on Friday morning, it was hard for me to believe it was finally here.

Thursday, Ryan flew in to town (5 hours later than we scheduled his flight to arrive) and we headed to meet the band at all of our favorite place (heavy sarcasm) Waffle House. While Ryan and I waited for the band, it was great to catch up with one of my favorite people and hear what's going on in his life, and his hopes for the weekend. That kid is wise beyond his years and it always challenging me in my faith. Watch out people, the Lord is going to (and already is) do big things in and through that guy!

It was a great night with friends, catching up and gearing up for the next 3 days!

I was definitely starting to get really excited... and nervous.

The next day I headed up to where the retreat was being held and started getting things ready for the band to get there to set up, and then later for my students. I think I felt like I needed to worry in order to be prepared for the weekend. How weird. BUT the truth is, that my friend at work Stephanie, and all the students and a couple of our youth volunteers, and I have put in a lot of work to make this weekend happen, and honestly, I got there Friday, and there wasn't a ton of stuff I had to take care of. The band guys and Ryan got there, set up the sound system and all their gear, Seth and our friend Michael got the projector to work, some of my students came up early after school and got to decorating, and before I knew it, it was 5:30 and our two church vans were rolling up and 50 students started piling out.

Friday was great. Worship was powerful, and really set the tone for the weekend. Ryan, and Seth, and the guys all did an incredible job in the worship sessions. Ryan brought it, like always, and Seth was sensitive to how students were responding during worship. It was great. Then later that night, I was relieved that no one got hurt while playing capture the flag in the pitch black! Haha! One of my seniors was so excited about being in charge of the game, and I just didn't have the heart to be super overly ridiculous and say no... so instead, for the past month and a half I just prayed hard core that the Lord would keep people safe.

He did! They had a great time and I was blessed to get to watch a 17 year old step up and lead and take ownership of something!

Saturday it rained like CRAZY! I mean, like hardcore. Thankfully, the camp we were at had a huge covered pavilion, and Alex was soooo wonderful and helped bring some enthusiasm to the games. I was so worried about the hours between 1-5 because of the rain. I didn't want anyone to be bored. I brought all the supplies for us to play "Human Foosball," (thanks fuge!) which was so much fun! Basically the students were in rows, set up like a Foosball table, with the adults playing goalies. We used a giant beach ball, a small beach ball, and exercise ball, and just spent an hour laughing together... then we played battleball (dodgeball). Before I realized it, it was time on the schedule for their freetime, and I couldn't stop smiling about the great time we'd just had together.

Saturday night was so powerful. Ryan challenged them to share Christ with people in their lives who didn't know. At the end he had them stand up and share the name of someone they were committing to share Christ with. Then the band came up and Seth led them in a song, and oh goodness, I had to stop singing on stage at one point because I got emotional watching these student, whom I've grown to love, worshipping God with all that they had. My students, on a typical Wednesday night, aren't the most expressive in worship, and looking out on Saturday night, it was like a different group altogether. I got emotional just telling Stephanie about the weekend when I got to the office. It was powerful.

Today, I'm just so grateful that I had this weekend with them. I'm so grateful that the Lord provided an opportunity to spend time with students, getting to know them, while sharing the Gospel. I'm grateful that I have a group of friends that I can trust with the spiritual growth of my students, and who went above and beyond what was asked of them for me, and for my kids. It meant so much to me to see the guys, and Rebecca love on my students. Even with the rain, I don't know how it could have gone better. The Lord moved and now I'm praying that the momentum that was started there will continue.

Thank you to all of you who prayed for us this weekend. I couldn't have gotten through it without you all!

Texas Prepared Me

Man, I used to hide under my pillow when I lived by myself in Dallas because the storms were so loud and so scary. When I lived in an apartment full of girls, there were still times when the weather would scare the sweet California out of us all.... I had no idea it would prepare me for my time here in Tennessee.

Monday, Chattanooga had a terrible storm. My boss Pat, our admin assistant Stephanie, and I were all in his office for our weekly meeting. Stephanie was telling a story about something, and I was trying to listen, I really was... but I was distracted by the fact that the sky got really dark all of a sudden, and the rain started coming down so hard Stephanie had to raise the volume of her voice to be heard over it. Uh... hello... is this normal?! Once the lights started to flicker (and eventually go out), and the rain started coming in through the windows, I was officially freaked out, and prepared to jump ship on the staff meeting to hide under my desk. We peeked out the window, and the street by the church looked like a rushing river (ok, so it might have been like 4 or 5 inches deep), and the thunder, lightening, and wind were ridiculous.

I was a little scared to say the least.

That little storm didn't last too long, but driving home, it was like a war zone. Trees were down EVERYWHERE! Thousands of people were without power, and some still are. It was CR-A-ZY!

I mean, seriously, 2 scary weather events in less than a week... enough already!

*Today, I stayed home sick. Maybe it's because of the retreat this weekend, and I'm starting to get a little stressed out... or maybe I'm just wimpy, but I did not feel well today at all. I hope it goes away by the time I wake up tomorrow. I mean, this morning when I was trying to get ready for work and drying my hair, I was so tired and so shaky that I hit myself in the head with my hair dryer. I have a bump on the side of my head from my HAIR DRYER!!! Ridiculous. That's when I climbed back in my bed, and started typing my t0-do list, and getting more organized for this weekend. Our internet and phones have been down from the storm at church anyway, so it's not like I could work from there today anyway. I'm sad I'm missing church tonight though!

Ryan (our friend, and retreat speaker) flies in tomorrow and then Friday we're all off to the retreat. It's going to be fantastic... I just hope the weather is good and that everything falls in to place.