From the iPhone

Dillon finally treated himself to an iPhone a few weeks ago, and I must admit, I have fun using it! Here are a few pictures from our life recently~

 A couple of weeks ago my car was hit driving down Beltline- everyone was ok thankfully.

 Polly always rests her head on the table during dinner, in an attempt to look pathetic enough that we throw her some scraps. I gave her an eskimo kiss!

 Go Rangers!

Doing the Susan G. Komen Plano 5k walk, in memory of Cindy

Israel, Day 9

We began Day 9 with the usual (amazing) buffet breakfast, and then drove to the Holocaust Museum of Jerusalem. It is one of the most well done museums I have been to, and 2 hours did not seem enough time to absorb all of the stories, pictures and artifacts.  

From there we went to the Hebrew University and saw a replica of Old Jerusalem, and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

 

After lunch in the Armenian Quarter we walked to The Church of the Holy Sepulcher. I learned that the Via De La Rosa is no longer believed to the be road that Jesus walked up to the cross. At the Church we saw where His cross was, and then waited in a long line to see His tomb.

In Israel, if there is something famous, someone will build a church on top of it, and that was the case for the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Below are pictures from inside, where the cross was, and His tomb.

I loved walking back to our hotel every day through the Old City:

I remember seeing these famous places and feeling overwhelmed such that it was almost numbing. You see a tangible place where history changed forever and it is hard to wrap your mind around. Much of our time in Israel was spent learning and then reflecting, and I still find myself reflecting on it all even now!

Favorite Recipe

Here is a recipe that I have made many-a-time already this summer- it is just delicious! It is also fairly easy- and with lots of veggies, it is a guilt free meal as well! The key ingredient in my opinion is the Pesto...mmmm

Grilled Chicken-and-Veggie Tortellini (from Southern Living Magazine)


4 small zucchini, cut in half lengthwise (about 1 1/4 lb.)
2 skinned and boned chicken breasts (13 oz.)
1 tablespoon freshly ground Italian herb seasoning
1 (19-oz.) package frozen cheese-filled tortellini
1 (7-oz.) container refrigerated reduced-fat pesto
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped

Garnish: grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat grill to 300° to 350° (medium) heat. Sprinkle zucchini and chicken with seasoning.

2. Grill zucchini and chicken at the same time, covered with grill lid. Grill zucchini 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until tender. Grill chicken 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from grill; let stand 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, prepare tortellini according to package directions.

4. Coarsely chop chicken and zucchini. Toss tortellini with pesto, tomatoes, chicken, and zucchini. Serve immediately. Garnish, if desired.

Chop Chop!

For a while now I have contemplated an important issue in my life.

I would make a decision and then change my mind.

I would ask Dillon for advice. I would try to find out as much as I could about my options.

Today I made a decision. 

Before:

And Now!

 

My Secret Place

It seems that in every place I have lived, I have searched for a place to go, a path to serenity. I am no runner, not so athletic, but I do love a long walk with my dogs- especially if the destination is a beautiful one.

In Midland, my mom walks almost every day, and loves to go to the Polo Grounds which are at the edge of our neighborhood- there are horses and flat country for miles, and it really is nice.

When I was in college in Lubbock I would walk the streets north of 44th- I loved the older homes in the neighborhood.

In Dumas I would walk anywhere- the park by the YMCA, the fields by our house or around the school.

Our first apartment in Dallas had a small trail around a lake that I trained at for my first 5k. I loved seeing the family of beavers and the one crane that lived there.

Now, at our home in central Dallas, I have discovered a new favorite walk. Just off the busy street, a few blocks back, is Celestial Park, and further back, White Rock Creek Trail. The first time I discovered it, I felt like I was in the Secret Garden, and I couldn't wait to bring Dillon back. One evening a few weeks ago, Dillon and I walked there with the dogs, and the fireflies were everywhere- magical! These were captured with Dillons iphone so the quality is not the best

Playing Catch Up

So many big moments these days! Graduation, Visitors, Anniversaries, New Life!  

In May Katie came home and Mollie graduated. We celebrated her life and I took time to consider how thankful I am for her, and for the blessing of sisters. I loved spending time with these girls, it was so good for me! My parents threw a party the night of her graduation, complete with a "Hot Dog Man" and good company.



May 20th was Dillon and I's 5 year anniversary! Love this guy so much!!!

One week later, we gave my parents a memory album for their 30th Anniversary. We collected pictures and letters from family and friends. It was another moment to be thankful for! Here is a picture of them in Marathon, one of their favorite places.

In other news, our dear friends Ryan and Emily welcomed their first child, Maddox into the world! He is adorable and will be loved very well by his parents. It has been fun to be friend with them before, during, and now after their pregnancy.

I still can't believe another school year is finished- this has been the fastest year yet for sure. I'm excited about next year already- I agreed to be the new Cheerleading Coach! Those of you who know me know that I have some cheer and dance experience so hopefully that will come in handy. I have already been busy with ordering uniforms and planning for camp in August. Go Vikings!

I have recently read a couple of amazing books that I want to briefly share since we are all on the lookout for the next good book (I am anyway)

Bittersweet is a collection of stories about the authors life. The main theme of the book is how life would not be quite as sweet without the bitter.

This book I found at Salvation Army- I had heard of the author but not the book. Maybe because I had no idea what to expect, but for whatever reason I loved it and read it through in a couple of days. Basically the author realized his life was dull. He was not living a good story and so he decided to make some changes and start taking risks and found himself enjoying a much fuller life. It is not theological as much as it is the authors thoughts and ramblings but it definately will make you look at life in a new way.

For now- I am enjoying summer school, poolside time, grilled dinners and all that goes with this great season!