Babies growing up

So I'm still getting back in this habit so forgive me for the times I forget, like last night :)

Tonight I rejoice in these 2 cuties. And the fact that their mommies haven't forgotten about me :) I got both these pictures sent to me via text today. I also rejoice in the existence of technology so I can watch my babies grow up, even from far away.

Happy Birthday Conor!

Today I got the chance to celebrate this lil guys' birthday. It was wonderful :) I rejoice in the fact that, in spite of being very far away from a lot of people I care about, I have family close enough to spend time with and celebrate special occasions with.

I'm back!

And this is why :) with regular internet access I can rejoice in the best part of my day again. I actually got the phone yesterday but have been figuring it out (still am). The best part of my day was continuing to learn my phone...along with hanging out with my aunt and uncle.

My Cox Babies

I said my goodbyes to them today. Though,it wasn't too bad knowing I will see them in a few short weeks. But, I rejoice in having babies to love and who I know I'm going to miss terribly.

Resurrection Day!

Getting ready to move to a new town and start a new job in a matter of two weeks is crazy. But I'm attempting it. Hence the lack of blogging. But, I couldn't pass up the chance to rejoice in the fact that JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD a couple thousand years ago. And because of that and the sacrifice he made on the cross, I get to spend an eternity in heaven someday. Hallelujah! I also rejoice in a good afternoon with my sisters. Man, I'm gonna miss them...

Palm Sunday

Church both this morning and this evening were great reminders and focus on the beginning of a very special week a couple thousand years ago. I rejoice in the sacrifice my Savior made on the cross for me. And the chance to reflect on that. Also, the big secret I was talking about on Friday (though I'm sure anyone who actually reads this blog already knows by now but), I got a job! And I'm off to San Jose in 2 short weeks. I rejoice in God's provision and perfect timing.

2 Boys and Their Mom

How could this not be the best part of my day? I rejoice in Skype and the way it connects me to others around the world. And, once I am at liberty to share the other best part of my day, you'll know why I'm even more thankful for it.

Sushi, Target, and Michael's

Those are the three places Jess and I went to this evening. I like when it works out to run some errands together and get the chance to spend some time together along the way. I rejoice in a sister-in-law who is up for last minute errand running together :)

Fresca's

I made plans quite last minute to go there tonight with Oliver, Laura, and baby Gracelynn. And it worked out! I love when stuff like that happens. I rejoice in the chance to eat dinner with good friends, instead of by myself. And in the chance to see baby Gracelynn.

First time at Souplantation!

I've been spending a lot of time with Kristine lately. And I love it. Today after a crazy morning at work, we spent an hour or so at the gym. And then, I took her to Souplantation for her very first time ever! And she loved it, just like I knew she would :) I rejoice in introducing a good friend to one of my very favorite places to eat. And more importantly, the chance to spend more time together.

Workout

With my wonderful friend Kristine. I love her. And the fact that an hour on the treadmill goes by so quickly with her next to me. I rejoice in how great I feel from an evening at the gym with a good friend.

Movie Day

With Emily. Between last night and today we watched 3 different movies. Sometimes it's good to just chill out and not do much. This was one of those days. I rejoice in entertaining movies and a cute girl to watch them with. I also rejoice in a quick hangout with my bestie this evening.

Old Roomie

I've been seeing a lot of old friends lately. And I love it. Today was no different. I had lunch with my old roomie, Amanda. It was so great to catch up and here about all the exciting things going on in her life. I rejoice in a roommate who became a friend and the chance to spend some time with her.

Kristine

A really great friend from work. I spent 18 hours with her today, between work and hanging out at her house. And I loved every minute of it. I rejoice in time spent with a great woman.

Long Lasting Friendship

I'm pretty sure the best part of my day is always when I get to spend time with people, if that happens. And today was no different. I got to catch up with my dear friend Rachel, a friend from the y and the bold program. 2 great things I miss dearly. I rejoice in friendships that last through life changes.

Rainforest Cafe

We went there for sibling birthday lunch today to celebrate our amazing sister Rebecca. It was a wonderful time of being together. We seriously have so much fun when we are all together. And, we called and chatted a bit with the North Carolina peeps so that made it even better. Once again I rejoice in the Lord blessing me with a family who I completely enjoy spending time with.

Laid Back Saturday

I slept in. I had lunch with Rachel and Ryan and did a bit of shopping. I chilled at the Gallina's house for awhile. I had a nice chat with Melanee. I went to dinner with the Gallina family, including Ron and Rach. Then I chilled at the Gallina's some more. I rejoice in days of not really doing much but being with the people you love.

8 Hours

At the Cox residence. Just hangin out. Not doin much. I rejoice in that.

Meeting Gracelynn

Does it get much better than meeting a brand new life for the first time? I think not. And I've been getting to do that a lot lately. Today I got to meet baby Gracelynn. She is the cutest ever. I rejoice in yet another lil life to love on.

Tastefully Simple

I went to a party tonight. Tastefully simple sells yummy food products. So it meant free dinner :) we all know how I love free food. I rejoice in fun party and some free food.

Gracelynn!

Was born today :) I rejoice in another new life that I get to be a part of. Huge congrats to dear friends Oliver and Laura!

Waffles and Poolside Chats

That's how I spent my morning with Rach, Jess, and Em. All those girls are seriously great and I love getting to eat yummy food with them and enjoy some nice, California sunshine with them. I rejoice Ina morning with my sisters.

Last Minute Sibling Time

I had dinner tonight with Bec, Ron, Rach, and MK. It was planned only a couple hours before. So glad it worked out. Man, I love those peeps! I rejoice in unexpected time with some of my very favorite people.

Does the pic look weird?

Amiga

I had dinner tonight with one of my very favorite "amigas", Lissette, and her adorable lil boy Daniel. Man, my friends have cute kids:) I rejoice in some good catch up time with a friend who I don't get to see much these days.

Nothing

That's what I did today. It was much needed. I rejoice in the chance to rejuvenate.

Wendy's

I went there for lunch today with my brother Ronnie. I rejoice in the chance for some catch up time. Also, banana has no regards for my sleeping habits :) therefore they are all out of whack. Hence the reason I have not blogged the last few days. No worries though, I changed the time for the reminder on my iPad.

Teamwork

That makes cleaning the house just a bit easier. Which is exactly what the roomie and I did today. Worked together to make our house pretty. I rejoice in a clean house.

Surprise Visit

A friend came in to work tonight. That always makes the night seem better. I rejoice in the chance to spend a few unexpected moments with a friend on my lunch break.

Spaghetti, Evangelism Class, Cafeteria Food, Etc.

These are just a few of the things that I enjoyed over the last 24 hours or so with my wonderful sister Rachel. I seriously love that girl! And seeing how much she has grown and matured, in just the last few months even. I also loved getting a small peek into her daily life and the chance to spend some time with some of the people who are most important to her. Good people. Not only did I get to spend a majority of the day with her, I also got to observe my friend Sam in his professor roll, catch up a bit with Ashley while she trimmed my hair and also meet the adorable lil boy she babysits, and watch some biggest loser and chat a bit with Emily. When I wasn't doing those things, the time I spent with Rachel included not only the things mentioned in my title, but also watching her serve her heart out by working super hard at her Finland team spaghetti dinner and cleaning up after, chatting until 1 am, coffee, class, lunch, errands to smart and final, chase, and the daily brew, dinner, straightening her apt, hw, and a quick cat nap. All while lighting up every room she entered. I kept saying I was too old to live the life of a college student but, in all actuality, I think it was just the fact the I did not sleep well AT ALL last night. Had I been better rested, I wouldn't have felt so old ;) it was totally worth every minute though. I rejoice in the opportunity for some much needed time with a sister who means the world to me.

Happy Birthday Laura!

Cheap dinner, cheap movie, food friends. That makes for a good night :) and the perfect birthday celebration for a friend who is about to pop. I rejoice in the existence of Laura and the chance to celebrate her bday.

Time with Ann

Anyone who reads this knows the title really says it all. Time with Ann is probably one of my favorite things. I seriously love hanging with her. She is the greatest. And always knows just what to say to me. I rejoice in the chance to spend time with one of my very favorite people.

Interview!

I had one today. And, regardless of what happens from it, it was nice to make it this far in the process finally. I rejoice in the chance to "strut my stuff".

Reading by Firelight

Even though it wasn't even that cold today (let's be real, it was actually kinda hot), I stilled enjoyed spending the latter part of my evening reading an awesome commentary on Galatians outside by the fire at Panera. While waiting for my lil bro to finish up at church. After a nice little trip to Target for some groceries, a new book, and a birthday present. I love buying presents! This was all after sleeping til noon today. Since I worked until 3 am last night. Hence the reason for no post last night. And now it's time to sleep, since I'm back to work at 6 am tomorrow. I rejoice in lots of little, good things. Like reading by the fire :)

Catching Up

With my Emily. That's what I did this morning. Since I am in the process of looking for a new church now, I don't get to see her on Sunday mornings anymore, let alone mid week when she's at school. So, for that reason, I'm thankful for days like today when we can grab breakfast and I can catch up on her life. Man, I love that girl! I rejoice in the bond we have and the chance to spend some time with her.

Girlfriends

It's good to have them. And spend the morning at coffee and church with them. And then the afternoon chatting and seeing a movie. I rejoice in the existence of Kristine and Chrisann :)

Pretty Nails

There's just something about having painted nails that makes you smile. I rejoice in having the time to paint my nails.

Hard Work

Something about it just makes you feel good about yourself. And I worked my butt off tonight at work. And I'm exhausted because of it. But it's a good exhausted :) I rejoice in a job well done, even if it is just changing the window displays...

Skype with Mom

I don't think either of us would survive this long distance thing if it wasn't for things like Skype. I rejoice in the chance to talk with my mommy face to face, even when we don't have much to say.

Roommate

I like mine. And doing things like going to Chik Fil A for rain check and then Starbucks to read with her. I rejoice in the fact that I like hanging out with my roommate.

Valentine's Breakfast

For dinner. With my good friends Laura and Oliver. And Laura's sister Christine. It was a fun evening and I so appreciate these friends always looking out for me on "love day". Laura even text me earlier today to say that she prayed for "my man". How good of a friend is that? I rejoice in being kept from feeling lonely today.

Valentine Plans

I don't really care all that much that tomorrow is valentines day. Mostly cause I just act like it doesn't exist :) But, it was very nice today when two different friends, one married and one single, text me to make plans tomorrow. I rejoice in friends who care about my heart :)

Goodnight Robyn. Love You

Said in the most fake "sad" two year old voice you have ever heard. I rejoice in my heart melting :)

Short and Sweet

Spenta bit of time with my sis today. I love her. And rejoice in chances to hang out with her.

Boats. Tickles. Books. Tents.

Those are just some of the things that I got to share with Ava today. And, I got to spend time with her wonderful mommy and adorable baby brother while doing it. On a slightly related but not exactly the same note, isn't cool when you have this random thought in your head and ON THE VERY SAME DAY the Lord sorta confirms it by having your BFF bring up THE EXACT SAME THING? I'm not gonna tell you what it is yet,mbut I'm sure you'll find out someday :) I rejoice in having an amazing best friend and the chance to love on her super cute kids.

Energy!

I am seriously energized by being with people and having a task to complete. I rejoice in the opportunity for both of those at work tonight. Working out probably played a role in that as well:)

Lunch @ CBU

With my beautiful sister. And 2 great Gallina girls. Oh, and my brother Ronnie. I love these people. I rejoice in the chance to spend a bit of time with them.

Free Yogurt

Cause today was national frozen yogurt day. I always rejoice in free food :)

Super Bowl Sunday

At the sis and bro in law's. It was just a chill afternoon with lots of yummy food. I rejoice that I have somewhere to spend my Sunday afternoon and siblings (and spouses/gf's) who I love.

Loving on Baby Gracelynn and Partying Disco Style

That about sums up my day :) The earlier part of the day began with a baby shower for my dear friend Laura and her new little one Gracelynn. It was a fun, special shower celebrating some very special people. From there I headed over to my friend David's 30th birthday party, disco style. A night of fun dancing and hanging out with good friends. The Krakes certainly know how to throw a good party. Both of these events were so good for me. After quite a few days of not doing much else besides working, some good social time did my extroverted heart good. I rejoice in spending time with good people.

Baking and Laughing

With my sissy Becca. It does the heart good. I rejoice in a sister I love.

Tomorrow is a New Day

And for that I am thankful. Other than the few hours I spent at work this morning, I'm pretty sure I did almost nothing productive today. It was pretty much an overall blah day. But, I rejoice that tomorrow I get a fresh start :)

Free Panini and a Good Book

That's how I spent my morning. With my roomie. At Corner Bakery. It was a good start to the day. I rejoice in free food and so many good books in the world.

Household Chores

I actually did quite a few of them today. And it's funny how good that can make you feel about yourself :) I rejoice in clean, folded, and put away laundry. Among other things.

Thrifting and Walking

Those are two things the roomie and I did today. We are going to a 70's bday party on Saturday and had to get something to wear. We were both quite successful. Then we went to the park and walked a couple of miles. I rejoice in having a roommate who I enjoy spending time with.

Text Messages

I received a few different encouraging ones today. I rejoice in the blessing of encouragement via technology.

Long Day at Work

If it wasn't for the fact that I truly love so many of my coworkers, I would not survive days like today when I spend 9 hours at Banana Republic. But, since I'm blessed to work with so many great people, it really wasn't all that bad :) I rejoice in having friends at work.

Roomie's Computer

If it wasn't for my very gracious roommate, I would not be able to finish up the last class I'm working on (Spanish). This class is seriously high tech and much of it cannot be completed on my iPad or even computers like my brother's mini and the computers in the Biola library. Crazy, huh? Anyway, thanks to my roommate I've been able to use her computer each week to do my assignments. I rejoice in having a generous roommate.

Lounging

After a full shift at work, that's all I did the rest of the day. And my body needed it since I am getting over being sick. I rejoice in having the time to lay around for a bit.

God's Got My Back

Sometimes I freak out and wonder how I am going to pay the bills and make ends meet and what's going to happen if I don't get a "real job" soon. But then I have days like today that remind me that the Lord has me in the palm of his hand and he's going to continue to look out for me. Today I got a $25 gas card and a $25 grocery card for running a fairly simple errand for a friend and her job. And then, a few hours later, a coworker asked me if I could cover her shift on Friday. To top it off, I came home to super yummy tamales in my fridge courtesy of my wonderful landlord. I rejoice that the little things God uses to show me his love add up to a big reminder that everything is gonna be ok.

Farrell's

For ice cream. And more sibling time. The siblings far outweigh the ice cream. I rejoice in how much I've seen them all lately.

Football. Chicken Enchiladas. Laughing. Yogurt. Poker.

Those are just a few of the things involved in a fun filled afternoon with all my siblings (minus b-i-l Michael). It is seriously so good to have Randall here. I think more than a few of us will have a hard time saying goodbye on Wednesday. But for now, I rejoice in the fact that he is here and that him being here has brought the rest of us together so many times over the last few days.

Just Like Old Times. Well, Sorta

First off, I was out to late last night hanging with all my siblings, which is why I didn't post. That was obviously the best part of my day though :) As far as today, tonight I went to my old church with my best friend cause her hubby was subbing for their worship team. This is the church where her and my friendship developed so it was just like old times. Only not :) cause we sat in the "parent room" instead of the college room. And she had her two little ones. And none of our old friends were there. In spite of all the differences though, it was still great to be back there with her. And spend the evening afterward hanging out at her house, where I watched a movie and she fell asleep. I rejoice in the fact that some things never change :)

Fun with Coworkers

I love it when some of my favorite people at work are scheduled at the same time I am. It makes work so much more enjoyable and go by so much faster. Today was one of those days. I rejoice in working with good people.

Randall is in California!

And that in and of itself is totally worth rejoicing in! We had a fun day today :)

I love when I make good food

That is also good for me. That's what I did tonight for dinner. I rejoice in having food on my table, especially when it tastes good and is healthy :)

Sister Chill Day

Today was one of those. And it was better than being home alone :) I rejoice in having my sis to hang out with. And to feed me yummy food ;)

A Second Home

So before my parents moved I used to spend a lot of my Sunday afternoon and evenings at their house. And I really miss that. But, thankfully, the Gallina family is great about welcoming me into their home. Today I spent the afternoon and evening with them. I rejoice in having another home to spend Sunday afternoons at.

Ambrose Kemper

That's the name of my brother Ryan's character in his latest musical, Hello Dolly. And man, let me tell you, he does an amazing job! It's so fun watching my "baby" brother up there having the time of his life. I rejoice in the chance to watch him perform tonight.

Work Friends

I like hanging out with them, enough to drive to Brea on my night off :) I rejoice in having awesome coworkers and the chance to spend some chill time with them.

Tassel

So, on graduation day somehow the tassel fell off of my cap but I didn't realize it until I got home. I was very sad :( However,I went to Biola today and they still had 2011 tassels for sale. As silly as it seems, I rejoice in having my very first tassel.

Reading For Pleasure

I rejoice in having the time to do so :)

Joan's Kitchen

It really is a great place to be. Cause she makes super yummy food. And is great to talk to. I rejoice in a wonderful evening catching up with a great friend.

2 babies in 3 days?

Waking up to find out that one of your greatest friends gave birth while you were sleeping really starts your day off great :) the only thing that could have made it better is if they weren't so far away :/ Even still, I rejoice in the birth of Daniel David Clifton!

Meeting Lincoln

He's seriously adorable. And no, I'm not biased. I could sit and hold him for hours. I rejoice in another new little one who I can love on and spoil rotten. Cause that's what "aunties" do, right?

Home All Day

I can't remember the last time that was the case. I literally didn't leave the house the entire day. Now, while that isn't really the preferred norm for me, I suppose it is good to do every once in awhile. It means I got quite a bit done around the house. And I did a good amount of relaxing. And I plucked my eyebrows! I rejoice in a day spent at home.

New life

So totally worth rejoicing in. As my best friend gave birth to her second child today I can't help but sit here in intense excitement at the anticipation of meeting him. There is just something to be said for new life coming into the world. Welcome to this amazing, beautiful thing we call life, Lincoln David Cox!

Cleaning

I rejoice in the chance to do some of that. Like taking down Christmas decor. Something about it just makes you feel good.

3 miles

That's how far I walked today with my dear, sweet Emily. Then we came home and had a healthy snack of an apple for me and celery for her. And then she made us a healthy dinner. Plus, I resisted the candy on the table at work today and ate cuties instead. I rejoice in taking good care of yourself and feeling good about it :)

Coworker, but more importantly, friend

That describes my coworker Kristine. Someone I love working with. And hanging out with. We had a fun day at work and then a fun evening hanging out afterwards. I rejoice in having people in my life, like Kristine, who I love to be around.

New Beginnings

New Years Day is a fairly obvious opportunity. I'm going to take advantage of that opportunity :) and not just on my blog. But I'm also not going to talk about them. I'm just going to "do". I will talk about the blog though :) In coming back to my blog to start afresh I deccided to go back through some of them. I can't believe it was over a year ago that I started blogging. This really is such a cool place to see the things God has done in my life. I rejoice in the chance for new beginnings, a fresh start and seeing what God has in store for 2012! Oh, and I'm going to somehow figure out how to upload pics from my iPad. It just makes the posts that much better :)