Thank You.

Well its been another wonderful week as it was the first WHOLE week that Annabel and I hung out together. We missed her sister dearly but had lots of fun going to the park, taking walks & walking walking walking! She is a mover now as she can walk on her own. She gets the biggest smile when she walks across the room and that smile just makes my heart flutter. She is such an amazing little girl and I am so thankful for the time I get to spend with her! We went to a play group on wednesday which she loves as there are other kids to run and play with! Our schedule now consists of music class on tuesday and play group on wednesday! Alicia is loving school and learning so much! It is fun to pick her up after school to see all the little kids in uniforms file out looking for their mum or dad & to see the huge smile on their faces when they spot them in the crowd! I love the feeling I get knowing that she looks for me : ) I will say she is pretty tired after the school day and gets a little fussy. That is probably the hardest part of watching someone else's children is knowing how to deal with them when they wont listen. I know that things will always be like this with any child but I want our relationship to be strong and for her to trust & respect me. I love her so much and am going to be so sad to leave in 4.5 months. (cant believe how fast time is going!)
I did watch the Superbowl, which was at 10am monday morning for me! I was sad I didn't get to see the commercials but I did love the half time show!!

This weekend was one of my friends last weekends as she leaves next Sunday, So Saturday we went out downtown & had lunch along the Yarra river which was delicious as we shared a pizza and dip platter yummmy! We went to the Ian Potter museum to browse the artwork since Corinna hadnt been there yet! We had some coffee and ventured over to the Docklands where there was a Japanese Summer Festival which was SO much fun. We saw some traditional dancing, music playing and sumo wrestling... let me say it wasn't with big fat guys but scrawny skinny ones and its a sight that I hope to not see again! It was fun to see so many different cultures come together and learn of traditions.

Lunch at Blue Train Cafe

Japanese music

Corinna & I (I am going to miss her so much)

Lets just say his "speedo" was to big and the full moon came out

Sunday we went to the St. Kilda Festival which reminded me a lot of Grand ol days and a little like the State Fair but on a small small scale. There was so much going on as we saw several bands play, dancing lessons, rides for little kids & tons of different foods & booths selling stuff. It was very very good people watching as there is some crazy fashion down here. It started to rain so we scooted into a Tapas bar and had a Corona & a tiny tiny spanish sandwich. It was fun to just be surrounded by all the people and see that everywhere around the world they have festivals and celebrations to bring everyone together! 

amazing things like this all through the street

headphones made out of milk cartons! 

the penguins come out at night so they need a crossing sign

Gunna miss her <3

Luna Park

This week I found myself this week saying over and over again, "Thank you God" at everything I was doing. I am so so thankful for all these memories God is giving me to experience. I have been reading Colossions and am learning so much through what God wants to do with me and how I need to live my life day in and day out. There are several verses that have stuck out to me and give me so much joy.

"The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope" 1:5

"From the very first day you heard and recognized the truth of what God is doing, you've been hungry for more" 1:6 This is so true in my life right now as I want to learn more and more and serve

"As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how you do YOUR work" 1:10

"I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ"2:2

"Your old life is dead. your new life , which is your real life, even though invisible to spectators, is with Christ in God. He is your life." 3:3

"And regardless of what else you put on, wear LOVE. It's your basic all purpose garment, never be without it" 3:14

Hope these will bring you hope and direction and something to live by as I am doing my best to live by the word. 

I am booking my flight to Sydney over March 16th weekend for St. Patricks days! I am so excited to go and see this new place with a familiar face : ) 

My parents and I are planning our 2 week trip when they come in July and let me say I cant wait! I am so excited to see my parents and experience the beauty here with them & show them where I have lived for what will be 6 months! Jeep tour through the rain forest, boat trip to go out to the great barrier reef and snorkel, eat lots of delicious food & deepen our relationship while experiencing Australia. 

Tomorrow (for me) is Valentines day and I must say that I am sad to not be working with all my Lexington Floral family. This is the best time of the year as I have over 10 valentines to spend the day with. I love this time of year being a florist even tho its crazy busy but its those late nights and laughs that make every moment count. I am making dinner with Alicia for vday! Stuffed butternut squash cannelloni with ice cream sundaes! I am so excited to cook : ) I hope everyone spends the special day with someone they love or several people they love. I am so grateful to have this family to be with on feb 14th. 

Have a wonderful week full of LOVEEEEEEE.

E