An Ode to the Pacers

Well, the season is finally over. The Pacers have taken us on a wild roller coaster of ups and downs this season. Through ten regular season and three playoff games, Jake, mom, dad, and I have been with them every step of the way. If we weren't at the game, odds are Jake and I were probably watching it on Fox Sports Indiana at home. I have always liked watching sports, but I really knew and loved this Pacers team. So much so that it was almost a relief to watch the finals without all of the anxiety about if Roy was going to show up, or if Lance was going to get a technical for some of his antics. Heck, mom could even call LeBron's flops while wearing her Luis Scola shirt. If you know my mom, you know how out of character that knowledge of basketball is. 

We loved every minute of it. Is it next season yet? 

 

We chatted with cardboard Roy weekly.

Jake admired his Indy celeb crush Brooke Olzendam from afar...

Dad danced with a giant milkshake. 

We found out that Santa is also a Pacer fan.

 

We stalked Sage Steele and tried to get in the ESPN broadcast.

 

 Every game was ripe with matching outfits for Christmas cards.

We realized just how much we love Indy.

...and mom and dad showed off their Gold Swagger (they've got lots).

 

 

Love Does

A little over a year ago, I started reading the book Love Does by Bob Goff. I knew I would enjoy the book, but holy smokes, it knocked me on my butt in the best way. It made me realize that I'm stingy with my love and forgiveness. I give those things to those I deem worthy instead of giving it freely. I need to love more, and that has to be shown in my actions.

We had the absolute pleasure of hearing Bob talk in Indianapolis on Monday. We even got to meet him after the talk and he signed our copy of his book.  His whole live centers around loving others and he is bursting with joy as a result. When I grow up, I want to be Bob Goff. I highly recommend reading Love Does and I am sure you will feel the same.

 "That’s because love is never stationary. In the end, love doesn’t just keep thinking about it or keep planning for it. Simply put: love does.” 

Van's Bridal Shower

Van is getting married next month! I had the pleasure of helping out at her bridal shower this past weekend. We had absolutely beautiful weather and were able to host everything out in the fresh air. We went with a travel theme, complete with globes, maps, and pictures of Van and Greg from their trip to Vietnam (also where they became engaged!). She had a great turn out for her shower, and we all enjoyed celebrating our wonderful friend. I can't wait until the wedding in June!

Mikey Mains House Show

We were lucky enough over my spring break to host our friends in Mike Mains and the Branches for a few days while they were on tour. We were even more lucky when they agreed to play a house show for us! Such a fun Monday night. We had friends come in from Lafayette, Cincy, Indy, and even the Louisville area just for the show. Mike play songs acoustic and told stories for an hour in our living room. Many of our friends are fans of MMTB, but I think anyone who hadn't heard them before that night left with a CD or vinyl in hand. My friends even surprised me with a cake and singing for my birthday that was a few days away! It was just a really special night.

Even beyond the show it was just the best to get some quality time in with our friends in the band. They are always so busy and travel constantly, so Jake and I really treasure the time we get to spend with them every few months. We are so blessed by their friendship.

...and a little video for your listening pleasure. :)

New Life with the Youth Group

Last month I went with Jake's youth group from Anderson First UMC to New Life International in Underwood, IN. This has become an annual trip, and something I always look forward to. This year was extra exciting because we helped with the assembly of a new controller that will make the whole system more automated, and also easier to provide clean water to larger groups of people.  Lucky for us, we had its creator, Dave, with us! :) It was amazing to see how technical the inner workings of the controller were (assembling them is definitely not my forte), but even more amazing to see how God cleared a path for Dave to come to New Life International. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. Of course it's always fun to visit with all of my New Life friends for a weekend as well. I came back inspired and thankful. As usual, such a great weekend!