Journey

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Spring Break!!

I have been back to work for four days and I'm EXHAUSTED! It is amazing what one week of sleeping in can do to your body! My husband had to work all week and being the good wife that I am, I left him home alone for the week! :) I went to Brownwood, Albany, Cleburne, Keller, and Austin leaving me home in Abilene for one day.

I went to Brownwood for my third quilting retreat. Yes, I am 28 and I go on quilting retreats! I completed this quilt top and started a new quilt.

In Cleburne, I spent a day with my friend, Marlana. She and I taught together in Joshua 5 years ago. We go 6 months to a year without seeing each other, but when we get back together we never stop talking!! Wish I would have taken a picture of us. However, I did buy this cute bench while we were shopping at the big Cleburne mall! I need to add a seat cushion and some flowers.

In Keller, I spent the night with my friend, Sarah, and her family. Sarah and I became friends the week before our Freshman year at A&M. I got to celebrate St. Patty's Day with these cute little guys!

I ended a great week in Austin with two more Aggie friends, Emily and Jamie! I'll post another blog later about our weekend

Friday, March 4, 2011

An Unforgettable Man

My grandfather has always been very involved in my life no matter my age or location. Friends from elementary school, college, and current co-workers all know and remember my grandfather, John Earl Beall. He was an unforgettable man. Once you met him, you never forgot his kind words, hugs, and kisses! He always saw something good in everyone he met. Last Saturday, he went HOME to his Heavenly Father. Luckily, he was able to live a healthy and full life up until the moment he died. I actually saw him three days before and he was making jokes as usual. Every time I saw him he sang the following to me: "Mandi girl, Mandi girl, prettiest girl in the whole wide world."

This picture was taken last June.

I love this old picture of him!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Ocean Diaper Cake

My latest diaper cake for a co-worker...

Friday, February 4, 2011

Snow Days

I thoroughly enjoyed my three days off this week due to this...

I relaxed A LOT, but managed to finish this quilt top...

I also made my first pillowcase dress...

The only problem with being housebound was running out of food! Since our kitchen is being remodeled, we keep very little food in our house. I mixed these cans together for a surprisingly delicious stew!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Penguins in the Galapagos

Yes, there are penguins in the Galapagos Islands! This is the farthest north that you can find penguins. We were very fortunate to see these adorable little creatures! :)

Can you see the little guy in this picture?

Island Hopping in the Galapagos

If you travel to the Galapagos Islands, you have the option of staying on a large cruise ship or a small yacht. We chose the smaller boat so we wouldn't be traveling in a large group. We difinetly made the right decision. Our boat, Tip Top II, held 16 passengers plus 7 crew members. We spent everyday on a new island, and traveled at night to our next destination. A few days, we were even able to see two different islands. We spent 7 days on the boat and never got seasick. However, when we got off the boat after a week of swaying, we could feel the motion for 3 or 4 more days.

This is what a typical day was like:
7am breakfast
8am hike on an island to see the animals
10am morning snack
11am swim/snorkel
12pm lunch and SIESTA!
2pm snorkel/kayak
3:30pm afternoon snack
4pm hike
6:30 pm dinner
7:30 or 8:00 we went to bed (yes I know this is early!)
We ate a lot and slept a lot!! My two favorites!

Tip Top II

We rode a banga from the yacht to the island.

Hanging out on the boat was very relaxing!

The sea lion is posing perfectly in front of our boat!

Dave is standing right outside our room. We left our door open at night to enjoy the sounds and breeze of the ocean!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Birds of the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands have many unique birds that are only found on the islands. They don't have any major predators, so the birds let humans get very close to them. Some birds will even walk right up to you! I have never seen so many birds in my life!

Blue-footed boobie...