May: In addition to the typical everyday, Isaiah & I had a new friend named Quin over on the 2nd of the month. We feasted on rosemary potroast, wonderful wine, and great conversation. He even brought a blow torch (or something akin to it) so we could finish off our own creme brulees. Creme Brulee, by the way, is completely delicious. We felt very spoiled having him over, and it was cool to meet and commune with such a unique spirit who, honestly, I had overlooked before. We are going out to high tea at the O'Henry Hotel in Greensboro with him next Tuesday (May 19th) to say our goodbyes for summer.
We also threw a birthday party for my dad the very next day (May 3rd). It was such and exciting & wonderful opportunity for Isaiah-Calli teamwork hosting two events back-to-back (Fancy Dinner with Quin and Birthday Party for Todd Cleary). Dad's b-day celebration was so great. We wrote him his own paper featuring articles about how he's been our hero, made him a hero cake, played Worst Case Scenario (because he is a pessimist at heart), and a few other games. After the cookout portion and the cake, we watched his favorite movie: "Twister." He has always loves disasters. We only recently got all of the orange streamers down. The Cleary kids, Isaiah, and the Cook family had a blast together celebrating my daddy.
I also got to skype my co-worker Ben Fauldree on the 7th. We talked about our vision and plan for drama this summer at the Boardwalk and discussed some of the skit ideas we're individually working on. The conversation made me super excited to work with him this summer. We are very different people, but I feel this is an asset that will serve us well. We also got to catch up once more with my friend, Abbi Cooke, from college. She now has a new job and renewed hope thanks to Jesus & Abbi's already positive outlook on life! My friend Katie Everett also had her baby this month, though I have still not been able to see her. It seems that, that happens a lot lately. It is harder to find time once you're married. Rant Warning: Being married is, and I mean it, one of the biggest blessings in life, but single folks, use your time well. You never know when you'll be in love and have to fight to not be with your other half 24/7. I never thought I'd be one of "those women." Turns out, I'm just as bad as every Rom-Com out there. And that is okay. I just need to make more time for people and am praying about how to do this. I feel the Boardwalk will help.
Mother's Day celebrations were fantastic. We traveled to my mom's house on the 9th (the day before Mother's Day) and made her breakfast-in-bed. However, she was no longer in bed and had technically already eaten. #We Were Later than We Planned. She was still surprised. however, and was happy to eat french toast and homemade whipped cream. Tammy, Colton's worker, gave mom a present of her own as well. She felt very loved for so early in the morning, and we felt blessed to have her. Isaiah & I then traveled to Salisbury to meet his mom, Judi, for lunch at Panera. We talked and were very encouraged by her words of wisdom and love. I might add that her sun hat and the skirt that Isaiah's sister, Londa, made her were fantastic. Judi is just so cute. *I know that it's weird but sometimes I just want to pinch her cheeks because I firmly believe she is the most adorable thing ever. However, I understand this would be weird and also really, really wrong; hence, I haven't and shan't. Oh, but how I want to!
Isaiah & I then shopped at a local thrift store and picked up a few letters for me to write to friends this summer. We also got a few more items to fill out Londa's birthday present. (Isaiah later completed Elijah's while I finished Londa's *Elijah will get his soon!) We then picked mom up from work at Starbucks and & hung out at some of her favorite spots. The Highlights: (1) Getting absolutely poured on whilst getting lost walking the trails at Catawba College. (2) Playing pianos downtown and eating ice cream at Spanky's whilst soaking wet & cold & happy. (3) Getting to be with my favorite woman on the planet.
The next day, Actual Mommy's Day, Isaiah & I went to breakfast and then church with my gran. We loved being with her! And Isaiah & I agree that her church has the fellowship & love part of things down. Being there always feels so amazing! Later we went to Concord for Londa's birthday. We had a fun time. Londa was beautiful, as always, and the tea & cakes & games provided by the fam. were phenomenal!
Monday we rested...sort of. Then...Isaiah & I volunteered at Colton's school, Stoner Thomas, on Tuesday (May 12th), for Field Day. And let me tell you, dribbling basketballs and hosting water balloon tosses with special needs kiddos and parents and some amazing teachers is exactly what the doctor ordered. We felt so fulfilled and full of love at the end of the day when we brought my brother, Colton, home. May have been tiring, but most fabulous things are. Speaking of fabulous things...
Just yesterday, Isaiah & I were able to Skype a missions organization called TEAM, and after speaking with Tom, a leader in Charlotte connected to missions teams in Japan, we feel very encouraged. For the first time in quite a while, I feel the freedom to dream about the country we are called to. Japan---I am falling even more in love with you as I fill out the initial application for TEAM. Isaiah & I look forward to pursuing this with vigor!
I now sit at the Lexington YMCA and ponder everything that this single month has brought and will bring. We still have my brother Mitch's graduation from community college this Saturday and his party on Sunday. (He is moving on to UNC Chapel Hill.) We also have tea with Quin, fun with my friend Elizabeth Cranston (my best friend here), Elijah English's birthday, and a last hurrah with my friend & co-worker, Michael, who is turning 21. All of this happens to be priority; however, at the moment, it feels like all we're doing is packing. We are in the midst of packing, and it currently takes up every free moment. Some of the boxes go to my dad's for storage and others are going with us to New Jersey for the summer. It shall be a challenge to bid everyone adieu, train whoever Colton's new worker is, try to have time with both Cleary's & Englishes, and continue to have the hots for each other during the process, but Isaiah & I serve a big God, and we are committed. #It also helps having a husband who's so attractive.
Because of all that is to be done and the transition from North Carolina to New Jersey, I probably won't be able to wright again until we're on the road or in New Jersey. Until then, walk in peace, friends. Pray that Isaiah & I remember what's important and look forward to two weeks of rest in New Jersey upon arrival.
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