Thursday, September 2, 2010

Oh dear...

It's been a while, hasn't it? Funny thing is that the this entire month, I had no school. So it wasn't like I was busy or anything...just lazy, I guess :)

But not too much has happened in the last month...

My family made our annual trip to the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference. This year, we were in Orlando, so we got to spend a couple days in Disney World. Following Florida, we spent some time in Savannah, Charleston, and Charlotte. We were able to spend time with family in Charlotte, which was wonderful.

Upon coming home, I finished my LAST class for the summer and have been working. I've been able to spend some wonderful time with Daniel. Out on his boat, making dinners together, spending time with friends, and going to the beach. We've been together nine months now and it's been wonderful. I like him a whole heap :)

I've also been blessed in the time that I've spent with my family. Samantha had her regional special olympics tournament, and both my mother and father were able to be unified partners this year. Dad and mom took gold with their partners, Sam took silver (her best year yet), and mom and Sam took the sportsmanship award. We went up to Multnomah Falls for my mom's birthday and enjoyed a perfect day for a lovely hike.

Tomorrow, I'm off to Texas with my family and Daniel. We're headed to the OSU/TCU football game on Saturday and I'm THRILLED that football season is finally starting! Daniel and I are meeting up with a dear friend of his and his wife for dinner when we arrive and will also be going to Six Flags Over Texas before the game. I'm thrilled to be spending one last weekend having a blast before starting school up again.

Well friends, here's to hoping that I'll blog again soon! Oh, also, visit my new blog: shannonleephoto.blogspot.com. I'm hoping to start up a new photography adventure and would love some feedback!

Blessings and love.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Time with the (belated) birthday boy

Little man is getting more and more handsome by the minute! He's a funny little munchkin with lots of smiles to share...as long as you don't greet him right after he wakes up from a nap. It was so wonderful seeing him, his mama, and his papa. They're all coming to Portland very soon, so a double dose of my little man? Yes please!



Monday, July 12, 2010

Final baby birthday of the summer

My little man, Beckett, turned two in July! He and his parents live in North Carolina, so it's rare that I get the opportunity to see him. However, I am very thankful that I get to see him in a week(ish). Until I get pictures of my own, these are from his mama of his choo-choo birthday! He wasn't too keen on being sung to, but once he got a hold of his cake, he was just fine. I love you, little man! Can't wait to see you soon!



Wednesday, July 7, 2010

When difficulties become blessings

So, for those of you who don't know, I've been going through a lot lately. I've learned a lot about myself recently. And a lot about those around me.

A friend of mine has been so incredibly helpful. She was there for me right after I went to urgent care. She referred me to a good specialist. When I needed a good physical therapist, she pulled some strings for me. She checked up on me constantly while leading an incredibly busy life. Thank you, S.

Multiple classmates did all they could for me. Taking notes. Talking to teachers. Contacting me throughout the week to see if I needed anything. Checking with me at each class to make sure I was okay. Thank you, J, P, A, B, M, and A.

My family has been supportive. Driving up to spend time with me. Helping with payments. Praying for me. I'm so thankful for you, D, M, and S.

My boyfriend has never left my side. He was up all night with me when I went to the ER...twice. Went with me to doctor's appointments. Made sure I knew that these difficulties aren't going to do anything to us but make us stronger. Prayed for me and with me. I wouldn't have made it this far without him. I don't know what I'd do without him. Thank you, D.

But, above all, God has shown me beyond a doubt that He knows exactly what's going on. He has a plan for me. And I may get frustrated and angry and feel like He's given up on me. But He hasn't. Isn't that beautiful? He sees me pout and cry and throw a tantrum like a two year old, but He wipes my tears, wraps me up in His arms, and tells me to stay strong in my walk with Him. He's got the map and I've learned to trust Him entirely.

I'm still a work in progress. We all are. But I know now that, even when I hit a brick wall, there will be people on the other side talking me through it.

So, I'm thankful for those difficulties. They've become some incredible blessings.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Blessed

Feeling particularly blessed today. Mostly because of this guy...



Thankful for him daily.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Time to get personal

Well...sort of. I haven't done a post "about me" in a while, so here you go friends!

...I am pleased to announce that my wonderful boyfriend was accepted into the marriage and family therapy program at George Fox! He will be starting in the fall. I'm excited for another journey that we'll get to go on together.

...Summer semester has kept me so incredibly busy that it's not even funny. I took less credits than I did in the fall, but because the semester is essentially half of a normal semester, classes are longer and the workload is heavier. Next week I finish up one of my classes with a final, and the week after I finish another with a presentation. Then, my intensive trauma courses will continue throughout the summer, but at least I can just take the time to focus on those.

...In 22 days, I will be attending the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference with my family. I'm so excited and very ready for a vacation.

...In 71 days, I'm off to the TCU/OSU football game! Daniel will be coming with us and we're both so excited. I think Daniel and I are thankful that we've found someone who adores football as much as the other person.

...I'm busy with work at 24 Hour Fitness. I love the people I work with. And playing with kids that I can give back after two hours is a pretty sweet deal in my eyes.

...In a few weeks, I'll begin a two day a week babysitting job with my three lovely ladies. Catherine, Audrey, and Caroline will be mine for a few hours and I'm very much looking forward to it.

...The sunshine is finally out! I'm trying to get as much time as I can in out there, but school and work like to keep me inside. Booo.

I think that's all from me for now. But I'm looking forward to a wonderful summer!

Hope you all are well!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Growtivation

A friend of mine who is on a worship team at Church shared this video with me. I think it's fantastic...

...and true.

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.