Some thoughts on notes and Encouragement

The last few weeks I've been doing a lot of reflecting during my times in prayer with the Lord, taking a look at myself and pondering how I can be better.

I realized something about myself that I've really become very lax on. Something that at one time was always on my mind and somehow unintentionally I've let go.

I realized I don't pray for my friends nearly enough as I should.

Sure, I try to encourage them, call, text, and email them as much as I can. But more than anything I think as much as I want my friends to think about me I want them to be praying for me. For the things I tell them I need prayer for but also for maybe the things they don't know.

Most of my friends do not live near me, so unfortunately we don't get to meet regularly, because of this I feel even more convicted to pray for them. To pray for the things I know going on in their lives, but more importantly to pray for the things that I don't know, for the things they don't know yet. The things unseen, and the things God has yet to do, but will in their lives. 

Along with this I wanted to do something practical, something to encourage them daily. I love a good little hand written note in the mail. And since I firmly believe that in order to have good friendships you have to be a good friend and exemplify those qualities yourself that you want in a friend. 

I've started weekly taking a small group of friends (3-5) and writing them a little note of encouragement on Sunday nights. And mailing them Monday morning, so that they get this little note at some point during the week. The next week, I'll pick a different group and send them a note. And so on, and so on. You get the idea. Continually rotating who gets a note each week. I hope it gives them a little happiness as they open their mail box, and gives them encouragement to know someone is thinking about them and praying for them. 

So here's my encouragement for you today; how can you show someone you love, a friend how much you care about them? How can you encourage them today? 

In my opinion the best things are small, but they are intentional and that's what matters most. 

*******

I like to get my note cards in the dollar bins at Target, Michael's and the Dollar Store. They always have some pretty note cards, stickers and stamps to make a note extra special. 

Picture Taking.....

I've been taking lots of pictures the last couple weekends, which is good! It's what I love. I love giving families and couples beautiful photography to remember these moments in their lives.

I've been gone the last two weekends out of town, picture taking. It's been wonderful, but I am also looking forward to this weekend being home with my family.



Aren't they gorgeous?! They are having a baby, I couldn't be more excited for them! See more of this lovely couple, go here and visit my photography site!

{Into the Weekend}

Last week we had lots of friends in town for our denominations General Council Conference. One of the great things about ministry is all the events and conferences through out the year that allow you to catch up with friends who are so scattered around the U.S. We aren't always able to go to everything these days, but we were fortunate that this years General Council was held in Phoenix!

Orion and I took Tuesday and headed to the conference. Where we met up with my BFF & College Roommate Sara and her husband. They live in Wisconsin and so it was so nice to see them, I haven't seen her for about a year.



Orion and I also visited the North Central Alumni booth, where he and Ava got their picture taken with the Ram! Ava was fascinated, can't you tell?!!

Later that evening we met up with our friend Dave, who Pastors in Minnesota. He was in our wedding, and we also haven't seen him since we moved to Arizona. It was a lot of fun catching up, and seeing him. Next time Dave, bring that beautiful wife and kiddos!



The rest of the week we spent hanging out with Sara and her family. I spent all day Friday with them. They also have family living here now, so I'm looking forward (hoping) they come visit more often!

On a complete side note, the beginning of this month marked two years that Orion and I have been living in Arizona now! Two years, doesn't seem like a long time and I can honestly say that it's gone by so fast!  Orion completed his first class of his Graduate program this week, congrats Hubby! We're so proud of you, 143!

As we head into the weekend, I'm excited because Orion is coming home early today! Can you say MommaNeedsABreak?!!  We're taking Ava to a kids festival tomorrow at the local Christian book store where they are showing the new Veggies Tales movie!

Don't forget, if you have a question for me leave it in the comment section below or email me andreaworley[at]live[dot]com

Happy Weekending Everyone!

My Trip to Minneapolis

I realized that I hadn't yet shared about my Minneapolis trip, it was a whirlwind weekend filled with a lot of things but it was a lot of fun too! It was my first ever solo trip sans the baby and my Husband I've taken since Ava was born. Truth be told I wasn't nervous at all about leaving, I know my Husband is more than capable of taking care of her and holding things down here at home. So it made me leaving for the weekend a little less stressful.

I had an early morning flight on the 17th, which with the time zone change ended up being later in Minneapolis. When I stepped off the plane and into the airport a funny feeling hit me that this wasn't my home anymore. A city where I spent the better part of seven years was no longer home, but very familiar to me. The truth is it'll always be apart of me, and it'll always feel a little bit like home.

My friend Jessie picked me up and we headed to lunch. I spent the rest of the weekend soaking up as much time with Jessie and her family {they are some of our best friends} kinda wishing that Orion and Ava were with me during this time. Running back and forth to Miss Minnesota events {since that's what I came for} and then Saturday I got to have lunch with some amazing ladies.

I miss these girls a lot. It's been hard for me here to form friendships, I miss my friends every day. So getting to spend just a little time with them and catch up was such a blessing. They are the kind of friends who when you see each other again you just fall right back into where you left off. They each mean something different to me, and I am so thankful and grateful to call each of them friend. Jessie I saw in February, but the other three I hadn't seen since last year when I was in Minneapolis for my baby shower. It was long over due.

Thanks girls for coming to see me and spend the afternoon with me! I miss you all more than I can say, but so thankful to have seen you. Let's all plan a vacation for you to come to Arizona next, I think that sounds like fun! 

Next up, pageant deets!

Starting A New Year

I can't believe that this month is almost already over, where did January go? We've had a busy, busy month here at the Worley House. I don't mind it, I actually like to stay busy but I wish time wasn't going by so fast. Here's little bit about how we've spent the last month;

My Mom, Brothers and Sister in Law came to spend New Years with us here in Arizona. It was awesome to have them all here, we packed them into our 950 square foot apartment and it wasn't as bad or nearly as crammed as I expected it to be. We all were troopers and made the space work for us. We had a lot of fun having them here, to enjoy this holiday with us. We miss our family a lot so it was good to have them here.



Orion and my brothers spent New Years Day at the Fiesta Bowl watching the Oklahoma Sooners win. Remember Orion saying "this is his Miss America" well it pretty much is just like that. I'm glad he was able to make it to a game, and that my brothers could go along with and they all could spend some time together. 

Right after my family left, she came to visit! You've heard me talk about Elizabeth before here, here, , here and here. She needs no introduction. She came to visit us for 4 days, I'm so glad that she got the chance to meet Ava and spend some time with her. We had a great weekend watching Miss America, going to the Farmer's Market, did some shopping, hanging out and laughing a lot! She's competing at Miss Minnesota this summer I'm so very proud of her, and graduates this Spring from college, someday she's going to be my live in nanny and teach Ava. Someday.

With all these visitors and exciting things the month has flown by us!

Ava turns 10 months old, today! Crazy how fast time is flying by. I kinda want to freeze time just a little bit, she's growing to fast. I'm planning and finishing up things for her first birthday party in March. I can't wait to celebrate this day!

On an even more personal note, the church that Orion and I moved to Arizona for to take a position at has closed its doors, our last service was yesterday. Now, obviously churches don't just close for no reason, and this has not happened over night, it was a shock to us but we are not surprised on some aspects (if that makes any sense) anyway without going into the nitty gritty we are facing some decisions, I ask if you think about it to pray with us and for us about what's next for us. There are a lot of things up in the air, and we have a lot to pray about. But, we know that God has a plan for us, we are no stranger to change or transition. But, really in my heart I didn't foresee any of these events taking place when we moved here almost two years ago, but God knew. I would really like to be settled and have our family plant some roots and have a place be "home." But as much as I would like that I am realizing that where ever we are together that is home, and as long as we're doing what God wants us to be doing we have a peace.

So, as we look forward to the next few months we're optimistic and praying about what is next. We're going to enjoy our daughter turning ONE and having family here once again!

How has the first month of a brand new year been for YOU?

Magical Families

I'm excited to share with you a special event and organization that my friend Melissa and her family are apart of:

From the Magical Families website:

Magical Families are people passionate about adoption. We have adopted, been adopted, or are planning to adopt – internationally or domestically – or we simply have a passion about orphans finding forever families.

We’re people who love getting together with other adoption advocates to support, encourage and celebrate the unique opportunities and challenges adoption brings.

If you consider yourself a Magical Family then this is YOUR community. Share ideas, post comments, ask questions and make plans to attend the Magical Families Gathering on October 7-9, 2011! Imagine the thrill of experiencing Disney with families who share the incredibly special common bond of adoption. We’re anticipating friendships that will last a lifetime!

I've been reading a lot of blog from individuals and families that are trying to adopt, my heart goes out to them, I pray for them, and sometimes wish that I had all the money in the world to give to them to help support & fund their adoptions. Because no amount of money should separate a family from a child. 

During our fertility struggle there were many times Orion and I talked about adoption if we couldn't have our own children. I think families who adopt are so special and amazing, it's so precious to choose a child and give him or her a better life, and so much love. 

If you get a chance jump on over to their website and check out what they are doing! Give them some love and find out how you can be apart if you are one of these "Magical Families."

http://magicalfamilies.wordpress.com/

image credit: Magical Families website

Weekend Mash Up

This weekend went by super fast, usually I don't have really busy weekends it was surprisingly busy and very fun. This past week on Monday was my birthday, Friday was my friend Jennie's birthday. For the last two years we've been able to celebrate our days together. 

This year Jennie called and surprised me on my birthday telling me she'd gotten us tickets to see Colbie Caillat in concert on her birthday. She's such a selfless and kind friend to me. I was over joyed to get to celebrate together again on our birthdays. 

Friday night, Jennie and Julie made the trip to Phoenix and we headed to the State Fair where the concert was held. Got FREE tickets into the fair from a very nice lady. Such an unexpected blessing!

After the concert we headed to Jennie's fave the Cheesecake Factory for dinner & of coarse cheesecake! It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a night of just girlfriends, laughter and friendship it was very much needed. 

The concert was so fun, it's been so long since I've been to a live concert. Colbie does a great live show, it was fun to see her in person. Her music is so happy, upbeat, hopeful and full of life. She's a pretty awesome dresser too, I was drooling over her boots and easy goin' style by the end of the night. 

We had 7th row center seats! IT.WAS.AWESOME! That's to Dusty and her mad ticket skills! I had a lot of fun with your girlies, thank you for taking me! Jennie, Happy Birthday dear friend! 

BIG, thanks as well to my Hubby for watching Ava and letting me have a night with the girls! I appreciate you so much. 

I love finding free things to do in the community that I can go to, or my family can take advantage of. Saturday, I found a Mommy & Me event that Destination Maternity was holding in Scottsdale. Ava and I went to the event, it was a lot of fun. They had a ton of activities to do, free food, and free goodie bags! You all know how much I love free, especially free goodies! 

Also, while we were there I got to hear a seminar by Scott Cohen author of Eat, Sleep, Poop. It was awesome to hear him speak and his take on "common sense parenting" as he puts it. Check him out here, if you'd like. 

Saturday night, Ava started crawling! And Sunday, she turned 7 months old! (more on those things later) 

How was your weekend????

Happy Monday!!! 

Miss South Central 2010

Yesterday night, I was wishing I was in Waseca, MN for the Miss South Central Pageant. I wanted in anticipation to get a text from a friend announcing the winners that evening. My friend Elizabeth was competing for the title of Miss South Central. It was a little over a year ago I was persuading her to run in Miss Twin Cities, she did. And she did really amazing for her first pageant. 

I've had the honor and privilege of knowing Elizabeth since she was sixteen years old. We met when I was a youth leader at a local church in Minneapolis. She was in the youth group, in my girls discipleship group, we went on a missions trip together, and through the years I've not only had the chance to mentor such an amazing young lady, but also she's become my dearest of friends. 

I couldn't feel more proud to hear her name be announced as the winner of Miss South Central 2010. She's an amazingly talented young women, with passions, dreams and convictions. She is a person who lights up a room, is so friendly and personable, and loves people. 

I feel so proud to have been part influence in this title. SO proud to call her friend, and get to share in this exciting journey. Words can't express enough great things about this girl, and the amazing family she's got behind her. 

Elizabeth, 

As you take the next steps in this amazing year ahead of you I know that it's going to be a year of changes and growth. You're going to have so many great experiences along the way. I just can't wait for others to get to see the amazing lady I already know. Your passion and drive with your platform is inspiring. I know that you're going to WOW everyone! Take all this in. Let it change you for the better. Let it be a learning experience. I love you so much, and I can't wait to hear about everything you do. With all my heart, I'm so proud of you and honored to be in your life.

Andrea

Our Iowa Trip

It was a lot of fun to be able to go home and surprise most of my family, my sister had the best reaction out of all of them when I surprised her at work. From there the next 9 days were filled with lots of family time, swimming, and hanging out with friends. 

Being able to go home was just what I needed. I'm so thankful that my Parents flew me home for the week to be with them. Ava met a lot of family for the first time, they all loved her and she loved them!

I was a little nervous about flying for the first time with her, I didn't know what to expect. And at many times I wanted to take to the blog world to seek your advice but I couldn't or else it would have for sure ruined the surprised. 

She did great! I strapped her into the baby Infantino carrier that we had and we trolled through security and through the airport like I was a Kangaroo and she was my Joey! 

She slept through the first flight and woke up on the second just in time for me to feed her. She hardly made a peep, and many of the passengers commented that they didn't even know that there was a baby on board. That made me all sorts of proud that she did so well, and didn't bother anyone. 

Ava swam at Grandma & Grandpa's for the very first time. I got her a little shaded floating ring, and she kicked and squealed the whole time, I think she likes the water. 

It was so fun for me to be able to hang out with my family, go to lunch with my Sisters, Mom and Auntie. There was so schedule, no plans, just us and family doing what we do best loving on each other. 

I hit up some of my favorite eatery places at home, there's a few places you have to eat at that you can't get anywhere else. 

My friend Lisa came from Mason City, IA and met me for the day and I got to meet her sweet baby boy Cooper!

The girls traveled from Minnesota for the weekend to come visit us and meet Ava for the first time. It was my first time as well meeting my friend Jessie's sweet boy Jimmy. 

It was so good to see them, I didn't want them to leave and truth be told I didn't want to leave. It was so hard saying good-bye to my family this time. But, I'm so thankful for the time that we got to spend with them while we were home. 

Ava and I had a great trip. 

When we got to the airport to leave to come back to Arizona, they told me my connecting flight was delayed an hour. That put my lay over with Ava at 4 hours. I didn't know what I was going to do in Denver for 4 hours, the amazing lady at the United Airlines counter found me an earlier flight and put me on the stand by list. 

With no guarantee that I'd make the flight via stand by, I prayed and hoped that I could make it from one gate to the next and get on that flight putting us home at 8:30 pm instead of 12 am! The two flights were so close together that we had to rush getting off one plane to make the connecting one. 

We got to the gate, and I was #1 on the stand by list and I had to wait a bit, but we got on the earlier flight. I fed Ava, and she slept the whole flight home. 

We are happy to be home with Orion again, we sure missed him! 

Ava made the trip so easy, I'm looking forward to flying and traveling with her again really soon. Ok, well not really soon but at least I know what to expect this next time around. 

Father's Day & Other Things

A couple days before I left for my Iowa trip, Orion and I made a day of it and tripped it up to Cottonwood & then Flagstaff with some friends. I went with some of my girlfriends to pick up my bridesmaid dress for a friend's wedding this August. 

We met up later with our Husbands and kiddos and had dinner together before heading home. Ava hung out with my friend Julie's boys. We had a ton of fun, and I can't wait for the wedding later this summer. 

June 20th, Orion celebrated his very first Father's Day! We went out to breakfast that morning to celebrate. Ava wore her "I Heart My Dad" onesie, we ate, Orion opened gifts from Ava & I and we had an amazing morning. 

Later that day, Orion took Ava and I to the airport. It was a bummer to be flying out on Father's Day but Orion assured me over and over again that he'd be ok and was ok with us flying out that day. 

Ava wasn't to into taking pictures that day, she was more into checking out everyone at IHOP that morning. I made Orion a canvas with prints of their hands together. (more on this project later)

M.I.A for Good Reason

Right after I got back from my Iowa trip, they moved to town.........

We've been helping them unpack.

And, she came to visit........

I've been enjoying some much needed friend time! I'll be back soon with pictures, videos and stories from our trip!

Girlfriends

All the Sex & the City buzz this week has gotten me to thinking and remembering times with my girlfriends. Moments, memories and laughs that I'll remember forever. Moments that have shaped who I am and made me better in the end just for knowing the ladies that are in my life. 

Maybe you watch SATC and maybe you don't because you're to afraid of the connotation that goes along with it, but at the heart of the story it's about four girlfriends being there for each other and where life has taken them. 

Carrie, might have these amazing girls to live life with, but I've been privileged to live life with these amazing ladies:

I am reminded time and time again how each friendship is different, and serves a purpose. Each of these ladies has come into my life at a certain point and each holds a different place in my heart. I'm blessed to have some amazing women in my life to call friend.

Stay tuned, I hope you'll enjoy this little series with me.

Visitors in Sunny AZ!

This past weekend we had visitors in town. My best friend Sara, her baby girl Macie, and her sister Meliessa were all in town for a visit. Sara and her daughter stayed with Orion and I. I was giddy wit excitement for the last couple weeks anticipating her visit. I wish Ava was here already to join in the fun, but we'll have to save that for another visit.

I miss her already, but I feel so blessed and thankful that she was able to come and see a little bit of our lives here in Arizona now. We shopped, lunched, and laughed a lot this weekend. Took advantage of the warm Arizona sun and hung out by the pool, and had many chats about soon impending Motherhood!

Love you girls! Come back to visit us again soon! Here's some pictures from their time here:

Hanging out Friday morning.

Nap time!

Me & Macie by the pool Friday afternoon.

Mother & Daughter

Orion teaching everyone the art of eating Edammae

Sara & Macie @ West Gate

Love them!

She's such a smiley and good baby!

Sara doing her best to soak up the AZ sun!

Yummy smoothies with your bestie! What could be better?!!

The next time we see each other I will have a baby girl of my own to add to the mix of Sara's two baby girls! They will be best friends too, they don't have a choice! :)

She's ENGAGED!

This won't matter to most (all) of you, but I just had to shout it from the rooftops!! A BIG Congrats to my friend Jennie and her boyfriend Caleb, they are engaged!! So, so, so excited for them! Can't wait to celebrate with you and hear all about it, so excited for your wedding!!!!

An engagement in the mountains! How amazing!

photo credit: Caleb's phone

Trip to Minnesota

I've been super excited for my trip back to Minnesota this winter, not because of cold & the snow but because I knew that it would be a chance to reunite with my dearest friends and college roomies. It's been about 8 months since we've all been together, so this trip was extra special. We all have children now (well, Ava's on her way) and it's just a really neat stage of life to see everyone in.

I got in Thursday afternoon, it was snowing and cold. Met Eunice at her work and then we headed to her house. She graciously opened her home to me. Friday, we picked up our friend Becky and her son Chaz to spend the day together. And then much to my surprise our friend Sara came all the way from Wisconsin to surprise me for my baby shower this weekend. I didn't think she was coming and so it was an awesome surprise. They are all very sneaky. :)

My friend Jessie came over Friday night too! We're both pregnant, about 8 weeks apart. She's having a little boy and I'm having a girl; we've already arranged a marriage between our unborn children!

I had such an amazing trip to MN, and it was so fun to see friends and lots and lots of people that I love. There are days when I wished we all still lived closer, but I'm so blessed and thankful for the chance to come visit and spend these last few days with them.

This morning, I'm headed to Iowa to spend the next week with my family as we prepare for my little Brother's wedding! Such exciting things already, what a great way to kick off 2010 but with a wedding! I can tell already that 2010 is going to be a great year, quite possibly my favorite!

Here's some pictures of our 4 days together:

Becky & Sara

Me & Becky

Ellie with her "movie goggles" on

All of us and our children, I can't wait for Ava to be in this picture!

Sara & Macie

Me & Macie

Eunice

Becky & Chaz

The ladies doing some serious construction on a diaper cake

Macie Jill

Macie & Isabelle (they are about a month apart)

Chaz taking pictures of Isabelle

Post & pictures from my Minnesota Baby Shower coming soon!!