Relaxation

For the first time in a long time, I am taking some time to sit back and relax! Mmm how nice this is! It's just me, my computer, a big cozy chair and some caramel chex mix :) I should probably be sitting outside though, the weather is so nice (the kind were I can drive with my windows down, turn the music up, and feel the breeze in my face- the best kind!) The past couple of days have been crazy, stressful, and busy. Lindsey and I have decided to hold off on making a decision on the apartment we want to go with. There was just too much to do and in little time, we figured the stress was not worth making a rash decision. She will be back in a couple of weeks and we will talk to the two complexes we are interested in, and make our decision from there. It is very exciting, but somewhat hard to soak in all at the same time, if that makes sense.

Today was busy as well. I had a bio lecture test (got a B on that! woo!), a debate in government (which was NOT fun for me, I had to argue that I support certain aspects of the healthcare bill that I don't- had to pretend I was a democrat), and had a huge presentation in my humanities class, which went well. I only have two weeks of class left and I am counting down the days! There's a lot of reviewing to do, tests to be prepared for, and things to get done. I am trying to take it a day at a time and push through it!

I would like to wish Macy McKinzie a VERY happy birthday!!! She is one of my BEST friends and I love her to death! She has been there for me so much in my life and will be one of those people I never loose touch with. She is one of the sweetest, most down-to-earth, talented, caring, Godly women I know. I hope you have an AMAZING day Maceface :) Speaking of Mace, she is getting ready to go on a two week mission trip to Kenya! I know she will do great things there and make an impact. Please pray she has a safe, and powerful trip!

Makenna has been doing great! Still having a little bit of trouble with the destructive mood she gets in, where she wants to tear down anything she can in the house. My main concern is that she doesn't hurt herself. I love to let her have fun, hop around, and play, but at the same time I have to keep a close watch on her. The other day I made some brownies and brought them over to the Johnson's house, and Makenna went to town! She loved them and kept signing "more". It was so cute. By the end of it, it looked like she took a dive in a chocolate bath. Although it's a mess to clean up, she enjoys treats like that so much, that it is totally worth it.

Well, I have a hobby lobby trip to make (a little obsessed with this store ha ha). I have a ton of hair clips to get started on for the Oklahoma Hope Link fundraiser. So glad that I am getting to be a part of this!

Praying for apartment decisions, for the kids I lead at Hope Fellowship every Tuesday and Wednesday, and for the Johnsons! Love each and every one of you!

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

Growing Up

Well, I would be lying if I said my life was calming down finally. It seems like it never ends. I don't want to sound as if I am complaining, but I would seriously love it if I could just calm down, take things a day at a time, and be worry free. But, I am a firm believer in the fact that that is just not in my genes. So...I must learn to deal.

This past weekend Lindsey and I went apartment shopping and found a couple that we are really interested in. However, I just found out today that one of them that has a really good deal going on has only one left of the floor plan we want. So stressful! This means that we have to fill out the application, get all the deposit money together, and officially become "independent" I guess you could say by tomorrow! This is a little scary. We are both not sure if we should take the offer or if we should wait it out and go with the other choice. If we do this though, we risk the chance of rent prices going up by the time we move in. We both don't have much money to spend, and luckily we have all of the furniture we need already, we just need to find the best place to put it! It is all so overwhelming! Please pray that we make the right decision and be at peace with it!

Speaking of this weekend, my car and I were not the best of friends. My dear car decided that it wanted to add a list of things to worry about to my list. After Lindsey and I left a thrift store, we got back in my car and the rear view mirror fell off, the engine light came on, and the gas light came on. About an hour later, my mom called me and told me that I got a ticket in the mail. Well, story of my life right there! ha! I am SOOOO grateful for the Johnson's though!!! They have helped so much with my car and I can't thank them enough! Matt took care of my engine light problems and even filled up my gas tank yesterday! It may not seem like much to yall, but it seriously meant the world to me! I got the rear view mirror fixed too. So, now all that's left, is to pay my ticket. I can do it!

As the end of this semester approaches faster and faster, I notice how antsy I am. I am just ready to get it over with and have that huge weight lifted off my back. Please pray that I get through these next couple of weeks (the less stress, the better).

Makenna has been doing pretty good the past few days. I was so glad to introduce her to Lindsey! She kept showing off for her, giving her hugs, and just bein sweet Kenna. It was precious! Lindsey loved her and their family, which made me very happy. Hopefully she will get to know them even better this summer.

Well, I better get some rest so I can get through my busy day tomorrow!

Praying for guidance in apartment decisions!

Best in Class!

Today has been such a good day! I actually enjoyed my biology class today and toally understood every part of the lecture, which doesn't happen often might I add! We talked about genetic disorders, down syndrome, and some other interesting things. I even stayed after class to ask the teacher extra questions, which she appreciated. I told her I was so interested in this stuff because I am majoring in special education. Also, in my humanitites class today I was told that I was voted best in class for a creative project we turned in last week! I worked so hard on it and it was worth it! My final grade was a 107!!! My teacher told me that my project was going to be displayed in some huge art exhibit at the end of the semester, featuring work from all the Collin College campuses. How cool is that?!?! Very excited :)

More big news!! Kenna lost her first tooth today! She looks so precious! I'm sure I will have plenty of pictures to come. I can't believe she is getting so big and that she will be in kindergarten next year. Marianne and I were talking yesterday about how I haven't even been apart of their lives for a year, and already so much has happened! I have had a complete life change, and for the good! All the little things in Kenna's life, and the accomplishments she's made and continues to make, I get so excited about! I can't begin to tell you how much love I have for that girl!

I signed up for a summer class today, and am actually excited about it! I am going to be taking a yoga class! I have always wanted to know how to do yoga, and this will fill my physical education credit. It is only twice a week for two hours each time, and goes from June until August.

Tomorrow is apartment shopping day with Lindsey! I am kinda nervous, but very exctied at the same time. I just want to make sure that I ask all the right questions and don't forget anything. Since this is my first apartment, I'm still learning what it is all about. If you have any suggestions please let me know :)Lindsey is also going to be coming with me to work tomorrow! I can't wait for her to meet Kenna!

Hope yall are having a wonderful day!

Praying for my 6th grade girls I lead at Epic on Wednesday nights!

Something Beautiful

I can't stop listening to this song:

Something Beautiful by Need to Breathe


The chorus says "Hey now, this is my desire, consume me like a fire, cause I just want something beautiful to touch me, I know that I'm in reach cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful." LOVE this! Lord, I will continue to reach out to you and glorify you in all that I do because I know that you will provide something beautiful for me!

Updates so far this week:

-Kenna had her fitting for her new SFO's and will be getting them in about 3 weeks!! This is such good news! The lady that was doing the fitting said that Makenna had not been affected whatsoever from her W sitting, and that she had "perfect feet". Her ankles and feet were not bowed at all! What a miracle that is!!!!

-I went to Kenna's doctor appointment on Monday and got to meet her nero and see where her and her family spent all of 2007! I loved getting to show off Kenna's walking to her doctor and he was so impressed with how far she had come, he had nothing but good things to say! So proud of that girl! It was such an eye opening experience being in the hospital where it all started! I got to see the EMU (I think that's what it's called- basically where they would measure any sort of epilepsy with these crazy machines). I had a hard time putting it all into perspective as far as what Kenna and her family went through that year. I mean, although my dad has also had brain surgery, I cannot imagine a repetitive year of that, non-stop. Matt told me many stories of their stay in the hospital and I really enjoyed listening to all he had to say. I always like to learn as much as I can about Kenna and all that she has gone through, I'm just so interested in it all. After all, she is family to me. I want you to know, Matt and Marianne, that yall are incredible parents and I look up to both of you very much! You live out the word, and I have so much respect for yall due to that. I know that those times must have been rough, but I admire the confidence you had to get through it. I love you guys!

-Kenna's ARD meeting was today, and although I didn't get to go, I was told it went very well. Marianne told me all about it and all the paperwork that has to be done. I guess I have all that to look forward to! Haha. She even told me that my name came up in the meeting! My name was added to the contact/transportation list for Kenna. May not mean much to anyone else, but it meant a lot to me! I really love that her teachers show interest in what I do with Kenna and what my future plans are as far as one day teaching special ed! They answer any questions I have, it's great!

-I went to lunch with my dad and grandma today...Olive Garden yummmmm

-Overall it was a good day, other than my ridiculous pile of homework I had to complete! It's almost over!

-The Frisco snow cone lady is NOW open!!!!! pure happiness :)

-HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KASSIE RACHELLE MAXWELL!! Oh how I miss you!

Praying for strength to get through these last few weeks of school!

Portrait

Right now in my life, I am striving to be a better person. I am striving to do what God has called me to do, even if I don't think I can handle it at times. There is a worship song, by the band Freely, that says, "This is a loud faith, a sacred devotion. I'm reaching out to know who You. It's not a fake life, a religious commotion, but a living, breathing portrait of Christ." Now please, don't mistake this for the desire of perfection. It is simply wanting to be a Godly woman and live that out in all that I do. Today in church Pastor John gave an incredible message titled "The Family Legacy Test" and he focused on the story of Issac in Genesis 26. The Lord told Issac not to fear, because if he were to fear, it would only be passed on to his further generations. Pastor John told us how we should Reflect (on positive traits our family has passed down to us), Recognize (some of the destructive patterns in our family), and Respond (create a plan to remove harmful patterns, show forgiveness). He also addressed different roles of different people in the family in Ephesians 5 and 6. This really got a hold of my heart. He talked about wives being submissive to their husbands and how the husband is to love his wife as God loves the church. He told us some pretty powerful things and it really got me to thinking. I know I'm not married or anything but I feel like the Lord has really been working through me lately and it is incredible how he so intricately makes things work together, and all for my good. After this message and much prayer lately, I have made a promise to myself and to God, and that is to no longer settle, especially when it comes to relationships. If a man is not going to be so lost in the Lord that he tries to pull me away from Him, it is not worth my time. I realize that I am a child of God and I will wait to find someone that glorifies that. I want to be a portrait of Christ in all that I do. In my career, in my school work, in my home life, in my friendships, in my dating relationships, and in much more. I apologize if this is a little heavy, but I felt the need to write about it...as somewhat of a reminder to myself. Aside from that though here are some other things that have been going on:

- I have the privilege to be a part of the Oklahoma Hope Link fundraiser!! This is a support group in Oklahoma for parents with children that have undiagnosed diseases/problems (special needs). They are putting together care packages and taking them to the OU Children's Hospital (where the sickest little kids go) and handing out the packages to kids and their families. They will have a table set up and are going to purchase quite a few clips from Miracle Makers to sell! I am so excited and honored to be a part of this! I have met a couple of the moms that run this group, and they are such incredible women with amazing children!!!

- One of my best friends, Sarah, messaged me today and is also interested in purchasing quite a few things from Miracle Makers. She is in a sorority at her school in Tennessee and will have a "little sis" next year, and she needs several gifts made to give to her. Sarah told her other sisters in her sorority about Miracle Makers and how all of it goes to helping kids with special needs. All of the girls are planning on purchasing things from me for their sisters next year! How exciting!! They all love the idea of the business and want to help out! God is seriously doing some incredible things with this!!!

- I miss my best friends like crazy, and can't wait for all of them to be home soon!

- I went to visit Sarah's mom today and she is going to sell me a couch for $50 for my new apartment! Yesterday I got a huge frame to put in our living room too, and it was 90% off! I LOVE good deals!

- Lindsey is coming Friday for apartment shopping!! Can't wait!

- I am not a fan of the rain today, and I think summer needs to consider getting here just a little bit faster!

- I get to go to Kenna's doctor appointment tomorrow! I am very excited to see what it will be like. Also, she is getting fit for her new SFO's tomorrow (ankle braces) so that her feet and ankles won't be bruised anymore.

- I had lunch with my mom, sister, and little brother today! It was very nice to sit down and talk to them! I really do love my family so much!

Now that I have gone on and on, it is time for some sleep!

Praying for a good appointment for Kenna tomorrow, and for a good week!

It may be a hectic life, but it sure is a good one!

The website for Miracle Makers is now up! It took a lot of messing around with and getting things just right, but I am proud to say that it is complete! To visit the website just click on the link below:

http://creativemiraclemakers.blogspot.com/

I have already had my first customers and it is so exciting! I love making things for other people, and I love the cause that it is all going to. The whole business just brings about a new happiness in me. I LOVE it! However, I am ready for the semester to be over with, and for the summer to begin, so that I can become even more serious about this business. Also, Marianne and I have been planning some pretty neat things to do with Kenna and the other kids (including water therapy for Kenna! ha!)! It should be fun!!

Kenna had a good day today once she got home from school, a lot better than her morning was apparently. Poor girl woke up screaming with tears rolling down her face, and no one knew why. My heart really hurts for her sometimes. Since I have been working with her, I have found out what it feels like to want so badly to help her or to make her worries go away, but sometimes it seems impossible. I am glad that she had a good afternoon though! We sang a bunch of songs, danced a little, and I let her hop all over the house. She loves being able to have that freedom and I love watching her explore (even though it ends up a little messy at times haha).

Somewhat off topic, but today I was thinking about how I truly am so blessed, and I think too often I let that go unnoticed. My hectic life doesn't always allow me to sit back, breathe, and just be at peace with what I have.

I love the parents I have. I love the friends I have. I love the second family I have(you know who you are- mjals). I love Makenna. I love the Jesus I serve. I love the church I call home. I love my ability to create. I love my life...and I am grateful for it!

Other than that, there is not too much else to say for today. Please, check out the website and if you have any feedback I would love to hear it!!

Praying for patience to get through these last few weeks of school.

Inspiration

The ability to create absolutely anything is just so powerful. As Miracle Makers is turning into more of a business, complete with a new website(should be up soon), business cards, a facebook group, and some starting customers, I realize how far my creativity can take me. I am so blessed to be able to express myself through creative ways, and have people be inspired by that. All of this creativity and the idea of starting a non-profit business has stemmed from something more than just a few craft supplies and a couple of new ideas, it has stemmed from MY inspiration. I want so badly to help other people and make a huge difference in the lives of many, and maybe this business can be the beginning of something great. After much thought was put into it, I realized that I have such a passion for Makenna and other children like her. I realized that SHE is my inspiration. She inspired me to actually get this business going. I have always thought about starting something before, but she helped me to realize that my abilities can be put into action, rather than just being kept to myself. The name Miracle Makers was even inspired by this beautiful little girl. She is such a miracle to me, to her family, to her teachers, and to anyone else that passes her way. I just love that girl!

My friend Lindsey and I have been talking more and more about getting an apartment this summer. She is coming to stay with me next weekend so that we can go look around, we already have a couple of places in mind. We have also been looking for good deals on things we may need, such as furniture, kitchen-ware, and any other things. If any of you know of any good deals, or are trying to sell something, PLEASE let me know! We are both college kids, so we don't have too much money to spend. Ha! It would be MUCH appreciated!

I am SO ready for school to be over with! I only have 3-4 weeks left, which means lots of studying to do and more homework to get done! It is going to be a huge weight lifted off my back once I get everything done. The countdown for summer begins!

Well that is about all I have time for today, as I have a lot to get done today!

Praying for Miracle Makers to make a difference, and for sweet Kenna :)

Miracle Makers

As of today, I have decided to start my own little business. The business name is "Miracle Makers". It is going to be a non-profit business created to give back to those who need it. I have a passion for creating things that bring joy and happiness to other people. Miracle Makers is designed to do just that. There are several items to pick from, and the money raised will go towards supplies, and to charity. My plan is to donate the money to help create a website that helps the parents of special needs children to maneuver through all the red tape of the medical world. After working with sweet Makenna , I have gained so much inspiration and passion for these special children and for their families. By making and selling different things such as hair accessories, books, frames, and much more I will be able to raise awareness and glorify God with the gifts and talents He has given me. I would like to give a HUGE shout out to Marianne for her help and encouragement during this!!! She has allowed me to use some of her supplies to get started, and hopefully she will play a big part in this business! Thank you SOOO much Marianne, you don't know how much I appreciate you and your family!!! I love yall! I am hoping to start an etsy website this summer to make the business even more of a success! Please, spread the word! If any of you are interested in purchasing anything, please find me on facebook or email me at allisonlees@tx.rr.com! I can customize your order however you like!

Also, more news! My friend Lindsey and I are looking more and more into the whole apartment thing. She is planning on coming down next weekend so we can go look around. We are both on a tight budget, but I don't want to be too far from Kenna either, as I will continue working for her if everything works out just right, including finances. I am leaving it up to God though, He always finds a way to make it all work!

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day! I have class, then my mom and I are going to visit the Dallas Museum of Art! I have a project for school I have to complete, which requires me to go visit. After that, going to spend some time with Kenna, then church! Tuesday nights I have started to help lead a life class at my church, Divorce Care for Kids. This class helps kids who are going through divorce and helps them learn how to deal with this hard time. I love giving back and helping in any way I can, so this is something I am really going to enjoy doing I think.

Enough said for now, I need to get some sleep! Once again, if you are interested in anything sold by Miracle Makers, please let me know!! Thank you all for your support!

Praying for Matt's back to heal, for Miracle Makers to make a difference, and for guidance!

Answer to Prayer

So, I really need to get better about keeping up with this blog. I love it, I have just been so busy that by the end of the day all I want to do is go to sleep! The past few days have been pretty good, but like I said, they have been busy. I've had a lot going on at school, as this semester is finishing up! I can't believe my first year of college is about to come to an end. It sounds cliche, but it really is crazy how time flies. Before I know it, I'll be graduating and getting my first teaching job (at least that's the plan). One of the main things I had been working on for school was a project for my humanities class. We were told to make a "collage" of ourselves. However, she asked us to think outside of the box and more so make a piece of art that summed up who we are. I had so much fun making mine! I ended up making a book. I took a canvas and decopauged it with some different papers and wrote "everyone has a story worth telling, are you willing to listen?" On the canvas was my book. When you open the book up, you are able to see different things that have happened to me throughout my lifetime that make up my "story". I love making things like that, and I got inspired to make other things for my new room. I made something to put over my bed, and I am working on some other things now too. Just like this blog, art is somewhat of an out for me. I am able to express myself and make whatever I like without it being wrong. It is one of the times I am most at peace with things. I am hoping to start a little business on this website etsy this summer, possibly with Marianne. I am really looking forward to it. There are pictures of some of the things I have made on my facebook if you are interested!

This is totally switching subjects, but I just got some really exciting news while typing this! I have been praying for so long for the Lord to give me some direction as to what to do next semester. Well, an old friend of mine, Lindsey, just sent me a message saying that she is thinking about going to Collin County next semester and would need a room mate! Hello?!?! Are you kidding me?? Exactly what I have been looking for! She is going to look into her budget tomorrow and see what she can afford. Once she decides, we are going to look at apartments together in the Plano area! This seriously has to be an answer to prayer! I just hope that if this is what God has planned next for me, that everything works out smoothly. Well know that all that excitement just hit me, I can't really remember what else I had to say. Maybe more will come to me tomorrow! I am off to bed for now though!

Praying for Matt's back to heal and for guidance in my next steps.

Perfection

Well, it has been a few days since my last update, and I must say I have a lot on my heart and on my mind right now. I have been quite busy this week (getting things organized at my dad's, car problems, school stuff, etc), and am just now having some down time to really sit and reflect. Reflect on my life and where I am headed and who I have been. Ever since I was a little girl, I always had a fear of making mistakes. I so badly wanted to please my parents in every area of my life including school, sports (yes, I at one time in my life was pretty athletic...whatever happened to that?), and in my maturity level. I wanted to impress them and never let them down. To this day, I am still somewhat like that. I have a desire to reach some sort of perfection, and need reminders that "perfection" is way out of my reach. As I get older and more mature in my walk with God, I realize that without Him, I am nothing. I would like to stress without HIM. Through His grace and love for me, I am able to find joy and peace in who I am, whether that be deemed "perfect" or not. I realize that my walk with Him is the most important thing in my life-it should be what I constantly, twenty four seven have my heart, soul, and mind fixated upon. As I grow up and continue to explore life, I see that trying to be perfect for someone else, rather than God, is not worth my while. In the end, He will be the one to judge me and decide whether or not I have been a good witness of Him.

Tonight in church we had a guest speaker come and speak about this very thing, about how we as "Christians" get so fixated on being "perfect" that we lose sight of what it really means to be a Christ-follower. What it really means to have a passion for the Lord and a passion for others, despite what they may or may not believe. In his sermon, he said something that really stuck with me. He said, "Do not try to convict with your words, but convince with your life." It is so imperative that we come to the conclusion that in our weaknesses, He is stronger. It is okay to be imperfect, because through Him we are given strength. Troy also told a story that just about brought tears to my eyes. The story goes like this: At a past youth summer camp, there was a little boy who had down syndrome. During the middle of worship, he came up on stage and asked to sing a song. Due to his disability, his voice was not "perfect" to the other students out in the audience, so they were quick to judge. The next day, the little boy came up and did the same thing, despite the student's comments. The last night, the little boy came up on stage once again, and sang. This time his disability seemed to disappear. His voice was beautiful and "perfect" to the audience. They all came to the front as the little boy worshiped and sang to His God. The students began to sob and pray, lives were touched and changed that night. When I heard this story, it gave me so much joy. Here is a little boy, who despite his "imperfections", never ceased to worship. He never gave up.

This story also brings Makenna to my mind. She is so perfect to me. Here is a girl who only has half of a brain, and she is so joyful. There is just something about her. Maybe it's the fact that she seems to have such a relationship with God that is indescribable. I watch her face light up as she listens to her baby worship videos, it's like she just knows. It's like out of all the things going on, she is just at peace with everything because He puts some sort of joy in her heart that radiates in her smile, in her sweet hugs, and in her laughter. It is the people like this in my life, that help remind me that "perfect" is nothing but a word. We can have a million things going wrong in our life, and still be filled with joy.

As I face a lot of changes in my life right now, I am praying that I am consistent in reminding myself that perfection shouldn't be my goal. I shouldn't be here to impress anyone else or beat myself up for being a little different than some may wish. I am simply here to be the best Christ-follower I can, to better myself in His eyes, and His eyes only. Because, it is HIS love that never fails me!

Praying for patience and forgiveness.

Happy Easter

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter first off! Service was so AMAZING today! So unique, and non-traditional. I love my church so much, they aren't afraid to take a different spin on things. There was an artist that came and painted two portraits during the message and songs...it was incredible! Pastor John spoke about the real meaning behind everything, it was such a great message! Yesterday, I painted the girls toes and Marlee's fingers for Easter. Marlee was amazed by the whole thing, it was adorable. A few of her nails came off in the tub and she freaked. I rushed to fix them so she would calm down, it was funny. Makenna did pretty well with me painting her toe nails too. Here are a few pics from yesterday and today:

Yesterday, we also had a little fun dancing around the house! We have started doing this the past few days because Makenna absolutely loves it and it's an added workout :) I swear, music is the key to Kenna's soul. We took some video and pics of the kids dancing, myself included, and I loved watching Kenna's face light up when the music came on. She loves upbeat songs, like Fireflight, Miley Cyrus, and Justin Bieber. Such a little girl! If you want to see the video or pics, just go to my facebook.

Today was a great day, but I, as always, am still trying to figure out what the next step is in my so-called "journey". I feel like it is time for me to be independent and get a place of my own, but finding a roommate has been a struggle. (If any of you know of anyone looking for a roommate in the Plano/Allen/Mckinney area please let me know!!!) I can't seem to stop asking God to give me the answers, and I am finding that I am becoming less and less patient. I guess mainly because I only have 5 weeks of school left this semester, and then what? Today, I decided to move into my dad's house for a while, until I figure out my plans for next semester. Due to some personal things, it was just the best thing for me to do right now. I know that it will all work out just fine. He is glad to have me here, and so is his puppy Betty. It will be an adjustment, but I know we will make it work. I have been dealing with stress, worry, and impatience lately and I could really use some prayer for that. I know what I want to do, but not how to get there. I know in His time, it will happen and I will be given clarity and understanding, despite all the confusion along the way.

Praying for strength, forgiveness, understanding, and maturity. Thank you Lord for all you have done for us! You are our one and only savior!