Goodbye 2012

"Be assured,  if you walk with Him
and look to Him and expect help from Him,
He will never fail you."
[george.mueller]

If you were to tell me December 31, 2011, that I would be looking back on the year 2012 in gratefulness, I probably would have half way believed you. Every day we should be grateful because it is another day God has given us, and another day of living. How is it possible for me to even summarize this past year in one blog post? Well, I will attempt to try my best with the following highlights.

*Cancer-free in 2 1/2 months

There is no question that this is probably the biggest highlight of my year. As you all are aware being told that I cancer back at the end of March was no easy thing. Having PET scans and biopsies and ER visits are not the best. And going through chemotherapy wasn't the most pleasant thing. Not understanding why God would let me go through this was frustrating. But, knowing that God completely killed all the cancer cells that were in me in just 2 1/2 months, is mind boggling and amazing.

*End of treatment celebrations

I don't think that I will ever be done celebrating the end of treatments. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that you can travel and make visits and not have to worry about going to Hopkins for check ups and treatments.

I road tripped to the little town of Grove City, PA to visit my best friend for her last semester of college. It was full of crazy fun, apple festivals, late night talks, and flat tires. I also surprised my best friend for a weekend back in November. There are no words to describe how wonderful that trip was - just watch the video. It speaks for all words that could be spoken to describe that trip. I also took a girls weekend trip with my mom, her best friend since elementary school, and her daughter (aka my older sister) to Lancaster, PA. We shopped, ate, went to see a Sight and Sound play, ate, laughed (a lot), talked, ate.

lancaster, pa

lancaster, pa

grove city, pa

louisville, ky

*Hopkins

Well it is no surprise that the majority of these past 9 months have been trips back and forth to Hopkins. Every week it was a struggle to get out of bed and to have to go for check ups or treatments or scans. It made things harder when you aren't feeling 100% either. But those trips were life-changing. Not only with medicine and being healed, but with the people we interacted with.

The first day I ever went to Hopkins, met with the doctor and my nurse we met this couple from Lancaster, PA. She had been coming to Hopkins for treatment for several years and my parents and I instantly connected with them. We didn't see them very often, but when we did they always said how they had been praying for me. There was another woman, an architect who my dad use to do work with, who was also there for treatments. We would occasionally see each other and she would encourage me and my parents as we were going through this journey. It's amazing how at times when we feel alone in a situation, God provides people who we don't even know and have never met in our lives to care for us and pray for us.

And I could not complete this highlight without mentioning the wonderful nurses that took care of me. Nurse Lynne was my primary nurse. The moment we first met her she immediately became part of our family. We developed a close friendship with her as she would tell us about her life and vacations, and asked me us and if there were any potential boys in my life. (ha. no.) She was not just the nurse who gave me my chemo injections, she was caring and compassionate and took a real interest in her patients. This was not just the case with her, but all of the nurses I interacted with.

*New baby cousins

On to more fun highlights. June 25 a new little chunky monkey was born into our crazy, cuban family. Over the past 6 months it has been wonderful seeing this little guy grow each day. And back at the end of September, we found out that there is going to be a new addition to the family this coming May.

*Monumental Birthdays

It still is crazy to think that my little brother, the one who would climb up the walls in-between the door frames and the one who my friends and I would stuff in the dryer to see if he would fit, is officiall legal. Like it just blows my mind. On top of THAT! A daughter of one of our dear, close family friends turned 13. I remember when she was first brought to the States from Nicaragua, and now my little baby sister is a teen ager. I'm getting old.

*Youth Retreat

Being able to participate on the youth administrative team at our church has been such a blessing. Since I knew I was going to be home for a while and not going back to school in Virginia, I was thrilled to come back and help on the team. The youth retreat is the biggest highlight of the beginning of the school year for the youth. My parents were hesitant in letting me go because I was still undergoing treatment, it was in the middle of the summer and hot, and as admin we are in charge of setting up and running the games. And being the strong-willed person I am, I tend to want to be superwoman and do everything I can. Well, I paced myself and was able to take a lot of pictures and make slideshows. It was a different type of hard work, but totally worth it. These kids bring me so much joy and serving along side of the other admin members is so encouraging. Every day I learn from them the meaning of true servanthood and what it means to show the light of Christ.

doughnut sales on sunday morning

we are team admin

*Summer Camps

After we found out that I was cancer-free back in June, it allowed me to help out with two different summer camps at our church. The first one was a week long, 3 hours a day. It was full of teaching, worship, drama/acting, and games. There is no question that this is one of the best weeks of the summer. I was also able to participate administratively in a 2 week musical camp for children grades 3rd-8th. It amazes me that in 2 weeks, 50 or so kids can learn an entire script, music, and  put on a short play.

summer musical

summer celebration

summer celebration

summer musical

*Youth Drama

No. This has nothing to do with high school drama and who likes who, etc. When my family moved to Maryland and became move involved in the church I participated in plays that are put on by the youth of our church. I participated by being in 2 of the plays while I was still in high school, and after high school by taking pictures. Now, I am able to intricately be involved and help with music and take pictures. This year the cast is performing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Stay tuned for more information on this. If you're in the Gaithersburg area in the middle of March 2013, come on by. You won't want to miss this powerful performance.

*Family

Being able to spend time with my family during Thanksgiving and Christmas was definitely a highlight. I would not have been able to get through these past months without their care, support, and prayers. Sure, my family could best be described as the Cuban version of "My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding" but I wouldn't trade them out for anything in the world.

*Complete remission

It is amazing to think that just a short 9 months ago I was diagnosed with Hodgkins. Now, I am in complete remission. God has been so good and faithful. In the hard times, in the happy times, God never left us. When we are faithless, He remains faithful. What an amazing truth we can hold on to. Although this past year has been full of "highs" and "lows" I have much to be thankful for. This year definitely didn't go the way I might have planned for it to go. But God knew what He was doing. And He already knows what this next year will bring, not only in my life, but in yours also.

Morning by morning I wake up to find,

The power and comfort of God's hand in mine.

Season by season I watch Him amazed,

In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways.

All I have need of, His hand will provide,

He's always been faithful to me.

I can't remember a trial or a pain,

He did not recycle to bring me gain.

I can't remember one single regret,

In serving God only, and trusting His hand.

All I have need of, His hand will provide,

He's always been faithful to me.

This is my anthem, this is my song,

The theme of the stories I've heard for so long.

God has been faithful, He will be again,

His loving compassion, it knows no end.

All I have need of, His hand will provide,

He's always been faithful to me

He Called Them Home

"When my world is shaking,
Heaven stands.
When my heart is breaking,
I never leave Your hands."
[j.j.heller]

As American citizens we are blessed with so much. From clothes to food to houses to modes of transportation, etc. We also have many educational opportunities and a variety of vocations. As a nation we are greatly blessed. We have men and women over-seas fighting wars and protecting our nation and our freedom. Many of these men and women have lost their lives and are recognized as heros. No one can forget the horrific terrorist attack 11 years ago where hundreds of lives were lost. There are no explanations for events like this.

However, not all recognized heros are those who fight in wars. I do not want to diminish the honor and respect that the men and women fighting over-seas deserve, but some heros are found in the lives of the young children and teachers who's lives were lost over the weekend in the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.

None of us can begin to imagine how these parents and families are dealing with this loss. I can't imagine being that mom or dad who have to return the Christmas presents they bought for their 6 or 7 year old who can't join them this year. Christmas is suppose to be the most wonderful time of the year. But these parents and families are grieving. Some parents will even have to explain to their younger children why they won't be able to play with their older siblings. The traditional holiday cheer and gift will instead be full of funerals and tears.

This tragic, unexplainable event should make us more aware that our days are numbered. Although we do not understand why these young children had to die, God knew and had planned out all their days. And He has planned out each and every one of our days as well. After reading this blog post you could suddenly have a heart-attack and die. [I pray that doesn't happen, but you get my point.]

Although this blog post is not very long, I encourage you to make the most of your days. That might mean calling or texting that one person just to say that you love them. Or it might mean volunterring and helping out at your local Soup Kitchen and serving those who are less fortunate than you. Jesus Christ came to this earth, became a human, not to be served, but to serve. As Christians, we are to be image-bearers of Christ. So whatever you do to "make the most of your days", use this holiday season to share the love of Christ to those who may not know His love.

Satan's job is to kill, steal, and destroy. He will try any possible way to get people to question God. He will even allow a young adult to take the lives of 26 innocent children and teachers in an elementary school. But, God's light is stronger than the darkness of the evil one. He is a Father to the fatherless. "When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand."

Where is God in situations like this?
Where is God when innocent lives are taken?
Right where He has always been.
Waiting with arms wide open to heal the brokenhearted.
Hope and trust in Him friends. He will never forsake you.

The True Christmas Story

"You bore the wrath reserved for me.

Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah, All I have is Christ.

Hallelujah, Jesus is my life."

[sovgracemusic]

During the Christmas season we can get wrapped up in the "holiday spirit" with all the pretty decorations and department store sales. We live in a culture where Santa and giving presents to people have turned our eyes from the real meaning of Christmas. We started a new series at church this month entitled "What Christmas Creates". Josh Harris opened the series and spoke about Gratefulness. "Why talk about gratefulness as the opening of a sermon series on What Christmas Creates? Isn't that more of a message during the Thanksgiving holiday?" Well, I'm glad you asked.

On October 3, 1789, President George Washington declared that in November a certain day would "be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks." Yes it is true that he was referring to that certain day as the Thanksgiving holiday. But is that the only day for us to be grateful and thankful what what we have been given? I think not. We have millions of reasons to be thankful to God, no matter the circumstances. "How am I suppose to be grateful in all circumstances? Isn't that going a little bit too far?" It is only through Jesus that we can be thankful in all circumstances. It is because He loves us and cares for us that we can rejoice in all things and give thanks.

Why? Because Jesus was born to save us from our sins. All of us are familiar with the Christmas Story whether we regularly attend church or not. Over 2000 years ago a baby was born of a virgin and they called His name Jesus. He became human and dwelt among men, lived a perfect life and perfectly obeyed his Father. Then one day He was led up a hill called Calvary and die a brutal death that we deserved. This my friends, is the gospel. If you are a Christian and believer in Christ, your eternal destiny is secure. What an amazing truth. The Bible says that in this world we will face tribulation and different problems. I know some friends who are going through significant trials. I know other friends who are just trying to make it through their undergraduate degree. But, our biggest problem is our sin and guilt before a Holy God. Why on earth would he allow sinners like us to call him 'Abba, Father' and allow us to approach the throne of grace in time of need? Are you more aware of everything that is going wrong in your life than the amazing work of the cross and the hope that your eternal destiny is secure? No matter what we are facing, we can give thanks because our biggest problem has been taken care of on the cross because of what God has done through Christ.

Not only was Jesus born to save us from our sins, because of the birth of Jesus God is truly with us. They called him Immanuel, which means "God with us" - not "God sometimes with us when He feels like it". No - God. With. Us. In the good times and the bad times, we can be assured that God is with us. Sometimes in trial we may not feel like He is with us helping us, but He is there with us every step of the way, loving us and caring for us. We do not worship a God who loves us from a distance. We are not in our circumstances alone. Jesus is with us. He will never leave us or forsake us.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, 

but one who in ever respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [hebrews 4:15]

Sometimes I feel like I just go about my life, doing my agenda that needs to be done for the day, and then things that I do not plan for myself [aka: getting sick and having to leave school...] randomly happen. But, our lives are not a bunch of random events. God, before time, perfectly ordained the path that each one of has taken and will take in the future. No matter what happens in this life, no matter where we live, no matter where we go to school, no matter what trials we face: we have already been predestined. He works all things for our good.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who 

are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to 

be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many 

brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he 

also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." [romans 8:28-30]

How does God work all things for our good? What about wars? What about cancer? What about corrupt government? If God is a good, loving Father, why would He allow such horrible things to happen? Well, because of Adam and Eve and the fall of man we have become a sinful people who do sinful things and we will not experience paradise until that one day when all things will be made right and heaven is our home. Each trial that we face is conforming us to the image of Christ, whether we realize it or not. Our sufferings are not outside of Gods plan.

So. Will you see gratefulness as an issue of obedience and transformative because of what Christ has done for us? Will you see your trials as part of God's plan? Or will you continue to be more aware of everything that is going wrong in your life?  If you would like to listen to the full message click here. 

"There is no circumstance, no trouble, no testing, that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with great purpose." _alan.redpath

Let Us Be Thankful (part 3)

"For all Your goodness I will keep on singing,
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find."
[matt.redman]

Well, I knew that this whole "write something you are thankful for in a blog post each day" wouldn't work out so well. Life has been busy and crazy with the thanksgiving holiday. With the month coming to an end, I will try and sum up this 'series' with one of the most important things I am grateful for...

family

Some people love the thanksgiving holiday because of Black Friday shopping and getting good sales for future presents. I find it funny that only in America will people trample others for sales exactly one day after being thankful for what they already have. Although the whole concept of Black Friday shopping is fun, I personally have always enjoyed spending the day with family and eating yummy food. And this isn't just normal yummy food - it's Cuban food, which is a thousand times better than the regular traditional holiday food. But most of all - even more than the food - I enjoy recounting the many ways that God has blessed us over the past year. We have much to be thankful for.

I have always been grateful for my family. But over the past 7 months once again my appreciation for my family has grown. I know that everybody says that their family is the best. Well, this is my chance to brag and tell the rest of the world that my family is the best. I have already said how through this process my parents have been unbelievable. I can't even imagine what they went through emotionally when they found out I was sick. The first few days being back home, my dad spend many hours researching about Medicaid and Social Security, talking on the phone with people, driving to meet with people, and dealing with all the legal stuff that just goes over my head. My mom has been by myside the whole way. She has had first hand experience of my emotional break downs, my sickness, and my ever-changing food cravings. They have both been incredible examples of encouragement during this time and I could not be more grateful for them. And my brother? Well, he has a gift of making people laugh. And he is good at it too. Basically, I love the 3 of these people so very much.

lady & sons restaurant || savannah, ga || july 2009

I have not only been blessed with wonderful parents, but a wonderful extended family. And when I say extended, I mean extended. Being part Cuban, I have second, third, fourth cousins that I haven't even met. Or I "met" them as a baby/toddler and obviously 22 years later have no idea who they are. They try to explain it to me, "Oh, I'm your dad's second cousin's niece..." but I still just smile and wave and think I understand what they are trying to tell me. On my mom's side of the family there are some of her first cousins that I've never met as well. But whether I have met them or not doesn't mean they don't care for family.

As family we have made many memories. Sitting in our living room watching Pee Wee Herman's Big Adventure while my uncle scares the butterflies out of my brother and I when we were little. Or how about when we were on a family vacation at the beach. And after dinner we all piled into our van and dad drove off a 3-foot ledge.

meadows of dan, va || thanksgiving 2011

Or how when we were at my cousin's graduation from the University of Virginia it poured. down. rain. I think that we were literally soaked down to our undergarments - and that is with ponchos on. I have always said that when I graduate from college/grad school or whatever, I was going to pay them back and pray that my graduation is outdoors and it rains...just so they can feel the pain we went through.

they could be brothers. its ridiculous.

These are only a few memories in the crazy life of my family. And although they are crazy and fun, they would do almost anything for their family. During my 6 months of treatment, my uncle who lives in Nashville would send me hand-made cards. Most of them were characters that he created and he told a story through them. These characters were different cartoon birds, and the main characters were penguins [which happen to be my favorite animal in the whole world]. Close friends of my cousins in Fairfax would send me things in the mail [aka: food. chocolate. it was wonderful]. Close family friends would visit and bring me a bag of goodies to bring laughter and to keep me happy at my many trips to Hopkins.I have never been more loved by my extended family.

But this blog post would not be complete if I didn't take time to express my thanks for the way my church family has been an encouragement to us during this time. When we were tempted to be discouraged about finances for treatment, biopsies, medications, etc. the generosity of my extended family and the people of God was unbelievable. Their generosity has been overwhelming. Not only with their gracious financial support, but also bringing home cooked meals during treatment weeks.

And most of all, I have been so blessed by all the wonderful cards of encouragement from family members, friends, church family, the youth group that I serve at my church, my students at Mason LIFE. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about the way they have cared for me and my family through their encouraging words. Many of students at the private high school I attended took time during their beginning homeroom class to pray for me. At a family wedding over the summer one of my dad's cousins came up to me and told me that his two youngest sons prayed for me every night. I even received a 3-ring notebook from my elementary school choir teacher filled with notes and scripture verses from her current students encouraging me. Little kids who don't even know me, who have never met me, saying that they are praying for me. That my friends, is the love of Christ at work.

encouragement notes from my caregroup

surprise gifts from friends

But more than earthy cards and gifts that will one day fade, the thing that has gotten me through this season of life - besides God, my family, and modern day medicine - has been your prayers. My parents and I have said many times that we have felt the prayers you have prayed carry us through the hard times during these past 7 months. I believe with all my heart that God hears the prayers we offer up to him. And even though I am done with treatment and officially in remission, I am overwhelmed by how many people I talk to still say they are continuing to pray for me as I am gaining back my strength.

So, thank you. Thank you to my immediate and extended family. Thank you to our very dear close family friends. Thank you Covenant Life Church, Sovereign Grace Church of Fairfax, Sovereign Grace Church of Roanoke. Thank you to my dear caregroup and friends on the admin team. Thank you to my co-workers and students at Mason LIFE. I could not have gotten through this trial without your love, care, support, prayers, and encouragement. You do not know how much you have blessed me and my family. And most importantly how you have displayed the glory of God through your generosity. I only pray that I would become more like each and every one of you who have been so gracious to serve us these past 7 months.

Little Brothers

"oh, darling, don't you ever grow up.
don't you ever grow up.
it could stay this simple."
[taylor.swift]


I wish I could tell you that I "remember it like it was yesterday". That we went to the hospital and then after what seemed a life time I held in my arms my little brother. Unfortunately my little year and a half old brain doesn't remember. Unless I dig deep into my subconscience. But that might take a while, so we'll just let pictures do all the explaining.

Twenty-one years ago, my little brother was born. I thought that it was weird when I turned 21, but when it's your little brother - now thats just wrong. He is almost a good foot taller than me (which isn't hard when you're my lovely height of 5'2") and he is growing a mustache because he happens to be born in the lovely month of No Shave November. But, he didn't use to be all grown up.

Growing up in the 90s kids our age actually played outside (shocker, I know). We would play hide-and-go seek tag and run all around our backyards, front yards, and the alley behind our house. During the summer we dug a hole in the dirt under our Miniature Weeping Japanese Cherry Tree and cooked hot dogs over a fire. He was also quite the little monkey, climbing up the door frames in our house and hang from the top until he fell down, then would start the process all over again. He was also the kind, little brother and play Barbie's with me in our top secret Barbie room (yes, we had a Barbie play room. Our house growing up was pretty sweet). But that didn't last long until he decided to play Barber and give my favorite Barbie a hair cut. He does not cease to bring laughter to the family.

the hulk

steve urkel

safety first

Well the cute, little, cubby baby grew up and became a "big boy". But even though he was older, he was still short. When we moved to Maryland him and three other boys in his class were considered the "shrimp" - especially on the soccer field compared to all the normal tall middle schoolers and high schoolers. But don't let their size fool you, they might have been short but they were fast little shrimp. The best part about him being short was making him do things only short people could do. Like that one time when my friend Sarah came over to hang out with us while our parents were at an adult meeting at church. So we stayed home and tried to fit Leo in our drier. Who would want to go to a boring meeting when you can try to stuff your brother in a drier? This kid is one of the craziest kids I know.

myrtle beach || 2008

myrtle beach || 2008

"sacrifice!!!"

pimp daddy alonso

surviving Hurricane Sandy

dressing up for the midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises

men and their food

 Not only is he super funny, but he is super talented. Seriously, check him out - for reals. With our dad being a professional photographer, we have learned about photography the fun way without having to take a boring class. His artistic gift has helped him figure out what he wants to do with his life. He has his Associates of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and will continue to get his Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree. He also works for Apple. And let me tell you, it's nice to have an Apple specialist in the family.

what happens when you ask an artist to "make 'lucy' beautiful"

Even though my brother is crazy and brings much laughter to the family, he is pretty darn awesome and I can't imagine living life without him. He is freaking awesome - at least that's what he told us to say at high school graduation. But seriously, if you don't know this kid you're missing out because not only he freaking awesome, he is really, really ridiculously good looking.

last treatment at hopkins

Since the summer, we have both served on the famous youth admin team. I love to see the way he loves to serve the youth of our church. He isn't there just to serve and "do his job," but he makes and effort to interact with the youth and get to know them.

I still can't believe this kid is actually, officially legal - it kinda blows my mind. I could not ask for a better, more loving, more weird little brother. I am thankful that I have always had a close relationship with my younger brother. Our friendship has grown a lot over the last 7 months since I've been home. I know that if I ever need anything I can count on him. It was quite helpful to have him around when I experienced my first flat tire on a road trip to Grove City College to visit friends.

Happy 21st birthday kid! I love you so much.

Dear Buttercup

"my heart's never smiled so hard, 

baby. loving you is fun." 

[easton corbin]

I remember when my family moved up to Maryland I didn't really have any friends. But I slowly got to know different people and develop friendships, especially within my high school class. And there were some friendships where I honestly don't remember meeting them, but almost nine years later we are still best friends.

All through high school we participated in our church's youth choir for a while, worked in the youth drama plays every year, and after graduating high school we both volunteered on our awesome youth admin team and made sure we had a lot of fun - even though I was busy in college and she was busy working.

And what friendship would not be complete without the weekly talks about which boys we found cute. I remember it like it was yesterday. August 2011 - in a normal chat with my best friend she says the following: "so... drew. i think i like him =) i dont know. but seriously, i think he is so cute. and I dont want to imagine my life without him." January 2012 - "Hey. um, drew just called me to see how I was doing. AHHH!!!!! =D I like him. He know I was nervous about today and wanted to tell me he was praying for me. He could have texted that to me, but he didn't. HE LIKES ME! HE LIKES ME!!!! =D AH!" After 9 months of going back and forth telling stories with all the girly details of our "like lives" I received the best text message ever.

I had been home from school for 2 months undergoing treatment and my best friend was over at my house. I didn't have much energy so we ate dinner and were watching a movie in the basement with my mom.  And then, during the middle of the movie, my little heart stopped. "Hey Andi, is DJ over at your house?" "Um, yeah we are watching a movie. Why?"

Let's just say that I was not able to concentrate on the rest of the movie, and was too busy listening for the door bell upstairs ring. Once it finally rang (after what seemed a lifetime) I quickly jumped out of my chair and excitedly said that I wanted some Nutter Butters and asked if anyone wanted any.  Somehow I had energy to run up the stairs, and it wasn't for Nutter Butters. I think I was more nervous than he was about what was going on. But he just flipped on the light and walked downstairs and went over to DJ and asked if he could talk to her. Being DJ, she thought that something was wrong. So she immediately said "sure" and went upstairs to get her shoes on, her purse, her keys, etc.

I can honestly say that I really just wanted to sneak out the back door, follow them and take pictures. But I felt like they needed their space. A few minutes later the doorbell rang. I opened the door and DJ happily said, "Hi. Um, I would like you to meet my boyfriend." She went on to tell me what happened once they went outside. "We didn't even make it off the porch of your house and he grabbed my hand. I was freaking out and told him that we weren't suppose to hold hands. But he didn't let go and said that he talked to my dad. Shockingly I said 'Why would you do that?' He then told me that he had talked to my dad and asked him if he could date me. Then I cried and hugged him. We walked along the path but then got tired. So we just started to slow dance, even though the random people walking along the path were looking at us weird."

Back in August both of them moved down to Louisville, Kentucky to be a part of a church plant. Yes, my best friend was moving hundreds of miles away, but because it was going to advance the gospel of Jesus, I was okay with that. I think me going off to school at George Mason prepared us for this new chapter in our lives of not being right down the road from each other and not seeing each other every day. And there is kind of an unsaid rule about best friends that even though you may not see each other in person for weeks, you still talk all. the. time.

Well, it is now November and they have been dating now for 5 1/2 months. And man oh man have they been a wonderful few months, mainly for them of course. But this is my best friend we are talking about. I could not be more happy for her than I am. I would still like to think that besides Jesus and her family I was her first love. It's a best friend kind of thing. But I just get to enjoy sitting on the outside of their friendship and look in, and getting to have the following conversations with her: "I am just a girl...falling in love...with the man of my dreams. =D On that subject..GAH!!! I'm freaking falling in love!!!!!!!!! =D How crazy is that Andi?! This is him - the man I dreamed about all my life. It's Drew."

My best friend is falling in love, I'm officially in remission, and I haven't seen her for the past 3 months. Not. Cool. So this past weekend with the help of Drew and Brittany I surprised her for the weekend. Let's just say she was thoroughly surprised.

The weekend was full of fun adventures and giving me tours of Louisville. We also went to the biggest Forever 21 I have ever been to in my life. It was two stories and basically HUGE. There were so many clothes. I didn't know it was possible for a department store to have that many clothes and be that large. I think I got lost in the store. Also, at night if you look up to the sky, you can see bright stars everywhere. It was one of the most gorgeous things I have ever seen.

Besides just hanging out and being with each other, I had planned to do a photo shoot with the wonderfully, talented Brittany Kauflin. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the locations where we took pictures were stunning.

Cherokee Park

Cherokee Park

Cherokee Park

I have admired the photography of many - I'm Kristen, Lydia Jane, and of course my personal favorite one and only dad. I have done mini photo shoots with friends and family, but NOTHING was better than this. I dont even think that I can formulate words to describe the fact that my best friend is falling in love. So I'll let the pictures do all the talking.

Seriously, can life get any better than seeing your best friend fall in love? Well, maybe heaven. The best part about their relationship is the fact that they have an awesome sense of humor. Like seriously, I don't think I have laughed so much in one weekend.

They are my absolute favorite. I am so excited that I am able to share in these precious moments with them and have a first-hand look into their relationship and life. Just a few more pictures to end the post.

this is how hipsters stand.

and so they danced...