Seattle is for Lovers

Last weekend I finally got to fly up to Tacoma to see my sweet man! I left Dallas at 7am and didn't get to Tacoma until around 12 noon. Poor Logan had to get up at 5am to catch a flight with the team from California to Seattle and by the time I got there he was completely exhausted. In fact, I don't think I have ever seen him so tired before. We had time to basically drop my stuff at the hotel before he had to go to the baseball field. It was about the time that I dropped him off that the rain started. After checking the forecast on my phone I decided I better make my first purchase in Washington and I headed to Walgreens to purchase an umbrella! I went back to the hotel to take a nap and relax before heading to the coldest, wettest baseball game of my entire life!

There were the two cutest little cowboys at the Tacoma airport! I just had to snap a pic!

First of all I have to say that the Tacoma Rainiers Ballpark is amazing. Washington itself is breathtaking. The highways are lined with Christmas trees (I believe the technical term for them is evergreens but I prefer Christmas trees).  It is just beautiful! At the Rainiers stadium they let the wives and girlfriends sit in a suite when there is one available. We also get some free snacks and beverages. I can't complain about any of that!  The weather on the other hand...that's an entirely different story. During the home opener it poured for the first 5 innings and yet the game continued. Finally, with all the players freezing and soaking wet the umpires FINALLY postponed the game. After a 30 minute rain delay the game was called.

The Hotel Murano

The next morning I woke up to a cloudy sky (but no rain) and Logan had to be at the field early so I just hung out at the hotel. That night they played 4 innings to finish the game from the previous night and then an 8 inning game. Needless to say, it was a LONG two night of baseball and I was feeling pretty down because I had spent a total of about 6 hours with Logan in the two days I was there. On Saturday night I finally felt like I got to have some quality time with Logan. We sat down at the hotel bar (by the way we stayed in a really cool hotel called Hotel Murano) and drank a glass of wine (well I had Reisling and he had an old fashioned.. gross) and just talked.

 It was so nice to be able to just see him (in real life not on a computer screen) and just talk!!!! It made my heart smile to be back with the one I love so much! I have been so busy with work and more work lately and he has been so busy with baseball. The two hour time difference doesn't help much either! By the time he finishes playing it is about 11pm his time which makes it 1am my time! I am getting up at 7am to get ready for work and so no matter how hard I try I almost always fall asleep before he calls me. If you think being in a long distance relationship is tough try being in a long distance relationship with jobs that have opposite hours and a two hour time difference. It complicates things for sure. Luckily we both make the best of our situations. We talk and text whenever we have a free moment and I have even taken my lunch break alone so I can just talk to him on the phone. Let's just say that absence certainly does make the heart grow fonder... if thats even possible. I find myself missing Logan at the most random times! Like when I go grocery shopping alone or when I see a couple running together. Of course I miss going on dates with him and hanging out with our couple friends but more than that I just miss the little things that I enjoy doing together. On the bright side I don't think that we will ever take these normal daily activities for granted whenever we do get to do them together. I get frustrated but I know that God wouldn't give us a hurdle that we couldn't overcome and I know He has a reason for everything. One day we will look back on this season and laugh at how rough it was... but smile knowing that God showed us just how strong we were and that we can make it through any and every obstacle. I am so grateful to have such a faithful boyfriend. When I flew home from Seattle I was down in the dumps because it make me miss Logan even more. He reminded me that God has a plan for us and this time is a part of our plan. He put me at ease and gave me the reassurance I needed to make it until my next trip in 3 weeks!


On a totally different topic, I got THE MOST AMAZING PLANNER EVER!!! Everyone needs to go to www.erincondren.com and order a life planner right now. I have never seen such a cute and organized planner in my life. Every time I get to write something down in my planner I am filled with joy! It is customized and I love it! I mean seriously, just look at how cute the packaging is!

My planner literally came in just at the right time to because things at both of my jobs have picked up a lot lately! I got trained to be a J. Hilburn Style Consultant at the end of March and since then I have been measuring anyone and everyone I can! My first goal was to sell 5 items in the first month of business. I am proud to say that I will hit my first month mark on Sunday and I have already exceeded my goal.

Logan in his first J. Hil shirt... he's hooked!

Lots and lots of pretty purples!

 I am loving everything about J. Hilburn. I have so much fun spending time with my clients (who so far are my family and friends), catching up with them, and of course styling them! Shopping is after all my strong suit! I basically forced my dad to buy a pair of our 5 pocket khakis. He did so hesitantly, informing me that he hates most khakis because they are stiff and uncomfortable. He got his new khakis yesterday and the man hasn't taken them off yet! He said they have a great stretch to them and they fit like his favorite pair of jeans. I find it so funny that men (like my dad) who I would consider to be very low maintenance, suddenly become very opinioned when it comes to their wardrobe. Men are MUCH picker than I ever realized but I am so glad that I work for a company that truly cares about their clients and we will do whatever it takes to get them the perfect wardrobe.

 Ladies- if you have a man you think would love some J. Hilburn PLEASE contact me (jordan.johannsen@jhilburnpartner.com)! I am getting my business off the ground and I would greatly appreciate any and all referrals. Our stuff is just amazing and it makes the BEST gift! My website is www.jordanjohannsen.jhilburn.com. Please check it out and let me know what you think! PS- I have $20 off vouchers for all new customers! Who doesn't love $20 off!?!?!

Things have been absolutely INSANE at Stellar Cosmetic Center as we quickly approach our grand opening on Monday the 29th. Technically we were supposed to open this past week but due to construction issues we had to push it back a week. I finally got to meet our Dental Assistant the other day and she is just so wonderful! Her name is Daisy and I look forward to getting to know her better for sure. Check out some pictures of our place. We would LOVE to clean your teeth! Come see us we are running some awesome grand opening specials right now.

Me and Daisy, our DA, in my office!

A constant status update...

“So many women treat life as a constant status update,” says Jane Buckingham, founder of the Millennial-focused research firm, Trendera. “They’re thinking about how their lives look instead of how their lives feel.”

I read this quote a few weeks ago and it really resonated with me. So I did a little research and found out that it was from a Cosmo article. This obsession with having what appears to be a perfect life is pervasive. From clothes, to pictures, to Facebook status updates, Millennials go to great lengths to project a picture perfect life. People are so concerned with having a life that LOOKS perfect to everyone on the outside that they forget that what really matters is how their life feels on the inside.

Don't get me wrong... there are so many things I LOVE about social media... it helps me stay in touch with my friends who are near and far, it keeps me up to date on current events and news, and it allows me to interact with new people. However, social media is not without its faults and negative side effects. One of these negative effects is that social media can absolutely send your self esteem plummeting. Seeing everyone around you living what appears to be a picture perfect life can lead to a lot of self doubt.

Facebook is a prime example of this. How many times have you logged into Facebook only to find your timeline splattered with people bragging about their perfect lives including (but not limited to) their engagements, babies, hot bodies, ridiculous work outs, new designer (insert item here),  job promotions, amazing relationships etc.  There is SO much pressure on our generation to be perfect and this results in people presenting a completely fabricated image of themselves and their lives on their Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, Instagrams and blogs (but not this one of course!). Don't get me wrong- I love me some Louboutin shoes, I was super excited to get my new jobs, and I have posted a swimsuit pic or two in my time (but I worked stinking hard for that body and I had no problem admitting that!) You better believe that when I get engaged I will be over joyed to make it Facebook offish and I will post many ridiculously cute photos.  I have no problem posting about these things in moderation and updating my friends on my life. However, I don't think from looking at my Facebook page anyone would think that I have a perfect life or that I pretend to. There are things I love about myself and things I don't. I have good days and I have really bad days. I am human! At the end of the day I realize that no status update on Facebook is going to enhance my life in any way, shape or form. I may be able to fool others but I can't fool myself. I do my best to portray to others that in my life God gets all the glory for the blessings I have. I did nothing to deserve any of them. Without Him and His grace I would be nothing!

To top it off, the perfect lives that everyone portrays on social media can "trigger (a) confidence crash when there’s nothing good to report or, worse, a humiliating photo or less-than-flattering piece of news about your job or relationship status goes public," according to Cosmopolitan.


Lezzz be honest here... at one point or another we have all spent time creeping on our friends (and frienimies) and comparing our lives to theirs. Whether you want to admit it or not, comparisons like this always magnify your feelings of inadequacy and lead to massive amounts of self doubt.  I can't think of any time when I have creeped on someone and walked away from my computer like "WOW! My life is so awesome! Go me!". Infact, 99% of the time the opposite is true and I am left feeling bad about myself and my situation. "I don't have as much money as her" or "she has better genes than me I will never be that thin" or "she gets everything" or "he is so stupid how did he get THAT job?"... the list of inequities and doubts goes ON and ON and ON. It turns me into someone who I frankly don't like or recognize. What I finally had to realize is that ALL you see on Facebook/Twitter is the best of everyone's life. Almost no one is willing to admit that they had a bad day, lost their job, got their heart broken, gained 20 lbs, etc. because it doesn't add to their "picture perfect" persona. If they put up their "highlight" reel and you compare it to your outtakes and bloopers... clearly things are NOT going to match up!

The Cosmo article I read also had a good point: "Today’s young women are so busy trying to figure out what would impress their FB friends and Twitter followers, they have a harder time pinpointing their own true desires." How exhausting! I think that is the greatest truth we can pull out of all of this. Don't get so caught up in trying to be perfect that you ignore what you want out of life and what is truly important to YOU.

 I am a firm believer that God has a plan for each and every single one of us.  He gives us special talents to use. He puts dreams in our head and desires in our hearts to guide us to the plans that He has for us. DON'T IGNORE THESE TALENTS, DREAMS, THOUGHTS and DESIRES! They are there for a reason!

One of my favorite verses ever is Jeremiah 29:11. I have found myself seeking refuge in these words so many times throughout my life. Somehow this scripture always offers comfort when my soul is troubled. These words remind me that God has a plan for ME. Specifically for me. I am but one of his MANY children and yet He has a plan for me. Think about that for a second... my mom is an absolutely amazing mom but she can barely keep track of a plan for me and my sister for one day, much less for a week. God has a plan for our ENTIRE life. Not only does He have a plan, He has plans for good things in my life. He knows I will encounter evil in the world and yet He has plans to combat it. God has got everything figured out... not only for me, but for you as well. It really just blows my mind to think about how amazing our God is. Through Christ's salvation he gave us hope and a future. He loves us more than we can even fathom. His love is unconditional. It has no beginning and no end. He promises us that when we pray, He will listen and that if we seek Him wholeheartedly we will find Him.

God knows where you need to be in your life at each and every single minute. Where you are RIGHT now is where He wants you to be. You are reading this blog for a reason. Maybe He just wanted to remind you that He loves you and that despite the worries, fears, and tribulations of life you are exactly where you need to be. God has things that He wants to do to you and through you. He has lessons to teach you and He may need to use you to teach others. Allow Him to mold you. Give Him your heart and TRUST in Him. If you seek Him you will find Him and He will lead you to the life He has planned for you and you alone.

One of my devotionals had a beautiful reminder this week. It said "Trust Him. Depend on Him. Seek Him first. Acknowledge His infinite wisdom and power.  He is the perfect Father. He'll never leave you waiting because He forgot. God is like the dad who is already there before you even realize that you need him. He will help you through everything."

This imagery really stuck with me. I remember being in high school and although I never drank or did anything crazy I still wanted to fit in. I would beg and beg my parents to let me go to the parties and I promised to call them to come get me if things got out of hand. My parents trusted me and would normally let me go for a while just so I could hang out with my friends. There were so many times I can recall being at one of these parties and suddenly feeling like I didn't fit in because I wasn't drinking. Things would start to get out of hand and I would panic. Just as I would reach for my phone to call my mom or dad I would look down to see that I already had a text from them. "I am here, text me when you are ready to leave." Just like God, my parents knew I would need them and that I would want to go home before I even knew it. When you are tired of trying to make things "perfect" in your life and you are ready to turn to God he is already there waiting outside in the car for you to text Him.

If you read nothing else in this post I want you to read this (I guess if you are this far down you are probably pay attention haha)

God doesn't want the "perfect Facebook status update". 

He wants you to come to Him bruised and broken. He knows everything that troubles your heart and He wants you to turn to Him to heal it.
And this is the best news... Ladies, if you have God in your life it will be PERFECT because you will be living out His plans for you. (No, not every single day will be perfect but you will be able to see the bigger picture even on those days and you will be able to trust in His plans and His love).

So please do this for me (and for YOU):
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Remember- He has a plan specifically for you. That means that your plan is unlike anyone elses. I can guarantee that if you put Him first in your life you will see how petty so many of the things that used to rob you of self esteem truly are.

Focus on what you want out of life. What is important to you? If you sit down and think about it I don't think designer clothes, purses, cars, ripped bodies, alcohol, etc is going to be the list. If those things are really that important to you go check out the Jersey Shore or another such reality show. They can advise you accordingly haha.

Stop worrying about how your life looks and worry about how it feels. Spend more time with God making something of yourself. Focus on the feelings and the people, not on the things.  Make something out of your life. When you stop trying to impress others you will. Live you life for Him and I promise no "perfect" Facebook status will compare.

Log off Facebook and log in to life!

Who Shot a Hole in my Sobrero?!

I have been struggling to right the perfect tribute to my Papa. A man so incredible deserves that. I guess all I can do is try to describe what my Papa means to me. I have been blessed with such an incredible family and at the head of our family is our Papa. From the time I was a little girl I have the most vivid memories of my Papa. He was always making us laugh and smile with his signature song "Who shot a hole in my sombrero?". He had of course written the lyrics to the song and they changed regularly but each time he sang the chorus he would blame one of us grandkids for shooting the hole in his sombrero and we would crack up and try to blame it on someone else. Papa- I still don't know who shot the hole in your sombrero...but it was not me! Haha I don't have a single bad memory of being at Papa and Granny's house. It was a "happy place" for me because when I was there I was surrounded by family. We used to go over to Granny and Papas as little kiddos and swim for hours in their hot tub. Granny would eventually have to come and coax us out with cookies or another treat because we would have stayed in there all day! They had a downstairs living room in their old house that we converted into our play room. Many a great adventure took place down there and we played more games of red light green light than I could possibly count. They also had a downstairs bathroom with a fickle lock that my cousin Garrett was notorious for getting locked in. I would always have to call Papa from upstairs to come down and guide Garrett on how to get out. Each time he would laugh and do so with a smile...clearly he had a lot of patience!

Holidays were always the best times with Papa and Granny. We always gather at their house to enjoy faith, food and family. One Christmas we asked papa what he wanted and he told us he needed some new shorts. This seemed like an incredibly odd request given that it was the middle of winter and none of us had ever seen papa wear shorts...but we assumed that maybe he needed them for the hot Texas summers and proceeded to buy him shorts. When Christmas Day rolled around and Papa began opening his presents we couldn't help but notice a look of confusion. Papa said something like "well I sure got a lot of shorts, not sure if I'm going to wear these". Puzzled, my aunt said, "well that's what you asked for!". A grin exploded on papa's face from ear to ear as he realized there had been a miscommunication. He had meant shorts as in underwear not as in actual shorts! The entire room bust into laughter!

Holidays were always special because Papa would give us talks that lasted about an hour. During this time he would share advice, his faith, his thoughts, and his stories. One of my favorite lessons he taught was his thoughts on faith. He said that each person is a vessel and therefore we should stand with one hand up receiving blessings and talents from God and one hand down channeling these gifts to others. Those who are blessed should be a blessing to others. As good Christians we shouldn't stand with one hand up and the other on our hip for that is a selfish way to live. Eventually we become "full" of blessings and God stops filling us up so to speak. If we continue to live our lives helping others however He will continue to provide. This is such a strong image and it will stick with me forever. No matter how much or how little I have I will always take time to care about others and help them.

Papa was a coach and leader to so many and I credit him with teaching me he most important lesson of all- how to love. Teaching is more than just speaking words, it is being a living example. My Papa was the best example that anyone could ever ask for. From a young age he sacrificed so much to raise my mom, aunts and uncle. Putting aside many of his own hopes and dreams and opting to raise his kids. Papa, however, never saw this as a sacrifice because being a dad was the best job he could imagine. Through his example, he showed me what it means to be an incredible parent. He did everything possible to provide for his family. He taught them the most important things in life where a strong faith in God, love, and family. Money was always tight but Papa never let that stop him. My mom always told me a story about walking in one night when she was a young girl and seeing her Daddy on his knees and talking. She asked what he was doing and Papa replied that he was talking to God. She then asked what he was talking to God about and he told her that he was praying for wisdom. He was praying for the wisdom to make the right decisions for his family, the wisdom to guide and lead his children, the wisdom to know right from wrong and the wisdom to always seek God for the answers to life's many questions. God must have answered his prayers because Papa was the wisest man I have ever known. Another night my mom walked in on my Papa praying and he said that he was praying for faith and food. It was the end of the month and money was especially tight. So tight in fact that there wasn't enough money to buy food for the family for the upcoming week. Papa told my mom to have faith and to believe that God would find a way to provide for them. My mom listened to his advice and kneeled by his side... praying for God to take care of them and trusting that He would. Lo and behold, a bag of potatoes fell off a truck right outside their house and it was just enough to get them through the week. God always provides for those who love and trust in Him.

Papa and his kids (Marka, Randy, Shawna, and Tonya)

Papa taught me an invaluable lesson about marriage. Papa and Granny (Diane) met when they were in their 50's and for my papa it was love at first sight. Papa was a principal at Highland Park and Granny was the principal at Garland. They met at a conference and he asked her on a date immediately. My mom knew Diane was something special when Papa spent 30 minutes trying on different outfits before their first date. A few short months later they were married and they have been sweethearts ever since. Granny and Papa are a shining example of soulmates. They are truly made by God for one another. They were best friends and they have a deep passionate love for one another. Papa always called Granny "his beautiful bride" and "sweetie" and Granny always called Papa "her sweetie pie". They went on dates and courted each other until the last days of Papa's life. They had an incredible romance and love story that I hope to emulate in my own life. Granny and Papa have come to EVERYTHING I have ever done growing up and they have loved and supported me every single step of the way. Granny and Papa took me out to a special lunch a couple of summers ago after I had just been through a major break up. They told me about their marriage and how they found each other. They encouraged me to write down all of the qualities that were important to me in a partner and to put this list inside my bible and pray every night for my soulmate. They gave me additional advice on respect, faith, and finances. I did as they advised and made my list and put it in my bible. Months later I met Logan and it was truly as if he was tailor made to fit that list! Once again my Papa was right. Had I not had that talk with him and granny I don't think I would have been ready to meet Logan when I did or to recognize that he was the one that God had made for me. It breaks my heart to know that Papa won't be here to see me and Logan spend our life together but I know he will be watching and guiding from above. He always told me that he wanted me to be happy and I am the happiest I have ever been. I am glad that he got to meet Logan and spend some time with him. In the few times Logan spent with Papa he was like a sponge, absorbing every story and lesson that Papa taught. He made a big impact on Logan. I have always said that I want the man I marry to ask my dad and my papa for their blessing. My mom knew this and after Papa passed she told me that Papa had given his stamp of approval on Logan. My heart swelled with joy! Somehow Papa knew how important it was to me to have his approval and even though Logan didn't get around to asking him quiet yet he made sure my mom knew that he believed that we were soulmates and that he trusted Logan with my heart. :)

I have concluded that I will never stop missing Papa but with each passing day I get one day closer to seeing him again. I see him in small things...like a song on the radio or a random act of kindness. But I also have so much of him still here because his lessons and the way he taught me to live and love will never leave... and those are the big things. As I am getting into my new jobs I wish more than anything I could pick up the phone and call him. I know he couldn't care less about a custom shirt or getting his teeth whitened...those type of things never mattered to him haha but I also know that he'd be my first customer. I have had a rough and sleepless week and as I got ready this morning I said a silent prayer to help me get through today. As I finished the song "When I get where I'm going" came on the radio and the most peaceful feeling came over me. I think it was my
Papa reminding me to stay positive and to let me know that he's still watching over me. I love you Papa and I will never stop! I sure do miss you, but I know I'll see you again someday.

"I'm gonna walk with my granddaddy and he'll match me step for step, and I'll tell him how I missed him every minute since he left and then I'll hug his neck..."

New job, new hair

Are your teeth yellow?

Does your face look like this?














Are you still trying to pull off this look?




















... if you answered yes to any of these questions you need to come see me.


...if you answered yes to ALL of these questions then you need to see a therapist.

Last week I started working at Stellar Cosmetic Center in Dallas. It is a brand spanking new practice and we will officially open on April 22nd. I have been training for the past week and so far I am loving it! I am getting to learn a lot about the dental field (teeth have numbers?) and use my TCU Marketing degree!

So far I have done everything from watching root canals and wisdom teeth removals (sick!) to picking paint colors and furniture out and creating marketing materials. "Team Stellar" as I fondly call my co-workers is awesome so far. We have come up with an incredible menu of services and you should all check it out. Seriously though... you HAVE to go to the dentist every 6 months so why not make it fun and come see me?!

We also do botox/dysport (my personal fave), two kinds of teeth whitening (who doesn't love pearly whites), and we even have oxygen rejuvenation therapy (SO excited to try it out). Our prices are amazing... one of our packages saves you over $1000 a year! I promise you won't be disappointed!

This month I also decided to be an Independent Style Consultant for J. Hilburn. Many of my pageant sisters will remember the beautiful Brittany Bandy. Well, back in July or August Brittany had talked to me about her job as a J. Hilburn style consultant and how much she loved it! She told me that she thought I would be great at it. It sounded like a great opportunity but I was still in college and I wasn't ready to get a 'big girl job' yet.

Logan was looking to purchase a new shirt prior to spring training and we were striking out on finding something that fit right and that he liked (that wasn't priced over $300!!!). We kind of stumbled onto J. Hilburn and when we were at Spring Training he got measured by a style consultant. After hearing more about the company (and saying a few prayers) I was SOLD! I texted Brittany that night and told her I wanted in. So in a matter of days I was all ready to go and I head to training this Saturday! YAHOOO!! J. Hilburn is an incredible company that is truly redefining the way men shop.

Yes... those are ALL options for the collar on a custom shirt... mind officially BLOWN!

J. Hilburn is known most for its custom shirts. The shirts are made in the same European factories as the most luxurious brands (Burberry for example) and they are made from the finest fabrics. A style consultant (like me) measures the client and then imports the data into the database. All shirts, suits, etc are CUSTOM cut to the client's exact measurements. They are completely customizable... from the buttons to the color  of the stitching... the possibilities are literally endless. You would expect clothes like this to cost hundreds (if not thousands), however J. Hilburn shirts start at just $99!!! So ladies and gentleman, if you know of (or are) a man who is looking for some amazing new clothes give me a call and I will hook you up! Plus, you get $20.00 off your first purchase and who can say no to a discount like that. J. Hilburn has a reorder rate of 93% so you know they must be doing something right!

Yes... those are the client's initials on this customized shirt.. that's how we roll at J. Hilburn!

I am feeling VERY blessed by the opportunities that God has brought into my life. I am excited to see how He will use me in both of these new jobs to glorify His great name. I am confident that He has great things and much success in store for me! People- God is SO good! If you don't have Jesus in your life you are missing out and you needa getcha some asap!

Enough about business......................... let's talk about my new hairdo!

Lemme break it down for ya... 

So it all kind of started on Monday night. I was bored and I was playing around with my hair.

then I started looking at these pictures...

and I thought... hmmmm if I cut my hair like this I will magically morph into Heidi Klum, right? RIGHT!

Meanwhile Elle was in my closet trying to hide in a bag... she thinks I'm dumb and she is ready to see her daddy again!

So I told Reilly to come help me and we just did it!

Chop Chop!

WHAT the heck was I thinking?!?!


... and then I fell in love with it
(however I was slightly disappointed that I didn't morph into Heidi Klum)... 

and that is the story of how I got my new hair cut!

THE END!

***DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME... PLAYING WITH HAIR AND SCISSOR IS DANGEROUS***

Haleigh's getting hitched!!

So I flew back to Dallas from Arizona last Wednesday. On Thursday I started my job at Stellar Cosmetic Center and on Friday my cousin and some of her bridesmaids came into town for her Bachelorette/Lingerie shower weekend!

We started things off right on Friday night with mambo taxis (and limousines) and some delish mexican food at Taco Diner. If that saying we are what we eat is true then I am a Mexican FOR SURE because this girl loves her some tex mex. After dinner we all came back to my apartment and stayed up until the wee hours telling our favorite stories about Haleigh. I had so much fun laughing and reminiscing with my cousins, my sister, and friends. One things for sure... we all love our Haleigh Bailey Bear!

On Saturday the whole crew of us went to get manis and pedis. I was LONG overdue for one (we are talking months here people... my cuticles were a manicurists worst nightmare!). After that we all got dolled up and headed to Trousseau's for Haleigh's lingerie shower. One of my friends gave me the idea to have it there (shout out to Amanda McCarthy :)... best idea ever)  but I have to admit... I was a little nervous because I had never been and I didn't know what to expect.

Me and the bride to be Haleigh!

Each person who attended contributed money to Hal's lingerie budget and she had over $1,000 to spend! Homegirl is loved! My granny and my grandma dot (who is 90) were both in attendance. Luckily they were good sports about it... I actually think they enjoyed it because Granny told me we should make it a tradition and that I am the next one in line haha! I asked Grandma Dot if she had a lingerie shower and she died laughing. She told me that things were much different back in her day and that she had never heard of such a thing as a lingerie shower in her life. She probably thinks we are all crazy and I am sure when she goes home to Iowa she tells all of her friends about her crazy Texas adventures... this is just another one for the books! At the shower Haleigh tried on 20 of the most beautiful lingerie pieces I have ever seen. This stuff is all from Europe and it is just beautiful! The lady who works there is fabulous. She trained in France for 6 months and has been in the lingerie biz for 20+ years. Lets just say this wasn't her first rodeo. She took time telling us about each piece, who made it, and where it came from. It was really interesting and fun! Haleigh, of course, looked amazing in them all too... not fair! As she tried them on, we all ooed and ahhed over her and came up with a name for each piece. My favorite was for a green little outfit and someone suggested we call it "avocado". Derek's aunt then exclaimed "Yes, and lets make some guacamole!". We all burst into laughter! Derek clearly has a fun, laid back family and they fit in perfectly with us! Once Hal narrowed it down (which was so difficult) we made a "menu" for her fiance to "order off of" each night of their honeymoon. Some of our names included "Double Stuffed Oreo Delight" (Derek's favorite dessert) and "Strawberry Shortcake". Let's just say that Derek is one lucky man (but he already knows that)!

I would call this one lemon meringue pie... 

Me, my mom, my sister, my two aunts, and my cousin all had bra fittings. Apparently I have been wearing the wrong bra my whole life (explains a lot). I am happy to inform you that I got a new one (actually 3) that fits correctly and I am OBSESSED with. Ladies, if you live in DFW don't walk, RUN to Trousseau's. This bra is comfortable, supportive and just all around incredible. Happy boobs happy life... thats how the saying goes right? (PS. my new bra was only $68.00 which is as much as I paid at Victoria's Secret for something that wasn't half as comfy...so like I said go getcha some). Following the lingerie shower we all headed to a little chocolate wine bar (shocker I know) in uptown and we sipped on some vino (shocker once again) and just chit chatted. I am def going back to this chocolate wine place. An establishment that has both of my favorite things in the world under one roof... doesn't get much better than that. Then we kissed the moms/aunts/grandparents goodbye and headed back to my place for some grown up girl bachelorette fun! 

Haleigh had gone to the lingerie shower early so during that time the other bridesmaids and I decorated the apartment with bachelorette party paraphernalia! As my Aunt Marka said, "I know there is going to be p-word decorations" and so she wanted to have nothing to do with the bachelorette party portion of the night! Our motto and hashtag for the weekend was #YOMO... which stands for "you only marry once". We played some games, ate some cake, and laughed a lot that night! Around 11, Uncle Clint sent a car to pick us all up and take us to Candle Room. When we arrived he had gotten us our own table with bottle service... needless to say were feeling pretty spoiled! Each of the bridesmaids wrote dares for Haleigh to do while at the club... and lets just say we got some great laughs out of watching her give a guy a "titty twister", taking a sip of a strangers drink, dancing with some guys she didn't know, and stealing a man's cowboy hat while dancing on the bar! We all had a blast and enjoyed celebrating Haleigh's last fling before the ring. This was a weekend for the books and I am so excited for her wedding!!! Hurry up April 20th!

Haleigh working it on the bar!

Cuties! Reilly (my sister) and Paige (my cousin). 

Uncle Clint and Hal at Candleroom

Haleigh and me... love her!

My Papa (Part 1)

Im sorry I've been on a brief hiatus. The past weeks have been a whirlwind. I received a call on Friday the 8th while at a baseball game in Arizona that Papa had been admitted to the hospital and that it wasn't looking good. My mom said the words I had been dreading for so long, "Jordan, he's not going to make it...you need to fly home now". I immediately burst into tears. Once Logan finished the game we looked at flights and discovered there was only one at 6:55 that I could even possibly make. He packed my bag (thank goodness he knows me well and included all of the essentials) and I booked my ticket. We left the house 10 minutes later and as we raced to the airport the severity of the situation hit me. As we neared the airport dark gray clouds engulfed the sky. It had been a dreary, rainy day...which are few and far between in Arizona. The clouds parted for a moment and the sunlight shined through. When this happened it created the most beautiful rainbow. Logan looked over at me and said "Babe, you are gonna get to see your Papa...the rainbow is a sign from God." I smiled and prayed that he was right. As we pulled up to the ever familiar Phoenix airport I began to get teary eyed. Logan and I have shared several teary eyed goodbyes at this airport but it wasn't until we pulled up to the Southwest terminal that it hit me that I was going to have to say goodbye to him and go on this flight alone. Saying goodbye to Logan is ALWAYS terrible...but this time was the worst. I wanted him to come with me and he wanted to be able to be there for me but with baseball that was just impossible. As he parked the car near curbside he said to tel:(214)%20363-4561 12:30 I met up with my cousin, Kayce, near the baggage claim. We hugged each other and we both struggled to fight back tears. After gathering our luggage we met up with my Dad and headed straight to the hospital. Once we arrived at Baylor Medical Center we found a waiting room filled with my entire family. We immediately headed into Papa's hospital room so be by his side. I held his hand and told him how much I loved him. I kissed his forehead and prayed for the good Lord to be by his side. We stayed with him for 4 hours and then in the middle of the night, with his vitals stable, we went home to catch a few hours of sleep.

That Saturday was the worst day of my entire life. We woke up around 7:30am when my Aunt called to tell us that Papa's condition had worsened and it was a matter of hours, minutes maybe, until he would pass. My cousins and I threw on clothes and headed to the hospital. Once we were there we sat by his side and held his hands. We watched his chest rise and fall… never knowing when he would take his last breath. Reilly and I held his hands and tearfully read his favorite bible verses… verses that we had heard him quote our whole lives. Psalms 23 was one of Papa's favorites and mine as well. I will never forget sitting by his bed side and reading those words to him as he had read them to me for so many years. Although he was unresponsive, I know he could hear us and feel our love. The pastor from Papa and Granny's church in Garland came to pray with us. As we all held hands and prayed in Papa's room you could truly feel that the Holy Spirit was present. I will forever treasure those last few moments I spent with him… watching him inhale and exhale, inhale and exhale. My Aunt Shawna and Uncle Randy sat at the foot of his bed while me and my mom and my Aunt Marka and cousin Haleigh sat on the sides of his bed holding his hands. At 2:38 I held my sweet Papa's hand as he entered heaven. As we watched his chest rise and fall for the last time we all burst into tears. My mom went into the hallway to tell the others that he had passed and everyone rushed into the room to kiss him goodbye one last time. There was such a mix of emotions… we were all so happy that his pain and suffering was finally over. Papa was cured of cancer. He was an angel and he had gone home to be with his Maker. On the other hand we are all selfish and we all wanted more time with him. I know that God has perfect timing...and in time I know I will grow to accept that it was His time to be called home but for now there is just a huge hole in my heart. My Papa was so much more to me and my family than just a relative. He was the heart of my family. Papa was the strongest man of faith I have ever encountered...in fact I think that's what makes it worse because if he were here he would tell me the perfect words of advice and point me to a scripture to help me make sense of the past few days. It is impossible to know that my Papa won't be there to watch me start my first big girl job this next week, walk down the aisle, or hold his great grandchildren. My only comfort lies in the fact that while he will not be there physically, he will be there spiritually. I know that when our family is together Papa will always be there. He left a lasting legacy of love… and that will never die. I pray he watches over me all the days of my life and that his teachings live on through me and my family so that his legacy never dies. I am sure he is in heaven right now holding all of his loved ones in his arms and celebrating his homecoming. I know he will have a front row seat on all of our lives and when my day comes I know my Papa will be standing in heaven with outstretched arms ready to greet me. I know the next few days and months won't be easy. Holidays will forever be lacking Papas exuberance, joy, and laughter. And no matter how hard I try there will be times when no ones advice but my Papas will do and I will fall to my knees and pray for him to help guide me. My children and their children will know the stories that their Papa told and the lessons he preached. They will know of his incredible faith and his courageous fight against cancer.

I often feel as though life gives me lemons and I am always trying to make lemonade out of them. My Papa taught me how to turn every negative into a positive and how to see God's hand in everything that happens in life. I guess you could say that God gave me an earth angel in Papa and now that angel has been called home. I love you Papa and I am missing you each and every single day!

I guess it's finally official...

Friday the Seattle Mariners took on the Texas Rangers. Of course growing up in Texas, Logan and I have both been conditioned to cheer for the Rangers. Some of my very first memories of baseball were going to the games with my Dad, Uncle T, and cousin Garrett. When my dad's clients would have extra tickets they would give them to him. Although I was about as girly as they come as a little squirt, there was something special and exciting about getting to go and watch a Rangers or Cowboys game with my dad. He would patiently try to explain what all of the numbers on the scoreboard meant and I would probably drive him insane asking questions. One of my fondest memories of going to the Rangers game was when I was probably 6 or 7. We got free tickets to sit on the front row to the left of home plate. Pudge Rodriguez, who I found incredibly cute, turned around and tossed a ball to me and my cousin. Of course there was only one ball and being the elder of the two I felt like I should be the one to get it. Garrett, the little athlete, of course felt like it should be his… and thus began a battle over who should keep the prized baseball! Mid argument my Dad gets up out of his seat and disappears. I assumed he was just going to use the restroom or get a hotdog. When he returned he opened a bag that had something EVEN better than the baseball. It was a framed and signed picture of Pudge Rodriguez. I instantly gave the ball to Garrett, assuring him that he got the better end of the deal, and happily claimed my picture. I have no idea why but that day still sticks out in my mind!  Fortunately, Pudge Rodriguez has long since retired so it made it much easier for me to cheer for the Mariners against my hometown team.

 I attended the game with Courtney, Kelsey, and Skylan (Brad Miller's girlfriend). At the game I met up with Susannah and her precious baby Crue. I haven't seen Crue since October so he has grown SO much and Sus just looks wonderful! It is obvious that she is an incredible Mommy and that Crue adores her. She is such a good friend and I just love being around her. I got to play with Crue for 5 innings and I have to say that kid is perfect! With the Mariner's ahead, Logan went in to pitch the 9th inning. He did a phenomenal job, throwing 17 pitches total (13 of which were strikes) and 2 strike outs to end the game! The Mariners won 8 to 6 and Logan got the save! Way to go LOGAN and way to go M's. I guess its finally official… I am a Seattle Mariners fan!