March Madness: Excuses 5-9

My March Madness continues with more excuses of

where I've been and what I've been doing which include everything but blogging!

No worries...March is almost over and so are these darn excuses.

Excuse#5: Time with DG sisters

While in the Windy City (for the conference - see post: March Madness Excuses 1-4 for initial explanations), I had time to catch up with just some of my dear, dear Delta Gamma sisters including: Liz, Beth (DG President), and Emily!
More sisters: Jen and Carm!
Sister Liz and her adorable anchorman. Sisters Megan, Rachel and President Beth!

A Sunday night gathering of golden anchor badge lovers! ...and a finale gathering on Tuesday night!

Next time will be Convention 2010 in Denver!

As you can imagine what free nights occurred in Chicago,

I spent them playing with these A-mazing women.

Excuse #6: Dr. Rice

The keynote speaker for the conference was none other than former Secretary of State,

Dr. Condoleezza Rice.
I enjoyed her words of hope, encouragement,

and thanks for working in higher education soooo uplifting.

I sat there amazed...here was a woman who wasn't able to order a hamburger in our country...yet has gone on to serve our country. I also liked the fact that she is 5'8...so am I.

Excuse: #7

I did not starve during March. At all.

Especially in Chicago eating these crepes.

Excuse #8: Shopping

I splurged. Totally. Bought my first Coach purse.

Funny I bought a home (alone), before I bought a Coach purse...

but now I have a safe place to house my fine bag.

Excuse #9: Early Arrival of a Blessing

My dear friend/college roommate, Kami, gave birth at 25.5 weeks to one precious prince named Brooks David. Weighing in at 1lb, 14 oz and 13.5 inches long, Brooks is one heck of a mirco preemie fighter. After arriving home from Chicago, I jumped in my car and spent the next 5 nights in Dallas caring for my friend and her sweet family.

Looking at Brooks in his new NICU "home," I saw a new definition of survival and HOPE.

I can't even begin to explain how small everything is...his diaper in the palm of my hand for one.

Brooks' parents know and believe this is all part of life....we must trust in it and thank Him for the blessing of baby Brooks. I know I do.

Most of my time in Dallas, was spent caring for

Brooks' big brother, Duncan, which is a dream job.
Thankfully Duncan is no stranger to social, dining situations and loves to be out on the town.

Aunties Lori and Shea at lunch!

Auntie Hollis, Baby Ellie, Mama Kami & Duncan. I love that these two kiddos are looking at opposite sides of the restaurant. Classic attempt at getting a 19 and 13 month old to look at the camera. We giggled trying to get these four looking the same way.

Humor. It is a God sent as we ride this journey as a village of friends.

I beg of you as you make your prayer lists to remember a sweet baby named Brooks and his parents. They need prayers of strength, peace, and HOPE. I will continue to give Brooks' updates and ask for your prayerful consideration and thoughts. Brooks has a very, very special role to play in each of our lives and I can't wait to celebrate him each and every day.