Thanksgiving, Singing Christmas Trees & More Bellies

Hello Everyone and Merry Christmas-Time!!

I wanted to catch everyone up with the latest news going on in my little world. Some of my favorite people came to Orlando during Thanksgiving and we had a wonderful time. I got to take some Christmas pictures for the Jones Family at Disney's Boardwalk. The Boardwalk looks so jolly with all the Christmas decorations. The decorations really help make it feel like Christmas because 80 degrees doesn't really do it! Here are some of the shots from my time with the Jones'. They really are family to me and I'm so thankful for them!

I know, I know, we look JUST alike! =)

That day we got to go mini-golfing at WinterSummerland. I definitely had a night of extremes with 6 strokes on one hole, to 3 holes in 1!!! Hamp was the overall winner that night and was very mature and didn't rub it in.....much. =)

I also got to share Thanksgiving with my sister in her new house. I even got to take some pictures of her and Luke and the "coming soon" Maya. Here are a few of my favorites.

It was hard to get a serious shot of these two. They like to laugh! I think it's a family trait. =)

Tiffany and I have also spent the last 3 months rehearsing for something called "The Singing Christmas Trees" at First Baptist Orlando. Those huge trees are actually going to be filled with about 350 choir members. My spot was in the tree on the left about 3 rows from the top. We really are quite squished in there and we stand for the entire show. It has been quite the experience and I think that while this is my rookie year, this is my veteran year as well!

So, that is just a short update on what is going on in my life lately. I will be posting another blog VERY shortly, because on December 2nd I became an aunt for the first time!! I will leave you in suspense until I can get some pictures to post. I must say..... the baby is beautiful.

Until next time,

Nikki

Bellies, Baby Showers, & Christmas Time at Disney!

Hello All and Happy Holidays to you! I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas is next month! How the time flies when you're living in Orlando and still looking for a job. =) I don't really like to put a blog up if there isn't much to say, so that is why there has been some gaps in my blogging life. Now I will catch you up on a couple of recent, and super fun, events in my life.

If you have read my blog in the past, you know that I really enjoy going to Disney World whenever Tiffany and I have some free time. In the midst of trying to find work and doors closing most of the time, Disney always brings a smile and lots of fun. They have it decorated for Christmas and it looks SO beautiful! Also, I went home to Chicago last weekend for my sister Andrea's baby shower. She is due December 13th, but we all think she will be having that baby any time now. Today she made it to 37 weeks so the little guy (or girl...I think she's having a boy) can come out and play anytime now! I get to go home December 20th for Christmas and I cannot wait to hold that baby and take lots of pictures. I have some of my favorite people coming to visit this week, the Sanders and Jones families, so I'm sure I'll have many more smiles to post after this week. I get to go and eat Thanksgiving at my sister Laura's house on Thursday and this year I only have to travel one and a half hours to get there. A great improvement over the 7 or more hours it would have taken if I still lived in Georgia. So, while things are still tough, I still believe that this is where God has planted me and I intend to grow.

I have lots of pictures to share, so here goes.

My beautiful sister Andrea and her awesome belly. She's glowing!







Last night I went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party where they make it snow on Main St. and the castle is draped in lights that make your heart long for heaven! It was so magical!




The snow was actually foam, but it looked so real! I hope it snows in Chicago when I'm home for Christmas!

The fireworks are always amazing, but there is nothing like fireworks and Christmas music.







Have a great weekend and a very Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for so much, but mostly for my dear friends and family!

XOXO,

Nikki

I'm Gonna Be An Aunt!!

Hello All! It's mid-October and it's in the 90's here in sunny Orlando. I cannot say I'm used to that, but I will take it over a harsh 3-6 months of winter anytime!

Some of you may not know that both of my younger sisters are pregnant and are 3 months apart. My sister Andrea who lives in Chicago, is due on December 13th so I am looking forward to an amazing Christmas present this year! She and her husband Scott have decided NOT to find out the sex of the baby so we all wait with eager anticipation. I'm going with boy, but you never know. My other sister Laura and her husband Luke decided to find out the sex of their baby last week and they invited me to be there when they did. Luke was convinced it was a boy and I was sure it was a girl. The baby is due on my birthday, March 5th, and if it was a girl she was going to be named Maya Nicole. So you see, I did have some bias here. As the ultrasound got started it only took a few minutes to see that the baby was a girl!! I had my camera all ready and had taken a few shots before the announcement, but I really wanted to capture the moment on Luke and Laura's faces when they announced the sex. Instead, I started screaming and jumping myself and just couldn't wipe the smile from my face. Here are some of the shots I did get during this time.

It was amazing to see the baby on the big screen.

Baby Maya
My excited Brother-in-law Luke
So it was an amazing day full of smiles and excitement. I have to say that it was an honor to get to share this with my sister and Luke. I do have to be honest though, and say that there was a small part of me that hurt. A part of me that still asks God, "why not me? Will I ever get to be a wife to a wonderful man and know what it feels like to be a mother?" I know it may seem selfish to be feeling this way in the light of such a wonderful thing, but that's just the way I feel. I don't feel this way all the time and I am more than excited to be an aunt. Yet at the core of how God made me, these desires just will not go away. I know there is much to be learned in the waiting, no the longing, of this time and He is showing me through it all that He is faithful.

I want to live life to the fullest, for that is why Christ came. In times like these, I always wonder how people get through the pain of life without Christ. Hope comes from knowing that we are loved and loved well and that this life is not the end of our story. It's just a blip on the radar of eternity, but that doesn't always help when I need a hug from someone with skin on. =)

I do know that there is redemption in that I get to share this journey with my sisters. After the past few years, that is saying something.

I also had a friend from Atlanta, who is now living in Baltimore, come and visit last weekend. Here are a few pictures of Lauren that I took at Disney's Boardwalk. She is very photogenic so it was fun to take them.

My roommate Tiffany also got a new haircut so I had to capture that as well. I think she looks beautiful!

One last thing before I go....I got a job!! I am substitute teaching at a prep school here in Winter Garden and I really like it. I get to go in and talk with students all day and then leave. No lesson plans, little stress, and NO WEEKENDS or EVENINGS!! Being in a school does make me miss my former students, but many of them keep in touch and I was so grateful for my time with them. I'm still looking for auditions and to teach private voice lessons, but things are slow here. I am just thankful to have some income coming in.

I wish you all a wonderful week!

xoxo

Lots O' Visitors

Ok, ok....now I know that I don't have a following of thousands or hundreds....or even 10 for that matter, but I know it's been a looooong time since I've put up a blog. I've just been busy with some awesome guests while getting the most out of living in Orlando. The Sanders Family came down to celebrate Andie's 18th birthday by going to Disney World. For those of you who do not know the Sanders Family, Andie was in my choir at Hillgrove the past 3 years and I have become wonderful friends with her whole family. Michelle and Bundy sponsored me for my Tres Dias weekend and I have felt so much love from them over the years. Going to Disney with them has become a tradition and it is always so much fun to storm the Magic Kingdom with people who love Disney as much as I do.

They got in Friday night September 11th and we all went to the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party where most people were dressed up and the park was decorated for fall. The best part was that we got to go trick or treating inside the park. They gave away the good stuff too! Here are some pics from that fun night.

Andie in her Tinkerbell costume and I in front of the castle.

Andie looking at the castle....I loved the innocence of this shot.

Me and Baloo from The Jungle Book. He liked to cuddle.

These were some of the decorations throughout the park.

The next morning was Andie's real birthday. We all met at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom to have a character breakfast to celebrate. We had to be in the park by 7:50 a.m. so we definitely had a lot of coffee! The park was not open yet so Main Street was almost totally empty. That is something I have never seen.

I loved this picture of Michelle and Tigger!

Andie made a shirt to wear on her birthday. I totally agree, I'm never growing up!

Just being silly in the line for Philharmagic. It's one of my favorite rides at Disney.

Later in the weekend, I got to take some of Andie's senior pictures at the Disney Boardwalk. Here are a few of my favorites.

I had so much fun with the Sanders Crew. I cannot wait for Thanksgiving when they come back down to have fun again. They are some of my favorite people!! Love you guys!!

Last week my good friend Ashley Johnson came to visit. We had a really good time exploring some places that I have never been. We went to Sea World and Busch Gardens and rode some awesome coasters. Ashley also let me take some pics of her so here are a few of my favorites.

Ashley is an awesome photographer so when she told me she liked these pictures, I was super excited! Thanks for visiting me my friend! I love you!!

I keep saying that I will be a better blogger, but honestly...I may not. I try to write when I have something to say and sometimes it just takes me a while to have something to say. Tiffany and I are still looking for a job, but we are keeping busy with much searching and we are participating in the Singing Christmas Trees at First Baptist Orlando. I have directed choir for so long that it is fun to just get to sing. Plus I need to keep up my chops =) I also have some leads to start teaching voice lessons and substitute teaching so we shall see. I keep waiting for something to just "work out," but it is taking longer than I thought. I guess that's why God makes the plans and I do not. It's been a nice long break...but we are ready to work. Keep us in your prayers if we come to mind. Also, pray for the people in Atlanta, GA and Burkina Faso, Africa. They have had some horrible rain and the flooding is becoming a problem. People are losing homes and crops. I love you my friends from all over the world!

Thanks for reading!!

Visitors and the Unending Sickness

Good Morning!

I had NO intention of going this long without writing a blog, but some family came into town and a friend and then I've been sick for going on 11 days. So, I will attempt to catch you up quickly on what life has held these last 20 days.

My Auntie Chrissy and Uncle Andie and cousins Brittany, Kristen, and Nick came into town to visit and go to Disney World. I had so much fun with them going swimming and riding rides at Disney. The first day we went to Epcot and my sister Laura and Tiffany joined us. We got to ride Test Track and Soarin and just enjoy being with each other. I didn't realize how much I missed my family. It's funny how family can be the source of so much joy....and SO much pain. I'm sure everyone can relate to that! =) More on that on a different day. Here are some fun shots of our time together!

My Auntie Chrissy and her poncho at Downtown Disney. Love it!

The cousins at Epcot

Little side note: Laura and I were riding the monorail back to the Polanesian Hotel to get our cars and there was a girl and her boyfriend standing right in front of us. Only a few minutes into our ride the poor girl got sick. I mean, REALLY sick! She blew chunks on a very full car of people and we all had to endure for another 7 minutes until the next stop. The girl had thrown up all over her boyfriend and I thought, if that guys sticks around...He is a keeper. =) Just some fun monorail memories to last for a lifetime!

Me and the Taylors in front of Rockin' Roller coaster at Hollywood Studios. I really don't look like them, do I.

We touched the butt!


I just couldn't resist putting this pic up. Aren't they cute!!

Nick and I in front of Tower of Terror. We had SO much fun that day! Nick is starting high school this year. He is such a great kid and I'm so glad we had this time together.

In the middle of the time my family was here, my good friend Joanna came to visit me. I am so grateful to have a friend like her. We had so much fun just hanging out and eating and talking. We got to go see the movie "Julie and Julia" and really liked it.

Tiffany and Joanna let me use them as my muses for a photo shoot in downtown Orlando. Here are a few shots from the shoot. Complete albums can be found on my facebook page. I really love taking pictures and I just want to keep getting better and better. My favorite thing about taking pictures is being able to give people memories of themselves that they love.

Beautiful Joanna

Beautiful Tiffany

Anyhoo, that has been what has kept me busy these past few weeks. I'm actually starting to feel better, but I can't get rid of my cough and stuffy nose. I've been on antibiotics for about 7 days and no change. Even though I NEED to find a job, it's been nice to be able to rest when I'm not feeling well. I'm not used to that. =) I pray that the next time I write, I will be telling you about my new job and new church. I can hope right?!

Until then.........

The Rebirth of Hope

Hello One and All! 

It has been a while since I last blogged, but sometimes I just have to make sure I really want to tell everyone what I'm thinking.  I'm pretty honest when I write so that can be a very good thing....or a not so good thing if you know what I mean.  These past couple of weeks have been one of big change for me.  A change in perception can make all the difference in how we cope with something.  I have chosen to change my attitude on a few things and it has been so freeing!  I highly recommend it!

One the coolest things God has been doing is peeling back layers so that even deeper healing can occur.  He is using roommates, books, DVDS, and journaling to do this.  I don't know if any of you could use some deeper healing from our God, but He will go there with us if we ask.  He also goes there when we don't ask and those are some painful times of growth.  Louie Giglio is one of my favorite teachers and his messages have always been a balm to my soul.  I recently watched "Hope When Life Hurts Most."  If you haven't seen it, I would say to get your hands on it and let him speak truth to you. He talked about our suffering being a megaphone to the world of what's in our hearts and that if I ever doubt that God loves me........to look at the cross. His suffering and dying on the cross has been the loudest message of love in history. Wow....wow!

I also wanted to quickly share that I went on an audition on Thursday and it went really well.  No details yet, but I go back Monday for more of the process.  If nothing else, it has been totally encouraging.  I do want to share one part of the audition.  After I had sung my 2 songs and did my comedic monologue they asked me if I had a dramatic monologue to do.  Well I didn't, but I asked if I could just share something dramatic from my life.  I told them about moving to Georgia, marrying Chester, and then a little about the divorce. The Holy Spirit took over and just spoke through me.  At the end I shared that God became real to me during that time of pain and that He is good and that I hope my life brings Him glory.  As I shared this with them, I realized just how true it all was.  How I would not have been there auditioning or living in Orlando or how I would not have met so many WONDERFUL friends by moving to Georgia.  God was using my suffering as a megaphone at this audition!  "GOD IS GOOD ALWAYS!! BEAUTY FROM ASHES! HOPE IS THE LORD!"  I have to say, this was not the typical audition.  Well, long story short, I got asked to come back next week.  I don't know what will come of it, but that's not the point.  The point is that hope has had a rebirth in me and that I am living more intentionally in seeking and spending time with God.  Does life get much better!?

Thanks for reading!

Wisdom From a Rug

Hi Everyone!  I write to you because I have once again been reminded that God is good!  All the time! Tiffany and I bought a rug during the first week we were here.  We both loved it and it now resides in front of our sink in the kitchen.  Here is the mat....

Lately I seem to let my circumstances determine my mood.  And then my mood affects my relationship with God.  Like moving and not knowing a lot of people or trying to follow the dreams, although risky, that my Father put in my heart.  I spoke to a dear friend today and we both came to the same conclusion  that we were letting our feelings get in the way of spending time with God or praising Him.  The saying on the rug, "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass....it's about learning to dance in the rain" became so true for me...for all of us. So even though I wasn't "feeling it" I went for a walk today while listening to some praise music.  My decision to be obedient softened my heart and I was able to walk with arms stretched towards the sky.  It was so freeing and such a good reminder that no matter the circumstance I can praise God and keep a joyful outlook.  

So once again the reminder that God is in control and that He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords hit me in the face....hard!  He is in control of everything...my life, my hopes, my dreams and the weather.  We get some amazing storms here in Orlando and tonight I grabbed my camera while God was showing off His most awesome handiwork.  Here are some of the shots that I caught from our balcony.  I don't really know how to shoot lightning, but I did what I could.

I have not really shared this, but I have had some trouble with my voice for some time now. Teaching has been a great profession, but it really takes a toll on your voice! I went to the ENT in Atlanta at the beginning of June and they thought that I could have the start of vocal nodules.  These are like callouses on the vocal chords and they can be quite dangerous for singers.  I went to see a specialist at the end of June and they took some pictures of my vocal chords.  They said that I did not have nodules, but that my chords were on their way if I didn't get some vocal therapy.  This was not the news you want to hear when you are banking your next career chapter on the use of your voice.  I also found out that I have a mild case of acid reflux and that this was irritating my chords as well.  Once again, I found myself feeling blue because of my circumstances.  After a little time had passed, I once again found myself being obedient and started thanking God for letting me catch this in its early stages.  Well, I just went to the ENT in Orlando and they took a few more pictures and guess what...... my throat and chords were looking MUCH better!  Thank You God!  But even if they weren't better...Thank You God!  He is teaching me some amazing lessons.  I still have to have some speech therapy, but I can start singing again!! I am even going to an audition at Disney on Monday and I'm super excited to get my feet wet.  It's been a risky move to come here and walk by faith, but oh the sweetness of it all.  Thanks for reading!