College Visit at OC

Another weekend, another trip.

This time it was a college visit with some teens to Oklahoma Christian.

This is the 4th time we have taken kids from the youth group to visit our alma mater.

We skipped last year and watched Spring Sing online,

and it just about killed us, so we knew we had to take the kids this year.

We left on Thursday and got to OC late that night.

We spent all of Friday on campus going to chapel, taking a tour, hanging out in the student center, and going to the academic fair to learn about the degrees there.

Well, the kids did all those things.

Michael and I took time with some of our best friends to go to lunch and catch up.

^^Just handing out in the rented church van.

It was so great to have time with them while we were in Oklahoma.

We always just wish it was more.

That night, we took the kids to the Spring Sing show. 

I'm not sure what happens to me when the lights go out and that first blurb comes on,

but something just takes over and I can't be held responsible for how excited I get,

and how much I scream (for Gamma)

Adding to my excitement was watching some of our old Memorial youth kids on stage.

 ^^These were some of the first kids we ever brought to OC,

and now they are students and have mastered the art of the Spring Sing face!

I couldn't be more proud!

Saturday was a day to be off campus, seeing what OKC has to offer.

Of course, we were in Oklahoma, so the weather had changed drastically from the day before.

It was freezing!

Our first stop was the Animal Sanctuary to play with cats.

For a group who really doesn't love cats (we were hoping to play with the pups)

we spent a good amount of time with them.

Next stop was CVS for a lint roll, and then Ted's for lunch!

The kids were shocked that each person got their own salsa, queso, and tortillas.

Plus, the food is just delicious.

Next we went to Bricktown, and made a super quick stop at the OKC Bombing Memorial.

It was so cold.

No matter how cold you are, you can't walk through this place and not be touched.

We spent some more time in Bricktown,

mostly because my family was there and I wanted to see them,

and then we ended the day with dinner at Hideaway Pizza.

The low point of the weekend came on Sunday, when only 1 of the 5 teens made it to church with us.

None of the others were up or ready or answering their phones when we came to pick them up,

so they got left.

It was sad. And I was disappointed.

I think that through it all, the kids were able to gain a better understanding of the importance of not only attending church, but partaking in communion each week.

I think it also helped them to see how much we care about them, and their spirituality,

while also teaching them that Michael and I are adults and to be respected.

We love these kids, and all the kids in the youth group so much, 

and we really do want them to succeed in all aspects of life, especially spiritually.

*Sidenote: The kids told us that we will be great parents because we are really good at making people feel bad. 

I'll call that a compliment, and a success.

All considered it was a great weekend at OC.

I'm so thankful to have called that place home for 4 years, and to be able to go back and connect with old friends so easily!

Graduation Day

Sunday was the big day - my master's graduation day.

I'll be honest, I was a little worried that I would get there and they would tell me,

"I'm sorry, you're not on our list" and I wouldn't graduate.

But, I WAS on the list, and I did graduate.

Of course, I was one of 10 people that actually followed the directions to be there no later than 2 hours before the ceremony,

which gave me plenty of time to gown up, and take a picture with the mascot.

Eventually, my friends from the program arrived, and we had plenty of time to catch up and take some pictures together.

I haven't seen most of these people all year, so it was great to have this time with them.

I'm so happy I got this picture with Misti too!

We have spent the year working together at Shield Bearer, and I am so thankful for the support she has been for me! What a blessing she has been!

Then it was time for the ceremony.

Walking in

It was pretty boring as far as graduations go.

Not to mention a weird video with space music at the end,

but I was just so happy to be finished,

and even happier to have my family there cheering me on!

I am so thankful to all of them for making the trip to Houston to be here for graduation.

My grandparents were even able to be there in spirit, as they watched me walk across the stage via the live stream on the internet.

I am one lucky girl to have such wonderful family!

After the ceremony we took a few more pictures with my friends.

 Oliver was so excited to try on my "square hat"

We were all hot, sweaty, and extremely hungry by the time the ceremony ended, 

so we waited until after church that night to take these other pictures.

It was a crazy, and surprisingly emotional day, and I am so happy to be finished!

My family has been such a great support for me these last 3 years, and I am beyond grateful.

I could not have done it without the help of my amazing husband though.

He would let me role play different therapy models,

pack my lunch while I was reading articles,

take care of the house while I was writing papers,

and love me even when I was stressed out and at my worst.

He has made me feel so special this past week with different gifts and celebrations, 

and I am so lucky to have him for life!

*Thank you to all of you for your prayers, encouragement, and love these past few years as I completed my Masters.

This blog has been an incredible outlet for me, and I am thankful that you have taken the time to share in this experience with me!

First to Finished

I still don't think that it has really hit me that I am done with school.

Forever.

I will never have to write another paper, take another test, or read for a daily quiz.

I will never have to stress about getting an A.

I am finished!

Okay, maybe its starting to sink in.

With my graduation ceremony coming up this Sunday, I thought I would look back to my very first day of school - preschool.

Crimped side pony, lace socks, suspenders and all.

I was ready.

Little did I know that this was just the first day of 21 loooong years of schooling.

But now I am finished.

And it is a little sad.

I'm sure that sadness will pass quickly though,

and I will spend the weekend celebrating with my family!!

Happy Friday!!

End of Internship

Today was my last day as a Graduate Student Intern.

I can't believe that it has already been 11 months at Shield Bearer.

I have loved every minute of working there.

It was absolutely the most perfect fit for me.

That doesn't mean it wasn't a challenge though.

I have grown so much in the past 11 months, in ways that I didn't even know I needed to grow.

I have been pushed, pulled, and stretched, but mostly I have been blessed.

The people I got to work with were a picture of Jesus.

They are love, encouragement, support, joy, patience, kindness, and hope.

The beautiful warriors at Shield Bearer

 And then there were my clients.

I can't even tell you the ways that they have touched my heart.

The girls struggling with cutting, the guys lost in their substances, the couples fighting for their marriages, and the parents striving to have a good relationship with their kids.

There was abandonment, bullies, abuse, miscarriages, depression, anxiety, rape, alcohol, anger, bipolar, addiction, trauma, divorce...

and the list could go on.

Today was actually the perfect ending because I spent all day writing case summaries.

Since this is a new requirement at Shield Bearer, I got to write them for ALL my clients.

It was kind of fun to be able to think back on the people that I have worked with.

To think about their struggles, their goals, and their triumphs.

I hope I never get too big of a case load that I can't slow down and remember each person that has trusted me with such a personal part of their lives.

I am forever grateful to these wonderful people for the way they showed me the grace, mercy, and power of the Lord,

because I know that I would not have survived this year without Him. 

Thank you to all of you who have prayed me through this final year of grad school.

I am so happy to be finished, and can't wait to celebrate my graduation with my family next week!

PASS

That is the sweetest 4 letter word I have ever read!

That's right folks, I passed my MFT Exam!!

My letter FINALLY came in the mail on Friday.

Late Friday I might add. 

We were celebrating Michael's birthday that day, but I was a little preoccupied.

We went to a matinee movie...

and there was no mail when we got home.

So we went on a walk, and I saw the mail car driving around the neighborhood...

but there was no mail when we got home.

I watched a tv show and ate lunch...

there was no mail.

Finally, around 5:30pm Michael says, "Good news Brittany, the mail came!"

I made him run out immediately to check the mailbox, and as he was walking up the sidewalk he said, "It's here!"

My heart literally stopped.

I'm pretty sure it didn't start again until I tore it open and saw those sweet four letters.

PASS.

I did it! I passed!

I'm going to be a real therapist!

Michael and I both jumped around screaming for a little while, 

and then I started crying. Duh.

 I cried even more when I called my parents and got to tell my entire family the news while on speaker phone.

I have never been so emotional about one little piece of paper.

I mean, those 2.5 days of waiting were really rough on me,

but it was all worth it in the end.

Now all that stands between me and my future is a pesky little graduation ceremony.

 WOO-HOO!!!

*Note: I do not regret a single one of those exclamation points.

Usually I go through and edit them all out of my posts, 

but I feel like if any posts deserves to have them, its this one!

Oh Bridget

What do you do when everyone you know that took the MFT Exam has gotten their results (and passed) BUT YOU?!?

You cry, lots of tears because you are fairly certain you failed.

You eat lots of junk food - good thing I found these guys the other day!

And you watch not one, but TWO Bridget Jones movies,

because there is no greater failure at life than Bridget Jones.

And she's always good for a laugh.

The end.

Of this post, and quite possibly my life if I failed that stupid test.

Week in Review

This week has been a roller coaster.

To say the least.

On Monday, if I even thought about my test I wanted to (slash most times did) start crying.

It was scary.

That night I purchased some practice exams, and I felt a little better.

I took off of work the rest of the week so that I could focus on studying.

I had kept myself on a strict schedule:

Morning - study flash cards and sheets of each model.

Afternoon - take a 200 question practice exam.

Evening - Study the ones I missed on the practice exam.

Night - Take a 100 question practice exam.

Before bed - Read articles about the models.

*Of course, I left some time in there to watch the Bachelor too!

These were my friends for the week. 

Those are all the models of Family Therapy.

They equal about half of the sheets I had to study.

They took forever to make, but I really think they helped on the actual exam.

By Thursday, this helped to give me some confidence:

If they thought I was ready to take the exam, surely I was.

But then I got to the test.

And it was really hard.

And I said "What the heck is it talking about?" on almost every question.

Once I had actually answered them all, and was going back through checking them, I felt a little better.

In the end, I will be surprised if I pass.

But I will be more surprised if I fail.

So that's a good sign...right??

The highlight of my week was getting these beautiful flowers from my family.

Oh course, I was too scared to open the door when the florist came,

(I never answer the door when I'm home alone)

so I didn't get them until late on Tuesday,

they are so happy and comforting just the same. 

This verse was also a great comfort to me during the week:

These words, as well as many words from family friends gave me so much encouragement.

On Tuesday, Michael posted a status about me studying for my test, and I immediately felt the peace from so many peoples' prayers going up on my behalf.

Not only did people pray though, but I got so many texts, emails, facebook posts and messages, tweets, and calls of support and encouragement that I was on cloud nine.

I'm so thankful for all the wonderful people in my life that are there for me,

whether I pass or I fail.

God is so good, and it is all in His hands now.

And I leave you with this.

Stylish, classy Buster.

It was fun being a stay-at-home Mom to him this week!

This Happened

You know how I said I would only blog if something big or wonderful happens...

Well today, this happened!

I can hear the Vitamin C song already!

I am SO ready to graduate!

Even if I don't pass this dumb test in a couple weeks, I will still graduate,

and I will still get my degree.

I may not get a job, but I will be a Master.

That's right, Master Brittany.

You can start practicing that now.

Please Excuse Me

So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, good bye...

Just kidding, but kind of serious.

I will be a little bit MIA for the month of January.

I have this little thing called a licensing exam coming up on February 1st.

(Prayers are GREATLY appreciated)

So, I will be spending every free minute reading the study guide, making note cards,

studying note cards, and listening to my study CDs.

I will blog occassionally, if something big or wonderful happens, but I wouldn't count on it.

See you in February!!

Home for the Holiday

Day 16: Today I am thankful for time with friends celebrating my birthday.

I know I have already talked about these two women in another post, but I am so happy to have them in my life.

They are such amazing women, and I learn so much from them.

What a blessing to have people like this for friends.

And bonus: they aren't youth group kids!!

(Though I love them too!)

We went to the cutest little restaurant called Tiny Boxwoods.

It had a nursery attached to it, and the food was DELICIOUS!!

*I am also very thankful for a safe and easy flight tonight,

though I might have been the crazy person on the plane.

Day 17: I am so thankful for the community where I grew up.

It is a difficult thing for most people to understand.

Pre-k thru 12th Grade...all in one place...with only about 250 students?

8-man football?

Graduating classes of 13??

What?

I know, its strange, but I loved every minute of it.

One of my sister's showers was held at the school, and it was a little weird to be back there,

but it also brought back so many wonderful memories!

(Elementary building, parking lot/football field/track, cafeteria and basketball gym/middle school, and then the high school)

Day 18: I'm thankful that I was able to be at both of my sister's wedding showers this weekend.

This weekend Bailey had a shower in Kremlin, and a shower at our home church.

It was so fun to be there, and write down all the gifts, and coach her on her speech ;)

I'm so happy for her and Jon, and all the love that was shown to them.

Day 19: I am thankful for game time with my family.

Yes, it gets a little competitive.

It wouldn't be family game time without the competition.

And attitudes.

Mostly from me and Michael.

But we love it, and are looking forward to many more games this week.

OC Alumni

Yesterday was a very busy day for us.

First, it was my Dad's birthday!

We didn't get to see him, and barely got to talk to him, but we were celebrating with him in spirit!

We love you Dad!

It was also a very OC type of day.

We had Dr. Alan Martin, the Dean of Biblical Studies, leading our church's Family Enrichment Seminar this weekend.

He did such an excellent job, and we learned so much!

Of course, we can only apply the parenting ideas to Buster right now, 

but it was still very enlightening and helpful. 

Lastly, we went to the Meet the President event at Memorial yesterday afternoon.

Of course, we have already met the President...

(He was Michael's boss when he worked in Advancement, and I was his student worker my last 1.5 years at OC)

and we could not be happier about his new position at OC!

He is going to do a great job, and we know that OC is in good hands!

We also got these new t-shirts at the event.

 I never considered myself a Texan.

And I really don't know if I can, but I'm always up for a free t-shirt!

We also love when we get to go to Memorial for an event.

Whether its an OC event, or a youth event, or a church service - Memorial was our first home here in Houston, and all the people there have a special place in our hearts.

It was nice to be able to catch up with a few people while we were there.

It was a long, crazy, wonderful day, that would have been perfect if I were not in 4 inch heels.

Passing the Torch

Tonight was the Family Therapy Student Association (FTSA) Graduation party.

This means a couple things:

1) My reign of Vice President is officially over!

Hallelujah!!

I am not sad about this at all, and won't miss it one bit!

2) Some of my very good friends are graduating and leaving me in the dust.

At least most of them are staying around Houston.

One has to be an overachiever and go get her PhD in Lubbock though. :(

It was a great dinner and party celebrating all the grads!

Graduation cake balls - Adorable and delicious!

Old and New Board

Train ride with some of my favorites!

 It has been such a roller coaster this past year.

I have enjoyed most of it, but I can still say I'm so glad its over!

Also, I worked at Shield Bearer today and it was everything I thought it would be.

And it was only orientation.

God is good!

Freedom

Today is my first official day of absolute freedom.

The only things on my schedule today are a haircut, and a massage.

This is the life I love.

However, every now and then my brain forgets that I have no assignments,

or papers, or readings,

and it goes into panic mode again. 

Old habits die hard.

A lot has been going on around here, 

but I think after finishing 2 papers on Thursday,

the writing part of my brain refused to do anymore.

So here is a little catch up:

1) I got the internship site that I wanted!!

I will be spending the next year at Shield Bearer Counseling Centers.

This is a Christian (or faith-based) agency, not even 5 miles from my house!

My spirit, and my gas tank are overjoyed!

I can't wait to see what God has in store for me this next year!

2) I am now certified to do Prepare/Enrich with couples!

This is a couple assessment typically used with premarital couples

(hence the prepare)

but can also be used with marital couple therapy

(hence the enrich)

This is a great tool to add to my therapy box.

The certification came from a sweet friend's father, and the training took place at my old work, Memorial.

Several of my school friends came,

and it was just a great mix of a couple of my worlds.

*I don't care what you say, Sister, I'm practicing on you and Jon!

3) I finished a book in the first day of my freedom from school readings

It was Erasing Hell by Francis Chan

If you know me, you know I am a HUGE Chan fan.

I read all his books, and I always love them.

He is one of those writers that when you read his book,

you feel like he is just talking to you across a table at Starbucks.

This book was a great response to others that have tried to claim everyone will be in Heaven one day.

It was a tough read for my heart, 

but an excellent read for my soul. 

(I wish he would have finished it more solidly with baptism, but whatever.)

If you haven't read it - Do it!

And if you haven't read his others (Crazy Love and Forgotten God)

you're missing out!

4) We are in the process of becoming home owners!!

 Our closing is sometime in the next couple weeks!

We are so excited!

We are officially going to own the home we have been living in for almost a year.

We love it.

You should all come visit us!

5) We are also in the process of installing new floors in our home.

The house is pretty old (30 or 40 years)

but it has been very well kept up!

The only old carpet is in the living room,

and it was a little stained thanks to wear and tear, and teenagers.

So we are getting laminate.

But it is pretty, you can't even tell it's laminate, laminate!

We are going with the 2nd from the right.

I can't wait!

6) I only know 1 of my grades so far for the semester,

and it was in a class that I didn't think was going to end well,

but I got an A!!

It was our research class, where we did somewhat of a capstone project.

Here is a picture from our poster presentation.

I'm just glad it's over!

Well that is about it from here!

Hopefully updates will become more regular again now!

Happy Monday!