I tried writing this post five different ways. Each time I begin, I feel like I'm omitting something important, so instead of trying to make sense, I'm just gonna come out and write it as it comes. It may feel like a potluck (why must my potluck plate always have some combination of cold pasta, Chinese chicken salad, a biscuit, and some jello confection?!), but I'm hoping the variety will be somehow tied up.

1. Side Dish One
A couple months ago, my father asked if I'd be able to go to Mexico to document the soccer clinic our church was sponsoring. Because I'm a commitmentphobe, I cited reasons I may or may not be able to make it, but please don't hold his breath. I felt like an awful person, but didn't he know it was WEDDING SEASON and I'm spread thinner than butter on hot toast?!

2. Side Dish Two
Last month I was hospitalized and it made me reevaluate everything. It was like soap opera reevaluation, complete with tears, promises, and a french kiss. Annnnd, scene! One thing I needed to change was the amount of time I gave to others and ways to use my talents outside of my business.

3. The Biscuit
When my dad emailed a couple weeks ago asking if I could spend the day in Mexico at the soccer clinic with my camera, I said yes. Because, really, while I didn't have the time, I needed to find a way to make the time.

Last Thursday my dad picked up me and JD at 6:30 in the morning and we drove to Rosarito, Mexico. We had the privilege of documenting such an amazing day and I was honored to be there. The free soccer clinic was offered to neighborhood kids and local orphanages and it was awesome to see how much joy was brought simply by offering them an alternative to being on the streets.

My father's church combined forces with a church in Boston and amazing crew of volunteers put together a stellar event…

I knew this event was special to my dad, but it was sobering to see my father's life come full circle. He was born in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, but moved to north to the US/Mexican border while his family waited for access to America. During his two years in Tijuana/Rosarito, his step-father–who abused alcohol and his family–left his mother. It was one of darkest times of his childhood. To see my dad return to a place of pain and provide joy for others was truly moving. During one of the soccer breaks, he offered to pray with kids who were struggled with alcoholic fathers, single mothers, and children who might feel lonely.

My favorite part of the day was watching the surprise on the kids' faces when they were told they were going to receive a pair of soccer cleats. Most of children played in whatever shoes they had, so when they were told they'd receive a pair of cleats (acquired through our churches Cleat Drive), most were clamoring to get to the front of the line. This moment? Well, this moment made me so thankful for the smallest details in my life…truly.

This is me and my most favorite men in the world. I'm incredibly lucky to have an amazing father…and an equally as amazing husband. To stand next to them and do what I love is a sweet gift.

Happy Tuesday!