A Night at the Oscars

While all award shows peak my interest, my favorite by far is the Academy Awards. I feel like this event is the one where celebrities go all out. At other events award goers try to up the ante with the craziest dress; however, I feel like this doesn't happy at the Oscars - instead it is just pure class! As much as I care about who wins the awards themselves I am most interested in watching people arrive on the red carpet. This year did not disappoint with an array of stunning gowns!
To start with though here is my (small) worst dressed list!

 Anne Hathaway - although she bragged about this back of this dress...I found the entire thing ugly unappealing to the eye. 

 Halle Berry - I don't want to hate anything about her, especially because her face SO beautiful. However, I just couldn't stand looking at her in this metallic getup. 

Nicole Kidman - Again, I wish I didn't have to not like something about her, but I do. 

Totally over all of the metallic dresses that made an appearance last night!

Now the good stuff...my best dressed list! (in order from my most favorite to just my favorite!)

 Jennifer Lawrence - I am obsessed with her! Love this dress. Love her hair. Love her makeup. Love her necklace going down her back. Even loved her fall up the stairs and then recovery during her speech. 

 Amy Adams - From the first glance at this dress to the last, I love it! I could tell instantly that she made an excellent choice with this dress. And of course she's gorgeous. 

 Jennifer Aniston - This picture just doesn't do this dress justice. GORGEOUS. 

 Reese Witherspoon - I'm loving the blues that have been making an appearance at the award shoes this season. 

 Sandra Bullock - Love her. Love the dress. And love the simplicity of her hair. 

 Jennifer Garner - I debated back and forth on if I loved this dress or not. There was something about it that just kept reminding me of a dinosaur. In the end I decided that the view from the front is outstanding; still not sold on the view from the back but the front makes up for it. Also love her matching shoes and love her accessories. 

Octavia Spencer - Again, this picture doesn't do her dress justice. When she came out to present I couldn't stop staring at her dress and commenting on how the great things this did for her body type. I think she chose the perfect dress, it was both flattering and beautiful. 

Already counting down to the next awards season!

A new SIL...

This weekend Coy's brother got married and I gained another sister in law! Now I have two instead of one! It was beautiful wedding and they did such a good job with the details and making it their own celebration!
Here are some pictures from this great event!

 My hottie usher. 

 Love him always, but especially love him in a suit! 

This Day of Love.

Valentine's Day has meant different things to me over the years as my life has progressed, changed, and evolved. However, it has always been a day to appreciate those around me and remember the importance of showing love to the ones that I love. Since being married, it has been a day to set aside to spend some quality time together and remember the significance of our lives together. Although this should be done each day of the year, this day just serves as a reminder to do so! 

This year Valentine's Day has helped me to take a step back and truly appreciate my husband. Lately I have been getting so caught up in all of the various things going on in our lives and in all of the emotions and feelings surrounding those things that I have forgotten to always be appreciative of Coy. Of course I love him beyond words and make sure to tell him this each day...but I don't always remember to tell him just how important he is to me, how proud of him I am, and how much I appreciate all that he does for our family. So, this year Valentine's Day is not just about the cards and the gifts and the set aside date night but it is a day to relish in how blessed I am to love and be loved by such an amazing man! 

Grateful

There are many things in life that I am grateful for. Today, however, I am especially grateful for my job. Although I am now in a supervisory position so I don't get to interact as often with the client's, I still know that I am one of many pieces that helps refugees transition into the new life in the United States.

As Americans I think we often (myself included) take for granted the country that we are blessed to live in. We complain, complain, and complain some more (again, guilty) about politics, laws, etc., etc. When instead we should thankful each day that we have a home, food, and are not running in fear for our lives. We should be grateful each day that we have not had to witness horrific acts that no one should ever witness.

I received this email recently from a refugee that I helped several years ago. She, to this day, remains so close to my heart. It was a gentle reminder that years later I am still having an impact on people, that I am making a small difference in the lives of those I serve. It was a good reminder to also remember to treasure this life that I lead and never take for granted the blessings I have received!

Here are some excepts from previous emails I received from this same sweetie shortly after she first arrived in the United States:

Michele,

 And thank you for your kindness to us.

  All of my friends , I mean , refugees who learn ESL with me said that you're so nice and we can see that you care us,  We appreciate it. I know that God will make your path smooth, and even when you face the storm, God will raise you up higher.

  May God Bless You, Michele.

   You're more beautiful than those who are at the Hollywood, I swear :)

___________________________________________________________________________________

Michele,,,

   Here's our pictures,,, you're so beautiful,,and I do like it much better than Beyonce's pictures :)

                      Wish you the best! 

___________________________________________________________________________________

Hi , Michele,,

           I've been missing you since we last met. My friend and I often talk about you :)

           And we're very glad to meet you on Chin National Day.

           You're so amazing,,

           May God Bless You Every Single Day  of Your Life!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Michele,

      How you doing? Hope you doing good :)

      Me too, Im good and my job goes well so far ..

      I miss you so much, are you busy these days?

      I know that God count your sweat and your restless days :)

     

      Michele, God is so good for me, 

           Thanks again for finding me good job,, i have new friends there

           black, white and Asian too, I'm happy there :)

___________________________________________________________________________________

Hope you enjoyed reading this sweet girl's words as much as I did! 

Aunt Mi

Being an aunt is one of my greatest joys. I'll never forget the first time that I held my 3 nephews and 4 nieces for the first time. And I cherish each time I get to hold them (and now just hug some of them because they too big) now. Last week my sister and her husband went on a cruise...therefore, I got the chance to spend the night and have a sleepover with their four kids. It was a short time but it was filled with good memories. They are the best kids, so well behaved, so loving, and so much fun! There was a lot of snuggling over the two days and even a little more than expected because my oldest nephew was sick and got to stay home from school with me! Our fun ended with dropping the kids off at my parent's house where I got to see my other nieces and nephew. I left the weekend being reminded just how blessed I am, how amazing these kids are, and how each one of the offers me joy in so many different ways! 

A few pictures I got during our sleepover! (This is basically the Eve show)