Monday, February 28, 2011

Poppies.

A few things for this Monday:
I would really love one of these dresses to frolic through a field in. (from here)
The poppies are calling my name...
My BFF J has a blog.
If I have not mentioned it.. her sister is having a babe & is due O N E month from today. I am pretty much going to be an aunt. Buying sweet little girl things is way fun. Last night we picked our travel dates to sweet home Alabama just for the occasion. My heart is happy.
Josh Ritter tonight & I am: E x c i t e d.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

BentTree.

It's Sunday. I like this Sunday for a few reasons.
For us Sunday is the day before our weekend (Monday & Tuesday)
On this Sunday it feels like summer outside.. a little humid.. & really warm.
On Sunday we get to go to Bent Tree (Our new church that we LOVE.) The pastor is amazing. You can tell when you walk in the place that the people are hungry for God to move in their lives. The ministers sincerely care about the hearts of the people there. We have been doing a series on marriage (perfect timing for us huh?) I feel so encouraged when I leave. God is good to us. When we thought the search for a church would be never ending he connected us in just the right time.
Jessica sent me this picture in an email the other day. Thought it was fitting :)

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. Ps.40:16-17

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Silly.

I have silly humor. I find things funny that most people don't. 
Laughter. It is amazing huh?
Found HERE.

Fingerprints.

On monday we are going to see Josh Ritter in concert. To my surprise, on my way to work, I got to hear him play a few songs during an interview on NPR. They say his music is inspired by the James Taylor era. NPR has the best stories, live shows, and interviews. I used to hate talk radio growing up. My dad would listen to it in the car and we would all get mad at him. I laugh now because it is ALL Matthew and I listen to in the car. I learn so much from it.
Here is a video I found of Josh singing one of his new songs. The video was actually filmed at a record store in Long Beach, CA (Fingerprints). If you know me, I lived there for 3 summers. The record store is a 10 minute walk from where I lived while I was there. Unfortunately, I happened to miss EVERY person that came through and played ALL 3 summers. Anyways, enjoy the video and have a happy Saturday! xo
'I had a dream last night And when I opened my eyes Your shoulder blade, your spine Were shorelines in the moonlight New worlds for the weary New lands for the living I could make it if I tried I closed my eyes I kept on swimming' Josh Ritter

Josh Ritter - "Change of Time" (Live, Solo Acoustic) at Fingerprints from Doug Rice on Vimeo.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Sunshiney.

The day has changed. The heavy rain has stopped, it is 70 degrees, the sky is blue, & I think I should go play in the sun. I wish Matthew was here to go biking with me. Since he is surrounded by bicycles everyday, a little bit of his fascination and love for them has rubbed off on me. Of course, he is fascinated with the tricks he can do and the mechanical side of it all.. while I.. well I am fascinated with the structure and beauty of them. (Everytime I go see him at the shop I have to check out this road bike. Pretty huh?). I do enjoy riding them and feel that there is a freedom you do so. This video is a trailer of the film Life Cycles. Before I watched it I was afraid it would be super boring and all about boys doing tricks and things.. I was wrong. The film has amazing cinematography. It combined what we both love about a bike.. If you happen to get your hands on the movie.. I think it's worth a watch.
Happy thursday! xoxo

Cleaning.

Today it is rainy.
Really rainy. I don't have to work and decided I would read, maybe drink some tea, write some letters I'm super behind on, organize/clean my closet, and may even clean the bathroom ;) This morning I saw a few pictures of me wearing clothes that are now no where to be found. I hate that, don't you? I always lend.. always lose. I left things in Alabama including my jewelry. It was hard to gather everything I wanted in the move.  In the end these things don't matter but I would love to find and get them back. I'm hoping during my 'cleaning' I will find things I thought I left. That is my wishful thinking for the day. Cleaning does make me happy most of the time. Organization leaves me feeling not so scattered.
On a side note.. We got a workout video for our Xbox. Maybe after I do the workout today, the endorphins will be running, and I'll look like the gal in the picture below.. happily playing in the rain.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Dreamy.

It's been a while since I've searched through Pinterest. Iv'e been thinking about Summer A TON. I'm sure everyone else is too. I found a few daydreamy photos to further my desire for warm weather.
I'm dreaming of: wavy pinned up hair, camp outs in Fayetteville with Matthew's friends, picking wildflowers with jess, the beach, walking a new puppy, and summer dresses. (all photo's taken from Pinterest)

Cowtown.

This past Monday we took a trip to Cowtown (a.k.a Ft. Worth, Tx)  We listened to Florence & the Machine on the way there. Perfect and upbeat for such a beautiful, 60 degree weather, kind of day.  It was just what I expected. Historic old western buildings mixed with everything that comes with the modern day rodeo. I loved it. Hopefully someday soon we will get to go back and go to the actual rodeo. Enjoy the pictures! xoxo.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Two.

Today marks our 2 month anniversary. The past two months have flown by! I haven't posted any wedding pictures since I got them back so I'm going to share a few randoms that weren't on Sara's blog in honor of the two month mark!
Details: Our wedding took place at a lodge in Huntsville, Al, we went with a woodsy but elegant theme, I got funny looks every time I told people the only color I was using was grey, my mom and grandmother did all of the greenery as well as the decorating (they're both great at it. DIY was never a question), I did all of the bouquets (which was SO much fun), my friend Chris and Gabrielle sang during the ceremony.. Chris wrote the sweetest song just for the wedding, Slice At A Time did our wedding cake, Matthew's friends were the DJ's, and of course Sara was our photographer. I said this on my last post about our wedding.. but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
(All pictures are copyrighted to Sara Renne Murray.)
Happy Saturday! xoxo







Friday, February 18, 2011

Romanticized.

Today I couldn't stop thinking about living on Caplewood with Sara and Davis Ann. With the weather being 78 degrees I found myself longing to be on that porch drinking crystal light, with a book in hand, and one of my roommates sitting next to me. Then, I started thinking about how I romanticize the past. We all do. I forget about the bee's that would swarm around us and our obnoxious neighbors who would cuss every 5 minutes causing us to go in after a very short time. I wouldn't change those times for anything (and still wish I could hang out with them anytime I wanted) but I do have to realize that good times and even better times are still to come. I will have those moments here in this, what still seems to me, a strange city. I just have to create them. God has so much in-store for us here. This I know is truth. Matthew and I have been in search for our 'gem'. That coffee shop, the place for serenity, the place where we go to pray, the spot where we will hang our hammocks, and the road I will go drive on just because it makes me feel at home.

In celebrating the day I got a hair cut, listened to Arcade Fire, and got a Tazo Passion Tea from Starbucks.
I think I may have found the place I get my hair done here. I didn't have to tell Zarah what I wanted. She cut and it was perfect. I thought I was getting pretty good at cutting my own bangs but somehow she managed to make them even better.
Hairdresser check. Now to discover all those other things :)
(Don't make fun of my 'emo' picture I took myself. Thought you'd want to see my hair the last time it will look this good.)
(One more thing: Yes, I did change my blog header. I think it fits better.)

Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

Donuts.

This morning I woke up to Dunkin' Donuts. Matthew had a super early doctor's appointment and picked up breakfast on his way home. If we were on a point system someone would be racking up.
They day has started out good. I'm trying to have a good attitude about work. It's going to be 78 degrees today. Is it spring or beginning of summer? I dunno what's worse.. It being freezing outside and all you want to do is sit on the couch all day snuggled up by the fire.. or when it's amazingly pretty and warm and all you want to do is be outside.
Yes I know, welcome to the real world.
In puppy news: The dog we want just has to cost over $1,000 dollars!? We are hoping to find one to adopt so it will be cheaper. The process is going to take a while.
Tomorrow I'm having breakfast with Lindsey (Emmie's best friend). We have not known each other very long but she seems like a close friend because of our connections. It's a comforting feeling. I'm glad she lives here.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Decided.

After sleeping on it for a night, I think we have decided to go with an English Bulldog. A bulldog was Matthew's pick and after looking at pictures online of baby bulldogs for about an hour I was sold.
Speaking of Matthew..
He is the sweetest husband. Yesterday was rough for both of us. I was really craving Fruity Pebbles and he surprised me with some when He got home last night. I love him.
This Polaroid is of us in Memphis two years ago to the week.
(RIP my awesomely yellow messenger bag, i miss that thing)
Psalm I have been dwelling on for the past week:
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm126

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Decisions.

So many decisions lately
  • English Bulldog VS Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
  • Hair cut VS no hair cut?
  • Bike ride on Saturday VS no bike ride on Saturday?
  • Grey VS blue grey for our coffee table's new paint job?
  • Go to Fayetteville this weekend VS not go to Fayetteville this weekend?
  • Move to Greece for a year VS not move to Greece for a year?
  • Joe Purdy VS Avett Brothers VS Josh Ritter for my birthday?
That last one's pretty much decided.

On the more random side of things:
I have found the best deals lately. I found a pair of grey skinny jeans at Target the other day for 6 dollars! I decided to buy them on a whim. I took them home, tried them on, and they fit PERFECT. Fitting perfect on me NEVER happens even when I try on jeans in the store. This made me happy. To add to it I got this awesome bag at Urban and some Jeggings on super discount at Target too.
Time to not shop anymore.

For those of you who don't know yet, our Valentine's Day was quite an adventure. Im not telling the whole story.. but basically we got all dressed up for the occasion.. never found the restaurant.. & ended up eating at McDonalds. (We laugh now but it was not funny at the time.)
To make up for it we went and saw the Kings Speech last night at the Angelika near our house (finally!) It was wonderfully beautiful. I didn't want it to end. Historical/Movies set in an older time period are my favorite. If you haven't see it you should.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Birthday.

This past weekend we celebrated Matthew's sister's & Mom's birthday. Mallory did such a cute job decorating. I just wanted to share a few pictures.  I have wanted to blog a couple times this past weekend but never got around to it. We have been super busy. I have so many people I want to catch up with.

On another note Matthew and I are celebrating Valentine's Day with a mountain bike trip tomorrow. I'm pretty excited about it.  Matthew is actually my first real Valentine but I have always loved the holiday. It never bothered me. I like making Valentines & who doesn't love the candy that goes with it. I have already painted my nails bright pink just for the occasion. 

Random updates:
-Matthew and I went to a church today that we both loved. They are super passionate about missions & that is important to us. Hopefully our search has ended.
-I've been listening to Patty Griffin lately.
-I'm missing the Grammy's tonight & I am a little sad about it.
-I have an awesome husband who does the dishes.




Saturday, February 5, 2011

Cold.

Im sitting inside wondering what I should do today. I didn't have to go to work at all this week due to the weather. Being stuck inside for more than a few days will make you go insane. We have had really bad ice on all the roads & on top of that it snowed 6 inches. Im ready for spring and I'm over being cold. But today.. I'm trying to re-embrace Winter until it finally decides to leave for good & the newness of Spring arrives. The snow has inspired this in me. It's a simple reminder to me to embrace where I am even If I have no clue what is going to happen tomorrow..Im tired of letting myself always wish for what's next.
The weather man says it is going to be warm next week and I will say that I will be embracing the scattered warm days here & there but today I am trying to embrace everything about life.. even the cold.
..Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me..
(Paul-Philippines 4:11-13)
One more thing... It's my sister in-law Mallory's birthday! I received not only ONE but TWO amazing, Godly, fun, inspiring, and beautiful sisters to my life this year.. SO.. Happy Birthday Mallory! I couldn't have be blessed any more!
*P.S. Aren't Matthew's snow boots cute?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Canada.

10 Highlights from our trip to Canada:
1. The weather. (beautiful fog, a few rain showers on the lazy days, and sunshine in the city.)
2. Ice skating on Grouse Mountain. (Vancouver is cool for it's unique landscape. From downtown you can be either in the mountains or on the beach in 15 min.)
3. Ferry rides. (We had to ride a Ferry to get to Victoria and Pender Island.. they were really relaxing and fun to ride on.)
4. Fish and Chips. (Yummie)
5. The culture. (kinda like the U.S.. but kinda not.. Vancouver reminded me a little of the West Coast in the U.S. but it has it's own unique things about it.. I loved hearing different accents and languages..)
6. Night life. (although we did not venture out much for night life.. Vancouver is a city that DOES NOT SLEEP. People walk and ride bikes EVERYWHERE.. anytime of day.. literally. From what we could tell.. They are SUPER healthy.)
7. Having Satellite radio in our rental car and having cable in our hotel room. (Ok this may sound lame but for us it was a treat.)
8. The Vancouver Aquarium. (since we didn't see whales in the ocean the Aquarium helped us out by showing us a few.)
9. Shopping. (Ok they had an H&M..)
10. Being together. (Yes I know... cheesy but since we got married we haven't had much down time together. It was fun experiencing the adventure with my best friend.)

Overall we had an amazing time. It is a place i highly recommend you traveling to one day.







Sararenee.com.

Cute little Sara Renee put up pictures of our wedding on her photo blog today. To see them you have to go to her website and check out how awesome she is... here is Part ONE.. and here is Part TWO.
Im in love.