Cupcakes and Bunnies

Slooowdown.

2011-10-19T16:58:00.002-05:00

There are so many events I feel I have to blog about.. Like.. Jessica's birthday.. the fact that Matthew had his appendix taken out last Sunday night.. Matthew's family coming to visit.. etc. My mind is a little jumbled though (nothing new). Tonight I'm just going to leave you with a picture of Matthew's family.

The past few weeks have been a blur but a good blur. Life is moving fast and I'm trying to slow down. Tonight we made a fire.. (because is freezing out!) made tortilla soup.. and are going to catch up on our shows via Hulu. Jessica is spending the night and I may even watch Little Women in bed for the millionth time. Tonight I feel overwhelmingly thankful. Life is good & it is all because God is good.

PS. Remember that time I wrote about Ben Howard a while back? Well, I finally got his album like I said I would. Once again, I am in love. It is the perfect type of music for this time of year.

Pumpkins.

2011-10-08T11:23:00.001-05:00

It's Saturday. This morning Matthew and I rode our bikes to a donut shop then watched rowers on the river. We made a trip to Greenlife Grocery, tried lots of food samples, and walked in an expensive ourdoor store (Which we regretted as soon as we walked through the door.. along with eating the donuts so early in the morning. I wanted to throw-up on the ride back home due to the incline back to our house. Ha.) Overall it has been a fun day and it has just begun. We are meeting up with Jessica and Logan to celebrate J's birthday and are going to a Pumpkin Patch. Eeek! Happy Autumn Saturday!
(Isn't this image gorgeous? Found on Etsy!)

Fall.

2011-10-03T18:13:00.003-05:00

I'm still having a hard time believing its October! It is by far one of the best months of the year. I mean, who doesn't love pumpkins, pumpkin lattes, the cool (but not too cold) weather, pretty colored trees, cute coats, earth tones, and Fallish music (Ya know Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, etc.)? Plus, my BFF and like 5 other high schools friends birthdays are this month. There are so many things to celebrate.

Tomorrow the new Feist album comes out. I have heard a little bit of it and I am SO in love already. Happy Monday! It's going to be a good week.. I can feel it.
(Cute calendar from Etsy!)

October.

2011-10-01T10:03:00.001-05:00

Our Friday night in pictures: friends, Music (Wilder Adkins & Threadbare, Brother), & Late night waffles.
Today we are going to bop around town, walk to the balloon glow in the park, and enjoy the cold weather! (It's 11 o'clock and it's still in the 50's outside!?!)
Happy October!

Football.

2011-09-26T19:41:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was perfect.
Our Saturday drive to Tuscaloosa was beautiful, foggy, and cold! We picked up our friend Erica in Birmingham and met Davis Ann on my old stomping grounds (Our cute gingerbread house that we lived in for 3 years.) It felt good to be back there. I'm happy to say that I did not get a "I want to be back here" feeling. Yes, I do miss my friends and living in that house, but I'm happy with the change that has come about in my life. It was good to not feel nostalgic for once.
The title of this post is a little misleading because I honestly could not tell you one thing that happened during the Alabama vs. Arkansas game. I talked the ENTIRE day & through the ENTIRE game.
I'd like to say thank you to Matthew & Brad for not getting annoying at my chatting during the game ;)
But really. I didn't want to leave my friends & am already trying to figure out when I can see them next.

Tonight I had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season. Who am I? Usually I have already had 10 by now. I needed to get out of the house tonight so Matthew suggested we drive to Target. What a little sweetie pie huh? He knows just what I need. We listened to a little NPR, drove with the windows down, and talked about what all we had planned for the Fall.
I love Fall. Have I mentioned that?

P.S. We made THIS Yummy Mozzarella Pesto BLT tonight. Matthew's mom gave us the recipe a while back. You should try it out! :)
Happy Monday.

Five.

2011-09-22T19:36:00.000-05:00

Hello my friends! It has been a while it seems...
5 Random things: (just to keep you updated)
1. This weekend I get to see my sweet friends from college in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama vs. Arkansas game! I am SO excited. I have not seen Davis Ann (my roomie) in almost 5 months!
I've had major friend withdraws...
2. Can you believe the first day of Fall is tomorrow?! It's finally here. Maybe i'll celebrate with my first Pumpkin Spice latte of the season. (Ever since I left school, my expensive coffee days have gotten smaller and smaller. I guess that could be a good thing.)
3. My friend Chris (Wilder) came out with a new CD. The song he wrote & sang at our wedding is on it! Hooray! (It is number 7 on the album.) My good good friend Gabrielle sings with him on it too. You should check in out HERE! (You will be glad you did.)
4. I'm currently a nanny. Did I tell you that yet? It's true.
5. Here is the headboard that Matthew and I made! Pretty simple & easy.

Lazy.

2011-09-17T16:09:00.000-05:00

Since last weekend was filled with home projects & such we decided this weekend needed to be quite the opposite. (I'm going to post our headboard creation soon!)
This weekend has been R e l a x i n g & L a z y.
Last night Matthew and I tried a local Japanese restaurant then came home to have a movie night. We moved our mattress to the middle of the living room and fell asleep while watching an old 90's film. It was a pretty fun night. We both felt like kids again.
This morning we slept in, made breakfast, & sat outside in our hammocks to drink coffee and read. The weather has been amazing. I think Fall is deciding that it wants to come and make its home here.
Hope everyone else is having a fun weekend so far!

P.S. I'm trying a new recipe from Cooking Light tonight which should interesting. I'll let you know how it goes and if it is worth sharing!
P.S.S I've been bad about blogging lately. I'll get better I promise ;)
This picture is from last Saturday night downtown. Thanks Logan! :)

September.

2011-09-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

Life lately.
It has been pretty slow around here but there are a few things that have made up the past couple of weeks. 1. We have made a couple of trips to visit my family in Alabama 2. We have been working on some home projects (rearranging the living room & today we are making a headboard & doing yard work!) and 3. We have been doing a lot of coffee drinking & long sleeve wearing, all in response to the amazing pre Fall weather. I love that it is September. It's a beautiful month.

New.

2011-08-31T19:23:00.000-05:00

It's been a long week. I'm going to give a life update soon but for now I'll leave you with this:
The design I made this week.
(I took this on my phone. My card-reader isn't working so they're not on Etsy yet!)
Hope everyone is having a good week! :)

Thankful.

2011-08-24T07:49:00.000-05:00

3 things I'm thankful for this morning:
1. God's grace & mercy & that He leads me into all truth Psalm 25:4&5, Psalm 51:6, & John 16:13
2. My husband who makes coffee for me every morning! (This makes me such happy girl.)
3. My BFF who spends the night with us sometimes and who makes me giggle by leaving a tub of icing in 'her room' on the floor every time she spends the night.

(and 4. Such supportive friends & family.. It's more than a blessing than I think i'll ever grasp)

I'm working on this wreath for our door this Fall. I'm still going to add things but I like the direction it's going. I thought I'd share because I know my Mom would like to see it even if no one else ;)
Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Maybe.

2011-08-23T10:54:00.001-05:00

On one of my recent job applications I got asked this question:
"Do you possibly want to go back to school one day to receive a Masters degree?"
My response: "Maybe"...Not "yes".. and not "no".. but "maybe."

Meaning.. it made me feel a little better about myself saying this. I mean I couldn't say no? That response would make me look like an unmotivated underachiever right?..
They don't know me. I may have, for one second, really thought "maybe" but then that thought just makes me laugh. Oh the things we do to make ourselves feel better.

I told Davis Ann this via text and here is her response:
Davis Ann: 'Bahahahaha so typical :) Sarah thinks dreamy to herself "a masters? sure.. i could do that someday..." subsequent mental image: listening to an awesome Pandora station while studying at an awesome coffee shop or walking around a beautiful campus in the Fall with pretty leaves & a cool outfit drinking a pumpkin latte..'

Ha. She nailed it. It is also the exact picture I have when I think of my college days that are so far gone..
I guess I forget about all the work I had to do ;)

In conclusion to all of this: I am now receiving 10 calls a day about getting my MBA.
Lesson learned. Those jobs sites... they'll get you.

In other news there is a link I'd like to share with you today....
clink HERE! to see the "projects" I've been working on.
Happy Tuesday! (Although it feels like it should be Wednesday.. such a bummer)

Musica.

2011-08-19T07:22:00.005-05:00

I'm in love with this song by Ben Howard this week. Don't you just love randomly stumbling upon new artists? Matthew and I have spent the evening watching different videos of him. His voice is kind of mesmerizing. Too bad his new album does not come out till October. AND you cannot get his EP on the U.S. itunes store? I mean really? Who knew there were separate itunes stores for different countries? Not me. (But maybe I'm just behind the times and everyone else knows that BUT me?) Boo. I know I will be purchasing it somehow though. Just one more thing to look forward to this Fall.
Have a happy Friday! :)

Here are a few links to go into the weekend with:
1.You should check out Ben's song 'Gracious' It's another good one.
2. PoppyTalk Handmade is so great. Take a LOOK at the 'In Love' necklace by Laurel Denise.
3. Loved THIS dainty bracelet I saw via Pinterest on Etsy.
4. If you are looking for a good worship band check out United Pursuit Band... 'Live At The Banks House' has been my go to for the past month or so. (Literally listen to it everyday.)

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Picnic.

2011-08-18T08:20:00.002-05:00

Matthew, being the sweet husband he is, took me on a picnic last night. We went to the top of one of the mountains near our house & enjoyed Lunchables together. (It's our little thing we like to do given it's what we had on our first date.) The view from where we were was amazing. Thanks husband :)

Today's agenda: painting my little heart out/work on my project, meeting with a mom (who moved from Texas like we did!) about babysitting her sweet 8 month old, clean the kitchen that I've been avoiding since Saturday, & find a new book to read. I've been given a few suggestions but ill take more!

P.S. Every morning I check the news via NPR or CNN. This morning I couldn't stop thinking about how depressing everything going on around the world is. This verse came to mind: 'Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we put our hope in the Lord our God.' Psalm 20:7 So, it's today's verse.

Project.

2011-08-17T14:37:00.003-05:00

I'm working on this new project... I have mixed feelings about it but think I like it. Here's a little peek of what I have so far. Hope everyone is having a fabulous day! Happy mid-week! :)

Premature.

2011-08-16T08:54:00.000-05:00

Every year around this time I wear long sleeves & buy Candy Corn in hopes that Fall will come sooner than It should & every year around this time I sweat in my long sleeves.
There is nothing better than getting to wear long sleeves and shorts though.. That was always my outfit of choice to wear to class during the Fall semester.

I know this may be a little premature and all but cool weather, fires in the fireplace, pretty color leaves, & a new cozy wardrobe is all I have talked about this past week (Just ask Matthew, he's heard every bit of it.) You can just feel that we are on the brink of it. The weather has cooled off teasing us all because Im sure the heat will return in a week or so. (Buying "fall" smelling candles hasn't helped.)

Every year around this time something inside of me desires change. I'm glad God created seasons. It always gives us something to look forward to. *Sigh. It just makes me happy.

P.S. Did I mention my friend Sandra made a surprise visit Sunday night? We had coffee at this coffee shop I had been wanting to go to. It is indeed my new favorite spot.

{sources: white, bed, girl, cup (unknown)}

Best.

2011-08-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

Matthew & I have spent the past few days hanging out with my mom and sister. I had not seen my sister since we went to visit Alabama in March because she has been working a children's camp all Summer. We had a really great time together doing things we would do back home. I'm so glad they came.
After this past week & a half, it would be an understatement to say we were tired. We spent our Saturday afternoon on the couch, in our P.J.'s, watching Mansfield Park. (I'm on a "time periods" movie kick.)

We thought that our evening would consist of Chinese take out, another movie at home, and a glass of wine. Instead, we got the sudden urge to go to Tazikis Greek restaurant downtown. This was the best decision we made all day. We sat in the restaurant on the 2nd floor, listened to coffee house on XM radio (Which played some of my favorites.. Amos Lee, Civil Wars, David Gray, and a little DMB which made me smile at the thought of old memories.) we were given a FREE piece of chocolate cake, and ate the best Lamb Gyro I have had in years. It was one of those nights you want to describe the way you feel in a million ways but can only come up with the simplicity of "good". We just felt good. We walked around downtown a little bit, ended up getting candy from the old general store, and headed back home. I like nights like tonight.

EmersonMade

2011-08-11T20:39:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking about these EmersonMade jeans all week. I first saw them HERE on A Cup Of Jo last October and have had them in the back of my head since. My mom bought me a pretty blouse today & I think they would look so good with it for the Fall. Sigh* maybe one day. I love EmersonMade.

Type.

2011-08-11T09:16:00.001-05:00

On Typography:
I love type. I love design. I love branding.
I love looking at type. I love looking at design. I love looking at branding.

"Type is saying things to us all the time.. Typefaces express a mood and atmosphere..they give words a certain coloring." Helvetica

The documentary film Helvetica expresses many different opinions about what type should express.
All I know is that one of my biggest pet-peeves is when someone uses the wrong typeface and when design does not express what is trying to be conveyed. Typefaces are what convince you to buy a certain product whether you realize it or not. I know most people don't really care about type & design and some have probably never even given it thought. But for me, being an Art major in school, this is all we were trained to think about.

On the first day of Typography class my graphic design teacher said something along the lines of "this class will ruin you..you will never look at Type or design the same way again." She was right. It's almost annoying how much it has effected me. I am now a critic. I don't pretend to know how to produce 'good design' myself (I have a lot to work on) but my eyes sure think they know what it looks like.
(Random fact: Helvetica is the typeface you see the most in advertising today.. you just may not know it. It is everywhere. It can change into so many different forms..)

"The typeface invites open interpretation.. Helvetica says everything" Helvetica

Visitors.

2011-08-10T09:13:00.000-05:00

Small life update: This past weekend Matthew's parents came to visit. I am so glad we got spend time with them! Overall it was relaxing, refreshing, and fun.
Today my sister Ray is coming up to stay with us and my Mom is joining her on Thursday. Matthew & I are calling this week "Family Week 2011". Now if only our other 4 siblings & my Dad were coming too the week would be complete.

The past few morning I have woken up feeling like I should be able to walk out on our porch and enjoy the cool crisp air. The season has already changed in my dreams at night & It's making my body confused. (Random fact about me you may not know: I remember my dreams almost every night.. & they are always very detailed.) Iv'e been watching the Emma miniseries from the BBC. The beautiful Fall scenes on the show probably are not helping. Thanks to my sweet husband for buying it for me on Amazon :) Happy Wednesday!
(Matthew's parents bought me these flowers from the Farmers Market on Sunday, aren't the pretty!?!)

Random.

2011-08-04T08:50:00.000-05:00

Last night Jess, Logan, and I went to Volkswagen's nature park. The boys rode their mountain bikes while Jessica and I "hiked". This little adventure is becoming our weekly tradition. I really enjoy spending time with them. It's amazing how different our lives have changed since we moved. Having friends near by makes the biggest difference in the world. I'm thankful for that today. I know good friends are not easy to come by and I have an abundance of them. Just thinking about it overwhelms me with the graciousness of God. He is so good to us.
There are still a few things we miss about the first place we called home together and of course we miss having Matthew's parents around. Good thing they are coming to visit this weekend! Hooray! It seems like its been months since we have seen them. Matthew and I have had fun planning what we are going to do with our visitors in our new city.

Last night I told Matthew I felt "moody anxious." His reply: "that sounds scary." I laughed. Thankfully I no longer feel that scary way. Today I just feel good inside. Really really good.
This is going to end up being a random post but I want to share a few sites from around the web that I found good/interesting/fun this week. Enjoy! and have a happy Thursday!

5 Wonderful Links:

I really want to make THIS from the Pioneer Women.
I loved THIS study on packaging design.
I really enjoyed THIS post from Joanna Goddard about little girls.
I gonna let you in on where I get my cute desktop backgrounds HERE. Thank me later ;)
And HERE is my Pinterest page. I'm not sure why I have not shared it yet.

P.S I've said this to myself a million times but I am ready for Fall! Eek!
Found here. A little Fall inspiration.

Dreamy.

2011-08-02T08:29:00.001-05:00

I have never been much of a reader. I hate to admit that. The truth is that I have always wanted to be one. It's not that I don't like books.. I just always seem to buy the wrong ones. I buy a book, read the first few chapters, & put it down.. & repeat.
There does come a time when you come across a book that you simply cannot put down & people like me become a reader for a week. This week, that's me. The last time I felt this way about a book was when Matthew and I first met. I was reading Francine Rivers book 'Redeeming Love'. We had only known each other a month or two & in his pursuit he told me that he "loooved that I was a reader." Ha. Of course I played along and let him 'looove' this about me. Who wouldn't? We laugh about it now & he still tells me how attractive it is when I read. Oh the funny things that boys like. I guess I'm more attractive this week ;)

A few days ago I 'tweeted' that I wished Davis Ann & I lived in the same city so that I could borrow a book from her. Now Davis Ann is a true reader & she had the book I have wanted to read. My friend Erica stopped back through on her way from AL and to my surprise brought with her a gift. She brought me Ree Drummond's book "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels." Davis Ann had sent it along with her just for me. I started reading it yesterday afternoon & have not put it down. And that my friends is a good feeling. I'm already mad that it is going to have to end at some point. Good thing Ree has a blog. The book is funny, sweet, & makes you a little giddy. It makes you feel more 'girly' than you want to feel.

I've been dreaming of the simple country life for months now and reading her book is not helping the slightest bit. She makes everything sound so dreamy. I guess we can make what we want dreamy in our own eyes right? It is all about your perspective.. That is what I have been learning the past few weeks.
Last night Matthew and I rode around the old historic district and looked at houses while we drank vanilla Diet Cokes from Sonic. It was the best night. Something about it made me feel like I was in high school again. Like the good side of high school.... I felt the way I did when J & I would ride around in her car, listen to music, & pretend we were somewhere that we were not. We were always good about living in a dream. I feel a little silly admitting that I have always loved to do that for fun. It's our form of entertainment and something about it is so freeing.
Last night was dreamy in my eyes. Its fun to feel that way sometimes.

(This photo has been sitting on my desktop for a week or so.. I found it in one of my folders I created over a year ago so I no longer know the source. I Thought it was fitting for today's post. Isn't she beautiful? The title of the picture is 'farm braid.')

Details.

2011-08-01T09:44:00.000-05:00

Homemade biscuits, Rain, Letters, the Word, & Open windows.
Snapshots from our rainy & relaxing weekend. Happy Monday!

Optimistic.

2011-07-29T10:37:00.006-05:00

Here is the run down on my week: It was slow. Really S L O W.
My computer died on me because my battery is shot (thank goodness for the ipad). It will work as long as it is plugged in but there is a problem when the power cord goes out too..
Next, half of our family is in San Francisco. Awesome right? Bad thing is that we could have gone too if we didn't move. Jobs ruin everything right? ;)
AND j and logan went to bon iver last night.. Without us!.. I guess I can't blame them.
I know what youre thinking.. And this is not supposed to be a 'Debbie downer post. I'm actually pretty optomisic at the moment. Today is Friday and who doesn't love Fridays? :)

Since I'm not on my computer to upload any pretty pictures here is a video of the Givers I watched today. It is so happy! I have fallen in love with them. Every song is good but my favorite this week? Go Out At Night. Enjoy! Happy a happy weekend! :)

Introducing: Givers from The Line Of Best Fit on Vimeo.

Southern.

2011-07-26T07:39:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday we went to my cousins gorgeous plantation wedding. The wedding was up on a mountain right down the road from my grandparents house. The view from the house was breathtaking. If I'm going to be honest, living in other states in the U.S. sometimes made me want to think less of where I grew up. Now, even with its flaws, I see things from a different perspective. I love that little town I call home. I love the history, I love the charm, and I love the southern culture that will, at times, drive you insane. On Sunday we spent the day with my Mom's family. We celebrated the recent engagement of one of my other cousins along with my mom & aunt's birthdays. Our little road trip home was just what we needed. I feel refreshed and thankful.
My intent was to make this post more about what went through my mind over the weekend but every time I sat down to write nothing would come out. Maybe next time i'll be feeling more poetic & thoughtful.

Lovely.

2011-07-22T12:53:00.001-05:00

Spending the day with Erica yesterday was such a treat. There's nothing like sweet friends.
Today we are headed south for a wedding & to celebrate my mom's birthday. The whole family (minus ray & dan) will be at our house on Sunday to celebrate! Hooray for weekends & friends.
Until Monday.
Have a lovely weekend!

P.S. Check out this awesome write up on my friend Chris (Wilder).. I love the opening Ryan Adams quote. P.P.S. Picture #1. Erica.You may get a sign on the door too if you come visit us ;) Picture #2. I just had to show you Matthew's new haircut. Hehe.

Something.

2011-07-20T08:56:00.000-05:00

Something I'm excited about: My friend Erica coming to visit.
She is on her way here form Richmond, VA right now! I have not seen her in months. She is staying the night with us on her way to visit our friends in Alabama.

Something I've been doing: Wasting time on the internet.
Like every other women in America, I've spent more time on Pinterest more the past few days than I have the past 3 months combined. I decided that EVERYTHING looks better & more appealing if taken with a nice camera.. It doesn't matter what it is.

Something I'm ready for: Fall.
I had a "I'm ready for fall" moment yesterday. I am now trying to remind myself to enjoy summer while it is here... (even with a heat index of 100 & humidity at 85%. Blah.) I have to get in just a few more swims before the leaves turn from green to the beautiful shades of red and yellow.

Something I'm looking forward to: A road trip.
We are going home to Alabama this weekend for my cousins wedding. I miss that place.

Something I cannot stop thinking about: Psalm 90:12
"So, teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Something I love this week: This picture.

Five.

2011-07-19T11:35:00.002-05:00

Five Things. (Because it has been a while.)

Matthew asked me to give him a haircut last night. I know bad haircuts should not be a laughing matter but I couldn't help it. I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe. He now has a shaved head. (Which, in my opinion, looks pretty hott with anyways. And hey, I told him I didn't know what I was doing but he insisted.)
Today I started working on an oil painting I started in 11th grade. Yep, that was almost 7yrs ago.
I'm still un-employed & still not happy about it.
Last night I met president Obama in a dream AND listened to Bon Iver in a dream. I have had his song 'Perth' in my head all day. My dreams never fail me to be interesting.
I woke up to coffee & breakfast in bed this morning from Matthew. Happy 7 months to us! :)

(Here is a sneak-peak of a different painting I'm working on. Have a good Tuesday!)

Weekend.

2011-07-18T10:13:00.003-05:00

This past weekend was packed. We had our first overnight guest & I don't think we could have had a better time. The weather was amazing & we got to spend time with good friends. Simoni, Matthew's fraternity brother/roommate in college, came to visit. We cooked dinner, explored, went to the farmers market, hung out with Simoni's beautiful sister, & road bikes with j & Logan. We wanted a second bedroom just so we could have friends come & stay. Simoni stayed for 2 nights & we already have another visitor stopping through later this week! (Plus, J is spending the night on Tuesday!) I'm so glad the room is getting used in the way we hoped it would.
Last night, as we were laying in bed, Matthew & I talked about the weekend. We couldn't get over how encouraged we feel after spending time with people we love & we could not be more thankful.
Here are just a few pictures from the weekend. I hope your weekend was just as beautiful.

When we laugh indoors the blissful tones bounce off the walls and fall to the ground. Peel the hardwood back, To let them loose from decades trapped And listen so still. -dcfc

Reminder.

2011-07-15T09:44:00.001-05:00

Jess & I used to write these letters to each other in high school. To us, these ‘letters’ were more than notes we passed in class. I have kept everyone of them & plan on doing something with them one of these days.
I found one of these notes on my living room floor yesterday. Im not sure how it ever got there considering its from 2004 (If you do the math that is 8 years ago!?) and the rest are tucked away in a box. I guess It doesn’t matter how it oddly escaped; I’m just glad it did.
A line in the card made me laugh today when I re-read it…

“About that situation.. (which I’m not disclosing in this blog.) Do what you want. Remember earlier when you got weird? It’s best to just be cool Sarah and don’t worry.”

She goes on to quote Lynyrd Skynyrd's “Simple Man’ after this.
I’m not sure why I am even sharing this. I guess to publicly remind myself to ‘not get weird’ and to ‘be cool’ & to 'not worry' even when I seriously want to freak out about life. What she told me that day, years ago, still applies to life now… to me not having a job in particular.. & to everything.
I have to pray.. trust.. and have faith in God. His timing is perfect right?

“As for God, His ways are perfect. The word of the Lord is proven, He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God except the Lord? And who is a rock, except OUR God? It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.” Psalm 18:30-32

This weekend one of Matthew’s awesome friends from school is coming up to visit. Also, J and I decided we are going t0 the Peach Festival downtown on Saturday. Yummy. Hooray for Friday!
It’s going to be a good weekend. I just know it.

“Take your time, don’t live too fast. Troubles will come and they will pass.” -LS

Watercolors.

2011-07-13T07:15:00.005-05:00

Our guest bedroom (or as Jess likes to call it "her room") has slowly become my craft room. I made this book a few years ago as a final project in one of my classes. The book, which contained a poem written by my friend Chris, was illustrated using watercolor paper I made. This book was my inspiration for some new projects I'm working on. I can't wait to share them soon.
(P.S. Like our gray walls? I find it funny that I usually paint with BRIGHT colors but could only decide upon a GRAY for our walls. I'll give a mini tour of our casa one day soon?!)

Playlist.

2011-07-11T09:51:00.002-05:00

This past weekend was a success. It included new friends, trying a new restaurant, two long walks, exploring our neighborhood, discovering parks, going to the zoo, visiting another church, & watching Justin Biebers movie 'Never Say Never.'
Job searching also happened this weekend but with no further success. If I don't find a job soon I may go crazy. Life of the employed & unemployed: Already looking forward to Friday.

Something that aids the horrible job search process: Music.

I've been listening to the same playlist on my computer since move in day. The list is a little random, is a mix of old & new, and grows every few days but I thought I'd share.

1.) Adele: 21 2.) Bon Iver: Bon Iver 3.) Death Cab for Cutie: Codes and Keys 4.) Fleetfoxes: Helplessness Blues 5.) Givers: Ep 6.) Josh Garrels: Love & War & the Sea Inbetween 7.) Bethel Live: Be Lifted High 8.) Corinne Bailey Rae: The Sea 9.) a few songs by Patty Griffin, David Gray, Chris Tomlin, Mumford & Sons, Florence & the Machine, & Edward Sharp & the Magnetic Zeros.

(You can download Josh Garrels' album for free HERE.)

Life.

2011-07-08T08:51:00.001-05:00

Lets be honest.
We miss Texas a lot more than we thought we would.
This morning was the first day I woke up feeling completely refreshed since I've been here. (It was a glorious feeling. Being tired makes you so emotional.)
Last night Jess and I got to hang out alone for the first time in like a year (no joke). We sat outside of Whole Foods and talked for about 2 hours. I'm still amazed at how we have lived apart for so many years but understand each other better than anyone. It's a crazy thing.
Tonight we are going to hang out with some of Matthew's new work friends!? We are sincerely going to make an effort to make friends this time around. Everyone has been so kind to us here. We have been invited to do things and have gotten so many church suggestions we don't know what to do with them. As Matthew and I like to say to anything that is different from Texas/a southern cliche' "Welcome to Tennessee".
I've been reading though "The Purpose Driven LIfe." Our church read through it together when I was like in middle school but I thought I'd give it another read through. It's been really good. I've been encouraged by God's pleasure for his people. I get overwhelmed with how weak of a human I am most days & God has been sweet to remind me of who He is in the most powerfully simple ways since reading the book. Overall things are good. I'm thankful for everything this move has brought to us; whether it be friends, emotions, testing, encouragement, & uncertainty. It is all for our good.
But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord;
I say, "You are my God" My times are in Your hand. Psalm 31:14&15
(Here are a few pictures from a few night ago. Evening walks by the river with Matthew = one of the best things about living here. So beautiful.)

Job.

2011-07-07T08:48:00.000-05:00

Today I'm back at the coffee shop job searching. The process is as bad as it was last week. I need a new trade. Job searching is a job. Prayers please? :)
On a happy note: I got the new DCFC album a few days ago. My favorite song? 'Monday Morning.' If you have not heard it yet you should go check it out.

Today is Thursday.. one more day closer to Friday.
(Did I mention we have a swing in our yard? Hooray!)

'She may be young but she only likes old things, And modern music it ain't to her taste, She loves the natural light, captured in black and white, She sees mirages of mountain ranges, Within a blink of her eyes it changes, Back to the open plain, oh no she can't explain. I cry out "Love keep your arms around me", I am a bird that's in need of grounding, I'm built to fly away, I never learned how to stay. The night is gonna fall and the vultures will surround you, And when you're lookin' in the mirror what you see is gon' astound you. But all these lines and greys refine, they are the maps of our design, Of what began on a Monday morning.-'Monday Morning' by DCFC

Alive.

2011-07-06T10:16:00.002-05:00

Moving. The 4th. Friends. Family. Life.
Wow. It has been a while.
We were supposed to have internet starting on the 2nd but due to some silly complications with at&t we still do not have it. I guess this is a good excuse to take advantage of the local coffee shop and get out of the house. There is so much to update on I don't even know where to start! Forgive me ahead of time for this post being scattered. (nothing new.)
We moved into our house this past weekend & life has been going 100mph since then. My family came up Friday to help us move in which was quite the blessing. I'm not sure we could have done it without them. My mom, Emma, & I painted while the boys did all the heavy lifting. Now, 5days later we still have boxes to unpack but it's all coming together. It feels nice to not live out of a suitcase.
While half the weekend was filled with moving, the other half was spent just hanging out with friends and family. Our good friends Sara and Jonathan came up on Saturday to hang out in Chattanooga/celebrate the fourth of July weekend. This is the 2nd year we have spent the 4th together and I think it is officially our little tradition. We spent the day swimming at my parents hotel downtown and all went to dinner with Jess and her mom that night.
On Sunday night Jess, Logan, Matthew, and I watched fireworks from the bridge downtown. It's good having friends so close. It's amazing what a little community will do to your spirit.
I'm going to try and space photos out over a few posts but here are some I took on my phone this past weekend! Another update coming soon! (the next time I can get somewhere to use the internet.)

Mountains.

2011-06-30T11:37:00.001-05:00

Life Update:
Last night we got the opportunity to swim & eat dinner at one of Logan's friends house. To say the home has an amazing view would be an understatement. They live out in the middle of nowhere on top of the Tennessee mountains. I'm so amazed at Gods creation. Tennessee is gorgeous.
Today I'm doing my job of job searching. Everytime I look at jobs I feel more & more unqualified to do things. I feel like the only thing I learned in school was random information. (Which I did enjoy, just can't do anything with.) Not trying to be negative just honest. I'l find a job in just the right time right?
Tomorrow we finally get to move into our house! I couldn't be more excited. My parents, my brother Wesley, and his wife Emma are coming to help us move in. It's going to be a fun weekend.
I cannot believe it is already Independence day weekend? June slipped away quickly that's for sure.
Here are just a few pictures from last night. Side note: You can see North Carolina in the background. Also, Matthew looks like a flamingo but he's just kicking a ball. Thought I should clarify ;)

Sketch.

2011-06-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

Have you seen odosketch? :)
So fun. I know what I'll be doing this afternoon.

Tennessee.

2011-06-27T07:52:00.000-05:00

bike rides. friends. river.

just a few things that went along with our first week in Tennessee.

Summer.

2011-06-21T12:03:00.001-05:00

happy first day of summer!
I started today with a bike ride.
This afternoon I'm job searching (boring) & eating lots of watermelon.
We may celebrate with a swim tonight.
Good thing summer makes everything more fun.
(photo via here.)

Beginnings.

2011-06-20T11:50:00.000-05:00

It has been a long and emotionally exhausting few days. We left Texas on Friday and made the 12 1/2 hour drive to my hometown in Alabama. We spent the night with my family and Saturday headed to Tennessee. I decided yesterday that Texas has the best roads anywhere in the united states. I know that is saying a lot. I guess I'll trade the beauty of north Alabama and east Tennessee for the roads any day. I never had any doubt about moving but the logistics of it all took some of the fun away. The stress and nervousness slowly drifted away as I drove through the Tennessee mountains while listening go Coldplay's 'Strawberry Swing'. I knew then that it was all going to be worth it.
Saturday night we started our time here with a celebration. We had dinner with old and new friends in Chattanooga at the Terminal. After that, we sat at a yogurt place by the river to watch fireworks from the Riverbend music festival going on. I don't think we could have started our time here any better.

Today Matthew started his new job. This means I am supposed to be looking for a job. So, today that it's what I am doing. Drinking a coconut latte, doing a little job searching, maybe go on a bike ride (j has a path right in front of her house), and spending much needed time with the Lord.

Matthew said about a year ago that he didn't want to be in Texas very long. I can say that he is a man of his word and didn't waste anytime getting out. So, Matthew I am so proud of you, we did it.
We are spending the 1st week & 1/2 with my best friend until we can move into our house. My wardrobe has now increased greatly. Thanks j ;) Hooray for new beginnings.
Ps. Yesterday was our 6 month anniversary. I cannot believe it has been that long.

'I remember we were walking up to strawberry swing, I can't wait 'til the morning, Wouldn't wanna change a thing, People moving all the time inside a perfectly straight line, Don't you wanna just curve away, When it's such It's such a perfect day, It's such a perfect day. Now the sky could be blue, I don't mind, Without you it's a waste of time, Could be blue I don't mind, Without you it's a waste of time.' -coldplay

Makeover.

2011-06-13T10:50:00.001-05:00

As you can see here the blog has gone through quite the makeover. What do you think? I still have a few things to fix. I'm not sure why the 'labels' are in the wrong place. Who knows. I'll figure it out.

We ran out of boxes yesterday and have to get more. We are very close to being done so this is a good excuse for us to play today.

Here is my ideal day:
Breakfast date with Matthew while we spend time with Jesus.
Go get feather hair extensions. (Yes, I'm totally giving into the trend. Eveytime a girl walked in our store with them in I got jealous.)
We may take another trip to IKEA so I can show Matthew a rug. (I know he is thrilled about that one. Hehe.)
It will be 100 degrees today so swimming is in there somewhere.
And we are ending the night out with Matthew's parents at Blue Goose. (A mexican restaurant.)

Move countdown: 4 days!

Cactus.

2011-06-12T13:59:00.001-05:00

Just five random things:
1. Check out the awesome Cactus plant I bought today. Good thing they are low maintenance because she will be our little travel buddy come this weekend. 2. One thing I will miss about this area is how EXTREMELY nice, new, and convenient everything is. Seriously every store you could ever dream of is within a 5 mile radius of each other. This is good & bad. I did end up going to IKEA. Apparently everyone likes to go there on Sundays. It was packed. I guess its okay because it led me to not buy as much as I could. I wanted to get out of there. 3. Our house is a wreck. It was foolish of me to think that I could pack up our 600 sq. ft apartment in a orderly fashion. I am determined to get it done by tomorrow. 4. Ulta called me today and wanted to know if I was still coming in to get my hair and makeup done. Ha. I dunno why this was so funny to me. Considering I have not worn the slightest bit of make-up in a week they have the wrong person. 5. I bought pretzel M&M's today for the first time in a long time. It annoys me that they only put like 5 pieces in a bag & call it a serving. It's never enough. Anyone else know what I'm talking about?
Again, this is just another random post this week.
Move countdown: 5 days.

Packing.

2011-06-11T22:13:00.000-05:00

Today I did a whole lot of packing. At the rate I'm going I'll be done tomorrow night. It feels good to have something accomplished. The move still doesn't feel real but seeing boxes all over our living room is helping. Matthew is feeling a little better. He did sleep almost the entire day today. His mom got me the magazines in the picture to keep me occupied so I don't go crazy hanging out here. I already have a few home ideas from one of them. The other picture is of a map we got while we were in Austin. We thought it would be cool if we had a map of every state we live in. This is the first in the collection. I'm excited to hang in in our new house.

Tomorrow I may take a trip to IKEA. We literally live like 10 minutes away from it. I know that will never happen again so I have to take advantage of it while its there.
Anyways, this is just a late night random post.
P.S. Have I mentioned Fleet Foxes Pandora station is awesome? It's been out go to this week.

Things.

2011-06-10T12:49:00.001-05:00

Things I want to do more:
1. sing 2. sew 3. paint 4. go to shows 5. serve 6. cook & bake 7. read 8. exercise 9. swim 10. pray 11. go to the farmers market 12. ride bikes & not drive our cars 13. pick flowers 14. write letters 15. spend less money 16. give 17. write in my journal 18. swing 19. go outside 20. take pictures

Yesterday I had a 'why the heck have I not been doing the things I love moment' the things that make me happy and make up part of who I am. Living near J will bring the creativity back in me. I just know it. I'm not big on new years resolutions but maybe the move will mark a new start to the creative side in me. There are so many things I want to do & need to do more.

Matthew was up the ENTIRE night last night throwing up. Poor thing. We went to the hospital this morning (we like to be extra careful because he has type one diabetes). The 3 hours there were worth it to him because of the meds he was given. He was supposed to work today (& I'm sad he is sick) but I'm happy he now gets to spend the day with me. We are going to go lay on his parents couch and watch cable. (& maybe I will even swim!) It's the little things right? :)
Anyways I'm finished with work and it is packing from here on out! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

P.S Did I mention we now have a home to live in? :) Yippee! I'm off to look for home inspiration. Where else do you go other than Anthropologie for inspiration? Here is a photo from their latest catalog. Also, why do they do everything so perfect?

Five.

2011-06-08T11:42:00.000-05:00

Five random thoughts for this Wednesday:
1. Most of you know my love for the LBC but THIS little article made me love it even more. I'm not a crazy bike fanatic but I really do appreciate their view on bikers in the city.
2. J has been awesome to us during our move. She is looking at a house for us today. I sure hope it is what we want it to be on the inside. If not, thats okay too. I'm awaiting her phone call. Eeek!
3. I need new Christian music {that doesn't sound like all the rest.} I'll take suggestions if you know of a cool band i'm missing out on.
4. I decided after our trip I want a Kayak. Good thing we are moving to a city with lots of rivers near by.
5. Like the LBC, I appreciate Chattanooga for many things. This website is for the state of TN but check out all the fun things we can do this summer HERE.
(pretty, fun, & summery picture from THIS blog.)

Austin.

2011-06-08T10:13:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday we made the trip to Austin, TX for our 6 month/3 year dating anniversary. They both fall in the same week so we figured it was a perfect excuse for a little getaway.
On Monday we started the day with Texas shaped waffles. They were pretty awesome and I'm sad I didn't get a picture. After breakfast we made a trip to the Capitol building, drove through the University of Texas, then stopped by at a famous bike shop for Matthew. We ended up eating lunch at a fish taco place that we later remembered was the same place we ate at during our 1yr anniversary in Santa Barbara, CA. Seriously, kinda cool huh? That afternoon we headed to Barton Springs where we rented kayaks. We met up with Blanton a little later who is one of Matthew's college friends. We got snow cones and he showed us around some cool areas in the city. The city is filled with so many things to do. I didn't really know what to expect but I was surprised at how urban it was. In a way it reminded me of the west coast. Basically I loved Austin and overall it was the perfect overnight trip.
P.S we kinda failed at taking pictures while we were there. Oh well.
Also, we move in like a week!? craaazy.

Week.

2011-06-04T09:21:00.000-05:00

The past week has been a good one. Thursday morning Matthew & I got up & went on a walk to the park so we could swing. I would be okay if the first house we move into has a swing set just for me. Friday we both worked then went to eat dinner over at Matthews parents house. We have enjoyed hanging out with them so much. It really is a bitter-sweet move. It's going to be sad when they are not just a drive away. After dinner we went swimming. Night swimming is one of the only positive things about the southern summer heat. One of the negatives is that it messes with my sinuses. My allergies started acting up late last night so I woke up this morning feeling a little rough. Allergies ruin everything.
Matthew has to work at a skateboard contest today and I now have a certain Avril Lavigne song stuck in my head from 9th grade. I am hoping it doesn't last all day. Before he took off we had a Panera date this morning. For the record, I like him a whole bunch. Going on dates with him is fun even if they are at 8am on a Saturday.
In other news: 1.) I've been playing Tetris quite a bit the past few weeks.. ya know the geometric shape game from the 80's? I'm to level 13 out of 15. I'm pretty pumped. 2.) We still do not have a place to live but are just going with it. We won't be homeless. 3.) Tomorrow night we leave for Austin. We have about five days worth of things we want to do & will be doing it all in less than two days. Let's just say we are more than excited. Only thing we are not excited about is the fact that it will be 102 degrees while we are there. Hellooo summertime.

Truth.

2011-06-01T10:47:00.001-05:00

Its hard for me to believe we are moving in two weeks but I am feeling more confident about it.
I read a quote on twitter the other day that started with this.. 'anxiousness takes pride'.. i have not stopped thinking about it. It does take pride.. & it takes self dependence. Self-dependence is not how I am called to live. This humbling truth reminds me that my dependency is to be upon the sovereignty of Christ no matter what the issue is.
'And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.' Philippines 4:19.
..meaning the Spiritual, the physical, all of them. This truth makes me smile.
I am going to continue in my pursuit of job hunting and house hunting but with confidence & peace.
Im looking forward to the weekends when Jess, Logan, Matthew, & I will take trips to the Blue Hole, ride bikes, and hike to the waterfalls. Thinking about this also makes me smile. Yippee!
I. love. summer.
{Here are two of my favorite pictures from last summer. Too bad Isa & Courtney won't be in TN this summer too.}

Monday.

2011-05-31T10:42:00.000-05:00

I had been looking forward to Memorial Day for about a week. We planned to relax and swim all day and that is just what we did. Monday we woke up and ate pancakes with Matthew's parents. Afterwards we went on a walked through the Nature Preserve next to their house. If I lived next to it like they do I would go there everyday. It is FILLED with wildflowers. At some point during the walk a massive grasshopper (I mean massive) landed on my hand and led me to throw my phone into the tall grass near by. We spent about 10 min. looking for it and thankfully a family walking by stopped to help. It was pretty funny. And probably more funny in real life. After our walk we headed to the pool. This is where we spent the majority of the afternoon. We did take a trip to the Outlets later on and follower that trip with some grilling out. It was a pretty awesome day.
Today we have another day off. Matthew went to Tyler to ride bikes with a friend. I'm still debating on what I should do. I'm thinking look at houses (but not too much or it will stress me out), read a little, maybe lay by the pool again, and go grocery shopping. Who knows.
Hope everyone else had a fabulous Monday like we did. Im thankful for the men & women who risk their lives & who serve our country everyday!
(Here are a few pictures from our day)

Five.

2011-05-28T10:18:00.000-05:00

Five things I love this week:

Watermelon. I have probably consumed an unhealthy amount. (It has to be perfectly ripe / the perfect shade of pink otherwise it tastes too melony.)
My long black skirt from the Gap. Seriously the most comfortable thing I have ever bought. It's not online otherwise i would show it to you.
The book of Hebrews. So. Good.
Arizona Green Tea. J and I drank it non stop our senior year of high school & i got a little burnt out after drinking it everyday for a year. It's back and I made someone else a fan. (Matthew of course.)
Caramel Apple suckers. Ya know, the ones that used to only come out in October. Mm. We made the mistake of buying a huge bag & we took them to the movie theatre the other night.

Random picture: This time of the year, three years ago, Matthew and I met in Long Beach, CA for the first time. I've been thinking about how time has flown by. I miss that city.

Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach, CA

Pool.

2011-05-25T13:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon we got to spend a few hours in Matthew's parents pool before the bad weather came last night. I'm over the bad weather. Ever since the tornado in Tuscaloosa and the one in Joplin I am a little more on edge anytime we are under a tornado warning.
Thankfully I think the bad weather will be gone for a while now. Today it is beautiful outside. Sadly, there will be no swimming. I'm already looking forward to the weekend again when we can swim our little hearts out.

There is no update on the move front. We are still looking for a place to live which will determine when we leave here. All I know is that we have 2 weeks of work left. Yippee!!!

Also, we were planning a trip to Austin for our 6 month anniversary in June. Since we are moving we are going to go ahead and go next week. Anyone have any ideas on what we should do while we are there? I'd love suggestions.

Southern.

2011-05-22T23:47:00.002-05:00

'Southern accents are the sweetest sounding American accents.'
-Ben Gibbard via Twitter.
I agree. Texas is the South but it sure isn't the deep South.
I'm ready to hear those accents again.
3 weeks. 3 weeks. 3 weeks.
I'm listening to Fleet Foxes while Matthew is asleep on the couch. If you walked in the room it would seem peaceful & that all is quiet around here. If you looked inside of me you would see something else. I'm anxious (but extremely excited!) about moving. I cannot stop thinking about all the details. I'm ready to find a place to live, ready to have a job, and ready to be settled. I know the Lord will drop things in at just the right time.
Patience? I need it & I'm glad that it does SOMETHING good in me. Because patience.. it can be a beast.
'...the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing..' james 1:3b-4
(Picture taken last summer in TN. & I thought wouldn't have another summer w/J. Funny how things change so quickly)

Video.

2011-05-21T11:26:00.000-05:00

The Fleet Foxes came out with a new album recently.
Love this footage & his voice.
2nd & last post today.
Happy Saturday! xoxo.

Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean from Fleet Foxes on Vimeo.

Hair.

2011-05-21T10:23:00.000-05:00

Isn't Rachel McAdams gorgeous? Everytime I see this picture I think about how I would be okay with having hair that short. Then, I realize I'm the one fixing it everyday & it will never look like that. After that realization I go into wishing my hair was long again, like Zooey's hair. Then, I'm reminded of another thing.. that my hair is fine and thin.
Oh the dilemma over things that do not really matter.
Everyday is a little different but today I want long summer waves.
I cut my hair, I grow it back
First the thought and then the act
-The Weepies.

Morning.

2011-05-20T10:15:00.001-05:00

This morning I woke up to the strangest dream..
(For some reason I got really upset for dropping my books in the mud?)
I woke up singing Celine Dion in Japanese?..
(J sent me her DVD. Awesome)
I woke up to the sweetest message on my bathroom mirror..
(I'll let you in on it: SOS 4:9. He's a keeper)
I woke up to thunder & the pouring rain. Also, the sound of a lawn mower? How does that work?..
(Amazing (the rain part) but it led me to believe it was a Saturday)
I woke up to coffee and ate breakfast on my Indian plate..
(Gotta love blueberries and Anthro dishes on sale)
And I woke up wishing we were moving already!
(Job searching & houses = not fun)

News.

2011-05-18T21:36:00.002-05:00

Guess what!? We have some news...

it's not a baby...

and we are not buying a home.. BUT..

WE ARE MOVING!!!

From Texas to Tennessee! It's all happening super quickly.. but we a very excited! We have 3 weeks to find a house, find me a job, and be out of our apartment. Yippee! Keep us in your prayers :)

Oops.

2011-05-17T18:55:00.000-05:00

I forgot to mention this in the last post.. but um my husband got to meet & ride mountain bikes with George W. Bush last week. Yep. I tell no lies.

Now after 2 flight delays I am off to pick up Matthew from the airport dressed in my long black skirt, cute grey tank, & some lipstick ;)

That is all.

Life.

2011-05-17T13:19:00.001-05:00

Life around here lately:
1. Davis Ann and Brad's visit was so much fun. Davis Ann and I stayed up and talked every night till about 2:00am just like I figured we would. It was so refreshing to be around them. Brad & Matthew did lots of boy things while we got to run around the city. Thanks for coming to see me again Davis Ann :)
2. Matthew went to Chattanooga this past weekend. I pick him up from the airport tonight. I sure have missed him. It was weird sending 'I miss you' texts.. It was like we were in a long distance relationship all over again. Well, not really but It did bring back those feelings. I'm thankful I don't have a husband who travels very much. On a positive note it was nice to have a few days alone to reflect on my relationship with the Lord... to see how it has changed since we got married & to see what I need to change in my pursuit of my first love.
3. I've been thinking about this verse a ton lately:

'Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.' Hebrews 10:23-25

I have really missed community. Having Davis Ann and Brad here confirmed even more how important it is to have others encourage you, hold you accountable, and push you on in your faith. We are looking to move to TN. That is why Matthew went to Chattanooga this weekend. A few friends live there and many others live very close by. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but the thought of moving makes me giddy. On another note, the thought of looking for a new job makes me sick.
We are just trusting right now.
4. Overall I am happy. I have a God who loves me. A husband who I adore & who loves me well. And amazing friends & family. Why do I ever complain?!?

We didn't take very many pictures while our guests were here (shame on us). But here are the few we did take. The one of the boys on the bed cracks me up. (Yes, we still have no headboard but hey, its okay!)

Design.

2011-05-07T09:39:00.000-05:00

The past week I've been working on a simple graphic design project for Davis Ann. It has been a while since I've looked at design only stuff on the computer & yep it is official.. I am still obsessed with labels & logos like i was a year ago. I still get this overwhelming feeling in my stomach when I look at 'good' design. Is that weird? Maybe if you are an artist you know the feeling I am talking about. Anyways. Here are a few pictures I saw yesterday during my hunt for inspiration.
(& Here is one of my favorite Design websites.)

P.S. Did I mention Davis Ann & Brad are arriving today!? Ahhhh.
It is a happy day.
{type, dress, letters, bag, laundry, amp}

Pretty.

2011-05-05T11:11:00.001-05:00

Not much to say... just that today = pretty.
I just got home from a breakfast date with a cute boy.
Now off to work. Oh to be young and free with nothing to do ;)
I am counting down the hours till our company arrives.

Here is a pretty picture & a pretty link for this pretty day! {pic via Pinterest & I have mentioned before that my sis-in-law & brother are amazing photographers but if you missed it check them out!}

Guests.

2011-05-04T11:26:00.002-05:00

So I am happy to announce we are having our first guests come this weekend! (Most of you know who Davis Ann is but if you don't she is my best friend & roommate of 4 1/2 years in college) Her & her boyfriend Brad are driving here on Saturday & staying till Thursday. We have been talking about this since December. The weekend will consist of lots of adventure, coffee dates, & late night talks with Davis Ann. Hooray for friends! (P.S. aren't they so cute!?)

Rain.

2011-05-02T14:30:00.002-05:00

Wow. What a week. I have been saying that phrase in my head a lot the past 24 hours.
It has been a week filled with many mixed emotions: Happiness, relief, sadness, hope, joy, & humility to name a few. It's hard to even determine for myself how I feel about everything. I do above all else feel confident and hopeful. The God of the universe is my God and he is in control.
Today it is cold and rainy. 50 degrees is not ideal for the month of May but I am okay with it. I woke up extremely sleepy for some reason so the steady rain is more than perfect.
Being the sweet husband he is, Matthew went grocery shopping for us while I took a shower. We decided that we would sit at home in front of the fire and watch movies all day.
I love my best friend. He brought home cookie mix and surprised me with Horizon Organic Vanilla milk (my favorite treat!). It always makes me feel like a little girl because of the small carton is comes in.

Even in our little safe haven, the things going on in the world are heavy on our minds. We are still praising God for his goodness, mercy, & love, praying for the south, & for the World.

A few links that are worth taking a look at today:

My brother Wesley's blog.

This blog someone shared on Facebook today. Great article on a Christian-worldview & everything that is going on

This article on CNN about the reaction of other World Leaders and bin Laden's death.

Support.

2011-04-29T16:08:00.006-05:00

copied from Poppytalk: 'Show your love for Alabama and support the efforts of the American Red Cross to provide relief to those hit by the recent storms. $5 from your purchase will go directly to Alabama regional Red Cross chapters with the purchase of these cards.'

Devastation.

2011-04-28T13:53:00.000-05:00

Tuscaloosa, the town I spend 4 1/2 years in for college has been destroyed. An F4 or bigger tornado hit the heart of the city on Wednesday. Please pray for Tuscaloosa and the rest of the South. My parents live a few hours from there but will not have power for at least 5 to 7 days. It is going to be a long recovery. Im thankful for the mercy of God and that no one I know was hurt or killed in the storm. So many others lost so much.

1. My brother Daniel wrote a good blog entry on it today. Read it HERE.
2. HERE is part of the story in CNN.
3. if you want to help out and donate to the Red Cross go HERE.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."Psalm 46.

Vertigo.

2011-04-26T12:50:00.000-05:00

Today I woke up with Vertigo. I have had problems for a little while but not this bad. My allergies cause my sinuses not to drain causing but ears to get thrown off. You would think getting to spin around would be fun.. but it is not. Matthew went on a run so I decided one more blog entry today wouldn't hurt.
Anyways. On a different topic, over the weekend we watched two good movies. The first one we watched was Made in Dagenham'. It's about the women's rights movement in Great Britain. The second one was a documentary called 'God Grew Tired of Us' it is on Sudanese refugees who came to America. This movie made me cry. It was convicting and challenging. It was definitely a reminder that God has called us to help people. It made me feel so small and inadequate yet called to something bigger than myself. I know married couples are not the only ones who go through this but how to you not get stuck in the mundane? How do you not get soaked into the American Dream and live selflessly serving God. Our church has so many opportunities to serve but even the options can get overwhelming. I have read the book Radical but still I'll take any advice you'll give me. I don't want to waste my life on myself. We have to DO something.
God, help us to live for your name sake alone.
'By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.'1 john 3:16-18
(& on a simple note: here are some pretty pictures just because they're pretty)

Five.

2011-04-26T00:25:00.000-05:00

5 randomly awesome things I adore this week:
1. Pretty tape. I have always wanted to buy some of this and I think I just may break down and do so soon.
(here's one of the websites that sell it!)
2. Long skirts. (Zara!)
3. Water colors. (It's all I want to paint with lately. Illustration from Vogue China)
4. Making spinach & black bean quesadillas. (So good & healthy. Recipe from Publix Grocery)
5. Chris Tomlin on Pandora.

Sprinkles.

2011-04-25T16:42:00.001-05:00

It has been super rainy around here the past few days. It seems like every couple of hours we are under a new severe thunderstorm or tornado watch. The thunder was actually kind of nice this morning and we took the opportunity to sleep in till 11:30. I have not done that since I can remember. Because of Easter we have gotten to have a long & relaxing weekend. I missed getting to spend the holiday with my family but we did have a great time with Matthew's family that came into town. Yesterday we went to church then had an amazing lunch with Sprinkles Cupcakes for dessert.
We should celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ everyday but I am glad we set aside an entire day to remember the one miraculous event. I hope everyone else had a lovely Easter weekend! xoxo

Jesus.

2011-04-23T10:59:00.000-05:00

So far my day has been filled with granola, coffee, staring at the pretty tulips Matthew brought me home last night, and being in awe of Jesus. The rest of the day will consist of hanging out with Matthew's fam (and mine now!), eating hamburgers, getting Sprinkles Cupcakes in Dallas, and then getting to see Joe Purdy in concert. Eek!
Today I feel joyful because of what Christ has done for us. I seriously feel giddy inside yet humbled at the same time.

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones he came to save:

Till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied -

For every sin on Him was laid;

Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain:

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave he rose again!

And as He stands in victory

Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,

For I am His and He is mine -

Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

(photo Cred)

Friday.

2011-04-22T10:18:00.000-05:00

Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this? The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. But the fact is, it was our pains he carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healedWe're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong, on him, on him. He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn't say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared, he took it all in silence. Justice miscarried, and he was led off— and did anyone really know what was happening? He died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of my people.They buried him with the wicked, threw him in a grave with a rich man, Even though he'd never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn't true. Still, it's what God had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he'd see life come from it—life, life, and more life. And God's plan will deeply prosper through him.Out of that terrible travail of soul, he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it.Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant, will make many "righteous ones," as he himself carries the burden of their sins. Therefore I'll reward him extravagantly— the best of everything, the highest honors—Because he looked death in the face and didn't flinch, because he embraced the company of the lowest. He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many, he took up the cause of all the black sheep.
Isaiah 53.

Highlights.

2011-04-21T23:11:00.000-05:00

Highlights from Alabama Road Trip 2011:
1. Having great driving weather.Seriously, we were placed right in-between the storms. Praise Jesus.
2. Eating dinner with Sara, Jonathan, Erica, Davis Ann, Brad, and Sandra. We ate greek food and sat in the restaurant for three hours. I think we could have sat forever.. three hours was not long enough. I love my friends.
3. Hanging out with my mom, dad, & sister. It was good to be home. We went shopping, sat outside, played bocce ball, and ate really good food. After living in a big, busy, newer city it was refreshing to be in an old small town again. I have a new appreciation for it.
4. Hanging out with the Reeves/meeting Lenox. Seeing my best friend was perfect. Lenox is the most beautiful little baby. I could have held her all day. Thank you Emily for sharing her.
5. Gabrielle coming to visit us. She was out of town and couldn't make it to birmingham for dinner on Friday so she drove to see us on Monday. We got to sit and talk for about an hour while Matthew slept. Getting to sit & talk with her and Davis Ann in Tuscaloosa is one of the things i have missed the most.
6. Eating breakfast with my sweet grandparents.
7. Stopping to see Daniel (my brother) in Mississippi on our way home. We ate lunch at an awesome country restaurant that is in an old house & walked through a few antique stores.
I wish it was still 'the weekend'.

ForNow.

2011-04-20T15:14:00.000-05:00

I want to post about the weekend but don't have time.
I'll just leave you with this beautiful little face.
I know you are just dying with anticipation to hear about our adventures ;)
I will post an overview of the weekend sometime soon.
Much love. Happy Wednesday! xoxo

Home.

2011-04-14T22:36:00.000-05:00

Well, we are off to Sweet Home Alabama. Be back Tuesday!

P.S. I decided the title of my unwritten, unpublished, unheard of book. I know you're just dying to know about it.

J and I are doing some business planning this weekend. Eek!

(photo taken by husband.)

Recap.

2011-04-14T09:41:00.000-05:00

Birthday recap: Yesterday morning started off with Matthew giving me my birthday gifts. I think, and others agree, he did a fabulous job. He got me Keens that I have been eying for a while, tickets to see Joe Purdy later this month, and a beautiful long dress. We went to Panera, drank my favorite coffee, and ate cinnamon crunch bagels. At some point during breakfast we decided we both wanted spontaneous haircuts. So, we walked around to the 3 haircut places in the shopping center we were at and found ourselves sitting next to each other in L'image. It was great. For Matthew: a faux hawk. For me: same hair cut just to my shoulders. Matthew and I both had to go to work but we did find ourselves back together for dinner.
Matthew's parents took us out on Tuesday and gave me these flowers and $ for a pedicure and manicure. (Which I am going to get today!) Sweet Sarah Wright got me an awesome gift once again: cute cupcake liners & recipe cards by Riffle Paper Co. I think it safe to say that she is the most thoughtful gift giver ever. Needless to say I feel loved and It didn't take birthday gifts for me to feel that way. Im excited to celebrate again with my family this weekend. Hooray for birthdays!

23.

2011-04-13T09:12:00.001-05:00

So, I'm 23 today. I really am thankful for the blessing of life.
'I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?' Psalm 17:14-19.

Paint.

2011-04-12T10:19:00.000-05:00

The past few days I have taken some time to just paint. I have not done this since November.
It feels amazing to paint.
It feels amazing to be inspired.
I painted a picture for a friend. Lately, I have been inspired by simple, high contrast, bright color images and that is the direction I went with this. I decided to paint her pug Garcia. He is epicly awesome & a perfect subject for what I was trying to accomplish. I know things have changed in me when I decided to just paint for another person without them even asking. You can ask anyone, I have always had bad attachment problems with my art. I don't like to give it away & I only paint for people if they ask. (and I will if you ask!) This sounds so selfish as I am typing it out. The main issue really was that of confidence. It was always a matter of 'it won't be good enough'. (I am secretly very much a perfectionist). I don't know what happened? I did give a few paintings away over Christmas to my siblings and to Davis Ann. I think that was the first step in learning to share what I have been given. I guess I really am growing up ;)

Marriage.

2011-04-08T13:51:00.003-05:00

In one week we will be making the trip to Alabama. I couldn't be more excited! Our plans consist of eating dinner with my best friends in Birmingham, hanging out at the Reeves and holding little baby Lenox for hours (my almost niece), shopping with my mom, & eating Big Bob's BBQ.
This past week I have not been in the mood to write a blog entry. I have felt very thoughtful but not vulnerable to write it down. In short, things have been good around here. On Sunday night I had an impulse to bake & ended up making 3 dozen chocolate chip cookies from scratch at 10 o'clock at night. (Awesome!) We watched cable & ate dinner with Matthew's parents on Monday. And on Tuesday I went to my first Ranger's baseball game. We ate hotdogs, kettle corn, & drank overpriced diet cokes. It was fabulous. I have not felt that 'all American' in f.o.r.e.v.e.r.
On another note I will offer a few of my thoughts on marriage. Before Matthew & I got married everyone told me that "marriage is so much fun" and now I can say that it is! I never knew I could feel this way about another person. Yes, it may all sound cheesy or cliche but it is all true. Matthew is my best friend and he has taught me so much in the few months we have been here together. I have noticed change in myself: I am at ease. I don't feel anxious, I don't feel uptight, I laugh a whole lot more about things & I sleep a whole lot better. Yes, I know that these 'changes' could have happened by another means but I like the plan that God has had all along. I'm thankful that the Lord is showing the Gospel to us in our marriage and that He is growing us in ways I couldn't have imagined a year ago. I praise Him for marriage today.

Five.

2011-03-30T12:18:00.000-05:00

5 things we're into lately:
1. Grinding our own coffee from Central Market.. Spring is getting lost in-between winter and summer and a warm cup of good coffee is all that sounds good lately. Today Matthew and I sat at Panera to drink coffee, read our bibles, and have some Facetime with Daniel (my bro!) It was delightful on this cold and wet day.
2. Jazz and blues music. (John Lee Hooker on Pandora = awesome.)
3. Discovering new movies: We have watched a few good ones the past month: Get Low, Never Let Me Go, It's Kind Of a Funny Story, and Due Date. For all of you Independent film lovers they all pretty good. Next on our list: Made in Dagenham and Barney's Version.
4. Discovering DIY projects to take on! (I would totally do this bunny one if I had little kiddies)
5. Finding a way to move to TN!? Any suggestions or job offers? :)

Pup.

2011-03-29T00:54:00.001-05:00

Today we did a few of my favorite things: drove around the city for no reason, walked around Hobby Lobby, walked around an antique mall, went grocery shopping at Central Market, rented an indie movie from Red Box, ate southern fried chicken, & did something random.. went to a puppy store where we saw this little guy! He has no name & the best little personality a dog could have. He cost a whopping $3000... this should hint at the fact that we didn't get to leave the store with him. Sigh* It was a fun day regardless.

Headboard.

2011-03-24T12:14:00.002-05:00

For our next home project we are shooting to make a headboard. We have two options in mind:
1. a headboard made out of an old fence. I got the idea from design sponge. Which, by the way, has awesome inspirations & how to guides.
2. We could make a basic padded headboard. May even be tufted ;)
Who knows, i also like the simple white wooden one in the picture & beautiful old rot-iron beds. By the time we get around to it we may even come up with another idea.

Bluebonnets.

2011-03-23T18:14:00.000-05:00

Once again the Lord answered my prayer and I got off from work early. The rest of the evening I am going to spend online looking (not shopping), Skype with my parents, make phone calls to my long lost friends, & daydream about the weekend.
Speaking of online looking.. I saw one of these dresses from Delia's on another blog & decided to go to their website. I have never bought anything from there but I was thoroughly impressed with some of the dresses they have. Wouldn't one of these be perfect for a little photo shoot & stroll down the road lined with Bluebonnets? I'm dying to go see some in hill country of Texas. (photo via pinterest)
I. am. obsessed.& i love you spring.

Overwhelmed.

2011-03-23T03:29:00.000-05:00

It's 3:00am and I am wide awake. I don't hate it right now but I'm sure I will regret it in the morning. As I've been laying in bed I have been thinking about a few things:
First of all I've been thinking about how wonderful my husband is. I've been sick the past 2 days & he has done such a great job taking care of me. I am so blessed. Secondly, I've been thinking about baby Lenox and the entire Reeves family. The Lord has worked our things so perfectly. He is so good & takes such good care of us. I've been overwhelmed with who He is tonight. He is so worthy of my praise. He is the one who put Matthew in my life & he is the one who created sweet baby Lenox. He is wonderful, He is righteous, He is loving, He is patient, He is kind, He is gentle, He is just, He is noble, He is my counselor, He is mighty, He is the ruler of the universe, He is the fairest among ten thousand, He is good and He is MY Lord and MY shepherd and He is so much more than I can even express. Tonight I'm overwhelmed with the way he loves me.. how He died for an unrighteous sinner like me and gave me life abundantly. Thank you Jesus for who You are!
& I will end with a song by John Mark Mcmillan. The story behind song is also incredible.. you can listen to that one HERE.

'He is jealous for me, Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree, Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy, When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me. Oh, how He loves us so. Oh, how He loves us, How He loves us so. So we are His portion and He is our prize, Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes If grace is an ocean we're all sinking. So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside of my chest I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way, That he loves us, Oh how He loves us' -John Mark Mcmillan

Lenox.

2011-03-22T21:05:00.003-05:00

I present to you.. Lenox!
J's sister Emily had her baby yesterday! I am so thrilled about it & can't wait to meet the sweet little girl in April! I just wanted to show the world how beautiful she is.

Honey.

2011-03-19T19:04:00.002-05:00

I have bad allergies. I'm tired of taking medicine. So, I'm taking a new approach to them.
Locally grown honey + Nettle.
(read about it here&here! I didn't buy them from the websites, we just went to our local organic grocery store.)
I'll let you know how the trial goes. I like the natural approach to things these days.
Verse on the honey bottle: 'Thy words are sweeter than honey' Psalm 119:103

Listen.

2011-03-17T20:20:00.002-05:00

I am REALLY bad at playing songs on repeat for days & days when I'm feeling them.
Patty Griffin is always wonderful but when you have beautiful sunny weather & can ride in the car with the windows down she fits in perfectly.
Song I have on repeat right now: Chief (song I had on repeat about 2weeks ago: Making Pies).
Thanks for creating music Patty.
Here is the link to the video I would have shared if SonyMusic didn't restrict it.
I guess the title of the song has rubbed off on me because I wore my indian feather earrings today.
'Well I wish that you could see me when I'm flying in my dreams, The way I laugh there way up high, The way I look when I fly, The way I laugh, The way I fly' Patty Griffin

Flowers.

2011-03-17T15:59:00.001-05:00

Today I got off work early.. it is 80 degrees outside.. And I'm going on a date with a cute boy tonight.
It's been a good day so far.. good week for that matter.
Matthew's sweet momma took us flower shopping last week so we could have some pretty little things on our porch! It was nice to do something with her that I would normally do with my mom! I miss my whole family much. I'm counting down the days till Alabama :)
Like our flowers? Oh and we have a strawberry plant :)

Camping.

2011-03-13T11:54:00.000-05:00

We are going... camping! Be back Tuesday. (Photo Cred.)

Thinking.

2011-03-11T17:34:00.000-06:00

Today.. I am thinking about Japan & praying for them.
I am thinking about the coming of Christ (read matthew 13)
I am thinking about our camping trip on Monday! (Eeek!)
I am wishing our trip to Alabama was sooner & wanting to be able to drive to Jessica's house right now.
I am listening to the newest Passion CD. (It is SO good!) My favorite songs: All To Us & Lord, I Need You.
'Lord I need you, Oh I need you, Every hour I need you. My one defense, my righteousness. Oh God how I need you. Where you are Lord I am FREE, holiness is Christ in me.' Chris Tomlin
I am also wishing I was in this pretty little picture bellow swinging away in the hammock. (source)

Trees.

2011-03-10T09:59:00.001-06:00

I don't have much to say today. No reason, just don't. I'll say this one thing..
Have I mentioned I love the trees is Texas? In some areas they are spread out enough to make a canopy for you to lay under. Mmm. Hurry up Spring!
Picture #1 taken by yours truly & picture #2 taken by WE+Photographie (all rights are reserved to them).

Seek the LORD while he may be found, call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, o that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hand! Isaiah 55:6-12.

Craftiness.

2011-03-09T09:11:00.001-06:00

I've been wanting to paint our coffee table for a while now but I ended up painting our side table instead. I've always loved painted furniture. I needed to get some craftiness out and figured mixing things up in our apartment would do. I went with a grey (figures) I can't seem to step out of the grey box these days. The pictures don't really show a big difference between the two but I think I like it. What do you think? (PS excuse the dying flowers.)
Now to look for a new home project :)

Five.

2011-03-08T09:30:00.083-06:00

5 Things I am obsessed with lately:

The water bottle that Matthew gave me for Valentine's Day. Forget flowers & candy.. it has a mini water filter in it..j/k he got me those things too. Im not snobby about much but yes, I may be a water snob?
Blueberries (so good & taste so clean!)
Thinking about what flowers I'm going to plant in pots on our front porch when it gets warmer. (Thanks for inspiration Martha.) I love flowers oh so much..too bad we don't have a backyard.
Easter candy. (Yummie)
Headbands! (all kinds! especially this one! so cute.)

Today.

2011-03-07T22:32:00.001-06:00

Today we went on a bike ride out in the country..

We stopped and took pictures of cows..

We bought paint for my side table project..

We had dinner with Matthew's parents..

& we ate jellybeans. (too many jellybeans.)

It was a good day.

Right.

2011-03-06T17:41:00.000-06:00

Found this and thought I'd share. Here is what it says: Left brain: I am a scientist. A mathematician. I love familiar. I catagorize. I am accurate. Linear. Analytical. Strategic. I am practical. Always in control. A master of words and language. Realistic. I calculate equations and play with numbers. I am order. I am logic. I know exactly who I am. Right brain: I am creativity. A free spirit. I am passion. Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter. I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare feat. I am movement. Vivid colors. I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas. I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel. I am everything I wanted to be.
I am right brained ALL. THE. WAY.
(Except maybe the analytical part) (found HERE)

Spring.

2011-03-05T18:22:00.000-06:00

Today I've been dreaming of: Spring Break.
We don't really have a Spring Break anymore but I'm going to pretend we do.
(The pictures are from Spring Break in Texas 2 years ago. Wrote about it here!)

Magazine.

2011-03-05T09:01:00.000-06:00

I went by Barnes & Noble before work yesterday, looked at magazines for 30 minutes, & convinced myself I couldn't buy one. To my surprise someone sweet had the same idea when he got of off work!.. went to Barnes & Noble and brought BOTH of us a magazine home. He loves me. For him: a Bicycle magazine. For me: Clean Eating. (Just what I wanted! well.. I wanted any magazine that had to do with health/food.) Hooray for my husband!
We do our best to eat healthy. Living by 3 frozen yogurt places doesn't always help.

Run.

2011-03-04T09:17:00.001-06:00

I went running outside yesterday (first time in months). I may have found one of those 'gems' i was talking about a few posts back. I ran by an elementary school that reminded me of the one I went to growing up. There is a track around the school with trees & a park behind it. I laughed when I had to stop & walk about half way around the track. I'm still that little girl I was in elementary school. Still a little timid, still bad at spelling, and still bad at running. I was 'that kid' that got to stop & walk half way during the mile run because of my asthma. Some things don't change. I'm glad I can laugh at myself now instead of being embarrassed like I was back then. Walking around the school felt peaceful. Maybe it's because it felt so familiar.. & maybe because there wasn't anyone around but a few children laughing right outside of the school. It will be nice to ride my bike there on beautiful days & read under the trees.
Again and again I am thankful.
'Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, & his wondrous works to the children of man, For he satisfies the longing soul & the hungry soul he fills with good things' Psalm 107 (vs8&9)
(Isn't this photo magical? Can't wait for the dandelions, although they are weeds? Found here)

Pictures.

2011-03-03T11:07:00.001-06:00

Today is a nice day for a road trip.
Where would I drive to? Out West to the ocean.
We would take lots of car pictures, stop at random country stores, & have picnics on the side of the road.
I talked to Davis Ann today (my roommate from college). She said her & B-rad (her bf) are going to try & road trip out here in May. AND Sandra (my other good friend) may stop through here this summer on her road trip to Arizona! Oh goodie! I love visitors. Anyone else who wants to make a trip here is welcome! (including my parents.. grandparents.. siblings.. friends.. friends of friends.. etc.) Hint. Hint.
(PS. notice all the plaid shirts my cute husband likes to wear?)

Thoughts.

2011-03-01T14:06:00.005-06:00

Thoughts of today:
Today is the 1st of March. Just saying 'March' makes me feel warm inside. January & February always sound so cold to me but March gives me the feeling that Spring is on its way. Hallelujah for that.
We are sitting on the couch with the windows & the door open, listening to Horse Feathers on Pandora, & planning on not having plans. I am thankful for days like today. I bought some flowers earlier and placed them by the window. I've been meditating on a few verses in my head.
The simple things are standing out on this Tuesday.. simple truths and simple things.
Iv'e been thinking about this quote by St. Augustine lately..

	"O Lord, you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." St. Augustine

It started last week when I heard a man explaining the Gospel to another man in Starbucks. I've never been so encouraged and convicted by listening in on a conversation. I happened to sit down when the guy started sharing about the faith & hope we can have in God. He quoted off scripture to him left and right. This challenged me in my knowledge of scripture and in my sharing about this great hope.

The other night I left work exhausted in every way. I felt so weary from the weight of the world. I sat in my car a while thinking about what I would do without the hope that I have in God. I cannot depend on myself or other people to get me by. I can only put my faith and hope in Christ. (As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me psalm 40:17) Thinking about how so many people live without hope in Christ overwhelms me. Everything else fails but the love of God. Im thankful for that man in Starbucks who is sharing the hope he has with others and how God used him to remind me and to challenge me to do the same.

'Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.' (Hebrews 11:1-3)

Anyways, i'm going to end with the verse.
Here are a few pictures from last night. Josh Ritter is an amazing writer & super entertaining. I was thoroughly impressed to say the least.
Side note about the car picture: During our 2 year long distance relationship we drove a lot. We have taken SO many pictures in the car like this. It's always really funny for some reason.. placing the camera up on the dash while driving down the interstate.. I'm telling you.. it's the simple things ;)

Poppies.

2011-02-28T11:10:00.000-06:00

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.

BentTree.

2011-02-27T11:55:00.003-06:00

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

Silly.

2011-02-26T21:12:00.000-06:00

I have silly humor. I find things funny that most people don't.

Laughter. It is amazing huh?

Found HERE.

Fingerprints.

2011-02-26T19:40:00.003-06:00

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.