The Saturday Six

One.

 I told you last week about Erica Wiggenhorn's new Bible study that comes out next month. I'm even MORE eager to dive into it now that I have my new Bible to go with it! ANYWAY! The release of the book is close enough now that the book is up for pre-order, and if you order here, you can get a free art print to go with it! Win-win!! This one will be great for small-group study, I can promise you. (Individual study, too! That's how I did the first book she wrote on Acts, and it worked GREAT as a solo study.)

Two.

Loved this article by Jamie Hilty, because it's a beautiful blend of the creativity of reusing items (you know how I love a good repurpose!) and the reuse of places, when one family has packed up its memories and another brings theirs.

Three.

 Did you know you can freeze avocados? I sure didn't know it. This is good to keep in mind since they are usually SO expensive and if I could find a sale...

Four.

Looking for some fun outdoor ideas for this summer? I think some of these work just as well for adults as they do for kids! So if you're planning parties, check them out!

Five.

 This post and its ideas are geared towards families/kids, but I think the daily themes could be EASILY converted to anyone of any age! Take a week this summer and theme it up!! I think it sounds really fun!

Six.

Source

Clearly I did NOT have time to read a book this week, even though I had one waiting in the wings to be read, but I do have a book to offer to you!


One of my friends invited me to her online Usborne book party, and even though I've heard of this company, I've never purchased any of their books (largely because, you know, no children)! But I wanted to help her out, and I had actually run across a recommendation of an Usborne book that's not new, but it's still available for purchase. So I chose that one in an attempt to continue to grow the kiddo library for our visiting kids.

That's how I ended up with the Big Book of Things to Spot. (It's written by Ruth Brocklehurst, Gillian Doherty and Anna Milbourne, Illustrated by Teri Gower, and designed by Susannah Owen.) I'd read about this book, which is actually part of a homeschool curriculum, so I figured it had the blend of both fun value and educational value. (Even though we don't have kids, I am a stickler about the things I add to our stash. I don't want them to be mindless, fluffy toys and activities. I want them to be things that are valuable in learning, while still being fun.)

The book came earlier this week, and I'm not gonna lie: I had fun looking through it myself! It's kind of "Where's Waldo" in style, in that the pages are full color illustrations, but you're supposed to look for certain things on each page. But it's much less crammed than the Waldo books, so it doesn't give you a headache.

The book is divided into four sections, and each section gives you 1001 things to spot in its pages. Section 1 is 1001 Animals to Spot, Section 2 is 1001 Things to Spot on the Farm, Section 3 is 1001 Things to Spot in the Town, and Section 4 is 1001 Things to Spot Long Ago. Each scene is a two page spread, and along the sides of the pages you'll find the instructions of what you're looking for and the number of them you should find.

For example, the first spread is called "On the Farm," so the scene includes a barn, some pasture, a pond, and a field. Somewhere across those two pages, you'll find 3 puppies, 5 ducks, 9 ducklings...etc. Along with the instructions of what to find, there's a sample photo of each thing, so you'll know exactly what to look for. It's great for working on counting, colors, identifying items, etc.

The final section, which talks about things from long ago, features different parts of the world and different years, like Pharaoh's Court in Egypt, 3500 years ago, Going Hunting in India 350 years ago and the Drive-In-Movies in North America, 45 years ago.

Lots of fun pictures, lots of color, lots of learning, and it doesn't make a single noise on its own. (I am not a fan of noise-making books.)

I am glad I picked this one and call it a good addition to our little library for visitors! Oh! And bonus: you can get this in either a paperback or hardback version, so you can choose the affordability and/or durability you need!

Speaking at Indiana Wesleyan

Remember how I told you I spoke four times in four days this week? Wednesday marked the third day and the biggest crowd! In fact, as soon as I agreed to speak, I asked Ryan if he would mind taking the day off work and coming with me, because I needed him! (He said yes without much arm-twisting.)

It was actually really exciting to receive this invitation, partly because it's always encouraging to get invited back to your alma mater, right? And I was excited, too, because this was a different setting than most places I speak. I don't often get to address a more academic setting! But the school planned their first ever staff council retreat, which I think is an amazing event to offer. (It was for the hourly staff and took place right there on campus. Two speakers, door prizes, and a catered lunch. What a great investment in employees!)

They asked if I would speak on the topic of balancing life, work, and family, so I worked for several weeks to put together something I hoped would give them some new perspectives on all those life areas! And since Ryan went with me, I asked if he would also help me. We worked together to practice this talk so we could be coordinated and as seamless as possible in our delivery!

 Fiesta theme!! It was so colorful! (Fun fact: This retreat was held in the same rooms as our wedding reception!)

Guzzling water pre-speaking.

I had prayed so hard over this day, and I sure don't know how everyone else felt about it, but I know with everything in my soul that I gave it my very best and while I know there's always room to improve and grow as a speaker, I know I couldn't have done anything more leading up to that day.

Here are some photos other people took (on Ryan's phone and their own cameras) while I spoke and Ryan helped:

 My mom saw this next picture and asked if he was getting blessed. LOL!! Not really! He was demonstrating how Moses held up his hands during the battle with the Amalekites.

After I finished speaking, we had lunch, and it's possible I sort of circulated during that time to try to catch up with friends! Here are a few:

 (My best friend's mom, Janice.)

 (My dear Ronda, who has been such a good friend for so many years now.)

(Cheri is married to the pastor of the first church I attended as a grown-up. If you've read the Be Still book, she's the one I talked to at the beginning to share what the Lord had put on my heart about fasting. She is such an encouraging lady!!)

After lunch, this amazing lady named Joan McManus Bardsley spoke. Interesting and random fact for you. Joan is twice widowed, and her second husband, Harold, had also previously been married before the two of them wed. His first wife was the teacher in the classroom where my mom worked for many years!

Anyway, Joan used to be a kindergarten teacher herself and just has the most delightful personality and manner of presentation!

After I heard her speak, I started to feel a lot less confident about my own! She was so funny and carefree in what she shared, and I felt mine had been too stiff! But then she told me after it was all over that she felt like she couldn't follow me because I had been so well-prepared. Isn't it funny how we're so critical of our own selves? Bottom line: we had very different approaches, but we both brought the messages the Lord gave us, and when it was over, I had a new friend named Joan! :)

Thank you, Ryan, for giving up a vacation day to come with me and help me on this event. It was better because you were there!!

Wedding #2!

You guys!!!

Thank you so much for all the birthday love yesterday! It was such a lovely day, and I can't wait to tell you about it!

But before I tell you about my birthday, I have to tell you about our Saturday! Ryan worked, and I spent the whole day cleaning and cooking and preparing for Mommapalooza 4.0. (Don't take that in a complaining tone; I loved doing it!)

But that afternoon, we got all gussied up (as they say) and went to our second wedding in as many weeks! I told you last month about my friend Brittany (whose family has taken me in as an additional family member) and her bridal shower, where I served as speaker and photographer. Well, the wedding was Saturday! And it was lovely.

The wedding was at a country club, so that meant we had to pull out better than our Sunday best!

We had a gorgeous day for a drive, which was good, since we had a little over an hour on the road!

I ran into one of my former students at the wedding (from my Financial Aid days) as soon as I arrived. We stared at each other for a minute, trying to figure out who we were. We finally got it! I don't often see people from those days, so that was fun!

Because I've forgotten how to look at a camera:

Brittany was a beautiful bride, and I sneaked a few pictures, while trying not to be "that" guest.

Really enjoyed the ceremony, and then the reception was fun, too!

Brittany shared that they chose to get married in May because her parents had gotten married in May, and so had her aunt and uncle, and so had her grandparents! They honored her grandparents by sharing a special dance with them. (Also, I first typed "daince," which may pay tribute to the fact that an Andy Griffith marathon played in our house all day today.)

And speaking of her grandparents, I stole these two pictures from them. Seems I got asked to dance (or daince) too!

Thanks, Sandee! :)

When we left the reception, we headed in search of some coffee and then went to pick up our Phoebe girl, who spent the night with us. When we made that stop, I GOT FLOWERS!! These were part of my birthday gift from Ryan!

Fun evening!! And we got home before the shoes started killing my feet! BONUS!!!!

The Saturday Six

One.

 Maybe it's the book nerd in me, I don't know, but I found this post fascinating. Behind the scenes look at the design of a book cover. (And also - I wanna be a book cover model!! And also also - yes, I know I'm not a model.)

Two.

Last year, I did Erica Wiggenhorn's Bible Study, "An Unexplainable Life" twice. Once on my own and once leading the small group with Ryan's work friends. It really changed the way I view my relationship with the Lord and with the local church body. Well, Erica has a sequel study coming out NEXT MONTH, and I cannot wait to dig into it! It's called "The Unexplainable Church," and I hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighly recommend it, based on what I know of the first study!! If your small group is scoping out studies to go over this fall, PICK THESE! 

Three.

 Garage sale season is upon us, and I found this article chronicling some of the best things to hunt for at these sales! Good ideas!

Four.

 Maybe THIS is why my running speeds aren't as fast as some??? I am not using these? (Although I did have a really good mile this week. Second mile was terrible, but mile one was AMAZING!)

Five.

 I have a lot of teacher friends, and I know they are weary at the end of this school year. (And every school year.) I used to want to be a teacher, so I have a tender place in my soul for them and the work they do, especially when feeling so restricted by goals to achieve things that go far outside their intended subject. That's why this post is so perfect. If you're a teacher (or know and love one), read it!
 
Six.

 
Often when I tell you about a book I've read, I am quick to gush about how I flew through it. Couldn't put it down. I guess in my mind, that is one of the great compliments to a book: this one was so good, I just couldn't put it down. And probably for fiction, especially, that is true. But this week I learned the opposite can also be a high compliment to a book. Messy Beautiful Friendship was that book for me this week. It was so good, I had to keep putting it down so I could chew on the words and let them wash over me before I continued.

Christine Hoover is a Texas-loving pasttor's wife who left her beloved Texas roots (and friends) to follow her husband's ministry call to Virginia. This is not her first book, but it was my introduction to her, and my goodness, do I ever appreciate the heart, soul, and deep transparency she put into this book!

It's hard to write about friendship. I think it's harder now than ever, because friendship is so confusing (thanks, social media!) anymore. Facebook has redefined the word "friend" entirely, and we all have to stop and translate in our heads to know for sure where each person in our "friend" life actually fits.

Friendship is hard because we can be catty. Friendship is hard because we compare. Friendship is hard because we're busy. Friendship is hard because we're prideful. But friendship is a gift from the Lord designed (amazingly enough) NOT to fill our social media feed, but to fill our souls and push us closer to Him.

I've heard that about marriage before. I've never thought of it being the same for friendship until I read Christine's book. If we're doing friendship the way the Lord designed, we are friends filled with grace, we aren't afraid of conflict, we dig deep, we walk through the hard stuff just as faithfully as the fun stuff, and in the end, we both know we're nearer to the Lord because this friendship exists.

Christine shares many vulnerable stories from her own life and shows through her own successes and failures how to have honest conversations, move past assumptions (and their lies), walk through valleys, and believe the best from friends.

This book was very convicting to me. I'm not always the friend I want to be, and I read many reminders of why I need to do some things differently, as well as many convicting words about the proper role of friendships in my life.

This book isn't a fast read, and I mean that as a high compliment. If you do blow through it, I think you'll miss so many key points you should pause to digest, savor, and even implement.

If you're frustrated by your friendships, whether the lack or state of them, pick up this book. She has many wise nuggets to share (even a list of them in the back!) and she's safe to learn from, because she's not a perfect friend either. (And what a relief that was to know!)

* Baker Books sent me a copy of this book; all opinions are my own!*

Wedding Fun!

It's taken me this whole week to tell you about our weekend! After Ryan and I got home from my speaking engagement Saturday morning, we had about an hour of rest time before we hopped back in the car and headed to Indianapolis to attend our friend's wedding! She's one of my friends from high school, and we really enjoyed the ceremony and reception! Here are a few pictures from it:

Pre-wedding selfie. :) 

 Our row! If you heard the podcast yesterday, you heard us talking about our 8th grade science teacher who still water skis at age 74. She's the one sitting two down from me. Looks exactly the same as when we had her in the early 90's.

 The happy couple!

 Awwww, they were nice to each other.

 Photo opp with the bride!

So that was Saturday.

Then there was Sunday. After church, Ryan came home and napped, and I went to his sister's bridal shower. My job was to take pictures, which I did at an alarming rate. But I was so nervous, because Ryan's mom is a photographer extraordinaire, and I am sort of a capture on the fly girl, and I freaked out that my pictures wouldn't be good enough! Alas, I cannot redo any of them now, so here's a peek at the shower.

Ryan's family does parties up right. Lots of hard work goes into every shower and party they throw! This was no exception!

The gift table. There were eventually a lot more gifts, but there were also a lot more people and I couldn't get a clear shot by that time. HA!

 Denim-inspired placemats and cups with daisies and baby's breath - and party favors of wooden spoons! (TOTALLY FORGOT TO GET ONE!)

 Our sister-in-law Megan makes phenomenal cakes, and there were two tasty examples at the shower. Guess who didn't get any of that either? WHAT?!?!!? I know!

 Ryan's cousin won the game. She declared she never wins ANYTHING, so this was a photo worthy moment!

 The happy bride-to-be!

 So I stood on this step stool for an hour and a half, taking pictures, and the ONE TIME I paused to text Ryan, I missed that she was waiting for a photo with this monogram. They had to shout my name to get my attention. WHOOPSIE! Photographer fail!

 Also. It is good that was an H and not an S, or I might have tucked that in my belongings on the way out the door!!

This is classic Bre right here!! :)

 Our nephew helped with the end of the gift opening. He was very eager for her to see this cookie sheet!

 Lots of group pictures at the end! Here is Bre with her dad, her sister, and her grandma.

 Bre with her mom (also Ryan's mom) and Aunt Debbie. Nita and Aunt Debbie were the hostesses of the party and did all the hard work to prepare it!

 This is what happens when the niece sneaks into the picture with the mother and mother-in-law! She jumped up right into my frame!

 But she's also a good little photographer and took this one of Bre and me!

 And this one.

So that was our Sunday! The year of weddings is officially underway!