A Little Respite

We are home from a glorious three day weekend. Want a peek into our fun?

We picked a place at random and ended up in Batesville, Indiana. We've been to that area before - what feels like years ago now - when we visited Ripley County. That was such a fun trip! This time, we went straight to our campground, which was new territory for us!

We stayed at Indian Lakes, which had a KOA tucked inside it, and that's where we went. This place was HUGE! Hundreds of sites, and many of them were occupied full time by campers and park models that stay year-round. Happily, the section where we stayed was almost entirely empty, and we loved the privacy of it. 

    

Ryan made all the arrangements and told me later that when you reserve online, you can't choose your site, but we hit the absolute JACKPOT with the site they gave us. The nice lady in the office escorted us to it and we could hardly believe our good fortune. It was a corner lot with the perfect amount of shade, lots of extra space, full hookups, a fire pit, and a cement pad outside our door. Gorgeous.

We arrived just after lunchtime, and I'd come prepared for that! While Ryan started unpacking the camper, I put together salads and set them up on our bistro table.

In full disclosure, I also had part of a cookie my friend Abagail gave me. She made it, and it's a good thing we don't live closer. I'd be requesting a batch every day.

After we got set up, we crashed in the RV and took a TWO HOUR NAP!! Uninterrupted sleep is such a gift, and we both felt human again when we woke up!

Human and in need of smoothies. :) 

We took some time to explore the park on our bikes. It was HOT OUT THERE!!!

We found the boat launch (which was the good news). The bad news? It was too far from our campsite to conveniently carry the kayak, and since we hadn't brought a separate vehicle this time, we couldn't drive over. So no kayaking for us on this trip. But we did enjoy the bike exploration.

We worked up quite an appetite, too, and we wanted to try one of the new recipes we brought along. Ryan built the fire and I assembled the turkey smoked sausage/green beans, mini potatoes/onions/mushrooms.

100% delicious, you guys!!! So so good. 

It's not even right to build a fire and not include a s'more, so we did cap off the evening with that treat!

And then we did what we could not do at our last camping adventure: sit outside for a while. I did get a few mosquito bites, but not nearly as many as last time. It was so fun to sit and enjoy the quiet evening - lights up and all!

Eventually we did go inside, and Ryan worked on putting together his Sunday morning breakfast ingredients and I hunkered down to watch a movie. It was the perfect end to a beginning of a respite!

Thanks for traveling along!

Villages

 I remember back in the days of my heart desert when I begged God to do something...anything...to show me in a tangible way that He was still present and working. He would offer my heart the kindest gifts each time, showing Himself active in my life and circumstances. 

While days here don't feel as desperate as days did then, there are still times I ache for God to remind me that I'm not alone in what I do. That Ryan and I together are not alone in what we do. And it has been such a faith boost to me to see Him send answers and blessings.

* I was talking to a woman from our church who asked how she could help WillowBridge in a financial way, and I was able to share a specific need we had at the time. She immediately fulfilled it. (Bonus: I was able to share this blessing story with our tenants and they participated in writing a thank you note!)

* Another woman at church stopped to ask about how she could help, and when I mentioned our need for drivers, she said she would love to help do just that! We have a meeting set up with her to talk more about this.

* My friend Abagail came to visit for the first time since we moved. We both needed a girl-day more than we knew, I think. I was able to show her some of our favorite area treats, and we had a great time talking together. I'm pretty sure both our husbands thought this was the best idea ever. Happy wives at the end of the day!

* One of my college roommates sent me a random text the other night and asked if I had time to talk. We chatted on the phone for probably an hour, and her stories boosted my faith SO MUCH. I was able to pray with her at the end of the call, and it was such a blessing!

* The book I told you I'm reading - the new one by Erica Wiggenhorn - has been perfectly timed each day. I've cried actual tears over the timely encouragement of her words. 

* I don't even know how this happened, exactly, but yesterday morning I lost my wedding ring. I didn't panic (which is so unbekahlike) and prayed that God would help me retrace my steps. I actually found it in the landscaping (and in the pouring rain). I was so thankful!!

I am grateful that God encourages my heart when it feels faint. I am grateful for the villages He raises up around me to speak life into my soul through prayers, conversations, written words, and meeting needs. And I'm grateful for miracles that may not matter in the grand scheme of life, but they matter to me in a grand way: like finding my wedding ring!

Thank You, God, for these villages! And thank you, blog friends, for being part of this encouraging village!!

Sunday Sentiments

 Yesterday, at the end of the Saturday Six, I shared a quick memory about a Sunday School teacher I had who encouraged those of us in her class to pray out loud on Sunday mornings at the start of class. It was wildly uncomfortable. We were all shy kids who didn't want to feel stupid in front of our peers, but our teacher was great about helping prayer feel more normal. 

She modeled it for us with her own words and was always quick to encourage us with every attempt we made. And now I appreciate so much what she did. She made a huge difference in my life with something as simple as teaching me to pray in front of others.

It made me think of the host of people who volunteered their time and Sunday mornings to give me a great foundation all those many years ago. 

Because of Sunday School teachers and children's ministry volunteers:

* I learned all the books of the Bible in order, using a song I still sing.

* I learned the importance of bringing tithes and offerings to church.

* I learned the importance of inviting friends to church.

* I learned how to look up verses in the Bible.

* I learned memory verses I still recite. 

* I learned all the little songs that solidified truths I learned from the Word.

..and so much more!

My parents gave me a great foundation at home, and I've written about that here before. I don't want to take away from the hard work and intention they put in, but I want to demonstrate that because of all these men and women who volunteered in Sunday School, my foundation was even stronger.

I know it's harder than ever now to find people who want to commit to being at church each week to work in children's ministry. So many people now travel on weekends or don't have time (don't want to take time?) to prep during the week for class on Sunday.

But it so matters!

I am grateful for the host of Sunday School superintendents, teachers, VBS workers, and youth leaders who spent time investing in me. My life now is richer because of their investment then. I am so very thankful.

I don't know if you're involved with kids at church or not. (And truly, I know it's not for everyone! It's not something that's possible for me in this season of life.) But if you possibly can, I encourage you to pray about it. You might never know what an incredible influence you could have in a child's future! 

The Saturday Six

 

One.

I have no idea if grapes would grow where we live, but I still had fun reading this post about growing grapes at home. So pretty hanging from the arbors!! Any of you ever try growing grapes? 

Two.

I don't know if you like looking at cute little storybook-esque homes, but if you do, here are some for sale right now. I have to confess I'm a sucker for an adorable little rounded door on a brick house! 

Three.

I have some pretty strict rules about not putting my purse on the table or kitchen counter. After all - it sits on the car floor and everywhere else the rest of the time. Yuck! But I love this hack for keeping your ingredient containers clean while you're cooking! Never thought of this! 

Four.

I've heard of the Christmas gift-giving rule of thumb "Something they want, need, to wear, and read," but this week I stumbled upon this additional list of seven gift ideas. I really like some of the extra ideas at the end! If you're looking for some new traditions for your family, this might be a great way to go!

Five.

I don't know if storage zings you as much as it zings me, but I think this blogger's storage area is SO PRETTY. I know she says in her post that it's not pretty, but I disagree! One of the biggest adjustments we've had to make (living-space wise) in coming to WillowBridge has been losing any kind of attic/storage space. We are able to tuck a few things here and there around WillowBridge, but I love what she's done! 

Six.

Maybe I've shared something like this at some point along the way, but it certainly can't be over-shared, so I don't even care if it's a duplicate. I remember when I was in elementary school and one of my Sunday School teachers made a point of encouraging those of us in the class to pray out loud. It was INSANELY SCARY and none of us wanted to do it ever. None of us liked doing it. We were young and afraid of being made fun of. But she pushed us to do it, and looking back now, I'm so glad she did. It was a good foundation in praying out loud. If you have kids in your life - your own or kids you teach or kids who hang out at your house - here are some great ideas for encouraging kids to pray. It's a great gift to give! 

The Daily Fab Four

 One of my friends challenged me to try something new to see how it helped my state of mind. 

Our world is hard right now. That's a straight-up fact no matter who you are, what you do for a living, or who lives (or does not live) in your home. This is a hard, hard season of history.

Add to that the personal stresses that all of us have (in differing details) every single day, and it can be hard to keep encouraging thoughts running through our heads.

You've probably heard it said that we are what we think, and it's true. Scripture encourages to set our minds on things above this world and to think on things that are true, noble, excellent, praiseworthy, etc. 

But do you do that?

I don't. Not usually. I get far too easily consumed by the discouragement that swirls around me.

So my friend challenged me to try focusing on the daily fab four, and you know what? It's actually helping! 

Every single day, I pause to make room for these four things.

1. Random act of kindness.

It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, it doesn't have to cost any money. It could be a texted or handwritten word of encouragement to someone. It could be a latte delivered to a friend. It could be giving someone your spot in line at the store. 

Whatever pushes you to stop rushing through your day and helps you see the people rushing through their own days all around you...do that!

(One day I was even kind to myself by choosing NOT to say something mean about myself to something else. It counts!)

Fun fact: One of our tenants left us an encouragement note in our mailbox, and it completely made my day. I kind of wanted to frame the thing and hang it up in our living room. It helped me have a fresh appreciation for how much these little random acts of kindness matter! I know how good I felt...so I want to make others feel that same way!

2. Something creative.

I realize creativity doesn't zing everyone the way it zings me, but there's something to this one! I promise!

Pausing to stir the creative juices really does help foster encouragement. And it doesn't have to be scrapbooking or painting - though it could be! I've done everything from baking to playing on Pinterest to editing pictures to dreaming about living by the lake someday.

When the stresses of the day press in, purposing to take time to be creative is helpful in ways I never knew. I tend to save creative time as a reward for a LOT of work. Giving myself permission to take little bits of time to be creative each day has helped so much!

3. Prayer and Pondering.

My friend called it meditating, but that word can be a source of contention depending on how it's used, so I just switched it up to prayer and pondering.

Taking time each day to SIT QUIETLY before the Lord to pray and ponder His goodness is such a good use of time. (Sometimes I have to retreat in the shower for this to get away from all the noise and bustle of our job, but I make a point to do it!)

This may be the best one of the four, honestly!

4. Do some form of self-care. 

Self-care is another phrase that can sort of ruffle some, but it's an important thing. It's actually a direct assignment Ryan and I have for our job right now. We so rarely have time to pull away from our busy days, and if we don't learn to do it, we are absolutely going to burn out.

Manicures. Sunset walks. Reading. Taking a nap. Listening to music. Talking to friends. It could be anything! Anything that gets you to stop focusing on work (or stress) every minute of every day.

***

I have to say that being mindful to do each of these things each day has been so encouraging for me. It has pushed me to focus on calm things, good things, Godly things, encouraging things. 

We can't (and shouldn't!) ignore the difficult around us. It matters and needs tending. But we can tend so much better if we have some reserve to draw from. When we've paused to recharge and encourage our hearts in the Lord. 

I'm not sure if anything like this would be helpful to you, but just in case, I thought I'd share! Happy Friday, my friends! 

Tenth Anniversary Registry

 Ryan and I are looking ahead to our NINTH engagementversary (in October) and anniversary (in December). We can't quite believe we are reaching the last anniversary in the single digits. It has gone so quickly! 

I've heard couples say before that the wish they could re-register for gifts for their tenth anniversary, because that's when they start to notice significant wear and tear on things they received for their wedding. And while we don't have plans to do that for real, I do think it would be a good idea to begin compiling a list of things we might need to replace in this tenth year of marriage. It turns out all those couples who wanted a registry redo weren't wrong about stuff wearing out a decade at a time!

One of our most-used skillets is starting to wear out, and we have so many chips (not potato) in our dishes that they kind of look like we bought them at a thrift store! 

Here are some of the things I'd put on a list for us to begin replacing as we head into this tenth year together, culminating in just over a year with a tenth anniversary.

* One of the things that has taken the biggest beating without being upgraded at ALL? Our potholders and oven mitts. They are burned, stained, cracked, and quite pitiful. I found these potholders and these oven mitts on Etsy that I thought would make adorable replacements. 

* New dishes are definitely on the list...maybe these or these? Something neutral, so regardless of the season or table decor, the plates work! (Our current set is a blue square set that came from Target - and I'm pretty sure you can't get them anymore. We have loved them, but it's time for a change.)

* We did get these storage containers for our showers and wedding, and everything we have is still going strong - and I still love them as much as I did when we got them! But I would love to get one more set. I love NOT storing things in our pantry in bags or boxes, and all my current storage containers are full. I would also love to add these labels to them just to make them even prettier. 

* As I mentioned, some of our pots and pans are starting to wear out, and I'm a bit more conscious now about what I'd want in a new set. When we registered for the set for our wedding, we chose a brand I was familiar with and had heard good things about. They've worked great, but I've been learning a lot more about toxic chemicals found in nonstick cookware, so I'm thinking something more along these lines for the next set! 

There are some things we have already replaced along the way: 

* We traded out most of our plastic kitchen utensils for wooden ones.

* We purchased a flatter, space-saving knife block.

* We replaced our worn out drinking glasses with Mason jar glasses that were leftover favors from Ryan's sister's wedding.

* Ryan treated me to a Ninja blender a few years back, replacing the sad little bargain blender I'd purchased at WalMart back when I was single.

* We got a new bed when we moved to WillowBridge, and it was a smaller size, so our sheets and bed cover are all new. 

* Our coffee pot. Many times. Obviously. 

And other things are holding strong, like:

* bath towels and washcloths

* Kitchen Aid mixer

* silverware

* mixing bowls

But I'm excited about the idea of celebrating our upcoming tenth year of marriage with a few replacements. 

What would YOU replace in your house if you could register for some new things??

Summer Nostalgia

 Last night after dinner, I sent a group text to my family, just shooting the breeze about our day. I sat down for a few minutes and ended up falling asleep hard. I woke up a bit later to all their responses, which included some questions. I made the mistake of trying to answer while still entirely incoherent, and I'm not sure anything made any sense to anyone!

Lesson learned: don't text while sleeping.

But after that, Ryan and I went out for a walk, and because I'd fallen asleep, it was almost dusk by the time we headed out. We made our way from street to street and Ryan commented that he loved hearing the sounds of a summer night. The cicadas and clopping horses (hello, Amish country!) took him back to his childhood in the country. He took a deep breath and declared summer nights to be his favorite. I told him all we needed was a lake and a swing. :) 

I started thinking about my own summer memories from when I was a kid:

* Mom always hung the laundry outside on the clothesline in the summer. I loved it when she washed the sheets and I could run between them when they were still damp. (Yes, I am aware now that it probably negated all the washing she just did.) But I loved the feel of cool sheets blowing against my cheek when I ran down the middle of the lines.

* My parents also had a pretty big garden when I was young, and I had fun hiding in the rows of sweet corn once they grew tall enough to be over my head. It was cool and shady between the stalks, and I loved it. 

* Then there were the corn shucking parties, which I did not love nearly as much, but I remember them. Dad would harvest the corn and roll it up to the house by the wheelbarrow load. We'd shuck it outside, where messes were no big deal, and then all the ears of shiny butter-colored corn would go into the house for Mom to freeze.

* We didn't have central air, and even though we did have a window unit in the kitchen, all Mom's canning overpowered it. I remember those super hot summer days when the house smelled of pickled beets and canned green beans. Mom would pull the sliding door shades shut and crank the air to try to cool the house, but I would head outside to the rows of corn. Much cooler.

* I remember the years our neighbors had an above ground pool and their kids invited me over almost every single day to swim. There were days when I woke up, put on my swimsuit, headed next door, and didn't come home until almost bedtime, except to run home for meals. I loved those years! 

* I remember riding my bike around the driveway - until I fell off said bike and broke my leg. 

* And I remember sitting in the swing in the backyard, watching lightning bugs fly across the yard in the evenings after dinner.

Then I grew up and had a home of my own, and I still loved summer evenings.

* I would take long walks through campus after work and dinner, running into college students still on campus for summer classes and sports. 

* I learned to grill on a tiny charcoal grill that I parked on my back patio. 

* And once Ryan and I got married, we'd spend our evenings on the cement slab, under the pirogi (remember that??) in the hammock or drinking coffee.

* And when we lived in Kokomo, we'd walk to the ice cream stand for a big scoop of some deliciousness.

We know fall isn't far, but for now we're soaking up the end of these beautiful summer days and making memories we can look back on months and years down the road.

How about you?? What do you love from summers gone by?

New Camping Menu!

One of the hardest things about the past year in this new job has been trying to find a way to stay healthy in the chaos. I've written about it before. At times it's truly impossible to get to the gym to work out. And though I've been consistent in meal planning, it's been tough to always bring those plans to fruition. There are days when meeting after meeting after meeting means that mealtime arrives and there's no time to prepare the healthy food. 

It's been tough. One of the toughest parts of the job, actually. And it's something we're working on changing in very practical ways.

We've tightened up our eating habits again, working even harder to plan ahead so that even days filled to the brim with meetings are not healthy-food-failures. 

So...thinking ahead to our upcoming mini-trip in Abby, I knew I wanted to come up with some fresh ideas for food on the road. When we camp, we really like to take full advantage of the chance to grill or cook over the fire, since eating outside isn't something we get to do regularly anymore. But we've also learned that we typically default to burgers/hot dogs/chips/s'mores. I wanted to do better. Longer lasting foods that would stick with us for our active days without sacrificing the chance to cook and eat outside.

I reached out to my health coach friend to get some ideas, and she certainly delivered! Here are some of the things I'm looking forward to trying on this upcoming trip and even the one after that!

* One recommendation she made was to take along my yogurt and granola, which I use as both a breakfast option and snack option, depending on the day. She also encouraged me to keep my fruit smoothie in my day, since I enjoy it so much and it's filled with good things. The same goes for the honeycrisp apple and all-natural peanut butter I like to eat for a snack. She said by keeping these things similar to what I use in my schedule at home, I can help my body and my routines.

* She sent me a recipe similar to this one, for a smoked sausage/potato/green bean foil packet that can be cooked over a fire. The one she sent also suggested adding mushrooms, which we love, so I would do that. If I use the turkey version of smoked sausage and don't go crazy on the potatoes, it will be a hearty and filling meal!

* She also sent this idea for a campfire pizza, which I like because we can pick all our favorite toppings (that aren't bad for you) and even make our own individual versions. Basically that means Ryan can have more meat and cheese on his!

* I told her we like to do hamburgers, but I usually skip the bun for mine. I loved this idea for hobo campfire burger packets - which can include potatoes in the bottom to be like a little tiny serving of fries! 

* I couldn't find a link for it, but she also sent instructions for campfire nachos made with chicken - in the cast iron skillet! Chicken, salsa, black beans, corn, cheese, seasonings, guacamole...and you can eat it over chips - or not!

I'm pretty excited to try some of these! We're still getting used to campfire cooking, and it is one of our new favorites! 

Thoughts for a Monday...

Our pastor is doing a series from 1 Corinthians, and yesterday was the third sermon in that series. You know it's a good sermon when it makes you squirm with conviction, right?

Not that I'm trying to start out your Monday with a spoonful of conviction, but I figure if I needed to hear the words, maybe someone else needs to hear them too! So I'll just pass along the thoughts your way...

* Just do the work the Lord gives you...and it will be powerful.

Gulp.

This work we do here is challenging at times. We know we aren't alone in that. You might feel the same way about the work you do! Ryan has reminded me many times lately that ministry is messy. 

It is messy. All our ministry messes look different. And when you're working through a mess, sometimes it feels like it's completely hopeless. A mess too messy to clean up. (Ever felt that way?) But I loved this reminder that the work in front of me is the work the Lord has given me to do for this day. My job is to do it. The level of mess, the level of perceived success, the level of effectiveness...all that is up to Him. My job is to do what I'm called to do and trust His power for the rest.

* Work is worship.

Gulp again.

Whether or not I actually worship in my work is up to me. It's all up to the attitude I have as I work. This is true on the good days and the hard days. The easy days and the frustrating days. It's all worship. I was put here on this work to work and to worship. They're the same in the Lord! 

* I may not have everything I want, but I will have everything I need in Jesus.

You know I'm a dreamer. Dreaming is fun, but it can be dangerous if it leads me to become discontent with what is in front of me. I'll always have a wish list a mile long of things I'd like to have, but I'm so thankful I really do have every single thing I actually need. And if I don't have it, it's because I don't need it.

Back in my single years, I used to ask God many questions about why I had to be single when I so longed to be married. One of the thoughts He used to impress on my heart was that if I didn't have a husband, it was because I didn't need one yet. It wasn't the right time. When the time came, He would provide. And He did!

***

I left church yesterday with sore toes - but a full heart that was challenge to keep working hard, worship in the working, and to trust God for my every need. 

I don't know what may be challenging you today, but these truths are for you, too! I hope they encourage you this Monday! 

Sunday Sentiments

Our little buddy Jeremiah spent the last few days with us, and we have just dearly loved having him. We hadn't seen him in about a month, and he's grown and changed so much in that time!

He's now NOT a fan of sitting during bath time, which is new since his last visit. It also made bath time really interesting. (The first bath required a brand new outfit for me. He filled up the hair washing cup and dumped it straight down my shirt.) 

He's taller and slimmer now that he's walking (running) everywhere.

He still hates shoes. 

He's a snuggler through and through - almost to a fault. His mom Facetimed me at one point in the weekend, and he was screaming. She asked what was wrong, and I said, "Oh, I put him down." She laughed...she knew! 

Since I'm very anti screen time for kids, I refused to turn on CoComelon even one time all weekend. And I was pleasantly surprised that he had the BEST time with a wooden puzzle I inherited from Ryan's parents' house, a bag of Legos I bought a few years ago at a yard sale, and a bird shaped pillow he dug out of a bin in the guest room. (We brought toys from his house, but he ignored them all weekend.)

Our new little booster seat was a perfect fit, and he enjoyed all the meals we put in front of him. (We made kid-friendly alterations to the meals we were eating anyway and served those to him. I have to say...the plates were pretty colorful!)

I told Ryan I was also pleasantly surprised at how well he drinks water. Most kids I know are hooked on juice, but he loves water and drinks quite a bit of it.

But my favorite parts of the weekend were playing alongside him and celebrating the things he did well. He learned quickly that I would clap and say "GOOD JOB!" He would run over for a big hug, looking super proud of himself for whatever he just accomplished. 

I loved praying over him at night or anytime he seemed overwhelmed by life. I would hold him close and whisper in his ear that Jesus loved him (and so do we) and then I would pray for him. I prayed over his room every night before he went to sleep. 

I loved hearing his little giggle when we tickled him. I loved watching him run to Ryan or stare out the car window at everything that went by when we had to be out and about. 

Kids always remind me of the raw trust that God desires from us. This weekend was a faith booster for me as I watched Jeremiah run, giggle, delight, and enjoy every little piece of life. It was sweet for me, and I'm grateful. 

The Saturday Six

 

One.

I love looking at RVs people have renovated. I love seeing their creativity! Though this post isn't new, and much has changed in this family's life since the post was written, but I still loved seeing what they did to their fifth wheel! 

Two.

Back when we had a porch, I loved decorating it, but winter always made me sad (after Christmas, of course) because it was so plain and void of plants! I am going to have to remember these suggestions in case we ever have a porch again! Green all winter long!

Three.

A few days ago, I shared a throwback to memories of growing up in the 80s. Well...I found one more thing that absolutely took me back to my childhood! I remember playing dress up with these lipstick samples. They were SO FUN!!! Anyone else remember them?

Four.

Need a cute puppy fix at the end of a long week? If this bowl-o-puppies doesn't make you smile, I'm not sure I can help you!

Five.

I made this Dashing Dish recipe yesterday, and it received rave reviews from Ryan! I loved it too. I made Jeremiah a similar non-salad version, but all he wanted was the cheese. (Second time around he decided the chicken wasn't too bad either.) 

Six.

Any of you have five and a half million dollars burning a hole in your pocket? Well, I've got great news! You can buy this entire VILLAGE!!!!! (Will you please invite me to be a guest?)

Currently...

 Callie saved my brain and today's blog post by doing a currently... post yesterday. I'm borrowing her idea for today!!

But before I do, I am pausing to wish my parents a happy SIXTY SEVENTH wedding anniversary!!! What an amazing accomplishment, right? This picture was taken yesterday, when they donned the shirts they got a couple of years ago for #65 and headed out with my sister and brother in law for a boat ride!

Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad! We love you! 

And now, without further ado, currently I'm...

...reading a brand new book by my friend Erica Wiggenhorn! I've told you guys about her before. She is my very favorite Bible study author, and she is releasing a new study called Letting God Be Enough. It's about the life of Moses, and already I'm soaking up every single word. (I even cried over chapter one!) Here are a couple of quotes from the book to give you a sample! I joined the launch team so I could read before the book officially releases on September 7th. 

...surprised at how humid it has been the last couple of weeks. I've always lived in Indiana, which is known for manufacturing humidity at ridiculous levels, but this August feels just extra. I walk outside and the curls fall straight out of my hair. And if I straighten it, the whole thing just blows up like a lion's mane! And sometimes the humidity is so thick you can just taste it!

...smiling at Jeremiah, who is spending the weekend with us. My goodness, we have missed that boy so very much. His little crooked grin utterly undoes me. I simply can't. And he's getting so big. When we picked him up and brought him home last night, he was a bottomless pit. I couldn't keep food made fast enough. Heaven help his mother when he's a teenager!

...ignoring the alarm as many times as possible each morning. This has been a week filled with super early mornings, so I haven't gotten to ignore it as much as I'd like, but I'm still sneaking in a few snoozes. Next week should bring about more chances to sleep in. (At least here's hoping!)

...anticipating another camping trip coming up. We have a long weekend in our future, and we're trying to figure out where to go. Our original plan didn't work out, so we're working on backup plans. It's been FAR too long since we went away in Abby. I miss her!

...spending money on all the baby stuff. We are probably starting so many rumors! We bought our own booster seat to have primarily for Jeremiah, but for Isla too! Her parents are expecting baby #2, and we are on the docket to be her first stop when they have to go to the hospital - before her longer term sitter arrives. And last night we bought a baby monitor! (Working at WillowBridge means we can borrow most of the rest: sippy cups, kiddo spoons, pack n play, car seat, etc.)

...saving my sanity (OUR sanity) by cleaning and purging in our apartment. We are feeling better already after our work on the office this week, but there is still so much to do! (I'm looking at you, closets and cabinets!)

...enjoying having Ryan back in the mix after his bad ankle sprain! Some of you have asked lately how he's doing. He is off crutches and the ice baths are over, but he does still have to wear the brace all the time. If he's on his feet for an extended period of time, his ankle does get really tired and he has to elevate it. But it's so great to be able to go for walks again! I appreciate having him back with me! (He said it was just three weeks last night since the injury. Oh man. Feels like 100 years!)

...admiring all the BEAUTIFUL flowers on our walking path. They are absolutely stunning right now! We are grateful to have them at all, because right before spring, "they" (whoever that is) did a controlled burn in that area to jumpstart everything again. We weren't sure how normal everything would look this year, but you'd sure never know it happened! Everything is full and gorgeous!

...watching the new show on HGTV called "Cheap Old Houses." Any of you watched an episode yet? I find it fascinating to see the character and history!

...drinking coffee, of course. Yes. It is 10:44 p.m. No, it is not decaf.