What I'm Loving Wednesday

     With the summer like weather that we have been having lately, it has brought on strong summer fever. Therefore, I'm loving all things summer; clothes, food, drinks, swimming, sunbathing, etc. Here are some great finds that I am currently fond of....


1.) Summer rompers and sun dresses. I just love the skort romper, and the dress is adorable. Both are from Forever 21, and I think I just may have to make a trip there soon :) (Yes, I am a pretty big fan of yellow this year.)





2.) Yummy smoothies, iced coffee, and any other type of cold treats.



I love pretty much all varieties of smoothies, but peanut butter banana definitely tops my list. It's super easy and inexpensive to make. All you need is one frozen banana, about 1 Tbsp. of peanut butter (or to taste), and 1 cup of cold milk. Put all ingredients into the blender, and blend until smooth.



I also love a good ol' iced coffee. This is a staple drink in my house during summer time. (As a matter of fact, I'm going to have one as soon as I finish this post.) To make this at home, I pretty much just make coffee as normal, add sugar and milk, and a few ice cubes. Then, I top it with cool whip. I also just love the idea of making coffee ice cubes, so that when the ice begins to melt, it won't get watered down.


3.) Lastly, I'm loving the fact that it's almost time to go swimming. There is nothing more relaxing to me than laying out in the pool while listening to some great music. Ahhh, summertime :)

Miscellany Monday

  
      So here we are again for another Miscellany Monday. Can y'all believe that another week has come and gone? C-RAZY. Anyways, here are some things that have been happening lately...


1.) My best friend, Stacey, gave birth to her first born child on Thursday night. Ella Brooke is a precious gift from God and I could not be happier for her and her husband. They will indeed make wonderful parents.


2.) Speaking of Stacey and the baby, here is a picture of the yarn wreath that I made for her and gave to her at her shower...

3.) As for the rest of the weekend...Saturday night my cousin Hannah attended her junior prom, so we went to get pics made with her, and she looked gorgeous. We also had a graduation party to go to, church on Sunday, and then spending the rest of the day with our moms. As you can see, it was an incredibly busy, fast paced weekend.


4.) Apologies for not posting a worship song yesterday. I had every intention to post this great song that a woman sang during worship yesterday about raising children, but between visiting with Jeff's mom, and having dinner with my family... it just didn't happen. So to make up for it, here it is. I hope you enjoy it :)

A Birthday Blessing for My Big Bro

    

      Wow! I don't even know where to begin. Words alone could never describe the love and respect I have for you. You are the best brother anyone could ever ask for and I am so blessed to be called your sister. You have always been there for me in the good times and bad and I am forever grateful for your love and support over the years. Most of my fondest childhood memories are of you, and boy did we go the phases. I can remember as a very young child putting on many Garth Brooks concerts with you, playing WWF, Gladiator's, basketball games in the basement (where the washer and dryer were my only teammates), watching many episodes of Full House and Alf, climbing trees at Granny's (and making our own basket to send things up and down, as well as, DIY tree seats), our Pearl Jam days, playing sports in the front yard....I could on for hours. We have made so many memories together, and were always there for one another. You have been a defender when I needed to be defended, and a comforter when I needed to be comforted. You also make me laugh like crazy with your fun and outgoing personality. For all you've done for me, and for all you've yet to do, all I can say is Thank You. You are such an amazing, Godly man and I grow prouder of you everyday. You let your light shine for all to see, and believe me, He shines through. I hope you have a wonderful Birthday and I wish you a year full of His love and peace. I can't wait to share a delicious dinner and some homemade ice cream with you tonight. I love you so much, Aaron. You're the best!

By the way, I love this poem as it reminds me of you:

He's always there to offer a shoulder
Watching and caring as we grow older
His friendship, it is like no other
He is the Best, he is my brother

Sunday Worship Song

A Yummy Summer Dinner

      I know it's not exactly summertime yet, but here in the bluegrass state, it sure feels like it. So, Jeff and I decided to fire up the grill and make some yummy chicken kabobs with red onions, pineapple, and red potatoes. We also had potato salad as a side, and enjoyed dinner with a big tall glass of strawberry lemonade. Ahhh...the joys of summer!

Running the Race

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.---Hebrews 12:1-3

I love this verse and the rich truth that it speaks. I don't know what you are going through, but I would encourage you (as well as myself), to endure with perseverance, keeping your eyes on Jesus the whole way through. Jesus will never stop cheering you on, and will be waiting at the finish line with open arms to hold us and renew our strength.



What I'm Loving Wednesday

      Wow, it's been a long time since I did this segment. I am finally done with school for this semester, so hopefully I'll get my blogging rhythm back. Now for a few things I've been loving lately....

1.) Fiber optic ceiling lights. Is this not the neatest thing you have ever seen? I love it pictured here in a nursery, but it would also be really neat in a home theatre. As a matter of fact, Jeff and I are going to install these lights in our back bedroom within the next month or so. And, believe it or not, it's really not that difficult to install and there are some great tutorials on Pinterest.



2.) Braids, braids, and more braids :) I love the simplicity of the plain ol' three strand braid, but the more complex ones are so pretty. If only I was good at doing my own hair. My cousin Hannah is very talented when it comes to hairstyles and definitely mastered the fishtail braid, such as this...

3.) I'm loving these yummy looking apple sandwiches with peanut butter, granola, and chocolate chips. I will for sure be trying these soon. (As soon as I borrow my mom's apple corer :)

 

4.) Lastly, (because you know me and my music), I'm loving these songs by Jamie Grace. Hope you enjoy them as well. Have a great night!