joy

i have to admit the past couple weeks i've had to dig a little deeper to truly find joy each day
i totally know God has it in store for me
right in front of my eyes

i've been tired, run down, bla, just plain ole exhausted
feeling little desire to read his word
which explains my shorter list of joy
this is raw

but here's a go at it!

:: a delicate outdoor celebration of upcoming commitment, love, dedication
   oh how i adore this darlin girl young lady

:: rainbows

:: having our windows open in b/w the showers

:: ex. 14:14
   i keep getting reminded of those words

:: blue skies

:: celebrating 11 4 & 5 year olds
they're growing up

:: compliments from our sweet little 7 year old
he can be so encouraging
he loves!

:: reconnecting with a girlfriend from high school
a group of us became close friends with a few exchange students from brazil
i finally found olivia on facebook!!
she said she's new to facebook.
so glad i kept stalking searching!

affectionately referred to as *mae day*

such a sweet delicate shower

for a sweet delicate lady

i love sarah's simple, organic style

so beautiful

what a sweet little girl

well mannered & conversational

she has to be the most amazing big sister

(i can say that b/c i'm an only child)

the gorgeous bride to be

what a beautiful day!

i promise to take my camera next time i visit their house

for pics of the inside

it's just as simple & cozy inside!

five friday favs

this backyard party

simply decorated

with mason jars, chalk boards, window panes,

clothes line pictures, daisies, scripture,

* * * * * 

chalkboard paint

i went a little crazy!

* * * * * 

pinterest

uh oh!

* * * * *

bittersweet

pre-k graduation

* * * * *

tuesday, wednesday, thursday

morning snack

five friday favs

artwork from our adorable 2 year old neighbor

* * * * * 

apples to apples

by far my favorite game to play

* * * * *

birthdays
birthday dinners
birthday dinner celebrating a friend

* * * * *

target clearance
sleepwear

* * * * *

have you seen this?!

it's amazing when

thanks karen for the encouragement
to find the brighter side!

* you take van to shop to have nail removed
and the nail must have come out on its own
with no air leaks
and no charge

* my mama texts me to say
she found a pair of the flip flops i *need*

* you have a friend
who helps you look for
left i touch on the floor of a movie theatre

* you find the said i touch
on the movie theatre floor
whew!

* to have a friend
meet the boys at the bus stop
when you are stuck in traffic

* the boys put their dinner dishes
in the dishwasher
WITHOUT being asked to

* you find 1 2 little darlins
waiting sleeping in your bed

* you get to spend the afternoon
cuddling with a kiddo home from school
warm, sweet, soft skin

it really stinks when . . .

* mosquitos nibble
especially around your ankles & toes

* your amazing son's go to phrase when he's mad
or doesn't get what he wants is
"you're so mean"
at me, ben, jm etc.
doesn't matter who
this especially happens when he gets called out on talking back
(he's a mini me as my mama said talking back
was my biggest issue growing up as well)

* you're still in your jammers
when you really want to be at church

* you have a nail in your tire

* you're stuck in stand still traffic
trying to make it home for the bus

* you can't find the flip flops
you love in rva

* bathrooms, dishes, & laundry
don't stay clean after you've worked so hard

five friday favs

chicken caesar salads for dinner

on the back porch

w/ my boys

lovin that they're enjoyin salads now

* * * * * 

the pretty day for a picnic

in the park w/ my prek class

* * * * * 

this new to me recipe

* * * * * 

my mary kay

mint bliss

foot lotion

* * * * * 

my cozy hooded sweat shirt

Mother's Day

*MY* plans were to worship, spend the day w/ the boys.  NO fancy restaurant or expensive activities!  I just wanted to have a picnic or pick strawberries . . . .  or BOTH!

we went to Mt. Olympus and picked strawberries.  this is not one of jacob's favorite things to do but he did w/ a smile on his face AND he had FUN.  we were loudly giggling across the rows.  he has such a fun sense of humor.  most of the time i enjoy it!

we'll be making

strawberry pie

strawberry milkshakes

strawberry salad

strawberry jello

strawberry mufins

strawberry pretzel dessert

just kidding!

then the plan was to head to the park w/ blankets, snacks, books, board games, footballs, frisbee, etc. and play/rest/relax!

instead we came home and crashed.  but we did play apples to apples on my bed.

joy

:: seeing the first lightening bug of the season
   it was a warm night

:: a fresh new batch of sugar scrub

:: enjoying *new to us* patio furniture
   complete with a yellow umbrella!
   thanks sweet friends!

:: "just because" cuddles

:: seeing glimpses of God
   even in the storms
   *rainbows* if you will

:: a friend showing up at the house
   simply to pray
   then coming back with dinner

:: beyond beautiful weather for field day

:: throwing the football w/ my favorite 7 year old

:: baby dedication at church