simply put

*via

Spirit lead me...

Have you guys heard this song yet?

Ever since I heard part of it at church, 

I've been enjoying listening to it and

really meditating on these words:

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders.

Let me walk upon the waters, 

wherever you would call me.

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander.

And my faith will be made stronger

in the presence of my Savior.

How different could our lives look if we 

really prayed this?  Exciting...and maybe 

a little out of our comfort zones?

*image

better late than never :)

We celebrated our second anniversary

back in April, and I totally neglected

 to post this picture when I should have.

 

It's been a wonderful two years together,

and I thank God every day for my wonderful, 

handsome hubs.  Doing life with my best

friend is an amazing blessing!

I'm looking forward to many more.  

Love you, babe!  :)

 

 

*via instagram

doggie dreaming

The hubs and I have entered

dangerous territory...

...we've decided that we want a dog!

It used to be that we idly chatted

about it every once in a while.  

These days, Petfinder is one 

of our favorite apps.  :)

We can't make the leap until we 

get a house, but I think it's just 

a matter of time once we get

into a house of our own!

Until then, plenty of cuteness

to tide us over!

*images

to my amazing momma

I don't tell you this often enough:

Momma, you are my hero.

 

You are the strongest woman I know, 

and I am continually wowed by 

your loyalty, bravery & kind heart.

I'm so grateful for your love,

and for all you have done to make

me the woman I am today.

Happy Mother's Day.

I love you!

 

*Mother's Day printables

 

friday :)

mmmm...Friday is here!

Anyone have any fun plans

for the weekend?

*image

ah, coffee

How scarily true :)

*via Etsy, of course

be encouraged

This is one of my favorite promises.

 

There are times in this life when I need 

to be carried, sustained, and rescued...

when I just can't handle it all on my own.

 

Have you felt that recently?

Do you need rescue?

 

I believe that the God who made you 

also cares about you. He knows exactly 

what you need, and promises to help. 

 

And how do I know this?

Because He's carrying me too.

*via

Friday, is that you?

Ok good...just checking!

Hope your Friday has 

some cuteness in it.  :)

*image

life lately (according to instagram)

Spring is here, and it feels like life is picking up...

like we're coming out of hibernation!

 

We've had lots of chances to hang out

with the hubs' family lately, which is a treat.

We've had some silly fun...playtime with our little niece

and a very relaxed night with our small group.

The longer we look for a house, the more I want 

to get a dog...which is a little dangerous.  :)

Lots of little joys lately too...like pretty fresh flowers 

& frivolous magazines about princesses.  (thanks, babe!)

Life's not perfect, but we certainly have 

plenty to be thankful for!

*instagram

finding fun

 

 Sometimes life as a grown up isn't fun.

I know there are lots of good things

to be thankful for, and certainly plenty

of little joys and delights...but sometimes 

I find myself not having much fun.

 This week I was reminded that there's

 a simple solution to that problem:

go to a playground with a toddler.

 Swinging is like flying - so exciting!

Going down the slide is so cool that 

it's worth doing at least 20 times!

(bonus: we always giggle!) 

Climbing rope ladders is dangerous

and thrilling...living on the edge!

And when all is said and done,

we're a little tired, and totally ready

to go home for a cookie.  :)

*image: Chris Kay

impatient

Weird confession: I have been thinking 

about going camping all week...

I can't wait for summer weather,

time outside in the beauty of creation,

and little escapes with the hubs!

What are you daydreaming 

about these days?  

 

PS - camping adventures from 

last year here and here

*image

a good reminder

Just wanted to share a little from my quiet time

 this morning.  It's basic, but a good reminder:

"Be still in My Presence, even though countless 

tasks clamor for your attention.  Nothing is as important

 as spending time with Me.  While you wait in My Presence, 

I do my best work within you: transforming you by 

the renewing of your mind.  If you skimp on this time

 with Me, you may plunge headlong into the wrong activities,

missing the richness of what I have planned for you..."

- Jesus Calling

Do not conform any longer to the pattern

of this world, but be transformed by the renewing 

of your mind.  Then you will be able to test & 

approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing 

and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

*image

slanted spaces

In our quest to find a house,

we've looked at tons of cute little 

capes with slanted upstairs spaces.

While the diagonal lines are cool,

they typically make it kinda tricky

to use the space well.

 As usual, pinterest to the rescue.

In the last few days, I've seen lots of

cool uses of slanted spaces.  

Currently, my favorites are the closets;

 such practical and helpful solutions.

This bright cheery bathroom is pretty

cool too, though.  I like the idea of turning 

wasted space into something so nice.

 Any brilliant solutions to share?

Who knows what kind of a house 

we'll end up with, but I'm always 

open to suggestions! 

*more home dreaming

oh boy.

Anyone else feel super convicted by this?

I think I have some praying to do...

 

*via

snooze

I could use a nap today...

maybe this guy would let me

join him?  :)

*image

dear spring

Dear Spring,

I think you should come early this year.

 

My winter wardrobe is a little tired,

and I'm officially ready for cute dresses

and impractical shoes.  These snowbanks

& cold windy days are killing me.

Love,

me

*image

weekend getaway

Tonight we're heading north 

for a weekend with my family.

 

I'm looking forward to spoiling my 

Momma on her birthday, catching up 

with sister, and lots of Daddy hugs.   

 

Happy weekend!

*image

for my valentine

So true!

Love you, babe.

xoxo,

wifey

*via

our snow day (according to instagram)

To put it mildly, it was a snowy weekend.

This is how our yard & street looked 

when we woke up on Saturday...

and it was still snowing!

Before venturing out, we fortified ourselves

with plenty of coffee, bacon & baked

french toast.  Amaaazing!

We spent a long time outside just digging

the cars out...once we located them!

 Then because we're crazy, we went 

for a walk around our neighborhood.  

It was fun to see everyone outside,

but oh man - it was so windy.

(exhibit a: my hat!)

Since our hilly little street was still covered, 

we tried to buy sleds, but sadly Walgreens 

didn't have any.  Their snowbanks were 

impressive though - taller than me!

And then the perfect end to a snowy day:

whoopie pies!  Since we did all that shoveling,

it seemed like we had earned it.  :)

mantra for today

"Be cheerful no matter what;

pray all the time; 

thank God no matter what happens.  

 This is the way God wants you 

who belong to Christ Jesus to live."

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Today, I will choose a cheerful spirit,

despite my feelings & circumstances.   

(Pray for me, please?)

*via

swoon

I'm dying over this new print

that arrived at the gallery today.

It wants to live at my house.

End of story.  :)

*Steven Ford

I might have a problem.

I can't stop finding recipes on Pinterest 

to fuel my buffalo chicken obsession.

And yes, it is an obsession.  :) 

First up: Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

Seriously.  Take something delicious and 

squeeze it between bread.  Great idea!

Or how about this: Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Perhaps even better than a sandwhich,

and with more cheese!  Yes, please.

Finally: Buffalo Chicken Beer Cheese Dip

 I know - the title had me drooling too.

Yummy food plus beer...genius!

Anyone else feeling hungry now?

how about your glasses?

I am lazily thinking about getting

new glasses, and this cracks me up.

 I'd love to know...did it peg you?

*via

kitchen love

Looking at houses has made me realize

that I actually care about kitchens.

I know that sounds weird, but 

I had never really thought about

 what I would like in a kitchen!

This one is looking pretty ideal...

I'm digging the crisp, white cabinets

 with those warm butcher block counters.

And those little wooden shelves - swoon!

 Very sleek, but in an inviting way.

*via

snowy

Every time I look outside today,

I keep thinking that it looks exactly

like we're living in a snow globe...

 

The snow is dense & steady,

the normal noises are a bit muted,

 and the sky feels low enough to touch.

 

It's exactly the cozy sort of day

that makes me long for a soft blanket,

comfy couch, and a good book!

*image

thankful

What a good reminder.

It's been a tiring week,

so today I'm very thankful

that it's finally Friday!

*via

 

oversized

I'm loving this big, bold letter -

so funky and unexpected!

Perhaps some day when we find

the perfect little house for us, I'll just
have to search out a giant L...

*via

Comfort Mug

Isn't this the sweetest idea

for a sick friend?

*via

2013

 

I'm not sure what this year holds,

but I'm confident that the Father does.

I trust that the Holy Spirit will be

my guide & teacher, no matter what.

So, let's do this!

*via