Day 10: What I'm Loving Wednesday

 

I am in love with the cooler weather. It's at that perfect time of year where the boots are out, sweaters are on, and it's crisp. It's not frigid, not so cold you don't want to be outside. Just right.

 

I am loving Phillip Phillips' song, Home. I am sure you have heard it but if not, take a listen.

 

Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it’ll all be clear
Don’t pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it’ll all be clear
Don’t pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

 

I am sending lots of love to my sweet niece, Madeleine, who is such a trooper with a small fracture she has that resulted in a hot pink cast. A girl after my own heart with her love and appreciation of the color pink. :)

 

I am loving all of the fall magazine issues that have arrived in my mailbox!

              

What are you loving this Wednesday?

 

 

Day 9:Attitude

“Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst… a spark that creates extraordinary results.”

I am on a mission to change and improve my attitude. While we cannot change what happens to us, we can control our reactions. I am going to make every effort not to cry over spilled milk, or a muddy paw print on my jeans as I'm walking out the door. I have been saying at work lately, "I'm getting on my own nerves." And I have been! I am not a negative person, but have been getting bogged down with life's curve balls lately. Still, I'm not changing my situation, just reacting to it. Why waste a perfectly good day feeling crabby or down? I find that when I make a genuine effort to stay positive, not only do I feel better, but my whole outlook on the situation seems sunnier.

And, positivity is contagious. If I find myself in a negative mood or situation, I can be the one to turn it around. No, I cannot change every event with my attitude, but my reaction to what happens in life is either going to make myself and others feel worse, or help myself and others feel better.

Here's to getting back to "the glasss is half full" approach. You can hold me to it!

Day 8: Counting My Blessings

I believe in the power of prayer, and I felt compelled to write about a sweet family I only knew from afar that is in need of all the prayers possible.

I am not sure how I came across Julee's blog, but I've been following it for quite a while now. She and her husband went through their own struggles to parenthood, and I was so encouraged by their story and their beautiful girl, Preslee, who is 10 months. I found out last night that Matt, Julee's husband, died tragically  in a car accident on Saturday.

Although I have never met the Turner family in person, I cried and cried when I learned what happened. I cannot begin to imagine what Julee and her family must be going through. I cannot fathom her heartbreak. My heart just aches for them.

Please say a prayer for Julee, and her family that God wraps his arms around them and holds them tightly. Please pray for her strength in the coming days, weeks, months, years.

This tragedy is a reminder of how truly fragile life is. Last night I thanked God for TJ and for our family and friends and prayed that He protect us. I feel guilty for taking one moment for granted and vow to make a greater effort to appreciate every.single.day. as each one we are given truly is a gift.

Hold your loved ones a little tighter tonight and please keep Julee and her family in your prayers.

God hath not promised

Skies always blue.

Flower strewn pathways

All our lives through.

God hath not promised

Sun without rain.

Joy without sorrow.

Peace without pain.

But God hath promised

Strength for the day.

Rest for the laborer

Light on the way.

Grace from the trials,

Help from above.

Unfailing sumpathy.

Undying love.

Day 7:Weekend Wrap-Up: Mountain Style



This weekend was a breath of fresh air.We went back to the mountains of North Carolina in Boone for homecoming and stayed in an adorable cabin with some of our best friends, Marideth and Adam. As I mentioned, yesterday was Marideth's birthday, so we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate. Our view for the weekend

We got in late Friday and ate a delicious dinner at one of Marideth's favorite restaurants, Twigs. We spent the rest of the night catching up and relaxing in the hot tub on our porch for the weekend. We woke up early Saturday and the boys brought us breakfast. We took our time then headed into town to set up our tailgate. We loved seeing all of the excited ASU fans decked out in black and gold. I love Boone. It's been a while since we graduated, and even still when we come back we can simultaneously feel like it was just yesterday that we were walking around campus, and like it's been ages and everything has changed since we've been there.

 

We watched our Mountaineers play and win an awesome game, then we spent the rest of the night relaxing at the cabin. {Well, the only hitch was we waited two hours for dinner, but at least we were in good company}.

Life is busy, and we don't see any of our friends nearly enough, so I'm very thankful for the times when we do. It was just what the doctor ordered this weekend. Happy Sunday and I hope you have a wonderful start to your week ahead!

Day 6: Birthday Love



Today is the birthday of two very special people whom we love dearly!

Adelaide, our sweet, oldest niece, turns six! Six! Oh my goodness gracious, how are you already six?Happy Birthday, pretty girl! We miss you and hope to hug you in person soon!

Today is also the birthday of one of my absolute best best friends, Marideth. We have known each other since elementary school, lived together in college, stood up as bridesmaids for each of our weddings, and I just love her to pieces. We get to spend the weekend with Mari and her hubby, Adam, in the mountains watching our alma mater, ASU play some football and enjoy homecoming. Happy Birthday, Mar!