diy sprinkle glass milk jugs

{ source + how to = the olive tree } 

dads day.

oh hey, hubs hey. i just wanted to let you know what an awesome dad you are. it is such a joy watching you with our kiddos. you are such a great provider and a godly example for this family. happy dads day to you. you truly are the best. xoxo /// me

p.s. i think your kids know you pretty well and i think jude was hungry when i asked him these questions // 

free printable like above via simply mostessori

devotinoal wednesday.

{ source : the olive tree } (free print / personal use only please!)

you have turned my mourning into dancing /// psalms 30:11

I have heard this verse a thousand times. I have sang the song. I have used this verse to comfort others. But the other day I felt God slightly tug at my heart with this verse. You see, a while back I had a season of mourning, a season of tears, a season of hurt, and loss. I never once questioned God about my situation ... but I trusted that he would turn my mourning in to dancing. 

My dancing came in the form of my youngest daughter, Lyla.

my sweet lyla girl.

She is such a joy. Her joy is infections and contagious. The simple fact is if things had gone the way I had wanted them to, I wouldn't have her. End of story. I took me a while to see the joy after the sorrow, but I see it very clearly now. So thankful today for Gods presence in my life, and for his hand over situations I sometimes can't understand, and more importantly for turning my mourning into dancing.

the big 3-0.

 { source: pinterest } 

I turn 30 on Wednesday...30.?!? I'm having a really tough time with it...naahhhh I'm just kiddin'...I love birthdays!Yours, mine, it doesn't matter...So here is to another year of this gift called life that God has blessed me with.

...and here are just a few life lessons I have learned along the way

Be kind. Always be kind. God's love never fails. Prayer is powerful and necessary. The book is always better than the movie. Hurting people hurt. Never eat dessert alone.  If you want good friends, you need to be a good friend. You are the company you keep; choose wisely. Pick your spouse with thought, and with prayer, and you will not regret it...I promise. Marriage is a lovely thing and children are a huge blessing. If you wait until you "ready" to have babies you will be waiting forever. Never ask someone when they are going to have children, you never know how painful that question can be. Pick your battles. Anything done with, or for children is never a bad thing ... or a waste of time. Always say I love you. Carpe diem. Be brave. Say I'm sorry and thank you . Kitchens are made for good music, dancing, and cookin'. Holding a freshly bathed sleeping baby might be one of the best feelings in the world. Show grace you might be the only bible people read. Don't lie, people deserve a chance at hearing the truth. Cherish those you love, you never know what tomorrow will bring. Collect moments and memories not things. 

so tell me what lessons have you learned? 

devotional wednesday

{ source + where to buy = BW Prints }

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved " acts 4:12

There is no other name than that of Jesus to call on for salvation. The bible tells us this in john 14:6. God, the creator of all, designed Jesus to be our savior. No one else can be his equal. No one. Sometimes Christians get a bad rap for claiming that Christ is the only way to heaven. As Christians we need to be open minded about many issues, but how we are saved from sin is not one of those issues. Jesus is the way.

So thankful that Christ came to live,  die for my sins, and rise from the dead. So thankful God offered a way for me to have an eternal relationship with him.

There is none but Jesus.

* study notes taken from life application study bible niv

refreshing

i love lemonade. love it.

i love the fizz of soda. super love it.

mix the two together?

pure bliss. so refreshing.

you'll need lemonade of your choice ... homemade, kool-aid style, whatev's (i used simply lemonade) you will also need sparkling water of your choice (i used perrier but any kind will do) you'll need lemon for garnish and look (totally optional). add about 1/4 cup of lemonade (more or less depending on your love for lemonade) and fill the rest of the glass up with water. add ice ( if you desire ) and mix. 

your welcome. 

so tell me are you a lemonade fan?
are you a sparkling water fan?

last day of school

 

{ photo source + more summer ideas = fernweh magazine } 

today is the last day of school. i am beyond thrilled to have my sweet talking, gum chewing, red head back home on a daily basis. kindergarten was a year of letting go and mile stones. this mama had a rough start to the school year, i tell 'ya this growing up stuff is bittersweet. elisabeth had a rough time around christmas, but with prayer and lots of hugs and reassurance we got through it. in the course of one school year elisabeth has learned how to read. i mean really read. like chapter books. a-ma-z-ing. (so proud of her!) she has new experiences with holidays, learned about pilgrims, and had a feast, ran for president, went to birthday parties of people she wasn't related to, learned how to ride a bike, got awards for being kind and caring, had a music program, lost some teeth, had some teeth knocked out by her brother's head, had an art show, had a field day, got MVP for her grade in music (she totally gets that from me. ok that's a lie i have no music talent ... she gets that from the hubs)  and milked a cow. overall the school year was a success. 

now. i am going to enjoy the next 75 days of having all my chicks under one roof.

peace out. i am off to start summer break.