July Feels

Happy month of July and happy halfway mark through the year! I just love everything about the month of July - celebrations of all kinds, shorts and flip flops kind of weather, beach days, late night sunsets. Something about July is just magical for me. It's as if the year reaches a point where it recharges itself and begins again for another round of life to be lived. I feel like July is a month where a new page can be turned over, fresh and clean, ready to be written upon.

 

It also happens to be my birth month, so there's that. I've been through a lull the last few years with each passing birthday. It was just another day, another year, nothing entirely special. For some reason, my excitement and passion for birthdays has resurfaced and I'm entirely excited to celebrate my last year in my 20's. Let's just let that set in for a minute....
 

My 20's contained some of my most influential years of my life that have brought me to where I am today. Growing pains and sweet moments have molded me into the person I am now that has allowed me to very readily take on all that my 30's will bring. The last 9 years of my life have been quite mesmerizing in the sense that I can't believe a decade has nearly passed. I feel like my teen years are so far behind me now, yet, it seems as if yesterday that I welcomed the young age of 20 into my life. Such a bittersweet time in my life.

 

I have a few things up my sleeves that I want to accomplish in my last year of being in my 20's. Things like learning how to play one song on the violin, seeing someplace new that requires a plane ticket, taking local adventures and rediscovering my love for the beauty that surrounds me and is within a short car drive, going to a Braves game in their new stadium, hiking new trails, primitive camping with my man (I honestly can't believe I just typed those words #needabathroom #andabed), and so many more adventures. To my last year of being in my 20's - let's knock this out of the ball park.

Celebrations, oh my!

This past weekend was full of firsts, celebrations, and victories in many ways...

 

+ We celebrated this little cutie's birthday on Saturday with a "Pow-Wow" theme and it was precious. His mother is officially hired to do all of our kids' birthday parties. Happy birthday, Abel! Mr. Hunter and Mrs. Kelly love you so very much!

 

 

+ A high school friend of Hunter's got married this past weekend and it was so wonderful and beautiful. He also really enjoyed seeing some old faces and being able to catch up. Fun fact, Hunter's high school graduation class was whopping total of 20 people - 10 boys, 10 girls. Compare that to my 500+ graduating class... Ha!

 

 

 

 

+ Now that spring has sprung, house projects are underway! We have a tree that overhangs our fence in the backyard and, of course, drops tons of leaves. With the accumulation of leaves and wet ground, we were having quite the mosquito problem. We decided to tackle that this weekend and ya'll, I'm pretty sure we have been breeding the Zika virus in our backyard. It was awful! But our backyard is looking better already!

 

+ I have to say, Hunter and I have really come to have a lot of peace in our hearts about some decisions we were needing to make and with other personal things in our lives. I will share soon one of those decisions (no, it's not a baby) because honestly, we need prayer. And we're excited + nervous. How's that for a cliff-hanger?

 

Happy Monday folks! It's a coolish day here in north Florida but the sun is shining, birds are tweeting, and pollen is thick as all heck. But the good Lord woke us up this morning so let's embrace it all.

Gratefulness + Some love

Happppppyyyy New Year, ya'll! What an exciting, fast, whirlwind of the last several weeks. Last night, as we took down our Christmas tree, I couldn't help but to be so dang glad to get things back to normal. Well, as normal as normal can get, which isn't very normal at all. Ha!

 

As much as I love the holidays and all that it means for me, I also love the days that pass by without the constant commotion of all things red and green, Christmas lights galore, and new year outlook. I'm somewhat a creature of habit.

 

 

Tomorrow is my hot husband's birthday - such a babe. As we're getting ready to celebrate his 24th year of life on this earth, I can't help but to thank God for him. For his life, his love, his leadership, his quirky sense of humor, his work ethic, his love for God's people. I mean, ya'll, I've got a freakin catch!

 

 

But in all seriousness, I really could not imagine doing life without anyone else by my side but Hunter. His strong resolve and desire to so desperately serve the Lord in every aspect is literally what keeps me sane on my worst days. It's in our moments of frustration and weakness that we are able to lean on each other, put our heads together, and endure the storm.

 

 

Huntman, I hope you have the most wonderful birthday and year ever! You deserve every bit of happiness in your life. I know that God has infinitely huge plans for you, and I'm honored to be able to witness Him work in your life. Love ya boo!

 



 

 

 

 

Happy birthday, ChaSha!

Even though my sister's birthday is technically tomorrow, I think any upcoming 17 year old deserves an early birthday shout out. Especially if she's the baby of the family because duh, she's the baby.

Guys, it's my sister's 17th birthday tomorrow. 17 YEARS OLD. Like, what the what? What happened to the little runt that liked to run around sans clothes? What happened to the little feisty tiger who could wrestle with her older brothers? Just kidding, she's still feisty and my money's on her any day during a wrestling match.
 

Erin, ChaSha, Shaylee, Ernie, turd - happiest of birthday's to you. Because of you, I'm a better sister. Because of you, I have a huge passion for adoption. Because of you, I have an awesome closet full of clothes (uh, hello hand-me-ups). Because of you, our world is so much brighter and funnier (is that a word?) and fabulous. Love you and I hope you have the best birthday ever!

Don't mind me while I go and sob in a corner over the fact that I'm getting old. Happy Friday friends!

Let's wrap this up

You know what happens when you move? The before, during, and after? You lose brain cells. And when you lose brain cells you forget to complete certain things... Like the list of 27 things I learned in the {almost - technically now} 27 years of life. Yep, I need my head examined.

List of 1-10
List of 11-20
 

Let's wrap this baby up shall we?

21:// Hire movers. Since this move is still so fresh and so chaotic I felt that this was a very important note to add to this list. Hire. Dang. Movers. Don't do it yourself - it's awful. Hire movers. {Side note: I'm very grateful for the family and friends that did help us, have asked to help and I forgot to text you yes, and for offering your services. It is mucho appreciated!}

22:// Chick-fil-A has crack in their food. Totally joking! Don't sue me Chick-fil-A. But in all seriousness, I've discovered I have an unhealthy addiction to Chick-fil-A. In fact, the lady who works the drive-thru window during the lunch hour rush knows me personally. And when I don't go to Chick-fil-A for awhile, they notice and ask where I've been. I'll call it ministry, people. I like to make an effort to get to know folks.... And eat chicken.

23:// Life is not a competition. It's very easy to get caught up in the comparison game. Your friends are married with kids, and you're not. Your friends are graduating, and you're not. Your friends seem to have it altogether, and well you, you're just lucky to get clothes on each day. Don't compare yourself to others. Live your life according to God's purposes for YOU and not His purposes for OTHERS. Got it? Get it? Good.

24:// We're not promised tomorrow. I recently received a call that a sweet friend who translated for us in Honduras passed away. She was young and so full of life. Life is so beyond fragile and should be treasured each day. One of the first things I always pray to God is thanking Him for another day of life to do His work. It's a privilege, not a right. The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away as my mother always said.

25:// Be picky about who you date/marry. I literally had a list of qualifications that a man must meet in order for me to even give him a second glance. It had things on it like "love God first; wear real clothes (previous fella only wore gym shorts/sweatpants to everywhere, and I mean everywhere); embrace my independence yet allow me to lean on you, and vice versa; etc." I'm one of those Type A folks where I don't like to waste my time. Thus, be picky about who you date and/or marry. Did I have that list for Hunter when we started dating? I absolutely did! Did he pass? I'll let ya'll take a wild guess on that one ;)

26:// Dogs are the best relationship-testers. Seriously, our dogs (I feel) have prepared us a little bit for kids. The managing, cleaning up, feeding, playing with... Our dogs are demanding, needy dogs. But I love them because they're my babies!

27:// Smile. Finally, always smile and especially to others. Not that weird-creeper-smile but a deep and genuine smile. Guys let's be real for a minute... There is so much hatred, darkness, discord, and anger in this world. The evilness of sin has penetrated every single person and many have forgotten what it's like to be positive. Smile because you live. Smile because Christ died for you, rose again to save your sorry butt, and it's BY GRACE ALONE that we are saved. Smile and talk to the folks that ride the elevator with you. Smile and befriend the people who don't "look like you" because guess what, they're God's children too. Just smile.

Bonus:// Ministry is not for the faint of hearts. Ministry is a tough, tough business. Hunter and I have been fortunate enough to see the good, the bad, and the very ugly early on in our ministry. I fully believe that we were meant to see it all pretty quickly to remind us daily why we have been called to do ministry, especially Hunter. Always love God first, then secondly love people. Love even the most difficult of people.

It's been a heck of 27 years, let me tell ya. But it's been fun, it's been real. Heck, it's been real fun. I've learned a lot about who I am as a person, and joyfully embrace all the trials, tribulations, and successes that God has placed in my life. Everything has it's purpose and I cannot wait to see what the next 27 years of life have to offer. 

Gratefulness

Goodness what a quick, but wonderful weekend! I couldn't believe how quickly it went but hey, I guess that means we had fun. Also, the fact that it's almost the end of July, which means almost moving time, is just beyond me. I realized last night that I need to get to packing because errr... haven't even really started. Ha!

 

This little gem was sent to me from my sweet, sweet friend, Kate. She knows I always love a good laugh. Love you girl!

 

 

Remember that shop I told ya'll about on Friday? This bench is the end result of said shopping trip. I'm so in love with this reclaimed piano bench! We'll be using it at our kitchen table to go along with all of our other mismatched chairs. Of course, pictures will come once we're moved and settled.

 

Fun fact: That painting behind the bench also came from that same shop and was painted by our dear friend. Love oldies but goodies!

 

Overall, I'm just so grateful for the love in my life. All of those who wished me happy birthday, sang to me via voicemail, texts, you name it. I was so humbled by the kindness of those around me and their sweet words. I also got some of the biggest hugs from our youth students on Sunday morning so that in itself was wonderful. God has truly provided for me in ways that I'm not worthy of, but so beyond thankful for.

 

 

For me?!

Happiest of Friday's to you lovelies! And happiest of Friday-before-my-birthday to me! I plan on doing nothing this weekend except relax, shop a little, and relax.

 

Tomorrow morning, Hunter will be taking me to the most adorable shop ever in Marianna, FL - Living Life Repurposed. Sissie takes old things and refurbishes them for others to enjoy. I cannot wait to just browse the store and pick up a few things to decorate our home with.

 

 

We'll also be lounging by the pool tomorrow and grilling out with my family and the in-laws to celebrate not only my birthday, but my grandma's as well. July is such a fun month full of birthday's!

 

Speaking of July birthday's, I want to wish this spunky, God-loving, fashionista a wonderful birthday! She makes our days so much brighter with her gorgeous smile and quirky sense of humor. We thank God daily for her friendship and light in our lives. We love you Andrelia and wish you the happiest of birthday's!

 

 

So tell me, what plans do ya'll have for this weekend?

 



Continuing on

So remember that list I started before I left for camp? The one that talked about 27 things I've learned in my {almost} 27 years of life?

 

You do? Great! Let's continue that list...

 

11:// Constructive criticism is important. That is, if it's done out of love. Sometimes it's not easy to hear the truth but if it's beneficial to all parties involved, then it's necessary for growth.

 

12:// Acting your age is so overrated. Watch kid movies, laugh at silly jokes, play pranks on your loved ones, frolic in the front yard. Live life with the innocence of a child - it makes the dark days a little brighter for all those around you.

 

13:// Budgeting is actually cool. Coming off of college with a good bit of debt attached to me + Hunter's tiny bit of debt = a nice hunk of debt for the both of us. Establishing a budget and sticking to the budget is key to kicking that debt in the buttocks. Of course, always remember to have a bit of fun.

 

14:// Going off of budgeting... Cash is KING. Seriously, you will never find somebody who hates credit cards more than I do. They are the absolute devil, credit card companies know that, and they have successfully fed the lie to people that we all need credit cards. Do yourself a favor and don't get credit cards. If you do have them such as I, cut them up.

 

15:// Honesty is the best medicine you'll offer to somebody. I feel like there are a lot of lies, fakes, and wanna-be's in our society. Honesty is very rare to come by and should be treasured, praised, and embraced more often. I'm honest (to a fault sometimes) with people when it comes to my opinions and I'm not ashamed of them. Don't forget though to show honesty with love. Honesty without love is just meanness.

 

16:// Reserved. This was my word for the year and I'm surprisingly doing better than I thought I would. I've learned to hold my tongue when necessary and to share when welcomed. Now I just need to work on my facial expressions... Those tend to get me in trouble ha!

17:// Don't expect {and wait} on people to come to you. You go to them! This was something I really struggled with in my young 20's. I just couldn't understand why I felt like I was having to do all.the.work to get up with my "friends". I've found that if you reach out to those true friends you love, they will reciprocate it. Trust me on this one.

18:// Experiences are so much more valuable than an actual gift. This irks Hunter at times because when it comes to events, such as my birthday, he'll ask, "What do you want." My response is pretty much almost always this: "Spend time with me."  You never know when you may get another chance with a person so I take experiences any day over material gifts.

19:// You don't have to have a relationship with someone to love them. Let me repeat that again because this is something I've just discovered in the last year: You don't have to have a relationship with someone to love them. Especially if it's person that you just can't jive with or your relationship/friendship is like mixing fire and gasoline. Just doesn't work my friends. You can still love someone, pray for them earnestly, and even send out "hope you're doing well" texts, and not have to have a forced relationship/friendship. Your fried nerves will thank you.

20:// Quiet time with God can be anything. Some days my quiet time looks like reading a book that forces me to meditate on Jesus. Other days it's conversations with Him in the car while I drive (yes, out loud conversations). And sometimes it's singing off key with my husband to worship songs while he plays the guitar, and allowing the words to penetrate my soul. Whatever that quiet time looks like for you, know that God loves spending it with you.

I'll wrap up next week with the remaining 7 things I've learned! I can honestly say this - God has really been too good to me in {almost} 27 years of life.

It's my month of birth!

Ahhhh what a glorious month! And what a hot month, right? First let's make this very clear - I'm not wrapping my head around the fact that we're already halfway through the year. And furthermore, I'm not wrapping my head around the fact that I'll be 27 years of age this month too. I totally thought I was way younger...

 

For some fun, 27 things I've learned in my {almost} 27 years of life:

 

1:// Eat the chocolate. Seriously, life's way to short to not eat the chocolate.

 

2:// Don't sweat the small stuff. This is an every day learning process for me but I'm learning to not sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, it's just really not worth it.

 

3:// People will disappoint you... and bad! People are sinful creatures and Lord knows, they're going to disappoint you. Whether it's big or small, remember they're human first. And guess what? I know I've disappointed too! Let's just accept it, move on, and be BFF's.

 

4:// Saying "no" to going all the time is okay. I've had this issue of saying "no" to things, and I love spending time with people but it got to the point of not having any down time. And ya'll, down time is so so soooo important. Especially with your husband.

5:// Take that time. As I've said, our life is way too short to fill it top to bottom with work, work, work. Take that time to rest, relax, heal your body. You're sick? Take that time! Your body is important.

6:// Material things are just that, material. Your dog chewed up your favorite shoes? Life goes on. Your favorite shirt got bleach on it? Life goes on. Your once favorite bed sheets have a tear in it because said-dog-that-chewed-the-shoes decided to throw a temper tantrum on the bed, thus ripping the sheets? Get a new dog. I kid! Life goes on.

7:// Laugh hysterically and pray earnestly because they unfriended you on Facebook. I'm going to say this with as much love as I can (and with little humor) - it's social media. Don't base your worth on the people on your friends list that you probably don't talk to. Ever. Base your worth in Christ. However, pray earnestly for those that you "lost" via social media because they need love too.

8:// Never be ashamed of who you are. Plain and simple, you are who you are. God designed you for a sole purpose, His purpose. Embrace your freak.

9:// Your husband is, and should be, your best friend. If you've made that contractual agreement (because it is, duh) to be with that person til death do you part, then you better like him.

10:// It's okay if you and your husband are living with your parents. It's called redirecting. Everybody in life has to do it at some point, if not at several points. Life throws you curve balls and sometimes you need the help of those around you. Take it.

Because I realized 27 is a lot of stuff, and because I'm partly medicated (thanks germs for making me sick), I decided to break this up in 2 parts. Honestly, my brain isn't functioning properly at the moment and all I'm thinking about it "what do I want for breakfast?". Check back next week for the remaining 17 epiphanies of life!

 

These were my wrestling caregivers yesterday + Manny (pitbull) sleeping on the couch



Oh my, hello Friyay

I really can't get enough of Friday's guys. Friday's become Friyay's, which just make me oh so happy. It's been a quiet week in my world but sometimes that's just what the doctor calls for. The doctor also calls for a list of randoms, and I'm always down for that...

one: Tomorrow we will be celebrating my twin's birthday! Just kidding, we're not twins but we have had numerous occasions when we're together and people approach us asking if we're twins. It's become quite funny and we always love going along with it. What's scary though is that we tend to think alike in a lot of ways so there's that.

She's my special friend...

two: I have a second rustic palette project in the works and I can't wait to share it with ya'll. Just call me Handywoman Kelly.

three: We have completed and sent in our tax returns - hallelujah! I'm sort-of-but-desperately chomping at the bit to get our taxes done early every year. I don't know, I just like getting that mess done and over with. I have these horrible visions that if I don't do it fast enough, men in black suits and blacked out sunglasses are going to show up at my doorstep, whisk me away to God-knows-where and probe me in places I'd rather not be probed in. Mmm, no thank you.

source

four: My baking thumb is back. Well, minus cookies but otherwise... it's back! I'm not sure if Hunter is as thrilled as I am.

five: I've been tutoring my SIL in math for the last couple of weeks. We try to meet twice per week and as we've been going over different problems, I'm realizing more and more what a nerd I am. I get a pep in my step when we talk math #nerdalert.

Finally, my wheels are spinning for some ministry ideas and a dear friend of mine shared this article with me because it's something that is very near and dear to our hearts. Take a wild guess at where my wheels are spinning to...

Happy Friday folks!

Happy 16th Birthday ChaSha

Today marks a very important day in the life of my little sister. Today is the day that she can claim she's old enough to drive, cool enough to rock those hater shades in her swanky wheels, and mature enough to get a job to pay for those swanky wheels #truthhurts.

 

For those who are new to these parts, Erin is my youngest sibling that I honestly forget that she is adopted. She's our little China doll, clothes-swapping, country music listening, life-loving sister that I have been so blessed to know and love.

 

Erin, thank you for the laughs, memories, and most importantly, thank you for allowing me to be your big sister. God has blessed us tremendously as a family, and I cannot wait to watch Him work through you in this life. Love you to the moon and back ChaSha.

 

I had to bring out the good ole pitchas from back in the day...

 

 

 



 



#Grateful Heart Monday's

I'm first and foremost always so thankful for my friends and family. Thank you to those who spent time with me this weekend for my birthday - I am beyond humbled by ya'lls love. Thank you to all for the sweet birthday wishes and the happy birthday songs sung and sent via text. Thank you, God, for these amazing people in my life. Without them, I am lost.

I'm so thankful for those that serve and protect our country. A good friend of Hunter's (who is actually a groomsman!) is in the military and has been away for some more training. We helped his girlfriend (who is one of mine and Hunter's absolute best friends) move this past Saturday and all I could think about was how thankful I was that we could help her out while he's away at training.

Ya'll may laugh but honestly, I'm so grateful for data plans for phones. Goodness, when you run out of data (no thanks to your 15 year old sister..........) and you're without all of the lovely apps, man oh man life gets tough. Kidding folks, I'm not that vain. But it's definitely a reality check when you realize how dependent you have become on a stupid little computer device.

So this is a sort of half-butt grateful thing: I'm sort of grateful for all this rain we've been having because it makes my flowers grow. But it's making my grass grow so fast that we can't keep up with cutting it. Stop raining now, mmkthanks!

What are ya'll grateful for on this lovely Monday?

Let's wrap this week up

BEFORE

AFTER