Summer Bucket List

Taken by one of my new favorite roads out by Tulsa Botanic Gardens

Inspired by one of my favorite reads, Jen Loves Kev, I thought it'd be a fun idea to make a little summer bucket list of sorts.

So, here we go!

1. Berry picking at Thunderbird Berry Farm. My sister and I have gone out there the last couple years and it has been a blast each time. This year it will be fun to wear Naomi and pick some juicy strawberries and blueberries. Typing this has got me all excited to go!

2. Birthday trip with Kevin and Naomi. Mine and Kev's birthdays are one day apart, so we usually lump both into one dinner/celebration, etc. This year we're hoping to steal away for a long weekend. I'm thinking south-eastern Oklahoma, but we'll see. There's just so many places around here I want to visit.

3. Go swimming as often as possible. We love having a neighborhood pool 4 blocks away from our house. I can't wait to see what Naomi will think of the pool. She'll be the cutest babe there.

4. Clean out the garden plot. Unfortunately, I haven't had a lick of time to garden this spring, and my garden is the biggest disaster. I'd like to get in there in clear out all the overgrown weeds and grass and get it all clean for a fall garden.

5. Craft more stuff. I've been feeling inspired to make cute stuff for Naomi to wear. I've got a few simple ideas and some darling fabric from Owl & Drum just begging to be made into something. I better start practicing on that sewing machine...

6. Go to the drive-in movies at least once. I love the drive-in but I've only been 2 times, I think. If you can stay for the double feature, it's such a great deal! Grab at QuikTrip drink beforehand and I'm all set.

7. Spend as much free time outside as possible. I'm ready to hike and explore. There's the added benefit of exercise in there somewhere ;-)

8. Spend more time with friends we don't get to see much. It's no joke that parenthood shifts your priorities around, but making time for new friend and old friends is such a huge priority for us. The key is flexibility...and food...and friends. You can't go wrong with that combo!

I'm sure we'll end up not doing some of these and doing more things I can't think of right now. I absolutely love summer, and I'm more excited about this one than I've ever been (and that's saying something, because Lord knows summer is every school kid's dream come true).

What about you all?  Any fun plans on the horizon?

On Lent

Lent sneaked up on me this year. My sister texted me Tuesday evening to ask if I was going to fast anything for Lent. My response was, "Uhh... is Lent coming up?". I knew immediately that my ignorance of the season that was upon me as a Christian demanded that I step back and re-prioritize a few things in my life. I went through the motions of asking the Spirit what He'd have me fast during these 40 days leading to Easter. I thought, "social media is always a good idea," but that didn't resonate with my spirit (not that I don't need to cut back, because I do). Yesterday, the first day of Lent, I still had nothing, so I just decided to sit on it for a while and see if Jesus would let me know how He'd like me to spend these next few weeks.

This morning, I hopped over to one of my favorite blogs, Jen Loves Kev. Bingo! She talked about needing to fast a negative mindset. Yes times a million. My spirit received that word and I knew immediately that giving up negativity and doubt and pride (and everything that opposes the mind of Christ) is exactly what God desires of me and where He wants to work most on me, not just during Lent, but always. Jen went on to share an excerpt from She Reads Truth, a great Bible study tool for women:

" As I approach this season of Lent, I’m in need of big, bright Gospel post-it note. My mind and body are tired, my heart is numb, and I just feel… forgetful. Disconnected. Distracted. Remind me what we’re doing here again, Lord? Remind me of who You are. Remind me of what You’ve done. Maybe you know this feeling of Gospel detachment, where you have to squint hard to see what you know is true.."

So that's my prayer for me (and for you!) during this season, that God would grant me a spirit of wisdom and revelation that I might know Him better, and that the eyes of my heart would be enlightened to know the hope to which Christ has called me.* Jesus, remind us of the good news. Remind us of why we're here and what You're up to. Amen.

I pray you are so blessed during this season. May we repent and turn our eyes to Jesus and rejoice in what He has done and what He is still doing!

Adrienne

*an excerpt from Ephesians 1

Take a Risk

Over the past year, Jesus has been prompting and preparing Kev and me for a new way of living. I'm not exactly sure what that is right this second, but I'm finding with God, He only reveals what I need to know when I need to know it. A lesson in waiting, to be certain. That's okay. More patience, Lord.

One of the ways God has been working on us is by encouraging us to take risks for Him. I'm not sure if any of you are familiar with Come&Live, but the founder, Chad, started a "One Thousand Risks" journey where he'd simply take risks to love on and pray for people everyday wherever he was. Except, as most of us know, when the time comes to step out of your comfort zone, it's really not so simple. What will people think? How will I be received? What if whatever I'm saying to them doesn't connect to their situation? Will God really work something good out of it? Anything God is calling you to do will bring glory to Him, so it will most definitely be met with a little if not a lot of resistance, just in your own heart. I'll explain a little better with my short story:

Before Naomi was born, I felt like God prompted me to clean out my overly excessive wardrobe and give it to the neighbor girl down the street whom I've never talked to. I did the easy part of cleaning out my closet. Then the bags of clothes just sat on the floor...and sat there...and sat there. Every single day, and I really mean everyday, for the past (probably) five or so months I thought about taking those clothes to her. My nerves got the best of me every time and I just chickened out. I really couldn't think of any legit excuses not to other than that I was just too nervous.

Today was different though. Today I was being selfish and sad, so I knew I needed to be obedient to God. He gently told me to shift my focus off myself so that others might know He loves them (yes, through you and me!) Faith comes in believing that God actually could, would, and DELIGHTS in advancing His kingdom through His people when we are obedient to do so. It's not us, it's Him, and we are just vessels!

Anyway, so for my very first risk, I packed up the clothes today and drove them down the street to Jessica's house. She has a name! Wow, there's power in just asking what people's names are. They are real people! I knocked on the door, butterflies going wild in my tum, and Jessica answers, "Oh, you are just the person I was hoping would answer the door!" Thanks, God! I told Jessica I'm a Christian, learning to hear from and be obedient to the Holy Spirit, and I felt like I was supposed to give her these clothes. She was super stunned and honestly didn't have very many words to say, but was very smiley and receptive. I must have caught her off guard, as I know I would be in that situation. I gave her the clothes and asked if there was any way I could pray for her or her family. "Yeah, actually, my mom has breast cancer." Oh, wow. Ok, God, let's do this! We joined hands in the cold on her porch, I thanked God for Jessica's mom, and for Jessica and her brother. I thanked Him for loving them. I asked God to heal her mom of cancer and thanked Him that he delights in doing that for His creation. I prayed also that God would draw the 3 of them closer to Him. I think He will.

Drove back home, super pumped because YES! God is good and why wouldn't I want to share that with others? Jesus, help me be more bold for you. Thank you for grace and for your gentleness with me through this long season of learning and trusting.

-Adrienne

On Farm Dreams

My dear friend, Hannah posted this video on Facebook last week. Wow! I mean, how awesome is his story? Multi-millionaire NFL star leaves career to pursue God's call of farming on his life. HE LEARNED HOW TO FARM ON YOUTUBE. Yes yes yes yes.

If you've read my old posts at all, you know I like (love) gardening. I don't know a dang thing about it, but I love it. To me, there's nothing more satisfying than preparing a plot, planting a seed, watching it grow, and giving the fruits of my labor away.

I've always dreamed of living on acreage somewhere outside of town. I've got a vision of it in my head. Chickens running free and rows and rows of veggies growing taller than my head. My heart skips a beat or two when I think about turning my love for gardening into something a little bigger, more substantial. Something that blesses many hands and many tummies.

When I got pregnant last December, I had to put my garden on the back burner for the year as I was just too pregnant and it was just too hot for me to tend to it with the care it needed. You should see it right now, it is an overgrown weed patch with stalks of dead okra standing six feet tall. The cats love prowling around in there. Anyway... Now I'm no longer pregnant, I've got a little babe to care for. But, I can bend down! I can strap my baby on my back and have two free hands! Then when Naomi grows a little older, I'll have two extra hands to dig in the dirt with. I like where this is headed.

I guess the point I'm getting at is that, like in my previous post, I've got a passion. I've got an itch to do something, and I'm realizing I have to make time for it. You know what I'm learning? Satan loves when we're passive about our callings and purposes, especially if they are going to impact multiple peoples' lives in positive ways. That's exactly where he wants us to be, stagnant and in a constant state of "wondering if." I'm onto him, and I don't want to entertain him anymore.

So, I don't know what this looks like for me, this whole farming thing. I know it'll come to pass because God is good and He has given me such peace and confidence about this big vision. For now, I guess I'll learn what it looks like to take small steps of obedience in my own backyard.

I love when Jason Brown says in the video, "When I think about a life of greatness, I think about a life of service." Just like Jesus, who did not come to be served but to serve. That's what I want my life to be about.

Doing what you enjoy

In an effort to be more attentive and obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, I find myself opening up Blogger while I've got a sleepy babe next to me (3 hour nap, what?!). It doesn't seem like such a risk to write a blog post, but I'm learning to discern, and some tasks are greater than others. Also, no matter how meaningless or thought-provoking, having people read what you wrote is kind of nerve racking.

Before I became a mom, I never thought twice about doing what I enjoyed day-to-day because I could do whatever that was so freely. Go to Target? Yes! Lunch with friends? Of course! Impromptu road trip? Count me in! Spend time in nature? Yes, thank you. No one else to assume responsibility for or to schedule around (well, except Kevin and he is always game for any of that).

Fast forward to today, nearly 3 months after Naomi's birth. I have found myself lost in a sea of dirty baby clothes and dishes and the mundane tasks that every day requires. I have to make brushing my teeth a priority if I want to get it done. Going out for any reason takes approximately 30 gazillion times longer with a baby. I forgot, yes, honestly forgot what I used to enjoy doing. Now, don't read this as I don't enjoy being a mom. Naomi is the sweetest sugar there ever was. But do read this: I'm not only a mom, and you're not only a fill in the blank here. I'm a unique, hand-crafted person, and so are you, whoever you are, whatever you do. God gave me [us] passions and a sense of humor and needs that cannot be fulfilled unless I [we] am meeting them with the things God has given me to enjoy. Ya feel me?

Yesterday, I stepped out for coffee with one of my dearest friends. I left the babe with Kevin and just went for it. AND IT. WAS. AWESOME. And get this, I was only gone for an hour. One hour of doing something you enjoy can bring so much freedom and such fresh perspective to your life. For me, sitting at a Starbucks with my friend having meaningful conversation is my jam. And I didn't realize how much I needed that until I couldn't do it whenever I wanted. I didn't realize how looking at Christmas decorations at Target could make me feel like a new woman (except I kind of knew this because something weird happens to me at Target when the Christmas decor is out). Or how watching the Cosby Show could bring such incredible joy. I'm so thankful for these little things that help make me, well, me. Refreshed. Renewed.

Is this making any sense? Of course I'm writing this now from the perspective of a brand new mom working around a completely different schedule and list of priorities, so I know that's different in a sense. But I really, really believe this is applicable to all people: moms, dads, single, married, whoever you are. We are all guilty of busying ourselves to the point where we forget to do what we enjoy. God has a personal love language with all of us. He knows what we love, he knows our sense of humor, he knows what makes our hearts excited. And he gave us those things for a reason. We can't abandon them, we can't extinguish them or throw them to the side. They are a gift that in some unique way connects us to our Creator.

So what do you love doing? Riding bikes, knitting, cuddling up with a good book, coffee with friends, playing music, or watching a movie by yourself? It can be the smallest thing, but I encourage you to make even the tiniest amount of time for it this week. I pray that in doing so, you'll discover just a little bit more about who you are and who God created you to be.

We're back..

And now there's three of us! Or four if the cat counts (Kev not pictured because someone needed to capture this sweetness). And we also changed the blog name, because Kevin will hopefully be posting on here, too.

We've had a heck of a journey over the last few months. As God continues to grow us and guide us, we hope to share some of that story with you. So stay tuned!

Adrienne

For Fun 02

Making: hand stitched embroidery hoops
Cooking: hard boiled eggs. I don't know if that's classified as cooking, but I just can't get enough
Drinking: all the sno cones I can get my hands on
Reading: blogs, always blogs
Wanting: to get my garden all cleaned up
Looking: at weekend get-away destinations for me and Kev
Playing: lots and lots of country tunes on YouTube
Wasting: time lounging in bed
Wishing: for more energy. Will I ever get it back?
Enjoying: alone time on my week off work
Waiting: on insurance companies to get back to me
Liking: all the fresh local peaches and nectarines on my table
Wondering: will baby be born with brown or blonde hair? or any hair?
Loving: spending time with girlfriends
Hoping: that Oklahoma doesn't reach any triple digit days anytime soon
Marveling: at the way God maps out our courses
Needing: pool time
Smelling: a lavender candle from my sweet sister-in-law
Wearing: leggings, leggings, leggings, and biker shorts
Following: lots of female farmers on Instagram. I hope I can join along side them one day
Noticing: my ever-growing midsection
Knowing: and accepting my limits
Thinking: how the next 8 weeks are going to fly by
Feeling: expectant, and not just for baby
Bookmarking: fall outfits. C'mere, skinny jeans
Opening: a box of cheddar Nut Thins (I promptly ate them in 20 minutes)
Giggling: looking through old pictures on my phone

The Livin's Easy

Well, shoot. I got a hankering to make a little post, so here I am.
It is officially summer. I am officially a quarter of a century old. This baby is officially occupying a majority of my abdominal region and just won't quit it.
Summer is a lot different as an adult. And by different, I obviously just mean no three month summer breaks from work. I remember when life was so hard as a kid, and now every year older I get, I realize life was just so sweet before high-school ended. Don't get me wrong, I love getting older and all the growth that comes with that. I wouldn't go back. But oh, to live without responsibility for just 1 more year...or even just like, 1 week would do.
This is my last childless summer, so I am savoring the time to (mostly) myself, enjoying the last couple months before my schedule will no long be wide open: blueberry picking*, yard work, day trips with dear friends, outdoor movies, solo pool time, impromptu outings with Kevin, going to Target by myself... You know, the finer things in life.
I hear children make things much more fun, getting to explore the world through their perspective. I know that comes with its share of trials, but we are trying to welcome it the best we can.

I'm confident every summer will just keep getting sweeter and sweeter from here on out.

*I cannot recommend Thunderbird Berry Farm enough. I have been twice this month for blueberries, and I plan to go back in July for their raspberries and blackberries. You just can't beat $ 3.00 a pound!

Well Hello!

Finally dusting off the pages of this 'ol blog for now. As you can tell, blogging is not my forte, but reading blogs is definitely a talent of mine.

Right before my last post in October, my oldest brother got married in Florida. I'm not sure why I haven't shared those photos, but maybe I'll get around to it one day. Our whole family minus our sister Down Under was all able to make the long trek down (and by long, I mean a nonstop 24 hours in a van with 7 people long). It was nothing short of a blast the entire time. I mean, our hotel was on.the.beach. It was beautiful. And it was so fun getting to celebrate that special day with Michael and family.

Favorite Foods from Pinterest

Another stunning Oklahoma sunset.

So, Pinterest. Some days it's a just a lazy way to pass time, other days I'll scour it to find DIY Christmas crafts, birthday gifts, or meals to make with the food I have on hand. There's a fine balance in there somewhere. I haven't found it yet.

Out of my 2,000 + pins, I have only attempted a handful. Some succeeded, others... not so much. These recipes below, though, have won a gold star from my taste buds. I think you'll enjoy them, too.

• Julia Child's Eggplant Pizzas - Okay, it took me three times to figure out how to properly cook the eggplant, but I was determined. It could have been that I was too hungry to wait for the cook-time. Third time's a charm, though. These babies are so yummy and a great alternative to pizza.
• Quinoa and Sweet Potato Chili - YOU GUYS. This chili is so good.  And incredibly filling. I love the texture of quinoa. It plays nicely with the black beans and sweet potatoes. I followed this recipe to a T, but I imagine it'd be good however you decided to season it.
• Taco Soup - Good 'ol taco soup. It was a big hit with Kevin, so I feel like that's a success in and of itself. This is perfect for those chilly days. It's extra yummy with tortilla chips sprinkled in, and the flavor is even better the next day.
• Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette - I have saved the best for last. This is hands-down one of my most favorite things to eat. Mandy made this for a Pinterest party we had a while ago, and I was instantly in love. I cannot accurately describe just how good this is, so you must try it yourself.

What are some of your favorite Pinterest recipes? Or maybe crafts? I love a good DIY.

Happy Monday!

For Fun

A panorama of my garden at the beginning of summer.

Making: mental Christmas craft list.
Cooking: sweet potato, black bean, and quinoa chili. So yum.
Drinking: A Braum's cherry limeade. They make the best.
Reading: my study of Isaiah with Mandy. Couldn't be more excited to delve into such a jammed packed book.
Wanting: no weeds in my backyard. C'mon winter.
Looking: forward to spending time with my family on the beach and starting my gardening class.
Playing: Dots. Too much Dots. I  just can't beat my high score.
Wasting: time filling out this silly guy.
Sewing: nothing. But I am watching Kevin hem some new pants of his right this second.
Wishing: I was sipping tea in Colorado.
Enjoying: picking my okra and giving it away to friends.
Liking: weekday fun with friends.
Wondering: WHAT'S NEXT? and I mean that in a good way.
Loving: New friendships.
Hoping: for lots of snow this winter.
Marveling: at the way God moves through our lives, but especially in our friends lives.
Needing: to get in shape...but I'll do that...later. 
Smelling: cool air. Fall has a smell, people.
Wearing: some cut offs and a T. Not too many bare leg days left.
Following: through with some half finished projects around the house.
Noticing: that I need more patience when I drive.
Knowing: God is moving.
Thinking: that I should go to bed at a reasonable hour, but I probably won't.
Bookmarking: dream cabins.
Opening: a bag of parmesan garlic chips.
Giggling: everyday with Kevin.
Feeling: expectant.

I wasn't born in the mountains...

But I got here as fast as I could.

It never gets easier to come back to Oklahoma after any amount of time here.
Hope to see you again soon, Colorado.

Sunday Morning Travels

Yesterday I woke up at 6 a.m. unable to go back to sleep. After tossing and turning for quite some time, I moved to the couch so I wouldn't wake up Kevin. The morning sun was beaming through my bathroom window and casting the most beautiful light on a round wooden coffee table my grandparents gave me. In that moment, my mind traveled back to when my grandparents lived in Dodge City, Kansas. I closed my eyes and took myself on a tour of their old house. I can still hear how walking up the stairs to their backdoor sounds in my mind, like springing rubber bands due to the echo of my footsteps. My mind wandered through every room and corner of their house, bringing giggles and warmness as memories from each room came to me.

They moved away from that house over 13 years ago. I drove by it 4 years ago for the first since they moved. It was amazing how much smaller that house on all the land seemed now that I was older. It's filled with new owners who have re-modeled all of my favorite elements, or so I hear from my grandparents. I dare not go inside in fear that my happy memories will be replaced with unwelcome newness. In this instance, ignorance is bliss.

I was thankful I couldn't fall back asleep yesterday morning. The mind can be such a beautiful place to travel.

A Very Berry Adventure

Erika and I woke up at 6:45 a.m. a few weekends ago to head out to Thunderbird Farm in Broken Arrow to scavenge for blueberries. There was a bounty of blueberries, and we were lucky to find a few strawberries and even some red, juicy raspberries. It was so peaceful to be out that early. The weather was quiet and beautiful. For three dollars a pound, we are sold on pick-your-own berry farms.

Want to pick your own berries? See if there is a berry farm near you! Click here.

A Season for Growing

Planting our seedlings. Photo by Erika

I love spring. I didn't even realize it until this year. Everything about it is hopeful and new. Vibrant and alive. I want my life to be like spring; to be able transition from something lifeless and dull to something so beautiful and inviting. I know it's getting there. We are all being made into Christ's image, a new creation! It doesn't get much more hopeful than that.

In other news, this weather has been so very unpredictable making the garden a soaking plot of cold mud. I think after tonight, we're in the clear as far as freezing temperatures go. And as thankful as I am for the rain (I truly am), I need my garden bed to dry out a little so I can get to planting. What a learning experience it's been so far. I told myself I won't get discouraged when things go wrong since I'm brand new at this. It's helped to have Erika as my trusty garden companion. Onward!

Digging In

 Today's warm weather inspired me to go work in the garden. We are so close, folks! I was really pining for some good winter weather, but after today, I think I'm ready for spring. I love the life and color it brings with it. Veggies, fruits, flowers, leaves, grass! Know what I mean?

 I guess it's warm enough for weeds to start sprouting up, because I spent most of the day picking them out of the dirt. Gotta get some newspaper and mulch down to stop those suckers.

Hope you all had a restful weekend. Let's get to livin'!

p.s.- Major props to all you fashion bloggers! I was embarrassed just having Kevin take these photos for me.

Resolution Check-In

 (via)

I thought it'd be fun to check-in and update on how my resolutions are going so far. Am I the only one that can hardly believe it's almost March? I am looking forward to daylight savings on the 10th; an extra hour of daylight!

Talk less, love more. Well, maybe you should ask Kevin and my friends and family on this one. I can only say I hope I am doing better at this. I have realized I haven't said many things that make me feel extremely guilty right after they escape my mouth, so I guess that's good. Onward!

Have a successful garden. I've got my online cart all loaded up with organic seeds from High Mowing Seeds. Just waiting til payday (tomorrow) to purchase them. Erika has so enthusiastically offered to help me garden, so I am doubly pumped to get started! We hope to be sewing some seeds indoors within the next 2 weeks.

Get more involved with my neighbors. Wah-wah...FAIL. Well, I have talked to my neighbor to the West more than I have in the past. He is very kind. He looks kind of mean and rough, so I guess that shows me not to judge a book by it's cover. 

Go to school. I haven't done it yet, but by gosh, I plan on doing it in the fall. I just haven't decided if I want to get my BS in Horticulture or if I just want to get a certificate of Horticulture. What should I do, bloggersphere?

Learn to knit. Oh gosh, I wish. I need at least 2 more hours in the day! 

Read more. PEOPLE. I have read more in the past 2 months than I can ever remember reading. So far I've read Love Does by Bob Goff (I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH!!!!), I'm almost finished with Beth Moore's So Long Insecurities, and I'm almost done with Pride and Prejudice. All these books I highly suggest.
Kevin and I were going to try to read through the whole Bible for lent. We've read every day, but just not the suggested 30 chapters in order to meet that goal, which I've decided is OK. It's not about how good I am at keeping that goal, it's what God does to me and through me and how he is glorified in the process. It's been good to get into the Word every day. I love learning more about God's character. Next on the list: 7 by Jen Hatmaker and Follow Me by David Platt.

Give more without complaining or worrying. I'm not sure about this one either...Kevin would probably be a better judge of this than myself. After reading Love Does, Bob Goff has inspired me to be, as he calls it, "secretly awesome." So...maybe it's a secret how I'm doing with this goal!

How about you guys? Are you being too hard on yourself? Or not disciplined enough? Or your resolutions brought on even more resolutions? I'd love to hear!

Hello, 2013!

 This is my verse for 2013. I don't usually tend to reflect back on the year and make resolutions for the one ahead, but for some reason, this year has been different. I was actually overjoyed when 2013 began. I'm only 2 days in so far, but it's already been a fragrant reminder of God's grace. He has given me another day/month/year to begin anew. Another opportunity to live the life of love and freedom He designed for me. I'm just feeling so thankful for that, because this past year was not my best "loving"-wise. So, yes...Paul, thank you for reminding me that I am a new creation in Christ. The old is gone, the new is here! That is good news my friends!

Without further adieu, here's some things I'm hoping to work on or even accomplish in 2013:

Talk less, love more. I mean talking in all ways possible. But mostly talking less about me loving people, talking less about wanting people to love other people, etc. and actually LOVING PEOPLE! It's a revolutionary idea. And one I need to do, Lord help me. I did too much talking in 2012.

Have a successful garden. Corn, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, okra, kale and much more. I've spent a long time dreaming about this, and dang-it, I'm gonna do it. I've got my garden plot about 75% complete. If I can get it done by March, I'll be on a good track for getting things planted on time to have a fruitful harvest.

Get more involved with my neighbors. I'm sad to say I only know the names of 3 of my neighbors. I'm hoping I can step out of my little bubble and be bold enough to talk to strangers right across the street. Maybe I'll bake them cookies...

GO TO SCHOOL! This one is in all caps because I never thought I'd want to go back to college. I'm planning on taking a few classes this fall for horticulture. It sounds nerdy, but I love everything that involves getting my hands in the dirt. I can't wait!

Learn to knit. Sweaters and mittens and hats, oh my!

Read more. I'm talking everything: The Bible (most importantly), the books I got for Christmas, and more nonfiction. I just don't read enough nonfiction. It's good for the imagination! Maybe I should finish Harry Potter. I'm on book four, and have been...for 2 years. Whoops.

Give more without complaining or worrying. More money, more time, more resources, more of anything I can. I want my heart to be transformed to look more and more like Jesus. And like Anne Frank said, no one ever became poor by giving. God's always been so faithful to provide, so I need to be more faithful with what He's given me.

I'm sure I'll think of more throughout the year, and gosh, I sure hope to be able to progress in most of these. It's going to be a great year for seeing how God molds me further into who I'm created to be.

Welcome, 2013. It's going to be a good one!

p.s.- Thanks to Meg, Mandy, and Catherine for inspiring me to make a list!

A Weekend in Pictures: Eureka Springs

 Kev and I stole away to Eureka Springs this weekend. We went back in March, but it was so cold and it wasn't a popular time to visit, so hardly anything was open. The weather was still a bit brisk this time around (we even got sleeted on, what?!), but the town was much more hoppin'. It's definitely a beautiful time of year to go with the fall colors starting to poke through.

 Let's talk about how awesome that tree house is. There are about 5 or 6 houses similar to this that you can rent out. We wanted to this time, but they were all booked. I would love to live there!

 Traveling with Kevin is probably number one on my most favorite things to do. Sometimes we talk about selling everything we have, getting an RV and traveling the U.S. to tell people about Jesus. Who knows if that will ever happen, but it's fun to dream!

Did you have a good weekend? I hope you're getting to enjoy this weather, too. It's so good for the spirit!