Wedding Weekend

Good morning, girls! As you already know this past weekend I had the privilege of being a bridesmaid in one of my best friend’s wedding. It was a whirlwind of a weekend as I traveled to Tallahassee, Florida (my hometown) last Thursday and turned around to Tennessee on Sunday morning. Although I don’t have high quality photos I wanted to share with you what I do have to give you a glimpse into this crazy wonderful weekend…

Rehearsing…I’m on the far left.

The bride and her father.

Excitement for the rehearsal dinner!

Almost all the girls…missing one of Janice’s sisters.

Part of our bridesmaids’ gifts!

Sleepover! We all slept in one bed. I’m on the far left…

Staring the morning off right! This photo brings back so many memories of breakfasts and dinners in this kitchen during sleepovers growing up…love it.

Hello fresh morning faces and coffee!

While waiting for our turn in the make up chair at the salon…

Getting hair and make up done at the salon.

Minutes before the ceremony…

Right before she changed into THE dress…she was GORGEOUS.

First kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Touchton.

With all the groomsmen. This just makes me smile.

The only photo I have so far of the wedding party taken with someone’s iPhone…I’m the third one from Janice (the bride).

I had the absolute sweetest time getting to stand by Janice as she married her best friend. I adored seeing his massive smile as she walked down the aisle and her father cry as he gave her away. I shed a few tears as they exchanged their vows they had written. I smiled when he tenderly kissed her for the first time as husband and wife. I loved seeing them walk out as Mr. and Mrs. It was just too wonderful!

Then the reception started…it was the best. I cried again when her father gave his toast (he broke down at the very start) and Janice danced with her father and new husband. I had so much fun dancing when the music started to play for everyone to join. I danced with the other bridesmaids as we constantly had to pull up our long dresses for more mobility. It was definitely worth it though! I also got to “swing dance” with one of the groomsmen! We all filled the dance floor until it was time to send Janice and Stuart off on their honeymoon…

I just can’t put into words how much I adored this weekend.

A Sailor and His Lady

There once was a sailor who met a beautiful young lady. He quickly became captivated by her and longed to know her. Their friendship grew deep as roots were planted. He pursued her heart with diligence and valor while she slowly surrendered. She was rather captivated by him too. This sailor made her stomach do summer saults in the best way possible and she made his blood pump faster. So he asked her father for permission to make this beautiful lady his wife. They hiked to the top of a waterfall where much to her surprise he bent down on one knee. The lady said yes.

On January 26, 2013 the two entered into a marriage covenant and began to intertwine their lives to become one. It was the sweetest day to mark the beginning of their adventures as Mr. and Mrs. Touchton…

This weekend I stood by one of my best friends as she married her best friend. I smiled, cried, laughed, and danced my way through it. It was a sweet time. 

Off to Tallahassee I Shall Go!

{8th grade}

Good morning, friends! Do you remember when I wrote about being asked to be a bridesmaid? Well, this Saturday is my dear friend, Janice’s, wedding! I’m traveling to Tallahassee, Florida (my hometown) as soon as my 7:45am class is dismissed.

I have so much excitement and joy for this wedding, but more so for their marriage. Their relationship is centered on Christ and I know He will be their foundation as they enter into this marriage covenant. I can’t wait to see Janice marry her best friend. I can’t wait to see his face as she walks down the aisle. I can’t wait to hear them exchange vows. I can’t wait to hear them announced as Mr. and Mrs.

Ahhh! Godly marriages just get me fired up!

Anyway, I’ll be back next week with details about this extra special weekend!

Weekend & Sunshine

{Hello sunshine! It makes me one happy girl.}

Oh weekends. I just love these two days and this past weekend did not disappoint.

Let me start with Friday…there was glorious sunshine! After nine days straight of rain, the sunshine was welcomed with joy. There was something special about Friday. It seemed like every body had a little extra joy and that was also true of my sweet kids at work. On Friday afternoon, we danced and sang songs, but mostly I just enjoyed getting more insight into their personalities. As soon as I left work, I headed back to meet one of my roomies. We were the only two here this weekend so we decided to have a girls’ night with the two of us. SO. MUCH. FUN. We made puppy chow and danced in the kitchen. The kitchen dancing turned into our own little dance party. We danced for nearly an hour and were sweating by the time we stopped! I felt like I was back in middle school, but it was the best feeling to just let loose.

On Saturday, my parents drove over and we did a little shopping. We started the morning with oatmeal and americanos at Starbucks (yum!). I had such a sweet time spending the day with them in my college town. Later that evening I had a pancake dinner with a few of my friends and enjoyed that time with them. Not to mention the banana chocolate chip pancakes they made! I definitely ate well this weekend.

Sunday was another day full of richness. The morning started with church which was such a time of grace and truth. I came away simultaneously challenged and refreshed. The afternoon was also a favorite…homework while listening to my Billie Holiday Pandora station. The blinds were opened and natural light flooded the living room. It was so cozy.

{I’m thankful for Sunday afternoons.}

I hope your weekend was filled to overflowing with sunshine and sweet moments!

Adoption

Just try and watch this without smiling, laughing, or crying…I did all three.

I don’t have much to say this morning except that adoption has been on my mind a lot lately. I just love hearing adoption stories because I know that God’s heart is for adoption. After all, I’ve been adopted by Abba because of what Christ accomplished on the cross (Romans 8:15)!

Anyway, I’ll end with sending you to read this blog post. I promise it will make you smile and then you’ll want to read more and more about this family’s story.

Happy Friday! I’m definitely extra happy today because it’s not raining for the first time in nine days. Woohoo!

Lately…

I’ve been back at school for a week and I can truly say that this semester is in full swing. My planner is marked with a multitude of due dates, meetings, and work schedules. So far I’m enjoying my classes with my favorites being The Exceptional Child and Japanese Language and Culture (as I predicted!). With the busyness of the semester gaining momentum, I’ve hardly geared any of my attention toward blogging. I’ll be back more regularly after I establish more of a routine.

In the meantime, my days can pretty much be summed up with two pictures…

You know you work at a preschool when goodies like these are often in your tote. :)

Homework and then some more homework.

Hoping your day is filled with sunshine and joy! After a week of constant rain, we’re supposed to get a little snow in East Tennessee today. YAY!

Miscellaneous Monday

{one}

I’m taking Japanese Language and Culture this semester and after only the first class I’m equally overwhelmed and intrigued. Maybe by the end of the semester I’ll be able to share a little of what I’ve learned via a vlog…

{two}

I’ve been searching for activities to do with my 2 1/2 – 3 year olds at the preschool. I’m searching for very hands-on activities to fill our time together that they will truly enjoy. If you have any ideas please send them my way!

{three}

I’m thankful for coffee. It truly puts an extra pep in my step as I walk to my 7:45am and 8am classes.

{four}

My weekend was so refreshing after the first week of classes…

Friday: Watching Gilmore girls with the roomies.

Saturday: Lunch date with a close friend at the quaintest sandwich shop. Then studying and hanging out with another close friend. Spent the evening watching Leap Year and working on homework.

Sunday: Church…challenging and life-giving morning. Skype date with Jasmine who is currently in London. Watched Downton Abbey.

{five}

This is helping me start this rainy Monday morning off with a joyful heart…

Happiest of Monday mornings to you, sweet ladies!

{2013}

A few of my goals for 2013…

{source unknown}

Time with God and studying the Word everyday.

{source unknown}

Be an intentional friend. Invest in my girls.

{source}

Choose my words carefully. Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

{source unknown}

Laugh often.

{source}

Lots of reading (more specifically I want to read books that will help grow and challenge my faith).

{source}

Be an encourager.

{source}

Love the body of Christ.

New Semester, New Beginnings

{Embracing a new semester with this same enthusiasm….source unknown}

After a wonderful month off for Christmas break, I’m now back in my small college town in Tennessee. Classes start this morning and I’m about to dash off to my 8am class. This semester holds a another full schedule of classes and work, but I’m ready for it. I have lots of expectancy springing up in my heart.

I’m excited to work (and love on) my babies at the daycare. I’m with the 2 1/2 to 3 year olds this semester…definitely a challenging but FUN age!

I’m excited for new classes and the privilege I have of attending college. If you’re wondering, the classes I’m most looking forward to are Japanese Language and Culture and The Exceptional Child.

I’m excited about continuing to connect with all of YOU and growing as a blogger.

I’m excited about the girls in my life and the sweet friendships that I have with each of them.

I’m excited that I’m one semester closer to being an official teacher. Slowly but surely…

I’m most excited about the intimacy I have with Christ and how that transforms every aspect of my life.

Wishing all of you the sweetest of Wednesday and new beginnings as well!

Waiting in the “not yet”…

{source unknown}

“Each God-written love story is unique, but it must follow one very specific guideline: prove that God is worthy of trust! You can trust Him to lead the right man to pursue you, at the right time, and in the most God-honoring fashion. You must remain patient, waiting upon God to provide, and believe me, waiting upon God to provide and believing He will is its own most glorious reward of deepest joy.” Ben Zornes

I don’t have many words today so I thought I would share with you a quote that has been on my heart lately. I don’t know about you, but the truth of these words fires me up and reignites my soul to wait on God. One of my deepest desires is for a God-written love story and sometimes this time of waiting becomes hard (really hard). I start to lose patience and wonder what the purpose of waiting is. It is then that I’m reminded that God’s way is always the best and always worth the wait. So today I’m rejoicing in this time of the “not yet” because I know that my Father is trustworthy and He walks with me in the waiting (and all the days afterward).

Three Things

{one}

I had a Skype date with Sarah from Sweetness of Laughter yesterday. We’ve corresponded for a while now and that connection absolutely flowed into our conversation. We laughed. We talked. We shared stories and passions. We prayed together. Oh it was such an encouragement and I came away with the widest smile.

Sarah is such a gem. She’s as genuine and as sweet as they come and her heart for Christ shines. If you haven’t had a chance to meet Sarah yet, go say hello here!

{two}

I’ve been watching the live stream of Passion online and oh. my. goodness. I can’t even imagine what it’s like to be there because I’ve been rocked and challenged immensely from afar. Each session is rebroadcast for 24 hours afterward and I urge you to go watch while they’re still available. Seriously go check it out!

{three}

The new issue of the Set Apart Girl online magazine is out. I always anxiously await new issues and this one surpassed any and all expectations! I promise you it is worth taking the time to read.

Currently

Reading a biography on Dietrich Bonhoeffer. So good.

Writing in my journal and on post-it notes (as always).

Listening to Bryan and Katie Torwalt and Hillsong Chapel.

Thinking about adoption. This couple’s adoption story brought me to tears.

Wishing I could afford a monthly book budget of $100. You should see all the books on my Amazon wish list.

Watching Downton Abbey and Amazing Grace. If you haven’t seen either one of these yet I couldn’t recommend them more. Especially if you like period pieces.

Oh! I’m also watching the live stream of Passion. I definitely recommend checking this out!

Loving that I get to road trip back to my hometown (Tallahassee, Florida) at the end of the month to be in one of my best friend’s weddings.

Wanting a second cup of coffee.

Needing to be consistent about doing arm workouts. I have a strapless bridesmaid dress to wear very soon!

Feeling anxious about the new semester. Part of me is raring to get back, but the other part isn’t ready to say goodbye to Christmas break yet.