On a rainy day…

Can we all agree that rainy days become infinitely better when you don’t have to leave the warmth and coziness of home? The past few days have been drizzly and overcast in the South and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I was so thankful I could wear comfy clothes all day without having to walk across campus or go to work in the rain. Rainy days at home are refreshing unlike anything else.

Here’s a small glimpse of what has filled these rainy days…

Morning fog from the front porch.

Coffee and reading the Word while wrapped in a throw blanket.

Organizing the books I’ve collected so far for my future classroom.

Coffee date via Skype with one of my best friends.

not pictured:

reading this book series

watching documentaries on Alaska {just call me a certified nerd ;) }

writing letters

wrapping presents

My mom and I are currently at my aunt and uncle’s house in Waynesville, North Carolina. We’re off to see Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina today. Wishing you the happiest of Wednesdays!

Therapeutic Tuesday

{I spent my Saturday morning tackling a few assignments}

Good morning, girls! After a weekend filled with assignments and an overwhelming Monday, I wanted to share with you today a few of the ways that I relax when life starts to get hectic. As the semester starts to pick up and more “to-dos” are added to my planner daily, I wanted to write this as a little reminder to myself to slow down sometimes. Here are a few ways I do that...

 

{one}

 

I write in my journal. I’ve kept a journal consistently for the past three years and I treasure them. It’s my place to freely write anything and everything. I write lists, quotes, prayers, stories, and so much more. I can write without the hindrance of knowing that somebody will read my thoughts.

 

{two}

 

 {How cute is my mom?! And yes I know how much I favor her... :) }
 

I call my mom. I talk to my mom everyday, but there is something calming about talking to her when I’m overwhelmed. She always knows just what to say.

 

{three}

 

 

I read teacher blogs. I know this sounds crazy, so let me explain! As a future teacher, I love seeing what teachers are doing in their classrooms and teacher blogs provide bucket loads of inspiration and creativity. When I’m overwhelmed by school work, it helps for me to look through teacher blogs to remind myself what I’m working toward.

{four}

I drink hot tea. There's something calming about having a warm cup of tea in my hands.

 

{five}

 

I go out by myself. Usually, I end up at Starbucks where I order a white mocha americano. While I’m there I like to watch as all sorts of people come and go. I love hearing the variety of drinks ordered and the banter of the baristas while they work.

 

{six}

 

{Friday night}

 

I go out with friends for frozen yogurt. There’s a local shop near campus that I visit every single week. We went Friday and Saturday night this past weekend. It’s just so good.

 

{seven}

 

I quote scripture out loud. It calms my heart when I speak truth over my anxious or overwhelmed heart…”when I’m overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” {Psalm 62:1}

 

{eight}

 

Like many others, I listen to music. I especially love Brooke Fraser and Ben Howard. Also, I’m loving Noah Gundersen. I don’t even know how to describe his music because it’s that good. The video below is of him and his family and I encourage you to listen to it…

 

Saturday Mornings

We’ve started a new tradition at my house this summer…Saturday morning breakfasts! This morning my mom and I made homemade French toast (so easy and yummy). I love these mornings spent together in the kitchen preparing a meal for the three of us. I stumble out of bed and pour myself my first cup of coffee. Then, I put on my Michael Bublé Pandora station which plays the best songs! Lots of Michael with classics such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Otis Redding mixed in. I dance around the kitchen in my pajamas as we cook.

Fresh morning face without make-up.

I love that we cook together, eat together, and clean up together.

Here are a few of the songs that filled our kitchen this morning:



Have a joy filled Saturday!

Meet Samantha

Hello! Thanks so much for visiting my blog.

I am a sophomore in college pursuing a degree in elementary education.
I left my hometown of Tallahassee, Florida to attend Lee University in Cleveland,Tennessee. I have been redeemed by the unfathomable grace of Jesus Christ.

These are a few of my favorite things...

Handwritten letters

Driving with the windows down

Children's books

Warm summer days

God scripted love stories

4th grader smiles

Reading lots and lots of books

Coffee (with cream and sugar, please!)

Peanut butter M&M's

Rocking chairs on the front porch

Used book stores

Talks with my mama

Journals

Great Smoky Mountains

2nd grader hugs

The smell of gardenias
Local coffee shops
Popsicles
Joy-filled classrooms