letters from coco

Christmas tunes

2011-12-20T18:05:00.000-08:00

A little mellow Christmas mix with some of my favorites.

Christmas tunes by Nicole Franke on Grooveshark

all is calm, all is bright

2011-12-19T21:11:00.000-08:00

Today was the first time in MONTHS that I had no where to be, no deadlines, no projects, not a thing to do and it was w o n d e r f u l. I read an entire fun reading book (Matched). I drank hot chocolate while listening to Christmas music. Took a bubble bath with my 2 year old and actually caught up on favorite blogs. It was a pretty magical day. <3

I was looking through pregnancy/baby journals for #1 & #2 and realized I haven't even bought #3's yet. I'm only in the 5th month. Almost 1/2 way through. Really need to get on that. I think I have maybe a handful of pregnancy shots so far. So here's a photo from last nights Christmas party with the baby belly in it. What do you guys think, girl or boy in there?

Do you have any funny memories that are so great that even years later you burst out laughing at just the thought of them? Well yesterday my # 2 funny moment happened and I laughed and cried, and laughed some more all day long. I couldn't go to bed last night because I was still laughing. I can't say exactly what happened (my husband would kill me) but let's just say my 5 year old waved something of extreme embarrassment for Stephen around in front of my in laws while we are sitting down for a nice afternoon lunch. I died. Our lives would be so boring without these boys.

Life just went from fast forward to normal and I'm pretty happy about it. I plan to soak in all the holiday goodness this week before things speed up again. Two more days of quiet until 2 weeks of winter break for Micahboo. Off to hide the Justin Bieber singing toothbrush before he notices. byyyyeee!

Back where I started

2011-12-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

I started writing here to keep record of memories and lessons I was learning along the way. In the middle it turned into a whole lot of other stuff and now I feel like I'm back where I started. Mostly because I don't have the creativity, time and energy to have it be a really cool full-time blog. That season has passed and it's just back to being my little modern day journal. If you are still reading after all this time then you are pretty awesome and I'm glad you stop by.

Right now I'm 15 weeks pregnant. This time around it is flying by. Which is a good and bad thing. The good because if I'm being completely honest, I really don't like the pregnant me that much. When I'm pregnant I get really insecure and emotional and I move so much slower in everything I'm doing. And good because we won't know the sex until he or she comes in May. The bad because this will probably be the last time I get to experience this and once this little one arrives there will be 3 of them! Overall no complaints just a little thinking out loud. I'm a very happy, blessed beyond what I deserve lady.

These boys are my world. Skylar is 2 and a half and last night I just sat there watching him sleep. Even still it doesn't get old. They will always be the most beautiful thing in this world to me. Except for when they are trashing the post office while I'm trying to package and ship off 10 orders. Okay maybe even then.

I just recently finished reading this book called Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I was always very leery about reading Christian Fiction but I gave it a try and this book really did something in me. It's a beautiful story of forgiveness and God's unrelenting love towards us. It painted a picture of it for me in a way that I can't stop thinking about it. Just read it if you haven't already. The first few chapters are tough but keep going I promise it gets good.

I'm still battling my constant struggle of being in the present. I'm always thinking ahead, running around and missing out on enjoying the now. I don't want to ever forget that it could be over any moment. I don't want to miss out on the important things. My 2012 goal is to get organized so that I can cross that off my worry list and have more time to be. I hope that makes sense. I've been typing with two boys on each side of me talking in my ear. I hope any of this makes sense. ha!

I wrote a little something last week about how I pursue my passion over here. Tomorrow is 3 years since my morning at the kitchen table that I talk about. That was a really good day.

Off to put little boys to bed and hopefully sit by the Christmas tree and read. Goodnight! Thanks for catching up with me.

Weekly Recap

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been awhile so here we go...

in one word or phrase- Let me crave all things of you.

I'm dreaming of you- Chilly weather, Christmas lights, lots of sweets, holidays!

songs on repeat- Switchfoot- Restless
Hillsong United- Forever Reign

you are good when there's nothing good in me

you are true even in my wandering

my heart will sing no other name

Jesus I'm running to your arms

gotta write it down-
"We are not made acceptable to God by who we are but by whose we are."
lesson learned- Even when I'm feeling weary in everything I do. When I'm overwhelmed and a bit scatterbrained He still wants me. He still pursues me and romances me back to Him. Nothing that I do could make Him stop the chase to bring me back. Such a faithful Lord.
highlight of the week- Finished reading Heaven is for Real and I loved it. A 4 year old boys story about his trip to Heaven and back. I started it before bed and finished it with my morning coffee. Couldn't put it down. Definitely not one to miss.
picture to frame- perfectly adorable even in moms silly diy felt masks.
weekend to do list- A long list of ~~should dos~~ but really I'm going to try and be as lazy as possible this weekend. Is that bad?

Happy weekend sweet friends!

I like you

2011-10-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite things this week...

One. If you've been reading here for awhile you know that I am inspired, encouraged, love love love Katie Davis. Her book came out last week and I bought it for my husband for his birthday. (Totally a gift for myself too) Buy it! Seriously you won't regret it. Read it with some tissues though and be prepared for a huge heart change.

Two. Can't stop listening to...

{All will be made new}. Can't wait! Oh and I met JJ & Dave last weekend! Completely fan girl chased them down to say hi. Yep. It happened.

Three. I sat down and finally watched Breakfast at Tiffany's all the way through and I'm officially crazy about Audrey Hepburn. I'm thinking Holly Golightly for Halloween. She's adorable! Let's see if this pregnant lady can pull it off.

Source: None via Nicole on Pinterest

Four. Sitting in big comfy rocking chairs, in perfect fall weather, talking to a wonderful friend about happy things. Attended my first women's retreat with these sweet friends. Definitely a fan of retreats. Looking forward to going to more.

I'd love to know what are you liking this week

now for something completely different

2011-10-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Dear little modern day diary,

I am way overdue for a catch up. So many life changes have happened in the last month alone I'm not sure where to begin.

Let's start here--->

Yep, surprise! After many discussions of let's just wait awhile longer, we found out God had a different plan. It's still early on but I'm really bad at keeping this stuff hidden, so we decided to just spill the news. Not to mention I've realized that the whole body remembering muscle mass thing works for baby bumps too. ha! It's such a different excitement by #3. I just feel such a quiet curiosity about who this little person is going to be and how much life is going to change when he or she gets here. So here we go!

Turns out that wasn't the only blessed interruption of our

plans.

One of my favorite quotes is by Sir Francis Drake that says, {"Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves. When our dreams come true because we dreamed too little. When we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord."} That's secretly been my heart's prayer so it should be no surprise that He knows it and answers.

At the end of summer I jumped into helping out in the women's ministry at my church. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and really stretch myself. I had never had a passion for women's ministry until recently. And the perfect opportunity came up to be used to encourage, help disciple, walk side by side with other women that I really care about. I'm right in the middle of my commitment and it has been wonderful. I'm so happy that I listened to the tug to step out.

Ok now for that something completely different part...

A couple of months ago my husband felt like God was pulling our family into a new direction and it turned out to be leading a youth ministry at a new church. Stephen has such a passion and heart for youth I know that he will be such a blessing to the teenagers God places him with. Me on the other hand, ha! I would be lying if I didn't say that this unexpected surprise didn't scare me. I may be shocked by all these new events, but God isn't. I would be crazy to run from change at this point. His plans are always better than mine. Priscilla Shirer says, "The word of the Lord is designed to reshape your purposes, putting you in a position for Him to do through you what you cannot do on your own." And I guess that's the thing I love about all of this, that even if I'm feeling uncertain about my abilities I never have to second guess His. Its the uncomfortable changes that cause me to run and hold on tighter to Him.

All in all I'm excited to see where this journey is going to lead. I'm still amazed at the fact that He wants to use me in the first place! Thanks in advance for all your prayers and support in this adventure.

Dear self

2011-09-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was talking to someone about what it's going to be like when my boys are 16. To be honest I don't even like to let my mind wander that far ahead. I'm having a hard enough time with the reality that they are already 5 & 2. I've seen people write letters to their 16 year old self on here and I think it's a really cool idea. Not that I can go back and change anything now, but maybe my 16 year old children will someday read it and let it soak in.

Dear 16 year old Nicole,

Here are a few things I wish I could tell you from 26 year old me.

First, be nice to mom. Right now you think life would be so much better if she'd just leave you alone, but in a few years from now you're going to realize just how much you need her by your side, holding your hand through the really big stages of life. I know you won't believe it but you'll actually be best friends one day.

I know you think you absolutely must always be in a relationship but trust me you don't! Enjoy your friendships. Be patient. The future love of your life is around and is the last person you'd expect him to be. When its the right time your eyes will be opened to each other. In every relationship before him you've had to put so much effort in to make the pieces fit. With him it will be effortless. The second he comes everything will fall perfectly into place and trust me you'll wish you hadn't wasted so much time on every person before him. Be content with your time alone. You'll have the rest of your life to enjoy life as a pair.

Stop trying to make everyone elses style yours. Your not going to really know what you like until your 25 anyway. For now just keep it simple.

Don't stress about future career plans. You can try to make plans but make them in pencil and give God the eraser. His plans are always better. He knows us better than we do.

Be around positive people. Everyone else will eventually be left in the past.

Don't burn bridges with family. They are going to be around much longer than friends. If your going to take sides, side with them. Your not going to want to but you'll wish you had.

Always keep your eyes on the bigger picture. This life is temporary. It can end tomorrow. Remember that you were created ultimately to love Him who created you, to have a real relationship with Him and let Him shine through you. We weren't made for us. We were made for Him. Don't ever forget it!

xo,
Cole

she made me do it

2011-09-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

This past month has been a blur with all that's going on so once again I've neglected this modern day diary of mine. I promised a friend I would get back to it so here I am. Time to catch up.

My little shop had it's 1st birthday last week. Can you believe it's been a year! I'm still in shock over all that's happened. If you would have told me I'd have a page in Better Homes & Garden Holiday Crafts Magazine I would have laughed at you. But here we are on newstands now until January. I squeeled and jumped up and down when I saw it in the store. So unbelievably blessed!

I know I posted that we were going to the beach 3 weeks ago but due to a crappy little sickness that snuck up on me (2 hrs out of AZ) we had to turn around and come home. It took a few weeks to get back to normal but we finally made it to the beach this past weekend and had some much needed refresh time. Really wish we could have brought the 70 degree weather home with us though.

Did I already mention how much I really really enjoyed a vacation? ha.

Ok now to catch up on the deeper things...

Over the summer I went through a study on how the word describes a spirit-filled follower of Jesus and just how many of us go on oblivious to the supernatural power that lives inside of us. I don't have to wrestle through the rhythms of life on my own, "It's the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all." John 6:63 It's hard to give up that control and rely on the Holy Spirit to transform me inside out. Because I need him too. I really do. I want to be able to walk through hard circumstances with joy. And I know I'm not going to fulfill God's supernatural purposes without the Spirit. So I guess right now I'm still learning how to trust him to power me up to do what I can't do on my own. Learning to trust Him to be my sole source and sustainer.

A few weeks ago I committed to facilitating a women's study at church. They needed volunteers and I definitely felt the nudge. I also know that I'm not going to see the spirit at work when I'm always keeping myself in a nice comfortable spot. "It's when we get up and actually start running the play that He gets to work."

A week before the study started I had expected to be diving into the word and filling myself up before things began but that was not at all the case. I believe there is an enemy, he can't destroy me but he can throw me off track because that was what he tried very hard to do that week. That's why Jesus told us to be on guard. Today I feel like I'm still walking around with a limp but I'm able to look back at that test and see that I was never alone. He is walking with me through every season. Each test just strengthens us for the next and teaches us to rely on Him even more.

So much I want to share. I promise I'm going to try to get on here more. Bye friends!

2 posts in 1 day!! whoo hoo!

home sweet home

2011-09-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

I've been playing with little details around the house. There's people who move around furniture for a nice change, I just like to keep adding more & more color. It drives my husband a little crazy. But here are some fun projects I've been playing with...

I picked up the tray from Joannes. Spray painted it a satin grey, added some knick knacks (flowers by you know who) and it made a nice centerpiece for my kitchen island.

Loving these bolder pieces mixed in with the softer neutral hues.

My house is a giant etsy showroom. For real.

Obsessed with spray paint I tell ya! You'd think I had a beach house with these colors but I don't. Far from the beach. But these colors help brighten up the day.

That's it for now.

Thanks for letting me have my little show and tell time.

friday.

2011-08-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

in one word or phrase- our history is made in the quiet place.

I'm dreaming of you- tomorrow --->
song on repeat-
jj heller- where I land
{And I am lost for words
You’re more than I deserve
And when I cannot stand
You are where I land}
gotta write it down- “Faith comes by hearing," "It does not say that it comes from having heard. It is the listening heart, in the present tense, that is ready for heaven’s deposit of faith." Bill Johnson Have to renew my mind every day!
lesson learned- The focus needs to stop being on future things and start looking at what I can do today. And have courage to do it!

highlight of the week/picture to frame- Big boy now!

weekend to do list- we're running away to the beach. Just for a day but it will still be a nice getaway. & having a communion meal with really great friends. I'm excited for this weekend.

Hope yours is wonderful!

I like you

2011-08-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

things making me happy this week...

one. How have I not heard of this girl before? beeeeeauuuuutiful voice. seriously.

two. I've been sneaking in a few home decor projects. Here's a peek at my new shop space. What do you think?
three. I caved in and started playing around on pinterest. So much creative inspiration there. I'm having a little too much fun.
--->http://pinterest.com/colemoley87/
four. new drink I'm obsessed with is crystal light green tea peach mango. 5 calories, no sugar needed, you have to try.
five. He definitely does.

via

What are you liking this week?

Dear Micah,

2011-08-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

Just how did we get here so fast?

We went from this to this in no time.

It's like the second I became a mommy

time jumped into warp speed.

There's no slowing it down, but how I wish I could sometimes.

My brave, compassionate, way too smart sometimes, sweet boy.

Not too long from now you'll be able to actually read this.

I still can't believe you're mine.

I love you and am so proud of you.

love you bunches & bunches,

Mommy

thinking back

2011-08-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

in one word or phrase- I will not forget you. I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:15
I'm dreaming of you- Really want to have a book exchange party --->
song on repeat-
Whitley- a shot to the stars
gotta write it down- {Smooth waters do not make skilled sailors}
{Joy costs pain. After all, the murder had to take place before the resurrection.} Katie Davis
lesson learned- Last Friday I experienced my first real traumatic mommy moment. Micah had a bad accident which ended up with a frantic 911 call, day in the er, staples and stitches, the works. But in all that bad I was able to see God's hand at work and once again I'm taken back by His great love for me. The second it happened I cried out to Him and like always He came to my rescue. Psalm 13:5-6
highlight of the week- Answered prayer. Playing cards by candlelight with the boys during a storm.

picture to frame- a pretty custom order. It's always fun trying something new.

weekend to do list- Meeting Micah's teacher. Kindergarten next week! Starting a new book. finishing up projects for a couple home sweet home posts next week. :)

I hope you had a wonderful week!

Happy week

2011-07-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

In one word or phrase- You fill me with joy

I'm dreaming of you-

My husband thinks I'm a nerd for wanting these pillows.

songs on repeat-

The Civil Wars- Forget me Not

Jesus Culture-
Oh Lord, you're beautiful
gotta write it down- "We live two miles wide and an inch deep. We are totally caught up in a thousand different things, and not doing any of them well. You and I become effective by becoming SELECTIVE!" - Beth Moore
lesson learned- This week Stephen and I realized that we have been caring more about our friendships than are friends. We are more concerned with not wanting them to feel awkward or uncomfortable. Or we tell ourselves that we'll just preach with our lives. If we really love them then we won't hide the most important thing we could ever tell them.
highlight of the week- It's been a happy week. Stephen was promoted and the best friend is officially an lpn! So proud of them.
picture to frame- Enjoyed a nice getaway with some wonderful ladies. Love these girls!

weekend to do list- Lot's of pool time with my guys.

Hope you had a wonderful week!

I like you

2011-07-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

Hi friends. I'm alive! I've just been busy with life. You know how that goes. Finally I have a free moment to catch up on a little blog reading. I've seen so many great diy projects I just must try asap. Like this & this. I've been sneaking in a few home decor projects. I can't wait to show you what I've been up to. A little later though, I still waiting on a few etsy packages coming in the mail. For now here's some things I'm liking this week.

one. This is what I listen to while I'm working. Feel good, happy songs like this one.

two. Nerd glasses. Years too late but better now than never. I can finally see!

three. In the beginning I was so nervous about taking custom orders and now 85% off all my sales are custom orders and I love it. Look how much fun my last order was. Makes me want to go buy a bag of skittles. Oh and if you haven't already "liked" my facebook page I would be your best friend if you did. And I'll give you a big hug if you tell a friend. ;)
--->www.facebook.com/handmadecolectibles

four. Two things I was pretty certain I could live without- tv & starbucks. gasp! Yes I said starbucks. But my husband has been watching pawn stars on netflix and I can't stop watching it. I want to drive to Vegas just so that I can visit that shop. ha! And a friend brought me a sweetened green tea from starbucks the other day and now I hate to say it, but I'm hooked. I do not want to be one of those people making ~~daily starbucks trips~~ but I just may have to make this my weekly treat.

five. This needs to go up in my house. That is all.

Happy Wednesday to you.

I'd love to hear about what you're liking this week.

happy friday.

2011-07-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

in one word of phrase- one day at a time

I'm dreaming of you- I'm brainstorming ideas for turning our office into a little studio. I think this rose stencil would be the perfect inspiration for someone making roses all day.
song on repeat-
hillsong united-take heart
gotta write it down-
{"One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy."} Elisabeth Elliot

lesson learned- Feeling a little embarrassed for waiting so long to go to the eye doctor. I'm going to really see for the first time in years. Procrastination is ridiculous.

highlight of the week- Proud of my husband for being a rockstar at his job. Looking forward to hearing some good news later today.

picture to frame- ----->
weekend to do list- I'm going on a little staycation with girlfriends. Sometimes you just need a little break from the routine.

Happy friday friends!

Friday.

2011-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

in one word or phrase- I won't let you drown
I'm dreaming of you-

a vacation somewhere beautiful. via

songs on repeat- Rita Springer-Worth it all

Jesus Culture-Rooftops
I shout out your name
from the rooftops I proclaim
That I am Yours, I am Yours
All that I am I place into Your loving hands
And I am Yours, I am Yours
gotta write it down & lesson learned- {Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.} -Elisabeth Elliot
highlight of the week- Skylar is 2!

picture to frame-

weekend to do list- Having a girls sleepover while the guys are camping. Also going on one of my favorite hikes.

Happy weekend friends!
What were you listening to this week?
What was your highlight?
play along if you'd like.

Catching up

2011-07-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

Hi again. I miss this blog and my blog friends. I've been borderline nervous breakdown busy lately so I haven't had much time to pop in and catch up. So here's a little bit of what's been going on.

My baby turned 2 on the 4th of July so we took a little fishing trip up north, which if you know me then you know I am terrified of fish. I did catch one and then made Stephen touch it and throw it back. ha! I think Micah's just like his mommy on this one. Enjoying every minute with these boys.

Turns out making the decision to focus the shop on customizing wedding orders was probably my best business choice yet, because come to find out people are really crazy about nontraditional, felt rose bouquets. Who knew!

I'm such a newbie on the indie biz scene and wasn't quite prepared for the opportunities that came up all at once so I've had to do something kind of hard for me to do and that is to ask for help. My very sweet friends were over at my house all weekend helping me with prep work but now I have to seriously hunt down a part-time crafting partner. (I feel weird saying employee) So I would love some prayers that God would send me the right person. Oh and I forgot to mention, I've been asked to be a featured artist in an upcoming felt craft book! I'm feeling extremely blessed by the surprises God throws my way.

Our hearts are still being prepared for overseas missions. I really can't wait to see what God has in store. I keep thinking that maybe what He has me doing now with my little shop is preparing me for something bigger down the road, or maybe it will grow into something that can help sustain us when He says it's time to go. Not sure what He has planned, but for now I'm really just trying to learn how to be led by the Spirit every day. I'm ready to stop having to be in control of everything and trust Him to take over and mold my life in a way that it's going to best bring Him glory, bring people closer to Jesus.

Sorry so long! I've missed you friends. I hope all of you are having a great summer. I'd love to hear about what's going on with you.

Haboob

2011-07-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know how it is possible being a native Arizonian that I didn't know what a haboob was until yesterday.

Don't know what that is? Take a look...

The Phoenix Haboob of July 5th, 2011 from Mike Olbinski on Vimeo.

How frightening/cool is that! LOVE Monsoon season in Arizona.

The view from my front door just before it hit us...

Just a short hello, now off to grab a cup of coffee 7 hours after I meant to this morning. Busy busy busy!
I miss my blog friends.

a new secret

2011-07-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

#10 - Soaking in the little things

This weekend my baby turns 2 and yes I am having one of those sentimental mom moments where I sit and wonder how it happened so fast. There's no turning back time, all those little moments have come and gone.

Reminds me of how important it is to really soak it in.

Enjoy it while it's happening.

Things like...

Finding little crayola masterpieces on my tile floor.

Turtle hunts in the backyard with a flashlight.

A surprise squeeze from Stephen in the morning

Sweet daily check-in messages from friends.

Eating ice cream for lunch.

Baby Linnea's contagious toothless grin.

The way Skylar says "thank you mommy" melts me every time.

Having exciting news and running to call mom & dad.

Watching Micah take the big leap off the board for the first time.

Taking the plunge myself and feeling like I'm 8 all over again.

Don't forget to soak it in!

friday.

2011-06-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

in one word or phrase- flew by
I'm dreaming of you- New bedroom carpet.
Can't believe I just wrote that. Does that make me old?
song on repeat- Kim Walker-Where you go I go
though the world sees and soon forgets
we will not forget who you are and what you've done for us
how could I expect
to walk without you
you are always good
gotta write it down- "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength." Corrie ten Boom
lesson learned- I think I dream big but really I dream so small compared to the plans He has for me.
highlight of the week-Front page of etsy this morning. I always feel like a little kid on christmas when that happens. I had some really cool opportunities come to me this week. The shop is going to a new level and I'm just amazed at how much has happened in the last 10 months. This time last year I was praying that God would give me some inspiration and that He did. His plans always supercede ours.
picture to frame- a new family pic! these are rare for us.

weekend to do list- family time, bbq, hopefully some swimming. It's been over 110+ all week!

Happy weekend to you friends!

Play along if you'd like.

confession.

2011-06-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

I’m guilty of being one of those people who preach about loving everyone when really I secretly hold all sorts of bitterness and animosity for some. It’s just so much easier to hold it in then to let it go and really love.

Have you ever noticed that people who have been married for a long period of time start to act and look alike? You begin to mirror the people you surround yourself with and I know this is true because the more time I spend with Jesus the more I start to see things differently. I’ve recently started to look at someone I hated for so long in a new way. The laundry list of reasons why I’m supposed to think they’re a bad person is fading away and I’m left staring at a messy person just like me. Who is made from the same dust and is unconditionally loved by the same Father.

I was thinking about Paul and how he went from being one of the biggest persecutors of the early church to writing most of the New Testament. It just goes to show that no one is beyond redemption. God’s love has no limits. His heart cry is for us all to come home.

Lord change my heart. Help me to really love like you do.

{I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands.}
Ezekiel 36:26 message

*I am also here today. If you haven't checked out faith blogs yet I definitely think you should. So many wonderful blogs there.

oh ya it's friday...

2011-06-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

in one word or phrase- make it work

I'm dreaming of you- a little play time to come up with fall ideas for the shop.
song on repeat- I've been listening to the eclipse soundtrack all week- don't hate.
Beck and Bat For Lashes - Let's Get Lost was on repeat.
gotta write it down-
"All true blessing comes from His grace, not our labor."-John Piper
lesson learned-
From my brother-"If you were on trial for being a follower of Christ would there be enough evidence to convict you?" How we act is more important than just what we know. "If we stop short of applying a truth to our lives, then we do not actually grasp the truth." f. chan and I'm still learning that I need the Holy Spirit to help me set aside my american dream for God sized dreams.
highlight of the week-
One of the best birthday weekends and I made a little time for some fun reading this week.

picture to frame- I'm really falling more in love with him everyday.

weekend to do list- girl's dinner, more birthdays, wedding orders, celebrating father's day with all the special dads in my life.

I woke up this morning and completely forgot about recap. My husband says that I'm getting lazy with my blog, only really writing on Fridays. And he's right. Sorry blog friends! I've become quite the slacker. Bare with me until I figure out this whole time management thing a little better. But as far as recaps go always feel free to play along.

Happy weekend!

twenty-six

2011-06-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I turned a year older. 26 isn't a big birthday but it's a good excuse to get friends together and make some fun memories. We had a weekend long celebration. Yesterday I told Micah that he had to be nice to mommy because it was my birthday and he said, "Mom, you have a really long birthday!" ha! 25 was probably my best year yet, so I'm excited to see what this year will bring.

birthday memories...

What tubing in Arizona looks like...

Our little fiesta...

Never too old for a pinata right?

My husband cooked all this and it was AMAZING!

Growing older is really not so bad.

I feel like every year just gets better and better.

a happy friday

2011-06-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

in one word or phrase- still growing

I'm dreaming of you-

31 bits summer line is oh so pretty.

song on repeat-
Laura Veirs- I can see your tracks
gotta write it down-
Be kind. Even to those who are not.
lesson learned- I feel like a broken record sometimes. Going round and round with the same battle. My flesh wants comfort and safety and my spirit wants to jump all in and give the Holy Spirit full reign in my life. I can't walk by the Spirit on my own. Praying that God will give me the strength and the heart to follow wherever He takes us in the future.

highlight of the week-

Started a summer study- Rembering the Forgotten God by Francis Chan. Ready to learn and be challenged.

picture to frame-
summer is here!
weekend to do list- a wedding and Stephens throwing me a fiesta for my 26th birthday. He's even cooking! Love birthday weekends. They are the perfect excuse to get friends together and relax, eat & laugh.

Hope you have

a wonderful weekend!