The Good Life

The Glory Project: Great Pap

2025-10-26T09:02:00.004-04:00

Taking it back a year for this post. In the summer of 2024, Oakley played a show with some friends in our small hometown. His Great Pap came to watch, and I had completely forgotten I had taken a photo until I found it on my computer this past week. Great Pap passed away earlier this year, and seeing this image was such a sweet memory for us and a little glimpse of God's glory.

The Glory Project: UK Family Weekend

2025-10-25T14:42:00.001-04:00

Family weekend with our Wildcat! We love UK sports, Lexington, visiting our girl, time well spent with the five of us, and watching our three kiddos enjoy hanging out together. It makes my heart so happy!

The Glory Project: Sourdough

2025-10-20T21:46:00.002-04:00

My Mamaw made the best sourdough bread. One of my favorite things about visiting her was the taste of her homemade bread fresh out of the oven, with just the right amount of sweetness and softness. It's different from San Francisco sourdough with a more tangy flavor and crispier crust. Both are so good, but sweet sourdough has my heart!

In 2020, I got the recipe for her starter and began baking it myself. But once life picked back up and I wasn’t home as much, I gave it up.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, at the football game, a friend sitting near us in the bleachers had a loaf she was giving to one of the players. We started talking, and it turned out she made hers similar to how my Mamaw did.

Last Friday night at the football game, Rita surprised me with a loaf of my own, and it was delicious. One bite took me right back to my Mamaw’s kitchen and her homemade bread.

Thank you, Rita. Your gift of sourdough bread was truly precious.

The Glory Project: Perseverance

2025-10-19T17:57:00.004-04:00

This season hasn’t turned out like we hoped, but I see God’s glory in the way this kid plays every time he steps onto the field. His perseverance through challenges reflects the faith and grit that can only come from God. With integrity, heart, and determination, he gives his all and never stops. In two weeks, he will play his last game under the lights on his home field. Senior year is passing far too quickly.

The Glory Project: Strength

2025-10-17T23:05:00.002-04:00

Through her, I see God’s glory in the strength she draws from Him. Her perseverance through trials, unwavering determination, fierceness, and deep love for Him reveal His grace. She stands firm and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself, a true reflection of courage, faith, and grace. Yet it’s not only in the hard seasons that His light shines through her; it’s in her joy, her laughter, and the way she embraces life with such warmth and wonder.

She finds beauty in the simple things: music, laughter with friends, nature, midnight swims, harvest moons, glistening snowflakes, and warm summer days. She works hard, loves deeply, and fills every space she’s in with life. And flowers. She loves flowers. They reflect her perfectly, bright, resilient, and full of grace.

She is a Proverbs 31 woman, an inspiration who challenges me to grow and become a better person.

I am in awe of the children God has blessed Jason and me with. Through them, I see His glory, goodness, and faithfulness revealed each day.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” — Proverbs 31:25

The Glory Project

2025-10-16T20:52:00.003-04:00

Fair warning — I’m going to be a little vulnerable.

2025 has been a season of hard. My family and I have been walking through a lot. It hasn’t been just one thing; it’s been multiple things. It’s been a season of loss in one way or another. A season of feeling out of control. A season of anger and bitterness, while trying so very hard to forgive. A season of saying good-bye to people and things.

I should also say these aren’t just my own personal stories or trials; they are shared with those I love the most, so I won’t be sharing any details. But I’m sure many of you reading this have walked a similar path and felt the weight of a hard season. We all do at some point.

In this season, I’ve been learning to fight for joy. To find beauty in the everyday — in the mundane. In the days that are nothing special, in the days that are beautiful, and even in the days that just plain suck.

A little over a month ago, I decided to take a social media break for at least 30 days. It was hard at first, but slowly I began to feel a peace I hadn’t felt in a while. I felt like creating again, not for anyone else, but for me. I felt connected in ways I hadn’t in a long time, while also very much disconnected from distractions. My conversations with those I was around felt more sincere and genuine. Being off social media made my world a little smaller, and that was exactly what I needed.

I became more intentional with my time and with the people in my life — the ones I genuinely want to pour into, and who pour into me too. During this time, I’ve fostered friendships that have spoken truth over me, God’s truth. And while that truth hasn’t always been easy to hear, it’s been exactly what I needed.

I’ve learned to cherish those kinds of friendships deeply and to understand how important it is to be that kind of friend for others. If you have been that friend to me in this season (you know who you are), thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you’re in my circle, I hope and pray I can be that friend for you. And if you’re longing for that kind of friend, please reach out.

Through all of this, I’ve also been reminded to seek out joy wherever I can, to see God’s glory and handiwork in every situation, to pray without ceasing, to release all my troubles to Him, and fully trust Him. God is in control, not me. God’s joy and glory, along with prayer and studying His word, have given me strength. He is my rock. He sustains me.

So, I’ve decided to start a project. I’m calling it The Glory Project.

It’s not about what’s beautiful, joyful, or glorious to everyone — it’s about what’s beautiful to me, and the Glory of God in any given space and time during my life. These images are a glimpse at where I find gratitude, peace, and solitude. It’s where I see Jesus. It’s where God’s glory shines the most in my life.

This project is for me. These are the moments I never want to forget — the glimpses of beauty I want to hold onto when the next hard season comes. I’m still walking through this one, but I know I won’t walk in it forever. I also know there will be other hard seasons, but my prayer is that each time, I learn to lean on God even more — to hold fast to His strength and His goodness — and never forget the little glimpses of beauty and God’s glory that He shares with me every single day.

1|52

2018-01-01T18:35:00.001-05:00

1|52 Looking ahead, with 2017 just a reflection. My hope for 2018 is to simplify my life. Spend more one on one time with each kiddo, take more walks in the woods, sit and talk more, laugh and enjoy each other to the fullest. Oaks and I took a walk to the river today, just the two of us. It was seriously cold, but it was sweet to have some time with him. Cheers to the new year!

Cold Days of February

2016-02-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

Even though it's cold outside, we still try to have as much fun as we can! This particular week in February ended with a ton of fun at Great Wolf Lodge. Jason and I decided that instead of buying the kids more "things" for Christmas, we would buy them experiences. We hadn't been to Great Wolf since Lakelyn was one. Avery and Oaks had been talking about going back, and were always telling Lakelyn how much fun it was. We made a cute little note and wrapped it in a box to give them Christmas morning. Needless to say, when they opened it, they were super excited. Might of been the best response ever to a Christmas gift!

Beautiful snowflakes! Isn't God's beauty AMAZING!

My little Elsa watching Frozen on this snowy day. This costume has been worn more than any other in this house!

Family challenge of who can do a handstand push up. I lost, but I will get them next time! lol!

Morning sunrise from our front porch.

This little dude wrapped up his basketball season. He played hard this year!

Avery is loving Netflix and is addicted to the show "Heart of Dixie." Can't say I blame her, it is such a cute show.

This little lady curled up in our bed and fell asleep.

Avery's all packed for Beta Convention. I am pretty sure she has clothes in there too! haha!

And she's off! Her first overnight school trip. She is excited and I am having a hard time letting go. How do they grow up so fast?

Over the weekend we headed to Great Wolf Lodge with friends. The kids had a blast and so did the parents! We are blessed with wonderful people in our lives, and I am so thankful my kiddo's have friends to grow up with! Sorry for the iPhone photo's, but I didn't want to pack my good camera.

Soul Sisters!

Avery, Allie, Jovie, Brody, and Gia.

All our sweet kiddo's! The only photo we took off all 9 of them.

Oakley and Chaz taking a break to eat some lunch.

Right before they ran off to another ride.

Eating a snack.

February Days

2016-02-14T20:53:00.000-05:00

Another week in February has come and gone. With Valentine's Day this week and Spirit week at school, it has been a fun, but busy one.

Lazy Sunday mornings can be such a blessing sometimes. Can you believe I was on this couch too until I got up to take the picture?! These girls sure love to cuddle with their Daddy. I can't say that I blame them! ;)

For spirit week, students had to dress like they were 100 one day. Avery wore her hair in rollers with a robe and house shoes. I think she will be one cute 100 year old some day.

Lakelyn loves to floss her teeth. Now if I can just get her to quit pulling off a whole yard of dental floss to do it!

This was 80's day for Spirit week. Now that is something I can do well! haha! You can't really tell in this picture, but I have Avery's hair teased and "winged" out on both sides.

They were so proud of their Valentine's Day boxes. Lake said she didn't want her's to look like anyones, and she wanted to come up with it on her own! Oakley wanted to make sure he had the

Seahawks logo on his. He drew it on with an ink pen and I think he did a pretty good job! That kid loves everything about football. He is a boy after his Daddy's own heart! I loved hearing them watch and talk football together this past season. A few more seasons and I may even know enough to join in on the conversations. Avery made a monkey with a pink heart belly button for her box! Thank goodness for all those scrapbooking supplies I never use anymore!

This is not the best picture. I took it in a rush to catch the moment before it was gone and I didn't check my settings. Even so, I still love the story it tells. Lake has a love hate relationship with Valentine's Day chocolate. She has such a sweet tooth and loves most chocolate, but hates the ones filled with pink or orange. She was inspecting this piece to see if she could determine the inside before she bit into it. Needless to say, she bit it and quickly spit it out...it was orange.

Saturday's we are busy with basketball. Avery played her heart out in this game. They ended up losing in overtime, but they played hard. She has also really improved on her free throws this year! I think Jason has enjoyed getting to sit back and just watch her games. This is the first year he hasn't coached her team since she began playing in Kindergarden.

Papa's Ninety!

2016-02-14T18:00:00.000-05:00

On February 6, 1926, an extraordinary person was born, one of my hero's, someone I love with all my heart, my Papa Crawford. As a little girl, I would run around his milk barn with my sister, Katie, and cousin, Jill. We couldn't wait for the milk truck to show up, the driver would always give us a carton of ice cold milk to drink. We spent many hours playing in the barn, letting the calves suck on our fingers, building hideouts, trying to tame the wild barn kittens, creating escape routes, riding the 4-wheeler around the farm and the list goes on and on. When we weren't outside we worked puzzles, colored, roller skated in the basement, set up photo shoots and pretended to be models, and sang to the top of our lungs...Grundy County Auction and The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia were our favorites. I have too many wonderful memories to count, but I am willing to bet my Aunt Linda probably has most of them on video. haha! Visiting Papa and Granny was always something I looked forward to.

Going to visit is still one of my favorite things to do. I wish we were able to go more often. Time always seems to slow down at Granny and Papas. You sit around the kitchen table for lunch and dinner, you visit with company, you walk around the farm and check out the chickens and the goldfish. Yes, I said goldfish. They live in the concrete watering tank that the cows drink from. You relax and enjoy the family that you don't get to see near enough. I cherish our visits and thank God that my children have also been blessed with making memories at Papa and Granny's.

Me with my grandparents. A handsome couple, don't you think? And here's to hoping I get my Granny's hair gene! That's her natural color with very little gray.

My grandparents, Dad, and Aunts.

Papa and Granny with my kiddo's.

Lakelyn was super excited to get the last of the coke. When I was a kid, right behind where Lakelyn is standing, was always a jar full of Little Debbie Cakes. Mom would never buy them, so getting one out of Granny's kitchen was always a treat. I bet by the time we left, they had all been eaten.

One of my favorite places in the world.

My grandparent's church. I have so many memories coming here as a child. My Aunt Edna and the church congregation singing "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," the slow drive to and from church (I always thought we would never get there, even though it was only five minutes away), and on nice days Jill, Katie and I would walk back to Papa and Granny's after church.

My great grandparents home, Papa Gosser and Mama Gosser. I only have one memory of my Mama Gosser, I was standing by her bed and she looked over at me and said, "You sure are a pretty girl." I suppose I was three or so. My Papa Gosser drove a beige Volkswagen Beetle. It seems like every time we went to Papa and Granny's it would be parked at the graveyard where he was visiting Mama Gosser's grave site. I remember asking Mom and Dad why he was always there. Mom would say, "To take her flowers. He misses her." (I think that's when I first started hoping I would find a love like that someday.) But I mostly remember him sitting in a chair whittling and his smile...I still remember his smile. For years every Gosser reunion was held at their home, even after they were both gone. Baseball in the back yard, a hay wagon full of yummy food, the toys under the stairs, playing on the cellar roof, tag, hide and seek, more cousins than you can count, those are all part of my childhood memories at this home.

I could not be more grateful for my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and all the wonderful memories. Happy 90th Papa!

February Fun

2016-02-07T08:20:00.000-05:00

At one time, February was my least favorite month. Now I can honestly say it is one of my favorites. Basketball is winding down, softball is only once a week and baseball, and soccer have yet to start. Jason isn't crazy busy and we seem to have more time at home together. These are the moments I cherish.

Again, wrestling is always a favorite activity!

Daddy got the new basketball goal put up and the kids stayed out way past dark to shoot hoops.

These two were glued to a movie.

Lakelyn was so excited to get a bag of M&M's to put in her "M&M Trophy" as she calls it.

Oakley has been wearing these house shoes every night.

Lakelyn was walking her dog! lol!

Hanging out in "mine and my sisters" bedroom at Papa and Granny's. Mom, Uncle Mike, and Oaks are looking at old pictures. Avery, Lakelyn and Aunt Kat are playing barbies. This bedroom will forever hold a special place in my heart. Every time we visited my grandparents, this is the room Katie and I always slept in.

Goodbye January

2016-01-31T12:34:00.000-05:00

Goodbye January 2016. Thanks for the memories!

Nature and God's beauty never ceases to amaze me.

"You were born to dance to the beat of your own heart; to roam without cages; with the innocence of a child, and the free spirit of untamed horses; I hope you laugh without stopping, live with abandon, and love like that's all there is; say wild, my wild, wild child."

Jason and I were upstairs when we heard Lakelyn, from the basement say, "My abs hurt!" We tiptoed down there and all three were doing T25. lol!

Homework. I am so proud of Avery when it comes to homework. She jumps in and always get it done before we even ask, most of the time!

Afternoon wrestling sessions are a favorite with the boys!

Sending my love ones out the door on a Friday. Now for a little peace before I leave for work. ;)

She was so proud of her painting that she made at a friends birthday party!

Sledding with Friends

2016-01-26T10:43:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, the roads were clear enough for us to head to a friends house for an afternoon of serious sledding. The hill behind their house is amazing and we all had so much fun! A weekend in the snow with my family and friends was perfect, and just what my soul needed.

Beginning my day with my quite time. Wish every morning could be this peaceful!

Our driveway.

It was a beautiful day!

The Link and Strader kids ready to race.

I was super impressed with Avery's snow boarding skills. By the end of the afternoon, she could make it to the bottom of this huge hill.

The boys were too excited about the car hood!

Lakes wipe out!

Sledding and hot chocolate with your best friend...doesn't get much better!

My love!

Snow Day!

2016-01-25T21:20:00.001-05:00

Sadly, snow days are few and far between in our house. When Friday morning rolled around, and we had several inches snow with a forecast calling for much more, Jason and I jumped at the chance to take a snow day with the kids. I enjoy my job, and love the people I work with, but I would give anything to be on the same schedule as my kiddos. I never even thought twice about it in college, but I sure wish I had of now. I hate not getting to spend spring breaks, summer breaks, fall breaks, random holidays, and any other day they have off with them. Two weeks a year, a few floating holidays, and a handful of regular holidays just doesn't seem like enough time for my family. It's not easy being a 40+ hour a week, 50 weeks a year (minus a few days here and there) working mom. It's demanding, with few breaks, and when your kids are as busy in sports as ours are, sometimes it downright mind boggling. Needless to say, it is not for the faint of heart. And there have honestly been times, and I am sure more in the future, when I feel like I am not strong enough for it.

However, I do think being a working mom sure makes me treasure my one snow day a year. We don't waste it away! Friday was a true blessing for us. Everything stopped, we had no place to be, and no agenda. We relished every moment together. It will go in the books as one of my best days ever. One I never want to forget. One that I want lock away in the happy place of my heart. And when I am feeling overwhelmed by life, a little faint of heart, I will take a moment and unlock this memory and remember the peace, joy, and fun of this day.

We played several rounds of UNO.

Lakelyn gave Avery an "Indian" makeover.

She gave herself a makeover too. Not sure where she learned to do her eyeliner like that! Haha!

We watched the snow come down.

Chandler and Kyle (the kids cousins) came over and we all went sledding.

We got the truck stuck and had to walk home. It was quite the adventure and very cold!

Our faces were froze by the time we made it home.

Beautiful snow!

Night Sledding

2016-01-24T11:51:00.001-05:00

I got home from work on Thursday, and the kids were bundled up, sledding down our little hill. They love the snow as much as I do and can't get enough of playing in it. I only lasted a little while, but they stayed out until way after dark!

Avery is getting super good at this snow boarding thing!

The high five before the race!

Pretty girl!

Landing face first in the snow is not fun!

She has had the best time with all this snow!

The race is about to start!

They have their moments of not getting along, but I love watching them play together and having a good time! Siblings are the best!

He looks a little cold!

Our Week

2016-01-24T10:55:00.000-05:00

We ended this week with a good snow, so stay tuned for a post dedicated to all our snow adventures!

Teamwork making waffles!

One of Lakelyn's best friends, Jovie, stayed the night Saturday. Sunday morning they decided they wanted to make waffles for breakfast. They were so cute cooking together, and their pink waffles tasted great! They insisted that the waffles had to be pink!

Mondays can sure wear a girl out!

Eating a snack and warming up by the fire on a cold evening!

Queen Lakelyn wore this crown around for three days straight. Only taking it off for school and to sleep! And make sure you say Queen, NOT princess!

Love these sweet rosy cheeks! They had a blast night sledding!

A snow day means lots of good family time!

My much needed quite time!

Saturday afternoon was spent sledding with friends!

Just another week in January

2016-01-17T11:13:00.000-05:00

Nothing too exciting about this past week. Just a typical January.

In this house, we love snow! We finally had a little on Sunday, but we were definitely wishing for more! Even the baby dolls got to go play out in it.

Bitty even takes a bath when Lakelyn does. Lakelyn got Bitty for her 2nd birthday, and she has been by her side ever since.

I have no words for this. I don't know why Oakley walked around all evening with Nerf bullets stuck to his forehead. There are just some things that you can't explain about an 8 year old boy.

Practicing his swing.

She loves puzzles, and sitting in her bedroom doorway is her favorite place to work them.

Bitty's in matching PJs and they are watching a little TV before bed. And don't all kids lay their cheese on the arm of the couch??

Snuggled up on Friday night watching a movie. It's finally the weekend!

This time of year, Saturday's are for basketball! Oakley is doing his best to block the shot. Oaks and Avery both play and really enjoy it. And Lakelyn loves going to games because she gets to hang out with the other little sisters!

Our week in Pictures

2016-01-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

What a week! Having to work a full week after the holidays, makes for a very long week. I think we were all overly tired when Friday finally arrived. I have never been so happy to see the weekend!

On another note, in the fall of 2014 I decided that I was going to read the Bible through. I started following the Good Morning Girls Reading Through the Bible study. I love that with this study you jump around reading the books of the Bible, instead of reading it front to back. There are also blog post and discussion questions that go along with each book, which really helps to apply what you read to your own life. I am a little behind in the study, but it's not a big deal since I can go back to all the archived post on their blog. That is the best thing about this study, you could pick it up at anytime and if you get behind, it's no big deal. My reasoning behind sharing this, is that I am in the book of Song of Solomon right now, and oh my gosh! Every married couple should read this book of the bible! This study not only applies the love a husband and a wife should have for one another, but also the love God has for you. You can find the studies here. Under the Good Morning Girls tab you will find the blog posts/studies on each book of the Bible that they have completed or are working their way through. Reading the Bible has been such a blessing in my life. It gives me peace, rest, hope, and fills me with love. I am thankful that I started this journey and can't wait to see it through. It may take me a while, but I will get there, one book at a time. :)

Monday was all about sparkles at our house! Sequins and sparkly Elsa shoes are some of my girls favorite things.

I have a love hate relationship with technology. I really think parenting had to be easier before the world of iPods, iPads, iPhones, texting, FaceTiming, and access to the internet at anytime. We set boundaries, but it is still hard to deal with. "All" her friends have social media and it is "so not fair" that we don't allow it. She can't be on it after 8:00 p.m., we limit it quite a bit during the week, no internet or FaceTiming (and this is very limited) unless she is in the room with us, and I monitor all her texts. Even with the limits we set, she now has boys trying to FaceTime her...I mean really?? Fifth grade and that thing is ringing and going off at all hours. I had enough last night and it is now turned off and hidden for at least the next week.

I love capturing these sweet moments. Lakelyn has the best Daddy! Bed time routines are my favorite!

Again, I love bedtime routines! Snuggles from this little man are wonderful and they sure won't last forever.

Don't tell, but sometimes I catch him playing with the girls toys!

Avery received her first flowers from a boy this week! She was so embarrassed, but it was quite cute. We had gone to watch our nephew play his last 8th grade home game. Since it was 8th grade night, the parents went out our the court with their 8th graders before the game. One of them has a little brother in Avery's class. When it was over he took his mom's flowers and brought them to Avery in the stands. I am pretty sure she turned about 10 shades of red!

This week, Lakelyn's letter was K. This is the sentence she wrote with her letter. Pretty perfect if you ask me!

Saturday nights are for sleepovers. I call this the XBox face. And apparently playing in the dark is best.

The girls spent their time playing dress up. In case you were wondering, Lakelyn is a frog. HaHa!

Happy 2016

2016-01-03T16:02:00.000-05:00

If you want time to fly, have a few children. The years seem to slip by so quickly, and my babies aren't babies anymore. It's hard to believe that it is 2016 and we now have an eleven, eight, and five year old.

New Years is all about resolutions, making changes, and starting over. I guess I will jump on the bandwagon and make a few resolutions of my own. Maybe posting them here will help hold me accountable and I will actually stick to them.

1. Love more, love better, love stronger. Not just my family, but those in need. I want to give more time to my family, cherish the everyday, and enjoy the mundane. I also want to give more of my love, time and money to those in need. Maybe my resolution should be to simply give more.

2. No spend January. I honestly can't believe I am going to try and do this. My goal is to only purchase the things we truly need this month. So far so good, it's January 3rd and I haven't spent anything yet! lol!

3. Make time for my daily Bible studies. I always get behind and sometimes it's a week or two before I pick it back up. I need my daily time with God, like I need water. It gives me peace, a place for my soul to rest, hope, and I feel like I am a much better person when I take time with God.

4. Read more. I have joined the Unedited Movement's book list for 2016. It's only eight books for the entire year. The first one is The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis. If your interested in joining in you can find the book list here. As a side note, the Unedited Movement also has a refreshing blog and Instagram that I follow. It's all about taking time to "sign off and look up."

And just for fun, here are a few pictures of how we have started our 2016.

Looking out the window.

Don't step on the lava! The carpet is lava, the books are her safe stepping stones, and the pillows and an upside down chair are her house. I love her imagination!

When did sleepover overs quit being about playing with dolls and begin being about makeovers?? Slow down time!

This kid loves watching movies and playing his XBox. Somedays we have to set limits or he would sit in front of the T.V. all day. Other days, all he wants to do is go outside, thank goodness!

33 | 365 {hands}

2015-02-02T21:34:00.000-05:00

It's not often these two sisters hold hands, but it is so sweet when they do. Avery is always watching over and making sure Lakelyn and Okaley are okay. There is nothing like a big sisters love. Trust me...I know!

32 | 365 {football}

2015-02-01T16:52:00.000-05:00

Oaks was ready for Super Bowl Sunday! He was cheering on his Seahawks. Needless to say he was a little disappointed in the outcome. Please excuse the leftover lunch around his mouth, that is how this little guys rolls!

31 | 365 {polka dot}

2015-01-31T16:02:00.000-05:00

Lakelyn's sweet little feet in polka dot socks!

30 | 365 {everyday messes}

2015-01-30T15:34:00.000-05:00

The never ending job of cleaning up a family of fives dishes. How blessed I am to have messes like this everyday!

29 | 365 {three things}

2015-01-29T14:16:00.000-05:00

Our pride and joy! The three best decisions of mine and Jason's life...other than marring each other!

28 | 365 {upside down}

2015-01-28T14:01:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one that had a child that likes to watch TV upside down?!?! This girl is so silly!