Weekend Happenings

 This weekend was lovely, as all weekends are.  Not because I did anything particularly special.  It's just so lovely to just be myself.  And have no schedule!!!!  I am not a fan of having my days planned down to the minute, and I think that is my favorite part of the weekend by far.  Friday was my usual hang out with Jude and basically do nothing.  It was relaxing as usual.

Saturday I spent the morning at the park with Jude catching up with a good friend.  I love those moments where you get to do that.  I am the worst at keeping up with people I care about.  I'm so task oriented, I guess I forget about the life things that don't make my to do list.  So all that to say, it was wonderful.

That night I went on a lovely date with my fella.  And because it wasn't freezing, I decided to bare leg it.  Vintage style.  Have I mentioned how much I am loving having bangs?  I mean, technically I have had bangs for almost a year.  This time though she cut them differently, and I love it.

I ordered this skirt from Shabby Apple (see link in my side bar).  I was surprised how comfy it was!  It's a really soft cotton, almost like a T shirt.  If there is anything I love more in the world than being cute, it's being comfy.  Ohh it was kind of a dream.  And I felt pretty and vintage and lovely.  

cardigan: high school

yellow shirt: thrifted

shoes: college

skirt: Shabby Apple

This guy was also looking pretty handsome in his hot pink cat eye glasses ;)  I know how to pick 'em!

We tried this place out before going to church.  (yes we had another church date.  we are basically cooler than anyone we know.)  Most of what we ordered was good, but we both ordered versions of Thom Yum soup.  And in Jimmy's words it was Thom Not So Yum soup.  That part was sad.  The rest was awesome.  Church was good, and while the thing that stuck out to me the most was not remotely the point, I am so excited about the blog I'm doing for Into The Word Wednesday because my perspective was totally changed for the better Saturday night!!!

And lastly, Jude received this gem from my parents for Valentines Day.  I think I mentioned this the other day.  But we watched a lot of "Bato" as he calls it this weekend.  So glad he loves it!

See my links tab to find out where I am linking up today :)

Leibster Award

This week I was surprised, humbled, and honored to have been awarded a Leibster blog award by someone whose blog completely inspires me, Megan.  This is an award given to small blogs who have less than 200 followers, and it was just really exciting to receive it.

The Rules

     1.  Post 11 random facts about yourself.
     2.  Answer the questions the nominator came up with
     3.  Create 11 new questions for those you nominate
     4.  Choose 11 new bloggers with less than 200 followers (this will be hard for me as I don't know that many...)
     5.  Let them know about their nominations :)


Random Facts about Me

     1.  I have hair ADD- and change it constantly
     2.  My favorite colors are teal, orange, and green
     3.  I love housework, and am always kind of jealous of SAHM
     4.  I could drink iced tea, herbal tea, hot tea all day- and pretty much do
     5.  I teach in a school where about 85% of my kids are living below the poverty line.  I like a challenge.
     6.  I want to eventually do missions in some small village, anywhere in the world
     7.  My blog became most read when I blogged about having an abortion here.  I am still amazed that the blog that caused me to humble myself the most is the one God has used the most.
     8.  I watch movies for set and costume design wayyy more than I do for story line.
     9.  I love love love teaching reading- especially how to think about what you're reading
     10.  I love to read myself- especially things like Francis Schaeffer and CS Lewis.  I am basically a nerd.  And I'm ok with that :)
     11.  My favorite animal is a shovel lizard which is found in the Sahara Desert.  Some close runners up are manatees, caribou, and song birds.  (I actually have book on bird watching I bought like 5 years ago.  Again, I'm a nerd)


My Nominations

     1.  My lovely real life friend Kate
     2.  My lovely real life friend Angela
     3.  My lovely real life friend Amanda
     4.  Emily Kate whose honesty more than inspires me
     5.  Kristin whose current posts on Jesus as the best Valentine are right on
     6.  Erica who I credit with showing me the freedom of art journaling- and I love her funky style
     7.  A new blog friend Beth
     8.  Leigh who has a wonderful laid back style
     9.  Katie who has a pretty straight forward way of writing, which I respect
   
Ok I don't actually follow anymore with less followers-  So for those who I nominate feel free to add 2 extra to your lists.


Megan Asked....
     1.  Favorite childhood memory- I have a lot, but by far, anything involving visiting my Grandma's farm in the summer.  I would pick raspberries for hours (who knows what all I ate along with them since they were never washed).  I would play in the creek.  I would wander through the woods for hours.  I would catch fireflies at night.  There was always a new litter of baby kittens.  And of course, being around family in general is still dear to my heart.  I'm very 'clannish' like that.
     2.  Which is better, tall or short?  Since I'm a total shortie (5'1"), I often wish I were taller.  As in not in need of getting everything hemmed.  Or just able to do normal things without a stepladder.  But in truth, I don't mind being short.  It kind of makes me feel cute.
     3.  Favorite Starbucks drink- I like skinny vanilla latte's, but I aften add a pump of coconut too.  Kind weird, but I really like it.
     4.  Chocolate or vanilla- chocolate.  and lots of it.  (except obviously at Starbucks....)
     5.  Lipgloss or Lipstick- technically lipstick.  But honestly, I usually don't wear either.  If I actually dress up for date night I will wear lipstick.  Mostly, I wear non colored chapstick.
     6.  Favorite TV series- The Bachelor, the Bachelorette.  I blame my sister for getting me into that one.  Also there is a blog called Lost Angeles, which is hilarious and makes fun of the whole thing, which I love.
     7.  Favorite room in your house- If the toys are put away, my living room, because my cozy reading chair is there.  I love reading!
     8.  What are you currently reading-  Just finished Surprised By Joy by CS Lewis.  Currently reading through Game of Thrones as well as a book called Boundaries as recommended by my counselor.  I am getting ready to start A Severe Mercy, which my boyfriend bought me for Christmas.  I have a tendancy to read several books at a time...
     9.  Favorite smartphone app- I actually don't use many apps at all, but I am definitely into instagram (thistleashd).  Use that one a lot.
     10.  Dream vacation destination- weird places like Alaska or Morocco or Turkey.  Alaska because I want to observe animals in their natural habitat.  And also sleep in a bus like "Into the Wild".  Morocco and Turkey because I love Muslim cities and open air markets.  I just think the Arabic decor is so beautiful.
     11.  Favorite product in my make up bag- I actually only wear foundation, eyeliner, and mascara usually.  But eyeliner and mascara I will always put on.  The rest of it is a function of time.


My Random Questions

     1.  What is your favorite book and why?
     2.  If you could change something about the world, what would it be?
     3.  What does your perfect day look like?
     4.  What is your greatest strength?
     5.  What is one thing you wish you did better?
     6.  Aside from your parents, who has had the biggest impact on your life?
     7.  What is your favorite movie and why?
     8.  If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
     9.  What was your favorite thing about high school or college?
     10.  Favorite childhood memory?
     11.  What is your favorite attribute of God?

Thankful for evaporation, rainboots, quiet time...

Here's my weekly recap of things I loved/thought/felt:

Something that made me laugh:

      Me:  Micah, you need to be writing.
      Micah:  I can't wait.  I have evaporation on my mind!
      Me:  Uhhh I guess write about evaporation then friend.  (we have been learning about the water cycle.  obviously these lessons are more intriguing than I realized :))


Something I enjoyed:

I got to wear my rainboots two days in a row.  They are from the old Liberty of London for Target line.  I am still so thankful I snagged them up.  I think they are quite loverly.  Speaking of which, I have been so in the mood for watching My Fair Lady, but who has 3 hours for that.

Something I am looking forward to:

I spent Valentines Day (afternoon) with my mini Valentine.  My parents got him the old 90s movie Beethoven, the one about the St. Bernard.  It's really weird how I have an obsession with him seeing movies from then.  For some reason, in my mind at least, things just seemed more innocent.  Now- not even remotely.  I'm excited to reminisce over this with our weekly 'pirate campout' which means laying on blankets and watching movies tonight.

Something I learned:

Jude loves to build bridges and train tracks and such.  But they don't always go over or stay up in all the ways he concocts in his head, so he will get frustrated.  I usually tell him to take a deep breath.  Today he told me "It's ok, Jesus loves me even when I'm mad."  How did he learn so much about grace while still so young?  It has taken me 28+ years to realize God loves me when I'm broken.  And sometimes I still wonder if I believe it in the moment.


Something I accomplished:

I have started spending an extra 20+ minutes in the afternoon just reflecting both on my day, how I sought God's face during the day, and what the power of the resurrection should look like in my life.  I blogged recently about how I was inspired to do this by the practice of Lent.  I've really enjoyed it so far.  I'm reading through John, but it's just really lovely to take this deep breathe with the Lord in the afternoon.  I feel so much more able to handle my evening with peace.  This is something I really struggle with a single momma.  Dealing with 18 kiddos and then coming home to my own kiddo by myself is exhausting.  Those 20 minutes of refueling are perspective changing!

Lent, Reformed

There's something that has been on my mind today, and that is Lent.  Being a reformed evangelical, it's definitely not something that I really hear much of actually at church.  I've never felt a compulsion to do it, because technically Lent in its modern practice, is not specifically indicated in the Bible.  (meaning it's more a tradition...)  However, I do know that fasting is.

I've never really fasted, simply because health wise, it doesn't work for me.  But, I have given up things over time and seen great results (post on that for another day).  Today though, I've been mulling the idea of participating in Lent.  Not so I can give anything up or try to conquer a bad habit, but because "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead" ~ Phillipiams 3:10-11. 

 I want to know Christ deeper, focus on Him more intently.  I already have a set time where I read through my Bible, and pray.  But for the next 40 days, I'm going to give up some extra time I'd normally spend online perusing through blogs.  And I am going to seek to know Christ.  Better.  I want to know the POWER of his resurrection.  I mean how often do I really try to know and reflect on the power of it all.  The reality that I am terribly unrighteous.  The reality of how grace called me from the pit.  The reality of all that I have been saved from and saved to.  

Giving up more of my precious little time is scary and daunting.  But oh the glorious thought of arriving at the end of 40 days knowing Christ increasingly more intimate, increasingly more gloriously.  I want to know Christ.

And with that thought, I'm going to seek him, and seek with him with all I've got this season.

As God would have it, this was my latest art journal.  The prompts right now for February have to do with the secret garden of your heart.  I always take their prompts and make it more Bible based.  And I love the idea of God cultivating the garden of my heart, the idea of Him walking with me there just as He walked intimately with Adam and Eve.  It's amazing how fitting this piece is for where my heart is right now.  I want the quiet intimacy of time alone with Christ this season....

See my new "Sweetly Linking" tab to see who I'm linking up with today.

Monday Musings

You know how so much in life happens and it makes you laugh or stop and think or just any number of things and you move on with your life.  Well I want to start writing those down more.  So I am starting a Monday collection of things I'm glad to remember.

Read for Monday morning- stripes

1.  During the superbowl, Jimmy and I were reminiscing about 90s pop.  Neither of us were into pop by the time Destiny's Child came out, so I couldn't really appreciate Beyoncé.  No offense world.  Not my thing.  However, we both had distinct and fond memories of the early 90s pop.  Aka Mariah Cary and Boys2Men.  We had our own superbowl concert consisting of singing along to Fantasy and On Bended Knee.  It was basically one of the most amazing moments of my life.

2.  Jude does 2 things all the time.  He sings his little bible songs and he constructs things.  Lately, he asks me to sing along to a particular song with him at bedtime before I leave the room. I wish I could capture his face and bottle up the sweet 3 yr old goodness that is he and I singing together while cuddled in his bed.

3.  I went a whole week with actually cleaning up dishes and things behind me.  I haven't managed to stay on top of toys quite like I wanted, but I have done so much preventative cleaning this week, and I am so proud of myself.  This has happened in life- never.

4.  This is what 6 am looked like at my house on Saturday.  I have no idea what possessed him to wake up this early, but hey, we rolled with it.  And by rolled with it, I mean drank lots of coffee.  And also, finished our grocery shopping for the week by 11am.  Because we got there at like 9:30am.  And promptly hit up Starbucks for more coffee- and apple juice for the kiddo.

5.  This is what Sunday looked like at my house.  Me plus Reading equals Bliss.  I also did other 'me' things.  One of my New Years Resolutions was to really commit to not working on Sundays.  So far, so good.  And y'all it is soul nourishing.  I mean really.  My soul literally rests, and it is so peaceful, so good.  Such a good decision.  I cannot recommend it enough.

6.  Today was a good day with my kids, which after last week, was such a relief.  I mean most of them had really good days.  And we accomplished what we needed to.  All that.  Every season I hang decor from the ceiling because quite frankly it just makes me happy.  The kids love it too.  There is just something about cheery decor that makes it more tolerable to be in the same room for nearly 8 hours straight.  In the fall, I hang yellow, orange, and red leaves.  In the winter, I change it to snowflakes.  Now that it's *almost* spring I am changing it to raindrops, shamrocks, and flowers.  So fun.

I have changed some things around on my blog.  If you look under my header picture, you will see 2 new tabs.  One is an about me page.  The other is called sweetly linking.  I pretty much link up with the same blogs on a weekly basis.  You can click that tab to see the two blogs I'm linking up with today :)

How's your week starting off?

4 random things about me

Today I am doing my second vlog with Rags to Stitches.  I am sharing 4 things you may or may not know about me.  Or giving more information about things you already know about me including- my biggest struggle, my deepest desires, my childhood idol, and my guilty pleasure.  Enjoy!

Fab Friday/Thankful Thursday

This week was actually a tough week.  You know those "I'm clearly speaking a different language because my class is ignoring me" kind of thing.  Good times.  I am hoping! next week is different!  So for me looking back on things that are God-sent, well that alone will be God-sent!

This week I am thankful for this little guy.  Who made this little picture.  With his little feet.  And I told him he was my Valentine.  And he replied "aww shucks".  And I died of cute :)

This week I enjoyed finishing reading "Surprised by Joy" by CS Lewis.  The last 2 chapters were amazing.  I really related to his descriptions of himself in a lot of ways, which is probably weird.  He talked about how he hated to be interfered with.  As in he was basically a loner.  One of my biggest struggles as a mom is that 'I hate to be interfered with'.  I really like A LOT of alone time.  Of just silence.  And it's hard to get that as a mom.  God has taught me a lot about my own selfishness through this struggle.  That actually has little to do with the book- side note connection :)

This week I learned that my kids will read quieter and for longer and more focused periods of time if I keep the classroom lights off.  They have been begging me to let them do this the past few weeks, and I relented today.  I mean I have never seen such 'voracious reading'.  I think all my kids were on task the entire time.  You could have heard a pin drop.  And after our very frustrating week, well it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.  This will become part of our daily routine I can promise you that.  Side note- I need to add more lamps to my class ;)

This week I accomplished the below art journal.  It was actually made in a moment of pretty strong anxiety because Jude was with his father for a night.  Out of respect, I won't go into the details of that.  But it does drive me to my knees in prayer, which I suppose is a good thing :)

I am looking forward to Chandler's message this weekend on Nehemiah.  And spending time with Jude and my boyfriend who was out of town all week and will be out of town all next week.  And just generally a low key weekend.  Last weekend, I really did a lot and was out late.  This week I just want to chill.  And sometimes that is just as awesome.

How was your week?