Lonestar Lagniappe

Hello again!  I hope everyone's Memorial Day holiday was nice and relaxing, and that we all made a point to remember the true reason for the holiday.  :) *I should make a quick note about the different service holidays.  People that mix them up are confused and sometimes ignorant.  Don't get me wrong, I love thanking those serving (and their families as they give up a lot, too), but as long as we have specific holidays, let's try and keep them separate.  We wouldn't celebrate Easter and Christmas at the same time just because they are both about Jesus. Memorial Day: Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day: A day which honors people who have served in armed service (also known as veterans). Armed Forces Day:  A  holiday for citizens to thank our (currently serving) military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. (...

Just about a month ago we went on our annual beach trip!  We went for the second year in a row to Seacrest Beach, FL (it ends up being about 45 minutes East of Destin).  We love it there!  We rented another cute house just off the beach (about 100 steps to the beach) and enjoyed our week's stay.  If only the weather had cooperated.  It as 70*, overcast and wiiiinnnddyyy.    I know!  Unless you are from the South, 70* doesn't sound bad - but it made it to where we only had about 1 full day of sun on the beach.  Not exactly what you want when you are there to soak up some sun, enjoy the waves and relax.  Needless to say, I got caught up on some reading, TV shows and napping.  It was nice to just be away.  Better weather next year! Here are just a few pics from our stay.  I didn't really take a lot since it was either raining or we were inside most of the time.  Awake and ready to go...loooong drive! Our cute hous...

I'm back!  Ok, it was an unintentional break, but who blogs on vacation? (Ok, I might have, but my computer stinks so I couldn't take it with me...).  But let's get a few new posts out there, shall we? In case you didn't know, I absolutely adore my nieces and nephew!  They are amazing, and I cannot believe I get to be their aunt - so fun.  Jonah, my lone nephew, turned 3 on April 16th, and I got to help decorate for his party!  He loves Toy Story, so we went with that theme, and here are some pics (iPhone pics - sorry!) of the decor and fun! some cute pop-up characters my mom got. "happy birthday" banner...and look to the left - repelling army men! (from the dollar store, no less!) I found the exact artwork (hanging on the door far left) that Andy had in his room in Toy Story.  I also printed some Toy Story characters for a coloring table (though I don't think any of the kids colored!). Jonah got some large army men too, and he loved l...

Hubby, Me, SIL Janel, Brother Jason holding Joanna, Dad (sweet mustache!) holding Jonah, Mom (do I look like her?) holding Libby, SIL Lana and Brother Justin...(thanks for the pic  Lana  - I stole it from you!)   FFFRRRIIIIIDDAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, so I'm a little bit more excited about this Friday than normal.   Why?  Hubby and I are going to a NEEDTOBREATHE concert tonight!!!!  (They are SO SO SO good live!)  and then we are headed to the beach (Seacrest Beach, FL to be exact) for 7 days starting tomorrow!  Can I get an AMEN?!  ( AMEN! )  So, naturally I am pretty stoked for today.  Ok, now on to today's letters, cuz that's what we're here for, right? Dear Hubby:   Thank you for arranging our trip to the beach!  It worked out just perfectly this year, and God knows we need a good vacation.  I am glad you work so hard - but I am also glad we get some time off together! Dear Ever Expanding Family:  ...

I ran accross an article tonight on RELEVANT Magazine that I really enjoyed.  I have always struggled with loving what I see when I look in the mirror, but how can I doubt that God thinks I'm beautiful when He looks at me? (See the verses referenced in the article.) "Mirror Wars" I hope you take the time - about 5 minutes or so - to read this article.  Be encouraged - we are fearfully and wonderfully made! xoxo

My apologies for the blog neglect!  ( I seem to be saying that a lot lately, huh? )  I just started a new job ( more to come on that at a later date ) and have had several other things going on...and have just been so tired.  Honest!  I am currently editing my photos from my totes adorbs nephew's 3rd birthday party.  Until I get those posted ( sometime this weekend ), find yourself encouraged through all the tragedy rocking our nation lately ( love and prayers to Boston, Mass and West, TX ).  We serve a loving God whose heart, too, is breaking. God is good - all the time. All the time - God is good. Happy Friday! And check back soon for some cute pics of 3 year old! :):)

Hi again! :)  This is my first DIY post.  I will go ahead and tell you - I am super creative and love to craft, but I am not good at taking photos or documenting the process!  (I am hoping to take a photography class this summer, so hang in there with me.) I don't exactly know where I got this idea from, honestly.  Usually, I could say Pinterest or another fun blog that I follow.  But right now, I think I saw a silhouette painting on Pinterest and decided to put my own twist on it.  At any rate, it was very easy and fun!  I did not take pictures of all the steps, only the finished product - I will do better next time.  What you will need: See-through frames (I got 3 frames total, all from Marshall's.) Black scrapbook paper (I used a paper that is not textured - that is a personal preference, though.  You can also use felt.) An X-ACTO knife. A picture that you like, that you will derive your silhouettes from. A computer and printer ...