Things I Learned In July

What I learned during the month of July...

1. I mentioned in my "Things I Learned" post from last month that I love movies that are true stories. This one rocked my world...My mom rented "The Impossible" and we sat down with my grandmother to watch (so glad I wasn't alone). At moments I caught myself holding my breath, closing my eyes, and at one point I got up to check on Liam because I needed a break. You're probably wondering why I would even suggest that you watch it? Because I'll never read about a tsunami or natural disaster again without getting on my knees and praying right there for those affected by it. And because I learned to always be grateful for each moment I get with these precious ones:

2. I learned that not only do I enjoy the sermons and writings of C. H. Spurgeon, but those of his wife as well. Susanna Spurgeon has written devotionals which are included in this book along with her biography. Both have been bringing conviction and inspiration to my life this month.

3. Did you know I have the best neighbors? Yep, I learned that this month, but not exactly the way I would've planned. You see, we had a random five minute "storm" with strong winds come through Cordova one afternoon, and it cut our bradford pear tree in half. Within minutes neighbors from four different homes on our street were helping me cut up the tree, move the heavy limbs, and helping Liam and me get safely inside the house. So thankful. 

4. Memphis' downtown IS really awesome. Our favorite in town date nights have been to downtown spots, and we have significant memories there (like the time he proposed!). But I realized this all over again when we visited Jackson, MS last weekend to see the guy in the pic below marry his beautiful bride. Jackson, I loved you when I lived on your soil several years ago, but you have GOT to do something with your downtown. It's the pits. {But the church and reception venue for the wedding were beautiful, historic, and a perfect choice.}

5. During the weekend of wedding mentioned in #4 I learned I love traveling with friends to celebrate friends getting married. It was such a joyous, worshipful, and encouraging time with sweet people that are dear to my heart. I cherished the time that I spent with my one and only that weekend as well. Here we are in the coolest-wedding-favor-ever shades at the reception: 

6. This amazing girl spent the summer in China, and over stuffed french toast breakfast Thursday she taught me so much. God has been and is doing BIG things in China, and I'm so grateful for Hanner and her heart for people to come to know Christ. She established relationships with other students, discipled girls, shared the Gospel in unreached people groups, and even got to baptize one of the girls she discipled. God is using college students all over the world this summer...unbelievable stories...only things He can do...He is so good. {Ways to pray for China here.}

This post is linked up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky. I'm grateful for Emily's inspiration and that I now can put onto "paper" what I've been learning and experiencing in life. What have you been learning this month? 

Fireplace Makeover

For a few years now I've wanted to paint our fireplace, and I've always loved the look of painted brick. Will was going out of town soon to summer camp, so I saw it as a perfect opportunity to get a new project started. Two nights and two coats of paint later, I had a fresh-faced fireplace. 

{A before picture complete with toddler fireplace protective cushions.}

First, I cleaned the brick with a mixture of half water and half white vinegar. Once I sprayed the cleaning mixture on to the brick, I used a wire brush to knock off the dust and dirt. I had no idea how dusty a fireplace could get! I went over it twice and then waited for the brick to dry before taping off with the painters tape. Also put up poster board to protect the inside from paint mis-haps. The inside was already painted with a black heat-resistant paint, so that saved me a step.

With Lowe's gift card in hand (thanks family!) I bought a gallon of Valspar white latex paint in satin (and also scored a rebate by buying from Lowe's). I bought a gallon so I would have enough to paint our trim in the living room and kitchen, and I ended up only using about one-third of the gallon. The first coat went up with a brush and LOTS of paint - the brick soaked up the paint like a sponge. If I did it again, I would've used an old brush instead of new because as I got into the cracks it tore the brush up a bit.

 {After the second coat. Mantle is the same color.}

{Before & After}

I'm loving the newly painted fireplace. It makes the room seem a bit brighter, and makes it feel cleaner as well. Now maybe I can convince will to paint the exterior bricks of our house?! 

Things I learned in June

Linking up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky to share what we have learned in the month of June. June is almost over? What?!

1. My husband and I like to watch documentaries together. We currently do not have a show that we follow, which makes us peruse other options. One of our favorite documentaries is ESPN's 30 for 30. Incredible story lines and producers. I'm a sucker for a true life story.

2. Last night I watched the movie "Unconditional" and it was one of the best movies I've seen in awhile. So much that I gave it a five star rating on Netflix (I hardly ever give five...usually 3, right?). It was made in 2012 and is a beautiful story of redemption. Totally love that it is based off a real "Papa Joe" who is living today in Nashville!! Again, I love a true story, and I might have needed a tissue at the end of this one.

3. About myself: I love to tell corny jokes (usually the same ones over and over...my poor husband). And I think they are way funnier than they actually are. But laughter, even the cheesy kind, is good for you.

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." E.E. Cummings

"A cheerful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22

So I'll continue telling my corny jokes. Maybe that should be a regular blog post?!

4. God is Faithful. Sometimes a Truth hits my mind in a fresh way and I can't stop thinking about it. God's faithfulness to little me...I am so unworthy. And He is worthy to be praised!

"...Because of the Lord who is faithful." Isaiah 49:7

"God is faithful..." 1 Corinthians 1:9

5. In seventh grade, I really liked Steven Curtis Chapman's music and saw him about four or five times in concert. Seventeen-ish years later and he's still writing music. "Long Way Home" has a great message, and this video was too cute not to share:

6. I like to garden, but I have a really long way to go in my gardening skills. I mean, who lets a succulent die?!

Chicken & Spinach Quiche

Today my mom came over for lunch, and I made one of her recipes. She's an incredible cook, and I'm so thankful she took the time to teach me (and I'm continually learning). On the menu for today: chicken & spinach quiche, fresh strawberries, and chess pie for dessert. It was delish...

Chicken & Spinach Quiche:

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped cooked chicken

1 ten oz package spinach (thawed & squeezed)

1/4 cup chopped onion

3/4 cup milk

3/4 cup mayo

2 large eggs

1 unbaked pie shell (deep dish)

salt & pepper

Spread 1/4 cup cheese in bottom of pie shell. Combine chicken, 1/2 spinach, onion, and remaining cheese. Mix and put in pie shell. Beat egg. Add milk, mayo, and salt & pepper. Pour over chicken mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. 

Enjoy!

Friday's Fav Finds

A few things I have found recently that have quickly become my favorites:

Will gave me this in my stocking this past Christmas, and it is one of my favorite gifts. Every day there is room to write a couple of sentences (short and sweet is do-able for me!) about what is happening in the life of your little guy or girl that day. My journal entry for February 4th says, "Today Liam learned a new word, apple. And does he love apples!" What makes this journal unique is that it is a five year memory book. For example, I could turn to June 20th and see what we did in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Such a sweet way to observe the ways your little one is growing!

We eat a lot of Chobani Greek yogurt in our house, and I recently came across these and they are incredibly delicious! The Key Lime Crumble and Coconut Dark Chocolate are my favorite flavors, and I've found them at Target and Kroger (Kroger has the better price).

Our friends Montana and Amanda introduced us to illy coffee and we wondered why has it taken so long for us to come across this deliciousness?! Now drinking anything else tastes inferior. I wouldn't say we are coffee snobs...we just know good coffee when we taste it. Usually I drink my coffee with that sugary (not-so-good-for-you) creamer, but with illy I've scaled back to just a dab of 1/2 & 1/2 and no sugar.

Have you heard of the website Southern Savers? Every day the site is updated with coupons, sales, and other ways to save money. For instance, I check the site before I go to the store (to see which has the best sales and coupons), and I save at least 20% on our grocery bill now (pretty good for a beginner that only spends a few minutes gathering the info/coupons). It all adds up! Check out Southern Savers here.

What foods, books, websites, or other
great finds are your favorite things this month? 

It Was Outrageous!

Vacation Bible School, that is!
VBS at Bellevue is called "Camp Outrageous," and I was reminded again last week exactly why it is called that. I had the privilege of joining four of my sweet friends in teaching Fourth grade. This was my first time to ever have this age group, and I just fell in love! They are at the age where they are totally involved and excited about what is going on, they listen as you teach and volunteer to help, and they ask some really tough questions about God and His Word. 

"The Lost Code" was the week's theme and we learned about the armor of God.

I miss getting to see these sweet smiles every morning!

The questions the students asked were challenging and revealed that they were not only listening to the lesson each day but also trying to figure out how it applied in their life. I was encouraged to hear of the students in our class that were going home and excitedly sharing the Good News with their parents, siblings, and friends. 

Each day we learned about the country and children of Tanzania, Africa. We practiced saying a new swahili word, took up an offering, and prayed for the Tanzanian people each day. This was one of my favorite elements. 

Craft time! Shields, swords, banners, belts, helmets, and God's Word. Great reminders of what we have learned all week! "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

The Bellevue staff and volunteers made sure every part of the week was well planned, purposeful, and glorified the Lord. I'm incredibly thankful for all their hard work and for the sweet teachers that took care of my boy! 

Music, crafts, playgrounds, train rides, puppet shows, and lots of fun. This little guy had the best week! We are already looking forward to next year! Check out more pics and a video re-cap here. 

InstaFriday!

A little glimpse into our lives recently through pictures...

 A fun family night began with burgers & fries at 5 Guys (Liam learned that you can dip your fries in ketchup, and he liked it a little bit too), 

Then book browsing at B&N (the kid LOVES books, of course!), 

 and we finished off the night with dessert from Sonic and a little Despicable Me. 

We should've called the night "Liam's Favorite Things." He (we) had a great time.

Fun news: we got a new niece last week! And she is so precious!!!

Hoping you're enjoying these pretty June afternoons and nights!