This week's meals:

In an attempt to be better at meal planning, I think I'll start keeping track. I picked up two butternut squash(es?) at the Riverside market yesterday, so those will make an appearance twice this week:

Sunday:
Spicy sausages on the grill & Pasta Salad

Monday:
Spicy butternut squash soup & sourdough bread

Tuesday:
Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Wednesday:
Fettucini with butternut squash

Thursday:
HOTLANTA to go to the mountains with Amy & Paul!!!!!

deep breath

So thankful to have a back porch and comfortable patio furniture.

I think all of us teachers are finding some way to recharge tonight. Ashley just texted pictures of beautiful art she's currently working on, Catie is enjoying a cold one on her porch while grading, and I was able to spend some time in the Word. 

Recently our days have been chock full of stressworryfatiguenegativityemotionaldrainage, so it's much appreciated when these peaceful moments creep into the daily routine to whisper sweet words of encouragement and love. For Ashley in the form of art, and *hopefully* for me in the near future, in the form of music. 

I'm dying for a piano. 

The urge to play has been quietly waiting in my heart for a while now. 

Anyways, while napping on the couch listening to the rain, a gently nudge prompted me to grab my bible and head outside. Unsure of where to turn to, the book of James popped into my head. (I am totally not able to conjure up scripture or know where to turn to when particular scripture is needed; all I know is that I loved that book in high school. I wish I could be like, "Oh, you're going through this?  then you should turn here. lol earn myself some bonus Jesus points if I could do that!!) 

And whatdoyaknow... it's exactly what I needed to hear. (Isn't it funny that all I have to do is ask?) 

Here are some goodies. And I tend to switch from the Message to NIV, depending on which one sounds more lovely....

Faith Under Pressure (from James 1, NIV) 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 

...(12, the message) 

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. 

(Is this not indicative of pretty much all of us at our jobs?! My actions don't always show I'm 'loyally in love with God...') 

(v. 10, NIV)

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 

(This needs to be a daily reminder. I am not quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. In fact, I'm often the opposite of these things. Note to self; work on this.) 

ch 4:

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 

Crap. Convicted. 

And finally vs. 13:

Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. 

Nice.

and finally, in lieu of something awful that happened with one of my Wyldlife-now-in-highschool-girls...

vs. 19--

My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write the off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God. 

WHEW! I swear. I need to read this Good Book every chance I get. 

Where's Bandit? I have a feeling he is within the vicinity... 

today is a good day.

The weather has sparked a change in these parts. Everyone's a bit happier, calmer, and craftier. The soup recipes that have been on hold are finally making an appearance:

(spicy sausage and kale soup... still cooking but smells delish) 

...and all the kiddos are out screaming in the streets. Even Mike was inspired to mow the lawn and play with Diego.

(Dad, why'd you throw my toy into the tree?)

Bluegrass is playing on Pandora, the windows are open in the house, and my heart is full of joy. 

Other sources of happiness this week came in different forms:

Surprise! I had no idea these two were growing in full force. I gave the cukes a second chance and they aren't letting me down. 

The garden in general makes my heart happy.  I'd like to grow kale but can't find the seeds... might be too late by now... but the garden has given me tons of these:

Green peppers!! Don't be fooled by their red-ness. I just left them on the plant too long. 

I've always HATED green peppers until about last week when I forced myself to eat one with hummus, and I am now in love. Isn't it great when your tastebuds change and you give foods a second chance? 

Homemade birthday cards from far-away friends. I couldn't stop laughing last night at their ridiculousness. Made me nostalgic for times when we were closer/living together (or at least within the vicinity.) I am so thankful for my friends!

The soup is done, I must go test it out.

:)

Birthday Bash Round 2

... and on my actual birthday, we celebrated with tailgating for the Florida/Alabama game. The weather could not have been more lovely, and we were able to snag a spot next to Lake Alice underneath UF's gorgeous oak trees. We played cornhole and washers, grilled food and enjoyed each other's company.

It's great to be a Florida Gator!

(Except for the horrendous loss at the game later one, but I've conveniently blocked out that miserable end to a perfect day.)

Birthday Bash

Another year, another birthday! I love celebrating birthdays because it's the one day where you're it. You're a big deal. This year certainly delivered.

We ate cheese, drank wine, and danced with old people.

(insert sweet picture here)

We pretended to be singers on American Idol.

We climbed monuments.

We planked.

And most importantly, we ate UFOs.

(Mike + palm tree + climbing = a lot of splinters)

I love my life. Thanks to those who helped me celebrate the anniversary of my birth!