Little did she know...

this boy. and his boots. we're both middle children, so I am pretty sure that makes us equally awesome. he's the best for cuddling. and laughs.

this summer is already almost over, and I am not sure where all the time went! it's been a beautiful time of warm nights and lake days and hiking and camping and grilled food and work good times and a lot of bonding with the road and various sunrises/sunsets. the brasil brother has been back for almost a year which means that in a month, he heads back with his little family. i can't even say how awesome it's been to know they are accessible to sms or call or see. great times to renew and build on those relationships. here's a little bit of summer according to my phone. ok, so maybe it's a lot bit. bear with me. baby sitting adorable children road trip numba one to KC to visit some graduating peeps suuuushiii!  hanging with the niecephews in the sand hills [and their rooster]   lots of quality time on the road full moon, plus the ambulance. good times the broski's graduated and we had reunions lake, lake, lake in...

I am absolutely in love with this time of year.  Lake days. Warm nights. Grilling. Hammock time.  the mesmerizing glow of campfires. live music. Sunday nights with my church family. weddings (aka reunions). adventuring in the BH.  be still my beating heart! i immensely appreciate this signage: I was seriously tempted to appropriate it, but decided to send Melinda to get a closer picture of it. she almost got away undiscovered ;)  attempting more pinterest DIY. staining with coffee. so far not much of a marked difference... i am getting ready for round 2. stay tuned.  These pictures... bahaha..  vintage Liz, Dustin and Melinda:  circa 2008. just babies! look at us. I don't know what was going on with my hair.  modern day Melinda, Dustin and Liz:  It's been [almost] five years!!!  Such a great time hanging out in Cali last week while [another] friend got married. i hope i know the...

My most recent music love affair is the band Mike Mains and the Branches .   Mostly because it has helped me stay awake/motivated in Life recently. When I first started listening to this band (because my brother forced me to), I was mostly just listening to the music.. and then after my desperation (as in, will this road EVER END???) wore off, I started paying attention to the lyrics and realized that they grew on me when I wasn't looking.  This is probably my favorite song on their album "Home," but there is a plethora (are a plethora?) of other good songs.  also this one because, well. he is walking around with a tv for a head.  ok. and one more. "tear me down again and build me back anew,  rid me of myself and fill me up with You." amen. All of you music lovers out there, share your recent loves! (please? ok thanks)

RAIN. finally. a rain all night, soak you to the bone, make the trees drunk sort of rain. Perfect. I have been whispering thank you, Jesus!  all day for this little bit of grace.  A church family that forever blows me away with their Real Life examples of living the Gospel.  Josh Garrels ' album Love & War & the Sea In Between . It's free. So you should go get it and then listen to it and listen to it and listen to it. And then after that: listen to it.  My job , folks, is pretty much the best one out there. We get to have a blast with each other whether it's over the first cup of coffee in the morning, working with patients, cooking food, or cleaning up the place. And get paid for it. Paid to hang out with my friends. Pretty legit.  Late night dinner and laughs on my retro couches. Friends who like to cook at my house. Friends that can both make me laugh til I cry and share the serious talks about Life. Just friends, period.  ...

Dear Sarah,  Howzit???? Eish, babba, it has been looooooooooooooong! ;)  I came across this picture the other day, and I know you'll probably hate me for putting it on here, but IT MADE ME LAUGH. so.hard. Because it's so typical of what a normal evening looked like at 78. Every time we would let a kid borrow the camera, this would be the last shot. "Ok, Lebo, give back the camera now. No, I said ONE more picture, not 5 more pictures." HAHA I miss morning toast on the way to pick up Unathi. And singing at the top of our lungs. And dancing in the car. And feet on the dashboard. And waving at Uncle Philly as he took Nelly, Nkosi and Thebogo the opposite direction. I miss "getting lost" in the kombi and trying not to forget anything at Fruits and Veg. Also, trying not to run into anybody because it was so full of people. I miss smelling the amazing braai every time, and being SO HUNGRY, but having to wait to eat until all the food was divided up. Rem...

You guys? I am seriously crushing on these two right now. I mean, not only do they get a win because they are twins, but they are stinkin adorable twins!   I am in love with their toothy grins and big brown eyes. I love that they have a healthy dose of silly.  I love that they stole my camera and took this picture of their feet. (I am not denying the fact that they probably got the "lets take pictures of our feet" from me since I uh, do that often.) aaaaaaaaaaaand they give the best hugs. I love the sound of their voices and their contagious laughs.  I love that they are each other's best friend. priceless. I am pretty glad that they like me back. Because who else would I make silly faces at the camera with?