Little did she know...

Do you ever find yourself taking a step back from the moment and saying "wow, i just really love this!"? That happens to me more often than not, and last week was no exception. I was privileged to spend [almost] the entire week with two different youth groups. We did a lot of outdoor lovin'. Hikes. Grilling. Camping. We also did a lot of learning and talking. We serve an awesome God who loves us in a crazy way.  I have known for quite a while now that spending time with kids is one of my favorite things to do, but this week was just a big reminder of how much i LOVE it. Probably in part because I am secretly rebelling on the inside against being a responsible adult. :) 

So I don't know if this happens to you, but I get on pinterest and pin all these great ideas and feel all inspired, but most of the DIY and projects I pin, I probably will never complete. BUT. there have been multiple little ideas that I have implemented into the apartment and such. Here's my most recent project. Which is still a work in progress. But I am pretty pleased with it so far :)  I had a frame that I took the canvas off of in order to mail the painting, and it looked like it would be good for something, so I have probably kept it around for over a year now.First step was to sand it down and stain it with coffee. The coffee didn't actually stain it as dark as I imagined that it would, but it still gave it some nice color. Second step was to decide whether I wanted it for a frame for pictures or to implement it for something else. I decided on the something else and took some old  dresser drawer knobs and screwed them into the top.  ...

Bates boots for work. I have a thing for high tops.  Keens. green Keens. brand new at goodwill. amen. my new friends. I can't wait to see what adventures we will have. and no. i did not make them out of my old prison uniform. ha.

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...