I'm waiting on you, Lord.

For all of us who are waiting as the Lord works in our lives, whether it's for Him to bring that special someone into your life, or for that special someone to stop dragging their feet and speak.  Or maybe, you're waiting for something entirely different.  Whatever you're waiting for, don't give up.
He is able, and He's got this.
And don't stop moving forward while you wait.



P.S. all pics via my Pinterest, collages made by me

Sunday Style // Awkward...Allons-y!

o u t f i t
bow slouch hat // Wool & What-not {etsy}
denim jacket // thrifted
grey shirt // thrifted
grey undershirt // thrifted
denim skirt // Chadwicks
black flats // Fred Meyer
TARDIS Starry Night necklace // Doomsday Studios {etsy}

New favorite outfit.  It's cozy, comfy, and I can dress it up or down.  Win.

: :

Today felt...well, I'm going to steal a word from Kellie and say today felt rumply.  Just sort of...off.  A bit confusing, not entirely bad...something you can't quite put your finger on.  At least, that's how I interpret rumply.

Just as church was starting, I ended up in a rather awkward situation, seating wise.  After switching seats with my bro during our greeting time, I ended up sitting next to a guy I had never met before for the rest of the sermon.  Awkward.  And he could have seriously moved over and given us more space, too.  There was at least four feet of free space on the other side of him.  I think his name was Jeremy.  We're not terribly fond of Jeremy.  (Sorry Jeremy, it's nothing personal, but you did create a completely unnecessary situation.)  I guess we could have asked him to move over a bit, but we're too polite...or something.  (And lest you, my dear readers, misinterpret, the above is pure sarcasm.  I do apologize.) Anyhow...that kicked things off to a rumply start, but everything was back to normal by the end of the sermon...aside from my rumply thoughts.  Sometimes, I think too much.  Sometimes, I use italics too much.

The sermon was from Genesis 21, continuing the story of Abraham.  It was a good message.  I love how our pastor gets into the historical side of the Bible.  The well in the story, Beersheba, is still there to this day.  Pretty awesome, huh?!

What was your day like?  What was your sermon about?  I want to know!

Daddy's Girl

The past few days, I've been thinking a lot about my dad.  Dads have such a special and unique place in our lives, especially when you're an adult daughter living at home.  On the one hand, they are your protector and provider.  And on the other hand, they represent authority and spiritual guidance.   As I've continued to live at home, under my daddy's protection and authority, it's been difficult at times to figure out just how our relationship works now.

I mean, I am 24-years-old.  I make many decisions for myself.  What to wear, what to watch, what to read, who to vote for, who my friends are, what church to attend, etc.  And do you know what?  Sometimes, dad and I do not agree on those things.  Especially my first year voting.  Think just out of high school and very idealistic. *wink*

No, there are some things we don't agree on.  Some things, I have to make up my own mind on and respectfully stand fast.  No, I do not know it all.  But do you know what?  No one knows it all.  No one has it all figured out.  Remember when you were a little kid, and it seemed like daddy knew everything?  He was stronger and smarter than anyone else's dad!  Then you grow up, and you're amazed when you discover that daddy makes mistakes, too.  You're amazed when you discover that you're an adult, and you still make mistakes.  You're never completely finished.  You never stop growing and learning.

And that's when you realize, we're in the same boat now.  Daddy and I, still father and daughter, but we're both adults who make mistakes now.  And it's sort of wonderful, when you think about it.  Really wonderful.

I think the hardest part, is for daddy to realize his little girl isn't a little girl anymore.  In many ways she is, but in so many ways she's not.  And I imagine that that's really hard to wrap your brain around at first.

And it doesn't help when you're just like your daddy.  I mean, just like.  You know what you believe is right and you stand on it.  Stubborn as all get out.  And you have no problem making your voice heard.  It's impossible for a combination like that not to blow up every once in a while.  *smile*  But as the years pass, and you both keep learning and stepping heavenward together, it gets easier.  You learn to respect each other's opinions and advice.  You learn to voice those thoughts and opinions in a gentle and respectful way.  You become friends.

My dad's birthday was the 12th.  I thank the Lord for blessing me with such a wonderful dad.  I don't always agree with him, but he will always have my love and respect.  He's my daddy.  He's the man that for the past 5 years, has cared for my mother as she recovers from Lyme disease, living up to the vow he made when he married her.  In sickness and in health.  He is the finest example of all that a Christian, husband, and father should be.

I don't know if you're reading this, Dad, I hope you are.  Communication isn't our strong point, but everything I've said here comes from the depths of my heart.  I love you so much.

Treasured // Garnet Elegance

Garnet Elegance

I really can't put into words how utterly beautiful this collection is.  But you can see it for yourselves.

Just drink it in.

: : Featured Product : :

Bow Slouch Hat // Cherry Red | Wool & What-not

Sunday Style // Cameo Appearance

There's a chilly Fall nip in the air, and I'm so excited to pull out my jackets, long skirts, and sweaters again!  Autumn is my favorite season, partially because of layering.  So many more accessory options!

o u t f i t 

denim jacket // thrifted

sea foam tee // thrifted

floral skirt // Coldwater Creek {clearance}

brown flats // thrifted

cameo brooch // gifted

hair flower // Kellie Falconer Design

: :
I'll admit it...I was distracted yesterday and I honestly don't remember much of the sermon.  See, we've all done it.  Don't be afraid to admit it!  Just ask the Lord to help you concentrate and do the best you can.
I do remember that we were in John 17 and this verse jumped out at me...
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are mine. John 17:9
This is Jesus speaking to the Father.  He prays for us, folks.  For those who are His.  If you're a believer, then you are His and He prays for you.  Think about that.  I gave up on concentrating on the sermon yesterday and just pondered that verse.  And felt very, very special.  Very, very loved by my Savior.
How was your Sunday?  What was your sermon about?  I want to know!

It's awesome.

It's awesome...sitting around a campfire singing hymns with friends.

It's awesome...going to the contra dance with your very favorite people in the entire world.  And then going to a friend's house for ice cream.  And then going to the park to watch the oncoming storm (no, not the Doctor - a lightening storm;).  And not getting home until 1:30 AM.

It's awesome...dancing.  Dancing is wonderful.  I don't know how I did without it for so long.

It's awesome...curling up on the sofa with a cuppa tea and a good book.  I've been enjoying Julie Klassen's regency romances lately.  The Apothecary's Daughter and The Tutor's Daughter were so, so good!

It's awesome...finishing a 1.2 acre fenced area for you sheep.  You can never have too many fenced pastures.

It's awesome...having a dad, brother, and friend who are willing to help pound t-posts and put of fencing.

It's awesome...driving the tractor! :D

It's awesome...raising and lowering the post hole drill on the tractor.  Clutch in, switch on PTO, clutch out.

It's awesome...that the lambs are almost ready to be butchered.  I'm ready for them to go, and I'm can't wait to have meat in the freezer!  September 30th! :D

It's awesome...going to Home Bible Study Fellowship at the assistant pastor's house.  Excellent study (we're going through Acts) and wonderful fellowship.

It's awesome...that the assistant pastor lives only a few miles down the road from us.  Really loving the short driving time!

It's awesome...when the librarian sees you checking out Doctor Who for the 100th time, and says, "Okay, since you're a Whovian, I have to ask...what do you think of the 11th Doctor?"  Which prompts an all out fangirl conversation.  We agreed that Ten is the best, Eleven is still the Doctor (although definitely not David Tennant), and we're happy to see a more 'mature' Doctor in Twelve .  And if none of that made sense to you, I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...but not sorry enough to stop. ;)

It's awesome...when your bro says, "I should be a wedding planner..."  And he's almost serious.  He'd probably be really good at it...just sayin'. *grin*

Here, kitty kitty...

Ladies and gents, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to my newest critter.  

If you guessed I was getting a cat/kitten, then you are 100% correct!  Folks, say hello to Merlin...

It didn't take too long to come up with a name for this fluffy grey cutie.  Merlin just fits him.  He's extremely playful, has the Bonnie dog buffaloed, and fell asleep in my lap last night.  Poor little guy spent most of yesterday riding in cars and locked up in a kennel cage.  My friend's brought him with them to church where we made the switch, but "mommy" sort of abandoned him to run off to a Bluegrass festival at the last minute.  I kept calling my bro to make sure he didn't leave him at church. *wink* 

Happy Trails!

p.s.

The Bluegrass was totally worth it, btw.  I knew it would be.  

Time spent with good friends is always worth it.

The Legend Continues // Game Night

Starting in the lower left corner and going clockwise...
Joseph, John, Seth, myself, Bonnie (in my lap;), Hank, Kimball, David, Cody's knees, and Michelle.  Not pictured are Alex, Rachel, Laura, and the rest of Cody.

iPhone photos...gotta love 'em.  Especially when they're of game night.  Our game nights are legendary...just sayin' it because it's true.  We have way more fun than people should be allowed to have.  There's laughter, inside jokes, excellent conversations, and of course, games.  And very often, spontaneous adventures which  typically include glow sticks, golf clubs, bonfires, and sometimes late night trips to town to buy Pringles.  

Because we had to have Pringles.

This night included a phone call to Kellie, who was out of town at the time.  We put her on speaker.  Imagine, if you will, twelve people talking at once and trying to hear what Kellie is saying above that. 

*smile* 

Twelve player Apples to Apples is interesting to say the least. *grin*  David and Alex pretty much stole the show, making up stories using all of the names and objects listed on the cards.  Vastly entertaining.  If you don't leave with a stomach ache from laughing until you cry, you're doing it wrong.

Thanks to Joseph and Laura for chronicling our evening in pictures. :)  

Happy Trails!

New in the Shop // Fall Fashions & Coupon Code

Autumn is almost here folks and it's time to pull those wonderful crocheted and knit hats out again!  I love wearing hats during fall.  They bring your outfit to the next level, keep your head warm, and these ones are so cute with their decorative bow!  Really, what more could you ask of a hat?

Wool & What-not's Fall 2013 Hat Collection

Lime Green // Violet // Cherry Red

With more fun colors (Blue, Burnt Orange, & yummy Vanilla) coming soon!

p.s.

Use coupon code DAYBYDAY1 to get an exclusive blog reader discount when you buy a hat!

20% off!!

Valid till September 30th, 2013.

Treasured // To the Moon and Back

To the Moon and Back

There isn't anything about this collection I don't love.  The soft colors send warmth through me, and make me long all the more for autumn days spent crunching through the leaves.

: : Featured Product : :

Granny Square iPad cover // Grey, Yellow, & Lilac | Wool & What-not

letting go

Letting go is hard...really, really hard.  A few weeks ago, I made one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make.  I decided it was time to find a new home for my wonderful Prince Charming horse, Bob.  No, it wasn't easy.  I thought, prayed, and cried for several days.  Several long days.  I felt like my heart was breaking.  But in the end, I knew what I needed to do.  The Lord brought Bob to me, and I've been blessed with him for ten wonderful years.  I want Bob to be used, and I want some little 4-H kid to experience the joy I had riding him for so many years.  It's time for me to pass on the blessing to someone else.  So, I called my 4-H leader, Marian.

And here's where it gets good.  Not only did she want to buy Bob from me, but I can come over whenever I want (even if she's not home) and ride my boy.  She has an arena...with jumps.  *eyes glaze over*  How awesome is that?!

We decided a trial period would be wise before she actually buys him.  He's an amazing horse (yes, I am biased, but it's completely true), but he's never been used as a lesson horse.  So, he's at Marian's place being ridden by some of her current 4-H kids...and he's loving it!

This Wednesday, I played with him for a while, then went inside and we signed the bill of sale.  He's not legally my horse anymore, but at the same time Bob will always be my horse.

my senior photo from 2007

I am so peaceful about this, knowing Bob is being used and that he's enjoying it.  Although I had a moment on the way home where I wanted to turn back, give Marian back her money, tear up the bill of sale, and say, "No, he's mine.  You can't have him!"  But...I didn't.
And that "ride him whenever you want to" thing?  I plan on taking full advantage of that.  I'm reminded over and over again what an exceptional horse Bob is.  He's such a spunky boy, but so gentle.  There's not a mean bone in his body.  And feeling all of that controlled power under me?  It's incredible.

I stop by on my way home from church every Sunday to say "hi" to Bob.  As silly and sentimental as it sounds, I don't want him to forget me.  If he ever didn't perk his ears up and look around at me when I call his name or whistle, I think my heart really would break.  I love Bob so much.  But I'm happy with the decision I've made.

And I thank the Lord for finding a good home for my precious, special boy.  He truly cares about every little detail in my life, and He provides.  His timing is amazing.

My bro will also be finding a new home for his horse, Dewey (once his leg is all healed), but we're going to keep my mom's pony, Freckles.  He's somewhere in his thirties, and has completely earned the right to enjoy his last years taking it easy in the pasture.  And I'll still have a horse to take trail riding on the trails behind our house.  So, it's all good.  It really is.

: :

Letting go is an area I've been growing in a lot the past few months.  Sometimes, even if it's something that's good for me, I get such a strangle hold on something (whether it be a person, a thing, or an idea), that I actually hinder the Lord from working in my life.  He's been gently teaching me that many times for His will to be accomplished, I need to let go and step back.  Let Him.

Why Don't We Just Dance

At last.  We have had a dance.  At our house.  With our most favorite people.  

It was brilliant.

Stringing lights, blowing balloons, setting out refreshments, hooking up the speaker, laying out the trophies and ribbons...and smiling.  Lots and lots of that going on. *smile*

And then, our friends began arriving.

"Choose your partners!"

Kellie came up with 4 dance competition categories -  Freestyle, Most Noise, Best Swing, and *drum roll* the Epic Award.  Really.  And the fantastic Brett was our amazing judge.  Seriously, this guy took notes.  He can be the judge any day.  Also Seth, you did a great job calling the dances - thanks guys for making the evening better!

We are so doing this again.

Our dance competition winners were as follows...

Most Noise - David // Best Swing - Clara // Epic - Tilda // Freestyle - John

Congrats ladies and gents!

And to top it all off, a video montage of the evening, put together by Kellie.  Enjoy!

Happy Trails y'all!

p.s. Thanks to Kellie, Ellen, Alex and "Algy" for the beautiful photos and video!