100

Did you know that this is my 100th post on this little blog? I'm somewhat shocked that I have kept it going amidst all the travel and busyness this summer has produced.  Can I be honest? Sometimes, I'm not sure why I keep it going.

I mean, I love to document life and it excites me that I will someday be able to look back on a chronological, pictorial journey of my life during this time.  But, I want there to be a greater purpose for this little place on the web.  I want to inspire others, cultivate something deeper.  So what does this mean?  I am not sure.  I want to be consistent, but I don't want to be burdened. I want to inspire, but I also want to be real.  Can you tell I'm still figuring this out? : )

Here's what has been going on in my heart and life lately.  It is real hard to be away from home the majority of the week.  Saturday and Sunday are now the sweetest, most precious days and I don't take them for granted.  Work has been going very well and I appreciate that during this economy, I have a great job that helps provide for our family (and pay off all those lame student loans).  It's an interesting time when Sunday rolls around, though.  Church is always nourishing and filling, but by the time the afternoon and night come, I am anxious and on edge. My mind is filled with the week that awaits me, and if I've truly 'disconnected' on Saturday from work, it consumes me once again.  I get irritable towards Brian because it badly hurts my heart to leave him again.  I get distant from Charlie because I know I won't see him for 4 days (or talk to him, I wish dogs could talk) and I don't want Monday morning to hurt too much. 

Here's what I'd really like to be on my heart and in my life for the future.  I want to find happiness in all the parts of my days.  I want to overflow with a peace and a joy that could only come from Him.  I want to cherish Saturdays and Sundays wholly and stay disconnected from work through Monday morning. I want to go to bed Sunday night snuggled with my husband, close to my pup, and thank God for the life He has blessed us with.  I want to be filled with Him Monday - Sunday, and remain consistent in my quiet times.  I want to inspire others at work, be different.  I want to be myself, but I want myself to be a bountiful cup of goodness and faithfulness.  Can I get an Amen, here? 

You guys like pictures, and I'd like to lighten this up, so here are a few from my phone that we've captured over the past couple weeks. 

I promise I don't wear this shirt everyday.. I do however currently wear my hair up everyday.  Someday I will become an adult and wear it down : ) Also, Brian won't take normal pictures right now.  Maybe it was the bacon infused bourbon he had just drank (yuck!)

Mac-n-Cheese introduced by the fantastic Katy D.  It's this recipe, and it is to die for amazing.  We made a large batch in our Staub with chicken, but I got a smaller version without on our new horse plates (see the hoof?) from Anthropologie (they were on sale and I can't find them online, but trust me I'm in love). 

On my drive to Pittsburgh Monday I was blessed with seeing this beautiful sunrise.  It must have been pretty all over the midwest because I saw lots of other sunrises on facebook that day! (it's blurry because I was driving.. whoops!)