There are reasons to love it.
And reasons to hate it.

But this weekend we really loved it because we had a mini family reunion courtesy of Skype! (I'm new to Skype even though I know this is old news.) :)

See?


There's Mama in Germany (Papa joined her later).
And Erik & Shans in Washington state.
And us in Tennessee!

Then Papa got in from a bike ride and joined the conversation.



And even gave us a little peek of the German countryside as the sun was setting...


It made us even more impatient to see less "pixely" versions of all of you someday soon.

Decorating help?

This week, I gave our living room a mini makeover. It happened over time, really - I sold a couple pieces on Craigslist and bought a couple other things to replace them. I decided I wanted a mantel a long time ago, even though we have no fireplace (and no prospect of one) because I love the feeling of "home" it gives to a room. I found this one on Craigslist for $50 and had a couple kind neighbors and friends work on it and install it.

Here's the before:

{I sold the coffee table and the TV cabinet and added curtains and switched the couches around.}

And here's the now:




I love that the TV is no longer the focal point of the room (it's going to find a home in another room).
I love that I'll be able to change out the decor for each season if I want to... hanging stockings from the mantel, maybe a Fall wreath...



But here's the dilemma - what do I do underneath where the fireplace is supposed to go?


I really love Ashley Ann's idea that she did in her home, and I may go with that.
But does anyone have any other ideas?
I'm all ears!

Shawn's wife.

[I've learned]
... to dribble a soccer ball
... to enjoy a good long LOST marathon
... to cook wienerschnitzel and say "Faustian sie deutsch?"
... to savor good coffee and sunshine
... the closer my walk with the Lord, the smoother and more fulfilling my marriage is.

[I've been surprised by]
... his passion for the Word
... his unbelievable support of me on every front (it puts me to shame)
... his affinity for backrubs and chewing gum
... his patience in thrift stores
... his wisdom.

[I've experienced]
... dressy dinner dates over overpriced sushi and meaningful conversation
... disappointment in my own pride and selfishness
... the security of walking with my hand in his
... more grace than I deserve.

[I wouldn't trade]
... this past year and nine months as Shawn's wife for anything.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Hope you've been celebrating the end of summer like we have....

With a jazz festival,

snow cones,

and lots of love.

Happy holiday weekend! :)

Meet my new friend.

Ok, so this picture makes it look like we're super close in real life, but really, I just got the chance to meet Julianne for about 5 minutes. But still, it was quite an exciting 5 minutes. And she signed a couple of my paintings! She is an amazing dancer, great singer, has flawless skin (in person, too). 

It was a privilege. 

That's all for now. :)