The one for a summer recap.

 I am back in Raleigh finishing up my last, sweet year at NCSU.  I am very excited, very nervous, happy, sad, anxious.. all of the above.  Thankfully, I am coming off a summer high from being at home for the past couple months. 

To start off, I worked in my own pediatrician's office.  I cannot tell you how great of a experience it was.  I stand firm in knowing that I gained more hands on experience there than I could have anywhere else.  Also, it was such a rewarding experience to be able to see both sides of the practice... one side being the patient for years & years & years, then seeing it completely different from the staff side this summer.  I am so thankful for Dr. Gale & her staff.  Im sure they were ready to bid me farewell at the end with my obnoxious obsession with the Olympics and my crazy dance moves.  But all in all, it was the absolute best way to spend my summer.

This summer at home was full of comfort & familiarity.  I loved being at home with my parents & my brother.  They always made me feel loved... through momma's southern cooking, daddy helping with my laundry, doing things just one on one with each of them, just sitting in the living room together, eating outside, scratching my back and random acts of kindness.  I sure do love my family & I am so thankful I've got such good people to go home to.

Also, at home I was thankful to be there to celebrate both of my parents' 50th birthdays!

This summer I started a girl's bible study for high school girls.  Every week about 8-12 girls would come to my house for an hour to discuss various topics like faith, routine, worth/beauty, and evangelism.  One of my favorite weeks was when we did a small lesson & then did a little evangelistic work at our hometown gas stations.  The girls seemed to really love it also.  I am so thankful for this girls & their spirits!

 

 

I can't talk about my summer without mentioning my working man.  Although I hated living in a different city from him, I think this summer was such a sweet time in his life.  I think living by himself while going through the transition process from full time student to full time employer was a good thing.  I think he really loves his job & I think he enjoys the responsibility that comes with it.

So there is my summer recap.  I am excited to be back in Raleigh && to see what kind of goodness I can squeeze out of this last year!

The one for Sydney's sneak peak.

 Fortunately, I have had a great weather run with taking pictures.  The weather has always been cooperative.   Not last week.  As soon as Sydney & I got out on the side of the road to our first location.. it started to sprinkle.  Not a big deal, we rolled with it.  On the way to the second location, it poured.  We just sat in the car && waited it out.  It would pour, sprinkle, pour, sprinkle.  Although, I was stressing a little about losing the light since it was around 7 pm, it was such a blessing.  Sydney & I had great conversation while waiting for the rain to pass.  We talked about college, relationships, our families and everything in between.   Getting to know Sydney was a sweet experience & therefore, I am thankful for the rain.

 

 

Thanks Sydney for fun Friday night.  You're simply beautiful.

The one for my sweet daddy.

 This past Father's Day, we gave dad tickets to see Chicago & the Doobie Brothers in Raleigh.  So on Saturday we loaded up the car & headed to my little oasis for a weekend getaway!

It was such a fun weekend of good eats, Farmer's Markets && classic music.

 

Well, yesterday my sweet daddy turned the big 50.  Like my mom, my dad is also very laid back.  He don't get worked up or anxious over much.  My dad is relaxed.  My dad loves the comfort and simplicity of his home - & we knew that is where he would want to celebrate his big day.  So we invited his parents over and had burgers on the grill.  We sang & he blew out candles.  He wore a party hat && a  big smile the whole night.

&& Ashley didn't miss out on the party.  We Face-Timed her in on all the singing and opening of gifts! :)

 

Oh happy day, daddy.  I love you so much.  I cannot explain how much you mean to me.  I am so grateful for your giving heart and your leadership.  You make your family feel so loved, so comforted, so protected in everything you do.  I love you, Douglas.  Stay golden.

the one for our little hippie.

 My little cousin, Brooke, is my girl.  We are more like sisters than cousins.  We are very honest with each other, we laugh every single time we are together, and we influence each other at every opportunity.  Brooke is inspiring in more ways than one.  One crazy obvious way is her heart of adventure.  Hiking, fishing, kayaking, swimming, farm animal keeping, hunting.. if it's outside, she's there.  She has no fear and no sight of limitations.  She is a free and sweet spirit that I adore.

 Last year, Brooke had a outdoor get together with the family for her birthday.  This year was the same thing but so much better!  With her family and friends surrounding her, Brooke hosted an awesome party that include zip lines, scavenger hunts, tie dying T-shirts, a weenie roast and watermelon!

 

 

 

 

 Sweet Brooke, you throw the BEST birthday parties.  No one can do quite like you can.  You are so so loved, my girl.  Our family is encouraged by your spirit and heart to embrace this life.  Keep living.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Tim. 4:12)