Tealightful

A perfect summer evening just screams for an outdoor garden party.

Kristina is a consultant for a loose leaf tea business. And so she made this trip to Nebraska not only to visit me, but also to host a Tealightful party. 

Preparing for the party was almost as fun as the time itself.

Chinese lanterns

tissue paper flowers. 

white pendents made from sheets

And lots of pictures from the evening...

yummy food

The place setting--a confusing quiz game;) and Jelly Bellys

 

One of my adorable friends...

 Kristina explaining her tea's

The weather was delightful, the food was delicious, the tea was refreshing and the company was sensational. It made for a perfect evening!

Softball and makeup

Kristina was here for a week. And we packed that week full. She flew in on Tuesday and we got things started right by heading to the baseball field to watch the boys play in the Father/Son softball game. It turned out that they didn't have enough guys that night so they started recruiting...and I found myself up to bat, wearing a light tan and not very full skirt. It was so much fun!!

We got our energy out that night because the next day found us on a girls lunch date with a friend.

Cheesecake Factory--WIN!

Bekah needed a couple things from the mall so we headed to the new Bare Minerals store. I am a big fan of Bare Minerals makeup and was thrilled to hear that a real store had finally come to Omaha.

The colors were gorgeous! And the selection was enormous!

And the ladies are so sweet and kind, and willing to answer any and all questions regarding their product!

Kristina and I both got an eye make-over and learned a few new tips.

That was our "girly" fling for the week:) And of course it was such fun. 

Those first 24 hours really described our week...flip-flopping from one activity to the next.

I began with a sigh...and ended completely inspired

Everyday I like to read a couple Psalms and Proverbs along with my main reading. Normally I choose the Proverb of the day. And today was no exception, except today, I'm ashamed to say, I wasn't too thrilled. It's the 31st, and we all know what Proverbs 31 is all about; the Virtuous Woman.

I've heard this chapter preached on, I've memorized it in two different versions. Mother/Daughter Bible Studies are always based on this chapter and I've heard oodles of teachers teach on it. Quotes are hung up all over the place and I've let it become commonplace. I let it lose it's charm. And so as I turned my pages to Provers 31, I gave an inward sigh.

But recently I heard a message taught on Bathsheba (the author of those verses). It really changed my perspective on her, in a positive way (but that's too long to get into right now...), and so I thought I would read this chapter with that in mind. Purpose to find something new. Purpose to not view it as commonplace. Purpose to view it as excellent instruction that God has given to me, as a girl. Purpose to read it as if I'd never read it before.

I was amazed. Inspired. Stunned. Discouraged. Energized. All at the same time.

Things jumped out at me like never before. Yeah, I'm not married. But I'm willing to bet a substantial amount that this woman didn't all of a sudden become the "supermom/wife" right when she got married. Uhh...no. It took preparation.

And it hit me. If I could spend every minute of my life preparing so that I could be like her...I still wouldn't be ready. *smile*

Just take a look at some of her characteristics;

• she gets up while it is still dark..   
• out of her earnings she plants a vineyard    
• her arms are strong for her tasks
• she extends her hands to the needy.
• she is clothed with strength, and dignity
• she speaks with wisdom
• she does not eat the bread of idleness

And the list goes on and on and on.

What kind of things would this girl have been doing while she was not yet married? 

Good question. 

What are you doing...right now...to prepare for the future?

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 

but a women who fears the LORD is to be praised." 

Prov. 31:30

Week #3

(yes, an odd picture to accompany goals...but here it is...for no real reason)

This week has been a blast and I can't wait to share pictures and stories with you all! And I think we accomplished all my goals for last week! And we actually managed to take lots of pictures...

• Memorize Psalm 37
• Write a poem (which may or may not be posted)
• Blog about amazing visit

"Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones,

 Give unto the LORD glory and strength. 

Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; 

Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness."

Psalm 26:1-2

Real quick

Yeah, it's Monday again. And with that is supposed to come a new set of goals right? Well...this week is gonna' be full, fun and exciting. So my goals are;

• Pick up Kristina and Katy from the airport
• Have loads of fun
• Plan and host a garden party
• Take lots and lots of pictures

Generally my list is supposed to be somewhat of a challenge, yet still attainable. Not this time....well, maybe on the "take pictures" one...

The new look

And just fyi--I love hanging out with this girl!

While Dan was in OKC for classes Bethany flew in for a quick visit. The time went entirely too fast, but we smashed it full of fun! And among countless other things she managed to snap some pictures of my new hair cut...and ice cream! (insert cute little heart)

[Thanks, Bethany!]

Volleyball

...I love it!

While out in VA we got to play a lot of it. We would eat a quick lunch at our desk and then hurry out to play volleyball for an hour or so over the lunch break.

The games were good, competitive and usually well matched. Sand volleyball was the choice when the weather was favorable, although the inside gym was the popular vote for those not inclined to get too much sun.

For some reason, the girl behind the camera that day really liked this guy...but being his wife she can get away with being biased:)

The whole group of us. Yes, I miss them too!

And a couple times during my stay we got together with these crazy people to play some 2-on-2. The sand court was a little big, so we stepped off smaller lines and tried our best. Finally we just resorted to practicing whatever we felt like. Whether it was spiking, setting, over-hand serve, rolling in the sand, bumping or just getting in a kick of giggles, we always had a blast!

Occasionally we played wallyball...now if you don't know what that is...well it can be crazy. It is played in the racquetball court with a very bouncy rubber volleyball. The walls can be used to your advantage if you so wish. The court is quite small which makes it nice for a smaller group of people, but it gets crowed very easily.

Both ways are fun, but if you ask me, a good competitive game of indoor volleyball is tough to beat!