Oh, there you are...

Source: calicofrogs.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I came across this quote on Pinterest.  It is exactly the way I felt the first time I layed eyes on Jon.

Have I told you this story?

The first time I layed eyes on him, he was just a tall, lanky guy across the parking lot.  {we were tailgating at a Royals game with friends.}

One of my friends thought he was a guy she used to date.  We quickly ruled that out when I ask one of the girls..."What's his name?"

"Jon."

"Okay, good.  We thought he was Bill." {or Frank, or Steve...who knows?}

But right there in that moment, I knew that I had to know him.  Something pulled me to him like a magnet.  It wasn't lust, it wasn't like that.  It was just as though my soul knew that it was in the presence of it's other half.  Except, I didn't recognize it as such.  Just that I had to know him.

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweet husband.  I'm so glad I listened to that small voice within me.  I love you more than words.
jen

If you have a significant other, do you remember the moment you met?  Was it love at first sight?  If you don't, do you believe in love at first sight?

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope your day is full of sweetness, and lots of love!

I do love love...

                     Source: maryruffle.tumblr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

I've been feeling a bit guilty about dogging on Valentine's Day. {here}  See, it's not that I hate Valentine's Day itself.  I just hate how much pressure is associated with it.  I mean, it's a day all about love, what's not to um...love?  I just think alot of people, especially women get too wrapped up in it being perfect.   Or maybe it's that inevitably you feel inadequate because of the hype.

                        Source: imgspark.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Anyway, I do appreciate Valentine's Day, and I can prove it.  I have a whole board dedicated to it on Pinterest. {speaking of, if you're on Pinterest, let's stalk each other on there too!}

                   Source: flickr.com via jennifer on Pinterest

Just wanted to set the record straight!

Happy heart....

via jennifer davis on Pinterest

My heart is full of happiness this Monday morning.

I've been struggling a bit as of late, with feelings of frustration, bordering on self pity.  I've been fighting it off best I can, but it creeps in.  I'm ashamed to admit that, because with a clear head and enough sleep, I know I have more than I could ever ask for, and I'm so thankful.

Let me tell you, this weekend did me good.

It started off on an emotional note,  but I saw more love and family, more excitement and pure happiness this weekend then I've seen in a while.  I'm not sure I can even express any more than that on this blog today.

I hope all of you were refilled and refreshed this weekend, as I was!

To those of you, my family and friends, who let me experience your joy this weekend, {you know who you are}  I thank you.  From the bottom of my heart. 

God speaks...

The greatest honor we can give to God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of His love.
-Julian of Norwich 


Funny how God speaks to you.  At lunch I was reading my devotional for small group, where I found this quote.  

After my writing this morning , it seemed fitting.  I will live gladly, for God loves me!

{photo credit:  JenniPenni}  yes, I realize that I just used one of her photos this morning, but seriously, could there be a more perfect photo for this post?

Last friday...

we tried a new chinese buffet that went in near our house.  $5.99 all you can eat.  It was good, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.  The only thing I found a little strange is that they had scoop-it-yourself ice cream.  Like out of the giant tubs.  Seemed a little unsanitary to me having every person off the street scooping in the ice cream...but of course, I ate some anyway.  

Who passes up free ice cream?  not I!

Here is my cute husband...

and here I am looking like a total crazed lunatic!  

I guess I was really excited about that egg drop soup!

Happy Friday everyone!

happy father's day...

i guess you could say i've always had an extra special soft spot for my dad.

he is one of my best friends and favorite people.  

he's always there to lend a hand or give some encouragement or advice.  

he's the kind of guy that will do anything for the people he loves.  

he's the retired guy that mows the lawns and plows the driveways of 4 or 5 of his neighbors just because he likes to help them out.  yeah, he's that guy.  everyone loves him.

he can almost always fix cars, sometimes just for fun.

he's always up for going out to eat.

he can build or fix just about anything.  

he loves a good story and tells the best ones.  

my dad is the best dad i could possibly ask for.  he's been there for me through thick and thin, always with a smile and a wink.  i love him the whole world's sky.

happy father's day, Dad!  I love you!

oh, and the picture was taken at the lake a couple of years ago.  he let me style his hair in a faux-hawk.  isn't he the cutest!?

happy mother's day...

My mom's pretty special: 

She has naturally curly hair.  {and she gave it to me}

She makes the best flower arrangements.  

She decorates a house like nobody's business.

Animals love her, and she loves them.

She has two birthdays.  {someday I'll explain}

She's a great shopping buddy.

She has the greenest thumb I've ever seen.  Seriously, her garden is amazing, and she knows the names of all the flowers and plants.

She can carry on a conversation for hours.

And, well, she's my mom!

Thanks Mom.  For being so special, for being you!

I love you, and happy mother's day!

hawaii on my mind...

Two years ago today we left for our honeymoon.  10 days in paradise.  

Hawaii is in my blood now.  I miss it.  

When asked to picture my happy place, 

I see Poipu Beach on Kauai.

Can't wait to go back to feel the ocean breeze, 

smell the plumeria blossoms and drink a lava flow.  

Someday.

Where's your happy place?

happy anniversary my love...

two years ago this evening we became husband and wife...

it was magical

and we've fallen more in love every day since.

photos by gabe hopkins