Reads for 2013

For...4 years now I've been writing down every book that I've read. As I've shifted into the "real world" the amount of books per year has dwindled, greatly (unfortunately).  

I like love to read. It's my television (don't get me wrong, I will get hooked on a good show as you all know) but (yes, I'm about to get dramatic) if I had to choose to eternally watch TV or read books--it would be a no brainer--books all the way! 

So, as I was finishing up a book tonight-I decided I wanted to share with you all these "little bounded beauties" that I share so much of my time with. So, with that being said--here's my "Reads for 2013". I am now committed to sharing this with you yearly, now and forever more ;)

Unfortunately, not all books are pictured because I borrowed 2 of them and have 1 of them on loan right now as well! But nonetheless, here you go! 

(If any of the books peek your interest, click the title and I've provided you a link to them on Amazon)

"Faithful God" Sinclair B Fergueson--although he can be a little hard to read and uses some really big words (which I wasn't ashamed to say that I had to look up) this book was used as a bible study guide with a group of close girlfriends of mine. It was a wonderful book that took you through the book in the Bible, Ruth. It resounded with God's Faithfulness for His people and the paths some of them (Ruth, Naomi, Boaz) took to get there. 

Great read, fairly short. 

"Radical" David Platt--this one was read as a suggestion by Jason. A challenging book and by that I mean, challenges you in your faith and makes you think about what you are doing. I wouldn't necessarily say that we all need to be as radical as people featured in this book because I fully believe God will guide and lead you where He wants you to go--doing what He wants you to do, ultimately. But it was just refreshing to read stories about God's people, my brothers and sisters in Christ, doing these amazing, radical things. I have 2 posts on a previous blog of mine that share a bit more about "Radical" and some of the great things found in the book. 

Not pictured--"Joni" Joni Eareckson Tada--I was loaned this book by a church member when they heard I was going to intern with Joni and Friends last summer. 

This book is amazing. If you want to read a real, raw, book that brings all the glory to God, even in situations where you wonder, "why is this even happening?" this is the book. It is the beautiful, scary truth of loving God and seeing His faithfulness to us in ways we may not always understand. 

I would ESPECIALLY recommend this book to people who have no idea who Joni Eareckson Tada is and what she does and how much she intensely loves Jesus. 

Wonderful, quick read. 

"A Praying Life" Paul Miller--I've always struggled with my prayer life--so I picked up this book at a youth conference one summer (about 3 years ago) and just now finally read it this summer. It's awesome. It's practical. It's very real. I took away some great ideas on how to help make prayer a more regular part of my life. It's definitely a work in progress, but Paul Miller is a wonderful encourager and wrote a great book. 

Not pictured because on loan--"Primal Blueprint" Mark Sisson--All about eating, health, exercise, primal living--really a book that changed our lifestyle. It was so interesting reading about the reason behind why we need to eat certain foods, why we need to avoid certain foods. Things that we've all heard--but this time, with reason and explanation. Not going to lie to you and say this was an easy read, because some of the "factual" chapters were so boring to me--but it's a really useful book. 

Not pictured--"Will You Be My Facebook Friend" Tim Chester--very short, like... hour read. This book was great--especially in our day in age where we are DRIVEN and CAPTURED by technology and social media (as I post on my computer on my blog ;) ) it was just, helpful to be reminded of how dangerous social media really can be and to hear some truths that are not brought to the surface. 

Would definitely recommend this one--great for a doctor's office visit to pass the time ;)

"Meaning of Marriage" Tim Keller--Jason and I had to read this for our premarital counseling and it doesn't matter if you are single, dating, engaged, married--whatever your current "relational status" may be--read this book! IT IS WONDERFUL. I can't say enough good things about this book and how it really opened our eyes, and our hearts to the true meaning of marriage. We plan to make it a yearly read. 

"11th Hour" James Patterson--If you love thrillers, mysteries, suspense--James Patterson is the master. About 5 summers ago I read all of his books that make up "The Women's Murder Club" and I highly suggest you do the same. They are so good--and very, very quick reads. The perfect leisure reads (that will keep you wondering/guessing). Read them all! Number 13 coming out May 5th!

"Divergent" and "Insurgent" Veronica Roth--The first 2 books in the 3 book series. This series is WONDERFUL! Comparable to the Hunger Games but BETTER in my opinion. Surprises, romance, really great reads. 

My hope is to double my "reads" for 2014!

Updates at the 422

With Snow Days--comes time for updated house pictures! 

Since I've been in the house for 2 months now, we've had some updates and FINALLY have some progress in all of the rooms in the house. 

As you may have read in our previous post "Honey Do's" we've done a lot to the house since buying it back in April. But, I have a feeling it's going to take years to get it "just how I like it" but you know, I'm up for that! Bring on the years of "house perfecting"

Our bedroom--we love our bedspread from Anthropologie--"Fleeting Moments"

We found Jason's bedside table at HomeGoods. The newest addition is our painting from Mrs. Eleanor Hughes...that I think is breathtaking! 

We found this gem at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and it filled the space behind our door perfectly! It's also perfect for storing all kinds of goodies!

After searching high and low for a matching bedside table to Jason's (with no luck might I add)--we ended up finding this amazing one at HomeGoods on one of our many trips there. I LOVE IT--and I love how it matches the floor in our room. Our painting to the right is what I brought Jason back when I went to Haiti. The lamp, which matched everything perfectly, came from World Market in Auburn. My sweet little, green birdie--that was a gift that my sister brought me back from Peru!

 The pictures above our TV were purchased in New Orleans on our "engagement trip". We ended up buying quite a few prints from this photographer so they are hung in various places in our house. These fit all too perfectly above the TV.  

This was one of my favorite wedding gifts we got-it's just our invitation framed. I think it's beautiful.

Our little kitchen storage/barish area is finally together and ready for use--coffee, wine, whichever you prefer ;)

 This poor little guest bathroom has been through so many changes. From the previous blog post, "Honey Do's" you could see the wallpaper that covered the walls and the beginning of our bathroom task. I had a different curtain in here as well and decided it was too bright and "adolescent" so my sweet husband gave me the okay to order and update the whole guest bathroom and I have LOVED how it's turned out. 

This picture has really...yellowed the room! It's much more "crisp and cleaner" looking that it seems. 

A church member, Ms. Linda Beatty did the pastel drawing of the sunflowers. They ended up matching the bathroom perfectly. 

 The guest bathroom is our first, FULLY completed room in the house.
It's just a coincidence that it's the smallest one too ;)

I am posting this one out of sheer motivation to finish this room! 

Say hello to the guest room. Today, we finally hung up the headboard/picture frame

This room is actually close to being done--I just need something to fill up that huge blank wall and my two dressers have to be re-done (hence why they didn't make the picture)!

My hope it to give you all monthly updates of "finishing touches" we are doing to the house. 

Stay tuned!

Snow Day(s)

Here in Mississippi, we are usually only lucky enough to get one snow day a year--maybe two--which just so happened to be yesterday and today. No work, no leaving the house, nothing but seeing our green(ish) yard turn into a blanket of fresh white snow. 

I love snow--there is something so, peaceful and beautiful about it. It's such a sweet little (surprise) blessing that we get to enjoy very rarely. 

I loved scrolling through people's pictures/videos of their families/pets/friends all enjoying the snow together. 

For Jason and I, this was our first snow day together--what did we do? 

Well...

We started off the morning with breakfast and doing our daily reading.

 When the new year came around--Jason and I decided to pick up the "Daily Reading Bible" we had and we have committed to reading through the bible this year. So far, so good! We've already had to have a few "catch up days" but, we are praying for consistency and motivation for ourselves as well. Our daily prayer is that The Lord will open up our hearts and minds to what He wants us to learn through His word and that what we read--we will hide in our hearts to help us grow and learn to love one another better and to ultimately, love and serve Him better.  

We then of course had to venture outside and get some snow pictures--cliche, I know ;)

I do love the snow look on our house

What did we do the rest of the day--well--it included our PJs, our fireplace, our couch, a sushi delivery, homemade coconut ice-cream and LOST episodes. It was QUITE the day off!

Today's Snow Day has been a little more productive with some cleaning, picture hanging, and meal preparation included. 

But now, we're back to our comfy couch and my new found friend, LOST--I'm addicted already!

Cayla & Matthew 1-25-14

This past weekend (and most of this month) Jason and I were busy celebrating the (now) Day's! 

Cayla is one of my longest friends (going on 14 years) and she and her "college sweetheart" tied the knot this past weekend! 

It was such a fun weekend--from the rehearsal, to a little girls night, a bridesmaids breakfast, pedicures and manicures, to the wedding day--a wonderful celebration for them!

In typical fashion, I want to share pictures of all the events we had celebrating them and the beginning of this chapter in their lives. 

Engagement Party at Cool Water 

My handsome hubby and I 

The Bridesmaids

 A Couple's Shower the Wedding Party threw for them at Lineage Lake Clubhouse 

Rehearsal Dinner at The Castle in Raymond 

Bridesmaid's Breakfast at the Kuhn's House

At The Castle in Raymond for all the wedding day festivities--it was such a cool, beautiful place

 Props to the photographer for this great picture (and the next one)--Love these ladies.

 Comforting the cry baby ;)

I love dancing with my husband. 

I can't dance, he can dance wonderfully, we both try and it's a fun time for all involved!

So thankful the photographer caught these sweet moments at the reception. 

"Sister Friends" of 14 years now--2 weddings down, 2 more to go!

These two love birds during their first dance--(stole this picture from Cayla's Facebook so credit to whoever took it!)

Join with me in praying for Cayla and Matthew as they embark on their marriage--may they always seek the Lord and may He forever bless them!

11-23-13

I am beyond excited to share with you all some of our wedding pictures! 

It was so much fun to look through these and remember that day. It was such a sweet, sweet blessing to us and we are still so thankful! It couldn't have been a more perfect day for us. 

I of course want to give credit where credit is due as well!

The dress of my dreams--from The Bridal Path

Our flowers were from Chapman's Florist in Pearl--they turned out so wonderfully!

Mom helping me get dressed in Dad's office at the church made for a special moment. 

This handsome man, my husband!

My sister, my best friend, my maid of honor--love you so very much!

Our private moment/first look was so sweet. 

That face, I love that face!

The doors we found at a flea market in Pearl and Melissa and Mom "weathered" them. 

These are such special pictures to me--to be able to get the chapel at the church my Dad's been preaching at for 17 years makes for some really, really sweet pictures. 

My mother's veil that she wore on her wedding day

My $15 headband off Etsy

Pearl earrings that my Grandparents gave me at my graduation from MSU

These handsome men sporting awesome tuxedos from Men's Warehouse--we loved them!

10 of the best girls I know--Their dresses were also from The Bridal Path and we all wore TOMS. 

How many people can say that their Dad married them? Even more so, how many can say that their Dad and their Uncle married them! So special to us and we are so thankful for these two men. 

Dad's signature, on our marriage license!

What a blessing. 

Baby's Breath Halos from Chapman's

The most adorable ring bearers ever. 

This picture melts my heart--I love this moment. 

My nerd side decided to go with book page hearts rather than flower petals 

"What God has joined together, let no man separate"

The best kiss of my life

Our reception was at the Mississippi Ag Museum in Sparkman Auditorium and with the help of some church members, we had the best reception we could have asked for! It was a total surprise to us what it wold look like and we were blown away! We are so thankful to all of you who so tirelessly planned and helped us with all this! Y'all are amazing! 

Victoria Duckwork, Dixieland Catering, did a wonderful job with our food! It was delicious and the presentation was beautiful! 

The cake topper was used by my Grandparents and my parents as well. The cake itself is from "That Special Touch" in Pearl--butter flavored!

My mom made all of my childhood cakes--the cakes that I've grown up eating for birthdays, holidays, you name it.  German Chocolate.  Red Velvet.  Then, we have Aunt Gail's mouth watering Banana Pudding that always makes an appearance at a Jussely event!

Jason's beautiful and delicious cake was made by "The Fat Cake Guy" in Flowood. 

We got a bible for our guests to share with us their favorite verses. It's been so fun looking through The Word and seeing our family and friend's favorite verses. Our family bible. 

This display blew me away. 

Scott Steele did an amazing job as our DJ. We loved meeting with him and he did a great job with all the music he played. Really neat guy. 

Our first dance, "Live Forever" by Drew Holcomb. 

"The Way You Look Tonight" by Michael Buble

"My Wish" by Rascal Flatts

The same garter my mother wore at her wedding. 

Waving glow sticks as we left. 

Jessica Holmes did an AMAZING job! We couldn't be more please with her work. 

Check her out at: http://www.jholmesphotographs.com

Once again, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. We are so thankful and our wedding will forever be a cherished memory to us not only for what it represents but for the out pour of love and support and celebration we shared with all of our family and friends. 

God is good, all the time.