1 Year Better

 

Today marks 1 year. 

It’s funny to look back on my childhood and realize that it started much earlier than I thought. I have described myself as a “scaredy cat” as a child to many people. I didn’t like to spend the night out places, I didn’t like to do anything I didn’t understand, I was always nervous on the first days of school, I wanted to know how things worked and felt uneasy when they couldn’t be explained. I feel like I had a wonderful childhood and the most loving family. This was something that was simply there. There was not a rhyme or reason to it or any sort of big event that I can look back on and say, “Ah, that’s where this all started”. 

Things leveled out once I was middle school aged. I would spend the night places, try things I wasn’t sure I was going to be good at, and lived, what I would call, a normal life. Extracurriculars, church events, family time, and a lot of times with friends. But even still, there were seeds that would come up. If my parents didn’t answer the phone when I called I would immediately worry something was wrong, if I saw something frightening on the news I wouldn’t be able to get it out of my mind. Events and thoughts like that swarmed my mind all of my teenage and young adult life. 

We know that with each stage of life, there are situations and circumstances that you will likely experience. Think about learning to drive, going on first dates, making decisions about where to go to college, your first fender bender, friendship changes, all things that could cause nerves and anxiety. I had times with high anxiousness throughout high school and college but nothing that became all-consuming and I certainly wasn’t labeling it anxiety at that time. 

I always contributed it to my personality. I am a feeler. I am sympathetic and empathetic. I consider these traits gifts from The Lord because it makes me soften towards people and helps me with connection and understanding. There are times though, where it becomes overwhelming and I feel things to the point that they impact my thoughts and my subconscious without even realizing it. When something happens, I usually think about how it makes other people feel before I consider how it makes me feel. 

Fast forward to adulthood and there was a timeframe where it seemed like one thing after another, after another, after another started to happen. If you know me, then you know about (what I call) our “puppy woes” that happened a few years ago. Since then, I have decided those events are what made my anxiety reach its peak. A few years later, there was a medical emergency that happened with a friend that was incredibly frightening, a school incident that was difficult to navigate, and then the pandemic started. To say everything felt overwhelming is an understatement. 

It was only after all of these things happened that I even started to consider seeing my doctor to talk about getting on medication. I had come to the conclusion that this was something that I had and something that I felt internally and deeply. Looking back, I was finally putting a name to something that has been present since childhood.

I would talk with my Mom about it a good bit and it was hard to explain that I was not dwelling on these situations but that I would subconsciously think about them. I would wake up in the middle of the night and my first thought out of sleep was about something that was bothersome to me. It is an overwhelming feeling when you realize how little control you have over it when you’re literally asleep and these thoughts wake you out of sleep. 

I didn’t realize how much my anxiety was impacting me until it wasn’t. 

It took me two years of talking to family, talking to friends, researching, and trying other natural remedies before I decided to talk to my doctor about it. And this is the point of my post. It wasn’t shame that kept me from going because I felt like I was open when talking about my feelings and struggles. I saw nothing wrong with seeing a doctor to get on medication. I didn’t think I would be any “less” if I did that. I honestly don’t know what kept me from seeing her for so long. Maybe I thought that with time it would go away like it had in the past. I’m not sure and that’s something that I will reflect on and think about. But what I do know is that it’s okay. 

It’s okay that it took me a while. 

It’s okay that I had questions. 

It’s okay that I have those feelings of anxiety because to me, they are linked to my empathy and that’s something that is good—it’s something that makes me who I am. 

But, it’s also okay that I needed help. 

It’s okay that a medication makes my mind feel at ease and brings balance. 

It’s okay that I didn’t know to what degree my anxiety was impacting me until I felt what it was like for it not to be ever present. 

My hope is that this serves as an encouragement to you. Especially if you’re reading this and thinking it sounds all too familiar. I just wanted to share that a year later, I feel better. 

Merry COVID Christmas

Well, it's safe to say this Christmas break was one like no other as Jason and I both had COVID the first part of the week--and yes, this included Christmas Eve, Day, and a few following. It was a HUGE BUMMER but, our family and friends made it bearable and in some ways, it still felt like Christmas--even without being able to partake in our favorite things!

We had family members and friends dropping off food and treats left and right. 

Unfortunately, we both lost our smell and taste but, we were nourished and well taken care of! 

It's coming back, slowly but surely. 

As different as this Christmas holiday was, I want to remember it. 

I want to remember how we had to take it slow, had to rely on others, and were able to literally spend every second of it together. It was sweet, in it's own COVID way and I know I will never forget it. 

I think this was my first Christmas Eve Communion Service to ever miss (in person) and while it was sad--if it wasn't for quarantine in March, we would not have had this live stream service and so for that, I am thankful that we were still able to "be there" through streaming. 

Christmas Eve is when all of my family gets together and opens presents. So, we FaceTimed and got to see everyone open their gifts and they watched us open ours (that our family had so graciously dropped off earlier that day). 

As we've gotten older, our stockings are our surprise from my parents on Christmas morning. We never know what's going to be in there and it's always so much fun opening those and going through them together. Since we were quarantined this year, Mom boxed up our stockings and delivered them to the front door with a strict note to not open them until Christmas morning. It was a gesture that most definitely made it feel more like Christmas! We FaceTimed her and Dad while we went through them before the craziness of their day started. It was simple & sweet and very much appreciated. 

Since we couldn't see anyone, we were sent ALL THE CUTE PICTURES of everyone from their Christmas mornings. 

Bennett, stealing the show with that smile!

Blair said that his new sippy cup was his favorite gift--ha!

Then, later that day, we zoomed with our extended family that we usually travel to see during the holidays. 

It felt the same as we were all talking over one another and spent a good bit of the time laughing and smiling. 

We ended the day snuggled up on the couch,  FaceTiming with Jason's parents since our trip to go and see them was also delayed for the time being. 

All of that being said, know that Jason and I are on the mend and are looking forward to spending the last week of our Christmas break out of quarantine!

I'll end by sharing this excerpt from the Advent book I read this year. The book was so, so good--it was, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" and I highly, highly recommend it. 

This one was from an entry written by Joni Eareckson Tada:

“On this side of eternity, Christmas is still a promise. Yes, the Savior has come, and with Him peace on earth, but the story is not finished. Yes, there is peace in our hearts, but we long for peace in our world. ⁣

⁣

Every Christmas is still “a turning of the page” until Jesus returns. Every December 25 marks another year that draws us closer to the fulfillment of the ages, that’s draws us closer to home. ⁣

⁣

When we realize that Jesus is the answer to our deepest longing, even Christmas longings, each Advent brings us closer to His glorious return to earth. When we see Him as He is, King of kings and Lord of lords, that will be “Christmas” indeed! ⁣

⁣

Christmas is an invitation to a celebration yet to happen. If you’ve got a Christmas longing, you’re about to be satisfied, too. Just hold on and say with me...Maranatha! Come Lord!” ⁣

⁣

Joni Eareckson Tada

Like I said, it was a Christmas like no other but, one thing is sure--the truth and meaning of Christmas, Jesus becoming a baby and coming to save us all from our sins, doesn't change...even when you have COVID and Praise God for that!

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Paleo Chicken & Dumplings

I LOVE chicken & dumplings. 

But, I think we have made it in our house one time simply because of how time intensive it is and it's not "healthy" (cue the tears). I had been craving a hearty soup so Jason found a paleo (healthier) version of them for me to try and make. I'll be the first one to tell you, they don't taste JUST like "real" chicken and dumplings but, my craving was satisfied and these were really, really good--and much easier than I thought they would be. 

This recipe came from Real Food with Jessica, an online blog. 

Which she said came from this book, Paleo Soups & Stews--which I am now convinced I need to buy since this dish turned out so well. 

I need to preface and say that we went a little off the path when it came to this recipe and I did my best explaining it below but, I'm not sure I did the best job. If you want to try this and the recipe makes no sense, I'm here to help. I'm mainly sharing it so I can refer back to it when I want to make them again!

Paleo Chicken & Dumplings

What you need: 

for the soup:

1/2 cup arrowroot starch (had to get ours off of amazon & 
actually didn't even end up using it, you'll see why below)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (she used 8 thighs) 

(Jason homemade broth for me so we used that chicken for the recipe

 it easily shred after simmering for 48 hours)

2 tablespoons ghee

1 medium onion, diced

2 celery ribs, diced

2 medium carrots, diced

1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

2 quarts 8 cups chicken broth 

3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk

for the dumplings:

3/4 cup almond flour

3/4 cup cassava flour 

(I had not heard of this flour but lo and behold, it can be found at Kroger)

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk

What you do: 
I need to preface by saying since we made our own broth, we did not follow these first steps pertaining to the chicken. Jason homemade a broth for me and so I used that broth with the chicken, shredded in it. He slow-cooked it on the stove-top for 48 hours before all of this. So, what's italicized it from the original recipe but, I did not do it.

In a large bowl, whisk together arrowroot powder, salt, and pepper. 

Dredge the chicken pieces in the mixture, coating them on all sides.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee. 

When hot, add the chicken in batches and cook until golden brown on all sides, 4-5 minutes a side.

Remove the chicken and set aside. 

***Rather than doing all that was listed above, I had the shredded chicken in the broth on the stovetop on low, ready to add all the below ingredients, eventually***

If you make your own broth like we did, then you'll do the following in a medium sized pan...
(if you did what the original recipe suggested and cooked the chicken separately, follow along exactly as written below--if you did it the way I did with the homemade broth and shredded chicken already ready, then skip the italicized parts)

Add the onion, celery, and carrots to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes,
until the veggies have softened.

Stir the thyme and turmeric into the vegetables. 

Pour in the broth, scraping up any brown bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Return the chicken to the pot and bring to a simmer 

Simmer the soup until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. 

Remove the chicken pieces and set them aside to cool.
(didn't do this part, mine was already in the broth)

While the soup is simmering, make the dumplings.

Mix together the almond flour, cassava flour, baking soda, salt, and coconut milk. 

Use your hands to form the dough into 24 small dumplings. 

The dumplings should be somewhat round, but still rustic looking.

Drop the dumplings into the simmering soup and cook for 5 minutes (or longer, if needed).

When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it. 

Discard the skin and bones. (Save the bones for making broth, if desired). Add the shredded chicken (my chicken was already in the broth and good to go) and coconut milk to the soup and simmer another 3-4 minutes, until heated though.

Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Jason liked it, I liked it, and we shared with my Mom & Dad, who both liked it--it was a hit! 

I froze some to see how it reheated and the only thing is that the dumplings don't keep their shape with the reheating/stirring and that's my favorite part of chicken and dumplings but, they were still tasty when reheated, they just took on the form of creamy chicken soup instead--ha!

Coconut Macaroons

It's been a while since I've shared a recipe on here--that's been reflective of how little Jason and I have been cooking but, we're hopping back on the train and we've been making a lot of yummy meals that will be shared soon. Most of the time, our goal when we're cooking is ease of preparation and that's it's easily used for leftovers/freezing...and that it's tasty, but that's a given.

That being said, these coconut macaroons have been on repeat at our house and for good reason. 

They are SO easy to make and as far as sweet treats go, they are a "healthier" option. 

5 ingredients--most of which you probably already have--and you can spruce them up by dipping them in chocolate, adding dried fruit, etc. if you wanted to. 

The possibilities are endless. 

The recipe comes from Kenzie Swanhart's "Paleo in 28"

Coconut Macaroons

What you need:

5 large egg whites

1/4 cup honey 

(85 grams if you want to weight it on a scale already in the bowl)

2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

dash of sea salt

Optional Ingredients:

dark chocolate chips

dried cranberries (as pictured above)

rasins

nuts

That it's. 

That's all you need and it's as easy as it sounds. 

It's very easy to double it, too. And trust me, you'll want to after you try them!

What you do:

Preheat the oven to 350

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and honey until fluffy

Add the coconut, vanilla, and salt to the bowl, and mix well. 

If you're adding any of the optional ingredients, I would put those in here and use a spoon to hand mix them in. 

Spoon out 1-tablespoon balls of the coconut mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (I've used one of those ice cream scoop shaped measuring spoons so I could easily plop it onto the baking sheet).

Bake for 12-15 minutes (I do 13), until lightly golden brown, and serve. 

Again, that's it. 

It's so easy and quick. 

The last batch I made, we ate on for 3-4 days and they kept really well in a sealed container but of course, they are best when they are fresh out of the oven. 

Now, go and make yourself some of these bad boys and let me know what you think!

Sweet Potato Chowder

We had snow day round 2 just last week and that called for soup...warm, hearty soup.
A friend of mine posted a photo of the most delicious looking sweet potato chowder and shared the recipe with me-- it originally comes from: here.

Now, to share it with you!

Sweet Potato Chowder

What you need:

5-6 slices bacon (we used sausage instead)

2 tbsp butter or ghee (or coconut oil for completely dairy free)

1/2 onion, diced small

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups of homemade broth (we used store bought broth)

2 medium/large sweet potatoes, diced small (about 4 cups)

1 bay leaf 

1/4 tsp dried thyme 

1/4 tsp dried dill 

2 cups thinly sliced kale, tough ribs removed (I made the mistake of purchasing the baby kale in a container--it would have been MUCH easier to cut buying it whole)

1 cup full fat coconut milk

salt and pepper to taste

fresh parsley for garnish

We doubled this recipe and it made enough for dinner, lunch, another lunch, and some to share.

It also freezes/reheats well. We froze some of the extra and had it for lunch a few days later.

What you do:

Cook bacon (or sausage) in a large skillet until well done and crispy. Set aside.

Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of fat of choice (butter/ghee/coconut oil) in a large pot. 

Add onions and cook until translucent and beginning to brown. 

Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Add broth, sweet potato, bay leaf, thyme, and dill. 

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer (covered) until potatoes are tender, about 12-15 minutes (I did more like 20-25 because of doubling it--wanted to make sure the potatoes soft).

Stir in sliced kale and cook until wilted and bright green. 

Add in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped crispy bacon (or sausage) and parsley.

It was such a good soup--and, as far as soups go, it was super filling. 

Jason's already asked me to make it again next week--so, I have a feeling this one will become a regular in our winter food arsenal. 

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

It has been wayyyyy too long since I've posted a recipe. 

In all honesty, Jason and I have been keeping it simple since July and just baked chicken and a vegetable most nights so, things haven't been as creative lately! 

But THIS! This is a good, easy (soooo incredibly easy), and tasty recipe. 

It comes from the "Paleo in 28" cookbook--which is full of all kinds of amazing recipes. 

This recipe is perfect for Jason and I because we can throw the ingredients in the crock pot before we leave for work and then, BOOM! Dinner is finished when we get home. 

So here it goes:

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

What you need:

2 pounds boneless chicken breasts

1 1/2 tablespoons cumin

1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

2 cups salsa

(and then we also add:)

1 can black beans, drained

1 1/2 cups of quinoa
Diced jalapeños 

What you do:

Place the chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker (I've done it with the chicken frozen and thawed--either way). 

In a small bowl, stir together to cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper along with salt and pepper. 

Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken. 

Pour the salsa over the chicken as well. 

Cook on low for 10 hours (or the original recipe says cook on high for 4 hours). 

When you are ready to eat, shred the chicken with two forks. Stir to coat the chicken with the salsa and serve. 

Then, Jason and I improvise after that and do the following:

Once the chicken is shredded, add in the black beans (don't forget to drain them).

Mix the black beans into the salsa chicken mixture. 

Put the lid back on and place on warm. 

We have found that we like to eat this over quinoa. 

Get you a bag of quinoa and cook it as the bag suggests (only takes about 15 minutes).

After that, enjoy the taste and ENJOY HOW EASY THIS WAS!

Full Armor 5K & Mama Carol's Birthday (2/25)

One of my goals for 2017 was to run a 5K. 

I ran during college and I really enjoyed it so, I committed myself to pick it back up this year. 

Mary Claire helped me solidify my commitment and we signed up for a race together--much earlier than I actually wanted to sign up for one but, there's no motivation better than running out of time! 

I slowly increased my distance and 2 days before, I was able to run 2.5 miles. I told Mary Claire that I felt like I would be able to spit out the last .6 miles the day of. 

It was a beautiful, very, very cold February morning and I'm happy to say...we did it. 

My goal when running a race is simply to run the whole thing. 

Sure, I'd love to increase my time...one day. 

But right now, it's just to finish the entirety of it without walking. 

 The race was held at Reservoir Overlook Park and it was beautiful. 

 This particular race was in support of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) which is "a Bible-centered organization whose purpose is to tell boys and girls of the Gospel of Jesus and to establish them in the Word and in a local church. "

We celebrated my Mom's birthday dinner that evening and we had a big time telling everyone that we finished 3rd and 4th...out of all 6 women that ran ;)

It's so fun, now that we're all grown and married, to host/help host a dinner to celebrate Mom and her birthday. We all get together, each cook a dish and enjoy each other's company all night. 

This appetizer was to die for.

Y'all...this game is hilarious. 

I wish I could post all of the videos but we are entirely too loud and obnoxious in them ;)

Let me just say this, Papa Steve can KILL IT at this game...and you better "Watch Ya Mouth"!

What I'm Loving Right Now (10)

It's been so long since I've done one of these posts. 

There's a lot of new stuff that I'm loving right now and I am excited to share with you all!

This Tobacco Pipe scented candle--I know, tobacco pipe? Trust me though, it's not an overpowering smell and I absolutely love it. I found it at TJ Maxx (surprise, surprise) the link I provided takes you to Amazon--that's the only place I could find it online. I have seen it at TJ Maxx recently though.  I've decided this is one of my favorite candle brands too. They have wood wicks so they make the crackling noise as they burn. Seriously, you can't go wrong with this candle. I've also purchased their vanilla scent and it was divine. 

Ellie Holcomb's new CD "Red Sea Road"-If I thought I could even love her music more...I now know that I can. I love this album. I love her music because her lyrics are so rich and full of so much biblical truth. My favorites (so far) on this album are: "Find You Here", "Red Sea Road", and "Wonderfully Made"--they are all great. 

Here's a clip of "Wonderfully Made"

I chose the pink vinyl because honestly, why not?

I also love the fact that on her blog she is posting the meaning behind some of the songs. That's one of the things I liked most about when she performed at our church because she told the story behind each song she sung and it was just, neat. 

My dear friend, Emily Tate, and her family are still on their adoption journey. After a failed adoption placement earlier this year, they are now selling new t-shirts (in addition to their old ones) that share their feeling of "HOPE" for this next step for them. They truly are the most comfortable shirts and I LOVE all of the color options that are available. CLICK HERE to purchase one--this will be my 3rd shirt to get from them because really, I needed a short sleeve, long sleeve, and a now, I need a HOPE one--I can't decide between the black short sleeve or the mint--what do y'all think?

 Here is a link to her blog so you can read about their process from the beginning. 

You can also donate to their Adoption After Loss campaign--here you an also read more about their story of loss. 

I got an Apple Watch at the end of October and I have really liked it. I wanted to give plenty of time before I posted anything about it but, it's worth it. I've really enjoyed the 'activity' aspect of it--it's given me the motivation I need to start of the new year on the right foot with my exercise. 

Speaking of exercise, one of my New Years resolutions was to start running again. I've locked myself in and signed up for my first 5K of the year with Mary Claire. We are doing the Full Armor 5K that benefits Child Evangelism Fellowship of MS. It's not too late to sign up and join us! Sign up here. I have enjoyed hitting the pavement again and can't wait to get back into my groove.  

Criminal Minds--I am hooked on this show. It scares me and intrigues me equally. I love how smart all the people at the BAU are! Dr. Reid is my favorite. I want to read a few articles on how many of these cases are based on real cases--but, I'm one of those that doesn't want any spoilers, etc so I am making myself wait until I'm finished. 

As if I'm not creeping myself out enough by watching Criminal Minds, I'm also catching up on my reading and catching up on all of the Women's Murder Club books by James Patterson. He's my favorite mystery/thriller author. You can fly through his books and it's safe to say that I am (almost) always surprised by the ending. They are great. 

I am loving this cooler weather--even though it is a few months late, I'll take it. I'm enjoying it and pulling out every sweater and beanie I have....even if I have to shed the layers by mid-afternoon because let's face it, we live in Mississippi. 

Ozark Trail Tumbler (Yeti knock off)--Y'all. This cup really is amazing. Yes, cups can be amazing. I mean it. The big one is under $10 at Walmart and that bad boy keeps ice all day. I purchased the smaller one for my coffee and that sold me even further. Most days at work, I'll come in with my coffee around 6:45 and some days I don't get to have a sip of it until I take the kids to lunch (around 10). When we have those days, it's still hot because of my amazing Ozark Trail cup. Get one of these! Which by the way, while looking for the link to share with you guys I found out they even come in different colors. I need the green one now ;)

Speaking of coffee--Chick-fil-a has the best coffee. Hot or cold. It's the best!

I got this spiralizer for Christmas and I am a veggie spiralizer, crazed woman! My favorite thing to do right now is spiralized salt & vinegar potatoes. I would definitely recommend the spiralizer, it's easier than the last one I had and makes very short work. 

If salt+vinegar potatoes sounds like something you would like all you need to do is:

pre heat oven to 375

spiralize (or cut) your potatoes

soak them in a zip lock bag with some white vinegar--just enough to coat them all

line a baking sheet with parchment paper

put the potatoes on the baking sheet (don't let the excess liquid onto the pan

sprinkle them all with salt

bake for 20 minutes--check on them, move them around, etc. 

We do that over and over until they are "to our liking"

We're obsessed. 

If you've ever wanted to try Rodan+Fields, now is the time! 

When you purchase a whole regimen plus our lash boost, you get 20% off. These are HUGE SAVINGS! 

Here are my personal results from using Lash Boost:

above, the top picture is from Oct 11 and the bottom picture is from Jan 18th--both withOUT any mascara. 

Below is a picture with mascara from Dec 24th

Real results, all my very own lashes! I love it! 

Check out my site to sign up as a Preferred Customer and receive some great savings and take advantage of the amazing deal we have going on right now--don't miss this!

ejussely.myrandf.com

And that's it folks--until next time! 

What I'm Loving Right Now (9)

It's been a while since I've done one of these!
Here I am, bringing it back.

Can't Stop The Feeling--I LOVE this song. If you don't, well, the only explanation must be that you haven't heard it yet!

Friends--I am officially obsessed with this show.  I know, I'm behind the times--by many, many, many years. But as they say, better late than never. It's such a fun show and I just love them all.

DonorsChoose--I love this site. I have used it for 3 projects now for my classroom and now, I'm working on my 4th. I am working towards getting some theme boxes for my classroom. Follow this link (here) and read more about it! I am excited at the prospect of having all of these boxes and books for my classroom.

Yerba Mate Tea--Jason and I have found our new favorite tea. You can read all about the benefits here. If you're interested, you can get it from Kroger and we've seen it at Rainbow as well.

The crazy beautiful sunset's we've been having--our backyard has the best view of the sunsets. Sorry in advance if I over do it on the sunset pictures, I personally can't get enough!

Sarah's Bachelorette Trip--2 weekends ago I went to the beach and spend the weekend celebrating my friend Sarah and her upcoming wedding! We had the best time--so much sun, laughing, celebrating, and fun was had. Come on October 22nd!

My class this year--I have such a sweet class this year. There's a lot of them (11 to be exact) but they are so much fun. I am looking forward to a really wonderful school year!

Moses--my stud of a nephew puppy. This guy is the cutest, biggest, fluffiest, best little thing there is. Just look for yourself...

Buddha's Brew Kombucha--tried this for the first time today and it was SO GOOD. We found it at Rainbow Grocery. It's the only place I've seen it, but then again, I haven't been looking until today. We tried the "tart cherry with melon"--amazing. 

The fact that I see Lauren Daigle in concert in less than a month--I am so excited about this! Oh, and I am BEYOND THRILLED that she has a CHRISTMAS album coming out!

Tie dying--I love it and it's been a minute since I've done it. I bought a kit a few weekends ago and just went to town on some white shirts. so. much. fun. 

Until next time...