five on Friday: the odd week

[one]

My sister has been in town and I have been off all week. It's odd because it never works out that way but it has been super nice to be able to relax and visit with her and the boys without having to worry about schedules and dividing my time! Oh how I long to work for myself but until then I will take a week off to spend with the people I love, my family!

[two]

I mentioned last week that my nephew's 6th birthday was this weekend but his star wars party was last weekend! The decorations were completed and I think the 6 (almost) year old jedi had a great time!

[three]

I am currently obsessed with these! If you need a quick snack, this is it! So good, so sweet, so crunchy!

[four]

I made an awesome batch of pesto this week! Oh my goodness! So good!

[five]

My sister and I along with two of her friends attended an All Sons and Daughters concert last week that was awesome! If they are coming to your area, go. Just go! Great night of worship and surrender to the Father.

Here are the tour dates.

Linking up on Five on Friday

Meet Me in St. Louis!

This weekend we flew out to St. Louis to celebrate the marriage of my cousin. On my mom's side of the family there are eight cousins. This cousin is the youngest other than my sisters. She is about 8 months older than I am and even though we grew up 1,000 miles apart we spent a lot of time together. Thankfully our parents worked hard to make sure we had a relationship and I am thankful for her! 

I can honestly not think of someone more giving and genuine. Nothing could keep her from giving you her right arm if she thought you needed it! Her day was totally her and she was such a beautiful bride! 

She asked me to come over the morning of her wedding to help her get ready! That was so much fun to watch the process and I was blessed she chose to include me in her big day that way.

Her daddy's first look! 

She asked me to ride with her and her parents to the church! It was a special time of just the four of us. She was a ball of nerves and excitement! We spent the 20 minutes on the way to the church remembering sweet memories and praying for her day ahead. 

Her bridesmaids praying over her before she walks down the aisle.

The moment before she became his.

The families praying over the bride and groom before they become Mr. and Mrs.

My family all dressed up!

My mom and her brothers and mom. Lately we have had more and more times of being together with all of her family! These goof balls make family get togethers so much more interesting! 

My mom and her brothers and their spouses and nanny!

The beautiful sunset provided a gorgeous back drop for the reception!

We wrapped up the weekend with some family time and frozen custard!

My sister and uncle the bottle and born gingers! 

The flight home.

It was an awesome weekend filled with celebration and fun! I am so excited for my dear cousin and her hubby! Can't wait to see how God uses them! 

5 on Friday

[one]

12.

That's the number. I have currently lost a total of 12 pounds in the last month and a half. I confess I thought 12 pounds lighter would look a mess of a whole lot different but that is a post for another day. For now I am proud of myself but want to keep working. That means I am 1/5 of my way to my goal so that is awesome.

 [two]

I am currently constructing all things star wars for my nephews 6th birthday. Before this month I didn't know what a millennium falcon was. Now I made one!

...and a death star, and three x-wing fighters, and a personalized opening crawl. Boom.

[three]

I feel like I am back to back celebrations right now...which isn't a bad thing.

Cousin's wedding last week (post tomorrow)
Nephew's 6th birthday this week
Nieces's baby shower next week

When April gets here I may feel bored!

[four]

I know I am going to get a lot of flack for this but everyone was all like, "bring on the spring" and I am over here not having it! I do love snow and would love some back but this waffling back and forth between winter coats and flip flops has go to stop. To each their own I supposed but is this really what everyone was wishing for?! Come on people! At least there was NO confusing when big white flakes were falling from the sky. It was for sure winter. But this, this is a confusing, nose running, wardrobe exploding mess.

Rant over.

[five]

Can we just stop for a minute and soak in that I have a 6 year old nephew. SIX! A more detailed post will come on his actual day but as I have prepared all his party stuff I can't help but get a little crazy over the fact that he is going to be six. Sigh.

Linking up for Five on Friday

My 25th Birthday!

February 24th was my 25th birthday. It was pretty low key and a surprise element, I didn't have to work! Sweet! 

I think I struggled with 25 being the number because  I contemplated where  I was and where I thought I would be. This past year I have left my church, ministry, house, and most all that was comfortable and same. It has been a year of change and newness. Sometimes newness hurts but that means that it is working. Growth is happening. God is growing me and I am confident of that. My quiet times have been sweet and challenging. I am thankful! 

So onto the birthday! Because we had just completed the 21 day fix I took the opportunity to celebrate my birthday with some cinnamon rolls! My mom makes the best and she delivered! So. Yum!

My aunt sent me a text with this picture! Totally her! She is so thoughtful! A quarter, for 25, and from 1990, my birth year! So fun!

For dinner I chose my favorite local BBQ place! I didn't choose a fix approved meal but I enjoyed it and jumped right back in the next day! 

My family at dinner!

For dessert I chose Blue Bell ice cream. If you haven't had any...you are missing out. End of story! 

We threw in some Bryers ONLY because it was tiramisu! 

It was a great day of celebration and fun! I am so blessed for a wonderful family to walk through this past year with me and begin this new one coming up! God is good.