Rejoice!

Hard Morning

Had a hard morning this morning.

Very thankful for:

• good distractions (which included an unsuccessful trip to the dmv -- it isn't often that you say you are thankful for a trip to the dmv!)
• a quick nap to help change a bad mood (let's just say it wasn't me that needed the nap and the mood change)  
• my own room to go and be alone for a while
• God's Word which reminds me that He is my strength and my song 
• knowing that I get to talk with my sister tonight -- I need some Carmenita time :) {thats my nickname for my sister...long story}

New Project

I was feeling the need to be outside today so I asked my grandma if I could work in fixing up the metal chairs that have been in the backyard for who knows how long. She said yes and I went out there with a wire brush and scraper for about an hour. I would have kept going, but I started getting a blister and it was growing. 

Here is the before picture:

After an hour of working I almost have the seat entirely scraped off. There are three layers of paint on this chair. I'm pretty sure it was originally yellow. Then there is a thick layer of red and finally white. It is going to take a while, but I'm exited about the outcome!

Jeremiah 29:11

Lord, I need you

Another favorite song! 

Packer Training Camp

I feel like I've been able to so many new things since I got to Wisconsin. Yesterday I went to Green Bay with my cousins and their boys to the Packer training camp. It was very fun. We didn't get to sit in the bleachers, but we had a good spot at the fence. We had a great time, and it was so nice spending time with my cousins. 

I don't have to do the fighting.

You need only to be still. 

Isn't it wonderful that God promises to be there all the time?! 

Yup, I'm a Nerd!

Monday I drove to Green Bay to do some shopping and get out of the house for a bit. It was nice. I have to be honest though. My real motivation for going that day was so I could take this picture at Barnes and Noble. Ha!! Julie has gotten me completely hooked on Doctor Who!

Needing Febreeze

     Yesterday grandpa told grandma that he wanted a cinnamon roll and some coffee. I don't think the above picture is what he had in mind.
     Grandma stuck the cinnamon rolls in the microwave, hit start, and continued with what she was doing. Not long later smoke was pouring out of the microwave. And by pouring I really mean pouring. They ended up just a tad over-cooked. Today the house doesn't smell like smoke as much as it did yesterday, but I think I'm going to get Febreeze anyway. I want to make sure the smell doesn't stay in the furniture. Yuck!
     I was feeling a little down yesterday. Grandma seemed to be in a nasty mood in the morning and was taking it out on Grandpa and I. It made me feel nervous about being here and living with them for this unknown period of time. I'm so glad that the Lord knows our every thought and every need because yesterday He supplied those needs that I didn't even know I had. 1) I was able to have lunch with some great friends from home. It was so good to see them. Betsy's family lives in Wisconsin and they were there visiting so we met halfway for lunch. It was a great distraction from the frustrating morning. 2) My mom talked to my grandma in the afternoon and asked how things were going with me being there. Grandma, without any hesitation, said they loved having me here. 3) I'm trying to make it a habit to help my grandma check her blood sugar every night before bed because she gets confused about the meter. Last night after helping her she cupped my face and very sweetly said thank you. Those things were just what I needed. 

My spot

See that blue basket there? This is my space in the kitchen. I know it is small, but I was actually pretty excited that grandma made that space for me. :) it means that I don't have to carry my coffee supplies to my room every day.

Jesus paid it all

All to Him I owe!

Sketching again

Line from a favorite worship song. 

Accidentally crumpled the corner. 

Day One

I had to laugh yesterday. It was my first day living with my grandparents (without the rest of my family here) and I got out of bed, went out of my room and my grandparents weren't home. Ha! It was only 8:30 in the morning. There was no note or anything. Had to trust that they were ok. I hope that if they have to go to the emergency room in the middle of the night they would let me know. Actually I think they will. Grandma came in my room late last night to help her check her blood sugar. I'm glad she feels comfortable doing that. Anyway, they came in a few minutes later. They had been at the grocery store. It is going to take some major convincing to get my grandma to stop driving. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to drive to work everyday, even though I live just a couple blocks away from the school, just so she doesn't have access to the car all the time.

laugh, cry, and harmonize

I definitely cried last night during our last song.
For the past year and a half I've been so blessed to sing with this girl and her brothers. We've laughed, cried, and harmonized with each other. I feel like they are part of my family.
This is where I dislike change. Its not so much the location change, but the people change. I'm going to miss those three so so much. Thankfully I know I will keep in touch with them and see them when I come to visit. I'm so happy that the Lord gave me the joy of leading worship with them. I was encouraged by each of them every week we sang together. They challenged me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus as we praise His name. I'm excited to see how God continues to grow each of them closer to Him. I know that God is going to do amazing things in them and through them!

Give me Jesus

I drew this last night before I went to bed. I woke up in the morning with the phrase/song stuck in my head. It caused me to pick up my Bible before I did anything else. So thankful for little reminders like that. It was such a sweet time in God's Word and praying. I love that time so much. 

I like these little flowers. 

Be Still

It is easy to get worked up about things and worry. But God tells us to be still and let Him take care of things. As I've said many, many times His way is much better than my own way. Stop worrying and overthinking. Let the Lord take care of it. 

Playing around with chalk pastels. 

Silly Girls

 I love sleepovers with this silly girl! She is so much fun. Here is our froggy picture. Haha! It hardly looks like us! Kinda creepy. 

Our morning has been full of donuts and Wild Kratts. Perfect relaxing morning! 

Noah's Quilt

My most recent quilt. I love the colors. My second attempt at applique. Still need more practice. 

I made this for sweet baby Noah. 

I really like how it turned out! I have extra fabric, I just might make another. 

Philippians 4:6

One of my favorite verses. I'm constantly saying this verse to myself. 

Mighty to Save

I like this song.