Our First Anniversary

On June 22, 2012, Jonathan and I celebrated our first anniversary as girlfriend and boyfriend. I have to say, I am definately the luckiest girl in the world!

Throughout this past year, we've been through ups and downs in our lives, school, finances, trials of faith, and of course, our relationship. We survived a year of high school drama together, birthdays, holidays, and our families complaining that we're never home. It's been such a blast and we have so many incredible memories.

One of the awesome parts of the whole thing is that this is the longest relationship for both of us, and first one year day with someone. And I'm so glad I got to spend it with you Jonathan!

To celebrate our first year together, we had a fantastic dinner at Macaroni Grill. There we exchanged our gifts. I made Jon a 365 jar ( a jar with 365 peices of papers with memories and things to make him smile), a journal, and a B-Dubs gift card. He gave me an adorable key chain and souvenir mini license plate with my name on it, and a beautiful necklace with charms and "Everlasting" engraved in it. Then after dinner Jon took me to Academy to get some Thunder gear! Needless to say I had a great time! Thank you again Jon!

Jon, I can't wait for more great memories! I want you to know I'm very proud of all your accomplishments, and I'm so glad I have the honor of calling you mine!

Ladies and Gents, before you go, I ask you to keep Jon and his youth group in in your prayers. They are currently sharing God's love in Joplin. Then in mid-July, Jon will be on the group going to Belize. These are amazing young people that are going to do great things! Thanks for all your support!

Now to these groups: I am proud of all of you! Be careful, but be bold for God. I cannot wait to see you all when you get back and hear about all the great fun you had! Love you!

Sweet Summertime

Summertime is sweet, and there is no doubt about that! I know my posts can often be a bit random but here are some really cool ideas, things to do, and just fun things to know this sunny season:

     I absolutely love Sundays! Sleeping in from the busy week, going to a late service, eating lunch with the family, and that amazing Sunday nap. This is usually the day I try to prepare for the week, but also rest. Today I spent my Sunday doing all these things. I would also like to invite anyone to join us next Sunday at Lifechurch. Pastor Craig is a great teacher that can truly relate to his audience.

   Okay, shifting gears. For those of you who are creative like me, pinterest is about to be your new best friend. This site has so many ideas to reuse household items, plan easy lunches and meals ahead of time, and countless tutorials. I personally have already made several recipes that were cheap, easy and delicious with just a few ingredients from my pantry. You can find pretty much anything on pinterest; including a way to pass the time!

     I also want to encourage parents and students to keep their eyes on the sales overy the next six weeks. Stores will have school supplies out as soon as Fourth of July has passed. If you start purchasing a few items that you know you will need here and there, your expense load will be lessened. Thus the week before schhool finance panic is dismissed. Then when teachers release the list of needed supplies, you will already be able to cross of a majority of the items needed. When it comes to clothes, remember that the stores will take place in the annual tax free weekend in early August. For teens I highly recommend visiting Plato's closet for unique and gently used items, and Hollister for it's back to school sale. ($20-$30 jeans, and $20 hoodies)