Punkin Head

I knitted this little hat for the bf's cousin's new baby boy. I have another one on the needles for a little boy who was just born Sunday night. This is such a quick knit that I was able to complete the majority of it during the season premier of Grey's Anatomy.

The hat is based on this pattern by randomstitches. I'm going to have to file this one for safe keeping - I'm sure there will be many more of these in my future!

The Help

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Great book! I can see why so many people have such good things to say. There are so many storylines woven together to tell the story of the young southern sociallite who wants to write a story no one is telling - a story that is still controversial in today's world. I couldn't put this one down. I could read it again and still feel like it was the first time.



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A Time to Heal by Barbara Cameron

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I liked this book for its inspirational aspects. I was looking for an easy read and this certainly is. It also left me inspired to slow down in life and enjoy the simple things. I like books based in Amish communities for their focus on family, values, and God. And the reminder that there is so much beauty in a simple life.

In this book, an injured soldier finds the peace he's looking for in an Amish community. This is the second book in this series and the story nearly mirrors the first - finding peace and then finding love. Its charming and a little fairy-tale in nature.



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Trying something new...

Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I was a little disappointed by this book. While many aspects ring true for the single twenty-something who is one of the last of her friends to find Mr. Right, the girls in this book were too Debbie Downer for me. There are so many awesome aspects of being single and twenty-something that could have balanced the dating horror and the best-friend bridezillas. I finished this book feeling encouraged to settle, that everyone ends up with mediocrity. And that is just so sad.



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I've stumbled.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23-24

I've been in need of encouragement lately and this is what I found. Or rather, what found me.

I've been bitter. Very bitter.

And resentful.

And I hate it. It keeps me from being happy for those around me and their blessings. Blessings that I prayed they would receive.

I struggle more often than I would care to admit to remember that I am exactly in the place that God means for me to be. I didn't screw up, I didn't wander off my path. God meant for me to be here. In this place. He has blessed me here, more than I could have imagined, more than I deserve.

And yet I still ask what I did wrong. What oportunities I missed. Why it isn't me.

Jealousy is an evil beast and the narcissistic nature of our society makes it even harder to overcome.

I've caught myself blaming others. And that's not fair. This is my demon to fight. I can turn off my cell, close facebook, and pick up my Bible.

And when I forget that, a psalm shows up on my computer screen reminding me that though I stumble, He has me by the hand.

So, you might be a redneck...

If this was the most exciting delivery since your Kate Spade sample sale purchase.



I embrace my multifaceted nature wholeheartedly.

My colleagues... may now actually believe that I hunt rather than just playing along...

Introducing...

Blake Gerard Bemis



And what his momma said was his new favorite blanket. :)

I think this one is going to be just as well loved as I had hoped. (The blanket, that is. Of COURSE the baby is going to be well loved!!)

Monster Monday

Molly McGee is now ready for halloween!



This is what happens when you let your BF pick out the costume. Again, he turns my sweet little girl dog into a badd *ss. His words.

But! He took her for a walk while still wearing the costume. I think giving up the bows might have been worth that.

The fever.

Bride fever. Baby fever. I'm surounded by fevers.

Must. Not. Catch. Them.

Instead I choose to live vicariously through those around me and enjoy the blessings in their lives. So many of my friends are getting married and having babies right now and I feel fortunate that I am able to share in their joy.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting the BF's cousin's new little man. Just three weeks old and already had every female in the room wrapped around his finger. An afternoon with this little one was just enough to hold me over til the next visit.

Because let's be honest, it isn't going to be my turn for a long. Long. LOOOOOooong time.

Even if this guy is a natural.




One more sign that he might be worth keeping around.

Monster Monday (on Tuesday)

While I was visiting my parents over Labor Day weekend my mom made some homemade peach icecream. This stuff is delicious. Phenomenally delicious.

Molly agreed.

Surprises

I came home from my Pennsylvania trip to a dozen of these.

:)

Bachelorette Wine Tour

My best friend is getting married in a month. The bridesmaids and I planned a wine tour in place of the traditional bachelorette party. This bride-to-be is a little too conservative for the shenanigans of a "normal" last-fling-before-the-ring.

These are a few of the "after" pictures I snagged with my cell phone. I'm still in the process of editing the "real" pictures.

I would say we planned a very successful event. ;)



(This would be her future MIL)

4 Months

The other night BF and I were marveling at how often we get asked how long we've been married. The inquirers are usually surprised to find out that we're only dating. Which we find rather funny.

Because its only been four months. Today.

Happy Anniversary. :)

Ps. This was the beer we were drinking that night. I love a good coincidence.

48 Hour Flu

I had the strangest flu bug last week and ended up leaving work early on Monday to recover.

This guy was loving it.





(Excuse the laundry drying in the background, my dryer has been shooting sparks)