Summer Lovin'

Wow, time seriously has slipped away from me in the blogging world! I'm not sure if my excuse is something to the effect of, "Time flies when you're having fun", or if I should play the I've had a super fun and busy summer... Either one are true! Notice the word FUN in both? Let me just take a moment to say what a wonderful life I have! Sure, being the last single on of my friends, when everyone else is getting married/ living in "wedded bliss" and popping out babies is hard at times. However, when I stop being impatient, and realize that the Lord has perfect timing in all that He does, I realize what a truly blessed life I have! Seriously- this year has been the best! I will try to do a quick recap of the past two months: At the end of my, I had my THIRD kindergarten graduation! Every year is so emotional to see "my kiddos" grow up. I seriously fall in love with each and every student every single year! I wholeheartedly say that kindergarteners are the sweetest little people on the planet! I am so proud of my kiddos, and am already looking forward to next year's class (my FOURTH class... say whaaattt???)

I was so sad that I basically only got pictures like this... because I was so incredibly busy that day that I gave it to someone else... :( Take my word for it, they were adorable!!!

Again, not the best picture, but I love how the reception for graduation turned out. I planned it all, and thankfully some wonderful ladies in the church decorated it for me that afternoon. A few short weeks after school was over, a group of eight of us from Maranatha went down to Honduras to help our missionary family the Trasks. We were there for eleven days (without ac, hot water or use of hair styling products, so I was looking a little... er... rough). It was definitely a life-changing trip, however! As I had been praying, it gave me much more of an insight into missions, and a burden to pray for them and their specific needs. Seeing all they had given up,and how they were serving with such a good attitude was truly inspiring! The trip also brought our little group from church together so much more. We now share many inside jokes, and are almost like a little family. I will try to do an entire blog post later including more pictures and stories.

A few days after returning home from Honduras, I went home to Indiana for a month to visit friends and family. It was such a wonderfully special summer! The morning after I flew in, I ran a 5K with my dear friend Nicole, and FINALLY got to meet the infamous Jack. Haha. He is such a great guy, and they are PeRfeCt together! Just another reminder of how the Lord blesses those who are patient (note to self)! My family and I were able to have some day trips up to Michigan together. They are such wonderful parents! In a few days, they will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, and still kiss goodbye every morning, and say "I love you" at the end of every phone conversation, and hold hands in public. I love it, and love them so much! And my mother- such a patient woman! She took me on MANY shopping trips. And let's not forget the besties! I was able to spend time with "my girls" this summer! We did some shopping, went out for lunch, then had a photo shoot with Nicole's favorite photographer (haha, that's Jack for everyone's information). I'm kind of surprised every group shot wasn't just zoomed in on Nicole's face. ;) Totally joking, he did an amazing job! I did a lot of things with Nicole, Tab and Liz this summer, including pedicures, lunch dates, shopping, football games, making things for Nicole's wedding (getting our "crafty on" for a good cause), visiting Jack's church and meeting a few of the siblings... etc. The list goes on and on! I was also able to go up to Michigan to visit my friend Aminta. I had such a great time with her and her family! Now, the nose is back to the grindstone... Getting ready for school. I'm doing the most adorable theme... The Very Hungry Caterpillar. LOVE it!

Rambling Wednesday

Here are a few of my favorites from Pinterest recently: This quote is so true! An individual's joy depends on his or her perspective on life.

Hehe, this is AWESOME! I totally say this all the time!

Bought this necklace a few weeks ago, and just got it in the mail yesterday! Absolutely can't wait to find a "smashing" outfit to wear it with! :)

Haha, I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself! Sometimes I totally need this myself!

Home Sweet Home

I know that these pictures are AWFUL, but here is a sneak peak at my new home! There are still miscellaneous boxes sitting around that need to be unpacked, but most of it are things to hang on the walls. I haven't completely decided where I want everything yet, so am putting off decorating until then. Tonight's goal is to take some better pictures, and maybe hang a few things.

The kitchen is A-MAZING! I seriously am in love with it! It is so open and roomy (compared to the galley kitchen we had before), and nice and new! And you've never seen so many drawers and cabinets! It makes cooking a pure joy.

And there is the cutest little window by the front door! My little black decorative piece fits there perfectly!

I love this corner because it reminds me of people I really care about- the bird house reminds me of my Mom, the black cabinet I got from Nicole and her mom, and the vase Liz gave to me at her rehersal brunch! Love and miss my family and friends so much!

Resurrection Sunday

Every year, when I teach the Crucifiction and Resurrection stories to my kindergarteners in Bible class this week, I am reminded anew of Christ's great sacrifice for us. His love for us is absolutely amazing, and his almighty power and omnipotence is shown in the simple phrase we hear so often on Resurrection Sunday, "He is risen!"

On a completely unrelated note, but still pertaining to Easter, I thought I'd share this little picture I found, just to brighten your day:

Happy Easter, my dears!

Pinterest Top Five of the Week

Here are a few of my favorites from the week:

Love this hair! This is my goal length (haha, in probably 3 years or so...) And this is how I want to wear it.

These shoes are pretty much adorable! I think I want them in every color!

Isn't this bike, just... AMAZING?!?! Seriously love it in this color or turquoise or even pink!

I thought this was a sweet little quote. I am so blessed by the amazing people in my life! I certainly would not be the person I am today without them.

And last but not least, I ADORE this little dress! How cute would this be for summer?

Chicken Parmesan

On a busy school night, although I LOVE to cook, I usually don't have all that much time or energy for an all-out home cooked, made from scratch meal. (This may change because my new kitchen is pretty amazing!) Usually something quick and easy is preferable. However, I try extremely hard(most of the time) to be a healthy eater. A simple solution: the Crock Pot! I certainly have not used this bad boy as much as I should... but that is about to change. I found a simply amazing recipe for Chicken Parmesan... in the crock pot. When I get home from school, I simply have to boil some pasta and whip up a salad, and we're ready to go! And best of all, it's super delish!

CROCK POT CHICKEN PARMESAN
recipe from: Siggy Spice

2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
1/4 t black pepper
1/4 t kosher salt
1 TBSP olive oil
1 egg, beaten
sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese
favorite jarred marinara sauce

Spread the 1 TBSP of olive oil into the bottom of your crockpot stoneware insert.
Beat the egg with a fork in a separate bowl.
Mix the bread crumbs with the seasonings and the Parmesan cheese in another separate dish.
Dip the chicken into the egg, then into the bread crumb mixture, coating both sides with crumbs, cheese and seasonings.
Place the chicken breast pieces in the bottom of the crockpot.
Layer 2-3 slices or 1-2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top, depending on how much cheese you like.
Cover chicken and cheese with entire jar of marinara sauce.

Close lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4.
Serve with your favorite pasta.


Enjoy!

DIY

Pinterest has given me so many amazing ideas that I swear I would never think of myself. This was one of the first things that I ever pinned "back in the day". It was one of those things that I was and fell absolutely IN LOVE with. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. At the time, it really would not have gone with our decor, or living space, nor, did I have a piano. However, we are moving next week (yes, the date was changed. God worked it out, and as much as I want to move in, I know this timing is better), which means new decor. And... Maureena's parents are moving, and getting rid of their old piano! I am hoping and praying they will sell it to me cheaply. If so, here is what I would really really REALLY like to do:

You see... I happen to be an old pro at this (remember the bedroom furniture re-do? I know a piano would be a bit more intricate, but I am confident! Just wanted to share my (hopefully next) DIY with you! Have a wonderful weekend, all!

God Always Provides

Guess whaaaaatttt.....

This will be my new home as of next Sunday! I am so very very excited and thankful for this! My roommate's sister will be moving in with us, and we took the opportunity to get a new place with larger bedrooms and closer to school and church. We began the house hunt early, and when we found this duplex, we were all instantly smitten! I am so thankful that God provided such an amazing new place for us! More pictures and updates to follow. For now, my evenings this week will be a series of VERY long "dates" with packing boxes and garbage bags. Haha

New Obsession

Happy middle of the week, everyone! This month has been a super busy one, from house hunting to Spring Break and back again. Never a dull moment! However, I found an awesome new website that I wanted to share: www.polyvore.com It's kind of hard to describe, but it is a site that allows you to custom create outfit combinations. Kind of like a cross between window shopping and paper dolls, adult style. I've been having a lot of fun with it, and have created some pretty cute looks! Too bad none of these are in my wardrobe!

Here are a few of my favorites:

This last one is a little out there, but super cute in my opinion, for a photo shoot with friends. Hope you enjoyed!

Good Reads

Here are a few things on my book list to read ASAP:

Bawled my eyes out in this movie. This one I did backwards, I prefer to read the book, THEN watch the movie. Can't wait to dig into the pages of this one.

Somehow I've never read this book... However, it WILL happen soon!

This one, just because it's a favorite.

God's Timing

Sigh... it's that time of year... February... And we all know what holiday comes in February. In my case, Lonely Hearts Day. Yaaaaay....

I honestly try so so hard to wait patiently for God to bring the RIGHT man into my life. I am very thankful that God has given me the strength and courage to end relationships with some really great guys who were simply not HIS will for my life. Although I have learned much through those relationships, it certainly is not "easy" path to take. I always envisioned myself marrying the first guy I dated... etc. Certainly not being single at twenty-five. But God had other plans for me. I am honestly trying to "embrace my singleness" and enjoy life and the freedoms that I have. A Christian book that I recently read talked about the fact that as a female, the desire to to be married and have a family is only natural. However, it becomes wrong when we let it consume us and we are constantly worrying about it. It certainly is more difficult some days than others. However, I am trusting God that His timing is perfect. I honestly can't wait for that day! I have the best days of my life still to look forward to!

That being said, I think the reason why this year is especially hard for me is that literally EVERY SINGLE ONE of my close friends are married, (and a few are pregnant), or in relationships, which pretty much consume them. While I am so happy for them, I have felt all of them slipping away from me, being consumed in their own lives and forgetting about little old me down in Missouri. Remember, I have no family down here, no friends that I grew up with... etc. While I know I'm exactly where God wants me, it still can be very lonely at times. I see my parents about four times a year, my friends even less than that. I try to be a good friend, but somehow I just seem to slip through the cracks. Sadness (insert a large sad face here). Anyway, just needed to get a little of what I've been feeling for a while off my chest.

100th Day Celebration

HAPPY 100th DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

Today we celebrated! All week long we have been participating in "100 activities week". We have done everything from 100 toe touches to 100 jump ropes to 100 jumping jacks. Talk about a work-out! It's almost as good as my Jillian Michaels dvd I've been doi

As part of our celebration, I let everyone bring in 100 of something to add to our special 100th day snack. Ugh, talk about a sugar overload!

For a special treat, I painted the girl's nails. I've never seen them so giddy with excitement.

Voila! Here is the finished result! They were so super excited to show off their little fingers. Notice the little boy in the red? Just to clarify, I did NOT paint his nails! He is just being super silly. This little guy is quite the character, and decided to pose for a few more pics for me:

This is what sugar in large amounts does to 5 year-olds. All I can say is thank the Lord it's Friday! Haha

Ian: "I'm batmaaaaan...."
Me: "Um, ooooookaaaaaayyyy... Hi Batman."
Ian: "Hahaha, Miss Jancy, you're cwaaaazzzzyyyyy!"

Fully tummies... of pure sugar. Next year, I am waiting until right before they leave for home to pass out their snack. I figure, since the parents are the ones who send the candy, they should have to deal with the consequences. Hehe.

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! I'm doing a whole lot of relaxing, a bit of cleaning, and having some friends over. Enjoy!