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!