Ya'll are never going to believe what we did today...we closed on some land where we will soon be building a home!! Next week I will share with you how the Lord opened doors and lead us on this amazing journey because I want to forever remember the countless ways He was in the details. But first, here's a little background... For several years, Eric and I have had ongoing conversations about our dream of owning land.  Virtually every discussion ends with us acknowledging how much we love our current home and how grateful we are for the years we've had there.  We've also talked about our various options  knowing that no matter what we chose to do, we wouldn't seriously entertain any ideas until Ellie was in school.  We have discussed adding on to our current home because we love the location.  We considered buying an existing house, but with market prices on the rise knew we wouldn't be adding much square footage. Building was kind of a "pie in

Yesterday I had a work luncheon for a board that I serve on, and it took me on a little road trip through this beautiful state of Kentucky.  It was a five hour round trip, but to be honest, I love long drives.  I get to pick my own music or podcasts, use my blue tooth speakers to call everyone I need to catch up with, and just let my thoughts run crazy.  I do some good thinking in the car, so it's great! Boone Tavern is a beautiful and historic hotel in Berea Kentucky that takes up an entire city block.  It was founded in 1909 and has accommodated such distinctive guests as Dalai Lama, Henry Ford, President and Mrs. Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou and Robert Frost. It is such a hidden treasure at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, which hold such precious memories for me because that's where my people are from.  Even though I grew up in Lexington, we took regular trips to the mountains to visit family.  The stories I know are truly unb

It has been a hot minute since I blogged about Disney World.  I promise to do better...I really do.  I actually have an update on our 2018 trip to share, but first things first...the last time I wrote, I left you with the promise of a review of Disney's 50's Prime Time Cafe. This fun little restaurant is located in Hollywood Studios and is one Table Credit for anyone on a Disney Dining Plan. While it was one of the best meals we had during our trip, it was also the most stressful.  They were running almost 45 minutes behind on the reservation times, and someone cut to the front of the check-in line, which made the wait longer as she had a large family and was extremely particular! (Photo Credit: AllEars.Net) Despite that little hick-up, it was well worth the wait.  It's a fun restaurant themed like a 1950's Hollywood  home.   The decor and furniture are truly from the era and I saw several treasures that I remember from my grandmother's house growing

I promise not to do this every week, but I just had to show you these cuties on the second day because these were the outfits they really wanted to wear on the first day had we been able to get our acts together. Ellie's shirt pretty much sums her up and says, "I bring sass to the class."  Bless it!  She is a hot mess.  She worn the shirt on her first day of preschool and again at Open House, so I made her wear something else with promises that she would pick her wardrobe on day two. Eli had put his clothes in the wrong drawer, so I thought they were dirty.  I tore the house up look for them and am thrilled he got to look "too cool for school" on day two! And finally, I had to show you a look we don't see much on Ellie.  Here's she's sporting her P.E. look!  I think it suits her well. Hahaha! Ok, I promise not to become a fashion blogger, but ya'll, they actually let me take pictures!

Well, summer came and went and I'm still behind on blogging.  Instead of trying to get caught up, I'm going to just start fresh and back date posts as I can.  Eli turning nine over the weekend made me realize how much I need to cherish these precious years. This blog has always been a place for me to do that, and I'm eager to jump back into it! Let's wipe the slate and start here... August 8th was our first day of school here in Southern Kentucky.  I know that seems early to some, but we get some really nice breaks throughout the year and we get out early in the summer.  Plus, it helps with childcare costs, so I'm all about it! Eli is starting fourth grade and is in class with two buddies from his baseball team.  I feel so, so sorry for that teacher.  He and I have had some discussions on making wise choices and not talking too much.  Haha! Ellie is in kindergarten and also has some friends in her room.  She is so ready for this new adventure and

As a lover of words, written, spoken, performed, read, or recited I find that certain phrases tend to resonate deep within my heart and embed themselves in the soul of my being.   I recall them in good times and hard times.   They weave themselves into the rhythm of my thoughts and bring both strength and peace on the days that my soul is weary. One of those phrases is “But If Not.”   The words are strung together in the book of Daniel. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were about to be thrown into the fiery furnace, and as the guards were seizing them, they proclaimed the mighty strength of God and his ability save them.   Mid sentence they change gears and say, “but if not,” they will continue to serve him. On the surface, those words seem so contradictive to someone walking in faith.   Of course our God can. He is the Lord of heaven and earth!   His words alone  spoke all of creation into existence.   He can move mountains, calm storms, and mend the broken hear