For Your Listening Pleasure

Oh boy, did you get goosebumps too?! I hope this brings you encouragement and a little pep in your step today.

I've been kindly reminded lately just how not in control I am of so many circumstances, and this song is perfect for where I am right now (and each step of the way). Hopefully I can come back soon to go into more detail but right now I have to go pick up my niece and nephews! Have a great day everyone, may he keep you and cause his face to shine upon you!

Think about it!

photo via

Two Years

Yesterday, like most days, my husband outdid me. I wrote him a rather lovely letter, and he turned his into a piece of artwork. I got him a fun little anniversary gift, and he gave me a ring I've been pining over for quite some time.

It's a tough problem, having a more creative and thoughtful husband, but it's a problem I'll gladly keep without complaint.

I will, however, show you how we celebrated our two year wedding anniversary:

 We love exploring all the state parks and finding unexpected details of this state of ours. We'd been hoping to get away for quite some time and it just so happened that this was the first weekend we were able to, so we headed northwest to Jet, Oklahoma, to visit the Great Salt Plains State Park.

 It seems each side of this park offers something completely different. I thought those cracks were so entertaining! They would go down several inches deep and as you would step from one to another, it felt like you were walking on giant brownies! (I know, weird metaphor because most people don't step on such delicious desserts, but it's all I could imagine). It also made me feel like I was Indiana Jones because if you made one wrong step, it was lights out for you.

 Here's my fancy guy in what seemed like our own little world. It's really a strange feeling being in a place so still and calm, no leaves rustling or cars driving by, not even waves coming up to the shore; everything was still.

 The second part of our visit looked completely different from the first. There were parts that honestly reminded me of the beach in Oregon...but we are in Oklahoma?! We sat down to a great little picnic and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

 You can see the salt plains from this point. (It's the white line between the sand, that stretches for forever, and the sky).

 These two pictures are views from a pay telescope of the salt plains.

 We finally made our way to the salt plains. You can actually come and dig for crystals, but we missed the season by a day. We did however, sneak out onto the plains and explored a little bit.

 You can actually pick salt up straight from the ground! Again, in the middle of Oklahoma!

 Do you see that little mark in the middle of the plains? That would happen to be one of the most random things I've ever witnessed! There was a group of people filming some sort of video. We sat there for a while watching them do take after take, trying to figure out what the film was about. All I have to say is, it's unlike anything you've ever seen before!

 Throughout the entire trip we were, for the most part, completely alone. It felt as if we were on the moon or deserted in some crazy land (which is probably why the group decided to film here). It was such a unique trip and I'm so glad I had Jakub along for the ride.

It's been two years and it's only getting better. He's my best friend and biggest support. I honestly don't know what I'd do without this fella. Frankly, I'm glad I don't have to find out.

We've been through so much over the past few years and it's amazing to see how it has all brought us closer together. I know it's cheesy, but with him by my side, I can do anything.

Mercy

 I will sing of your mercy

That leads me through valleys of sorrow
To rivers of joy

 And though the pain is an ocean,

You have calmed greater waters;
Higher mountains have come down

--Jars of Clay

I'm about at my breaking point with all that is going on around me. Even though this is an uncomfortable--and completely bewildering--place to be, I know this is where I need to be.

I feel as though the breath has been knocked out of me and I am gasping, just waiting for it to return. 

His ways are not my ways and his knowledge goes far beyond mine. Life is relentless and I'm just thankful that I have a God in whom I can take refuge. My family, and my spirit seem to be getting attacked from every corner. There's no way I can do this on my own.

God is faithful, and his promises are true. He is mighty to save; he won't let you go. Above all, God is love. He has proven himself over and over, I have nothing to fear.

[note: I know this is vague; I can't seem to get much more out than this at this moment. Maybe one day.]

Party Time

Today, we are celebrating my nephew's birthday! He turns 11, and to commemorate this milestone I made some manly cupcakes.

Because, really, nothing says "it's time to party" like funfetti cupcakes and chocolate mustaches!

I used this as inspiration; here's how:

Step 1: Pipe melted chocolate onto wax paper in the shape of a mustache of your choosing.

Step 2: Once dried, turn over and glue toothpick on with extra melted chocolate, and let chill.

Step 3: Make sure it works!Then decorate cupcakes however you choose.

Easy as that! 1-2-3.

We're also going paintballing, something I've never done, and frankly, I'm terrified of doing. It is an experience I don't want to miss though. I'm sure after today, I'll see my family in a new light!

It's also so neat that this is the first birthday of his that I'll get to be present for, and I am so excited; he's one fancy kid! These are the times I live for.

But for now, it's time to go fight my battle. Wish me luck!