Friendsgiving

Every year, I am just amazed at how quickly the holidays sneak up on us. 

It feels like just yesterday I was at the beach, laying on the warm sand and trying so hard to soak up as many rays as possible. (Because just because one lives in Southern California, doesn't mean they get a great tan in five minutes. Sorry to burst anyone's bubble.)

But now it's lovely fall, my tan is gone, and the holidays are here.

It didn't hit me until tonight when I had my very first "Friendsgiving" with a group a people whom I love so dearly.

They are especially wonderful because not only are they the most fun and gracious people to ever grace this planet, but they are my sister's friends from high school. Four years older than me and they still let me hang out with them, and I am So Thankful for them!

And yes, we did go around the table and say what we are thankful for.

Because why not? It's Thanksgiving and we're thankful. It seems only fitting.

The whole evening was just so lovely. Of course the company is the most important part, but food is at a close second. The hosts made a gourmet meal including turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and a cranberry pomegranate sauce that blew my mind, just to name a few.

Needless to say, I was a happy camper.

After the amazing Thanksgiving meal, we played some games, had a little dance break, then played some more games.

All in all, the night was a success.

The night was so lovely that I neglected to take pictures so I stole this from the host, Elizabeth.
This meal was as delish as it looks.

So this year, I am thankful for the grace and love of Jesus Christ, my always loving family, the best of friends, my health, espresso machines, laughter and community.
I could go on, really.

Everyone can always use a little reminder of how special they are to someone, so don't forget to tell your loved ones you're thankful for them this week.
Let the eating begin.
xoxo

When We Were All Little Nuggets

WARNING: This post contains cute overload so you may cry.

While I should be spending today studying, I have decided to spend my time in a much more useful way...

I find that writing is somewhat of a relaxing and de-stresser for me so why not take a little time right? The reason I'm needing this time of relaxation is because my lab, Roxy, who I have had since I was six just had surgery two days ago. This one really beat her up and she almost didn't make it through the surgery. And to be honest, I'm not sure if she will be able to bounce back from this one. 

(She has good and bad days.)

So as you can imagine, I've just been an emotional wreck the last few days... And what do I do? I watch the home video of the day we brought her home... I'm really just setting myself up for a good cry but I obviously didn't care!

I give you your cute puppy pictures for the day. You're welcome.

What a little nugget right? I can say with and without bias that she is the sweetest dog on the planet. I just thank God for this precious dog and all the amazing years I've had with her.

So there you go. Feel free to stare at her precious face whenever your heart desires :)

Jumping Right In

Hello all. I recently decided (this morning) to finally set up a blog for posting about notable things I do, photos of said notable things, fashion, recipes and all that fun stuff. I had planned on my first post to be a little "get to know me" but I think I'm going to do things a little differently. Instead of one post explaining who I am, I want all my posts to give the big picture of who I am and what's important to me. My goal is for this blog as a whole to capture the essence of me. So for this first post, why not start out with the single most important part of my life? I love Jesus with this burning passion and I just can't seem to get enough of Him. I honestly can say that I don't know what kind of a hot mess I would be if I didn't have Him in my life. Having Christ is the best thing that can and will ever happen to me. And even though I have this joy and purpose, life still isn't easy. I'm writing this now because I was just reminded again tonight that it is so easy to lose sight of the One who is always with us, longing for us to come to him when we are hurting AND joyful. It is so easy to praise Him when we are in good places in life, but when we reach a rough patch or a bump in the road, we can be too quick to blame God or just forget that he is right beside us. As I'm writing this, the song "The Same God" by Newsong started to play. The chorus says it all. The same God with you then is with you now. The same God who led you will lead you out. So take all the fear and doubt. Go on and lay them down. The same God is with you now. So whether it's family issues, friend issues, insecurities, or worrying about the future and unknown, whatever it is, God is right there with you. Always.
I'm going to finish this first post with my favorite bible verse... I hope it can encourage you like it does me. I swear this verse is just on repeat in the back of my mind all the time. It is John 16:33 which says, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world." And to that I say boom.