High Five for.... Saturday??

Hi friends! I missed Friday so, High Five for Saturday!!

ONE. Family Time.

Mike's Dad's side of the family was in town for a week about a week ago. We had so much fun! Mike and his dad went salmon fishing and caught A LOT. Like, 50 + pounds of salmon. Yum! We explored the area and did hiking and swimming and hung out! Here are some pics from their time here.

{Ferndale}

{cute top hat in a Ferndale shop}

{succulents in a planter outside of a shop}

{the shop owner found this walrus skull in Alaska. Cool!}

{a local told us we had to go see this ship builder down an alley...}

{one of his awesome ships}

{the ship builder, Aunt Susie, Mike and Jalene}

{Jalene and me!! I gained a sister marrying Mike. Blessed}

{Mike's aunt got this photo of me on one of our hikes. I love it}

{sorry it's blurry. some of our fun!}

TWO. Photo shoot.

I am not a photographer. I understand angles and light and what not but I am not a trained photographer. But, I had fun taking my brother and his wife's photos. We went to Patrick's Point which is GORGEOUS. Pictures below!

{Kristyn and Andrew}

{Patrick's Point}

THREE. Juice Fast.

We decided to go on a juice fast. All four of us (my bro, his wife, hubby and me)! We originally set a goal of 7 days but ran out of some of the produce but day 5 (tonight). We all feel much better! We went through detox and are ready to start our clean eating lifestyle. Breakfasts were yummy, lunch was hard, and dinner was harder than breakfast but easier than lunch!

FOUR. River time!

The Mad River is so close to our house! Kristyn and I have gone multiple times and we love it. I'm even getting a tan this year. Score. Mike and I have gone swimming a couple times too. 

{the mad river}

{Kristyn and I on our first trip down to the river}

FIVE. Husband.

Mike and I are so blessed. We met in 7th grade and have been inseparable since we became an item in 8th grade (minus 6-8 months sophomore year. That was all Mike... ;). We are truly best friends and really enjoy each other. We also love each other. All I know is we are luckily, sure we have our problems and we work on them like anybody else but we are still blessed.

{somewhat awkward kissing photo of me and the hubs}

SIX. 4th of July.

I love everything it stands for and the way people come together on this day. I'm so thankful for the people who fought (and do fight) for this country! I'm grateful God put me HERE to live. Again, I am blessed!

SEVEN. Job Interview.

I finally had a job interview!!! I should find out about it next week. Feeling hopeful but I won't be crushed if I don't get it.

How were the last couple weeks for you?

How did you celebrate the 4th of July?

How do you best like to spend time with family?

High Five For Friday

It's Friday! And, it's been a ridiculously long time couple weeks since I last posted so you're going to get a couple extra but not many photos... As always, I'm linking up with Lauren from thelaurenelizabeth.com. Let's dig in!!






ONE. Home.
We finally, finally, have a home up here in Humboldt County. We live in Blue Lake, Ca. It's about 10 - 15 minutes from Arcata and McKinleyville (where Andrew and Kristyn [bro and sis-in-law] spend most of their time) and maybe 25 - 30 minutes from Eureka (where Mike works). God is an "eleventh hour" God in my life... I graduated high school, got a job at Hume, was accepted to UMKC and moved to Kansas City, moved back to Cali, and found a place to live here in Blue Lake, all "in the nick of time". This search for a home has taken months. I'm not exagerating. God is good! Now it's coming together as we decorate and plan for the vision of our shared home. Here is some of the inspiration for a Moroccan styled living room.

{via} 

{via}

{via}

TWO. Marriage.
Yeah... I'm grateful for mine but, I was talking about Andrew and Kristyn! They are married!!

{Photo/instagram skills belong to Bethany. She rocks.}

THREE. Kitties.
When Mike is gone for work, I realize how much having another living thing around is awesome. Mojo is a cuddle kitty. Mitzy is crazy kitty. It makes for an interesting mix.



FOUR. Knowing Myself More.
As you get older, you get to know yourself better. And that's a good thing. I have been going to a bible study on Monday nights here on the North Coast and a few weeks ago we went through Spiritual Gifts. I'm excited to see what these will bring over the next two years and how my life will look. I want to be a creator of beautiful designs/things/events, encourager of people's souls, awesome wife for my hubby, and whatever else God has in store for me. I want to do them well.



FIVE. In home washer and dryer.
Who knew this would make it on my top five list?! I'm just super stoked at how wonderful it is to not have to go to the laundromat.



SIX. (One more High!) Setting up a dentist appointment.
I know, another weird thing to be on the top five list BUT... if you had a couple teeth that were PAINFUL to eat with and you just want to eat something in a normal fashion, you would understand my excitement. I haven't been to a dentist in about 4-5 years. Last time I was at the dentist they prepped one of my teeth for a crown. And then I moved to KCMO and life was crazy and I have no excuse other than I just didn't make it a priority. FAIL.



SEVEN. Coffee with a new friend (and yes, you get another "high").
This is the third big move of my life (1st, KCMO. 2nd, back home (but I knew people). 3rd, Arcata). And the scariest thing is wondering if I will come to know and find great friends and people. So far, God is showing up in this area! I went to a super cute little coffee place in Arcata called "Couple Cups" with a girl I met through the college group at church. She is such a sweet sweet girl. God is good!



How was your week? Do you get excited when you get an appointment scheduled that you've been putting off?

High Five For Friday

I had a whole post written out so naturally ALL of my webpages reloaded. I didn't save anything. 

This is going to be a lot shorter than originally planned, which is probably a good thing for you all. ;)

ONE. Home.

We finally, finally, have a place to call home.

God is good!

TWO. Quality Time.

I have enjoyed all of the time I've been able to spend with Kristyn. We had a ton of fun and silly time and then we also were stressed about finding a place. I love this budding friendship! In a few weeks, we will actually be sisters! She is such a perfect match for Andrew (my bro). I couldn't be happier for either of them.

THREE. Walks.

I love taking walks. I know some people will just call these pretty flowers, "weeds" but, I love them. They are pretty. I wanted to upload more photos but my phone is trippin'. Photos of buttercup flowers, iris, other flowers, new growth on ever green trees (it's a much brighter green and feels so silky soft), and fog rolling in through the trees. Maybe I'll try uploading again later. ;)

FOUR. Love.

All of this wedding talk makes me reminisce about my wedding day. Mike and I have grown so much since that day. God is so good.

 He has blessed me with a wonderful man.

FIVE. Kitties.

When I'm at home by myself for almost a week, it's really nice to have other living things with you. Mojo is a cuddle bug but Mitzy is crazy. 

It makes for entertaining moments.

SIX. (yes six, it's been 2 weeks since I last posted!) Seeing More of God's Vision for Yourself.

Last Monday my bible study group went through the spiritual gifts. It was really good for me to go through this as an adult. It confirmed a few things and gave me some direction. My top 2 are Exhortation (motivational speech) and Leadership/Organizer.

 The verse references we used were the whole chapters of Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12. Here is a link to a survey also. 

http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/test/adult

Let me know what yours are! Do you already know? How are you using them? I'm curious!

I'm off to move into our new home! Have a great Friday and enjoy your weekend.

~Emily~

High Five for Friday

I'm linking up with Lauren (formerly, from my grey desk). 

One. Spring. 

Here in Eureka there are trees where instead of petals falling off of the flower, 

it's the bloom! Crazy! What are these called?

{so romantic.}

{not sure what this bloom is. cherry or pear?} 

Two. Coffee. 

This town (these towns, multiple small ones) has awesome coffee!! 

Mike and I are hooked. If you love coffee, please come visit us and we will introduce you.

{oh, coffee. I love you.} 

Three. Cute days! 

I love when I have a cute day. It's encouraging. It should also be noted that 

I only brought 2 t-shirts, 1 sweater, 1 long sleeved shirt, 1 cardigan, 2 tank tops, 1 pair of yoga pants, 1 pair of leggings, a set of PJs, 2 sweat shirts, 

2 scarfs and the necessary under things for the clothing brought up here. 

I am only up here for 3 weeks. I have done laundry 3 times. 

My weakness is shoes. Please don't ask how many I brought. 

{i love this attire. I'm glad this is going to be an everyday look for me.}

Four. Hiking Boots.

Speaking of shoes... I left my tennis shoes at home on purpose accident. So, I had to buy hiking boots. Oh my goodness. These are great! Good ankle support. Great traction. COMFORTABLE. While I was trying on another pair I kept one of these shoes on to compare. After I walked around the store a little bit I got to thinking, "Which shoe is on my left foot?... I guess that's the sign for which one I'm getting". Yes, they were that comfy. 

I'm glad to have a pair boots to take me hiking.

{hiking boots. many adventures shall be had and much shape shall I get into.} 

 {redwoods. they're tall.}

 {fallen trees.}

 {Hubby and I call this "the love nest"... Not because of us,

it just seems like it would be a good one. it's all hollowed out....}

{I love this photo.}

Five. Bridal Showers.

I co-hosted a bridal shower on Saturday for my future sis-in-law. I love Kristyn. She is a great girl, loves Jesus and is such a blessing. 

We had such a fun day of games, good food, friends and blessings!

{the only picture I got from the bridal shower. i'm bad at the photo part.} 

{pin wheel. crafting for the shower.}

How was your week?

What are your weekend plans?

My, oh my, has time gone by.

Wow. Can you believe it's been about 1 month since my last post. That is bad. Life is crazy (whose isn't). So, you probably just won't see me around much. I'll post when I can. I love my little blog and being to able to share with you all this way.

Anyway, here are 10 fun things from the last month.

1) I got to go visit Mike for a whole week! We had such a fun time and just enjoyed each other. My goal was to be up there for my birthday and I was there for that and Valentine's day! Oh yeah! 

2) My friend Bethany and I have been able to reconnect and spend time together. I really enjoy our time watching movies and doing our nails. Fun!

3) I got to choose the crowns for the upcoming pageant. There were so many fun SPARKLES for look at! I love bling.

4) The sista (in-law) and I got to hang out for a good amount of time. That time was precious and needed and I really enjoyed it. Plus, we went to downtown L.A. and she got my hooked on Gossip Girl and I had to finish it.

5) A childhood friend, who was a bridesmaid in my wedding, came down for the Honky Tonk Stomp and Grub fundraiser for the queens. I love the time I get to spend with her, I just wish it could've been more. Heart felt talks are the best.

6) My brother and his girl got engaged!!!! We are so excited!!! We love Kristyn and are excited to officially welcome her to the family. :)

7) Olivia, my sister, is just awesome. She is silly and so smart. I enjoy spending time with her.

8) Leona Valley Community Church has a wonderful women's bible study group. Some of the women in the group even changed my diapers in the nursery when I was a baby. It's awesome that I still get to learn from and listen to these great women.

9) The weather has been gorgeous. One part of me says "Snow day in KC? I want to be there!" and then the other part says "Wow! 75 degrees is gorgeous!!". I don't know what I want. :P

10) Skype dates and phone calls with my hubby. I miss that man but I'm enjoying the benefits of LDRs (long distance relationships). Believe it or not, there are a few. ;)

Love you all! I hope you're having a great weekend.