High Five for Friday

Yeah Friday! I'm linking up with Ms. Lauren for High Five for Friday.

ONE. Spontaneous get away with the Hubby.

We went to Fort Bragg for a one night get away and it was fun! We stayed in a Bed and Breakfast for the first time and definitely suggest doing it. We stayed in the Buttercup room. It was at the top of the stairs with cool angled ceilings and lots of white and yellow. When we got there, we went to Glass Beach. I saw an awesome photo of it on Pinterest a few years ago and brushed it off as a place I would never get to go to because, why would I go to northern California? Now I live in northern California. 
Two thoughts about God came from this:

1) God knows the desires of your heart, no matter how small. Really, going to Glass Beach wasn't a huge desire but it was one God made happen. So cool. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 

2) He makes all things new. Even an old dump sight like Glass Beach. Now it's a place where people go to explore in hopes of finding beautiful sea glass.

Here are some photos of our trip (There are A LOT of photose. Feel free to scroll past my excitement of our get away).

{drive thru tree}

{glass beach. sea glass!!}

{hubby and I searching through the pebbles and glass for the perfect pieces.}

{Mike walking down a very narrow cliff...}

{the field we walked through to get to the cliff. peace.}

{looking over the edge.}

{if you know me, you know I was freaking out about this.}

{see the rock in the center of the picture? yeah, it came off of the mainland. The part of the the mainland that I was freaked out on.}

{i love discovering succulents here. they are so happy and grow straight out from the cliffs.}

{more cool succulents. i got a piece of this one and planted it. hoping it will grow!}

{blue water in Fort Bragg.}

{bridge.}

{crazy trees at Jughandle State Park.}

{these is all from 3 trees. that's it!}

{we grabbed a nice dinner at Mendo Bistro. very yummy!}

{my drawing on our table "cloth".}

{it pointed to Mike... just FYI.}

{we found an amazing glass blower. i would love to have a fixture of his.}

{also, these paintings. these paintings!!}

{funky flower.}

TWO. Quality time with my sis-in-law.

Last Saturday, Kristyn and I hit up the Arcata Farmer's Market. We got succulents, 4 new types of flowers,  and new foods. Then we went to lunch and Target. Perfect! Even though we now live together, I think it's important for her and I to do dates. :) 

THREE. Photo shoot.

Mike and I had our photos taken on Tuesday by Jessica of jcophoto (we made her home page)! We haven't had any professional photos since our wedding 3+ years ago. Photos are so important. Get them done. I'm so blessed to have won her give away!

FOUR. Sleep and kitties.

I love sleep. And I love kitties. That is all.

FIVE. Music.

It makes my body and soul move. I feel it in my soul. God is good.

How was your week? Do anything awesome? 

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.

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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 at From My Grey Desk for High 5 For Friday.

ONE. Skype.

The hubby and I were able to Skype. It was so nice to "see" him and how things are progressing there. He said that he couldn't be in a better living situation. He is staying in a studio on his supervisor's property. His supervisor and her hubby are very welcoming and kind! He is also loving his co-workers. And even tried out a church!

{skype with the hubby}

TWO. Soup.

My dear friend is pregnant and caught a nasty cold. I decided that was the perfect opportunity to make chicken noodle soup from scratch. It was my first time making any soup and it turned out DELICIOUS! 

{chopped veggies for soup}

THREE. Pageant Success.

The first practice for the Leona Valley Community Queen's Pageant was a success! All of the contestants are great! I'm excited to be a part of encouraging and growing these great young women.

{Miss Leona Valley} 

 {center piece at Orientation Tea}

FOUR. Healthy Pets.

Mojo went to the veterinarian, a.k.a my dad, on Monday. Some of her blood work came back a little wonky but luckily, by Wednesday, everything was checking out good. Mitzy and I were missing her!! So glad to have my snuggle buddy back.

{Mitzy actually chose to sit on me. She obviously misses(d) Mike and Mojo}

FIVE. Ladies Bible Study.

I have been going to the ladies bible study group on Thursday mornings. A lot of the ladies who go have known me since I can't even remember. It's fun to be back as an adult. I've always looked up to these ladies and I still do. I had an emotional day and it had to do with missing Mike, Mojo had been at the vet, a lot of friends have had some MAJOR things going on in their lives and it was weighing heavy on my heart. I enjoy my weekly time with the bible study ladies because they are encouraging, rooted in truth and honest. I love them.

How was your week? What's on your heart and mind?

High Five for Friday

I'm linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk for High Five for Friday!

It's a chance to take a little time for the good things from the past week.

ONE. Sleep.

I have had SO much sleep the last 4 days! I feel great!

TWO. Kitties.

They provide A LOT of entertainment. A LOT. They chase each other like crazy, they play with things and get all crazy and they are just cute. The end.

THREE. Perfect Timing.

Since Mike and I have moved back to Cali with out jobs lined up (sounds crazy, I know). We have been living very frugal. Our families are great, they have posted that Mike is able and willing to do handyman work (and he does it well). Because they have posted, we have been able to have an income and even go on a date! People have heard him say he's doing handyman work and have asked when they can have him come over. God's timing is perfect!

FOUR. Date Night!

We got to go on a date!!! Woo hoo! I love my man. He is my love. :) We are so lucky to have found each other in 8th grade. Yup. You read that right, we met in 7th, became friend and have been "together" since 8th (minus a little 8 month hiccup. ;) ) God is so good!

{we're in a bathroom. I knew you would figure it out eventually so there you have it...}

FIVE. Friends.

New friends, old friends, near and far friends. They are just the best. I'm really struggling with my KC peeps being half way across the country right now but at the same time, I'm so excited to be near the Cali ones. I'm relearning long distance friendships but it's good. Mike and I received a letter from our friends parents, yes parents, of encouragement. It was so sweet! I almost cried. I really am so blessed and lucky. Again, God is good!

What were your top five this week?

~Emily~

Halloween!

Happy Halloween!!! 

I hope you're (or were) out there getting to know your neighbors and loving on people. 

This night can be a scary and creepy night so get out there and be a light of love! 

Oh... and enjoy these super cute photos too. 

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~Emily~