Powerless

Isn't it amazing how in the worst of times we decide to finally rely on God? As if He were a last resort, rather than a first. I'm guilty of this. Just when I think I have everything together- things are going well financially, physically, and relationally- then BAM! Something falls apart, I'm brought back down to earth and I remember once again, to lean on the Lord. I read this in my devotional the other day and it has really stuck with me:

"Relax in my everylasting arms. Your weakness is an opportunity to grow strong in awareness of My Almighty Presence. When your energy fails you, do not look inward and lament the lack you find there. Look to Me and My sufficiency; rejoice in My radiant riches that are abundantly available to help you.

Go gently through this day, leaning on Me and enjoying My Presence. Thank Me for your neediness, which is building trustbonds between us. If you look back on your journey thus far, you can see that days of extreme weakness have been some of your most precious times. Memories of these days are richly interwoven with golden strands of My intimate Presence."

(Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

There have been times in my life where I have been lonely, or heartbroken, or very sick, and I felt like I would crumble if it weren't for my faith in God; in His goodness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love. So, I learned to rely on Him. Now I'm on a lifelong journey to making this a part of my everyday life, even when the sun is shining, everyones healthy and I feel I have the world at my fingertips, because that could all change in a heartbeat. And on our own, we are simply....... powerless.

wild names

I used to want to name my children crazy, unique names. Part of me still does, but I also love the idea of giving a baby a name with some meaning. So when she grows up I can say, "You were named after your Aunt Rosa, who refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man. That event sparked the Civil Rights Movement!"

Ok, maybe not exactly. But you get the idea. The cute family pictured above is Chef Jamie Oliver, his wife Jools, and their lovely children. They have the most unique names. I just had to share.

Daisy Boo Pamela (7) is holding

Buddy Bear Maurice (1 day old)

Poppy Honey Rosie (8 1/2) is holding

Petal Blossom Rainbow (17 mos)

I'm not sure I'll be that creative when it comes to naming my children:)

via people.com



it's official.

I've gone crazy.

My brother in law won $150K a few days ago with just a single lottery ticket.

And the first thing I thought?

Good for him? Nope

Lucky bum? Nope

I wish that were me? Nope

I thought:

I could adopt at least 3 children with that money!

I'm a goner.

Weight

I am totally obsessed with:

Adoption

It's heavy on my heart.



a third birthday

Our Layla girl turned 3 on Monday, which means she's really 21- Big girl:)

Layla is the greatest dog. Sure, she's gotten into the garbage a few times, and she sheds like it's going out of style, but once she starts shaking her butt at you, you can't help but love her.

Happy Birthday to our favorite girl!



Confession: I don't really cook.

A friend once sent me a wooden plaque from Tennessee that read: "I only have a kitchen because it came with the house." And then he wrote on the back, "Saw this and it made me think of you right away!"

Thanks?

I don't really cook. It's no secret. I used to tell Jake, "After we get married, I'll start cooking!" Now that we're married, it's "Once we have children, I'll start cooking."

Needless to say, he doesn't think it's ever going to happen. Which I can imagine is sad for a man who likes to eat as much as he does.

Sure, I can whip up some spaghetti with the best of them, or a nice salad, but don't expect anything even close to a gourmet meal. I haven't the slightest idea how to approach it.

I hope one day I also learn to love cooking. But until then- I can still appreciate a good kitchen right? It might even make me want to cook.

Exhibit A:

If this was my kitchen, you better be darn straight I'm in that kitchen day in and day out. Designer Tommy Smythe knows exactly how to get a woman cooking.

I like eat-in kitchens the best, because just like Julia Child, I like to eat.

But honestly, get a load of the french doors, brick flooring, lantern light fixture, cararra marble, and floor to ceiling wine storage? Yes, please.

Will somebody please tell my husband that someday when we build a house, if he agrees to give me my dream kitchen, I'll quit my job and commit myself to serving him in the kitchen?!

Photos via pinkwallpaper & la dolce vita

melt-downs, mcdonalds, and a million questions

Was how I spent the first half of my weekend. Consider it another chapter in my "Nanny Diaries." Here are some of the highlights:

*Paige's (age 2) emotional breakdown in the middle of the mall

*Picking out Finn's (age 8) stellar new soccer cleats with interchangeable nike swoosh colors. I was the hero for about 5 minutes.

*Paige's 2nd emotional breakdown in Dunham's Sports.

*While going thru the McDonald's drive-through Molly (age 5) tells me she wants apple slices. To which I reply, "There are apples at the house." And she says, "But McDonald's makes the best apples in all the world!"

*Watching about twenty 8 year olds trip over one another during Finn's soccer game Saturday morning. I guess coordination comes later in life?

*Molly asking me one million questions such as "What happens if you don't have Jesus in your heart?" I stumbled my way through it touching on Heaven, and telling her she has nothing to worry about because she loves Jesus. But then she started asking about everyone else. So, on my Before I Have Children To Do List: Learn how to discuss Hell without totally scaring small children.

If the world were my oyster..

I would have one of EVERY jacket the Smythe girls design!

With a perfect fitted pair of Paige Premium jeans, a plain top, and some killer jewels. I'm in love.

SMYTHE

les vestes

wardrobe inspiration

Since being put on a major budget, I have been craving a new fall wardrobe...of course. Not a million new items, or 25 cardigans like my dear friend (who will remain anonymous), but pieces that will remain timeless and a select few trendier items. The inspiration for my minimalist approach to my wardrobe?

My little brother.

That's right, folks. Not normally someone I would take fashion advice from. We were discussing clothing and he told me how as long as he has 1 pair of light jeans and 1 pair of dark jeans, he was happy. I was like, "Two pairs of jeans? That's it?! You're more like Dad than you think." Of course, I'm picturing my husband's row of 20 pairs of jeans and thinking 2 is simply not enough.

So, what do I do? I tell my Mom to buy the poor kid a new pair of jeans for his upcoming birthday. Two pairs will just not do. Then I got to thinking that once again, I got away from myself, thinking I need more than necessary....

Thanks for the reality check, Brother.

On to my few fall wishlist items:

Olive green pants, chic black boots, and girlie jackets.

Black leather jacket!

Grey, slimming dark jeans, and more jackets..

Black, grey and camel. Need I say more?

Now, I just need permission to shop:)

images via people

can't change the world

Lately I've felt like I'm not doing what I should be doing. Like, I'm missing my calling. I know timing is everything, and maybe I have areas to grow in before reaching my full potential. Ok, I definitely have areas to grow in:) A couple of weeks ago, Jake and I were talking about someday when we have children and I asked him whether or not he would feel guilty bringing more children into this world when there are already so many without homes, without mamas and daddys who love them. And he said no. He wants to have his own children, and I do as well. I just have such a burden for the children who already exist and are barely surviving without love and affection, and two parents to teach them the ways of the world, and most importantly, the ways of God. Jake tried to remind me that I, alone, cannot change the world. And I know it's true. I do not have the means to adopt every child left behind. (Like the one whose mother left her 1 day old infant body in a shed behind her house to die.- in my very own county.) But there must be something I can do. Something that will bring me fulfillment along with benefitting the less fortunate?

word to the wise:

If you want friends

Be a friend

If you want to be loved

Start loving

If you want to be forgiven

Learn to forgive

-KSH

Embrace Fall Y'all

Yes, fall is my favorite season (remember, that IS until we buy a boat someday), but I thought it would be fun to write a fall bucket list. I have somewhat of a b. list written from now until my trip to Kingdom Come, but think of this as an immediate short list. Like, in case I were to die before I ever see fall again. Ok, I never meant to turn morbid. On with the list: (Remember, this is also my "on a budget" list, so no trips to Paris will be included!)

*Tailgating

*Go to a football game

*Wine tour

*Color tour

*Bake a pie

*Carve pumpkins

*Attempt to watch football on tv with Jake

*Buy a really great pair of boots

*Eat several chocolate covered carmel apples (consider this one done)

*Go to apple orchard

*Go Hiking

I'll continue adding as my list grows:) 

God Gave Me You

In honor of our passing 1 year Anniversary....

One Year Anniversary

September 5th marked one whole year for us. People say the first year is the hardest. That means it will get easier from here on out! Now, now, I'm not that naive:)

We had such a great time celebrating together. We went to Petoskey on Saturday, had lunch, did some shopping (found a couple articles of clothing that I need), walked up and down the cute little town, ate chocolate covered carmel apples from Kilwins...

If you have not had one of their special carmel apples, you have not lived. Embrace fall and buy a carmel apple! It will cost you $5, but the best $5 you have ever spent. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Being the sentimental people that we are, we took a little walk down memory lane and posed in front of the same purple wall where we once took our engagement photos. Yes, my rain boots have skeletons on them. Jake made fun of them all day but I cannot tell you how many compliments I received from strangers who noticed my boots!

(Eighteen months earlier)

(Present Day)

When it comes to special occasions, my husband never disappoints. Upon our arrival there were flowers placed in our hotel room, my favorite drink stashed in my bag, and a beautiful gift sneakily tucked away-- A very unique sterling silver ring, and matching sterling silver earrings, that I intend to wear out.

Here's the slimmed down version of the bouquet. After realizing we had no vase, we ran to the dollar store and picked one up-- only to find it was too narrow to hold the entire bouquet. I trimmed, and threw out some un-needed greenery. And there she is.

The rest of the night included hot tubs, lots of talking, a few smooches, food, drinks, and dancing of course!

Happy First Anniversary, Monkey.

Running

            Tomorrow starts the new school year, my new work schedule, AND my new work out routine! Lovin' this quote I heard on Jackie Warner's "Thintervention."

"I don't run unless there's like, a sale or something..."

-Thintervention on Bravo

Fall's my favorite

Now I realize it is not officially fall yet, but in my mind it is. I love everything about fall.

In the fall the leaves change colors, and the cider and donuts taste better.

Fall means back to school, which means a break for this nanny.

In the fall the clothes are better and the weather's milder.

Fall means I turn 24, my husband turns 29, and we have officially been married 1 year.

In the fall running outside is more enjoyable, and football season begins.

Fall means bonfires, wine tours, and Thanksgiving dinner.

Fall gives me an excuse to redecorate.

But ultimately, fall signifies change.

And change is a good thing.