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.