I mentioned in my last post about my hubby's birthday dinner he prepared for me at the park. Here are some pictures from that night . . . 

Zucchini and Chicken! Mmm.

The following pictures are what happens when you set the camera on self timer rapid shot :)

Starbucks and my birthday present from Durrell.

I love my husband :)

birthdays and a good attitude

I turned 25 on Monday. 

I am a birthday fanatic. I love celebrating any way possible with as much fuss as possible (whether it's my birthday or someone else's). It is the one day a year where the day is all about YOU!!

This year, I had a hard time embracing my birthday. I felt old - not because of the number, but because my child like spirit seemed to have forgotten to show up this year. The anticipation and excitement was swept under the rug by work and commitments. This is also the first year that my parents are in Texas - so no birthday dinner or celebrating with them until a later date.

My hubby has done an amazing job at trying to embrace my love for birthdays. He grew up in a family that celebrated birthdays more casually than my family. He tries so hard to be creative and make the day special for me. On my birthday eve he gathered up food and his portable grill and took me to a park for a little picnic. After dinner and a walk, he took me to the mall to pick out a pair of Converse shoes I have been wanting. He did a great job at creating a fun and relaxing celebration for me.

To be honest, I have been having a pity party for myself. Sad that I didn't get a cake or a big fuss. Sad that certain people didn't remember or send cards. And then today I read the words of a fellow blogger - "My spirit was dry because I had not been feasting on living water. I had not been leaning on the only REAL source of fulfillment and joy available to me." And it hit me. My spirit is dry. My life has become about ME and not taking time for the One who gives me joy and LIFE. Because of this, I have been looking inward, at my discontentment or wants instead of looking outward at the many blessings and joys in my life. As I sit here and reflect on my many blessings, I realize that I had a great birthday. It may have looked and felt a little different than other years, but it was still great.

I have a thankful heart today. I woke up and was laying in bed for awhile this morning - just thinking. I feel so thankful for so many things, but this morning, I am so thankful for family. Family God has placed in my life biologically and also the ones that I have gained through marriage.

Last night we hung out with Dallas, Durrell's younger brother, and his girlfriend Shanna. Dallas is leaving for a 2 year college in Michigan on Monday to train for missionary aviation. Shanna has just recently joined the Glick clan and we love her! I was so glad to spend one last eve with them together before Dallas takes off.

Love you Dallas! We're so proud of you and can't wait to see all the big things God has in store for you come to life. We'll miss you randomly stopping by the house AND I'll miss you eating my food and commenting on how good it is:)  

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Remember last Saturday when I was feeling ambitious and Durrell and I didn't have much planned? Well, we ended up playing tourists for a day around town! We toured the Kitchen Kettle Village and then did some wine tasting at the Mount Hope Winery. It was a fun, relaxing day.

And last but not least . . . 

I came home from work on Wednesday to find a package from Overstock.com on my doorstep.

THANK YOU MOM, for my early, awesome birthday present!! I love it! 

We've already used it twice! You're the best :)

A popcorn popper!!! 

And today we have no real agenda again. This is wonderful. We will make breakfast together and then who knows what?? What a great way to spend a Saturday - just me and husband and whatever else is a bonus. 

Happy weekend! 

R A W.

When I began this blog, I didn't really have a theme or agenda for it. My main purpose was to give my parents (who live in Texas) updates on our life. I thought maybe I'd post how-to's about my many crafty projects, but that's just not me. I get so engrossed in the project that I forget to stop and take pictures as I'm doing it. I thought maybe a photo blog, but somehow lately I forget to take pictures or simply don't feel like it. And lastly I've debated about how personal to make this blog. Since I have no clue who stumbles upon it, do I share personal thoughts?? Do I let my guard down and spill my guts?

Yesterday, after a somewhat emotional day, I decided to just be raw. This blog is a reflection of my life, and at times, I feel raw.

raw

adjective /rô/  rawer, comparative; rawest, superlative

"In its natural state; not yet processed or purified." 

Do you ever realize things about yourself that you don't like, and get really frustrated because you want to change NOW? I feel like right now, I am in that very raw state. I am seeing behavior patterns or selfish desires that I wish weren't there. Maybe I am going through a refining process, but why does it feel like it will never end?

My husband is amazing. Growing up with 5 brothers and only 1 sister (who is the youngest), I think the poor boy was in for a shock when he realized how emotional I can be. He is always supportive, patient, reasonable and does his best attempt to understand my feelings.  He is the perfect match for me. 

Durrell and I are going through a season of change. It is a time of really seeking God and making some big decisions that will ultimately change our life as we know it. It is exciting and a little scary at times. Yesterday the morning air felt like fall. I got excited for the fall season to approach, but also a little sad to see summer go. I felt God drop into my spirit a saying my dad says "Life is but a collection of seasons". It was a good reminder to me that seasons in life come and go. Not matter where we are, I want to embrace all that life has to offer.

This post was a perfect example of my thoughts that at times seem disorganized and all over the place. I want to be transparent - not just online, but in real life. It's easy for me to act like I have it all together and sometimes in that, I think I come across as unapproachable. Well, I've got junk too, just like everyone else. Here's to being raw. And just living life as the person God created me to be. 

-A

feeling ambitious . . .

It's Saturday morning. I got up at 7:30 to have breakfast with my 2 lovely friends, Tanya and Christina. It has been way too long since we have had breakfast together. So wonderful to be with them again and catch up on life.

And now I'm home. Feeling ambitious but without any real plans. Hubby is out washing Sophi (my car). We have tossed around the idea of playing tourist today in our own town. Who knows where we'll end up! I love having days off with no real agenda. I think a nap will be in the plan later today (of course!)

While I'm feeling energetic, I will post the 3 pictures I took on family vacation. Yes, I slacked majorly this year! We went to the annual Glick vacation spot of Spruce Lake Retreat in the Poconos. Durrell and I tented. It rained this year, but thankfully our tent didn't take on much water. 

Durrell making breakfast in our cast iron skillet  that we got at his grandparents sale! 

My awesome fam that I married into!
(ladies shopping trip!)




Sad I didn't take more pictures. There were 20 of us this year camping (that's just Durrell's immediate family). Very different from my family (there's only 4 of us in my immediate family!) but very fun! Always something happening and never a dull moment. I am blessed to be a part of now 2 great families.




And with that posted, I am off to spend the day with my man. Happy weekend! 

photo craze

I'm not really sure if anyone reads this blog. Sometimes I wonder why I feel compelled to post. Maybe, just  maybe someone reads my random updates (I think my mom still does:) )

My best friend got married on July 17th and I was honored to be her right hand woman. Dan, her now husband, is an Aussie. They were and will continue to live in Australia, though the wedding was in western Canada - where Kristi is from. I flew in a week before the wedding to spend some quality time with my bestie - before our men and other guests arrived. What a wonderful time we had together.

"quading" aka 4-wheeling

Kristi's hometown bridal shower

The day Dan arrived (groomsman Josh from AUS on the right)

Rehearsal dinner - bridesmaids (minus 1)

My parents came!

What a wonderful celebration of friendship and love. Love you Dan and Kristi!!!