following grace

There once was a day, a day that I promised to do something so incredible, so time consuming, and yet so freeing..   I promised to blog often. To keep the world wide web up to date on Austyn's every life event. and then life took over, and we see where that went.   But 2015 holds new opportunity, and while I can't promise which opportunities I will take advantage of, I can promise, to simply try. try to make time, try to make blogging a priority, try to let this be a place full of thoughts, life events, pictures and Jesus.   so with that being said, here's to 2015 {even if im 48 hours late..} being a year of new beginnings new blogging habits and raising HIS name from every rooftop.   Life lately, has been so full of Him. and oh friends, what a joy it is to truly delight in Him.   Just say, "Yes!" and let Him take you for the wildest ride of your life.   There is no greater joy in making a decision...

We all know I'm a slacker, and as a result my here little ol blog gets neglected big time.   We leave for vacation Thursday, so I'm writing one last post before I set sail. After our cruise, I will go straight to camp I cannot wait!   So here is my last week of summertime shenanigans.. hanging out with momma. adventures to the pool with this sweet girl. My 1st ever trip to the container store!! I got my 1st pair of Jacks, and I am in LOVE! I got to watch this sweet girl swim, TWICE! {I always miss her meets because of camp} sister date for greek food. harassing Landon at work after a family birthday dinner. and alas, I finally had to cave and get a night guard. I tell you what, it's NOT my favorite.   Not super exciting around here, but making memories and that's all that matters!   Off to run errands, and prepare for sailing!   Be back in a few weeks! -Austyn

today we're celebrating 21 years for these two love birds. So so blessed in this crazy culture to have parents that are still together, love each other and set the ultimate example of what marriage is supposed to be like. Best friends, supporters and each others own personal comedian. Honored to call these two mine.   Happy Anniversary! I love you!

When did this cutie   become this one?   So proud of you big teenager. Cannot wait to see where the Lord orders your steps in the next year! I love you! Sissy

Love is..   playing in the snow jamming to the Frozen soundtrack one too many pieces of chocolate and a fun filled time with friends.   Love to you and yours on this so very loving day.   -Austyn

I have to admit, the thought of a month at home living out of boxes sounded overwhelming at first. But it has been such a blessing. The time I have gotten to catch up, relax and just enjoy being home has been a complete dream.   Ive enjoyed Winter Jam with friends dinners out with the family. spending time at camp with this girl on her birthday. having time on the beach with camp friends. and the Lord. and soaking up every bit of this gorgeous sunset at my favorite place on earth. lots of sister time. lunch dates with my favorite boys. The Lacey's lobster party.   cousin time. play time with my crazy nephews. Christmas lights and movie days. Basketball games like old times. catching up with old friends when they come in town.   seeing high school friends now play in college. celebrating our first year as alumni. and enjoying my last day of break catching up with camp fri...

After a wonderful week of being Thankful I headed back to campus for a week of Fun, Finals and all things Christmas. My darling RA Missy left us to go do the Lord's work in Africa :) We sure will miss her! Its not finals week without a fun prank. Christmas Convo with some girls from my hall. Ugly Sweater Christmas party with my Iyada girls. Sweet visits from friends to brighten your day. International Fashion Show and just soaking up the love of Christmas.   It was a great week and so nice to run us into Christmas break.   -Austyn

Since I won slacker of the year award for 2013 I shall start of 2014 by catching you up on last year...   Starting with Thanksgiving break. We had a great time of being thankful, and since I was home for an entire week we got to enjoy some fun memories on top of Turkey Day. :) We enjoyed dinner with Paw Paw Gary. and decked the halls and got signed up for basketball for our little baller! We visited with sweet Paw Paw Gary some more. Mom and the bigs packed shoe boxes for OCC, at the plant nearby The sisters took on Black Friday {Thursday} Me and my sweet boy got lots of sweet time together. SO thankful for him! We had a family dinner with everyone for Mom's birthday. and I got to go back and teach my SS class.   What a splendid break it was. :)   -Austyn