7 quick takes {no. 23} summertime...

{1}

I cannot believe it has been two and a half weeks since my last post here. Eek! As the song says, "Summertime, and the livin' is easy..." - but it doesn't lead to much blogging. I've missed you. I'm happy to be blogging today - thanks for being here!

{2}
We have a lot to catch up on!

I am in Houston now with my love. Life is so much better when we're together.

I am trying to stay cool down here, as it is extremely hot and humid. Whew, Texas! You really know how to bring the heat. Thank the Lord for air conditioning!

{3}

Michael & I are just getting started with exploring the area. We enjoyed a night out at the Sugarland Skeeters game courtesy of his current employer. It was a lovely summer evening. Minor league baseball is so fun! Maybe you saw this picture on my instagram account?

{4}

One awesome thing about being in Texas this summer is that we were able to hear the wonderful Bonnie of A Knotted Life give a talk! Michael and I were both really moved by the story of her son's miracle. I have read Bonnie's blog for a while now, so I thought I was familiar with the story, but hearing her tell it in person was something really special. Bonnie was such a delight to finally meet.
So much fun!

{5}

All last week I was gone for something very special: Michael & I went to Michigan for the wedding of my brother-in-law and new sister-in-law! We were so thankful to be there for all the wedding week fun and excitement.

{at the rehearsal dinner}

{6}

{via}

We had an amazing time seeing family and witnessing their beautiful marriage. More details and pictures to come...

Would you keep Matthew & Jean in your prayers as they begin their married life together?

{7}

TGIF! I am really looking forward to this weekend! Last weekend was amazing, and this weekend hopefully we will get to relax and enjoy Houston. Anything I should be sure not to miss while I am down here?

Linking up with Jen & many more lovely bloggers! Have a great weekend, friends!

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7 Quick Takes {no. 21} catching up edition!

{1}

Helloooooo, my dear friends! It's been a while! So sorry to have gone quiet for a bit here. It wasn't my intention to be away, but sometimes life has a way of carrying me off to other things. Does that ever happen to you? Happy to be back today for a catch up session - 7 quick takes style!

{2}

I've been spending the majority of my time working on a series of three shows here in NYC that are taking place within the course of a month. The job has been rewarding and fun, but also time-consuming (which is okay while Michael is away in Houston, except for I miss this space!).

{what a day of tech at the theater looks like}

{3}

Last weekend I was able to get away to Wrightsville Beach for a family vacation. The whole family on my mom's side was there, which was quite a feat. There were eighteen of us hailing from Ohio, New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Texas and Thailand. We had an absolutely wonderful time. It was such a blessing for all of us to be together! I especially loved seeing my immediate family, including my sister who I don't get to see very often since we live on opposite ends of the country.

{the beautiful house where we stayed}

{4}
It was my late Grandmother's request that our family all go to Wrightsville Beach together. We had a memorial service to celebrate her life at the beach one morning. A memory to cherish, to be certain.

We also threw a surprise party to celebrate my Grandpa's 80th birthday.

{sorry for the blurry selfie, but wanted to share this picture of grandpa & me!}

{all set up for the surprise!}

More pictures from the party in an upcoming post...

{5}
Another blessing of the family beach trip: after three & a half weeks apart, I got to see Michael!

Our time together was short, but very sweet. At this point, only sixteen days to being reunited! But who's counting? :)

{6}

I have a prayer request.

Have I introduced you to my mother-in-law {Margie} and my sister-in-law {Malissa}? Here's a picture of the three of us from February 2009:

My sweet sister Malissa was adopted from China. Her "gotcha day" (the day when my in-laws finally got to meet their baby girl) and my birthday are the same day, which I love.

{Malissa & me, May 2014}

Malissa and Margie are currently on a trip to China. It is Malissa's first visit back to her home country. This week they will be visiting Malissa's orphanage and meeting some people who spent the first year of her life with her. Would you say a prayer for them as they make this special and emotional journey? Thanks so much in advance. Y'all are the best.

{7}

Well, friends, that's what I've been up to. Hopefully I'll be writing more regularly in the days to come!

Wishing you & yours a very blessed and...

Linking up at Conversion Diary! Click on over for more quick takes...

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Summer Reading

Ah. Those two words bring back a lot of memories for me. From Hester Prynne to Holden Caulfield I met a lot of characters in my summer reading assignments. Some books I loved and some I struggled to finish (not mentioning any titles...coughcoughGreatExpectationscough). I thought it would be fun to make a summer reading list for myself this year. Here it is:

{currently reading}

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

This book is about a boy and his dog. I don't want to tell you too much because I personally don't like to know too much before I read a book. (I'm the type of gal that would never ever read the end of a book before I get there!) I will also say that I don't consider myself a huge dog-lover...I mean, I like dogs, I just don't LOVE them...and I am enjoying this read so far. I'll keep you posted. 

{a bit of history}

Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation

Word on the street (from my husband and some close friends) is that this is a great read. I could use some history in my life, and this book won the Pulitzer. I'm looking forward to sitting down with this!

{summer reading re-reads}

             
To Kill a Mockingbird & A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

These two books were assigned summer reading in high school, and I'd love to go back for another read of these classics. I don't read very many books more than once, but sometimes with a classic it's great to re-read the book at a different point in your life with a whole new perspective.

{for life}

Chosen and Cherished: Biblical Wisdom for Your Marriage

I've had this book on my shelf for a while now, and I am hoping to finally read it this summer. (Kimberly Hahn also wrote Life-Giving Love : Embracing God's Beautiful Design for Marriage, which I highly recommend, as mentioned here - see question 4.)

The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home

I still need to purchase my copy of the book it seems everyone in the Catholic blogosphere is reading and loving.

As I write this post, I realize my list could go on for DAYS! I keep a running list on my phone of books I would like to read. The list currently has over twenty books on it, and all the books I mentioned in this post aren't even on that list...and I have books in my brain that aren't on the phone list either. Oops.

Anywho! That's my summer reading list. (Or at least a start.) I'd like to add something to my list that's just fun summer reading. Do you have any recommendations?

Linking up my list with Jessica at Housewifespice for what we're reading wednesday {aka wwrw}!

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5 Favorites {no. 10} Peony edition

This week's edition of 5 Favorites is dedicated to my all-time favorite flower: the peony.

{1}

I love watching peonies grow. The progression from that tight, round ball of a bud to the full beauty of the open blossom gets me every time. Gorgeous.

{2}

Peonies bloom once a year and for a short period of time, making them extra special. I like that.

{3}

Peonies are such a romantic flower.

{Wedding photo by A Thousand Words Photography}

I had white ones in my wedding bouquet and on our sweetheart table.

{4}

This white peony is from a bush outside of my apartment here in NYC (so are the pink peonies in favorite no. 1). I had no idea these plants were here when we signed the lease. I think God knew the joy they would bring me, almost like a little wink from Him.

{5}
I would be remiss if I did not mention the place where I first fell in love with peonies: the Peony Garden at the University of Michigan's Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor. When the garden is in fullest bloom there are close to 10,000 flowers. It's simply glorious. If you're ever in the area during May or June, do yourself a favor and go.

Thank you, Lord, for peonies. :) Do you have a favorite flower? I'd love to hear! 

Be sure to visit the gorgeous Miss Hallie and other lovelies for more favorites!

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7 quick takes {no. 19} in which I finish my travels& meet Jennifer Fulwiler!

{1}

Well, my friends, it has been quite a week. Hence, the lack of blogging. In the past three weeks I've been from NYC, to Michigan, to Ohio, to Kentucky, to Ohio, to Michigan, to NYC, to Houston, and now I'm back in NYC again. Whew! I'm tired just typing it! Don't get me wrong, however - these trips have been blessed, and I am grateful!

{2}
As I mentioned last week, Michael has an internship in Houston this summer. We spent the last week settling into our apartment there and getting to know the area a bit. Now I'm back in NYC and he is in Houston. I am working on a series of shows through the middle of July and then I'll go back to Houston to join him. While I'm excited for this work opportunity, I am already missing my man! 

{3}
Have you & your loved one ever had to do long distance? Luckily, Michael and I haven't had too much experience with this. Any advice out there? A friend sent me this quotation, which I just loved:

"Away with my sadness! I can always find you in the loving Heart of Jesus,

with the same clarity as if I had you present."

{St. Frances Cabrini}

{4}

I did get to enjoy a few hours of quiet, relaxation & sunshine while in Houston. I am looking forward to spending some QT at this pool when I return later in the summer. What a gift!

Sunhat & SPF 50 a must. Say what you will. {via the 'gram}

 

{5}

I flew back from Houston on Wednesday, just in time to meet Jennifer Fulwiler!

Let me tell you, friends: Jen is the real deal. We already know that from reading her blog, but she is just so lovely in person. She gave an awesome talk. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me think, and moments that touched my heart (just like her book!). Jen also did a great job answering some tough questions from the crowd (who was very engaged and seemed to thoroughly enjoy her story). The Holy Spirit is definitely at work in her. If she comes to your town any time soon, don't miss it. And if you haven't read Something Other Than God yet, you know I recommend it!

Yes, it's true: Jen is tall! And so am I! :)

Thanks for a wonderful evening, Jen! Such a delight to meet you.

{6}

I am really hoping to get back into more regular posting on the blog this week. Wish me luck! Is there anything you'd like to hear from me? Let me know!

{7}

And just for fun, "just because it's June..." (June! Juuuuuune!)

Gotta love Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Linking up with the lovely Jen & many more! Have a great weekend!

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Lemon Bars {yum}

I just love lemon bars. Especially in the spring and summer, there's something so lovely, light and refreshing about this dessert. This recipe is easy to make and would be perfect for your next family gathering, graduation party, bridal shower...or just for fun!

Lemon Bars

{recipe slightly modified from this one}

{ingredients}
1 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar + 1 1/2 c. sugar
2 c. all-purpose flour + 1/4 c. flour
4 eggs
2 lemons, juiced (~1/2 c. juice)
zest of 1 lemon




{how to}
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

With a mixer, blend together the softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar and 2 cups flour. Dough will be crumbly, as pictured.

Press into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan (ungreased). Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. It should smell delicious, as this is essentially a shortbread crust. Yum.

While the crust is baking, whisk together 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/4 cup flour in a separate bowl. Then whisk in the eggs and lemon juice. When the crust is finished baking, remove from oven and pour lemon mixture over the crust.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. After baking, allow to cool. Cut into squares and serve.

I hope you enjoy this delicious treat!

What's your favorite spring or summer dessert? Do tell!

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