Spirit Family Reunion

Here is to spontaneity and the banjo.

Last night I had the supreme honor of hopping in the car with four other adventurous ladies and headed off to RI. Why? Because I got an invitation to go- what more reason would I need.

We were going to see my friend’s sister’s favorite band: Spirit Family Reunion (I had never heard of them either). But now that I have, I HAVE to share! It was a banjo pickin’ foot stomping good ‘ol time.

They. Were. AMAZING!

They rocked the house! Check them out here through NPR. You won’t be able to be in a bad mood while listening to them (unless you don’t like music with a banjo/ washboard/ electric violin). 

Check them out. Seriously. 

I think that I will be making it a general rule to always say yes to going to concerts for bands I have never heard of, especially if it involves a road trip and friends. I think this trip fills my quota for getting home past 12:30am for a good while :)

Late night: Totally worth it.

Breaking the Ice

How fast five months go by! I thought the best way to break the ice on blogging again with a little “what we have been up to” post.

• Scott is finding his stride with his classes and coursework- Only 4.5 years to go…
• I am all settled in and working for a great company as an Administrative Coordinator
• We have been diving into our church community at Highrock and loving it
• Lots of walks, snowshoeing and cross country skiing
• Lots of coffee
• Lots of looking for ice cream as delicious as the Bent Spoon (not yet found)
• A little painting and creating
• Constant influx of books from Amazon (seriously need to buy stock)
• Visits to mom’s- playing with kittens
• Visits with friends over Skype (miss you guys)
• Exploring our new home
• Loving all the great local restaurants

Here’s to jumping back into blogging! I had to get the first one back out of the way- better content to come :)

Refinished

I have been enjoying an “employment hiatus” this summer. With a big move and lots of travel it has been a real gift to have so much time to not have any “real” responsibilities. I have been able to spend great time with family and friends and travel with the hubs.

I had a few projects on the docket that I knew I could tackle at my mom’s house that is complete with a workshop. I am so glad that dad taught me how to use (safely) power tools. I just really love firing up the table saw or the smell of stain that brings new life to old tired wood.

We found this table by the dumpster by our old apartment and I was determined to give refinishing it the old college try.

Here it is in it’s well-worn glory. I am behind the camera unaware of the chemical burns yet to come while removing the old varnish…I learned very quickly not to make any sudden movements while applying or removing the chemical.

My mom instructed each step and after sanding, washing, staining and varnishing- It was fit for coffee table use! It was so satisfying to see the finished product. Thanks to coach mom for all the tips, pointers and help!

It has been a great hiatus, but I am getting just a bit (a lot) stir crazy and cannot wait to have a schedule and a rhythm to the week again. Soon, very soon!

Holding Moments

It was a time to savor friendship and laugh hard. It was a time to reflect and make decisions. It was a time to be still and listen.

It was filled with moments to hold on to.

MAINE

 

I am so grateful for the surprise of extra time with the Hoffmans before they head off to New Zealand to be a part of The Well (a new church plant in Christchurch, NZ). Still wish we could be neighbors forever. Maybe someday :)

 

 

A picture post

These past months have been filled with great times with great people. Here are those things represented in pics… A wedding. A move. Beaches. A celebration. A rooftop. A reunion. I am looking forward to the months to come!

Remember

July has gone whirring by filled with tearful goodbyes, travel, families, boxes (of books) and a new place to call home.

Today I find myself unwrapping pictures and dwelling on the memories and people they captured. I am so grateful for the past and how it witnesses to the Lords graceful and perfect provision.

I put pictures in their respective homes to gather dust and let me know that here too we will find community and make ourselves a home.

The future can be so overwhelming with the what ifs and the unknowns. The Lord continually calls his people to remember what he has done to bolster their faith for what lies ahead.

Today, I am grateful for the peace that comes with remembering the sovereignty and goodness of the Lord.

“It is well with my soul”

Keys

We left our keys on the counter in our small galley kitchen this morning as we wrangled the last of our belongings in to boxes and suitcases. I had the final episode of Friends running through my head- when they all leaves their keys on the counter.

It was a swift exit as we quickly got to the car to catch the train to Newark. [Let me stop here to say how much I am hoping this travel experiance is nothing like my previous travel experiance!!] We are headed off to Aruba of all places this morning!!

Scott’s older brother is getting married to the wonderful Emily this weekend IN ARUBA!! We are really looking forward to the wedding and being on island time for 5 days. This trip comes at a perfect time. We can just relax before moving all of our worldly possessions into our new place. Here’s to old friends, time with family and new adventures!

A long goodbye

It has been a busy month. A few words on the last few weeks:

A season of saying good bye.

Preparing for what is next.

Visiting NYC and all the places we love one last time.

Cookouts, take out and cleaning out.

More to come when things settle down and we are moved into our new place in early July.

United: We Wait

The below recorded events are 100% true. I wish that some parts were embellished or fictionalized but they aren’t. This is the story of how it took 27 hours to get to Knoxville, Tennessee from New Jersey. Please put your …