Somedays  I just have to take one giant step backwards to take in all that God has done for me. Today was certainly one of those days. I often doubt God's plan when life isn't going my way, but every single time he provides what ultimately is best. Sometimes His plan isn't exactly what I was hoping for, but without a doubt His plan has made me a stronger person. I'm easily stressed, I'm pretty emotional, and I'm a worry wort. I don't know why I let my emotions get the best of me sometimes, but God always knocks me off my feet. It's times like these that in return I just feel silly.

On another note this morning I got a text from my dad that read, "I'm going to miss you when you go back to school. I love you". Tears literally filled my eyes when I read this simple message. Only 3 weeks until I go back to Knoxville, where in the world has summer gone? It's bittersweet.

Ugliest painting ever.

A few weeks ago I noticed that there was a painting missing from a wall in our living room. Not just any painting, but the ugliest painting I've ever laid eyes on. From the tacky green frame to the terrible artwork, this piece needed to go. My dad left the painting laying near the trash bin so naturally I grabbed it and used it for my own crafting needs. I've been wanting to find a decent size frame to make a collage with and this painting worked perfectly. All it took was white paint, a crackle finish, Mod Podge, and my favorite pictures.

The painting getting a serious makeover. 

Hard to tell, but I used a crackle finish for a somewhat aged appearance. 

Patiently waiting for the Mod Podge to dry.

The final product. I can't wait to hang this in the new house.

Caroline is ENGAGED!

 I'm happy to say that one of my very best friends is officially engaged! I'm literally ecstatic, overjoyed, & delighted for Caroline and her fiancee Stuart. I'm excited to be a part of this lovely adventure; I'm even lucky enough to be a bridesmaid, ekkk! Every time I even think about Caroline's big day I get all giddy inside, typical girl eh? Maybe so, but that is okay with me... CAROLINE SCHUTT IS GETTING MARRIED! Look at her gorgeous ring, it fits naturally and is absolutely stunning. Caroline is going to be the most beautiful bride and I can't even wait. I'm sure this post will be the first of many dealing with Caroline's wedding, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Congrats Cline, I love you!

Celebrating my Daddy, very belated post.

I know I know, Father's Day was almost a month ago, but I never got the chance to dedicate a post to the greatest man that I know. My Daddy is so wonderful, and he deserves to be celebrated every single day. I honestly do not know what I would do without him, my world would literally fall to pieces. I always run to my Dad during tough situations because he knows exactly what to say and when to say it. He keeps me sane, and he humbles me when necessary, but most importantly he always reminds me whose I am. In that case, happy belated Father's Day to my Daddy on earth and my heavenly Daddy!

This year for Father's Day my sister and I bought Dad some delicious smelling cologne that he wanted. Well, of course at midnight the night before I realized that there was not a single roll of wrapping paper in our house. The only thing I could find was left over Christmas decor, and although I considered the festive bags, I quickly decided upon more appropriate wrapping of choice- an ESPN magazine! We had plenty extra around the house, So I gathered some of my favorite magazine clippings and went to work.

Just a few simple supplies. 

Naturally the gift wrapping needed a bow, so I managed to make this cute little one. 

The final product- Dad absolutely loved it. 

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do. But we do not give up and quit." 2 Corinthians 4:8