Last bit #mylifeinjuly

Alright, so this month's challenge didn't quite go as planned,

but it is really alright by me.

I spent more time being outside,

being with my family,

and enjoying summer.

Last week we packed up 

and headed up to Iowa for 

the big Shivers' Family Reunion.

Fun Hotel (w/ an awesome indoor water park)

+

Good, good food

+

antique shopping

+

lots and lots of Farm fun

My dad absolutely loves taking us 

back to where he grew up.

It was fun seeing family from all over the country,

and Nora girl, and the Cord were completely in their element

on the farm.

 

my grandparents as teenagers
picture from my cousin, Rachel

Home sweet Home.

I really hope you all enjoyed your July as much as we have!

funny girl

N is really into jokes,
hearing them and telling them.
Her usual jokes involve whatever she sees,
and some weird noise.
For example: 

N: Mama, how do you put a pillow on a chair?
Me: Umm.. I don't know.
N: Blerg-da-donk! 
(then she cracks up at herself)

Today, she was into knock knock jokes.
Our conversation in the car today
went something like this:

N: Mama, now you tell me a knock knock joke.
Me: Okay, Knock knock.
N: Who's there?
Me: Banana.
N: Whose Banana?
Me: No, you are suppose to say "Banana Who?"
N: I think it was Cordie's banana.
C: No, nas minee. Si Yeaow guys!
(translation of Cordese: No, not mine, it's the yellow guy's)



this is my funny girl.

Still Here...

Yes, we are still here,

and here is what we have been doing...

she is so sweet to all things

she loved being at Grandma and Papaw's House

14 hour road trip (one way)
Our girls were so amazing during this trip!
They're the best!

best helpers

she now loves the water!

we sure are enjoying the summer,
however,
i feel like i am starting to melt.

Keep Cool!

July :: week one

I have had a great first week in July,

Since I wasn't too great at posting my photos 

I am going to post them right now.

 Mom and Dad's house

 Keeper

 Watching Fireworks with Grandma

 red and green with flecks of yellow

...and I am almost certain that is just a stick.

 Grilling burgers

And here are your pictures!

Thanks for sharing your summer with us!

(#mylifeinjuly to your instagram and your photos will be posted next monday)

 Photos via 

@3teacherread

@kaye_tee

@annairwin23

My Life in July

First day!!

Happy July everyone!!

My view today, drying in the sun.

This blanket my Grandma made for us

 with all of my Grandfather's old overalls! 

It is my favorite for picnics/baseball games/yard work days.

My view from the weekend

"OF COURSE!"

WARNING: this post is pretty sappy. and so am I.

Today at 10:00 am EST 

marked the sixth year anniversary of a special day.

My whole family knew what I didn't.

I remember sitting on the couch,

waiting on my sister to get ready.

She had asked me to go to the mall with her,

so I just threw on the ol' reliable

t-shirt + skirt

combo and started watching The Ellen Show.

My sister asked me, "Are you wearing that?!"

Umm...yea, I am not trying to impress anyone,

it's Eastgate.

Then the doorbell rang.

At the door is a boy,

(He was only 21, feels like forever ago)

my favorite boy,

 holding deep red roses.

He surprised me again!

( I thought he was in Illinois)

I invite him in,

simply thrilled he is at my house,

totally unaware of what was next!

Between being mauled by my parent's fourth child,

Keeper, an Australian Shepherd,

Ellen yelling some funny quips, 

and Ashlyn poking her head around the corner,

he asks to step back outside,

then

it.got.real.

I don't remember any of what was said next,

I just started to feel so giddy.

I remember the perfect ring sparkled in its box,

I remember how his face looked,

I remember how we both were shaking,

and then I said,

"OF COURSE!"

(NOT what I had planned on saying. I may have practiced after our first date, yep, SAP)

pictures the next day (note:I was dressed better)

goofballs

That day rocked!

 I hope to always remember it! 

And I get to, whenever I glance at my left hand,

adorned with that same glittering ring.

----

Both my sister and brother will be getting married this year!

Both were engaged within a week of each other this past month.

I am so thrilled for both of them,

I cannot wait to hug both their necks!

(and their fiancés as well)

It is such a special time for them,

and I find myself reliving that same giddiness I felt

6 years ago.

Because marriage is work,

and working with your best friend

is pretty awesome.

I am always thankful,

that he chose me, and 

that I said,

"OF COURSE!"

(even if it sounded a little unrehearsed and goofy)

My Life July Photo Challenge

Alright so this post is a little bit lighter than the last,

but come on it was 3 in the morning when I wrote most of it.

Anywho!

New month, new challenge,

and this one I want all my readers to participate in too.

Now,

I am no where near a great photographer,

but I really really like taking photos.

Also, my only camera is my trusty,

multi-functional iPhone4,

and maybe someday that will change,

But for now it takes pictures,

and i need the practice.

So back to the challenge::

most every day

in July

I will take a picture of what I saw that day in my life,

and I promise not every picture will be of my beautiful children.

Here is where you come in, yes you!

You can take and share your photos too (via Instagram) and 

each monday in July I will post some great ones to share!

Just add 

#mylifeinjuly

to your instagram pictures 

and we can all see the beauty 

in each other's lives!

Starting Monday, this blog will be mostly photos I am taking and I am nervous and excited!

I can't wait to see your photos too!

photo from our mini trip last week,
it's summertime!