Invincible Summer

It's been winter.  

Oh, it's 99 degrees and horribly humid here in Kansas.

But, within me...

my soul...

it's been cold, stark, bleak, latent.

Maybe, reality finally hit.
Maybe, I've just been so busy that I couldn't harvest the words.
But...

Over the past few weeks, I have felt a thaw.

So, I thought I would offer you a glimpse in pictures of the past three months....

March was filled with goodbyes...
to our home & our sweet Molly girl.  
My heart still aches missing our rescued Pit-Boxer mix.
She was truly a one-of-a-kind.

My a big band-aid was put on my heart when we agreed to take Leo for a weekend. 

We all fell in love with this Mini Rex rabbit from SM North.

There have been a LOT, LOT, LOT of MOBS' gigs! 
These boys continue to amaze.

Spent the evening with my friend, Annie, seeing Thompson Square & eating a pretzel bigger than my head.  Annie went to school with Keith Thompson, so we got to hang out with them after the show.  

Then we spent a beautiful April evening at The K.
The Boys in Blue did not disappoint.
We won't mention the fact we lost our car in the parking lot & spent an hour looking for it.
(giggles)

Kept working on New Beginnings, our home.  

Turns out Ry is quite brilliant...and will be taking Honors Comp I & II at JCCC during his senior year, as well as, AP Art.  
Hmmm, wonder if he's my kid? ;)

 

Had an awesome CFF Great Strides walk on Mother's Day weekend. 

It rained the entire week preceding it, but we were given a lovely day.

It is one of my favorite days of the year when we CELEBRATE our CF heroes!

We had McQuiston's senior pictures taken by the awesome Kevin & Ashley Keith!

Continued making New Beginnings our home.
I call our breezeway "Jillain's Room of Many Colors".

Helped my mama decorate her table for her end of year celebration for her CBS bible study.
Got the most wonderful happy mail from my girl, Casey.

And, this happened & I cried.
A lot.
A lot. A lot.
A lot.

And, we celebrated with a party!

And, with dear friends.
I once again counted how blessed I am by the people the Lord has placed in our lives.

And, there was MORE of this.
And, they now practice in my basement.
Under my bedroom.
And, it's not soundproofed.
Bless me.

And, more making New Beginnings feel like home.
And, my sweet friend, Nicole, created a hand-lettered picture with my hashtag.
#jillyshouseofnewbeginnings

And, this happened!!!

MOBS has their own EP cut in a for real recording studio.

And, then my prayers were answered and Leo came to live with us forever!
I can't even handle his cuteness!

And, my bestie, Gale, opened up a shop in Topeka & Bella Patina.

The tea tray is one of her creations...and the story behind the ice tea spoon handles make me giggle every time I look at it...

And, I journaled.
And, discovered SUITS.
Oh, Harvey Specter....you do make my knees weak.

And, I got more happy mail from Roo...all the way from Vietnam.
A beautiful addition to my blue & white plate wall.
And, I was humbled that someone would think of me & purchase me a present on their travels.

And, I realized that I had slipped up in my Daniel Plan routine.
And, I have renewed my commitment & you can tell I am thrilled.

I murdered more books.

Hosted a Great Strides BBQ/Surprise Wedding Shower...
what a beautiful couple!

Begin a kitchen overhaul...
that is still happening...
ugh.

And, got to welcome my roomie from YWAM that I hadn't seen in 25 years to KANSAS (and Missouri...because that's always fun to explain to someone who doesn't live on a State Line).

And, she took family photos of the kiddos & me...first time EVER!

And, the weekend went entirely TOO fast & I am counting the days until a Seattle reunion!

And, MOBS had yet another gig!

And, I I know it to be true...
hardships do strip away all but the PURE core of FAITH.

So, I am embracing summer...
And, looking forward to sharing with you this journey.