The Riddle's are Nigeria Bound

My dear friend (and little sis I never had) Katie and her husband Nick, leave tomorrow for Egbe, Nigeria.

It's hard to say goodbye but it makes it so much easier when you know that they are excited for this journey and decided for themselves to make this move across the world. 

Through the SIM program, they will be working and worshiping for the next two years.  

It is impossible to put into words how proud I am of them for pouring their heart, soul and life into this new adventure.  To give up everything they have here in America to go to Africa, share themselves, and follow HIM is so selfless and admirable.  To quote Nick, "Stepping out in faith into a new life is very sobering, but at the same time the most rewarding and exciting experience we have ever been a part of."

Katie and Nick at Nick's brother's wedding (Nick is a triplet!)

Will you, with me, everyday, say a prayer for these two very special and precious individuals?

Will you, with me, everyday, say a prayer for their families who will miss them dearly.  (Nick and Katie come from two of the closest, move loving families which I am sure that saying goodbye tomorrow will be the hardest things they have ever done. ) 

I will definitely be keeping you up-to-date on all Katie and Nick's adventures, but if you would like to follow them yourself, check out their blog:

Riddles Swept Away

Katie and Nick at our wedding

The scripture this morning from my daily devotional read, "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind.  Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." - Titus 2:7. 

Immediately my thoughts went to Katie and Nick.  It is so much easier to tell someone what to do than it is to lead by example.  Modeling your beliefs is so much more impactful and makes the value ingrained deeper in all who see this example.  Set the example and let all you do reflect HIM.  

Katie and Nick are my example.  

I love you guys and only wish you the best over the next two years.  

The countdown is on until we see you again....only 731 days :)

Bathroom Love

We have a bathroom in our downstairs that....looks like a bathroom.
It lacks character and style but at the end of the day, its not TERRIBLE so its on the back burner for a face lift.  When we moved in, I put in a new light fixture that was more our style and hung a new mirror that opened the space up.

I have dreams of one day creating it into something a little more like this:

via

I love the different materials and textures on the wall but at the same time, the simplicity. This also does not look to be THAT hard to do.

Our bathroom currently has a beautiful large Kohler sink which I plan to keep until the day I die.  The vanity it sits in; not so much.  I LOVE the vanity in this new bathroom and its natural wood look.

via

Do you think if I was a nice girl, the husband would give me a bathroom makeover for Christmas if I start asking now?!!! 

The Hubby Turns 30!

On Sunday, Matthew turned 30!
Since Matt and my brother-in-law Sam planned a fabulous 30th birthday in Key West for Blair and I, I really wanted to do something special for the birthday boy.  We ruled out going out of town because he wanted as many friends as possible to help him celebrate.
After many debates and  options, he decided he wanted to smoke a pig and have everyone over for a big BBQ at our house.  (I guess it is a man thing to want to cook a giant hog in a smoker for 16 hours and drink beer as you watch it roast.  Me, I would rather not work on my birthday but whatevs!)

Long story short, the BBQ was a huge success and Matt's pig cooking abilities could put up a test to Smithfields!

We are so blessed and thankful to have such wonderful friends and family and the day couldn't have been more perfect without everyone there helping us celebrate Matt's 30th!

(Of course I only took pictures before most people arrived but, just had to share the few I do have!)

 

I ordered this cute sign on PersonalizedMall.com !

We had the cornhole boards out and the cooker set up in the driveway.

Some of our girly friends that came to celebrate the birthday boy!

Sister and Sam

Happy Birthday Hunny!  Can't wait to see what kind of party we throw in another 30 years!!