Lindsay Came To Town

Last week we got to see Molliann and this weekend my dear friend Lindsay was in Phoenix as well! We sure are getting spoiled. Lindsay's a really talented musician and she was here for a few concerts throughout the area (if you've never heard her sing, go here now! Seriously. You'll be blessed). Paul and I went and saw her perform on Sunday night, and then we got to hang out and catch up with her afterwards. It was such a sweet and encouraging evening. I sure do miss my friends!

Don't I look classy with a 7up in hand? Nice. It was so good to see an old friend though :)

A couple of years ago, we were in a really precious bible study together, and being with her made me miss all the NBA girls. (Yes we named our Bible Study "NBA" and I'm not even going to tell you what it stands for because it's embarrassing. Ok fine, it stands for no boys allowed. Not even kidding.)

Here we are! Being totally cool and pretending we're reindeer. You know you have true friends when you can take a picture like this together. My favorite part might be Merry Chrstmas. But I think it's our only picture all together so it will just have to do! We're all scattered all over the country (and soon the world, Mandy!) now, but oh how I cherished those sweet times in the Word with them at the Fernandez house. Miss you sweet friends!!

Another Package Today!

I can't believe my eyes!  I received another package in the mail today from sweet Stacy!

I've been missing everyone from home so much today. Something about hearing from a lot of people from a lot of different stages in my life makes me feel nostalgic. Do you ever feel like that?  Like thinking about all the places you've been and all the people in those times you've loved just makes your heart ache?  Today is doing that to me. But I feel so thankful for all the sweet cards, phone calls, messages, facebook posts, and love I've received today from dear friends so far away. So thank you!

Now I'm off to a lovely birthday evening with PDS. He's the best and so sweet to me. See you tomorrow with my Friday birthday printable!

wait.

Thinking about him today.

Does he know the love of his Maker?

Now I would never want to brag about the gifts I've received from my Grandma without also highlighting some of my most special material blessings from my Oma.  You may remember her from  my February 15 post where she is featured in a special 60 years of marriage collage with my Papa.  They recently downsized and moved states - not a small feat in your 80's!  Instead of moving all of her things, she decided to pass down some of her treasures to me including her all of her china, silver serving trays,  linens, crystal glasses, vases and silver.  Can you say WOW!?  And although I have such an abundance of lovely things, I think these are my favorite:

These may just look like any old pieces of silver.  But if you take a closer look you will see how very special they are:

Monograms!  I love these spoons and forks with my Oma's maiden initials, married initials and my father's name so elegantly engraved on the handles!  Oma says some were gifts from her father and others were gifts sent over from relatives in Germany.  I think these are so special and I am excited to enjoy them in my future home and to pass them down for generations to come.  I hope they will always initiate sweet conversations and stories about my dear precious Oma.

So I have really been drawn to "old" things lately.  And thankfully I have two very generous grandmothers who also happen to be old - although one has passed on.  Over the years they have been so kind to pass down lovely treasures to me and I feel like recently I have really started to appreciate their gifts even more.  When my grandma passed away, she left to me (her only granddaughter) an extensive jewelry collection.  I have spent many an hour sorting through old broaches, clip on earings, beaded necklaces, watches, rings and charms and I still don't feel like I really know what all is in that chest!  Here is an image of just one of the many drawers full of Grandma's wonderful mysterious beautiful accessories.  A true "old things" lover's dream!   

Past Journeys

Tonight a friend requested a copy of a picture I took during one of my trips to East Asia.  This got me thinking about images from the past that I love and that remind me of places and lands I have journeyed through.  I love a good photograph because it can take you right back to the exact moment it was shot - in an instant I can hear the sounds, remember the emotions, feel like I am there again.  And a really great picture will bring you back to that moment whether you were there the first time or not.

Anyways, I've decided that I'll start posting photos from journeys past - to report to you where God has already taken me and what my eyes have seen.
 

Oh no! I left my camera at work this evening so I am unequipped to post a new picture today!! I tried to take one at Paul's later with his camera, but the battery ran out before I really got started. So instead, I am posting an old favorite from my trip to Italy!  This one's from the Vatican in honor of watching Angels and Demons this past weekend and dreaming of a trip to Rome someday with my man ;)