The flea market was a success. I found so many things that I loved. I even bargained with the man behind the counter to get a better price on some Coca-Cola glasses.















Today we went to Mark's graduation baccalaureate service. The whole Shepherd family is in town, and we all had dinner together afterward. Marcia's chicken and rice casserole, salad, bread, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. The evening flew by, and everyone is exhausted from all of the socializing. But tomorrow is the actual graduation ceremony with an even bigger celebration party. I think I may gain a few pounds from all the food this weekend.

The weather has been so beautiful this week. It just reminds me that summer is here and there are so many new things happening in my life and in the lives of people around me. Just living in Marion and being close to Jordan and his family is a wonderful experience in itself.

We took a walk over to our little white house. Gabby and I finally got to see the inside and get a feel for what we will need and how we are going to decorate. Only 2 more days until we do the big move in.

This house is adorable. I can't wait to live there!

Breakfast this morning was a hit. I love waking up at 11:00am and making pancakes, scrambled eggs and coffee at the Shepherd house.

Today is the first day of summer. It took Jordan and I all day yesterday to move my stuff from the dorm to his parents house. But it is done and I am happy to be out of North Hall.

This week will be all about preparing to move into my house. Gabby and I are just waiting to get all of our stuff in and settle down for the summer. I hate living out of a suitcase.

Jordan and I are about to leave to do some shopping at the flea market and goodwill. I am in search of anything that can be used to decorate the house. It will need some life! I want the walls to be filled.

I also just found out that I will be working at McConn next year (the campus coffee shop). To be honest, I am thrilled. It's probably the hardest job to get at IWU, and I didn't think I would have a chance. I can't wait to be a barista with Jordan and so many other wonderful people who work there.

I am still in search of a job this summer. Any job. I am starting to get desperate. I trust that something will come up eventually.

Today was a great day to eat at Payne's
Jordan and I decided to hang out at Payne's for a few hours this evening. I ordered the club sandwich with brie, turkey, and spinach. Jordan had the cheddar cheese soup in a bread bowl.

We managed to spend hours there today, and eventually we had to order some lattes. I was productive enough to start a list of the things I need to start gathering for the house.

Here is what I have come up with so far:
All purpose cleaner
Broom
Dust pan
Dusting spray
Sponges
Wipes
Paper towels
Laundry dryer sheets
Rug
Garbage bags
Shower curtain, liner, & rings
Coasters
Cook book
Pots and pans
Cooking sheets
Mixing bowls
Serving dishes
Toaster
Spatula & large plastic spoon
Measuring cups & spoons
Plates
Bowls
Sharp knive
Peeler
Juice pitcher
Oven mitts
Tin foil and plastic wrap
Nonstick spray
Cutting board
Trash can
Tablecloth
Dish towels
Strainer
Ice trays


It is quite the list.

I found some of the most beautiful pictures
I don't understand how these babies stay asleep during these photo-shoots!


"Photographers Tracy Raver and Kelley Ryden capture the calm contentment of napping newborns in these adorable portraits. Based in Nebraska, the photographers specialize in getting images of babies around 2 weeks old. Raver says she's able to get them in midslumber by keeping the studio warm and cozy, and having their moms feed them before the shoot"

I am happy to finally have my own blog.
I want to share my life with the people I love and the people I never get to see. Lately my life has been hectic, but summer is near and I will have the chance to write more.

Currently I am getting ready to head into finals week at IWU. Thankfully I only have three actual tests because of my two take home finals. I am proud to say that this year I have gotten rid of my procrastination study habits. Because of this, I was able to spend the Sunday afternoon lounging and watching television. Tonight was LOST and Celebrity Apprentice.

Soon I will be packing up all of my belongings and storing them in the Shepherd household for the week. Once Saturday arrives I will be moving into my new house for the summer! I can't wait to live with two other girls in a cute little house in Marion, and only $100 each for 4 months. We are slowly gathering supplies for the house, but we will be needing some decorations to give it some life. I am most excited to have the opportunity to learn to cook!

As exciting as it all is, there is a part of me that is sad to leave the people I have grown so close to. College is half way done already, and it has really gone by fast. This year alone has been filled with so many memories.







I will be needing these next few weeks to get ready for the even bigger event ahead. My mission trip to Greece is two weeks away. I still need to do a ton of research about the country and the cultures we will be around. I want to devote my time to prayer and preparation. It still hasn't hit me that I will be working with war refugees and sex trafficking victims in Greece. I can't even start to imagine what that will be like. All I know is that God has big plans. My team is amazing and we are all so united in this mission. We are overwhelmingly thankful for the people who have supported this trip. It has already been a journey and we haven't even left yet.