10 Things for Summer

1. summer playlist (I get excited to re-create this every year). It's a must have for road trips with the windows down. A few of my favorites include Gold On the Ceiling by The Black Keys, Some Nights by Fun, Tongue Tied by Grouplove, and of course, Biebers All Around the World (with LUDA!)

2. juicing with fresh fruits and vegetables. If you're interested in some healthy juicing recipes, see this book.

3. therapeutic gardening. My job has given me a new appreciation for this soothing activity. Now I just need to get my own garden plot ready for tomatos, strawberries and basil.

4. coconut oil. Thanks to my friend, Anna Kujacznski, I have a new love for this magical product. I use it on my skin, my hair, and for cooking. Plus it smells heavenly, unless you're weird like my husband and you don't like the smell of coconuts.

5. cardio + kettle bell workouts. After doing this for the past few months now, I really can't imagine going through the week without it. Let me tell you, Kettle bells are the worst, but they really do give you a great strength workout.

6. CMT top 20 countdown. Yes, I love country music, and I'm not ashamed. I remember watching the countdown every week with my sister when we were little and loving the stories being told in the music videos. In recent years I have gotten behind in the country music world. It's time to get caught up.

7. clean out the closet. simplify and minimize. I do this as much as possible. It feels so good to get rid of all the clothes that I can't stand to look at anymore. You should try it.

8. hair growth. I really really miss my old hair, and I'm doing everything I can to get it back. Summer is the perfect time to boost the growing because I rarely have to style it. If you're interested in growing your hair quicker, I'll be doing a post soon on helpful hair growth tips that have really worked well for me.

9. New movies. I am counting down the days for these few films: Rock of Ages - June 15, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (yay Steve Carell!) - June 22, Brave - June 22, The Dark Knight Rises - July 20.

10. Time with family and friends before the big move. We are so thankful to have this summer to prepare and visit before we head to Colorado to help plant Front Range Church. We will be taking lots of trips to Michigan and also soaking up the time we have in Indiana. This is a summer to be with the people we love most, and to cherish every minute.


What are you excited to do this summer? Do you have any favorite activities to recommend?


Have a restful Sunday friends.

Update

My apologies for my lack of blogging lately. Life has been so busy in recent weeks. 

Lets get you caught up. 

I started my summer job as....basically a gardener. I mulch, plant, weed, and water the plants on the IWU campus. I also drive cool little vehicles like Kubotas and gators. I honestly love getting up and getting in the dirt everyday while scoring bronze skin and arm muscle. therapeutic.  

I concluded my 4-Hour Body experience. It was a great and successful time of discipline, and it served its purpose. After hours of food documentaries and research, I have now moved to a whole foods plant based diet. And I can finally eat fruit!

went on a shopping trip to this place and got some new gear for Colorado. Mountains here we come. 

girls camping trip (yes we did put the tent up all by ourselves). 

community garen plot, weeded and tilled. SO excited to grow my own veggies and herbs :)

new Trek road bikes as a graduation gift from our parents. It took a total of five hours in the bike shop including test riding and bike fitting. Afterward we went on a fifteen mile ride with my Dad, the triathlon man. 

witnessed the marriage of our close friends, Marie and Cory. One of the most beautiful weddings I have ever seen. 

(photo by George Flattery)

reunited with my bests from Michigan. Thank you Lord for these beautiful people. 

So far, May has been a great kickoff to a fun packed and carefree summer. We will spend the rest of it in the outdoors with friends and family and food from the ground and bike rides and road trips with a little bit of sleeping in. Just a little. 

And then... 

off to Colorado :) 

We're Moving to Colorado

At the beginning of our senior year of college people always asked us what we were going to do after graduation. Truth be told, we had no clue. We had some faint ideas, thoughts, and wishes, but nothing was set in stone.

That has now changed.

In October, we were approached by Mark and Lauren Shepherd and Nate and Julie Lamb with the opportunity to join them in planting a church in Denver, Colorado. It was a lot to think about at a busy time in our lives. We committed to praying about it and tried to put it on the back burner of our minds.

...that didn’t happen

It was at the forefront of our conversations as a couple. We loved the idea of moving somewhere for something more than a job. Moving to Denver means moving somewhere with purpose, with a mission.

After 4 months of prayer, conversation, thought, and more prayer, we know that God has confirmed our desires and directed our steps to Denver. We will be joining the launch team of Front Range Church in August of this year.

Please visit Front Range Church’s website to learn more about our mission and vision for what God is and is going to do in Denver.

Now, when people ask us what our plans are after graduation, the answer is simple…

We’re planting a church in Denver, Colorado.

Mission: To be a "Rooted and Reaching" movement of local churches in Denver and the Front Range through which our communities are reached, disciples become deeply rooted, and culture is redeemed through the truth and power of the Gospel." 

http://www.frontrangechurch.com/