Leaving Responsibility Behind

Hello everyone! So happy to blogging away on this foggy Napa valley morning. I feel like I really need to be soaking in every single one of these mornings, but more on that at a later time. I am finally on Summer vacation! Easter vacation was so early this year that it made the last 8 weeks of school absolutely unending. Normally we only have 4 or 5 weeks from easter to end, but wow... its amazing what those 3 weeks can do to a person. Anyways, how boring...sorry. But that's life right? Not always super cute and glamorous, and sometimes you don't wear make-up for two months, and you don't get your roots done on time.

Anyways, on to more fun stuff! Nate and I are beach people. We are California people to the core, and the past two summers didn't allow us much time to get to the beach, and it's looking like this summer might not be much different, so as we were laying bed Nate looked over and said "Do you wanna go to the beach tomorrow?" Music to my ears!

So here are some of our adventures. We went to Santa Cruz as we always do, and we definitely have our spots that we go to. "But first, coffee." That little buzz phrase just rings so true for me. We stopped by Verve Coffee (Nate isn't a coffee guy, but he insists we go to Verve every time. It's a major victory for me, but it really is that good). No pictures of coffee, but here are our gluten-donuts, that we probably the most delectable donuts ever (also, Nate posed for that picture on his own... He kills me with cuteness!).


Oh yeah, for those of you not following me on Insta, or Facebook (then how do you know this blog even exists?), I have pink hair now. I'm calling it my "Summer freedom" hair. If I've never bragged about my girl Amy James over at The Parlor in Napa, well, now I am. She is a master. I've been known to ask for some pretty crazy things on a whim... she's never phased. She's amazing, not to mention, she's a blast to be in the chair with. She's so fun and sweet, and adorable, and loves Jesus, and people. Seriously, She's a home-run. In fact, I've yet to meet a stylist at The Parlor I didn't want to be best friends with. They are all wonderful.

No waves today. I fact the beach was very very mellow, not a lot of people. I was able to read and soak up the 78 degree sun, and really just unwind. I'm currently reading Women of The Word by Jen Wilkins. It is seriously like sitting in coffee shop with someone telling you their journey of learning how to read scripture. It is just wonderful. Also, Matt Chandler writes the foreword, and even that is great. So, if you're looking for summer reading/study/practical advice on reading scripture, Women of the Word might be a good choice.

There are worse ways, and worse people to spend your day with.  I do love that man of mine. I've been recently reminded of how blessed I am to have someone to dream, and grow, and adventure with. It really was the most perfect day.


Stay tuned, more Women in Worship lined up, lot's of awesome news, it's going to be a great Summer! See you soon!

Spring Reading

Hi Everyone!
Happy Friday! First off, let me say the response to Women in Worship has been so awesome! Its all I can think about!! Secondly, I've got a 4 day weekend ahead for President's Day! It also happens to be Valentine's day weekend! Nate's a spontaneous romantic, so I'm excited!

I thought I would share with you what I'm reading right now! I really love love love reading, it relaxes me, and takes me out of my busy world. I'm reading three awesome books right now. They are vastly different from one another, but they really so edifying in their diffferent ways. 

1. Anne of Green Gables- L.M Montgomery. Yep, you read that right. I read it when I was a kid, and I'm now reading it as an adult. I started reading it last summer and I've gone away and come back to it. I'm finally on Rilla of Ingleside, the last book, and I have to say, I'm kinda sad. I really dont want it to end. But for those of you who are fiction readers, let's just give it up for Anne Shirley, they really don't make female Characters like they used to. She is just my absolute favorite. Anne shows us how beautiful it is to be a normal woman. She's so beautifully and creacefully normal. I can't get enough of her. I wish she was my nextdoor neighbor and that she wass my best friend. It makes me also wish I lived on Prince Edward Island.

2. The Explicit Gospel- Matt Chandler. I've been reading this book with my high school students in Chapel Leadership. If you've been churched your whole life like I have, this is a great book. I was given a firm foundation of doctrine even in my childhood, but it was never really put all together to me. Why these doctrines matter, how they matter, and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His reconciliation on the Cross plays a major role in Heaven also. Doctrinal principles I have always been taught coming together as one full Gospel PRestentatin. Thats what this book is for me. It's not the easiest read, but it has really shown me so much about myself, our world, and our need for Jesus. Such a great book. Quite the contrast to Anne Shirley, but hey! It's all about Balance!

3. The Best Yes- Lysa TerKeurst. I was introduced to this book by a teacher I work with, her name is Val. I hope you gals have women in your life like Val. I just watch her in amazement. She is so awesome at what she does, and she so evidently loves Jesus. I wanna be like Val. I'm only in Chapter 1, but this book is already speaking my language. IF you're like me and you legitimate love saying "yes" to every request, and want to do every possible wonderful thing this world has to offer, but then find yourself pulling your hair out because you're way overextended, I would strongly reccomend you start reading this book (I know you'd be saying yes to another thing, but this one is worth it! I you need a book to sit in a coffee shop and read with a cup of coffee and a hi-liter, this is the one. 

So there you go everyone! A little look into my coffee/by myself time. Have you gone back and ready the books you loved as a little girl? You should! What are you reading? I'd love if you picked up The Best Yes, and shared your thoughts! Kind of like an informal book club type of thing. If you have a long weeknd! Get some extra rest and enjoy! See you soon!

Spring Break Bucket List (Budget Edition)

Spring Break is upon VCS! Yay! You can image if this is how the teachers feel, what my kids must be feeling. I feel sorry for both parties. We want break, but I still have stuff to teach! Please! Please stay engaged, students, whom I love and adore! Just a day and a half to go! And while this time is only 6 school days long, I am soooo tempted to just turn on Friends, New Girl, Parks and Rec, you name it, and veg. But no! I will not veg! I'll sleep in for sure, but I wanna be creative and productive, and grow as well. Here's how I plan on spending my spring break, while spending as little money as possible.

1) Write a full song.
2) Finish The Autobiography of Elanor Roosevelt (I do it all for you, Leslie Knope)
3) Post 3 Blog Posts (over the course of the week)
4) Read My Bible Everyday by the river-walk downtown
5) Go to the beach (duh)
6) finish my taxes (so not fun)
7) Coffee with friends. Lots and Lots of coffee.


Also, Easter is upon us, there shall be a separate post on that for sure as well. See you soon!

Recording Survival Guide

Hello everyone! So as you may or may not have read, the University Choir and Orchestra is recording their full-length CD this week. It's a long and tedious process, and to be honest, I was dreading it. Last year I spent every single day that week on campus from 7:45 AM to 11PM sometimes later, with no car, and no way to get off campus.  Let me tell you this: 16 hours of being on campus, being awake from 5:30 AM until Midnight for 5 days in a row, is probably the worst thing in the world. But that was last year.

This year it could not be different! My spring schedule is really laid back as far as class schedule, so I have time to unwind be quiet before being with 90 people...90 musicians at that! THEN once I get to recording, I'm all ready to go, and I'm with super talented people I truly love and respect, who are all focused on one goal, and that goal is to produce a really great CD. Choir, while I do sometimes complain about it, has been the underlying joy of my college experience at William Jessup Univeristy, besides the awesome provision and love of the Lord of course!

Anyways, so how does once survive such... how do I say...fun laborious intensity? Comfy clothes, Comfy shoes, Minimal make-up, Coffee, and Snacks.

Monday Night:

 I can't not wear my danskos! They are literally made for walking! Also standing for long periods of time. May you be singing or waiting for something!

the sustenance. I didn't purposely match my coffee mug to my sweater...but I dont mind that it does.

This is what I decided to wear today. Don't be fooled. I'm not actually looking at these books. This is the closest thing anyone will ever see of me wearing sweats or work out wear in public. I know I look slightly ridiculous, but I didn't feel like bringing another bag to school to change!

Minimal make-up calls for the glasses yet again.

Sadly, I've had these for months, and today is the first time I have ever worn them.

AND last but not least, the number one way to survive the craziness that is recording is: singing with people you absolutely adore. Rachel Jackson: please don't kill me. You are a babe in all circumstances.

Thanks about it for me today everyone. Not your typical post, but sometimes those are fun. I hope your week is going well, and that you are getting more rest than I am! Also, before I forget, I'm beginning my venture into sponsorship, so if you are a new shop or blog, and you're interested in Partnering with Parrish The Thought, then just find your way over to the Partner with PTT page at the top of this blog, and shoot me an email!!  See you soon.

Give Thanks To The Lord For He Is Good

What are you thankful for? It's a crazy thing to really think about the things that Lord blesses us with isn't it? I mean, there are times when I just get so stressed and anxious, that I forget how good I truly have it.

Let's make a list:
1. Happy Marriage (Thanks Lord!)
2. Making Music that makes money
3. Having a family that loves eachother
4. Having Sweet little pets to love
5. Having Friends that are more like Family
6. Living in a country that allows women to go to school
7. Living in a place that allows us to proclaim our faith (whatever it is!)
8. Having a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in
9. Having food to eat
10. A Savior that took ALL my burdens when I didn't deserve it.

Well everyone, that it for today! As you go to your families for thanksgiving, remember that every Good and Perfect Gift comes from Him.  God is so good to us. See you soon!

Birthdays Are Great Days For An Over-abundance Of Free Caffein

Hello Everyone!!! Welcome to my birthday post. Today is not my actual birthday, it was Sunday, but today is the day I celebrated it with my friends Erin and Sharon.

Birthdays are so weird right? They're really special to us, but they're not like an official holiday or anything. You can't get the day off really, but the day circles around...you. I dont know, that seems really weird to me. A day that is totally about you, just because you were born, not really becasue you did anything super great. I don't know if I really like that. However, I love when other people have birthdays, because I love to shower them with love, and tell them how great they are, I guess we should all just recieve eachother's blessings... I dont know... too many thoughts going on in my mind to make much sense of this.

ANYWAYS, here is what we all decided to wear today. What cute friends we are right?! I've featured Erin on here before, so we all know what a babe she is, but check out Sharon! How cute is she, right?! She works at Shady, and Erin and I just adore her. She's the sweetest. I always look forward to chatting with her when I go in.

 Have you ever seen a more beautiful coffee? I'll bet you haven't.

 HAHA! I forced the girls into being a part of this blog. There's a huge lot surrounded with beautiful fall trees, I dragged them over to be a part of my photo-session. Haha.

 Please feast your eyes on cute Erin, and the GLORIOUS trees! Downtown Roseville is so quite and calm and pretty,especially when the trees are all in Fall mode. Ugh... So great.

 Sharon and I have a southwestern thing going to day. Those are my new moccasin boots from Freestyle. I'm still trying to figure out how to wear them. I feel like today I kind of look like a ballerina/indian princess... I think the next time I wear this dress, I'll be wearing it with jeans. It's a little too short for comfort, and the tule on the underside gets caught on everything... this dress gets real short real fast...whoospie daisy!

 they weren't even posing!! they should be models.

 OH, speaking of birthday fun, I just couldn't leave out this little peice. I babysit the greatest kids ever on Wednesday afternoon between classes, and their mom, Brandy, made me this SUPER great hat!! This is their little girl, JJ, and we're pretty much best friends. Here we are wearing our twin hats. You can't not melt when this precious little princess says "weil Twins! mine's pulpul, and youlls is Gween!" She's just way too much for me.

So there you have it. Happy birthday to me, I'm now a 26-year-old woman. It is amazing what the Lord does in your life over the course of just one year. It's crazy how much we learn, how much we go through... It makes me realize one thing: The Lord is Good; He is never surprised. Never.

So thats about it for me today. I hope you've had a great week thus far. I know I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving (hasn't it come so quickly?!!!!) and being with my family!! Have a great Tuesday! See you soon.

After all, men can't wear dresses, but we can wear the pants.

Hello everyone!! Happy friday evening!! I hope you have all had a nice week. I definitely had a very laid back week, as I had no work! However, I did manage to get a lot of blogging in and I'm working on get an Etsy store up, finally! It's actually already up, but I haven't made it cute or anything, and there are only 5 listings. Trust me I'll make a much bigger deal of it when the time comes.

Anyways, this is what I decided to wear today. Remember how I said I have been magnetized to Hawaiian dresses? Well obviously I wasn't joking around! This dress is definitely more hawaiian looking than the dress I was wearing yesterday. But I can't get enough of the fun print, or the gorgeous color! I also can't help but brag about the price: $2.99. I'm serious. I pride myself in finding super cheap vintage. It's so fun.

you can't really tell, but the color on this dress are super neon. the Pink flowers are truly hot pink. How fun!

 

I also have been magnetized to huge skirts! When the wind blows just right the skirt of this dress blows up like a cupcake! It's so great!

 

In other news! I did go on a coffee date this morning with my dearest of dears, Erin O'Sullivan. I have featured her before on this blog. She's one hot mama (minus the mama part). anyways, heres a few pics to comemorate our fun date! Erin was studying and I was... you guessed it, working away at making this blog as great as I could!

 Isn't this coffee beautious?! Shady Coffee and Tea in Roseville...seriously, it's so good that this place isn't right down the block, like starbucks... I would never be at home! I love this joint. the coffee is so good, and the people are so friendly, if I could hang out there everyday, I would!

 as you can see we were really working hard!

Well everyone, Thats about it for me today. I hope you are all making some glorious plans for this weekend. Nathan and I are already in stockton, and I can't wait to spend my day tomorrow with my little brother's girlfriend Mandi and her BFF Shelby. They used to be my youth girls, but now they're all grown up and graduated, and so were normal friends! I gotta get all the time in I can before they go off to bible college in so cal. I'm so proud! Well, those are my weekend plans!! Pictures to come for sure! See you soon!