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!

A Summer Vacation For Real

Hello everyone! Happy Monday afternoon to you. Thought I'd share a few of he highlights of Nate's and my mini-vacation. You won't be shocked to hear that we went to Santa Cruz, our very favorite place in the whole wide world,  We went to our old favorites of course like Lulu Carpenters on Pacific Ave, but we actually did a little bit of adventuring out of our comfort zone and made new favorite places!

We went to the Santa Cruz flea market, and it was so fun, I totally forgot to take any pictures! Next time I guess, There will definitely be a next time. We ended up spending most our time in Capitola at the beach, it was a busy day at the beach, but not super crazy, and wow was it beautiful. I died over all the colors, and the houses were painted so amazingly. Nate and I found a favorite house and we appropriately named the house, House Goals. 

Also, For the very first time, I'm pleased to announce that I got Nate to go into Verve, the coffee place of my dreams. Good grief, that could have been the best mocha I have ever had. Caffeinated heaven, that little cup held! Even Nate couldn't stop stealing sips from time to time!

Eventually it had to end, but hey, calling Napa home isn't so bad after all!

Samosas and Italian soda

Seriously how beautiful is this walk way? So green!

Nate's a male model... Ridiculously good looking... And patriotic

House Goals

That little green camp mug though! Of course I had to have it.

Santa Cruz, Not Beach Day: Battling Busyness

Hi Everyone! I know what you're thinking: ANOTHER beach trip?! The Answer is a loud and resounding and unapologetic, YES YES YES. Living in Napa, Santa Cruz is way more accessible than it used to be (and it still didn't stop us).  

The fact is, during the week, as a teacher there is no real down time. This sounds like maybe I'm not making an effort, but I can't leave work at work. I think and talk and live about my students. When I get home, I think and talk about school. So, weekend day-trips really do make all the difference for us. It allows us to get away and be a couple and talk about music, and Jesus, and life, and laugh and not wear work clothes or sweats. We get to catch up. If we're not very intentional about this kinda stuff, it's easy to slip away from each other and not even know it. Busyness gets the better of the both of us, and it really gets the better of me. This is how we battle it.

We did, however, venture out of our comfort zone! We went to this little cafe that I don't remember being at the end of Pac-Ave last time we were there. It's Called LuLu Carpenter. Nate isn't a coffee shop person (I know, very sad), so I knew I was taking a risk. It was so worth it. I had one of the best mochas I think I have ever had. The in-house whip cream is the perfect amount of sweetness (which for me isn't very sweet). And Nathan liked it too! It was so wonderful. 

Nate and I are also Boba or Bubble Tea fans. Some people don't like the texture, but I say, if Boba is wrong, then I don't want to be right! Also, How cute is this little cat, and the picture in the back! The shop is so bright and colorful! I just love it!

Northern California people! Do you have a place you love? I want to know! Do you have a coffee shop that you can't live without? Where's "your place"? Where do you go to get away for the day? I would love to hear about your favorite date places :)

See you soon!

Everything Is Worth It's Weight In Time

Hello everyone! Nate and I took a little day trip to the beach for Valentine's Day. Despite the fact that we already live in a place that happens to be very romantic, we needed a little getaway. Here are a few pics of the day. 

Here's to our 6th Valentine's Day together, and infinity more.

Every couple has their place they love to go, Santa Cruz is definitely ours. We've made a little tradition of going Santa Cruz for Presidents' Day weekend, it just happened to be the same weekend!

This guy. I really couldn't ask for a more wonderful husband. We have endured through a lot, and more is coming, I know it. Our day was filled with great food, grat weather, great shopping, and great first conversation about our future and our family and all sorts of great stuff. God is so good, and his timeline is perfect. Can't wait to see what these next few years have in store for us! See you soon :)

How About, Life Is A Picnic...With You?

Hello Everyone! I hope you are doing well on this fine Saturday morning, Ive already been out an about for the day, and Kingdom is playing out at Raley Field for the Rivercat's Faith and Family Event, so I thought this day would be the perfect excuse to catch up on some blogging and school preparation and laundry...in order of priority!

Anyways, life has been so sweet this summer. Being a teacher has so many rewards, and one of the tangible rewards is Summer Vacation. I'ts been really nice to relax and catch up rejuvenate. I love love love being a teacher.

Also, this past week I had the divine privilege of being a speaker at a girl's retreat! It was my very first speaking engagement, and while it was small, it was HUGE in so many ways! It's awesome to see the unstoppable power of God. It was a retreat for the Senior Girls at Jim Elliot Christian High School, where I am a 2003 Alumni! It was such an honor and blessing to be able to pour back into the high school that had such a huge hand in who I am today. JECHS saved my life, really. Ugh, I'm getting teary. What a great retreat! Awesome ladies, Awesome God.

Here are a few pics from the week!

These fantastic ladies are a few of the Seniors of JECHS c/o 2014. Watch out world!

These are a few of the notes I received afterwards, If only those gals knew how they ministered to me! Making new friends is the best best best! I can't even put it into words!

While the retreat was in Santa Cruz, Nathan and I went back at the end of the week for a day trip. Santa Cruz has to be one of the best towns in all of America, not joking one bit. And in case you did notice (which you probabl didn't) I did get my hair done, this subtle ombre is by the fantastic Megan, at Salon Avanti in Stockton, CA. She's a hair magician! Also, we're obsessed with bubble tea. My favorite Milk Tea is the peach, and my favorite Snow Bubble is the Mocha. Nathan's favorite is the Green Tea. If you're into Iced Green Tea Latte at the Deathstar Starbucks, and you like Boba, you'll love it.

I am a firm believer in the power of a great one-piece, I got mine Here. I'm also a firm believer that you don't have show off all the goods to be sexy. I do have a Bikini, and I got it Here.

 The beach was packed! It was perfect day at 80 degrees. No one was having a bad day. I asked!

A little boy and his cousin Hannah decided that they were best friends with my Husband while he was out swimming in the water, it was precious. 

No better place for feet. Also, gratuitous picture of my pedicure (thanks mom!)

oh yeah, also this. He's not flexing. You're welcome. He's also not thrilled that I took this picture.

Well folks, there you have it. My week, in a nutshell. You can never have enough beach. You can never have enough California. And while my taxes dollars are being spent on things I always vote against, and the CA politicians have used to the budget surplus to raise their own inflated salaries instead of those of public school teachers, I will probably never move. I love this place too too much. Thanks Lord for the Natural beauty that is the California coast. You are the true Artist.  See you all soon!

Who pushed you over? Was it Phillip?

Hello everyone!! I hope you're having a great day, I am! I'm actually blogging at the ever wonderful Shady Coffee and Tea in Roseville! ANYWAYS!! Today is kind of my like mine and Nathan's friday, because he actually ends his week on Thursdays! Since we only have one car for the time being, I get to take him to work and pick him up! It seams really inconvenient, but I actually enjoy it, and Nathan gets me starbucks every morning! What a sweet husband!

Speaking of sweet husbands, Out of nowhere, he just said, "You look pretty today". And I know he think I'm pretty, but it's always nice to hear! This is what I decided to wear today. Pretty basic. I tend to stay away from denim skirts. They kind of remind me of religious fundamentalists who aren't allowed to wear pants or cut their hair or wear make-up. Or a cow girl. But for whatever reason I really needed this skirt. Also... it was $1.99. 

 These ballet flats were the find of the century for me, yesterday, when I went to Freestyle. I rewarded myself with shopping after I drove all the way to the salvage yard to see if I could pull anything from the wreckage that was once my beautiful corolla. Thankfully, I found a lot of stuff that was untouched by the fire, including Nathan's in-ear monitors, which are like...$400! Totally worth the drive into a weird part of Sacramento. Salvage yards are never in the fancy neighborhood.

You know, just casually holding my lipgloss.

  I was thinking of buying a pair of TOMS for school anyways, so you could imagine my delight when I spotted these!

 haha! It looks like I'm staring right into the sun! I'm not.

Well, everyone, thats about it for me today. Tomorrow Nathan and I are embarking on our one and only summer vacation before my new Job starts on MONDAY!!! AHHHH! We're going to Santa Cruz. I can't wait! I've been souring the thrift stores for cute stuff to wear, and all the swim sales for a new bathing suit. Can you believe it's been almost 2 years since I bought a bathing suit? Whatever. See you soon!

Life Goes Easy On Me

Hello Everyone! Happy Friday! I hope your week went well. I'm so happy the weekend is here. That means I get my wubby mostly to myself, and that always makes me happy:) I went to Rocklin today to Jessup to help are ever impressive Music Department assistant with administrative stuff like music copies and stuff. Let me tell you, the girl is Superwoman! Her name is Lyndsay, and if you ever run into her, you're a lucky human being. She's pretty great. You should also ask her to sing a song for you. She's an amazing singer. We're leading worship together next year for chapel, and I am very happy to have her as a right hand woman.

ANYWAYS! This is what I decided to wear today. More thrift store gems from Stockton over the past weekend. I really love the authentic 80's-ness of this shirt. The boxiness, the cropped length, the little hearts...the Collar even pops out at the top a little bit! This top was a welcome find. When I showed my mom the skirt, she simply said "mmmm...Librarian". hahaha. Whats wrong with that?

 This little guy is who my dearest friend Erin is babysitting for a while! Isn't he way too cute! He was so precious! Only one ear sticks up. It's so funny. He's actually very tiny under all that puffy fur. Look at that little tiny face.

 ALSO! I got a slight haircut! I only had my bangs cut, but it realy is amazing how different your hair looks with just a little change. It makes me excited that my hair is growing!

ANYWAYS, thats about it for me today. The second disc of the second season of Sons of Anarchy came in the mail today (yay netflix). So.... besides having to get home to cook my wubby dinner, I have the sons to get home to. Ha. Tomorrow, theres a very good chance of Nathan and I going to Santa Cruz with our nephews. I really hope we go. I need to see the beach at least once this summer! See you soon