Home Sweet (New) Home

Hello friends! It's a busy and exciting time around here. Eighteen months after moving out of our house in Iuka, we've finally purchased a new home. It's been a long time coming. We closed on Thursday and have lots to do before we officially move in. Until then, I thought I'd share some before pictures for you.

The painters are in the house this week, and we've (and by that I mean Dennis) already ripped up the carpet in the bedrooms. There's hardware to be changed, light fixtures to update, and all sorts of other things in between.

We're so grateful that Dennis' parents opened up their home to us to invade and take over, but we're excited to settle into a home of our own after living with family for so long. Things will continue to be quiet around here for a few more weeks, but I'll update you when I can.

Until next time, grace and peace.

An Easter Photoshoot (and a Handmade Quilt)

I know, I know. I already posted an Easter picture, but when I got these photos edited, I just couldn't resist sharing them with you. I grew up taking family pictures in front of my Mamaw's massive azaleas, so when they started blooming around here, I knew they would be the perfect backdrop for a quick photoshoot with the girls.

Micah was happy because the flowers happened to be pink. Kendall was happy to be outside. And I was happy that they were both looking in the general direction of the camera at the same time. That doesn't always happen, you know.

I love the quilt they're sitting on. I ordered it from Karmen's Quilts for Kendall's first birthday. She was great to work with, her prices are reasonable, and the quilt is gorgeous. If you're in the market for a handmade quilt, I can't recommend her highly enough.

I snapped away happily for about 10 minutes, and then my camera did the strangest thing. In between one photo and the next, everything turned pink.

So strange. Adjusting the settings didn't help, and I couldn't figure out what happened. Eventually, I gave up and came inside. The next day, the camera worked just fine again. These things only happen to me.

According to Google, it might be the image sensor (yikes), but I haven't heard back from Canon yet. We shall see.

Hope you're all doing well! Things may be kind of quiet around here for the next few weeks. Minted's annual holiday challenge is in full swing, and I'm busy trying to get some designs ready for submission, but I'll be popping in from time to time to check in with you.

Until next time, grace and peace.

Happy Easter, Y'all!

Easter is my favorite, y'all. Over the past week, we've celebrated with friends from preschool and church, hunted eggs more times than I can count, and decorated eggs with a handful of friends. We've opened our resurrection eggs, made (and enjoyed eating) resurrection rolls, and talked about Jesus' death and resurrection constantly.

Because for us, Easter is so much more than new spring dresses and chocolate bunnies. It's more than the baskets and the egg hunts and the peeps. It's the most important part of the Christian faith. It is central to the gospel message.

Without the resurrection, Jesus Christ is just another dead prophet. Without the resurrection, death wins, and we are hopeless. Without the resurrection, we who call ourselves Christians are most unfortunate indeed. That's what the apostle Paul says, anyway (1 Corinthians 15).

Thank God for the resurrection. Because Christ has been raised, we are confident that death doesn't get the final say. Life wins, and we have hope for a future where there is no more death, no more tears, no more pain. There will be no more sickness or suffering or sorrow.

And that, my friends, is what Easter is all about. It's the first ray of sunshine after a dark, dark night. It's the preview of the main event. It's the assurance we so desperately need that everything is going to be OK after all.

And so today, on this Resurrection Sunday, I wish you a Happy Easter. May the joy and hope of that first Easter morning flood your hearts today and every day from now until eternity.

Until next time, grace and peace.