What I'm Loving Wednesday!

It's Wednesday already! Today I'm linking up with Jamie for What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving the cooler temps we've had the past few days. I could definitely go for something lower than low 90s, but I'm thankful for what we got! When I leave my house around 6:30 each morning, there's been just a hint of a chill in the air. It's got me super excited for fall!

I'm loving that school is back in session. I think I just enjoy the changing of the seasons, and even though it's still super duper hot outside, the start of a new school year adds a bit of change. The house has been quiet with the big boys back in school, and it takes me longer to get to work due to all the buses and school zones, but I love seeing the marching bands and drill teams out practicing!

I'm loving that Pink Berry offered the Lychee flavored yogurt, even if only for a short while. Pure bliss!

I'm loving the anticipation and excitement in the lives of some of my friends in my young adult's small group at church. We had a farewell party over the weekend for those that are venturing off into new seasons of life, whether that be college, ministry schools, or new babies. Sad to see some of them go, but looking forward to the growth and fruit that will come from this new chapter!

I'm loving these fun photos that a friend just tagged me in on Facebook. A sweet, smart, beautiful girl from my small group recently celebrated her 18th Birthday, and I was honored to be included in the festivities that entailed several fun stops around town.

Well, what are you loving on this beautiful Wednesday? Link up and tell us!

Beards For Hope!

Source


This is one of the coolest things I've seen!

In partnership with Children's HopeChest's Young Mothers' Program, Andy is growing 20 different beard styles in 20 consecutive weeks. Each week will feature a different beard style, and you are invited to join in! With your donation, you'll be able to share photos of your own beard, and save lives while doing it!

If you ever think, "Man, what could I do to make a difference?", be reminded of this. There are a million creative ideas floating around out there, we just need to run with them!

Go to Beards For Hope to check it out! Seriously, isn't that the greatest idea!?

Weekly Wrap-up

School started back for the big boys this week.  My little friend had his first day of Kindergarten!  They eased the kindergarteners in with a shortened schedule this first week, which meant the girls and I got to enjoy some extra quality time at home with brother!

We spent a couple mornings outside, cooling off in the sprinklers.

Wyatt helped me make Pizza Bagels for lunch one day.  He enjoyed eating his marvelous creation, and even the girls finished their lunch!

The girls know they're not supposed to climb up into this basket. But if I sneak away to work on the laundry or dishes, sometimes I come back to find this.

Wyatt kept us entertained. We'll sure miss him when he's off to school all day, every day.

Friday night, I got to stay late with my girls. After dinner, we loaded up and headed out to Dairy Queen! The girls and I enjoyed a Mint Oreo Blizzard together. They let me have a couple bites, at least. After filling our bellies, we headed over to a nearby trail to sweat our blizzard off. It was a gorgeous evening and I so enjoyed being out with them!

We got home past bedtime and I cozied the girls up in their PJs. After some snuggles and kisses and hugs and loves, I placed them each in their cribs. I stood in the center of the room and prayed over each of their sweet little lives. There's never been anything more beautiful than seeing three little pajamaed bodies peeking over the top of their crib railings with their hands folded. My eyes just welled with tears - I'm so blessed and grateful to share in their lives. Of course, then I had to pick each one up again and give them another squeeze.

My parents were out of town the last part of the week, so that left me with egg gathering and hay throwing duties. I won't lie - I kinda enjoy that I can be in the heart of the city, and just thirty minutes later be carrying a pitchfork.

For the first time in months, I had absolutely nowhere I had to be on Saturday. I slept in My internal clock woke me up at 5:30 like usual, but I was able to enjoy laying in bed, reading and writing, with no hurry to get up and go. I even got some sun out on the pool deck, and for once, the pool water was cool enough to feel refreshing.

I'm blessed to end each week looking forward to the Monday to come!

Mr. Mole

Poor fella was stuck on his back, kicking his little legs up in the air.



Rolled him over and he was back on his merry way.



Love him!

The Mall

With the temperatures and humidity skyrocketing, the girls and I haven't been able to enjoy the great outdoors and take our long walks like we used to. This morning, we decided to join the action at our local mall instead! When we arrived just as they were opening, we found we were the only ones there under age 65! The place was teeming with energetic mall walkers! If there's anything I love as much as my kiddos, it's those cute older folks!

As we rounded a corner and came upon some old men huddled around a group of couches, one pointed our direction and shouted, "Look! There they are!" He stood up and waved us over to his group of friends. I pushed the triple stroller over as other mall walkers slowed their pace and made their way to the section of couches. I introduced each of the girls and answered all their sweet questions. I loved it! I hope we brought some joy and excitement to their day. And I certainly hope these mall visits will continue often!

Before we left, I let the girls try out this slide. I hovered over them nervously as they climbed the stairs and slid down like pros. They've grown so big! Where did my babies go!? Finally I relaxed enough to let them enjoy the slide on their own, and grabbed my camera to capture a bit of it.

Recent conversations with Wyatt & Alec, ages 5 & 8.

Our family has been mourning the loss of one of our chickens. I was explaining to the boys how one of the hens was missing, and all we could find were feathers and animal tracks.
Me: What do you think got the chicken?
Wyatt: A bullet.

One day, Alec insisted that I take a dollar bill from him. I would refuse and he would persist to shove it my way. I had to start being sneaky about returning it to places where he'd not notice until later. That evening, his Mom found the dollar and asked him about it. He told her the story, and she asked why he wanted me to have it.
Alec: She earned it.

Wyatt was upstairs playing with the girls and I one day.
Wyatt: Ewwww, Mazie and I just almost got married?
Me: How?
Wyatt: I went to kiss her and her tongue was hanging out.

Show us your Life - Show us your SINGLES!

I know I've mentioned before how much I love reading blogs. I have a long bookmarked list that I scroll through each week. I'm so encouraged by other ladies who are willing to share their lives!

One of the blogs I read is written by Kelly, a beautiful Mommy to two little girls. She has a weekly series titled 'Show Us Your Life' - each week features a different topic, and others are encouraged to share a link on her page directing readers to a blog they've written pertaining to that weeks' topic. This week's topic is titled 'Show Us Your Singles.' It's a chance for her readers to write a blog introducing their single friends. Apparently there have been a few 'matches' made when this particular topic was featured in the past.

So here I am! I'm single! I'm going to write about myself and link up over on Kelly's Korner Blog.

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Hi! I'm Nicole. I'm twenty seven years old and am currently living near Nashville, Tennessee. If you flip through some of the older posts on this blog, you'll be able to read a bit about how I've spent most of my adult life. After a short stint in college, I moved into full-time missions work.







I moved to Nashville just over a year ago and am currently working at my DREAM job, as a nanny to triplets! It's been an interesting adjustment from missions work to a paying job, stepping back into life in America, and building new friendships. I'd be thrilled if this post brought some new friendships with other single ladies my age who live in my area!





Whether the future takes me back overseas or keeps me here, my heart's desire is to be a Mommy-figure to those who are without. I'd love to foster and/or adopt a whole bunch of kiddos, and help equip and encourage the Church to live out James 1:27.





It's been so encouraging to read all the comments from Kelly's readers who have been praying for all these singles that are linking up. If you're one of them, THANK YOU! And seriously, if you're a single girl in the Nashville area, let's be friends! :)