the little things.

It's a little hectic around here. Living out of suitcases, packing our lives away. Moving across the globe will make you want to simplify your life REAL quick, I promise. 

In spite of all of this... 

.

..there have definitely been some sweet little blessings from the Lord that have gotten me through this week.

1. Getting to look at this face everyday. This no working, in between duty stations thing is pretty sweet. I could live like this for a while. 

(so stoic, so suave)

2. This book. It's rocking my world. And making me want to love the man pictured above better.

(are you married? do you desire to be a good wife? Good. Read this.)

3. Just going through all of our possessions and earthly goods reminds me of how TRULY blessed we are. We are in want for nothing. And that right there shuts up my complaining spirit real fast. 

4. CRAIGSLIST. You never disappoint. Sold some stuff this week to cleanse our load, and then bought ourselves a new (to us) couch! Perfect condition, cozy as could be, neutral, etc etc. See you in 5 months on the other side of the world little couch..

5. We spent most of the day inside packing yesterday and got a little bit stir crazy. We decided to get out for a bit and BAM. This sky was awaiting us.

(is it a blogging faux pas to combine real cam pics with instagram pics? oh well, it's happening)

See there? I've got nothing to complain about. This life we live is GOOD. 

Linking up with Lindsay for the first time today! 

showing up.

Feels like we've been driving nonstop for the past month. Ever since Brian finished up at TBS we have just been going, going, going. I love it. I really do. It's physically exhausting, yes, but emotionally, SO refreshing. 

Since finding out about our move to Japan, Brian and I have been trying hard to take in every opportunity to get around the people that we love one last time. We are strong believers in the idea of showing up. Making that extra effort to be at events that are important to people that are important to us. Actions speak louder than words and we are trying hard to live that out over our last few months here in the states.
Yes, it takes work and planning and time; but we never, ever regret investing in relationships. 

And there really is nothing like being with family and people that you love. 

We spent the past week in Raleigh and in Charlotte, just spending time with family and our Charlotte friends. It was so wonderful and rejuvenating. Many, many memories made. 

And now, picture overload. Here we go. 

First up, we got to celebrate the soon to be newlyweds, Erica and Tyler! So excited for this marriage and what these two are going to do for the Kingdom of God.

(poor quality pictures, but high quality people..)

Then, my cousin got married, and it was beautiful and lovely.

Glass Cheerwine bottles? YES! 

Our sweet niece, Ivie Lu, had her first ever dance recital. Obviously, she is the cutie pliéing on the left. 

I got some good QT in with Ivie's baby brother Max, aka my new favorite person. 

Those CHEEKS. Seriously?

He was begging me to let him wear this shirt, I swear.

Hammocking. 

This is where I spent lots of my days. My parents back porch is glorious. 

I could read out there all. day. long. 

And sometimes, I do.

My family was all together! This may not happen for a long, long time and we enjoyed every sweet minute of it. Except for the minute in which this picture was taken. I was complaining because my arms felt awkward and I kept making everyone take more pictures. 

My awesome, handsome cousin Myles graduated high school! We are so proud of you, Myles!

And of course, an insta collage.

Bear with me for the next... 4 months. We are going to be all over the place. Living in a hotel for 2 1/2 months. Back in Charlotte for a month. And then onto Japan. I'm not making any promises about this blog, except that I WILL be more consistent once we settle down in Japan. So really, stick with me.

And pray for us, as this is the current state of our lives..