{A Quiver Full}

"You have five brothers? And you're the only girl? YOU POOR THING."

There are few things that thoroughly frustrate me. One would be the ever occurring reference to my 'youthful looks'. I don't look my 25 years and frequently get mistaken for a high schooler, or asked what my plans for college look like. This one has taken me years to formulate a gracious response to, when disclosing my actual age. The only upside to this situation is seeing the looks of surprise on faces. It's almost worth it. Almost.

Most recently is the reference to my band of brothers and the assumption that I am absolutely miserable being the only female and have barely made it thus far without breaking down, or turning into a 'boyish girl', or being treated as 'one of the guys'. Be it known: this is furthest from the truth.

I dearly love my brothers and they dearly love me. I am treated as a lady and with great respect. I've never been consider by them as 'one of the guys', but rather as a welcome addition.

My five brothers protect, defend and watch out for me. Actually, to the point of frustration. Actually, it's sweet.

I would rather spend time with my brothers than anyone else. All five of them have a subtle, sarcastic sense of humor and are intellectually strong. They're all brilliant (no, really). I mean, who wouldn't want to hang out with guys like that?

Each one loves the Lord with their whole heart and strives to honor Him with their lives. They are theologically sound; they know their Scripture and they know their Savior.

One guy is a God-honoring lawyer in the making; one is a happily married photographer and IT extraordinaire. One fellow is a mathematical genius and musician with some theological know up his sleeve. Another is a quiet strength that leads by example and another is the sweetest all-American, tried and true, patriotic Boy Scout you'll ever meet.

I am not a POOR THING by any means. I am a RICH WOMAN and am proud of all five of my men.

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord; children are a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hand of the warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man who's quiver is full of them. They will not be ashamed when the contend with their enemies in the gate." Psalms 127:3-5

(note: a 'quiver full' is five arrows!)

{My 5 Favorite Things}

1.) Yoga Pants. I live in yoga pants. I wear them all day, every day.

2.) The Republic of Tea Blackberry Sage. This will forever be my favorite cup of tea, hot or cold. Beautiful balance of fruit and herb. Yum.

3.) My Jeep. I adore everything about my '96 silver Grand Cherokee Laredo.
Best ride ever.

4.) Hoodies. See number 1.

5.) Stars. I adore studying stars and watching for the first star at night.

Homework from Joy the Baker Podcast.

Workin' On it!

Well, let's see. Here's an update on my goals for this year. I'm actually surprised at how much I've accomplished. I am either currently working hard on said goals, or realizing that some are not that important/wise/ or just plain old unrealistic. So. Let's take this one by one. (You can read my goals in all their glory here.)

Item 1.) Climb to the top of our State's capital building. I'm not scratching this off the list. For some reason, I've frequented the Capital more so than usual the past month. I've been a part of Art's Day and have used it as a weekly meeting place. So, now the next step would be to befriend a local (a.k.a. a Senator). I've actually met a few wives of Senators and Delegates who pop in to the yarn shop on occasion (new job::long story), so there's potential! Fingers are crossed.

Item 2.) Get involved in a Bible Study/Prayer Group. While I'm not involved in a former study, I'm definitely studying and praying with a few very close friends. I still want to work on something bigger, so this goal is in progress.

Item 3.) Test drive a sports car. I've also turned my attention to motorcycles. They go fast. I like fast. Fingers are crossed here, too.

Item 4.) Travel out of state. Wow. This one was easier than I expected. Right off the bat, I went up to visit Jordan in Ohio and from there we drove up to Indiana for a bit. A few weeks ago, my grandmother passed away, so that was a trip to Pittsburgh. In another few weeks, I'll be off to a different part of Ohio to visit an old friend. So yay. Check mark for me!

Item 5.) Meet new people/deepen relationships. This is happening! Definitely have met new people and working hard to strengthen the friendships I do have. Another check mark.

Item 6.) Run a marathon. Ok, this is one of those goals that is just unwise at the time. I was working towards a half marathon in April, but it just wasn't happening. I would not have had ample time to prepare, plus the weather was/is cold, and I need to get at a healthy weight before I start losing calories. And I need new shoes. :) This sounds like a lot of excuses, haha. Eventually, friend. It'll happen.

Item 7.) Ballroom lessons. You guys! This is happening too! As part of a fundraiser, The Macholah Ballet is bringing in ballroom instructors for our Gala! Learning Swing, Waltz and Foxtrot. Check mark.

Item 8.) Get married.  Hahahahahahahahaha. Pardon me. Fingers are crossed. :)

Item 9.) Decrease my clothing. Checkmark. Went through all my clothes and have piled and sorted them for Ebay, Goodwill and consignment shop. I have a lot of clothes.

Item 10.) Increase my vocabulary.  I am doing this by reading more. Lots of Matthew Henry and G.K. Chesterton.

It's happening! I'm very pleased. Maybe I'll make another set of goals in a few months.

{Someday}

Someday we'll drive really fast in your car with the windows open and my hair will fly everywhere and we'll laugh and laugh. I can't wait.

Someday we'll lay close on an old quilt and count the stars and point out the Big Dipper and whisper to each other. I can't wait.

Someday we'll cuddle by the fire with cups of hot goodness and you'll read aloud and we'll have serious conversations. I can't wait.

Someday we'll paint a wall and crank up the music really loud and sing along and splatter paint on each other. I can't wait.

Someday, I can't wait to meet you.