{A Little Saturday Inspiration.}

This particular verse has been my guiding light since I first discovered it back in high school. Growing up in a Lutheran household, I did the whole Sunday School and Confirmation thing. But in what sense have I truly "studied" the Bible? Yes, I have read passages. Yes, I have answered questions on a specific verse. But, only through church events have I been able to actually "study" the Bible. And James 1:12 was discovered during one of those afternoons.

For nine weeks, I busted my butt, struggling to find myself in a sea of 200 children and 30 adults. Yesterday was my last day at summer camp. And boy did I finish with a bitter taste in my mouth. I was constantly being shifted from group to group, acting as a sub, and never really able to establish summer long connections like the other counselors.

Well, today as I was running errands before I move back to Harrisonburg, I heard a little voice yell, "Ms. Kassie!!!" I quickly turned around to see a little girl standing there with her mom. So parents aren't alarmed their child is talking to a "stranger," I quickly responded with the automatic, "Hi, I was one of her camp counselors this summer." And to my surprise her mother replied, "Oh, I know! She talks about you all the time." Really?!?! I might not have been with her every week this summer, but who cares.

Relating this to James 1:12, the last nine weeks were certainly times of trials and tribulations, but I didn't give up. I knew this camp was a group effort and I would be letting the team down by abandoning them to struggle through with one less counselor. I might not have been a crucial asset every single day of camp, but towards the end when several counselors started leaving for school, I was most certainly needed. Not just for licensing reasons, but apparently for the kids too. I truly feel blessed knowing I made an impact on that little girl. I also feel blessed given the opportunity to realize just what age group I am meant to teach. Since I subbed for all seven groups, ages 3 to 12, I have realized my heart is with the first graders. And of course, that little girl was among all of my first graders this summer.

{A True Throwback Thursday.}

This evening I attended my little brother's high school freshmen orientation! (Insert pathetic whine about how they grow up too fast.) Anyways, I decided to tag along because I wanted to see just who his teachers were, which also gave me the opportunity for my knowledgable two-sense.

Then & Now.

Opening the assembly were this year's cheerleaders with "Ready, get ready to cheer. The Dragon team is here..." Sadly, I still remembered almost all of the words and motions. I suppose once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader. Afterwards we swooped in to pick up his schedule, then it was visiting teachers. It was great to see who recognized me (for better or for worse). This year my little brother has five of my former teachers! Only two truly remembered me and were glad to hear about my successes at JMU.

I also ran into my high school best friend, Cassie! Yes, we share the same name, but different spelling. Whenever we run into each other, we can always catch up and share a hug. Even if it's in the middle of Black Friday shopping or our little brothers' freshmen orientation!

What a lovely evening "stepping" back into high school. Old classmates. Old teachers. Old coaches.

What was your most recent Throwback Thursday? 

{Your Life Is Your Own.}

I found this past year has been a huge step into adulthood. I was starting to pay bills, be responsible for my own meals, and learning to balance work with school. However, the "best day of my life" hasn't happened yet. Honestly, it probably won't come until I am done with college and my parents officially cut me off from their expenses. By no means does that mean I am trying to expedite this impending step. I am extremely grateful for all they have done. Because of them I will be leaving college debt free with a decent cushion to start my independence. But I am certainly looking forward to that day.

Have you reached "the best day of your life" yet? 

{With Love}

Today marked a very special anniversary, four years with my darling and dashing man.

We have certainly grown as individuals and as a couple.

{Ready! Set! Create! Shelving Edition.}

Growing up I moved around A LOT. That isn't even an exaggeration. My life as an army brat involved at least seven road trips, seven moving trucks, and seven homes. But after serving for twenty-two years, my dad finally retired from the military. The idea of a permanent home became real and I moved into my last childhood bedroom. Considering I was twelve years old and given full reign on design, that meant everything was pink. Hot pink. (Luckily that only stuck around for a year.) I eventually grew out of it and the color scheme became blue and brown.

Then life got busy. Extracurriculars became necessary, school work got harder, and preparing for college was daunting. Several years later and my bedroom still reflects that teenage effort of decoration. I didn't mind it during summer breaks, but it did become embarrassing when college friends came to visit.

As my room was taken apart to replace the windows, we had to take down the shelves too. Since everything had found a temporary location, I thought this was a perfect time to repaint them.

Color of choice // "Pale Daffodil" 

Sanding, priming, painting. 

P.S. I totally recommend putting your hair up in a bun with such endeavors. While priming I accidentally dipped my tips into it. Oops.

After two layers of primer and two layers of paint, I let them dry overnight. They definitely proved to be too yellow to remain solid so during this weekend's shopping trip, I picked up a few snazzy flowers of various shades of blue. Glue gun in hand, I quickly got them down so this little do-it-yourself project could be declared complete.

Paint // $1

Flowers // $3

What's your most recent craft?