{30 Before 30} :: Get a McKinney Library Card and Use it

I have lived in McKinney for 3 years and only now just got a library card...I should probably clarify. I registered for a library card 3 years ago, and just now picked it up so I can actually go to the library and use it. Better late than never, right?? :)

As a kid I LOVED reading and going to the library. I was the kid that used to get in trouble for reading too much {as if that's a thing}...you know, staying up past my bedtime, using a flashlight under the covers...and pajama reading days at school were my all-time favorite! {do they still have those??}

And then college happened. College made me HATE reading and HATE libraries {late night study sessions in the back corner of Moody Library still give me nightmares}. So, as silly as it sounds, I have really struggled with finding my love for reading again.

With the goal to get a library card and read more this year, I have finally re-discovered my love for reading. I decided not to make a book list, so I didn't feel confined only to what I had committed to {remember 2013?} And that has worked well for me. If I see a book I'm interested in, I read it. I do have a list of books I'd like to read, but I only go to it if I can't decide on something. It's purely psychological, but whatever works, right?

Since the downtown library is close to my office, I will go on my lunch break to peruse the shelves, or just to set up camp and read. I also love that I can check out e-books from the library. So then I can read a few pages on my phone if I am waiting somewhere. And I have discovered Good Reads. Umm...hello. Genius!

I'm not a particularly fast reader {and I still struggle with finding enough time}, so I don't have this super long "done" list, but I am actually enjoying reading now...a huge step!

Here's to a lifelong love of reading! :)

{30 Before 30} :: Finish and Order "Our Third Year" Photo Book

When we got married, I made our wedding photo book via Shutterfly. I decided to make our family scrap/memory books the same way, so I have started creating 8x8 photo books for each year of our marriage. 

It was time to start working on "Our Third Year," so I got to work organizing photos and designing our book. I keep our photos organized by date on my computer, so it's usually pretty easy to work through our year's events. I pair photos with my blog posts, to help include the important things and special memories.

I usually wait for a 50% off sale or snag a Groupon for Shutterfly {or both!}...they run enough promotions to catch one several times throughout the year. This helps me to not only save money, but it also gives me a deadline to complete our book!

I love that we have a condensed record of our lives. How fun will it be when our shelf is filled with 50 years worth of photo books?? :)

{Hubby DIY} :: Song Lyric Wall Art Painting

I mentioned a few months ago that Mike was working on a painting project for his office. He finished it a little while ago, but we finally got it hung in his office...and it looks awesome! He did such a great job on it, and it works great on the wall above his desk.

Be impressed: he hand-painted the whole thing! Look at my cute husband's creative/DIY skills :)

Redeemer Fall Kick Off

This past weekend, we had our Fall Kick Off with a Ross King concert. I have seen Ross in concert many times, but it is always a joy to hear his music.

Because it was a special event, we had our worship service in the FPC sanctuary. It's such a beautiful space, and we were thankful for a chance to worship there. Ross led music, and then we had a brief intermission/fellowship time before the concert started.

My cute preacher hubby :)

It was a fun evening, and we are thankful for how the Lord has gifted Ross to share music.

{iPhone Rewind} :: August

We had our annual employee appreciation dinner and the McKinney region event was a murder mystery dinner. The assistants couldn't resist a good photo op :)

Sasha loves to give puppy kisses! :)

A common sight in our home...Mike making dinner and Sasha patiently hoping he drops something.

I took a couple of days off work and got to get a pedicure with my sweet mama. 

We had to get some scuff marks off the floor where we hold our church services. The joys of church planting = all hands on deck after services :)

I saw white fur run across the window a couple of times...and sure enough- we had a furry visitor! We ended up rescuing this little bunny, as he obviously was someone's pet. We were unable to locate its owners, but found him a good home with a neighbor.

Part of my anniversary gift was going to see Les Miserables with my love! Even though we missed out on the food trucks because of the rain, we had a fun afternoon date to the Wyly Theatre :)

Tom and Susan celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a family day at Main Event. The day was filled with bowling, laser tag, bocci ball, and games! My hubby has his own unique fashion sense. I guess I should be glad he has so much self-confidence :)  #lovehim

My sweet husband came home with some pretty "Happy 3 day weekend" flowers! :)