Saturday, July 21, 2012

Where did the month go?!

Somehow my summer "break" during the month of July always turns into a do-everything-and-see-everyone-you-can-while-you-have-free-time sort of frenzy.  So...I'm going to attempt to play catch-up (not ketchup...though I do love ketchup) in one post.


Since I last wrote to you, I have:


-hosted a game night.
-gone to a kickin' 3rd of July party...and earned 4th place in the backyard games tourney, thanks to the help of my very capable teammate.
-taken a trip home (to Topeka) which included: best-friend-pool-time (as well as crispitos & slushies and Chick-fil-a & shopping), quality family time (including games, grilling, and homemade ice cream!), lunch with Dad, trip to see Mom's new workplace, and a reality check for Charlie (he had to stay in the hot garage for awhile, and I hope it made him appreciate the fact that he's an indoor cat).
-attended a wedding and super fun reception.
-hosted/coordinated/attended quite a few events for various groups through work...most of which have been outside.
-visited my good friend near Yankton, SD (this trip included lots of lake/beach time, good food, games, s'mores, grilling, and much-needed catch-up chats).
-replaced the rugs in the bathroom after Charlie shut himself in there overnight while we were gone.
-led Bible study (discussion centered around Ester and Job, because I'm currently reading through the Old Testament).
-spent an entire day and evening at home alone (with Charlie, of course) - got a whole lot done that day!
-learned enough chords to play a few songs on the guitar!
-taught some lessons (by appointment) at the studio.
-picked the first of (hopefully) many cherry tomatoes!
-attended my roomie's sister's baby shower - the first of many for this season in my life, I'm sure!
-finished reading a "blook" about dating/relationships.  My brother shared it with me months ago, and I've been reading it little by little.  Check it out - it's worth a read!  Even if you're fairly far removed from the dating game, as I am.  ☺  Here's the link: http://thedatingblook.wordpress.com/
-accumulated a couple kiddo stories:

  • I had a summer cold/cough at the beginning of the month and had to miss a day of nannying.  When I saw the kiddos the next week, I received quite the greeting (absence makes the heart grow fonder...?) and the 3-yr.-old told me, "If you're ever sick again, I will be a doctor and fix you up on your face!"  I don't quite know what she meant, but it was followed by a smile and big hug.
  • When I was letting a kiddo pick out a sticker for passing a piano song, he picked one with lots of smiley faces on it.  This soon-to-be 1st grader counted the smileys on the sticker by 5's (after figuring out they were in rows of 5) and declared, "There are 35 smiley faces.  No wait - 36!" and pointed to my smiling face.  I said, "I think there are 37!" pointing to his smiling face.  ☺

I am continually amazed at all I've been blessed with and grateful for the people and relationships in my life.  I spoke in the Bible study I lead about the phrase "for such a time as this" found in Ester's story.  I believe God has been preparing my heart "for such a time as this."  Though I sometimes wonder when the next "season" of my life will come, I am embracing this one and the opportunities I am able to partake of that I wouldn't be able to if I were otherwise "attached" or had anyone but me to care for.  He is continually teaching me to live in the present and strive to bring Him glory in all I do.  


Life. is. good.  (In spite of the heat.)


I hope you all are staying cool and enjoying the last of your July.


♥,
Kensy


P.S. Charlie sends his love.

Favorites of the day:
Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Pop Tarts
unexpected notes/mail
dinner dates with Jesus

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Levi

Happy July!

The update I have for you today is about my guitar.

Due to the extreme humidity levels last week and the fact that the guitar I bought had been inside (in a controlled environment) for who knows how long, there were a couple kinks that showed themselves once I got it home.  (These "kinks" resulted in a rattling sound when I played the lower 2 strings.)  So, when I took it in to get this checked out, the workers suggested I just return the guitar and look for a different one, rather than pay for repairs.  I decided to go ahead and return it, but not look for another one there, BECAUSE my wonderful aunt and uncle/neighbors happened to have a guitar just laying around, wishing to be played!!  It came complete with a hard case and everything!  Though it's a little bigger than the one I had before, it produces a really nice sound and will definitely serve my guitar-playing purposes!
Meet Levi.
(The brand is "Dean," but I know too many Dean's to name it that.)
Hooray for things working out and family members who always seem to come to the rescue!  Hopefully, I can have a lasting partnership with this instrument and maybe share the fruits of our labors with you all, someday.  I am making some progress - I've learned the four chords necessary for most worship songs and a couple riffs from rock songs (thanks to the help and guidance of a friend).

Also - I got to spend some quality time with my cousins and sweet second cousins (2 precious little boys) this weekend.  AND thanks to the wedding of one of the amazing "office girls" at the studio, we got in some quality "teacher time" outside of work.  I love quality time, no matter who it's with (ok - it may matter who in some situations)!  I can't remember whether or not it's one of my love languages...hmm...  Maybe I should take that survey again and find out.

Lastly, if you're ever looking for something to do on Sunday evenings, and you're on Facebook, you should check out the Lincoln Municipal Band's page!

Happy (almost) Birthday to my super awesome brother, and Happy 4th of July (a few days early) to you all!  

With increasingly calloused fingers,
Kensy

Favorites of the day:
"The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer
rhubarb jam