Swampoodle Hotel

When my half Swiss roommate moved in we started referring to the house as a hotel. Maybe it was the crisp white towels I told her she was free to use? Whatever the reason it kind of stuck and we like it. So welcome to the Swampoodle Hotel!

Thankful for Dad

Happy Father's Day to an amazing man.
Thank you for worrying about me.
Thank you for your committed love to mom.
Thank you for making sure I always have my phone charger, contact lenses and glasses :).
Thank you for your pursuit of Christ.
I love you, Dad!

(*you picked a good one, Mom)

We're Baack

Happy Memorial Day

CVS didn't have any blow up pools so Little Miss M was content to water the garden instead.

Beautiful 21

Happy Birthday to my baby sister. She turned twenty-one April 20th and we (the ladies of the family) celebrated her this past weekend.

Finger Lickin' Good

First Fro Yo of the season with Angel Pie to celebrate finishing church taxes. (See references to Angel Pie here and here)

What We've All Been Waiting For

Left Corner of the Couch

It's my place to "meet with God." Different seasons have meant different places, but it's here for now and it's where my stubborn bum often plops down for a rebuke from God's word mingled with and overshadowed by His mercy and loving kindness. It's where he reminds me:

"...I will bear you, carry you, and deliver you (Isaiah 46:4). I will make an everlasting covenant with you, that I will not turn away from you to do you good (Jeremiah 32:40). I swear that I will show you the kindness of God (1 Samuel 20:14-17). I can as soon forget to be God as forget to be gracious. While My name is Jehovah-merciful, gracious, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth-I will never forget to show mercy to you..."

from Precious Promises of the Gospel (p18)

Missin' My Little Valentines

Sally's

Found these mint green beauties at Salvation Army. I am my mother's daughter.

Following in her footsteps...

Faithful

Pearle was a dearly loved and faithful church member for over fifty years. (These days at CHBC, you're considered an "Old Timer" if you are in the 5+ years bracket). I had the privilege of helping coordinate her funeral service and it truly was a delight as I poured over pictures and memories of the life of one who had finished the race well.  Though only survived by a niece and great nephew, she leaves behind a legacy. The testimony of her life was this: She loved God. She loved His word. She loved His church. These words rang from the voices of women from her Sunday School class (the "Friendship Class" in those days) as they shared stories and memories of her dedication and love for God. I am told Pearle had hoped to take the gospel overseas, but a back injury prevented her from fulfilling that dream. She ended up spending over thirty years of her life as the church secretary, among many other roles. Hers was a long life of faithfulness to a faithful God. And I think she might just be my hero.

(Pearle's NIV passed on to me, along with one of her necklaces)

Happy Birthday Rebekah :)

You are so loved!

Mom and Nana Visit

 Rebecca Jane and Rebekah Jayne.

Mom and Nana.

Roommate

Love this girl. Had to capture here against the brick wall in my room one afternoon.

Beach Baby

Just got back from a week with this little guy, the family, and some dear friends. Refreshed and thankful. (Thought you might be getting tired of "Basil"). :)

"Did you miss me?"-love, Basil

So sorry for the herb hiatus. She's back-Basil, that is. Since you last saw her (about 6 hours ago via this blog) she has really begun to flourish. Six hours of sunlight per day and lots of water, that's it. I've really come to enjoy taking care of our back garden, but especially the herbs (if I haven't mentioned that already). Watching them grow from small seedlings to full plants has been so fun! And even more fun to cook with them for other people. Tonight, I took Basil to a whole new level-pesto. We now have a small jar of it in our fridge and next time I'll go easier on the garlic-whoops. Coming soon...a blog post on my "herb inspired" pinterest boards.

For those who are over the herbs...

Sarah and I had a garden party. We have a small garden and an alley perfect for cornhole and wanted to have people over, despite the fact that it's hot as heck. We had pie and lemonade and other cold drinks and had a lovely time...before the storm rolled in. So for those who were thinking, "if i have to look at that picture of Lindsey's basil, one more time..." well, here you go. Pictures, courtesy of my Wedding Photographer roommate, Sarah :).

The landlord, his wife and kids :).

We love pie.

The face behind the camera.

Herb Garden

Basil

Close herb "friends" and the rosemary outcast blurred in the background. He needs room to spread out :).

And our outdoor table and chairs thanks to the landlord and his wife :).

Day 5: Emily and Ev Yemekleri

After playing at the park with the little girls, Emily and I took a mini-bus to the water, found Ev Yemekleri (homecooked food) and did some shopping.

 

Kuru Fasulye (white beans and rice). Oh, how I miss this. 

Cay (tea) and...Doghnut holes?