Goodbye Fall

Dear Fall,

Where have you gone? Just two weeks ago we were happily going on wagon rides in Mom and Dad's backyard. It was absolutely delightful. Now there is snow outside. Goodbye Fall, I wish you could have stayed a little longer.

Longingly yours,

L

Good Lookin'

Last week we were able to spend a few days in Park City with the Johnson's. It was a lovely little break! My Danny and I had the best time walking around Main Street, taking photos, and looking in the shops. He even bought me a little squirrel cookie cutter! I love these photos cause he just looks so cute! I sure am lucky!

L

Pretty Yellow Shoes

It was Valentines Day 2009 that I fell in love! Clearance. One pair. My size. The most adorable little yellow shoes I'd ever seen. It was meant to be! These shoes and I went through a lot together. We walked some lonely roads, wound up in a few storms, and got some scuffs along the way. Happily, together we found our way back to better and brighter days. They were my favorite accessory and the wear and tear I'd put on them was really starting to show. Sadly, I accidently left them out after a long day and my curious Cocker Spaniel Dolly found them to be a very nice new chew toy. I told Shanon at work of my misfortune and tried to move on. Danny and I spent a good portion of last weekend looking for a suitable replacement. It was a rather disappointing attempt.

Here's were the story gets good! Wednesday night I got a text from Shanon asking my shoe size. I supposed maybe she was looking for some shoes to dress up a Halloween costume or something. She replied that she had found a pair of yellow shoes similar to mine. I thought surely it couldn't be the same pair or that they wouldn't have my size, but the next morning, there they were on my desk at work. The exact same pair of pretty yellow shoes I'd grown to love so much! Of all things, she and her daugther Kaytee had been thrifting and found them. One pair. My size. Bright, Shiny, and new! It made my day!

Does the Lord send tender mercies in the form of yellow shoes? Why not? Maybe he knew I needed them just a little longer. I wasn't quite ready to let go. I believe there are some exciting new adventures those shoes and I still have ahead of us! Perhaps the real tender mercy was a friend who listened and had her eyes and heart open to helping create a little miracle for me that day. Thank you Shanon, for the shoes and so much more. They mean a lot to me.

Oh, and by the way, my shoes don't ever get left out anymore;) Sorry Dolly.

With hope, L

Writing on the Wall

Guess what?! We painted an accent wall in our living room and I absolutely love it! Ah, finally a red wall of our very own! My Danny Boy and I coming up on six months of marriage this Saturday! I didn't realize how busy life would be as a married couple, but I've been learning to work on projects like this a little bit at a time. I think our little home is finally starting to take shape. I have so many plans for it that I'm anxious to begin! If I do say so myself, this wall is going to be so cute! You'll just have to wait and see what I have in mind for it!

If you can't tell by the writing on the wall, or the fact that Danny even considered painted a wall red as opposed to a sensible shade of off-white, he is an amazing husband who does so much to make me happy. He treats me like a princess and I love him dearly. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for sending him to me. Last week I came home from Young Women's to a clean kitchen with a beautiful red rose in a vase on the table. He loves me and I love him. We're building a beautiful life together one red wall at a time:) I love you Danny Boy!

With Love,

Lynley Jill

Stephanie

I've had a dozen things on my mind that I thought I could post about today, but the one that just really stood out to me was to express gratitude for my big sister, Stephanie.

How could I ever begin to put in words how amazing Steph is. She inspires me daily with her kindness and generosity. She has an endless supply of energy and uses it to do good for others. Her sincerity and love are evident in all she does. She has always taken care of me. It was Stephanie who saw to it that I got my first cat, Mingtoy. It was she who made my dream of seeing the lights of Paris a reality. She has been an ever supportive listening ear and a shoulder to cry on in many times of need. During one of the hardest periods of my life she called with words of comfort and encouragement every single morning. She's posed for endless impromptu photo shoots, and is always supportive of my creative endeavors. Over the past two years as I have battled with numerous food allergies and health concerns, Steph has created countless gourmet meals and treats just for me. Recently she ordered the most delicious gluten free and vegan frosted sugar cookies I've ever tasted! Not to mention they were absolutely beautiful, a rarity in gluten free baking! She is one of my greatest heros and very best friends. I couldn't be more thrilled for her upcoming wedding to John. Stephanie truly deserves all the happiness in the world. I know because she spreads so much of it to the rest of us daily. Thank you for always sharing your goodness with me. I love you lots Steph!

With love, LJ

Sharing Secrets

With a subject header like that you'd imagine I had something juicy to say... Well, sorry to disappoint. I love this photo I took a while ago of my brother-in-law Jason's cousins. I just think these girls are so beautiful! I love this candid shot of them--I imagine they are sharing secrets about something silly. Thought this was a fun edit you might enjoy!

L