photo op.

I love taking pictures of the things that God has given us. Flowers, streams, baby birds, etc. I usually do a bit more of that during the summer but haven't really had the opportunity to much lately. Although, this week I have no desire to be out in the heat taking pictures. But here are a few of my favorite photos I've taken of God's beautiful creations! 

August 1.

Today is the first day of August. This is significant to me for a few reasons.

First and foremost, that means I am getting married in two months! Yep, it true. Two months from today, I marry my best friend. Ah!

Secondly, that also means summer is almost gone. When did that happen and where did it go? I have really had a great summer. But... there were SO many things I wanted to do this summer. Even though I haven't felt busy I guess I have stayed fairly busy. My summer has been filled with working at Ridgecrest, visiting family, playing with our sweet puppy, and enjoying so much time just hanging out with Chris. Yep, that all does make for a great summer but if I would have made a list of things to do this summer it would have included:

• horseback riding
• weekend away with Kat (plus lots of other times with her too!)
• a lot of crafting
• refinishing projects for our future (soon!!) home
• working on wedding details galore

August 1 also means that two weeks from today I start my new job. I don't think I've ever been quite so nervous for a new job. I know it will be a great learning experience but I still feel like there are a lot of unknowns with it. Two weeks from today I will be in our classroom though. 

This summer really has been good and it will continue to be. But now I have to go and get ready for work! I am so thankful for my job this summer! :)

ice cream cake.

Last night I made dinner for Chris and bought stuff to make a dessert too. Neither of us really wanted ice cream by the time dinner and the Cardinals game was over so we didn't eat it. Although, it was a delicious breakfast! :)

So here is the simple, delicious recipe! 

(I found a similar recipe on a blog not to long ago but I don't remember where it was!)

What you will need:

Ice cream sandwhichs (enough to cover the bottom or the dish you are using)

One container or CoolWhip

Chocolate Syrup

Caramel Syrup

King Size Candy bar of your choice

Yummy ingredients right?

Line the bottom of your dish with the ice cream sandwiches, I found some that were half chocolate and half vanilla (mm!). Then crumble half of the candy bar and sprinkle it over the ice cream. Drizzle both types of syrups. Add a layer of CoolWhip and then add another layer of the syrups and the candy bar crumbles. Freeze for a couple of hours and enjoy! 

This was the easiest dessert and quite possible the yummiest too!

Sorry for my absence from blog world. I am planning on returning now. :)

DIY Projects!

My summer DIY look! ;)

Summer has officially begun! Friday was our last day at school. Totally bittersweet because I truly did love my job and my students but I am excited for the things that are coming up this summer as well! This weekend has been a great one! Friday evening, I met Chris to take him his EMT pants so he would have them when he went to volunteer in Joplin. My heart is still so broken for the people in Joplin and thankful to all of those who have helped in any way! Saturday we did a little bit of house work, hit up some garage sales (no luck!), went to a flea market (bought an ugly mirror!), and joined some great friends for a BBQ! 

So.. about that ugly mirror! I had actually been looking for a bedside table to refinish or even some other furniture for my apartment this summer and Chris and my future home (I'm gonna have to write a whole other post talking about the excitement about that!). But all I found was this ugly mirror for $8.00.


{click on any picture to see it larger!}

In progress...

The finished product...  :)

Stay tuned to see more DIYing with this old dresser!

 Plus its always nice to have a little helper on these projects! :)