lately

Last Friday Micah and I took the day off and went to a cupcake baking (and champagne tasting) class at the Stocked Pot cooking school in Winston-Salem. It was a lot of fun! We also walked around the beautiful Reynolda Gardens and wrapped up the day by attending Kernersville's spring folly festival (complete with "beach music" from the Embers). On Saturday I went to a fireman themed 3rd birthday party for one of my charges, Everett. The Durham fire department even showed up and let the kiddos climb around on the truck.

Besides partying ;) I've been doing some cooking/baking. I finally made the greek yogurt, blueberry and honey popsicles that I've been dying to make. They're pretty delicious and refreshing. I also made pizza today (with dough from Trader Joe's and their kalamata olive goat cheese), another batch of honey roasted carrots... and chocolate chip cookies.

This is my last week of a crazy schedule. Sarah and her husband and baby will be moving to Florida for some family time before China and I'll officially be the Parkens' only nanny. It's taken a few months to get here and I'm looking forward to starting a real routine.

 

oh happy day

I'm so thankful for this week. It seems like things have been going non-stop lately. My nanny jobs (plus some babysitting for a new family) have kept me extremely busy. Today, though, has been so relaxing it almost made me forget about all the craziness. I ran some errands, walked to a local coffee shop, read and journaled, then made some delicious honey roasted carrots. Yesterday I went to the farmer's market in downtown Raleigh. It's strawberry season and I don't know that I've ever tasted any so sweet! There are quite a few places nearby where you can go and pick your own... I think I just might have to do that.

   

a time to heal

My time in Raleigh has been quite an adventure. Each day brings new joys and challenges. Through it all, God has been so faithful to provide for me... a home, friends, work. Being here surrounded by nature has also been incredible. I believe we were created to breathe fresh air, watch the seasons change, feel the wind in our hair. North Carolina is such a beautiful state and I'm happy to be here. Recently I've been reminded again that things don't always go according to plan. I can't help but think of the Mumford & Sons lyrics, "And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears. And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. Get over your hill and see what you find there, with grace in your heart and flowers in your hair." Even though things don't look like I thought they would, I'm confident I'm here for a reason. I look forward to a time of healing.. a time of joy, adventures and love.

  



North Carolina... What an adventure things have been already! 20 hours and 1,240 miles. I hit the ground running with interviews and helping with Valentine's Day madness in a flower shop. Today is my first "day off." I'm beginning to really settle in. I'm anxious to show you a glimpse of life so far.

and so much more...

my wonderful packing helpers...couldn't have done it without them

downtown Memphis

a surprise stay at the Peabody (thanks Dad!)

another surprise :)

prettiest backyard ever

I've been terrible at blogging lately! Lots has happened since I last updated....
Just a few:
-I took a wonderful trip to North Carolina (pictures below)
-I turned 24 :)
-Erin and I made Amos the cutest little baby owl for Halloween
-I've been crafting and brainstorming for Christmas (it'll be here before we know it!)

 

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough"