The Bright Eyed Brunette

 Every once in a while, I hit that point where I just want to curl up with a good book. You know the kind-- the one that pulls you into the story without making you skip over awkward scenes or cringe at unnecessary language.                                                                                                                             Finding clean fiction isn't always easy these days, but thankfully there are still plenty of authors writing stories that are wholesome, uplifting, and full of heart. Whether you're relaxing on the porch with a glass of sweet tea or sneaking in a few chapters before bed, here are a few favorites worth adding to your reading list....

 Have you ever found yourself rehearsing conversations in your head? You know the ones. The arguments you wish had won. The hurtful words you wish you could take back. The situations you desperately want to fix, control, or defend. I think most of us have. When we feel wronged, misunderstood, or threatened, our natural response is to fight back. We want to explain ourselves, prove our point, and make sure everyone knows our side of the story. But sometimes God calls us to do something much harder. He calls us to be still.                                                                                                                                      ...

  I don't know about you, but every season seems to bring a few things that I can't get enough of. Some are practical, some are silly, and some just make life a little sweeter. So today, I thought I'd share a few of my current obsessions. Early Summer Mornings There is something special about a summer morning before the heat settles in. A ice cold can of Alani, a quiet house, and a few minutes on the porch can do wonders for the soul. The older I get, the more I appreciate those peaceful moments before the day gets busy. BeBe Time If you've been around here long, you know that spending time with my granddaughter is high on my list. Whether we're playing Barbies, swimming, or just having a snack together, she has a way of making ordinary days feel special. And now with a new grandson in the mix, my heart feels even fuller. A Good Book A good book and a comfortable chair are never a bad idea. Summer always puts me in the mood for stories that I can get lost in for a f...

 It has definitely been a balancing act around here! We have been getting lots of baby loving, playing with big sister, and having a little fun of our own.  My Malibu Barbie in the dirty White River Trey got my Papa's old truck running! I think it's a 72 model and it's a manual transmission. Another thing to get licensed and insured, lol Wrenley and I had a fun day at the pool! She is so fun these days! Wrenley and Nanny I also got a haircut! It was much needed. This girl LOVES to play Barbies! You should see her bucket of dolls, playsets, and accessories. My little squishy boy Bath Time!! Such a sweet little man Macy doesn't know the meaning of personal space! (She belongs to Wrenley and Wesley) Toby Lewis (my parent's dog) And would you look at that.. I got to spend a fun afternoon in the pool with Pappy💖 And what a beautiful reminder that God always keeps his promises. As I look around at this season of life my heart is so full. Summer days seem to move a little...

 Whew, it has been a long two weeks! I am happy to announce that my sweet grandson, Wesley was born on May 29th at 2:45 p.m. He weighed 6lbs. 12 oz. and was 19.5 inches. It was about a week before Carlie's induction (which was already 2 weeks early). Things got serious REAL quick. When they brought him to the nursery, he was gray...not blue, GRAY and limp. They worked on him where we could see them through the nursery windows and then they pulled the shades down. My heart sank and I begged God to let that sweet baby be okay. With lots of help, they got him a little more stable, but he was still breathing fast and was struggling. About midnight they med-flighted him to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock. I stayed behind with Carlie (who had just had a section) so Caleb could go with Wesley. After many days (10 to be exact), he was finally released to come home. We are so thankful that he is better. He just needed a little more time.  He had a very traumatic beginning, ...

 When I was in the youth choir at church, we used to sing a song called, "Humbly Grateful or Grumbly Hateful".  It went a little something like this: Are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful? What's your attitude? Do you grumble and groan or let it be known you're grateful for all God's done for you?   If we're being real for a minute, somedays just feel made for grumbling. The coffee spills. The laundry multiplies like rabbits. Somebody leaves dishes in the sink when you just washed them. The weather can't decide what season it wants to be. Before we know it, we're all muttering under our breath about everything from sore backs to slow drivers.  Paul comes right in with a verse that honestly feels impossible some days: "Do everything without grumbling and arguing."  Everything? Surely, he didn't mean family group texts or church misunderstandings, or Mondays before caffeine. But there it is. Everything. I don't think God gave us t...