Riggin's Update.

     This portrait so accurately portrays our puppy. Too much cuteness with a look that says "are you calling me human? That's cool, but unnecessary, because I'm going to stay right here. You aren't the boss of me." Such a stink butt, and I mean that both in jest and literally. His farts are unnaturally pungent. . . Since when did cuteness cover such a multitude of sins? Since Gray and I decided to be push overs, that's when. Ugh!

For your enjoyment I included the video below. 

If we "can't" train him, at least we can laugh at him, happy Wednesday!

What I'm reading.

     I have the privilege of reading again, "Lies Women Believe," by Nancy Leigh DeMoss with some of the ladies in my life group. In an effort to be prepared for our first meeting, I was reading back though the introduction and came across this passage.

     As you look at your life, would you say you are experiencing the abundant life Jesus came to give? Or do you find yourself just existing, coping, struggling, surviving?
     I'm not asking if you have a trouble-free life. In fact, some of the most radiant, joyful women I know are women who are living in painfully difficult marriages; women who have wept at the graveside of a son or daughter; women who have been diagnosed with cancer or are caring for an elderly parent with Alzheimer's. But somehow, in the midst of the problems and the pain, they have discovered a source of life that enables them to walk through the valley with peace, confidence, and wholeness.

     I'm ready to be challenged again. I've gotten too complacent, just existing, I'm ready to live an abundant life and I'm so excited to start this journey with my life group ladies!

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yolk of slavery. 

-Galatians 5:1

The Overlook.

     Five miles on windy mountain roads can feel more like 100 miles, especially when the driver gets queasy and asks for a cup "just in case" his lunch decides to get the heck out of town. It's never boring with Gray. If I were a better more observant wife/sister, I would have read both Gray and Fran better and noticed their not so subtle message, "the overlook doesn't sound that fun." But I didn't so we took a trip to the mountains and had a semi good time despite anyone's unwillingness or queasiness. I can only imagine what they thought, "you brought us here? it's not that cool Jak . . ." well to be honest, it wasn't that cool the day we went. It was extremely foggy making the view only half decent. I guess you can't win all the time. With that in mind, have you ever planned activities that didn't turn out the way you had envisioned? I'd love to hear your stories!



             
             

Friday's with Francesca

Welcome to a new segment on the blog Gray & Jak! I'm super excited that Francesca has decided to be a regular contributor. She'll be sharing her thoughts every Friday, everything from fashion to food will be covered. She's super cute and creative so don't worry, you won't be disappointed! So without further ado, take it away Francesca . . .

     Well hello all! I have to say I am pretty excited to offer you "Fridays with Francesca." Jaklyn and I have been attempting to join together on this blogging thing for a while and it looks like we might have finally found a way to make it work. First, just let me say I had an incredible weekend in South Carolina with Jak and Gray. Greenville is so diverting. 
     Second,  it is always a blast being able to brainstorm and dream up new creative ideas. I love Pinterest for that reason. I have been collecting ideas for a few outfits I was hoping to put together over the break and of course to do this a trip to the thrift store was in order. And let me tell you, this thrift store in Greenville was THE best, yes, THE best! I ended up with too many things to choose from (and we all know this rarely happens when shopping!). In the pictures below (c/o Jaklyn) are a few of my favorite finds. The skirt was $4 and the purse was $3 (say what!). These are my first pair of patterned tights and although I was nervous about them, I have to say they ended up being my favorite part of the outfit! So scroll through the pictures and enjoy! I hope they encourage you to go out on a limb and add something new to your wardrobe because I mean everyone could use a little pizzazz in life!

top: c/o kohls

tights: c/o forever 21

skirt: thrifted

leather purse: thrifted

necklace: c/o premier jewelry

bracelet: c/o premier jewelry

earrings: c/o premier jewelry 

infinity scarf: handmade crochet

nail polish: c/o essie 

Flower Child

     This past week Francesca made the trip down from Ohio to spend the week with us. I cannot tell you just how amazing it was. We did everything from driving winding roads for mountain views, relaxing, reading, coffee dates at Starbucks, shopping/thrifting (I'm currently wearing a sweater I got for $1), baking, eating, laughing and talking. She's such a joy to be around, an instant best friend, the perfect companion. Sisters are good for the soul. Also during her time here she allowed me to dress her up and play photographer. Disclaimer, this whole post was my vision and I did everything short of using physical force to get her to dress up. Francesca you have the patience of a saint thank you for letting me express my artistic vision! In sum, I'm just so glad you chose to spend your fall break with me.