Birthstone Necklace

I made it. It is a bird's nest of Chandler's, Waverly's, and my birthstones (aquamarine, topaz, and diamond). Pretty cool, huh?

Amazing in Indianapolis

Ranked as probably one of the best dates EVER our short trip to Indianapolis was packed with fun. This trip came as a surprise to me. Chandler was acting fishy about something and by "fishy", I mean, he said, "I want to tell you something, but I can't." Really? Yes, he does this when he's got something up his sleeve. Of course, I got it out of him...

Josh Groban concert! And shopping! Although, the concert is unrivaled in my excitement, I was pumped to do a little shopping at one of my favorite stores: H&M. He truly planned a trip tailored just for me. In fact, our hotel was in the middle of everything we wanted to do.

We had dinner reservations at 5:30 at St. Elmo's. They're said to have the best shrimp cocktail, but it wasn't $15 good and it was SO SPICY! However, we had some good steaks and potatoes!


Oh, and did I mention, our seats were 10 rows back on the floor? Yeah, he went all out. And the concert was AMAZING. Josh (notice: first name basis) didn't sing "our" song, "When You Say You Love Me", but he sang a lot of our favorites: Bells of New York City (Waverly's favorite), Galileo, and Machine, just to name a few. It was awesome. You just had to be there. We plan to see him again in 25 years. He asked for a couple to join him and of course, we practically exploded out of our seats. He looked our way, but clarified that he wanted a couple who had been married for a long time. The couple he chose was married for 28 years. And next time, when he answers audience questions, I am going to ask if I can sing with him because another lady did and her wish was granted.

After the concert, although I was exhausted and fighting a migraine, we stopped for carrot cake at Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery. We took it "to go" and enjoyed it back at the hotel. 11 hours of sleep later, we headed out to do some shopping!

It was so wonderful and relaxing. Of course, I miss my girl, but I am so thankful that Chandler and I were able to enjoy "just us" time. Moms, you understand.

Wednesday night: P.F. Changs for dinner (gift card) and packing because we are leaving for Memphis in the morning. Busy week, huh? We have our IMB Expo this week; interviews, seminars, and hopefully we'll make new friends walking the same journey!

For your viewing pleasure...

Opening act.. Elew

I Am Overwhelmed.

What a weekend. It was exhausting, encouraging, and overwhelming all at the same time. So many decisions to make and yet, so many uncertainties.

In two weeks to a month we will hear whether or not we are given the "green light" to proceed to the next step in the process. I am so glad that I have done my part and can wait on God for a while.

Crafts

So, I love crafting, but it comes in waves...

For whatever reason, I was inspired to spend money on the day Waverly spent with her Grandma. Most likely because for those few precious hours, I could do whatever I wanted. What do I love to do but never have time or energy to do? Shop. So, I headed to Hobby Lobby with every intention of browsing to my little heart's content. It was glorious, truly refreshing.

Then, they got me; sucked me in like a vacuum cleaner grabs the unsuspecting, floor-length curtains:

SALE!

I started walking with purpose, making sure I covered every inch of that store. Thanks to my strong sense of self-discipline (yeah right), I only spent a little bit aka I had many things in my hands, but only bought a few.

Among my goodies: an 8 inch letter S and purple yarn, from which came this creation...

I love it. I love everything about it. Except this photo that I took with my phone and got a little grainy when I blew it up (wah waaahhhh). It. Was. Difficult. I looked up tutorials online, but ultimately, I just had to figure it out. This particular style "S" isn't easily conducive to effective yarn-wrapping because of the fanciness on the ends and every tutorial I found used an S with blunt ends. But I think it turned out beautifully and I have plans to wrap a C and K to create wall art for above our bed. 

Hobby Lobby, you'll be seeing me again soon.

Anticipating...

Okay, one of these days I PROMISE I will post more Africa photos! I still have the safari to cover! But for now, I'm a bit of a nervous wreck: Next Thursday, we have the IMB Expo in Memphis. Chandler received the itinerary a few weeks ago and, basically, we're in seminars or interviews or meals for two and a half days straight. 

I know it is all in the Lord's hands; therefore, I'm not a total basket case, but, seriously, who enjoys interviews? Practically no one.

Pray for us that the Lord will have His hand on our travels, as well as, the words that we say.

4th of July

Very recently the Snyder household voted the Fourth of July as our "second favorite holiday" behind Christmas, of course. The vote was unanimous: 3 for, 0 against. However, none of us, no, not even Waverly, could express exactly what it is about the 4th that makes it so exciting. Chandler might say it is because he loves America. And I love America too, but that wouldn't be my top reason for loving the 4th.

It could very well be that the fireworks are just so darn enchanting and truly, everyone feels proud to be an American. It kind of brings everyone together in a UK vs. UL kind of way, you know?

Whatever the exact reasons may be, it's a fan fave in this house and it can't hurt that we spend every 4th of July in Louisville at the Blair family pool party. LOTS of food and LOTS of relaxing. I wish I had LOTS of photos too, but baby + pool = a very alert Momma, so I snapped just a few while Waverly swam with her daddy.

Letting Waverly serve the ball