Happy Wedding!

My freshman year at Baylor, I met Whitney. 

I was a homesick, lonely little dorm room resident, and she was the cool, edgy, upperclassmen.  

She took me under her wing - and I immediately knew she was unlike anyone else.  

One of the first things I noticed about Whit is how close she holds her family and friends.  It's sometimes confusing whether or not I'm actually a family member - I've crashed cousin bashes and family parties and have always felt like a part of the clan.  I know this is something that Whit creates with people in her life - and it is such a unique quality.

I've walked through so many seasons of my adult life with Whitney... as we've graduated from Baylor, explored new jobs and new places, and somehow both landed back in Chicago.  Whitney is the perfect mixture of spontaneity + playful adventure, and also deep, introspective, and wise. Whitney teaches me how to be present and challenges me to integrate people as close as family.  

I have loved seeing her story with Jim unfold - it starts in 7th grade until now, May 29, 2011 - her wedding day. This weekend has been such a celebration of all the people that have stepped alongside them in the journey - and most importantly, of W+J and their sweet love for one another. 

Can't wait for tonight's celebration!

James Patrick + Whitney Elizabeth

Happy wedding weekend!

Yes.

Sending a summer dreams ditto to this post over at Cup of Jo.

We Survived

The Geyser of 2011.

There are some great reasons to live in an apt from 1901 (cue: built-in cabinets, trough sink, hardwoods and old charm...) And there are reasons 1901 apts should be avoided...

The situation. Glad my assistance could be of value!

These days, I have a hard time being awake past 10:30pm-ish on a school night. So, naturally I'm in dreamland Thursday night when I hear the rattling of walls, clinking of metal on metal, slow plunge of water, and shrieks of fellow roomies down the hall.  Motivated by the fear of a drowning lily, I hazily stumble into the bathroom to find water rushing from where there was previously a hot water handle to our tub.  I groggily attempt to solve the problem by placing the knob back to it's vacated position (like my genius idea hadn't been tried yet...?!) which acts to counterproductively spew water every which way - so I shrug my shoulders indicating it's not worth the loss of sleep and leave them with a piece of advice: "just let it run... we don't pay the water bill..." as I head back to the safety of my bed.

Upon waking up Friday morn, I consider the strange dream for a minute, but am quickly reminded of the previous night's events as I step out into a collection of tools & towels scattered down the lily hallway. I am immediately overcome with thankfulness for roomies who are much wiser, productive, and proactive humans that I am at times. To my lily roomies: Thank you for not abandoning the cause and allowing the lily to drown.  I might be the oldest in this apt, but am clearly not the wisest.

My rescue heroes! Where would I be without you?!

(And a perhaps a thank you to 24-hr plumbers, as well...?!)

Today, I Am Here.

hello city. thank you for always bringing me back to you.

I make plans for adventures away. Not here.

And over&over again He gently leads me back to this city.

So. I stand in the promises He has given me.

And remain.

... At least for right now.

Summer To-Do's:

French bakery job... bike rides... library checkouts... roadtrips... ravinia... music mondays... playdates... photography... lake life...

June hoorah is up and coming!

1 more week. 

I can't believe it.

I've never been so ready.

I Teach Because...

During Teacher Appreciation Week, you get notes like this: 

"Dear Ms. Goldstein,

I love you because you are fun to play with.  I like to make jokes about sharks and eyeballs."

Good to know I'm making an impact.

Boys Are Back

I always look forward to my brothers coming home. 

I love the story being written with their lives.

They are sold out to Him, and it completely amazes me.

Nobody else can speak into my life the way they can...

with challenge and conviction, and also love and encouragement.

I laugh so hard and love so much with them.

They are my best friend brothers. 

And I don't know who I would be without them.

Mikey's back to the states. And appreciates Dr. Pepper more than ever.

Daniel's a grown-up. And has new hair.

Thai & a 6-pack lunch

I love them. They are the very best.

Birthday Lilies.

This week was birthday week over here at the Lily.

Birthday banners, signs, cupcakes, choco vino, treats, gifts... I love everything about birthdays!

I'm always thankful for my sweet roomies and doing life right beside them - but this week I'm especially remembering the way the Lord brought us together in this city. After praying and hoping and believing for so long that God had a place for me in Chicago, He chose these girls to walk beside. What a blessing it is to return to their smiles and hugs each day. To laugh with them over dinner and candles, to be a local in the neighborhood, and to just explore this season of our 20's together.

homemade burlap birthday banner.

cupcakes & cards.

one bday girl.

the other :)

too much birthday

birthday week = a week with no :/ !

my pretty little birthday roomies. happiest 24 & 23!

I love you girls!