oh quilts

So this summer I set out a goal to make my first quilt. My mom is an amazingly talented professional quilter with her own business and for some reason I just never really understood it, and never had much of a desire to make one. But then I decided I really wanted a new blanket for my bed and after seeing how much my mom loves to quilt I thought I might as well try it out and see what I thought for myself. I was actually quite surprised at how much I enjoyed it! And now that it is finished, it's so much fun having it and knowing that I made it myself.

(my talented mother did all the quilting!)
(the back is this fuzzy and soft fabric. I love it!)

I think I am hooked! :)

Favorites of Fall

There are so many reasons to love fall. From the varying colors, to the smells of baking, to the feel of the cool crisp air, it is a season full of exciting change. Fall takes me back to when I was little and the reminder of hay rides, harvest parties, candy corn and eating mom's delicious pumpkin cookies. I think fall is the perfect time of year to remember what little things in life make you happy. These are some of my favorite things I love about this time of year.

(My friend Lauren and I at an OSU football game)

1. It's football season! For many people, the beginning of fall starts with football. I don't know what it is, but something about watching the game sure brings about the start of a new season. I love the time of fellowship I get to share with people when going to the games and cheering on my team. Or when having a party and eating nachos while sitting on the couch yelling at the tv because the refs made a bad call. Football season is one of the most fun parts of fall and makes me so excited for this time of year.

(pumpkin bread via "the dish on delish" blog)

2. One of the greatest parts of fall is the smell of something delicious baking in the oven. Summertime is now over and the air is getting cooler so it's time to whip out the apron and get to baking. Caramel apples, candy corn, spice cake- mmm all of it is just so delicious! One of my favorite things to eat during the fall months is pumpkin bread. My mom has made this every year since I can remember and it's one of my favorite snacks on a cool crisp fall day. Apple cider is a signature favorite this time of year and the perfect way to warm up on one of those cool mornings.

(picture via www.2expertdesign.com)

3. When I wake up one day and all of a sudden all the trees are orange and red I know that fall is here. Obviously the changing colors all around us signals the change in seasons, but I can't help to just get a smile on my face when I see the beauty of it and the leaves as they drop to the ground.

(picture via picsdigger.com)

4. Fall means it's time to decorate! I love getting out the old scarecrows out of the attic and setting pumpkins on the porch. It's fun to get creative this time of year and put out fall centerpieces and hang a festive wreath on the door.

(picture via americaneagle.com)

5. One of the best parts of the changing seasons, is the change in wardrobe that comes with it. Don't get me wrong I love shorts and tanks in the summer, but something about wearing boots, scarves and a jacket while holding a cup of warm coffee sure brings happiness to my heart.

What are some of your favorite things about fall? :)

"When I say..."

When I say that 'I am a Christian' I am not shouting that 'I am clean living.' I am whispering 'I was lost, but now I am forgiven.'

When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are all to visible, but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches so I call upon His name.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who's received God's grace somehow.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1