My Summer in Pictures

What can I say? I have not been the best blogger lately. Life has been busy, as usual--work, school, grad assistantship, travel, etc. I think the best way to relaunch my blogging life is through photos.

I did a lot this summer. Goodness, I miss it. Here's a little chronicling of my life over the past few months. Enjoy and expect a more in depth blog soon!

I played outside, blew bubbles & caught fireflies with my sweet niece.

I went to Starkville and saw two of my best friends, Kayla & Lauren.

I picked out a super comfy cocoabeens chair.

Saw NKOTBSB with my sister (who got to meet Danny Wood).

Played tourist in my city with Aunt Barbara.

Saw gorgeous mountains, East High & an impressive fireworks display in Utah/Wyoming with my bff.

Celebrated a sweet girl's second birthday party with Woody, Jessie & Buzz.

Saw my best friend, Amanda, get married to a wonderful guy.

Clearly, I am one blessed girl with the best family, friends and bosses! God is great!

Simply,

Court

P.S., I realize that I need more pics of my lovely parents! Let's just say that they make my life lovely year round with everything they do for me!

Play[list]

Must Haves (my all-time favorites):

1. Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
2. How Great Thou Art - Carrie Underwood
3. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
4. Feel This (feat. Enation) - Bethany Joy Galeotti
5. The Freshman - The Verve Pipe
6. You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon
7. Lightning Crashes - Live
8. This Is The Stuff - Francesca Battistelli
9. Send Me On My Way - Rusted Root
10. Brand New Key - Melanie

Must Haves (my new favorites):

1. Rumour Has It - Adele
2. Poison & Wine - The Civil Wars
3. Mean - Taylor Swift
4. Rovin' Gambler (feat. Punch Brothers) - Dierks Bentley
5. I Want Something That I Want - Grace Potter & Bethany Joy Galeotti
6. Give A Little - Hanson
7. Why You Wanna - Jana Kramer
8. The Afterlife - Paul Simon
9. Find The Beat Again - Sugarland
10. American Dreams - The Grand Magnolias

Simply,

Court

Jesus Loves Me

What if we could view the world through a child's eyes?

My sister asked this question this weekend while my sweet niece was enjoying God's creation--trees, fireflies, plums and the company of the people that love her so very much. As Olivia was grabbing plums from PopPop's trees, my sister, brother-in-law and I were pondering the innocence of a child's nature.

Everyday, we worry about life--what to wear, eat, say, do, feel, think. Do we stop to think about our blessings and enjoy life? A child, on the other hand, goes with the flow. Olivia played outside in the hot, hot heat without even realizing that she was sweaty. Olivia ran around the yard without thinking about the possibility of falling. Olivia looked at a firefly for the first time and marveled at God's creation (something that we take for granted).

I complained about the heat, worried about Olivia falling and freaked out at the fact that my whole family was eating plums that hadn't been washed. Needless to say, I worried. I always worry.

My sister had such a valid, insightful point. Children love life and adults often forget to "stop and smell the roses." Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life so that we could live--live to tell others about His miracles and live to enjoy them.

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." -- Matthew 6:31-33

I'll leave you with a simple challenge--sing "Jesus Loves Me" out loud. Listen to the words. Do this with God at the forefront of your mind. I heard my amazing niece sing it in a store this weekend. Would you do that? Are you bold? I ask these questions to you because I'm asking them to myself.

Jesus loves me! this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
they are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Now, step outside and catch a firefly.

Simply,

Court

A Day Off

Today, I took the day off. Granted it was because I had a horrible cold, but it was very much needed.

Sometimes, I get so busy with life--work, school, side projects and taking care of others--that I forget to take care of myself. My mom told me this morning that being sick was God's way of telling me to slow down & rest. I definitely needed it.

So what did I do today?

I slept (a lot).
I cleaned (a little)
I watched T.V. (Gotta love SoapNet)
I painted my toenails (summer sandal time)

It's the simple things in life that we sometimes forget about. Take a few hours to do something for yourself. It really lifts your spirits!

Simply,

Court

P.S.
I have a another blog (http://soontobethingirl.blogspot.com) where I'm chronicling my weight loss journey. Have a looksy!

Send Me On My Way

Do you have a song that simply makes you smile? Well, I do & I absolutely cannot get enough of it. If you've seen Matilda, then you have probably heard this song before.

Enjoy & smile.



p.s. The video is a little strange. It WAS made in the 90's though.

Simply,

Court

So It's Into Your Will

Out of My Hands
Matthew West

There you go changing my plans again
There you go shifting my sands again
For reasons I don't understand again
Lately I don't have a clue

Just when I start liking what I see
There you go changing my scenery
I never know where you're taking me
But I'm trying just to follow you

It's out of my hands
It's out of my reach
It's over my head
And it's out of my league
There's too many things
That I don't understand
So it's into your will
And it's out of my hands

There you go healing these scars again
Showing me right where you are again
I'm helpless, and that's where I start again
I'm giving it all up to you

It's out of my hands
It's out of my reach
It's over my head
And it's out of my league
There's too many things
That I don't understand
So it's into your will
And it's out of my hands

Move me, make me
Choose me, change me
Send me, shake me
Find me, remind me
The past is behind me
Take it all away
Take it all from me, I pray

It's out of my hands
It's out of my reach
It's over my head
And it's out of my league
There's too many things
That I don't understand
So it's into your will
And it's out of my hands



This song is self-explanatory. I heard it on Pandora tonight and immediately knew that God was looking out for me and lifting my spirits as soon as He knew they were down. God will take care of you.

Simply,

Court

The Stylish Smell of Spring

In honor of Spring Break 2011, I'm going to share my favorite wardrobe essentials right now. I know I'm no fashion maven, but clothes and shoes make me happy.

1. Skirts


This one is from Anthropologie. I adore wearing skirts like this one with a loose t-shirt and sandals.






2. Flowy Shirts

From GAP, my favorite store in the world (besides Anthro). They were having a super sale last weekend and bought a loose top for $10.00.






3. Oxfords

ModCloth has gazillions of pages with adorable shoes. I'm dying to go on a shoe shopping spree.








4. Retro Inspired Jewelry

LA Green Jewelry is based in Mississippi. Her designs are so fabulous and buyers are supporting a good cause. You can buy this fabulous bracelet at J. Brown's Trading Co. in Corinth or on the LA Green website!






5. The Perfect Tote

I love Cinda B. I bought this tote at Kates & Company in Corinth for school and it has been my lifesaver. Check out Kates & Co or the Cinda B website to see all of the fabulous items!



Oh, check out the blogs I'm listing below. They have some great style tips!

http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/blog/

http://www.delightfuldozen.com/

http://petalsandwaves.blogspot.com/


Happy Spring Shopping Y'all!


Simply,

Court