Phone Case Scripture Doodles

Scripture memory doesn't come easily for me, and I have to be intentional about it. Recently I've started putting scripture as my phone case. I bought the clear case for ten dollars on Amazon, painted a quick water color background, then used sharpie after the background was dry. An easy and personalized way to memorize scripture...because how many times a day do you look at your phone, right?!

What is your favorite way to memorize scripture? 

What I Learned in March

Emily's series of "What I Learned" is one of my favorites (did you see her #3? I'm totally asking Siri that question soon), and I decided to actually had time to sit down and write out a few things learned from this past month:

1. I officially reached "crazy fan" status and probably embarrassed myself over Ellie Holcomb. I've been familiar with her through her husband's band "Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors," but it wasn't until she came out with her own incredible album that I became a huge fan. "As Sure As the Sun" is full of Truth, and every song is based off of scripture. I mean, every time I listen I am moved to worship the Lord and think more highly of Him. You should just listen for yourself here.

Oh, and did I mention that someone from our church got me confused with Ellie? He thought that I sang and performed a concert, when in fact I just attended the concert (and I definitely don't sing very well!). The mix up totally made my day. :)

2. I lean in every single picture I take. Will titled it the "Jennie Lean." So I'm working on my posture now. Proof:

3. Half birthdays should be celebrated. We didn't celebrate them when I was a kid, and I never really thought about it until I heard a friend talking about it recently. But then I realized any reason to celebrate and/or go to Muddy's is obviously a great idea. Happy 1/2 Birthday little guy!

What did you learn in March?

InstaFriday: February Recap

A review of our month through iPhone pictures. 

So thankful for quick ways to capture memories. 

It had been over a year since the little guy was sick (thank you, Lord!). But one Sunday after nap he woke up with a bad cough, hard time breathing, and saying "my throat hurt, mommy." So we made our first trip to the Minor Med. Our experience at LeBonheur Minor Med on Germantown Rd in Cordova was better than I could've ever expected. Sweet and caring staff that went above and beyond. First chest x-ray too, and the little guy was a champ. 

Doc said it was bronchiolitis, and you've got to let it run it's course. So lots of snuggling, resting, and fluids that week.

And there might have been some surprises to lift little spirits too. He was too excited about getting Woody from Toy Story. 

Writing his name on Woody's boot just like Andy. 

We celebrated Valentines Day with movie night at home, popcorn, and sushi.

Pop-up books are a favorite these days.

I've been working on getting my pens and paints back out. And I'm glad I have a little helper too.

As soon as we (yes, I got bronchitis too) were well (after 12 days) and the sunshine came back out, we celebrated by reuniting with panda at the zoo. 

One of the many things to love about Memphis is our zoo.

February also brought fun events like my birthday, Disciple Now, and get togethers with friends. 

God is good, and we are thankful for each day He gives!

Linking up with:

Pear Cake

Streusel:
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Place all streusel ingredients in a small bowl. Mix until combined. Set aside.

Pears:
3 Tbs butter
1Tbs water
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 pear, cored, thinly chopped

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saute pan over medium heat. Add water, brown sugar, and cook over medium heat until brown sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and add one pear (thinly chopped). Cook 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Cake: 
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup oil
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, sour cream, oil, egg, and vanilla. Pour sugar mixture into the flour mixture. Mix until smooth. 

Pour batter into greased and floured pan. Cover top of batter with pears. Sprinkle streusel over top of pears and batter. 

Bake 30-35 minutes, or until pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes.

Serve with fresh pears or warm topped with vanilla bean ice cream! 

January's Soundtrack

{On our way to class}

This month Liam and I began another semester of Bible Study at our church. The Lord teaches me so much each Tuesday morning through Mrs. Donna, Mrs. Jean, Mrs. Cheryl, and the women in my small group. I'm incredibly grateful for these women's investment in me (Titus 2 lived out) and also the ones that are investing in my boy. One Tuesday on our way home I noticed Liam was singing a new song. The teachers in his class have been showing the two-year-olds the importance of praying and thanking God before meals. What a sweet moment when I heard my little boy thanking God because of what he was learning from his teachers! We have of course been singing the same song during our meal times at home now...

"God our Father,
God our Father, 
Once again,
Once again, 
We bow our heads and thank You,
We bow our heads and thank You, 
Amen, Amen."


A precious reminder of God as our Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider.

 {Singing songs after getting picked up from class.}

Rainy Day Fun

Whenever we go outside and it is raining, Liam lifts his hands to the sky and joyfully exclaims "Rain!" Our little guy has always enjoyed rain, so when my friend Rachel called and said it would be raining on the day of our photo shoot I started grinning. No rescheduling for us; we would have a blast splashing and giggling in this weather! Rachel is so talented and has that eye for just the right shot. See what I mean? 

Thank you Rachel for such a fun time and these amazing shots of my family!

Fridays Fav Finds

A few things I have found this month that I would love to share with you:

1. Emily at Jones Design Company has released another super cute FREE printable to download for the winter season. Her blog has been one of my favorites for printables, simple diy projects, and home decorating. She has a great sense of style.

2. Still looking for a Christmas gift for one of the women on your list? Be Free Revolution is a company that "empowers young men and women with trades for sustainability and couple that trade with feeding, education, and counseling programs" in schools and orphanages in Nairobi, Kenya. One way you can help is by purchasing a (very stylish) product from their store. Here's one of the products I've had my eye on:

3. Having a party soon? Snapfish is offering FREE vintage party printables here.  I've downloaded the "joy" piece, and there's also gift tags, banners, and kid's party prints. 

4. Looking for new Christmas activities and traditions to begin with your family? Our church, Bellevue Baptist, has meaningful options at their Home Point Center or you can see them online here. I'm looking forward to having a "Happy Birthday Jesus" party with our little guy. Psst! There are also free printables for a Happy Birthday Jesus party here.