Tattoo #2!!!

Ok so I really really really want to get this tattoo on my wrist!!!



The sideways "8" symbol means infinity. I translate it to mean eternal, infinite, forever and\or never-ending love.
What do you think?!

with love,
Riley

Baby Chance

My cousin, Maggie and her husband John, had their baby boy Chance two weeks ago! They live in Boston so we've only seen pictures and videos but I have absolutely fallen inlove with him! Mom and I are going to see him in October and we can't wait!!





And here's a few pics of the kids!!






with love,
Riley

Books I've Been Reading

I've been reading a lot this summer and loving it! Before we went to the beach I stocked up on books.
On the way to the beach I ready Irresistible... a little raunchy but a great murder/detective story!

I read Smart Girls Like Me at the beach and it was pretty good. It's just a funny little chick read!

A few weeks ago I read the Glass Castle which was referred to my by my mom who pretty much made me read it! It was really good- a little sad too though!

Then I read the Coast Road which I really liked- a good love story!

Now I'm reading the Blind Assassin and it's taking me forever to get through it! It's got a story within a story within a story and I'm not sure I can keep up! I'll finish it eventually but it might take me the rest of this year!

What are you reading??


with love,

Song of the Day

I just love this song! It reminds me of one of my favorite movies, Down With Love!!




with love,

Weekend with the Boswell's

This past weekend the Boswell's came to visit us from Dallas!! We had a lot of fun!

Friday night we cooked dinner for them! Matt grilled deer steaks and I made salad, bread and baked potatoes to go with it! Here's the table: Don't mind Bella on the couch haha!



Saturday we went to breakfast at Kerry's! So good! Then the guys played golf and Bethany and I went shopping allll day! It was so fun!

That night we went to eat at Cajun's! We took a few pics before we left:





Sunday morning we made waffles for breakfast and just relaxed a little bit before they left around noon! We had a great weekend with them and now it's Monday again and we're exhausted!!


with love,

Countdown to Tailgate!

I am so excited for Razorback football and tailgating!! One month from now we will be!! Therefore I've made a few preparations :)
I've ordered this bracelet...




and this top!!



I can't wait for them to come in this week!!
This weekend was fun and went way too fast! Friday and Saturday we got a ton done around the house: cleaned the house, cleaned both cars, installed 2 light fixtures, cleaned out the gutters, painted the shutters, laid trim and bathed the dogs!! We were exhausted! Friday night we ate with family and Saturday night we went to a friend's graduation party (from grad school!)
Today after church and eating lunch we walked over to the Crown shop for a bit and they had some Christmas stuff out!!
Sharon and I found these adorable and outrageous Christmas headbands! I would totally wear it on Christmas Eve and day!!




In other news: I dropped my phone and cracked the screen a few months ago! I was so mad that I just now got around to ordering a new screen. A friend told me that her husband knows how to change the screen so went to their house today and after being there for 2 1/2 hours and him trying it twice the new screen didn't work! I was so mad! Now I've got the cracked screen back on my phone and I'm having to exchange the screen! Ugh!!
But it was a good weekend overall!
Days til tailgate: 26
Days til Christmas: 131

with love,
Riley

Worthy is the Lamb

Well, I guess this is sorta like a follow-up post from this one. Not much has changed.

Matt and I are still broken but just this week I feel quite literally split open.

It's hard to write this post but it's important to me. I need to share this process; the ugly parts with the beautiful ones.

Choir started up this week and I am loving our new songs for the Fall. I want to share two in particular that have really spoken to me exactly when I've needed them this week.

Nearer, Still Nearer (if you can find this on iTunes is is beautiful and a capella)

Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,

Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art;

Fold me, oh, fold me close to Thy breast,

Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest,"

Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest."



Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last,

'Til safe in glory my anchor is cast;

Through endless ages, ever to be,

Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee,

Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee.





Worthy is the Lamb (also an amazing song; very powerful)



Thank you for the cross Lord

Thank you for the price You paid

Bearing all my sin and shame

In love You came

And gave amazing grace



Thank you for this love Lord

Thank you for the nail pierced hands

Washed me in Your cleansing flow

Now all I know

Your forgiveness and embrace



Worthy is the Lamb

Seated on the throne

Crown You now with many crown

You reign victorious

High and lifted up

Jesus Son of God

The Darling of Heaven crucified

Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb



It has been perfect this week because I've mostly been in the office by myself and  I've really

been able to crank up my music, pull out my Bible and let God speak.



He has brought a few verses to my attention.



Proverbs 19:21

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."



The situation that Matt and I are in was once in our control. It is no longer. We are having to

completely rely on God in this situation and I know that's right where He wants us.



I have also found conviction in Habakkuk 3:17-19

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop

fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the

stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my

strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights..."



I am learning to "rejoice in the Lord" because I know He is always in control. Because I know

that He is bigger than anything Matt and I are going through.



It is currently raining and thundering loud outside. I can't help but constantly be reminded of

God's power. His control. His plans are perfect. I'm not always happy with His plans but I

have to remember that they are perfect and exactly how God wants them.



In His timing.



Once again I can't leave this post concluded because God is never finished with us. I don't know

what's ahead but I do know that it'll be exactly what God wants for Matt and I.

with love,

Not Much to Report

Not much to report from this weekend. It was nice and [somewhat] relaxing! Lord knows we still had a million things going on!
Friday we ate dinner at Chris and Aimee's house to celebrate Chris' birthday! Ate a lot, had cupcakes and played Wii!
Saturday Matt played golf. While he was gone I got a lot done around the house! Cleaned the house, fixed a few odds and ends, washed all the curtains, hung 2 new curtain rods, swept and mopped the garage (it was gross!), painted the shutters, hung a curtain hook and I think that's it! I was exhausted but so glad to have it all done! I'm trying to get a lot of stuff done before the Boswell's get here in 2 weeks!!
Saturday night Matt and I went to eat just the two of us which was so nice! Then we did a little shopping which was a mistake because everyone and their dog was out due to the tax free weekend!!
And today we went to church and ate with the family, then went to a baby shower at church. After that we went and spent time with my family since everyone is finally home! It was so good to have all 8 of us together! (5 of the Von Edwins, Kirby's girlfriend Devan and Emma's boyfriend Jay!)
It was a great weekend! Now we relaxing!!



with love,
Riley

I Don't Wanna Talk About it..

Are these not the sweetest faces you've ever seen??

Kids are gone for the summer. Yep. No more taking Haven and Aidan to work with me. And I really don't wanna talk about it.

No more playing Wii.
No more Scooby Doo, Veggie Tales or Sandlot.
No more "Hey Riley, why you gotta work? Come play Wii with us!"
No more goldfish, mac n' cheese and lunchables.
No more library and story hour.
No more having to put in my password on my iTunes a million times so they can download games on my phone.
No more kids in my lap during movies.
No more making mohawks and fixing hair.
No more lunches at Burger King.

Since yesterday was my last day with Aidan I left work early and took him to lunch and to Firefly. Here's what he painted:


And in case you haven't grasped how crazy this little boy is... here's his Ray Charles impersonation!!




Yep. I'm pretty much pitiful today. I'll make myself get over it tomorrow but for today I'll be sulking at my desk.

It's too quiet in here...




with love,

Quick Post...

This weekend was pretty relaxing.

Hence the nap:



We watched Aidan on Saturday night and he sure missed Emma!!





We ordered pizza, played Wii and watched movies!! I sure do love that silly boy!!




with love,