He's alright...

I've been thinking a lot about my husband lately. It's not that I didn't always know I was blessed, but lately some things have come into the light around me that makes me realize how truly blessed I am. Sometimes I accept who Race is and the type of husband he is at face value and assume that this is who he is supposed to be, and then I hear a story about someone else's husband and realize that Race doesn't have to be who he is. My husband is truly an amazing,  kind, caring, and supportive person, and I don't say it enough. He loves his family, more than anyone I know. His sense of humor, strength, and undying faith make him the man I love spending my life with. We had some REALLY tough times the first couple years we were together, and I remember on more than one occasion thinking "why am I putting myself through this?." Now I know why, it's because all the hard times we went through together, the drama, the jealousy, and everything else that you deal with at that young of an age, made us who we are today. It made us perfect for each other. God knew exactly what he was doing, he was prepping us for a life together. I'm so glad we stuck through it because I can't imagine my life without him now. He keeps me grounded, makes me live for today, and truly makes me want to be the best person I can be. I wasn't born with the gift of faith. It's something I've struggled my entire life with, and until recent years thas has made me angry. I am someone who questions everything, and sometimes I have trouble believing. I am a very concrete person, I need evidence. Race has taught me to believe. My husband's relationship with God is something I've always been extremely jealous of, but even more so have admired. He's had it rough in the past, a  tough childhood in more ways than most, and definitely a difficult religious upbringing, and while most of us would start to doubt, or question, his faith only got stronger. Throughout the years, he's never strayed, he did what was right in life and became a stronger and better man. His love for life is something to truly be admired and I strive to be more like him in that way. I tend to see the negative, but Race is always quick to point out the positive. In so many ways we are the perfect balance of one another. I heard a quote the other day: "Don't marry a man unless you would be proud to have a son just like him"...and I truly can't wait.... batman cape and all :)
Happy birthday to my best friend and a man I love more every year! Can't wait to celebrate another 50...
Also, a very Happy 21st birthday to my little sister, Candace! Can't believe you are 21...let's partay :)

I'm lovin' it...July

Hello? Anyone out there? Crickets.....Yes, I am a blogging failure, also my life has been seriously crazy lately, and some things have taken a hit because of that...Well better late than never...Here's what I'm lovin' in July...
Low key vacations....We just got back from the first real vacation (more than just a weekend away) we've had in over a year, and it was much needed, and SOOOO fun! Definitely just what the doctor ordered....

My new running shoes, Nike Free Run +3....generally speaking bike riding and running are my workouts of choice...however the 107 degree weather (yes 107 degrees) have put quite the hiatus on any outdoor exercise. I'm hoping new shoes will give me the jump start I need to get going again as soon as the temperature is at least under 90 degrees. They are super comfortable and supportive, plus come in some great colors. 
                                         

Mod cloth's "At the Aquarium" bag...so cute and more importantly it's HUGE...

My new Ikea Expedit bookcase.... Love the clean lines, and tons of storage. We're not 100% sure where it's final home will be, but I'll let you know and send some styling pics your way when we finally decide. 

Fresh tomato salsa...I've always loved to make my own salsa, and this year is no different. Good fresh tomatoes aren't easy to find with the drought/heat we've had around these parts, but when I do find them, this is the first thing I think of. Try this recipe..

I am a blogaholic....I love reading all different blogs and I recently found another one I love called Abode Love...Check it out!

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So, that's what I'm lovin this month...