Friday, February 26, 2016

Five on Friday: Love, Laughter, and Long Walks

You know it's been a good week when the top three things that come to your mind are love, laughter, and long walks. Even though I've actually had to work all five weekdays, it's been a great week full of some of my very favorite things and people. I am thankful for each and every day in this phase of my life as a post-college, young-married, pre-baby kinda gal. I look forward to the future with excitement and hope, but I'm making the most of things right where I'm at. Here's what we've been up to this week! 


1. Game Nights and Friend Dinners

Aaron and I have gone through many seasons of friendships- some that have been very hard and some that have made us extremely grateful. Just this last week, we've been really living out our 2016 dreams to "play more, sing more, go on more walks, and spend less time on our phones". We've enjoyed hours of Gotcha, Rook, tennis in the dark, and just sharing life and meals together with some cherished friends and couples that we just "click" with. Thankful for them!

2. Bachelor Watch Parties

I never watched a single season of The Bachelor until my farmer friend Chris Soules came along....and now it has become a weekly social event for us and several of our friends. I fell in love with Becca on Chris's season (and so did he, but he picked the wrong girl). Then of course we had to watch Kaitlyn's season where I just adored Ben H. So of course, we're watching this season too. While I do not at all condone the idea of dating multiple people at once, and I totally get that we only see what the TV producers want us to, I do think that some good relationships (insert Sean and Catherine here) have come out of the show. We don't let The Bachelor dictate our lives: we usually watch it the next night on Hulu. More than anything, it's mindless background and a reason for us to get together, share laughs and cookies, and have interesting discussions about what true love looks like.


3. The Other (Tamer) Side of Vegas

Since my last true personal "five on Friday" update, we returned from an amazing long weekend in Vegas. I mentioned the other day that I legitimately felt semi-judged by others when I told them that we went to Vegas for vacation. In the case that you've got a stereotype of Vegas in your brain, or if you're just looking for a way to experience another side of "sin city", check out this post for travel tips and ideas for the perfect trip on a budget. It may just convince you to hop on a plane- which is never a bad idea!

4. Getting "Wyld"

On Sunday, we hosted our annual YoungLife banquet where we shared more about this year in YoungLife and how we have seen the Lord at work. There are lots of exciting things going on in the ministry, particularly the fact that WyldLife is starting- which is the middle school version of YoungLife. Their club is unique in the fact that it meets after school, at the school. We couldn't be more thrilled about the opportunity to step into kids' lives during their middle school years: a time when they haven't necessarily gotten involved in all of the yuck just yet. If we can help them feel known and loved as just a small glimpse of how much they are known and loved by a Savior who desires a relationship with them, then we will be doing okay. My hubby is heading up this ministry, alongside some wonderful teachers, and I couldn't be more proud as I cheer them on!



5.  Long Walks and Beautiful Weather

Last weekend was just gorgeous with a capital G here in Missouri. I mean seriously, the warm weather must have followed us here from Las Vegas! (It was so nice I even washed my car, Bella, which I named before Twilight was a thing.) I said no to anything school-related, didn't do much for this blog, and instead spent hours and hours outside on patio lunch dates and long walks full of great conversation. I love running when I'm looking to burn lots of calories, but there is something so wonderful and about getting some steps in on a walk while also talking about life, love, and goals without being totally out of breath. I'm looking forward to a whole summer full of wonderful walk weather with my hubby, friends, and mom.

Happy weekend, y'all! I hope it's full of a whole lot of laugher and love. Thanks for stopping by!

Currently,
Kelsie

I'm linking up with A. Liz Adventures The Diary of a Real HousewifeUniquely UnfoldedGrace and Love Blog,  Running for Cupcakesand Life in Leggings.

31 comments:

  1. Kelsie, love this post! Your happiness is palpable in your writing. I'm so thrilled you're living it up and making the most of your married life. My husband and I like to play Scrabble, either together or with friends, though it does get very competitive : ) We're also making a vow to be more present and spend less time on phones. Who do you like on The Bachelor Now? I like Lauren : )

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    1. Thank you so much, Lindsay! We are in a very happy stage right now. Scrabble sound like a blast! I am kind of Team Jo Jo right now, but I think it's pretty obvious that he is head over heals for Lauren. Should be a fun end of the season!

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  2. Such a good week! I agree that the beautiful weather was so fun this weekend. We took some lovely walks too! So glad you guys are soaking in all that sweet time together (and jealous of your trips!). Enjoy this weekend! :)

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    1. Walks for the win! I think it's been hinting at spring here lately- maybe it will stick :) Hope you have a great weekend too!

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  3. I just love the positivity overflowing in this post! Glad your trip to Vegas was a fun one!

    --Amanda

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    1. Thanks so much Amanda, it has been a great season for us :)

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  4. this sounds like a wonderful eek! I loved the other side of Las Vegas, I want to go check it out on that side.

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    1. It was so wonderful! Thanks so much Lauren, you should go check it out for sure!

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  5. Thankful that God has given you such joy lately in where you are! Long walks are one of the best ways to spend time together.

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    1. I am so grateful too, Emily! I totally agree- there is much less distraction!

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  6. It's been beautiful here, too! I feel like I'm always scrambling this time of year to enjoy all the perfect weather before the humidity descends on us.

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    1. Amen to that! I don't have windows in my room at school, so I'm always happy to enjoy any and all time outside!

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  7. Kelsie! I love reading recaps of real life! Would you link up all your happiness with us at 100 Happy Days!?? Http://www.akreativewhim.com/capturing-memories-100HD-19

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    1. Yes! I would love to be linking up with you guys. Thanks!

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  8. Great post, girl. I also like to reflect on the good each week. Our car has about 215,000 kms on it now and I'm hoping it's going to last just a litttttttttttle bit longer. That would be swell.
    We've had a mixed bag of weather up here in Ontario. It's been spring one day and then a cold weather alert the next. Such an odd winter.

    Have a great weekend girl! :)

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    1. It will be so fun to look back on all of these some day. Go car, go! I hope it can last. We are looking into seeing Canada this summer. Any tips??

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  9. I love a good long walk, but it's been far too chilly in Michigan to get out for very long. But spring is coming and I can't wait!

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    1. I'm sure that's been a little hard for you so far. Yay for spring :)

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  10. I decided during my New Years goals and resolutions that this year is going to be my year of friends. Friend dinners, double dates, you name it. :)

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  11. I can't get enough of walks these days. It's so gorgeous out! I wish it would stay that way!

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  12. I am loving the transition from winter to spring! It is the perfect excuse to be outside, going for long walks, or gardening.

    Erin | www.awelderswife.com

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  13. The weather has been drop dead gorgeous the past few days! I have been working outside just to soak it all up!

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  14. First of all, I had to comment because the blue dress you are wearing in your profile picture of your blog looks SUPER similar to the dress I wore in my engagement pictures to my fiance. Very very similar! Mine is a bit darker blue. Also, I have gotten him hooked on the Bachelor this year. I think Caila is my favorite! She actually went to my high school for freshman and part of sophomore year.

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    1. Ohhh. That's so funny! I think I got mine at JCPenney on clearance! That's so funny that you have him hooked...I got my hubby hooked as well. Caila is really sweet and genuine. I think Ben's obsessed with Lauren B...and she's not really my fave. Oh well though. Small world that Caila went to your school!

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  15. Sounds like a great week! I'm the same way with the Bachelor-- I know I could be doing something much better with my night than watching reality tv, but it's more about getting together with friends to watch it and that is a worthy use of time in my opinion!

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    1. It was really great! I'm right there with you- the social aspect, or the fact that I can work on other things while I'm "watching it" are my favorite things about it!

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  16. I love reading such positive and enjoyable writing. I'm so happy for you and the all the joy you bring to your readers through your life events

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