Nobody's Cuter Than You (Review! Review!)

I so loved Melanie Shankle's latest book Nobody's Cuter Than You. It made me reflect back on the friendships I've had over the years, and it made me ever so thankful for the girlfriends I have in my life today. And because of Melanie and Gulley, it seriously made me want to grab my friend Jenna, load up on Sonic Vanilla Diet Cokes and take a road trip! Because a road trip is always a good idea.

A couple of parts really stood out to me in this book. During one section she talks about when her friend Jenn lost her dad. Melanie and her roommates piled in the car and headed to the funeral. Melanie says, "And that's when I learned one of the most important lessons I've ever learned about what it means to be a good friend: you show up for your people." AMEN. I can still recall the girlfriends who showed up for me when I lost my grandparents...and it has been over 10 years. I couldn't agree more...you show up for your people. Your presence is the greatest gift and speaks volumes when you are at a loss for words.

I also resonated with her explanation of why we need girlfriends. She's talking about how a relationship with your significant other is great and can complete us, blah, blah, blah. And then she hits the nail on the head and writes, "I mean, we need Jesus to truly complete us, but we absolutely need our girl friends, because no man wants to listen to all the words we have to say in the course of a day." And again I say...AMEN.

Love this girl. She's witty and her books are easy to read. I felt like I was listening to a long-time friend when I read this book. Great summer read, and a sweet reminder about the holy gift of friendship.

PS: I'm linking up with Heather today with my book review. She does Friday book reviews and she has great taste in books!

Star Spangled Kids

I'm participating in a fun link up I saw on Kristy and Chelsea's blogs today!

I've always loved the 4th of July. It's a simple holiday that I don't feel has been over commercialized (yet) and we all get time off work to spend with our families. Growing up, the fourth of July was a time our family got together to grill burgers, swim and then we would grab our lawn chairs and head to watch the city fireworks show. With my own family, we haven't really started any traditions because the boys aren't old enough yet. However, I am particularly excited for the holiday this year because we are headed down to Tiki Island for the weekend for swimming, fireworks and relaxation. If all goes well, we are planning to keep Connor awake so he can see the fireworks, too - and hopefully not be scared of them!

Here are a few snapshots of what my boys will be wearing this Fourth of July!

Connor (2.5) is wearing an Old Navy tank top. He calls it his Kaka Shirt, affectionately named for his Uncle Kevin, who wears this style of tank top all summer long. And Connor is holding a basketball...of course! Every picture needs a prop.

Parker (7 months) thankfully sat still long enough for a picture. He is so busy moving around these days. He's wearing a smocked Jon Jon I ordered from Smocked Auctions. Connor also wore it on his first Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July from our family to yours!

Hope everyone has a safe and fun Fourth!