A winner, the 4th, and 400

Look at this photo of my cute all-American pals.

We met last weekend to do a little flea marketing. From L to R, can you spy Jami, Shauna, Aly (hiding behind her new babah girl) and Alyss? Did you know we are all real life friends too? Well, ever since Blog Sugar last year. Except Shauna. She and I go way back. I just love this photo, and the flag makes it perfect for today. (Look at those little baby tootsies. Goodness!)

Speaking of Aly, are you wondering who won her giveaway from last week? Did you like how absentminded sneaky I was in neglecting to put an END date on the giveaway?? Well it's over and I picked a winner. Actually, a computer did.

Check it out. Random.org loves to help me with this kind of thing.

Congrats to you, Jess Hover!! You were comment #23!

Please give me your email address so I can pass it on to Aly. You are going to be so blessed to have Aly's pieces in your home.


So what are you up to on this special holiday? I really do love the 4th of July. I have fond memories of sitting on a blanket, leaning against my dad's bent knees watching the fireworks right above my head at a local baseball field growing up. To this day, the closer I can get to the show, the better.

We are excited to be spending the day with friends, and I'll be sharing some of the treats I'm making later.

And by the way. I hit 400 posts yesterday. That is a big number, to me. In honor of that landmark, I wanted to give the glory to God and express my gratitude for all this little space is to me.

I'm so thankful for every moment I've had to sit down and share my thoughts. I'm thankful for health, for myself and my family, which allows me to have those moments.

I'm so thankful for each one of you who has read my thoughts. And especially if you have taken the time to share yours with me.

And most of all, I'm so thankful for the way God has led me into and through blogging over the past couple years, inspiring me, pruning me, and persistently burdening me to share my story (really, HIS story) with you. I've experienced much fruit and been blessed by much fellowship on this journey. As long as He knows that I'm a willing witness, I'm pretty sure He'll give me a story to tell.

My prayer is that my words continue to reflect His love and grace as best they can, and that we continue to grow together. We really can't do this life alone. So hey, if you know of a blog friend in your area, maybe try to get to know her in real life. She's probably pretty cool. And you may even come home with some flea market finds you really needed.

Happy 4th, friends!