So here is an unedited photo of me from a few weeks ago to let you see how I am doing as I approach what I am calling almost middle age. 

I am starting to get busy, busy, busy planning a big joint birthday party for the hubs and I.

You see we both turn 35 in just a few weeks. 

Our birthdays are a measly six days apart. 

My birthday comes first so I am the older woman. But he is technically older than I am.

Confused?

I was born two months early. 

I really should have been two months younger than him. 

Still confused?

That's okay.

We usually don't do much for our birthdays...

I mean really, once you pass 21 birthdays are a little bit of a letdown.

But 35 has a nice sound to it. I thought it sounded like a good number to celebrate.

After this, it's all down hill to 40. 

Gulp.

So since I've been spending too much time on Pintrest my mind is full of all sorts of pretty ideas for the backyard party I'm planning. 

Lots of twinkling lights, the fire pit flickering softly (not bursting forth with big scary fireballs which is what it has been doing lately), candles in mason jars artistically arranged around the yard, soft vintage quilts and pillows out for comfort and warmth, vintage tablecloths spread over the tables with mismatched wooden chairs to sit on. 

Get the picture? I'm living a Pinterest dream. 

Oh and food?

Yes, there will be food. Thanks only to my Mom and Sister who are again coming in to save the day.

Here are some favorite inspiration photos I've found on Pinterest..... 

Enjoy feasting your eyes on these! I'm really excited to see if I can pull off anything half this pretty...

 

Source: hostessblog.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Source: thirtyhandmadedays.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Source: 100layercake.com via Courtney on Pinterest

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I mentioned recently that I signed up for an online photography course. 

It starts today and I'm really excited to get started. 

What I'm more excited about though is this. 

Ashley from Under the Sycamore blog is the one who is putting on the class.

She shared today on her blog for what I believe is the first time her and her husband's heart for orphans, for helping children and for adding to their family by adoption. 

I can't do her story justice in my own words so go over there and read it. 

Basically, she felt like God was leading her to pay for a friend's adoption and their own through her blog. 

This photography course would be the way.

Do you know how expensive adoptions are?

$20,000 people.

A lot of people have to do a lot of fund raising for adoptions.

She raised ALL of the funds needed for her family and her friends family in THREE days!

She did not advertise this. 

I had no idea what I was helping to fund when I paid her for this course.

I just knew that she is a super talented and kind person who loves Jesus and loves a bunch of the same stuff I do.

I am so blessed to be a small part of this huge thing God did in two families and two children's lives. 

And I am so blessed to be able to share this amazing story of God's promises and provision with more people!

Please go read her story and tell someone else about it!

God is being glorified - for all things are possible through Him!

Source: starsandsunshine.wordpress.com via Courtney on Pinterest