Welcome Summer!

It's pretty much full-on summer over here in Nashville and I couldn't be more excited. Unlike my younger years, I may not be getting a summer free of hard work, but becoming an adult surely doesn't mean you are void of having any fun in the sun! I'm actually really looking forward to this summer. Dustin and I have a number of visitors coming to stay with us, as well as a little travel of our own! But another thing I am very excited for is... summer on this blog. There are so many fun things to share about during the months of lemonade, BBQ and poolside afternoons, and joining the team as occasional contributors are my very own sisters, Amanda & Erin! I adore my sisters and am thrilled to pieces that they will be adding there own flare to this blog every now and then! Since you will be hearing from them from time to time, I wanted to give them each a proper introductions!

Faithful, Authentic, High-Capacity, Resourceful & Grateful

A Bit about Erin >> I was bestowed with all the typical traits of a first-born who was fathered by a hard-working business owner and mothered by a social, laid-back homemaker on a farmette with 2 sisters and 2 brothers--who spent summers riding horses & four-wheelers, creating houses in the woods, having dance parties in the basement and filming video shorts before YouTube was a thought. I have always been predictable and steady, going to a liberal arts college close to home, working for Dad through college, marrying my high school sweetheart, Chris, and "staying at home" to raise our 4, going on 5, children. Gabe, 7, Isaiah, 6, Benjamin, 4, Olivia, 2 and baby due in October 2012. (The kids include our dog, Rocco, in the family head count) Whatever I devote time to, gets all the energy I can throw at it and I've had quite a few failures along the way but I always seem to think I can do whatever I put my mind to (even when I really can't!) My teammate in life (and an allstar, at that) is a youth pastor, a modern-day warrior Dad, and the earthly caretaker of my heart. I run a small business from home, O Jolie Designs, I invest time in people, volunteer at the kids school, read, study, keep order, try to live simply even though I'm drawn to excess (I love new clothes), and while I very often make bad first impressions, I'm genuinely interested in the journey you are on. I am nothing apart from Christ.

Erin is a strong leader and has always been a role model as an older sister to me. She is super stylish, social/family event organizer extraordinaire, and I can always count on her to be completely honest with me. You will love the projects, style, wisdom and ideas that Erin will bring to this blog!

On Writing >> I write mostly as a woman enjoying life to the full on this Earth in view of eternity. My journal is where I write exclusively--about the lessons I learn working alongside my hubs in youth ministry, the joys (and conundrums) of rearing children, the little things that I am so thankful to have time to enjoy, the things that break my heart and the faithfulness of a God who has never let go.

Favorite Dish >> Crab Fettucine & Salad

Little Favorites in Life >>  I love accomplishing things--a new project, creating a fun opportunity for my children, putting packages in the mail to my Etsy customers, pulling off a social event or meeting a need. I am energized by finishing strong, even in the little things.

Analytical, Laid-back, Trusting, Fun, Honest

A bit about Amanda >> My husband and I were born 6 days apart on two different continents (Ukraine), we have 3 children all born in December and we are expecting our 4th child (also due in December). I love to travel, read books, bake, navigate through new cities, visit coffee shops, enjoy a theater performance, win contests (seriously! Who doesn't find elation in an unexpected freebie?)... but these pleasures do not occur as regularly as I'd like them to in this season of life.

Amanda is definitely someone you would want to travel with. She is incredible at finding all the best things a city has to offer. She is a person of incredible integrity and heart. Most people leave a conversation with Amanda feeling uplifted and loved. She is hilarious and goofy-fun, a go-to character for any home-video! In fact, many think her a perfect candidate for SNL. Amanda also has great style that has continued to shine even as she adds to her family in children! I am so excited that you all will get to experience Amanda's humor and tender heart in the coming posts she will contribute to From The Guest Room.
 
On Writing >> Much like conversation is to me, I love to dialogue about anything personal to my heart or life experiences. Unlike my husband, I don't remember random facts, statistics, historic or current events very well but anything that I've learned or felt on a heart level is easy for to me speak of. Naturally, my interests will be a topic of focus or the issues related to this season in my life. In the more recent years, I seen details in my life connected together in what I am finding to be a very personal story that God has given me and that's one particular area I don't hesitate to speak out about. Personal life details...I just love them!

Favorite Dish >> Honey Salmon

Little Favorites in Life >> Make my kids laugh or enjoy laughter with friends, Beating my sister in a game of Bananagrams (or my Grandma... if that will ever happen!)

Yay! It's going to be so much fun! And by the way, I must give my husband some credit for the amazing work he did on the video above! He filmed & edited the video as well as write the music! He is so talented! Love that guy!  ♥, mK