A successful birthday month

The hubbs and I have enjoyed our time with family and friends this July...it's hard to think that it is almost over!

In Arkansas, we spent time with the entire Newlin fam:

We got to know our newest niece, Shiloh 

Celebrate 26 years of Emily

And even meet the Biebs

 Then we were on our way to OKC to see our CCN friends and my cousin and the new cousband

Celebrating Tori's "double deuce" at The Melting Pot

cousins + cousbands = love

We are now in Texas until we leave for Rwanda on August 10th. I am so unsettled about it right now...which is a new development. Prayers for my ability and willingness to embrace God's peace and joy would be awesome.

Also, if you would like us to mail you a prayer card for our upcoming adventure, please get me your address! Email me here

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth

the last few hours of 25...

and I'm thinking of the song by Jon Foreman, Cure for the Pain...

I'm 26...and have experienced more than most can say at 26...no, I don't have a child...and no, I don't own a house...but I have felt the pain of loving others and being used by God to do just that...

So on my 26th birthday, all I want to do is rest in Our Father's arms and let him cover me with healing balm. For I know that the next 26 will not get easier, but will be packed full of His miraculous love.

It would be a lie to run away.

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth

Eat MoR ChiKin

We were hanging out at Jeremy + Rae's today, when we decided we were going to Chik-fil-a for some free meals...all we had to do was dress up like cows!

Baby Shiloh all ready to go!

Do you like my udder?

James + Hannah...gotta love James' horns!

Newlin Family Photo! JJ wasn't too sure about the big cow...

It's so much fun to make memories with family, especially when it's so silly!

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth

{tori + thomas}

I got into Houston last Tuesday and spent until Thursday spending time with family, enjoying a surprise visit from Anna, Stu + my BFFB, helping Tori + Debi (my cousin + auntie) get ready for the wedding, and throwing the craziest bachelorette party I have ever hosted or been to. Here are some highlights in pics:

I will post about the details involved in the bachelorette party later...I think I had some ideas you guys may want to try yourselves!

And then came the wedding.Tori was the most beautiful/model-esque/princess looking/movie star bride I have ever seen...

The wedding, I think, was more royal than the Royal Wedding...when Tori came down the aisle, I felt like I was witnessing a truly sacred ritual...she beamed with happiness in a way that made her look more beautiful than ever.

Tori + Thomas, I cannot wait to visit you guys in OKC in a week or so!  I hope the hubbs and I can always be a place for you two to turn for advice, laughter, venting and comfort. We love you so much. WOO HOO NEWLY WEDS!

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth