Friday Favorites

Hello there Friday!!! 

Kicking off the weekend with another link-up of Friday Favorites with some of my favorite bloggers. Check out Andrea's blog called Momfessionals, Erika's blog called A Little Bit of Everything, and Narci's blog called Grace and Love. I just love their blogs to pieces and I admire their hearts for Jesus. 

I LOVE doing Friday favorites because it allows me to reflect on all the positive things that I love throughout the week. In the midst of busy schedules, crazy obligations, and lack of sleep, I sometimes overlook and take for granted how truly blessed my life is. I had so much to be thankful for this week & here are a few of my top favorites! 

#1. Elementary School Penny Wars are a total FAVORITE.

Last week I briefly talked about my 'Every Kids' Dreamland Project'. It is a project that I am very passionate about for a multitude of reasons. I truly believe that the ability to play is crucial to the social, cognitive and physical development of all children. I believe that children with disabilities also have the same desires to build strength, increase social skills and test their abilities. While we as a society might not be able to find all of the cures needed, I believe that we can do something to fix the world around them and give EVERY child an equal opportunity that they deserve. 

Last week, all four elementary schools in Whitley County participated in a penny war to help raise money for the park. Not only were they raising money, but they were also raising awareness. Each day the students had dress-up days where they wore colors symbolizing various disabilities. Teachers used this week as a learning opportunity to help educate the students about disabilities. 

The amount of support received by the students was INCREDIBLE!!! Overall the elementary schools raised $5,425.35. 

#2. Time spent talking on the phone with my sweet grandparents is one of my absolute FAVORITES too.

Just something as simple as a hello from one of these people can absolutely turn my day around. There is nothing that I enjoy more than talking to my grandparents. Their insight and perspective on life brings hope and joy into mine. They truly shower me with love and support daily and I could not be more grateful to have each of them.

Being away at school makes me miss them so much, but I love how they are only a phone call away. And although I wish more than anything that I could talk to my grandpa again, I somehow feel his presence in my life throughout so many circumstances and that is another one of my favorites. I know he is up in heaven walking with the Lord and I could not be happier for him, but there is also a part of him that travels with me wherever I go and there is nothing more encouraging than that. 

#3. T-Shirts about Coffee & Jesus are my FAVORITE kind of t-shirt.

There are two things that I literally cannot live without. Jesus and coffee. Anytime these two things appear together in any way, shape or form you best believe I am on board and ecstatic. That being said, it was totally justifiable to spend $19.99 on this gem of a t-shirt.

I have a feeling when this sucker comes in the mail I might never take it off. You can purchase one of your own from Etsy by clicking here.

#4. Coffee dates with good friends are a FAVORITE.

I love good quality time spent with friends. Life doesn't get much better than being surrounded by great company with a cup of coffee in your hands. So thankful for coffee dates with my besties and all of the blessings they bring to my life. They are what keep me sane amongst crazy college stress. And a coffee date with my favorite little Rachel would not be complete without a Starbucks pic. to document it. 

Love this sweet friend of mine! 

#5. Best Friend Birthday cards are such a sweet FAVORITE.

A long, long time ago, clear back in 2006, my grandma told me and my best friend Madi about a birthday tradition that her and her best friend have done for years. Well since that day, Madi and I have carried on the same tradition. Every year since 2006 we have passed the same birthday card back and forth. Each birthday we write a little note to each other and sign the card with the year. 

Madi's birthday is on Saturday and I can't help but think about how much I truly cherish this card. We have had so many milestones since we started this thing.. turning 16 and learning to drive, heading off to college, and now about to graduate from college. I really really love looking back at all of the memories that fill up this little card and I truly am reminded each time I glance at it how lucky I am to have her as a friend.

So grateful for so many amazing favorites this week & looking forward to many more next week as well! I hope everyone enjoys the first weekend of October!

Maddie