wednesdays

Wednesdays are dear to me. A lot of good comes to my heart every single Wednesday. I am immeasurably grateful for that. It starts for me when I get to Kellie’s house to pick her up. She started going with me to BSF this year. I didn’t think it could get any better for me until she started coming along. 

We get to stand together and sing old hymns to affirm our faith. And we sit together during the lecture, while we feverishly write notes as Barbara speaks truth and wisdom straight from God’s Word into our hearts. Then we walk out together talking excitedly about the lecture and the discussion and the upcoming lesson. We visit with friends, some new and some women we grew up with teaching us Sunday School as little kids. I take her back to her house and hang out for a bit before I head over to my in-laws house where I meet Andrew for lunch. We hang out and eat and I steal a couple of kisses mid work day before he’s on his way. 

Then Maddie Bell and I hang out on the front lawn under the shade of a big tree and I dive into my BSF lesson for the week. On some Wednesdays I will go and pick Stacey up from school and catch up with her for a bit. And the day is positively perfect to me.

I literally feel as though I am grieving over losing it. We move in a month. I only have one more BSF Wednesday left. One. And it hurts my heart enough to bring tears brimming to the surface every single time I think about it. And depending on where I am when I think about it, I’ll allow them to brim up and over and I get lost in my grief because it’s that kind of heavy. I need to feel it to move on from it. And I know it’s just the beginning of the process.

I know I will still go to BSF. I will still get the same lessons and be in the Word and doing the same study Kellie and many friends are doing in Miami. And I am blessed to have a friend attending the BSF in Orlando. I won’t be alone and I know I’ll make friends. It’s just that the Wednesdays here are so special. And the Wednesdays there will just be different.

I am so grateful for the sweetness of my current Wednesdays. I am so glad I got to have them. I’ll always treasure them and the people I got to share them with.

time away

We are entering a really crazy time in our lives. Andrew and I discuss daily how difficult this next month or two is going to be and what we can do to be efficient and manage our time wisely. This past weekend marked the first of 4 trips for us this month. During the holiday season. In the month that we are relocating to a new city. There were moments this weekend that I appreciated so very much and that I feel so blessed for having. Then there were moments I saw how much I had to learn about myself and marriage and the quality of my character. {More on that at the end}

This weekend we spent time with great friends and found out that it takes 9 minutes and 27 seconds to walk from their front door to the one we will call our own by the end of this week. (Yep, we close on our first house THIS Friday, but won’t move in for a few more weeks.} We also went to Andrew’s firm Christmas party and it was lovely. I was able to meet several of his new colleagues and I had a wonderful time sharing a meal with them. He has been so blessed with a great job and great people to work with on a daily basis! We can honestly say they are all fabulous people! {No quirky Dwight Schrutes in their midst.}

And we even got to spend time with family because Cutie Pie and Little Man came into town for a visit. {Special thanks to their mama and daddy for making the drive. We enjoyed our time with you two as well!} I cannot explain to you how much good it does my heart to spend time with these two little ones. Cutie Pie had a blast riding the ferry and the train with Aunt Sha Sha, and truth be told, I think it was more fun for me and a memory forever etched onto my heart. It’s the little things, ya know? Combine that with a smile from Little Man specifically for me and I am just filled to the brim with real joy. I love those kids!

|| I could not for anything get rid of the red-eye in this picture even though I tried 3 different editing software programs. I had to include it because you can clearly see the fun they were having. ||

Now for the ugly part. For the most part, Andrew and I had some great times just the two of us with lots of laughs and smiles and all around good times. However, this weekend I also realized how selfish and self centered I really am because I allowed the pressure of this month to bare down on me so much that I was not always nice to Andrew when we discussed the move and the busyness and the schedule for the month. When he didn’t see it my way it was the highway. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I know I have said stuff like this before…about him being nice and me being downright mean. So clearly I’ve got a lot to learn about marriage and patience and loving in general. And he would tell you the same thing about himself. I am grateful that he has that kind of attitude about it. To be honest, I know what gets me in trouble; it’s not starting my day in the Word and consistently meditating on it and praying throughout the day. It never fails. The days I wake up and get right to it are the days I see life differently and I love people better and I can handle the things that aren’t part of my plan. I know that the busier and more stressful life is, the more I need to stop and stand before the Lord. Praying that I take my own advice!

long weekends

 {This pic is from last Thanksgiving. We didn't get fancy this year.}

I am still reeling over the long weekend. It was positively perfect. What isn’t to love about Thanksgiving and the leftovers? And we did it twice! That’s right. We went to my Uncle’s for the first, official round. Then on Saturday we decided to do it all over again because it was weird not hosting after 4 years of hosting and we wanted in on the fun too. It was delish! I have come to the conclusion that my favorite Thanksgiving meals include homemade goodness from scratch AND a gluten-free menu! Who would have thought!? I am certain that I was the only one on both Thursday and Saturday who was not uncomfortably full, partially because I have found going gluten-free in general has saved me of that plight at every meal and partially because I simply couldn’t eat what everyone else could because I was limited. Come Monday morning the scale said I had lost a pound. What? Lost a pound? That has never happened during Thanksgiving weekend in the history of man, yet the scale does not lie! Did I mention I ate an entire gluten-free pecan pie from Whole Paycheck by myself over the course of 6 days? True story. My body is loving this gluten-free business and my taste buds are happy about it too.

{Never saw that coming!}

The weekend {or week, because we had Maddie for 7 fabulous days} was also wonderful because I had Maddie Bell and Trinity here with me too. And they really enjoyed one another’s company…

We watched the first Christmas movie of the season with the whole family. My littlest sis and her BFF spent the night and we created more inside jokes and laughed a ton. I got wonderful news from a dear friend about her engagement. And we brought home our biggest Christmas tree yet. He is 9 glorious feet tall, 12 years old {I counted the rings at the base of his trunk.}, and we took him right off the truck from North Carolina. And I love him. I have sung, “O Christmas Tree” to him several times already.

My favorite thing about long weekends is that my husband gets to spend them relaxing and hanging out with me. And Trinity. And this weekend Maddy too. And I really, really love that. I hope you're Thanksgiving weekend was just as lovely!

my sister, my friend

To be perfectly honest, there aren’t many friends or acquaintances that I have talked to about their sisters-in-law that can say how much they treasure being family now or go even further in saying that they would consider them to be dear friends. That is why I feel extremely blessed to be able to say both of those things about mine. 

Now we are very much alike in many ways and very different in others, so it took us awhile to figure out how to relate to one another and form a bond. When we first met, Becky was extremely cautious of me and kept her distance, while I tried my hardest to become BFFs at a rate of 0-60 in 4 seconds flat. A major difference between the two of us right there. I cannot blame her; I was after all her brother’s first girlfriend and she loves him dearly and wanted to be sure I was right for him and their family before she herself got too close. Plus, she chooses her friends very carefully and wisely {one reason why I feel so honored to be one of them now}, and my lets-be-best-friends-because-I-can-tell-I-really-like-you-after-5-minutes personality was a little much for her. {Sorry, Beck, for my pushiness back then and thanks for forgiving me of it!}

 

[ the two of us with our first “babies” many moons ago]

I don’t remember exactly when it was we really started clicking, but I just know I am so very glad that we did! I love her so much! She is quiet and I’m loud. I talk too much and too soon, while she chooses her words wisely. There are times when I wonder how on earth she puts up with me given how differently we operate, but she finds it in herself to do so and she loves me in spite of my crazy. She’s a fabulous listener and a great encourager when I tell her of my woes and fears. She is my favorite shopping buddy. I look forward to summers and holiday seasons when I know we will be in the same city for days or weeks at a time. When that happens, I try my hardest to see her everyday. And yes, she is the mother of Cutie Pie and Little Man so part of me wants to see them every chance I can get, but honestly I cherish my time with her too.  

She has always been an extremely strong person. Often times I wonder if she realizes how strong she is because I don’t think she gives herself enough credit! She is an awesome teacher and I love talking teacher stuff with her. She is an amazing mommy and I have learned sooooooooo much from watching her with my niece and nephew and hearing her talk about motherhood and parenting. She loves Jesus and I thank Him on the regular for making us sisters and friends, and for also giving us a firm foundation in Him to deepen our friendship because I consider her one of my best. 

 

Today is her birthday and I really wish that I could be there to celebrate with her {and catch a showing of Breaking Dawn part 1 too}. I love you dearly, my sister and my friend. Praying that you feel very loved and appreciated today and that this year is full of blessing and joy!

oh, to be two

A couple of years ago I met the most precious baby girl in the world. The picture above was snapped as I met and held her for the first time. Ever since she has completely stolen hearts. Mine included.

When Cutie Pie was just 4 months old it was clear that she had a big personality. As she has grown she has made me laugh and marvel because there is nothing sweeter, more fun, and more precious than watching a baby/toddler experience the world around them.

I love her SO much! She is the cutest, funniest thing on the planet and I am so glad I am her aunt. She is one smart cookie. She is polite and sweet, too. I can never sneeze without hearing “Bless you, Sha Sha!” quickly after or say “ouch!” or “oooh!” without her asking, “You okay, Sha Sha?”

She is a girl after my own heart, even at just 2 years old. She loves trying on my shoes and always notices the shoes on everyone’s feet. She really loves books too. I am seeing shoe shopping dates and trips to Barnes and Noble in our future together.

Her mama threw her an intimate and sweet birthday party last weekend. She did a fabulous job decorating and planning. It was absolutely perfect for a 2 year-old party.

 

Cutie Pie really enjoyed it when everyone in the room began singing to her. She kept looking around at all of us with the sweetest expression on her face.

Then came the end of the song and, as most two year olds know, it was cause for much elation and celebration. {I can barely stand it. She totally melts my heart. Look at her and just try to tell me that she isn’t the cutest thing ever!}

And then it was time to blow out the candles. Which was done with a bit of help.

Is it normal for me to think that every single thing she does is completely adorable?

Uuuuummm, could those pants or those curls be any cuter!?

Cutie Pie,  I am so glad the last two years has been filled with play time, skype dates, approximately 15,000 photos, stories about you, and watching you grow. Happy Birthday, my sweet niece! I love you to pieces!!!

she's growing up

She was born when I was 13 years old. I remember the morning I found out I was going to have another little sister. I was just waking up and still laying in bed when I overheard my parents talking softly in the hallway about how they would share the news with Kellie and me. I leapt out of bed, opened my bedroom door, and let them know I had heard and was excited.

The picture above may be one of the only pictures we have of her between the ages of 2 and 4 in which she’s actually wearing an article of clothing. Luckily, she grew out of that stage.

She is a lot like me. We are social butterflies. Both of us could talk your ears off. We are both perfectionists to a fault. {Insert panic attacks and crying sessions here.} We love working with kids. We have killer dance moves and can tear it up on the dance floor.  Our favorite is Jesus and we both love Him.

She is amazing. She is an A student in advanced classes. She is an incredible artist. She volunteers with the children’s ministry at church. She is an awesome friend and a fabulous sister.

The proudest moments I have had of her are just watching her come into her own. She doesn’t give herself enough credit. She is the epitome of awesome. I will never forget her leading the children in song and worship one Sunday morning. She was on the stage in the main sanctuary in front of the entire congregation full of poise, confidence, and contagious joy. I might have shed a tear or 30 watching her.

I think Stacey enjoys making and giving gifts to others more than receiving them herself. Every Christmas she spends hours making treats, art, jewelry, etc. for friends and family. She is so generous and sweet. The picture below is a sampling from about 4 years ago.

And here are a couple of samplings of her art work these days…

I went away for college when Stacey was only 5. We wrote letters and talked on the phone, but I still feel like I missed her growing up and getting to know her. So this last year when I took the year off from teaching one of the greatest blessings I gained was spending more time with her. I picked her up every day from school and got to help out with school projects and homework. We had old fashioned sleepovers and just had fun together.

I tell her often, but I still don’t think she knows just how proud of her I am. She has grown into a beautiful young lady from the inside out. She celebrated her 17th birthday this week!

Happy Birthday week, Stacey! I love you more than the world!!!

we liked it so much we went back

My dad has a name for it. He calls it, "The Keys Disease". I have it bad. I wrote the message below in the sand and at the time I wasn't sure if I was speaking it to my husband or to that sweet, salt air and soft sand.





We went back with my sister and her husband. We arrived just in time for sunset and it was beautiful.










Each day we hung out on the beach and in the sand bar. Each night we played games and watched the beginnings of Shark Week {which seemed appropriate, but not at the same time given our surroundings during the day}.

I learned that my brother-in-law could do this...



and that my sister has the teeniest bit of a mean streak...




One morning we went to this adorable place called the Midway Cafe for breakfast. Midway because while you dine or shop you will be 80 miles from Miami and 80 miles from Key West. It was delicious, and the ambiance was fabulous. I wanted to go there {still want to} every single day for breakfast. If you find yourself near Mile Marker 80 you should definitely check it out.



Kellie tried their coffee and thought it was delish. They roast their own beans!











Did I also mention that I wanted every single thing I saw in the gift shop including the art on the walls!?  And this sweet, little sign...

On our way down to the house we passed a used bookstore and I was dying to go in! So we took a few minutes to meander through the shelves and shelves of old books. I found quite the treasure! A teen romance novel from 1948. Jean Craig Finds Romance. I cannot wait to read it and see how the times have changed! I'll have to post a picture of the book. 

We then went back to the house and got out to the water where we spent the rest of the day. The guys threw the Frisbee around for a bit while Kellie and I read.



We found several hermit crabs and I just loved checking them out. I am sure it was not a shared affection. I made sure they were put right back where I found them.




Then we found this guy...



and I screamed a bit and laughed at myself a lot.



He was really quite beautiful, and I instantly regretted that one time I ate crab legs and vowed never to do it again.



The next morning was perfection. Serene, gorgeous bliss. Andrew and I enjoyed the quiet company as we sat out there together with our books. I don't think anything could make me more happy or content then to be on the beach with a book.



That particular morning happened to be Kellie's birthday so we wrote a message for her in the sand.








Then while she and Jorge enjoyed the quiet morning, Andrew and I went inside to whip up a batch of birthday cinnamon rolls.







We had a wonderful weekend. I am so sad we aren't there right now. Keys Disease indeed!