the best gift

You know what gift I have loved giving the past few weeks? Plants! I think I've given away three in the past week! They are simple, beautiful, and full of life (and usually affordable!). Always original, but still "safe"-- meaning, almost anyone can appreciate receiving a plant. Especially with spring on the horizon, I'm loving handing out these little babies of sunshine :)

What's your go-to gift?


P.S. Incredible houseplants and mason jar terrariums 


Image found here //

december birthday

Do you have a December birthday? This e-card made me giggle because it is SO TRUE. I've always heard from my December birthday friends that their birthday is often forgotten, and I haven't been totally innocent of it, either. Good luck this year my friends :)

Happy December! 

another one year celebration

Remember this little guy?? I became his nanny when he was just 6 weeks old. And this week he turned ONE! It was such a blessing to be a part of his little life, and to witness all of the amazing first year milestones- it's crazy how fast these little people learn in such a short amount of time. And, cheers to his mama for one full year of juggling 4 kids so gracefully and joyfully :)

xo 

forever 8

Happy Birthday to this dude, who is forever 8 years old in all of our minds (sorry bro, guess that comes with being the baby!). But for now, we will wish you a Happy 17th Birthday just to humor you ;) Love to you and your colorful shorts, witty 'tude, and curious mind

xoxo

quarter time

We camped. 

We hiked.

We tried. :)

We dined.

We celebrated.

Happy Birthday, my love and my heart.

xo

ritas and roses

Happy Birthday to this pretty lady who I love and adore. We intended to celebrate the night with Mexican food (birthday girl's fave), but had to change the plan last minute and got swanky at Five Bar. And we still found a way to fit in our "Mexican" margaritas ;) There's something so refreshing about being with friends who know your heart and have walked with you in life's heaviest trials and most wonderful celebrations. Even though new friendships are thrilling, these college friendships, formed at such a transformative time in life, feel like home. Would you agree? 

Roses, homemade cake (made by hostess extraordinaire and birthday girl's sister), and wine... all contribute to a girly evening watching The Bacheleorette and rooting on former Georgia Bulldawg (and friend to some), Josh Murray, while he tries to win the heart of this season's "it girl." While this show is not my cup of tea, girl time with these ladies definitely is. Do you ever look at your friends and just think, "I have a powerhouse of women surrounding me." I feel so blessed to have such godly women who love Jesus and have such pure, tender hearts.

My heart is full and I thank my husband for the night with the ladies :) Hope you have been able to get some good time or have good conversations with those close to your heart! It's good for the soul and so needed.

xoxo

Happy Birthday, Mama!

Happiest of birthdays to my mama- who has the tenderest of hearts, the perfect sense of humor, and is a total knockout. I am happy to claim that she gave me her legs and her eyes (along with a few other "assets"...), and I hope one day to see within me her humble wisdom and compassionate spirit. 

Babe. Even in prime 80's fashion.

She's so funny, she landed herself on the popular website "When Parents Text"! 

She also knows how to make some pretty cute babies :)

Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you.

xoxo

arrowhead love

Know anyone with a birthday coming up? These arrowhead necklaces are just lovely...

xo

happy birthday daddy!

Happy happy birthday to you, dad! You are special and oh so loved :)

To all- what are your plans for the weekend? We are sleeping over at our new apartment for the first time tonight, so we will be unpacking and probably eating out. Tomorrow we will participate in our first Atlanta festival as locals! Wishing all of our friends in Athens a happy Twilight weekend- sad to miss out! Have a lovely weekend.

Summer's right around the corner- 180 Homemade Popsicle Recipes to keep you cool.

Some of these are spot on.

Do you ever run late? :)

Earth is always interesting...

Great hair.

Eating clean? Here are some quick snack ideas.

Something we all need to remember.

Would you recognize your family member?

Facebook knows everything (!)

Warm weather means more bugs.

We are officially moved in- finally time to decorate ;)

How precious is little pre-teen daddy?

Have a good one!

xo

birthday bliss

Happy birthday to this pretty lady who makes me laugh til I cry, cries and feels deeply with me, loves God first and before everything, and who time and time again sacrifices her own needs for the sake of helping those she loves. Jess, you are a true gem of a friend and I am honored to have you as one of my bests. Enjoy your special day and know that you are so so loved :)

    

xoxo

washed clean

"Trust Me enough to accept the full forgiveness that I offer you continually. 

This great gift, which cost Me My Life, is yours for all eternity."

- Jesus Calling, Sarah Young

Thank you, God, for 8 full years of the precious gift of forgiveness and renewal.

Image found here //

two decades later...

Happiest of birthdays to this stud, who turns 20 today…

You are one of my best and most loyal friends, and you make me laugh and fill my heart with joy!

There'd be a hole in my life without you, my brother!

xoxo

All, have a wonderful weekend.. enjoy this lovely weather :)

what's your birthday tradition?

Do you have a go-to birthday celebration? We tend to celebrate a lot of birthdays (and any event in general) at an Athens local Pub & Restaurant, Trapeze. Andrew "surprised" me with a dinner there along with several of our close young married friends. 

Now that we no longer live in Athens, we treasure time spent with these people! It was great to swap funny stories and just be a part of the group once again. 

Three of the girls all gave me gifts from the local shop, Frontier! I always find myself wondering around in there, admiring all the little trinkets and handmade jewelry by local artists. I realized I have never bought anything for myself there, because, as Marilisa puts it, it's the perfect place to buy gifts for other people. So I am glad to have been on the receiving end this time :) (p.s. isn't Alise's baby bump just too precious?!)

I also got a dramatic hair cut, and it is now the shortest it has been since probably middle school! I'm kind of wishing I went shorter though… now that I'm not so attached to my once-Rapunzel length hair, it's fun to mix it up ;)

Thank you to all friends and family for a great 25th celebration! 

have a relaxing weekend xo

birthday scripture love

I got an idea from a good friend, who, each year on her birthday, reads the chapter and verse of each book in the Bible of the month and day she was born on. For example, my birthday is 02/04, so I would read the 2nd chapter and 4th verse in each book. Isn't this a cute and fun idea? It feels like each scripture was hand-picked for you and your special day, and you get to read it and think about why it was chosen. Though I've done it before, yesterday while I was reading, many of the scriptures were so moving. It was special for me to read so many powerful scriptures in one sitting, and to be reminded of the stories and the character of God. Here are a few that stood out to me...

celebrating 25 years

On this day, exactly a quarter of a century ago, these two young people became parents! Since then, they have been the most loyal and supportive people to all 4 (+1) of their children. I love you, mom and dad. Happy "We Became Parents" Day to Y-O-U!!! Thank you for teaching and loving me throughout my 25 years. Thank you, especially, for holding that hair bow in place with maple syrup, because now I have a weird story to go with this awkward family photo. It seems you've also filled my life with humor and unforgettable memories :)

I loved you with your big hair, and I will love you when you have no hair :) … and all the time in between.

you're the best xoxo

have a cheerful weekend!

What are your plans for this weekend? With the snow days this week, the past few days seem to have gone by so fast! Andrew just let me know that he is taking me on a surprise weekend trip for my birthday (on Tuesday)! I'm not sure where we are going or what we are doing, but I am told to pack a bag and be ready to head out straight from work this evening! 

I hope your weekend is full of pleasant surprises and smiles :)

xo

Image found here //

a special day

Happiest of birthdays to two of my favorite people! They are both gorgeous, the life of a party, and are turning a quarter of a century old today- what a special birthday! I know that many people, but especially my life, would not be the same without them.

Love to you both!!