generation three is coming!

It all started with these two, decades ago. 

These two sweet ladies, Mare and Deb, were the best of friends for most of their lives. My sweet Aunt Mare (on the left) passed away after battling ALS and my precious Mom now lives with the memories they shared.

Almost thirty years ago, their friendship passed down to a new generation. My dear friend, Jillian (the cutie in the blue dress on the right), and I (the baby) have had a sweet and beautiful friendship, even stronger as we are adults, like our moms were.

 And now we are both married (to these cute guys, who are just as similar as Jilly and I are) and between us, baby five is on it's way! My sweet Jilly is having a baby GIRL! Our sweet Zelie and her sweet Baby F will now be able to have a whole new generation of love and friendship like their moms and grandmas.

I can't wait for her baby girl to get here so I can spoil her and love on her like her momma has done to all my kiddos.

Jilly and I live states apart and rarely get to see each other, but we keep in touch as best we can with the distance between us. She is so dear, so fun, such a pick-me-up to my bad days. She has a spirit just like her mom, so full of enthusiasm, joy and love! I know she will pass that to her little girl as well. She will be the best mom, because she had the best mom to show her how to love.

I can't wait for the years to come with our kiddos' (all of them) friendships growing like ours did.

five things friday: meet marisa

Today I want to introduce you to my friend, Marisa, owner of Griffin Family Farms. I'm really not sure where I'd be as a mom without her. Honestly. She has helped me get through the little and the big and she is always always there for me. She's crazy generous. No lie. And, to make her even better, she has the greatest line of homemade organic products for your family. Shampoo for you, moisturizer for your sister, salve for your baby's bottom. Heck, she even has laundry detergent! Do yourself a favor, and check her product line out on Facebook. 

As a momma to three little ones, I use her products daily on them. I use them for myself as well. So does my Hubs. And I'm here to share my five most commonly used products from Griffin Family Farms. 

1. Lavender Rose Lotion: I use this for myself and for my baby girl. Great smell, fabulous texture and amazing results.

2. Teething Oil: No one likes a hurting/teething baby. This stuff goes a long way and will do wonders for those sore little gums.

3. Gripe Water Tea: This has helped my littlest one with her tummy tremendously.

4. Elderberry Syrup: Hello cold season! This is a must have in our house. The kids (including my oldest 30 something year old) all love it and constantly ask for more. 

5. Miracle Salve: I saved the best for last. We all use this. It is amazing for diaper rash, or just rashes in general, cuts, bruises, burns. Oh burns. I'm telling you, I am blonde in the kitchen and always end up burning myself. And this salve is ah.maze.ing. It helps quick healing and the pain! 

She has a wonderful little business going and I am happy to watch it blossom. She has helped so many people through her products and her kindness, including myself and many of my friends. You won't be disappointed. And she is always willing to answer your questions, gives great details and instructions on using her products and she will ship to your house so you don't have to be local!! Now go check her out!

we're more than best friends

On July 11 (7-11 - how fun is that!?!) of 2008 my very dearest and lifelong friend married the man of her dreams and I was lucky enough to be one of her bridesmaids in their wedding. She was a beautiful bride on that warm and sunny day and five years later she is a beautiful and amazing wife and now a mother to two very cute little men! I can't believe that five years have passed, but I know they have been five very blessed years for their sweet and growing family!

Happy Anniversary dear friend! I love you and your family with my whole heart!

Here is a picture of her on her sunny and warm wedding day and me on my cold and rainy wedding day. Two very different days, but two very similar faces! We may not be sisters by blood, but in our hearts we certainly are. I think you can see that in each of our faces! She was my Matron of Honor at my wedding... but unfortunately she wasn't able to physically be there. Her first little handsome man was arriving a little earlier than expected, just two days later so she had to stay behind. She wrote the most beautiful and perfect speech for us and a mutual friend read it aloud for us and our guests. I know she wasn't there, but some how, God allowed her to be in all of my wedding day memories. What a gift! And what a gift she is!

Katie, you are a beautiful wife and mother and your husband and sons are very blessed that you are theirs. And I am blessed to have such a loving and beautiful friend. I will love you forever!

she never ever disappoints

I was tired and it was late, but as we pulled up to our driveway after a long day, I opened the dark mailbox and pulled out the envelopes, magazines, ... and a shiny silver tube. When I saw the tube, I immediately thought Megan. It just looked like her. It looked like something amazing she would do. And sure enough, it was from exactly who I thought. Though, I had no idea what it could possibly be!! What would she be sending me? In February? 

Well, leave it to Megan, it was a Valentine's Day treat. For me! What a surprise! Though, being Megan, I shouldn't be surprised.

She's creative.

Gifted.

Talented.

Generous.

Sweet.

And most definitely, thoughtful.

The words I can use to describe her could go on and on.

She never, ever, ever disappoints. Ever.

Whether it be her photographs, her tablescapes (she sets an amazing table), her thoughtful gifts, it is all always just right.

She sent out a few of her Valentine's Day favorites to people and I was one of the lucky recipients!

Simple and sweet and just right. Though, it was a bit of a tease with that cupcake front and center on the picture. I wanted to eat it right off the paper! My nails were painted right away, I popped one of those amazing chocolates into my mouth (there had been four candies there), and her adorable photo/card was put in my planner as a happy reminder of sweet friends... and sweet things, like cupcakes!

Sweet and thoughtful friends are such a delight! Thank you, Megan, for your never ending thoughtfulness!

friendship and sweet tea

We left the boys for the second time ever tonight. The first time was on our one year anniversary. Yes, on our one year anniversary we already had two kids, and needed a babysitter. Mami and our grandparents were here to watch them for us. Tonight we went out with friends... and I may have drank a little too much... sweet tea that is! We went to Dreamland Barbecue and their sweet tea is like taking little sips of heaven. I may have had a few too many glasses and was tempted to take one for the road, but remained in control. Some people are foolish and drive under the influence of alcohol, I on the other hand tend to overdose on sweet tea. Thankfully it's not dangerous or hazardous to anything but my waistline.

Our friend, Austin and his mom came out with us for ribs. Dreamland has amazing ribs. A little on the spicy side, but if I can handle their heat, anyone can. I must say, going out with them is always a joy. We caught up on all of our recent travels, them to Florida, along with a visit from their family to our town and us to the northeast. We shared Christmas memories, stories of Mono's new job, Austin's recent absolutely amazing accomplishments at therapy... since the time we saw him last (right before our trip up north), he can now walk on his own with a walker for quite a period of time! The guys talked sports and computers. Us girls talked pinterest and babies. I shared with them the fact that I have passed the level of insane that I signed up for a half marathon. And yes, Gus may have included a little piece of information that had he and Austin laughing quite hard... cough - a purse is involved at the finish line - cough. Gus claims the only reason I signed up for this was for the purse. And while that is incentive, it is not my main reason. Truth. Now, if it was this bag, his statement would be completely accurate. We ate yummy ribs, drank lots of tea, shared many laughs, and realized even more how grateful we all our for our friendship.

Austin has overcome a monumental challenge and works with such dedication each day to return to a complete recovery. I personally do not think many people, myself included, could be where he is today, mentally and physically. He has amazing strength and determination. It is nothing short of an amazing miracle. Gus and I are a bit selfish. Of course we wish he could be back to his day to day life, outside of rehab, but we really love the fact that he has to be in rehab... right by our house! If only he could stay this close after he completes rehab and have his sweetheart of a girlfriend move to town too. The four of us would be the best of friends.

As we were sitting there and I was listening to the two of them share stories of their days when they lived together, I thought of how life has changed so much, and how we are all back together again, in a completely new way.

of course it would go this way

I have been waiting for this day, forever! When Megan found out we were in town, she wanted to get together, and I was overly excited trying to plan the day. It ended up having to wait until today, the day before our last day on vacation. I envisioned it all. My hair would be perfect. I'd have my makeup done, I'd look different than I usually do when I am in mom-mode. I wouldn't have my hair in a ponytail. I would have some sort of makeup on. I would have a put together outfit. And....... I'd take pictures. Geesh. Why would I think I could take pictures of the photographer of all photographers?!

 So, this is how it went. Last night my one clean pair of pants left had a bottle of formula spilled all over them, which meant they needed to be cleaned. They weren't dry by this morning, which meant I had to take my hair blow dryer and dry them the rest of the way part of the way.  Yes, it meant my pants were a little bit wet. Okay, so now I have my wet pants on and I go to do my hair, wash my face, put some makeup on, etc, to then realize that all my toiletries were left in Mami's car from our night spent at Nina's. So now my excitement of being semi-dolled up went out the window and this dear friend of mind was going to be seeing me, the real me these days. I won't even go into the rest of the things I didn't get to do... or had to do to get myself ready. If you call this ready!

With all that put aside though, I was so happy to be seeing her, having lunch and topping it all off by being surprised by a photo shoot! Besides Megan being a dear, sweet friend, her talent amazes me. All the time. I never expected her to offer to take our pictures. The boys had sweaters with dribble all over them, Gus just had a sweatshirt on, and well, I just told you how I looked. But, how I could I turn an offer from her down? She photographed Gus and I for our engagement. She photographed our wedding and now, she photographed us as a growing family.

And then she asked for a picture of her and the boys. And not only did she hand over her iPhone, but her camera. You know, the real thing. Not a piddly thing thing or a kit lens. None of that. It was the real deal. I was beyond nervous. I was taking her picture with her camera. Yikes. I was so nervous, I chopped her legs off midway. I centered her in the photo. I am positive I broke all the rules. All of them. Absolutely positive.

I was a bit stressed going into the restaurant to meet her for lunch, for lots of reasons, but I had an amazing time. I wish we had more time. I hope we can visit again soon. No time restrictions. And previously showered! 

Megan, you are the sweetest as always.

Thank you for everything. For meeting us. For the pictures. For being a sweet friend. For everything.

And give that sweet Mom of yours a little kiss from each boy!

Daily Thankfuls Day Thirteen

#dailythankfuls

#daythirteen

I am thankful for healing.

Yesterday our friend Austin came over to hang out, have dinner, enjoy some guy time, and Monday Night Football! I have to say, I am always impressed when I see him. He always does something new that amazes me with his progress. The best was watching him rock the boys (who were both sitting on the la-z-boy) with his hand/arm... the one that isn't even as strong! He sat there and chatted with Will and Gus while he rocked them.

This doesn't take away from the sweetness of when Mono, or even other family members rock them, but to know the effort he uses to do it, and the fact that he even can rock them made me smile so big!

His Mom wrote on his Caring Bridge site: "Oh and did you know The ******* twins Will and Gus twisted their Dad's arm to put a ramp on the back patio so that (Uncle)Austin could come over and visit??? :) :) What incredible love..."

It's true. The ramp is built, Gus and Will love their Uncle Austin very much, but no one quite needed a twisted arm. We were all so excited to know we could do something to allow him to visit! He may be Mono's friend, but our whole family truly loves him! He has a wonderful family and such a sweet girlfriend as well!

It's so nice to see him healing. It's through soo much prayer and his incredible determination and strength that he puts into it, that he has recovered this much already!

I am also thankful for some positive news from family about my Popa's health. He was brought to the hospital yesterday with chest pains and many tests were done, but we didn't find out results until later tonight. Thank God it looks like his heart is okay, but wasn't getting enough oxygen and was being tolled a bit from bad kidney functioning. He may be able to be released on medication to help his symptoms subside! Thank you God! Please keep him strong and healthy!

Please keep Popa and Austin in your prayers!

Daily Thankfuls Day Nine

#dailythankfuls

#daynine

the boys face-timing with Bella in top picture and Gus telling Grandma (F) about his day

#thankfulforfacetime

We love Facetime!

Nearly all of our family and close friends live in the Northeast so they don't get to see the boys in person. We talk daily to at least one family member or friend! Sometimes I turn it on so their Grandma can talk to them during the day while I do a few things around the room, or sit and feed them... I am very thankful for it so we can keep in touch as close to being in person as possible and loved ones can watch them grow!

Daily Thankfuls Day Eight

#dailythankfuls

#dayeight

#helpingafriend

A few months back you may remember me telling you about our friend Austin. He was in rehab in Atlanta, but he was recently moved to a location ten minutes from our home! We were pretty excited to hear the news. We knew we'd have him over, hang out, go out and do some fun things... only one problem, which was not a real problem. Every single way into our house had steps, which was not wheel chair friendly.

No biggie! We built a ramp just for him! It's nothing fancy or special, but it serves it's purpose! We can't wait for him to come over! It was so nice to know we were doing something that not only was for our benefit (of him being able to visit), but for his, so he could get out of therapy, hang out with friends, and enjoy himself! I wish we could do more, but at least we can show our love and support in little ways right now.

Daily Thankfuls Day Two

#dailythankfuls

#daytwo

sleeping late... and yes, this is late to Gus and Will

And since this is day two, I have two things to be thankful for... sleeping late and an unexpected lunch date with great friends!

Also, something to be very thankful for... prayers and healing our dear friend is receiving! But that is something too huge to be in my little daily thankfuls.

The Visit I've Been Waiting To Make!

Okay, I'm really behind on some of my posts. Back on July 21st, Mono and I went to visit Austin. I was not allowed to make any fun trips this summer. We had to cancel two weeks of vacations we were going to take, that I was really looking forward to. But, I did make a trip over to Atlanta to visit our friend. 

 

This trip was truly worth more than all the other summer vacations combined! I was so happy I was able to survive the ride there and back and the visit. I had to sit in the backseat with my legs propped up. My ankles were swollen, but you can't tell much because they don't look so bad in this picture.

 His parents, one of his sisters, and his girlfriend were all there, so it was lots of fun! We talked, he showed us his new tricks, then we ate, took a little tour, got some coffee and then talked some more! We were there for a while, and I could have stayed longer, but we wanted him to have time with everyone else since they weren't going to be in town long.

 

Like I said earlier, Austin showed us some of his new tricks that he could do. The progress he has made since being brought to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta absolutely amazed me! At one point when he showed me what his left arm could do, I got goosebumps and was totally blown away! I am so thankful he is at this rehab facility and is making the progress that he is!

Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Though he is always making progress and giving it his all, he still has a long road ahead and needs all the prayers and encouragement that he can!

 Austin still had his most amazing personality. Cheerful and positive, always making us laugh. It was so wonderful to see him, and his family. I wish we could go back, but it doesn't look like there is any traveling off this couch for me for a while! And Mono needs to stick around to help me since I cannot get up.

Austin's sister, Meghan, ordered these bracelets for people who wanted to support him and donate a little money to help his major medical bills ahead, so of course Mono and I each wanted one and she gave them to us while we were there! I haven't taken mine off at all! Not even in the hospital!

 One side says. "Prayin' for Austin."

 The other is one of his favorite sayings, "Go Big."

It's Like Waiting For Santa!

I feel like I am waiting for Santa to come!

Not because of presents, but due to the excitement of my soon-to-be guests!

My sweet friend, Jilly, is coming along with... drum roll please... Katie Bubbles!

Katie is her oh-so-adorable, squishy, cuddly dog.

Also known as Jimmy's girl crush!

J is staying with my parents for a few days, but will certainly be here for part of Katie's stay so they can have some fun times together!

I'm not sure how much blogging I will be doing while Jilly is here, but I really hope to have some fun stories and pictures to share after the visit.

Thankfully she is more like family than a friend because today is my hardest day yet. I think I am struggling the most with being pregnant today than any day so far (besides the whole morning sickness thing). She is the super clean, super chef, super friend, and she is going to see my reality these days! Oh, and the anxiety of making dinner for someone who actually got paid to be someone's cook? Yikes!!

She is going to see our home just like it always is... Clean, but not scrubbed. I had all intention for making today my scrubbing day, cleaning everything perfectly, so it would be just right for her arrival, but I can barely do a thing.

I loaded my first load of wash. Sat down.

Unloaded the dishwasher, then sat down.

Re-loaded the dishwasher, and again, sat down.

Vacuumed our bedroom... yes, I then sat down.

Vacuumed our bathroom... sat down.

And now I am sitting down, blogging, and will shortly get up to switch loads of wash, to then go back and sit down.

The girls will be here in about two and a half hours and I know I won't get everything on my list accomplished.

She is getting finger prints and dust bunnies.
Dirty windows and a full garbage can. 
Unmopped floors and smudges on our fridge.

I have a few things to bring upstairs and get ready for their visit, and I have to vacuum the den.

There will be no dusting, but I thought that would be nice. She can leave her autograph in the dust. ;)

How does a house get so dusty so fast?! I just dusted a few days ago.

I just scrubbed a week ago.

It seems like some things need to be done daily, or else it sneaks up on you!

So, my clean, yet unclean little home, along with one very pregnant, tired momma, are waiting for Jilly and Katie's arrival!

Here's to a fun week ahead! Dust, swollen feet, and all!!

Note: Our house isn't disgustingly dirty. Please don't think that! It's just not in tip-top shape! ;)

Prayers For A Great Friend

Austin has been connected to our family pretty much from the day he was born, yet we didn't know until Mono and I each met him… My family did not know him that long, nor did Mono's, but my sister-in-law's family has, as well as two of Mono's cousins. Mono and I both met Austin 7 years ago. My family met him when we moved to Alabama in July. Mono met him when he moved to Alabama a few months later in December. Mono and Austin became really good friends from then on. They even traveled to Europe together and had a blast. I love hearing their stories and looking at the pictures from those days.

When it came time to choose groomsmen for our wedding, Austin was a no-brainer. Just as sure as he wanted his brother as his best man, he was sure he wanted Austin as one of his groomsmen. And a groomsman he was! Big smile all day long and brought some great Austin fun to the day! In fact, he (and Mono) was the only one that did a "fun" entrance while being introduced to the guests at our reception. And when my Mom was choosing who she wanted to walk her down the aisle, I asked her, "Who do you think you'd like to walk you down, Mom?" Very confidently she said, "I'd like Austin, Mare." And I smiled, in perfect agreement.

We all lived here in Alabama for years, and then Austin went on and moved away to take some classes at a college up north. Still keeping in touch, but unable to see each other often, he and Gus stayed great friends. We met up in Miami a few summers ago and whenever he was passing through to visit his family in Florida, we'd try to catch a visit… or at least the guys would. And then of course at our wedding, we were able to visit.

On Saturday, June 16th, I called Mami while we were driving in the car and before we ended our conversation, she broke the news to me. And then I had to break the news to Mono. Austin had been in a very bad accident at the beach in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was visiting there with his parents and some family, and before they had even been there twenty minutes, Austin was caught in a wave wrong and hit a sandbar and lost all feeling from the neck down. His uncle had to drag him out of the water and he was rushed to the nearest hospital. He did not break his neck, but had severe injury to his C2/3/4 vertebrae. He stayed in the hospital in Florida, underwent two surgeries and was then flown to a top notch rehab facility in Atlanta. We were very happy to hear he was being sent there, for two reasons… first and most importantly, he is going to be receiving the best care for recovery and two, he's close by so we can go visit when he is up to it! For now he has to use all of his energy in rehab. He still has no movement, but he has good sensation and muscle tone. As Mono says, he is truly going to win the world record for the most prayers being said for on person! So many people love him, are there to support him and offer all the prayers they can! I ask you to do the same. Please keep him and his recovery in your prayers, as well as his family. This is very hard on them as well. Like I said, his parents were there when he had the accident, but his two sisters immediately went down from Virginia to be with him. One is still with him and the other had to return home to get back to work. She'll be able to return soon for a nice visit. I know he loves having them there!

To be honest, I don't think Mono could have a better friend. Austin is a man of God; his Faith is lived openly, day in and day out. His smile is contagious and lights up a whole room. He has a personality that you can't help but love and remember. He is a trusted and good friend. I'm happy Mono has such a good choice in friends!

Please, please keep him in your prayers!!

An Unexpected Laugh

I have a lot of catching up to do here. The past few days have had a lot of highs and lows and tonight I was having a real low. I was in a funk. I didn't know what would bring me out of it. I wasn't in the mood to do much of anything at all. No crafts, no blogging, no calling friends, nothing. So I turned to Words with Friends... with my best friends hubby. 

This is where the crazy laughter came in. I won't go into the details or the whole story, but I'll give you the gist of what went on.

We started our first ever game together. He told me to play him earlier today and I started the game this evening. It was then that we started chatting on there as well.

Well, he was saying things that totally confused me. I was thinking to myself, "now why would he be telling me that?" After I said one certain thing, he realized that he was having a conversation with me instead of the person he thought he was having it with. He thought he was playing WWF with a friend of his, but it turned out that whole time it was me, not him.

My friend frantically called me telling me the whole story and I was hysterical laughing. I wish I could write the whole story. It was quite comical. I laughed so hard and laughed some more when I was talking to my friend about it. When I hung up the phone, these boys of mine were laughing too! There was quite the action going on in my belly after I laughed like I did.

I had to thank my friend and her husband for bringing me so much laughter. I really needed it to help me hop out of the funk I was in. Hopefully after a good night's rest and I wake up in the morning, I will have a funk-less day. 

Here's to very unexpected and wonderful laughter with great friends!

My heart skips a beat for colors like this!

It's a distinct color. 

One all of it's own. 

Unmistakeable. 

Like a box from Tiffany's.

One that makes your heart skip a momentary beat.

The doorbell rang and there in the postman's hand was that pink color I knew so well.

I probably had a very confused look on my face because all I could think was, "Now why would I be receiving a box from Georgetown Cupcake? Who could it be from?"

I had yet to see that it was actually in fact from Georgetown Cupcake, but I didn't have any doubts.

I thanked the nice man and closed the door... then ran to the kitchen to open it.

 That is when I noticed it was from my friend, wedding photographer, and fellow G-town Cupcake lover.

Figures. Why was I surprised? She is ah-mazing. Really. She never disappoints. Never ceases to amaze me! I just love her. It's a good thing we don't live nearby each other, because she'd actually be able to see my obsession/crush in person. 

I have them on the boys shelf already, waiting for them to be able to wear them! Now won't that make for cute pictures! Boys in their cupcake onezies, Momma eating a cupcake!!! There is not a single doubt in the world that these babies of mine will be introduced to these lovely confectionaries once they are old enough to eat them!

Megan, thank you for your constant, never-ending kindness. You are a treasured friend.

For the Love of Running and Friendship

I know I've mentioned my friend Jilly is many posts before. I have also written about her half marathons that she has accomplished. Her last half was in February and she already has three more scheduled! How cool is that?! I'm still hoping that I too can run a half one of these days... after the babes are born of course!

Last year, for her first half, I made her a card and sent it down to her mom's house so she'd get it right before the race. It's now a tradition... I did it again this time. I was nervous because it was during a time that I was really not feeling well and my pregnant brain had little to no creativity running through it. I did it though. I sent her a little package of support.

It all had to be either yellow, Rapunzel or Disney themed this year. She runs in the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Last year she was Ariel. This year was Rapunzel. If I ran in the Princess Half, I'd have to pick Cinderella... She's my favorite.

First, I found these yellow Mickey shaped paint chips at Home Depot (how cool! I wanted to take one of every color just to have!!)... and I took 13 of them. They must have thought I had a really big project with all the yellow chips I needed. She actually ran with them and held them up along the way! I was shocked! I didn't think of that, and never in a million years expected her to hang on to them, much less run thirteen miles with them!

 Then I found a few yellow, Disney, paint chips, not Mickey shaped though (sad face), and wrote little messages on them. 

 Yellow is her favorite color... Can you tell? 

And for her card, I stuck with her theme, Rapunzel, who she was running as.

 I think she even took the long hair off the card and ran with it hanging off her hat! Isn't she the cutest?!

 I love that she has such a passion for running and does something with it!

150. seeing someone's passion and watching them let that grow and be alive

151. having a desire to run a half marathon one day

152. having excuses to love on a friend

She said it was a box full of glitter...

She said it was a box full of glitter...

And she was right!

It was a box full of glitter!

And I loved every single sparkle.

A few days ago Jilly told me something (maybe a box full of glitter) would come knocking at my door probably on Friday.

Well guess what guys?

That something that she told me about, it came today!!

Mare, what do you think is in here? It's from Katie's mom... it HAS to be good! - Jimmy (my little helper)  

The only thing better than the contents of this glitter-filled box, would have been finding my sweet friend herself, knocking at my door. I know she would have come to celebrate if it were at all possible. 

This gift was filled with so much of her love and sparkle, that it feels like she is with me.

I have a feeling I am going to be using every last drop!!

 

There are already and will continue to be a lot of wonderful memories!

I opened the box she mailed it in and saw the start of its goodness. 

First of all, anything that Jilly puts together is pure goodness.

And how can a big box tied in bright pink glitter ribbon not be anything but fabulous!?

Smarties so the babes are extra smart... and Hershey kisses... kisses from Jilly for me and the babes!

I can't wait to have another outfit to wear!

Yes, and there just might be pink glitter all over the house.

I told Mono that I had never heard of a little glitter hurting anyone, so I am happy to have it! 

Bring on the glitter and bring on the big 2-6!

 

Thank you so much my dear friend for all your thoughtfulness. Not just for the card you sent me in the mail, or the card and all these gifts you sent me today, but for your friendship and continual love, in all the little ways you share it with me. Love you.

144. gorgeous, warm and sunny weather, in MARCH!

145. dinner fresh off the grill

146. dinner outside on the deck

147. sweet walks in the neighborhood with Mono and J

148. birthday love from a dear friend
149. glitter!

When in Need, Call Your Friend

A lot goes into planning a wedding, especially from hundreds of miles away. Worrying about makeup was not something I had planned on putting into the mix of plans.

 

As I have mentioned before, our wedding did not go off flawlessly. There were a lot of painful moments in the planning process. All worth it, none if it ruined our day, but while it was happening, it was quite the struggle.

One of them was my many makeup trials. I knew who would be doing my makeup, but I needed to get the look, and the makeup to go along to make it all come to life. 

 I can't even tell you how many places I went to. How many different looks, people wanted for me. No one would listen. One lady refused to do what I asked her to try and told me I needed to do burgundy and an orangey gold. Ummm yeah. I don't think so, ma'am.

 Well after the burgundy and orangey gold scare, I called my sweet friend in New York in an utter panic. I don't even know why I bothered going anyway to even try the look I wanted. I knew she knew exactly what I wanted. And she did.

 Though I would be getting married in the fall, I did not want fall-like colors on my face. I don't wear much makeup to begin with, much less dark shades. I knew pale pinks and purples and nothing harsh is what I was aiming for.

 

 

 I made one last attempt at a second Sephora, where Jilly sent me to look at specific colors. It's pretty funny because before I even told the lady there, she suggested the exact colors/brands/shades/everything that Jilly sent me for! The colors she already bought to use on me! She is good! 

No... fabulous.

 

 

 Not only did she do a beautiful job, but it lasted all day long, but it withstood a photo shoot by our wonderful photographer, Megan Beth, in the rain, dancing the night away, many laughs and smiles and even, two waterfalls of tears.

Oh yeah... and cake being shoved in my face, by this handsomely adorable husband!

My makeup was flawless, at least in my opinion. Many other guests at our wedding thought the same. So it's not just me being biased towards my good friend. 

Jilly, I know I have thanked you before, and I think you know how grateful I was and pleased I was with what you did for me, but I want to thank you again. Not just for the makeup though. (Oh, by the way, she stopped at my room somewhere between midnight and 1am the night before my wedding for a quick hello hug and emergency help that only her magic wand could fix. Yes, she does have a working magic wand... in case you were wondering.) Not just for waking up at an ungodly hour doing my makeup, Mom's makeup, or nearly all my bridesmaids, but just for being there. Being the sweet Jillian that you are. Whether it was casual talks batting wedding ideas back and forth, answers of frantic phone calls, helping me pull together my milkshake bar for Mono, or just being a calming sense beside me. 

You are a dear friend that I know I can always cherish. Someone that I can laugh with, share ideas with, grow with, blog with..... We may be different in some ways, but we are certainly so much alike. I mean, two of our 2012 goals were exactly the same, though we never mentioned either to each other before. Thank you for helping me reign in my wild schedule and make it into orchestrated and productive days. Thank you for your encouragement and advice in my running. For always pushing me and helping me get my creative juices flowing. The list goes on, but I think you for all of it. I love you sweet friend. Thank you for everything and for just being you.

note: I can't say the same for my hair... none of it. But Jilly didn't do it, so what should I have expected. Can't expect perfection, unless from Jilly.

104. a sweet friend I can always count on

105. a husband that makes me laugh

106. encouragement