happy father's day

Happy Father's Day to the most incredible dad I could ever dream of having. He is beyond loving, caring, happy, positive, and makes my life sweeter than it could ever be without his influence. Growing up [and even now] we were inseparable. He taught me how to scuba dive and windsurf; we made countless beach camping trips and organized lake cleanups. But most importantly, he taught me how to be a good person...how to see the glass half full, the philosophy of life, and his cheerful demeanor permeated my thinking and has made me the person I am today. I love him more than anything and am thankful for him everyday. 

family

I have the greatest family there ever was. We are so very close and I wouldn't have it any other way. We are the Three Musketeers. This close-knit unity definitely makes being apart that much harder, but I also know that distance will never break the love of a family. 

My parents were recently in town visiting for almost a full week. It was exactly what I needed. Hugs. And snuggles. And love. And laughter. And good talks. I can still smell my mom on the couch and hear my dad's laugh ringing in the air. These two people are my life. My world. My everything. Words will never be able to express how much I appreciate them, how much I deeply love them, or how much I would do to make sure they are happy, well-supported, and taken care of. 

While they were in town, Kevin and I had the honor of hosting his parents to our new place for a backyard BBQ. Two families united, prayers were said, wine was shared, and nothing but a wonderful time was had. 

Kevin proudly showing our new backyard setup - an amazing gift from my parents. 

Two families and great food.  

And a lovely evening neighborhood walk with very full tummies. 

I miss my parents every minute they are gone and anxiously await our next visit. I know it won't be long. 

a house to call our home

All the furniture has been moved. All the boxes have been unpacked. It had its ups and downs, but the move is done and I could not be more thankful to be living with the man of my dreams. 

I wanted to post a few pictures of our stained wood art pieces from their new home on the wall. 

I could not be any happier. I have an incredible man that looks deep in my eyes and I can feel that he sees me. Actually sees into me. He gives me the sweetest kisses on the forehead and tickles me until I can't take it anymore. He has a heart of gold, the best laugh I have ever heard, some of the funniest facial expressions I have ever seen, and makes me so happy to wake up and see his wonderfully endearing smile every day I am blessed enough to be alive. 

At the end of the day, I know it doesn't matter which lamp is next to the sofa or which table we have in our breakfast nook. The only thing that matters in life is love. And if we are some of the lucky few that find this rare and special thing in life, we have to hold it tight. It is a gift from God and gifts are not meant to be taken for granted. I love you KDP. 

movin' and paintin'

As my love and I approach our move in date, I wanted to create a special momento for our home together. You see, my love was not the biggest fan of the hibiscus flower paintings adorning each side of our large living window. With a little inspiration from me oh my!, I decided to create a little something with meaning. 

I started with two 2 ft by 2 ft pieces of birch wood and stained. 

I used my love's favorite musician, Eric Church, for the lovely words that will soon be decking our walls. 

Eric Church-I Love Your Love The Most

I made one little change to make it more of our own. "I love college football games" means so much more with our two teams thrown in. Go Texas and Florida State! I couldn't think of a better set of lyrics to describe our simple life together. 

Eric Church-Like Jesus Does

And an ode to my love. I pray he knows how proud he makes me every single day. I pray he knows how much I believe and trust in him. And I pray he knows just how much I love him.  

I am so excited to starting making this home that has been just mine for the past year, into a place to call our own. Our new stained wood art pieces will find their home on our walls tomorrow (pictures to come!). 

happy's mother day

"You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."

Today I am honoring the woman who made me who I am. She has taught me so many valuable life lessons and has provided me the best example of a person, wife, and mother that I strive and aspire to be. 


She gives so selflessly and never expects a think in return. She gives endless love, time, patience, surprises, support, and deserves everything in return [even though she doesn't think so]. 

She is my best friend and I can't imagine life without her. Happy Mother's Day to the most amazing, incredible, and loving mother I could ever dream for. I thank God everyday for the blessing you are in my life. 

idioms and irony

This is the greatest story of two best friends who really know each other inside and out. As we all know, my nearest and dearest is GETTING MARRIED! During my search for anything bridal for this very sweet girl, I came across the sweetest bracelet by none other than Kate Spade herself. 

"Birds of a feather, two of a kind, perfect pair, partner in crime, peas in a pod, sidekicks."

It could not be the more perfect gift for a best friend and soon to be amazing wife. 

And wouldn't you know it, this very same bracelet showed up on my doorstep two days ago. Just as the inscriptions say...two peas in a pod. It doesn't get much better than that. It's a good thing we don't mind matching! 

just be

One of my favorite things to do after a long day of work is to head to the beach with the love of my life and a nice bottle of wine. There is no better way to bid farewell to the day [especially a stress packed day which has become the norm lately]. 

The ocean, sand, and mango setting sun wash all of the noisy thoughts out of my head. My mind becomes quiet. It makes me remember what is truly important in this life and grounds me to myself again. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day activities and lose sight what what matters most. It is easy to forget what makes you, you and always hold fast to that truth. Taking the time to slow down, breathe, listen to my heart and mind, enjoy the company of those that mean the most, and to simply be present, is essential in making me the person I naturally meant to be [ and preventing me from being the person that this materialistic world tries to make me be]. 

Love. Family. Friends. Simplicity. Natural Surroundings. Nothing matters more. 

I love sitting in my beach chair, glass of wine in hand, listening to the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore, and watching the sky transform into its marmalade of colors as the sun sinks over the horizon. I am so thankful to be on this great earth and for these reminders of just how lucky we are to be alive and healthy. 

And my sweet Kevin says it best [as he winks at the setting sun and raises his glass to the air] "see ya tomorrow buddy."Amen. God and life are good.