The one for some jolly, good fellows.

This past weekend was scattered.  My sister came home to celebrate my mom's 50th && Father's day... but my dad & brother were leaving Saturday to Atlanta for a father/son adventure with a big group, mom was working most of the weekend & I was leaving Saturday to go to Lake Lure with Sam's family.  Scattered. Crazy. But fun.

So Friday night the 5 of us went out to eat to do our celebrating.  Before we left the house we decided we would give mom her "sentimental" birthday gift.  Ashley drew 5 stick people & we all wrote a total of 50 things we love about her.  Some included your gentle heart, your advice, the way you flatfoot, the way you always put our babies first, your green thumb...etc.  I think she enjoyed it.

 

 Also, we decided to give dad his father's day gift.  We were all busting at the seams to give him this gift.  We knew he would love it.  && his reaction was all it took to fill her our hearts.

 

 

We got Sir Douglas tickets to go see Chicago && the Doobie Brothers in Raleigh this coming August.  Two of Dad's favorite bands in one place.  We knew he would want to be at the place.

 

 We love you daddy.  You are the most amazing man.  You make us three feel so loved, so comforted, so protected.  You have always been there.  Your sacrifices for us are unending.  Thanks for loving us so incredibly well.  We adore you, Douglas.

 So we all parted our ways Saturday.  I met up with Sam to head to Lake Lure for the night.  Sam's family was heading that way to see his sister, Sidney.  She is part of the Outdoor Adventure Staff at Camp Lurecrest this summer.  When we arrived she showed us around && it was awesome!  Her pictures on instagram make me crazy jealous -- such a beautiful place.  

Sid, I loved seeing your sweet face this weekend.  Im loving the chaco tan, your ability to belay on, & your heart for Jesus.  You're inspiring.  Love you.

 

It was also great spending some time with Sam's daddy.  

 

All in all, it was a great weekend celebrating some jolly, good fellows.

The one with 50 blown out candles.

Some people would agree that my mama has a picture perfect type B persona.  She is laid back.  Very go-with-the-flow attitude.  She doesn't want the spot light on her.  She is slightly shy.  She is hilarious.  & she is happiest when all her babies & her high school sweetheart are together and outside doing something (probably fishing or grilling out).   So for her 50th birthday.  We decided it would be out of character to throw a huge hooplah with balloons & giant "50 is the new 30" signs.  Instead, we know mama is homebody & rather celebrate with her closest people.

So on Sunday night, mama's side of the family came over for supper.  It was such a great family get together.  Everyone was happy, everyone got along, everyone danced. 

Everyone came to celebrate her.

 

 

 Also, mama got the sweetest gift from her parents.  They gave her her mama's ring that was bedazzled with my grandma's engagement diamond && the diamonds from papa's years of service in the military.  Mama was completely moved && so excited.

 

It was such a sweet night celebrating her life. :)

On Monday was her actual birthday.   Everyone had to work.. but mom sent me a picture early that morning of her decorated office.  Her colleagues are so great to her!  Thanks Miller folks for celebrating my mama!

That night we again laid low because that is where we thought she wanted to be.  We greeted her with the classic song & a large ice-cold diet Dr. Pepper with a candle taped to it.

 

 Throughout the night we yelled, sang, made her blow out a million candles.

 We ate shrimp, steak, salads, twice baked potatoes && topped the night off with homemade strawberry ice cream!  It was such a fun, relaxing night!  I hope she felt loved && celebrated!

 

 Happy Happy Belated Birthday Mama.  You are more loved than you could ever know!  Your life is so precious to me.  You have always shown me that simplicity is always best.  50 looks so good on you, mom.  Cheers to 50 fabulous years & 50 fabulous more!

The one for 50.

 My sweet mama is 50 years old today. 

50 years of impacting others in such a positive way.  What a blessing she is.  So thankful for her sweet spirit && infectious laugh.  I love you mama.  Have the best day.  We love you!

The one to almost accomplish May.

Alright.  A couple days late, but it's time to weight in my May goals:

Celebrate Sam's graduation from NCSU!

Celebrate parent's anniversary/brother's birthday.

Take a senior photo shoot.
Through a miscommunication incident.. this didn't happen.
 

Move back home. 

Rearrange my room at home.

Eat a watermelon.

Read 1 book. 

Pray for and plan a bible study for high school girls. 

Yay for a super close success with my May goals -- June Goals coming to you tomorrow! :)

The one I miss.

I miss my boy.

 

I had a great weekend in Raleigh with him... post soon.

  

But now it's time to eat ice cream while watching Miss USA.