The one who isn't slow.

 My family has this game that we play in the car.  We call it the "Artist Game".  When we ride in the car, the radio is guaranteed to be on and the first person to get the artist singing the song gets the point.  I think we started out with the titles of the songs but it wasn't a big enough challenge for the music junkies we are.  There is no reward other than the self gratification of knowing more artists than the rest of your family for a day.  Not to brag, but me and my dad own that game.  Mom, Ashley and Ryan really don't stand a chance when Dad and I are in the car.  Again... not to brag. :)  However, when a certain season comes around, Dad and I are quickly dethroned by Mom.  She owns the Artist Game - Christmas edition.  Which I believe is a true testament to her love for music.  Because a lot of times, you hear a song that is familiar and you just remember who sings it... where as with Christmas music, ALL musicians sing the same song, so you have to have a talent for figuring out who is singing that version O Holy Night or that version of The Little Drummer Boy

My mom loves the holidays.  Every single aspect of it.  And I have happily inherited her passion for home, cozy things, and all things red and green.  But this year, I have seriously caught a disease.. and it all started with this sucker. 

 

My roommate brought some pine cones from home to decorate for the Thanksgiving season.  I started playing around with them but wasn't satisfied with a bowl of pine cones. So I found some green burlap and really liked the touch.  Then I found a red candle.  Loved the colors together.  Found some twine.  Loved the rustic touch.  I happily slid this little beaut to the center of the table and before I knew it Michael Buble's "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" was playing on my Pandora station.  That was October 29th.  Halloween was still on deck.  But I still cannot seem to change stations. 

 

I told mom about my holiday felony and that following weekend she bought me a Christmas candle.  (P.S. Chestnut and Clove from Bath & Body Works smells exactly like Christmas.  Smells so dang good)  She gave me the go ahead to start celebrating Christmas.. I just have to start out slow.  

Last night, I went to Target and somehow Christmas lights ended up in my bag.

  

And when I got home, somehow my Christmas mantle piece came out of the closet.

 And then somehow Christmas colored peanut M&M's filled a glass jar.

 And then somehow stocking holders found their way out of the closet.

 

And now.. I am about to go paint my nails a "Berry Naughty" color that somehow came home with me from Target.

 _______________________________

Whoops.  Slow is obviously out of the question.

The one for my sweet daddy.

 This past Father's Day, we gave dad tickets to see Chicago & the Doobie Brothers in Raleigh.  So on Saturday we loaded up the car & headed to my little oasis for a weekend getaway!

It was such a fun weekend of good eats, Farmer's Markets && classic music.

 

Well, yesterday my sweet daddy turned the big 50.  Like my mom, my dad is also very laid back.  He don't get worked up or anxious over much.  My dad is relaxed.  My dad loves the comfort and simplicity of his home - & we knew that is where he would want to celebrate his big day.  So we invited his parents over and had burgers on the grill.  We sang & he blew out candles.  He wore a party hat && a  big smile the whole night.

&& Ashley didn't miss out on the party.  We Face-Timed her in on all the singing and opening of gifts! :)

 

Oh happy day, daddy.  I love you so much.  I cannot explain how much you mean to me.  I am so grateful for your giving heart and your leadership.  You make your family feel so loved, so comforted, so protected in everything you do.  I love you, Douglas.  Stay golden.

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.