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 lately.

Life seems to be moving a hundred miles a minute lately.  But in the midst of the rush, I have found joy in so many things.  

I have gotten to see one of my best friend's first Young Life talks.  He did sooo good & he spoke such truth to so many high schoolers!

I have volunteered at Victory Junction and met some sweet loves.

 I have taken Sam on a surprise picnic to Jordan Lake.

I have babysat my favorite set of red-headed triplets.

 

 I have been home..where the moon delivered a view of Pilot Mountain I've never experienced and where we ate outside next to a fire.

An incredible weekend to come -- headed to Windy Gap with some of my fave gals!

The one for a summer recap.

 I am back in Raleigh finishing up my last, sweet year at NCSU.  I am very excited, very nervous, happy, sad, anxious.. all of the above.  Thankfully, I am coming off a summer high from being at home for the past couple months. 

To start off, I worked in my own pediatrician's office.  I cannot tell you how great of a experience it was.  I stand firm in knowing that I gained more hands on experience there than I could have anywhere else.  Also, it was such a rewarding experience to be able to see both sides of the practice... one side being the patient for years & years & years, then seeing it completely different from the staff side this summer.  I am so thankful for Dr. Gale & her staff.  Im sure they were ready to bid me farewell at the end with my obnoxious obsession with the Olympics and my crazy dance moves.  But all in all, it was the absolute best way to spend my summer.

This summer at home was full of comfort & familiarity.  I loved being at home with my parents & my brother.  They always made me feel loved... through momma's southern cooking, daddy helping with my laundry, doing things just one on one with each of them, just sitting in the living room together, eating outside, scratching my back and random acts of kindness.  I sure do love my family & I am so thankful I've got such good people to go home to.

Also, at home I was thankful to be there to celebrate both of my parents' 50th birthdays!

This summer I started a girl's bible study for high school girls.  Every week about 8-12 girls would come to my house for an hour to discuss various topics like faith, routine, worth/beauty, and evangelism.  One of my favorite weeks was when we did a small lesson & then did a little evangelistic work at our hometown gas stations.  The girls seemed to really love it also.  I am so thankful for this girls & their spirits!

 

 

I can't talk about my summer without mentioning my working man.  Although I hated living in a different city from him, I think this summer was such a sweet time in his life.  I think living by himself while going through the transition process from full time student to full time employer was a good thing.  I think he really loves his job & I think he enjoys the responsibility that comes with it.

So there is my summer recap.  I am excited to be back in Raleigh && to see what kind of goodness I can squeeze out of this last year!

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.