ASHLEY'S BABY SHOWER

Every bump has a story…the weeks, the months, the years it took to come by it. 

My best friend now has a bump with its own unique story that is her story to share.

BUT I can tell you it is a beautiful story and she is a beautiful friend who I love dearly. So, naturally, I have been waiting, busting at the seams, to celebrate and throw a par-TAY for the little miracle in that bump.

A few weeks ago, a few other friends who were also busting at the seams to celebrate the mommy-to-be reached out to join in the planning, crafting, baking and creating. Talie from www.funnybeautiful.com and I took on venue and decor while Melissa and Natalie made an incredible spread of food and drink. (Good thing because no one would have wanted the microwave dishes I would have whipped up. ;) This group of girls was so impressive and hard working. You know the kind; they are gorgeous in and out, create gorgeous things and make others feel gorgeous. Impressive they are indeed.

Yesterday it all came together and we finally got to shout out (by way of tiny handmade felt flowers, personalized invites, iced cookies and cakes, ranunculus and roses, savory eats, and poms upon poms) "Hurray!" "Yes!!" And "Welcome, baby girl!" 

Enjoy the pics and thank you Talie for sharing!

 

 

 

HILTON HEAD.

We drove off Hilton Head island last Saturday with our windows up this time because Marin was already sound asleep in the back. After nodding to Andy that she was snoozing, we shared a silent it-was-great-trip hand squeeze then sat quietly before I dozed off to leave Andy by his driving lonesome.

Sometimes it feels like we drive off that island a different couple each year.

The first year, we had the BIG talk, you know? There on that little beach walk we realized, whoa, this is it. It's when I realized peace comes flooding in when it's the right guy. 

Each year, this trip, with all its tradition, helps me see from a distance where we've been and how far we've come as a couple, as newlyweds, as new parents.

Tradition will do that to you.

Last year we wobbled a perfectly covered stroller, 100% UV protected baby and perfectly packed diaper bag to the beach each day. New parents alert.

This year we let Marin run free in her excitement to get to the "wa wa", a skinned knee to show for it. Two parents following close by who are a bit more free and grace-giving than ever with each other. This was the year of watching honey dew drip down Marin's chin in smiling delight  each morning. It was the year we saw that she loves some things fearlessly like the big deep ocean and the big deep love of family.  It was the year of let's not worry about the "schedule" so much and "sure she can eat those Pringles". It was the year of morning jogs again, just like we did when we were dating. It was the year of let the baby take her naps on the beach. Oh glorious moment of a salty, smiley waking baby. It was the year of board games till midnight.

It was a beautiful year.

Makes me wonder who we will be when we drive off the island next year and what God has in store. 

I'm sure it will be good, like throw-us-up-in-the-air-and-show-us-how-little-we-are-and-how-much-He-loves-us good.   

 

 

SI & EZ THREADS GIVEAWAY

click on logo to visit the shop

I came across Si & Ez Threads on Instagram.  These adorable t-shirts stood out to me because they spoke life over the little ones wearing them.  One t-shirt in particular stood out, Little Warrior, a prayer we’ve always said over Marin, you know…that she would be strong, courageous and ready to stand up for what is true and good in this world. 

The cute vintage tee company was started by a mom and dad who love dressing their boys, Silas and Ezra, in clothes that speak their destiny over them.  Refreshing in this world we live in –right?  Not only are the designs so cute, but  Si & Ez Threads gives back 10% of all they make to the community so it's a product to feel so good about.  I love a product with purpose and if you do too, it is pretty much your lucky day because you can enter below to win your choice of any one of these limited edition tees. 

Okay, so here's how you can WIN one of these! Or any from their online shop.
First, check out some of these blogger buddies of mine who are teaming up with me to bring these tees your way. (click on for link)

-Notes from the Nelsens
-Maddie Moes
-Him and Her and him

Lovely, right?  Now just choose your entries in the rafflecopter below and hopefully I'll be giving you a shout next Monday, and your little tot will be running around in one of these tees soon!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 A winner will be picked in a week, but if you can’t wait to snatch some of these up, Si & Ez is offering 15% off all their products through the end of July with the checkout code SIEZ15.

Oh and this company works with pre-oders so don’t miss this amazing window!

TOP 10 SIGNS WE'VE COME DOWN WITH A FIFA FEVA (YEAH THAT'S BAD)

10. Marin ended up with this wild head of hair during that nail biting game today.

9.   When accidently stubbing a toe or running into each other, we roll on the ground and hold our necks.

8.  Marin has started kicking her ball around the house, a new milestone. Even the babe is getting in on the action!

7.   I spent an entire baby's nap reading random facts about the World Cup.  Yikes.

6.   I may or may not have woken up a bit cranktastic but quickly kicked the bad attitude when I remembered today was USA vs. Belgium. (Might have to cry myself to sleep on that one.)

5.   I have begun narrating the days events in a British accent, but mostly in my head, luckily for everyone. 

4.  We have replaced the word zero in our vocabulary with “nil”

3.   We are considering the name Tim Howard for future children (boy or girl)

2.  Why? #becausefutbol that’s why.

1.  This text between me and the husband today. (Next to air on "Top 10 Reasons we are lameazoids)