Idiosyncra​sies

In other words, what makes me uniquely me.
The other night, while I was fancifully decorating our home for Christmas, my charming hubby came up to me, engulfed me in a hug, and said,“Come here, Freckles".

Pause.

If you know me at all, even a LITTLE bit, you know I detest my freckles…the reasoning is another story for another time, but think: 3rd grade, boys on the playground, relentless teasing.
For the most part, the freckles I had in 3rd grade have all but disappeared. But the sensitivity to the teasing is still there, and, in the entirety of our relationship, Brian has never called me this nickname. It did not sit well. But while my reaction was less than delighted at his harmless moniker, he was left bewildered. Never had he intended insult, and upon my explaining my disdain for the name, he became further confused.

His point of view being that I should be glad that he loves me the way I am (he ALWAYS insists that I do not wear makeup—and true to this, he always says how beautiful I am when I do not). And what is more, he says I should be glad he notices little details about me…my idiosyncrasies; quirks and characteristics unique to me. And truth be told, after a day or so of mulling this around in my head, I am glad for this. I am so thankful that I can be myself around him.

I can tell stupid jokes, or dance around madly, or quietly cry on his shoulder. I can wear makeup and heels, or waltz around bare-faced and bare-footed. Perfection is something I will never attain, but I am so thankful for a husband who loves me where I am at…though he is constantly pushing me to be a better person at the same time.

Looking at myself through his eyes makes me realize that maybe, just maybe, even my freckles are not so bad.

ThankFULL

I am so thankful, and today, with Thanksgiving upon us, seems the perfect time to count my blessings.

I am thankful for my relationship with God—the hope and peace that comes from knowing Him. I am thankful for my husband, and am amazed that I get to wake up every day next to my best friend, my better half. I am thankful for my Mom, for the unending love and support she freely offers. I am thankful for my Dad—the strong leader he is-- I am so proud to resemble him in any small way. I am thankful for Abbie Ann, who I can always count on for a fun time, or a heartfelt talk . I am thankful for Mike and Mere, and the tremendous example they are to me of a strong and mature marriage. I am thankful for Dan and Tylie—the amazing parents that they have become, and the wonderful friends they’ve always been. I am thankful for my beautiful and bright niece, Saffryn Mary, and my joyful and loving nephew Pierce James—they complete our family so wonderfully! I am thankful for Gammie and Gampie, and the love and encouragement that they provide. I am thankful for Grandma and all the wisdom she has given—and the Godly example she is. I am thankful for my extended family, and the support that they never cease to offer. I am thankful for my new family, particularly Pete and Denise, and how I am blessed to now have two sets of amazing parents.

I am thankful for my friends, and all of the laughter and tears, secrets and celebrations we have shared over the years. I am thankful for their loyalty, their honesty, and their ability to push me and to love me where I am at. I am thankful for my health, and the health of everyone I love so dearly. I am thankful for my freedom, and I am thankful to be an American citizen. I am thankful for our military that has fought so hard to make this a reality for me, and millions of others. I am thankful for my education, and all that I have learned—both in and out of the classroom. I am thankful for my home, and all the joy it brings to share it with my husband. I am thankful for Froggie—he is the bright side of so many days.

I am thankful for my job. For the opportunities surrounding me while living in Dallas. For hard times that make me grow. I am thankful for sunrises. For my passion for running. For lilies and orchids. For music. I am thankful for all of the traveling I have been able to do. For photography. For the majestic mountains. For the sand between my toes on the beach. I am thankful for sunshine. For rainy days. For laughter. For good conversation. I am thankful for coffee. For weekends. For celebrations. For my passion for writing.

I am thankful, so thankful, for my future. I future to share with my husband, and my family. A future in my career, and a future in which to have children. I do not know where life will take me, or what it will look like, but today, I am thankful for my life. For the people who have made it what it is, who have loved me, supported me, challenged me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and fought for me-- for my future.

Today, I am full of thankfulness.

Today you are Two

Happy Birthday to my sweet-and-sassy, cute-as-can-be, beautiful baby niece, Saffryn Mary!

What a joy you are to watch grow!! You are so smart--constantly questioning what is going on around you. You are such a wonderful big sister, always concerned with Pierce's well-being. And you are such a loving and caring little girl. You bring so much joy to your Mom and Dad, and your whole family. I am so blessed to be your Auntie. Happy Birthday, Sweet Saffryn, I cannot believe that you are TWO!

I love you!!!

My "Venti, Bold, No Room" Moments

Sometimes it is the smallest events that truly make my day.
I may be simple minded, easily entertained, or maybe—just maybe—I am learning to live in the moment, to appreciate it more; a tremendous goal of mine.

Today, as I treated myself to a trip to Starbucks (a rare occasion, but much needed after this week), I stood in the obnoxiously long line behind a man with whom, by first glance, I thought I had just one thing in common. He was a runner--literally just wrapping up a run--as am I.

But lo and behold, as he made his way to the front of the line, he confidently ordered a “Venti, Bold, No Room”. Now, for all of you Starbucks lovers out there, it would be of little importance that the customer in front of you spoke in “Starbucks lingo” and ordered your drink. BUT, as previously mentioned, I do not frequent this coffee shop, and so did not know how to order my drink "in lingo".

I do now. Thank you, Random Runner/Man with good coffee taste!

My small accomplishment of today is I no longer have to fumble over my coffee order, answering superfluous questions about cream and sugar from the barista.

Yesterday, coming off an extremely introspective and self-analyzing mood, I walked in to an after school program for underprivileged elementary students (a volunteer assignment I had signed up for). As I stepped in to the classroom, several little girls flocked to my side and smothered me in hugs. They wanted to know all about my life, and, likewise, wanted to share every detail of theirs. They were so sweet, inquisitive, and genuine. The minute I walked in, I was flooded with a feeling of gratitude to these little kids. They represent all that is right with the world. They are full of hope, love and faith in what is good.

Yesterday, by stepping outside of my normal routine and taking time to talk to some adorable children, I was, in return, rewarded with the perspective of a child. They truly live in the moment, and they give with everything that they have. A concept that is so easily lost in the throes of the “real world”. These kids were able to pull me out of my introspection, and remind me that there are more important things than focusing on myself, or my fleeting problems.

I am thankful for these little moments. These asides from the normalcy in my day are what cause me to grow. To be thankful for what I have, to see other people in their situations more clearly. My prayer is that I never grow too busy, too focused on myself, to appreciate the people and the happenings around me. I genuinely hope each day to pause long enough to help someone else—or myself—to take time to appreciate the smallest detail, or the simplest joy.

You Can Dress Him Up & You Can Take Him Out

My husband is the best date I could ever ask for.

Last weekend, at one of my closest friend’s weddings—where he knew me, her and one other bridesmaid—he stepped up. He ended up making friends with the father of the bride, the father of the groom, brothers and grandmother of the bride, and the pastor who officiated the ceremony…among others.

You can certainly take this man anywhere. He is a great dance partner and I love the way he spins me around the floor. He is friendly, incredibly social, and fun, and he knows how to be the life of the party. But at the same time, he knows how to make someone else feel like they are.

Bottom line is I was so thankful to have him by my side to share in such a beautiful celebration. And I am so thankful to have him next to me, as my partner, for life.

I am blessed to be married to my best friend.

There is no one whom I would rather share the dance floor, the many celebrations that may come, or my entire life with.

A Match Made in...

You guessed it: Heaven.

This past weekend, I had the honor and privilege of being a part of Audra and Charles Long’s wedding. These two were made for each other and it was such a joy to see them so in love, and finally getting married!

Audra and Charles are some of the most hard-working, driven, kind, and sincere people I know. They are inspiring to watch, as they continually put each other first, and selflessly care for their relationship above their own individual wants or needs.

I am so, so happy for you both and pray God’s richest blessings on your marriage, and your future together!

I love you and Congratulations!!!