Loving the brokenhearted

It's so easy to knock people when they're down. We kick them while it hurts, and all too often we just aren't aware of their inner battles. I'm sure I've written about this before. But it's a new day, a new time and I'm just not sure my role in any of it. Like I said, it is easy to complain or nag but it's not for us to judge. We are here to love and encourage. Maybe even steer a little, whatever the case may be. Everyone has made mistakes & everyone has their moments when they're stuck. I've been stuck many of times. I've blogged about the majority of them. Nursing school, moving, relationships, friendships, everything.  Then once in a blue moon we are on the other side of that rut. How we handle these things isn't how everyone else handles things, what we do just isn't made for anyone. I'm a crier. Sometimes retail therapy works, writing, and lots of alone time does the trick. Some things we will never rid ourselves of because of our decisions. Those consequences, well they like to follow us around. It's how we deal with them that makes us the people we become. This time it's not about me. Loving the brokenhearted isn't easy, but in the end it's the best option we have. They may push and they may pull but I think that's when they need us more than ever. We might not have the right words to say or ideas to help them heal, but we have love. We know we can pull them in tight, literally or figuratively, and we can pray that whatever happens will be the best for them. We can love them wholeheartedly. We can expect nothing in return, only that their heart is healed. Sometimes I can be a bit selfish, but this isn't about my needs or my wants. It's about those we love the most.

pinterest

So Long Alabama

My best friend is leaving me. Really, he is just moving a few states to the west but it feels like they're moving across the world. In 2 short weeks, they're packing up and starting a brand new journey as husband and wife, not in Alabama. Most of it hasn't sunk in. We aren't in denial, we just aren't wishing our days away. See, both the bride and groom are super close with their families. That groom is my brother & we talk daily. All of us are annoyingly close. Most just don't understand. We talk to our parents daily & siblings constantly. It's just who we are. Bride and groom alike. To say they'll be missed is an understatement. To say I haven't shed many tears would be a lie. Their wedding was one for the record books. They are both loved beyond words and are two of the most gracious people you'd ever meet. They give, they listen & they love... wholeheartedly & do so with open minds and hearts, never expecting anything in return. My brother is one of my best friends. We fight, only when he uses forks on my non stick pans & we always confide in one another over life's greatest challenges. The ease of lunch & dinner dates will now be FaceTime & texts dates but I know their move is one of the greatest & happiest decisions they've made thus far. My going to be missing them is purely selfishness, because deep down we all couldn't be happier for their new journey. God is leading them on a brand new adventure that few ever try. They are starting their future on a clean slate in a brand new city paving their own path. So, while my tears might be of sadness, my heart couldn't be happier for my new sister in law and brother. Their future is looking brighter than ever.

Think Pink

Of course, most people know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This year it means so much more, because one of our own has been battling breast cancer since being diagnosed last December. I am so thankful for one sweet co worker to let me swap days so I could join in on the Fun Run here in Birmingham. We can all do so much to help!

Just

Think

Pink

And...

 

If you would like you can donate to Michele's team here. Just click right below!

 

 Michele's team!

Since you've been gone...

We just got our cable/internet hooked up at the new apt...and a little more settled in. I'm not sure how many of my shows I missed, but I am trying to catch up. So, here's what I happened while I've been away...I got my hair cut & colored. I love keeping it dark, just need to keep it up on a regular basis.

We welcomed this princess into the world.

Reece Anne has 2 excited siblings.

And that sister of hers loves to cuddle.

We finally moved and started making it home. I, of course, found this snazzy idea on pinterest.

This one too.

The other night at work, Gigi's cupcakes brought us some delicious goodies.

And duh...

Not really. I just thought this was too funny. I am excited to get back into blogging with our internet back up. I've had so many changes in the past few weeks so it is nice to be settling into a new normal. 

Life is grand. Happy Thursday.

Whites & Stripes.

I think I need to be on the look out for some white skinnies and a blue & white striped sweater. Love all of these color palettes. 

Inspiration

I am loving Pinterest these days. I am not sure if its because I have 4 days off each week (to do nothing), or that I am moving... but I am loving all things home. Or in my case, apartment. In the last post, I painted my chevron canvases, and I think they turned out pretty cute. Now, I am so excited that I found the 5X5 frames at Michael's to recreate this beauty.

I didn't buy 16 frames, just 9 for now. Did you know you can order your Instagram photos with the app PoastalPix? The app is free and the prints are only .89 cents! I am so looking forward to my prints coming in and my wall going up!

Pretty in pink Purple

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• I know, I know... I broke out my favorite coral dress again, but I just had too.
• Today, we had a diapers and wipes shower for my sister and baby Reece.
• This was my first party to pull together, but I had lots of great help!
• We loaded up on everything purple, and the painting was done by a close family friend.
• Miss Meghan and I used the cricut for all the crafts.
• We found some great ideas online for the banners. 
• We had delicious sweet treats and lots of good food that everyone brought.
• Meghan and I made the cupcake toppers, but another family friend made the cupcakes. Here is her website. Everything she makes is so good, and such a reasonable price!
• We used paper straws at my friend Anna's baby shower, so I had to get some for today!
• She had such a good little turn out, and I am just so grateful to everyone who helped and who came. 

THANK YOU! 

To my Dad.

I always seem to be one day late. I am terrible at that "photoaday" on Instagram because I am always posting my days... late. Well, I don't think my Dad will be to upset, because he secretly loves making appearances on the blooog. He is my #1 reader, and I am sure my biggest fan. I am one blessed girl, and I just don't think a girl could have a better Dad. Happy Father's Day, one day late. :)

Hair today, gone tomorrow

But not in a Nair kind of way.

I have never used Nair. I have super sensitive skin so can't even begin to imagine the kind of damage that would do to my already bothersome skin problems. But not nearly the damage chemotherapy does to those loved ones of ours fighting the battle. Cancer. It just isn't fair. Sure it is killing those cancer cells and ultimately healing the cancer, but does it have to take their hair too? Maybe that's just the price to pay. I can't speak for anyone in regards to this. I can't say at least it's not something else. Hair is a big deal. I complain about mine on a weekly daily basis, but I would be devastated without it. It is such a security blanket, and the thought of going without, well that should never cross our minds. I've spoken about this before. Right here. And I have said it is just hair, it should not define who we are, but it does let the world know that our battles are probably greater than theirs and it puts us in a much more vulnerable position. Not because we let it, but because everyone knows what it means, what it stands for. I can't say don't let it define you. I am grateful to have never had that weighing on my mind. But it does to millions of people every single day. It does to those closest to us. It does to one very special lady. We wish we could take those added burdens away, but we can't. However, we can pray with all we have and give it all to God, because one day it will come back just as beautiful as before. And that it will, because the battle might temporarily take our hair, but only for a moment. Most changes are scary changes. Big or small. Long or short. We just can't stop praying and we won't.

I'm not an Auburn fan.

but holy hottie. Zac Efron is just too cute for words. I just watched New Years Eve, and it made him that much cuter. Also, I think he would be even cuter sporting some UofA gear...just saying.

Instagram in review.

Last weekend I went to the lake

I had a little chinese carry out

hung out with my Lu, of course

and Ryleigh too

started June's photo a day on instagram

and found out Dexter starts back in September...

whoop whoop

Mother's day

Mother's day was far less busy than our Friday and Saturday. We went to church then had a nice breakfast at Panera.

I hope all you blogger moms had a wonderful mother's day too!