The Best Day

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I chose the song “The Best Day” by Taylor Swift for the seating of the mothers and grandmothers at our wedding. I cry literally every time I hear this one. It brings back so many memories of my childhood, and one lady that stands out in my mind through it all.

Mama has become one of my best friends. She has guided me, taught me, and loved me. Through her relationship with my Daddy, she’s taught me how to be a wife. Through her relationship with Christ, she’s taught me how to be a daughter to our Heavenly Father. Thank you for everything, Mama! I love you Muches and I had the best day with you today.

The Best Day – Taylor Swift

I’m five years old, it’s getting cold, I’ve got my big coat on
I hear your laugh and look up smiling at you, I run and run
Past the pumpkin patch and the tractor rides, look now, the sky is gold
I hug your legs and fall asleep on the way home

I don’t know why all the trees change in the fall
But I know you’re not scared of anything at all
Don’t know if Snow White’s house is near or far away
But I know I had the best day with you today

I’m thirteen now and don’t know how my friends could be so mean
I come home crying and you hold me tight and grab the keys
And we drive and drive until we found a town far enough away
And we talk and window shop ’til I’ve forgotten all their names

I don’t know who I’m gonna talk to now at school
But I know I’m laughing on the car ride home with you
Don’t know how long it’s gonna take to feel okay
But I know I had the best day with you today

I have an excellent father, his strength is making me stronger
God smiles on my little brother, inside and out, he’s better than I am
I grew up in a pretty house and I had space to run
And I had the best days with you

There is a video I found from back when I was three
You set up a paint set in the kitchen and you’re talking to me
It’s the age of princesses and pirate ships and the seven dwarfs
And Daddy’s smart and you’re the prettiest lady in the whole wide world

And now I know why the all the trees change in the fall
I know you were on my side even when I was wrong
And I love you for giving me your eyes
For staying back and watching me shine
And I didn’t know if you knew, so I’m takin’ this chance to say
That I had the best day with you today

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Mothers and Daughters

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These ladies are two of my best friends. There’s something so special about having a sister you love to be around and a mother you want to be like. On Sunday, I got to go to a mothers and daughters tea with ladies at the congregation I grew up attending. I’m glad Mama called and asked if I wanted to come. Fancy hats, punch, Mama’s chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies, photos, and fun with these women who are two of my biggest blessings. It was a wonderful tea party!

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Easter 2013

We had a great Easter! It was a chance to spend time with my beloved family and look forward to the coming Spring. The weather wasn’t the best, but at least it wasn’t as cold as it has been. We went to our church, to the river for lunch with my family, and then to church and to eat with my parents. I shared some of these photos on Instagram already, but I still wanted to record the day here. Here’s Easter 2013 in photos:

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Christmas 2012

Christmas seems to always come and go so quickly nowadays. As a child it seemed like the day would never come, and even after it was over, you still had a couple weeks off of school to enjoy. I’m back to the real world now, but at least I have some fond memories of Christmas 2012 to think back on.

We had a very blessed and wonderful holiday!

Friday night we celebrated with my dad’s side of the family. Laura hosted us in their beautiful new house! We all brought snacks and finger foods instead of a traditional meal, and I loved it. It was wonderful to see and spend time with everyone. We played a game of Quelf, too, which is so funny. This is Laura, my cousin Rachel, Laura’s dog Betty Jo, and myself. Love them!

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Saturday I did some decluttering and rearranging of our kitchen cabinets. I also baked a lot. That night M and I watched White Christmas – my favorite Christmas movie ever!

Every year my mom’s side of the family spends Christmas Eve at Papa, Ree, and Nickie’s house at the river. I love my large and sometimes chaotic family!

We had a ton of food. This was just the dessert and snack table.

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After we left there on Christmas Eve night we went back to mom and day’s for Christmas with my immediate family. This book was Daddy’s when he was a little boy. He reads it every Christmas Eve to me and Laura. It’s my favorite Christmas tradition!

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Mom, Laura, and I wore matching pj pants!

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Christmas Eve with my family is always so special.

On Christmas Day we normally go up to visit M’s grandparents. Sadly, they weren’t feeling well this year so we didn’t get to go. I know M was so disappointed. We missed being with them. Instead we had a low key day. We exchanged gifts with each other. M got me my dream cookware set!

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It’s so pretty! I’m just so scared I won’t be able to do it justice. I have to brag on M for picking this out for me by himself. He told me about it before Christmas, but before he told me I had no idea!

We went to Waffle House for lunch. It was strange, but anywhere I’m with M makes for a good holiday lunch in my book! We went back to the river after eating and hung out there the rest of the day. We played Dominoes, snacked on leftovers, and enjoyed being with family.

M even got some Polly Pocket time in with Aubree. Ha!

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It was such a good Christmas! I’m blessed with the best family a girl could ask for. How was your Christmas?

Jax Trip – Part 1

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Michael’s parents and sister moved to Jacksonville, Florida about 6 years ago. His oldest brother has lived there since college. I know M misses getting to see them more often. They come up this way a couple times a year for holidays, but we hadn’t been down to visit them in way too long. It was time to take a trip!

We left the day after Thanksgiving and met up with his parents on Saturday. My father-in-law had our trip all planned out with fun things for us to do and see! It was obvious he put a lot of thought and care into making sure we had the best vacation. They were so sweet and spoiled us so much while we were there!

There are lots of memories and photos I want to share from our trip soon. From paper stores to craft fairs to beaches and buildings and boat rides… too much for one post! It was just an all-around wonderful trip. Stay tuned…

Happenings

It’s been pretty eventful around here lately. With work and life and family stuff, I feel like I haven’t had a chance to sit down and write a long post in a while. Love You Muches has become like a scrapbook or journal of my life, so I thought I would write a summary post so I will be sure to remember all these happy moments!

Happenings

1. Our anniversary
Michael and I went to eat at Cracker Barrel for our anniversary. We kept it low key this year because we are trying to save money, but we had a nice night out. He was so sweet and thoughtful in his gift buying. The 2nd anniversary gifts are cotton and china. He bought me a gorgeous china fruit bowl and a Vera Bradley tote bag. I thought it was so sweet!

2. Dad’s birthday

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The other important man in my life had a birthday last week. I look up to and respect my dad so much. I couldn’t ask for a better dad. Happy birthday Daddy!

3. Alabama game

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Our friends Kevin and Jackie asked us to come to the Alabama football game with them on Saturday. Our seats were in the North Zone, which we have never sat in before. It was incredibly nice! The Zone is an inside area with tables and tons of food. We hung out inside before the game started and ate and talked and watched other games on tv. Everyone also has a seat outside in the stadium to watch the game. The food was amazing, and the seats were great.
It’s always fun to get to watch the Tide play at Bryant Denny stadium!

Even better than all that, we got to spend the day with great friends. Roll tide to that :) Thanks, Kevin and Jackie. We had such a great time with y’all!

It was a good weekend

Watched the Olympic Opening Ceremonies at my parents’ house.
Had breakfast at LuVicis.
Watched the guys in the family set up a swingset at my aunt and uncle’s house.
Made an impromptu trip to Hartselle with Mama, Aunt Myra, and Aunt Kathy to return an auger to a rental place.
Went antiquing in downtown Hartselle.
Laughed until I cried.
Bought an antique rocking chair.
Came back to town. Watched Laura take care of Papa who wasn’t feeling well.
Went shopping again Saturday night with Michael, Laura, and Wes.
Had Coldstone cake batter with sprinkles.
Went to worship services.
Helped with a baby shower.
Saw The Dark Night Rises with good friends.
It was a good weekend!

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Papa

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He spent the afternoon on the front porch. He laughed and cracked jokes. He picked on his great grandchildren. Before we snapped this photo, he jokingly told me that this would be the best photo I have ever taken simply because he was in it. I agree that it’s a special photo. Time spent with Papa is a sweet, sweet gift.

It’s no secret that 2011 was perhaps the most difficult year of my life. A year ago, Papa was not doing as well as he is now. He had us all incredibly worried. Long sleepless nights. Somber times in the waiting room of the cardiac intensive care at Vanderbilt hospital. Doctors and nurses. Friends and family. Prayers and hope.

But Papa is a fighter, and God answers prayers. Life is precious, and my Papa is one of my greatest blessings.

I will always be grateful for every chance I have to take a photo with this man.

Loving Examples

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On Saturday we went to Tennessee to celebrate M’s grandparents’ 60th anniversary. It was so wonderful to see some of M’s family and spend time with them.

While we were there, I couldn’t help but think about how blessed we are to have so many positive influences in our lives. Michael’s grandparents are the type of people that you know they have their priorities right just by spending a few minutes with them. They love God and their family, and they love others. I hope 60 years from now, people can say the same thing about us.

Happy anniversary Mammaw and Paw! We love you!