🌷🕊 Growing up, my mom would take me and my sister Easter dress shopping where we would find coordinating outfits to match our brother and dad. Every year, we would wake up to hunt for an Easter basket that was hidden somewhere inside of the house. Then we would snap a family porch picture, hop in the car and drive about a mile away to our little country church. And afterwards we would spend the day hunting eggs that we had dyed the weekend before.

This year I have my own little family. And I’m hit with a wave of #gratitude for my parents. I had no idea how much effort goes into keeping family traditions... well... traditions. So shout out to all the parents for making this day special and memorable. It may not seem like a big deal to dye eggs or hide baskets, but it is.

Thank you mom and dad for my magical childhood. I’m so happy I have you as parents. ❣️ I’m thanking my lucky stars for my little family and for this beautiful Earth we get to call home. A planet that awakens each Spring with color and new life. I’m so excited for creating our own traditions together in this sweet little cove.
And of course today I honor and celebrate the story of Jesus. That guy is a special dude- the real deal messenger of hope, love and kindness. Thank you Jesus for being a light for me.

I love this season of hope and renewal so much.

It’s the wee hours of the night. River is asleep on my lap and I don’t want to move him just yet... so here goes...
💙
Man, I’ve been wanting to express my gratitude for all of these people... but I am at a loss for words... I don’t know if it’s the hormones but I start to cry just thinking about how much love and help have been poured over me and Josh and River these past few weeks. Natural child birth followed by a week in the NICU and trying to navigate this new role have been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I truly, seriously, without a doubt could not have gotten through it without our family. *especially my parents who drove back and forth from TN everyday to be by my side.* These are the times that wake and shape you— I am very aware of that and divinely reminded of the love we have in our lives. And that it is ok to accept help. I treasure these people so much. May I always remember how much love and help was given to us during these first days of River’s life. I wholeheartedly love each of you so freaking much. That’s all the words I can manage to string together. LOVE, FAMILY, GRATITUDE, THANKS, BLESSINGS and more LOVE. I am humbled.

Some raw words from my little brother:

We wake up to the world each day
not knowing what is going to come before us,
what He has planned for us.
We have to take it-
bad or good.
It’s planned to do something right
We make mistakes to… teach or to learn.
The next thing is a surprise just as the next.
We live throught it,
we fight
and get through it.
It’s a gift.
-Tucker, age 15

me & brother

I could be wrong, but I don’t think he spent much time on this poem. I’m pretty sure these words just flowed from his brain onto the blank notebook page because it is wrote in a stream of consciousness. As he takes us through his thought process we learn his raw view of life.

Stream of Consciousness is my favorite method of writing. It is so private, so secretive. It is like the writer grants us intimate access to their thoughts and just for a moment we change our perspective and we become inspired. These simple, yet profound thoughts of my little baby brother did just that. Thanks for reminding of what life is about, brother. Today IS a gift from God and you are right we should be thankful for the good and bad days! Life is unexpected and everything happens for a reason. So if you mess up, learn from it and move on. God has a plan, keep your hope.

Thanks Tuck for opening my eyes. I love you and  am so very proud of you.

#Poetry #Brother #life #Inspir #God

Because she is ALWAYS right.

She has been there, done that. So go ahead and pretend you know more than her. Soon you will realize, you don’t. Or you can do yourself a favor and listen to her, take her advice and then tell her thanks. Remember, she is always looking out for your best interests. 🙂

Here are a few life lessons from my mom:

1. No guy is worth your tears.
2. Always be honest.
3. Document everything- photos, videos, words.
4. Profanity is “so unladylike.”
5. It is OK to be indecisive sometimes.
6. Lifetime movies mean serious relaxation time.
7. Keep family close.
8. Trust in God.
9. Breathe, don’t give up.
10. Don’t put limitations on your possibilities.

Love you Momma.

#advice #lifelessons #mothers

Thankful for Ketchup

Studies indicate that even pretending to be thankful raises the level of the chemicals associated with pleasures & contentment. Live as if you feel gratitude and soon the real thing will come!

I remember reading somewhere that 25% of people felt happier after writing a list of the things they were thankful for. So now, whenever I feel a spell of discontentment coming on, I think of all the things God has blessed me with. I immediately feel satisfied and almost foolish for feeling gloomy because I am so lucky to live the life I live. But it’s perfectly normal to feel down from time to time. Just remember, you hold the power to your happiness.

Start a list of all things good.

Today, make a list of the things you are thankful for. Don’t just think about all the good things in your life. Write it down! That way you can add to your list and watch it grow! (Maybe even start a gratitude journal) Try to be specific. You will be amazed at how great your life really is.

Don’t forget the little things.

Those are the most important ones. For example: high waisted pants, receiving “just because” text messages, ENDORPHINS, seeing people enjoying the outdoors, good smelling candles, snow days, caffeine, etc, etc.

Good Things in my Life

1. A supportive family
2. Beautiful girlfriends
3. One loving boyfriend
4. Jinx, crazy cat
5. Colorful dreams
6. Everyday opportunities
7. Music that inspires me
8. Finding peace in the mountains
9. Chocolate (a given)

And list goes on…goodness what a good life! What are you thankful for today?

#Happiness #blessings #allthingsgood #life #grateful