Birthday wrap up/catch up...

We wrapped up Kole's birthday with a delicious, creamy, chocolaty, gooey, carmely, toffee cake!  And yes, I made Kole make a wish and blow out the candles.  I warned that I will always make him do this. : )  

We have enjoyed this sinfully delicious dessert all week and I'm praying her finishes it soon, because it has got to go!

  (I will post this recipe later, easy and amazing!!!!)

Before we celebrated Kole's birthday, we made a quick trip to the beach to celebrate my dad's birthday.  We love going to my dad's because his house is on the bay and it is always so nice and relaxing.  The sun was setting when we got there, so I had to take a few pictures.

 Kole was so excited to see dad's new boat...the Bad Boy!  And the name is so fitting because it is pretty awesome!

 Kole said over and over how awesome it was.  I don't know a lot about boats, but apparently the four motors on the back is a HUGE deal!  In the short time we were out there, about five people drove by on their boats to take pictures.  Even though I don't know much about them, it is a pretty amazing boat!

 Kole was a little disappointed he couldn't have his own Bad Boy ; )

 Like father like son...they are so much alike.  Can you tell?

 We spent the evening grilling out on the patio overlooking the bay.  It was the perfect way to spend time with dad and celebrate his birthday!

The newly weds still glowing with wedding bliss!  So cute!

 We were so happy to celebrate dad's birthday with him!  It was a fun quick trip!

After a great night, this is what we woke up to the next morning!  Ahhh...I think I could get use to waking up to that every morning! ; )

Happy Birthday to Dad and Kole!

and

 Happy Memorial Day 

to all of you!

Way Back When-Birthday Edition...

In honor of a very special birthday....


Way back when, he was a good friend that I secretly thought was cute.

Then I didn't see him for few years, but God had big plans and brought him back into my life. We dated....

I liked him from the beginning, and it didn't take long to realize I loved him.

And after a few years, I was lucky enough to say I do to my best friend!

And he still makes me smile just as much today as he did way back when!  

Today I celebrate the person I lean on, the person who shares my hurt and my laughter, the person who gives me strength, and the person who is always able to make me smile.

Happy Birthday to You

my sweet sweet husband!

I love you!

Sarah...

This week I have been thinking of my best friend Sarah.  We became friends long ago, having spend the night parties and playing in our tree house.   This was my first picture with my new friend, little did we know, there would be years and pictures full of memories together.

We were friends, even through the most "awkward" stages of our life...skinny, knobby knees, braces and all!  But the important part was that I had someone to go through it with.  

 Then the dances began and so did our interest in boys!  Thankfully, we went through it together, tears, laughter, broken hearts and all!

That was only the beginning, we started our first day of high school together!  Boy were those the days!  Sarah and I were attached at the hip and we had the time of our lives.  Sarah lived about two streets over, so we were together every chance we got!  And any time we were together was filled with fun!  This is us with our friend Jenn.  We were the three musketeers!  I would give anything to go back to those carefree days!

Sarah was a sweet soul and she was the greatest friend.  She loved me for me and stuck by me through the good and the bad.  She taught me what a best friend really is and I am so thankful that I am fortunate enough to call her my best friend.


Ten years ago this week, I lost my best friend, Sarah in a tragic car accident.  It was the worst day of my life, and it still seems like yesterday.  Today, I can only think of Sarah and smile.  I have thought of her and missed her everyday since then.  She has always been my best friend, now she's my angel too.  I often wish she was hear to talk, to but I feel in my heart that she is always with me.

I smile when I think of Sarah.  The funny things she would say and do, but most of all the amazing friend that she was.  I am so thankful that I am able to call this precious person my best friend forever.  I will always miss her and love her, but know I will be able to hug her again someday!

"I thank my God every time I remember you."

Philippians 1:3

Way Back When-Mother's Day Edition

This was way back when....

 (Please note the New Kids on the Block t-shirt...I mean they were the Jonas Brothers of my day!)

And this is now....

 Our family has grown since way back when and mom now has a new son and a new daughter too!

My oh my how times flies!  We have made some wonderful memories and we have been so blessed.  I know that there are still blessings in store for our family and many more memories to come.  Thank you Mom for all you do for us!  Thank you for your unconditional love, support, encouragement, and prayers.  You are such a blessing to us and we are so lucky to call you Mom!  I love you!

Happy Mother's Day!

Wedding Weekend-Part II

The big day was finally here!  Wes and Alyssa walked down the isle to become Mr. and Mrs. Dean!  The girls spent most of the day with the bride getting ready.  The guys had an early morning golf game before heading to the church.  Wes and Alyssa were so cute...they could hardly wait to see each other.

 After getting ready, I took sometime to take a few pictures of the beautiful decorations.

 Pictures of my Memaw and Grandaddy.  

One of my favorite things about the day...my Memaw recently passed away and Wes walked down the isle with a single white rose to place where she would be sitting.  It was a very special moment for everyone, but it was tough day as we all wished she was there.  But we all knew she was there. ; )

 I snuck away to check on my sweet brother!

 Alyssa was the most gorgeous bride I had ever seen!

 This is Cameron and Brittney, they are some of Alyssa's friends that I absolutely adore!!!  I had sooo much fun with these girls!

 My mom and me...is she gorgeous or what!!!

The pictures a little blurry but I was trying to get a picture of the cute monogram on the flower girls' bows.  It was the perfect little detail.

After the ceremony we all hurried over to the Gathering Place in Headland for the reception. We caught up with the newly weds and were lucky enough to get these cute pictures!

 The reception was gorgeous!  Every little detail was absolutely breathtaking!

 The guys were apparently a little tired after the ceremony 

 I love my new sister so much!  She is just precious and my brother is one lucky guy!

 Alyssa with her sister Mandy

 The cutest little flower girls in the world!

 And this handsome little fella kept us very entertained during the ceremony.  He kept asking his dad if he could go to sleep.  He eventually said yes and Mason laid on the floor and put his hands behind his head.  Can't blame him, he'd had a long day.  Too cute!

 Mom was so proud to have her dance with her sweet baby boy!

 And this good looking thing made my night!  I always love having him by my side and I have to say he doesn't look too bad either ; )

 Mom and Chuck

 The band was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!!!  We danced the night away and it was so much fun!

 Me and Mom just had to get a picture with the groom

 Its official, they are now Mr. and Mrs. Dean!!!!

 These two are also Mr. and Mrs. Dean...they are my sweet grandparents

Now are they a pretty family or what!!!

 Love these girls!  Aunt Paula is like a mom to me and Hannah has always been my little sis!

 My Mom with her gorgeous friends.
Ok off the subject for a second, but Hannah and Derek are brother and sister and Wes and I grew up with them.  They have always been like a brother and sister to Wes and I and we are so close!  This was us back then....

And this is us now....have we grown up or what! (tear...)

 The best things about weddings is getting to spend time with our family that we love so dearly...

 This is Sarah!  She and I are the only two girls out of 15 grandchildren on my mothers side of the family!  She is insanely beautiful on the inside and out!  

It was the perfect night in every way!  And I just loved celebrating two of my favorite people!  Wes and Alyssa are a such a sweet couple and I can't wait to see the blessings God has in store for them!  I love you both so much!
And I am so thankful to call Wes my little brother!