Coffee Date Friday: With Love From Aiken

Good Morning, y'all! Welcome back to Coffee Date Friday, brought to you via link up with Rags to Stitches. If we were to gather today, wrapping up this BEAUTIFUL week o' Autumn, I would hope that you would sit back, relax, and dive in with all things YOU as I poured you a steaming cup of coffee and then, a refill, as I listened intently as you shared your week. 

When I was updated on all things YOU, I would share the following about little ol' me:

...If you can believe it, that we are on the road again this weekend! While my hub will be attending my soon-to-be brother-in-law's bachelor party, the kids and I will be heading to Aiken for the weekend to spend some awesome time with my "in-laws." I am really looking forward to (more!) quality family time. 

...That the home decor revamp continues. This week, we had two beautiful sconces installed over our family room sectional and also added a fun new rug to our keeping room. We are expecting some big furniture arrivals over the next few weeks, and I can't wait!!

...That I am feeling very stress-free over my little buddy's impending 4-year-old birthday party, despite doing very little party prep to speak of just yet. I was hoping to keep things special and fun but also low-key with his party this year. So far, so good! Just a little over a week 'til his big day!

...That, to get a little cheesy for minute, I feel so blessed to be doing this LIFE thing with my hub. He is my rock, an incredible support system, a voice of assurance, love, and reason and has definitely helped me get through a few rough moments lately. I am a lucky girl.

...That I loved getting to see two of my best friends from high school, and their beautiful kiddos, when I was at my parents' house last weekend. You know those friends you only get to see once or twice a year but it feels like you just saw them yesterday each time you see them? Yeah. That. Loved spending time with them. :)

...That I would eat Nutella for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I could. I mean, is there any better way to start the day than with a warm, chocolately hazelnut spread on toast? I think not. Well, I guess if a Pumpkin Spice Latte is thrown in, it's pretty much perfection.

...That I cherish Thursdays. Because, while Monday/Wednesday/Friday my Banks has school and Tuesdays we have playdates with our playgroup, Thursdays are my day with just my little duo. No one else. And I love that. I look forward to Thursdays so much and the memories I am making with my babies. Yesterday, we celebrated our day with a trip to a local apple orchard. I've got two words for you: Cider Doughnuts. Delish!! I'm already looking forward to the adventure that next Thursday holds!

...That I am still praying for my unnamed prayer request and am asking, hoping, and wishing that you will, too.

...That I love kicking off the weekend with a Clemson victory! My hub was able to cheer the Tigers on to a W live in Raleigh last night. Let's hope this winning streak continues!

And, as we reached the end of our conversation, and the end of our caffeine, I would give you a warm hug before we parted ways. Until next time...

2013 Fall Bucket List

Okay, okay. So. I know it's not officially Fall yet, but it will be official on Sunday. Plus, the temperatures are dipping, the leaves are slowly starting to change, Pumpkin Spice Lattes have hit the market, and college football is a given for Saturday plans. In my book, that means it's officially time for a Fall Bucket List!

I found this adorable (free!) bucket list printable from Kleinworth & Co., and thought, "If it ain't broke..." All of these items definitely look like things we'll be aiming to do this Fall anyway. So, I thought I'd share the wealth!

From Kleinworth & Co.

Given that my hub and I are die-hard Clemson fans, we can certainly already cross "Watch Football" off the list. We made it to the first two home games so far, and my hub will be heading to Raleigh tomorrow night to cheer on the Tigers as they take on NC State. So, our first item has officially been checked off. 

I also have a little something special up my sleeve for my kiddos and I to do, just the three of us, tomorrow (more on that in this week's Coffee Date Friday). So. There'll be another checkmark coming soon.

For now, enjoy the free printable. I hope you have fun checking things off your bucket list, too, if you're into that sort of thing. 

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Currently...Yet Again...

Following up on the first and second time I wrote using this prompt since it's been awhile. 

Currently, I am:

Loving...having some solo time with my Raleigh three half-days a week. It's really been fun to break out the girly toys, play dress-up, and attend our weekly gymnastics class together. Like I tell her every single night, she's my best pal. 

Reading...my usual blogs in regular rotation. Sigh. I need a new book to read. Actually, LIFE is telling me that I think it's about time I pick another Andy Stanley edition...

Waiting for...things to sloooooow down a little. With all these showers and parties and football games and house updates and social gatherings and, well, LIFE, things just feel busy all the time. Not that I'm complaining--these are all fun things to be occupied by--but man! I will be excited when we have a free weekend to do absolutely nothing, whenever that time may come. :)

Excited about...how much fun we had over this last weekend at my sister's couples shower. We went with a Southern theme, incorporating a lot of burlap and lace and twine and mason jars and sunflowers. There was a great turn out, the food was delicious, and the bride and groom looked beautiful. All in all, a Southern success!

Trying to...not apologize for my feelings anymore. I think everyone is entitled to their own feelings. I am also trying to think more about the way I express what I'm thinking. Because while I certainly feel strongly that everyone is entitled to their own feelings, and everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinion, the delivery of one's own opinion can be a powerful tool--one that can both hurt and help relationships. And just because I have an opinion does not make it fact or truth. It makes it my opinion. My perspective. I am trying to remind myself of this frequently. And honestly? Wishing others would as well. 

Working on...not losing my patience with a certain lil' toddler who loves pushing both limits and her big brother's buttons. Keep Calm and Momma On. 

Enjoying...the fact that I'll get to spend time with my in-laws this weekend in order to celebrate one of my nephew's first birthdays. I've said it before and I'll say it again, family time makes my heart soar. So. I'll be flying high this weekend. 

Using...My "Bert Show" app every morning when I am up before the rest of my household,  getting ready for the day. The "Bert Show" is this awesome morning radio show I used to listen to religiously when getting ready for, and driving to, work when we lived in Atlanta. Now, they have an app allowing me to listen both live and to segments On Demand. Call me a nerd. But, I love me some "Bert Show."

Wearing...my stackable rings, every single day, as a reminder of what is most important to me. Each has its own special meaning, and I love simply looking down to see those reminders. 

Planning...my little buddy's upcoming birthday and party! Less than two weeks 'til we celebrate the big 0-4. His party invitations went out a few weeks ago, and I've been picking up little things for the party here and there. And boy, have we got a surprise for our car-loving buddy on his actual birthday. His mind will be blown. :)

Singing...nap and bedtime duets with my babies to our songs. Nothing sweeter than hearing their precious voices singing alongside mine. 

Needing...to find a good daily devotional app. Open to any and all suggestions!

Learning...that life doesn't always follow the rules. So. Why should I?

Listening to...the calming ebb and flow of the crashing waves...on my daughter's nap time sound machine. Hey-a girl can dream, right?

Wishing...for good things to happen for good people. 

Doing...some soul-searching. Trying to change the bad and foster the good. It's a day-to-day battle. But. I am a warrior. 

Dreaming of...changing leaves, fireside s'mores, warm coffee on a cool porch, pumpkin-picking and homemade apple-pie-making. Autumn.

Coffee Date Friday: On The Road Again

Top o' the mornin' to you, friends! Linking up with Rags to Stitches again for our weekly coffee date. I'm so glad you stopped by for a visit. My coffee always tastes much better with company. 

Should we meet up for banter and bevs today, I would say:

First and foremost, how are YOU? I hope that life is treating you well these days. I would sit quietly and enjoy my time with you, between sips of iced coffee.

I would then share with you...

...That my heart has been heavy with hard news lately. None of which is my business to share with even you, my friend, as it is not my own news to share. But. I just don't understand the way the world works sometimes. It is times like these that I cling to my faith and pray with open arms and open heart. I hope you will do the same for those in your life and mine. Life is just really HARD sometimes. It's just HARD. And I don't understand why.

...On a happier note, that I have been busy, busy, busy helping to get the final details in order for my baby sister's couples shower this weekend. We are headed to my parents house for the par-tay and are expecting a LARGE turn-out; so, I anticipate a very fun weekend celebrating two people who are very much in love. And there is very little I love more than celebrating others' special days; so, this weekend will be a real treat. Add on to that spending time with family, and I am one happy Momma.

...That we had some custom (burlap!) curtains installed yesterday! What do you think? I love them. :)

...That I am ready to welcome Fall with open arms and new boots, but it looks like these Summer temps plan to stick around awhile. 

...That, given all of the shower/birthday/wedding/celebration craziness that has, and will continue to, decorate my life the last few/upcoming months, my children's book has sadly been placed on the backburner. I am SO close to having all the images I need. I'm thinking one more plea for the final images is in order so I can get this thing to press!! 

...That I am ready for all the new shows to begin this month. Especially HOMELAND!!! I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you don't watch it, you MUST!! Trust me! It is gooooood.

...That my little lady's poop situation seems to have improved since undergoing a two-week bout with probiotics. Just when I was prepared to take a stool sample, things took a turn for the better. Here's hoping it stays that way! And sorry for the TMI. I am just happy I am no longer drowning in poop. What? Still TMI? My bad. 

...That after crazy, conflicting summer schedules, our playgroup has our regular, weekly schedule up and running. And there are now three new additions to our group, all beautiful baby boys. I'm excited to be able to watch this next generation of our playgroup bond and grow together. 

I would then give you a big, warm Southern hug as we parted ways and wish you the best as we began our weekend adventures. Y'all come back now, ya hear? 

The Day That Heroes Were Born

Where were you 12 years ago? 

What were you thinking when you saw the images? 

Were you in a state of disbelief? Of shock? Of fear? 

Did you, could you, imagine what it must have been like to be there, seeing the nightmare come to life?

Did you, could you, imagine how you would have felt if you would have been a family member to have gotten the life-changing call? 

How did you feel walking around that day, and the days that followed, after the unimaginable had happened?

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These are hard questions to answer. To be honest, they're hard for me to even write. 

But. I think it does a disservice to ourselves, to our country, and to those whose lives were sacrificed that day 12 years ago, to not remember the tragedy and the terror of that day. 

Today, though, rather than hide behind the tears that have already fallen in remembrance, rather than seek shelter from the emotions that come rushing back at the first sight of those images, rather than cower away from the terror that was that day, I will instead, resoundly proclaim,

I will never forget.  

And rather than focus on the shock, on the fear, on the sadness, on the disbelief, that colors that day, I will choose to focus on the heroes among us, who have fought for our safety domestically, that day and the days that followed, and have since protected us overseas. 

While I will always remember 9/11 for what it was, I will also remember it for what it became:

A day when heroes were born.

Thank you for your heroism. On this day, I honor you. 

Year One As Fort Millians

One year ago yesterday, we moved from Atlanta, Georgia, to Fort Mill, South Carolina, to begin a new life in a new house in a new neighborhood in a new town in a new state. And I started my new job as a stay-at-home Momma. 

I cannot believe it has been a year! It has been a year of trying to figure out how to be the best stay-at-home Momma I can be. I have learned the areas where I think I am doing well in this role (focusing my time on my babies and giving them opportunities to learn and have fun in creative, educational, and social ways) as well as areas where I could use some improvement (no surprise here: I get an F- in cooking). 

Also, during our year we have: 

• Made new friends, of all ages, and had a lot of fun creating wonderful memories with them

• Joined, and started volunteering in the children's nursery in, a new church

• Participated in lots of fun neighborhood events, including holiday activities, pool parties, children's activities, and, of course, Bunco!

• Joined a softball team (my hub) and a co-ed kickball team (both my hub and me)

• Cheered Banks on as he played his first seasons of soccer and teeball and tackled swim lessons, too!

• Watched Raleigh shine as she began her first organized activity: gymnastics!

• Explored lots of fun children's activities and events around the Charlotte area as part of our weekly playgroup

• Started new school years...twice!

• Taken advantage of all our neighborhood has to offer, including spending time on the golf course, tennis courts, pool, playground, and local farm market

• Made awesome family memories around our kiddos' quiet little hometown

• And, most importantly to us, had so many wonderful visits from so many members of our family

I'm not sure how we're going to top our first year here in Fort Mill. But. We sure will do our best to continue the fun-seeking and memory-making! And with that, Year One is officially in the books.