10 cups of flower

{Found on Pinterest}

[Spring Flowers in South Carolina - found in my mom's and mother-in-law's gardens]

Thanks to Lauren for the cute title inspiration :)

i HEART Charleston

I would really LOVE to live here.

Palm trees are everywhere.

The beach is close by.

Fun colorful houses.

Huge wrap around porches.

Summer 2007

Matt and I share a love for this city.

After meeting in Dec 2006, Matt went to study abroad in Paris. When he came back and I came home after the Spring semester ended, we spent our first day date -ever- in Charleston. We went to Folly Beach, walked around downtown, went to the Battery, and had lunch at Hyman's Seafood Restaurant. 

A few weekends ago, we went down to Charleston. We stayed at Matt's older brother & his wife's home. Everyone was in town for the Cooper River Bridge Run.

About 25,000 - 40,000 people (yes you read that right) run and walk in this race every year.

The race day was beautiful. Sunshine (low 70's) with a strong breeze.

There was a costume contest 

The entire gang that ran in the race

Matt's younger brother & his Girlfriend

taken from the CRBR website: previous Biggest Loser contestants ran in the race this year

Charleston truly is so beautiful with real Southern character.

There is an open market.

Awesome restaurants.

Architecture.

Shopping. and so much more.

We went to church at Redeemer Presbyterian on Sunday morning

Then, had lunch afterwards @ Hyman's Seafood

Maybe someday we will call this home- Lord willing.

For now, I can dream :)

What is Easter?

Please take some time to read through this link below:

Figuring out the Cross-Centered Life by Ann Voskamp

have you read it yet?











After subscribing to A Holy Experience about a month or two ago, I had just been briefly reading or perusing through each post. They seemed so long and I didn't have the "time".

The past few days have been very stressful. My mind and heart have been in turmoil and I craved the time to spend in reflection and prayer. I hadn't set aside any time since the past Saturday. But, what did I do?
Instead, I turned on the television and opened my computer to check my email and look at my Reader for new blog posts.....

as I scrolled down, I came across this post.
And I read it.

and I cried.
I mean tears flowing down, throat closing up, CRIED.
I cried for the truth of it all, the hope and love that I have for my brother.....For my family. For my husband. For my friends. For the nation. For the world.....For what?

To know the Saviour of the Universe in a personal loving relationship. With this Sunday being Easter, I am reminded of that time so long ago when I was baptized as a profession of my faith. In a swimming pool at the age of 8, I shared the reason I had come to belong to Christ.

"That for a Christian, identity isn't so much about figuring out who he is---- but accepting Whose he is.


That Christians are the walking dead, fully-- and only-- ALIVE in Christ.


For that is what the Easter people really are: Rotting cadavers to the flesh, resurrected Christs in the faith"


And reading that brought me back to the sacred beauty of Christ's death and resurrection. The reason why we celebrate Easter.

What I've Been Up To

Crafts with my sister (when my parents came to visit)-

Seeing Spring Flowers (with Lucy pup)-

 A visit to Charleston (post coming soon)-

Love this face

Making a Spring Paper Banner-

My Momma's Homemade Lasagna (Best ever)-

Making Gifts for Friends-

There is plenty more, but that's all for now :)

April Showers Bring....

We have known Danielle and Steven through our church at home and its softball league (while the men play, the women "watch" and talk) for the past almost 2 years. They are graduates of The University of Georgia (where they met) and are huge Bulldogs fans! They were married on July 18, 2008 and are now expecting their first child!

Here are some photos of the lovely couple & friends:

David, Ryan, Matt, Ben, Steven, & Brandon

 Dancing @ our wedding

 @ Jenn & Ben's wedding

Danielle, Joy, Me, Elisa, Jennifer, & Livia

Crossings Men's Softball Team

@ Elisa & Ryan's wedding

Whew- what a busy summer of weddings!......   ;)

OK, so 

{March 26, 2010} The main goal for the shower was for it to be relaxing. We had a wonderful cookout spread with yummy burgers and a baby pool of drinks :) Despite the rain, the boys spent their time playing ping-pong and darts. They had a great time hanging out and I think everyone enjoyed filling out their Wishes for the Wish Tree (where I got my awesome inspiration- over at Aubrey's blog)!! The company was great and fellowship even better.

The super cute diaper cake Joy made!

While the men were playing, the women had a wonderful time opening the gifts. Afterwards, we spent some time sharing tidbits about life, marriage, and our wedding stories. I had a fun time catching up with all the girls. 

Danielle & Steven received many wonderful gifts and advice.

The cute baby blanket made by Mama Pepin

I'm sure we can all guess what this gift is....

Natalie & Greg labeled their gifts w/ directions (& great Dr. advice)

 Baby bear hat and Pee Pee Teepees that Lauren made

I really enjoy receiving hand-made gifts. They are way more personal than anything store bought (although I love getting those too!!) But, I know that the time, energy, and thought spent on making the gift is what makes it so so precious!
Basically, I had an excuse to use my new sewing machine & because I love to make stuff!!!
I chose to make some fun gifts and cute decor:

One of the gifts can be bought on my ETSY

AND

 another gift was featured in a tutorial over at Frugalista Find!! 

So go check How To Make a Wish Tree!!!!!

1. 

2. 3.

                                      4. 5.

1. Cute Paper Banner
2. Wish Tree
3. Snugglebug
4. Diapers & Wipes Case
5. Brown Paper Lunch Bag Guest Book

Me, Jennifer, Danielle, & Joy (the Hostesses w/ the momma-to-be)

Congratulations! We are so happy and excited for you! 

We look forward to meeting baby Ethan James! 

Only a few more weeks! :)

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