Christmas trek recap

Thought I'd do a little recap with pictures of our trip across the countrty and back! First stop was Pensacola where I snapped some pictures of these beautiful people, posted over here. Next stop was New Orleans (my idea!) ya know where the whole wallet debaucle happened, but good times were still had by all. Have you heard of Lush soaps, grovy organic products that smell divine. Gideon loved holding thier bag throughout New Orleans!

Then finally onto Texas (hubby's home) where we attended a Christmas eve service complete with fake snow and a live nativity.

 Gideon wouldn't stop pelting snowballs at kids and he truly has an arm, watch out!

Then a visit to Hannah's (husband's sister) farm filled with horses, chickens, trampolines, and Nana!

Christmas Day Nana and Papa read the Christmas story to all of us including all 9 grandchildren, you should have seen them all try and sit still!

 Then we were invited to cowboy church (Where Hannah's husband Will pastors) and Adam got to speak and share a bit of his story! Thank you so much Hannah and Will it was a total joy to be apart of your amazing church.

Then caught a flight to North Dakota for a wedding where nothing could have prepared me for the pure blistering cold weather, a blizzard to be exact for our entire time there. I really have a whole new respect for people from those cold states, you guys are my hero. The wedding went off without a hitch and despite the raging blizzard outside the warmth and love on the inside was so full and complete, truly a beautiful couple.

 Gorgeous bride and groom inside and out, member them from this post?

Hello handsome husband who was in the sword arch at the wedding! Funny thing happened on the way to North Dakota though, they lost his sword! So he borrowed someone else's and upon our return to the airport they found it and all was well again!

 We flew back to Texas to begin our drive home to Virginia stopping in Memphis this time for some blues and bbq!

Upon our return to home we ended up with two colds, a cough, a fever blister but also a whole lot of great memories! Thanks for following along!

There was this field

As we drove out of Texas we came across this field and had to take pictures, it was too picturesque to pass up! Wide open fields are so fun to frolic through!

Fireworks and boldness

There were many explosive fireworks last night and I may have been hiding in fear and screaming like a girl each time one was launched by my husband. I'm what they call a yankee in Texas and not quite used to buy your own fireworks on the side of the road and launch in your own backyard! I must admit it was a good and scary time particularly when the wind knocked the firworks in our direction! When I thought about resolutions only one thing really came to my mind and that was boldness, I want more of it. The kind that's not obnoxious but godly and tactful, like Esther or Ruth from the Bible. That's my resolution and prayer! Happy New Year everyone!

Muffaletta miracle

Hey guys, missed ya'll! I just had to pop in and share a pretty incredible story involving a sandwich and prayer! So hang on tight, this is a good one.... We got to New Orleans and enjoyed every inch, its truly one of my favorite cities between the food, music, and people. I think Gideon played music with every street performer and we even heard some of their stories. Our last day there we decided to end with a bang by chowing down on their famous muffaletta sandwiches (bascially an italian coldcut sandwich with olive spread-its really something). In the midst of my muffaletta high I left my wallet there and didn't realize it until we were back in Texas two days later! Not the worst thing in the world except we were catching a flight to North Dakota for a wedding in three days and all my identification was in that wallet. The owner of the shop graciously sent it to us priority and the day came to leave for the airport and well, NO Wallet. Our knees never saw such action in prayer because it was a continuous plea of, "Lord we need a miracle and we know only You can." We headed to the post office and waited as they sorted through every box and an hour later my wallet was found and we made it to the airport in the knick of time. I  love when God leaves me speechless like that, He really is so good.

I'm writing this from North Dakota in the midst of a blizzard with a wedding to attend today, can't wait!

Howdy from Texas!

Just had to say hello from Texas and share these beautiful people with you! I caught up with them in Pensacola and it was pretty tough to leave them and the gorgeous weather; catch more of them over here! We've been busy holding new babies, playing ping pong, and watching old movies! Today were catching a Christmas eve service with live animals and fake snow...Texas does everything big!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Sweatshirt series plus Christmas trek update!

Right now we are happily mingling with old friends in pensacola Florida enjoying every inch of our Christmas trek to Texas! Man, I forgot how gorgeous it is here coupled with good weather and good people, its truly heavenly. Next stop New Orleans to engulf muffalettas, cafe au laits, and beignets! Yum. Forgot to post my sweatshirt last week so here it is tired of it yet? I actually wore it to dinner tonight too, so handy!

Favorites Friday: Christmas rooms

We officially made the absolute most of our first real snowfall yesterday....shoveled the driveway, made a snowman, then thawed out with real hot chocolate!The perfect white dusting in preparation for Christmas and so are these festive rooms!

Check out the rest of this gorgeous bloggers home here 

What a great simple idea for a tree, you could even write prayers or thankfuls on each card via decor8

 This drool worthy home by a designer was so colorful and happy via lonny. Love the wreaths in window look!

Other Christmas happiness:

Gingerbread house shortcut

This book had me up all night, so taken

These Christmas cards are so dreamy

We begin our Christmas trek to Texas this weekend with stops in Pensacola and New Orleans along the way then a wedding in North Dakota and Nashville on the way home! I'll be posting pictures throughout our  Christmas journey! Merry Christmas to you and yours & God bless!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

White weather necessities

Just finished checking the weather for North Dakota since were attending a wedding there in a few weeks and were talking -1 degrees....brrrrr. Spending the last 4 1/2 years on a tropical island in Okinawa didn't give us much reason for parkas, fleece, and boots! Here's some pieces that caught my eye for our pending trip!

Recent joys

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I've felt the hustle and buslte a little more severe this year since we are leaving this weekend for Texas, everything has sped up! YIkes. So I'm stopping right now and counting my joys, in attempt to dismiss those stressful feelings!

watching gideon's debut peformance in handbell choir at church....you've never seen someone ring a bell so hard; I laughed so hard all my makeup melted right off!

making a gingerbread house with our bible study group complete with a koi pond and playground, I'd post pictures but Gideon's eaten half already!

our first dusting of snow

not working much lately!

Christmas carols

Gingerbread cookies

Seeing baby Jesus everywhere!

Anybody else wanna chase the Christmas stress away, got any joys to share?!!

"In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name"

Psalm 33:21

Behind the scenes of a photoshoot!

This weekend I had the privilege of shooting adorable little Mackenzie! Well, it was cold, really cold and we didn't want her to freeze so we had to move inside! Thought I'd share some secrets to capturing two year olds inside....which was my first time! Basically I found the place with the most light in my home, hung a large piece of fabric over a chair, then set up a cute kids chair! With two year olds keeping their attention is the trick. We used many props to try and keep her in the chair, including candy. But honestly I did alot of following her around to capture her expressions and mannerisms, which is truly her!

For more of her shoot head here!

Favorites Friday: Merry & Bright

What a great crazy week between hubby's promotion and two photoshoots (will share next week!) I"m wiped! This weekend we are gearing up for a wedding and three Christmas parties, yikes!!

What a cool idea for a runner, love it! via luxe & lillies

This pink Christmas tree placed in a kids room is unique and pretty, look at that monkey topper! via effortless style

Other merry and bright links:

I die over this ikat dress!

Do you live by default or design?

I'm addicted to this flash mob video, gets me everytime!

Have a merry and bright weekend!

Champagne's a popping!

Yesterday found out husband was selected fo Major! So I made a mad dash to the store for some celebratory champagne, after asking the grocery clerk for help we settled on Italian champagne (can't go wrong with Italian anything!) After the big pop, we had our toast then we heard tears from our 4 yr old who wasn't included in the clinging of glasses, so a quick pour of orange juice for him and another round of toasting again!

Thank you Lord for your continued favor and congratulations honey!

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Our Christmas card

Getting gideon to take pictures is next to impossible because I've always got the camera pointed at him! Poor kid! This was the best out of many with the trusty self-timer and tripod when we caught G on a good day; family photos are no small feat! Merrry Christmas!

card via minted

Best maternity shoot ever.

This maternity photoshoot took my breath away, so different, calming, and refreshing! Enjoy from Amelia Lyon photography

Sweatshirt series: tie dye

Husband's Christmas party was hands down the highlight of the weekend. Whenever you gather a bunch of marines in the same room, chaos will ensue! I laughed so hard, I cried; crazy boys! Along with the discovery of doodle jump, consider youself fairly warned about this highly addictive iphone game my 4 yr old and husband played through the weekend. 

So the temperatures have really dropped here and there's word of potential snow! Thus the shivering pictures snapped in a jiffy to return quickly inside! Found this tie dye scarf really cheap in kohls!

Favorites Friday: festive

Phew glad this week has come to a quick close time! Ready to don my Christmas party dress for a night out with hubby complete with babysitter! Two weeks closer to our big Chrismas trek to Texas! Here's some other festive things that inspire!

I'm renaming these pants the "mimi pants" they exhibit our signature pink so well if only the price was reasonable, c'mon jcrew?!!

I love this felt ball wreath, looks easy to  make and would look darling for a kids room!

via ohhappyday

Happy first week of December!

Navigating loss

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There's three things in life that have completely taken me by storm, my first year of marriage, the first year with my son without sleep, and losing my Dad. These unexpected surprises and difficulties would have been alleviated if I had fair warning but no one said a thing! Like a, "hey maria, babies don't sleep through the night"...at least yours won't would have helped manage my expectations! The list of my friends and family who've lost their Dads continues to grow and increased by another this week. I thought I'd share some things/tips that helped me navigate the grieving process, again just my experience.

1. Grieve. Kind of odd to mention but in our culture its not so widely welcomed. People feel uncomfortable with sadness and tears. Allow yourself alot of time, it took me over a year before I felt the clouds starting to lift.Your heart will be tender. I was tempted to put a brown bag over my head and tell everyone I'm grieving and they don't have to fix it! Also, dont' be afraid of seeking counsel.

2. Pray for healing. This may sound odd, but you'd be surprised at the amount of hurt and sometimes bitterness/anger that wash over you with loss. Don't let bitterness take root, it will destroy you.

3. Treasure. I drink out of my Dad's coffee cup everymorning, it makes him apart of my everyday and brings a smile to my face. His picture is also in our photo gallery and I see him every time I go downstairs.

4. Remember. One of my greatest fears is forgetting the details as I grow older and have so much life left to live. Start a journal and write memories down, make a slideshow of pictures, tell his stories to others often. I speak of him at the hospital alot to other doctors and my patients since he was a doctor and it brings relief.

I hope this can offer a tiny bit of help towards making the grieving process slightly more bearable for anyone in the midst of it. My life changed completely and there is a scar, but guess what hope did return again and it will for you too.

"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and save those who are crushed in spirit."Psalm 34:18

Handmade happiness

Continuing the no-spending note this holiday season, I'm looking for some good handmade ideas for close friends and family. Here's a few that caught my eye, all from crafty Martha.

clutch

Etched glasses, I actually did this to a mirror and it turned out amazing!

Japanese soaps

decorative pillows

Bath fizzies

Tie-dye candles

Head here for the how-to on all these handmade gifts.