Beautiful Blessings

Good morning. Today I'm sharing a card I designed as a Make N Take at Creations Galore. The stamp set from Market Street Stamps contains these stamps, in addition to a pumpkin and a thankful sentiment. Therefore, I had always looked at it with a fall perspective. Staring at it this past week, I challenged myself to try something new. And here it is:

I created it for my dear friend, Amber, who married her best friend this weekend. I'm so happy for her and wish the two of them the best. I joined a few of my blessings at the reception for some tasty food and close dancing.

Golden

Earlier this week friends and family surprised me with a wonderful party celebrating my golden birthday. Gold accents, special people, and delicious food made the night perfect. Here are just a few of my favorite snapshots from the memorable evening..

I was conveniently wearing a GOLD chain! 

Even little A. had a great time, fascinated by all the balloons and fringe.

Mustache favors made for great photo ops. 

I've been blessed with some truly great people to surround me, encourage me, and beat me in Charades.

A Day Trip To Trinidad

My dear friend Ketson welcomed us to his humble abode over the weekend and treated us to an authentic Trinidadian lunch, full of (in my own American words) baked macaroni, rice, bbq chicken, potato salad and more... It was delicious and a great experience. We were able to hear more about his culture, family life, and customs. Not to mention pig out on some of the most flavorful dishes I have ever had! Here's a look into the unforgettable Sunday afternoon...

Those cucumbers were an appetizer and soaked in a hot pepper concoction. He explained that in Trinidad, while his mom prepares the food, they create chow, anything mixed with peppers. The hot peppers increase your appetite. That it did... along with a desire for liquid! It took two glasses of kool-aid to calm the fire. Have you eaten any new foods lately that shocked your system? 

Thanks for stopping by!

My heart will always be my home...

Remember that post about sunny Florida? or that one with a beautiful drawing of Wisconsin? States are becoming quite the trend in my daily doodles... 

This one became a little gift for my dear friend, Amber. She's from Missouri and not the biggest fan of my fine state. How could you not love us dairy folk?! But she's found herself a cute man here in Wisconsin, is getting married this May, and is finding her way in the world. I give her so much credit. Personally, I don't know that I have it in me to leave my family, friends, and way of life. But she's done it. She's spreading her wings and soaring. I know it can't be easy, so I made this little number. A reminder of the place she holds dear (that wishbone/upside-down-u-thing is the St Louis Arch) and some lyrics from a Rachel Lampa song. I pray she'll always seek to find purpose wherever she finds herself, knowing God truly has a special reason for her presence there. If anything, it's to be one of my bestest friends. 

My weekend in pictures...

A wrap up of the weekend's events through my cell phone... 

Picked up my deer hunting license... my family always plays a little game of poker
with our back tags. As you can see, I've got myself a full house. 3-10's and 2-6's. Wooooo hooo. I thought I had won, until I saw my "little" bro beat me with 3-10's and 2-Aces. Major disappointment, folks.

Friday night I set up a fun Make N Take for a Shop & Crop
event at Creations Galore...  It was one fun girls night out!

I'm not sure what your family does after dinner at the cabin, but mine made
some killer ramps for our remote controlled ATV out of household items...
(p.s. that' my pops. aka silverback, papa-daddy & hero)

That's some air.. 

And that's some love... or annoyance. It's all about perspective.
(cuz johnny boy vs. the infamous uncle terry)

I made my very first pumpkin pie from scratch

And everyone (especially cuz megs) seemed to enjoy it... although they
did smother it in whipped cream. hmmm. Now I wonder.

Walking through the woods after a few hours of sleeping, I mean hunting...  Gorgeous snow.

I returned from the cabin Sunday night just in time to get together with some friends for
yummy eats, dominos, and some intense card playing. If you've never found yourself in the
middle of a violent, high-pressured game of Nerts, you really haven't lived. 

Rebekah, Amber & Micah

How was your weekend? I hope you take a moment to reminisce and enjoy those little things that make life special. 

some might call this awkward...

but i choose to call it love.

my dearest friend, amber, and i once had this odd habit of taking pictures of ourselves in the bathroom during special occasions. road trips, birthday parties, girls night out. it's a little weird. rather crazy. but looking back on years of the most comical, insane pictures, i can't help but tear up a bit. so tonight, while watching revenge of the nerds (don't judge) i'm scrapbooking these little gems. they deserve their place in the documentation of my life. she deserves a special place in the documentation of my life. a little cheers to the pretty girl that never judges my insanity... for she too, is just as crazy as i.