Reminiscent

I remember always being so anxious for time to pass. I could hardly wait for the next stage of life. Whether it was a semester-end, engagement, graduation, marriage... I was always looking forward. Always eager to get to the next step. 

Now, all I can hope is that time would slow down! I am savoring every moment, every stage, every milestone. 

I love our life. I love where we are and what we're doing. I love that we're trying to enjoy every moment. I love that we've got big plans and dreams of places to see and things to do. I'm looking forward to another year of living in the moment. Savoring each day. Being content.

Happy New Year~

Lauren

Joy to the World

Christmas was a whirlwind! 

We made it to about every family event that we could squeeze into the extended weekend. We clocked approximately 1300 miles, 18 hours, 3 states, and countless cities.

All the hugs and laughter were worth it though.

Georgia had a white Christmas for the first time since 1352 (exaggeration) and this is a view of the first few flakes from my Grandmother's 120 year old kitchen window. If she ever sells this house, I plan on looting for its windows, crystal doorknobs, and chandeliers. They're heirlooms, people.

We spent Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family. I can't remember the last time I've laughed so hard. They are simply good, sweet people. I love that they are "my roots".

This year, we rolled out of bed and opened gifts with my mom and sister. (It was 7 am. No cameras allowed.)

Then headed (back) to my grandmothers for the aforementioned snow flurries and gifts with our favorite little ones:

We hit the road again, this time to Matt's parents house where we had a gift opening marathon (seriously, there was even an intermission) and delicious Christmas dinner. Grady was a sick baby, but still sweet as ever. He (of course) doesn't yet understand the whole "Christmas thing", but I like to think that he's getting used to the idea of Matt and I being his very favorite aunt and uncle in the whole wide world...

It was a cold, snowy drive back to Nashville on Sunday.

But it was a sweet homecoming.

Upon our arrival, I morphed into a madwoman, flying through the house on my broom, piling Christmas decorations into my arms, whisking them away to their vacation home in the attic. Not in a scrooge sort-of-way. Just an "I want my stickin' house back for goodness' sake" sort-of-way.

While I was eager to get back to "normal", I am sad to see such a lovely Christmas season come and go. I can't believe it's over so soon.

But since it is, let's all put money on how soon swimsuits will be out at Target.

Bets, anyone?

Lauren 

Copy Cat

I could no longer resist the mercury glass obsession that's taken over this Christmas. While at the craft store a few weeks ago, I had the option of buying true mercury glass votive holders or creating a look-a-like. I know there must be nothing like the real thing, but I couldn't resist! I'd read an incredible tutorial by Anna on Take the Side Street and I had to try it. 

While I couldn't get her genius vinegar and water mixture to do the trick (operator error, I assure you), I got a very similar look by spraying the water directly on the glass votive before spraying the spray paint. I am very pleased with the result! 

Bonus? They complement by china extraordinarily!

Lauren

Highlights

I've been MIA. But it's Christmas time and I'm soaking up every last drop. 
We tried to fit a lot into one weekend in Georgia, so that we could enjoy a few weekends at home before Christmas. 
We had lunch with our favorite kiddos:


Addie Lou...

and Nolan...

I love watching kids' personalities around their classmates. Addie (to my dismay) has decided that she is a Georgia Tech fan. The little Georgia fan across the table (bless her) said, "Addie, when you come to my house, you're gonna have to like the Georgia Bulldogs!". Addie replied, (very smugly, might I add) "When you come to my house, you're going to be sleeping outside." Love. her. 


We also visited my sweet grandparents. My papa turned 80 the next week and was very very proud. We asked how it felt and he replied, "Well, I'll tell you what. It's been a long trip!"


I had the privilege to see my little sister play basketball! I don't get to see many games and it breaks my heart. We saw her play JV this night and (may I brag?) the next week she got brought up to play Varsity. She's a freshman! I'm so stinkin' proud. 

And she's basically a rockstar. #25!!! (My favorite picture ever)

We headed (even further) south for Giesler Christmas. It's honestly one of my favorite events of the year. I love that family. This is Matt's dad, Aunt Pat, and Uncle Jay. 

Aunt Pat comes in from Kansas City for this every year and it is such a treat. I adore her. 


We logged 850 miles on my poor Lexi that weekend. That's the equivalent of 14 hours. Driving. On the road. In a car. Phew! Good thing it was worth it.


Now, we're finishing up our first weekend at home in a while. And we're snowed in! It is beautiful. 

Funny thing is, there's no milk OR bread to be found in this house. Just call me homemaker-of-the-year.


Lauren