On the last day of July...

(Or, as it were, the first day of August)
What's July made of? Sunscreen, summer fun, playdates galore and oh, did I mention birthday cake?

Let's start our tour de July with Amanda's rockin' rad 80's party. No need to adjust your screen, that really is neon pink!

Next, we beat the heat with creative, inside playdates. Here are some out takes from our trip to the Rocky Mount science museum. Boy was it hot that day! I thank God daily for the modern miracle that is air conditioning.

And because I can't lug by camera alongside by diaper bag 24/7, here's what the IPhone caught...

 

Kid's summer movies, sandboxes and water tables

 

Porch and pool play, Piper's first cut a la mommy, and a little boys first watergun

The highlight of July was most definitely our weekend getaway to the beach to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary.

We stayed at a gorgeous hotel on the beach. While Evan was a sand shark, he preferred the pool water over the waves of the beach. He is a fish and surprised us both with his love of and boldness in the pool. I spy him in the left corner of this picture below, he was a big fan of jumping off the side!

A trip to Ripley's aquarium at Broadway on the Beach.

 

No doubt Bennett has a laid back beachy personality himself and was a trooper over our whirlwirnd weekend.

And last but not least, we closed out July with a visit from Grandma and lots of heaven sent vanilla buttercream...

but more on that later. :-)

Happy Anniversary Honey!

That's right-it's been two years now since we tied the knot. I was looking for the perfect picture for this post, and happened upon this barnyard beauty from our engagement shoot. It's only been two years, but I hardly recognize this couple below! Somewhere along the way time has taken us captive and slowly transformed our thoughts, simplified our styles, taught us the responsibilities of home ownership, molded our marriage, even changed our hair. It makes me wonder what our life will look like in another two years-I'd love to see hot freshly baked bread out of the oven, a well trained puppy with a big yard to play in, mom jeans, lol.

In any case, I am so glad to celebrate these past two years together and look forward to year three. For the time being, I'm thankful to know and happily recognize the girl in this picture, and think that she's got something pretty special going on. God has been good to us :)

1 Year Going Strong

On July 21st last year, I walked in white towards my husband to be and promised "I Do." I can't believe it's been a whole year..cliche aside, time really does fly!

I must say it's been an eventful year, bookended with a magical honeymoon in Disney World, and buying our first townhome. The pages in between contain chapters on moving, changing jobs, juggling school, finding a wonderful new church family, and joyfully taking on our first mortgage. I am happy to report that we have come through it with success(more or less), and are growing and learning more as husband and wife every day.

I am so thankful that God in His sovereignty has brought Chris and I together, and pray for our growth and sanctification as we pursue a God glorifying marriage. God willing, we have a long way to go.

What's on the horizon for next year? God only knows...but as for the immediate future, I'm seeing a puppy, cake decorating classes, and a romantic first anniversary dinner!

One Year with CBWM...

On July 16th last year, I started my first day at Coldwell Banker Ward & Misenheimer. I can't believe it's been a whole year! This morning I was greeted with beautiful flowers from my very thoughtful bosses. How grateful I was to feel so appreciated! (Can you believe I hadn't even remembered what day it was! I was very touched to know that not only did the guys remember the day, but that they also bought flowers in celebration...it definitely made my week!)

Over the year I have learned alot in the ways of marketing, real estate, and time(and people!)management. I count myself extremely thankful to be in a more casual, family oriented workplace where I can call many of my co-workers friends and am regularly treated to Panera Bagels and other sweet surprises. Though work is work, and there are good days as well as busy and somewhat frustrating days, I am overall very glad and proud to be here. The theme of the year...practice and patience.(A recurring theme I feel outside of the workplace as well!) Although I feel well past the daunting learning curve and completely confident in my position here, I continue to be challenged daily and look forward to learning and growing with this company in the upcoming year :)