Birthday/Mother's Day Recap

This is really just one giant post of pictures. I had the best weekend. 

My Birthday was so special this year because my whole family was in town (This usually only ever happens on Christmas!) On my day we had a big dinner with a delicious flourless chocolate torte for dessert!
A birthday tradition my family has is going around the table and saying a word that describes the person whose birthday we are celebrating. Each year we tease about everyone using LOTS of words to describe their ONE word. I felt so lucky to be the birthday girl this year - everyone's words were so kind and brought me to tears (I wasn't the only one!) I feel so very blessed to be surrounded by family to share in my triumphs with! I wouldn't be half the 23 year old lady I am without them! 
Close family friends joined us after dinner with two little ones, so Jack enjoyed his first play date! Chloe, their youngest, is 14 months old and walking everywhere! Bubba loved trying to keep up :) 
Mother's day was a lazy day filled with homemade breakfasts in honor of my mama, construction paper crowns, and gifts-jammies, naps, and see ya laters to our D.C. jetsetters.

I warned you it was picture overload...

IG Photo Dump

With no camera, I have found myself posting more to Instagram the past few days. Looking back at the snapshots I have been taking, it's actually a pretty accurate log of what we have been up to at my parents' house!

Went shopping cray at Loft - too much cute stuff! I am in LOVE with all the color!

Continuing the transition to finger foods.. LOVE no purees!

Swings... always a fan favorite!

Passed out.

Observing the dog while snuggling with Papa!

Waiting for a first haircut...

Just a little trim around the ears :) I shamelessly bribed him with mum mums and he didn't wiggle once!

Climbing up everything he can find.. and giving his reflection in the microwave kisses!

Helping Grandma fold the laundry...

So much fun :)

We've been having a great time, but are excited to get home to John tomorrow!! We will be back again in a week for Jack's surgery (WAHHHHH!) So we will be happy to be home to enjoy some normal :)

BY THE WAY... 

I may or may not have stopped by my VERY favorite hometown boutique today... 

GFC is showing me that I am just SEVEN friends away from the big 1-0-0!! 

I definitely think a giveaway is in order... 

want a sneak peek of what may be included??

So if you aren't already a "Bubba Groupie" go on, click that "join" button, and get in on these pretties :)

 I would just HATE to keep them for myself... 

Extended Weekend

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

Fabulous doesn't even begin to touch mine...

Birthday followed by Mother's Day?! Hello spoiled Mama!

Add in every single one of my siblings and I home and under one roof- perfection! 

Silly me forgot the camera charger at home, so while there is a ton of awesome birthday pictures for an amazing recap post... it will have to wait until Wednesday.

Jack and I will be in Grand Rapids for a few more days doing fun things like first haircuts and doctor's appointments... maybe a little shopping too :) 

I was pretty ignorant of my phone all weekend, but here a few IG pictures from yesterday :) 

Morning snuggles with the Bubba that made me Mama

Bubba had his first bath in the sink

We even went for a walk in the GORGEOUS weather!

For now Bubba is just basking in the extended love and affection that only grandparents can provide, sitting in  the middle of a pile of toys. Life is rough! 

Friday's Letters

Dear Grand Rapids, I can't wait to see you tonight! It's going to be an awesome weekend spent with my whole family - you always feel TRULY like home when my parents' house is filled to the brim with our smiles and laughter!Dear Sisters, We are being SERIOUSLY spoiled with all of this sister time... I love it! E, bring the wii so we can challenge S.V. to a Just Dance rematch.

Dear Birthday, I can't believe you are tomorrow! It's been a crazy awesome year and I couldn't ask for a better way to celebrate than with my family :)Dear Diet, You are REALLY awesome. I already feel better, less bloated, and you are super easy to stick to. Other than my late night chocolate cravings... I really think you have been a walk in the park! John and I have been enjoying delicious dinners, yummy lunches, and actually eating breakfast all week! I don't even miss bread or pasta... Dear Husband, Thank you for my birthday present! I know I kept telling you that I didn't want/need anything, but the bench in our master really ties the whole room together! I love it in there! 

Dear Mom, You are the best mom in the WHOLE world. I love the relationship we have, our daily phone calls, and all the help/advice you have given me this past year. I am so lucky to have you in my life to teach me how to be an amazing wife and mother. 

Dear Jack, I have been so honored to be your mother these past 8.5 months. I am so lucky to have a wonderful baby like you! You are about to be BEYOND spoiled all weekend long... and this mama?! She couldn't ask for a better mother's day gift because, homie, you are WEARING ME OUT!! A helping hand or 10 is just what I need for a few days :) 

Happy Weekend everybody! I hope it's full of love and celebration :) Hug and kiss your mamas!

22.

On Saturday I will say goodbye to 22 and hello to 23.
22 was a FABULOUS year. 

I moved out of my college house and in with John.
Moved into our first home apartment.
Learned to live with a boy.

I learned how to do a job that I hated.
I learned to suck it up and go everyday.
I learned how it feels to be the object of prejudice.
I learned how to be humbled.

I spent lots of time at my family's lake house.
I watched John really become a part of the family.

I wore a bikini, and for the first time in my life, didn't worry about "looking fat"
I whined about being pregnant, A LOT!

I experienced loss and grief.
I watched that same loss and grief multiplied by 10 million in friends that might as well be family.
I learned to lean on John.

I went to the wedding of one of my oldest friends.
I was a bridesmaid for the first time.
I watched one of my closest friends say "I Do" and pledge her life to an amazing man.

I became a mom.

I learned what being tired really means.
I found out what love is really all about.
I learned how to take help and advice.

I helped create my own little family of three.
I fell even more in love with my best friend.

I tailgated A LOT!
I introduced Jack to MSU, sorority girls, and green & white pride!

I watched my son be baptized into the church that I was raised.

I watched him be baptized by the same man and uncle that baptized me! 

I walked down the aisle, arm in arm with my dad.
I vowed to love and cherish my best friend for the rest of my days.

I ate, drank, danced, and sang at the most PERFECT party - just for us!
I was surrounded by loving friends and family.
I was serenaded by sweet sister friends :)

I spent my first holiday away from my family.
I introduced John to some of our family traditions.
We made traditions of our own!

I struggled with adjusting to "real life"
I got a little depressed.
I started this blog.

We moved.
I crafted.
I cooked.
I embraced being a "homemaker"... kind of.

I applied to grad school.
I waited and waited to hear back from grad school.
I got into grad school!

I often counted my blessings.
I took a roadtrip.
I worked on my marriage, every. day.

I smiled A LOT.
Cried quite a bit.
Laughed EVERY DAY.

22 was the best year of my life. 23 has a lot to live up to :)