{thankful vol. 7} miss kylee

We have reached the week of friends that I am thankful for!  One of the greatest joys in life are your relationships.  We need relationships.  It is an innate  desire of every woman's heart. I would not be me without any of my friends, especially this one.  We met each other only two and a half years ago, and she has already brought we so much love, wisdom, guidance, laughter, joy, excitement, and completeness.  

Kylee and I met through a young married's group at a church we were attending at the time.  I remember the first time I met her.  She was the definition of style and class.  Her husband and Daniel and I have very similar stories: high school sweet hearts, married young, oh young love!

There was an instant attraction.  Have you ever had that feeling where you meet someone and instantly decide "I have got to know them"?!?  That was how I felt about Kylee.  Through the years of our friendship, she has brought me more wisdom than I ever though imaginable.  She truly is one of those people that knows exactly what you need to hear.  I will call her balling my eyes our and she has the gentle reassurance that it will all be okay.  I also like to joke that she is my "life coach"...she lets me know when I'm overbooked and I need to let something go.  She is always looking out for me in an incredible way.  She knows my insecurities and fears, and loves me anyways.  She is so beautiful inside and out and will always refer to me as her "crazy friend Jamie".  

Sadly her and her amazing husband moved away to follow their dreams.  I thank God everyday for how close he has allowed us to stay throughout the distance.  I always look forward to the sweet cards in the mail, FaceTime chats, and planning our next trip to see each other.  

I have always asked God to bring me a close friend that would accept me for who I am, love me with God's love, show me how to be a better person, keep me accountable, and allow me to do the same for her.  God has truly blessed me with Kylee.  There are no words at times to describe just how thankful I am for her and our beautiful friendship.

Love you Kylee!

{thankful vol. 6} birthdays!

Today I am very thankful for birthdays!  Don't you just feel like a little kid again when it's your birthday?!? I went through a stage when I wasn't a fan that it was my birthday because it just didn't feel the same.  Then I realized that life changes like everything else, and the new joys in life are more meaningful than holding onto past expectations.  

This past weekend was packed with little celebrations, both for myself and others.  On friday night I came home to a beautiful bouquet of roses, wine, cheese, and dinner from my amazing husband.  It was exactly what I needed after a long day, and my lover-cheese and I-had been missing each other for quite some time.  

You know you're getting old, though, when you're on the couch snuggling by 8pm and asleep on each other by 8:30pm!  

On Saturday I helped co-host a bridal shower for my boss.  It was absolutely beautiful!  The little details and decorations made it so memorable.  Sadly, I can't take the credit for that.  We have a very talented teacher who is just amazing at decorating.  

 

The food spread was to die for (that I DID help with)!  

The best part was showering my boss with love and seeing how lucky I am to be so close with my fellow teachers.  We are the best bunch around!

    

After the shower I was able to celebrate with some close friends and a fun little wine bar and just have a blast.  There was no 8:30 bedtime, either!  I had to live up the extra hour of sleep!  Although, I'm pretty sure I was still asleep by 10:30!  

{thankful vol. 5} the mamma

25 years ago, at around 10:15am, I was born. 

And even though I'm pretty excited that it's my birthday, I'm humbled by the love of my mother and am thankful for everything she has done for me.  Not only did she bring me into the world, she has taught me some of life's most important lessons.  

For example: When you live in a one bedroom apartment with your 4 year old daughter, it's perfectly okay to pull out all of the old sheets and stuffed animals and make a tent between the two beds, and then sleep in the tent.  

My mom is notorious for her "Beckyisms" (well, that's just the name that I created for them)! She always has a saying for something.  Here are a few of my favorites:

"It's an EGBOK" = Everything's Going to Be OK!

"And this too shall pass"

"Blessed are those who expect nothing"

"That's my favorite four letter F word!" = FREE

"That's the bad F word" = FAT

"That's my favorite 3 letter F word" = FUN

(She sure does like F words!)

Strolling around Central Park in 2007

She is commonly mistaken as my older sister, and always gets a thrill out of it.  I have always wanted a big sister.  When I was younger I had dreams of Kelly Kapowski being my big sister as we drives around town with a convertible car.  Oh, thank you Saved By The Bell.  

Sometimes when I try to put into words how my I love my mom, I just get all teary-eyed.  My mom and I have been through everything.  She is my rock, my foundation, my big sister, my words of wisdom, my de-stresser, my therapist, my best friend.  There are no words to describe the bond that we share.  Even as I write this I am getting a little weepy.   She has healed colds, taken care of me during three surgeries, and even drove 5.5 hours to come pick me up after getting my wisdom teeth pulled out just to drive 5.5 hours back home with my in tow.  

I hope that when I become a mother I will be half as good as she is.  I hope that my children will love me unconditionally.  I hope that I will be able to kiss away all of their wounds, both physical and emotional.  I hope that they will trust me no matter what and feel comfortable to tell me anything.  I hope that they lavish the nights where they can crawl in bed with me so that I can give them just the right back rub.  I hope that when they're having a bad day I can use a "Jamie-ism" to turn their frown upside down.  I hope they see my strengths and not just my weaknesses.  I hope that they will know that their grandmother is the one to thank, as she raised me and made me beautiful-inside and out.

I love you Mamma!!!!