Happy (flashback) Friday/Valentine's Day!

Today has already brought on so many happy emotions and it's not even noon. I'm a huge fan of holidays in general, but this one is exceptionally lovely. 

{Meemaw and me in my favorite spot}

For starters, I went to the gym with my dad and used my early Valentine's present from JT again, and yep, I still love it. So the endorphins weren't a bad way to get things going. I got the sweetest card from my mama along with some valentines happys, and watched my dad sneak to the garage and get mama's present out of his toolbox (how stinking cute?!). 

While I was getting ready, I thought about my sister, and how very different this Valentine's is from last year. Then, she had just gone through her second miscarriage and was feeling particularly blue, as anyone would imagine. I purchased this happy (she's the one with the ring and pale nail polish, I'm the one with the lipstick-stained mug and dark nails--it really couldn't be more fitting for us) for her as a reminder that we'd always have each other and that I was (and am) so thankful for our bond as sisters. This year, she's mere weeks away from giving birth to her first bebe. God is good, and I can't help but smile when I think of how far we've all come since last year.

{at Mary Jane's wedding in what she called her "wedding dress" 

since she wore it to all her kid's weddings}

Next came the group text from my mama to my aunt, cousin, emily and me saying how this day is always kind of bittersweet because it's filled with so much love, but is a vivid reminder of my wonderful Meemaw who would've been 88-years-old tomorrow. It's beyond crazy that she's been gone over a decade. In some ways it's easier, but in other ways the void is still very apparent. We've chosen to dwell on the positive: her life, her love, and her powerful legacy of strong women in our family. Today, I'm wearing two rings that were passed down to me; subtle things like that always make me feel closer to her. 

{Left: JT's tiger ring, and my Meemaw's band-Ashleigh has the other :) // Right: Purple was her favorite color as amethyst was her birthstone, and she collected tons of amethyst jewelry.}

To top it off, JT sweetly agreed to go visit my Papaw with me tonight for Valentine's. I've got a good one, and today I'm especially thankful for his kindness and strong family values. 

So however you spend your day, I hope it's filled with crazy, stupid amounts of love. God is great, God is good, and God is full of love for you and me. 

Birthday (eve) Revelations

On the eve of the dawn of my 24th year on this earth, I figured it was time to share some of the fabulous things that have happened this year. And let me just say, it has been a fabulous year.

-I began the dreaded process of paying back my student loans. But, I have realized through countless conversations that every single penny is worth the education and friendships Samford afforded me. Believe me, it's ZERO fun giving my paycheck to Sallie Mae (a stern mistress), but I loved SU... so it's a love hate relationship.

-I grew deeper in my relationship with the Lord. Which began during my 22nd year, continued through this past year, and hopefully will only grow stronger as I move forward. Through thick and thin, he's the one I can count on, even when everyone else fails me (as humans tend to do).

-I found out I get to be an aunt/nana anna. It wasn't always an easy road for my sweet big sissy and brother ben, but the Lord's timing is more perfect than our own. I cannot wait to meet our lil nugget come april. I know he'll be our little prince.

-I have had not one but two fabulous, fun-filled TNB reunions. I can't begin to describe them, so I won't even try. But in case the instagrams didn't depict it well enough... they were a blast.

-I fell in love. I'm not one for super sappy-ness .. (well, except for here), but it's true. I'm so incredibly grateful for this relationship. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and I never would have guessed going to a halloween party would make me so very happy.

-I planned my very first event for work. Granted, I went to the bathroom in a long meeting and came back with the assignment, but it was amazing, if I do say so myself. But don't take my word for it... ask anyone who was at the MBQ Innovation Awards.

-I became a true Grizzlies fan and I now bleed Tiger Blue. I picked a "random" Grizz player in order to "not be a bandwagon fan" and lo and behold QPon now has his very own billboard. And in case you've been living under a rock... I'm obsessed with tigers.

-I completed my first cleanse...and survived.

-I purchased my very own gym membership (no aid from mis padres). For which I am very proud. 

-I have met fantastic people in Memphis and made connections elsewhere. Cheers for networking.

-I have realized that while I am a 23 (almost 24-year-old) living in my (redone) childhood room with my (awesome) parents, paying off student loans (goal is only a few months away, praise the Lord), and commuting over 30 minutes (one-way) to get to work everyday.. I'm beyond freakishly happy.

So, as I enter this new year of life, I choose to actually live it. And choose to be happy, no matter the circumstances. Because the ups and the downs are what keeps things interesting. And I do, wholeheartedly believe that happiness is a choice.

So, who's with me?

Happy Happy, Happy

Last night when I crawled into bed, I began saying my prayers as I tend to do. But then, I paused, opened my eyes and smiled.

I have been trying to get into the habit of praising and thanking God first in my prayers before I petition my wants etc. This habit has sunk in enough that sometimes, I fall asleep praising God and never even get to me (a perfectly lovely way to fall asleep if you ask me).

The reason I paused and smiled last night was because I didn't know what to ask God for once I was done thanking him. I'd gone through the very long list of things in my life that I'm oh-so grateful for, and in the end, there was nothing left. I paused because I'm truly, genuinely happy. And I have no one but God to thank for each and every blessing.

I smiled because He's allowed:
-me to have a fabulous relationship with my parents again after a rocky few months senior year
-my relationship with my cousin and sister to never miss a beat, even though I know I'm a handful
-my friendships with my besties have stayed in tact through milestone, joys, and many miles
-a guy who makes me smile like a fool for no reason at all other than his presence in my life
-a job I love with co-workers I enjoy being around
-a country where I'm free to shout from the rooftops how much I love my Savior, and how much he loves me
-a cozy roof over my head
-a relationship with Him that's equal parts tough love and compassion
-a strong, healthy "bebe T" to be auntie to next spring
-and health and happiness to my sweet loved ones

Heading into the holiday season, I challenge you to count your blessings, and you'll probably smile too.