Love is in the Air

Well hello there. Long time, no talk. I've spent the last month on a happy hiatus from MC simply to enjoy all of the exciting things going on. I wanted to fully enjoy all of it and not even think about sharing it. Selfish, I know, but it's true. I wanted to soak it all up and now that I have, my cup runneth over. 

This past month has been a whirlwind to say the least, but absolutely wonderful in every way. I'm so excited to finally share all of the little things.

March 29, 2014: JT and I got engaged!

Right after JT proposed at Shelby Farms Park!

The fabulous family dinner he planned for after the proposal at my fav restaurant, Jim's Place Grille.

So excited bebe stayed put for a few more days so JT wouldn't have to propose in a hospital!

The stunner weighing down my left hand :)

April 3, 2014: Robert "Robby" Benjamin Todd, Jr. graced the world with his presence making me an official auntie.

Emily had to touch up before go time, and I was happy to assist// New dad telling us of his arrival.

We finally found out his name, and Uncle JT and Aunt Anna meet Robby for the first time!

Bringing bebe home, and Allie is smitten with her new brother.

April 13, 2014: I got the letter that my student loans were completely paid off making this girl debt free!

So long, Sallie Mae. I won't miss you at all.

April 24-26: We packed up and headed to Lakeland, Florida for Ashley and Coady's lovely wedding. #CheekPartyOf2

Ashley celebrating her last fling before the ring!

TNBs reunited again!

JT and I before the rehearsal dinner

Besties getting ready for the big day

such a stunning bride and wonderful friend!

The brand new Mr. and Mrs. Coady Cheek!

To say love is in the air is an understatement. It's in everything I do lately. And I wouldn't have it any other way! Can't wait for what's next!

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. 

Who You Love

I'm sorry, I'm not sorry because I love this couple and this video... to heck with Beyonce and her secret album (just kidding.. but I still haven't listened to any of it or seen any of the allegedly awesome video clips - gasp!) (click here or here for background on the writing on the song and casting of the couples in the video). 

I found myself smiling and getting chills (much like I did when I watched the Khloe and Lamar: Happily Ever After wedding on E! in the ADPi house). Clearly I'm too emotionally invested in celebrity couples, but ya know what? You love who you love. That's my only defense. Watch and enjoy. 

#SappyPost

Exactly one year ago today....

It was a cold, rainy Friday. It had been a long week, and after sitting in traffic for what seemed like for.ev.er. I finally made it home. I had previously been invited to a Halloween party by Richie B, and had all but decided to take a rain-check as my cozy couch was calling my name. Plus, I didn't have a costume I felt like wearing downtown (Katy Perry would draw too much unwanted attention if ya catch my drift). Plus, I had absolutely no desire to make the trek back downtown to Metro 67 since I'd just commuted from there.

No one was home, so my not-so-little cousin and precious wheata woo came over to my house to hang out, or so I thought. She proceeded to explain to me how lame it was that I wanted to sit at home on a Friday night when I had a perfectly good invitation to a Halloween party. 

I gave the usual excuses: it's raining and cold, I don't have a costume, I won't know anybody, it's a long way, I'm tired, I'll have to drive back late and that's unsafe blah, blah, blah. 

Her rebuttal? You always say you want to make new friends, you know this is the perfect opportunity, you love holidays, it's not that far, the rain will probably stop soon, and do you really want to sit on the couch alone? Also, she brought a costume. (pause for a moment to realize my wheata woo is insanely great and would make a phenom lawyer due to her impressive arguing skills). 

She had a valid point, and a costume. So, I put on my traditional black uniform, threw on her "official" Katniss jacket and pin, braided my hair, and hit the road.

Guess what? She was right. On all accounts. I did make new friends, the rain did stop, and I met a "Mexican" who asked for a picture with me and my number to take me to sushi.

A few hours at Silky's, a Dyer's burger, and some chicken minis later... and things would never be the same.

So thankful Ashleigh talked me into going to Richie's party where I met a guy in a poncho and sombrero, also known as JT. It's been a fabulous year.

Crazy how God works, huh?

No hate?

Okay, so I generally try to veer away from controversial topics on MC simply because if anyone wants to know my opinion, they can ask for it. I don't have to beat them over the head with it; it doesn't do anyone any good that way. 

That said, I'm known around my household as somewhat of a devil's advocate, and I enjoy fighting for the "controversial" side of arguments just for the fun of it (maybe it's my inner lawyer coming out). I genuinely enjoy a healthy debate so long as each side is respectful. You have every right to agree/disagree with my views just as much as I have the right to agree/disagree with yours. 

This post is simple speculation and curiosity (which clearly I'm not the only one who notices: for more click here or here or here on media hypocrisy); not a statement about my views one way or the other. So, I'm hoping I don't get thrown to the wolves for it. Here goes nothin'....

Observation: I've spent the better part of the last few years watching and listening to critics and naysayers alike publicly bash Tim Tebow for his faith, linking it to his athletic ability, his wins/losses, making SNL parodies about him, and just generally hating on the fact that he is open about his faith. Basically, everyone has gone so far as to tell him he should just shut up, play ball, and keep his personal life out of it.

Observation: NBA player Jason Collins announces publicly that he's gay, and the media and critics praise him for his bravery and encourage him to keep the conversation going.

As someone who has a career in media, therefore always trying to eliminate bias in articles for work, my "devil's advocate" question is: why? 
Why does it matter to critics if Tim Tebow is a Christian? Why does it matter to them if Jason Collins is gay? 

My understanding of it is that pro athletes, no matter their platform, have influence over the behavior and attitude of the public. So, whatever stance they take on any subject directly affects the way their fans see the same issue. 

As a Christian, I attempt (and fall short) to show love in all situations because Christ first loved me. I don't think that pure hatred gets anyone anywhere; all it does is wound. 

I'm reminded of the campaign for same-sex marriage, "No H8: Prop. 8." 

What I'm confused about is why Christianity can't get the same treatment in the media.