EXCLAIM

1) to cry out or speak suddenly and vehemently, as in surprise, or strong emotion

May 4th made my heart swell. 

On May 4th, one of my very best friends got engaged to her knight in shinning armor. Shannon was given the day she had been waiting for, and it manifested itself on a pier in New Port Beach, CA. I am so thankful there were family members planted nearby who caught the most priceless pictures -- because Shannon, your smile is one of the most beautiful. 

I was elated to hear news of her engagement and LOVED talking to her right after it happened. I could hear a smile on her voice and I could hear her heart laugh with excitement. A new chapter is beginning, and it is destined to be a wonderful one. 

A few weeks ago Shannon made it home for a visit, and she told me she had an important question for me...

"Will you be my bridesmaid?", she asked. "YES!", I exclaimed. 

Shannon, I am beyond thrilled to be one of your bridesmaids. I cannot wait to proudly stand by your side and bear witness to the love that you and KK share. You two have been through fun times and hard times, laughter and tears and I know each moment has made you stronger as a couple. I love the playful nature you and KK share, and most importantly I trust him as a provider and life partner for you.

As you prepare for your wedding day, here is my wish for you: 
"Love, be true to her; 
Life, be dear to her;
Health, stay close to her;
Joy, draw near to her;
Fortune, find what you can do for her,
Follow her footsteps the wide world over--
And keep her husband always her lover." -Anna Lewis

I am here for you every step of the way as your best friend and bridesmaid. The countdown is on for your big day when you EXCLAIM, "I DO"!

SEIZE

1) to take hold of suddenly or forcibly; grasp
2) to grasp mentally; understand clearly and completely
3) to take possession of by force or at will
4) to take possession or control of as if by suddenly laying hold

April truly went by in the blink of an eye (I feel like I start every post with HOW FAST time seems to be flying). I can't believe we are now starting the fifth month of the year!

If I had to dedicate a phrase to April it would be "seize the day". From parasailing in Mexico (yes that post will be coming!) to dancing to our favorite Macklemore songs at Whitney's wedding or making awesome improvements around the homestead, April was the month to do it all. Take a look below! Carpe diem!

April photo challenge daily topics (L to R, top to bottom):
Day 1: "your reflection"
Day 2: "colors" - bikinis ready for Mexico!
Day 3: "mail" - a postcard from a bestie

Day 4: "someone who makes you happy" - this boy who doesn't mind twinning!
Day 5: "tiny"
BONUS: Cheers to our vacation! (at the airport before our flight)

BONUS: El Arco in Cabo San Lucas - so stunning!

Day 6: "lunch" - salmon salad on the cruise
Day 7: "shadow" - catching some shade on the beach in Loreto
Day 8: "inside your wallet" - all out of money after our vacation!
Day 9: "younger [crazier] you"
Day 10: "cold" drinks on the beach
Day 11: "where you ate breakfast" - room service on our cruise
Day 12: "stairs" - after 1,311 stairs I was happy to see a view with NO stairs :)
Day 13: "something you found" - towel monkey in our room
Day 14: "how you feel today" - sleep and sad, post vacation :(
Day 15: "sunset" - view from the plane

BONUS: DMB tickets arrived!
Day 16: "flower"

BONUS: Remember last month when I said I really wish I had a watch? I got one!
Day 17: "something you hate" - our old, dirty carpet

BONUS: our NEW carpet!
Day 18: "hair"
Day 19: "orange" - HMG's colorDay 20: "something you drew" - a note in my planner
Day 21: "bottle" - Vapur, the anti-bottle
Day 22: "last thing you bought" - new Hunter rain boots
Day 23: "vegetable" (carrot sticks)
Day 24: "something you are greatful for" - my faith in a higher power
Day 25: "looking down"
Day 26: "black and white"
Day 27: "somewhere you went" - Skagit Valley Tulip Festival!
Day 28: "1pm" - baby shower!
Day 29: "circle" - aerial view of my water bottle
Day 30: "something that makes you said" - my current read, The Poisonwood Bible

MERRY

1) to cause the feeling of cheerfulness or gaiety in spirit 

2) to create laughing happily, festively joyous moments, and/or a merrytime at the party
3) to bring happiness and/or delight

The past holiday season was, without a doubt, the busiest holiday season I have ever experienced -- but it was also one of the very best. Full of merry-ing and marrying (ok ok, so maybe "merry" isn't an actual verb, but go with it)! 

The week before Christmas, I flew out to Chicago to see my beautiful Big sister from my sorority tie the knot with her prince charming! And if that isn't awesome enough I got to stay with my Little sister for the week, as they are both from the Chicago area. This trip was a SERIOUS Michigan Alpha Pi Beta Phi reunion and my heart is still bursting with happiness from those six days of merry-ing. 

It is crazy to think that it has been at least two years since I have seen some of those girls, although it genuinely felt as if I saw them yesterday. While we were in college I spent practically every waking moment with my girls. In many ways, my sisters made my college experience complete and I truly cannot imagine life without them. My Big and I used to always sing this one song we liked to each other...it kind of began as a funny thing we did, then we made it "our thing", and then I think the more we sang it the more it actually became true..."I can change your life, if you'll let me..."

I arrived Tuesday evening, spent time with my Little's family on Wednesday, went to the bachelorette party on Thursday night (thankfully the world didn't end!), spent time in Chicago with my Little on Friday, attended the wedding on Saturday, and flew home Sunday. Although I would have loved more time with my girls, it just made us promise even more that we would plan another reunion...SOON!

 

I am so very thankful I could be present on my Big's special day. Besides the fact that she looked stunning beyond words, every last detail was perfect: from the post card themed guest book, to the chalk boards with adorable sayings on them, to the shout outs to "the bride's college girls", to the sparkler send off. The only thing more perfect than the wedding day is the love these two have for each other.  

Big -- I hope your day was everything that you dreamed it would be because in my humble opinion, it was flawless. I cannot wait until I get to see you again but until then... I will start practicing spelling your new last name!

The holiday season is always very busy, but remember to make time to...

MERRY!