Addison turned 1!!

That year went by REALLY fast. We celebrated Addison's first birthday a few days early, on May 30th. It was Minnie Mouse themed (surprise, surprise). We had a family and a few friends over to help celebrate and had a blast.

Before her actual party, Addison did some finger painting. She had a little help, but I really love how the canvas turned out.

I also made one of those info posters for her big day. I just created it in PowerPoint and printed it on computer paper and framed it.

Party Day!

My sweet mother-in-law made both the big cake and the smash cake.

Graduation, Sand, and Fish

I'm way behind on updating the blog. Sorry - life happened. My brother finally graduated with his bachelors degree from the Baptist College of Florida. I'm so incredibly proud of him! 

He took classes online but decided to walk. Of course we couldn't miss it!

The ceremony was awesome. It was just like a church service complete with hymns! I don't remember the President's name, but he was a nut.

Proud family!

We were so close to the beach that we had to stop by.

Addison was not a fan of the sand.

But she was a fan of Capt. Anderson's. I swear she ate her weight in fish.

Congrats again, Jon!!

Not A Building, It's People

A church is not a building, it's people. That's what we know to be true of our church. We've said many times before how we love our church. We aren't referring to the building, although it's a nice building. We love the body of believers that worship together on Sunday mornings. The ones that we grow with in our small group. The ones we have sang with in the choir. We love our church.

On May 17th, the members of Hunter Street held a celebration of sorts at Samford University's Pete Hanna Center, there were even t-shirts! It was the first time since I've been at HSBC that all members were in one Sunday morning service together.

  Andy pointed out that if we were split into factions, we'd be in different ones...no more Divergent/Hunger Game for you!

The staff of HSBC did a phenomenal job of getting the venue.

 

  The choir did a wonderful job of leading worship and Buddy preached a wonderful sermon. The place was packed!

There wasn't child care, so Addison go to attend "big church" with us. I was prepared with snacks, water, toys, and a paci, just in case. She did great! She loved the music and even took a little nap when Buddy preached. 

No t-shirts available in her size, so her Minnie dress will have to do.

If you are looking for a church home, come visit! I understand that a larger church can be intimidating, but getting plugged into a small group and getting involved in other ministries makes it not feel so big.

Mother's and Father's Day

Clearly I'm trying to catch the blog up on life events. Only a month and a half off isn't THAT bad, right?

This year we celebrated my first Mother's Day. My parents were in town to visit and help us celebrate. We went to church as usual and then lunch at Macaroni Grill. I miss the lady that used to walk around singing in Italian. Still a delicious meal with great people. 

Andy Addison got me a family membership to the zoo and 101 Dalmatians on Blu ray. That's one of the few Disney movies I didn't own yet. My collection is almost complete! Andy did make me a strawberry cake - from scratch! Look how pretty!

He did an amazing job. Clearly he got some of his mama's skills. 

*Jumping Ahead to Father's Day* He totally out did me on the gift giving and cake making. I didn't get around to making a cake for him for Father's Day and I, at the last minute, got him a garden hoe, because he needed one. He has loved telling everyone he got a hoe for Father's Day, though. We also ate Italian after church, but this time at Joe's Italian in Pelham - SO GOOD - especially the zebra cake!

Multiplied

God of Mercy, sweet love of mine

I have surrendered to Your design

May this offering stretch across the sky

These Halleluiahs be multiplied.

~Needtobreathe

On April 23rd, Andy and I got to celebrate our 4 year anniversary (a couple of weeks late). We had tickets to see my favorite band, Needtobreathe, along with Ben Rector and a two other up and coming acts. It was our first night that both of us were away from Addison. We really enjoyed our night out. We stayed in the new Embassy Suites in Tuscaloosa and were able to walk to the concert. It was actually pretty chilly that night. Had I planned better, I would have had a thick coat. Ya never know how the weather is going to be that time of the year. I was super excited, so we arrived WAY early - like an hour before the show actually started. I was too excited to wait!

The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is a new and very nice venue, although I was wishing they sold hot chocolate. Since we arrived so early, we decided we needed to visit the merchandise table.

  Softest t-shirt ever!

 Please ignore the crazy eyes.

The first couple of acts were pretty good. Ben Rector proceeded Needtobreathe and let me just say, I'm a fan. I had heard a few of his songs prior to this evening and figured I'd enjoy his set. Enjoy was an understatement. I laughed, I cried (yeah...just a little), I was full of love - Ben Rector = good stuff! 

  

 Finally, at around 9:15 or so, Needtobreathe took the stage. This was the fourth time seeing them live. I never get tired of seeing these guys perform. There were a few technical glitches here and there and it was clear they were still working out some kinks (this was the first show of the tour), but it was still an excellent evening.

 

We made our way back up the hill to our hotel and collapsed in the bed about 11 (woo hoo - party animals). I had a wonderful time with Andy. We don't get a lot of time just the two of us anymore, and it was a real treat. Go see Needtobreathe and/or Ben Rector if ever you get the opportunity. You won't be disappointed.

She's Going To The Chapel!

My best friend is getting married!! I'm super excited. Not more than the happy couple, but pretty darn close. Andy and I (Addison too) were lucky to be there just after Trey popped the question.

Jodi and I have been friends since birth, basically. She's been the closest thing I've had to a sister and I'm incredibly grateful for our lifetime friendship.

Also, I'm really pale and need to see the beach, pronto.

Trey popped the question April, 15th and the wedding will be held on February 27, 2016!

Congrats, y'all!!

Have Courage and Be Kind

I love movies. One of my favorite date nights with Andy, of course, involved going to a new movie. We typically like to see big blockbusters (The Hobbit, The Avengers, and soon STAR WARS!) and new Disney, animated and live action. Ever since Addison was born, it's been a little difficult to get to a movie just the two of us. We've already got my parents lined up to keep Addison December 18th of this year.

I had wanted to see Cinderella since I saw the first trailer of that glass slipper, but knew it wasn't a big priority (like STAR WARS!!! will be). Luckily my best friend, Jodi, agreed to go with me. We had a nice girly dinner at Panera Bread and then off to the movie. I was also in cahoots with her boyfriend. He was driving down (about 3 hours) to ask her parents for permission to marry him! AWWWW!!! Jodi had no idea. I love being part of a secret plan. I digress. Back to...

Y'all. This movie was good. Yes, I'm a Disney Princess fan, and I may be a bit biased, but go see it - or wait til it comes out on DVD/Bluray/Digital, because it may not be on at a theater near you anymore.

I particularly loved the theme throughout this movie - Have Courage, and Be Kind. These words can be used in so many aspects of life, especially the 'Be Kind' part. Some examples come to mind - loved ones/spouses, in traffic, at work. I usually need to remember the 'Have Courage' portion. I'm notorious for not standing up for myself and letting people take advantage of me. It's wise to remember to 'Be Kind' in times when Courage is needed.

Also, I LOVE her blue dress. If only I had a reason to wear such a beautiful gown.