Made by Michael

 Ta-da!

Just kidding! Although, yes, he did "make" her but I am referring to THIS:

Our patio! He finished it in May and it's been put to good use already. Look at each stone he laid by hand:

We're also attempting to keep somewhat of a garden on the side. Michael is actually a fabulous gardener, I had no idea. He prunes and maintains the rose bushes like they are babies. I'm still waiting for the gladiolus to blossom...Michael thinks I planted corn instead. I may have been tricked.

Summer

I've missed the blog. It's weird, I guess I'm more of a journal keeper than I thought. June has been filled with wonderful things. Having a 9 month old is certainly a blast. You folks aren't kidding when you say how fun 9 month olds are.

Michael and I celebrated 5 years of marriage!

My baby brother graduated from high school!

Some of my beloved aunts and uncles came to VA for the graduation, always a good time!

Knocked out a fabulous, rustic-elegant wedding at a vineyard on Sunday. Confession, I texted Michael after the ceremony, "Why am I so good at what I do?" Humble, I know. But I was pretty proud of the day.  Wedding #30-something was a home run!

Michael is still loving Chick-Fil-A and is more and more excited about the company. I am also more and more excited, as my intake of Combo #1s and chocolate milkshakes have increased.

Carmen's bed time is more well established now, so Michael and I have been able to have some great evenings grilling out with a margarita or a beer on our wonderful patio lately. I need to put up pictures of that!

 

We also have a tradition of family breakfast's when Michael is home in the morning. We have a new favorite spot that we are beginning to frequent. For some reason, breakfast always tastes better when someone else cooks it for you?

Carmen's favorite book these days is, "Charlie the Ranch Dog" by Ree Drummond (the Pioneer Woman) and her favorite toy is her dolly, Dolly. She is also great at playing Michael's keyboard and walking behind her babydoll stroller.

I've started the birthday party planning for Carmen's ....1st  Birthday?! How can this be, it's only 2 months away. I used to be more of a crafty person, but in my recent years I've had better things to do so I'm a bit rusty when it comes to hole punching. The first birthday is totally about the family and what kind of cake you serve. 1 year olds could care less and will only remember pictures. That being said, I'm trying to keep a good balance of catering to my baby girl's celebration and focusing on the rest of the family that will be there.

 

Here's some pics:  

Grandma Fran

My Grandma is awesome and needs prayer. Pray for her healing, strength and peace from the Lord!  

 Four Generations

We love you Grandma Fran and are praying for your healing!!!

5 Year Anniversary

On Saturday Michael and I celebrated our 5th Wedding Anniversary! Typing that number looks so small, but it feels like a greater amount of years. It has flown by but has been so good. It is so comforting, peace bringing, and exciting to know that we will be together for the rest of our lives - celebrating just like this. 

We were busy all weekend with college reunions at UVA but Michael set aside some time for just the two of us on Saturday morning. He booked a couples massage for us and a spa manicure for me at Boars Head.

It was so great! Best part is that Michael might now be hooked on massages which means more for me too. 

We stayed at our friend's beautiful home in Charlottesville - actually the pastor's home of Portico in Cville. Chris and Jenn were wonderful hosts. We had early starts to each day and I desperately wanted coffee each morning. Chris was walking out the door both days as I came into the kitchen but stopped to ask if he could get me a cup of coffee, with cream and sugar? At first I said don't bother, I'll get it myself, but he insisted. BOTH mornings books and bag in hand - heading out on Saturday to teach a class and Sunday to preach (THREE services mind you) he served me coffee. I know it's weird but I felt so blessed and so encouraged at the servant leadership displayed in the smallest of actions and at the most seemingly inconvenient time. It was his joy to serve. Portico is so blessed to serve under Chris's leadership. I hope that I can model that same type of servant's heart. It means a lot. 

Carmen was in little girl heaven because the Atwell's have 3 girls of their own. She was the happiest baby to get to interact and smile and laugh at the girls. I couldn't have planned it better myself! In a weekend full of adult activities and stroller confinement, I was thankful that Carmen had some good laughs first thing in the morning. 

A lot more to catch you all up on later!