Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Happy Birthday, Seth!

Seth's birthday is actually December 26, but we always celebrate it with his family on December 27. Why? Well, since being married, we celebrate Christmas day with Seth's family on December 26. Therefore, we celebrate his birthday the day after "Christmas." Does that make sense?


Seth and I met 10 years ago now in the fall of our freshman year at Shorter College (now Shorter University) in Rome, Georgia. It was right around Christmas 2001 that we started "talking." "Talking" was the pre-dating stage when we were getting to know each other. We started officially dating in February 2002, and the rest is history.

I want to honor my hubby today on his "birthday." He is 29 years old. Here are a few reasons I love this man (in no particular order):

1. The way to his heart is through food. He loves sweets. In the picture above he is holding the famous sticky bun from Flour Bakery & Cafe in Boston. I love cooking for him and seeing what his reaction is to whatever he has just tasted. I appreciate that he is honest about it too. He doesn't just tell me he likes something because I made it. When he compliments something I've made, I know that he really means it.


2. I love that he plays guitar and enjoys music. Lydia's daddy really does rock!


3. He is funny. He constantly makes me laugh. Laughter is good for the soul.


4. He loves Nacho Libre and beluga whales (which we just got to see at the Georgia Aquarium - highly recommend the aquarium if you haven't ever been before).


5. Besides being funny, he is just plan fun.


6. He loves In-N-Out. This was our first time to an In-N-Out earlier this year in California.


This was our second time to In-N-Out on the same trip. Seth also went another time.


This was a visit to In-N-Out when we were Tempe in October. He had it four times total during this trip.


7. He loves exploring new places. We have been fortunate enough to travel a good bit since we've been married. One of our favorite things to do in a new place is to just wander around and see what we come upon.


8. He makes me feel like I am the most beautiful person in the world.


9. He is such a good daddy! I love this picture from the delivery room because Seth looks so proud. I have been able to see a new side of him these past four months. Lydia has no idea how blessed she is to have such a great daddy!


10. When Seth is interested in something, he isn't afraid to tell you all about it. Although I may give him a hard time about it sometimes, I really love this about him. I appreciate that he brings me into his world.


11. He is my best friend. There is no one in the world that I would rather be with.


12. Daddy has a special touch that gets Lydia to sleep. I am convinced that she knows her Daddy's arms and feels protected and safe like no other place in the world.


13. He is a family man.
14. He is quick to repent and ask for forgiveness.
15. He leads our family well.
16. He worships God wholeheartedly.
17. He is a leader who inspires others.
18. He chooses his words wisely and believes that his words matter.
19. He is handsome!
20. He is a man of conviction.
21. He is passionate.
22. He is committed.
23. He is a servant.
24. He changes diapers.
25. He makes a way for me to have time to myself, which has become more important these days than ever before.
26. He loves chocolate (and shares it with me).
27. He has good style.
28. He enjoys life.
29. He is a good friend.

29 reasons for 29 years. I am proud to be your wife and thankful that I get to share the ups and downs of life together. I love you, Seth! Happy Birthday!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Lydia, Lydia, Lydia

More pictures of our sweet Lydia.


















Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving 2011 was a big hit. We had 18 people and a ton of fun! Everyone came over around 2pm. We ate good food, relaxed, and played games. We were able to host college students from Berklee and Harvard. The last people left after midnight. Check out the pictures to get a taste of our day.


Turkey napkins!


Carlos, Lukas, and Kathryn


Betsy and Tim did the dishes after the meal. Thank you!


Caitlin in the kitchen


Paula Dean's Baked Brie has become a yearly tradition. I made two this year.


The Table


Tim carved the turkey for us. Don't know what we would have done without him because Seth was not interested in carving the turkey at all.


Antolin and Jacqueline - This is the second Thanksgiving that we've been able to spend with Antolin and Jacqueline. The first one was at the Phillips' house several years ago. Thankful for their friendship!


Rachel and Ashley


Missy checking out the Black Friday deals


Betsy, Kathryn, Rachel, and Ashley



Jacqueline brought these beautiful flowers!


Getting ready to sit down for the meal


Lily got to break in Lydia's high chair and Dr. Seuss bib.


The whole gang


Who will the winner of the turkey wishbone breaking be?


Ashley got to make a wish!


Thankful for my sweet friend, June!


Antolin and Missy playing guitar - Playing music has become a part of our annual Thanksgiving celebration.


Jacqueline holding Lydia while she napped.


Lily loving Lydia. It was so sweet! Wish I had more pictures of it.


The Settlers Game - June was the winner!


June and Lily


Amy, Missy, and Lydia - Missy held Lydia for awhile so that Seth and I could play games. Thanks, Missy!


Settlers Board


We played Phase 10 for several hours. Antolin was the winner!


We had a great Thanksgiving. Thank you for joining us Amy, June, Dave, Lily, Caitlin, Jacqueline, Antolin, Tim, Rachel, Ashley, Betsy, Kathryn, Carlos, Lukas, and Missy!