Daina and Sammy Tie The Knot

June 18th was Daina Port's big day!  (And I was NOT going to miss it)  I first developed a friendship with Daina through a "new teacher" bond in Richland District Two.  Through a series of bible studies, girls nights, bad dates, and lots of laughter she has become such a sweet sweet friend. It could not have worked out better for me to attend. 

 She was getting married at Murrells Inlet which is just miles from where my family was at the beach. 

The location was beautiful

The cake was just perfect 

Little touches of Southern all around 

Fun friends to celebrate with 

flawless taste in shoes

a most gorgeous bridal bouquet 

a match made in heaven 

 so tiny and radiant -she looked like she should be on top of a cake

 a truly glowing and radiant bride

I could not be happier for you BOTH! 

Hit the BEACH

Friday the 17th the Holcomb clan headed to DeBordieu - the beach of my childhood.  

The gang was all here: PawPaw, MawMaw, Steve, Angie, Clayton, Cooper, Wells, Addie, Wellsman, Virginia, Me (except Caleb who came later). 

 

We stayed in a new house that had an ideal spot for each family member. 

 We had fun NEW adventures on the beach!

Coop and Clayton getting creative with their sand castle building. 

Wellsman developed his digging skills and built some great sand "houses". 

C & C were sweet with their new baby girl cousin.  Virginia loves all the big boys!

Wellsman is a pro at jumping into the pool and kicking his little legs! 

HEDBANZ is the most fun kid game ever!  Happy Birthday to C & C (when you are long distance, you celebrate when you can) 

Straws that double as glasses - SO FUN

We came inside during the heat of the day for lunch and rests. 

We played together. 

and headed back out in the evening. 

Tuesday night late, I was thrilled to get Caleb from the Myrtle Beach airport.  New thing in marriage: apart for 12 days, don't think we will be trying that one again. 

Wednesday night we went out for a romantic almost anniversary dinner at Chive Blossom.  

It was our first time and I recommend every bite! 

We loved reliving our first year of marriage

Sadly, Friday morning came and it was time to head back to Columbia.  

Caleb and I needed some breakfast on the way, and much to his disappointment I wanted to try something new instead of a 99 cent sausage biscuit from McDonald's. 

Luckily, he was very pleased with the "new" breakfast. 

Jesus Time:  I highly recommend my church's morning devotional - it will be emailed to you each day.  Check it out: www.jointhejourney.com 

Hubby Highlight:

Me: What was your favorite thing about our first year of marriage? 

Caleb: Really becoming best friends. 

Me: heart melted, teary eyes...happy sigh

fit it ALL in

June 13 - 17
My week in Columbia flew by because there are oh so many things I miss and I needed to accomplish them all:  obviously my parentals, a STP at Groucho's, Mary Sims, Zaxby's fried chicken salads with two honey mustards, a Rush's burger and shake, Michelle Parsons Kelly, Za's, not needing a GPS, Meg, all of my Bookman Beacons, and being in driving distance to the Johnson clan (just to name a few).  How will I ever fit it all in?!

Monday morning, my dad and I headed up to Charlotte to check in on Wellsman and Sweet Virginia.  

We had such a fun visit.  

In the evening, Addie and I took her kiddos to the neighborhood pool.  

It was the first time for me to go to the pool with little V, for now she lives it up in the shade with her fan

and the first time for Lil W to share his new car toys - totally honored!  

After a long and hilarious road - Wellsman has new pajamas - bye bye mister snowman!

I love all of the girly changes to make the nursery the perfect place for little miss - particularly the pink fluffy rug

Nothing new here - just waiting for MawMaw to get ready so we can head to the mall.
Lots of new books at the Johnson's house - Wellsman is going to be a football playing bookworm! 

Back to Columbia and just in time for dinner with Michelle My Belle. 

We enjoyed the perfect sandwich at Andy's and it was the first two on one dinner - Michelle and Jay will be adding a new family member in November! 

 Here is a glowing picture of  Michelle at the shower. 

Wednesday  I had a blast helping Mary Sims with some wedding things, learned lots of new surprises about the wedding, and saw items for their new home.  We got a lot done and had plenty of laughs while doing it!  

The organized bride was able to meet Michelle and Meg (and me) for dinner at Za's.  I miss our weekly dinners girls!  

Thursday, June 16 marks a momentous decision - I STOPPED drinking Diet Mountain Dew.  My ten year love affair came to an end.  And the amazing thing is, I haven't missed it since.  {Cue Rocky Music Now}

my body thanks me.

Jesus Time: When I feel inadequate, He is sufficient.
The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties.
Romans 8:37

Love for my love: He is a great phone talker and skyper.  I. Miss. Him.  when I am not with him. 

I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane for all kinds of celebrations

June 10 I hopped on a plane and headed to Columbia in preparation for Mary Sims and Thomas' big day and lots of time with family.  I was armed with a whole lotta luggage and deep down excitement in my heart.  Friday, my mom and I hit the ground running, working all day to prepare for Mary Sims' kitchen shower. 

Mary Sims' shower was full of so many favorite friends - I loved every minute of it.  

We played some fun games.  

We loved on the honored family members. 

Meet Mama Lib, Mrs. Pressly, the blushing bride, Mrs. Costigan, and Ma Two!

It was my first time making Key Lime Pie - thanks Addie! 

On Sunday, I went to church with my parents (new thing: arrived over 20 minutes early - thanks dad - apparently that's his new thing - to get EVERYWHERE at least 20 minutes early) and ate at our old favorite after church lunch spot The Blue Marlin.  I ordered something new, it was dynamite.  Took me back to our rehearsal dinner - missed you Caleb!

Then, I spent the afternoon and into the evening at Frannie's pool.  It was my first time to swim at her pool and see her new deck/porch.  Those Cooks always have a fun project.  We had a great time catching up and reminiscing.

Here is a picture of the Howard clan with Mary Sims - Fran is looking great in her pearls.

Back in D-Town for a bit

With my vacation schedule my weeks are getting all jumbled together...so I hope we can all be forgiving and just realize that there is plenty of newness to cover the original goal of one new thing a week. Back from the beach, I hit the ground running, freshly tanned, and shopped and played with my dear friend Robyn. 

(this is Robyn singing karoke with some little ladies from her class - taken a few months ago)

Then much to my surprise and extreme delight - TARA and her cute self came to Dallas for a training with a new job.  It was her first trip to the Big D!  Way to go TARA - she has all kinds of new things rocking in her life (insert cute boyfriend here)!  It is such a treat for hometown friends to come to my new hometown.  Visitors Welcome.  We got to spend the day together, and Caleb and I took TARA to one of our favorite little Mexican places in honor of all of our San Jose dates - Bailey and MS - you know what I'm talking about!

New thing I'm learning about Jesus: It is REALLY important to prayerfully seek His will in making BIG and small decisions.  Also, listen to those with His wisdom and ask the hard questions.
A person's steps are directed by the Lord,
and the Lord delights in his way.
Psalm 37:23

New thing to LOVE about my man: He is great at getting excited with me and he prays for wisdom.

Summer is HERE! (for real)

June 2 - 6 (Part B)

Going to the BEACH always makes me feel like summer is really here.  Caleb and I were thrilled and stoked and excited and pumped and...you get the idea...to be invited to the beach with the Smiths.  We happen to love them and always have tons of fun when we are with them not to mention we were going to the beach.  Michelle's family has a great condo in Florida on the coast - exact location: Indian Rocks Beach.  So many new things, here goes!
First vacation with the Smiths. (fingers crossed for annual trips together)

First Florida vaca for me and the hubs

First time I had a driver pick me up at the airport - thrilling, he was holding a sign and everything!

First at so many delicious restaurants.  I did try crab cakes (I think it was the first time)  

First sand dollar hunt - this was just the first hunt, there were so many more to follow...

First time to Dunedin.  Caleb and I found some fun art to add to our home.

I got some love for little small towns down deep in my soul - homemade ice cream included!

First time 'Man Who Swims With Dolpins' and 'Shark Catcher' found themselves on the ocean.  We saw lots and lots of swimming creatures - a little closer than expected!  First time to paddle board - LOVED it!

First A for Caleb - woo woo!  He is kicking college in the rear!

First time the boys golfed together.  Sorry no photo, I was busy laying out on the beach with Michelle!

New book: Heaven is for REAL.  Absolutely COULD NOT put it down.  Caleb and I would read it together at night, and we would stay up much later than expected.  Grab a copy and grab your Kleenex. 

New thing the Lord is teaching me:  The perfect place for you is right in the middle of God's plan. 

New love for the hub: He is THE BEST sharer I know!  He shares and shares and shares:  ear phones on the plane, the arm rest, a sip of his drink when it is hot, seafood (sometimes unwanted), his side of the bed, (I am a bit of a bed hog)...the list goes on.  He is so easy to love!