An Apple A Day...

One reason why I love being an event designer is because there is so much to celebrate in life. Even though sometimes, traditions can feel overwhelming and burdensome, there are lots of little things that you can do to celebrate every season.

One of our favorite things to do in the Fall is to go apple picking with friends and family! We pack a picnic lunch, and head out to our favorite local orchard. If you're not sure if you have one nearby, check here to see what farms are around you!

one of the reasons the kids love this orchard...tire swings!

in the orchard

enjoying the hayride!

If you're local Millstone Creek Orchard is a wonderful place to picnic, pick your own apples, purchase goodies from their little country store, and even go on a hayride.

It's always so much fun and a great way to start our season! Fall seems to be creeping in a little more every day around here. I bought my first bag of candy corn just yesterday, and can't wait to show you the burlap wreath I'm making later this week.

Be sure to go visit over at Emily's to see other simple celebrations of life.

Written Words

This morning, feeling sleepy and sore, a sweet little gift was unknowingly waiting for me in my mail.

With how technological our society has become, we seldom ever get notes just because. I was thinking the other day about how intentional people had to be with their relationships before these days when with the click of the computer, we can say "happy birthday" or send someone a little encouragement.

Even though I am extremely grateful for all my technology, it is quite a gift to be able to open up an envelope with my name on it. To be able to physically touch a piece of paper that another has written words on, especially for me.

Thank you, sweet friend, for your gift to me today. I am so grateful for how God has blessed my life with an abundance of friendships that I would not have apart from Him.

Celebrating today with others at Chatting at the Sky. Won't you join us?

Because of Her

Because of her, I wake her up with, "Good morning, my beautiful first grader!"

Because of her, I bought flowers and wrote a sweet card.

Because of her, I walk slowly by the classroom, just one more time.

Because of her, I make chocolate chip cookies to welcome home my sweet first grader.

Because of her, I lick the spatula clean.

Because of her, I wrap some up for her grandsons, whose mom can't stay home and make cookies, but who wishes she could still have some for them.

Because of her, I celebrate the little accomplishments in life just a little bit more.

I wish she were here to see her only granddaughter in first grade, or to call and say, "Happy first day of school!!", but in so many ways, she's still here.

Linking up with Tuesdays Unwrapped, because these moments are too dear to not celebrate with others.

Also linking up with Simple Pleasures.

Truth Be Told

A while back, I remember being at Bible study, and being asked to think about what our greatest fears were. We were to try to think of the worst thing that could ever happen to us...the things that are in the dark places of our minds, that we feared more than anything else, what would it be. At first, I was a little taken off guard, as I try not to think about those things. But, we were reassured that this wasn't to share with anyone, just between us and the Lord. I wrote down several horrific thoughts that I never really admit to anyone, but that sometimes creep into my mind. Most of the women there, agreed that their worst fears had to do with tragedy, loss, and suffering.

Then, as the study went on, we talked about the character of the Lord. We talked about how if we knew really believed that God is who He says He is, that He loves us, and that He's good, we knew in confidence that He would be with us wherever we go. That no matter what circumstance we might find ourselves in, however grave or scary, that we could be assured, that the God of the universe, who made us, and who holds our very breath in His hands, would be right there with us. Not that we would ask for struggles or strife, but just to remember that He is able to be with us, throughout all of it. I remember thinking that if I was really able to take hold of that truth, how much more freely I would live. To know without doubt, that whatever happens, wherever life may lead me, that I don't have to be afraid, because He is with me, and He is in control.

One verse that we say with our children all the time is "Be strong and courageous. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Especially in times when they feel afraid or anxious, we will talk with them about that truth. That God will never leave them, and that no matter where they go, or what they are faced with, that He will be right there beside them, holding them, comforting them, carrying them through anything.

This past week, I opened up my scripture book. As I flipped through the pages, I saw this precious gift waiting for me.

It's so great to see that somewhere, somehow, it is getting through. And, not just that...but that they are wanting to remind me of God's truth. It's a blessing indeed.

The Longest Breath

I've been taking a long, deep breath over the last couple days. After finishing up a wedding this past weekend, and reconnecting with my two little ones and my hubby, I finally feel like I can sit down again. Taking a break sometimes is exactly what we need. But sometimes, it gives me the chance (a.k.a. forces me to confront) to think about what I am about to be entering into.

This summer has been so fabulous. And, I am so sad that it is coming to an end. I really, really, love our summer mornings. Pjs and coffee til 10, cartoons and playing together. Real playing together...for more than 5 minutes in between being here and there and getting homework done. My little ones have become best of friends, and have bonded more in these past months than ever before. We have spent many hours with our nephews, who will not be in the same town for much longer. I have enjoyed seeing my husband more, and have watched as he has taken hold of a new journey he will be entering into in about a week. There has been much celebrating, with lots of weddings and events, and the joy that I have had to play a part in that, has been wonderful. To stop all of this celebration is quite hard, especially when I think of all that is about to begin.

My husband is about to begin graduate school, my little girl is starting first grade, my sister is getting married and moving, my son will start soccer for the first time, and we will begin to keep the precious girls I nanny for again in just a few days. The busy early mornings will be here again, and the hustle and bustle of life will be among us. There is still excitement in all that is about to begin...it's just not as still as it has been.

So, now, as I stare into the face of the Fall, I look for celebration. I search to find the good in what we have had, and look with joy to what we will have. As much apprehension as there is, there is more hope. And along with change, there is always beauty. So, I take a deep breath, and anticipate all that is waiting for us in the next season. I can't wait to see the colors of the Fall.

Songs to Fill the Air

This past weekend was my hubby and my 11th anniversary. I feel really old saying that. Somewhere in my mind, I'm still 20 something (and closer to the 20 than the 30). But alas, that's not the case...I didn't get married when I was 10...which I know you are all grateful for. Anyway, on a more normal thought, we did get to celebrate this weekend.

Part of our celebration was an extremely painful one. But still a celebration, none the less. My uncle, who has always hugged me so tightly that I almost couldn't breathe, and smiled so widely that it almost came off his face, passed away last week. He had struggled with cancer about a year ago, that was completely removed...supposedly.

Two weeks ago, he went into the hospital having respiratory problems, and when they looked closer, they found that it wasn't all removed. It was everywhere. And you know how the rest of the story goes. He was 60, still in love with and married to his college sweetheart, father to two beautiful girls, and absolutely adoring being a grandfather to a precious little boy.

Seeing the program read, "A Celebration of Life" is never something that sounds like a fun party to go to. It's hard to even think of it as celebrating. But that's what we did. We all gathered together, hugged 'til it hurt, looked at pictures, and laughed at stories that perfectly described this big bear of a man that we all loved. We sand his favorite songs during the funeral. And we cried. A lot. And then some more.

The next day, my husband and I woke up, and did pretty normal things. We went to church together (the kids were still at his parents, so we slept in!), we came home and my hubby made me a delicious tomato and basil omelet while I did some work for an upcoming wedding, then we went and checked into a beautiful Bed and Breakfast in the area. This B & B is a historic pre-civil war house, that has been restored and updated to be the perfect get away. And, it just so happens that my parents own it. But not for long. The Inn has been on the market for a bit, and so we thoroughly enjoyed what will most likely be our last stay there for quite a while.

A couple weeks ago, when I was having coffee with a good friend of mine, she told me how usually, she and her husband, just end up doing normal things together for their anniversary, and that is what is so special. Instead of trying to plan a bunch of plans, and then force a special feeling into the plans. It was not what I really wanted to hear at the time. What I wanted was for my husband to have made big, exciting plans for our anniversary. But, what turned out to be our weekend, was wonderful. It was unexpected and everyday all at the same time. It was being with family that was in mourning. It was waking up in our beds and going to our church that we love. It was making brunch in our home. It was listening to music at the park with friends, just like many summer Sunday evenings. And staying in a beautiful Inn that our family has loved for years. And celebrating life with each other. Just like it should be.

*(This post is in honor of my Uncle Bill. We'll hear your voice come through the music, and we'll hold it near, as it were our own.)

Ripple

by Robert Hunter

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine

And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung

Would you hear my voice come through the music?

Would you hold it near, as it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken

Perhaps they're better left unsung

I don't know, don't really care

Let there be songs to fill the air

Ripple in still water

When there is no pebble tossed

Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty

If your cup is full may it be again

Let it be known there is a fountain

That was not made by the hands of man

There is a road, no simple highway

Between the dawn and the dark of night

And if you go, no one may follow

That path is for your steps alone

Ripple in still water

When there is no pebble tossed

Nor wind to blow

You who choose to lead must follow

But if you fall, you fall alone

If you should stand, then who's to guide you?

If I knew the way, I would take you home

Bless You!

Yesterday, I was sitting on a balcony, and from below, I heard someone sneeze. Immediately, the phrase "bless you" came to mind. I did not yell it from way above, down to a perfect stranger, but I did think about what we mean when we say that.

It's as natural as saying hello (especially for those of us who live down South), however, really does not mean that we are blessing another.

When I look back in the Old Testament, I see countless examples of how fathers would bless their children, or friends bless their loved ones. It meant something about their lives then, and for their future.

Lately, I have thought about how little we actually "bless" one another and how hard it is for us to receive a blessing. We feel silly speaking true encouragement, like somehow it might not be an appropriate time to do it. Or we might just shrug off that compliment that someone gives us, because it's too difficult to believe. The other day, one of our pastors gave me a compliment, and immediately, I was so quick to explain it away. He stopped me, and said, "Why do women always have to find a reason to not believe it?" I couldn't even begin to give him an answer, but I knew he was right.

I think this is what it means to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Col. 3:16)

It's not always easy to bless others, or to even receive a blessing. But when we are letting the word of Christ dwell richly in us, somehow, it's going to bubble up and spill over. I want to be able to speak blessing into others lives, and receive it as well. To be able to say "bless you", and truly mean what I am saying.

Have you been blessed lately? Go see what others have been blessed by today over at Chatting at the Sky.

Seaside Bound

I don't care what time of the year it is, I could always be seaside bound and be happy. We don't get there as much as I'd like to, but we get there a lot more than most people. We're so blessed to have family that welcomes us down to the coast whether they are there or not, whenever we can go. It truly is such a gift.

However, this time, the gift was for the giver. My father in law is one of the kindest and most generous men that I've ever known, and he just turned the big 6-0. Thankfully he doesn't even know what a blog is, or I might get in trouble for telling you that. His favorite place to be is down at their beach house. Not to get out in the water or even to work on his tan. He doesn't really do that. You might be wondering why, especially if you are a sun loving ocean swimming fiend like me. But what's so great about him, is that all he cares about doing is simply being down there.

Walking on the beach with his wife at sunset. Going crabbing to get some yummy appetizers. Taking the grandkids out for seafood and ice cream. Sitting on the balcony with a beer. Just the simple things about seaside life that he loves.

This same man, is not one for presents or parties or anything that would draw attention to himself. He absolutely HATES surprise parties, so we respected that wish. Instead of a big party with lots of friends and family, we had a delicious Seaside Feast with just a few family members.

After dinner, though, is when we really surprised him. He's been crabbing off little piers for years, dreaming about that little Jon boat that he still hasn't gotten around to getting. The kids came in wearing life vests and carrying ors. At first he thought they were just being cute. But as he read the card, with all the names, and began to understand the gift he had been given, he was speechless. Several people had gone in together, and we had more than enough to get a little flat-bottom boat for him. He could not believe it. And he wore his life vest the rest of the night.

Now, can you tell me what's different about this picture than the other one? And if so, which one do you like better?

Go and celebrate the little gifts (or the big ones!) with others over at Chatting at the Sky. It is a sure way to be blessed today.

Biggest Dork and Kudos...

So I'm the biggest dork known to mankind. I took before pictures of the wedding this weekend. But NO AFTER PICTURES!!! (Such a dork, such a dork) It's ok, though, I'll have the real pics from the real photographer up soon enough.

It was truly a wonderful weekend. And even though the heat presented plenty of inevitable challenges to work around, everything went amazingly well. After everyone had left and I was cleaning up and thinking about the day, I received such a gift from my sweet bride. She texted me...ME the wedding planner...on the way to her honeymoon....and said this...

"Melissa, thank you so much for everything you did. It was absolutely perfect! Love you!"

I really couldn't have asked for a better compliment.

Ok, I'll leave you with one before picture. Guess what this fun thing was used for at the reception...

Are there gifts of encouragement that you are celebrating today? Go visit all the gifts at Chatting at the Sky and unwrap your Tuesday a little bit more.

Grand Opening and Hearts Beaming

This past weekend I helped some friends with the dedication and grand opening of their new shop, Chartreuse. Everything about this shop simply amazing. I am so excited for their sweet family, and all that they have been given.

After I got all the goodies set up, I had the honor of hearing the husband bless his wife in front of all their friends and family. He talked about how much she had continually sacrificed and given to their family. How for 30 years, she has laid down her life to serve and love them, and how happy he was to be able to support her in this grand venture. I watched his lovely wife beaming, and almost blushing, as he admonished her. I listened as her children prayed and thanked God for her. And all I could do was thank them for letting me be a part of their special night. It truly was a beautiful time of celebration.

This store is such a cool place. If you are in the area, I highly recommend stopping by. It's a cross between an art gallery and a really fun antique store, but at consignment prices. One of their big things is reusing material in artsy ways to create new things...people after my own heart!!

yummy cupcakes from Maxie B's

cucumber water...the most refreshing thing ever! perfect for these hot days!

just some fun things from the shop

Such a gift to be there this weekend. What gifts are you celebrating today? Go visit over at Em's, and enjoy all those simple gifts of the everyday.

Bread for the Journey

Yesterday was a rat race. By nine o'clock, there were four children under the age of three in my house, and one six year old princess who wanted to be the babysitter. Thankfully, a sweet 14 year old friend came over to help with all the craziness. But, still, there was a lot of crazy. Between the kids crying, needing snack, wanting to play, messes made, and not enough hands to clean up, I didn't get to take my shower, or do my Bible study homework, or make my breakfast, or brush my teeth, and the list goes on and on. To make matters even more interesting, my cars in the shop...which means, even if I wanted to go somewhere, I couldn't.

As I was pouting, I realized something. *sorry, God*...I mean... God showed me something. All my "disappointments", were all about me. I know they were basic needs, but still, all about me. Here, I'll recap.

"I didn't get to take my shower, or do my Bible study homework, or make my breakfast, or brush my teeth, and the list goes on and on. To make matters even more interesting, my cars in the shop...which means, even if I wanted to go somewhere, I couldn't.

Sometimes I think about how much the Father gives out for us. How much He loves us, without even thinking for a second about what He's not getting. Or how much He's giving out. And it truly astounds me. I need His heart to even begin to give out. I can try to give out from myself, but all that it will be is filthy rags.

I was reading yesterday in Mark 6 where the disciples notice all the people needing something to eat. How Jesus tells them, "You give them something to eat." Knowing the disciples had nothing, absolutely NOTHING to feed the people with. Knowing that they would ONLY be able to receive from Him, and then give out to others. Last Sunday, one of our friends preached on this exact message, and it was fabulous. You'd think it would have gotten in my head by now, but I'm apparently still needing the lesson.

I'm celebrating my place of need this morning. That I would finally rest, and remember to rely. That He would be my bread for the journey, rather than running on empty. Rather than striving to remain this illusion of "everything" for everyone, that instead I would turn to Him, and rest. Join me and others in this "resting place" over at Emily's.

Along the Way

Today is my daughter's end of the year party. You might remember last year when she first stepped into her new class and began this journey. 10 months ago, Kindergarten was staring us in the face, and we tried not to panic, and yet felt very aware of the step that she would be taking.

It's not like that first day was difficult, and then all the rest have been a piece of cake. There are days that I strain my neck to watch as she climbs those big steps, and struggles (a little less than in August) to open the huge metal door that enters into her school. I pray as I watch her for God to strengthen her. For God to remind her of how much He loves her. That even while I'm away from her, He would be round about her. That she would hold tight to trusting Him, even when she feels alone or afraid. It has been as much of a journey for me, as it has for her. Entrusting one of my most precious gifts I've ever been given into His hands daily, has been a challenge, and I have learned to trust in Him more than before.

This year has been absolutely fabulous. I could not have asked for a more loving teacher to care for my and teach my precious girl. I have watched her blossom into a more confident and responsible girl, able to love those around her, no matter their differences. I have marveled at how she can now understand and speak Spanish at an advance level. I have loved seeing her grow in her friendships. At the beginning of the year she knew no one, but now, these 23 other children have become like family to her. There will never be another Kindergarten class for her. This was it. And I truly cherish the moments that we have had. God has been faithful to her and to me. We will complete this year of trusting Him and look to Him to lead us onward toward our next step along the Way.

What are you cherishing today? Come and celebrate with all of us over at Emily as we all join in Chatting at the Sky.

Colby Boy

We had to put our dog down last night. It was so sad. We haven't necessarily been the best parents of this dog. After we had children, we made sure he was an outside dog. He hasn't always gotten a walk everyday, and there have been many times that I have thought, "It will be nice when we don't have a dog anymore." I know... I'm an awful person. But, even though he hasn't always been the easiest dog, I really cared about our sweet black lab. He came to us at a time that we could care well for a dog, and a time that he needed a home.

I know that it's not totally a Marly and Me scenario, but it was still very sad. I patted his head and told him what a good boy he had always been. How he was such a good dog for our family. And I cried. He was suffering so much that I know he was glad to be at peace.

River made up a song for him...

Translation:

"Puppies, puppies. I love puppies. It's hard when you have to give up your puppies."

Classic Colby...wanting to have his tummy rubbed

The kids made him a "house" this past winter

Thanks for being such a great dog, Colby. You'll always be our "Boy"!

Even though this is a more sad post, it still was a time for our family to grow together. I love seeing how my sweet children encounter all of life. The good, the bad, the gifts and even the losses. Join others over at Chatting at the Sky today, and celebrate all that we have been given.

Becoming More Than a Bride

One thing I love about planning weddings is that I get to know the bride, their closest friends, and their families. I truly become friends with them, and learn all types of things about them that I would have never known, if I were just getting coffee with them. They become much more than just a "bride".

This past weekend, my sweet friend (who started as just another bride) invited me along on her bachelorette weekend. We had a really fun time being silly, singing in the car, laughing until our sides hurt, having margaritas on the back deck, and celebrating our friend.

This bride in particular has an amazing voice and one of her favorite things to do is sing at the top of her lungs with all her friends who don't have a voice as quite as beautiful as hers. But, she doesn't even try to be the star, she loves us all singing together, our raspy voices and all!

I think that becoming friends with my "brides" is the best compliment that I could ever receive as a wedding planner. That I get to walk beside them on a journey that may in fact be one of the most exciting, but challenging times they have faced thus far. That I get to help them make decisions about how they will celebrate the beginning of the rest of their life. That I get to be there when they first say, "until death do us part". Talk about something to celebrate!

How do you remember the planning part of your wedding? Is it something you felt like you were all alone in, or did you have someone there holding your hand through it all? I'd love to hear your stories!

Strawberry Fields Forever

I know it seems like I won't get off the strawberry subject, but I just can't help myself. For the past several years, we have gone strawberry picking with my sister and her kids. You can read more about why this is such a special tradition here, but I won't go into all the sappiness again this year. It's always a really fun time, and we love being able to keep the tradition. I made a delicious fresh strawberry cake that was beautiful, and was devoured so quickly that I didn't even have time to take any pictures!

Anyway, back to the strawberry picking. Every year, I think I take more pictures than pick strawberries, and everyone else endures the pain of the camera. This is still the best way to explain how my kids pick. Now, they just look a little bit older, but still are very much the same.

Here are some shots from the day this year. Sweetness I tell you!

Go see what other sweetness you can find over at Tuesday's Unwrapped with Emily!

Chocolate Chip Cookies Turn Shortcake

This past weekend, while the kids were away with their grandparents, I thought it would be fun to surprise them with their favorite cookies when we were rejoined. But, I also wanted to try out a new recipe for chocolate chip cookies. Now, you understand, this is something I do not do. I NEVER deviate from my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe (just ask my sister who almost got her head bitten off for adding a type of chips that were NOT in the original recipe), but this one looked so delicious, that I had to try.

Things were going well, until I realized I didn't have an ingredient. So, I just improvised a little bit...and much to my surprise, the cookies turned out more like shortcakes. At first, I was disappointed, because they are much more cake like than my usual cookies. Then I had an idea. Add vanilla (or coffee!) ice cream, strawberries (freshly picked if you have that option!), and WOW! Chocolate Chip Shortcakes!

dough will be very stiff

Basically take your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, add 1/2 c. flour and 1 tsp. baking powder, and you'll have some to enjoy for yourself!!

The funny thing, is that at first, in my over-reactive and dramatic mind, they were just ruined. I had doubled a recipe and wasted all of my time and ingredients to have dry cake-like cookies! It took my husband really enjoying them for me to be able to see them as something different...instead of just wasted cookie dough that was too dry. He liked them, and began to say how good they would be with coffee or for dipping...when all of a sudden, I had the idea of making them into more of a shortcake (you realize only in my mind do they actually change). So, with that new perspective, I was ready to celebrate. Sometimes it just takes another person to show you how to see it.

Any new perspectives your celebrating today? Go check out all the little ways to enjoy everyday life over at Chatting at the Sky!

Celebrating Everyday Life

If you haven’t guessed yet, I love to celebrate. It’s just part of who I am. It’s still pretty amazing to me that I actually get to do it as a profession. I wonder sometimes, “Is it okay to be payed to party?” But then I get swept into all the details and drama, and I am reassured that yes, it is. Nonetheless, I absolutely love it.

My hope is that through this blog I will be able to give encouragement, fun tips, and great ways to celebrate everyday life. In my opinion, there’s just no other way to live.

Care to join me? On Tuesdays I will be linking up to Emily over at Chatting at the Sky, as we unwrap the little gifts of life.