Florida Vacation...

A few weeks ago we were able to get down to St. Pete's Beach in Florida.  When Matt was a kid he and his parents started going there every week 13 (his spring break).  A lot of their family friends went as well and eventually his family and many of these friends purchased a one-week timeshare at this place.  When Matt graduated college they bought him his own unit - clearly hoping to secure one week with him no matter what he was up to in life - very wise indeed!  I started going when we were dating, then when we got married, my parents started coming and this year, my sister and her family also came!  It has become quite the expansive network of vacationers...

Last year we weren't able to go because of Australia and this year we had hoped to, but with Matt not working, months ago we had to tell everyone that we just weren't going to be able to afford it.  A few weeks before week 13, my dad called me and asked me one more time if we wanted to come down.  All of a sudden I desperately wanted to go - to see my family, and Matt's family - what is money next to memories right?  So I coerced Matt, we were able to use flight points and pull it off.

The very best part was that we decided that we wouldn't tell his parents or my sister of our change in plans.  We kept up the ruse by telling them all how sad we were and how we would miss them so much this year.

My parents picked us up from the airport and we surprised his parents first then my sister - they were all truly shocked!!  I think I saw tears in their eyes, but I can't be sure. 

Going to Florida each year is such an amazing blessing - and for us who don't live near our families and spend most of our vacations visiting them - it's the perfect way to see family and get a little beach time in as well!

 

Flower Child...

For this look, I was trying to bring some life and spring to a drab day (and background!).  This was pretty much my favorite thrift item of all time.  It was made in Korea, seemingly in the 60s and fits like a glove.

I haven't had anywhere to wear it yet, but I know eventually I'll find somewhere - much to Matt's irritation!

Dress: Best Thrift find ever
Shoes: Also Thrifted

Earrings: Gifted from Georgia (the Country)

Happiness...

Lately I've been thinking a lot about happiness. 

I recognize the importance of gratitude and I say thank you a lot - to God and to those around me, but I've been noticing how much easier it is for me to slip into the place of discontent rather than that of true happiness and contentment. In my life this trait has actually served me fairly well - made me pursue art, a decent career, strong relationships, self-awareness and self-improvement. I've always thought of it as an unwillingness to settle for less than great and to push myself forward, but a lot of the time it just makes me rush past the good stuff, even some of the great stuff so that I can be better at [fill in the blank]. 

So I am trying to delete the mental lists of things that I don't have in life whether its actual stuff or more intangible items like a "stronger marriage" or "better career" (who knows what those look like anyway??) and instead enjoy what I do have. My life is incredibly full and beautiful - filled with all the stuff that counts and plenty that doesn't. 

I also know that this is not a journey that is unique to me, that we all battle this all the time. I wish I had secrets to offer and wisdom to lend, but instead I would love to share the walk with you. 

I am thankful for: 
A God who loves me steadily and relentlessly 
A husband who is truly the love of my life 
A family that scoops me up and pursues me even though I have lots of rough edges 
A job that pays the bills and challenges me 
A fun trip to Florida last week (pics soon!) 
Projects to work on 
Spring being right around the corner 
To-Do Lists 

Thank you also to anyone reading this. I know this blog isn't much yet and may never be, but it makes me happy, I enjoy it and I enjoy thinking you may too (either now or someday!). 

What are you thankful and happy for?

Dress: Thrifted 
Shoes: Restricted 
Earrings: Gifted