Last December was the craziest, most stressful month for us. Nate and I started the month in Long Boat Key for a wedding, then to Orlando signing papers for our first home, the Bahamas for another wedding, and spent 10 days packing everything up and moving while still trying to sneak in photo editing time. Oh, and then we drove to Indiana to spend Christmas with Nate’s family! It’s no secret that I’m a Christmas-aholic and have been dreaming of decorating our house for as long as I can remember. In reality though, we weren’t even going to spend our first Christmas in our house, so it didn’t make sense to decorate, or even put up a tree. (I know, I can’t believe I even just typed that!) Needless to say, I had a lot of mini meltdowns that month… Half because of the stress of moving and half because I felt like Christmas was over before it began. :(

We had a wonderful trip to Indiana and drove home Christmas night. As we pulled up to our new house, I was convinced I was so tired that I’d turned into someone else’s driveway, because, well… Our house was decorated. I’m talkin’ lights on our porch, garland around our mailbox, and a fully decorated tree in the window. Nate and I didn’t say a word to each other; as we were unlocking the front door, I asked him, “Did you do this?!” with my eyes welling up with happy tired Christmas day tears. He responded with, “I wish I did!!!” I followed a trail of pine needles upstairs and into our den, where there was a Christmas tree fully lit, tinseled, and decorated with all of our ornaments. I completely broke down and cried- Our best friends Lorie and Jon had brought Christmas to our home while we were gone! It was the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for us. I’ll forever and ever and ever be grateful.

I’m sharing this story because today is Lorie’s birthday and I have no better example than that to show the world what kind of friend she is. There really aren’t any words to explain it.  She makes life more fun and home more homier. I’ve known her since I was five, and we’ve been best friends for a decade, and sisters for just as long. Happy birthday, dear Lorie. I love you to the moon. :)

(Side note: doesn’t this little bear look like our Huckleberry?!)

Nathanial David, I love you to infinity and beyond. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

If you were falling, then I would catch you.
You need a light, I’d find a match.

Cause I love the way you say good morning.
And you take me the way I am.

If you are chilly, here take my sweater.
Your head is aching, I’ll make it better.

Cause I love the way you call me baby.
And you take me the way I am.

I’d buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair.
Sew on patches to all you tear.

Cause I love you more than I could ever promise.
And you take me the way I am. – Ingrid Michaelson