Kelly's Birthday

Today is my sister, Kelly's birthday! I always love celebrating her birthday. I get way too excited about it, but I can't help it! :)

 So sweet!

 Kelly with Mama and Daddy!

 

Ever since I can remember, I have looked up to my sister. From how she put makeup on, to how she dressed so pretty, all kinds of little things. I specifically remember sitting beside her in church one Sunday, and I tried to sing JUST like her. I loved her beautiful singing voice, and still do. She has always, always been there for me. In my opinion, she is the epitome of what and how a sister should be. I can go on and on. I only hope that I have shown her even half the love and grace that she has shown to me. I love her so much.

Happy Birthday, Kelly! I hope you have a fabulous day!

Love, Mer

A Perfect Girl's Weekend

Yep, I am still trying to slowly but surely catch up on my blogging.

Last month, I went to my sister's for a fun girl's weekend. We had a great time together.

 I stopped by my sister's class. She is such an awesome teacher and I loved meeting her cute students.

 After school, Lauren and I played an oldie but a goodie, MASH! It brought lots of memories back to me. I played that game so much with my friends.

That night, we ate a perfect girl's dinner. What else but pizza? We loved eating at ZaZa, one of the best pizza places in central AR!

We watched the movie, Sixteen Candles after dinner.

 

Saturday morning, we went to Two River Bridge and trail for a walk. The view was so gorgeous!

 Pinnacle Mountain is always wonderful to see.

 Kelly and me

 Marcie is such a fun and sweet dog! She loved walking with us.

 Lauren loved walking Marcie, too.

 Me and Kelly at GiGi's cupcakes.

These cupcakes were oh so good. Who doesn't love cupcakes?

We also stopped by the new children's library in the area. Lauren loved it so much.

 I loved this picture of Lauren.

We shopped a little bit that afternoon, which is definitely mandatory for a perfect girl's weekend.

 I have mentioned several times that my sister is a fabulous cook. Lauren definitely has that talent as well. We made homemade pretzels together!

 Lauren was a pro at twisting the dough.

 YUM!!!

We watched my favorite movie ever ever EVER, Steel Magnolias! Lauren really enjoyed it, I think.

 Sunday, we visited the Museum of Discovery. This was a bed of nails!

 Lauren and Kelly

 The tornado room was one of the most interesting parts of the museum. When you walk in the room, it's just like a basement, then while you are there, it really feels like a tornado. Crazy.

 We also enjoyed being news anchors! :)

It was such fun. We had a ball together and I think we need to have a girl's weekend on a regular basis. I of course, had to travel back home. I am always thankful for a great weekend with a couple of my favorite girls! I love Kelly and Lauren so much!

 

I thanks my God every time I remember you. Phillippians 1:3

Price's come to visit

Yep, I know I am behind on my blog...again! Whoops!

Earlier this month, Ricky and Jackie came for a few days.

 I put together a little "welcome basket" for them. Lavender hand soap, vanilla lavender pillow mist, washcloths, soft lamb (just for fun), bottles of water, devotional book, and a chocolate bunny.

After they arrived, we went to a yummy BBQ place for dinner. It reminded us of South Arkansas and they loved it!

 Saturday, we met more of Russell's family for pizza. Here is Russell and Leighann playing!

 We stopped at Cabela's because Ricky had never been there before. So we just wanted him to see all the new things at the store.

 I will be honest. This chair was my favorite part of the store! HA! Shows ya how excited I was about Cabela's. Don't get me wrong, but I much rather prefer Bath and Body Works. :)

 Russell got a new bike! He LOVES to ride and has been renting a bike every week or so. But no more renting. He can officially ride whenever he wants to! :)

 After church on Sunday, we went to Crystal Bridges for lunch and to see the newest exhibit by Norman Rockwell! It was so awesome! My favorite was "Day in the Life of a Little Girl."

 Russell and me!

My chicken salad and fruit was so yummy.

 

We had a great time with them and hope they enjoyed their visit!

 

Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16

Lauren is 11. She gives me JOY!

Y'all-my niece is ELEVEN today! I cannot even believe it. Here is just a tiny glimpse of the fun memories she has given me over the years.

Here we are at KK and JJ's house! Lauren was probably two then. Adorable.

I specifically remember when she wrote a note to the tooth fairy. How precious!

Here she is playing "Pretty Pretty Princess" with me. She wanted the pink jewels, of course. And she won the game too! 

Fast forward to now!

Lauren is a beautiful young.....I have to say it now...PRETEEN! HA!

We continue to have a blast every single time we are together and she gives her whole family JOY! 

I posted this on Instagram last night, and I had to add it to this post as well. The pic on the top left was taken on the day I found my wedding dress six years ago. She wanted to wear the hat. The next pic was taken on Lauren's 3rd birthday party at Pink Bliss. Bottom pics are present day. (sigh.) Lauren and Logan both make my heart melt. Being an aunt is one of the BEST things ever. What am I going to do when I become a mother? My heart may explode. HAHA! I love Lauren very much and hope she has had a great day.

 

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. Philippians 1:4

Easter Blessings

Happy Easter y'all! (a day late). Even though Easter was yesterday, it's never too late to celebrate Christ's resurrection! He is Alive!!

Don't ya just love celebrating? I know I do! Here's how we celebrated the day.

 

 Here's our Spring wreath hanging on the door. Simple and sweet.

 We hosted Russell's family for lunch on Sunday. I really enjoyed decorating the tables and place setting for each person.

 Dessert table featuring a "chocolate bunny". :)

 Everyone got a pale pink rose, monogrammed egg, and a chocolate carrot. Simple yet pretty. Thanks to Pinterest for the idea!

Russell and I were excited to go to Amy and Tony's church for Easter. Amy is the worship leader at BVCC. We have never been to their church to support her, so we thought we would go on Sunday.

 

 Me and my "honey bunny" before church. I just love him!

 Amy, Leighann, and me after church. Amy did awesome!

 We had honeybaked ham, scalloped potatoes, spinach casserole, deviled eggs, and homemade rolls.

 Saturday night, I was praying the rolls would rise and turn out well. It's pretty nostalgic to me because my Nanny made them so much, Mama and Kelly make them too. This was the first time I ever made them. They tasted just like their rolls! Hallelujah! HA!

 Here are the potatoes!

 We gave Leighann a few goodies and a cute Easter basket. Included in the basket was the purple bonnet she's wearing. She looks so cute!

 She was so excited to hunt eggs at our house.

 What did she find?

 Belle enjoyed being outside with us too. She had a happy Easter!

 Our little family I love so much!

 Tony, Leighann, and Amy

 Debbie, Ron and Lei Lei

Best friends!

We have now been friends for nine years! I can't believe how fast the time has gone! What a blessing she is in my life.

We had a great Easter. I couldn't help but remember just how much Jesus did for us on the day he died for us. Just how much he went through for us is unimaginable to me. I can't help but thank God for sending his son, Jesus, to die for us, shed his blood for us so that we may have eternal life. Jesus Loves You. Jesus loves me. Jesus loves all of us!

 

The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what He told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that He would rise again on the third day." Luke 24:5-7