a gratitude project {volume two}

this photo above is my ‘most grateful’ for december 

last saturday my brother, sister, mr. monaco, and my sister’s husband {my new big brother} decided to spend the afternoon at my grandma’s farmhouse. my siblings, cousins, and i grew up playing on this farm- countless hours of exploring. we loved it so much and have all seen it go from a bustling atmosphere to a deserted land- now so serene. the animals and farm equipment have been sold, the barns {we loved playing and building homes/forts in the haymow… throwing all the straw down to jump into it} have been torn down, the fields are now calm… yet in my mind, i always picture our childhood days of constant play. my grandparents both worked so hard; i still carry this around with me. it was such a special day- being able to show bassey and mr. monaco around her treasured and humble homestead. we spent the afternoon playing dominoes around her kitchen table- eating her traditional snacks- just like old times. i will always treasure this time spent together; this afternoon as an adult on the farm… because ‘oh, to be a kid on a farm.’ 

traveling back to charlotte yesterday 

through the west virginia mountains with such a grateful heart

my parents are traveling down today to spend the week with us- helping around our new home and just enjoying time together. please pray for safe travels for them…

a christmas eve table

this christmas was a very special one

our family experienced a lot of highs and lows this year 

and in this, you start to realize that the only thing that really matters during this magical time of year is spending time together- we are so blessed and enjoyed many moments {and some tears, too} over this christmas together- i love my family so much. so giving, loving, fun, and always there.

my big brother and i – the best big brother in the world.

brown paper packages for my family and a morning spa day with my giving mom last week at home

my new ‘foxy lady’ tights from anthropologie – i have been eyeing these down and was so excited to get them for christmas… simply adore.

beyond grateful for our new home- willow. 

we LOVE everything about the new nest

so excited to share so much with you all…

december 19 was a bittersweet day as we moved into our new home

we also had to say goodbye to our precious cat, pierre, who passed on october 5 at our old place. 

we buried him here- next to this angel and miss him every single day. 

we decided to bury him here because this was his home and he loved it there. 

it is still so raw and difficult- we just loved him so much and hate the way he went.

i snapped this photo to always remember him- so grateful for the nine years i had with him.  

last tuesday, i was able to spend the evening with my very best friends from kindergarten to now in my hometown. we went to dinner and had wine at my parent’s house

we laughed so hard our sides hurt… i loved every moment with them.

thank you all for being the kindest, most selfless, and genuine girls i know.

overall, it was such a lovely week-

surrounded by people who ask- so genuinely- about your new home, blog, charlotte- your life.

you don’t notice how much people don’t do this in the city until you come back 

{of course my close friends do…}

but it’s such an awesome feeling

people you know care about you so much- will never judge you- and will always be right by your side.

i was also able to enjoy a beautiful and memorable trip to charleston, south carolina this month 

with our wonderful eighth grade class- love my students so much this year.

i always enjoy this trip

we spend one day in the city and one on a barrier island/eco tour

more photos coming soon!

you’re next! 

… 

the details:

please feel free to link-up between now and next monday, january 5

thank you again for joining me and i would love for you to spread the word- there can never be too much gratitude. a huge thank you to the beautiful, talented, and lovely jenna at dearest love for doing so this week!

i truly appreciate it! 

what are you grateful for?

xo