87
2
Happy Father’s Day to the one who makes our world go round! Steven you’re incredibly patient, loving, adventurous and kind. Thank you for teaching our babies, for loving them unconditionally, for putting up with our shenanigans and making them feel incredibly loved, cared for and safe everyday. I know our Dads are very missed but they would be so proud of the Dad you are today!
56
7
You taught me how to live life knowing tomorrow isn’t promised. You taught me my love for music, for weddings, for entrepreneurship, hard working ethics and fierce love for family. One of my favorite memories (especially on beautiful sunny days like today) you’d grab your yellow boom box, a beach blanket and a mini cooler and we’d head to the lighthouse. It’s hard to believe you left this earth 13 years ago today. So young and with so much life to still live. Four grandchildren to meet. But 1 that I know is up there with you. We love you so much Dad. To another year without you but always in our hearts.
55
2
This last week with George Floyd’s death, watching the video and being slapped in the face with disgust, guilt and sorrow. It has equally been really hard to see the reality that people of color face everyday. It has also been humbling to be reminded of my own life and opportunity that we all admittedly take for granted. There has been so much posted about those not posting not caring and while I don’t post regularly lately, I’ll just say this. If you aren’t incredibly sickened by current events you’re a huge part of the problem. If you aren’t taking it back to ground zero, within your own heart and in the four walls of your own home to teach yourselves and your kiddos to do better and know better, you’re part of the problem. As a white American female, I’ll never what it’s like to constantly feel like my friends of color do. To constantly feel judged, worried and misunderstood. I’ll never fear a traffic stop or an encounter with police officers or will I have to fear that for my children. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t learn. Or do better. Or love better. Or teach better. Or listen better. If you’re like me and are more of an observer vs posting constantly, remind your friends that it doesn’t mean you aren’t putting in the work to do better. Keep educating, keep listening. Be willing to be uncomfortable. Have difficult conversations. Within yourself. With your spouse. With your kids. With people you don’t even know. Take a good hard look in the mirror. Be the change and raise your kids to be the first generation where racism could be in the past and not our present or our future. Remember to be kind. Talk to your neighbors. Love on your community. Do better. Tomorrow is the start to a new week. I challenge you tonight before you go to bed, to devote time into committing to make change. To taking time to open your hearts and be mindful of the choices you make towards others. Make the commitment to be mindful of your heart. Do GOOD this week. LOVE more this week. #bethechange #dobetter #blacklivesmatter
87
1
We have been doing a lot of self reflection around here lately. With all the changes in the wedding industry my heart was feeling so heavy. Last week we escaped with the kids to go camping. And then we came home (after days with little cell coverage) to even more heartache. Our world is really hurting right now. In so many ways. I’ll just say this. It all starts in our hearts and in the 4 walls of our homes. Teaching and instilling love, acceptance and respect and keeping the dialogue constantly open. Not pretending that issues aren’t there but teaching and being open. Listening and understanding one another’s background and story. I want my kids to grow up respecting that. That our differences are what should bind us together not rip us apart. Loving and choosing kindness and respect over hate. I went to bed last night feeling such an incredibly heavy heart. So much going on and wondering when things will truly get better. No matter what, it starts at the foundation.