Happy Fourth of July

I hope you have a fantastic firework-filled Fourth of July. Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays, not only because I knew every word to Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American" at the age of 7 but because families and friends can gather together without the pressure some of the other big name holidays can bring with them. No massive meals or presents or church schedules to figure out - just barbecue, sunshine, and unapologetic patriotism. 

 Tell me. Politics aside (just for today!), what's your favorite thing about America?

I'll share my husband's answer at the breakfast table to get us started. 

"Waffle House... WHAT!?! It's open 24 hours!" 

Indeed. God bless the Waffle House and God bless America! 

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Griffin's First Birthday Party

I spent MONTHS planning Griffin's first birthday. If I'm being honest, I started right after I took the bar in July. 

Griffin's birthday is in May. 

I don't know if I had too much free time. I don't know if I was bored at home with an infant. I don't know if I needed the creative outlet but either way it became an obsession.

I handmade little baby food jar candles as favor. I made garland and pendants and tree decorations. I spent entire days tracking down the perfect candy to match the color theme. I even knit the matching cap you see above. (It doesn't matter that it was 80 degrees and not exactly knit cap weather.)

And you know what? I don't regret a single second of that time.  

This party was my gift to my son. This party was a thank you to every person who had supported us that first year. This party was a way for me to celebrate the beautiful baby who had made me a mother. 

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