heaven & co

Just one word ..... wooooow. 

We've been talking about visiting the ark in Kentucky for some time now. The church finally made plans to see it and y'all, it's pretty awesome. Besides the fact that it's so stinkin' packed with people, it's a neat experience and so worth the $40. Then they shuttle you from the parking lot to the ark and while pictures may be deceiving, don't be fooled - it's so much bigger in person. Seriously, it's huge - so much so that I'd probably question Noah, too, if I saw him building this thing!

Initially, I wanted to go to a pumpkin patch but we figured it'd be easiest to come here. It's a little outside nursery that's down the street from us and it's quite the calming place. We've never been before, but Jeffrey agreed that it was a pretty neat little place. And on the plus side, our pumpkin was clean. Ha! We just picked out a little tiny one for 3 dollars - so great. 

And here it is! I couldn't decide where to put it, but pretty sure it'll stay on my desk.

Then we came home and baked pumpkin cupcakes. Jeffrey took care of the cupcakes (he even crushed the chocolate chips) and I put the cream cheese icing together. I've been getting into baking a lot and wanted to try out my new pipes ...... and here's the finished product. Haha! I mean, it tastes good and that's really all that counts. 

Doing life with Jeffrey's been pretty great. 

Days off from work aren't bad either.

Jeffrey and I made it a "rule" (not really a rule, but more like something we wanted to keep doing in our marriage) to celebrate everything in life. Celebrations can be big or small, but we wanted to make it a point to celebrate one another and to keep spurring each other on in/through these celebrations. 

So here we are at year 23 with a birthday to celebrate. Truthfully, I love times of celebration and my husband does a good job at celebrating with and for others. He let me buy a thing or two at Ulta and then we went to get my hair cut. I don't know why, but it's scary getting your hair cut ... and colored! I've always really liked the "lob" style but feared it wouldn't fit my face. Even after getting it, I still don't really feel like it does, but I'm workin' with it! I've gotten so many compliments on it though from my mother-in-law to my co-workers (the affirmation that I needed....haha) and it just comes to show that trying new things really isn't all that bad. Though I miss my darker hair, this new hairdo  definitely makes me feel like a different woman! My hairdresser that day literally said "This is your 'do to a new you!" Haha! I also donated eight inches of hair so it's a double win. And Jeffrey waited for the whole two hours that we were there! What a trooper! 

Seriously, most patient guy eveeeeer. 

Before

And after! I was pretty nervous about it at first, but I love it now! I wish I had someone to do my hair everyday 'cause I feel like it looks better curled. 

Then we hit up a new little sushi spot that Jeffrey's been to before. It's literally a hole in the wall and you'd never think they had sushi if no one told you. The sushi was good and we ate the entire board! 

I love moments like these. 

Because Fall is officially here, I thought it'd be fitting to start doing more fall-like things like baking pumpkin bread. We made this healthier version of pumpkin bread - so good and easy.

Today, my mother-in-law threw a big birthday party for me. Y'all, I haven't had a birthday party in a long time. Haha. I'd only celebrate with my family since I'm a little older now and such but today, my mother-in-law invited the church over, bought some pretty flowers, and decorated with candy on the tabletops. It was a fun day and I definitely feel so loved in a community where I once felt like such a newbie - for real. 

Here's to 23!

We waited for the bridal party here in the "business room" and then Vic called me to go upstairs (I mentioned to Jeffrey that I didn't even hear them come in). When we got into the elevator, we didn't see a fourth floor like Vic had mentioned and turns out, we were at the wrong hotel. As I was calling Vic about it, there was a woman standing next to us and literally staring at us. "Are y'all the photographers? I can show you guys to the room if you want!" Haha! Inside my head, I was like "Woman, we are totally at the wrong hotel!" 

Also, Jeffrey was of great assistance this week. A different photographer for the wedding mentioned that we should do it together and that it'd be fun for us. I may look into that and force Jeffrey along with me. Haha. 

 My $2 shoes from Old Navy. I was so thrilled to have found these babies on sale!

After the wedding, Jeffrey and I spent some time together around the mall area. There's this new store that probably opened a few months back called "2nd and Charles" and oh goodness, we bought quite a few books. Jeffrey found a ton of good resources for his library and I found, though not purchased, a beautiful long aisle of children's books - so well organized, too, might I add. And then these pretty classics in different covers .... so pretty. 

And the best part of the night, y'all. My brother and sister-in-law gifted this camera to Jeffrey and me as a late wedding/birthday/thank-you gift. I've been wanting a vlog camera for a while now and I've even asked Chris to get me one (hahaha) and I just couldn't believe that they got us one! I was a happy girrrrrl and can't wait to put it to use! 

That's all, folks.