Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Tablescape

When it comes to holidays, one of the very first things I think about is the meal. With the meal comes a pretty tablescape. Most holidays are spent with our families and even though I'm really grateful for that, I honestly crave being able to style the table. We're a little ways away from being able to host these holidays at our own home, so for now I like to make a special meal the Sunday before the actual holiday so I can still have fun with decorations. I tried to make this tablescape as easy to recreate as possible and quick to put together. 

So here's what you'll need:

-A white or cream lace tablecloth. If you want one for cheap, most thrift stores have awesome linens for like a couple bucks!

-Mini Cream pumpkins (I found mine at a local grocery store for 25 cents each. I got some orange ones too and thought about spray painting them, but that seemed like more work than I wanted to put in haha!)

-One large cream pumpkin. Or a couple large ones... that would be even prettier! Mine is just a craft pumpkin I've had for a while from Michaels. I added the glitter dots. 

-Tall candlesticks. Both of these are my moms and I love them so much! But these would also be perfect. 

- Eucalyptus branches. We have tonssss of eucalyptus trees around here and I'm thanking my lucky stars! I love the silver dollar leaves but I thought the skinnier ones would lay well for a table like this. If you don't have eucalyptus near by honestly any form of greenery will work. 

- Orange and red leaves. I just grabbed a few from a tree at my parents house. They're pretty tiny and I liked it that way.

-Wood chargers. Kay, these are my moms and they're incredible. Hers are from World Market but LOOK WHAT I JUST FOUND! They have really similar ones from wait for it... Dollar Tree! Here's the link! 

- The beaded plates are also my mom's and I'm not sure where she found them but I have some very similar from the dollar store. I don't think they sell them right now, but keep an eye out! In the meantime, here's some cute ones from Target. 

- Some pretty glasses. And believe it or not, they totally have those at the Dollar Store too! But here's some from Target also! 

- And last but not least, some silverware! I'm sure you all already have some but if not, go with gold. Holy moly these would be gorgeous for Thanksgiving! 

As far as styling goes, first lay your tablecloth down. I then placed my chargers and plates to know how much room I'd have for the centerpiece. I just used a 6 ft table so most dining tables will definitely have more space but setting the plates first will still help. I then made my eucalyptus runner and then just started placing the rest! It hardly took any time and was super festive and fun! I think the reason I love holidays so much is because I love having the creative side of my brain have fun with this sort of stuff. I promise if you make holidays special, they will feel soo much more special!

I really hope you all have a wonderful holiday. I also want you all to know how grateful I am for each of you! Your constant love and support means so much to our family! xoxo

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Best Ever Green Bean Casserole

So, I know most people say their favorite part about Thanksgiving is the mashed potatoes, the rolls, maybe the stuffing... but seriously the green bean casserole is SO overlooked.  It has actually always been my favorite. I just love that combination of flavors. Last Thanksgiving, I made it the traditional way... you know, cream of mushroom soup, salt and pepper, canned green beans, all that normal stuff. As I was making it I kept thinking how much better it would be from scratch. How much better it would be with sautéed mushroom, fresh green beans, real garlic... I was literally salivating thinking about it. So, for Christmas I decided to attempt it and will literally never look back. Now don't get me wrong, just because you're using real ingredients rather than canned, does not mean it makes it any healthier, ha! But I can promise you, you'll never overlook the green bean casserole again! Also, you'd think that one of my favorite recipes would get better pictures... you'd think.... But, we were rushing out the door and I completely forgot until right before we were dishing up at a recent Friendsgiving. So, here's some mediocre iPhone pictures that will just have to do for now haha. 

Ingredients:

 - 2 bags Green giant fresh green beans. (That comes out to about a pound and a half so you don't have to get that brand, it just made it convenient)

- 5 tbsp butter

- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves)

- 4 tbsp all purpose flour

- 1 cup chicken broth

- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream

- 1/4 cup whole milk

- 1 can French's Fried Onions

-1 package fresh mushrooms (dice them)

- about 1/4 cup diced yellow onion

- salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Boil a large pot of salted water.

2. Wash your green beans. Cut off any stems left on them. Cut them in half. Once the water is boiling, add them in for 7-10 minutes or until you've reached your desired consistency. Please, I beg you, just don't let them turn to mush! 

3) In a medium saucepan melt 4 tbsp of butter. It melts best if you cut it down into 4 pieces. Just make sure you stir it while melting so it doesn't burn. Once it's melted add in your garlic and give it a good few stirs or until the garlic becomes very fragrant. Whisk your flour in to form a roux and continue to whisk until completely smooth. 

4) Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whisk until combined. Let that cook for another 5 minutes. 

5) Pour in milk and cream and whisk until combined. Add in salt and pepper to your liking. I like to add some garlic salt too. Let that thicken on medium low heat. It'll take between 10-15 minutes. 

6) While sauce is thickening add your leftover tbsp of butter to a small pan and let that melt. Add in your mushroom and onion and sautee until both are wilted. Sprinkle salt and pepper. 

7) In your baking dish first add all your green beans in an even layer. Next add the sautéed veggies in an even layer. Then pour sauce over the top and try to evenly distribute. Lastly, top with your fried onions and bake for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbling on sides and everything looks well combined. I also place a piece of foil over the top for the last 10 or so minutes so the onions don't burn. 

I really hope you guys love this as much as we do!

Please let me know if you tried it!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy  

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A Thankful Heart '16 Round Four

I can't believe how quickly November flew by!

I feel like I blinked after Halloween and suddenly we were kissing Thanksgiving goodbye!

Speaking of which, I hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving!

Mine was surrounded by some of our family, pretty snow flakes falling from the sky, deep fried turkey, dancing in the kitchen, and lots of laughing.

Now, our Christmas tree is up (let's be honest here, it was up weeks ago ha!) and almost all my shopping is already complete!

However, I can't let November slip by without doing my last Thankful Heart post.

I've loved doing this series more than usual this year.

It really was just what I needed to get through a hard holiday season and focus on what I have to be thankful for.

I posted what this link up is all about the first week and why I'm really pushing it this year, but I still thought I'd give a brief description this week for those of you just popping in ;) If you'd like to read the lengthy version, head on over to my first post!

Three years ago I decided to do a series of posts during the month of November about all the simple joys in life that I am genuinely so very thankful for. 

Each week, on Sunday, I would post a few things that made my heart feel that much more full.

It could be something as small as the meal I ate the night before or as big as my faith and family.

Either way, it reminded me of the many blessings I have been given and somehow my days felt brighter and my heart felt happier.

There are far, far too many things that I take for granted and it's about time they get some recognition.

Although I fully realize that I should be giving each of these things recognition no matter what time of year it is, November just seemed fitting :)

So once a week from now on, you will be hearing bits and pieces about the things that are giving me "A Thankful Heart"

1) Our Life in Utah

My husband and I are both from San Diego and I can't count how many people have asked us, "Well what the heck are you doing here then??" It always gives me a good giggle for two reasons. One, the only real reason we are here is because BYU is here and that's where Hunter goes to school. BYU brought us here... but it isn't what's keeping us here. The second reason is that we actually really do like it here! I know everyone talks about the weather being great in San Diego but I am completely loving experiencing seasons. The crisp leaves in the fall, the winter wonderland right in our back yard during winter, the blossoms covering the trees in the spring, and the green that covers the mountains in the summer is just so magical to me. It's so fun to look forward to a new season. I also truly believe that you can be happy no matter where you live if you just give it a chance. We are loving being "tourists" here and experiencing all that the mountains have to offer us. The other reason I love this place though, is the amazing community we have here. We've met some really awesome people and continue to find life long friends. I love that most of these people believe the same as us and our morals and values are also the same. I feel like my schedule is always full of fun events and play dates with moms and I just love it. I don't know what exactly our plan is for the future, but I will always cherish this time in Utah.

2) Family

I've talked about both Hunter and Oaklyn this year but I haven't mentioned family as a whole yet and this year, I am most thankful for so many wonderful people we call family. The day Hunter's dad passed away, I think our family grew ten times stronger. We leaned on each other for comfort and love. Everyone was supportive and helpful and rallied around our mother in law. There were hard moments, but for the most part I was overwhelmed with how much everyone truly cared about each other. I was expecting this last Thanksgiving to be really, really hard. Occasionally someone would shed a tear or two, but for the most part, we just really enjoyed our time spent together. We made memories and laughed and it was just what everyone needed. I'm so excited to see everyone again for Christmas, I know it'll be a hard one, but I am definitely excited to be surrounded by each other. I'm also thankful for the family I grew up in. I love that they love Oaklyn so much. We FaceTime them often and it's always so fun to catch up on each other's lives. My mom was the first person I called after I received the news about Hunter's dad and she immediately got a room ready for us. When I pulled up to my parent's house, they ran out to the car and gave me a giant hug. They watched Oaks when we needed them too and were just there for us when we needed them. I just love being surrounded by so much good family that I love so much. Of course though, I am just so thankful for my little family. The day we became a family of three I knew my life would never be the same. I get to love and be loved by the greatest people ever. Oaklyn's little face fills my heart with joy and Hunter is the best father and husband I could ask for.

3) My Testimony of The Gospel

For those of you that don't know, I'm LDS. My faith makes up who I am and pushes me to always be my best self. Because of it, I know my purpose and this life makes so much more sense. After having my Oaklyn, I would occasionally struggle to feel the spirit in my life. I felt so busy and with how difficult of a baby she was, I never really had a moment of quiet time anymore. My scripture reading became more of a chore and my prayers became less personal. While I still knew the church was true, I was lacking that warm, comforting feeling I usually have. I decided to try better and make more time for the things that really mattered. That meant less scrolling through Facebook during late night feedings and more reading the scriptures. It meant making sure I had a firm foundation so I could teach my daughter correct principles. It also meant realizing nothing is more important than what I will take with me to heaven. I'm so thankful I've been able to focus on my testimony and strengthen it when the world get's even more wicked. I'm so thankful I have the power of prayer in my life to lead and guide me in any decision. I'm thankful we have the power of the priesthood in our home. I'm thankful for the scriptures and the correct principles they teach. I'm also thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ and a loving Heavenly Father. I know not everyone believes the same as me, and that's okay, but that's a little bit about why I love being a Mormon so much.

Link Up Rules:

1) Please subscribe to, follow, or just check out your host/co-hosts. (first 3 links)

 2) Visit and comment on at least 5 other blogs. This link up is meant to create a blog community so don't be shy!

 3) In your post, please either share The"Thankful Heart" image above or link back to this post on your blog post.
4) Make your post more appealing and creative by adding whatever pictures you please and as many reasons to be thankful as you'd like! (remember that the post you link up should be about what you are thankful for!)

(#5 is optional but, very much recommended!)

 5) Share your post on instagram using #thankfulheartseries (with your choice of picture) and go check out other posts! Be a friend and comment on or like other posts :)

An InLinkz Link-up

3

Link Up: A Thankful Heart '16 Round 3

Can you guys even believe we're already in the third week of this link up??

About this time, I start to get sad that it's ending.

I just love the positive feelings I get from these posts and the overall sense of gratitude that fills my life when I go about my week purposefully searching for all I have to be thankful for.

I hope you will come link up today or tomorrow!

I love reading everyone's posts!

I posted what this link up is all about the first week and why I'm really pushing it this year, but I still thought I'd give a brief description this week for those of you just popping in ;) If you'd like to read the lengthy version, head on over to my first post!

Three years ago I decided to do a series of posts during the month of November about all the simple joys in life that I am genuinely so very thankful for. 

Each week, on Sunday, I would post a few things that made my heart feel that much more full.

It could be something as small as the meal I ate the night before or as big as my faith and family.

Either way, it reminded me of the many blessings I have been given and somehow my days felt brighter and my heart felt happier.

There are far, far too many things that I take for granted and it's about time they get some recognition.

Although I fully realize that I should be giving each of these things recognition no matter what time of year it is, November just seemed fitting :)

So once a week from now on, you will be hearing bits and pieces about the things that are giving me "A Thankful Heart"

1) A roof over my head

Ohhh man what a year this has been. We started out this summer, fixing up the condo we were living in that was owned by Hunter's dad. I had finally convinced him to let me paint the cabinets white ;) Hunter and I spent days and days on that project and when it was finally done, we were so happy with the outcome! We decided to step into the roles of Chip and Joanna Gaines for the summer and fix up a few other things as well! We updated the patio with a DIY bench and loved spending summer nights eating outside. We completely redid our bedroom and absolutely loved how it turned out. The next thing on my list was the bathroom. We were so excited for Hunter's dad to come up and visit to see all the work we put in. When we were all figuring out what to do with all the things he owned, it was decided that the condo would become an income property. Therefore, we packed up and moved within a few weeks. It was hectic and I cried as I walked through all those rooms with memories of our little life there. I was having a hard time processing a different home even though I know it'll only be a short time. So here we are, in a basement apartment, and we're doing just fine. My decorations aren't on the walls, hardly any of the furniture is our own, and putting up Christmas decor was a whole lot different this time around... but we're pretty happy here. We have a roof over our heads and beds to sleep in. We have a kitchen to cook in and running water in the bathrooms. We are doing just fine and we will continue to be just fine. This home is different, but I've learned it isn't the appearance as much as the spirit within the walls.

2) This here Blog

When I started this blog of mine, I had absolutely no idea it would turn into what it has become. I started it to share "the joys in my life" which I will continue to do but I feel so blessed to be able to have actually turned it into a huge part of my life. I think the most frequent question I get is how to start a blog. My answer is this: Just go for it! I had no clue what I was doing when I took the leap, but here I am today with so much more information on how to make it a brand. I love that this is my space of the internet to share thoughts and photos. I love that it represents me and my family. I love that I have the chance to uplift and inspire. I love that I have made connections with brands and been able to work with them to promote. I also really love that I have been able to form relationships with some dear friends because of this blog. I look forward to hanging out with "blog friends" because we just get each other and love to have fun... and take a whole lot of photos ;) Entering the blogging community has been such a blessing in my life for so many reasons but this biggest one is probably that it has given me a creative outlet throughout motherhood. I had a hard time adjusting because I'm quite a busy body. Blogging has given me the best of both worlds. 

3) Food

I wasn't sure if I wanted to include this one or not because it seems so generic, but it is so much more to me. For starters, I'm thankful that we always have plentiful amounts of food to fill our bellies. I'm thankful we can provide nutritious dinners for my daughter to keep her growing big and strong. However, I'm also thankful that creating food is so much fun for me. I absolutely love creating and sharing recipes with all of you and I sure hope you like it too! I've been cooking since elementary school and I've always been so passionate about it. I dreamed of having my own cooking show one day and dreamed of different creations all the time. I'm so thankful that food has allowed me yet another creative outlet. I'm also thankful that food is a way to bond with others. I love going out to a nice dinner with my husband and spending time with friends at a fun restaurant. 

Link Up Rules:

1) Please subscribe to, follow, or just check out your host/co-hosts. (first 3 links)

 2) Visit and comment on at least 5 other blogs. This link up is meant to create a blog community so don't be shy!

 3) In your post, please either share The"Thankful Heart" image above or link back to this post on your blog post.
4) Make your post more appealing and creative by adding whatever pictures you please and as many reasons to be thankful as you'd like! (remember that the post you link up should be about what you are thankful for!)

(#5 is optional but, very much recommended!)

 5) Share your post on instagram using #thankfulheartseries (with your choice of picture) and go check out other posts! Be a friend and comment on or like other posts :)

An InLinkz Link-up

1

Blog Link Up: A Thankful Heart '16 Round 2

I posted what this link up is all about last week and why I'm really pushing it this year, but I still thought I'd give a brief description this week for those of you just popping in ;) If you'd like to read the lengthy version, head on over to last week's post!

Three years ago I decided to do a series of posts during the month of November about all the simple joys in life that I am genuinely so very thankful for. 

Each week, on Sunday, I would post a few things that made my heart feel that much more full.

It could be something as small as the meal I ate the night before or as big as my faith and family.

Either way, it reminded me of the many blessings I have been given and somehow my days felt brighter and my heart felt happier.

There are far, far too many things that I take for granted and it's about time they get some recognition.

Although I fully realize that I should be giving each of these things recognition no matter what time of year it is, November just seemed fitting :)

So once a week from now on, you will be hearing bits and pieces about the things that are giving me "A Thankful Heart"

1) My Husband

Hunter is my absolute best friend. I always say that Oaks is my best little friend, but hunter is my best best friend. That's how it started out too, we used to say we were "just besties" and then kiss each other goodnight ha! While Hunter was on his mission my heart would literally hurt because I missed him so much. I missed having him to talk to when I accomplished something, I missed his hugs when I had a hard day, and I just missed him being around. I can't even begin to explain how happy I was when he asked me to be his wife. The day we promised forever, I was on top of the world. Our little newlywed life was perfect. We never fought and we just really enjoyed always having each other around. Things got a little trickier when we had a little baby. She protested sleep, demanded a whole lot of attention, and my hormones went crazy. Between being exhausted, a baby constantly screaming, and my hormones telling my brain my life wasn't happy, you could say our perfect little newlywed life quickly went a little haywire. Yet somehow, this guy always stayed right by my side. He always encourages me to be my best self. He tell me he's proud of me more than I can say. He sleeps next to me on the couch while I have a long night of work because he doesn't want to go to bed without me. He never misses a day of telling me I'm beautiful. He thanks me for all the meals I cook. He tells me I'm the best mom in the world. And just today, I woke up to the sweetest note from him. He surely isn't perfect, but I'd say he's pretty perfect for me. He has a whole lot on his plate, but always seems to put me and oaks first. He's my rock, my best friend, and my lover. I wouldn't want to go through this life without anyone else by my side. "We might not have any money, but we've got our love to pay the bills." ;)

2) My Country 

I'm the crazy person that cries every time I hear the national anthem and is teary eyes the entire Fourth of July. I am just so entirely proud to be American. I love this country and the older I get, the more I realize just how lucky I am to live here. There's quite a few people that are having a hard time right now based off the recent election... What I'll say is, this country is built on freedom and unity. That freedom is based on our unity. We have laws and consequences for many of the same reasons you have rules in your own home. When the country is mostly unified, our freedoms are there. But just as a mother takes away a child's freedom when they disobey, the same goes for uncivil protest. This country gives second chances, builds each other up, and stands with one another. Let's remember that and support our leaders to do their very best. I am so grateful to live here that it makes my heart burn with passion. I will always feel that way and always trust God to guide our leaders. We are a patriotic family through and through. 

3) Modern Technology

This photo is the best I could do to try to explain why this made the list. I have family in all sorts of different states, and I don't get to see them very often. However, I think of them at least once a day. Especially my immediate family. I wish so badly I could just hop in the car and be at my mom's house in 15 minutes to talk and let her play with her grand baby, but we're obviously supposed to be here right now. I am so thankful for all of the technology out there that makes it possible for me to stay in touch with her and quickly send pictures and videos of Oaklyn. There's a whole lot of different technology out there, but making it possible to stay close with family is my favorite. Oaklyn asks to talk to Mimi a lot and when we're able to, we FaceTime her right away so she can see her. It's the cutest thing watching her face light up when she sees my mom. I might tear up every time we hang up... I love that Hunter can easily call his mom every Sunday and talk for as long as they want. I love that I can text her when I'm thinking of her and that she watches my snapchats to see what we're up to. I just love that technology has made it seem like family isn't all that far away. 

Link Up Rules:

1) Please subscribe to, follow, or just check out your host and co-host's. (first 3 links)

 2) Visit and comment on at least 5 other blogs. This link up is meant to create a blog community so don't be shy!

 3) In your post, please either share The"Thankful Heart" image above or link back to this post on your blog post.
4) Make your post more appealing and creative by adding whatever pictures you please and as many reasons to be thankful as you'd like! (remember that the post you link up should be about what you are thankful for!)

(#5 is optional but, very much recommended!)

 5) Share your post on instagram using #thankfulheartseries (with your choice of picture) and go check out other posts! Be a friend and comment on or like other posts :)

An InLinkz Link-up

3

Blog Link Up: A Thankful Heart '16

Three years ago I decided to do a series of posts during the month of November about all the simple joys in life that I am genuinely so very thankful for. 

Each week, on Sunday, I would post a few things that made my heart feel that much more full.

It could be something as small as the meal I ate the night before or as big as my faith and family.

Either way, it reminded me of the many blessings I have been given and somehow my days felt brighter and my heart felt happier.

There are far, far too many things that I take for granted and it's about time they get some recognition.

Although I fully realize that I should be giving each of these things recognition no matter what time of year it is, November just seemed fitting :)

So once a week from now on, you will be hearing bits and pieces about the things that are giving me "A Thankful Heart"

Around June of this year I began thinking about this link up again.

That's the way things work in the blogging world, you always have to be thinking about the next thing before it happens.

I was so excited because the year had been going great for us and it was only halfway done.

I could already see my posts unfolding and I was just so excited.

Then, the unexpected happened.

On July 30th of this year, we received the tragic news that my father in law unexpectedly passed away of a heart attack.

It rocked our worlds and brought more sadness and stress into our lives than we ever could have been prepared for. 

Amidst chaotically packing and frantically trying to buy a new car (things we needed to do after his passing), this link up popped into my head once again. 

I literally laughed aloud, and to myself thought, "yeah that's not happening this year, there is literally nothing I have to be thankful for right now."

Once most of the chaos died down, I met up with Natashia for a play date at the park.

We sat and talked while eating lunch and watching our babies play.

I think I had talked to Natashia like two other times in my life, and yet I felt completely comfortable spilling my deepest thoughts and feelings out to her.

She listened and understood my emotion, and shared a bit about her miscarriage earlier this summer.

We sat there after sharing these deep feeling of sorrow and began talking about the blessings that have come from these horrible trials, and suddenly my world began to get brighter.

We started hanging out weekly along with Steffanie and it quickly became very obvious to me that these were the friends I had been waiting to find.

They made the craziest days instantly better and I felt so comfortable with them instantaneously.

That's when I decided that this link up has to happen this year, if only for myself... to understand all the blessings in my life amidst the chaos and trials.

So I asked them to throw an event with me to promote it and to co-host each week, and here we are doing my very favorite posts of the year all over again :)

This last year I decided to include every other blogger that wants to participate in this series by creating a link up so we can all read each other's reasons to be thankful easier and get inspired through each other's gratitude.

All the rules will be listed below the reasons I'm feeling extra thankful on this same post.

The linkup will go live every Sunday at 12 am MST. 

Bloggers will be able to submit their own "thankful heart" posts each week.
I'm hoping this link up will be a fun place to make friends, reflect on all you have to be thankful for, inspire and uplift, and grow your blogging community.

This is not just for those that claim to be "bloggers" but anyone that has a blog!

Anyone that enjoys writing on their little piece of the internet :)
Happy Posting!

1) My Motherhood Journey

Should I start out sappy? Yeah I think so. My Oaklyn girl is my best friend. She is everything I could have dreamed of in a daughter and more. She definitely has a spicy personality, but I wouldn't trade those tantrums for the world because she is my greatest adventure. I've been a mother for almost two years now, but the journey started nine months before that when I saw two pink lines on a pregnancy test with tears in my eyes. Motherhood has taught me more than I could've ever imagined. From the moment I felt my tummy and said "there's a baby in there, my baby is in there!" to just tonight when I kissed her little forehead three times while whispering good night just as I always do, it has been an incredible journey. My motherhood journey has been filled to the brim with highs and lows. I fought PPD for a long 10 months and dabbled with it on and off even after, I screamed into a pillow countless nights in a row when I was so tired I could hardly breath on my own, and I wondered if I would ever find "myself" again on the hardest days. However, motherhood has taught me exactly the person I'm supposed to be even if I never remember that carefree teenager I once was. It has taught me how to put someone else before myself and that being selfless fills me with the love My Savior has for me. Motherhood has also taught me the most pure, unconditional love out there. I can't believe my journey has just started as a mother. I am so thankful I have been blessed with the opportunity to love and be loved by a child I was able to create with my sweet Hunter. 

2) The Best Friends a Girl Could Ask For

I have been blessed with some seriously incredible friends. Those ladies in this picture just so happen to be two of them. That event I was talking about earlier, was this event right here. We threw a Friendsgiving and it was everything I could have hoped for. It would not have happened without these two incredibly talented friends right here. From the moment I told them about the event, they were nothing but helpful and supportive. Their ideas and abilities just kept amazing me and I couldn't think of anyone better to have thrown this with. Not only are they super good at throwing awesome parties, but they really are amazing friends and support systems. They have let me vent to them and they've trusted me with their own feelings. There is something to be said about a friendship when you feel completely comfortable when you are your complete self. If it weren't for these two, my mind would probably still be stuck in that rotten place it was a few months ago. I have no doubt that they were placed in my life just when I needed them. Along with them are my friends I've had for countless years. I can't begin to tell you how many wonderful people rallied around us when our family experienced the loss of Hunter's dad. The outpouring of love and support we felt from our true friends made me understand just how important it is to build relationships with those around you. I'm so thankful for the best friends a girl could have. Seriously.

3) Photos

A photo is worth a thousand words. I've always loved capturing moments, but more so now than ever. This photo is Hunter's absolute favorite of him and his dad. I don't want to share too much from the week after his dad passed away, but this memory is one that will forever be engrained in my memory. While in the car on the way down to California, Hunter brought up this picture and how badly he wanted to find it. It was all he wanted. I couldn't understand why he wanted this one thing so bad, but I knew it meant a lot to him so I helped him look. We looked through stacks and stacks of photos and thought we might never find it. Then we found it and Hunter's whole face lit up. As he held it and looked at it, his huge smile quickly turned into tears rolling down his cheeks uncontrollably. He explained that he remembered how incredibly proud his dad was of him in that moment. And seriously, you can just tell by his face. Hunter was an incredible quarterback and led our high school team to several victories, but this game was one for the books. His dad was hands down his biggest fan and Hunter loves those memories with him. He always wanted to watch Hunter's practices, he arrived to games hours early, he coached him to be his best, and he genuinely loved watching him play. All of those memories and emotions flooded Hunter when he held this photo in his hands and I understood just how important it is to capture moments that will last a lifetime. I have a photography business on the side and love capturing moments between loved ones. I love capturing candid shots of my daughter and being able to look back and say, "that was her first this or that." A photo holds an incredible amount of emotion all bottled up into a memory. I'm so thankful it is so easy to capture and store memories nowadays. 

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