Beauty

Just some thoughts running around in my head....

All my life I've pursued beauty - in one form or another. Sometimes it was in looking for the richest of words to add color and flavor to my writing; at other times it was in seeking out just the right object to freshen up my home. I've gone wandering in nature in search of a breathtaking view or a quiet hollow. However, most of the time, it's been the exhausting pursuit of trying to make myself look and feel beautiful.

When I think about the moments in my life that I've felt the most beautiful, they are always simple moments. Even on my wedding day, surrounded with all the trappings of modern beauty (perfectly manicured nails, carefully applied makeup, my fairy tale dress), I did not really feel beautiful. Later, during the honeymoon, wandering around Gatlinburg in my regular clothes and hanging on my new husband's arm; that's when I felt it. If it's in those simple moments like being cuddled up with my daughter, the both of us in pj's; hugging my husband while he makes me laugh; or hanging out with my mom and just chatting that I feel the beauty of life and myself beautiful in it, then why do I search for more than that?

I think it's because the search for beauty within and outside of ourselves is a universal endeavor that never ends. Even once it's been found, the search continues. I suppose it's something like looking for the next drink of water or meal or breath. We need beauty. It nourishes our souls as food does the body. I truly believe that's why God created so much beauty in the this world for us to behold.

(As as aside: My reference to the soul is defined as a person's mind, will, and emotions.)

Willow Grace Wednesday

Yeah, so I'm late on posting again! I meant to do it last night, but Chris came home with a raging headache, and I just spent my time taking care of him and Willow Grace.

Here's a few pics from our time in Gatlinburg this last weekend.

We lounged on the bed each night while we read our books. I love reading to her every night, and she loves books!
Just so you know, she's not all smiles all the time ... just most of the time. I can't help it; I think she's cute even when she's sad.
She just needed a little Daddy attention!

I wish you could see the snow falling. Just before we left it started to snow. Since it was just the three of us, Chris took this picture himself of our little happy family.

I have a cute little story from last night. Chris went upstairs to rest, and I stayed down playing with Willow Grace, cleaning up the kitchen, and tending to a few other chores. I also had American Idol on. During the commercials I was busy in the kitchen, and Willow Grace wanted to be right with me. As soon I heard the intro music after each commercial, I would say, "It's back on," and head back to the living room. Willow Grace would stop whatever she was doing, yell "Back on!" and chase after me. We sat on the couch together watching, and she was completely enraptured. Such a cutie!

Weekend Getaway

Chris, Willow Grace, and I spent a restful weekend in Gatlinburg. Since most of the pics we took were of Willow Grace, I'm going to post them tomorrow.

One of the best things about the weekend was the lack of agenda. We didn't really want to do anything but relax and spend time together. We only left our villa a couple times and not for very long. For most of our time there we kept the fire lit and spent our time hanging out in the living room. We viewed about a half dozen movies, played with Willow Grace, took an indulgently long and restful afternoon nap on Sunday, fiddled around on the computer, and just hung out. We only ate out once, taking breakfast Sunday morning at the Log Cabin Pancake House across the street from the resort; the rest of our meals were cooked in our villa. All in all, it was a nice weekend, and I'm sorry that we had to leave so soon. I'm looking forward to the day that we can spend a whole week there.

My Husband Rocks!

To learn more about my husband rocks Fridays check out sweet Katy Lin's blog at the great adventure.

Yesterday I came down with a miserable cold and felt absolutely terrible by the time I arrived home. Chris took care of everything. He stopped by the Walgreens to get some medicine for me, made me a soothing cup of hot tea, built a fire for me, fed Willow Grace her dinner, played with her, and put her to bed. He even went out after I went to bed to fill up the Rover with gas and pick up a gallon of milk for the baby! What a guy!

(These pics were taken on our mini-vaca to Gatlinburg this last weekend.) I feel so safe and loved in his arms. He hugs me all the time. I came from a very affectionate family, and I am so happy that I have a husband who is the same way.

Have a great weekend!

Mini-Vaca

Last Saturday morning, we rose early in order to get ready for our mini-vaca to Gatlinburg. Having packed the Rover the night before, we had little left to do other than getting ourselves ready, so we took a quick breakfast and headed out. We stopped briefly to pick up my cousin, Bootsie, her husband, Stacy, and their 17 month old son, Christian, who would be our traveling companions.

What a beautiful weekend! We enjoyed perfect weather, great company, a spatious villa with a full kitchen, a thrilling visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, yummy food, and lots of time out on the balcony taking in the gorgeous view from our rocking chairs. Bootsie and I especially loved rocking our babies to sleep in the evening out on the balcony. We didn't come back until Monday, so I've been pretty busy and have just had the chance to blog about it all.

Here's a few pics:

These are mostly from our time in our villa. The one of the kids is from the front porch of the pancake house across the street from our villa.




These are all pics from the aquarium:





On Sunday, Chris, Willow Grace, and I journeyed to Knoxville for our nephew’s baptism. This is the one good picture I have from Drew's baptism. (Chris, Willow Grace, and her Pop -Ronnie)