This is the kind of thing that my friends and I do. I’m not even kidding. We’re a riot, that’s for sure. This weekend? Oh, it was good. Friday was girls night, and we did silly things like the above photo. We also ate delicious gourmet pizza and danced the night away and had a photoshoot in front of the state capitol. Standard.
Saturday was a relaxing day at home with the hubby. I also mustered up the courage to read some of my mom’s journals, and boy was that hard. But it was also kind of therapeutic, and it calmed my soul a little. Or a lot, really. When I read her thoughts and her beautiful words and her testimony to our Father in heaven, oh boy. It’s like she’s here, with me, talking to me. It comforts me, knowing that she is with me, always, and she’s my angel, forever. I miss you, Mom.
Sunday was of course Easter, and we went to church. Now, it’s confession time: I hadn’t been to church since before Christmas. To be perfectly honest, I’ve been absolutely petrified to go. I read my bible and devotional at home, in the comfort of my bed, and I break down a lot just from that, and I just have been too scared to try to handle that in a group setting. But it was Easter, and I just kind of felt God gently nudging me to go. I mean, I haven’t ever missed an Easter church service, and I certainly wasn’t going to start that now, when I know my mom would want me to go the most. So, I went. With my sweet husband by my side, holding my hand the entire time, and my aunt, uncle and cousins all in the same row as us. And you know what? It was amazing. I felt God’s spirit the whole time, moving me more than ever before. And I didn’t cry, but my eyes definitely welled up with tears. And I didn’t sob, but my heart was full of joy, and of the promise of everlasting LIFE! And Mumsie was right there with me the whole time, worshipping like never before. I can’t describe it any better than that, although I wish I could. I wish I could paint a picture of just how beautiful that experience was. Just believe me when I say God is GOOD and He is working in each and every one of us- all we have to do is ask Him to. It’s that simple.
After church, Zack and I went home for a bit and watched some basketball (sad that the Gators lost! and omg that poor guy on Louisville… even though it meant Duke lost, I still am glad Lousville won, considering the injury. I didn’t see it, and apparently don’t want to according to Zack, so I wouldn’t recommend it) and then it was off to my grandpa’s for our first stop! We had the annual Easter egg hunt, ate some yummy food and had great fellowship. I love that family of mine, I do I do. And yes, there were goats. My grandpa lives on a farm, so you know. Goats happened. After my family, we went to Zack’s aunt’s house for more fellowship and more delicious food and OMG the best strawberry shortcake in the entire universe made by my beautiful momma-in-law. Seriously. I wish I could wrap it up in little boxes and mail a piece to each and every one of you because it’s just heaven on a plate. She’s kind of a master of desserts. And you can tell they’re always made with love. :)
Annnd that was my busy and amazing Easter weekend. Yes, I missed my mom pretty much every minute of the day, but when I thought of her I smiled knowing that is exactly what she would be doing. I hope your Easter was memorable and spent with loved ones and I hope you smiled lots, too.
xo
p.s. Happy April Fool’s Day! I kind of forgot to play a trick on you in this post, but ummmm. I’m pregnant? ha ha jay kay April Fools.
First of all, you’re adorable.
And your friends are lovely! What a fun group.
The Nautical Owl
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Etsy
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Aw thanks girl :) I love my friends!
xo
So happy for you!! I need to get back to going to church too. Havent been since…actually, around the same time,hasn’t changed me, but it just feels good to go :)
I absolutely agree- it feels really good to go! But it is so easy to skip it or make excuses. I understand completely!
xo
love all of the cute easter clothes :) the girls night looks like a blast!
Aw thanks girl!
xo
I must say- beard or no beard, you got you a good one :)
I’m so proud of you for reading some of your momma’s journal entries. I am so happy that you have those- that is something you can ALWAYS cherish and have a constant reminder of her watching over you.
You’re adorable. But you already know that!
xoxo
I must agree with that, but I prefer no beard ;) Girl, I am SO happy I have her journals! It’s something I will be reading over and over again, and sharing with my kids some day, too!
xo
I’m loving your adorable outfits! So springy and fitting for Easter weekend :)
Thanks Ashley! :)
xo
Your post is so cute! I smiled through out the whole thing!
Your friends are just as adorable and cool, after seeing those pics I was like “yep my friends and I would so do things like that” lol
Have a wonderful week!
p.s. Your hubs look very handsome with out facial hair!
Aw, Esme, you sweet girl! Your comment made me smile, the whole thing! :)
xo
Oh, Katie, I’m so thrilled you went to church yesterday and that God met you there. He is walking with you each step of the way and it is such a difficult time when we loose our Moms. And, someone said to me when my Mom died that “I would get through it, but never over it” and truer words have never been spoken. Blessings to you my dear! You’re making your Momma proud!
You are so sweet, Lea. I am finding that statement to already be so true. It’s the hardest thing in the world, but God wouldn’t bring us to it if he couldn’t pull us through it. :)
xo
Sounds like you had a wonderful Easter and very spiritual :) I was so overwhelmed Sunday with God’s love that I was an emotional mess! I loved looking at all your cute pics, and the pic of the goats were too funny! It rained here so we weren’t able do an easter hunt, but we still had a great time just being together & dyeing eggs :)
xoxo,
Shio
Oh, girl, I was right there with you being overwhelmed by God’s love! It was incredible!!
xo
wow now I really feel like going to church , haven’t been a very long time .
xo Meg<3
It was a good experience!
xo
i want to do a photo shoot with you outside the capitol. that is so fun.
i love when michael shaves for me too. it makes him look so handsome!
YES. Come here to Sacramento and we will do just that. Capitol photoshoots are mandatory, of course.
xo
Looks like you had a wonderful Easter, you deserved it! :)
Aw thanks Jen :) I hope yours was good too!
xo
Cute photos! Looks like such a fun weekend! Love you maxi skirt!
xx
Giovanna
http://www.HeyLoveBlog.com
Aw thanks! Forever 21!
xo
your weekend was seriously action packed! all i did was sit on the couch, play board games, and eat more than any body should ever eat. i love how taking photos in front of the state capital is standard stuff haha you’re making me miss girls night :(
xo Marlen
Messages on a Napkin
Aww your weekend sounds awesome, too! Sometimes that’s just the perfect weekend to have- board games are kind of my favourite! And yes, girls night is a must!
xo
This is such a sweet story Katie. Sounds like God is slowly healing your heart. xo
Yes, He definitely is. God moves in mysterious ways, that’s for sure <3
xo
I can’t believe that egg made it all the way to your second Easter dinner! Must have been a very talented Easter bunny ;) What a gift you have been given, to have those journals from your Mom! You got your writing talent from her! Love, and many, many hugs, Aunt Julie
Haha yes, that Easter bunny was veryyy talented! ;) And I’m so grateful that I have Mom’s journals. They’re a real comfort!
xo
Loved this post. You looked fab, and it really had a lot of joy in it. Glad to hear things are going well. And duh, your hubby is a cutie! ;) ;)
-Emily
http://www.herphilly.com
Aww thanks girl! :) And duhhh! hehe
xo