November 30th, 2017

I love my darling fiancé so so much!

November 29th, 2017

One of my favorite Christmas carousels, which was given to me last year by Laura. ☺️🎠

November 28th, 2017

We finally played The Oregon Trail card game today—it is surprisingly so much fun!

November 27th, 2017

Still so in love with our beautiful tree.

November 26th, 2017

November 25th, 2017

We decorated for Christmas today! :) Yeah yeah, I know it's still November. But Thanksgiving is over so technically it's okay. ;)

We decided to buy a new, bigger tree this year and really it turned out to be such a great decision! Our new tree is so much bigger and much more full than our last...it really makes a difference overall.
 

We also bought this gorgeous Nativity scene wallart sticker! I love it so much!

The "Noel" blocks are back, as well as a new pretty garland/lights decoration to liven up our entertainment center.

The tree is absolutely stunning. The two of us adore it! We're going to go out sometime soon and find a few new ornaments to add to our collection, too. :)

November 24th, 2017

We celebrated this little munchkin's 3rd birthday today! His actual birthday was on the 16th, but his fun jungle-themed party was tonight at the Marsceau's. :)

November 23rd, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving!! 🦃

We enjoyed another absolutely lovely Thanksgiving dinner, all prepared by my amazing parents!

Even the pups got in on the actions. ;)

The last two years were some of the coldest November’s EVER. Thankfully we finally got some decent weather this year and were able to play our annual family football game after dinner!! 🤗🏈🍂 Even the dogs played! (It ended in a tie. 😜)

Later in the evening, we headed over to the Donelson's home where we all set out to go Black Friday shopping together! We hit up Walmart, Target, and Kohl's. Mike and I also hit up two more stores (Target & Best Buy)  on our own before heading back home for the night.

My Black Friday haul includes: 12 movies; a 101 Dalmatians Thomas Kinkade puzzle; the Oregon Trail card game; the fuzziest jacket ever; 4 tank tops; an adorable “I love you to the moon & back” necklace (from my darling fiancé); and a cute fawn stuffed animal (also from Michael...because I’m his little “dear” ♥). All in all, a successful holiday!

November 22nd, 2017

We went bowling this evening with Mitch, Jax, Tommy, and Tony. I won our game! Pretty proud that I beat everyone. ;)

November 21st, 2017

Finished our Snow White Thomas Kinkade puzzle tonight!

November 20th, 2017

I love lazy nights with my sweetheart. :)

November 19th, 2017

Still in disbelief. Look at this gorgeous ring!!!

The Legend of the Blue Feather

In the first days of mankind, when people were learning about life in all its complexities and splendor, there was a very shy boy named Kuko. He was very much in love with the daughter of the chief of his tribe, but was too shy to say anything to her. Instead, he would leave a White Flower at her door each morning and then walk past her house later to see if his gift had been accepted.

The White Flower was a rare and beautiful blossom that could be found only at the top of the highest mountain. Each evening, Kuko would climb the mountain to search for the elusive flower and he would not return to his village without it. To him, it represented the rare emotion that had blossomed in his own heart.

Every day, his heart rose when he saw that the flower no longer lay on the doorstep. He imagined his beloved would understand that her own beauty was reflected in the exquisite loveliness of the White Flower.

Then one day, a delegation of strangers came to the village. They brought an offering of marriage from the son of a neighboring chieftain. Donkeys laden with gold, chests filled with precious gems, and baskets filled with grains, vegetables, and fruit accompanied the proposal of marriage.

Poor Kuko! His heart sank when he saw the ostentatious procession and heard the admiring exclamations of the villagers. All he had to offer was the simple White Flower. In fact, as the delegation entered the home of the village chieftain, their heavy boots trampled Kuko's offering into the dust. 

Kuko could not imagine that the girl would prefer him to the son of a wealthy chief. He was a poor shepherd boy who owned only a couple of sheep and two chickens who never had laid a single golden egg.

In despair that evening, he went to the Spring of the Goddess to think. It was a favorite spot of his, a place he often visited when life appeared darkest. According to legend, the Harvest Goddess lived in the lake and granted the wishes of deserving individuals who sought her aid. Kuko imagined the Goddess to be as compassionate as she would be beautiful, and he poured his heart out to her in the twilight, speaking of his dreams and hopes, his disappointments and his struggles. Ordinarily rather inarticulate and shy, Kuko found he was able to speak freely to the Goddess he could not see but whom he sensed to be ever-present in the sparkling waters of the Spring.

That evening, when he finally fell silent, he was surprised by the appearance of an exquisite blue bird flying across the sky. The bird circled overhead three times, then dropped a feather into his lap. The feather was long and iridescent, and Kuko never had beheld anything quite as beautiful.

Kuko was startled, but even more astonished when the bird actually spoke to him.

"I am the Namimoto bird, who makes her nest in the very lap of the Goddess," the bird sang. "She bids me tell you to take heart. Give this Blue Feather to the girl you love and if her heart beats true for you, she will be yours."

Kuko bowed low to the sacred bird, thanking her for the rare gift. He then returned to the village, feather in hand, and laid it upon the doorstep of his beloved. He could not sleep, however, and was at her door at dawn to see if the feather remained where he had left it. Much to his joy, the feather was gone!

As he stood there, the chief of the village, his daughter, and the entire delegation of strangers came out of the house. The village crier then began to ring the bell, calling the village to a meeting. All the villagers congregated in the Square, pressing forward to hear the news. Poor Kuko was afraid suddenly that it would be an announcement that the Chief's daughter had agreed to accept the offer of marriage from the neighboring Chief's son.

Instead, he beheld his lady love stepping forward with the Blue Feather braided into her golden hair.

In a clear voice she declared, "I will marry only the man who can tell me where the bird to which this feather belongs lives."

Her father then spoke. "Three days from now, we will have another meeting and at that time, we will hear the answer to my daughter's question."

Kuko realized that the Chief intended to give the neighboring Chief's son a chance to discover the answer to the girl's question. The next three days passed far too slowly for poor Kuko, who knew the answer himself, but did not know if his rival would be able to stand forth to give the correct answer as well.

After three days had passed, the bells rang out again and the villagers collected in the Square. The delegation returned and this time, the neighboring Chief's son was with them. Much to Kuko's consternation, he was a handsome lad, but with arrogance stamped in his features. His bearing moreover denoted one accustomed to having his own way in everything.

Kuko's rival stepped forward then, as if he and he alone had the right to speak first.

He declared loudly, "Here is my answer to your question: I have sent men to every corner of our land, and no one has seen a bird with feathers like this. I therefore declare with confidence that the bird is foreign to these parts, and must be from a land very faraway."

"Yes!" agreed the Chief happily. "That must be so. We have our answer here."

"And yet," said the girl. "That is no answer at all. It does not tell me where to find the bird."

Kuko stepped forward then. Much to his surprise, when he spoke, he did not stutter as usual. His voice was firm and melodious as he said, "I have seen the bird you seek. This bird will not be found anywhere in our land or in any other, for she makes her nest in the very lap of the Goddess. She is the Namimoto bird, favored by the Harvest Goddess above all others."

The villagers were amazed, not only by Kuko's words but by his transformation into a confident young man who had neither hesitation nor fear.

"How do you know this?" the Chief demanded with a frown.

"The bird gave me the Blue Feather," said Kuko. "It is a symbol of true love, for the man who offers this feather to a girl declares: 'My heart flies to you, even as a bird flies to its nest. I wish to dwell in your heart forever.' That is the message of the Blue Feather and that is why I offer it to your daughter. I am your humble servant, sir, but my heart has the highest of aspirations, to belong to your daughter forever."

Every one was captivated by the boy's words and even the Chief could not maintain his stern disapproval, although the thought of losing all the advantages that an alliance with the neighboring Chief would have provided was disappointing. Even so, he loved his daughter and her happiness was more important than riches.

The Chief's daughter looked at the son of the neighboring Chief, then at Kuko.

"I always loved you," she told the young shepherd. "Each morning, I would watch from my window as you brought a beautiful White Flower to my door. I always hoped you would speak to me one day of your love."

She took his hand then in her own and announced, "I accept your Blue Feather and your heart. From this day forward, let the Blue Feather be a sign of eternal love for every man and woman who wishes to marry."

And so it came to pass that the 'Blue Feather' became the symbol of love and accompanied every proposal of marriage through all the centuries.

November 18th, 2017

We’re engaged!! 😍💍💗



GUYS!! I’M ENGAGED!!??!!! 😍💍💍💍‼️‼️

Tonight I said yes to forever with my best friend—the absolute love of my life!

Mike took me out on a “day of memories”, which consisted of several activities that we did together in the early years of us! We started the morning off with breakfast at George’s, aka the place he asked me to be his girlfriend (almost) three years ago. Afterward we went ice skating at Rocket Ice—which is one activity we absolutely love and also one that we did so often together the first few months of dating. We took a brief break from the festivities to head home and just relax together. We spent awhile reminiscing on all the fun things we’ve done together over the years, from concerts to festivals to road trips to vacationing in Disney World!

As it got darker, we headed off for the last stop of the day: the Morton Arboretum! Our very first date together was on December 18th, 2014 at the Illumination lights display. We have gone together every year since and I ALWAYS look forward to our annual visit! Walking around looking at all the beautiful lights together was so magical...but they simply couldn’t compare it to the breathe-taking, sparkling ring my sweetheart pulled out suddenly and held out to me! 😍 We were standing beneath the dazzling crystal chandeliers (which is our absolute favorite display) when he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I immediately felt the tears about to flow as I eagerly said yes and let him put that gorgeous ring on my finger. ♥️♥️♥️

I cried so much tonight, guys. 😭😭😭

Four years ago we went here together for our first date! Tonight it also became the place he asked me to marry him. 😍💍

Also! My entire family secretly followed us all throughout the Arboretum without me knowing so they could get photos and videos when Mike proposed by the crystal chandeliers. 😭😭 Both of my parents cried (not as much as me...well, actually, my mom MIGHT have 😂) and all of my “manly” brothers even got misty as they congratulated us:

“I never thought I would be happy with my sister getting engaged...ever. And yet here I am just super excited for you two.” -Zack

“When Mike told me he was gonna propose I was like, ‘About time!’ Honestly I‘ve already considered him family for a long time now.” -Mitch

“I know you guys will have a life full of happiness—you’re really just the perfect match. I am so thankful to have been apart of this special day.” -Jax



I am so very thankful for my wonderful family, who has always been nothing but loving and supportive. These guys mean the absolute world to me; it was so extremely special having them all there to share in tonight with.

From classmates to computer buddies to best friends to boyfriend-girlfriend...and now here we are, over four years later, officially engaged. 😭❤️

Everything about today was SO perfect in every single way. I truly am the luckiest girl in the world. I am so very thankful to have this man to walk by my side through life forever. ❤️ I love you so much Michael Richard Donelson. It has always been a “yes” for you. 😚😚😚

This photo was taken as a result of my dad being goofy and “wanting a photo with the flowers he got me”. However, I am so glad I we ended up taking it because it is now one of my favorite photos to date.

UGH... don’t even get me started about how GORGEOUS my ring is! 😍😍 Honestly, have you ever seen a more sparkly ring? (Answer: no)  My man is literally the most sweet, thoughtful, talented person to walk this earth. He couldn’t find a box he liked to hold my ring, so he decided to just go and MAKE one himself.

The blue feather sitting inside the box alongside my ring was such a perfect touch (and it made my insides practically turn to mush!). You see, the blue feather is actually from a story I have loved ever since I was a little girl, which you can read here. In said story, the boy proposes to the girl using a blue feather from a rare bird... Eeeek! 💙😍 I couldn't believe he had remembered!

We hung out at the Arboretum with my family for awhile before getting dinner at one of my favorite spots: Uncle Julio's. After that we went back to my family's home for more celebrating. 

Today was officially the best day of my life.

November 17th, 2017

One of the most intricate floors and showers Mike ever had to do! Just look at all the small pieces and details!! 😵 I am SO beyond amazed and impressed by him and it’s not even finished yet!

November 16th, 2017

Sometimes Mike takes artsy pictures of his finished work and it makes me smile. :)

November 15th, 2017 *

November 14th, 2017

Drinks with good peeps 🍻

November 13th, 2017

Mike Sr is cookin’ up something good!

November 12th, 2017

She's such a cute little pup! I love how peaceful she looks when she's sleepy. :)

November 11th, 2017

Mike and I made this pretty frame / wall décor today for Laura's birthday! Every piece of it was 100% put together by us...meaning, we assembled everything about this ourselves (as opposed to just buying something pre-made and customizing it a bit). We picked out a shadow box, added a cloth backdrop, found a metal tree silhouette, painted the wooden hearts, glued in the tree rings, added the flowers, and then painted on the names. We left a few hearts blank so more names can be added in the future, too! We're going to drop it off sometime tomorrow (which is Laura's actual birthday), so fingers crossed that she likes it!! ;)

November 10th, 2017

Since Laura's birthday is on a Sunday this year, and since the Donelson's are busy with church most of the day on Sunday's, we decided to celebrate together today instead! We ended up going out to eat at Cracker Barrel together as a family, where we ate yummy food and enjoyed one another's company. After dinner we headed back to the Donelson's for gifts, cake, and more family time. 

Mike and I made her a cake (but of course!) which was covered in flowers and frosted in her favorite color. The cake turned out really nice—it was one of the neatest frosting jobs we have done to date!

After cake we facetimed Charlotte, since obviously she couldn't attend while away at school. The Marsceau's left a bit later, leaving the four of us to chitchat for awhile longer before the two of us also headed out. All in all, I'd say it was a lovely little get-together for her birthday!

November 9th, 2017

Movie night with my love to see Murder On The Orient Express!

November 8th, 2017

Having fun coloring tonight. :) Mike colored in this cool Stormtrooper!

November 7th, 2017

Whenever Mike sends me in-progress photos while he’s at work I find myself filled with so much pride and amazement at his skills every single time! ☺️

November 6th, 2017

Today I turned in my "how-to" accordion booklet to my Typography teacher. Overall, really pleased with how it turned out! In particular, the cover is so totally awesome. However, I am actually not very enthusiastic about this project (or any projects, for that matter) because, to put it bluntly, I really hate my Typography class and anything that has to do with it. :P