Hello Darlings!

It’s Thursday! Can you believe it? It seems like this year is flying by me! It’s my birthday week and there is so much to be thankful for this week :) I’m thankful for moments..they should not be taken lightly.

 

1 • Firefighters

Yesterday, Boston Fire Department lost two brothers in the line of duty, Lt. Edward Walsh, 43, and Firefighter Michael Kennedy, 33. Firefighters who battled a 9 alarm fire. 3 children came home to the horrible news that their father would never be coming home. Two families’ lives forever changed by one moment. My heart breaks for the families of these two brave men. They gave their lives to save others. I am thankful for the brothers and sisters who suit up everyday to keep us safe. I am thankful for the 30 firefighters who endured injury yesterday to save people from one of the most vicious fires seen in the last 30 years. I am thankful for the ambulances who respond, for the policeman who protect and for the soldiers who defend us each and every day. You are not forgotten. Rest easy brothers.

2 • New Hats

I’ve got two new hats to sport this year :) I’ve always wanted a floppy hat and I finally found some that fit my head (And don’t make me look dorky!). I took them to one of my favorite shops to get monogrammed. EJ’s mom runs a local embroidery shop and Mrs. Penny always does us right :) Her prices can’t be beat, the craftsmanship is spot on and she’s just wonderful to talk with.

3 • New Recipes

I discovered the perfect blend of sweet, salty and crunchy this week. Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie bars..they are off the charts..off the chain..outta this planet delicious! So good that I have to make another batch for Saturday because my roommates have eaten all but 2 squares.

4 • New Corn Hole Set

I finally bought my own corn hole set :) For those of you who might not live as far south as I do..I first discovered this game when I lived in Somerset, KY. It seems to be catching up out here in South Carolina. My friend, Karen, makes them by hand so I asked her to craft me a set. She left the chevron painting and decorating to me. I’ve got a bit farther to go for them to be ready for the Carolina Cup this weekend :) I ordered custom corn hole bags from lots2ofr on eBay. He has a great store and his bags are ACA regulation. The craftsmanship was perfect. I’ve made them myself before and a perfect bag is quite the undertaking.

5 • New Family!

We have a new family member :) Well technically she’s been around our family for about 3 1/2 years now, but we get to officially keep her FOREVER now :) I’ll never forget the first time she waltzed into family lunch at Gram’s. You aren’t “officially dating” in our family until you’ve brought your significant other to Sunday lunch. She was a whirlwind..and it took me a bit to warm up to this Southern Belle. Whew..she was like lightning striking. (We called her white lightning for the 1st year they dated!) But over the years, I saw one thing that made her more endearing to me than anything she could have said or done…the amount of love I saw that girl pour into my cousin and our family. She is a fountain of beauty both inside and out. She lights up the room when she enters and you’re always sad to see her leave. She may be bold and forthright when it comes to telling you what she thinks..but I wouldn’t change her for the world :) I was super excited to watch my cousin marry the love of his life this weekend. She has definitely blessed our family over the past 3 years and I am excited to watch their love story grow even more! Love you bunches Red!

6 • New Weather :)

We’ve finally gotten a break from Winter! It was like 2 days of 80* weather..but hey..I’ll take it :) Winter has been especially wicked this year!

 

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

 

XoXo,

One Blessed Lemon