Family, Celebrations and Important Milestones

It’s June and I’m back in Arizona. Yep. Arizona. In June. 105 degrees of dry, suffocating heat. I miss the cool breeze blowing off of my mountain and I remember why I no longer live here. But some things are worth braving Arizona in June. Like family.

My niece graduated from high school on Tuesday and today we joined in the celebration of her and her achievements while recognizing the importance of this milestone. It’s the start of that transition from child to woman. It’s new independence. It’s leaving the nest and chasing dreams. We are proud of her and marking this event with her is worth the trip. Even Arizona. In June.

Tuesday my nephew will turn 16. Another milestone. Another celebration. We will be here to share in it.

Friday we celebrated as my daughter-in-law turned 25. We gathered with her family and played volleyball in the pool before sharing a meal. We laughed and exchanged stories with the family that welcomed my son as their own. Two families, united by the love of two people, celebrating one kind, smart, beautiful woman.

That’s what family does. We laugh. We celebrate. We share. Even in Arizona. Even in June.

It’s been two and a half years since Jamie became a part of our family by way of marriage to my son, Joseph. I look around their home today and so much of the decor are things used for their wedding or received as wedding gifts. Their home is comfortable, stylish and inviting and Jamie is kind enough to let me share some of it with you.

One of 3 old windows used at the wedding to display photos and provide table assignments

Same old windows used as decor.

This globe was a wedding gift. “Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay.” Ruth 1:16 by Katie Lizzie Designs

Log candle centerpieces at Joseph and Jamie’s wedding.

Table centerpieces made using the wedding log centerpieces combined with little wooden rounds purchased at Hobby Lobby.

This table runner was used on the tables during their wedding reception.

Jamie made these using barn wood frames, loosely woven burlap and antique lace doilies. I love these! Antique hankies could be used instead of doilies.