Friday's Letters... let's dance.

Who is dancing with me?

Anyone?
It's that time again. Time for...



Dear Vacation, Come back. Forever? No? Crap, I tried.  

Dear Paul & Amanda, Aaron and I are gonna miss you terribly. However we are super excited for your new adventure. We can't wait to hear all about California & hope you enjoy your new Army Life. Our three hour dinner was perfection last night && if I learned anything, it was {Paul is the best movie popcorn butter-er EVER}. Dear Job #1, I wish you would go ahead and offer something big because I have six days left to turn down my future job #1. Dear State Farm, I'm nervous excited to join your team and begin my career with you. I pray and pray and pray that I am making the right decision. I beg you to not let me down. Dear Pure Romance hostess, I hope you kick ass tomorrow & bring me a big crowd. I'm expecting to blow this party away and make lots of mula. Dear struggling family member, I love you & I'm here for you. Remember that GOD will guide you in every direction you choose. You have more support than you know. Dear Cj, I find anger inside and I hate it. I just don't understand why you chose this path. I miss you so much. I don't think I will ever recover.  Dear Mr. Wonderful, I love you so much I can squeeze you. You put up with my sass & still continue to wear a happy smile everyday. You're pretty awesome. I can't quit thinking about those words you said last night, "You're gonna be looking at new vehicles here soon... do you know what you want?"  How fun is that? I'm pretty excited. The smurfette needs to be retired yesterday. Growing up with you is the highlight of my life. I'll stop with the mushy gushy now. Love ya, mean it!
Dear God, I need your guidance.

♥ j

Just for Me.

Dear children {of our future},

           

                   If there ever comes a day when you ask me why I fell in love with daddy, I want to be prepared as ever. If life ever gets caught up in T-ball & Girl Scouts as I hope they do, I want you to always know how we were before you came. As I type this to you, know that my heart is heavy & tears are in my eyes because truthfully there is no one reason why I am completely head over heals, crazy in love with Daddy. There isn't anything I can really point out without sounding a little off  but I am going to do my best.

      Your daddy is the most incredible person I know. How so? He makes me laugh every day. Yes, even when mommy doesn't feel like it.  When I walk in the door from a long day at work he begs for a kiss. Dare I not bring it to him... he will be waiting for it and surely let me know if I get in over my head - immediately thinking of what to spark up for dinner, it happens.

      Daddy still flirts with me; I know, I know that's something you never want to hear but it's true. He has a sense of humor that moves my soul. Whether it's hiding behind the corner wall waiting to jump out and scare the living bee-jeezus out of me or chasing me around the house like the Dilophosaours off of Jurassic Park - also known as the raptor. I hate it but it makes me laugh until I start crying. Have I ever told you about the time when he did it to Grandma Ellen? A story you don't want to miss out on. Daddy also does this thing where he says don't move in this scary tone of voice and pretends his hands are snakes, silly I know but he keeps me laughing. I move every time.

      Life with your father is completely entertaining. And when Mommy IS in her not-so-good mood, Daddy takes care of it by removing her grumpy bone or inserting her funny bone. Ask him about it. I'm sure he will remember. He is a grown up with {sometimes} a kids personality, I love that.

     I'm crazy for his crooked smile. The one when he knows he has said something that makes me cut my eyes at him or when he knows I went shopping and I try hard to pretend I don't have a clue what he is talking about. Yes, I still do that. That crooked smile of his is the thing that gets me going when life throws us curved balls. 

   Daddy is a hard working man. He works everyday whether its scorching hot or on the other hand until his skin is cracking because the weather is dry & cold. I'm spoiled rotten because of him, I'm sure you are too. I love nothing more than to watch him work so hard to put something together. Growing up, Grand-Daddy Paul built everything and really enjoyed doing so, therefore your Dad really didn't have to get involved much - he fished. Have I ever told you about the time when we were still planning the wedding when he got so mad he lost his temper with the storage cabinet we received as a shower gift? Maybe you should ask him about it. I've never seen him loose his cool as I did this night.  How about the time when he put together our new TV? Yeah he wasn't being a good role model then, but finally after 15 minutes of bending the back cover he found the screws there right in front of his face hidden so well. Ohh, he gets so mad. He blames it on the people from China "making cheap stuff to sell to Americans."

      The newest thing he does that tickles me to the bone is discussing you all. Go here to read about the time when he first told me he was ready to be a daddy. Momma about died. However I was flattered. Eleven months later we still discuss having children, frankly every time we do, our timeline gets pushed back. Daddy and I are enjoying our life together, growing the roots of the trees that in a few years, will be planted. We are having so much fun and look foward to the day you all arrive. I can't wait to see him with you. I'm pretty sure by then I will be able to write a completely new letter on why I'm still in love with him. He gives me something to live off of everyday. I look forward to the very moment when I know you are reading not only this blog, but this letter. Until then. Xo

{this is not a pregnancy annoucement}

MUST READ: 50 Rules to a Dad of a Daughter

Dear Aaron,  It is the 11th day of our marriage and I just happened to run into this amaZing article that put the biggest smile on my face & joy into my heart. I thought I'd tuck it away until our future arrives, but I can't. The world needs to read this. One day, I will give this to you to read when our time has come. This is the most amazing thing & as much as I can wait to be a parent with you, I look forward to sitting back and watching these 50 rules play out. Life with you is going to be so fun and interesting! I see it now. XoXo, j -------------------------------------------------
50 rules to a Dad of a Daughter{by Michael Mitchell}


1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.-------------------------------------------------------

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink. {Michaels Blog, Life to Her Years}

Dear Pinterest,

I always knew I was a BIG dreamer.

I see big things as not that big. I see pretty things as cheap as they

get only to find THEY.ARE.NOT. My "I want" lists have always been over and beyond...

A girl can dream, right?

but geez...

YOU.ARE.KILLING.ME!

Our plan is to add more to our family {after} 2013. Meaning getting preggers in late

2013. Thanks to you... I want to design a nursery. Maybe our newest nephew,

Ryder wouldn't mind staying more... ya think? I think so!!! However, my partner thinks differ. He text me today "are you pregnant" after sending him countless names

of boys & girls this whole week {& after I sent him the first name of today}. I about died. My response... "haha...um, no." then immediately said "I'm offended that you even think I'd be picking out names without even telling you I was preggers... com'on you know me better than that silly." Then right after that I just said "pinterest".  His response "delete that"

Thanks to YOU my almost husband about crapped his new boxers.

And boy... I hate buying boxers. He already sweats to death enough as it is working in this Gerogia heat. However, I must say that I can't WAIT to plan our six year old who doesn't exsist's birthday party. This is a problem.

We don't plan on building or buying anything until {at least} our second baby

is even thought of. Thanks, because now the Mr. is flipping on all my

"ohhhh, let's do this" here latelys. You've reminded me that somewhere in our five year plan involves me staying home... a homemaker.. yeah well how are we supposed to afford that if you keep giving me beautiful things to PIN???

I've pretty much PIN-ed the entire site. Not really... but almost.

You almost had my mother have a heart attack after me telling her about this amazing idea

I found for the wedding... I thought she was going to die. Okay and everyone else around me including myself. I've put myself on restriction from any "wedding" boards. Like we don't have enough to plan out, pack up, and put together.

Ohhh... and the closets you have. My lawd! Seriously...

you've made me loose sleep over the closets & kitchens. Please, would you just stop being so darn beautiful. I'd like to get married on September 3rd and at the rate I'm going.. at the rate YOU'RE going the Mr. is starting to panic that he won't be able to afford me.

Nah, it's okay. I've been trying my very hardest to rememeber the difference between my

"I'm a dreamer..." board & my "{future} house inspirations" board.

Okay okay.. you got me. There is a TON of baby you probably won't ever see that $500,000 home. Okay maybe on vacation.. but never the inside. in my {future} home inspirations" But it's okay to pretend.

However, I've completed a few DIY projects already and made a few crafts for friends of mine. They l.o.v.e.d them. Thanks for that.

Okay so I'm going now because I think I've said enough. 

I wanted to make sure you knew where we stand...but don't worry I'm not going anywhere.

Who cares if you've become my latest addiction.

Happy Thursday!

Love, Jessica

----------------------------------------------------------------

My Pinterest web address:

 http://pinterest.com/JLDrew/



find me. add me. let's be addicts together!

Dear whoever is reading this,

I hope you smile today!

Love, Jessica

I'm wearing the biggest smile on my face today!

The Beau came home yesterday & was open arms when I drove up in the driveway last night!

He met me at the door! I almost killed him with my death grip hug! Seriously! I couldn't even speak!

It was great! Tonight, he's taking on a date!

I think he missed a whole bunch! Wink!

Everyone have a wonderful Friday & a happy weekend!

Dear Love,

I Love You. I Love You. I Love You!!!

It's been one week, I miss you more every minute.

 I can't wait to spend every second with you this weekend.

The house is too darn quiet. Well, not really.

I've been up all night hearing our neighbors dogs bark their heads off &

something dripping. No, it's not the tub or the facet. I checked.

I think it's under the house. I tried sleeping with the radio on, and you know how that it.

With that, I started my day of singing

Poppin bottles in the ice, like a blizzard, when we drink we do it right gettin slizzard Sippin sizzurp in my ride, like Three 6, Now I’m feelin so fly like a G6

as I was stopping the ground trying my very best to get the drip to go away. It was a bitter sweet morning. Yes, I did get Tony [the AC guy] to come fix our heater. You can not call me ghetto anymore, because I do not have to use the oven & stove to stay warm. I need my handy man. I need the other half of my heart back on Shumantown Road. Can you hear my whiny voice? Oh it's there.  Our bed says hello & she misses us both. No, I haven't been sleeping in the bedroom... You know that! Only last night I tried, due to the dogs barking. I figured if I got far away from their side it would help. I was wrong. I may just turn into to Weezer of the Steel Magnolias if we don't do anything about those dogs. Seriously, it's become a problem. So much for my list of things to do. Between your parents, my parents and Lifetime I haven't been able to get any Christmas Projects started. What are my plans for tonight? Oh, I have a date with the washing machine & the 409 bottle. With you being gone, I've turned into a .... lazy, lonely girlfriend?  The only thing that has kept me sane was Christmas Shopping. Yes... That is exactly why there is money missing from the account. Heyy, it's a good cause! Wink! Alright, well I'm gonna quit writing you my boring, I don't have a life while my man is out of town letter. I love you babe. See you on Friday! XOXOmissing you terribly  ♥ j