Brady - One Year Later.

And just like that, it's been one year since we had to unexpectedly say goodbye to our sweet Brady. Each day continues to get easier (aka can say his name out loud without tearing up or crying), until now when all of the memories of that day came flooding back as I went to write this blog post. I thought I'd have more to say, but there are just no words to express how much I miss him. So I'll leave you with some of my favorite pictures/memories. 

We miss you like crazy, B. 

Some Life Updates..

Well, hello! It's me, your long lost friend. I'm still alive. A lot has happened in the past 7+ months, so let's play a quick game of catch up. Actually, it's a pretty long post. Sorry about that. 

You may or may not know, but Cameron and I had to say goodbye unexpectedly to our sweet, sweet Brady back in July. Hence the super long blog break. It hit me like a tornado and I was in a serious funk for quite a while. The blog got put on the back burner as I had nothing to talk about and didn't want to come on here and be a Debbie downer. I will do a separate post on Brady later, mostly so I can remember that awful day (why?!? I don't know.). 

We had our annual Edisto trip in September. Had to expand to two houses with all of the cute little additions we've been adding. Always such a good time (what vacation isn't?) and we had a sprinkle for Baby Jack while we were there, as well. 

About three very quiet and hair-free months since we said goodbye to Brady, we said hello to a little nugget named Gus! He has brought laughter back into our everyday lives and we tell him about his big brother Brady all the time. I'll also do a separate post on Gus because, as you can imagine, there have been a lot of photos taken and a lot of memories made already in his 8 months. 

South Carolina's football team did not fair so well last season, but that didn't stop me from going to Columbia to cheer them on! Cameron was, of course, happy that Clemson made it to the national championship last year. I was (a little) happy that he was so happy about that...

In October, our family had something very scary happen. Cameron's oldest brother, David, suffered from a major stroke. He spent almost six weeks in the hospital and rehabilitation, and still continues rehab multiple times a week. From day one he made significant progress in a short amount of time, even the nurses and doctors were amazed. Every day we went to visit him we would see progress being made. A funny story that I'm sure we'll never forget - one day while Cameron and I were visiting David, we were asking him questions to help stimulate his memory. I asked him what my name was and he said "bad sandwich" but then immediately knew he was wrong and we all started laughing. My nieces love to call me that now. :) Every time I think back on those weeks that he was in the hospital, and even afterwards, I think about how amazing it was that the family and their friends all came together to support David and his family. I really think it made everyone closer as a result and taught us all to appreciate each other, and every moment spent together. 

The day David came home from the hospital!

My best friend gave birth to her second son, Jack, in December. He is the sweetest little thing and his brother, Lane, loves being a big brother! 

Our good friends, Scott and Jane, got engaged! I also had the pleasure of going wedding dress shopping with her! 

In February we saw Garth Brooks and it was, as you can imagine, AMAZING! Three hours of non-stop singing my heart out. 

We celebrated my 32nd birthday in my most favorite way - good friends and yummy oysters! A few days later my nieces came over and spoiled me with a foot, hand, and back massage!

Our niece, Arden, turned one! 

FOUR of our supper club girls are pregnant and are all due in August! On the way are two boys and two girls. We have had such fun celebrating finding out their genders and can't wait to meet them all! 

We just recently celebrated our three year wedding anniversary! On our actual anniversary we ate dinner at Fat Hen and the following weekend we spent the afternoon riding bikes on Kiawah! Very low key, very perfect. 

I'll be back soon! 

Friday Five.

Happy Friday, everyone! A little late with my post today, but nonetheless, here it is! 

{one}

Last Sunday we had our monthly supper club at Sally & Taylor's new house! Instead of doing a dinner, we decided to switch it up and do a brunch theme. It was a nice change and we could not have picked a more perfect day for it. Upper 70's and not a cloud in the sky. All of the food was SO good. Bacon, sausage, homemade biscuits, eggs, pimento cheese grits, hash brown casserole, fresh fruit, and salad. 

The awesome cake Lauren made for Kathryn's birthday

After stuffing our faces and taking a tour of Sally & Taylor's gorgeous new home, we all went outside to enjoy the weather for a couple of hours. 

{two}

After searching high and low for the perfect taupe booties, I found them. Introducing Plover by Steve Madden. My only wish is that I would have purchased them months ago!

{three}

A sweet reader named Mary Beth contacted me to see if I could help spread the word about her art. Of course, I said! Her paintings currently include palmetto trees and pineapples, perfect for a nursery, children's room, or beach house! She was also kind enough to donate one of her pineapple paintings to the silent auction that is taking place after the final Brightlife Golf Tournament on April 20th! 

To purchase a piece of Mary Beth's art, you can visit her Etsy store here.

{four}

The kind people at Chewy.com contacted me to see if Brady wanted to sign up for their monthly blogger program. After taking a look around their website to find out what they were all about, I emailed back saying, "yes please!"  Brady is a notorious snack snob, usually turning his nose up at the standard milk bone, so I figured this would be a great way to try out new treats. March's selections consisted of freeze dried treats from the company Orijen. 

• Orijen kitchens feature advanced steam-cooking technologies to allow for higher fresh ingredient inclusions. 
• Over half of the meat arriving to Orijen kitchens are authentically fresh, never frozen. 
• All of their treats are 100% pure meat, no fillers. 

After consulting with Brady, he chose the black angus beef treats.  

Once he sniffed his new treat, he decided he liked it enough and wanted to show y'all his newest trick so I would let him taste it. Now he gets so excited when he hears me open up the bag!

{five}

My first dress from Sheinside arrived last week and I was very happy with what I found in the box! The material does not feel cheap, it arrived to my house a lot faster than I expected, and the dress fits perfectly!

When I ordered the purple floral dress, it was still during the pre-order period, so I'm still waiting on that to arrive. Can't wait!!

We've got another jam-packed weekend coming up, including a couples shower for our friends Justin and Jenny, and celebrating my grandmother's 80th birthday! My aunt and uncle, who we only get to see once a year, will be in town visiting from Iowa! So excited to see them!!

Friday Five.

Happy Friday! 

Actually happy to be back in the office today (I'm usually on Kiawah Wednesday and Thursday). On my way out to Kiawah yesterday I got a flat tire. Kind of scary when you're on a narrow, two lane highway where there is hardly any shoulder. Thankfully I pulled over safely and Cameron drove all the way from Daniel Island to come rescue me. After he put my spare tire on we were able to enjoy a nice lunch at Freshfields and walk around some of the shops. Silver lining! 

Other things making me happy this week...

{one}

Splurge vs. Save

Would you believe me if I told you that I found this same dress listed for $105 on one website, and only $17.99 on another? I wouldn't believe it either. I came across the cheaper version on the website Sheinside. Has anyone ever ordered from them before? I'm kind of skeptical, but it's almost too good of a deal not to try it out. 

{two}

Thanks to Ashley's post about her favorite Iphone apps, she reminded me that I had a Poshmark account. I did a quick closet clean out over the weekend and listed a few new items. You can find me at @meganlsmith.

{three}

Just because he is a handsome boy...

{four}

A couple recent food pics...

A simple, yummy breakfast. 

Delicious crockpot minestrone soup

{five}

Off to the mountains this weekend with some of my favorite girls! Other than the 4.5 hour drive, I am really looking forward to it! Lots of girl talk, hot tub, roaring fire, hot (and cold) beverages, and laughter.

Friday Five. {Playing Catch Up}

Good morning! I noticed that I haven't posted about what's been going on in my life lately, so this Friday Five will be about focused on just that. 

Let's go.

{one}

We changed up Thanksgiving a little bit this year. Usually we drive out to the country to hang with Cameron's extended family, scarf down some food, then high tail it to Summerville to eat another meal with my family. This year, we drove to Summerville about 2 hours before we actually ate so we could spend some quality time with my family, rather than being rushed. 

{two}

The weekend after Thanksgiving, Brady turned 9! I posted this picture to Instagram and I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry right after. I just don't want my baby to get any older!! 

{three}

The same day that Brady turned 9, the Gamecocks ended their five game winning streak against the Tigers. I decided to watch the game with all Gamecock fans, so I made Cameron snap this selfie with me before we parted ways. Oh well, there's always next year, right?!?

{four}

This year we hit up Michael's the day after Thanksgiving because all of their trees were 50% off. We've mentioned the past year or two that we need a tree for all of our miscellaneous ornaments. Our big Christmas tree is filled with gold and white ornaments so the misfits always got hidden in the back. Now they have their own tree to shine one and I love it! Those are the ornaments with the most meaning to them. 

{five}

Tonight is our 2nd Annual Tacky Sweater Christmas Party and it just so happens that today is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day! Last year's party was hilariously awesome and I can't wait for tonight! 

Have a great weekend!