Cousins for Christmas

The past week's been ...... one. of. those. weeks.
My heart's been heavy with the weight of some things I hadn't expected, and it's been an emotional rollercoaster. Everything from my soul to my skin feels tired, strained, and in need of some rest and healing. (Don't worry guys, it's a temporary lament - I'm not going anywhere, just being... human.)

I needed a break in the waves, so it was with a heart insanely full of gratitude that I headed out after church to catch up with my Ate Caridel, in town from Arizona for the holiday. To say that I needed the company of these women (& little women!) is an understatement.

I am.. so, so thankful for these ladies.

♥ ate caridel & maricor

♥♥ my heart was so happy to see them ♥♥

just add frappucino ;) 

pinsan ♥ | [cousin]

ate caridel ♥

Aaaaaaaaaalso, I'm not sure why I'd put off watching Crazy Rich Asians until tonight, but I couldn't have picked better company for a viewing party. I loved it, I love them, and I feel immensely recharged.

We're on the homestretch of 2018. I'm thankful for this season, as it's mixed with both anticipation and exhaustion. It's a strange blend, but 2018 has taught me more in one year than I'd expected or hoped. Today was a much-needed, much-appreciated chance to slow down and be present with some of my favorite humans.

I hope you're taking those moments this Christmas season, too - to slow down.. and just.. be :). ♥

xo | cmd 

Happy Birthday, Ate!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATE CARIDEL!!!!

♥ you! 

My cousin's birthday is today - I hope you had a beautiful day!! Love you!
[Here's a little #TBT for you!]

xo | cmd 

Catching Fire {Take 2} | Cousin Birthday Wishes

Sssssoo.... following yesterday's melarky, I accidentally passed out on the couch, and awoke somewhere around 1am to Rob arriving at my house. I couldn't help but brag just a little, on this guy of mine, for making an already scheduled trip here happen a few days sooner, to spit in the face of some unsavory third-party words yesterday.

.. It kind of made my day.

And THEN, I decided to take him to see Catching Fire {Hunger Games}, because he hadn't yet seen it and really, I was open to any opportunity to go see it for the second time.

hunger games | catching fire

As I expected, it was just as good the second time around, and seemed just as brief, too, despite the actual run time of almost 2.5 hours. Anyone else out there who hasn't seen it yet? {{I'll go....}}

Anyway, Rob's here a day early and we took advantage of it. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Eve and I think we'll find some friendly faces for that one.

ALSO, on another, definitely MORE important note, today is the birthday of my beautiful cousin, Ate Caridel [!QUICKIE TAGALOG{Filipino} LESSION! : 'Ate,' pronounced AH-'tay, means 'elder (female),' in the context of someone near your age but not a mother, aunt, grandmother, etc.]!!

happy birthday, ate! love youuuu!!

^^ Can't wait to see you SOON! In the meantime, enjoy the gorgeous weather in Arizona, lucky.... haha. Happy birthday♥
Welp.... That's a wrap!

xo | cmd

Happy BIRTHDAY, Ate Caridel!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATE CARIDEL!!!!

i love you, ate care!

First, before all of you start wondering what weird dietary habits I have, the word Ate in Tagalog (Filipino) means "older sister," and is applicable to any female, relative or not, who is older than you but not old enough to be an aunt or mother ;).

Secondly, this is my cousin, she's insanely amazing, inspiring on all levels, and celebrating her birthday.... TODAY.

I LOVE YOU Ate Caridel!! Thank you for everything you do for me, for always being there, for making the special trips, and for the support and advice without which I'd be far less. You're motivation for me to get and stay one step ahead of where I am. Love you. Happy BIRTHDAY!

xo | cmd