Thoughts On Our 2nd Wedding Anniversary

On this day two years ago, I walked down the isle and married my best friend. It's funny how fast time flies. Looking back, I can honestly say I wouldn't change a thing about our day, it truly reflected our heart and soul.

Being surrounded by so much love and support during that time made all the difference!

Like going to McDonald's the night before with my best friends to eat off wedding nerves. Waking up the morning of next to my little sis, to find it 30 degrees out, or having a 15 minute devotion while getting ready with my childhood pastor's daughter/friend/mentor. All unforgettable moments.

...

We got married at

The Lange Farm

in Dade City, Florida, about 30 minutes north of my parent's home. Our wedding fell on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and was the definition of a picture perfect November day.

At the time, I had no idea what married life would be like. We did not live together before we got married, so life was literally brand new from that point forward. And man, does it rock! There is no better feeling in the world than sharing a home and life with your spouse. Helping each other. Challenging each other to be better. It's all so fulfilling. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't been all easy. To put it simply, marriage isn't easy, but at the end of the day, it is so worth it when done right!

The way a husband and wife compliment one other is absolutely perfect and could of only been orchestrated by God. So to all my single ladies out there....marry a Christ loving man. Be patient. Don't settle. It is worth every moment.

Blessings!

Oregon + Washington Trip

Ekkk! Today we are headed to Oregon to celebrate our second wedding anniversary! Over the next several days, we will plan to road trip through Oregon + Washington in hopes of unpluging and recharging our batteries! I will share details on the full itinerary and recommendations from our trip in the weeks to come.

To see our daily whereabouts, follow me @ericaddiaz or look out for #PacNWdiaz2014

P.S Please pray we don't freeze (!!!) When we left Miami this morning, it was around 50 degrees (

which is practically freezing

) - Well, at least now there's an excuse to drink coffee five times a day, can I get an amen?!

Happy Thursday friends!

Children's Book Holiday Gift Guide

Who doesn't love a beautifully written and illustrated children's book? Even before I was an elementary librarian, I truly appreciated the art of children's literature. The way authors set out to display life lessons through short, sometimes very humorous stories, is invaluable. And let's just stop for a moment and talk about my favorite part, illustrations (!!!). There are so many details that go into creating a wonderful picture book: fonts, paper type, mediums. All so unique, yet all so lovely!

Below is a short guide of new and old titles that I believe children of any age will enjoy! I've read and reread them many times, so if you have questions, I'd love to be a resource for you!

1.

My Teacher is a Monster! No I am Not. 

- Last year, I got the privilege of meeting Peter Brown at a school visit and was instantly drawn to his talent. This is his latest title, based on a childhood experience of a "monster" teacher (

which we've all had

) who reveals another side of herself on a walk to the park one day. Great story for teaching children lessons on judging others and school behavior.

2.

The Dark 

- The dark lives in the same house as the main character, but it mostly stays in the basement. Until one night, it travels elsewhere. Great story for teaching children lessons on overcoming fear.

3.

Sparky!

 - Tale of a girl who adopted a pet sloth, and although she has grand dreams for her sloth, he has something else in mind with their relationship. Great for teaching children responsibility and purpose.

4.

The Missing Piece Meets the Big O

 - A tale of shapes. Some fit and some do not. This story really touched me. I must warn you - though simple illustrations, this book contains a powerful message of identity and loving yourself for who you are.

5.

One Cool Friend

 - A tale of a proper young man who goes to the museum with his dad, and comes home with more than he bargained for. A beautifully written story that ties in with the classic, Mr. Popper's Penguins.

6.

Mister Bud Wears the Cone

 - A tale of two dog brothers - one who's a bit naughty and one who is nice. When Mr. nice guy has a bad itch on his face and is left wearing "the cone" some trouble occurs. Great for teaching lessons on kindness, honesty and love.

7.

Mix It Up!

 - You'll forget you're even reading during this book. It is written in the form of a "press here" game. Great for teaching lessons on following directions, abstract concepts, colors and mixing.

8.

Three Bears in a Boat 

- A tale of three brothers who break mom's precious treasure. By the end of the story you will feel as though you've traveled the whole world with the three bears, in hopes to find what was right on the shore of their home all along. Great for teaching lessons on honesty.

9.

Gaston

 - First picture book I've seen with the main character as a french bull dog. Melt my heart (!!) Great for teaching lessons on being unique, showing kindness and family relationships.

10.

Balloons Over Broadway 

- Beautiful biography of Tony Sarg, creator of the Macy's Day parade marionettes. Definitely a holiday favorite! Great for teaching children relevant history and that anything is possible!

Oregon Packing Essentials

In just a short week, Gabriel and I will be venturing to the west coast. We just adore it over there! Two years ago, we spent two weeks of our

honeymoon

road-tripping through the pacific northwest (Seattle, Vancouver, Whistler). Last year, we celebrated our first anniversary in

California

, and this year, our second anniversary will be spent on the Oregon coast.

My only concern in traveling to the PACNW during this time of year is the weather (!!!). They are known for experiencing much cooler weather than we are used to. While packing this week, I've put together some essential pieces that will hopefully keep me warm and not look like a giant marshmallow.

Uniqlo black jacket

/

Brown coat

/

J Crew vest

/

Hunter tall boots

, $135 /

Frye tall boots

/

H M infinity scarf

, $11 /

H M pom beanie

, $13 /

Calypso St Barth glove

What are your essential warm weather pieces?

Tampa Treasures

Last weekend we drove to Tampa and visited my family in celebration of my uncle's wedding. I am glad I was able to be there with my cousins on this day. Second marriages are hard. No matter the age - children are left affected. And although we are imperfect creatures that make tough choices, I find peace knowing we serve a perfect God.

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart. Don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen to God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go." Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG

...

I love visiting Tampa during the month of November. It reminds me of our sweet

wedding

day, almost two years ago.

We made sure to pack a lot into our short trip - breakfast, bonfires, quiet afternoons with my grandma and turkish dinners with my aunt, uncle and cousins! There's never enough time to spend with everyone (tear!!). We look forward to our next visit during the holidays!

...

If you are in the Tampa area, I reccommend checking out

Buddy Brew

. Located in South Tampa or inside of Oxford Exchange. It is the first artisan coffee roaster we visited during our engagement shoot a few years back.