Let Me Tell You About My Husband. And Marriage.

Today is Bryan's birthday. He is 29.

He would be so embarrassed if he knew I was writing a post about him. He is good and humble, and hates a lot of attention. (I've specifically been instructed NOT to throw him a 30th birthday party next year under any circumstances.)

Bryan's family moved to Colorado from Texas a few months before mine did. We never went to school together, but met in youth group at church. Actually I take that back. I don't remember meeting him, but I do remember the first time I saw him, and I specifically remember thinking (in my 13-year-old very practical head), "If I had to marry any boy in this room, it would be him." Oh goodness. When my parents told me we were moving from Oklahoma to Colorado, my little world basically ended. I was not new to moving, but being in the 8th grade and really needing my friends made it a lot harder. I remember my Dad trying to make me feel better by saying something along the lines of "Maybe you will meet the boy you will grow up to marry." (It didn't work, I probably just started crying and stormed off mumbling something about how there were plenty of boys in Oklahoma to marry.)

So anyways. Bryan was the cute boy in youth group. SO cute. I believe the word we frequently used was "hot" but I digress. He was quiet but a good leader, and played baseball, which I liked. I had a crush on him on and off for the next few years (along with a few other boys) but never even halfway expected for him to like me back.

To make this long, fairly cheesy story short, Bryan did (for some strange reason) take an interest during my junior year of high school, we started dating (a little over 11 years ago), and the rest is history.

(I tried to find an old photo of us and this was the best I could do on short notice. Freshmen/Sophomore year. Also, the titles and captions of my early Facebook albums are 100% embarrassing.)

I remember teachers, friends, and other adults telling me that our relationship wouldn't last....you know, that we would both change too much and want to date other people. That maybe we should take a break from each other....experience life on our own. We ignored them for the most part, aside from a two week breakup in college (that made me feel like I was missing my arm), and eventually got married a few months after I turned 21 and Bryan had graduated from college.

I never, for a second, had cold feet, and didn't think a thing of it when we walked down the aisle.

BUT. Since then, in the last six years, I would be lying if I said that I haven't questioned if those people who warned us were right more than a few times. Marriage is....not hard, but it forces compromise, selflessness, and forgiveness. I could go all Christian on you and say it forces you to be like Jesus, which is true, but we've all heard that sermon. It forces you to look at the ugliest parts of yourself, and unfortunately tempts you to look at the ugliest parts of your spouse. You all know this, I'm sure.

The wonderful thing about marriage and all of its challenges is that you get to keep trying. And you get to try with this person that you picked. And if you picked a good one, you get to learn and grow and experience a beautiful, ordinary life that is full of huge ups and deep downs but that you weather together because you've learned to try together.

I am realizing more and more each day and each year that most of my qualms with Bryan and with our marriage are no fault of his but are faults of my heart and my perspective. That could sound really crappy for me, but really, when considering the importance of my marriage, it's the best thing I could know. (And I am constantly learning this, there is no end to my flaws.)

I picked a good person and have always known it. You guys. Bryan is a good, good man. He helps me without being asked to, he is the first out of bed and home after it's dark and bathes the kids and puts them to bed and does the dishes each and every night. He is calm and genuine and refuses to be jealous or petty. He is a better, more patient parent than I ever could be and is always content with what he has. He is so sensitive to me and to what I feel and to what I am struggling with. He gives me so much grace.

We have been through a series of highs and lows throughout our relationship (I'd like to think there have been much more of the first and much less of the latter), and I pray for many, many more. The highs are fun and the lows make us stronger, and teach us to love harder. We are in a nice little high right now, so things are easy and low-key and I am so thankful, but mostly, I am thankful for this man I married. He has taught me so much and loves me so well and I am so grateful to God for creating him and for him being born on this day, 29 years ago.

Happy Birthday, Bryan! Thank you for loving me. And for giving me some really cute kids.

Command Center and Card Organization

Hi guys!

I had a big post written for Monday to recap last year in our family life but it got so long and was crammed with so many things that it made me tired. Thought I would spare you that. So here I am! Happy New Year! We had a wonderful break and are now (somewhat unwillingly) back in our normal routine.

I've got another JoAnn's craft for you. Hope that is alright. This is becoming a thing and I am so thankful!

They wanted me to share a bit about organization with it being the new year and I was all like, "Um, YEAH!" I am a command center nut. We don't really have cabinet space to spare in our kitchen but I was very adamant that a set of cabinets should be devoted to all of our office supplies, mailing supplies, cards, calendars, bibles, to-do lists, bills, stamps, newsletters, etc., etc. It is so much easier than walking around the house looking for things that we need to run our home and since we are in the kitchen all.the.time. it just makes more sense to keep everything in this category there as well.

I want to talk specifically about how I have decided to organize all those cards and invitations we get from loved ones throughout the year, and the cards we want to send out as well. There are really a gazillion different ways to do this, but I'm sharing my three favorites below.

1. Greeting Card Organizer:

My New years resolution this year is to send out cards on time. I've always wanted to make a card organizer and finally did it this weekend. You guys. This is the best. And super easy. I've tried a few other things in the past but the best way to do it is to keep it simple; something you can easily grab and easily sift through.

I used a little cute photo box, took the top off, and decorated like crazy. I made DIY dividers by cutting 2 pieces of scrapbook paper to fit and then gluing them back to back. Add a cut pre-cut label, stick on letters, washi tape, and a few other other paper scraps to embellish and there you are. My categories are as follows: Birthday, Baby, Anniversary, Sympathy, Wedding, Thank You, and Blank Cards. I may also add a Mother's and Father's Day section but I ran out of letters so that will have to happen later, ha!

This is so easy and even leaves room to stick your return address stamp and mailing stamps. I already ordered a bunch of cards to cover the year and am waiting for FedEx to bring them to my doorstep. #goals


2. Nail Head Bulletin Board

The front of our fridge isn't magnetized so I had to figure out a different option for displaying all the cute invitations, announcements, and flyers we get for upcoming events. I found this craft a few years ago and fell in love. Serious: this is my favorite craft ever. I have one of these already hanging in my house that I use frequently.

I feel like it has a very non-DIY look with the nice fabric and nailhead trim, which makes me like it more.

This takes about 30 minutes to do. Get yourself a big framed cork board, 1/2 yard of fabric (Always look in the remnant bin, the rolls are 50% off!), some spray adhesive for fabric, and about 3 packs of upholstery tacks. Super cheap. Maybe like $20 with coupons.

Spray the board with the adhesive and lay your fabric on top (iron it first to get out wrinkles). Smooth everything out, make sure it's centered, and then flip it over. Take a staple gun and pull the fabric tight to staple all the way around. Take the tacks and push them into the corners (right against the frame) and then space them evenly in between. You can use a rubble mallet or hammer, too. I space them about two finger-widths apart--no need for a ruler!

So easy, right?

And the last one....

3. Holiday Card Memory Book/Organizer:

If it's getting to that time where you're eyeing your holiday cards hanging on the wall or fridge and wondering what you should do with them than I've got you covered. I found this cute little silver foil kraft binder in the scrapbooking section and made it into a memory book where you can store all of you holiday cards from years past.

The key here is to keep it simple! Just decorate the front, guys. Put your family's current card on the front and have fun. Resist the urge to go crazy and decorate every page---it won't happen. You have a life. You need your sanity. :) Tape or glue your cards to some 8.5x11 cardstock and place in clear page protectors. That's it. You can add on to this every year in about 5 minutes and it store it away until the next Christmas season. It makes a great coffee table book to leave out and look through during Christmastime!

So that's what I've got for today. As always, I will be showing these on KAMR today at 4:00 along with a few other command center tips. :) If I remember I will come back here and post the segment!

Christmas Traditions: Oh, The Food

Let's be real here: the holidays = food, and so today I am writing about a couple of sweet treats that my family always eats during the month of December.  My favorite thing to make during the holidays are these raspberry almond shortbread cookies. The recipe is from Bryan's mom and the cookies are divine. I get asked for the recipe wherever I take them....no kidding! They aren't hard at all....kind of fool-proof, actually--a must-try, I say!

We also do a lot of the standard fudge, glass candy, and puppy chow, but I think that's pretty normal, yes? Either way, not good for my waistline, but SO good for my soul.  ;) (Calories don't count in December anyway....duh.)

I also love good food with sentimental meaning. My Nanny has always made tea cakes (kind of like these) that my family eats by the freezer bag-full (literally, she keeps them in freezer bags) and she and my Grandmommy also make my great-grandmother's famous chocolate pie recipe (similar one from PW, here). These are recipes that are so comforting to me and bring such good memories of playing dominos and Wahoo and laughing with my crazy family around the table late at night. I never knew my great-grandmother Isca, but my dad always says that her cooking was legendary, that when you went to her house you were guaranteed to get a homemade treat and a frozen Dr. Pepper, and that at every church potluck she would bring a chocolate pie and let him have the first slice. (Talk about sweet.)

What treats and desserts are staples in your family? As always, I would love to know. :)

Christmas is this week! We leave tomorrow and I'm praying my family is healthy by then--Parker came down with a bad fever and congestion over the weekend. Poor babe. This December has unfortunately been the month of sick for us.

Christmas Traditions and Stovetop Potpourri

Isn't it interesting that at this time of year, favorite traditions take on a whole new league? They are amped up, held high, savored, and protected. I love that about Christmas and the holidays. It is one reason why I look forward to it all so much throughout the year. I get all nostalgic just thinking about how we've always done something as simple as easting at a certain restaurant on a certain night. I'm a nerd.

I thought I'd share  a few of my favorite holiday traditions over the next couple of posts--some that are new-ish and some that I have known my whole life.

Let's start with one that is relatively new: Stovetop Potpourri

It is, hands down, my favorite handmade gift to give out to teachers and neighbors. I found the recipe maybe five years ago on Pinterest (somewhere....can't find the original one anymore). My mother-in-law is hooked now as well and we make this every year for Christmas events, gifts, and for our own personal use. No mixing, no messes, and no washing dishes. And, unlike baking holiday treats, no weight gain on my part, so you know....win!

Here is the recipe:

-1/2 cup cranberries
-Orange, quartered
-2-3 cinnamon sticks
-1 T whole cloves

Put all ingredients in a small saucepan. Fill with water. Put on the smallest burner, on the lowest setting. Refill water as needed to keep your house smelling like Christmas.

And! And I thought it would be fun to share the printable we used this year. I use a 3" scallop punch to cut out the tags on white cardstock. The link for the printable is right HERE. Guys. Please try this! You may just love it.

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The other two traditions that I thought would be fun to share today are Christmas movies and the biggie: Christmas music. (I'm one of those who starts listening in October. Shhhhhh.)

Our family's favorite movies...

-Muppets Christmas Carol (my favorite version, still)
-The Santa Claus
-The Grinch
-Miracle on 34th Street (the newer one)
-A Christmas Story
-Elf
-The Polar Express (Parker's all-time fave....are you surprised? We are watching it as I type.)
-Home Alone 1 and 2
-It's a Wonderful Life (my dad's favorite)
-Also, Love Actually and The Holiday....but I never thought of those as real Christmas movies? Am I weird? Must be the no mention of Santa thing. I watch them all year long.

As for the music....well. Good grief. I could go on for a year about this, but for your sake, I will just list what is absolutely necessary (maybe).

My childhood memories of Christmas largely consist of driving to and from Texas listening to the Alabama, Trisha Yearwood, Reba, Vince Gill, and Amy Grant Christmas cassette tapes. I can still tell you when each tape needs to be flipped. My dad hates country music so I'm surprised he allowed so much of this. (It may have been me and my sisters serious attempts to sound the the pros coming from the back seat. We meant business.)

Disclaimer: Most of these are horribly 80's / early 90's sounding....but I love them. Also, the YouTube videos may have weird slideshows. Sorry. :)

The Christmas Guest (still gives me chills, Reba!)
Silent Night (Reba)
On This Day (Reba)
Thistlehair The Christmas Bear (Alabama...I have a soft spot for this one)
Christmas in Dixie (Alabama)
Let There Be Peace on Earth (Vince)
Till The Season Comes Round Again (Vince)
Sweet Little Jesus Boy (Trisha Yearwood)
The Sweetest Gift (Trisha Yearwood)
Take a Walk Through Bethlehem (Trisha Yearwood)
Breath of Heaven (Amy Grant)
The Night Before Christmas (Amy Grant....the contemporary Christian Christmas anthem of 90's)

Other favorites that I won't link because it takes too much time (ha!), and also because you probably know them all:

Welcome to Our World - Chris Rice (Alright, I will link that one because I love it so much.)
Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby
Christmastime is Here - Sarah McLachlan, Sixpence None the Richer
Carol of the Bells - BarlowGirl, Destiny's Child
Somewhere In My Memory - Home Alone Soundtrack
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon, Maroon 5
Last Christmas - Taylor Swift, Wham!
O Holy Night - Nat King Cole, Leona Lewis, Celine Dion
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy - David Bowie and Bing Crosby
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - N'Sync (I was 10 in 1998....I can't resist.)
Christmas Song - Dave Matthews
All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey (Duh.)
Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses
White Christmas - The Drifters
Mary's Boy Child / Oh My Lord - Boney M.
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano (Because I find joy in annoying my husband.)


What are your favorite holiday movies and music? I'd really love to know! It is so fun to read about what others do with their families, friends, and homes during this time of year.


Have a great Wednesday! Only nine days left.

Fun Gift Wrapping and Tag Ideas

Wrapping gifts for the holidays often gets funneled into the Dreaded Tasks of Christmas for some people, but in all honestly, turning on a Christmas movie and wrapping presents is one of my all-time favorite things to do. I don't consider it stressful at all, actually; I love the repetition and the exactness of it and the creativity it involves while thinking of the person who is going to receive the gift (and really hoping they will like it).

Hopefully I am not alone in this? There are so many things at Christmastime that are "off the beam" for me (that was a Jen Hatmaker reference), and I have no problem at all letting most of them go (Elf on the Shelf was never even a thought in my mind: too much), but I do think that if you really enjoy something even at a busy time like the holidays, there is nothing wrong with pouring some time and love into it. (Gift wrap lovers, raise your hands high!)

Today I wanted to share a few fun tips on gift wrap. I'm a fan. And a bit of a hoarder. Need a pretty designer wrapping paper? Some cute scalloped tissue? A million feet of ribbon? Have no fear! Katy is here! I also have about 250 baby boy gift bags if you need them as well, but that's another story. (The story is that I had two babies and both were boys and now I have a lot of blue gift bags. ;)

My favorite thing about super-trendy things these days is that they look very homemade and thoughtful, and also--classic. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe there is no better combo, style-wise.

Brown paper packages tied up with strings....

(You're welcome. May your days be filled with voice of Julie Andrews.)

Alright, so enough rambling. A few key points:

1. You only need a few patterns of paper to keep the "underneath" of your tree looking well-dressed. I would say 2-3.
2. Keep the colors and styles similar for a cohesive look, but please, for me, throw in something that contrasts, like gold or greenery (or both) for interest.
3. You know those frustrating too-small strips of wrapping paper that you've had to trim off but can't use? Yes. Well, use them as an accent band on another gift. Fold and tape. Favorite!

4. I love fresh greenery clippings as much as the next home decor lover, but let's be real: that's a pain, especially on gifts. Find a real-looking faux-greenery garland (I got mine at Jo-Ann for $7) and pick off the sprigs to tuck into the ribbon.
5. Speaking of ribbon: Use it. A lot of it. While I love good ole' curling ribbon (fun!), classic satin, linen, and grosgrain will give a much more classic and yester-year look.
6. Don't stop with ribbon! Yarn, twine, sequin/lace/pom-pom trim, and basically anything else you can string and already have works great, too.
7. Berries, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and even feathers are you BFF's. Glue, tape, and tuck-- just use them well.

8. Don't be afraid to top your gift with something unexpected like these adorable paper roses that are so easy it's ridiculous.
9. I love a little gift on a big gift. Think cute glass ornaments or a homemade ornament from your kiddos. This can serve as the gift tag as well.
10. Speaking of gift tags, I love to cut mine to match from card stock that I already have sitting around. I'm a fan of the pennant flag and the standard price tag look. Use fun stickers or stamps to label your tags.
11. Using initials or letters as the gift tag is super cute and adds some interest.

12. I also think that using a photo for the gift tag is genius. Do you know how easy it is to print photos these days? Go through your Instagram feed, select, click order, and BOOM, they will deliver them to your door. (Also....that photo of Hayes. GOODNESS.)
13. Use wash tape as accents on your tags or to cover up obvious scotch tape on the sides of the gift.
14. None of this needs to be expensive. Buy a few things and then mix, match, and layer, layer, LAYER.

So that's what I have! I got all of my supplies at Jo-Ann and will be talking more about these babies today on KAMR at 4:00.

What are your favorite things to do when wrapping gifts? I'd love to hear!

What I'm Reading (And Want to Read)

I am one of those people who tends to go through reading spurts, where I'll read like eight books in a month and then not pick up anything for 3 or 4 months. When I'm in a "spurt", it doesn't bode well for my mom responsibilities (oh, sandwiches for dinner again?), but it's what I tend to do when I'm overwhelmed or stressed because reading a good book is, truly, the only thing that forces my brain to chill out and not think of anything else.

Amen.

So, since I have been way too busy for my own good these last few weeks, I have also been on a reading kick. And I like it. I thought I would share a few of the books I've read recently with you all today!

For The Love by Jen Hatmaker: Hmmmm yes, who hasn't read this book? It is so good. In the first chapter alone I was spastically nodding my head in agreement and read basically every paragraph to Bryan.

“People will take as much as you will give them, not because they are terrible humans, but because they only want this one slice of you. It doesn’t seem like much to them.” 

“If it isn’t also true for a poor single Christian mom in Haiti, it isn’t true.” 

“Our primary defaults are exhaustion and guilt. Meanwhile, we have beautiful lives begging to be really lived, really enjoyed, really applauded” 

“The trouble is, we have up-close access to women who excel in each individual sphere. With social media and its carefully selected messaging, we see career women killing it, craft moms slaying it, chef moms nailing it, Christian leaders working it. We register their beautiful yards, homemade green chile enchiladas, themed birthday parties, eight-week Bible study series, chore charts, ab routines, “10 Tips for a Happy Marriage,” career best practices, volunteer work, and Family Fun Night ideas. We make note of their achievements, cataloging their successes and observing their talents. Then we combine the best of everything we see, every woman we admire in every genre, and conclude: I should be all of that. It is certifiably insane.” 

“God is unveiling women around the world. He always has and continues to work through women and girls, who are half of His church. They are, like men and boys, His image bearers. They are also, like men and boys, gifted, empowered, smart, and anointed.” 

Truly,  I could just copy and past the whole book (but I will resist that, for your sake and the fact that it's probably illegal). Her views on parenting, family, being a woman, being an American Christian, all of it....I love. I also loved her "Spicy and Sweet" description of family. I come from a Spicy, Bryan comes from a Sweet, and our poor children are getting a nice little mix. ;) Actually, I think that's a good thing.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple: I loved the characters in this book and the way the chapters are written (a lot of the chapters are emails, letters, invoices, newsletters, that kind of thing). It's a mystery but nothing really suspenseful or scary, just interesting to read with a good storyline and some interesting people. 

Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist: I read this a few months ago, but it's worth bringing up again because it was AWESOME. I normally don't really like memoir-y books (I'm slowly changing my tune there), and I have definitely never read a cookbook just for fun (the author reads them regularly), but this was such a great read about coming together with those you love at the table. Our hearts and minds open up and a certain vulnerability lies in a good meal with good friends that you can't get anywhere else. Read it!

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: Um. Yes. This book is amazing. I actually just read this one like two days ago, and it's one of those that I'm still thinking about constantly, and even having dreams about. It's a WWII book, so if you like historical fiction then this is basically a no-brainer. It's about two french sisters and their (heartbreaking) journey through the war (a husband leaving to fight, German soldiers coming to live with them, working with the Resistance, saving Jewish children....not to mention a hundred other things but I don't want to ruin the book). The last Kristin Hannah book I read was Firefly Lane and I have never cried harder in a book....goodness. This one is a tear-jerker as well, FYI. So good.

So....yeah! Super fun.

Here are a few that are sitting on my Kindle wishlist that I can't wait to open:

1. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

2. Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist

3. Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet by Sara Hagerty

4. Strong and Kind by Korie Robertson

5. A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

6. Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

7. Bossypants by Tina Fey (I know...I should have already read this)

What are you reading these days? I LOVE getting good book recommendations! Have a great weekend. Stay healthy. (Have I mentioned that our entire house is sick? So fun.)

DIY Paper Advent Hearts

Hey guys!

The last few weeks have been full for sure, but today I wanted to stop in and share another craft that I've done on behalf of Jo-Ann from their Holiday Maker's Guide.

These sweet little Paper Advent Hearts are easy and simple and very family-friendly if you have craft-happy kiddos. I feel like Advent activities are such a big deal right now (and can be very overwhelming...thank you, Pinterest), but the true reasoning behind Advent is obviously a great one so I think a simple version like this is worth the time and effort during this busy season.

You can fill these with homemade cookies, candy, small toys, or slips of paper with activities or scripture to do or read each night. I actually love the idea of doing a different Christmas activity for Advent every night, but let's be real here.....I have two small children and do not live in la-la-perfect-land where everything goes according to plan and mom has endless amounts of joy of energy, so I think that sprinkling in a few activities along with treats and verses is about the best that is going to happen in the real world. ;)

For this craft, you will need:

• Various colors of cardstock
• Wax paper
• Coordinating ribbon
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Chipboard numbers or stickers
• Glue stick
• Twine
• Decorative punches
• Sewing machine (if you would rather do this quickly)
• Basic sewing supplies
• Cardstock heart template (download HERE)
• Wax paper heart template
• Cookies, candy, small toys, lists of scripture or activities

Alright. So first, you are going to print out this heart template that is right HERE. Cut out twice as many heart templates as you want to do advent hearts. I chose to do 12, mostly because that's all I can handle and also because everyone can relate it to "The 12 Days of Christmas". I bought an adorable scrapbook paper pack with gold foil and kraft paper designs to to all of my hearts....LOVE it and super easy.

Take your hole punch and punch about 1/2" apart around two of the hearts (wrong sides together). Take your twine and loop through the holes to sew the heart together. Your goal is for it look homemade--perfectionists, beware! 

 Leave about 1/4 of it open at the end. Stuff you candy or whatever you choose in. I used M&M's, mini candy canes, and mints. If you are doing baked goods, use the printable template to cut out the smaller heart from wax paper and slip two of those in before putting in your goodies to make sure they don't get grease all over the scrapbook paper. 

Stitch the heart closed and tie a handle with the twine. Now for the fun part: embellishments! You can either paint or glue your numbers directly on your heart, or you can do like I did and add a tag to hang separately. I used a 3" scallop punch to cut out my tag for the number. I also decided to attach the activity or scripture to the outside of mine (so we get something sweet every night), so I wrote that on a little slip of black paper with a dressmaking pencil and cut it to look like a pennant. Super cute!

Attach your tags using the hold punch and threading on the ornament hook. Take your ribbon and tie a bow on the hook as well. 

Hang on your big Christmas tree for the kids to hunt for and remove each night. Wa-lah! A cute and easy Advent.

I'll be sharing this on Studio 4 today. Can't wait!

Hope you all are enjoying the Christmas season. Oh, and did I mention that we are building a house ourselves? Um. Yes. More on that later!