Birthday Wishlist!

Now that we're past Jackson's birthday, I feel better about making my Birthday Wishlist! 
I would love a new comforter set. 

(grey // navy)

A Deathly Hallows decal for Remus (the Rav4)

(via)

An MTSU Homecoming T-shirt; we're playing Vandy and I won't be able to pick a side!! 

(via)

A Volunteer Traditions Decal for Remus... in black and gold of course

(via)

20 things I've learned in 23 years

Today's my 23rd birthday! Blink-182 told me no one would like me at this age....     It's not 18, I've been legal for five years (??!!?!) It's not 20, I kissed teenage years goodbye three years ago (??!?!) It's not 21, I've been legally allowed to drink for two whole years (never have I ever!)   But it is 23. My first birthday as a wife. The first birthday I get off of work in forever My 10th to celebrate with Jackson The last on a weekday for years   I'm spending today sleeping in, hanging with my daddy, celebrating with Jackson, and reflecting on 23 years of life.   Here's what I've learned   Stop rushing life - I am a rusher.  I rush through life, fun events, the little "insignificant" things to get to the big things.  Rushing life has caused me to miss the importance of things in the here and now.   You have to let people in - I spent a lot of time with walls.  I didn't want anyone else inside those walls, and I was just fine, thank you very much.  College and friends broke those walls down and shared real and raw life with me.  The walls make you miss out.   There's value in hard work - Whether it's a day completed at the office, or a project you complete just for you, there's value in it.  I never understood people who don't have work ethic or drive to work. The reward is often self-gratifying and warrants a pat on my own back, but hey, that's okay.   You don't get an opinion unless you're informed - I have turned into one of those obnoxious adults who, in an argument, wants to hear the reasoning behind why someone thinks how they think.  I hold everyone (even myself) to a high standard when it comes to forming opinions.  Unless I've researched something enough to have all of my facts, I don't get to argue my opinion.   Some days call for no makeup and sweatpants - This one is pretty self explanatory.  Some days are like that, and that's ok. You don't have to be dressed to the nines every day.  Sometimes, pajama pants are just fine.   Confidence is key - So much good comes from having confidence.  Whether it's an awesome outfit that you thought you'd never pull off, or a public speech, confidence makes the difference.   You don't need everyone - Being an extrovert, this is a huge deal to me.  I get my energy, my "go" from being with and amongst people. It's dangerous to think you need everyone.  You don't.  I promise.  Some people will only work against you for the rest of your life. It's okay to let them go.    Splurge, you will end up wasting it anyway - Honestly, I have learned that some things are splurge worthy. For example, my Nikon D3100 that has been used twice was totally worth every penny.  Looking back, I can always remember the things I didn't splurge on and reallllly wanted; I can't tell you what I bought with the money I saved.    Don't change for people - This one is huge.  I went through high school not knowing what it was I wanted, who I wanted to be, or who I really was.  I let my friends, boyfriend(s... there were only two besides Jackson), and parents tell me who I needed to be.  I remember going to college and breaking down because I didn't know who I was.  My year away from home really made me realize what I wanted and who I wanted to be.  Once I became that person, I realized I was happy. Sure, there are still people who don't like me, but do you need those kind of people anyway?     Dad was (and always is) right - I used to joke that Dad was never wrong, but the older I get, the more true it is.  My dad was 39 when I was born, and he had done some living.  He had been through the 50's and 60's, high school and college, wars, jobs, friends, etc.  You name it, Dad has a story about it.  He was right when he said me and my friends from high school would grow apart, when he said I was always going to love my mother no matter how awful she can be, and when he told stories about the values of hard work. He is always right.    Smile at everyone - Don't know them? Doesn't matter.  I have resting grumpy face, so I, personally, have to make an effort to smile at everyone.  It started out as faking it so I would stop getting asked what was wrong with me.  Then it became a habit.  I'll never forget the day someone posted on our "college confessions" page (lame, I know) that the blonde haired girl in the elevator of whatever building wearing a grey striped shirt with a "CMR" monogrammed backpack smiled at them and changed their day.  Do it! It's worth it!   Sisters stick together - Cameron and I didn't really grow up close.  We were so alike but so different that we didn't really mesh well.  I was the social butterfly and she was very academic.  We didn't see eye to eye on a lot. I would have traded her for $20 back then, but I wouldn't trade her for the world now.  I know she is and will always be there.    Say "I'm Sorry" in moderation - There is always a reason for someone to be sorry, but that doesn't mean it always has to be you.  I was guilty of apologizing for things that weren't my fault, apologizing when there wasn't anything I should be sorry about, and talking myself into thinking it was my fault.  I'm sorrys are only okay when they're said by the person truly at fault, and when they are meant wholeheartedly.    It's too hard to hate people - Holding grudges, hating people, being mad for long periods of time is simply exhausting.  What's the point, anyway?   Stop talking - I used to get myself in a lot of trouble trying to talk my way into or out of things.  I'm a talker, and I'm a confident talker at that.  I can talk to anyone, about anything, and arguing is my specialty.  The problem was that I was always forcing people to listen.  By shutting up, I was able to learn so much more about life around me.   Leave it to mystery - This goes mostly for clothes.  I was a high schooler who would let it all hang out.... until I realized no one wanted to know me better. There was no depth and no mystery.  My junior year, I got my wits about me and went "Jackie O" and realized that my relationships changed drastically.   Hostess gifts are not optional - Even if it's a Thank You card, the hostess deserves a gift.  It doesn't matter if it's Christmas, if it's family, or if it's a friend for a sleepover.  Follow your dream - This time last year, I didn't even have an embroidery machine. This year, people are coming to me to embroider things for them for Christmas.  There's no telling where it will take me by this time next year!! All because it was something I wanted, Dad Santa invested, and boom!  You're Beautiful - I'm not a size two, I have a butt too big for jeans that fit everywhere else, I am short, my hair is frizzy, and I have breakouts.  But by golly, I'm beautiful, just the way God made me.   Ask; the worst someone can say is no - Whether it's the raise you want, the discount on something awesome, etc... don't be afraid to ask because the worst someone can say is no.  If you never ask, you never know how it might have turned out.    

Friday!

This week has been a busy one.  Like I said earlier this week, work has been crazy lately.  Absolutely crazy!! But I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend with weddings and sleep.   1. Tuesday, I painted with some sweet ladies from church. I love how my pumpkin turned out, but now I don't know what to add to it!

  2.  I planned my vacation for the rest of the year and still have a whole day to use.  Boss lady gave me my birthday, the day after, and the whole week of Christmas off of work.  #win   3. We are having brunch with one of my best friends from high school to celebrate Jackson's birthday, our tenth friendiversary, and just life in general.  Love that girl!!  

the semi-beginning of our friendship in 2004ish

 

4.  Today is my sweet M-I-L's birthday! She's a wonderful woman, and we can't wait to give her her present!! This is hopefully the last year that Garrett will be thousands of miles away and won't be able to celebrate with us. Yay, freedom day coming this July!!   5. and Last but not least, we have a wedding to go to tomorrow! One of our sweet friends from church is marrying his lovely bride tomorrow! I'm sure it will be absolutely perfect!!    Who else has big plans for your weekend?  

 Linking up with Karli and Amy and Lauren and 5 on Friday

Weekend Update!

Our weekend was one that I was 100% invested in! I was able to take it all in, enjoy every second, and rest up completely.  I hope your weekend was much the same!   Friday afternoon, I went to Dad's, where we suffered the loss of one of the stray kittens.  We think he had pneumonia after one of the storms last week.  As awful as it was for me, I am glad he died in loving human hands.  I cried most of the night because of how traumatizing it was for me.  I don't care how old you are, you're never prepared for that kind of pain.    Friday night, I didn't feel like cooking at all, so we went to eat Mexican food and grocery shop.  We came home, watched some football, and turned in early.   Saturday was my sweet husband's birthday.  We got up at 10, ate cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and vegged out all day.  After opening some money-filled birthday cards, went to Academy Sports and bought Jackson his shotgun that we've been saving for!

  We came home, got all dressed up, and went to the cheesecake factory for his birthday dinner. Thank goodness for giftcards!! Jackson got the orange chicken, and I had the BBQ Ranch chicken salad.  So. much. food!!  

 

Sunday, we had birthday lunch with Jackson's parents and watched football all day. Oh, not to mention the visit to the urgent care clinic for what I thought was a spider bite.  Turns out, you can have allergic reactions to a mosquito?! #mylife

 

I hope you all had wonderful weekends!! I can't wait to read about them!!

 

Happy Birthday (to the ground)

Just Kidding. No lie, our chalkboard wall update was going to say "Titan Up, Anchor Down, Happy Birthday (to the ground)" just to make it rhyme, but instead I opted out of the Happy Birthday altogether.   Happy birthday to my main man, my best friend for half of my life, my encouragement and strength, my sweet, sweet husband.  I thought it'd be fun to venture through birthdays past.... Of course there are years missing because we were too busy having fun to take pictures, but for the majority of them, it's pretty standard...  

Insert the year we went to Chattanooga and got lost going to Rock City....

    I love knowing that we will always have these years of memories to come back to.    Jackson, Happy 23rd birthday! It seems just yesterday we were celebrating your 13th! I am so blessed to be your wife, and I love every second of it.  I am loving being able to watch you grow into the leader God intends you to be. With every passing year, I am reminded of how much our story means to me, to us, and to our future.  Having started building our foundation as twelve year olds, we had many years of practice before we got married; nothing could have prepared us for this wonderful journey that is marriage.  I love that with each day, I learn more and more about you; looking back on the years, I am learning just how much I have gotten to learn, and I look forward to how much there still is to learn.  I can't wait to celebrate this day with you, and I hope it's all you want it to be.  :) Love, Chris  

Friday!

 

1. I got these awesome boots for $11.24 from JustFab.com.  I have been looking for a cute pair of wide calf boots that didn't cost over $40 for forever. Win!    2. I updated our chalkboard wall this week for football season. I'm not going to lie, I squealed and took a screenshot when the Tennessee Titans Instagram liked my picture. ;)   3. My sweet baby sister felt like I was competent enough to help her with her resume and cover letter for an internship application.  Not to toot my own horn, but I'm resume champ. Love her! (Ignore the mushy mush in the green. ;) )

 

4.

One of the three musketeers (the one on the right) is moving to Texas in October.  I cry everytime I think about it, but I am taking it as a chance to throw a party for her.  I love throwing parties, and this is the perfect excuse! 

 

 5. This handsome man's birthday is tomorrow.  This is the tenth birthday we have spent together, and every year I love him more and more.  I have planned breakfast in bed, helping dad capture and take kittens to the humane society (that one has no significance to his birthday, I just promised Dad. haha), maybe some exploring, presents, and then dinner at the cheesecake factory (where he has never been?!)!

Linking up with Karli and Amy and Lauren

Friday!

Happy Friday!! I don't have five great things to share about my week, so this week, we'll be doing five things about my husband that I love.  I promise not to be too mushy gushy. Most of these will probably end up having little to do with him, so Happy More-Random-Than-Husband Friday   1.  I love what a simple man he is.  He doesn't need or ask for extravagant things or elaborate gifts. He doesn't ask for a big weekend vacation, rather, to go shooting guns on Monday for the holiday.  He is more than satisfied with a day of snuggling and a special dinner for his birthday.  He is 100% okay with Hamburger Helper when I'm tired, and rants about how wonderful it is.    2. An evening is an evening well spent if we have dinner, a good show/movie on TV, maybe an hour of dying laughing at some of our kids from church because we found their Vine channel (the one below made me die laughing... and crying...I couldn't figure out why. go watch her stuff), maybe some football (Seriously Titans and Vandy, neither of you could pull it together?!?) and good sleep.  This week, Jackson has been letting me sleep for a while when I fall asleep on the sofa because he knows I've been exhausted lately.  

3. He lets me order cards like these (no worries, they were free this week) and sign his name to them.  He never has any idea what they say (well, sometimes) so when people come to thank him, he nods and smiles a lot. It's really funny to watch. 

  4. (Mush&Gush alert!) I love his selflessness.  Wednesday, I was feeling a little awful and I fell asleep at 8 on the sofa.  Not only did he not bother me, but he ran the dishwasher and put up dinner and his laundry.  Can we just talk about how awesome that feels for a second? When you wake up at 12:35AM to go to bed and hear the dishwasher running, you just want to kiss your husband. However, the bed is calling your name, so you stumble into the bedroom and mumble a Thank You when he gets into bed.   5.  He has always been my biggest fan.  I found pictures like this yesterday from my Time Hop that said 7 years ago!(If you don't have that app, you need it!). It reminded me that for the last 10 years, he has been my cheerleader, without fail.  When I need it the most, he is there to tell me how wonderful I am and that I can do anything I set my mind to. 

   How were your weeks?!

Linking up with Karli and Amy and Lauren

Birthday on a Budget

One week from Saturday is Jackson's 23rd Birthday, and his first birthday as a husband.   

    I spent weeks trying to think of the perfect gift.  I was researching guns and accessories and making it 10 kinds of complicated. I kept thinking about gow awesome the Titans tickets were last year, and how I could never match that! I wanted to make it birthday of his dreams on our newlywed budget.   Here's how I made it work:   Plan in advance By planning ahead, you give yourself plenty of time to watch sales, to change your mind, and to think of the perfect birthday components.  If you wait until the last week, you may be forced into the gift and not enjoy it as much. I started planning three weeks in advance.   Listen to him; he will tell you what he wants While going through his closet, he commented about really wanting a pair of American Eagle jeans.  He followed that by, "when we have extra money for them."  My heart started to ache just a bit because his luxuries had to wait until our budget allowed.  Insert lightbulb here; I remembered his birthday was a few weeks away! While it's not a huge expensive present, it's something he wants which is just as special.   Wait for a sale By giving yourself a few weeks, you can wait for a sale.  I waited them out until jeans were under $30 and I had an awesome coupon.  By shopping a sale, you are able to stay in your budget or free up more money for little gifts to go with it.  I plan to fill his pants pockets with iTunes gift cards and Date coupons!!   Be original Believe it or not, guys are aware of the lists like "Best five gifts for your husband's first married birthday" lists.  I was guilty last year of Googling "What to get male on the last birthday before you're married." I was totally busted! The more you intentionally listen to him, the easier it is to be original. For example, Jackson also has never been to the Cheesecake Factory, so I plan to take him there for dessert!! :)

Friday!

This was one of those weeks where every single day seemed like a week by itself.  I stayed busy at work, busy at home, and this weekend will be a busy one.    1.  Finally figured out what to get Jackson for his birthday! He has one pair of jeans.  Mind you, he doesn't wear them hardly ever because he has a work uniform and when he's not in that, he is in comfortable clothes or khakis.  His favorite jeans are American Eagle jeans, and they were on super sale (like $26 including shipping), and I had a coupon, so I ordered him a pair.  I'll put gift cards in the pockets.        2.  I love ordering wedding presents for others! We were so blessed with our showers and received everything we registered for.  We have a wedding every weekend in October, so of course we are in the thick of shower season.  It's expensive, but so worth it.   3.  Wednesday was a definite stay at home to avoid the storms kind of day.  However, we recovered nicely.

  4.  Can we just talk about that moment when you add another reason to the list of reasons that your best friend is your best friend?  We got to facetime with Taylor and Jason Wednesday evening, and this conversation occurred Thursday ;)

    5.  Thursday at work, we had a snow cone truck come.  It was so much fun, but I was in fear the whole time about getting the dye on my white pants. Can you imagine trying to get that out?

 

 I'm so excited for our weekend to come! We're going to the fair tomorrow and having a lazy day Sunday.  Next week is a whole other story. Can't wait to read about your weeks!!  

Linking up with Karli and Amy and Lauren

 

Weekend Update!

Happy Tuesday! I feel like it has been forever since I blogged or talked to anyone. Thank heavens for long weekends.    Friday, I worked and then came home. I didn't do much Friday night except for rest.  It was much needed.  I worked on one of the three polos I'm embroidering for the pre-school at church.

Jackson went to the church lockin with the mindset that he was not staying all night. 6AM when he was crawling into bed.....   Saturday, I woke up early to go with my parents to move my sister into her dorm in Chattanooga.  I sent pictures to Jackson all day to make sure he was included in the fun of the coffee, carsickness, campus and lunch.

   Sunday was my daddy's birthday. We went to lunch at Cracker Barrel where I beat this guy at Checkers.  okay, I'm lying. I hadn't played checkers in ages, so we had a lot of fun. :)  

 

and last but not least... I had my interview yesterday. It was great.  I was interviewed by three ladies who all said they were impressed that I was so calm in my interview.  She said she could tell I was a people person and that I was confident.  phew! I'm glad that anticipation is over... now to wait to hear back!

 

I'm catching up on all of your weekend happenings, and I hope you're having a great week so far! We're past Monday, and that counts for something, right!?

   

Wishlists!

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago in my confessions that I had already started working on a birthday/Christmas wishlist. I was so glad to hear I'm not the only one! ;)   Before getting married, I feel like my wish list was very me-centered. Clothes, money, underwear (I know, #adultprobs), shoes, etc. Now, I feel like my list is still semi me-centered, but moreso, it's home and marriage centered.  Here are some of the things from my wish list:  

Laundry Wall Hook // Signature Bracelet // MTSU Sweatshirt Muggle Mug // Couple's Devotional Bible // Shelf Dividers this infinity scarf // Target gift cards  

 1. The laundry wall hook is 100% necessary, and the next time I get a ballin coupon, I'm going for it! Jackson hangs his work pants in the laundry room when he gets home because they stink so he doesn't get oil and grease everywhere. I hang wet clothes (jeans, slacks, bras) so they can air dry. TOTAL necessity, right?

 

2. I have fallen in love with the concept of a signature bracelet.  I would love to have Jackson's "Love always, JH" on a bracelet in his handwriting.

 

3. Alumni swag. Can you ever have enough?

 

4. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a HP geek. I cannot get over how many awesome HP items there are on etsy. I love the mug, these monogrammed shirts, This deathly hallows decal, and this time turner necklace. I have a problem, but hey, #notsorry

 

5. I love our Love Languages Bible, and I would love to have another to work from!

 

6. Any wife who shares a closet knows there are some things that just need their own spaces.  My purses, sweaters, his jeans, etc. could all have their own cubbies with these awesome shelf dividers.

 

7. I love scarves. I wear them all summer, all winter, and every chance in between.  I love the semi-neutral colors in this one - it could go with anything and everything!!

 

8.  Target gift cards. Do I really need to go there?

  What are on your birthday / Christmas lists?!

Confessions...

This week, I confess....   .... My daddy and two of my best friends have birthdays in the next seven days.  EEK! Dad wants a Wal-Mart gift card. Sometimes I just can't even deal with this man. I hate giving gift cards.     .... people who buy things on eBay that are described as "new with damage" and even have pictures of the damage, who leave negative feedback when receiving the item..... They're not my favorite people.

  ... I have my first dentist appointment in over two years in a couple of weeks. ew, I know. I am 100% nervous and dealing with serious pre-dentist anxiety.  He may seriously have to knock me out to do a cleaning.  I know I have a cavity or two, too, so that adds to the anxiety.  

  .... We cleaned our little tails off on Saturday and now our apartment feels huge.  Really. Everything has a place (except for the piles on the kitchen table) and the floor has vacuum lines. Now if I can only get the space bags to stay deflated....     ... Also, I stumbled upon this gif while confessing and remembered how heartbroken I am that Robin Williams is gone.  Really.  Hook, Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets' Society, Jumanji... none of them will ever be the same.   ... We are itching for a pet. A baby puppy is out of the question because of our work schedules and how much attention they need.  However, a kitten may work. ;)     ... My sister moves back to Chattanooga this week.  I'm bummed because I hardly got any time to spend with her this summer.  Work makes life hectic, and it kinda (really) sucks.  I feel very Anna and Elsa, and I'm so not afraid to admit it.     .... There is a wedding on our calendar every weekend in October.  Our bank account is just recovering from the wedding mess this summer!!