Spring Retreat Weekend

Allergies are kicking my tail again this year!  They're hitting early, though, which is making my life difficult.
Our weekend was spent at a camp with our church family. I'll just let the pictures do the talking. :)

Friday!

Sorry I've been MIA the last couple of days. It's been a hectic week preparing for camping this weekend. On top of that, I've been feeling crummy and exhausted all week long!   Since I don't have many pictures to document my week (I literally have one that is not a throwback Thursday and that's my man crush (candy?) Monday.) we'll play with one of my old favorites, Friday's Letters.   (High) (Five) (for Friday's Letters)   1. Dear automobile, remember when we brought you home and you didn't have a scratch on you? You were spotless on the inside and outside.  After cleaning you yesterday, I found treasures that I haven't seen since our miles totaled 2k.  We've had such great fun in our 46k miles together, and I'm sorry you seem to stay sick lately.  I promise we'll get you all better very soon.

(insert throwback thursday action here)

  2. Dear in-laws, thank you for letting us use the fishing equipment this weekend.  Soon, we'll have some of our own, but we're thankful for your generosity in the mean time.  We enjoyed going through the tackle boxes full of lures that were made before we were born.  It was a joy finding Jackson's grandfather's fishing license, pocket knife, and handmade lures.  It really reminded me how special these things are because our children will be enjoying the tools of their grandfather and great-grandfather someday.    3. Dear Walmart, I usually hate you with everything I have.  Especially when you try to convince me I'm wrong.  I know 2 canvas folding chairs for $10 seems like I'm trying to rob you, but I'm not.  Thanks, cashier, for taking that hike with me all the way back to the sporting department so I could show you I was right.  Thanks Walmart for having awesome sales right when I need them!   4. Dear apartment 227, can you give us a break, please? I know, I know, you're old and you can't help it, but we're really tired of things going wrong and breaking.  Finding water gushing from under the kitchen sink as I ran dishes was not my ideal Thursday evening, just so you know.  Dear apartment maintenance, thanks for always being on the ball when we need you.   5. Dear husband, thank you for being wonderful.  I know we get frustrated easily when things go wrong and there's so much to do.  Thank you for your patience and your encouragement when I need it most. I love you very much.

Thank God

I have learned a thing or two in my short two months of marriage. One of our top 5 struggles has been learning to love and live in the here and now.   We dated most of our lives.  When we got engaged, it killed everyone that we had a year long engagement.  Now that we're married, we get asked on the daily what our plans are for adding small humans to our lives.   Let me say this: we have a plan, and we think it's a great plan. There are lots of things that have to happen before small humans are a thing. There are a lot of things we want to do before small humans are a thing. Plus, God's will is greater and more amazing than our plans will ever be, so if our plan isn't His, then it's not going to work anyway.    I struggled for a long time with contentment.  I was never happy with the here and now, I was always looking forward to what was coming.  I obsessed over huge houses and forgot how blessed we were to have our 631 square foot apartment.  I obsessed over filling rooms with expensive furniture and overlooked how blessed we were to have our one bedroom, living and dining room, and even our deck fully furnished for free by family.  I obsessed over filling rooms with cribs and small humans and forgot that I had a fiance (that's right, not even a husband yet) that I needed to learn to love and grow with and pour into.    God put me in my place, to say the least.   A few weeks before our wedding, Jackson and I had a HUGE knock down blow out fight about my lack of satisfaction with the little things.  I was crippled by fear that we were going to get too content and never buy a house or have a baby... that the 631 square feet would be all we would ever have.   My sweet husband found reassuring and uplifting words to, in the nicest way possible, remind me how selfish and greedy I was being.    A switch was flipped, and that was it.   I finally understood how much I was breaking his heart to make him feel like everything we could do wasn't enough for me.  I understood how much I was overlooking the blessings we had.  We had a home to call our own, no matter how small it was. It was furnished with furniture from his sweet grandmother, my loving father bought us a beautiful dining room set, and his amazing brother gave us a 60" smart TV. We had enough money to put food on our table and to pay our bills. We had dishes and cookware and even a knife block!   We're more blessed than we deserve.   Everyday that I get home, before I turn my key in the lock, I take a second to look at the numbers hanging beside our door: 227.  I take a second to appreciate the fact that we have a home.  I take a second to thank God for His blessings.  

  All of that was said to say this: houses, dogs, babies... they will all come in God's time.  Next time you see a newlywed, don't ask them what their plans for a baby are, because odds are, they are struggling with the "what next" complex.  (We're married, what's next?)    It is a daily thought for me that we will never get this time back, that we need to enjoy it and soak it all in.  When we're up all night with a crying baby, when there's food all over because our toddlers are as unruly as we were as kids, when we're dealing with difficult teenagers, we'll reminisce about these days that we've been so ready to speed through.  We're going to think about the day we got the keys to our first home; all we had was a small TV - enough for Comcast to connect our cable.  We layed on the floor and watched Despicable Me.   

    My new goal is this: Enjoy every second of every day.  Sure not every second is going to be beautiful all of the time, but they're always blessings whether they're blatantly obvious or in disguise.  I have a husband who loves me, a home, a car, a job, and I woke up today.   

    Thank God.

Weekend Recap!

Happy rainy, overslept, smell like last night's campfire Monday. (in case you didn't catch it, I'm on the struggle bus again.)   We had an incredible weekend full of family and friends and rest.   Friday, We both worked as usual, and when Jackson got home from work, we watched the Walking Dead until time to go to bed.  Not exciting, but definitely cherished because we rarely get time just to sit and enjoy.   Saturday, We woke up early, well - Saturday early, to go have brunch with my best friend from high school and her college roommate.  I can't even explain this friendship.  It's a terribly beautiful thing.  We laugh until we cry, we knock things off shelves while hugging at Cracker Barrel, we make jokes about things that aren't funny to anyone else. My favorite part, though, is that after a year of not talking (not intentionally, life just carried us away.) we are able to reconnect like we never miss a beat.   I love, most, that her roommate was able to jump in like she's always been a part of this friendship.  It's awesome.

  Saturday evening, we took Jackson's daddy to Cock of the Walk for his birthday dinner. It was so much fun hanging with his parents and his brother's new girlfriend.  She's the bees-knees.  We took time for photos in this gigantic chair.  It was great fun!

 

Sunday,

Jackson was really sick Sunday morning.  I was making cinnamon rolls for breakfast and realized he was hugging the potty.  Poor thing.  He was dripping sweat and shaking, so I decided to stay home with him just in case he needed me.  After he threw up, he was fine, though.  We stayed in, ate breakfast, watched Crisley Knows Best (one of our new favorite shows, forreal), and some more of the Walking Dead. We went to our Bible study and had lunch and some good discussion. 

On our way home, we took a side street and parked and walked along the lake for a few minutes. 

After lunch we went home to watch the season finale of the Walking Dead (note that we watched all of Season 4 in three days. I'm emotionally drained) and did some cleaning, meal planning, etc. Then we went back for our weekly bonfire and dinner.

 

Why can't all week be like the weekend?

 

High Five for Friday!!

Happy Friday! This morning I was woken up by a gigantic storm. Like, sounded like it was going to bust through our bedroom window gigantic.  Needless to say, I'm on the struggle bus because I just couldn't convince myself it was a good idea to get out of bed instead of laying there listening to the rain.   High Five for Five on Friday!     1. We are taking full advantage of the Comcast Watchathon week.  We have been binging on The Walking Dead to make up for all the time we didn't have AMC.    2. Wednesday, we helped some friends move into their new home! I had to wait for Jackson to get home because my night vision is awful, and then it was an hour's drive, but hey! We had a good time serving! We went to Steak and Shake afterward (at 11:45 mind you) for dinner. :) And for one who doesn't instagram, Mr. Hubs totes made this awful picture his woman crush wednesday. ;) It's the thought that counts, yes?

  3. My thredUP box came in this week!! Everything was just as pictured, but some of the things fit funky. I'm only having to return numbers 1, 6, and 10.  1 was a strange gauzy material, 6 made my boobs look like pancakes, and 10... well... 10 just made me lose self esteem points immediately. haha. 

4. I made my second order with ThredUP (to abet my shopping addiction). I only spent $40 for these adorable items with my discounts:

1. Ann Taylor Skirt ($13.00) // 2. Ann Taylor Skirt ($13.05) // 3. Apt 9. Summer Dress ($11.70) // 4. Gap Shirt ($4.95) // 5. The Limited Ruffle Gingham Shirt (looks so much better in this picture) ($9.90) // 6. Old Navy Distressed Jeans ($7.20) 5. Our washing machine broke down earlier this week.  By broke down, I mean I had a load of towels in the washing machine and everything was dandy until it started making this terrible noise.  I'd say it was a combination of a grinding, whirring, screaming noise. First, I saw that no water was in the drum with the towels so I reran the rinse cycle and when it came to spin them, it made the noise again.  Which brings me to one of my favorite parts of the week... Insert our brand new washing machine here...hat we didn't have to pay for.  Gotta love apartment living.  In a house, we would have just lost our entire savings.  God provides for His children, amen!?    

Honey Garlic Porkchops

As promised, I'm sharing my recipe for the most delicious porkchops I've ever made! Honey Garlic Porkchops   Ingredients: 3 boneless porkchops 1/4 cup of honey juice from half of a lemon 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 garlic clove (minced)* 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper *I used garlic salt and it was perfectly fine   kitchen tools: large skillet tongs basting brush knife   Instructions: 1. Mix all ingredients (except porkchops) in a small mixing bowl. 2. poke holes in the porkchops using a knife 3. baste one side of the porkchop with sauce, and lay sauce side down in skillet 4. baste tops of porkchops 5. Cook 6-10 minutes on each side (depending on thickness)   I flipped mine every two minutes or so. Every time I flipped them, I basted the top again.  This allowed the sauce to both drip into the holes you poked in the porkchop AND it leaves enough to make a yummy outer layer.  

  works well with: crescent rolls steamed broccoli potatoes  

Our Wedding: Meet The Maids

Happy Wedding Wednesday! I'm so excited to be recapping one of my favorite parts of my wedding - my bridesmaids!! I had the best group of girls, full of newer friends, old friends, and family! My Maid of Honor was my sister, Cameron. She, yes, was chosen because she was my sister, but because she is also one of my best friends.  She knows me inside and out, likes, dislikes, ups, downs, bests and worsts, and the list goes on and on.    Next was Alex. Alex and I met my freshman year of college.  I used to drive the 86 miles from Cookeville to Murfreesboro to go to Jackson's college ministry on Thursday nights, get up on Fridays at 4am, drive 86 miles back to Cookeville for class, and turn around and drive 95 miles home for the weekend.  Alex was in this college ministry.  She was lovely from the beginning - accepting, encouraging, uplifting, etc.  When I moved to Murfreesboro, she was at our apartment 24/7.  We quickly became wonderful friends!

Next was Brittney. Brittney and I met when I started attending Jackson's church.  As children, Brittney and Jackson "dated" and she broke up with him to remain friends for the rest of their lives.  When I started going to church with him, I got to know the girl I had always heard so much about, and we became best friends at camp.  She has always been my prayer that is one text away, my encouragement during breakups and getting-back-togethers, the falling out of other friendships, drama that comes with highschool and college.  She has been a rock for me since Senior year of High School and I am so thankful for our long friendship! I can't wait to stand by her on her wedding day in May!

Next was Taylor.  Taylor and I met much the same way that Alex and I did.  When I chose to move to MTSU, I needed a roommate and Taylor was quick to call! From day one of living together, we were inseparable.  We finished each other's sentences, we could literally do the "telepathy" thing, and we swore we were twins.  Taylor has been my strength during our struggle with purity, she has been the shoulder to cry on, the late night library partner, the second closet, the praying sister.  She is the Meredith to my Cristina, my person.  I can't wait to stand next to her on her wedding day as her Matron of Honor in June!!

Next was Hamlin. Hamlin and I met in fifth grade.  We were great friends. We played soccer together in Middle and High School, but life took us down different paths; our year at Tennessee Tech University brought us right back together like we had never missed a beat.  I have watched her grow from someone who had only heard bad things about God into a beautiful daughter of the King.  My last year of college, we became roommates as well, and we became the best of friends! She is my oldest friend and I am so thankful for her friendship!!

Last, but not least, was Hope. Hopie and I met when Taylor asked me to be roommates with them.  They have been friends for the same amount of time that Hamlin and I have been friends.  Hope has been the realist when my head is in the clouds, the late night movie watching partner, the workout instructor (sorry for telling you I hated you a million times...), the most understanding and non-judging friend I have ever had.  I have watched her grow into a beautiful God-loving young woman despite the curves that life has thrown her.  I am so thankful for her presence in my life and for our friendship!

My Junior Bridesmaid was Izabelle. Izabelle is Jackson's cousin's daughter.  I have known her the shortest amount of time, but I was so blessed to have her stand by my side! She was there with great stories when my mind was overwhelmed, she was there to laugh and to love with everyone else! I love her sweet personality and I am so blessed to be a part of their family, now.

  My sweet Flower Girl was Peyton. Peyton is my cousin's daughter.  I have known Peyton since she was born and I have really watched her grow into her personality.  She is sassy, loving, and encouraging without even knowing it.  She was literally the funniest part of my wedding party, and she knew it!

   

Happy Two Months of Marriage, Darling

I know, I know. I promised to share my recipe for Honey Garlic Porkchops today. But I didn't realize what today was!   Happy two months of marriage, sweet thing.   I have learned so much about myself and my husband in the past two months. Remember, we started out as googly eyed seventh graders.     I have learned that some days will fly by, and others will drag, but both kinds of days are great. Some days will drag because you've been crabby all day and are arguing about little things, while some will drag like the longest drag of your favorite cigar... every second of it is beautiful and worth savoring. Others will fly because you're both so busy with work and church and household needs.   I have learned that I can't do it all.  I can't do all of the laundry, cook, do dishes, make the sweet tea, take out the trash, organize the pantry, clean the bathroom, organize the bedroom, and still have time to breathe.  I have learned that it is okay to not be able to do it all, and to tell Jackson I need help.  It's fun doing the dishes together... it's fun doing the laundry together.   I have learned that I have deep dark insecurities that come out unexpectedly, and that he has them too.  Together we have learned to talk through them, nurture them, and grow from them.    I have learned that as well as you think you know someone, sharing a home and a life with them will show you that you know nothing about them.  It's wonderful and difficult all at the same time.    What were things you learned as newlyweds that really surprised you?