Thankful (Round 3)

New to the party? Here is Round 1, and here is Round 2!    Job interviews Friends getting new jobs New coffee mugs Devotionals being reminded of childlike faith   Favorite sweaters that still fit after five years of wearing and washing Mothers who are willing to give up sweaters for children. Chili cook-offs and not spilling any on said sweater My sweet daddy and his ability to take life as it comes. New appliances in my childhood home   Care boxes from best friends  Hot chocolate dates on our deck Sweet property managers at our apartment A short commute Older and wiser Godly co-workers    Family Time to spend with family Being able to take food to the less fortunate My inlaws who love me like I'm one of their own People who return calls   eBates Great Pinterest finds that become great Christmas gifts Lists My sweet husband who tries to do better daily Great friends and Friendsgiving!     My daddy calling me to tell me Cats is on Nashville Public Television Spending Friday night singing along with NPT Having a washer and dryer in our apartment New shoes Netflix
Tylenol Cold and Sinus Dishwashers My sweet husband who will stay up until 1am watching Dexter with me.
  Dinner nights with Jackson's best man, Byron, that turn into going to the movies at 10:30 Beautiful sunsets  

Thanksgiving is STILL on Thursday

No, this is not a rant about wanting to move Thanksgiving to another day of the week.... It is a tiny rant about how underobserved (is that a word?) Thanksgiving is.   It has come to my attention.... more so this year than ever before.... that Thanksgiving is like a speedbump on the way to Christmas.  It's like Thanksgiving is here to slow people down before we hit the "Christmas Rush"... but... It's almost like those big wide speedbumps that you really don't have to slow down for.  It makes me sad.   Thanksgiving is the bees' knees in my opinion. Why? Friends and Family. Food. Football.   But it's more than that. It's a time to be thankful, to really stop (I mean like brick wall, not speed bump) and enjoy the things we all have.  It's not a time to put up our trees and lights and presents. There's a reason the "Christmas Switch" is not flipped on the radio until the day after Thanksgiving.  Because we're not there yet.  Because we don't need to plow through one holiday to get to the big one. Because it's not all about presents and decorations and who gets what.   It's about just being. Being still. Being thankful. Being in the presence of those we love. Just. Being.   I understand that would require a massive slowing down of our lives for a millisecond.  I understand that's not something our culture is familiar with.  In the everyday hustle to get to work, through work, home, through dinner, etc. we make it a habit to rush. We rush to get to Friday, we rush through our weekends, and we look up and we're turning our Calendars to December before we realize we've left March eight months ago.   I challenge you to take a breath and just revel in the beauty that is this holiday.  Don't worry about Christmas.  It's still coming at the same speed it always has, and I promise you, it will still get here.   Tiny note because I feel bad: I love seeing all of your beautiful trees! I promise, I do! I'm not condemning anyone for going ahead and getting their Christmas stuff up! In my home, we don't; in your home, you do! both are just as  great!

Our 1st Annual Friendsgiving

Over the weekend, we had our first annual Friendsgiving with our best friends in Murfreesboro! We had so much amazing food! I made this maccaroni and cheese and it was so stinkin good . We spent hours watching Hunger Games and playing Scattergories.  Hilarious times were had by all. 

Friday!

This week has been the bomb dot com!    1. We decided that our Christmas present to each other would be tickets to the Linkin Park concert in January. We. Are. Stoked. Like it's 2006.

 

  2. I had a wonderful time painting on Tuesday with some ladies from church.  This one will take the place of my pumpkin come November 28!

    3.   This week, I have been able to take time to spend in my happy place.  I've sewn a tablecloth with bows for our upcoming friendsgiving, I have monogrammed three pullovers for my best friend to give for Christmas, and I have sewed yards of leaf garland.  

4. Finally decided on ornaments for our tree.  It was very spur of the moment when I was killing time in Hobby Lobby. (FYI: Killing time in Hobby Lobby is not a thing. You will be late wherever you're going...) We are huge Vandy fans, so it just made sense to do our tree in black and gold to go with our white lights! Now all we need is a tree topper and we're set!

5. I came home yesterday to a note saying we had a package in the office.  I knew I hadn't ordered anything, but figured maybe Jackson had.  When I picked it up, I automatically recognized the handwriting.  My best friend from high school sent me a care box.  This, friends, is what ten years of friendship are made of.

 

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

Top Five Married People Dates

Being a busy married couple, it's so hard to carve out time to date each other.  Either we are really busy or really tired, or broke as a joke.  We have definitely learned the importance here lately, though, and have realized that it doesn't have to cost us the big bucks! Our most fun dates have cost us less than $20!   Here are some of our favorites:   Quarter Bowl Check your local bowling alleys for their cheap nights! Our bowling alley does a night where each game is a quarter, and shoe rental is half off.  We usually bring snacks so we don't have to buy them there! Bowling is seriously hilarious fun!

  3 "Box" Date Night On these nights, dinner comes from a box (hamburger helper, pizza, etc.), and we go to the Redbox for a movie! We put our phones in a box to keep distraction away! Simple and easy! One you could add, that we have added a time or two, is to pull out your "box" of sentiments.  We have a massive shoebox full of trinkets and love notes and significant items. We like to go through them and read or laugh!   Fort Night No, I know, that means two weeks.  It's not a two week date.  It's literally a night to build a fort (with an opening to watch TV) and eat ice cream for dinner.   50 Questions Find one of those "50 things you should ask your spouse" list and print off the questions.  Cut and fold them and put them in a bowl.  You'll be surprised how many hours of great conversation this brings about!!   Operation Drive Through This one occurred on accident, but has been one of my favorites that we may do more often.  Last weekend we did wedding pictures (ten months later) and were starving afterward.  We went to the McDonald's drive through and got squaks and screams from all of the drive through girls! This may be a fun Saturday date.

         

When Your Spouse Falls Short

When we said our vows, they were sentimental and sweet. We vowed to love each other unconditionally for the rest of our lives.  By saying "I Do", we were saying, in front of our family and friends, that we expect the other to deliver on what we vowed.  I expect him love and cherish me, to honor and protect me, to lead me to the cross, and to encourage me daily because those are things Jackson vowed to me.  Likewise, he expects the same of me because that is what I vowed to him.    It goes without saying that there are expectations you have of your spouse, even though you did not write them in pretty letters and read them in front of everyone.  Obviously, I expect him to be faithful, to someday be a great father to our children, etc.  Those were implied.  What wasn't necessarily implied, and certainly wasn't presented, is our chore expectations of each other.   We've been having growing pains that just haven't finished working themselves out quite yet.  And I'm still okay with occasionally falling behind.  I, being the Type-A personality, am not always okay with falling behind, though.    Expectation: Jackson will do exactly half of the chores, and I will do half. Reality: Life gets in the way.    Jackson has picked up 10 hour days at work, has been working on duck decoys for this season, has been studying for his CDL, and has been trying to make sure that my little quality time loving heart is well tended to.  The man is lucky to get a full night's rest. Chores are not always split 50/50, but should never be split 100/0. I was okay with doing it all until I found myself burned out from working, running errands, and cleaning 24/7.    Expectation: Jackson will see that I'm tired from working and doing all of the chores and cooking and working. Reality: My husband is not a mind reader   As silly as it sounds, this is something I am learning over and over again, pretty much once a week.  True, we could both be a little more observant of the other's feelings by trying to read the other; however, it still leaves room for spousal error.  Jackson is going to read me the wrong way, just like I'm going to misread him.  It would make life 100% easier if we were able to simply come out and say "I need your help" or "You're not helping me enough" or "I'm tired, can you do the laundry tonight?" I'm 85% passive, and will slam the dishwasher closed, or finish what I'm doing and storm off to the bedroom.  Goal: Use my words.   Expectation: Jackson is going to make a full 180 degree transformation overnight Reality: We will forget and life will get in the way again and we will be back here in a month or so, maybe one step closer to the goal than we are right now!     And that is okay.  We are married for the rest of our lives, and we are going to continue to grow and hit these speed bumps and grow some more.  That's life. When we stop learning, we are in trouble.   

 What unsaid expectations have reared their ugly heads into your marriage? How did you handle them?    Linking up with WYWW

Thankful (Round 2)

If you missed Round 1, you can catch up here   The husband giving me his side of the bed because I was already comfy His cookie baking skills Sharing life with our church family My mother in law taking off a whole day to go to Christmas Village with me Birthdays, and husbands willing to put gifts together at 9pm

    Gorgeous fall trees Christmas ornament sales Slow days at work that can be used for online shopping Being able to afford (and share) one really awesome Christmas gift between Jackson and I Apartment maintenance   Dinner with best friends Fingernail polish Little sisters who are wiser than they think, but still need their big sister's wisdom My Planner The sweetest blog friends   White out Vacation days Thanksgiving crafts Thick socks Ibuprofen
Job interviews Being able to sleep in and snuggle My Dad's big heart Friends who believe in you  Bobby pins 
Scarves The comfiest couch in the world that happens to reside in our living room A washer and dryer My crafting abilities, and my creativity My husband who pushes me to be my best
Family heirlooms and antiques  A close knit church community Target Coats when it is too cold Friends that share the deepest and darkest.    

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.    

Athazagoraphobia

Warning: word vomit ahead. 

Athazagoraphobia : the fear of being left behind, forgotten, or ignored.
I, lately, have been suffering from a severe case of jealousy that is rooted in the fear of being left behind. This is not a new discovery, just one that has reared its ugly head here lately.
Jackson and I had the baby fight. One of us is ready, the other is enjoying life as is and is concerned with finances not working out with a small human.  You get one guess who each describes. I'll give you a hint.  I'm ready... or I thought I was.
The more I got to thinking about it, the more I realized that my current bout of baby fever has come from a friend couple saying they were saving so she could stay home for a couple of years here soon when babies come. Soon. But I'm not ready for you to have kids because that means I have to have kids. 
What? What does them having kids have to do with us having kids? Because I don't want to be left behind.
I realize my apartment/house buying or "moving" itch has come from another friend couple saying they were moving into a bigger apartment in the next couple of months. Next couple of months. But, I like where we live and I'm not ready to move.  But I can move because they're moving.
What? Why do I have to move because they're moving? Because I don't want to be left behind.
My fear of being left behind is making me want things I don't yet want.  I'm completely content with our home. I love our life as newlyweds.  I'm not ready to move, and I'm not ready for kids. I am enjoying sleeping in on Saturdays, spending huge amounts of money on Linkin Park tickets, and picking up and going wherever and whenever we want to.  My challenge to myself will be being happy for those around me instead of wanting what they have or wanting to keep up.  

Thankful (Round 1)

Each day last week, I've challenged myself to find five things I'm thankful for! I highly recommend doing so - it brings a silver lining to a rough day! :)  So does taking pictures with a dog. Preferrably your dog, but any dog will do. ;)

    My sweet husband who works overtime A job that lets him work overtime A new car that is dependable  My dad's humor and kindness A small home with not too much to clean   Being able to stay on Mom's insurance so we can save Jackson's benefits being affordable and really great A kitchen I get to make a mess in when I cook My bed and a full night's rest The covenant of marriage and what it means to us   The defrost setting  Quality, face to face time with people. Friends who agree that playing hide and seek in a dark church is the bomb coffee Sweaters   Netflix binges Vacation days for my birthday and the whole week of Christmas A husband who tries Space heaters Naps   A boss who is human and understands life Pinterest Our brother and sister-in-law coming home for Christmas Getting to see my sister here and there when she's home from college The blessing of being able to go to college   My embroidery machine that allows me to add some change to our pockets Checklists Glasses for days when I don't want to wear makeup

Umbrellas My sweet Nana who loves anyone and everyone   A photographer who is willing to do our bridals almost 10 months later! ;) Boomer A husband who helps me clean the hard things 10+ year friendships Old pictures of Jackson and I