Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

I hope that y'all have the most wonderful Christmas ever...full of delicious food, happy moments, tears of joy, uncontrollable laughter, sweet worship of the Lord, rooms full of family and more love than your heart can hold!!

Merry Christmas!! 

Love, love!

These Three Things - Adventures of Newlyweds

Happy "These Three Things" day...my favorite day of the week! I'm super thrilled to have the beautiful Ashley here from Adventures of Newlyweds! She is one of those girls that I would definitely consider a triple threat: beauty, brains and a sense of humor! The girl has got it all!! Plus, she's super sweet and down to Earth and I just know that we would get along perfectly in real life. Oh, and did I mention her precious little puppy? Yeah, she's adorable. Y'all are going to love them both...promise! : )

When Megan contacted me to ask if I would like to be a guest poster for These Three Things, I immediately said "Yes!" because I love this series and getting to know bloggers on a deeper level.  Plus, I love Megan.  Isn't she just the sweetest most down to Earth girl?!

And then I sat down to write mine and drew a blank.  Three things but only one chance to make a good first impression on those of you who don't know me at all.  Talk about pressure. Like -- "I can feel a breakout that would rival world war II coming on" pressure. So after thinking, re-thinking and spazzing out about this I finally settled on sharing three things that I would grab in the event of a fire (side note: what kind of fire burns so fast that you only have time to grab a handful of items anyway?  Rather, wouldn't you spend those moments dousing said fire OUT and just save all your stuff?  Just. Sayin'.)

ONE: Baby Bella

I got my little yorkiepoo, Bella Louise, right before Easter of this year.  I decided I wanted a puppy on kind of a whim because I was so lonely.  You see, my husband is a physical therapist and works for a travel company.  That means we move every 13 weeks to a new place in the U.S where he fills in at a clinic or hospital.  This also means that we have a hard time making close friends, finding a church family and engaging in social activity.  I am usually home during the days, my only worries being keeping up with my online classes, so earlier this year when we were living in the middle of amish country (read: middle of nowhere/the place where I am sure serial killers dump bodies) I got so lonely and depressed.  I decided a puppy would be great to keep me company and 48 hours later I brought home the first addition to our little family.  Bella has become my world (I am kind of a freak about her) and I even opened an Etsy shop to raise money for a surgery she needed back in October.  I hope that my dedication to my little furbabe just means I will be a really great momma one day, and not just one of those crazy cat ladies who wears rollers all day and strolls around in a mumu ordering take-out chinese and watching episodes of the price is right (clearly, I have thought too much about this specific outcome).  

TWO: My Marriage (more specifically, the husband)

So, I know this is a recurring theme amongst bloggers these days.  We all gush about our wonderful hubbycakes and talk about our newlyweds lives -- but I seriously can't say enough how thankful I am for my sweet husband.  To live with a man who lives a life so pleasing to God is such a blessing.  Everyone says your spouse should make you a better person, and mine certainly has done just that.  One of his most defining qualities is how he puts himself last in all things.  My husband often thinks of his needs last and has the ability to see the bigger picture of things and not let his emotions run away with him.  I am the complete opposite, and experiencing life with someone who views the world with Christ as his top priority has allowed my own relationship with the Lord to flourish.  I am the first to tell you that marriage is hard, hard work and serious business with rewards beyond measure.  I would follow my husband to the ends of the Earth and I treasure my life with him.

THREE: My Health

So, I know, I couldn't grab my "health" in the event of a fire.  And I know you are thinking I just wanted to include a picture of me on a day that I actually brushed my hair and put on some makeup, whilst in a sports brazier (GUILTY.)  But seriously, back in July I was diagnosed with lupus. It is a really weird autoimmune disease that does some funky things to the body and generally isn't fun to have.  Before being diagnosed I was fairly active and sort of kind of watched what I ate, but never really cared when it came down to it.  Learning about lupus forced me to rethink how I was treating my body, including the things I was putting into it and the time I was dedicating to making it strong and healthy.  I have truly found that eating clean, wholesome foods is so much more fulfilling than the processed, fast food garbage that fueled my high school years.  I love talking about it, and in fact will be doing a huge series in the new year all about health, fitness and nutrition (co-written by a true blue Doctor of physical therapy... my husband!)  

So, if you already knew me, I hope you got to know me a little bit better, and if you had no idea who I was before maybe you will consider being friends with me. Because Lord knows I don't want to wind up as the cat lady that I mentioned to you above. You can find me here!

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Isn't she just amazing?! I can't imagine moving every 13 weeks! You are a rockstar for making a home so often!! And I loved your words about your hubs! Thanks for sharing straight from your heart today, Ashley! 

Love, love!

Tis the Season

With Christmas being just a few days away, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is at an all time high. 

My goal is to not get so caught up in presents and cooking and wrapping and parties that I forget what Christmas is really about. Christmas is the birth of our Savior...and that's what matters. 

I hope that we all (myself included) remember the true meaning of Christmas and really take time to portray the "Christmas spirit" to others. Hold the door open, help someone with their bags, pay for someone's Starbucks, wish people a Merry Christmas...really take joy in this season of life!

Christmas 2010...our first as a married couple! 

My family arrives Christmas Eve and I simply cannot wait! 

What are y'all doing for Christmas? Share your plans with me!

Love, love!

PS: Thanks to all the beauties who linked up with me yesterday!! I can't wait to read them all!

Sometimes and Always #6

Time for the weekly round of Sometimes and Always! Grab the button and link up if y'all wanna play along!

Sometimes: I wonder how I still have hair after seeing how much I lose to my brush daily. 

Always: My husband gets totally creeped out when he sees my big hair pile. 

Sometimes: I diligently apply mascara. 

Always: You can't even tell I have mascara on. Stupid short lashes. 

Ten minutes with the mascara wand anddddd...nothing. 

I'm doing something a little different today and sharing some Sometimes and Always comments from some of my sweet sponsors!

Amanda from Sweet Tea Paperie says:

Sometimes: My beagle, Lanie, sticks her head through the curtain while I'm in the shower to drink out of the spigot. 

Always: It startles me and I scream like a scene from a Hitchcock movie. 

Sometimes: I go into office supply stores just to browse because I love all the wonderful rows of pens and paper. 

Always: I come home with bags of new sharpie makers and post-its. 

Sara from Seeing Purple Stars says:

Sometimes: When I sit on the floor to play with my boys, my youngest, Owen, attacks me!

Always: I get a foot/arm/leg in my face when he does that. 

Sometimes: I go to the grocery store for 1 or 2 specific things. 

Always: I come home with 10 bags FULL of groceries. 

Amy from Oh So Charming says:

Sometimes: I clean when I can't sleep at night. 

Always: I procrastinate having to clean during the day. 

Sometimes: I get a strange urge to make up a fantastic cookie recipe from scratch. 

Always: I chicken out and remind myself I'm not the best baker in the world!

Sarah from Simply Sarah says:

Sometimes: I try to be healthy and pack a lunch. 

Always: By the time lunch rolls around I'm so ready to get out of the office that I end up going out. Oops. 

Sometimes: I try to limit myself to Starbucks a few times a week. 

Always: Can't. stop. the. addiction. 

Aren't my sponsors SO cute? I just adore them. Go visit them...after y'all link up, of course! : )

Love, love!!

Monday Loves

Can y'all believe that Christmas is THIS Sunday???

I totally don't understand how it got here SO quickly, but it's here and we are enjoying every glittered, lit up, pine smelling moment.

Random comment: I heard this on the Christian radio station yesterday and I seriously know that God intended for ME to hear it...and I thought that I would share. They said, "If you still have shopping to do this week, there is one thing that you must take with you as a Christian...patience." Seriously, that hit me square in the face because I am the first one to get mad/frustrated/rude when other people are rude or someone is taking ten years to checkout. I really did think about that all day yesterday as I shopped...and it was a much more pleasant experience for me than normal. 

Sharing a few things that I'm loving this Monday:

- New gold nail polish.

- That my parents came up yesterday to shop with me...and we are done!

- My new candle that smells like a Christmas tree (we are artificial lovers over here)!

- That my husband is home after being gone for a whole week!

- New boots! I'm obsessed!

- That I only work three days this week and then I'm off until the 27th!

- My husband's manly Christmas tree!

There's just something SO stinking cute about a guy and his manliness!

Good luck to all those last minute shoppers! : )

Love, love!

That Thing Called Worry

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" 

Matthew 6:25-27

God takes care of us...through the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, the highs and the lows. 

I needed this verse this morning. And maybe some of y'all did, too. 

Our Saturday that was supposed to consist of shopping consisted of:

Cinnamon muffins. 

Sweet puppy bears. 

Christmas cards from real life and blog friends!

...and not getting out of bed until noon, cinnamon rolls, staying in pajamas all day, cheesy Christmas movies, and take out from Applebee's. I would say that's a successful day. 

We still have plenty of time to Christmas shop. Plenty. ; )

Have a beautiful day in the Lord!

Love, love!!

Friendly Friday

I'm sharing a few blog friends today...and y'all should DEFINITELY get to know them.

Like right now...after this post. Duh. : ) 

First up is the lovely Sara from Seeing Purple Stars! This sweet woman and I really started to become friends in September and she just continues to amaze me! She is a wife and mother to two precious boys...plus she thrifts, crafts, takes pictures, and makes banners! Whew. What doesn't she do?! She's the one who made our one year anniversary banner that is just too precious for words (here)! I just really can't say enough great things about Sara!! Definitely head on over and get to know this cute mom!

Next we have the totally adorable Amy from Oh, So Charming! She just exudes positive energy and has such a sweet spirit that comes across in her blog and her emails! Her blog is a little mix of everything...from design and fashion to photography and life. She is engaged right now and also has a wedding blog where she shares tips, DIYs, and wedding planning adventures. Don't miss out on her blog...her zest for life and her sweet soul will totally melt your heart! 

Pretty please with sugar on top head over to their blogs and give them some love! They both deserve it and would LOVE to make some new friends as well! 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

We are both off this weekend and plan on Christmas shopping...because yeah, we haven't started yet. 

That's how we roll. 

Love, love!

PS: Today is the LAST day to enter the stationery giveaway!!! Go here to enter!

These Three Things - The Vintage Apple

I'm so thrilled to have Michelle from The Vintage Apple here today to share with us in my "These Three Things" series. This girl is a sweet Texas firecracker who has a passion for teaching and for her life as a newlywed. She's the cutest thing and I just adore her love for her hubby! She's also the brains behind the fun Pinterest link up! So basically she's a blogger that y'all definitely want to stalk know! Enjoy!

Hi! My name is Michelle! I’m a newlywed and beagle mom who spends most of her free time reading, writing, shopping, and writing about happiness, love, laughter, and an occasional rant over at The Vintage Apple. Come see me anytime!


When Megan asked me to participate in her popular “These Three Things” series, I was elated. Ecstatic! Thrilled!!!! Then…I became very nervous! It was SO MUCH PRESSURE to narrow it down to just THREE things that define me!! But, I think I got them down. So, without further adieu, here are my “These Three Things”!

1) My Nook

I love to read. It’s my passion. That may be the reason why I am an English teacher (or I’m just crazy…who knows). So, because of my love for reading, I decided it was time to buy an e-reader.

Y’all. I know there are TONS of e-readers out there that are probably way cooler than the one I own, but I abso-freakin-lutely love my Nook Simple Touch! It’s this one:

It is so convenient to read about a good book or hear one of my friends talk about an awesome-sauce book, pull out my Nook, and purchase it right then and there on the spot! Whala! (Yes, I know it’s voila, but I enjoy spelling things like I talk. Don’t ask. Is that just me?)

I’m always looking for great books to read, so if you have any suggestions, let me know!!!!


2) Marriage

On October 8^th of this year, I married my Hottie McHottie of SEVEN years! You can read all about it on the 'ol blog! I'm currently writing recaps!


Marriage is amazing. I love the fact that I get to ANNOY the crap out of my husband for the rest of OUR LIVES! Isn’t that fantastic???


In all seriousness, even though we have been married for less than three months, we both know that it takes BOTH of us giving 100% to make the union we have work, and work well. Neither one of us are perfect…he pours candle wax down the drain and clogs the sink up for days while I refuse to do my own laundry in a timely manner. The point is, though, that our little “flaws” make us perfect for each other. As long as we are “flawed” together, our marriage will remain PERFECT!


And look at him…I’d be crazy if I didn’t marry him! Like I said! A Hottie McHottie!

  
3) My smile


I know that every day can’t be easy. I know that life was not made to be easy. But I know that if I smile my way through the day, it makes it better.


You may be asking yourself… “What kinds of smiles are you talking about Michelle?” Let me answer that question for you. I have broken down my smiles and given you a visual. You’re welcome!


A) Michelle’s Sincere Smile- I smile like this when I am genuinely happy. You can’t mistake this one for the others, I promise. 

B) Michelle’s I’m-really-not-smiling-at-you-in-a-good-way-smile- This is the smile you get when you say something to me and there are just NO WORDS to respond to what you just said.  I guess if you HAD to put words to it, they would be “Bless Your Heart”. Adults I work with get this smile A LOT.

  
C) Michelle’s Truly Happy and In Love smile- My husband gets this smile. He also gets some of my crazy singing (I sing to the beagle too) and even crazier dancing (come on people, not THAT kind of dancing. Sheesh).  But that’s a separate blog post entirely.

So that, my friends, are the three things that define me!!! I hope you enjoyed them!! To all of you reading this, Happy Holidays!!! And Megan, thank you again for letting me share my 3 things!!


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Oh my gosh, Michelle, I absolutely adore you for giving us a visual on your three smiles! Hello cutest thing ever! I definitely have a smile similar to #2...reserved for special times. : )


Thanks so much for being here today!!


Love, love!


PS: Two more days left to enter my stationery giveaway! Find it here!

Blogger Ornament Swap Show and Tell

Hi friends! I'm so excited about today because we finally get to share the fun ornaments that were exchanged in our Blogger Ornament Swap!

My sweet partner was the precious Allison from Nestful of Love. 

Her and her hubs...aren't they adorable?!

I was SO SO excited when I got my package in the mail...and it was full of sparkles. Totally my style!

The cute card!

My three ornaments...I love them all!

I think he's my favorite. : )

Who sees me?

Sorry for the not-so-great pictures...of course I waited until nighttime to take them! : ) 

Hurry up and link up if you participated! I can't wait to see what y'all got!! 

Love, love!!

PS: I'm sharing some Do's and a Don't over at Neely's blog today for her NEW series...don't miss it! 

Sometimes and Always #5

It's time for another round of Sometimes and Always...which is quickly becoming my new favorite thing. 

Confession: I may or may not constantly think in sometimes/always format now. 

Let's get started. 

Sometimes: I intend to wash my hair, but end up using dry shampoo instead. 

Always: My husband tells me that I'm gross. (It's not my fault he likes to shower three times a day!)

Dirty hair...I'll admit it! 

Sometimes: People text me from random numbers and I have no idea who they are. 

Always: I just chat away and pretend that I know who they are! Better than saying, "Hey I deleted your number because obviously you aren't important to me!" : ) It's like a fun game trying to figure out who they are!

Sometimes: I have random stomach pain and I swear that I am going to die. 

Always: I am a hypochondriac from being a nurse. 

Sometimes: I get really tired of painting my nails all the time. 

Always: I feel weird without painted nails...like I can't function. 

Meet my friend......Chip  ; )

Sometimes: I stay in my pajamas all day when I'm off. 

Always: I don't see a problem with it. 

Sometimes: I take really weird/random pictures with Instagram. 

Always: I delete them really fast so that no one can see. 

If y'all have some Sometimes and Always comments to share, grab the button below and link up! They are super fun to come up with and really make you think! I'd love to have y'all join me. 

Love, love!

PS: Don't forget to enter my custom stationery giveaway. Go here!

A Challenge

I'd like to issue a blog challenge to all my readers. 

Are y'all scared?! 

It's actually really simple...or so it should seem. I'd like to challenge y'all (and myself) to just live in the moment this weekend and be intentionally happy. And by that I mean be happy for no reason and for any reason. Be happy that you woke up this morning, that you were able to eat breakfast, that you have clean water, that you have eyesight, that you can breathe without oxygen, that Christmas trees exist, that candles smell so good, that puppies are precious when they sleep. Just be happy. 

That's my goal this weekend. 

I hope y'all have a great one!

Love, love!