Friday, December 31, 2010

2011...here you come!

2010 has been a wonderful year. Absolutely overflowing with so many wonderful things.

As a brief overview:

1. First year of Marriage - beyond any expectations, absolutely wonderful.
2. Embracing my creativity - I tried in my timidity for boldness. And, the response has be amazing!
3. Enjoying Life - making memories with Ben, I'm learning how to relax.
4. Surprises - there have been a lot of surprises (who would have known *I* would have lived in an RV?!?!)

I am anticipating a lot this next year. I am looking forward to:

1. Learning how to sewing machine
2. Exploring other cooking adventures
3. Working to keep Ben my priority
4. More adventures

Come on 2011. I'm ready for you. For sure.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

My Christmas Gift Project

Right after Ben's marathon, he wrote on his Christmas list that he would like a "special project from Bethany using my marathon items". Wow. Talk about pressure. It didn't take me long to come up with a plan of what I wanted to do.

Meet: The Girls With Glasses and Promise Tangeman.


Get Crafty With The Girls With Glasses from The Girls With Glasses on Vimeo.

While I love Promise Tangeman for all her creativity, spunkyness and my-all-around question of: WHY CAN'T I BE HER BEST FRIEND?!?!?!? ....This video did not come with "Bethany-directions". Essentially, to use a sports analogy - Give me the play-by-play. So, I took pictures for YOU. Hoping you would be inspired by Promise's craft idea, The Girls With Glasses great video and my pictures to go tackle this project for your Marathon-Runner. Or just yourself.

This is the "blank canvas I started with.
 
Overview of the supplies...Sorry you have to see my Washer Machine...But that is my craft space for now!
The map
Gloss Layer 1 (I wrote down the time so I would know how much time had passed)

Gloss Layer 2

Gloss Layer 3

Gloss Layer 4

Final Layer of Gloss!


Scrub off paper.
Be sure to rinse the images well, and let dry.




Ben's Early Morning Christmas Surprise Face!
Helpful Hints:
Follow the directions on the video to a "T"!
- Use a Laser Printer
- I got my paintbrush from the paint department at Wal-Mart. It was $1 and worked great.
-Have fun!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve

As much as I love Christmas, I really love Christmas Eve. And, this year, I love it even more.

One of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions is attending a candlelight service. I LOVE singing Silent Night or Come All Ye Faithful while watching all those candles light up one by one. It is an incredible experience.

I am also very thankful for my additional family. Ben's family. This year, we will be enjoying time with both his mom and his dad. And, I am loving the opportunity to spend quality time with extended family. It is something I didn't get a lot of growing up...but it is something I am tremendously enjoying now.


Life is good.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Christmas is ALMOST HERE!

In between the family gatherings, the giving and receiving of presents, the yummy food, and the (extra) magical twinkle of Christmas lights and telling Ben to step away from the tree for the FINAL TIME....I will also be sneaking multiple peeks in order to:

Track Santa's progress. 

Thank you, Google.


I love Christmas.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Year Old Cake

Part of our Anniversary celebration was tasting our wedding cake.

Yep. That year-old thing.

We had been told that sometimes it isn't good. That after a year, its is freezer burner and just all-around NASTY.

On our wedding day
Not our cake. Thankfully, my mother-in-law kept the cake in her freezer. Thank-goodness SOMEONE thought to take care of the cake. :)

This is how we had in the freezer. (minus the plate)

Do you see the frost?

Right before we took our first bit - a year later! With milk, of course!

Ben's first bite in action!

My pre-first bite!
Oh my goodness. I cannot even believe it. That cake is so good. It is not dried out, or freezer burnt. It was DELICIOUS! Has anyone else had any good one-year-old wedding cake stories?

Sunday, December 19, 2010

It's Been A Year.

It started off crazy.

Ben woke up with news that our flight had been canceled. A blizzard was the cause of the cancellation of our honeymoon flight. He spent the hours leading up to our wedding ceremony re-planning our honeymoon. From scratch.

Our wedding ceremony might have seemed more like an elopement watched by our closest friends and dear family. 12 minutes tops. It was hysterical. If you were 15 minutes late, you missed it.

We got married after knowing each other for 7 months. 

Wedding Day 2009. Tupelo Photography


Regardless of the hysterical mishaps...it has been a year. Ben and I celebrate our ONE YEAR anniversary today. It doesn't seem possible. A year.

A year later: 2010. Mars Studio
It's been a crazy year. But, we have loved every moment. We've laughed. We've cried. We've fought. We've forgave. We've made a lot of funny memories. We've made memories. We've grown. We've weathered change of jobs, change of our home place. We've accomplished goals...we've achieved dreams. But the best? We've done it together. As husband and wife.

I love being Ben's wife. There is absolutely nothing like waking up in the middle of the night to feel Ben pull me close...to hear his panic when I yelp in the kitchen because of all the times I "almost" cut myself...No one else can make me laugh at silly jokes like Ben...No one else make my heart feel like it is going to explode because it is overwhelmed by love. Simply said, I love him.

It's been a great 1st year! I'm excited to see what this next year brings with Ben. 

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Our Christmas Decorations.

Finally! I get to share with you our Christmas decorations. We had so much fun. Some of the projects were harder than I originally anticipated...(it's amazing how difficult a project is without a hot glue gun!) But, overall, we are so pleased with the end result. In case you are curious, we made the tree garland, tree topper, tree skirt.

I love our Tree Skirt. We cut a shag rug in half that we had in storage!

Last year, Ben made our Tree Topper. This is the one for 2010.

We lack a fireplace. So we improvised. And, don't you love the tacky  stocking lights? It was a White Christmas Party gift...AND I LOVE IT!

Even Milo got into the Christmas celebration.. (Ok. He actually HATES the reindeer antlers. But, I think it is SOOO funny.)

Not a decoration, but I had to share! My sweet little sister-in-law, Macie brought me a fun collection of cookies from her school Christmas party.

And, Macie made me a bookmark..that I will be making into an ornament because it so precious. This is the front.

This is the back of the bookmark. Ironically, my kitchen usually looks like this after I finish baking.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Christmas Edition.

Ben is known for being a great gift-giver. I mean, really, REALLY great. He plans the best surprises. I mean, the best of the BEST. As quick review, my first Valentine date and my first pedicure, will remind you of how GREAT a gift-giver Ben is.

But this Christmas will be different. This Christmas, I will beat Ben. I know, I know. He doesn't give me gifts or surprises to beat me. But, this year. I want to give him the best gift. I want to surprise him.

Of course, I can't POSSIBLY tell you what that gift will be. HELLO! He reads my blogs! However, in 9 days, I will provide a full report. An absolute marvelous report.

I CANNOT WAIT.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

When I've Worked a Long Day...

I come home to find this perfect scarf from my husband. It's mustard yellow...only the color I've been searching EVERYWHERE FOR!
Yes, I've been wearing it around for the past 1 hour and half. INSIDE.
(PS - did you notice my new bangs??)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

In the Kitchen: For Christmas

 With Christmas right around the corner, I am in the mood to do some serious baking. And, just like Santa, I'm making a list and checking it twice.

Move over Starbucks, I'm about to try Dulce de Leche Coffee .

I'm debating over these cookies, Chocolate Caramel Cookies with Sea Salt:


I'm definitely making Puppy Chow:

Source
 And, I'm trying to decide if I'm going to tackle Christmas Edition Cake Pops. Do I DARE tackle this 6 hour project?

Above all else, I will DEFINITELY be making Christmas sugar cookies. How can I not? 

If nothing else, I can guarantee that I will be giving away a TON of food.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Etsy TV

My mind is constantly spinning of ways to improve my home's decor. Which is probably an indication of the dreamer I tend to be. I constantly researching prices of furniture, checking out the latest home decor in Target, Ikea and Etsy.

I have recently discovered Etsy TV. HOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS BEFORE?!?!?

I've been particularly intrigued by this episode featuring Something's Hiding Here.



What intrigues me so much about this episode? Their collections. Did you see it? The miniature deer, the collection of vintage dog photos, the globes. Aaaahhh!! I don't have a collection. I need ideas. I think it would be fun to have a collection that is SO Ben and I. That helps bring character to our home, that shows off our creativity and fun-ness. I've been thinking about this subject a lot recently and I am at a loss. I WANT a collection!

If you collect anything for your home, what is it?

Monday, November 29, 2010

Disconnected.

Yesterday, Ben and I disconnected...from the world. Yesterday, we spent the day apart....from our Blackberrys, our Facebook, our Twitter, text messages, emails, and phone calls.

We wanted to cherish our first married Christmas tree experience without distraction. I can honestly say I do not even remember the last time I was without my phone or internet. But I can tell you, I loved every moment away from it all.

We created a sanctuary of Ben and I for the afternoon. No one else existed. We had no idea what was taking place in the world. We just spent time with each other. It was amazing. We had more conversation. We did more silly things...not for Twitter or Facebook, but for each other. We were more engaged in what the other person was saying...we listened with both ears and eyes. The world did not have access to our special day in play-by-play action. In fact, we didn't reconnect until about 7pm at night. And throughout the course of the day, we became more attached to detaching.

I am looking forward to our next disconnected day. It was the best thing we've done in a long time.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

The Adventure of Our 1st Tree

Ben and I traipsed out to get our Christmas Tree today. We had a lot of fun debating over which was the perfect tree to get. It didn't take long to make a decision.

We then wandered over to Target to get some Christmas necessities. Toting around Starbuck's - has anyone tried the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate? DELICIOUS! I don't even like chocolate and I am loving the salty-caramel concoction! Anyway...after a brief stop to get stamps for our Christmas cards, we began to trek home.

Until I noticed that our tree was SLIPPING off the roof of our car. We pulled over. Ben jumped out, did some adjustments, then we continued. About a quarter of a mile down the road, Ben became frantic.

"Uhhh....where are the stamps?" He asked as he checked his pockets, his seat. No stamps.

I looked at him.

"Maybe I left them on top of the car." He said, panicking. I pulled over. He checked the tree (again), found the Christmas treats (i.e. candy bars) he had left ON THE TOP OF THE TRUNK...but no stamps.

We discussed the probability of actually finding the stamps. It seemed so absurd.  But, we decided to give it a try anyway. We turned around. Ben continued to panic. I did what any loving and adoring wife would do: I burst out laughing. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I considered the fact that we were on the hunt to recover our stamps....FROM THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!

Upon our return to the scene of the crime - where the stamps disappeared originally - Ben began to comb the ditch, the side of the road, trying to find the stamps.

Incredibly, Ben found BOTH books of stamps...which is great for our Christmas Cards! :) How we ever recovered those books of stamps, so quickly, I will never know. But, I do know that we will be talking about this story for a very long time.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Sneak Peek: Christmas Card Photo

In a week or so, we will be sending our Christmas cards! I am so excited about this. Last year, we gave out Christmas cards as wedding favors. Here was the picture from last year:

Tupelo Photography
 And, here is a sneak peek into the photo shoot for this year's Christmas card!
Thanks to: Lydia & Marianna
I love Christmas cards. Mostly, because I love getting mail! Any ideas for your Christmas card?

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving 2010

Oh my goodness. I LOVE Thanksgiving.Food. Family. Memories to reflect on, memories to make. Aaahhhh! Life is so good.

Here is my Thanksgiving Thankful List of 2010:

- Ben. I love that man. And. I'm so glad I get to spend the rest of my life with him. I know a lot of girls say they have the best husband, but they haven't met mine. ;)  I definitely believe he makes me a better person.
- Family. One of the advantages of being married is that I gain a larger family! It has been a really neat to experience for me to learn how Ben's family interacts. It is so different from what I am accustom to, but I am enjoying it. Of course, my own family too! They make my life wonderful. :)
- (This may seem silly, but!) Facebook. I know, I know. This probably indicates I have an issue. But I am thankful for this media outlet. It allows me to stay connected with my friends and to work on my relationships with my extended family members (Hello, cousin Crystal!!!)
- Our small group. I love this group of friends that can journey alongside of Ben and I through this adventure called Marriage. I have no doubt I am forming friends for life.
- Grace. While I don't talk about my faith a lot, I am thankful for peace that I have discovered through the Grace that has been given to me.

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm off to enjoy turkey, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, family pictures, and quality time with people I love!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Morning Before Thanksgiving.

I had this morning off. It was blissful. Ben and I played with Milo. Then, we cleaned the house. Enjoying Chick-Fil-A breakfast in our pajamas. I helped Ben with his school work. And all the while, we prepared for Thanksgiving. (which really means anticipating my Dad's cooking!)

By the way, There is a lot for me to share with you. Including:

- An update on my Christmas Homemade Decorations project. It is coming along nicely, but it is taking me long than anticipated. I will provide an update later this week. 
- Online Magazines I've been devouring lately.
- Some fun blogs to read.
- And, my Christmas list. :)

 I have so many things to be thankful for - I'm really one lucky girl. What are you thankful for?

Friday, November 19, 2010

November 19, 2010

Dear Mom,

Four years ago, you finished your fight with cancer. Four years ago, a hole in my heart formed. A hole that signifies your absence. I know that given a choice - you would have continued to fight just so you could have watched your kids grow up. Four years later, I'm struck by how much you've missed. And, how much we still miss you. You'd be proud - we've worked hard to remain a family that did not fall apart just because you are gone. But, you are still missed.

Today, I enter this day with many, many mixed emotions. Today, I remember how much I miss you. Four years seems like yesterday and though I've grown accustom to life without you....I still wish I could go through life with you. Is that too much to ask? To have a Mom to experience the joys, trials and adventures that make up life?

11 months ago, I married an incredible man. Mom, you would have loved Ben. He would have made you laugh. 11 months ago, I planned a wedding and tried hard to remember that normalcy - for me, for my life - was a wedding without the mother of the bride. 11 months later, Ben has been a tremendous comfort as I tried hard not to let this week's struggle of grief and heartache of missing you consume me.

I will always wish that you could have been here. To grow old with Dad. To watch us grow up. To meet the people we fall in love with. To hold us tight when we are struggling. To do all those Mom things.

Four years later, I'm glad you are no longer fighting cancer. Four years later, I'm glad you won.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Other Things

Is it sad that it really hasn't even gotten cold yet and I have cabin fever?  Especially if that cabin looks like this:
Picture Found on This Blog














Every since I saw these BEAUTIFUL scarves, I've been craving one to be wrapped around me.

Don't you think this print is AWESOME? Man, I love Etsy.


Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Chasing Dreams.

It is difficult for me to blog when Ben is home. I'm not sure why...maybe it is because I want to soak up all my time with him. Which is why last week, I started off strong and disappeared....

I've been doing a lot of thinking about dreams. This thought process isn't fully developed, but I do know several things about myself:

1. I'm creative. I am constantly scheming of ideas and crafts.

2. I love love. I love love stories. I love the beauty within those stories. 

So, I'm combining both of these - I am launching a Event Planning business called: Surprise & Delight Events. I am optimistic to know that the start must be slow, but I feel like I should give it a try. Pursue a dream, if it doesn't work out...I haven't lost anything. I will only grow by this experience. 

Here is to Risk. Here is Dreams. Here is to Pursuit.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Ben's Marathon.

Tonight, Ben made this comment: "I guess it is a big deal to run a marathon. I mean, everyone thinks its a big deal."
It IS a a big deal!

Ben ran his marathon on Saturday. It took him 4 hours and 18 minutes to run 26.2 miles. He did it - he accomplished his goal, dream and made it reality. I am so proud of him.

Pre-marathon - Milo definitely thought he was going with him.

As Ben finishes. I have no idea who this guy is. He wouldn't move out of the picture.
It is hard to believe that Ben decided to run a marathon 7 months ago. Now that the marathon is done, everyone keeps asking Ben if he will run another marathon. On Saturday night, we went to bed at 8:00pm and didn't get up 'til 8:30am. Aaahhh! It felt so good to get so much sleep! Ben is extra pitiful post-marathon...he can't do anything because it hurts. So we've switched roles, I'm taking extra, extra care of him. But, I'm happy to do it. Ben did such a great job and accomplished a HUGE goal!

Monday, November 8, 2010

A Reunion

We slipped into the 24 hour diner. Just the three of us...we hadn't seen each other in 5 years...so there was a lot of catching up to do. A lot of growing up had been done, a lot of maturity. But there were still a lot of giggles and laughs and pouring out our hearts.

Aren't those the best types of reunions?

Our friendship was forced; forced because my Mom's illness and Lisa's mom's willingness to take care of 8 children who were in shock, hurting and confused. I've heard that my Mom prepped Lisa's Mom by telling her our personalities and how we each deal with pain. That may be why it worked so well. But whatever the reason, it worked. And, we became friends. Literally through the horrors of cancer and its chemo-induced side effects, Lisa became a cherished friend. I'm sure it was an odd match - the three of us. But there was no better merger to be made.

5 years later. We've grown up. Somewhere along the lines of losing touch, setting aside our teenage whims, embracing our dreams or putting those dreams on hold, we emerged as three friends: two married, one mom and one dating. We had grown up. The initial awkwardness of "How do I interact with my high school friend when we are no longer teenagers" faded. Quickly.

Somewhere between the quickly ticking clock and the coffee that grew cold, I realized: Lisa is such a strong women. She's always been a strong woman. This was never something we had to question or contemplate. But, as we talked...I was reminded of just how strong she is. And, how I am so happy to be her friend. I've mentioned Lisa before. But, when you see someone's exhaustion, love, sacrifice and more, it takes on a whole new level of respect.

I'm thankful for the sacrifice of our troops...but I'm really thankful for the sacrifice of their families...especially their wives.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

My New Perspecive On Cold Weather.

This week, cold weather hit GA. Well, at least in my book it did. The temperatures have not gone above 65 degrees, which means this southern girl is FREEZING.  This year, it is different for me.

I'm still cold. Do not mistake that. But every time I get cold, I think about when we lived in the RV. And, though I'm cold, I have a different perspective.

I'm not freezing.

The air inside my home does not match the (cold) air outside. I am not crawling into bed with freezing sheets unable to get warm. I am not stressed out that my water will diminish WHILE I'm in the shower.  I am not worried about my shampoo freezing. I have not even created a worried brow when I think about the heat STOPPING. (In fact, I think we may still have the A/C on!) I throw the covers off in the middle of the night more than I tuck them around me. I walk around with bare feet instead of covered with socks and house shoes.

I don't miss living in the RV. But, I am so thankful for the perspective it provided.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Date Nights

It is not a secret that I hate Ben's work schedule. In fact, I despise his schedule. I struggle with the 1 or 2 nights a week we actually eat dinner together. It is frustrating. But, a couple of weeks ago, I realized that instead of despising what I cannot change, why not be thankful for what I have: the vital time with Ben. Part of this change of heart is a new mindset; which, is that every and any time I spend time with Ben is a date night. And, it doesn't matter what we are doing, it matters that we are spending time together.

So, tonight marks my second date night with Ben this week. Tonight, we went grocery shopping and then while I made dinner of tacos, Ben put away laundry. Tonight, we had date night. No, it wasn't glamorous. No, it wasn't the typical restaurant and movie date night. But it was time spent together.

Don't get me wrong, I love those expensive nights out. I love the pursuit. I love it when Ben pursues me. When he does things that are thoughtful and romantic, I melt. But, I am learning to treat each moment with Ben as quality time. Whether that is crowded on the couch watching TV, going on to for a nice dinner, laughing at the day's stories, going to a football game or movie. I'm learning and cherishing all my time with Ben and counting them all as date nights.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Happy November 1st!

What happen to October? Seriously. I feel like I blinked and it was gone! It's been a while since I've updated you on my life via TV and film. 

Netflix: Watch Instantly. There is nothing better. Because of this, I just finished the tragically romantic Love Story movie. 

The Biggest Loser: Did you really, REALLY think Ben would hang up our hats on this show? THINK AGAIN! We've been enjoying the twists and turns of this season, but we've been a little frustrated that we haven't emotionally bonded with any of the contestants.

Top Chef: Just Desserts: Yes, I know. The irony that I watch a weight loss show AND a dessert show is not lost on me. But, I CANNOT help it. This show is AMAZING.

Glee: I'm a semi-convert. I will only claim "semi" because I deliberately wait for it to go to www.hulu.com before I watch it. I don't know something about watching it on Hulu feeds my guilty pleasure.

What are you watching?

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Ben's Birthday.

28 years ago, a baby was born.

28 years later....my husband will celebrate his birthday as a married man. This is his first married birthday.

If anyone listens to me gush about my husband, it is my blog. Ben truly makes my life happier, better. My sister said Ben makes me a better (how-I-use-to-be) me. It isn't like I wasn't happy before Ben, I was, but my life is fuller and richer since Ben.

Today, we will celebrate his birthday. I can't wait. Mostly because this man deserves a day of celebration. Somehow, between work, school, training for a marathon, he works hard to keep our relationship, our marriage, center-stage. I'm not sure how he does it, but I am thankful for it! So, today, there will be cupcakes and playing Madden video game and running and eating hot wings and presents. Just a small token for an incredible man.

Happy Birthday, Ben!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Home

I've been completely and totally captivated with this picture.

Vol. 25 Artwork
I love this so much. Mostly because it reminds me of our humble little beginnings...and how TRUE it is that home really is wherever we are together.

PS - Please tell me I'm not the only one who is assembling their Christmas wish-list?!?!?!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

What Milo Thinks Of Us

You will not meet two people who love their dog more than Ben and I. We LOVE MILO.
However, in with as much as love as we have for him, I'm beginning to wonder if he shares the same love for us.

"You both are ridiculous human beings"

Milo put his toy in his water bowl - face down - while we were at work. 

Friday, October 22, 2010

I Can't Wait For This: Blue Valentine

I've been thinking about this movie trailer for 3 days. 



Thanks to Today's Letters for sharing.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

We Celebrated 10 Months

On Sunday night, Ben and I snuggled close together. Then, we realized that Monday would be our 10 month anniversary. We shook our heads at the craziness of that fact and then drifted off to sleep.

On Monday, I looked at my calendar at work and realized that Monday was the 18th. Our anniversary was on the 19th. We both had gotten it wrong.

On Tuesday, we celebrated Ben's birthday with his family and completely forgot about our anniversary.

On Wednesday, I told Ben I was sorry for snapping at lunch. He said (via text): "NBD. It's kinda what I do. NBD: No Big Deal." I marveled at his understanding.

On Thursday. Today, I reflect on our anniversary. Finally. I remember the excitement, the calmness, the anticipation, the change-of-plans-honeymoon chaos of our wedding day. I whirl through the past 10 months and stand amazed.

There is nothing better than marriage with Ben. The more time goes by, the more thankful I am.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Holiday-Handmade Decorations.

Can I be honest? I don't have a lot of money. As we travel on the Dave Ramsey road, I'm quickly learning it is a road less traveled. And, for good reason, too! It is challenging! In the end, I know it will be worth it, but today, today presents a different scenario.
 
I'm dreaming of Christmas. Mainly Christmas decorations. This will be my first time to decorate an entire house by myself. (of course, Ben will be helping, too...but you know) I'm so excited about this! Although, my plans for the glitz and glamor and lack of my holiday decor collection have all tumbled to one conclusion: I have no money.
 
Image Source
 
 
So, I'm doing what anyone would do. I'm declaring that this year, in my home, that the Holiday Decorating theme will be: Handmade Decor! The ideas are accumulating, but the goal is to keep my expenses at a minimum. (LORD, protect my wallet!) I'm up for the challenge, but I know I need to make a list of my needs so that I keep handmade (I.e., don't spend anything!!!!).
 
Here are my ideas, let me know if I should add or take away anything...or if you have some whimsical-fun ideas to put my home in the holiday spirit!
 
Ornaments: We need them, badly. So, I've got material and the ability to sew. I also know how to crochet. Here we go. Additional expense: Felt, ribbon. (Should be no more than $5)
 
Decor: I'm thinking: Paper-chain countdown (is there anything better? Really?), these cool trees, fun wreath; Additional Expenses: (depending on my stock) paper, foam cones, wreath, pins, felt (should be no more than $8-10).
 
Tree: We are hoping to get a live tree, but I would love to have smaller (artificial) one, too. That might be outside of my budget, but I can dream, RIGHT?!?!?!
 
What we already have: Nativity scene, snow globe (thank you, grandmom! (Ninny)), decorations from last year.
 
My money count for decorations falls between $13-15. I think that is reasonable. I'm excited to tackle this. Be on the look out for more ideas!!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Pumpkin

You all know how much I love pumpkins. A couple of posts back, I indirectly equated fall with pumpkins. I can help it. I love pumpkins. (Did I mention the pumpkin pancakes we had this morning for Saturday breakfast?!?!?)

So, last night, I came across these directions and decided I had to follow them. Pronto! Here is my finished creation:

I love this so much, I'm going to make another one so it will have a friend! 

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Dave Ramsey

A couple of weeks ago, my dad sent Ben and to the local Dave Ramsey event. We were excited. We knew that Dave would help us figure out how to better handle our money.

And, that he did.

Before we went, Ben and I had kept a spreadsheet of all of our expenses for two months. THAT was such an eye-opening experience! Especially, in the first month, when we spent $400 in eating out!

We had determined that whatever Dave Ramsey said, we would do. Which is what happened. We spent an afternoon gleaning from Dave Ramsey's wisdom. And, then we went home and began to implement his methods. We've been on the Dave Ramsey system for 2 weeks. Already, we are learning how to better communicate about money. We are saving money and we are becoming less stressed out.

It feels good. Thanks, Dad.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

A Year Later

Isn't amazing how much can happen in a year?

A year ago, I was planning my wedding, going to pre-marital counseling, and living with my boss's family. A year later, I'm cherishing the moments Ben doesn't have to work, enjoying my puppy, and establishing bold plans for the future. Life is good. I thought it would be fun to take a stroll down memory lane, all pictures thanks to Tupelo Photography. Sam is one girl who knows how to use a camera!




Monday, October 11, 2010

Dream Chasing.

I'm being brave. Bold. Eager.

I'm chasing after my dreams. I'm nervous. Scared. Afraid. Of who? what? simply:  the words that haven't been spoken, the criticism that isn't even here. Yet.

But, I'm moving forward. Faster than ever. I can't tell you what it is yet, but I can tell you, it will be grand.

Have you chased your dreams?

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Welcome October

I love October. Mostly because - even though September introduces Fall - October feels like Fall.

To celebrate Fall/October's recent arrival, I have done the following:

1. Enjoyed Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks and Caribou Coffee. The vote is still out on who has the BEST!

Image found on Google


2. Bought Milo a jacket. HELLO! It is getting COLD HERE!

3. Benjamin bought pumpkins to munch on.



4. Pulled out and proudly wore my Fleece-lined Toms Shoes. Never mind the fact that the high was 82 degrees today. A girl has got to be prepared. Yaknowwhattamean?



5. Failed at making Pumpkin Scones (can you tell I think Fall equals consuming pumpkin flavored items?)