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?)