seasons

come and go. We are IN my favorite season, we are OUT of a rough season, and I'm looking forward to all the WONDERFUL things that are coming up!

Thank goodness there's the ability to change or i would go mad! I still don't always deal too well with changes around me but when you go through a rough patch, you can see change as a blessing!

I'm thankful...

100!

Happy 100 post to me! :) 

Here's some recent projects I've done, that I love! Most are inspired from Pintrest and others from blogs! I like to still add my own touches, so there's a uniqueness to them still :)

My own idea. My bridal bouquet...I will ALWAYS cherish this!

I got this idea from Daisy girl! My idea is to mark the places as we go! I just need to find a frame big enough now to hold it....

And lastly, I saw this idea on andersonfamilycrew! Loved it and now I'm obsessed with wanting to make it for every one I know! :)

Thank goodness for wonderful DYI projects! I love making my home, homey-er :)

More than I could imagine....

...things have changed LOADS! I can't even totally grasp everything! I have a new job, I'm able to breathe easier, I feel refreshed after a jaunt around California, I'm starting to commune with God again (that's been hard for a while...) and I am reminded that I am indeed, loved!

I'm thankful I've kept this "journal" of sorts, for me to realize all the change and be able to look back on it! I will post about our trip in a few days! Glad there's no pressure here!!!!!

 * I saw this on my Mom's fb....sorry, I don't know the source!

All good things must come to an end...

The streak ended this week...my hubs and I were apart for the FIRST TIME since being married! We made it a whole year with out spending the night apart! Now, don't get me wrong, we're not totally attached at the hip, we have gone out with friends or done other things with out each other, just always came home to each other! We love each other so much and just have adored having this time together!

Of course on our first time apart though, there would be an earthquake! I don't get too freaked out, as long as someone is with me! But being alone....are you serious?! I had to call my mum....she lives in another state...but gracefully she calmed me down and let me cry on the phone for a bit.

This time has really put into prospective the love I have for my hubs. The things I value about him. The little things I pick on that are super meaningless :) How much I relay on HIM (like having someone to sit next to in church :) ) I love what he brings to my life. I love that this time has also been a reminder that, I need to relay on the Lord more than MK...but that's hard, cause MK seems so much more tangible some times....

I love my MK and so glad he's almost coming home!!!!!

Thankful

Last night I was reminded of how VERY thankful for our amazing small group I am! I had a nagging headache all day and really didn't feel like going....

The truth is, I was tired of sharing what I feel like, is another douse of "bad news".....(I really did have a headache too!) BUT, they listened to MK and me, they prayed for us, and assured us that they love us, care for us, and aren't turning into "those friends" who do nothing but complain and tell sob stories!

I'm trying so hard to believe in God's grace and sufficiency, I'm trying so hard to actually believe their is a purpose for all these things we've been going through....

I'm trying to believe.

Time of my life!

Family Vaca was SO fun! I will hold all the dear memories in my heart, for a long time! I'm still blown away that we got to go! Now, back to real life.....

Here's a little photo love!

not much...

I'm just gonna say, I'm truly thankful and ready for vacation! It's been another tough one folks....

Here's to lots of hugs, laughs, pictures, and memories!

Family 9 and...MY FAVORITE!

So of course, I would not be complete with out "My Michael"! He's kind of the reason I breathe....he makes life full and fun. He points me to Jesus. He is, MY LOVE! 

He's totally the "hot one" in our duo!

I love my Michael because:

He honors the Lord with his life.

He loves me sooo much....never had that with a man!

He was my first kiss, first boyfriend, and ONLY husband :)

He has a fun-loving nature!

He is so wise and thoughtful

His character surpasses most men I know

He is willing to go on "adventures" with me!

He is so great with kids and it makes my heart melt :)

He get along with pretty much everyone

He is like my mom, which works well for us

He's supportive

He's gentel

He's understanding

He puts up with my high emotional self

He hugs me...A LOT!

He's my one true love!

MK, my life truly wouldn't be the same with out you! You bring joy to my life! I love you with everything I am. Thanking you for choosing me!

Family 8

Our "little" Ry! Don't think he was deprived or anything just cause he's the youngest...he's loved lots, he turned out to be the tallest, and we've all adored him since day 1!

I love Ry because:

He was never a nerd...honestly, with 5 older siblings, the guy skipped from "cute little boy" to cool...not fair!

He kinda has the gift at being good at just about everything...

He, again like all the rest, is super smart...barely has to try!

He is kinda a cuddler...he likes to be close.

He has a very mature love for our Lord.

He acts wisely.

He can be so silly.

He has character

He lights up a stage

He loves a girl respectfully

Ry, I some times feel like I missed out on so much of your life and now, you're gone again....why do we have to love so much that it hurts to be apart?! I think you're a pretty awesome "kid". Hold on, you can make it, just keep breathing and pursuing! I love you bro!

Family 7

Um not gonna lie, he's kinda my favorite...most of the time! I love all my sibs in unique ways and they are all special to me BUT I guess being the first one to hold him in this world, makes me kinda partial ;) 

My Randy bandy! I love him because:

He's always willing to give me hugs...no matter what stage of life he's in!

He has such a kind and soft heart...seriously, some girl is gonna be WAY lucky some day!

He has the funniest wit and humor

He struggled for a bit but still clung to Jesus...he loves Him.

His intellect is pretty stiller!

He has the best freckles

He is steady

He takes on responsibility

His laugh makes me laugh every.time.

He'll swim in the ocean in just about every season :)

I love that you'll always be my buddy. I love that you went with mom and dad to support them. I love that you talk on the phone with me. I love you brother!

Family 6

So...I didn't forget about you Rach, busy day!

I love Rachie because:

When I think vibrant, I think her!

She articulates things well

She's a problem solver

She knows how to apply herself really well!

She loves the Lord

She can make a whole room laugh...A gift I tell ya!

She is the hott one (in my opinion!)

She has a smile you can see from across the room (and the only girl in our fam with a dimple!)

She has always been "cool"

She knows how to have fun

I'm thankful that life is long and therefore allows our relationship to change and grow! I'm thankful you'll be in the area a bit longer! Love you!

Family 5

Next up is my sister-in-law!

I love Jess because:

She's kinda been in our family since she was 12

She's creative

She likes to plan (which my planner heart loves!)

She is one of those people with many talents: piano, singing, photography...to name a few

She married my brother...that deserves an award :)

She loves Jesus and totally willing to serve him!

She brings a quiet presence to our LOUD fam

She's really smart! No! Really! (she even finished college early because of this fact!)

She can be really deep and talk about all kinds of subjects BUT still knows how to have fun and have those silly "girl talk" kind of chats!

Her humor comes out in the most unexpected time and she's usually right on!

She has passion that only the ones really close to her, get to see

I love you Jess and glad you fit so well in our fam!

Family 4

Brother is next! He kinda feels like an "older brother" sometimes, even though he's 4 years younger than me...I remember wishing for an older brother when I was young...it took awhile for me to learn that was impossible.

I love my brother Ronnie because:

He knows a lot about Jesus

He's so funny...honestly, one of the sharpest guys I know, with great whit!

He was always willing to "pick me up" (preparing for the day my future hubs would...which, I'm happy to say, mk can indeed, "pick me up") (you don't have to fully understand this one, but the ole' fam will!)

He loves his wife in a way that makes others jealous

He serves well and with confidence

He likes to travel and learn

He brings on the "big brother"when necessary

The best "dino" you'll ever meet

He remembers to,"seek first the kingdom of God"

He always knows how to keep a crowd (which is our fam) entertained!

I love you so much bro,bro!

Family 3

I got some (gentle) heat from this one for taking the weekend off...but hey, I was busy! So, here's the anticipated post on.....MY BIG SIS!

I love my sis Robyn because:

She's a good advice giver

She excels in most things she puts her mind to

She doesn't give up easily (especially on jobs...the girl worked a part time job for 2 years because she just couldn't find anything else and now she has a job she LOVES!)

She's always been one of my best friends

She really does put Christ first (something I often fail at!)

When I think of her, I think she really does fall under the "cute girl" category (She's available ;0)

She's accomplished so much in her life!

She loves missions and she's living that out!

She has a heart for people

She's a giver...to the nth degree

I LOVE YOU SISTER!

Family 2

Next up...the one we all strive to be like! MUM!

 she's the one I go to (besides my hubs now) for almost everything! She's who you wanna be folks!

I love my Mum because:

I don't know that I've ever seen her put herself first

She's been through TONS (job losses, cancer, arthritis, caring for 2 moms, raising 6 kids, the list goes on...)

She's funny

She gives the BESTEST hugs!!!!!

She wakes up in the middle of the night, whenever you need her, at any age.

She pretty much always knows what's best

She gets me...thats hard...

She truly is a Provb. 31 wife

She is the best mum, no really, need advice? Ask her!

She handles pretty much every situation with grace, humor, and calm

She goes with the flow

I pretty much married my Mum....they say girls marry a guy like their Dad, well, it's been proven over and over, I married my Mum. She has this positiveness about her that I wish I could attain. She is one of my best friends. I miss her every day now that she lives on the other side of the country. I'm pretty sure I could write on and on about her for days...but that wouldn't be fair to the rest of my fam :)

I love you Mum!

Family 1

I've been struggling a bit lately (if that wasn't already obvious...) so I thought I would try and lighten up a bit and tell you why I love my family so much! Since I have such a HUGE family, I thought I could share about each of them!

First up, the head of the clan!

I love my Dad because;

He strives to be the best he can be

He has always put the Lord first AND my mum second

He is a great storyteller

He gives good hugs

He is pretty smart

He is super good with kids (grandbabies?!)

He is such a hard worker...seriously, the jobs this guy has had!

He cares about people

He tells some funny jokes

AND

He never gives up on me....even though sometimes through the years, it made for some pretty tough times between us, he has always been able to see more in me than I can see in myself!

Love you Dad!

You know...

I feel like I'm drowning a bit....I'm overwhelmed with all this life "stuff"! I'm ready to have a little more smooth sailing if only for a month or so..... We have ridden a lot of tough waves since being married. I'm kinda not surprised that the "check engine" light is now on, on my car...kinda was the last thing running smoothly...yup, I'm complaining full force right now!

My sis sent me this, hopefully I can allow the words to speak to my soul....

Year two...

.Well, the K's are full force into year 2....

Let's recap year 1: Gram moves to heaven, parents and brother move to N. Carolina, sister moves to N. Cali.....Adjusting to marriage and living together. New job for me. New church. New life....

Year 2. Brother and sis-in-law find out they're moving to another country, and here's the kicker....MK's company is sold and we are now looking for a job for him.

Most days I think and feel like "how can I go on?!" "why God?" "how come "everyone" else life goes as planned?!"...i must stay focused though that, God has given us eachother, a place to live, food to eat, family who loves and cares about us and new possibilities!

"Trusting God" Is some times so much easier said than done for me BUT I'm indeed trying to Trust God in this. MK is taking this ok....he knows and see's God as our ultimate provider. And even though as part of His role as head of our house is to provide (and he is such a GOOD provider!) I know as well, that God will provide. Perhaps God sees fit that we are able to undertake (yet again) such a huge change. But man, can I just say? I could sure use a breather...I'm too emotional of a person for all this in one year....

Could I just ask for your prayers?! As we search and seek after God. As we continue to grow as husband and wife in yet another "adventure" And that through it all, may we keep an attitude that reflects Christ and honors Him!

Here's to many more "adventures" as hubby and wifey!

weekend...

was not the best as my hubs at a fever for most of it....made me realize how much I appreciate how he's usually a strong and healthy guy! This was the first time since we've been married, that he actually stayed home from work sick and let me give him medicine! I love him so much and it hurt me to see him in such pain :(

I laid awake for a while last night, trying to sort through a lot of thoughts...it hurt :) I just want to find a better niche than what I'm in right now...

I love summer days but so miss being a "kid" and how that meant you actually had a break :)

Well, here's to a new week!

Anniversary 2

Because we were gone last week, I didn't get to fully gush about our Anniversary :) So I thought I would do so a bit this week!

From our second date:

One of my favorite's from our wedding day:

I'm thankful for the lessons we've learned, for the times we've had to lean so much on each other that if the other wasn't there, we'd fall over...for the gift of being Mk's wife!

Anniversary

I feel like we could all pretty much agree that pinterest has some pretty great idea's but...this has got to be one of my favorites! 

*

*credit given with link

Almost 1yr!

It's hard to believe that this time last year, I was "touring" around with these guys...

Showing them a bit of So Cal. before our big day! I love that I've been a wife to Mk for (almost) a year! I love that my last name changed. I love being married!

Thank you God :)

The is a test...

No really! 

Do you ever really, truly, feel like you're being tested?! I wish I didn't have to be all sketch with the details, but I must at this time....I TOTALLY feel like I'm being tested.

I'm trying to have a new take on this and try to realize "why" God might be allowing this....Memo to safe, grab a notebook for this!

"This is only a test".....

PS. just over a week and my beloved and I will have been married a year!

Oh the memories

And, I love my family with all my heart! It was such a wonderful week! I can't believe everyone is back to their lives and busy as usual. 

I can't express enough how much YOU need to NOT take for grated the blessing of family! You never know what could separate you; jobs, death, distance, family growing,etc. So cherish the amazing and wonderful time you have with family.

I'm not gonna lie, it wasn't all peachy keen the whole time...organizing 11 people and making sure everyone is good, is hard stuff. Especially after spending a little bit of time a part BUT we got there in the end!

Thanks fam for a wonderful time!

A new prayer...

My Mk and I are praying and thinking through some new things in our life and marriage. My heart feels full.

The weekend brought much to our plate and joy to our hearts.

This just might be a preview of what's to come ;) Listen and maybe you'll understand?! 

Song of goodness

Weeks!

I love weeks that go by because they're good...not because you're too busy or not present enough to enjoy life or take a breathe. 

This week was good; catching up with a GREAT friend, spending time cooking good things, seeing my little sis and eating sushi, (as always) spending time with my love, AND, booking tickets to go spend time with MY family!!!!!!!!

Good...that's this week....

Before/After

I like diy with the best of them! I finally got around to finish these pallet shelves after my dear sweet man drove around with them in the bed of his truck for about 4 months (or more?!) and then graciously cut them for me! I forgot to take an original "before" shot, so this one will have to do!

So exciting!

You know how a few weeks ago I helped a friend (Whit) out with a photoshoot she did with megan? (post) Well...the photoshoot is featured on Style me pretty today! It's an exciting thing for all of us! My Etsy shop is mentioned so that's well, you guessed it, EXCITING! Happy days :) Head on over and leave some love.

*All photos taken by Megan Hartley Photography

Happy to Announce...

that Rosie as a button can now be found at: The Pantry! How exciting is that?! Thanks Eva for this great opportunity! Now, go shop! :)

My birthdy adventure!

Because it rained pretty much all day on my actual birthday, this past saturday we celebrated with my birthday adventure! Now, mk did a great job with my birthday presents but he knows how I adore adventures, so that was part of the gifts as well :)

We had a nice lie in, got ready, stopped at starbucks for my free drink and then, headed to L.A.

We've decided that there are gems in L.A. as long as you don't mind the craziness that you run into...i.e. man riding a bike wearing a bra, short skirt, and OBVIOUSLY no boxers, man yelling at you to "repent" while you're in line for food, being cut off...CONSTANTLY!

Here's our adventure: L.A. farmers market, the Griffith observatory, pink's hot dogs.