from 2012 to 2013

Things I've learned in 2012:
1) prejudice is taught, not something we are born with. 
I see this everyday in our classroom. Students loving on other students who are so different from them. It reminds me that love is still greater than hate and that if you teach someone to love BEFORE you teach them to hate, you see the most genuine and beautiful acts of kindness you have ever seen.
2) actions speak LOUDER than words. 
I strive to only say the things I will live out.  And I don't always achieve this goal, but I have learned the importance of this truth this year.
3) marriage is a complete blessing with lots of GRACE sprinkled in.
As 2 imperfect human beings, we screw up, we miscommunicate and we hurt each others' feelings.  Its bound to happen.  But I also have this incredible friend that I get to share life with.  There are so many moments of love and laughter that keep my heart full.  God knew best and I'm glad He did.
4) people are more important than situations. 
No matter what.


Things I want to accomplish in 2013:
1) I want to sell at a craft fair- an actual BIG TIME craft fair and I want to create a shop with an identity that evolves in a healthy way
2) exercise more -not in the way of losing a whole bunch of weight and going on some crazy diet, but more of a way of living. I want to be intentional in riding my bike on pretty days and walking Max and making an effort to go to the gym more than twice a week.
3) cook more/eat healthier -I want to try new recipes and eat healthier foods without wasting
4) keep a gratitude jar -I'd like to make note of things I'm grateful for on a regular basis, perhaps through this blog or a jar.  There's so much to be thankful for.
5) grow in my walk with Christ -always.

small things

I try to make mental notes of all the small things. Those things that may slip by without recognition.  The thing is though I don't want to forget them.  And perhaps, writing this blog post is an effort to remember.  Standing side by side washing dishes, christmas music playing, laughing, that's what I want to remember.  There are moments when your heart feels so full and this was one of them.

It was a long day. Needless to say, my nose would not cooperate and neither would our students.  Home was a welcome place where I sipped hot tea.  Where I watched you and Max play outside and then you climb in a tree and bark at him.  He was so confused and I was laughing.

There are so many things I let slip by.  I didn't want today to go unnoticed.

What small things are you grateful for?

Craft hutch makeover

Before and after pictures

Im pretty pleased and it was a fun project. Then my husband hung my map up! I seriously want to hang out in the craft/laundry room all the time now..it looks so cool in there!

In other news, we got a puppy named max! He is the cutest!

married life

wow.  i haven't posted since we got engaged. & now we are MARRIED.  God is so good.  marriage is such a blessing and also a reminder of how selfish i can be at times. when i think about the past two years and how God orchestrated all of this, i cannot help but smile.  initially, shea and i were not attracted to each other nor did we have any interest in dating.  after a summer of working together, late nights at sonic, renovating a space for our sunday school class, God somehow intertwined our hearts. i can't even tell you when exactly it happened or how for that matter.  all i know is that when we first agreed to work at the church that summer, we were adamantly against dating each other. but i'm glad God had other plans and that He chose us for each other.  i'm not really for being sappy, especially on a blog, but i truly have a wonderful husband (even if we've only been married 2 weeks).


 There are so many things that I admire and love about Shea.
One is his drive and motivation to be a hard worker and do a great job at whatever task is at hand.  I find myself caring more about the quality of work I am doing because I see the value Shea places on his work.
Shea loves Jesus and people.  So much.
Shea is one of the most intelligent people I know.
I am always learning something when I am with him.

Shea wants what is best for me and I can see that in how he talks to me, cares for me, and protects me. 

Shea empowers me with God's word and reminds me of the Truth when I'm feeling discouraged.
I love being silly with Shea.
I love how he always makes me laugh.

I love how God is using this marriage to refine me and remind me of His goodness daily. I cannot thank him enough for the gifts He has given me, His son, my Savior and Shea for a husband.