Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Finding Out We Are Pregnant!


It's funny, I remember that morning taking my prenatal vitamin like I had for what felt like forever {doctor advised it when I told her we were wanting to start trying over a year ago}, & I thought briefly to myself, "Why am I even taking this?"  That day at school I felt off & irritable & tired & I decided to take a pregnancy test when I got home.  But, I didn't have high hopes.  I had taken one a few days before & nothing, so I was pretty much certain it was a fluke.  In fact, when you have PCOS & your period is already late 9 times out of 10, you can find yourself taking a lot of pregnancy tests.  For some in the past I had been really hopeful, but this one not so much.  In fact, I dipped the pee stick, laid it on top of its wrapper on the counter, & jumped in the shower, not even bothering to look at the thing until I got out.  I did not think I was pregnant.  Of all the countless tests I had taken since our marriage began none felt less likely to be positive than this one - but I guess deep down I had enough smidgen of hope to check & see.  What's impossible for God, right?  Imagine my surprise when I got out & gazed down at the test.  Wait... Is that a faint line?!  I honestly remember saying out loud, something to the effect of, "That's not supposed to be there!" a couple times over before kneeling, praying, thanking, laughing, crying, praising, dizzy reeling from all the emotions & the wondering is this really real?

Day I Found Out: October 8, 2019
Day I Told Dan: I think it was after midnight, so technically October 9, 2019
Day We Saw Our Baby for the 1st Time: November 6, 2019
Due Date: June 18, 2020
God is Good: ALL the time

Monday, December 16, 2019

We Are Expecting!


Can you believe it?!  This is a shock, &, first & foremost, a praise.  More deets coming soon!

Sunday, November 24, 2019

My Favorite {2 Ingredient!} Pumpkin Muffins

Easy recipes are pretty much the only recipes I do.  And this one is definitely that with only 2 ingredients!  I've made this tasty {& pretty healthy} fall treat with both chocolate cake mix & spice cake mix, & it's yummy either way!  If you like more chocolate-y flavors, than I suggest trying a chocolate or devil's food cake mix.  However, this go around I'm using a spice cake mix.  I found the pumpkin flavors come through even more when you use this mix as opposed to a chocolate one.


Here's what you need: a spice cake mix {or chocolate if you like} + a 15 oz. can of pure pumpkin {note: NOT pumpkin pie filling}.  That's legitimately it.


Preheat the oven to 325° F.  Add muffin liners to your muffin tin or simply spray your bare muffin tin well with a non-stick baking spray.  Add the cake mix powder & the pure canned pumpkin together in a large bowl & stir well {until you don't see any more cake mix powder}.  Scoop the mixture into your muffin tin & bake for about 20 minutes.  Insert a toothpick into the middle of some of your muffins to see if it comes out clean - if it does they should be done!


I hope you enjoy these easy-peasy pumpkin muffins with your family this season!

P.S.: The pumpkin makes them so moist!    

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

33 Realizations from this 33 Year Old


Today's the day - my birthday.  33 years on this planet & here's a few things I know...
  
1. God sees you.
2. He loves you more than you can fathom.
3. He is sovereign & has good in store for us.
4. He really does know best.
5. His timing really is perfect.
6. Drink more water.  It is good for you, calorie free, & practically free.
7. Exercise is worth it in so many ways.
8. Start your day with prayer + keep it going alll day.
9. Sometimes you just might need to watch a Disney movie.
10. Eat more fiber.
11. Eat more fruits + veggies.
12. Comparison will always be an option in this world, but so is the ability to say no to it.
13. Worry truly gets you nothing good + wastes your precious time.
14. Don't forget all the prayers He's answered + all the things you have now that used to fill your prayer life.
15. Practice gratitude in word + deed.
16. Read your Bible for yourself - never take what others preach as gospel until you compare it to His Word.
17. Figure out your gifts + talents {everybody has 'em}, then use 'em for the Lord.
18. Always tithe what you've been blessed to earn.
19. Laugh lots.
20. If it's possible for you, get a good night's sleep as often as you can.
21. Don't let the opportunities to speak kind, life-giving words to others slip by.
22. Say "I love you" often to the people you love.
23. Act out "I love you" often to the people you love.
24. Don't take people + things + circumstances for granted - life is short & not too much is guaranteed.
25. Try to make every day special.
26. Sometimes you need to eat dessert first.
27. Nature is free therapy - go get out in God's creation.
28. Learn to laugh at yourself + don't sweat the small stuff.
29. With Jesus you truly are forgiven + free - live like that.
30. You are never alone.
31. Thrift stores can be unexpected treasure troves.
32. Put your phone down more - you'll find real life is out there happening & you could actually be a part of it!
33. True beauty doesn't wash off or fade & is more valuable than the superficial stuff.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Transitioning Into Fall Fashion

The in between of summer & fall can be tricky in the style department, especially if you live in a place where the temperatures say heat wave long into the autumn months.  That's me right now in Georgia for sure!  Here's a few tips to start dressing for fall without sweating it up!


Tip 1: Fall Colors in Warm Weather Styles

There are certain colors that just feel fallish.  Some of my current faves are shades of rusty burnt oranges, rich gem toned plums & dark teals, mustards, navys, and deep coral-y scarlets.

1. // 2. // 3.

My jumpsuit is from A New Day via Goodwill for $2.99!


Tip 2: Plaid in Warm Weather Styles

In my opinion, nothing says classic fall like plaid.  However, a tartan-esque sweater dress may not be on the bill right now.  Thankfully, if you dig a little you can find loads of pretty autumn perfect plaid in more summery styles.

1. // 2. // 3.

My top is Ann Taylor Loft via Clothes Mentor.


Tip 3: "Open" Style Boots

These are what I mean by "open" boots.  Yes, they've got cutouts, bare heels, peep toes, & the like - all for allowing some extra breeze & air flow perfect for transitioning into the season.

1. // 2. // 3. // 4.

P.S.: Here's a link to my Pinterest style board - it's not all fall fashion, but a lot of my recent pins are!

Monday, September 23, 2019

Decorating for Fall {Ideas & Inspo to Make Your Place Cozy + Fallish}


Ever since my 1st little solo apartment back in the day I've loved decorating for every season + every holiday.  It's just part of my DNA, I guess.  Fall, which just happens to be my most favorite season, is definitely no exception.
If I could sum up fall in just one word it would be cozy.  There's a crispness you can feel as the weather turns hints of chilly.  Bonfires, hayrides, corn mazes, and all manner of get-togethers bring us closer to one another & keep our spirits toasty warm.  Soft worn flannels, chunky knit sweaters, & sleek leather boots make their comeback to our closet space.  Coziness in every sense of the word seems to reign supreme!
I want my home to be like that - a haven of cozy - year round, but none more so as when September rolls around bringing with it sweet ole' autumn &, riding on its coattails, the promise of winter & Christmas & merry anything & everything.

Here are just a few ideas that I use to make my home cozy + ready for fall!  I hope you find some inspiration for your place, too!


This blanket ladder from Dan is one of my all time favorite birthday gifts from him {even if I did pick it out & he just paid the tab}!  We got it at a local artisan/antique market for around $30, & while it's not old in the least, I love the extra wide rungs and wood stain {& the price was pretty darn good, too}.  Fall is the perfect time to pull out your blankets + keep them handy - whether in an over-sized basket, casually draped over a couch, or on a blanket ladder like this one.


Twinkle lights always amp up the cozy factor in my opinion.  These are from Target's Dollar Spot several years ago, but they always seem to have a current version or two each season around the $3 price point; so be sure to check your local store. 




You can flip this little metal sign from Target's Hearth & Hand by Magnolia collection to say either "Let's Stay In" or "Let's Go Out."  I'm channeling my inner Joanna Gaines & thinking she would say be a homebody.  This is the perfect time of year to stay in your fixer-upper + be cozy!  A trio of vintage Nancy Drew mysteries fit nicely between the legs of our lamp just waiting to be read some spooky evening.  The little faux black pumpkin was a super easy upcycle with a bit of matte black craft paint + chalk.


You'll spy quite a few of these small felted pumpkins/gourds scattered about my place this autumn!  I snagged them at Target's Dollar Spot earlier in the month.  They were only a dollar a piece!  Faux or real, pumpkins are always a good idea!



While our apartment doesn't boast a mantelpiece, I've tried to work around that a bit by adding a couple floating shelves next to our wall mounted TV.  These are one of my favorite places to decorate each season.  The gold leaf {on the wall}, blue glass bottle, & rattan keepsake box are all thrifted {though I know the 1st 2 items originally came from Target}.  The velvety pumpkin is from Walmart a year or 2 ago & the sprig of faux wheat was $1 from this year's Target Dollar Spot!


I saw this quote floating around the Internet a couple years ago & turned it into a Word document + printed it out.  It's super simple, but it's one of my favorite things to bring out each fall - sometimes it ends up in a frame, sometimes it just finds a place on a miniature easel, or gets hung up with a bit of washi tape.


I made this glowing-eyed black cat last year {read more on that here}, as well as the bunting.




While this isn't strictly a fall thing {I have it up year round with different knickknacks}, this bamboo steamer I turned into a mini shelf adds a bit of texture to a wall space, which in turn adds coziness.  I love to hang unexpected things on walls.  I have several bamboo steamer shelves, art hung from wooden pant hangers, woven art wall hangings, a little feathery white owl on a perch, & some antique-looking keys to name a few.


I keep it pretty minimal in the kitchen - the extent of it being a pair of white ceramic squirrels {again from Target's Dollar Spot a few years ago}, black & white striped straws in a jar by our coffee/drink station, + my chalkboard sign I update every season {or whenever I feel the whim}.  Never underestimate the power of smell when making your home autumn ready!  Whether it's a scented candle, a plug-in, a spray, whatever - just make it something you love that makes you feel in the fall spirit.
I don't know if you're like me in this, but it takes awhile for me to be completely "finished" decorating for a new season {if I even ever get there}.  It will likely morph & change as the holidays differ & the days get deeper into the heart of my most favorite season {&, let's be honest, I go shopping or thrifting again or DIY something new}, but I've got a start that I'm happy with {or can change pretty easily if I change my mind}.  This cozy making decor stuff is definitely an ongoing process!  Give yourself grace, sister.  Ain't none of us down here in the business of perfection & some things in our homes are beyond our mortal control.  Love what you got + make it your own.  A big budget is not necessary for coziness, my friend - & I just may be the most frugal of all.

What are some tips + tricks you use to make your place cozy & ready for fall?

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Our Wedding Video



This September marks 3 years of love for me & my husband Dan.  In some ways it feels longer & in some ways it seems like just yesterday.  I thought I'd share our little wedding video for you today.  No, I didn't splurge on a fancy videographer or even photographer for our day, but I think the sweet little shaky blurry film captured by family turned into the perfect memory for us.  Oh, & keep an eye out for my favorite part at the beginning, where God sends a butterfly our way! {We saw quite a few that day actually.}



Happy anniversary, Dan!  You are my love forever!

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

My Favorite Fall Decor Finds {Under $15!}

2. Bullseye's Playground felt pumpkins - $1 each in store or 
$8 for a pack of 8 online

5. Better Homes & Gardens reversible pillow - $12.87 {this pillow has more of a plaid look on one side & a buffalo check/gingham look on the other}
6. Mainstays small open lantern - $6.86 {this comes in a medium size that's only a dollar more}

Have you found any amazing fall decor deals this season?  Leave me a comment below!  I'd love to hear from you!

Friday, August 30, 2019

Autumn Bucket List // 2019



☑ Meander through a corn maze. // 10/27 {Rock Ranch}

☑ Visit a pumpkin patch. // 10/5

☑ Decorate the house for the season. // 9/19 {pretty much all of September off & on again}

☑ Take a scenic drive to see the fall colors.

☐ Go hiking &/or camping.

☑ Dress up on October 31st. // 10/31 {We were Yoshi {me} + Mario {Dan}.}

☑ Make our birthdays special. {My husband & I both have fall b-days.}

☑ Bake something pumpkin-y. // 11/23 {Click here for the easy 2 ingredient recipe!}

☑ Go to a fall festival/fair. // 10/31 {we volunteered at our church's fall festival}

☑ Shop some fall yard sales. // 9/28/19 {+ several other dates}

☐ Light a fall scented candle.

☑ Go star gazing. // 9/21/19

☑ Make crock pot soup. // 11/2 {vegetable chicken noodle}

☑ Build a blanket fort, add some twinkle lights, put in a movie, cuddle up, & have a date-night-in.  // 9/6/19

☑ Go out for a donut date & try their seasonal treats. {I'm thinking apple cider & pumpkin flavors!}  // 9/8/19 + 9/30/19

☑ Put a fall wreath/sign on the front door. // 11/23 {better late than never}

 DIY some fall decor. // 11/3 {We went to a free watercolor pumpkin class at our public library!}

☐ Continue our tradition of making a "thankfulness tree." {Click here to see just how easy it is!}

☐ Try my hand at making candles.

☐ Take some fall photos.

☑ Go for a walk & collect some colorful fallen leaves.

☑ Have friends/family over. // 11/23

☐ Watch some nostalgic Charlie Brown specials.

☑ Browse through an antique store or two. // 9/28/19

☐ Add some Mellowcreme pumpkins as a festive touch to fall desserts. {I know they are so sugary, but I just love 'em!}

☐ Enjoy the {slightly where I am} cooler temps & eat outside.

What's on your autumn bucket list?

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Our 1 Year Bucket List // 2019

So I typically put this up early in the new year, but that just didn't happen this time around.  I'm giving myself some grace & sharing it now.  Yes, I know it's almost Labor Day! 
{Insert all the little sheepish faces here, my dear.}


Laura & Dan's Big Adventure: 2019

☐ Find new ways to serve Christ together.

☑ Become debt free!!!

☐ Go camping in the great outdoors together.

☐ Prayerfully try to start our family.

☐ Lose weight & eat healthier.

☐ Make fun travel memories together.


Thursday, August 15, 2019

Our Debt Story // Update Vol. 2: We Are Debt Free!!!


First, I've gotta say, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"

Second, I'm gonna link some previous posts I've shared about our money story:

Honestly, I can't believe it!  We are officially debt free as of August 8, 2019!  You know, it kinda scares me - I don't know if I'm afraid that we'll fall back into it {which we promised each other we would never add any new debt (other than a house) into our marriage} or it's just the devil trying to steal my joy, but I got to get myself in check here.  We are debt free & it is all thanks to our gracious Lord providing & I should be dancing on the rooftops over it.  We have worked so hard {4 yard sales in less than 3 years, working jobs that have been downright hard, & choosing to say "no" to many things}, & even though my tough perfectionist mentality always said inwardly {& often outwardly} we could always be doing more, we are surprised we got here as fast as we did.  Praise God!!!

We used the debt snowball method {you can find more about that in the 1st link above}, & the small little old snowball that just wasn't much at all at first kept rolling & picking up more snow & growing... sometimes fast & downhill & other times slow & uphill.  Working together as a couple over it has strengthened us & showed us in a very tangible way how we are stronger together.  What Dan felt was years & years from reach on his own, we were able to accomplish in about a month before we celebrate our 3 year wedding anniversary this September.

To those of you still on the debt free journey, keep on keeping on.  By the grace of God, you can make it!  Dan & I are living proof.

Let me know in the comments if you have any money / debt related questions.  We'd love to hear from you!   

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

It Wasn't Supposed to Be This Way


It wasn’t supposed to be this way… those words have been coming up like Coca-Cola bubbles & fizz for way too long now.  I hated to admit what I had said I didn’t have from the get-go, I actually had in spades – expectations.  They were there & real & alive & triggering that statement over & over again like a broken record: It wasn’t supposed to be this way.  Yet it was, & it is, & it is causing much hurt to my heart, ‘cause this is real where fairy tales end & the rubber meets the road, & sometimes Cinderella’s glass slipper shatters or is just left on the stairs completely without a prince to even give a care she’s running around with one shoe &, oh yeah, her grand coach is turning into an overripe pumpkin.  But this is life, & I’m trying desperately to make it beautiful & to see the beauty in it, but sometimes it is like grasping at fairy stories that never seem to make it in our reality.  This life does not go happily ever after, but as believers & followers of Jesus Christ, our ending does, & it is a hope & promise to cling to in times like these when It wasn’t supposed to be this way is on our tongue, because truth be told, it wasn’t supposed to be this way, but humanity messed it up all those thousands of years ago in the most beautiful garden ever known, but you know that story, don’t you?  I pray you know the story of Jesus, too, because His story changes everything & brings the beauty {in spades}, & makes it wasn’t supposed to be this way a phrase of unmerited mercy, grace, & love to us all through the gift of Jesus Christ.

I penned this in my journal over a year ago, & I'm still feeling these words, but I cling to the hope that I have a good heavenly Father who has good things in store, & I know the story ends in happily ever after for His children.

P.S.: Sorry I have been so very absent from the blog for so long.  Stay posted as I try to get back to it!  Thanks for being here!

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Of Summer Things & 'The Now'

Summer is almost here & I'm writing down all the things I want to do & counting down days.  It's that time of year in teacherdom where it seems all at once so close & so far.  It's only 12 more days!  How can I possibly survive for 12 more days?  Yep, that pretty much sums it up.

More than ever, besides all the bucket-y list items of go to the library, eat a snow cone, and clean out the closets, I want to be present in the now & enjoying what I've got this summer {& beyond}.  Oh yes, how easy it is to always be waiting on the next best & brightest - the new adventure your hoping/praying will be just around the bend... But what about the now?!  The minutes & seconds & moments that are precious & real & spinning past & being neglected &, yes, even wished away {hence my school countdown}.  I find it a fine line indeed between the now & the hope of the better in the not-now.  It's tricky, but I don't want to miss the now amid all the pressing thoughts of When we get a house... When we get pregnant... When we get out of debt...  When Jesus returns... 😇  Because one day, my sisters, He will & there will be no more waiting around for anything, & we will give an account for all our days.  Thank You, Jesus, that You are faithful even when I am not.

Let's make our moments count.

Oh, yes... & in the end loving Him is all that counts.

Saturday, March 23, 2019

The Things My Kids Say...


Me to a kid who just came out of the bathroom: "Why is there soap all over your face?"
Kid with total earnestness: "'Cause I wanted to look like Santa Claus."

Kid: "My mom wears diapers.  She likes to pretend she's a baby."

Kid patting my belly: "You've got a baby in your tummy."
Me in total honesty: "Um, no, I don't."

one particular Kid on the regular: "I'm gonna be good tomorrow."
Me internally: "Why not now???"

Kid with mucho anger towards me: "You should go to jail!"
same Kid same day: "I love you!!!"

Kid playing with plastic tweezers: "My grandma uses these on her chin!"

Kid at car dismissal time: "Did you tell *Jamal's parents to give him a whooping?"
Me totally lying: "Yes, I told them to give him two."
Kid hugging me like a beaming parent: "I'm so proud of you!"
*name changed to protect the innocent, cough-cough guilty

Friday, March 1, 2019

Burned Out Teacher Truths


It is such a sad feeling really & it at once works me up so bad I can feel the blood boil, that this is the reality for too many teachers in too many public schools in this country.  That this is the state of education here in this century...


This little blog of mine has been pretty neglected lately.  The life of a teacher is a busy/crazy one, & I'm finding more & more, at least in public education, it's just not what it used to be.  With standardized tests, pressures from the county trickling down to administration & then pouring onto educators, micro-managing bosses, uninvolved parents, people making the big decisions who haven't been in the classroom for years - or perhaps ever, "politics" for want of a better word, & those who pick teachers apart during observations & evaluations...  This just isn't what I want anymore.  The demands to be superheros or, at least, someone who has very little home/social life or sanity left or both is crazy.  I think I would have been happy back in the one room school house days or even education 50 years ago.  Today, it is a politicized mess with way too many pressures & demands on those who should be  making the "big bucks" in our society.  If you find yourself at a struggling school, like I have the majority of my career & am in now, that's on some district list of under performing schools, just teetering on the edge of a state takeover, where the kids come in each day with so much baggage of pain, violence, neglect, & poverty... then you know the pressure, the demands, the crazy, the hurt of just wanting to teach the kids of love, and life, and the sweet stuff of meeting them where they are and making them fall in love with the very act of learning, giving them a safe place to be fed body, soul, & mind.  But, instead, you know you face the mandates, the "best practices" flavors-of-the-month, intervention curriculum, & constant push to up the scores - because isn't that what it's all about?  For me - for this teacher - it is not, & so I think my farewell to public education is long overdue, for I have beat my head against this wall long enough.  I've already made it known to my school I will not be signing next year's contract.  It is at once freeing & unnerving, as I don't know what God has in store next, but I know He goes with me, & where He goes I hope to always follow.  Three months to go & counting...

Thursday, January 31, 2019

10 Photos that Shaped My Year // 2018

Find a photo from the year's greatest adventure - big or small.


We traveled to Williamsburg, VA + D.C. in November during my birthday week!

Find a photo of a significant moment.


I staged this photo last year {with the Clearblue ovulation tests I'd been using} for a blog post about things to do before you're expecting.  The next month I found out for the first time that I had PCOS {polycystic ovarian syndrome}.  We don't say this flippantly or as a cliche, but we still have hope & trust in Christ about all our hopes & dreams.

What photo makes you feel most alive?


There's nothing like those salty waves!  In February we took our 1st weekend getaway to the beach!

Pick your favorite photo of you & the people you love.


On this day in 2018 we turned 2 years married!

Search for a photo of a morning you want to remember.


It was January 17, 2018 when I woke up to the first epic snow day I've ever experienced way down here in Georgia.

Find a photo that represents joy.


Happiness is a swing set just waiting for you!

Locate a photo of the people who shaped your year.


This guy + me + Jesus {& ice cream}.

Find a photo of you trying something new.


I applied for a pre-k teacher position on a whim in late July & surprisingly got it!  Having taught mostly the upper elementary grades before this, pre-k has definitely been a learning process + major adjustment.  It wears me out on the regular, but my kids {for the most part} are sweet!

Identify an image of something you are proud of.


In September we participated in a relationship building {super fun} competition held annually in our city called "The Amazing Marriage Chase."  While we didn't win, we successfully found & completed all the challenges before the allotted time - & our backsides landed in the paper!  That's us in the front far left.

What is a photo you'll want to pass down to future generations?


'Cause love.

View last years' 10 here!