Thanksgiving | Christmas

This year was not only our first time hosting Thanksgiving, but it was also our first Thanksgiving in our new house! It was so sweet to have my family drive all this way to stay with us, and heck, we even knocked out our family Christmas while we were all together! ;)

I could write a huge list of all the things I’m thankful for, but I think that might take a while. I’ll just be short, and share the few most important things that warm my heart:

1. The beautiful gift of Salvation that Jesus Christ so lovingly has provided for not only me, but for anyone willing to die to him/herself and live new through Him.

2. My husband. He is a solid rock, an encourager, a light, and a leader. I could not live a day without him and his constant love for me… though sometimes I’m sure I make him a little crazy!

3. My family. My parents are Godly, sacrificing, and loving beyond measure- and I can’t imagine who else would laugh as hard with me at funny animal pictures other than my mom! My siblings are beautiful, silly, and always make me feel like a child again when we giggle together over things like “toots” ;) Gotta love their young humor!! My in-law family is so fun, uplifting, and always there when we need them- I’m SO blessed to say that I LOVE my in-laws!

4. All the needs and wants God has provided for. We always have food in our bellies, a roof over our heads, and clothes on our bodies. We have more than we need, and can’t count the ways we’ve been provided for.

Our Thanksgiving

 

 

Take after big sis with her little camera ;)

 

I made a smoked cheddar & green onion cheese ball! SO delicious!!!

 

This is what the after effects of a good meal look like :)

Steal of a Craigslist Find

I am currently addicted to Craigslisting… I love finding a good deal- something that needs a little tender love and care, but can be fixed up into a stunner!

My most recent discovery:

A gorgeous, (p)leather tufted armchair and matching ottoman. It just needs a little dusting and cleaning. We thought it was newer because of what good condition it is in. When we got there, the lady was telling us it belonged to her grandmother, and was at least 50 years old. She remembered it being in the sitting room, and that the kids weren’t really allowed to play on grandma’s “pretty” chair. How cool is that?! It’s super solid, and the frame has ZERO issues. Neither of us could believe it is actually older than 5years! These chairs go for roughly $500 brand new, and we got this for $120. I’m pretty pleased!

Do you have an AWESOME second-hand find? I want to see pictures!

The only thing “wrong” with it is the legs are scratched up a bit… But all they need is some careful sanding and staining and they will be as good as new :)

 

Do you have an AWESOME second-hand find? I want to see pictures!

Feeling Convicted...

Lately, as the sun comes out and I want to open all the windows and enjoy the sunshine, I've been feeling convicted. When I open the windows and let in the light, I see DUST! Everywhere! I start to look around, and that's when I notice all the little things out of place. There are piles of junk mail on the table, empty wrappers on the coffee table, old drinking  glasses scattered throughout the house... Not to mention the laundry that has somehow taken over our bedroom again (I just spent a good 4hrs cleaning our bedroom about 3wks ago!). Don't get me wrong, I vaccuum on a regular basis and keep things clean... It's just that I've let go of the "a place for everything, and everything in its place" idea.


I get so frazzled sometimes. How does this happen?! How do I let it get like this time, and time again??

I grew up with an exceptionally clean mom- and very organized too! We had schedules for our chores and if they weren't done up to the set standard, we did them again. She'd say "It's my job as mom to prepare you for when you're a wife and homemaker." I'm so glad my mom raised me this way, and I so greatly appreciate her attention to detail! But it seemed like as I got older, my bedroom was always a disaster. There is something about a "lived-in" space that I find kind of comforting! I don't have to worry if I sit on the bed and mess the covers up, because, it's already messy! I think having a super tidy mom made my pendulum swing too far the opposite way. It's easy to let that happen in life, but finding balance is so very important.

Now as I'm sitting in my living room surrounded by mess, I've realized that- yes, I'm saying it- MOM WAS RIGHT. I hated doing the chores and more often than not, I ended up doing them more than once. But she was preparing me. She was preparing me for adulthood, for responsibility, for taking care of a home and husband- and eventually children! My husband works so that we can live comfortably, and I should at the very least be able to keep a clean home for him to live in. I think of it as a respect thing :)

I'm feeling convicted to have more respect for my husband by doing my part, to show better stewardship of the precious things God has blessed me with, and to strive to be a Proverbs 31 hardworking woman (I still don't think I'll be rising with the sun, however).

How do you all do in this area? Any tips on staying organized or motivated? Please share!

Easter in Photos

 

Love my wonderful new family! What did you all do for Easter?