Lifestyle

Baby Spring

Thank you so much to Minted for sponsoring this post and creating beautiful cards. All opinions are 100% my own! It’s all a little surreal. No words can fully encompass what it feels like to find out something you’ve prayed for is coming true right before your eyes. When we ordered Christmas cards last year, I joked that maybe the following year we would have three people in the picture or have an announcement to make. Secretly and also not so secretly, I was really hoping that would be the case.

When Eric and I talked about having kids, we had no idea what this journey would look like. It was no secret that we wanted a family, but weren’t sure which road we would travel to get there. I wish I could understand the path God takes some couples on but I can’t. We know several couples who have had drastically different stories, all beautiful in their own way. We have friends who got pregnant instantly, some who waited years upon years to hear the exciting news that they were expecting, and others who looked into other options. We were prepared for a timeline we couldn’t write or plan because deep down, we knew that’s just not how it works. When we decided that we would try after our trip to Italy, fear was without a doubt an emotion that creeped into my mind. But we were really trying to trust His plan above all else.

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

It was a Wednesday night, and Eric was extremely antsy to find out if we were, in fact, pregnant. I, on the other hand, wasn’t quite ready. I had this fear that taking another test would give the same result it had before, informing us we’d have to try again next month. Eric repeatedly kept telling me he had a feeling and really wanted to find out that night. 

I could tell Eric was so excited, and it was too sweet to resist. I put all fear aside and said we should go buy a test. We have a favorite ice cream stop in town that was about to close for the season. I suggested swinging by there one last time though before we bought a test. As we strolled through town, we talked about how this could be our last walk without knowing what could possibly change our lives forever. We were reminiscing about how much has changed in the last two years of being married and how we can’t wait to see what lies ahead.

1 Samuel 1:27: “I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.”

Shortly after we got home, Eric was completely right. We found out we were pregnant! We experienced so many emotions but above all else, we were overjoyed and thankful. So, so thankful.Just like time does, it flies and our secret was slowly shared with others. The holidays were rolling around and we tossed ideas back and forth about how we wanted to remember this time. Remember the joke I made about Christmas cards last year? Here we are, a year later, and sure enough, (and thanks to Minted) the package arrived with our Christmas card announcing we would be a family of three! Three. Three of us in one picture (little to most people’s knowledge) and a surprise on the back. We have prayed and prayed for this time in our lives to come and it was here.

It took me about two hours to find the perfect card because I loved so many options Minted provided. Keeping this surprise a secret was no easy task. I felt one big sigh of relief that some of the best news we have ever received will be shared with those near and far. The options were endless when I was customizing our card, which made it fun to truly add our own personal touch to such a meaningful announcement wrapped up into some holiday spirit.

Considering sleep is my best friend these days, the free addressing for all of the cards was the best! The  customization didn’t just stop with just the cards either! The envelopes, stamps, and foil features to add a little sparkle (if that’s your sort of thing) were all available and easy to plug in! Minted made it so easy that I’ve already started dreaming up what next years card might look like with a babe in our arms. Shortly after the new year, we’ll be able to find out if the babe we’ll be holding is a boy or girl and I’m taking votes now! The holiday season has definitely been a little warmer, brighter, and our hearts sure as ever are getting fuller by the day! Happy Holidays everyone!

Want, Need, Read, Wear: 2017

Want:Eric (and his 6’7″ self) has been wanting a new bed for several months now. He loves researching, so I told him to go for it. After weeks of looking up all different mattresses and reading a ton of reviews, we decided on the Leesa Mattress. We ordered the California King size (hence 6′ 7″) which adds not just width in the mattress but length. Thank Jesus! 

I also looooove that it comes with a 100 night risk-free trial, free shipping and returns, and a 10 year warranty. One of my favorite parts above all else? One mattress is donated for
every ten sold!

In the process, we ordered this frame, and these sheets.

Use this link: http://refer.leesa.com/jQ8Vp for $125 off any Leesa mattress

Need:

I’m using the word, “need” pretty loosely here but on the other hand, my skin is extremely sensitive. I use all of these products every single day. My skin is very dry and lost without these. Click on any of the links above to buy these products! 

Read:

All of these books are my favorite to gift or read for yourself! I highly recommend all of them! Click on any of the links above or below to read more about them!

 

Wear:

Here’s a random assortment of things I wear often and absolutely love! Most of these I have listed before because they hold tried and true. 🙂

Make sure you check back tomorrow to see our Christmas card! 🙂

Friday Favorites

Yesterday was so much fun and today is one of my favorite Fridays of the entire year! It’s relaxing and calm. 🙂

For today, I thought I would show you 10 of my favorites to buy for yourself or others (They all make great gifts)! What way to kick off the season than getting something for free?! Make sure you check out the giveaway at the bottom! It will last one week and the winner will be announced December 4th, 2017.

Happy Friday everyone and I pray you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! 1. KitchenAid Mixer 2. Supersoft Robe 3. Antique Candle Works 4. Hunter Boots 5. Tarte Lip Paint 6. Kendra Scott Earrings 7. Eye Shadow 8. Faux Tan Face Color 9. Crew Socks 10. Galvanized Tray 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can check out all of her recipe cards, here!

November 2017

whatsupwed1WUWquestions edit

What we’re eating this week:My Egg and Sausage Quiche…and my Thanksgiving Side Dish!

What I’m reminiscing about:Almost exactly four years ago, Eric asked me to be his girlfriend. 🙂 

What I’m loving:

My Holiday candles. This candle is 10% off right now too! 🙂 

What we’ve been up to:

Sleeping. A lot. I had a cold and was down for the count for a few days last week. Thank goodness I’m feeling better each day as turkey day arrives!

What I’m dreading:

It has been cold and it’s only going to keep getting colder. Ugh.

What I’m working on:

Re-doing our guest room. 🙂 I’ll share more soon!

What I’m excited about:

THANKSGIVING FOOD!

What I’m watching/reading:I’m so excited to watch the Macy’s Day Parade!

I’m still reading my Bible Study from last month and appreciating it in so many different ways. 🙂 

What I’m listening to:

This song is just too good!

What I’m wearing:

I wanted a boot with a smaller heel, and after two friends recommended these boots, I ordered them. AND I LOVE THEM!

What I’m doing this weekend:We’ll be spending some time at my in-laws, relaxing, and then headed home to get our tree! 🙂 

What I’m looking forward to next month:

To show you our Christmas card! Also, everything Christmas related. 🙂 

What am I not looking forward to next month?

What else is new:

Not much is new and I’m a-okay with that!

What’s Up Wednesday recaps:

October 2017

September 2017

August 2017

July 2017

June 2017

May 2017

April 2017

March 2017

February 2017

January 2017

Friday Favorites

How is Thanksgiving next week already?! How? I am SO excited for some down time with friends and family. But first, I’m sharing some of my very favorites from this week!

One.

Urban Southern was on Fox News and I am SO proud of them! I love their roots, company, and products. They are just great all around! 🙂

Two.On a whim, I went to a local shop and bought a metal planter/bin the other week (similar to this one). But, I wasn’t sure what I would use it for or where I would put it.

As I was driving home, a local florist was giving away some flowers and plants because they were moving to a new location. My point is, that this bin and random plant makes a little space where I have some Christmas decorations. I love it and know I will use it through all different seasons. 🙂 Plus, the price (which is similar to what I paid)!

Three.

Um..we have a half day of school tomorrow and time to work on report cards. All the teachers will understand how that is definitely a necessary favorite!

Four.I just love these mugs. They are a favorite. 🙂

Five.My Winter Greens Salad is one of my FAVORITES!

I hope everyone has a great Friday and weekend! xo