tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7515383259943483252024-02-19T03:21:47.677-06:00my something new with youcalliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-70159952093147498992013-11-25T07:01:00.000-06:002013-11-25T07:01:38.108-06:00Paul Fredrick Holiday Travel Tips!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends! I am looking down at my desk calendar and I cannot believe the Holidays are finally here! It's so crazy how it <i>sneaks up on you</i> isn't it!? Are you ready?! Wait, am I? I don't know about you, but I always have a habit of planning at the very last minute when it comes to getting prepared for the holidays, it's a habit I desperately need to kick! </div>
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Lucky for me and you, <a href="http://www.paulfredrick.com/">Paul Fredrick</a>, a fine attire of Men's clothing including an array of suits, dress shirts, pants, sweaters, you name it for the <b>sharp dressed men</b> in our lives contacted me with some helpful hints on being prepared for the upcoming Holidays, <i>travel-wise!</i> While our family only "travels" down a few country roads to our Thanksgiving/Christmas destination, we do have family who usually travel a good ways to get to us! I can just imagine the panic of staring down into my suitcase without one thought of where to start when it comes to packing things just so.. and neatly at that! <a href="http://www.paulfredrick.com/">Paul Fredrick</a> wants to share with us their helpful travel tips today, I hope you will make your way to their blog page <a href="http://blog.paulfredrick.com/">HERE</a> to get the inside scoop, I know I sure don't want to miss out on some great advise!</div>
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<a href="http://www.paulfredrick.com/">Paul Fredrick</a> also wanted me to share some of my Holiday travel tips, but since we aren't the traveling kind of folks, I decided to prepare a list of Holiday tips for being prepared here at home, I may leave a few out and if I do share them with me please I just may need it! So here are my Holiday Tips guys!</div>
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1. <b>Don't Stress. </b>Easy for me to say right? Holidays have to be <b>the absolute most stressful times of the year</b>, even worse since the idea of Black Friday came along! I hate to ruin the holiday mood simmering in the jolly pot, but Holidays are very much different than a few years back that I can remember. They are glammed up to such extremes these days the sole desires of our hearts are in these material things we think we must possess/give to make the Holidays just perfect for example:</div>
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Although the Ham and Turkey are indeed pretty important pieces to serve on the dinner table, if we don't get to it first in line you can bet we are going to have a holiday throw down at the local grocery store! At least that's how it pretty much rolls down here in the South. Not only that, it's important for us to have the best looking Christmas Tree fashioned with yards of ribbon, tinsel for days, the best of the best gifts nestled beautifully underneath it's whimsical branches lite to the max- all the while <b>we</b> <b>forget </b>just what/who the Holidays are all about don't we?</div>
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I know it's hard guys, I can just see myself scrapping the shelf for that one last pack of frozen pie shells for that genius Pinterest inspired dessert I will most likely wait until the last minute to "whoop up" but don't forget the importance of that special time we <b>need </b>to spend with our families, friends, spouses, co-workers. <i>Holidays bring instant joy, share that happiness with your folks, show them that they are the reason Holidays are joyful!</i></div>
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2. <b>Write It Down. </b>Another thing that can add stress I can imagine, is knowing exactly what will go down on the very day of our Holiday exstravaganzas! <u>Do these sound familiar:</u> Who all is coming to Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinner? Do I even have a head count? Someone has a baby that will need a high chair, am I right? Oh, I know what main course foods I generally cook, but what was that dessert I made last year that was the highlight of the sweets?? Did you think to write it down on paper? It's a good idea if you haven't friends! Not only will it help you to logically prepare for all your Holiday must haves, but making lists and making notes are great ways to keep a record for the next Thanksgiving/Christmas to come. Just a thought.</div>
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3. <b>Enjoy</b>. Notice what word resounds at the end of the word En<b>joy. Joy. </b><i>Make that word echo loudly in your hearts this Holiday Season.</i> Don't worry about getting everything done, when all else fails, if the turkey comes out blackened, a koolaid faced kid ramshacks your dessert table, Lord forbid you got punched in the snout for snatching up the last can of cranberry slices, the company of family and friends are generally always there and if they aren't there are people out there who will make you at home to their traditions and such. Also, make it a point in your day to <b>Give</b>. Give love, give hope to those people we see who have nothing but the skin on their backs most importantly, give with ALL your heart, that's how it counts!</div>
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I want to thank <a href="http://www.paulfredrick.com/">Paul Fredrick</a> for contacting me and allowing me to share their wonderful Holiday Travel Tips to you guys! I love sharing great ideas, so when opportunities like Paul Fredrick come along, it's a given that I must share with my readers! I do hope you will make your way down Paul Fredrick's lane, they just may have that hint you haven't thought of so far for your travels! Not to mention, they may just have that perfect suit or tie for Holiday party/get together you and your husband will be attending! So go ahead, check them out, you won't be sorry!</div>
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Have A Safe and Lovely Thanksgiving Guys!</div>
<br />calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-33517087059561779392013-11-11T09:11:00.000-06:002013-11-11T09:11:51.017-06:00Eucharisteo.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Oh, I just adore Sundays. I look forward to them so much, I find rest in these day marks, I find so much rest in Jesus.</i></div>
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November blooms have been the sweetest yet. I have picked so many pickin's for my little medicine bottle flower vases and such that I have ran all out of prettys and have began asking my MIL for her November blooms, honest. I just can't get enough of this season, this season that I have escaped into bittersweet simplicity. The Lord is teaching me the meaning of true Eucharisteo: the greek word to mean, <b><i>he gives thanks</i>.</b><br />
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I will admit I gained this new food for thought from my newest page turner, Ann Voskamp's <b>One Thousand Gifts</b>. It seeps conviction right into your soul with every page turned, her stories, the pain and scenario's that she bore, the questions she begged for reasoning from God.. they come right at home for me. I read through her stories so far and can't help but compare them to pains my loved ones have suffered as well in a sense, instances when I myself sought after God's reasonings in my everyday strif goings of life, and I am inspired as she is to write down my one thousand gifts from God down with pen and paper. The good and the bad, the happy and the sad, the complicatedness and the simpleness of this world and I am again reminded that darkness comes before light and good always prevails against evil. </div>
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I am reminded that when I give thanks for even the microscopic, I make a place for God to <b>grow</b> within me.</div>
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<b>Grow</b> within me.</div>
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I never put into perspective all this time of thinking I knew God so well, that my very saving is associated with the gratitude I express to Him on a daily basis. And I just want to thump the side of my head for overthinking or should I say not thinking at all about the big picture?</div>
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Looking back, it's expressed numerous times in the bible of giving thanks, so why now am I coming to realization of this new word: Eucharisteo? It's because I underestimated His love for me, there I said it.</div>
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Our God is a just God, but He is also a very loving God and boy am I feeling His grace enfolding me nowadays. I am learning so much about that tongue winding word, the divine purpose behind giving thanks and I love to write down my Eucharisteo's everyday. I seek in finding my gifts whether it be #63. Tea stained boilers or #89. Warm greasy popcorn on fingertips or #94. Grandma B's giddyness, when I run out of new found gifts I sit and wait on more to come to mind, to heart. It's a beautiful thing naming and acknowledging to our maker the wonderful things/people that He brings to our lives on an every day basis. It takes the stinch out of the pains of this world and gives the mind something to give glory to rather than give grief or anger.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixExCuSHuK7qNnOhAG3Qy2lxBTMU7u-1uOVhGrZZI8TUVkVtXpY6c_FLfRnvJlWBZ3-NecaYGrp7wZRziP0pCi33EPgZ9cOjIjHGxsgpQwDHzUpZmJgcyIUTklWT3sgt8gikNWrIXvyRFN/s1600/photofrewbg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixExCuSHuK7qNnOhAG3Qy2lxBTMU7u-1uOVhGrZZI8TUVkVtXpY6c_FLfRnvJlWBZ3-NecaYGrp7wZRziP0pCi33EPgZ9cOjIjHGxsgpQwDHzUpZmJgcyIUTklWT3sgt8gikNWrIXvyRFN/s640/photofrewbg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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If you are struggling or dealing with some issues going on in your life, I encourage you to find refuge in this book. I promise, you will find peace and comfort, you will be able to more fully point out your blessings more than your problems after reading just a couple of chapters. Take out a pen and paper, and write down your gifts may they be big or small, even if your unsure if they are even a gift, I can bet they are.</div>
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<b>I am thankful for the gift of this beautiful Monday and the heart of our veterans, what gifts can you give name to today?</b></div>
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calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-35480796117323053112013-11-01T08:51:00.001-05:002013-11-01T08:51:09.394-05:00Joy Filled Home.<div style="text-align: justify;">
I LOVE the month of November. It's filled with so much thankfulness, colors, traditions, family and love. Not to mention it's one of the most cozy-est months of the year! If you haven't already, I encourage you to join in on this months Instagram picture challenge brought to us by Nicole from <a href="http://www.bloomtheblog.com/">Bloom</a> and Michaela from <a href="http://www.michaelanoelledesigns.com/">MichaelanoelleDesigns</a>. Every day we will post photos from our home each day expressing our thankfulness of this and that, I just know the Lord is going to bring so much conviction to our hearts about the blessings we overlook in our home on a daily basis. </div>
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This morning, I posted this picture of my "favorite room" in our home. I can't verbally express what this room means to me. All I can do is list simple words that describe it: Love, Comfort, Jesus, Haven, Relaxation.</div>
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It is the place where we step out of our shoes into each others arms on the sofa each night after a long day at work apart, it is a man movie with popcorn while I enjoy a nap in my husbands lap before bedtime, it is where I do my journaling, drift away from reality to Coldplay, bible study with God, and where friends and family gather when they visit.</div>
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I love this room and the love that flows from it, the instant sigh of awe when we open the blinds to let the sunshine in on Sunday afternoons after church is so humbling. For us, it is home.</div>
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So.. do your heart a favor and jump in on this challenge! You can find more information <a href="http://www.bloomtheblog.com/2013/10/joy-filled-home.html">HERE</a> and don't forget to use the hashtag #joyfilledhomechallenge to all of your photos! </div>
calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-15754041556376402013-10-21T20:10:00.001-05:002013-10-21T20:10:44.691-05:00Our 2nd Fall?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Oh my goodness, where has the time gone? I am literally scratching my head looking back from our <strike>last</strike> first fall together and it seems like it was just a day ago! Bittersweet memories, take a walk down newlywed lane to our first fall season together <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-married-life-our-first-october.html">HERE</a> and our first halloween <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-newly-weeen.html">HERE</a>.. I can't imagine any other fall comparing to that first one but oh how sweet this one has been so far. <i>I think like wine, the seasons will just get sweeter and sweeter in time</i>. I like to look back to those first seasons though, even while they were not so long ago. It's only been a year since we felt the sweet coolness of the change in weather together, but just as the leaves have changed yet again, so have our lives. Our home is changing every day it seems, our love for each other is stronger than ever and grows deeper every day that passes, we're building memories and preparing ourselves for the God willing seasons to come. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKqqaaQXewLdhk7ST_z4Umshed4kwvD0jgqzLerk4DHokNd98oIj6jDxT-S3J28Pg5JxQBxNxwX5djG527wB2GBFy3INkibkTFo1gp2olwe3EvEbSwN-zI58bi03R36qOQTfnqGCcGYqv/s1600/PicMonkey+Collagefa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKqqaaQXewLdhk7ST_z4Umshed4kwvD0jgqzLerk4DHokNd98oIj6jDxT-S3J28Pg5JxQBxNxwX5djG527wB2GBFy3INkibkTFo1gp2olwe3EvEbSwN-zI58bi03R36qOQTfnqGCcGYqv/s640/PicMonkey+Collagefa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After digging through some things in the attic, my mother in law remembered that she had a box full of fall decorations with my name on it! Talk about getting into the spirit of fall, this girl was on top of it after discovering leaves and tinsel galore! I was on a high, and I may or may not have gone a little overboard with the decorations, but the buzz I received from all the put up plastic goodies gave off such a homey feeling that I just had to keep going! So then I baked autumn cookies and whipped up a cup of hazelnut coffee. Fall was yet again at the smithies, no doubt.</div>
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I think I will like a child, have a fit when I have to take all of this cuteness down, but at the same time... I also found a couple of yummy looking christmas boxes in the attic that I'm sure I will fill their spots with as quick as I take them down! </div>
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So how did I do thrifty pin sisters?</div>
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And how are you celebrating fall?!</div>
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calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-52634048730276625182013-10-06T16:48:00.002-05:002013-10-06T16:51:49.192-05:00It's Just A Season.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Seems it has been almost well over a month since my last post, and that I'm not proud of, but life has been eh kind of sideways here lately. We have been in a season. You know what I'm talking about, we are all in seasons. Seasons of prosperity, seasons of loss, seasons of mixed emotions and so for.. but the good thing is, it is just a season. God is good and He always turns the table for good reachings. We have been dealing with some <i>things</i> here at home that have made us become on edge of our surroundings but we aren't going to let those <i>things </i>shake the happiness of our home we have built. Life isn't always pretty and that's a fact, it's just all part of it.</div>
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I wish I could unleash all of our daily doings/accomplishments unto this one very post because friends we have also been in a season of busyness! Life has been somewhat a blur here lately, the weekdays are awfully draining at times and the weekends seem to disappear as quick as a vapor. And not to mention I haven't slowed my travels down enough to get in a good write or two. The good Lord has been nudging me to write these days down and I just kept putting it off and placing other wants and needs before my heart.</div>
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So after a year of being married, I finally sat down and made our very first photo album for starts. It needed to be done. I couldn't imagine being married five years down the road let alone two with the first thought of starting a photo album. After finding that we had well over 400 pictures from JUST our first year of marriage, I was overwhelmed to say the least. I was stunned, but I was even more enlightened.</div>
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Words can do the heart good, but pictures are worth a thousand more over. Filling the pages of our 420 page album in order was not only physically exhausting, it was so so humbling to my heart. Seeing our lives transform in so many ways, seeing our home change through the pages, was so dawning for me.We started off sitting on an old futon cushion for a couch living on the fresh scent of marriage and now our home is so FULL.</div>
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Life is dawning if we see it in that same sense too. And home here lately has been made new a definition of it's soleness. Home isn't the door I walk past and enter going and coming, it isn't the windows that lend my eyes sight to what is outside of these walls, nor is it the walls that give us comfort from the rain and heat of the day. Home is my husband. A door would only be a door, the walls of my surroundings would only be walls and the windows would only be eye sores without him. If his arms spouted out shutters I would happily nestle myself under his cover because he is all I need in this world second to the good Lord above.</div>
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I'm not sure where life will take us, I'm not even sure the ground our feet are planted in is permanet, I do know our love is right where it needs to be though. God is so good.</div>
<br />calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-58254460150176482722013-09-08T20:49:00.004-05:002013-09-08T20:49:41.102-05:00Ramblings: Oh Clever Title<div style="text-align: justify;">
This weekend has been jam packed with so much fun, I know the only time you guys hear from this ol gal anymore is after my weekend ramblings, but I'm trying to sneak back into the blogosphere little by little. I do love this little space of mine <i>but it takes a little living to make a little writing </i>so life does indeed come before blogging. </div>
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For starts, we celebrated my MIL's 52nd birthday! She may pinch me after stating her age to you all, but believe me she <b>ROCKS</b> 52 <b><i>beautifully</i></b>! She is such a blessing to me, I never could have imagined I would have such a sweet caring mother in law, <i>a gem she is</i>, and has treated me like a daughter from day 1 with my relationship with Garrett and I look to her as a second mother in so many ways. We treated her to a birthday dinner and a cake in her honor, it was great, she loved it all.</div>
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With nothing but sunshine in the weekend forecast, it was time to finally get that back porch repainted! I have been so ready to get our little casa groomed for FALL, <i>again oh my goodness</i>! Where has the time gone already!? It's hard to believe it will be a year soon since we celebrated our first fall together, I love reminisicing over this post <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-married-life-our-first-october.html">HERE</a>. We were just two little newlys just starting out then even though it wasn't very long ago at all. So much has changed since that sweet first season together. We repainted the door along with a few other rooms, we have filled our home with many things that have come along the way that express both of us just perfectly, we've celebrated birthdays and holidays, <i>but most importantly we have grown so much since then</i><b>,</b> <b><i>and every day since June 16th has been such a blessing</i>. </b></div>
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Mila stayed up until two o'clock in the morning watching me make my first fall wreath along with watching a little episode of Ghost Adventures while the husby retreated to playing his new drag racing game on my Iphone. He is addicted, <b>but I must say he is pretty cute after a win</b>, you would think he was really racing! I usually don't even try to conquer Pinterest projects because they usually have way too many What You Will Need's to them, but this was simple. Bath towels, a few buttons, a wreath, and killa hot glue gun skills, all of which I had! It turned out surprisingly good! </div>
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I finally got to put my birthday present into use my dear MIL and Husby made for me! I love putting my love for flowers into a pot of dirt and cannot wait to watch my little babies grow!</div>
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It is well with my soul, I can't deny it.</div>
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Life has been so kind and I hope it has for you as well!</div>
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<br />calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-4818582921499632992013-08-25T22:02:00.002-05:002013-08-25T22:06:38.952-05:00A DIY Project: Picnic In A Suitcase Wedding Gift<div style="text-align: justify;">
While I'm not usually the most craftiest gal around the block, marriage has somewhat made me jump on the "hey I can do that!" band wagon a few times here and there. I found this little project while googling <b>suitcase projects </b>in hope of finding something clever to do with a couple of old two dollar thrift finds I had found. To my surprise, <b>I found/created two</b>: one being a kitty bed for Mila and the other, a sweet wedding gift for a dear friend of mine who is going to be getting married to her best friend in October! I had to wait until I actually gave it to her of course, before I could share my <b>How To's:</b> with you guys so that I wouldn't let the cat out the bag <i>or should I say suitcase</i>? I was going to initially wait until her shower to give it to her, but since my sister in law was so sweet to take her engagement pictures today, I thought, why wait!? They were able to use it in their engagement pictures which seemed like the perfect idea! I had so much fun making this little project that I had to share! I hope you enjoy making it as much as this girl did! Feel free to Pin this little project to your pin boards by clicking the yellow pinterest hover symbol on each picture!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Picnic In A Suitcase Wedding Gift</span></b></div>
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Most of the articles for this projects were bought from a craft store, Hobby Lobby being my choice, you can find yours at any craft store I am sure! Get creative because there are so many fun ways to make this project your very own! **Notice that my picnic silverware is <u>all plastic</u>, (cups, plates, bowls, forks etc..) they will keep alot better than glass silverware in a suitcase being handled around/stored away until the perfect picnic day. You can find most of these items at your local dollar store for a little of nothing!**</div>
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So Here's What You Will Need:</div>
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- <b>An Old Suitcase</b></div>
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(You can find these for a little of nothing at thrift stores, </div>
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although my grandma was sweet enough to give this one to me.)</div>
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- <b>Spray Paint</b> </div>
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(Tape up the parts of your suitcase you don't want spray painted and </div>
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give her a new look! It's amazing what a little color can do!)</div>
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- <b>1 Yard Of Fabric Your Choice</b></div>
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(You will want to rip out the original lining of your suitcase before you start getting all Martha Stewart here. <b>Beware of the smell of yester years, trust me it will get better</b>. I modpodged the fabric onto the inner/sides of the suitcase first, and then used a heavy duty staple gun to make everything nice and pretty around the edges. If your not used to using such equipment, you may be a little sore afterwards, words for the wise yet wimpy.)</div>
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-<b>Mod Podge</b></div>
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( I had always heard about this stuff but never knew how awesome it was until now! It has to be the crafters dream dope in a bottle! If you need something stuck real good, this stuff sticks better than fresh boogers, no kidding!</div>
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- <b>Staple Gun</b></div>
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(There is absolutely no sewing to be done in this little do it yourselfer! Not for me anyhow! I used</div>
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this heavy doer mostly for attaching things like the fabric neatly around the edges of the suitcase and velcro-ed ribbon attachments for holding the plates, cups, and other things.)</div>
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-<b>Velcro Tabs</b></div>
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(I wanted her to be able to put these items back with ease so I immediately thought of Velcro! I stapled each tab to the back and front of the ribbon and the back of the suitcase if needed.)</div>
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<b>-Ribbon Of Your Choice</b></div>
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<b>-Plastic Silverware/Dishes</b></div>
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( Like I said, it's best to go plastic on this project. I found all of my items from my local dollar store.) You will need plates, two cups, straws, forks, spoons, bowls etc.. get creative, I'm sure I missed something you have thought of!)</div>
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- <b>Fun Stuff</b></div>
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( This part is limitless to the things you can find! I not only wanted to incorporate just silverware for eating, rather I wanted to make it fun so I added things like the pair of pinwheels, confetti for decor, a burlap rose to maybe place in a vase as a center piece for such a romantic setting, and a letter to place on the front of the suitcase representing the couples soon to be last name.)</div>
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This has to be my favorite project I have ever made yet, and what made it even more fun was that I was able to give it to someone to enjoy! It is such a cute, fun and unique project that I know a sweet southern couple (like my friend) will love and have as a keepsake! </div>
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calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-26068329194120461132013-08-10T19:03:00.004-05:002013-08-10T19:15:26.727-05:00Weekend Ramblings.<div style="text-align: justify;">
This weekend has been such a busy one, to start off we thought <u>long and hard</u> on our decision to get Mila, <i>our beloved furbaby as you know if you are a devoted follower of ours</i>, declawed. Many people are strongly against such a thought and we did not necessarily want to go that route, but our furniture suffered so badly from her constant clawing that we had to do something, the glue on rubber tips just weren't doing the trick.</div>
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So call us inhumane if you must, but she is doing very well to have just had surgery. I was very worried about her recovery from it but when I let her out of her pet carrier when we first got home with her, she headed straight for her food bowl and has been trying her best to do everything she usually does on a daily basis, though I do have to correct her when she tries to jump up and down things around the house and she talks back, well meows back as a child would who just got told no. She is going to heal very quickly it seems and we are very pleased with that. The pain medicine that the vet gave us makes her very sleepy, so she just sleeps & sleeps and every now and then prowls around the house to see what me and the husby are doing. We are so glad to have her back home... and she cannot wait to wear her new pretty collar mommy bought her for doing so good!</div>
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If you follow me via <a href="http://instagram.com/mysomethingnewwithyou">Instagram</a>, you've also seen that I went through with my big decision to get full bangs! I have always told Garrett that I wanted to just woman up and do it, so I did & I am so glad that I did! Full bangs are intimidating am I right?! I didn't want to take any length necessarily from my hair but I wanted something different, something classy and I think I got it! The husby went head over hills over my hair and I swear he told me he loved my hair at least ten times, I was so proud he loved them because after all his approval was all I needed! His first words once he saw me as he came through the door from work was this: "Whoa lady, my wife will be home soon...." That man is something else, I love him so big.</div>
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Speaking of that husband of mine, I just started my newest read, <a href="http://unveiledwife.com/">Wife After God</a> by Unveiled Wife. It is a thirty day devotional centered on marriage of course and is filled with encouraging words on being the wife God called us as women to be. Our marriage is one of the most important things I hold dear to my heart and the Lord is really teaching me during this second year of our marriage that it takes alot of love and respect. I have always wanted to "start off on the right foot" in my marriage and I really think it is crucial to keeping our hearts in the right place as we journey throughout lifes many bumpy and winding roads in the years to come. I have gained so much insight from just two days of reading this devotional and I just know it is going to take my heart far. I want to make my God proud and that sweet husband of mine. If you are interested in joining along, you won't regret it, it is only $12 plus shipping on Amazon and it comes in the mail in no time!</div>
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I do hope your weekend has been so good to you and I cannot wait to share what I learn from this devotional, I hope you too will join in on this opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and your hubby!</div>
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<br />calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-87313912276539251952013-08-02T18:10:00.001-05:002013-08-02T18:10:35.333-05:00The Dreaded Thought: Grocery Shopping<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not going to even sugar coat it sisters, <b>I despise grocery shopping.</b> The very thought of having to go makes me cringe in agony. Sure, the first couple of times were blissfully engaging as I pranced down each aisle with my "new wife smell" but a few more trips later, I was whooped out like a piece of bologna in between two pieces of bread!</div>
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I can't decide whether it's the overwhelmingness of the crowd of people driving their carts histerically down each and every isle I go through or just the stress of knowing what to get, how much of this to get, or both <b>but by the time I reach the register I seriously contemplate stretching out on the roller counter.</b> <b>Bag me up while your at it, Lady!</b> Because of my hate/hate relationship with the grocery store, I usually don't go for three to four weeks at a time and sometimes even longer sadly. But the good thing is, nothing spoils for the most part because we eat everything, down to the last crumb..literally. <b>We are newly rats, it's true, roaches don't stand a chance at our place, they simply curl up and die from starvation. </b><br />
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This morning I woke up refreshed, I knew it was <i>that time again, </i>so in an effort to charm myself into the idea of grocery shopping, I locked my lips on a warm cup of coffee and decided it was time to <i>get serious. </i>Get serious you ask? Let me break it down for you<i>, </i><b>Two words: Meal Planning.</b> Yes, this little wifey did the unthinkable, I actually took time this morning and planned out our meals for the next three weeks. Countless times have I heard how I needed to incorporate this little idea into my wifey agenda, but I always shook my head at the thought. It would come to me, I said. The strawberry jelly will voluntarily jump into my shopping cart and the mayonnaise will leep at it's first chance! But does it really happen that way? Of course not, because I always find I end up with three full jars of mayonnaise by the time I get home that I mistakingly forgot I already had, two unopened boxes of sweet tea bags <u>minus the sugar needed</u>, and did I really forget toliet paper again!? Thank goodness for paper towels, (you know you've had to, too) or did I forget that as well? <b>Tell me I'm not alone in this aspect of life.</b></div>
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To my surprise, meal planning was a success. I knew exactly what I needed for each dish for each day, and I got it, saved some money too wouldn't ya know? <b>Turns out you save money when you buy only the things you <u>know</u> you need. </b><br />
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I even found I'm pretty clever myself<b>,</b> instead of using an entire package of hamburger meat which usually doesn't all get eaten because <b>let's face it: there's only two of us</b>, I decided to half my meat portion and separate them into plastic bags! So instead of two potential meals, I made four! And you know what that means? A few more days away from the grocery store! Hallelujah!<br />
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After a year of living this newlywed wife, it's finally beginning to sink in that there are loop holes in this beautiful thing we call marriage, but there is so much more to learn, Lord help me.</div>
calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-52020926356202525802013-07-28T18:31:00.002-05:002013-07-28T18:35:20.205-05:00He wants our hearts.<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's amazing how nieve I can be with God, do you ever feel that way? It's moments like last night while doing my Ruth study, that I realized how difficult I make conversation with Him. I am able to graciously thank Him and praise Him in times of prosperity, but during the moments of trial and misunderstanding I tend to numb the blanks with a coffee cup full of ice cream or updating my Instagram feed in place of praying and asking humbly for His reasons.</div>
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Up until Kelly pointed out how maybe we do these things because we are afraid of what we'll experience once we state our peace or fearful that we won't hear anything back from God or even that He'll require something of us we won't want to give, I guess I thought well: <b>He's God, and I shouldn't question His reasons, it would be silly to question Him right?</b> Sure it's fine to question my husband when he eats that whole box of oreos in one sitting, but God? No way! He is the one person I shouldn't question, right?</div>
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Not neccessarily. I'm learning now that I can address my concerns, and it's totally fine with Him. Because that is exactly what He wants me to do. I <u>cannot</u> avoid God during adversity. It just doesn't work. I have got to express my need for His reasons before He can reveal them to me! <b>It's kind of like that saying: "Well if you never ask, you'll never know" I suppose. </b></div>
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I fell so hard in prayer after I realized how dumbfounded I discovered I was all this time. I wept like a two year old whose cherry-lime popsicle melted insanely too fast right in my hands,<b> but oh it was a cry I needed and I pray the Lord heard it at my best. </b></div>
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There are many people in the scripture that question God's reasons, many, many! Job for instance faced so much trial and even felt as I do sometimes, in a pit with no escape and asked God many times, "You made me God so why do you destroy me? And "God you hear my cries all of the time, or do you really hear them?". Job felt sometimes that he didn't have a chance with God and I can relate to him in so many instances, but I never took the time to ask as he did. You can see his cries toward God in these verses:</div>
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<b>Job 9: 16-19</b></div>
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<b>Job 10: 8-9</b></div>
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<b>Job 19: 8-10</b></div>
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Regardless of my fears, I know now that God wants to hear my voice, any questions big or small, any doubt, any anger I'm dealing with, <b>He wants to hear it all. </b>Just as a healthy home thrives on verbally expressing differences of opinions in misunderstandings in order to "work it out", that's what it takes with God too. </div>
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<b>You can't expect to find healing when you don't even bother to point out the wound.</b></div>
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<b>If your feeling frustrated about something God has put before you, don't avoid talking to Him about it. Really tell Him what is on your mind, ask Him why and just lay it all out before Him. <b>He wants to hear your side, it's not a one way conversation and He wants you to know that. </b>I felt inspired to write on this subject because it just touched my heart so good, and I can see how others can most likely feel the same way I have felt about verbally talking with God.</b></div>
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calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-28212185492406699922013-07-20T19:36:00.005-05:002013-07-20T19:42:54.382-05:00Things Change.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Early yesterday morning, I received a warm text from my dear friend telling me that she would be coming home to Mississippi, but just for the weekend. They had planted their roots now in Oklahoma near relatives of theirs and would be returning to bring with them back all of their belongings from their family home. If your a long time follower of mine you may remember her being the close friend of mine whose sweet daddy passed away in April, if not and you would like to catch up, read <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-saddest-post-ive-ever-written.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-hardest-part-of-being-friend.html">HERE</a> but be sure to grab your tissue box. I was quickly excited as soon as my ears filled with the great news, but quickly let down as I thought about what this ultimately meant. This was it, my best friend was establishing her new life in Oklahoma but now <b>for</b> <b>good</b>. My heart broke <i>again</i> I won't try to hide that fact, I had settled in the fact before this news that yes, she was living her life too many hours away from me but I had also settled comfortably in my heart that yes, she does still have a home over here with belongings-she will be back. But now I'm just not so sure.</div>
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This morning, of course, I had to go see her. I hadn't seen her since the funeral, and no we really didn't talk too much during the time in between I sadly regret, but our lives obviously went different directions and in a hurry. <b>Life gave us a full plate, sadly more heavily on her end of the table.</b> When I reached the screen door to her house I like any other time, looked toward her daddys recliner to find that he wasn't there. It broke my heart, and flash backs from seeing her suffer that sad day came rushing back to my memory. That house would forever be stamped by his memory, and I could understand how staying would only make things harder along with the fact that they absolutely had <b>no</b> family really at all now that they could still call <b>family </b>in this town. </div>
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There are a many of reasons along with new ones of why they are having to<i> leave it all behind </i>now, and if I were in the position she is in, I honestly would do just as she is doing. It saddens me that the circumstances she has encountered with family members have caused her to relocate her whole life, but at the same time.. she is happy, and that is really all that matters, isn't it?</div>
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Reading through my Kelly Minter Ruth study this morning upon leaving to see her, my eye just happened to catch the corner of the page that read: <b><u>Although there will be weeping in this life, the direction in which we weep is what truly matters</u></b>. I have no doubt in my mind, God drew me to this study because He knew I would need help coping with this new change in <strike>my</strike> our lives. </div>
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I was being selfish, I was angry and I couldn't understand why things had to up and run the direction I just couldn't agree with. She isn't just my best friend, she is my sister, we grew up building each other up throughout lifes many speed bumps, and now we would only be losing contact slowly drifting apart I could only imagine throughout the years to come. <b>Distance wouldn't be my friend would it?</b> </div>
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I realized then that I had to be happy for her. Yes, this part of life isn't easy to say the least and my friend is still weeping and will battle this sadness for as long as it takes, <b>but the good thing about her weeping, is she is weeping forward, just as Ruth and Naomi. </b>My friend, just as these two legendary women in the bible, lost it all and life is granting her a new beginning.I can't hardly argue with that. It hurts but deep down <i>it is well with my soul</i> and I know that God will provide opportunities of reuniting us somehow, although<i> </i>I did fall apart on the drive home from her last hug.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She would punch my arm if she knew I shared this<br />
but it sure makes me laugh when I wanna cry</td></tr>
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God sees my tears, I can cry and I can wipe them, feel them.. but I won't let them stop me.. it is possible to cry and walk.</div>
calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-8079507392753551642013-07-14T19:32:00.001-05:002013-07-14T19:32:13.348-05:00Just Listen.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lately, I have really started to slow down and try to see the big picture guys. And if your wondering where I have been here lately, I've been a little obsessed with Instagram and a few small devotionals. I have been digging deep friends, and the Lord is really speaking to my heart during our second part of marriage. There have been a few times here lately while I've been processing it all that I just literally lifted up my head and said "I hear ya Lord!" because He speaks so loud and hits right on my soft spots! So I've been just sitting here quietly <i>listening</i>. The wheels of life are still steadly spinning but I'm really focusing on the ride instead of the drive.<br />
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A good friend of mine and I decided to give Kelly Minters living room series "Ruth" a try and boy does she make you dig deep in the Word! I have always been a huge note taker in school and it's kind of my best strategy to learn things, so with that said and from the evidence included, you can kindly see that the study questions are hidden beneath my chicken scratch writing. But hey, whatever works right? This study is going to take my heart pretty far and I can tell you it not only gives you more insight on the story of Ruth but it also brings it on the home front in areas of your life that you struggle with and face!<br />
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Another daily study I am doing is with <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/">She Reads Truth</a>, you can find their website <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/">HERE</a>. I'm one week in on the Women in the Bible study and it has been just what I've been needing. I have always loved reading about women in the bible so this study caught my eye big time! The daily lessons are pretty short and maybe take me fifteen minutes tops to do them, each day discussing different women for instance: Eve then Sarai and Hagar all of which fell short of trusting Gods plan for them, I'm finding that I'm a lot like these women and I have learned so much through this study. I encourage you to join in, you won't be sorry!</div>
calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-68489232690095495222013-07-06T21:25:00.002-05:002013-07-06T23:02:42.517-05:00I Will Guard This Heart Of Mine<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm in Day 2 of Living The Love Dare, it is a spiral flip book with 365 messages on leading the heart throughout a marriage and the message for this day really struck a cord for me. It says, <b>"The world says to follow your heart, but if you are not leading it, then someone or something else is."</b></div>
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It also references to Jeremiah 17:9 where it says, <b>"the heart is more deceitful than all else."</b> <b>"And it will always pursue that which feels right at the moment."</b></div>
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Ever since I learned of what makes the <i>true</i> anatomy of the heart, I've always felt only the good could possibly come from the heart, all else has to solely come from the mind, right? How could the underlying grim of my inner being evolve from my very core? I had trusted this part of me for so long only to learn that it before all of the other parts that make me the person I am would and can deceive me <u>the most</u>. That is if I don't guard my heart with all my might and seek wise counsel. </div>
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<a href="http://fueldabook.com/fuelisms/fuelisms-above-all-else-guard-your-heart-for-everything-you-do-flows-from-it/">(via)</a></div>
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The world can really be your worst enemy, and marriage these days isn't near where it should be. People give up easily, because the world tells them you CAN have it YOUR way. Divorce is an easy exit because the world states: Oh it's the norm, go ahead sign your name along that dotted line and you will have freedom once again though I do believe there are some circumstances where divorce is necessary. And the heart just doesn't pump in and out throughout all four valves anymore because who has the time for that anyway?</div>
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<i>I know I'm only one year into my marriage and I still have so much to learn, but I don't want to be the woman who gave up when I could have stood up. I don't want an easy exit, if this road gets hard I want to pick up my feet and go with it. And I truly want to make time to show my husband how much I love him because time is love. </i></div>
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Referencing through some other scriptures, I've learned it's very important that I guard this heart of mine from the things of this world that could easily seep in and influence it in deceiving ways. I want to be completely in control over my heart as well. <b>I want my hands firmly on the wheel without anyone or anything trying to steer it for me.</b> I have always had a tight grip on my inner lining but seeing as though it is possible for it to turn on me, I will guard it even more than ever before.</div>
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<i>"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh <b>wisely</b>, he shall be delivered."</i></div>
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Proverbs 28:26</div>
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What are your thoughts toward guarding the heart?</div>
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I would love to hear them!</div>
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<br />calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-703165298260537342013-07-05T23:33:00.000-05:002013-07-06T10:26:39.449-05:00Ephesians 5I know I've emphasized how just being married has sky rocketed my relationship with the Lord before, but I just can't explain the depth it has taken my heart. And I've learned the reason behind it is this: <b>God uses marriage to show us where we need to grow and deal with our self-centerness through the help of a lifelong partner.</b> Here lately, my focus has been on the fifth chapter of Ephesians. While it isn't very lengthy in it's text, it's filled with so much insight on how we should live and love in a marriage and it just sets my soul afire as they would say! It also speaks of the "S" word most of us wives find hard to live by: <i>Being submissive to our husbands. Being submissive to one another in the fear of God.</i><br />
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I read through the chapter a couple of times to myself and I thought: Why do I make this so hard? I make this concept God tries to imprint on my heart so difficult and I am so very selfish. I guess it's just the woman in us all that tends to react to opposition and just being told that we're wrong even when we know very well we are wrong indeed. We will fight that gravy train until the wheels fall right off and dang it when we're right we will let you know it, and a couple of times at that! But it shouldn't be like that should it? </div>
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<b>"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."</b></div>
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<b>"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body."</b></div>
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It's hard when the world we're living in wants us to believe we are bigger than ourselves and our husbands have no control over us, but honestly we should trust in them and let them lead. After all, they were chosen to be the head of the wife and just as the church submits to Christ so should we wives submit to our husbands. It's a hard fact to swallow, but it all goes hand in hand with the endless cycle of love and respect I think. I know for certain that God designed my husband to lead me in the best ways possible for us, he is a great husband and he will be a great father to our future children, I'm very blessed to be able to say that. He doesn't know how much I look up to him as my husband.</div>
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Although our husbands aren't always right in a disagreement, I don't believe God intends for us as women to not have a voice at all in our opinions, I do believe he wants us to point out our thoughts and opinions of the matter in the sweetest of ways though. There's nothing wrong with conversating and talking your problems out, I really believe the Lord wants us to talk among struggles, it's the best medicine for rekindling our love back in place, but sometimes we forget to end at the appropriate moment, and just let things go and let love back in. Yes, I am very complicated in my womanly ways, but I am so proud to be able to be someone's wife, Garretts wife.</div>
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But what I love most of this chapter is how precious God points out how our husbands should love us as well. </div>
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<b>"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it."</b></div>
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<b>"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself."</b></div>
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We as each others mate both hold high responsiblites in loving and taking care of each other. Our husbands should love us as much as Christ loved the church and as much as they love themselves, their life. That is BIG to me, and I don't know about you but that makes me feel so valued as a woman. It makes being submissive and doing my best to live my role as the wife worth more than anything this world could ever think to offer. </div>
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Tonight I really wanted to do something special for Garrett to put my Ephesian ways of love into practice, so I decided to surprise him with a candlelit dinner in our dining room, <i>just the two of us</i>. I made the table as pretty as I pleased and picked a fresh flower from our backyard and set out our never been used wedding plates from the china cabinet for the occasion, it was perfect. It was our first candle lit dinner while I kind of planned it spur of the moment, it was awfully sweet I think. </div>
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Since we just came from vacation, we felt we needed to stand back from the heavy spending of going out, so I brought it on home instead. I cooked up my version of Teriyaki Shrimp over Fried Rice and warmed up some yummy rolls complete with cinnamon sugar butter. It felt nice and it will def be a memory to cherish, no it wasn't restraunt worthy in no way but the husband did compliment my first attempt at the dish and that was good enough for me. </div>
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I couldn't help but tear up as he prayed the sweetest prayer and thanked God for his wonderful wife and the meal that I had prepared for him, if he would have noticed I would have blamed it on the caffeine from my vanilla coke for sure, but it sure made so proud to be his wife and that he values me with his life and cares enough to thank God for me in every single one of his prayers. It makes every role of being the wife worth putting into practice to hear the love that spills back from it.</div>
calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-87886688804293203012013-07-04T17:15:00.000-05:002013-07-04T17:15:05.799-05:00Little Wifey Turned 23!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, where have I been you ask! Panama City with<strike> my other halfs family</strike>, <b>my family</b>! We had a blast the four days that we were there, but we are so glad to be back home. There's just nothing like it. Not to mention we missed our little fur baby Mila as well, but luckily I have the best mom in the world who checked on her everyday while we were gone! I can't wait to share pictures but they will have to wait until my next post, because I haven't shared my birthday celebrations! They are past due but here they are!</div>
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I woke up that June morning bright and early to my amazingly sweet birthday card from that dear husband of mine. A year ago from that day I woke up to my newly wedded husband on our last day of our honeymoon at the Hard Rock & Casino Hotel, it was hard to comprehend this was my second birthday to spend with him as a married couple! Where did that time go?? I am so blessed to have him as my husband and I love that I get to spend all of my upcoming birthdays with him for the rest of my life! He is my treasure.<br />
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I had to take my mother to her doctor appointment also that morning, the most thoughtful thing I could do on such a day. She birthed me 23 years ago I thought, what better way to start my special day than taking care of her. I treated myself to a warm cup of cardboard coffee while I was in the waiting room, yuck! I didn't let it ruin my day though.<br />
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My heart felt directed to read the Book of Ruth that day for some reason, it's the shortest chapter in the Bible but man is it a good one! I needed that book of scripture on that day, the heart of Ruth just captured mine that day and it inspired me in so many ways. I plan to order Kelly Minters devotional: <b>Ruth</b> as soon as I get to it, I've heard nothing but great things about it and I can't wait to dig in!<br />
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It was getting time for that husband of mine to get home from work and I just couldn't wait to see him! We really didn't have much of a plan but he had a cake and balloon ready for me, and that was plenty enough for me at that point. Later that evening my mil and sil came over with pizza and birthday gifts. Garrett pulled up a chair for me and lite all 23 of my birthday candles. It was such a sweet moment for me, he's has the best heart. After we ate, Garrett instructed me to keep my eyes on the ground and he led me to my big surprise! They had built me my own little potting table, boy was I excited! They know my love for plants all too well, don't they! I had always dreamed of having one of these, but never expected to actually have one of my very own. I love that they built it themselves, I will cherish it for years!<br />
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My only birthday request was that we would revamp the upstairs guest bedroom. Husband agreed to it so right after my birthday celebration we got straight to it! We both agreed on Rich Navy. It was a job indeed but we got it done pretty spiffy! I can't wait to share the finished project with you all, but that will come later as well!</div>
calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-9387799744210391412013-06-24T17:51:00.000-05:002013-06-24T17:52:52.191-05:00Year One Photo Shoot<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know you guys must think I'm beating the horse with all our anniversary bliss, but I can't end all the mushy talk yet because I haven't shared our Year One pictures with you all! My dear sister in law snaps the best shots, she's just good at it, so of course I chose her for our little photographer! Every one of the pictures she snapped were perfect, it's very hard to chose which ones are my favorites but here are a couple that just tug real good on my heart snappers! Although Husby didn't seem too thrilled about taking them at first as any man is about pictures, he ended up making me laugh the entire time with his goofiness toward the whole idea of picture taking! He wouldn't let on that he enjoyed himself, but pictures are worth a thousand more words, eh? Take a look and pin away if you like by clicking the yellow "P" hover button on each collage.</div>
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These are only eleven of three hundred somewhat pictures that she took that day, I'm in love with every single one and it all goes thanks to her, thanks SIL. We will look back on these in years to come and smile!</div>
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<br />calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-4132519553221961932013-06-23T13:29:00.001-05:002013-06-23T13:29:31.672-05:00One Year Celebrations: A Night in NatchezWhile we had a blast camping the great outdoors, it was so nice to finally see home. It's true, one night was enough for both of us. As soon as our feet hit the gravel driveway, we headed straight for the pool for a quick dip. Refreshing it was! We couldn't stay here long though we had to get packed up for Natchez, a town run down from old age yet our special place in this world.<br />
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We grabbed our fast packed suitcases and headed out the door. We had a suite booked at the Natchez Grand Hotel, a tourists highlight right beside the water overlooking the bridge. We didn't really have much of a plan once we got there so decided we would play it by ear.<br />
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The room was nice, but honestly it wasn't as "grand" as they made it out to be on the many eye popping billboards on our way there. I walked out of the balcony and stretched my arms out thinking I was alone to soon find a lady right beside me sitting on her balcony with only a metal fence separating us! Well hi there vacating neighbor, they didn't mention that part in the description of this room I thought! <i>All was fine</i>.<br />
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There was a "Blue Berry Festival" going on right below us, tents lined up along the street with funnel cake stands, a man selling photographs he had framed up to sell, and a pair of dancers performing in the grass. By the time we made our way out of the room, they were getting all packed up to leave. Sore crowd I suppose, because the banner announcing the festival broadcasted it would keep going until dark. It was still early I thought, we were getting hungry at this point so we decided to grab a good bite at our favorite restraunt: Cock of the Walk.<br />
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We made our way to the casino after we ate. The moment we put our ticket in the machine it was bad luck from there. Usually we win at least ten bucks but we were sore losers this go around. We were really hoping to come out millionaires. Because that would have been a great anniversary gift ya know.<br />
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The last thing to do for the night was purchase a famous margarita from Fat Mamas. I usually don't go for such a drink but since we were here why not!? The drink ended up being a little too much for me but I managed to make it back to the hotel with the help of my dear designated driver husband. Classy way to end the night, right?<br />
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Natchez was great, the atmosphere was just what we needed but it was time to go home again. I don't know about Garrett, but the drive home was almost <i>deja vu</i> for me, I kept thinking of our drive home from our honeymoon and the thoughts I had in that moment then. Thoughts like: <i>I'm someones wife now, this is for real! </i>And<i> how is it going to feel walking in our home and starting life together from here?</i><br />
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We were home once again, and were welcomed back with anniversary gifts just as we were with wedding gifts the day we came home from our honeymoon. Garrett surprised me with his "paper gift" he had made all by himself: A yellow paper rose. We had discussed how we wanted to go along with the special anniversary gift every year tradition and boy did he really put his heart into this one. My planned paper gift idea being toliet paper was to be a joke rather an actual gift, I kind of felt bad after he stunned me with his well thought of gift! It is perfect though, it sits pretty on our buffet table and I will cherish it all the days of my life. I'm so blessed to be his wife, his heart is good.<br />
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There was one more tradition that couldn't be forgotten on this day though, we had to eat a piece of our year old cake! There were a many of times during the year Garrett had to slap my hand from snatching a bite from the freezer, but today was the day, the wait was over! I cut two of the prettiest pieces from the best side of the cake and handed one over to Garrett. At this point, I was a little skeptical about actually eating it. The icing was a bit slimy from defrosting from the freezer, so I made Garrett eat the first bite. To his surprise it was good! He even made the clever remark to put it back in the freezer for another year, silly husby. We wouldn't be doing that though, we decided to let the furbabies in on the celebration so they were handed the left overs!<br />
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The evening was falling so we decided to go out to eat one last time, I had planned to cook him a meal but he insisted that we eat hibachi! I wanted to wear something special though, this wasn't just an ordinary date night so I pulled out my going away dress I wore leaving from our wedding to go to our honeymoon. I hadn't worn it since then, not that planned to wait for this day, but I never found the right place to wear it again. And it was because I was suppose to wear it again, tonight. I felt like I had that day, a brand new wife to my groom, it was a bittersweet feeling. I don't plan to wear it again though, I've decided to put it up for sentimental purpose, I would love to save it for in case I have a little girl, maybe she would want to wear it on her special day as well, but I just don't know if the material would keep good.<br />
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This anniversary was bittersweet, it will weigh heavily on our hearts on every anniversary that comes I do believe. I thought of being married for five years, ten years, twenty-five years gives me the love goosies and I know they will be just as perfect. The memories we will have made by then and the things that will come to be are beyond my imagination from where I'm standing now, I pray they are filled with even more love than I can comprehend.<br />
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<br />calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-6550737817066188042013-06-22T16:35:00.000-05:002013-06-22T16:35:01.643-05:00One Year Celebrations: We went {tent} Camping!Hi Friends! Well as you can see from the title of this post, we made it to the one year mile marker! Sunday, June 16th we celebrated our very special day once again, we couldn't have planned it any better if we had tried. But I guess you could say we aren't the best "planners" since we did indeed make them just a few days before they were actually set, but because of our work schedules and such we had to pick something to do that was fun yet somewhat spiffy, as in we had to be back at work Monday morning.<br />
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Our idea to go camping {tent} camping kind of came out of now where! Although Garrett had mentioned to me a few times before how he wouldn't mind going camping since he hadn't been in years, neither have I. So let's go camping I said! The weather was beginning to get pretty steamy leading up to the weekend and our plans almost hit a turn around but the forecast changed it's uphill climb just in time so we decided to keep our plans! We pulled out the twenty something year old gigantic tent from the attic and would you know was in perfect condition. We packed up a laundry basket full of goodies for the trip and hooked the boat up to the truck, we were all ready to go! Garrett had just the spot, he was excited, it was a spot his family had camped a many of times in the past, one including a surprise fathers day camping trip, another reason why I just knew this trip would be meaningful to him, it was a must!<br />
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We finally reached the camp site ,boy was it perfect, right beside the water just as he had explained but we were soon let down by a tall bold printed sign that read: <b>No Camping Here</b> planted right on his special spot. I felt so bad, he had put so much thought and preparation into this special trip, there had to be a loop hole somewhere right? We returned right back where we started, the lady at the desk. She offered two of the last camping spots equipt with water and electricity which would be an extra five bucks, but they just weren't what we wanted so we asked for our money back which turned into a fail as well. We hadn't even unloaded our things and were now out thirteen bucks. Lord we are in a rut now I tell ya, we were so upset we almost gave up and took the road back home until another camping site came to mind. I prayed the whole drive there that it would work out, the husby was way past the point of aggravation and I just knew if this didn't workout we wouldn't only be out thirteen bucks but also out of the price of gasoline.<br />
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To our surprise, it worked out perfectly. Praise Jesus. While we did have to pay yet again, it was well worth it this go around. We had numerous spots to choose from right on the water just as we wanted, water and electricity, and a fairly clean bathroom considering it was a camp ground site. The weather was nice and breezy and we had found the perfect spot to pitch our gigantic roomy tent!<br />
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While we were setting our little anniversary-moon tent up, we looked around the corner and wouldn't you know white tents were set out for a wedding. I was estatic! We were going to witness a wedding guys, on our very anniversary! There couldn't have been a more precious remembrance of our special day than this, and like Garrett said, "What's the odds that a wedding would be going on while we're here on our anniversary!?".<br />
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The wedding looked to be happening later on that evening, so we decided to go fishing and planned to be back in time to watch! We both caught a bass a piece and the weather was so nice. Of course I would have gotten a picture to show you, but the Husby just knew we would catch more. Too bad we didn't.<br />
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It was getting about time to cook up some steaks, so we made our way to our camping site and got our stuff together. While Garrett started on the steaks I sat on our nearby picnic table and watched as the wedding began to start. The bride was just about to come down the aisle, I didn't even know this person and I was giddy awaiting her presentation. The music started, "<i>Something in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself,...". </i><br />
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<i>You have to listen pretty good to hear the song and don't you love my husbands sense of humor, "Hey which ones the bride? You think that's her in the uh... uh... uh.. purple? I mean green??"</i><br />
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<i>You can hear me sing to Garrett during our wedding <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2013/05/looking-back-ceremony.html">HERE</a>.</i></div>
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She was walking down to her Groom to the very song I had pre-recorded for Garrett during our ceremony! Ok, this is getting weird now I said to Garrett! We just stood in awe while we listened, it was a moment for us as well as this soon to be wedded couple!<br />
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The night was beginning to wind down as well as the wedding, so we made a fire. What's a camp site without a fire right? We roasted marshmallows and enjoyed smores. This little trip was just perfect, we were so glad we didn't give up hope!<br />
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We planned to go fishing bright and early the next morning but overslept, I couldn't believe I slept so good although Garrett kept one eye open the whole night being the tuff guy he is. We went out in the boat for one last fish in the morning before the trip back home. But our little celebration wasn't over just yet, as soon as we reached home we would be packing our bags yet again to spend the night in the town where our love and journey began. Keep reading as I share that trip with you in my coming post!<br />
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<br />calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-52305315724281638692013-06-19T07:09:00.000-05:002013-06-19T07:09:03.235-05:00The Unexpected<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I am linking up with nine other June brides sharing with you different topics and discussions of our first year of marriage. I encourage you to join in on the fun and let us hear your stories whether you have just hit the year one mile marker as we have or you've been married for twenty years, it's all about learning through love with us! Today's topic is this: <b>What have you learned from the unexpected and how have you grown as a couple?</b> Want to share yours as well? Details at the very end of this post!</div>
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When I sit and ponder of things that could be noted "unexpected" throughout our first year of marriage I almost immediately think of our different ways and do's of this lifestyle we own now as a married couple. As I've said before, you find out so much more about your significant other once you start sharing a home together. It gets comfortable after a while and you soon notice little things like how you fold bath towels differently or what each others version of making the bed is. <b>I like my bath towels to be folded "hot dog style" as I call it and Garrett folds his "hamburger style" big and bulky like.</b> I never correct him on it because it isn't that big of an issue to me as it may be to others, I just let it go and giggle and soon refold it later if it soon gets to me.<br />
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But also with these unexpected things I have found they go hand in hand with my flaws of being the wife and I've learned so much from just this first year of marriage. <b>I am nowhere near being the perfect wife, I can be both selfish and selfless and I am doing my very best to be the wife God wants of me.</b> Through our differences we challenge and strengthen each other on a daily basis and we really do our best. <b>I've found God has a way of molding you during a marriage if you really grasp each concept He tries to stamp on your heart.</b> Marriage has done a great deal to my heart I can tell you, I am so much closer to Him now because of the His presence He blesses us with and the fact that I have drawn nearer to Him because I want what is best for our marriage, being His will. These are just a few of the little things we have learned about each other and how we have grown from them.</div>
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1. <b>Garrett isn't a breakfast at supper eater. I am.</b> Growing up while living at home with my parents, it was almost like a treat when we ate breakfast for supper instead of the usual ideal foods like casserole dishes and such. So when I found He wasn't into it as I was, it was a big let down for me. While we both agree eating breakfast at breakfast time is a no go, I on the other hand have always found breakfast is meant to be for supper. I'm not sure that we'll actually grow from this but maybe I can slowly convince him it is a good idea throughout the coming years eh?</div>
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2. <b>I am a crappy vehicle owner.</b> I am, I will be completely honest on this one and Garrett will attest to it. It is childlike of me and i'm embarrassed of the fact that I am so messy when it comes to keeping a clean vehicle. Garrett on the other hand is very much a clean freak when it comes to his vehicles, he takes such good care of them and I admire that about him, even though he gives me fits about how many fast food bags are lying in the floor board of my ride. I as his wife, want to be more like him and I can I just have to get this rotten cork out of my butt.</div>
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3. <b>Routine.</b> The work week is the hardest for me, once I get home all I want to do is snatch a comfy shirt and a pair of boxers from Husbys drawer and crawl on the couch with my kitty and cheetah slippers because I am on my feet all day. And for that sometimes things don't get done like they should. Things like laundry, and dishes that need to be washed after cooking supper. I am also bad about falling asleep fairly early especially during a movie, so by the time Garrett comes in for the night from doing his end of the day activities, I'm sometimes unconcious and lack cuddleness. I'm doing my best to rid these routines that don't encourage our marriage because at the end of the day, he is my happy place and I want him to know it by the way I show it. And I will do these things all while still wearing my cheetah slippers. </div>
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4. <b>Needs and Wants.</b> Being married without kids it gives us a little wiggle room to play. And it's nice but sometimes we let our wants outweigh our actual needs. We tend to spend most our money on fast food honestly, which can really eat your pocketbook up. So in an effort to save, I have started bringing sandwiches from home for lunch and whenever I can, I try to pack Garrett a lunch from last nights supper but he usually forgets it in the refridgerator. I am also constantly changing things around in the house, I love decorating our home but sometimes I go overboard and buy things I don't necessarily need. Our home doesn't have to be completely furnished, it's just our first year. Things will come and go during time so I shouldn't dwell on material things so much. </div>
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So these aren't many, and I'm sure I could think of many more but these are the ones that come at first thought. I love this thing called marriage and I'm so thankful for the lessons and knowledge that it brings to us on a daily basis. Link up ladies you still have time!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Calling all engaged and newlywed gals! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What would you say if I told you 10 newlywed bloggers are linking up to bring you an entire year's worth of marital advice for a one time only June series!? Whelp, get excited! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Meet the forever newly wedded Brides!</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.andourstorycontinues.com/">Ashley @ It Is What You Make It</a> // <a href="http://www.lovelaughterhappilyeverafter.com/">Kalyn @ Love.Laughter.HappilyEverAfter</a> // <a href="http://www.fromcaliforniatokansas.com/">Mallory @ From California to Kansas</a> // <a href="http://www.forevernewlywedded.blogspot.com/">Karla @ Forever Newly Wedded</a> //<a href="http://aweavingofgrace.blogspot.com/"> Maggie @ A Weaving of Grace </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://designerinteal.blogspot.com/">Samantha @ Designer in Teal</a> // <a href="http://passionpinkandpearls.blogspot.com/">Veronica @ Passion.Pink.Pearls</a> // <a href="http://www.wifessionals.com/">Kaitlyn @ Wifessionals</a> // <a href="http://www.newlywedmoments.com/">Emily @ Newlywed Moments</a> // <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/">Callie @ My Something New With You</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each of the 10 Brides shown above have been married exactly one year as of June 2013. We will be posting each Wednesday during the month of June on 4 topics of marriage, while including our trials, triumphs, and all that fell in-between. The goal of this link-up series is to encourage the pursuit of love, joy, and hardships within a sacred marriage, all of which are completely worth each minute the Lord provides with our better half. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are engaged, or married, we invite you to write on the topics with us and link up your posts. It doesn't matter if you are engaged and planning your big day, are a newlywed, or if you have been married 25 years... All the marital advice contributed, all the better for everyone involved! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Visit our blogs today to meet our spouses and learn about our weddings! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Topics: </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 5</u></b>- Funny Moments From The First Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 12</u></b>- Hardest Moments From The First Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 19</u></b>- What Have You Learned From The Unexpected and How Have You Grown as a Couple During The First Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 26</u></b>- Anniversary Celebration Recap </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We look forward to reading about your engaged, newlywed, and marriage journeys! If you have any questions feel free to email <a href="http://www.lovelaughterhappilyeverafter.com/">Kalyn</a> <a href="http://www.lovelaughterhappilyeverafter.com/p/contact.html">here</a>. </span></div>
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calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-12239770685342811032013-06-12T07:16:00.000-05:002013-06-12T07:16:09.356-05:00Hardest Moments From The First Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Well hello lovelies, just as last Wednesday, today I am teaming up with nine other June brides like myself to bring you posts about our first year of marriage with different topics of discussion every week. Last week we discussed our funniest moments from the first year, you can read ours </span><a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2013/06/funny-moments-from-first-year.html" style="text-align: justify;">HERE</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, but today the topic of discussion is: </span><b style="text-align: justify;">Hardest Moments From The First Year</b><span style="text-align: justify;">. Join in on the fun, details below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Calling all engaged and newlywed gals! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What would you say if I told you 10 newlywed bloggers are linking up to bring you an entire year's worth of marital advice for a one time only June series!? Whelp, get excited! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Meet the forever newly wedded Brides!</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.andourstorycontinues.com/">Ashley @ It Is What You Make It</a> // <a href="http://www.lovelaughterhappilyeverafter.com/">Kalyn @ Love.Laughter.HappilyEverAfter</a> // <a href="http://www.fromcaliforniatokansas.com/">Mallory @ From California to Kansas</a> // <a href="http://www.forevernewlywedded.blogspot.com/">Karla @ Forever Newly Wedded</a> //<a href="http://aweavingofgrace.blogspot.com/"> Maggie @ A Weaving of Grace </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://designerinteal.blogspot.com/">Samantha @ Designer in Teal</a> // <a href="http://passionpinkandpearls.blogspot.com/">Veronica @ Passion.Pink.Pearls</a> // <a href="http://www.wifessionals.com/">Kaitlyn @ Wifessionals</a> // <a href="http://www.newlywedmoments.com/">Emily @ Newlywed Moments</a> // <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/">Callie @ My Something New With You</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vQvWmp3SIo/UZac7nPDJSI/AAAAAAAAHYg/CE7i_O8GQKQ/s1600/OneYearLinkUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vQvWmp3SIo/UZac7nPDJSI/AAAAAAAAHYg/CE7i_O8GQKQ/s1600/OneYearLinkUp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each of the 10 Brides shown above have been married exactly one year as of June 2013. We will be posting each Wednesday during the month of June on 4 topics of marriage, while including our trials, triumphs, and all that fell in-between. The goal of this link-up series is to encourage the pursuit of love, joy, and hardships within a sacred marriage, all of which are completely worth each minute the Lord provides with our better half. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are engaged, or married, we invite you to write on the topics with us and link up your posts. It doesn't matter if you are engaged and planning your big day, are a newlywed, or if you have been married 25 years... All the marital advice contributed, all the better for everyone involved! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Visit our blogs today to meet our spouses and learn about our weddings! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 5</u></b>- Funny Moments From The First Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 12</u></b>- Hardest Moments From The First Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 19</u></b>- What Have You Learned From The Unexpected and How Have You Grown as a Couple During The First Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 26</u></b>- Anniversary Celebration Recap </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We look forward to reading about your engaged, newlywed, and marriage journeys! If you have any questions feel free to email <a href="http://www.lovelaughterhappilyeverafter.com/">Kalyn</a> <a href="http://www.lovelaughterhappilyeverafter.com/p/contact.html">here</a>. </span></div>
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Looking back before the "I Do's" it seemed like everyone told me how the first year would be the hardest. Honestly, I'd like to ask those people that expressed that to me then "At what point was it suppose to be considered the hardest year?". Sure we had a few set backs because of health problems I encountered which I will discuss briefly later and there were a few occasions when we simply didn't agree about something, but nothing out of the ordinary that we just couldn't work out comes to mind, only a few things that just happened to make life uneasy just for the moment. Here are a few of those moments.</div>
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<i style="text-align: justify;">In sickness and in health:</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> The first hardest moment that comes to mind for me is my health at the very beginning of our marriage. It all started the very day of our wedding and went on throughout our honeymoon and on to a few weeks into our life at home. Being newly married, it was very hard to be </span><i style="text-align: justify;">close</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> to my husband then because of these problems I was having and I even felt less of a wife for him at times because of this hardship I was facing that I knew I couldn't help. After many doctor visits and continuous prayer we decided it was time to find a new doctor, and after that things began to change. The table had finally turned just as it always does and I got better within time and haven't had a problem since. Praise God. It was such a relief to finally feel like myself again, and we both realized afterwards that we had successfully practiced the "in sickness and health" part of marriage. This moment was very testing for us, but we held on to our faith and it pulled us through. It's hard for me to understand how couples go through life without God in such trials as these, sure you have each other but together you need more than yourself, you need Him the most in a marriage I do believe. </span></div>
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<i>Heartbreak</i>: While it may seem silly for a couple like us to weep over a missing cat, we did. If you are a long time follower of ours, you know our balinese kitty Mila. We adopted her a few weeks after we wed and she is very much apart of our lives. At the beginning, she was an inside kitty all the way but before long the cat shedding began and the husby had, had enough of white furball tumbleweeds rolling in his path so we sadly had to put her outside. Well one day we realized she was gone, we looked everywhere (even the refridgerator) but she was no where to be found. Husband skimmed every trace in the woods every day of the four days she was missing. We were heartbroken and time just stood still in that moment for us because a part of our heart was gone and we were so scared something had happened to her. We posted a many of homemade flyers on every other tree and country store with a $100 dollar reward and people thought we were just insane. The very next day we received a phone call from a dear friend of ours telling us that she had spotted her just across the road from us being chased by a poodle. Tears filled my eyes and I even giggled a little after hearing a poodle of all things was the host of our problem now. While we didn't know for sure if it would actually be our Mila she had seen, we had hope that it was. And that was plenty enough. It was getting dark and the phone rang again, it was Husby this time. His voice was high in excitement as he told me he had her in his very arms! I stood at the front door until I seen headlights coming down the drive, my arms were more than ready to hold her in my arms. We couldn't believe that we had her back home, life was finally back to the norm. Read more about this story<a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2013/02/come-home-mila-kitty.html"> HERE</a> and <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2013/03/welcome-home-mila-kitty.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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<i>Loss</i>: Seeing anyone in pain over losing a loved one is bad enough, but seeing your best friend, your soul sister whom you had grown up with as a child having to bury her daddy, who was likewise a father figure to you.. is the worst. Out of all the circumstances we had been through together: our first menstrual cycles, our first crushes, first jobs, high school then college and so on.. I never thought I would have to help her through this, and I could never have prepared myself for it. It was hard. Harder to watch. And even though she is now miles away from me, I think about her everyday and what she's going through and that is the hardest. I can't imagine. From the day I received her text saying that her daddy had died, I was useless to this world. My hands were tied from all the things among me in that moment, and all I wanted to do was cry for her. I did my best to be there for her, and at the same time still be the wife I needed to be to Garrett. I was so overwhelmed with emotion but I found strength through my husband. He knew exactly what she was going through unlike myself and he was able to tell me how to be there for her in ways that wouldn't be too smothering. Read more into this story <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-saddest-post-ive-ever-written.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-hardest-part-of-being-friend.html">HERE</a>, just be sure to have Kleenex's near and a paddle because it gets deep!<br />
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Well Friends, I'm at ease to say this is all of them.. We are blessed to have no more than these. I can't imagine what hard moments the years to come will bring, but I pray we continue to lift each other up just as we have this year. I know we will. I'm so proud of our marriage, when raging waters come our way we always stand strong until the storm has passed, and that is worth much more than anything the world could ever offer. What were some of your hardest moments from the first year? And how did you get pass them? Let me hear them!</div>
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calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-26279714087177858152013-06-05T07:10:00.000-05:002013-06-05T19:11:30.517-05:00 Funny Moments From The First Year<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi Friends, today along with every Wednesday in the month of June, I will be teaming up with nine other June brides like myself to bring you posts about our first year of marriage with a range of many topics. I absolutely LOVE today's topic which is: Funny Moments From The First Year. If you haven't already, join in on this fun. (details below).
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<span style="font-size: large;">Calling all engaged and newlywed gals! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What would you say if I told you 10 newlywed bloggers are linking up to bring you an entire year's worth of marital advice for a one time only June series!? Whelp, get excited! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Meet the forever newly wedded Brides!</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.andourstorycontinues.com/">Ashley @ It Is What You Make It</a> // <a href="http://www.lovelaughterhappilyeverafter.com/">Kalyn @ Love.Laughter.HappilyEverAfter</a> // <a href="http://www.fromcaliforniatokansas.com/">Mallory @ From California to Kansas</a> // <a href="http://www.forevernewlywedded.blogspot.com/">Karla @ Forever Newly Wedded</a> //<a href="http://aweavingofgrace.blogspot.com/"> Maggie @ A Weaving of Grace </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://designerinteal.blogspot.com/">Samantha @ Designer in Teal</a> // <a href="http://passionpinkandpearls.blogspot.com/">Veronica @ Passion.Pink.Pearls</a> // <a href="http://www.wifessionals.com/">Kaitlyn @ Wifessionals</a> // <a href="http://www.newlywedmoments.com/">Emily @ Newlywed Moments</a> // <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/">Callie @ My Something New With You</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vQvWmp3SIo/UZac7nPDJSI/AAAAAAAAHYg/CE7i_O8GQKQ/s1600/OneYearLinkUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vQvWmp3SIo/UZac7nPDJSI/AAAAAAAAHYg/CE7i_O8GQKQ/s1600/OneYearLinkUp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Each of the 10 Brides shown above have been married exactly one year as of June 2013. We will be posting each Wednesday during the month of June on 4 topics of marriage, while including our trials, triumphs, and all that fell in-between. The goal of this link-up series is to encourage the pursuit of love, joy, and hardships within a sacred marriage, all of which are completely worth each minute the Lord provides with our better half. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are engaged, or married, we invite you to write on the topics with us and link up your posts. It doesn't matter if you are engaged and planning your big day, are a newlywed, or if you have been married 25 years... All the marital advice contributed, all the better for everyone involved! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Visit our blogs today to meet our spouses and learn about our weddings! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Topics: </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 5</u></b>- Funny Moments From The First Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 12</u></b>- Hardest Moments From The First Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 19</u></b>- What Have You Learned From The Unexpected and How Have You Grown as a Couple During The First Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>June 26</u></b>- Anniversary Celebration Recap </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We look forward to reading about your engaged, newlywed, and marriage journeys! If you have any questions feel free to email <a href="http://www.lovelaughterhappilyeverafter.com/">Kalyn</a> <a href="http://www.lovelaughterhappilyeverafter.com/p/contact.html">here</a>. </span></div>
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While it's hard to believe we've already been wed a whole year, we've had a many of laughs learning the ropes of marriage. You know that saying, "You think you know someone, until you live with them". Well, I'm here to tell you that is a pretty true statement. For instance, I've always know Garrett loved to snack in his spare time while watching t.v., but I never knew he could eat a whole box of Chips Ahoy cookies in just one sitting until I married him. I was flabbergasted, like really?! I am so jealous right now. I guess I can't really say much though, because he never knew my true love of peanut butter until he saw that I could empty the whole jar alone in just two weeks. I could go on and on, about the little things that we have learned about each other but today I picked out a few of our funniest moments of our first year together, the others are <i>mine all mine</i>. I can't tell you everything, now can I!?</div>
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1. <b>Sleep Talking.</b></div>
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My mother in law and sister in law always warned me that I would witness it after living with him, but I never imagined how vocal he would really be in his sleep. His tone of voice isn't slurry at all, it's as if he is talking to one of the guys, so it really stunned me the first time I heard him babbling about four wheeler parts and such. But the funniest part of hearing him sleep talk, is he actually answers back if I all the sudden chime into the imaginary conversation. </div>
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2. <b>Burning Our First Breakfast.</b></div>
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Every new bride is known for burning her first few meals, right? Well I never thought I would actually fall into that category until I burned our first ever breakfast. While I like to blame it on the cast iron skillet, it was indeed a disaster from the start. It was one of our first mornings together and I woke up early just so I could impress my new husband with an awesome breakfast. The plan was to make pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage. You know you really burn something bad when the smell of burnt pancakes wakes your other half up right? True story. Even worst it set the smoke alarm off. True story.</div>
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3. <b>Animal Training.</b></div>
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If your a long time follower of ours, you have met our fur baby Mila. We adopted her a few weeks after we were married and she has brought us so much joy ever since. Well in an effort to keep her from scratching on furniture and biting Husbands toes, we bought a neon pink water gun and blasted her with it every time she attempted to try us. It not only worked as a training method, but it soon turned into a game for us. We couldn't wait to see her bite at our toes so that we could gun her good! Read about that funny in this post <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2012/08/trigger-happy.html">HERE</a>.<br />
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4. <b>Losing Mila In The Refridgerator</b>.</div>
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How do you lose a cat in the fridge you ask? Let me just tell you, it is possible my deary. In those days, I tended to feed Mila food that wasn't exactly healthy for her, being a cat and all ya know. I would let her lick the bowl after mixing up ingredients for supper and she automatically knew the sound of the fridge door opening, it was her note to self to run toward it in hopes of human food, food she loved. Well one day I lost her, she wasn't anywhere to be found and we looked everywhere, except the fridge of course. All of the sudden I heard her meow, I looked in the cabinets under the sink but she wasn't there. She was right under my nose but I could not place her, I even checked the oven in panic by the way. I looked at the fridge, and thought "there is no way", to my surprise that was exactly where she was. Read about that funny in this post <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2012/10/i-lost-my-cat-in-refridgerator.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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5. <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-memorial-day-cook-burn-out-with-newlys_29.html">Our First Cook (Burn) Out</a> and <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2013/05/that-time-i-lost-my-baby-control-pill.html">That Time I Lost My Birth Control Pill</a></div>
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Read about them in the highlighted links above.</div>
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So those are just a few of our newlywed funnies.</div>
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They melt my heart thinking back to those moments</div>
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I'm thankful for all the love and laughter we've shared together</div>
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this year one</div>
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and I pray we make even more funnies so that I can share</div>
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them with you all.</div>
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I hope you've enjoyed reading as much as I've enjoyed digging up memories from my newlywed funny stash!</div>
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Be sure to link up with us newlyweds every wednesday and join in on the fun! I'd love to hear about your first year!</div>
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calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-50023089898026982422013-06-03T23:31:00.001-05:002013-06-03T23:39:30.198-05:00Looking Back: The Reception<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There we were, now Husband and Wife. What a feeling! <b>We weren't just simply walking down those front porch steps after being pronounced our very own, we were walking down a new path <i>together, </i>a new journey, as one. Love had branched off into a new direction from then on, and we were standing right at the beginning of our story.</b></div>
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As soon as we reached the end of our wedding march, we were greeted with a many congratulations and beautiful best wishes and such, but the photographers quickly swept us back up for the last pictures of the day. We took pictures with our wedding party full of life-long friends who had just stood beside us and witnessed our new beginning, grandparents, parents, siblings, nieces and nephews and finally solo pictures of just the two of us , which harps my heart real good just thinking of us during that moment. <b>We were so happy after becoming man and wife that the photographers really had no need to instruct us on how we should pose or "look happy in love with goo goo eyes".</b> It just seemed to come naturally of course from then on, we were indeed happy and could have easily forgotten the camera was snapping a few times. <b>I am so very thankful for every emotion we felt that day, because they marked our photographs so well, when I look at our pictures together I see teary eyes full of happiness, I see so much love in our eyes and for that they are my favorite recollection of that day. And they inspire us to keep what we have so close and dear every time we look at them sitting pretty in a frame in our home. </b><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The photographers followed us down to the tent where humbly sat our wedding cake ready to be cut. The Beatles, "Here Comes the Sun" came on just as I had requested as we cut into our cake. </span><b style="text-align: justify;">I chose the song not only for it's cheery sound but mostly because I wanted a song that would sort of say, "At the end of the day, love always comes back around.. through ups and downs, turn arounds, trials, broken heartedness and loss.. I guess you could say I chose it for my new husband, even though he thinks of "The Bee Movie" theme song every time he hears it.</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> I chose it for him in a way that I wanted him to know that it was going to alright, </span><i style="text-align: justify;">I would always be there </i><span style="text-align: justify;">and so would our love, a new page was beginning to turn and I wanted him to feel my hands grasping tightly to his as we would now travel down this new walk of life together, and that it was going to be </span><i style="text-align: justify;">just fine</i><span style="text-align: justify;">. </span><br />
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We shared our First Dance at last to a song that had become "ours" while we were dating, Brad Paisleys " I Thought I Loved You Then". It just seemed to outline our love story right down to it! I couldn't have written it better myself, honestly. While Garrett isn't much of a dancer, I'm glad he agreed to a First Dance. The verses, " <i>I can just see you with a baby on the way</i>", " <i>I can just see you when your hair is turning gray</i>" just seemed to fall right onto the pages during that moment and we cried, <i>again</i>. </div>
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I knew after choosing the song, "My Little Girl" by Tim Mcgraw tears would most definately fly past the handle bars and a huge lump would build up in my throat on that day, but it's the only song I felt I could hear my daddy's voice in and I knew it would be right. He believed in me, my talents, the person I would grow up to be, and even though our relationship shifted, I would always be his little girl, singing on the back porch to Patty Loveless in a poodle skirt. The young girl on the radio singing Patsy Cline, when Britney Spears was way cooler and a girl who had his stubborn ways alike. I hadn't danced with him like this since my senior prom, and I don't know about him but I felt like our relationship was rebinding itself that day, I just felt at peace and I think he did too.<br />
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As emotional as my Dad and I's dance was, so too was my new husbands and his mother. They danced to Bryan Adams "Never Let Go", a song Garrett had chosen because of what a impact his moms strength and determination to live life to her fullest even though life had taken away someone so precious to them, <i>A Father, A Husband.</i> They were legends that day and this very day, as the song sings and their courage to keep going inspires me every time I'm around them. Not many families now a days make it during such hardships, but they are making it day by day, and Garrett and I plan to keep that strong bond going in our home, and our little family to come one day as well.<br />
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It was time to throw the bouquet and the garter, so the DJ rounded up all the single ladies and men folk. To our surprise, a little couple in our family both caught the bouquet and garter and would soon say their I Do's in this same location as we had. </div>
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We had enjoyed all the company with friends and family, but it was time to leave to go on our honeymoon now. My mom walked behind me with my dress gathered up beside her as we made our way upstairs to the bedroom where I would change into my "going away" dress she had helped me pick out. My feet felt the long-ness of beautiful day after shedding my shoes and it was so nice to finally feel the weight of my dress fall down past my waist toward the floor. My mom helped me gather my "going away" bag and called off every item to make sure I had it packed. We shared a "Mother and Daughter" quick moment and a few extra tears to go along before I took my now husbands hand and made it past the handfuls of bird seeds to our decorated vehicle. Everyone waved goodbye and have fun and even threw a few more handfuls of bird seeds until we finally got away along the driveway. To our surprise, my brother in law had snuck in the backseat of our car in an attempt to go with us, clever one, but we just couldn't take him along with us so we kicked him out shortly.</div>
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It was honeymoon time!</div>
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We ate our picnic basket full of BBQ sandwiches</div>
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that were packed for us from the wedding </div>
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And took each others hand along the road</div>
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As Husby and Wife, for life.</div>
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Read about our Honeymoon Adventures <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2012/07/destined-to-be-together.html">HERE</a><br />
And <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-stay-at-hard-rock.html">HERE</a><br />
Oh, and <a href="http://www.mysomething-new.blogspot.com/2012/07/honeymoon-time.html">HERE</a>.</div>
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<br />calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-8848336318876765622013-05-31T09:41:00.000-05:002013-06-01T11:08:50.395-05:00Looking Back: The Ceremony<div style="text-align: justify;">
The guest were steady taking their seats as the clock kept time and we were all still playing "hide the bride" but the moment the prelude music began to start I knew it was time, time to pee... no seriously after hours of getting all dolled up/taking pictures and being what seemed like being vaccum sealed nice and tight in a Ziploc baggie, it was in that very moment in time, my bladder decided I had to pee.. What is this a funny Hollywood wedding film, I thought?! <b>It's really funny though thinking back to that moment because I knew for certain my sister in law would always be there for me no matter what after she non-hesitatingly took charge of the situation and grabbed up several yards of my gown just so I could pee</b>, thanks sil. Whew, now it was time.<br />
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<b>The music to be played during the ceremony was a major detail for me, <i>above the shoes, the special somethings, the cake and so on, </i>because my heart was born embedded near it ever since I can remember, I really wanted my guests to feel my hearts inner core through the music that I chose for each portion of the ceremony and I pray they felt it at it's very best.</b> The sweet soulful solo harp version of Ave Maria had just began to play in the distance, which meant our grandparents were just being seated. While it is more of a catholic worshiping tune, I have always adored it's beautiful sound, and I couldn't think of a more beautiful song for our grandparents to walk down to.<br />
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I wasn't around to watch as my groom to be, his mother and dear sister lit the memory candle for his Daddy but I can only imagine what that moment felt like for them. It also was a major detail, I do hope Garrett felt his daddys reassuring presence beside him that sweet day. After the memory candle was lit it was time to seat our Mothers and then on to the bridal party. <b><i>Clair De Lune</i> was this moments song, it is a song that sends chill bumps down my very spine every time I hear that first note played smoothly, it is pure poetry but without a need for any words, and even the adjective: beautiful does it's title no justice.</b> I had originally planned to walk down the aisle to this song because of the great impact on my heart it does, but I decided I would use it for my girls to walk down to. The idea then was perfect, why had I not thought of this before?! It's simple softness would capture them so well, it would be as if they were walking on Heavens stepping stones, I had visioned it's imagery in my mind and I also prayed it was as beautiful as a moment as I had imagined.<br />
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At this point I was standing beside my Daddy waiting for the notion to move forward. I was beginning to get teary eyed already thinking of how my Dad must feel giving his last daughter away. Our relationship had, regretfully had it's days and we were not completely mended <i>but everything was fine</i>. I knew he was happy with my choice to marry Garrett that day. <b>Inner intuition has it's way of easing the soul. </b>I chose the Canon in D harp solo version for my presentation. There's just something about the sound of the harp, it's so angelic there's just nothing like it <i>for me, anyway</i>. I held my daddys arm as we rounded the corner to my concrete aisle. I saw numerous smiles and sweet gestures noting that I was in that moment, but I hadn't yet seen Garrett. Everyone stood at once as I made it to the beginning of my special walk, I lifted my head to my destination and there he was. I had seen a many of his smiles, but his smile was one of a kind that day and I could already see that he had a glitter to his eyes as well. <b>Everything seemed so quiet during that walk toward him, the world seemed to drift back from us and all I saw was him, and all I felt was love, Gods love surrounding us. </b>We took each others hands and listened as the preacher gave Gods word to us, to everyone. We did our best to repeat each vow that was expressed, but emotions overtook our hearts. <b>And as you will see in pictures to come, tears were overflowing so that I had to wipe my eyes during our vows but I just let them go because I felt that was how they were meant to fall.</b> It was the most emotional moment I had ever lived so far, many told us afterwards it was the most heart felt wedding they had ever witnessed, I'm proud to say that our hearts were open even past it's inner lining that day.<br />
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We took each others token of love along our fingers and listened to the song I had pre-recorded for Garrett. I have always wanted to sing in my wedding, I had sang in numerous weddings before but it was my turn now and this was my hearts desire to sing to my groom. I chose the song "It Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk because I just knew as soon as we were pronounced "Husband and Wife" it would be a feeling of home like no other. And it was, We were now one, Praise God what a feeling, the comfort in that title now expressed was so much a "Home" as I had previously sang to my Groom.<br />
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We took each others hands and made our way down the porch steps, past our crowd of friends and family, and I don't know about Garrett but a deep breeze came right over me as we reached the end of our wedding march. After six months of planning such an event, this beautiful feeling was the end result. I couldn't possibly feel a feeling no greater than if I had climbed to the top of the tallest mountain, I was so high above the clouds in love. <b>It's true. Love had grown even deeper in my heart than before, my valves were rooted to it's ultimate potential now and I could not wait to see what life had in store for us.</b><br />
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<b>Want to hear this bride sing to her groom?</b></div>
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<b>Listen below and Enjoy!</b></div>
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calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-31935601161007803872013-05-30T06:00:00.000-05:002013-05-30T06:42:32.805-05:00Looking Back: Getting Ready To Say "I Do"<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looking back I can truly express it was a morning like <i>no other</i>, I had counted down the months and weeks to this <i>very</i> day and it was finally here. So there I was, that beautiful Saturday morning, on my parents front porch swing while one of my bridesmaids <i>being one of my best friends since I can remember</i> was still asleep. We had camped out in each others company for one last sleepover. Some may mock "some bachelorette party you had!" but <b>I honestly didn't have a care in the world for such a tradition, it was like we were teenagers again and I would never trade that moment in for the world.</b> I know for certain I kept her up almost all night long because I was so anxious about what the next day held, her company was truly just what I needed, but I also needed my quiet time, my space, <i>I needed a few moments with my God</i>, and looking back that front porch swing has always been the place where I went to be with Him. <b>For some reason, that swing comforted my spirit and my mind could just release any anxiety, poetry from the depths of my soul, feelings of any kind, so that is where I was, <i>again</i>.</b> My parents were already at the place where I would soon be in just a few hours doing some last minute decorating, so I breathed in the minutes and prayed to God to ease any nerves that would soon arise. I prayed that our wedding would be just as He had already pre-planned it and I prayed for His presence during the entire ceremony, I prayed for the weather, I prayed for every emotion, I even prayed for tears as long as they were happy tears, <b>I prayed for our marriage mostly</b>, and I prayed for our life as husband and wife. Soon my other best friend would arrive at my home and I just couldn't wait to hug her neck, she drove a good distance just to be in our wedding and she doesn't know how much that meant to me, I needed her that day also. It wasn't quite time after she arrived to meet the stylist upstairs at the home where I would soon be getting married at but we decided to leave a little early, so we grabbed a couple of my daddys button up t-shirts and made our way to our vehicles, <b>but before I left I couldn't help but glance back at my home, <i>my family home</i>, the home I had been raised in for so many years, this back out of the driveway would be my last as a single woman.</b> I couldn't help but think of how it was going to feel coming back to this place as a married woman and leaving to go back home, <b> to my <i>new home. </i></b><br />
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The long driveway leading up to "the wedding" was so <i>dawning</i> for me, it got real, and quick too, as soon as I saw white tents with tables underneath for the celebration, empty white chairs that would soon be filled with our loved ones and friends, beautiful floral arrangements for different settings that I had been solely apart of creating for such a day, <b>and there it was: <i>the concrete aisle- sunlight beaming upon it just as I had pictured- I would soon walk along it's path to meet my groom</i>.</b> I could not wait, throw the dress over my head and lets get to the good part I thought who needs shoes! But then God in his own way somehow reminded me that I needed to be patient, this was a very special day, this would soon be a memory I thought so I did my best to stay calm.<br />
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I watched each one of my girls get dolled up for our special day until it was finally my turn. The nerves were beginning to set in but pictures were next so there was no room for any worries, we had to get these pictures taken before the guys, most importantly, <i>my groom </i>made their way around the same long driveway we had just came down before. So into my dress I stepped with the help of my mother in law to be and one of my best friends. <b>It was in that moment that I became the bride, <i>and boy was it a feeling like no other</i></b>. I was center square with my two best friends, my soon to be sister in law and my sister who had <i>always</i> been there from the beginning. This wedding was about to happen guys, it was that don't wake me up if i'm dreaming kind of moment! The last few photographs were shots of me and my parents and soon single shots of only me, <b>I think I was so mesmerized by all of the emotions of the moment the photographers had to remind me to smile.</b>They kept chanting "Smile,Callie!", "C'mon I know you can smile bigger!"almost in a child-like manner which got to be a little annoying after a while because at that moment in time I truly thought I was smiling <i>my natural smile</i>. <b>Looking back at my photo album now, I didn't truly smile until I saw Garrett.</b><br />
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Near the end of the first round of shots snapped, it was time to "hide the bride", someone had spotted the guys coming down the long driveway, it was their turn to get ready, so into the house we went, my girls crowded around me doing their best to cover me. <b>It was all starting to come together, <i>my groom was just outside</i>, I could only imagine what emotions were playing in his mind and what this day felt like to him as well.</b> Was he nervous? Was he excited? Please Lord, no cold feet,i thought, mine are perfectly warm inside these shoes I'm wearing. The minutes were passing by so quickly now, as I pulled the blind down peering at the numerous white chairs outside facing me, I saw that a few guests had already arrived, the groomsmen were taking last shots with my soon to be husband. <i>This is it</i>, I thought.</div>
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<i>Be calm. Breathe.</i> <i>Believe this day has already been taken care of by His hands.</i></div>
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<b>Keep reading Friends, I'm just getting to the good part!</b><br />
<b>[The Ceremony]</b></div>
calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751538325994348325.post-56236034427700121492013-05-29T20:36:00.004-05:002013-05-29T20:41:19.015-05:00A Memorial Day Cook [Burn] Out With The Newlys<br />
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Monday we had our very first cookout as Newlyweds in honor of Memorial Day. We spent the first half of the day getting the yard spruced up, gathering up chairs and tables, icing down drinks and such and blowing up as many rug rat floaties as we could find, which ended up being way too many, considering we are childless at the moment. Believe me, had a cheese wagon full of kindersnappers came whipping down our driveway that evening, we smithy's were fully capable of gearing them all up with floatation devices for every extremity. </div>
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While we <i>thought</i> we went somewhat a little overboard on supplies and such, we were kind of worried about what kind of turn out we were going to have with all of the many cookouts and get togethers that were going about, but to our surprise we had plenty of friends and family show up and we just had a blast with all of the company. It was so nice to have both sides of our family there with us along with great friends too. </div>
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But let me just make plain that <i>thought</i>, first of all word to wise: a hamburger patty is not always a [great] hamburger patty, that is if it's cheap. So we had a little well big.. bad combination while in the grilling process of cooking hamburgers. The first one being that I, wifey bought the most cheapest pack of hamburger patties I could possibly find in an act of pleasing the Husby with my mean savings skills. A hamburger patty is a hamburger patty, right? Wrong! Lesson learned #1. Second, Husby had the grill rocking and smoking at a whopping 700 degrees. Our burgers were so burn't up the dogs wouldn't even touch their tongue to it. Husby was getting pretty embarrassed and Wifey was feeling pretty dumb for penny pinching on patties but looking back it was worth every penny that was wasted. You just can't put a price on a good laugh and an unforgettable memorial day cookout! Lesson learned #2. <i>A hamburger patty may not always be a good hamburger patty, but a good laugh is a good laugh, right?</i><br />
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You didn't think this moment passed life's existence without being recorded did you!?? I like to call it "The Hamburger Massacre". Check it out, and feel sorry for us if you want or maybe just point and laugh. </div>
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calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13226929596662608282noreply@blogger.com3