Today is all about the friend I've had for 11 years.
E.K. - I love that we have been friends so long. We were there for each other for all of high school, college, and our weddings...and beyond. We've seen the best and worst of each other...and yet, we're still able to love each other. I love that you have always been honest with me, even when it was hard to tell me I was making mistakes or not being the greatest friend. I love that our husbands love each other and get along so well (manpanions!). I love that we had tons of sleepovers, gab fests, and fun outings in high school (by the way, I still have my man in a box). I love that we had a secret code for e-mails and handwritten notes, just in case the "wrong" person saw them. I love that God brought us together in such a random way...and that the first time we ever hung out outside of church was on Valentine's Day, 11 years ago. I have so many wonderful memories from all the times we've spent together...and I am looking forward to all the wonderful memories we will have in the future. Thanks for being such a great best friend! I love you oh so much!!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Itchin' to Create
I haven't made a piece of jewelry in over a week...
...and I'm really itchin' to do so.
I spent some time on etsy this evening, looking through some of my favorite shops, to see what other jewelry makers are creating and selling. I got some good ideas for some necklace designs I really want to try. Like this one, this one, and something like this. I also like how this one has so many different elements. I don't think I would make one exactly like that, but I love that there's different chain and stuff hanging off...it just inspires me to think so much more out of the box with my jewelry.
And completely unrelated to jewelry, I love this purse.
What things inspire you to get your creative juices flowing?
(I think I finally fixed the comments. You should be able to leave them now...and there's even a pop out box! Please let me know if you are still having issues)
...and I'm really itchin' to do so.
I spent some time on etsy this evening, looking through some of my favorite shops, to see what other jewelry makers are creating and selling. I got some good ideas for some necklace designs I really want to try. Like this one, this one, and something like this. I also like how this one has so many different elements. I don't think I would make one exactly like that, but I love that there's different chain and stuff hanging off...it just inspires me to think so much more out of the box with my jewelry.
And completely unrelated to jewelry, I love this purse.
What things inspire you to get your creative juices flowing?
(I think I finally fixed the comments. You should be able to leave them now...and there's even a pop out box! Please let me know if you are still having issues)
Love for You: Day Two
Today's post is all about those who are a part of my family by marriage.
B & A - I love the way you guys immediately accepted me into your family. I love that I was able to spend many holidays and family get-togethers with you guys before Josh and I got married. I love that you guys care so much about your family. I love that I was able to be a part of your precious daughter's life from the very beginning. You guys are amazing and I love you very much!!
A & E - You two weren't even married when Josh and I first started dating...though you got married that summer. You even invited me to your wedding, barely even knowing me (even though I didn't go because Josh broke up with me). I love how much fun you guys have with each other and with those in your lives. You both are very carefree and love to laugh...and I love that. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and for helping Josh and I in so many different ways over these years. I love you two crazy kids tons!!
J & K - You two started dating soon after Josh and I got married. I love how creative you guys have always been. You always come up with fun things to do together and with your friends...and creative ways to give gifts as well. I'm looking forward to how God is going to continue to use the both of you...and how He is going to work in you as a couple. Mucho love from me to you!!
A. J. - You married my sister...and for that alone, I love you very much. You and Josh have such a great relationship, and I love that we can all hang out and have fun together. You are such a hard worker and have done whatever it took to provide for my sister. You are a goofball and a joker...which added a much-needed element to my little family. I love watching you, Josh, and my dad laugh together. It's so very healing to see. Thank you for loving my sister, for loving my family, and for being you. I love you tons!!
J. B. - You brought my husband into this world over 26 years ago...and I am so very thankful you did. You are such an awesome woman...to be able to raise four boys that love the Lord and love their family so very much. Your influence in their lives over the years has shaped them into the amazing husbands that they are. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and making me feel comfortable in your home. Thank you for setting an awesome example of faith and love for all of us girls to strive for. I love you very much!!
T. B. - You raised four amazing boys...teaching them how to be men, how to love and take care of their wives, and how to be fathers. I love that the boys still love you in some of the same ways they did when they were younger (climbing on your back). Their admiration for you is so evident in all they say and do. Thank you for making me feel like I have a place in your family. Thank you for fulfilling God's call on your life to raise your family in His ways. I love you very much!!
A.B. - Oh, precious little niece of mine. You have been such a huge blessing in our family. You bring so much joy and happiness to all of our lives. There has never been a time that I've been around you that I haven't smiled and laughed a ton. You are goofy, spunky, stubborn, independent, sweet, and loving. I remember the very first time I held your tiny body in my arms...and fell in love with you. You are such a sweetheart and I can't wait to see what God is going to do in your life as you grow up...just don't grow up too fast.
B & A - I love the way you guys immediately accepted me into your family. I love that I was able to spend many holidays and family get-togethers with you guys before Josh and I got married. I love that you guys care so much about your family. I love that I was able to be a part of your precious daughter's life from the very beginning. You guys are amazing and I love you very much!!
A & E - You two weren't even married when Josh and I first started dating...though you got married that summer. You even invited me to your wedding, barely even knowing me (even though I didn't go because Josh broke up with me). I love how much fun you guys have with each other and with those in your lives. You both are very carefree and love to laugh...and I love that. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and for helping Josh and I in so many different ways over these years. I love you two crazy kids tons!!
J & K - You two started dating soon after Josh and I got married. I love how creative you guys have always been. You always come up with fun things to do together and with your friends...and creative ways to give gifts as well. I'm looking forward to how God is going to continue to use the both of you...and how He is going to work in you as a couple. Mucho love from me to you!!
A. J. - You married my sister...and for that alone, I love you very much. You and Josh have such a great relationship, and I love that we can all hang out and have fun together. You are such a hard worker and have done whatever it took to provide for my sister. You are a goofball and a joker...which added a much-needed element to my little family. I love watching you, Josh, and my dad laugh together. It's so very healing to see. Thank you for loving my sister, for loving my family, and for being you. I love you tons!!
J. B. - You brought my husband into this world over 26 years ago...and I am so very thankful you did. You are such an awesome woman...to be able to raise four boys that love the Lord and love their family so very much. Your influence in their lives over the years has shaped them into the amazing husbands that they are. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and making me feel comfortable in your home. Thank you for setting an awesome example of faith and love for all of us girls to strive for. I love you very much!!
T. B. - You raised four amazing boys...teaching them how to be men, how to love and take care of their wives, and how to be fathers. I love that the boys still love you in some of the same ways they did when they were younger (climbing on your back). Their admiration for you is so evident in all they say and do. Thank you for making me feel like I have a place in your family. Thank you for fulfilling God's call on your life to raise your family in His ways. I love you very much!!
A.B. - Oh, precious little niece of mine. You have been such a huge blessing in our family. You bring so much joy and happiness to all of our lives. There has never been a time that I've been around you that I haven't smiled and laughed a ton. You are goofy, spunky, stubborn, independent, sweet, and loving. I remember the very first time I held your tiny body in my arms...and fell in love with you. You are such a sweetheart and I can't wait to see what God is going to do in your life as you grow up...just don't grow up too fast.
Love for You: Day One
Day One is all about my beautiful family.
Mom: I am so in awe of how you sought God in such amazing ways when I was just a dream...and how you continued to seek Him as I was growing up. You set a precedence for Sister and I that is just phenomenal. You were always quick to listen and slow to become angry. You always gave me the benefit of the doubt, even if you thought I was making a dumb choice. You'd listen and then gently guide me down the right path again. Your love has always amazed me. You have put up with so much from us girls, and yet, you've never once stopped loving us. I hated knowing I'd disappointed you...because I never wanted you to be disappointed in me. Thank you for loving me gently, for being patient with me, and for setting a beautiful example of how a mother should be. I love you so very much more than words can say.
Dad: Being a married woman and being out of the house has helped me to see more clearly how much you have always loved me. Even when I thought you were being unfair, you were only looking out for me and trying to keep me from getting hurt...because you loved me that much. I know you would have...and still would...do anything to protect me from harm. You helped birth in me a love for all things musical and creative and artistic. You encourage me to use my gifts and develop my talents more fully. You desire for me to live my life solely for God...and made sure I was always in the right environment to do so. You may have been stern with me at times...but all those lessons shaped me into who I am today. Without your love and support, I would be a shell of the person I am today. God put me in your care for a reason; because He knew you would bring me up in the right ways. I love you so very much and I love that you constantly remind me how much you love me.
Sister: You were my first best friend. I can tell by our baby pictures that I loved you very much...even if I did try to smother you at times (hey, 14 month olds don't really know how to handle babies). I love that we have a good relationship. I love that we hardly ever fought when we were growing up...and still hardly ever do...yet, we can still be honest with each other about our feelings. I love that we live in the same town and go shopping together...or get frozen yogurt...or have dinner and play silly games with our husbands together. I love the fact that I can be real and honest with you...and know that you won't judge me. You and I don't always agree on things...and that is ok...because it doesn't change the bond we have with one another. You are the greatest sister I could have ever hoped for, and I feel so lucky to have you in my life. I love you so very much and am so glad you have a wonderful husband who loves you to pieces.
(Note: I know my family is not fond of having their info out in cyberspace, so that is why I did not use names. I will be using initials for most everyone else from here on out...just in case you feel the same way)
Mom: I am so in awe of how you sought God in such amazing ways when I was just a dream...and how you continued to seek Him as I was growing up. You set a precedence for Sister and I that is just phenomenal. You were always quick to listen and slow to become angry. You always gave me the benefit of the doubt, even if you thought I was making a dumb choice. You'd listen and then gently guide me down the right path again. Your love has always amazed me. You have put up with so much from us girls, and yet, you've never once stopped loving us. I hated knowing I'd disappointed you...because I never wanted you to be disappointed in me. Thank you for loving me gently, for being patient with me, and for setting a beautiful example of how a mother should be. I love you so very much more than words can say.
Dad: Being a married woman and being out of the house has helped me to see more clearly how much you have always loved me. Even when I thought you were being unfair, you were only looking out for me and trying to keep me from getting hurt...because you loved me that much. I know you would have...and still would...do anything to protect me from harm. You helped birth in me a love for all things musical and creative and artistic. You encourage me to use my gifts and develop my talents more fully. You desire for me to live my life solely for God...and made sure I was always in the right environment to do so. You may have been stern with me at times...but all those lessons shaped me into who I am today. Without your love and support, I would be a shell of the person I am today. God put me in your care for a reason; because He knew you would bring me up in the right ways. I love you so very much and I love that you constantly remind me how much you love me.
Sister: You were my first best friend. I can tell by our baby pictures that I loved you very much...even if I did try to smother you at times (hey, 14 month olds don't really know how to handle babies). I love that we have a good relationship. I love that we hardly ever fought when we were growing up...and still hardly ever do...yet, we can still be honest with each other about our feelings. I love that we live in the same town and go shopping together...or get frozen yogurt...or have dinner and play silly games with our husbands together. I love the fact that I can be real and honest with you...and know that you won't judge me. You and I don't always agree on things...and that is ok...because it doesn't change the bond we have with one another. You are the greatest sister I could have ever hoped for, and I feel so lucky to have you in my life. I love you so very much and am so glad you have a wonderful husband who loves you to pieces.
(Note: I know my family is not fond of having their info out in cyberspace, so that is why I did not use names. I will be using initials for most everyone else from here on out...just in case you feel the same way)
Love (Luv) is a Verb
I love me some dcTalk.
I truly do. dcTalk is and always will be one of my favorites. From the old school 80's rap days, to the more alternative sound in the 90's...I just love 'em.
But, they're not the reason I'm writing this post.
One of the blogs I've been following, cake and cotton, posted this earlier today. I've also seen lots of different posts about Valentine's Day that have inspired me to view it a little differently this year. One of those posts was this one from Leslie @ top of the page, who is one of the two women that writes on cake and cotton as well.
I have never been a big fan of Valentine's Day. I've always thought it was a lame holiday that men used to "make up" to their significant other for all the times they'd forgotten about them that year. I think part of me was just jealous the years I didn't have a "Valentine"...and the other part of me was even more turned off by it from working at Hallmark...and seeing all those men show up the day before/day of to buy a card or gift for their girl. I always would say, "If someone really means that much to you, you should celebrate and cherish them all the time, not just one day a year". Yet, I think my opinion is a little different this year...
Days are what we make them. This includes holidays, too. We can make Christmas a big deal or treat it like any other day. We can cook a big Thanksgiving dinner for family or sit at home watching a bunch of TV. We can choose to celebrate/not celebrate each "holiday" the way we want. And this year, I'm choosing to celebrate Valentine's Day differently than I ever have before.
Even though it is already past midnight and technically the 2nd, I am going to blog for 14 days about some of the people I love the most in this world. I am going to do my best to fit in as many people as I can...but I am only human and know I will probably forget one or two. But, I think it's important to take some time out of my life and truly reflect on the reasons why I love the people in my life. I don't do it often enough...and I know a simple post isn't going to do anyone justice...but it will definitely be a start.
How are you going to show love to those around you this month? It doesn't have to be about Valentine's Day...but it's definitely a good time of the year to show them how much you truly appreciate them.
I truly do. dcTalk is and always will be one of my favorites. From the old school 80's rap days, to the more alternative sound in the 90's...I just love 'em.
But, they're not the reason I'm writing this post.
One of the blogs I've been following, cake and cotton, posted this earlier today. I've also seen lots of different posts about Valentine's Day that have inspired me to view it a little differently this year. One of those posts was this one from Leslie @ top of the page, who is one of the two women that writes on cake and cotton as well.
I have never been a big fan of Valentine's Day. I've always thought it was a lame holiday that men used to "make up" to their significant other for all the times they'd forgotten about them that year. I think part of me was just jealous the years I didn't have a "Valentine"...and the other part of me was even more turned off by it from working at Hallmark...and seeing all those men show up the day before/day of to buy a card or gift for their girl. I always would say, "If someone really means that much to you, you should celebrate and cherish them all the time, not just one day a year". Yet, I think my opinion is a little different this year...
Days are what we make them. This includes holidays, too. We can make Christmas a big deal or treat it like any other day. We can cook a big Thanksgiving dinner for family or sit at home watching a bunch of TV. We can choose to celebrate/not celebrate each "holiday" the way we want. And this year, I'm choosing to celebrate Valentine's Day differently than I ever have before.
Even though it is already past midnight and technically the 2nd, I am going to blog for 14 days about some of the people I love the most in this world. I am going to do my best to fit in as many people as I can...but I am only human and know I will probably forget one or two. But, I think it's important to take some time out of my life and truly reflect on the reasons why I love the people in my life. I don't do it often enough...and I know a simple post isn't going to do anyone justice...but it will definitely be a start.
How are you going to show love to those around you this month? It doesn't have to be about Valentine's Day...but it's definitely a good time of the year to show them how much you truly appreciate them.
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