Thankful.

As some of you have probably heard me mention before, I used to write only in pencil. As a perfectionist, I could not handle writing in pen. If I made a mistake, that meant starting all over; whereas, with a pencil, I could just erase. Well, a couple years ago, my mom brought me home this:

Ever since this addition to my supplies, my world has changed. I have now almost 100% moved on to using pens. In fact, I have found that writing with a pen (especially while doing schoolwork) puts less strain on my hand. Plus, it leaves a more permanent mark. But, at the same time, that mark can be wited-out, if necessary. Consequently, I am very thankful for this tool.

In fact, I was just doing some statistics homework (and making mistakes) and this little bugger saved my paper.

Thanks, mom.

History

Aw, look at that sweet pumpkin face!

22 years after this picture was taken, that little boy married me! He is not so little anymore. However, he still does make that face sometimes.

Crafty.

Sometimes I get an itsy-bitsy bit jealous when I read about how crafty and resourceful all my married friends have become. Once Faith married off, she became an amazing quilter and cook. Marie sews a wide array of amazing articles, and Christy makes candles. My other sister draws and paints handmade cards. Also, upon request, she can paint amazing canvases to hang in your home! Once Anna married off, her hidden talents remained hidden. Instead of blooming into an amazing artist or handy-woman, I settle for buying my curtains instead of making them, and contributing nothing to my little household made by me. But, that is okay. Maybe my secret talent is to be the customer for everyone else!

On that note, I would really like a handmade tree-skirt for my Christmas tree to use for years to come.

Also, I would like a wooden coat hanger/bench for my entryway. Are there any wood crafters out there?

Oh, oh, and I wouldn't mind another colorful table runner too.

Ok, that is all (for now). Meanwhile, I will try to come up with some sort of talent that will earn me some $$$ so that I can pay for it all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for my big family - Dad, Mom, Jared, Faith, Josh, Sarah, Andrew, Luke and Hope.

(:

It's a date.

The other night, my husband took me out on a date! The weather forecast predicted 80% chance of rain; but, we went with the 20%. The underdog won. Instead of getting rained out, we had a perfectly cool evening with a beautiful view of some amazing looking clouds. The "chance" of rain just added a little bit of excitement to the evening, especially since our table was located outdoors. The hostess told us that we would have an hour and forty-five minute wait. And, since we had nothing better to do, we decided to wait and enjoy each others company. Well, the "hour and forty-five minutes" flew by - it turned out to be only a thirty minute wait! Rejoicing at our good fortune, we sat down in a cheery mood. The evening continued to go our way as we both ordered delicious meals and gobbled them up. Then, we strolled down the boardwalk eating a small bucket of Fisher's caramel popcorn, commenting on the array of people going past. And to top off the evening, we walked down a few streets to see one of Andrew's old friends, who was bar tending at "Wild Bill's," which turned out to be an ironic name choice since it was anything but "wild." I have to admit that I was somewhat curious because I have never been to a bar. However, what a disappointment - no wild fights, loud music, or scantily clad women. Just a couple of old men staring at the game on TV drinking away the night. Poor souls. I was very thankful to be next to the love of my life and be able to share the evening with him. It was quite the treat. I'm looking forward to next time. (-:

Andrew wanted to take my picture and I asked him why.

"...because you look so beautiful."

Aw, you make me feel beautiful, Andrew Philip. (-:

2 months ago.

I just received my professional wedding pictures today. I was excited to look through them and see what I had missed of the day. From when I was a child until the day I got married, I dreamt of being the gorgeous bride dressed in white (or ivory in this case). However, I am very critical of myself and disliked all the pictures of my "bad" side. Nevertheless, everyone else looks terrific - including my handsome husband.

This one of Mason is absolutely adorable:

and here is my handsome husband:

pretty shot of us walking indoors:

one of the few of my "good" side:

precious Elizabeth and I:

Andrew and his boys:

us & our pastors:

my parents & Andrew's:

my entire family:

My thoughtful, sweet husband brought me home an arrangement of flowers. It is always such a treat being given flowers. They were originally displayed in a big vase all together. However, desiring to brighten up multiple rooms, I split the bunch up into two vases. So, now I can look at them in the kitchen and the living room! I absolutely love the bright colors - great choice, Andrew!

And so that you do not feel left out, please enjoy the flowers with me: