Thanksgiving

"My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving."  -Colossians 2:6-7

... Enough said, right? 

Today was SUCH a great day. I had SO much fun with my family and I really caught myself looking around and laughing and noticing how much I really had to be thankful for.  It was an incredible day.  Only sour feeling all day was the slight pang in my stomach everytime I'd think of how much I missed Eric and how things just aren't complete without him.  I miss him everyday but holidays are definitely the worst.  I can only be this much more thankful that we'll get to spend Christmas together.  

I also really wanted to go to Eric's Callahan side of the family today to visit with them but it didn't work out.  Eric and his family usually go about 90minutes away to his moms side of the family to celebrate Thanksgiving and I had hoped that I could go there for a bit and then drive back to be with my family but the distance/the risk of traffic made that impossible :(  But next year, Eric and I are ready to go to the Callahans and celebrate with them so I can't wait to be apart of their tradition and grow closer to his family!

Sadly, Eric didnt get much of a Thanksgiving :-/   I talked to him a bit and he said that they had a pretty slack day but he didn't completely get off work so the day was pretty uneventful and he was pretty sad about that.  I know how much he LOVES Thanksgiving and wanted to be with his family this year so I was really sad for him.

Things I am especially thankful for this year:

1) Obviously, my gracious and Holy Lord Jesus.  He has blessed me more than ever this year through His provisions and His love.

2) My perfect husband.  I honestly did now know it was possible to love another person as much as I love Eric.  I am just blown away when I think of how undeserving I am of a man like Eric and how thankful I am to God for sending me such an incredible husband.

3) my family and my NEW family!  ugh... I could go on forever about my amazing family.

4) my wedding. It sounds silly but my wedding was just perfect and I couldnt have planned everything without my mom and aunt Lacy and my friends.  I'm just so thankful that, to me, I had the most beautiful, perfect wedding and I wouldnt have changed a thing.  It was the happiest day of my life by far. 

5)my new puppy! She's crazy but I love her.

AND SO MUCH MORE! but those are the five that came to mind right away. 

Anyway, hope everyone had as wonderful of a Thanksgiving as I did! 

Advent Conspiracy

I feel so inclined to tell everyone I know about Advent Conspiracy. It's such a great thing to do and I know it'd feel so good to give back in this way.  AND it's way more fun. AND it forces you to get in touch with your crafty side. AND it's more memorable. AND so many more things.
Here is the short Advent Conspiracy promo video (again) to watch if you don't know what I'm talking about:

I won't say that it's not a sacrifice because it is. It's supposed to be. ESPECIALLY if you have kids I think.  They might not understand why they are getting half the gifts as usual or why you are spending half the amount you usually would but I think it's worth it.  Plan a big family day or a big family craft day where you all make everyones gift.  Give the gift of quality time instead of toys and clothes and etc. Take someone to lunch for their Christmas gift from you. There are SO many ideas. Then the money that we WOULD have spent on gifts and etc., give it to people who NEED it.  There are a ton of churches that participate in Advent Conspiracy finding a few good causes or needs around the world and vowing to help- and that's our part.  If you'd like to know more please just ask or google it further.  It's a huge thing we can do. It's Christmas for goodness sake. It's the season of ADVENT.

(random fact:  The estimated cost to SOLVE world thirst- make clean water available to the entire world- is 20 Billion dollars.  450 Billion dollars is spent on Christmas every year. EVERY. YEAR. Something to think about...)

With that being said, here's a little something to put you back in the fun Christmas spirit! You're welcome. :)

hahahahaahaha Eric will not be happy...

Things that have gone Girly since Eric left

1. Kobe used to have plain clear food/water bowls... Now they are pink.

2. The bathroom counter used to be clean and organized... Now it's scattered with make-up and hair things.

3. Saturday's DVR schedule used to be booked up with College Football games... Now it's full of re-runs of wedding shows and Real Housewives.

4. Our bedroom floor used to be picked up daily... Now there are clothes and shoes everywhere.

5. We used to have plain gray sheets... That bored me and now they are pink.

6. Our house candles used to be scents like "Clean Linen" and "Forest Rain"... Those have now been replaced with candles called "Flirtatious" and "Berry Kiss".

7. Kobe used to just be a white fluffy dog... Now she is a white fluffy dog with more clothes and accessories than me.

8. Our dining room table used to be for, well, dining.... Now it is my craft and sewing table.

9. Our walk-in closet used to hold both of our wardrobes... Now it holds mine. And Eric's things are folded nicely in drawers until he gets back. (what? I needed more room!)

10. A recent bathroom flood ruined all of our towels so I had to buy a few new ones... A few pink new ones.

hehe... oops? Love you honey! ;)

Eric's song to me

so sweet. I love my husband so much.

hello optimism!

Eric is currently somewhere in Japan out in the field until the 21st... I think. And it sure does stink.  We spoke on Saturday morning over BBM and he told me he was going out to the field for about 10 days and surprisingly, I was fine with it!  I knew we wouldnt be able to talk and I knew I wouldnt know where he was or what he was doing, but I was oddly okay! (Although in all honesty, it has proved to be hard not talking to Eric the past 3 days... I really miss even just texting him. I need to remember not to take all the times we CAN talk for granted in the future, because not talking is pretty hard.) Anyway, it then hit me that I feel like I'm officially letting myself be okay with this deployment and not hating life so much.  It's about time, right?  I layed in bed thinking that maybe I've just grown used to this now.  I have LOVED that I've pretty much gotten to talk to Eric everyday since this deployment started... But maybe it's not that this whole thing has gotten easier, it's just that I've gotten better at handling it.  Yes- I miss him and wish he was home, but it's okay that he's not.  I have great people surrounding me here and I have the rest of my life to share with Eric and I'm so proud of him and what he is doing for our country that it overwhelms me! This weekend was the first weekend that I was truly just SO happy and felt SO hopeful.  Time is already going by pretty fast, I get to go to Japan for Christmas and see Eric which will break up the deployment, and then he is home mid-April! And biggest reason of ALL for my newfound optimism:  HE LOVES ME! and I love him! Eric and I got married and chose to spend our lives together because we love eachother and because we know God has this outstanding plan for our marriage.  I have nothing to worry about except my own fears driving me to insanity.  Eric is an incredible man and he is my HUSBAND and I'm the luckiest girl in the world for that and nothing can change that fact.  My marriage is solid and my relationship with Eric is exactly where it should be and we have Jesus at our core--- so what do I have to be afraid of? I feel like I've taken a breath of fresh air and I am finally choosing to be happy and be optimistic and give this whole thing up to God so he can do something great with it.

Phew! Rant over! ;)

Eric's family

Yesterday was our nephew, Bryce's, 7th birthday!  I had the privilege to go over Brian and Gretchen's house with my mama and daddy-in-law to celebrate with Bryce and all the kids and it was so much fun!  I absolutely love my new family and I have loved spending so much time with them recently.  On Saturday I joined Brian and Gretchen and the kids at Grants football game and, even though they lost, I was so proud of Grant and his team and how hard that little boy has worked this year.  I really have loved getting to go to a few of Grants football games.  Mostly because seeing Grant in all his pads and uniform just tickles me... they are the cutest.  Saturday night I got to babysit Max and Neveah and take them to Stony Point for the lighting of the big Christmas tree... and they just make me so happy because of what perfect children they are and how silly they can be.  I was just constantly surrounded by the sweetest kids this weekend!
I thought after Eric left that it might be hard spending time with his family.  I was scared that I might start to pull away because being with them just makes me think of Eric more and I'm always wishing that he were there, joining in on the memories that we're making, which in turn makes me a little sad. Though, he is constantly in my thoughts so I like to think that he's there in spirit, through my heart.  The most heart-breaking thing is thinking that Claire, Davis and possibly Max and Neveah won't remember Eric when he gets back.  The thought is literally making my eyes fill up with tears.  I know they will get to know him and grow close with him again but it just breaks my heart to think about because Eric loves his nephews and niece and Max and Neveah more than I think anyone knows.  He really gets such joy out of being around kids and playing with them... I know one day he will be a great daddy. ;)  Anyway, I'd say that I proved myself wrong.  Being around Eric's family doesnt make me more sad or make me miss him more... it makes me more proud and more grateful that I married an amazing man who happens to have an incredible family.  Last night, as I was playing a card game with my new nephews, it just hit me so hard how blessed I am to have this new addition of family.
I gained a lot more than just an incredible husband when I married Eric. And that overwhelms me with joy and comfort.

Random Acts of Kindness

So, this year for Christmas, since Eric isn't here, I'm all alone for Advent Conspiracy. (if you don't know what Advent Conspiracy is, click here and watch this super short promo so youll know what I'm talking about....  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU ... now that you've watched it, dont you want to do that too?? Spend half of your usual amount on gifts, and give the rest to help the world!)

ANYWAY, this is Eric and I's second year of doing Advent Conspiracy together and it feels so good.  This year I'm attempting to hand-make everyones gift and putting my craftiness to the ultimate test.  However, I thought maybe I should do more this year.  I'm alone and have more time on my hands than usual and I just thought there is no better Christmas to really give back and focus on generosity.  I definitely feel like God has been tugging at my heart a bit about this. 

SO, for every day this Advent season, I'm going to do one really cool Random Act of Christmas Kindness.  Here are some ideas I have so far:
-Grocery shopping for the sole purpose to put it in the Food For Families box in the doorway
- Donating candy filled stockings to a less fortunate elementary school
- donate toys for Toys for Tots
- donate old books to a library in need

I have to think up 20 more... if you have any ideas let me know!  This Christmas Season should be all about loving others and sharing God's love. (well, every Christmas season should be... but I'm making it happen this year. I'm determined!)

Tears

I found this story and I just thought it was incredible.  Lately I've obviously been so emotional and things have been hard and I think that I've cried more the past couple months than ever in my life.  I wear my emotions on my sleeve and it's hard for me to cover them up.  But I think this story really explains a woman well and why it's never okay to become cold or insensitive to our tears.  When a woman cries it's from something deeper than we can explain sometimes and it should never be looked at insensitively or cold.

"A little boy asked his mother, “Why are you crying?” “Because I’m a woman,” she told him. “I don’t understand,” he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, “And you never will.” Later the little boy asked his father, “Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?” “All women cry for no reason,” was all his dad could say. The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, “God, why do women cry so easily?” God said, “When I made the woman she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children. I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining. I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly. I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart. I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly. And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed.” “You see my son,” said God, “the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

busybusybusy

I have been the busiest little bee lately! Work is hectic and Kobe is a lot of work too.  And my friends love me and are always around trying to keep me busy and happy. And I'm just working on surrounding myself with family and things that I love.
Kobe got spayed yesterday and she's just the sweetest most cuddly little baby girl! She was so sad last night and I could tell she was in pain.  I put all the couch cushions on the floor and made us a big bed so that I could lay with her all night.  She's just so pathetic and sweet right now. She needs her mama. ;)
I realized something this week that made me so excited........ WE GET TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS CARD THIS YEAR!!! Eric and I are our own little family now so we get to send Christmas cards :)  I always had so much fun sending Christmas cards with my family and making them cute and festive so I'm so excited that Eric and I get our own this year!  I'm hoping for some great creative idea to come to me so be expecting a fun Christmas card from the new Mr and Mrs this holiday :)
Eric is doing great.  They just got to their training location last week and they will be there for a while. Luckily there are a few places with wifi on base so I can talk to him now and again.  He is getting used to life over there but we are missing eachother a lot.  Time is surprisingly not going by as slow as I thought and I'm getting used to life without Eric here.  My fear was always that we would forget eachother in a sense and kind of live separate lives but we have been doing such a great job of talking as much as possible and keeping eachother in parts of every day.  He loves me so much and he tells me everyday.  We are going to be SUCH a strong couple after this.
I'm so looking forward to Christmas.  Not just because I'll be spending it in Japan with my boy but because Christmas just puts me in such a good mood!  I bought the Justin Beiber Christmas CD soooo that makes everything better as well.  But with the fall weather and Christmas lights already going up everywhere I'm just so excited to start a season of Jesus and love and generosity and joy!

sweetest nephews (and niece) ever

LOOK AT MY FRIDGE!! Going to my fridge to get anything these days makes me SO happy!  My 4 little nephews have been making and sending cards and letters to the house for me and it makes me feel so loved. They are the cutest, most thoughtful kids (with the sweetest mama and the best dad).  Last week I stopped by their house with lots of Halloween treats for each of the kids and I just realized how much I love being in that house and seeing my new sister and brother-in-law and their kids... they will always put the sweetest smile on my face :)  I can't get enough of how sweet and perfect my family has been through all of this.... and especially Brian and Gretchen and they're 5 amazing little babes :)

ONE MONTH DOWN!/NEWS!

Hi November! You came so soon... and I'll be happy to see you go as well.  1) because it'll be even closer to my trip to Japan to see E and 2) because it's one month closer to this whole experience being over!
Heres the latest on our favorite Marine:  (note that I cant give many details about certain things for safety reasons and confidentiality)
E is over there living the life! haha  He's on a permanent vacation in a beautiful, beautiful country.  He says that the base pretty much looks the same as one youd see in the US but outside those gates are just gorgeous green mountains and crystal clear blue ocean.  (I have pictures he sent that I will post soon :)  His job seems to be something he enjoys besides waking up at 4:30am every morning to go on runs and other physically agonizing things... He is a great man solely for waking up that early and doing it. Ugh! He is also taking a martial arts class on his downtime which seems really fun for him! He will be a gray belt after this class (whatever that means).  He is having such a good attitude though and is being so sweet to me and understanding the hardships that this has brought.  He goes to the library in the mornings and evenings to text me and skype me and he's just been so great.  He gives me all the hope I need that things are going to work out just fine and that he loves me more than anyone could imagine.
As for me, still good days and bad days.  We are 1/6th of the way done though and I just love and miss my husband!  Things are better though and all the amazing people in my life are keeping me busy!  and God is certainly providing! :)

Some pics from the past month (more to come!) :

That's my girl! She loves her Cowboys jersey....

..... but Daddy hated it. So I had to appease him. Ugh.

Making Eric a big blanket to send for part of his birthday present :)

I made this for Eric to put up in his room. Hope he likes it and it's not too girly :-/ haha

I've been crafting a lot! Here's some invitations I made for my moms companys Halloween Party :)  I've also made some clothes, a bunch of hairbows, a couple door wreaths and a couple little cosmetic bags... I'm obsessed with my sewing machine and doing fun things!

at Eric's nephew, Grant's, football game!  They are SO cute with their little pads and jerseys with their names on the back! Eric is so sad he's missing out on watching Grants first season playing football.  But his team is doing great and I love watching them play!  (his last name is Little- number 33 I think :)

Bye October!  It was a rough month but still had it's blessings and good times!