Chels was in town and oh it was great to see her

Chels was in town for the long weekend and it was so great to have her here! It was great to be able to laugh together, talk together, take a couple pictures, visit family, go out to eat, facetime Alyssa and really just enjoy being with each other. Adulthood really is an amazing thing. I have seen over the years how Chels and I have grown. When we were younger, we did not get along at all (this may even be a bit of an understatement at times). And my wise Dad always told me that one day I will not only love her more, but we will become great friends. I can't say that I always believed him, but looking at our relationship now I know that he knew what he was talking about. I feel like the older we've gotten the better friends we have become. I am so proud of my sis. I can see how she has grown in so many ways. I see the love and devotion that she has for her daughter and WOW! It is just such a beautiful thing. I am so grateful to have sisters to live, love and laugh with. And when those things don't seem to fit, I am glad to have them to cry, debate and grow with. I am SO lucky for the family that I have. Thanks Chels for spending so much time with me this past weekend. I will always cherish our sister time! I love you :)

valentines day

So many things that I like about this picture :)

I've always been a grouch about Valentine's Day. I felt like the huge balloons, big teddy bears and large amounts of PDA were just too much and almost fake. Even last year when we were engaged I told Josh that I didn't want to make a big deal out of it (I honestly can't even remember what we did). But this year I felt a little different. I actually was craving a little more attention. Maybe that is because we (Josh) had just been so busy lately and I missed spending more time with him. Or maybe it was just a little bit of a pity party fit that I was throwing. Either way, I actually cared about doing something this year.

Well we went out to Olive Garden the night before Vday and had a very delicious meal! Oh man, it really hit the spot! After dinner, we drove up to the base of Y mountain to check out the city lights. It is our special spot. It is where Josh asked me to "tie the knot and marry him" as he presented me with an amazing string as my ring. It was absolutely perfect.

And then on Valentines Day, I didn't even SEE hubby all day. I was at school and work and so was he. He was scheduled for a double shift. I felt a little bitter that they had him working two shifts and that he was also closing, but that is just what comes with this whole growing up thing, doesn't it?

But when I woke up that morning and made my way into the kitchen, I saw the cutest note. He had put up a couple pictures that we had with a bowl of M&Ms, and a little note just for me! It was PERFECT! It was that little boost that I really needed. That extra bit of lovin' that I had been after. Later that evening when I came home from work I noticed a note spelled out on our bed using the letters from our Banana grams game! Another surprise! I can't explain how happy I was, even though I knew that I wouldn't even see Josh until the next day. Those simple, heart felt notes were amazing and reminded me of the understanding, love and sensitivity that my hubs has for me. He knew that was what I needed. He knew that I didn't need something big or fancy or showy. I am amazed how well that boy really does know my heart, even when I don't.

It was a simple Valentine's Day, but it was special to me and I absolutely loved it. Maybe my grouchy attitude for this day will be gone forever as I recognize that it is about love, not just for a boyfriend or spouse, but a love for people, a love for life and a love for God. :)

my first attempt at using a sewing machine: fur collar

the fur fabric was incredibly messy!! This doesn't even do it justice.

 Making this fur collar was the first time I have EVER used a sewing machine. Sad, I know. But I am trying to make up for lost time now! I would say that it turned out pretty successful for my first time, and for the fact that I made up a pattern just using a shirt that I already had. It was fun to make and I love it! I have extra fabric, who knows, I might just make more! Maybe someone would want to buy one even! Who knows!

I plan on wearing it with a wide variety of outfits. So don't be surprised when you see me wearing it every other day. ;) Fist pump for more fur! ;)

giraffe scarf and color blocking

Just some fabric to start!

Some folding and come pins, a machine and then...

haha...

You have yourself an awesome, amazingly soft giraffe print infinity scarf!! I made this all by myself and I feel so proud. I have to admit that it actually turned out great! This was only the second time that I have ever used a sewing machine. My grandma says I'm catching on fast. I'd like to think she is right :)

It was an amazing Sunday today. We had a great day at church. I got to visit some girls from church and get to know them better. We spent time with Josh's family eating homemade Chinese food for the Chinese New Year and just hanging out. And then got to visit with my Aunt LaRae and my grandma. I love being able to spend time and talk with them. They are amazing people and I am SO blessed to be surrounded by such amazing family, both on my side and on Josh's. Being here is definitely a special time of our lives and I need to be better and utilizing that and seeing our families more often.

I hope you all have had an amazing Sunday as well!

new buttons!

Before

 

 

After

It is amazing how a little change to an old thrifted jacket can make a big difference. I wanted new buttons to spruce this jacket up, but buttons are kinda expensive! And I really did not see any that I loved at the craft stores that I looked at. I was probably looking at all the wrong places, but regardless hubby and I had a better idea. We went to DI in search of a jacket that had buttons that I liked! It would cheaper to do that anyway. And we found buttons that I liked! They are black and have anchors and rope on them. I have a love for things with anchors on them right now. It was perfect!

Soon I will be posting some other projects that I've been working on too :) Look at me go!

i make my husband's clothes look good

Jacket: Thrifted    Pants: Gap    Fur sweater: Nordstrom   Shirt: Hubby's   Shoes: Target

I can always tell when I get an outfit right in the eyes of hubby. Because I get fun initial reactions like "Wow, you look great!... really really great!" followed by him just staring at me for a minute. And then he continues to say things like that the whole night long. And when he tells me I look "bad A" with a big mischievous smile on his face. And I get a little extra bum pinching. And hubby titles this post "I make my husband's clothes look good" (referring to the undershirt I am wearing. He says it's no fair I get to wear his clothes. It's totally fair). Yea, I like those days.