Share the Love

I have started and stopped this post a million times over the past week. I can't quite figure out how to roll everything I want to share into one post. As any good blogger knows, waiting to share a lot doesn't ever help, it typically just makes tings build and stalls you from blogging all together. Oh, wait, is that just me?

When I first saw Kacia post about Sharing Love, I was thrilled and could not wait to be part of it! I began this year with a desire to serve more, and so Share the Love was right up what I was already trying to do. Here are a few big {and small} ways we shared love in February:

1. Family Meal Night - not just our family, but with neighbors too! One night each week, we gather for dinner together, or sometimes just take it to go. But the key is only one person cooks for all three families (six adults, three kids). That means for two weeks straight I get a Wednesday night off cooking. It is miraculous! This keeps us connected with our neighbors, brings conversations, even hard ones, to the surface more naturally, and allows us to love one another through food and fellowship.

2. Meals for Families - this sounds almost the same, but it is not. I am on the list serve at church for when people need meals. I try to gather them up and have one grocery store run and one weekend of cooking where I can serve multiple families. My go-to meal includes:

>> BBQ chicken sammies - this BBQ chicken and these rolls, my favorite
>> My husband's coleslaw (I should share the recipe, eh?)
>> Fresh green beans
>> Bag of frozen sweet potato fries
>> Dessert of some sort
>> 6 pack of beer, when the occasion is right.
{side bar: I really appreciated when people brought us beer right after Behr was born, so do the same when I feel it is appropriate}

3. Babysitting Swaps - after reading this post by Tsh, I emailed Josie to swap babysitting every Thursday night. So far dates have included: a movie night, a grocery store trip, fancy dessert date that only lasted an hour before both parents were ready for bed - I won't tell you which families went on which dates. :)

4. Valentine's Day - it wasn't until I began walking around with Behr handing out Valentine's to his teacher's that I realized that like me, Behr loves giving to other people. We made some simple valentines with packs of crayons or play doh and didn't write names so Behr could just grab and give. The best part was seeing how much joy Behr had in sharing something he was excited about with others. It certainly made me want to cultivate this spirit in him. For me, this was the most unexpected sharing of love this month.

5. Sharing pictures with family. Behr's Grandmom and Yia-yia both love receiving pictures of him in the mail, on the blog, and via email. The two most common ways we share these is via photo cards from Shutterfly and PDF Blurb Books of my instagram photos. Extra bonus: Blurb is offering 25% off purchases from 2/22-2/25. I will be making some Blurb books this weekend for sure!

All photos by Norman Rockwell in honor of my Dad who loves Rockwell 

and always made Valentine's Day special for his daughters.

Disclaimer: compensated affiliate links may be used in this post.

Sharing the love...

My thoughts are all a jumble recently. I have been reflective on family, values, and memories these past few days and then suddenly jolted into reality with a fall down a flight of stairs that landed me in Labor and Delivery (see here and here). So now my brain is foggy and looks something like this:

baby is coming next month

long check list...can I assign it all to Mark?

almost my birthday

what about Behr, does he feel neglected?

I want comfort food

I don't want to cook

coffee

baby is coming next month

doesn't baby deserve new things? not just hand me downs?

my birthday is next month

I wonder what I want for my birthday

I really like gifts

coffee

rest

sleep

birthday gifts?

two babies, two and under

can't wait for summer

did you know that gifts are my love language? snail mail is a close second.

So clearly, there isn't a whole lot of solid though for forming blog posts...thus I am going to simply share the love today.

First, a round up of some of my most favorite things from etsy from shops I have been loving recently. 

top: Little Hip Squeaks // Simply Adoravle // wee Stitchery // bottom: Ross Lab // RLPco // ARMINHO

One of each please. Well, maybe a few extras from each, especially the fab cards from Red Letter Paper Co.

Second, my favorite blogs*, nominated for "The Homies" on Apartment Therapy. Jump on over and vote (you have to sign in, but it's worth it.) *actually these are some of my friends and favorite people who also happen to blog. The pretty much rock all around!

Best Home Design and Inspiration - vote for Migonis Home
Best Home Projects and DIY - vote for Two Twenty One
Best Family & Kids - vote for two blogs: Tales of Me and the Husband and E Tells Tales
Best Healthy Cooking - vote for Peas and Thank You
Best Food Photography - vote for Cookie Monster Cooking

you can find links to all of these blogs in my side bar under "reading" along with a bunch more of my faves >>>

Thanks for taking a few minutes today and sharing the love. 

I would love to help share the love back...tell me your faves!

Are any of your favorite blogs nominated for The Homies? 

How about etsy? What are you loving these days?

I can't wait to hear what you are loving in the comments!

All you need is a cowl

And maybe a little love.

Melody and I are teaming up to give you a lot of love.

Just because we love you! Enter to win this classic cowl in oatmeal and your choice of kraft tag love banner, new in my shop for Valentine's day.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

San Francisco Bay Area | Drake's Bay

Although this is our first time at Drake's Bay, and Point Reyes National Seashore for that matter, the visit is tightly interwoven to our engagement story. Rather than continue to gush over how many incredible pictures I took of the beautiful scenery, I will share with you how I got my ring.

Shortly after returning from a semester studying in London, Mark suggested we plan a day to officially welcome me back to Boston. We picked a weekend, and out of the blue suggested we return to the New England Aquarium, the site of our first official date. After picking a few other spots to see and places to eat, we were set for our adventure.

When the planned Saturday morning rolled around, I begrudgingly got out of bed, suggesting we spend a lazy day instead of treking into the city. Mark insisted that we properly welcome me back to Boston. My laziness manifested inself into sleeping late, skipping a shower, and simply throwing my hair back into a messy ponytail. I was more excited about spending time with Mark, than any of our plans.

The weather in Boston was beautiful for January, bringing crowds to the aquarium.  The buzz of people distracting me from my funk simultaneously brightening my mood. Mark insisted we become members and get our picutre taken. I complied, wishing I had not refused to shower.

As we meandered around the aquarium, waiting for our appointment to feed the seals, I bragged about what a great day it was, that my suggestion to visit the aquarium was brilliant, that Mark was lucky to have such a smart girlfriend.

Upon meeting the seal trainer, he explained that we would be feeding Chuck, an Atlantic Harbor Seal, and encouraging them to play. The seal tank is outside the Aquarium, right in front of the main entrance. People gathered to watch the show. We fed the seals fish and threw toys to Chuck. After a few attempts, he retrieved a toy for the trainer, commanding a round of applause from his audience. As the trainer passed the toy for Mark to toss back in, he shook it, commenting that there must be something in there...

...Mark opened the seal toy, getting down on one knee, and pulled out a ring. I think I was hugging him and exclaiming yes before he even finished asking the question. Neither of us can quite remember. The crowds roared, and the seals joined in the celebration with a few claps and barks of their own.

Here we are, six years later on a family vacation with our son. As soon as we decided on San Francisco, we knew visiting the seals would be at the top of our list.

Here is a short video we took of the seals playing at Drake's Bay.

They we certainly enjoying the beautiful weather!

Until we are old and wrinkled.

Mark and I started dating when we were young, practically babies.

We were married before either of us turned 25.

But deep down inside, we have always been old souls.

Our dating life consisted of grocery shopping, Jeopardy watching, and too many board games to count. We read the paper and talk about the price of orange juice. We both have incredible relationships with our grandparents, and look to their generation to set an example for our marriage.

When we do take an occasional date night, we both secretly hope to be seated near a more established couple. We love seeing the spark of love in experienced eyes, wrinkled hand holding across the table, and the ease in which two bodies move in harmony, even if the pace has slowed.

We like to take a peek inside the lives of a generation that came before us and hope that we can live up to their example. So when I saw this Time magazine special featuring Lauren Fleishman's work, I was smitten.

"Little by little we change but we don't change in our hearts. Love gets stronger. That is the way I feel. I believe he feels the same way. Yes, he was my first love. My first love and my last."  - Leila Ramos

I am not sure which I appreciate more, the photos or their wise words on life, love, and marriage.

Valentine's Day is just a week away.

What are the examples of love in your life?

R & R

Now that the New Year is officially underway {I may be a bit behind on my resolutions} and Valentine's Day is around the corner, I have been reflecting on loving my husband and serving my family well. Back in October, I wrote this post for :: the neesby lookbook :: sharing a bit about what makes marriage work for us. It has been at the forefront of my mind, so I decided to repost and share with you today. I hope you enjoy!

Marriage has been a journey of learning, but nothing has left a greater mark than a message we learned during pre-marital counseling. Honestly, I am not sure we really understood how important this simple message was until over a year into marriage. It is just two words, but made an incredible impact.

As arguments and disagreements arose in our marriage we have been subtly reminded by how important these words and what they entail are to maintaining a solid foundation.

marriage is not just about the clichés:

moving onward and upward

don’t sweat the small stuff

saying “it’s okay”

brushing it under the rug

never going to bed without saying “sorry”

In fact, if you live by any number of these mantras, you are likely to harbor resentment or let incidents slowly chip away at the joy of marriage.  That is where these two words come into play.

For even the most minor infraction, Mark and I hash things out. Sometimes this is simple, and other times it gets pretty ugly. We make an effort to reconcile the situation.

But that is not the only step. The key is the restoration of the relationship. We try our best to follow up our reconciliation with a simple question posed by the offender: Relationship restored?

To be honest, arguments can be painful, so the answer is not always yes. I am stubborn, so I like to hold on to my hurt. When I say “No” I am making Mark work for it. I hope and pray that this is for the betterment of our marriage, not out of my sinful heart. But either way we always come back around to a place when we both can nod and hug in agreement that the relationship has been restored.

This sounds like heavy stuff, I know. But during times when communication was difficult or stress levels were high, this made the world of a difference.

During the first year “honeymoon stage” of our marriage, we practiced this process over simple things:

Changing the channel on tv

Breaking a glass vase

Forgetting to pick up something from the grocery store

Not making the bed

Shrinking a favorite sweater in the laundry

Leaving the gas stove on and almost killing us with fumes…

*some of these hypothetical examples may have actually occurred

Our practice proved fruitful. When harder times came, it was natural for us to reconcile the difference and proactively restore our relationship. We are a stronger family unit today because of these two words. I could never be grateful enough for this simple lesson.

::All About Marriage:: A Blog Series

108 months ago I was a college freshman who didn't want to date

107 months ago I met an awesome boy, but didn't want to date

101 months ago I agreed to date said boy and learned how to be outside of a comfort zone

69 months ago he proposed

60 months ago I became his wife

48 months ago we moved to DC and learned what marriage was like outside of a comfort zone

18 months ago we celebrated being pregnant {and started counting time in months!}

8 months ago we became parents and continue to learn what marriage is like outside of a comfort zone

Marriage is gloriously wonderful and uncomfortable and secure and to be cherished.  On Friday we get to celebrate 5 years of marriage and 9 years of love. 

I am overwhelmed at how each day it is possible to love someone more. 

More. 

After 9 years, how is there possibly more love to give?

There is.

Marriage is beautiful and sacred.

I am the luckiest girl in the entire world.

Mark and I both work hard at our marriage.
It takes prayer and patience and a whole lot of grace.

It is hard work.

And worth every ounce of sweat.

But it takes time.

One of the gifts I am giving Mark this year is time. I am committing to a no computer zone when I get home from work.  A commitment that will give us time as a family and as a couple to love on and serve each other better.  So for the next two weeks you will be hearing from some of my favorites in a mini blog series all about marriage.  You will be reading about their love stories, how they make it work, tips they have for success and more. I hope you enjoy their words. I know Mark and I will be enjoying the time. 

Thanks for helping Mark and I celebrate 5 years of marriage!



Loving chevron...

...but I would really rather just call them zig zags.

Here are a few images that I have recently pinned:

pin

pin

pin



via



pin

This bold zig zag stripe makes me happy, long for hardwood floors to dress, and dream of more kids' rooms to design!

Still not enough chevron?  Check out the chevron love post by simple song.

Guest Blogger: Jenny

Jenny is here today sharing her beautiful story of love.  Be sure to check out the full length version of her incredible story!  Jenny, thanks so much for brightening my week.  Hope you all enjoy.

.....

Hi!  Jenny here, from Taking Two…

So… I am part of a family of four. Half of us are white… half of us are black. And for my eyes… there is nothing more beautiful than to see these colors together.

We adopted our twin baby boys from Ethiopia, just over a year ago. We had thought we were adopting just ONE child… and then, as our adoption was finalized… received news that he had a twin brother. And let me tell you… my life was made. (For the whole story… you can read about it here.)

Life with twins is CRAZY. And it’s unbelievably PRECIOUS.

You know… no one ever told me that being a parent was going to be this hard.

And yet… no one ever told me that being a parent could be this amazing either.

My Mom thinks the reason for this is that you simply can’t put into words just what it means to be a parent…who loves and is loved in that capacity.

Some people ask me, “are you going to have ‘biological’ children?” They know that we had never “tried” to have biological children before we adopted. We just wanted to adopt. And bringing home TWO babies in the end… might have put a spin on sticking to “our plan”.

Ha! “A plan”!

So, when they ask me that question… I pause. I simply can’t put into words what I feel inside. To me… I don’t think that I could possibly want anything more of life and love that I haven’t already received. Do I want “biological” children? I am not sure. Do I want a baby that would be the result of the physical union of myself and the man I love more than anything in all the world? I don’t know. And I think that’s just the point.
It doesn’t matter.

When I look into my children’s eyes… I see me… I see them… I see my husband…. I see Love. Nothing else. And… truly…. I don’t think that life could get any better than this…

So the question remains open. Love, (with however many children, of whatever color skin) will multiply.

Guest Blogger: Maggy

Guys, you are in for a treat.  Maggy is pretty awesome. We went to college together but didn't really know each other despite having common friends.  Crazy.  Now that we live hundreds of miles apart, we are reconnecting through the blogging world.  Thank you technology.  Thank you Maggy.

...

Hello! I was beyond humbled and excited when Shannon invited me to do up a guest blog for her. I can’t imagine finding the time with a new baby and going back to work and certainly admire her for doing so!

Blogging can be both exhilarating and fun, and also quite a bit of work.

I suppose, however, that could also describe most things in life that are worthwhile.

I think this is why things like coffee and blogs exits…

and then chamomile tea for the end of the day.

Not that I have a mug next to me or anything.

I will admit, I started my blog so I could track the “good stuff”. Not the stuff that required coffee, but the other things. I called my blog “Living Tall” as a sort of mantra, a reminder to do so in the midst of a time when it’s all to easy to work hard and play little.

Too deep?

Ok.

Moving on.

I also called it that because my husband is 6’9”.

I probably should have said that part first.

I am 5’4” and so – I live tall.

What does this mean? I will tell you!

I hang dry all of my husband’s clothing.

Shopping is tricky at best.

We check in early at the airport to nab exit row seats.

People assume he is a basketball player.

(He’s not.)

Not.a.day. goes by without a tall joke from someone.

I feel like a kindred spirit* to tall people, once I flashed a huge smile at a super tall guy.

Turns out he was on the Orlando Magic (reinforcing above stereotype).

We don’t have any children yet, but I’m sure there will be stories to tell for that too. IF I keep blogging…not everyone can be a superstar like Shannon. I can barely leave my puppy when I leave for work, I can’t imagine leaving Behr.

*I may or may not be watching Anne of Avonlea right now.

My Valentines

"the longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes"

- frank lloyd wright

our numbers:

we have been married four and a half wonderful years

nine years of incredible friendship

and our baby, Behr, is over one month old...already!

How are we celebrating?  Well...Mark and I almost forgot.  It is okay to forget a silly holiday.  We know our love is strong.  We will give each other a rain check.  Besides, with a new baby, there is plenty of snuggling to go around.

LOVE on etsy

With Valentine's day right around the corner, I find my fingers scrolling through etsy cherishing the "love."  Here are a few favorites:   

From my friend Lindsay, The Typographer's Wife:

And from Rococco Co:

Have you found LOVE on etsy?

At first sight.

Hello! I'm Candis.

This is me.

I write a little blog called "lady lee in process". I'm guest blogging today for Shannon as she is very busy falling more and more in love every day.

Shannon has become a Mommy. One day it was just her and Mark in their home going through their days, and now a new little guy has joined the nest, joined the world, joined the human race.

I've watched a few births on TV and documentaries. Intense pushing and laboring and giving all that they've got and then suddenly, relief! Out slides the baby! If you watch the Mom's eyes and face react when they see and hold that baby, it's this raw, beautiful, transformation. I've witnessed it with adoption as well. The entire process of adoption seems like laboring. Emotionally, spiritually, mentally. And then you see the Mama hold their baby for the first time. And there it is, that look. That other worldly connection that my limited vocabulary cannot find words for.

Shannon is now part of the club of woman who call themselves "Mommy". Who have gone through the adventure of pregnancy and labor and come through it to have that euphoric moment of exquisite love flow from their eyes into their new baby's and back again. 

I am currently pregnant and due in April with my first child (who is a boy!), so I have not experienced this yet but I am so curious about it. I am admittedly scared of the pain that I will experience. I am nervous I'm not strong enough or brave enough. But seeing that look on woman's faces when they clap eyes on the flesh of their flesh soothes me. It speaks to my heart and tells me that I have no idea how worth it every pain and discomfort is, but I will.

As you think of Shannon, Mark and their new little love pray for them! Lift them up to God in prayer. May they be protected, healthy, peaceful and full of joy continually in this precious time and forever.