Valentines '14!

It comes as no surprise that I LOVE my husband. He is the best thing that's happened to me, so I try to show my love to him on a daily basis. Being that he is a romantic guy, I am spoiled often by the things he does for me. In three weeks I will be joining him on his work trip in Vegas, so I didn't want him to try to plan anything for me for Valentine's Day. I wanted him to plan our dinners/sight seeing in Vegas :)! I also realized that the past couple of years have included homemade dinners & diy projects to celebrate Valentine's at home. I wanted to keep the tradition going, but add a twist. I love planning things, especially when it's something revolving a date and my man, so I made sure to do just that. My goal was to spend less than $50, and I easily did that. There was a few things that didn't go as planned, but the night was a success regardless. I loved every minute of this, and hope you enjoy our little J & B Adventure. 

We started off trying to go back to our very first Vday date 6 years ago, but it had closed down. Bummer! I knew when I tried looking up a website for this place with no success, I should have changed locations. 

Next we went out for chips & dip and thankfully was in & out in no time. We were behind on our schedule of events due to Jearen working late, but with the golf driving range closed & not getting entrees, we were back on schedule! 

The next part of the date was probably my favorite. I had no idea trying to buy Jearen a gift for $2 would have been so difficult, and also didn't know Goodwill was going to close 15 mins after we got there, but I was able to find him something. He was so funny. He gave a lady in line his $2 and a brand new stuffed animal and told her to purchase it & meet him outside. I had no idea what was going on until he told me he didn't find anything and then walked out and grabbed something from a stranger. I laughed so hard as I stood in line watching what was taking place outside the store! He's so sneaky! I found him an old Tommy Hilfiger tie & hat from a place that he has a sweatshirt from. He got me a teddy bear that said Hug Me. How fitting! 

Next was dinner at home that I prepared the day before. I didn't want to spend the whole evening in the kitchen, so I prepped ahead. It was yummy! 

I also made Jearen a six pack of Cream Soda that said "Soda, you wanna be my Valentine?!"  

For dessert we made Red Velvet Rice Crispy Treats. Easy, Red & took no time at all. 

We ended the night with the last envelope. For Christmas I bought Jearen the first three seasons of Community and so when I realized a fourth season had came out, I had to buy it for him. Thanks, Amazon Giftcard! 

I hope to keep the homemade valentines tradition going. I'm so glad he enjoyed everything and doesn't get annoyed with all of my diy crafts and cheesy lovey dovey stuff. I married the best man for me! :) 

Becky

2nd Annual Twelve Dates of Christmas!

Last year, my husband and I took part in Twelve Dates of Christmas, something I had discovered on Pinterest. I blogged each date and it easily became something I wanted to do again. Around Thanksgiving, I began picking my brain to come up with new ideas for this year to begin a tradition of Christmas dates. Last year, I was in a Christmas production at my church, and felt like my time was so sparse. The idea of having the twelve dates was a way to make sure we were spending time together during the busy holiday season. Being the planner that I am, I spent HOURS trying to think of unique dates, putting them in the calendar, and making sure I had anything I needed to go with it. I knew it wouldn't go exactly as planned, and it hasn't (thanks to friends offering us tickets to things & what not), but at least I was putting forth the effort. I've had several people tell me how cute the ideas were and how they wish they were doing something similar.

My hope is that YOU will be inspired to create something like this for you and your loved one. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money (several of our dates were free minus a meal),  and it really isn't about the money. It's about the time spent together! I'm a picture person, so I like to document our dates with photos of everything. Thankfully my husband has learned to just roll with it and laughs at my camera obsessed life :). The memories we create through these dates make this Christmas season so special to me. Ladies, it's ok if your ideas are cheesy...it doesn't have to be a serious event every time. For goodness sake, I made salt dough ornaments during one of our dates. We have no children, nor do we really need more ornaments for the tree, but I had all the ingredients and it passed the time during the crazy ice storm we experienced, haha.

Instead of blogging each date this year, I've clumped it up into one post. Here is what we did this year on our 12 Dates of Christmas.

1. Lunch at Jearen's favorite restaurant & Christmas shopping. We needed a new tree topper as ours broke over the years, so we found the perfect one at Target.      

2. Dinner at the Iron Cactus in Dallas with our friends Caleb & Rachel (who also do a twelve dates of Christmas!!) then attended KISS FM's Jingle Ball (thanks to free tickets from our friends!)

3. Dallas Mavericks Basketball Game (we were given tickets to this as well!)

4. Texas Ice Storm '13- Made Homemade Chili & Carrot Cake/sledding/salt dough ornaments/self timer christmas pics (free)

5. Husband took me to doctor for a cough, watched Home Alone 1 & 2 (free)

6. Shopping & Dinner in Southlake

7. Shopping & Dinner in Irving

8. Dart Rail to Dallas' Klyde Warren Park (free, besides the dart tickets)

9. Texas Tenors Concert at Grapevine Opry House (tickets were given to us)

10. Dinner w/ Friends & looking at Christmas lights

11. Still deciding between ice skating (already purchased groupon) or dollar theater. This date is TONIGHT!

12. Christmas Day- opening presents/watching movies

I'm sure next year's dates will look completely different, but hopefully we can continue this tradition.
Ladies, let me know if you had any Christmas dates that are worth repeating! I'm always up for new ideas.

Becky

Family Matters.

 We are currently wrapping up our time here at Camp Arrowhead for Jearen's mom's side of the family's reunion, and being out here reminds me just how much FAMILY MATTERS.

 I come from a big loving family that is still very close today. I have been truly blessed by my parents, siblings, and my extended family. When I married Jearen, I knew he had a big family too, and I was excited about that. I can understand how some people would be intimidated by such a large family if they were an only child and didn't have close relatives around. Thankfully I have had the privildge of getting to know some wonderful people that I can call family. 

My first reunion experience was 4 years ago when Jearen and I had already been dating a year. I wouldn't say I was intimidated, but I was a little overwhelmed. Here I am with a guy I love, meeting his Aunts, Uncle, Grandparents, Great Aunts & Uncles, and so many cousins. I wanted to impress them all, because frankly I wanted them to like me and approve of me for Jearen. They went above and beyond to welcome me into their family, and I've been coming back to visit with them at the reunion ever since. 

One thing I didn't get to have growing up was a close relationship with my own grandparents. Both of my grandfathers passed away before I was ever born, so I never got to meet them or hear stories from them. My grandmothers on each side lived out of town, and the times I spent with them I will always cherish. Having said that, one of the coolest things I have been given since marrying Jearen has been relationships with each set of His grandparents.

His Dad's parents (Nana & Grandaddy) have shared some amazing stories with me about living in Abilene, teaching, and serving in multiple wars as I sat on their couch in Rockwall, TX. Their love for the family is huge and every time we get together is another opportunity to grow in our relationship. 

His Mom's parents (Wonderful & Papa) are two hard working servants who are always helping others out. They go on yearly mission trips around the world to serve others and share Christ's love. It's been a joy knowing them and seeing their example. 

Looking down the road, I can only pray Jearen and I leave the same legacy for our grandchildren. One full of love, serving others, and sharing Christ. 

I realize someone reading this may have a small family, and maybe some are not close with their relatives. Let me encourage you! If you have an unresolved issue with a member of your family, call them up and sort things out. Life is too short for you to hold onto grudges and pain. 

Let your family know you care for them. Pray for them. Call them. Spend time together. Love them. Be thankful for the people you are related to, because FAMILY MATTERS!

-Becky

Seasons.

I stood outside on our sidewalk this morning, waiting for Maggie to finish her business, and all I could see above me were dark clouds rolling by. The air was crisp and you could smell the rain coming in. I took in a breath of fresh air, and immediately began thinking about Fall. I'll be honest; I love every season. Each one is so unique and comes with different adventures & memories. Don't think that by me saying I can't wait for Fall that I am over Summer, haha. I know that there are still several weeks left and I'm sure it will get VERY hot again before August is over.

 I wear a ring on my right hand (James Avery- Seasons) that constantly reminds me that there is a season for everything. "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."--Ecclesiastes 3:1

I'm reminded that through each season, I've been lead by the Lord and he has provided, protected, loved, graced, and blessed me. Some seasons are full of holidays, hangouts, gifts, and resting. Some are full of hard work, sleepless nights, and being challenged. In saying this, I know not every season is easy, and everyone's season may look completely different. I'm ok with that! Why? Because each season teaches us, molds us, challenges us, strengthens us & changes us. Without going through different seasons, we wouldn't understand God's grace. We wouldn't have been given the opportunity to gain strength. We find joy, embrace love, and seek wisdom because of the seasons we have walked through. Every season matters! 

I'm not sure what prompted me to write about seasons this morning, but I have a lot of people close in my life who are going through some pretty tough ones right now. In the physical, there isn't much I can do to help these situations, but in the spiritual I can do two things: pray & encourage.

I pray that God's peace will cover your heart and mind. He knows the situation and is still in control. I pray that he gives you wisdom and direction as you go through this season. I pray for His love to overwhelm you like nothing you've felt before, because He does love you and wants to walk with you through this. I pray for any anxiety/worry to be gone in Jesus name. I pray He will surround you with people who will encourage you and love you. I pray that you will open your heart to allow healing to take place. I pray you find comfort and rest in your Father's arms. I pray all of these things for you dear friend, in Jesus name. Amen

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!'- Psalm 27:14

"I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place."- Psalm 31:7-8

"For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you."- Psalm 33:21-22

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."- Romans 15:13

"For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace."- 1 Corinthians 14:33

Know that you are loved & being prayed for, no matter what season of life you are in. If it's a season full of hardship, seek the Lord! Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and walk with you through this. Spend time in His word and allow Him to speak to you. Know that you won't be in this season forever, and keep your chin up. And even though this one may be tough to do, thank God throughout it all. He may be teaching you something and giving you strength, even if you can't see it for yourself. If you are in a season full of joy, excitement, everything is going great, thank God throughout it all. It's easy to think that when we have all of our stuff together that we don't need God, but OH how we do. Praise him for all he has blessed you with and brought you through. Encourage those around you who may be discouraged.

Every season matters, because YOU matter; to others and to God.

-Becky

Maggie!

Ever since the day we brought her home, Maggie has brought so much love in our heart! We have had her for a month now, and she is all that we hoped she would be! She is smart, sweet, funny, and all things puppy :). She loves to lay on the couch, barks when she needs to go potty, and wants to chew everything! Being the clean freak that I am, I have been able to keep her from eating a lot of our things simply by putting things right away when we are done using them. She is growing so fast and is already taking up more space on the couch/bed. She loves people (thank goodness), so she has been to several homes, baseball fields & parks. She loves peanut butter & ice! I have become obsessed with taking pictures of her & posting on instagram. She rides in the car so well. Oh, and she wakes up every day at 6 am! Jearen and I may not have kids yet, but this girl sure is making us more prepared, haha!

1st Year of Home Ownership!

Last July when we moved in, my heart was so full of joy. I remember praying to God every time I would clean our old apartment that he would be pleased with our efforts to be faithful in the little things (apartment) and would bless us with bigger things (a house). We tried taking things into our own hands with getting a house, but it didn't work out. We handed it over to God, let go of control, and let Him do His thing. So as I left the bank the day of closing, I cried happy tears as I'm driving away because I was overwhelmed at how good God was to trust us with a house; His faithfulness to meet our desires.

 Even though we had a few mishaps once we moved in (hello flooding!), everything else has been great! We had amazing friends and family help us move & paint everything, new floors put in downstairs, new sink in the guest bathroom, and tons of changes here and there throughout the year. Things just keep getting better here at our home, and I love living here.

 In this last year, we shared many meals in our shabby chic dining room, bought a new couch to seat more friends, and added a bistro table to our kitchen. I got to decorate our fireplace mantle over and over again, rocked in a rocking chair in our little yard enjoying the peace & had sweet dreams in my bedroom. Jearen & I have experienced our first Earthquake, set up a big Christmas tree & played in the snow in our yard on Christmas day. We shared our goals at New Years over dinner at the table. I utilized every room in the house to shower Jearen with gifts on Valentines. I've prayed big prayers throughout the house. We had the perfect place to put a dog kennel. I had my first sleepover with my friends while Jearen was away, had April & May showers, we have taken many walks with Maggie around the neighborhood. As the summer is underway, we will spend time in the yard playing with Mags, take a dip in the junior sized olympic pool, and decorate more & more thanks to my thrifting habits  :).

To say the very least, we have been BLESSED.  Here is to the next year in our house: May the Lord protect us, provide for us, and give us everything we need. I pray our house is a place where God's presence is evident, people are comfortable & we can relax as soon as we walk in the door. 

(Here are some recent photos of our home!)