14 Days of Love

I hate/completely despise/loathe/can't stand/am repulsed by/resent even just thinking about what to get/do for Colten for Valentine's Day. Every. Single. Year. He's a typical guy, for the most part. He gets his hands dirty, isn't overly sensitive or romantic, loves playing video games and anything camouflage. 
With that in mind, what the heck do you get for your man for Valentine's Day?! That runs through my mind every year, until now. In doing some actual research and scouring Pinterest, I came across a blog {surprise, surprise right? ;)} that had me at:  So remember how I kinda neglected my husband on Christmas.
Tiffany over at Raising Lemons posted about her idea for Valentine's Day last year, and I was hooked instantly. Check out her post {here}. Her idea was to go along with the catchy '14 Days of Valentine's' theme for her husband, but with a twist. Instead of doing corny little gifts every day {"I chews you," with chewing gum...}, she decided to focus on her husband's love language. Umm, thank you! From there, my 14 Days of Love commenced. 

Immediately, I knew I would be doing that this year, so I began on the several daunting tasks that laid ahead of me. I would start on February 1st and the last day would be on the 14th, Valentine's Day. First up: the list. I knew that Colten's love languages are acts of service and physical touch. How do I know? Well, he took the quiz, of course! Yes, there's a quiz. If you don't know what the love languages are, head over here to check them out! Since Colten tied on these two, I decided to incorporate them both into our 14 Days of Love. 
THE LIST 1. long kiss
2. wash dishes
3. foot massage
4. make the bed
5. buy groceries
6. long embrace
7. cook dinner
8. hold hands at the movie
9. breakfast in bed
10. 30 minute massage
11. laundry 
12. snuggle while watching tv together
13. Ace duty
14. full service 
Up next was creating a banner that would hold/display each day's surprise. Again, I went with Tiffany's idea but made it my own. I started with a trip to Hobby Lobby - where else? I purchased a pack of the mini craft sacks in brown, a tiny heart box {to trace the hearts}, and paper! 

I traced hearts onto some heart paper I purchased and cut them out. 

  Then, I numbered the hearts 1-14 and glued each one onto a craft sack! Seriously easy stuff here, y'all. 

  Next up were the cards - I used cardstock, cut them to size using the measurements of the craft sacks (2.5"x4") and then wrote the "physical touch" and "acts of service" activities on them. 

I then used jute that I already had at home to hang on our bar in the kitchen and attached the sacks using mini clothespins that I had purchased previously for my thankful tree. {Sorry about the unbelievably blurry pic on this one...}

We're on day 13, and Colten is loving it! I had to get a little creative for day 1 because we were out of town for the weekend. I wrote him a letter explaining the 14 Days of Love idea and even kissed the letter by signature for an extra special touch! I rolled up the letter, added day 1's card, and tied it together with some jute. Then, all I had to do was keep my big mouth shut until February 1st when I could finally reveal my plans! It's hard for me to keep a surprise a secret, so I was definitely tested. But, I did it! He really enjoyed the idea and has been looking forward to each day's activity. 
It's just a special way to really show your spouse that you love them {on a budget}, and what better way to do that than through their love language?! I considered our schedules in planning out each day's activity, and I definitely rearranged the order as we received our work schedules and things came up. It worked out because he didn't know what the next day held anyway, as long as he didn't snoop! 
Instead of just doing little things around the house, I added just a few extra surprises in the mix, such as a movie night! I incorporated the "physical touch" aspect by holding hands during a movie and will surprise him with movie tickets after he opens the card {that's tonight's plan}. I received an email from Treat.com that presented an opportunity to personalize my 14 Days of Love even further! I will be able to present the tickets in a personalized card, just for him! I was blown away by the cards from Treat and the ease of creating them! 
Treat.com is a Shutterfly affiliate that specializes in personalized greeting cards. I love what they say on their website: "Relationships aren't cookie cutter, so why should greeting cards be?" Seriously though, what a great idea! You're able to customize a card for any occasion {Valentine's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, sympathy, thinking of you, etc.} for anyone on your list! All you have to do is create an account {for free} and get to personalizing! With an account, you can set up reminders about something coming up that needs a card, schedule a card to be sent in the mail, and even send digital cards if time isn't on your side! 
I received two cards, one for Valentine's Day, and one to hold the surprise movie tickets and just to tell Colten that I love him. Look at how great they turned out...

The cards are way more gorgeous in person! The picture quality is clear {as long as you've uploaded a good picture} and the cards themselves are super thick! I chose to have them mailed to me so that I could give them to Colten myself, but Treat also provides the option to mail a card directly to the receiver. Super convenient! I know I'll be doing business with this company in the future. What better way to show a loved one you care than by personalizing a greeting card they can cherish forever?! No more cards being thrown away, people. This is a new era. 

No more missed birthdays, long checkout lines
or last-minute drugstore dashes.

We make it easy to stay thoughtful all year long—from the comfort of your couch.

*via*

The 14 Days of Love was a big commitment to take on, but I'm so glad I did! I was held accountable for all the things I said I would do, and by doing it through Colten's love language, I was really able to focus on loving him and not be distracted by my own wants and needs. It's definitely a Valentine's Day we won't forget!  
**I was not compensated financially for this post. I received these cards from the kindness of Treat's social media team. The opinions are 100% my own**

Marriage: {Two Years}

Two years ago today, I said 'I do' to my best friend. Two years ago today, my life changed forever. Two years ago today, I entered into married bliss...and I'm even more in love than ever! 
Over the past two years, my life is more enriched with love and happiness than I could have ever imagined. Is every day a breeze? Definitely not! Are there days where I just completely fall apart and disagree with everything my husband says? You bet! But is it worth it to work together, learn from each other, and live life every single day with my husband by my side? Absolutely. 
Marriage isn't easy. And I don't think there is a married couple out there, no matter how long they've been married, that would tell you otherwise! It's work. A lot of work - by both individuals. But it's so completely worth it. The bad days are nothing in comparison with the good days. I'm unbelievably blessed to experience this life journey with my best friend. He makes me laugh, knows exactly how to make me feel better when I'm stressing over something stupid or just had a rough day, and loves me unconditionally every single day of his life. I have never experienced a love like ours, and I can't even put it into words! We laugh together, cry together, and love together. Even the most random, common thing can put a smile on my face when I'm spending time with my husband. We're meant to be together, through all of life's trials and tribulations, we will be successful because we know love and have a healthy marriage. We work at it together. 
People keep asking me if it's felt like we've been married for two years already, and the answer to that is, 'no'. The saying holds true, "Time flies when you're having fun!" These past two years have held a lot for us, and it's been two long years of learning. Learning what makes the other 'tick'. Learning what it takes to truly make each other feel loved. Learning that life isn't full of flowers and rainbows, but it doesn't matter when you're experiencing the hurdles of life with someone you love unconditionally. The joys life brings are magnified when you're living them with your soul mate. Colten understands me in a way that absolutely no one else does, and I love that! He's always been there for me, 100%, from day one. He never judges me or questions my actions, even if he knows I'm wrong. He supports me in ways I've never known before, and he holds me when I fail. He's my number one fan!  Although we've been married for two years already {y'all, that's 730 days!}, I still say that we're newlyweds. I don't know when I'll stop considering us that, but I absolutely love it! I think back to our wedding day and smile. We were surrounded by so much love and support - I couldn't have asked for anything better! It was well worth all of the planning, stress, and tears ... It was perfect. Thinking back to that day now, I am reminded how blessed I truly am. Family and friends came out to support Colten and I's love for each other - they celebrated our love with us! I cherish the memories and the photographs, which will last me a lifetime!  But to be at this point we're at today, I keep in mind that the wedding day is just the beginning. It's the marriage that truly counts. I go to bed every night and wake up every morning with my husband. And I smile. I am a lucky, lucky girl to walk this life with Colten. Sure, there are days when we completely disagree on things and cannot come to an understanding with each other. There are moments when we just need our space and time apart from each other. But those moments pass. We become stronger because of those moments. We cherish the love a bit deeper and appreciate one another a little bit more. 
A marriage takes three. Husband, wife, and God. We vowed forever with God as our witness, and strive to become close to Him each and every day. Are we perfect? Gosh no! Do we have room for improvement in every single aspect of our lives? Yes! But we are learning and living together, striving for a more intimate bond with God and with each other. I am blessed to be the wife to such an amazing man. Every day is a surprise. Every day is a gift from God for us to learn more and more about each other. I never stop learning from my husband, and our marriage is never stagnant. We know that it truly takes effort and that it is a decision to love each other every day. It's a decision we make over and over every day. We choose to love. We choose to share our happiness with each other and to keep learning together. I know there are still struggles ahead. Struggles we cannot even begin to fathom. But with Colten by my side, I know we can do it. I know we'll make it through and will have so much to show for it.  Two years ago began a whirlwind of a marriage. Not a day has gone by in which we haven't told each other the we love each other. That's actually one of my favorite things about our marriage. We say 'I love you' every day, several times a day. And they are not just empty words that you routinely say. I feel the passion and genuine feelings behind his words every day. Not just a few times a week or once a month - EVERY DAY! I look forward to our future, as I have no idea where it'll lead, but I know we'll get there together, hand in hand. I know our love for each other will only grow, as we grow closer and closer to God. I know the road ahead will be a bumpy one, but I truly look forward to sharing every part of the journey with my husband. 
Colten, thank you so much for treating me with the utmost respect and showing me what true love really is. I have enjoyed these past two years and look forward to many, many more! Thank you for making me your wife and for truly making me happy. I love you! 

Monthly Marriage Goals {August Results}

Linking up for the Marriage and Relationship Goals link-up with Amberly and Kalyn.  This link-up happens weekly, but I am going to commit to it monthly instead.  It's more reasonable with the amount of time I have to devote to journaling my goals and updating them.  So, here we go!

 

To see my August challenge, go here.

This month I was determined to focus on my husband's love language. For my husband, he feels most loved through acts of service. For him, actions speak louder than words. And it's time for me to admit that I did not accomplish this goal as much as I had anticipated. However, I also didn't fail. It's a work in progress, I suppose. Let me explain. 

This month was hard! Ugh. Just thinking about it truly makes my head hurt! My dear, sweet grandfather passed away earlier this month. Also, I've been dealing with my dental emergency, which physically, emotionally, and spiritually took a toll on me. I'm still dealing with it, but with much less pain. With that being said, the focus in our marriage has truly been that of support this month. I honestly and truly have not been allowed [physically] to truly show my husband just how much I love him by hammering down on his love language. BUT, I did my best, and that's what counts! 

My husband really does notice when I take care of even the smallest chore. He was at work while I took the opportunity to do the dishes and cook dinner. Boy was he super happy when he came home! It really did show me just how much actions speak louder than words for him. Several more days this month, I was able to perform small tasks [i.e. laundry, cleaning up, dishes, etc.] instead of my husband having to tend to it, and each time, he was truly thankful and repeated that 'I didn't have to'. Yes, sweet husband, I did! It also makes doing the chores every now and then more meaningful and motivates me to do them, even when I'm totally and utterly exhausted from working both jobs. I believe it's also because a lot of the housework falls on his shoulders week to week due to our current job situation, so having one less thing for him to take care of at home really means a lot to him. Note taken! :)

Monthly Marriage Goals {August Challenge}

I've decided to join in the Marriage and Relationship Goals link-up with Amberly and Kalyn.  This link-up happens weekly, but I am going to commit to it monthly instead.  It's more reasonable with the amount of time I have to devote to journaling my goals and updating them.  So, here we go!

I've said so many times before just how blessed I am to be the wife to my dear husband.  I'd link up several examples, but it's pretty much every post.  Okay, okay, here are just a few in which he's the center topic: My Husband, My Hero; Lover, Lover; Happy Birthday, Colten.

I try my best to be optimistic - every day.  I've had my rough days, believe me!  But I'm much happier and better off when I stay optimistic, when I'm not festering in my unhappiness.  Marriage is part of that, too.  Marriage is hard work!  No relationship is perfect, and I'm definitely no exception to that.  I love this idea of monthly marriage goals.  It makes me more intentional in my marriage.  It opens my eyes to truly appreciate my husband and strive to become a better wife for him.  With that said, this month I am going to really focus on my husband's love language.  With everything that's beeng going on in my life with working so much and family things, he's 100% supportive.  He doesn't argue with me; when I lose my patience and take out my anger on him, he doesn't get mad at me; he tells me that he's there for me and loves me.  He goes out of his way to make sure that I'm taken care of as best he can right now.  I don't want to fail him.  I need to make more of an effort to really show him that I love him - to really go out of my way and succumb to the needs and wants that his love language calls for.  I'm going to intentionally love my husband. 

Acts of Service

My husband feels most loved when I perform acts of service.  Now, let's be honest here...I haven't had much time or energy (to be frank) to keep up with this.  But this month, I'm going to be intentional and really focus on showing my husband just how much he means to me.  How? By his love language of course! Doing the dishes, laundry, picking up around the house, taking out the trash, paying the bills, taking the dog out - these are all examples of what makes my husband feel loved.  Why? Well, because it shows that I love him enough to take care of these things so that he does not have to worry about it.  Cooking dinner or baking for him is another great example, since my hubby likes to EAT! ;)

Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter. Finding ways to serve speaks volumes to the recipient of these acts. - www.5lovelanguages.com

My goal this month is to really hammer down on my husband's love language and ascertain exactly which acts that I perform around the house and for him really mean the most to him. He does so much for me, it's only fitting that my first goal for this linkup be to really show my husband that I am attentative to his needs and really put forth the effort to not only reaffirm my love for him with words but to show him that my love for him runs ever so deeply.  Emotionally, I tend to be a tad bit super complicated and needy.  There, I said it! But my husband is so amazing and always knows when something is wrong and when I need something from him - even if it's just for him to listen to how I'm feeling.  I truly want to focus on my husband this month, not the other way around.  Although I will still love the love my husband will continue to show for me, I'm going to intentionally focus more of my time and energy on him.  It's well overdue and much deserved! And I can't wait! I'm excited to show my love for my husband and to really make him feel my love for him. I hope he's ready!

Stay tuned to find out whether or not I accomplished this goal at the end of the month! ♥

Happy Birthday, {Colten}!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLTEN!

It's my sweet, sweet husband's birthday today! Hooray! 

  That's reason enough to celebrate, right?!  Heck yes!    I honestly have no idea where I would be in my life right now if it weren't for my dear husband.  Seriously, he is the most patient, understanding, and laid back person I've ever met!  And thank goodness for that! Because he's all mine!  I could not have asked for a better husband.  As always, God knew exactly what He was doing when he made our paths cross!  My husband is exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it.  And I pray that my wonderful husband feels the same about me! :)  

My first impression of my husband was that he was a redneck.  Straight up, out of the woods, redneck.  And I know many of my friends and family that have met him probably thought (or still think) the same.  Yes, my husband is as country as it gets without being redneck.  And sometimes, he proves he's got some redneck in him.  But although that's what I initially thought when I first laid eyes on him, he proved from the very first 'howdy' (yes, his first words to me were 'howdy') that he was a true gentleman.  Of course, the more I got to know him, the more he relaxed and showed his 'not so gentlemanly' side, but he's always treated me with the utmost respect and care - and for that, I'm eternally grateful. 

 

We have been married for a year and a half as of 6/12/13.  Holy cow! Where the heck does time go?!  I can't believe it's been so long already, but it's been such an amazing year and a half that I wouldn't trade for anything.  Many marriages have their ups and downs, and ours is no different.  There are days that we simply don't agree on anything - or so it seems.  But we've always been so good about talking things out and never steaming mad or upset for long.  I absolutely cherish our relationship, and I am more in love with him now than I was on my wedding day.  It's true - true love is AMAZING! 

Our first dance as husband and wife was to 'From this Moment On' by Shania Twain and Bryan White.  I've loved this song my entire life, and I would always think that it was exactly how I wanted to feel towards my future husband.  Colten wasn't too keen on the song at first - I honestly don't remember what he had requested be our first song, but he knew how much it meant to me and he finally okay'd it!  I was one happy girl!  But seriously, that song just gets to me every.single.time! 

I do swear that I'll always be there.

I'd give anything and everything and I will always care.

Through weakness and strength,

Happiness and sorrow,

For better, for worse,

I will love you with every beat of my heart.

From this moment life has begun

From this moment you are the one

Right beside you is where I belong

From this moment on

From this moment I have been blessed

I live only for your happiness

And for your love I'd give my last breath

From this moment on

I give my hand to you with all my heart

Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start

You and I will never be apart

My dreams came true because of you

From this moment as long as I live

I will love you, I promise you this

There is nothing I wouldn't give

From this moment on

You're the reason I believe in love

And you're the answer to my prayers from up above

All we need is just the two of us

My dreams came true because of you

From this moment as long as I live

I will love you, I promise you this

There is nothing I wouldn't give

From this moment

I will love you as long as I live

From this moment on

I tear up every time I hear this song, as I remember my wedding day and all of the joy, happiness, and love associated with that.  My heart melts.  My husband proved to me again, during that time, that he truly loved me and wanted me to be happy - I know a first dance song may not seem important to lots of guys, but he let me have my way anyway, and that's what a marriage is all about right ladies?! Ha, just kidding, of course! 

So, today, I wish my darling husband a very happy birthday and that all of his wishes come true.  I pray that his life is all he dreamed of and more, and that he continues to love me each and every day.  He is amazingly supportive, and even just venting to him about something that's weighing on my mind or that I'm upset about helps tremendously.  That's real love.  When all he has to do is look at me, listen to what's bothering me, and hug me, I know that I'm with the man of my dreams and the man God intended for me to walk beside on this journey of life. 

Happy birthday, baby! I hope you have a great day and that you have a fantastic year ahead of you - I know our future holds greatness, and living life with you is amazing.  Thank you for always being there for me and for supporting me in every way possible.  You are amazing, and I am blessed to be your wife.  I will cherish you forever, and I thank God for allowing us to venture on this path together. 

Lover, Lover

First of all, thank goodness it's Friday! Second of all, it's been a long, rough week! But no matter how rough it is or how long it is, this man is always there for me and makes me feel better all.the.time.  

  Seriously, I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for my husband.  He knows me so well (although, I'd hope so!) and always seems to have the exact right thing to say.  Okay, well maybe not 'always', but the majority of the time, he does.  And really, all I need at the end of a stressful day or in the middle of a total freak out is a hug from my husband.  His embrace says so much without any words.  It reminds me that he's there for me, no matter what, and that for better or for worse, he loves me.    He knows exactly when I just need some space or time to myself to just think and cool down.  He knows exactly when to keep pushing his luck by not accepting my "I'm fine, really" excuses.  Being his wife has made me a better person and a better friend.  I thank God every day for blessing me with such an amazing husband.  Life is hard, but with him by my side and his love everpresent, I know that it's worth it.  I know that the better days will outshine the bad days.    --------------------------------------------------------------------   Colten,   I don't know if you'll read this (reading just isn't his thing, y'all!), but I just want you to know (although you already do) that I love you.  I know I don't say it enough, but thank you for all that you do for our family.  You've sacrificed, loved unconditionally, and have grown with me through these past few years, and I will be eternally grateful.  Without you, I would not be as strong, caring, or loving.  You are my rock, and you are my light on the darkest of days.    Thank you, my love.  You never doubt me or bring me down.  I know that I'm difficult to deal with sometimes (or most of the time...), but you stick by me anyway.  You accept all of my flaws and choose to love me despite them.  You are such a strong and caring man, and words cannot even begin to express my gratitude or love for you.  I know that we have a bright and exciting future ahead, and I can't wait to share each and every day with you.    I love you!     

   

Newlywed Game {Take 6}

So, it's been a while since Colten and I linked up for The Newlywed Game!  I think it's time for a little fun amidst all of the chaos this week has brought.       1. If your spouse could have one thing in the world (besides millions of dollars) what would it be? Bri: A really, really big truck.  Like, seriously lifted. Colten: It would be for her late Grandmas to have been at our wedding in person and for her to be able to spend more time with them.  (y'all. this man is so sweet and knows my heart)

2. Is your spouse an early bird or a night owl?

Bri: Definitely a night owl!  That man could stay up until 2am and sleep until noon every single day if I'd let him and he wasn't employed.  *sigh*

Colten: Oh she is definitely not an early bird - she is a night owl.
3. Does your spouse do anything weird or silly when they are nervous? If so, what? Bri: Not really.  He's pretty laid back and doesn't get nervous very often.  Maybe he will on graduation day! Colten: She really doesn't do anything weird or silly.  Her stomach just gets in knots.
4. What is the most spontaneous thing you have ever done as a couple? Bri: Wow, great question.  I honestly have no idea! Colten: Spend money when we were not even planning on it.
5. What makes your spouse different/special from any other person you know? Bri: He puts up with me!  I can be a lot to deal with sometimes (shocker, I KNOW!), but he doesn't even hesitate - he gives me the space I need in the moment and then comes to give me a giant hug! He understands me in a way that no one else does, and he's constantly showing his everlasting love for me.  Colten: She is my wife.  Everything is special about her. (again, this man just melts my heart!)
6. In the summertime, does your spouse most resemble a white snowman, a red lobster, or a very tan Pauly D?! Bri: Ahahahaha!  Well, in the beginning of summertime, he is most definitely a white snowman!  He then slowly turns to a red lobster - he's a fish and LOVES being in the pool - without sunscreen.  I'm working on him!  Colten: Well, she is a white snowman trying to become a tan one.
7. What is one thing that people may not know about your spouse? Bri: He is so loving and supportive.  Many people get the impression that he's a 'redneck' and that's all there is to him.  WRONG!  There are so many interior layers to him that not many people get to see.  It's definitely something special, and I'm so glad I'm peeling back all of those layers! :) Colten: She loves to read.
8. What is your spouse’s favorite holiday? Bri: I'm going to say Thanksgiving, because there is lots of food involved! Colten: Christmas is her number one holiday. (yes!)
9. There is a table full of food. Salad, meat, bread, desserts. Which dish does your spouse devour first? Bri: SALAD!  That man can tear up a salad like it's nobody's business.  I'm not complaining though, as it's better for him than devouring many other unhealthy things!  Colten: She will go for either the meat or the salad, whichever one she wants at the time.
10. I am so thankful that my spouse is ______________ because I am definitely not! Bri: I'm so thankful that my spouse is calm because I am definitely not!  Seriously, he does stress sometimes,but he just doesn't let most things get to him.  He doesn't worry when it's unnecessary.  Me on the other hand, I worry about everything all the time!  It's something I struggle with and am constantly working on.  And also something he constantly reminds me about - it's a bad habit! Colten: She is very book smart and knows how to study because I most definitely am not.       Also linking up here for 'the petites'.  Absolutely LOVE this new linkup! :)       

Also, be sure to stop by and check out our GIVEAWAY that ends next week!  That's right, only one more week to enter for a chance to win lots of great stuff! :)

 

Newlywed Game {Take 5}

1.  Which does your spouse prefer? Summer or Winter Olympics?

Bri - I'm going to have to go with Summer, as that's his favorite time of year because he LOVES to swim!  I'm pretty sure he was a fish in another life ;).  

Colten - I think she likes them both ... or the summer ones (no...I love Winter olympics!)

2.  What advice would you give your 16 year old self, now with the knowledge that you have found and married "the one?"

Bri - RELAX!  Don't stress out over the little things, and cherish each day!  You think you have it rough now, just wait until the 'real' responsibilities kick in...yeah, that's right...the real world is SCARY!  But, you'll have an amazing man by your side, so don't sweat the 'love' thing ... it'll happen! 

Colten - Couldn't tell you because my 16-year-old self was wild and crazy.  Those were the days...(oh goodness...)

3.  What expectations did you have going into marriage? How have they changed?

Bri - I expected to love love and to live every day with my best friend by my side.  They haven't changed much...I still love love and I'm married to my best friend!  Seriously, I love every minute that we get to spend together and I wouldn't trade it for anything!  I know life throws you curve balls, and dodging them with my husband has been the ride of a lifetime.  No matter the situation, just talking about things with my husband makes me feel instantly better, so I'm all set for forever!  :) 

Colten - The expectations I had were to be married forever to my beautiful wife.  They haven't changed cause we are going to be married forever. (ok, good answer!)

4.  When engaged, what did your spouse most look forward to about being married?

Bri - Living the rest of his life as me for a wife :).  DUHH!  

Colten - Us being married and spend our lives together 

5.  What is your spouse's favorite meal that your prepare?

Bri - Homemade pizza!  I make it every year for his birthday. 

Colten - It's Chicken Parmesan

6.  What is your spouse's favorite form of exercise?

Bri - Weights.  I believe he likes lifting weights.  Yes, weights.  Or walking... ;).  Honestly, I have no idea obviously. 

Colten - I think it's Country Dance on the Xbox 360 Kinect (YES! so fun)

7.  What sport would your spouse most prefer to actually participate in? 

Bri - Football.  He talks about the days he used to play in high school, so I'd say that's a safe answer.  

Colten - Volleyball and softball

8.  What is the strangest food your spouse has ever eaten?

Bri - dog treats. Or, any time he takes everything (including other people's meals if we're out to eat and they're finished with their meal and have leftovers) and just mixes it all together into one meal.  GROSS. 

Colten - I couldn't tell you cause she eats a lot of strange things (I actually don't eat strange things)

9.  Is your spouse a country gal/boy or a city slicker?

Bri - COUNTRY BOY ALL.THE.WAY!  No brainer on this one :) 

Colten - She is a cross between a city slicker and a country gal - she wears those flip flops and shorts everywhere she goes, but she wears jeans when she wants to dress country (just because I wear flip flops and shorts doesn't mean I'm not country...there's a difference between 'country' and 'redneck' babe....come on)

10. Who is the "handyman" in your home? You or your spouse?

Bri - My spouse.  He's awesome. 

Colten - I am the handyman.  I handle all the tools.

This week, we didn't do so well!  Hopefully next week will be better :).  Happy Friday, y'all!

{Positivity} = Results!

I woke up this morning (after sleeping in late, which was GLORIOUS) with the mindset to be productive today.  This is usually a difficult task for me, as I love to indulge in my days off by relaxing and, let's face it, being lazy!     I was worried about just how productive I would be, but I decided to tackle the dishes.  They have been piling up lately, and I feel so much better in a clean house than a messy one, so then it began!  I unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, and I hand washed the rest, all while Colten went to buy eggs so we could make breakfast before he headed off to work for the day.  Let me tell you, it was great to both be in the kitchen together!  It's so much easier and 'fun' to be productive than having to be doing things by yourself.   And the end result is CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN! :)  I'm a very happy wife.

I also tackled updating our financial spreadsheet!  Colten had been worried, as we splurged a little for date night last night...  But, I took care of it, we know we're fine with our finances, and all is great in the world!  
It's amazing how you feel after being productive, even if it's only for a few hours!  Knowing that I tackled those things this morning really has changed my outlook on the day! I'm going to spend some time with our pup while Colten's at work until late tonight, take some time for myself to read and watch a few movies, cook supper, do some laundry, and be perfectly happy that I've been blessed with a happy home, an amazing husband, great family, food for our nourishment, money in the bank, and a glorious day to bask in the sunshine.  God is good.  
I know this is short, but I love to dwell on the great days as well as the negative days.  It's so easy to fall into the negative circumstances that are all just a part of life.  I'm making a point to bask in the great days, even if nothing super amazing happens.  Today is one of those days.  I have nothing 'major' planned or any company coming, but I'm thoroughly excited to spend today by myself with our dog and have some 'me' time.  I think I deserve it ;). 
Have a splendidly blessed weekend, everyone! ♥

Home {Upgrades}

Wow.  Another weekend has come and gone (almost..I do realize it's still Sunday!).  AND, it's March already!  How did that happen?!  Anyway, with another weekend came great things!  With God, all things are possible ♥.

So, Friday afternoon, Colten and I decided to finally go to Office Depot and buy a new computer chair.  He is taking all online classes this quarter and will be spending an insane amount of time on the computer for the next 12ish weeks.  Also, with my blogging taking off, I want to spend way more time on the computer.  However, doing so on a cheap Wal-Mart chair is difficult.  I couldn't stand to sit on that thing for longer than half an hour!  Seriously.  It was time... 

So, we began our journey, as mentioned above, to Office Depot in search for a new chair.  It was definitely entertaining, to say the least.  I love our lives together!  Colten decided to test-drive a few out...

We found one that we agreed upon, but of course, they didn't have any left in stock.  It was also 50% off, so that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the day.  We didn't let it ruin our day, and we searched at another store that was closest to us.  Luckily, they had one in stock!  We purchased our new chair and couldn't help but take a look at the desks that were right next to the chairs.  We were still using my very first desk that I had ever bought out of high school...and that thing HAD to go!  It was a sore thumb in our advancing home, and it was time for a change.  We were already upgrading our chair, why not the desk too?  And we had gotten such a good deal on the chair, we were way under budget.  So, we were in search for a new desk.  After hours of deliberating - we had to find the perfect one! - we agreed on a desk, purchased it, and loaded the desk and chair into the bed of the truck.

We got home and began to put the chair together so that I could take care of some things online.  However, to our dismay, there were broken parts included in the pieces, and it wasn't going to suffice.  Colten immediately called the store, we boxed the chair pieces back up, scanned through the desk pieces to be sure they were all there and unbroken, and headed back to the store, 30 minutes away at 7:00pm.  Our journey began at 12:30pm.  I was personally exhausted.  However, we made it to the store, they exchanged our box for an already-assembled chair and were on our way back home for the second time.  The chair is amazing, and I've never had such a comfortable one to sit on while computing.  :)  I'm a very happy girl.

Colten's mom and step-dad visited yesterday, and so we had help assembling the desk.  Colten and Bubba put the desk together while I cleaned the kitchen - I scrubbed that thing CLEAN! - and cooked lunch.  Ok, mostly Bubba put the desk together while Colten watched ;).

The end result is amazing, and I couldn't be any happier.  It definitely fits our personalities and our lifestyle now, as the college years are over (well, almost for Colten) and we are upgrading our furniture and home.  We're growing up!  And it feels sooo good!  I definitely had a moment this morning walking out of our bedroom and seeing the living room, complete with the new desk and chair.  I thought back to a few years ago when I was struggling with many things in life, and I thanked God for everything he's blessed me with, especially the little things.  I'm all about the little things, and I know a desk is a rather LARGE thing, but the ability (physically and financially) to purchase a desk with my husband and to have it in our home means the world to me!  I'm sitting here now just smiling away. 

So, it was another great weekend, and we will cherish our home upgrades for many years to come! 

 This picture just doesn't do it justice! 

Surprise, Surprise!

HE WENT TO JARED!  (again)

My husband is the absolute best!  If you follow me on twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, you already know that my husband picked me up and took me out to lunch yesterday!  So sweet!  He hasn't had a reliable vehicle for so long, and now that he does, it's amazing!  He was off yesterday, so he picked me up at work and we headed on over to Which Wich.  Their sandwiches are seriously amazing.  But anyway...on to the point of this post. 

Later that afternoon, after an amazingly sweet lunch date, he texted me and told me not to look at the bank account.  We recently received our tax return refund and were paying off major credit cards, so he was having to deal with the fraud team of our bank.  But any time he tells me not to look at something, I obviously get concerned...or nosy....or anxious....or, let's be honest, all of these at once!  I want to know immediately what's going on.  Well, of course he wouldn't tell me....he just begged me not to look!  Upon inquiring when he'd let me in on whatever it was that was going on, he said he would talk to me about it when I got home.  Now, that doesn't seem unreasonable.  However, it was only 2pm and I had to go to job #2 yesterday, which meant an entire 8 hours before I'd be home.  Ugh.  I'm ridiculously impatient and he was definitely testing me!  So, I waited.  And waited.  And waited some more.  And in between all of that waiting, I was texting him, teasing him that I was going to look at the account.  But, I managed to wait and opened the door to the apartment...

He told me to close my eyes as he left the room.  When he returned, he told me to open my eyes.  And to my surprise was a bag from Jared's!  I almost started crying.  Seriously, my husband is always thinking of me and doing little things for me.  Sometimes I find myself taking this for granted, but I'm definitely working on that and am sure to tell him just how much I appreciate him and his efforts.  A year and a half/two years ago, he surprised the HECK out of me with a Pandora bracelet from Jared's.  And ever since, I've been obsessed with trying to fill that sucker!  By the way, I've succeeded!  It's officially full of charms!  But, my husband has been super helpful with this task.  He's always looking for very meaningful charms to add to my collection.  And yesterday was no different.  He surprised me by taking my bracelet to, first of all, get cleaned.  Then he began his search for a new charm - and boy did he score big time (with getting the perfect charm...dirty minds...)!  Just look at this beauty:

It's the 'guardian angel' charm!  He said it's in remembrance of my granny that tragically died a little over a year ago.  This man is so dang thoughtful!  I seriously started crying when I saw the charm and he explained its significance.  I now have several guardian angels watching over me, and I will cherish this charm forever.  Every time I look at it, I think of both of my grandma's, my aunt, friends, the grandpa I never met, and so many others that have passed away.  He's good...I'll give him that!  I already have a cancer ribbon charm in remembrance of my other grandma that passed away almost 9 years ago to cancer.  I also have a dog charm, lots of hearts charms and 'i love you' charms, as well as a very expensive birth stone charm, bible charm, and a stack of books charm for when I graduated college!  I also have a horseshoe charm for my 'country roots' and for luck! He spoils me...

So, I'm proudly wearing my Pandora bracelet today, and am going to work on color coordinating the bigger stone charms!  It's definitely a favorite addition to my jewelry collection, and I wear it proudly.  And, thank you babe, as you surprised me yet again with your big heart and giving ways.  I truly appreciate everything you do for me and will always cherish the love we have together.

Surprise, surprise...my husband is amazing!  No real surprise there, as I already knew this ;).  

The Newlywed Game {Take 4}

Linking up with Karla and Veronica again this week for the Newlywed Game! 

1.  Who does the laundry in your home, you or your spouse? Any good stories?

 Colten does most of the laundry, as he's home more often than I am.  I do a load or two every now and then, though. 

I do the laundry because she works two jobs, along with the rest of the house chores.  (and it means the world to me!!!)

 

2.  If your spouse had to eat at one restaurant for the rest of their lives, what would he or she pick?

 Olive Garden.  That man can eat SO.MUCH.SALAD it's ridiculous.  And he loves their pizza for some odd reason!  He seriously will never order anything but pizza there.  

 

I would prolly say pok-e-jo's or subway eat fresh - she loves those places.  

 

3.  Are you or your spouse better at cooking? Any good stories?

 I am better at cooking!  He does it more often, but give him a difficult or lengthy meal to make, and it's pretty funny.  Hmm, good stories... He tried to set fire to our oven at our last apartment.  It gave our poor dog PTSD for months!  He hears the sound of something sizzling on the stove and immediately freaks out.  Poor little guy!  

I'm good at cooking.  I do most of it because she works two jobs.  I'm off or at home more, so it makes more sense.  Have you ever made BBQ sauce with your feet?  I have hahaha.  (oh my gosh...the BBQ sauce!  he seriously made it with his feet...crazy, crazy night!)

 

4.  Which one of you is more concerned about their "fashion"?

 Definitely, 100%, hands down ME.  That man never gives any thought to what he's wearing! 

Umm, she is, duh.  She is a WOMAN - they're all like that.  Me, just give me a pair of jeans, a sleeveless shirt, a pair of boots, and my favorite rebel hat and we're good to go.

 

5.  Ideally, if you don't have them already, when does you spouse want to have children?

 He wants to have them already, but knows that we need to be way more financially stable first.  Ideally, within the next few years I'd say.  

We would love to have them now but financially can't afford them.   (he's so smart haha. and yes, I know that you never really can afford kids...)

 

6.  Who planned dates when you were dating? And what was one of your favorites?

 We didn't get to go on a lot of actual dates when we were dating.  It was a long distance relationship, and I'd usually just go to Yorktown to visit him and we'd just hang out.  Those moments were priceless though!  One of my favorites was the first time we really met.  I drove down to see him and we went to a tractor pull in the nearby town.  That night, we stood out by the car for FOUR HOURS just talking about everything.  Time flew by...

 

It's hard to say because I didn't have a vehicle.  If I'm thinking right, she did.  Mine was all of them, but my favorite one was when me and her were with my best friend or 'my brother from another mother'.  We were in his truck and Bri and I were making out in the back seat and all of a sudden he yelled, "Look, it's a UNICORN!!!"  We just busted out laughing!  Good ole times, good ole times.  (that was so hilarious!)

 

7.  What's been the toughest part of being a newlywed?

 The toughest part has been the finances.  We didn't really have a budget or a plan prior to getting married, and then we combined accounts, which pretty much forced us to start budgeting.  However, the system our parents use and we now use is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. and is a lifesaver!  But we get through anything and everything, so it's all good :). 

Nothing really because we get through everything together. (good answer babe!)

 

8.  Who is the best with the finances?

 We both have gotten way better with the finances.  It's pretty mutual - neither of us is the only one that budgets or pays bills.  

Umm we both are. 

 

9.  Who is the strict one?

 Neither of us are very strict.  We're pretty laid back and don't really keep the other from doing something or pursuing something...  We try to be strict with money though, which is hard! haha

Neither one of us.  I think, anyway. 

 

10.  What will you plan to do for your first anniversary? Or if you've already celebrated your first anniversary, what did you do?

 We both had to work that day, so we just stuck with simple and went out to eat.  It's the quality time that matters anyway!  Then, we came home and ate the top of our wedding cake that had been sitting in the freezer for a year.  That thing was soooo disgusting!!!  I would never recommend it to anyone.... gross! 

We went to our favorite restaurant and ate at Olive Garden.  (yep!)