We Bought a House!
Meet our #HighridgeRanch! This cutie was built in 1958 and is the perfect combination of exactly what we were looking for in a home – great location, in our budget, and just the amount of space we were hoping for!
We’ve been praying over this house for almost three months now! It all started when our friends let us know that it was going to be on the market. It felt like we waited and waited but when we finally we saw it pop up online, we made sure to be the first ones to walk through! (Luckily that also made us the first to make an offer!) This was only the second home that we saw, so we decided to see another, newer home that same day. When we got to that house though, all we could do was talk about the other one. It was the longest 24 hours of our life, but thankfully the sellers accepted! After a looong 30 days, the house is finally officially ours!
Thankfully, we have a little time to freshen up the paint and do a couple of small projects before we move in! We cannot be more excited and are looking forward to filling it with all of the people we love and all of the memories we could possibly fit inside! I’ll be posting more pictures soon, so stayed tuned!
Our First Anniversary
One year ago today, I walked down the aisle to say “I Do” to my best friend; the wonderful man that was once the little boy with frosted tips from my fifth grade class. It’s hard to believe we have to start counting back at one after six and a half years together, but I’m happy I get to do it with him. This year has brought lots of fun memories and we are both looking forward to year two.
Here are some of my favorite wedding photos that never got posted; now seemed like as good of a time as ever to relive my favorite day. If you’ve been following along (or know me at all), you’d know that I’m definitely low-maintenance. Especially when it comes to something like a wedding. I had no interest in an over the top dress and would have been perfectly happy skipping the flowers in favor of carrying a puppy down the aisle. (In afterthought, I’m pretty sure that a puppy would have cost more than the flowers, but how fun would that have been?)
I wrote a little more about the dress and where it’s from in the past, but I’m definitely still so happy with my choice and I think the most rewarding part (other than the pockets) was that everyone told me how “me” it was.
And of course, I had to sass that dress up with some funky shoes. Gosh I still think these are killer and I’m never getting rid of them. My main reason for not doing something more bridal (*shutters*) was because I knew I would never wear them again. I’ve already been there done that with a pair of shoes that I wore to prom in high school. And now they are in my parents basement, where they will probably stay forever. Sorry Mom and Dad!
My photographer, Chelsea, suggested during one of our meetings that I create a bible journaling page for the wedding and I’m so happy that I did! I’m obsessed with this picture and then when we got home from the honeymoon I used some of the blank space to write in a few words about the day. Kevin gave me the necklace and my brother gave me those earrings.
This was the gift that Kevin gave me the morning of the wedding, along with a sweet note. At the time, I couldn’t believe how surreal everything was that morning, it was so normal it almost felt like nothing was happening that day. When I woke up, I went downstairs ate some breakfast and chatted with my Mom like I always do when I’m there. I still had a little time before my hair appointment so we just hung out. I loved that.
The hair appointment was fairly uneventful, which was a plus. You’d have to be terrible to screw up some basic curls. I went in about a month before for my trail and I walked out with my hair looking so ridiculous that I went home and brushed it out immediately. Since the hair trail took so long, I ended up not even trying my make up. Good thing I’m not picky. I really did like it though and I thought it looked super natural. For someone who literally wears zero make up on a daily basis, I was really pleased with the look and longevity of the spray on stuff.
My sweet Momma helping me getting ready.
I know I’ve said this 100x but having a first look was the way to go – my pictures are amazing and I loved having that time to relax our nerves. Neither of us is very emotional, so this gave us some time to tell each other how we were feeling and that’s exactly what I needed. Easily the best decision of our wedding day.
These ladies are my absolute favorite, no one I’d rather have standing by my side than these five goofs. Not 20 minutes later, these ladies (and some of the groomsmen) were using a Tide-to-go Pen and baby wipes to get mud all out of my dress and off my shoes. Doesn’t look muddy but it was, I’m not mad though because the photos were definitely worth it.
This describes us pretty well.
The family – obviously we couldn’t have done any of this with out them! I really want to remember how important their roles were in planning, financing, and helping us get to this point and not only that but how well they did it together. Planning a wedding a different city isn’t easy, but our Moms really went out of their way to make sure every single detail was accounted for during the process and on the day of.
This photo. I love it and I’m so thankful for the way he taught me what to look for in a husband, not through words, but the way he loves my Mom. I don’t know if he said this in his speech or if it told me separately but his advice was to always start the way you want to finish. I love that.
The First Kiss.
Probably one of my favorite photos from the whole day. Right after this picture we had to run out the back door and around the venue so that we could start the receiving line. We just kept saying “OMG! We’re married!”
My two sweet cousins, who totally rocked the whole flower girl thing.
All time favorite! He’s always making me laugh!
Us cheezin’!
Maid of Honor and Best Man Speeches were on point.
Because you have to have center pieces. Oh also fun thing I found out afterwards…this caused a mini fire.
Our first dance to this cover of Everything by Michael Buble.
The only bite of cake I had all night. On the other hand, someone told me they they ate one of each cupcake flavor, so there’s that. At least they were good!
Our First Year:
Restaurants we loved: CC’s City Broiler, Flat Branch, Formosa, Houlihans, Chipotle, Chick-fil-a.
Meals we made: Chicken Cordon Bleu, No Bean Chili + Cornbread, Salisbury Steak, Chicken Burgers, Tilapia, Flat Bread Pizzas, Sweet and Sour Chicken.
Shows we watched: House of Cards, Better Call Saul, The Bachelor, Billy on the Street, Modern Family, Making a Murderer, Undateable, Fixer Upper, Rich in Faith, The Christleys.
Movies We Saw: Chef, Inside Out, The Martian, Furious 7, Trainwreck, Focus.
Places we went: St. Lucia, Chicago, lots of trips to St. Louis.
Things We Did: Honeymooned, adopted Chloe the Dog, Saw Billy Joel in concert at Wrigley Field, Purchased Apple Watches, Started House hunting, I got a new job, dinners with friends.
More Wedding Related Links:
Find and follow Chelsea on facebook by clicking here.
12 Things I Wish I Knew About Being Engaged
Nourish | January Prompt
Nourish | verb [nur-ish] | to supply with what is necessary for life, health, and growth; to cherish, foster and keep alive.
Quote: When we nourish ourselves with good people, projects, surroundings, scenery, love, magic, beauty, and self-care, we radiate light into the world and continually sharpen our vision, perception, and clarity all at once. This in turn spreads to other beings which spreads to other beings which spreads to even more. Remember that one tiny drop can raise an ocean. Keep wanting. Desiring. Doing. Breaking in the sweet things. – Victoria Erickson
Reason Why: As I mentioned in my first post, I had a bit of a hard time choosing this word. After two years of choosing words that were event-focused, I wanted to choose a word that would help me focus on me. I am craving nourishment. I have put self-care on the back burner due to lack of time, energy and effort. I need to slow down and make time for myself and the things that God wants me to make priorities in my life. I am worth it.
Take Action:
The Year Ahead:
MORE nourishment.
MORE slowing down, LESS letting moments pass me by.
MORE deep conversations, LESS technology.
MORE self-care, LESS unreasonable expectations.
MORE grace, LESS impatience.
MORE healthy foods, LESS fast foods.
MORE yoga and meditation.
MORE journaling, LESS bottled up emotions.
LESS worry, anxiety, frustration.
MORE humility, LESS pride.
MORE, MORE, MORE love. For myself and for others.
Currently
Time: 11:01pm
Location: the couch
Feeling: tired of politics already, anyone else?
Loving: the weather the last couple days
Learning: how to prioritize my time and become more efficient
Reading: Restless by Jennie Allen (so good)
Drinking: Very Berry Refreshers
Anticipating: the weekend already, Monday sucked.
Listening: to the Deep Focus spotify playlist
Watching: the Iowa Caucuses
Wearing: Mizzou gear, is it football season yet?
Planning: my Project Life layout for January.
Creating: a notebook just for my One Little Word.
Needing: a 10 hour nights sleep and then to stay in bed all day. #adultingsohard
Photographing: landscape style as much as possible.
How you doin’?
Traveler’s Notebook Inspiration | Morning Pages
Morning pages are one of my favorite practices that I’ve carried over from 2015. I discovered this practice last year through Julie Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way. I really enjoyed the book and it had a spiritual aspect that I definitely wasn’t expecting, but the intensity that it required with all of the prompts and weekly artist meetings with myself just wasn’t something I could prioritize at the time. That being said, morning pages are introduced in the beginning of the book and come highly highly encouraged by Julie if you plan on succeeding creatively.
While this “self-help” style book is meant to reduce creative block, Julie is very straightforward in letting the readers know that the purpose of the morning pages is to clear your mind. Though it may sound counter-intuitive to write when you’re “blocked”, she suggests that you write three pages on loose-leaf style paper, first-thing in the morning. When each page is complete, she suggests sliding them into a large envelope without looking back at them, at least for a few months.
When I first started, I followed Julie’s tips closely although I did use a composition notebook because I didn’t want to have loose sheets of paper running around my house. Similarly, I often write before I get out of bed so this made it easier because of the hard surface of the notebook cover. I didn’t use any specific pen and often allowed my handwriting to be atrocious. The first couple days, I would write until I couldn’t think of ANYTHING else and then I would fill up the rest of the pages with “I have nothing else to write about” over and over again. If you’re thinking, “what a waste of time”, then you’ve read my mind because that was exactly what I was thinking. As I navigated the first week of pages, writing all three quickly got easier and I began to allow myself to include bullet style journaling (more information on bullet journaling here and here) within those pages as well. I would then transfer those important to-do items and lists over to a different notebook before closing up the book for the day.
Here’s the deal. Sometimes these pages are super prolific and wonderful and sometimes they are bogus, but every time I feel relieved that they are done and ready to start the day. It’s like all of the swirling thoughts get dumped out and I have room for new (and often more productive) ones. I don’t even force myself to write all three pages anymore, because I often know what it feels like when I’m done and ready to move on with my day. I haven’t graduated to a nice notebook because, chances are, I’m going to throw this one away. Anything even remotely interesting has been transferred somewhere else.
How to make morning pages work for you:
Find a time that works. It’s clear by the title that the intention for this practice is for it to be done first thing in the morning before you do anything else. While this is ideal, I don’t think it’s realistic for everyone. Lately, I can hardly roll over to check the time in bed without Chloe (our dog) hopping up to let me know that – regardless of what the clock says – it’s time to eat and go outside. In my opinion shooting for the same time every day is a win. In the past, I’ve found that having a journaling routine directly before bed helps to alleviate the buzz of thoughts before falling asleep. Regardless, I think that this is something that needs to be done when it’s most convenient for you, otherwise you won’t do it.
Make them handwritten. This is a must. I originally thought that writing would be tedious and annoying and sometimes it is, but for the most part it’s worth it to have no distractions.
Don’t stop. At first it may feel silly but if you can’t think of anything just write “I can’t think of anything to write” over and over until you think of something. I promise it will come. The subject doesn’t matter and neither does your grammar or spelling. Just write.
Have a system. Whether it’s a pen and loose-leaf paper that you keep in a folder or a journal that you keep next to your bed, try to keep it consistent. This doesn’t have to be anything special, but I think having all of the junk in one journal will help the creative process everywhere else. Pro tip: spoil yourself and use a fountain pen or nice paper! I’ve found I lose the nicer things a heck of a lot less.
Get comfy. This really gets to the heart of cultivating a good routine. If you’re in a hurry and uncomfortable, you won’t want to continue the process. It will undoubtedly be miserable and just make matters worse! Pro tip: have a specific spot where you go to write like a desk or comfy chair by a window and enjoy a cup of coffee as you write it out.
You’re worth it. Above anything else, what I’ve found from doing these morning pages is that just the practice of having this outlet and making time for myself is a form of self care that is so worth it. It helps me start my day on a good foot and only takes fifteen minutes.
Go ahead and give it a shot. What are you waiting for? It doesn’t have to be great, it just simply has to be.