elm street life

Yesterday.

2012-01-26T19:28:00.000-08:00

I woke up yesterday morning with a brilliant blogging idea (or so I thought).
It was going to be a quiet but productive day at home, working on homework, job applications, and sewing orders for Brighter Day, and I would capture pieces of it every hour or two with my camera.
What I didn't expect were the feelings that would come as I looked through these pictures at the end of the day.

I thought I'd see the beauty surrounding me.
I thought I'd be more thankful for the things I'm so blessed with.
And I did. Both of those things.

But more than that, I felt an overwhelming grief at how often I have taken this amazing place for granted. I've lived here for two years, and for most of that time, I've refused to be content. On so many days, being away from the city - the people, the diversity, the energy - felt so suffocating. I cried because I missed it so much, and I would have rather been anywhere but here. I complained about seeing goats and horses instead of people. I complained about driving 20+ minutes to get just about anywhere. I whined. A lot.

And even now, even as I write that, my eyes burn with tears.
How much have I missed?!

I told Shawn about my day when he got home (during that big time gap you see toward the end), and as soon as I did, I wept. Wept. I didn't know these feelings of remorse would be so powerful, but they came out at once and I couldn't contain it.

It hit me like a ton of bricks today... a year from now, I won't live in this little yellow house on acres of beautiful land.
I won't wake up to this kind of beauty.
I won't cook meals looking out at running water and galloping horses.
I won't run barefoot through dewy grass to pick tomatoes out of my garden.
I won't call this place home.
It's ironic that Franklin has been home for these past two years - and for most of my life - and yet it's just now feeling like home in the last few days and weeks.

Maybe you're reading and thinking, "You're being way too hard on yourself." But as hard as I've tried to point out the things I adore about living here on this blog (and there are many things that I do), my heart has not been content for so long. And I want that to change. We may not live here for much longer, who knows. But I can live differently for however long it is. So however much longer I live in this house, you can bet I'm going to soak it up. Every drop. I didn't know these silly pictures could make me want to do that, but they did. They really, really did. And I am thankful for the conviction they caused.

DIY: Bleach-dying fabric.

2012-01-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

My fabric choices go through phases.

There was the "I love really bright orange and turquoise and pink and yellow" phase.

Then there was the "I only love grays and subtle polka dots" phase.

I'm not really sure what phase I'm in right now (other than loving mustard yellow), but I have piles of fabric just lying there in my craft room because I look at it and think, "What was I thinking when I ordered this?!" I must be really fickle.

Anyway, I decided to bleach some of it in hopes that I might like it a bit more. I combined two parts water with one part bleach and soaked the fabric for about 15 minutes before putting it through a normal wash/dry cycle. And I love the results. It's a subtle change, but instead of an overly bright fabric, it's now something that looks like I might have found it rifling through my grandmother's attic. A little softer. A little more beautiful.

It may be hard to tell from the photos, but the top photos are the original fabric soaking in bleach, and the bottom right photo features the ruffle in the original fabric on top of the bleached fabric.

I'm confident in my bleaching skills now, and next time, I may let it soak a little longer to bleach out the color even more. I have a whooole pile of fabric just waiting for a change. It has no idea what's coming for it. :)

My favorite crock pot recipe.

2012-01-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

This recipe just can't be beat.
It's nutritious, filling, so delicious - and takes about 10 minutes to prepare before simmering all day in the crock pot. There's nothing quite like walking in the door from a long day and smelling this waiting for you. Yum. I like to serve it with quinoa which only takes about 15 minutes to make.

I followed the original recipe almost exactly, except that I like using whole grain dijon mustard instead of the normal dijon mustard. But really either way, it tastes so good.

Find the recipe here.

Ten little Newby things.

2012-01-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

Source

1. I am totally planning on making these gluten-free lime shortbread cookies (above) this weekend. They just look too good.

2. Speaking of gluten-free, a lot of you have emailed me over the past couple of years to say, "Help! I just found out I have a gluten intolerance and have no idea where to start." I'm always happy to write you back and hopefully offer some of my advice that will help along the next rough patch until gluten-free becomes a way of life. Because I've been there. And it's no fun.

But in the future, I will probably just send you to this article by Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef. Not because I don't want to answer your questions. But because this is the best advice of "How to Live Gluten Free" that I've read. It's full of practical advice and hope.

3. It's Friday. Which meant I observed my near-weekly "sit in my car, listen to NPR, and eat Chipotle" lunch date. I can't think of a better way to celebrate.

4. Conversation I heard on campus today...
Dude #1: "Hey y'all, are you coming to the prerelease party tonight?"
Dude #2: "No man, I've gotta record a demo."
Dude #3: "I wish. I've got a showcase on the Row."

Wow. That probably looks like a foreign language if you don't live in Nashville. Only in Music City.

5. I'm learning to love my crock pot and am using it at least a couple times a week lately. Yeah! I'll post one of my favorite new recipes next week.

6. I'm also learning to love my dehydrator (a Christmas present). My favorite is apple-cherry fruit leather. It's dangerous stuff... I could eat the entire tray in one sitting.

6. I'm going to try to convince Shawn to take me to this movie this weekend. I know the reviews aren't great, but it still looks so fun!

7. It always happens that I have my greatest creative ideas when I also have a million things to do on my to-do list. Does this happen to you, too?

8. I have 2 more weeks as a 25-year-old.

9. Seeing that I have an Etsy conversation in my email inbox is both exciting and frightening, all at once. Etsy sellers, do you feel that way?

10. Since I'm running out of things to say, I'll just let you know I'm linking to E Tells Tales (her "10 Little Ivie Things" is such a fun tradition).

Sewing Night #2: A really belated recap.

2012-01-19T19:29:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of another sewing night next week, I thought I'd share photos of our last sewing night (because I've been meaning to for months). We had so much fun and, as always, I was so impressed with what these novice seamstresses created.

We had snacks.
We made pillows.
We had a special guest: my Grandma, who came from Ohio. She is the Grand Master of All Things Sewing and we learned from her.
We pricked our fingers with pins more than a few times.
We sewed later than planned because so many tedious rows of ruffles demanded it.
We had fun. And that made it a successful night, in my opinion.

Can't wait for next week's sewing night!
I love this every-other-month tradition we've got going.

I decided to live it.

2012-01-18T03:34:00.000-08:00

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This quote struck me.
Especially the part that says, "... I decided to live it."
(It comes from a really intriguing love story, by the way.)

I quit Facebook a few days ago.

Have you ever deactivated Facebook before? It's kind of a hassle. Before you do, it shows you some photos of you with other people and says, "Austin is going to miss you... Sarah is going to miss you... Emily is going to miss you..." and pretty much begs you to stay. Little does Facebook know I haven't talked to those people in years (I changed the names, don't worry). And it made me think: Isn't it the weirdest thing how our culture has so rapidly become an online society? I'm not that old, and I can remember days that I didn't know what email or the internet was, and my life didn't feel lacking one bit. But today, if you're not on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, you name it... and you haven't updated it for a few days... well, you're really out of the loop.

I'm one of the worst offenders. Seriously. I love all these different outlets, and the opportunity to connect with people 24/7. I love that I can read the news on my iPhone before bed, see pictures people have taken all day long on Instagram, and can see pictures of people's weddings, babies, and everything in between whenever I want. But there's this unspoken pressure to keep up with it all. To be "in the know."

And that takes gobs of time.

Time spent staring at my phone or computer with so little to show for it (I mean, I've never really built a relationship on Facebook. Have you?). Time letting my heart become jealous by seeing what other people have and where they vacation and how they redecorated their living room. Time that I don't spend doing so many things I should be doing.

And for all of these reasons, it's enough for me to say "That's it" and pull the plug on Facebook. Because I know that the more I unplug and disconnect from online things, the more whole I feel. Kind of ironic, isn't it? (Especially coming from a girl who writes a blog, right?)

So really, this whole post isn't about Facebook at all. It definitely isn't a plea for you to quit along with me. It's about decisions toward wholeness, toward boundaries, toward having more time to focus on the people God has put in my life - and that can take on so many forms. For me, it's just starting with Facebook. Trust me, I loved Facebook. It's been a tough breakup so far. But what I think I'm going to love is the sheer time I get back, the having-to-actually-pick-up-the-phone-and-call someone to catch up, the face to face interaction.

Who knows - maybe in a different season, I'll be back.
But for now? It feels just right.

108 days.

2012-01-17T03:13:00.000-08:00

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The semester has begun and, with it, all of the inevitable syllabus shock.
This semester is different, though, because it's the last one (at least for this degree).
This means a lot of decisions are involved...
Where should I apply for my first nursing job?
What hospital?
What area of practice (I'll be doing my final internship in OB, but I'm still open to other possibilities)?
What should I highlight on my résumé?
And on... and on... and on.

The cap and gown have been ordered.
The countdown to graduation has begun: 108 days to go!

I can't wait for this next season... it's going to be FULL of transition, and I love that.
We'll have to wait and see how much I'll be around this blog in the next 108 days.
With all of the NCLEX prep questions, résumé writing, and 12-hour shifts, it may not be much.
But wow. I am thankful.
I'm going to be a nurse.

Spicy carrot & lentil soup.

2012-01-16T16:07:00.000-08:00

I've been spending lots of time in the kitchen recently. It must be these chilly holiday weekends that make cooking and baking a lot more fun. One of my goals this year is to keep track of all our favorite recipes so that I can (finally) compile them into one pretty book so I don't have to try to remember where I found something the next time I want to make it.

This soup will make the cut.

It's perfect for a winter day and has a bit of Mexican flavor to heat things up just a bit.

And it's not only gluten free but dairy free, too!

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 sweet potato, diced
6 carrots, sliced
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric (optional)
1 tsp chili powder (or more, if you like spice)
1 cup red split lentils
5 cups gluten-free chicken stock
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro, to garnish

1. Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottom pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the potato and carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the spices and cook for an additional minute.

2. Stir in the lentils and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer, half-covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pan, for 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

3. Use an immersion blender (or food processor) and process the soup until thick and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.

(We recommend it with Trader Joe's corn chips and a honeycrisp apple!)

P.S. I heavily adapted this recipe from a book called "Wheat, Dairy, & Gluten Free" that doesn't name an author that was purchased TJMaxx for $3.50. I can't find the book online, but I also can't really recommend it for newly diagnosed Celiacs because even though it claims to be g-free, it calls for spelt flour quite a bit (which is glutenous). But I needed to give credit where credit is due for this yummy idea!

Gluten-free cranberry orange bread.

2012-01-13T02:15:00.000-08:00

This cranberry orange bread is as good as it gets!
Usually, I base my critique of gluten-free bread on whether or not anyone can tell it's gluten-free. And this is one of those breads that is so moist and delicious, you'd just never know. I adapted this yummy recipe to make it gluten-free, and it's quickly become one of our favorites!

Ingredients:
Canola oil spray
2 cups Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix*
3/4 cup plain yogurt (I used Greek yogurt)
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Finely grated zest of 1 to 2 large oranges
1 cup fresh cranberries, each cut in half

1. Set an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°.
2. Coat an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pan with canola oil spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt and orange juice.
4. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter with sugar until pale and creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs gradually, beating continuously to incorporate. Then add the orange zest and vanilla and mix briefly to incorporate.
6. Using the slowest speed of the mixer, add the gluten-free flour in three increments, alternating with the addition of two increments of the yogurt-orange juice mixture. The last addition should be the flour mixture. Do not over mix. Stop the mixer and finish incorporating the ingredients by folding together with a large spatula.
7. Fold in cranberries. The batter should be well combined, but do not over mix or the bread will not be tender.
8. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55 to 65 minutes.

Enjoy!

*I use Pamela's Baking Mix and buy it in bulk from Amazon. It's far cheaper than buying it from Whole Foods or another natural foods market, and it's by far the best gluten-free substitution mix I've tried (and I've tried almost all of them). It's truly the only mix that I can honestly say, "I can't tell a difference." With any other mixes - Bob's Red Mill, King Arthur, even Betty Crocker - you can definitely tell a difference in the texture or the aftertaste. With Pamela's, you can't.

When I was first diagnosed with Celiac, knowing that I had to be gluten-free for the rest of my life was quite a psychological adjustment. The first gluten-free scones I tried to make (not using Pamela's) were so terrible I cried. The only downside to Pamela's is that it does contain a small amount of dairy and tree nuts, so if you're allergic to those, it won't work. Otherwise, I can't recommend it highly enough!

Winter Sale!

2012-01-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

I wanted to let you know that there are lots of Brighter Day purses and clutches on sale right now through Monday. Just use the coupon code WINTER15 when you're checking out, and you'll get 15% off of your entire order! This only applies to the "ready to ship" bags that are already made... not custom orders.

Happy shopping!

Ode to Creator God.

2012-01-11T07:08:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I love cities.
I still do, even after two years of living away from Chicago.

But I have to admit that living on this gorgeous land has swayed me a little.
Ok, it's swayed me a lot.
Because on a morning like this morning, there's just nothing like it.
I've always said that Fall is Franklin's best season. But this mild Spring-like Winter we've been experiencing has wooed me and now I'm not so sure.

As soon as I woke up this morning and saw that I'd slept through what must have been a deluge of rain, I had to step outside. It was a mild 53 degrees as I stood in my pajamas in my backyard and took these photos.

And then I just stood there, taking it all in.

There's just no city in the world where the birds tweet this happily,
the sun shines this brilliantly,
the dew smells this fresh.
And I know there aren't many backyards that have the sound of running water,
horses grazing just outside their pretty red barn,
and not one sound of a car.

I breathed in deeply the fresh, clean, cool air.
I breathed out praises to this Creator God who formed every blade of grass, every bare twig, every cloud in the sky with His own hands.
And tears came to my eyes.
What beauty He has given us on this earth.
And yet, it cannot even compare to the beauty of Heaven.

Ryan.

2012-01-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

So I know I just posted a tearjerker video the other day, but you'll forgive me for posting one more, right?
Because I just can't help but share this.
It's from a local church here in Franklin, Fellowship Bible, and a couple of my friends on Facebook shared it. Grab a Kleenex.

I'll be honest and say that there have been times in my life that my greatest fear is having a child with special needs. It stems from my own selfishness and pride, but it's so scary to think that the rest of my life would be devoted to caring for another person. But seeing this obliterates that fear. God is using Ryan in my life. God is using Ryan in so many lives.

Thank you, Jesus, for Ryan. For his courage, his humility, his joy.
He is one beautiful person, and You knew exactly what You were doing when You created him.

Sewing Night #3!

2012-01-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

It's time for another sewing night!

We'll be making this cute little wristlet (it measures approximately 9" x 5").

If you have access to a sewing machine and know how to thread it and sew a straight line, that's all you need to know! This one does involve a zipper, but it'll be easy to learn how to put it in. And you can get creative with what colors and fabrics you want to use for the outside and the inside lining.

Please email me if you're planning to come so I can email you back with specifics (like directions and how much fabric to buy).

And for those who live super far away and can't make it, I'll post a tutorial on the blog soon after our sewing night so you can have your own little sewing night and make one for yourself. Sound good?

Hope to hear from you guys soon!

A new year.

2012-01-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not exactly sure where this post is going except that my heart feels so alive and fresh with the grace of a new beginning as the calendar flipped to 2012. I want so much from this year that I can't possibly fit it into resolutions.

Today was my first day of my last semester of nursing school. I was handed a full list of to-do's, a bulging schedule, and OB and trauma clinicals that I cannot wait for. I want this semester to really count. It's going to be intense, but I want to remember that while I am still a student, I am also some patient's nurse. I can't forget that. I'm not just "playing nurse"; I'm doing it.

I know this sounds cliché, but I want so badly to keep the most important things the most important things.
Less whining.
Less Pinterest: filling my mind and my computer screen with so many material things that I ~~cannot~~ should not have.
Less stressing out about not having perfect grades, a perfect bank account, a perfect cooking schedule, a perfect attitude... you get the idea.

More prayer: not just the "I need you to come through for me on this test, God" kind of prayer. The "I need you every moment of every day because life without you is meaningless and impossible" kind of prayer.
More breakfasts in bed (i.e. our New Years' Eve tradition above). More quality time with Shawn when we turn off our cell phones and computers and go grab coffee.
More passion for the things that really matter... the orphans and widows that are so close to God's heart, and the lavish giving of ourselves that we are called to as God's children. I feel a burning desire in my heart for these things, and I know they come straight from the Lord.

So 2012, I'm ready for you.
I can't wait to see what you have in store.

Can I recommend...

2012-01-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

If I could recommend only one book for you to read this year, it would be One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp. It was one of my favorites from last year, and quotes like the one above have helped me to savor life just a little bit more. I can always use encouragement to be content, and this beautiful book helped me to do just that. I can't think of a better way to start this year than by being reminded over and over to give thanks for it.

2011: Year in Review.

2012-01-01T01:30:00.000-08:00

It's 2012! Hard to believe, isn't it? As I look back on what 2011 held, I am so grateful. Signs of God's goodness and faithfulness to us are so evident as I read about our life in 2011. Here are just a few highlights of the year. Happy New Year, friends!

January

Started nursing school

Loved on my Granddaddy right before he went to be with Jesus

February

Celebrated my 25th birthday in Chicago

Had my first day of clinicals

Taught the doctor who delivered me how to paint

March

Played the name game with Shawn

Brunched with friends

Enjoyed the Spring

April

Painted in the dark

Was wooed by my muffin-baking husband

Laughed a lot at our nursing school mannequins

May

Sewed my first purse and re-opened Brighter Day

Miraculously got into the accelerated program

June

Photographed a lovely summer wedding

Battled the cicadas

Realized it's a really small world

July

Spent the 4th in Chicago

Loved on our godsons

Visited our neglected garden

August

Had the best trip to California

Went to the county fair

September

Made special bags for Brighter Day

Made homemade tortilla chips

October

Got to see my happy little niece

Flew to NYC to see Dad play at Carnegie Hall

November

Sipped on green smoothies

Burned my fingers making a tree skirt

December

Cheered on a hometown hero

Hosted a sleepover
Celebrated our 3rd anniversary in St. Louis

What am I looking forward to in 2012?

Graduating from nursing school
Whatever adventure the Lord has for us...

What about you? Any dreams/hopes/resolutions for the new year?

The sweetest Christmas gift.

2011-12-30T01:21:00.000-08:00

Oh my... get ready to cry.
This girl is precious and so is her Christmas wish.

Sick day.

2011-12-29T08:55:00.000-08:00

Homemade craisins!

Experimenting with my new dehydrator (thank you, Shawn!)

Sewing up a storm

Day 3 of being sick

I'd really love breathe through my nose again, but for now, I'm getting quite a lot done around here.

Happy Thursday!

Meet me in St. Louis.

2011-12-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked our 3rd wedding anniversary.

It's hard to believe we've already been married that long, but I have to say, it's been the best 3 years of my life. Waking up next to Shawn every morning and journeying through this life together is the greatest privilege.

We celebrated by taking a quick trip to St. Louis, which was a first for both of us. Unfortunately, I got sick for the first time in over a year with a terrible head cold, so I spent lots of time in our hotel room while Shawn ventured out in the freezing rain to find me some Tylenol PM and cough drops. Fun, fun.

But we enjoyed it anyway, exploring the super cute Central West End and staying in the Hyatt right next to the Arch. We walked around the Arch, but when I looked straight up at it and saw just how high it was, it didn't really appeal to me to go up to the top. Has anyone been up to the top? I hear it sways. Noooo thank you.

We also discovered that St. Louis has some very yummy food (and is so affordable!). We found a couple of great gluten-free options and ate like kings. Gluten-free crepes with goat cheese, basil, mushrooms, and tomatoes? Yes, please.

On our drive home yesterday, Shawn asked, "When are [our friends] Colin and Justine heading back from Kansas City?"

I said, "I think today," to which he responded, "I think they're right behind us."
What are the odds?!

Merry Christmas.

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Each year at Christmas, I pray and ask the Lord to make the story of His birth come alive in my heart. And every year, He answers. This Christmas, I am thankful to have had some time to really dwell on the true meaning - the only meaning - of Christmas. At times, it's hard to capture my feelings about it because what God did on that first Christmas is too unbelievable, too mysterious, too glorious to put into words.

I've pondered the reality of what it must have been like, which must have been such a far cry from the nativity scene that sits on our coffee table year after year.

In that nativity, Mary looks much too clean: no sweat dripping down her cheeks from being in labor, no dirt on the hem of her robe. I can't smell the stench of the donkey or hear the moaning of contractions. And Joseph hovers in the background, a seemingly emotionless bystander of this miraculous event.

And in my mind, though this scene is so beautiful and reminds me of His birth, these molded pieces of plaster do no justice to how it really was.
There must have been tears.
There must have been gritted teeth through the excruciating pain of childbirth.
There must have been the fear of inadequacy in Mary's and Joseph's hearts that every new parent faces, but so much more than that. They were to parent God.

I picture the real shepherds, so weathered, so poorly educated. Maybe they had matted hair and bad breath. Without the bombardment of lights and technical effects that we experience today, a heavenly host of angels coming from the sky must have been completely shocking. They were "sore afraid." I would have been, too. I love that God chose that these shepherds would be Jesus' first visitors; the VIP guests, if you will. They weren't who we would've expected for the first people to meet the King of the World, if we had written the story. We wouldn't have allowed them to get their unclean hands on the Christ child.

But God was and is the Author of His story, our story. I love that He never misses a chance at imagery. It's possible that these shepherds, who were near Bethlehem which is only a few miles from Jerusalem, were guarding the temple lambs that were to be sacrificed for the sins of the people. I wonder if they knew that, when they looked into the manger at baby Jesus, they saw the sacrificial Lamb who would permanently, radically take away the sins of the entire world.

Somehow, I think they got it. At least a part of it. Luke writes that the shepherds returned from greeting Jesus and were glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told to them. I don't really picture them closing their eyes and lifting their hands in worship. They had to be jumping, screaming, overwhelmed with the Good News!

And then there's baby Jesus. When I think of that tiny, Jewish, crying baby - that helpless, perfect child... I can't help but get tears in my eyes. What would it have been like to hold Him close? What would it have been like to see this beautiful baby and know that my sins would be cast on Him and would cause Him a gruesome, bloody death? When I think of Him, I am filled with praise. I might have rocked Him, humming "O Come Let Us Adore Him." I might have swaddled Him a little tighter to comfort Him. I might have let His tiny hands curl around my fingers.

Praise to our Lord, this strange God. He is strange to us because we never would've chosen this way to save the world. Praise for a compassionate God - compassionate because we never could have saved ourselves, and He knew it. We celebrate Christmas, not because it's a time of generosity or of goodwill. We celebrate Christmas because God did something for us that we never could've done for ourselves.
He gave us Peace.
He gave us Himself.
And because of it, our future as His children is incredibly bright.

Merry Christmas, friends.

Our hometown hero.

2011-12-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege today of standing in the rain with a few hundred people who gathered to celebrate the homecoming of a hometown hero.

"This is a real hero you're about to see," mothers told their children.

A real hero is right.

Andrew Wilson graduated from the same high school that I did, and chose to go to Afghanistan to serve in the military this past year. While on patrol on October 19, Andrew was hit by an IED explosion and lost both legs as a result. He's had 11 surgeries with more to go, but he came home for Christmas today. Led by a full police escort and dozens of veterans on motorcycles, he waved at the crowds from his limo window and hopefully felt the pride his hometown had for him. Because for miles, people like me had tears in their eyes as they waved their flags and cheered him on.

We are so proud of you, Andrew.

Welcome home.

Too cute for words.

2011-12-17T02:00:00.000-08:00

This portrayal of the Christmas story made me smile, laugh, and want to squeeze some baby cheeks! These little ones could not be cuter (I can't get over their darling accents!). My favorites have to be the sheep and the star. What a sweet, beautiful way to tell the Christmas story.

The next year: Our love story continued.

2011-12-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

June 2007 in Florida

Getting along famously with the fam

Shawn and I dated for a year (March 2007 to March 2008) before getting engaged.

While I'm sure there is so much to recount from that year, so much of it was a blur. I was a senior at Moody, working on the Manna project, nannying part-time for a family nearby, and somehow getting homework done. We still saw each other every day, if only for a few minutes between our other commitments.

Within a couple weeks of dating, I knew he was it. I was going to marry this guy. I called up my dad - who happened to be traveling at the time - and said pretty bluntly, "I'm going to marry Shawn." He said, "Wow. I'm glad I was sitting down." I'd never said those words about anyone else before, because I'd never felt them. I told my dad that there were no red flags in our relationship, not even yellow flags that would make me hesitant about Shawn. So much peace surrounded our relationship and our passions for ministry, for missions, and our compatibility in so many other ways just confirmed that I was supposed to be with him. Forever. It didn't scare me one bit. I was ready.

So nearing our one year anniversary of dating, I was getting suspicious. Was he going to propose? I'm sure lots of girls go through this... getting needlessly worked up over every holiday or significant date (Christmas? Valentine's Day? My birthday?) and then trying not to seem disappointed when there was no ring. Our first year anniversary came and went. No ring.

At one point, Shawn and I even photographed an engagement from the bushes (my dear friend Anna had no idea we were there hiding), and the moment was so beautiful. But it also made me think, "When in the world is Shawn going to propose? Is he even thinking about it?"

I should've known he had been thinking about it. Planning for months. Saving every last penny from his catering job for the most incredible day of our lives.

One way he planned was by taking me ice skating often to "practice" (though I had no idea that was the reason, of course). I hadn't grown up skating and was pretty shaky on the ice. But Shawn knew if we were going to get engaged on ice with hundreds of people watching, I'd need some practice. I bought my own skates and we went skating quite a bit. It was fun, sometimes, and I was improving each time - but sometimes, I'd fall right on my knee caps multiple times and end up so bruised that I could barely walk without pain. Shawn was determined, though, and bought me knee pads to wear while I skated so I'd enjoy it more and not be scared to fall.

So in March 2008, the night before we got engaged in New York City, he took me ice skating in Millennium Park in Chicago. It was particularly crowded that night and the ice was really scuffed up so it made it a lot easier to fall. I fell a couple times when little kids whipped past me and made me lose my balance. Finally, I got so frustrated by it that I got off the ice and told Shawn, "I hate this. I'm never doing this again."

Shawn, feeling a little worried that the very next day, I wasn't allowed to hate this - said, "You just hate skating here, with so many people, with rough ice. You don't hate skating."

"Yes. I do."

"No, you don't. It's part of our story, sweetie. We started liking each other on the ice in New York." And I'm sure he wanted to say, "And we're getting engaged there TOMORROW so you better like it!" But he just put his arm around me and we headed back to campus.

Way to kill the moment, Whit (and way to give your boyfriend a heart attack).

When we got back to campus and started to thaw out in the lobby of my dorm, Shawn handed me a card. It was beautifully handmade by him and had an invitation to a date the next day. I knew something was up - and had a feeling it may involve an engagement - but had no clue how incredible that day would be.

The next chapter of our love story is our engagement day. To read it, go here.

To see the many photos from the day, go here to see my Facebook album. You won't regret it. :)

Sleepover!

2011-12-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

Their awkward pose. :)

On Monday night, we had two of our very favorite teenagers over for a sleepover. I've known these girls since they were babies, and started babysitting them when I was 14. They also have 3 little brothers, and we love them so much too - but it was nice having some girl time to craft the night away. And craft we did. We made sugar scrub, tote bags (using freezer paper stencils), flowers to go on the tote bags, and headbands. And I loved every minute. I cannot believe they're teenagers now, and such beautiful, kind women. If my daughters someday turn out half as graceful, sweet, and godly as they are, I will be so happy.

DIY: Pleated flower

2011-12-13T06:16:00.000-08:00

Today I have the privilege of guest posting at Bethany's blog for her Christmas craft series, and I was excited to do a tutorial on how to make this flower. Make it into a headband (like in the picture), pin it to a purse, or put it on top of a Christmas gift! I hope you enjoy it!

Comments are closed today so that you'll go visit Bethany and leave her some love. :)

Our weekend in pictures.

2011-12-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

Bieber fever. In Franklin.

2011-12-09T14:12:00.001-08:00

Never ever in a million years did I dream I'd one day post a video of Justin Bieber on the blog... but when it's a video of him singing in the middle of Main Street in my hometown of Franklin, Tennessee... well, I think that's a good enough reason. He shot the video a couple months ago and according to several friends who went to the shoot it was kind of chaotic. When his bus pulled up, he and Selena got out and Twitter and Facebook went craaaazy until a few hundred screaming girls were there watching (and probably crying). Wow.

Can I just say, he couldn't have picked a better spot? Doesn't Franklin look so charming?! It is charming, snowing or not.

We'll be heading to the Dickens festival this weekend there with our friends Michael and Staci. I hear there's going to be a "Town Sing," horse-drawn carriage rides, and sugar plums. A perfect way to celebrate the season!

PS - I'm kind of in love with his Christmas album. SO good!

Currently reading...

2011-12-08T06:55:00.001-08:00

I wish this list included a classic like anything above (love those pretty covers!), but right now, it's all I can do to read a few articles here and there when I have a break in exam prep.

So here are a few blog posts and articles that I couldn't help but share...

1. The Christmas Conundrum. Jen articulates the Santa debate so well, and I couldn't agree more with her perspective on Santa vs. Jesus and some practical ways to make Christmas a celebration of Jesus. I also really love her posts about her family's recent adoption of two older children from Ethiopia.

2. Sketched by Angie Smith brought me to tears, not only because I know sweet Mr. Gentry and his farm which she mentions in the post, but because I know the sweetness of the Lord to do something like this. Must read.

3. I am about the furthest thing from a football fan, but I love Tim Tebow for how he stands unashamed for Christ. Shawn and I pray for him, too, because you know that Satan would love to bring him down. I love this article: Why the heck do we hate Tim Tebow?

Our Deliverer.

2011-12-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

This week, I can't stop thinking of what I heard on Sunday.

Preaching from Hebrews 2:14-15,

May I live this way, fearless and confident in my Jesus. What hope we have in Christ!

To hear the sermon, go here. (It's the most recent sermon entitled, "The Mystery of the Incarnation.")

Christmas favorites.

2011-12-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

Smell: Pine. Mulled cider. Bacon on Christmas morning. Cloves and oranges on the stove. Is there a smell not to like?

Tradition: On Christmas Eve every year growing up, the four of us would get to open one present, and it was always pajamas. We'd change into our new pajamas and read the Christmas story (I read it on the even years, and Kels read it on the odd years). We would then draw each other's names out of a mug and tell that person why we were thankful for them. Definitely a tradition I plan to continue when our family is bigger than just the two of us.

Flower: Paperwhites

Movie: The Preacher's Wife. It's not Christmas until I've watched this (preferably with little sis). Favorite scene here. Shawn even knew about my undying love for this movie when we were dating and chose one of the songs to play at Rockefeller Center when we got engaged. I can't listen to it without tears.

Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel. What Christmas is all about... the lyrics move me.

Memory: The Christmas of my sixth grade year, Kels and I thought we had finished presents when our parents handed us each an envelope which gave us a clue to our final present. I ripped my envelope open, read the instructions, and bolted to my mom's closet and found a blueberry clamshell iBook (remember those?). Best. gift. EVER. My sister hadn't read her clue very thoroughly because she followed me into and out of my mom's closet, and we were so excited that they'd given us a computer. To share! But when she came out empty-handed, my parents looked at Kels and asked, "Did you read your clue?" There was a computer waiting for her in the other closet! I still think about how cute she was in that moment and how happy we were that she had gotten her very own orange clamshell iBook.

Easy gift: These pecans. Always a hit.

Sight: Opryland Hotel at Christmas. If you're anywhere near Nashville this month, you have to go. It's kind of insane how crazy they are about Christmas lights.

Dislikes: Santa. And all of his elves and reindeer. Even Mrs. Clause. (I really just don't like that the idea of him has taken so much away from the true and glorious celebration of Jesus coming into the world!). That doesn't make me a Scrooge, does it? :)

Ok, your turn. Some of your Christmas favorites?

PS - I wrote a post for Cameron's blog about some more of my favorites... check it out here. :)

Fabric. One of my favorite things.

2011-12-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

Some of you have asked, "Where do you buy your fabric?"

I buy it lots of places - Joann for last-minute or solid colors, Etsy, Hawthorne Threads. But my favorite spot lately is here: Drygoods Design Online.

Keli has such an awesome eye for fabric and there's always a deal or a coupon code available (free shipping for the rest of 2011). Right now, if you buy $40 or more, there's a 40% off coupon code. Plus, she sends a pixie stick with every order. My kinda girl. :)

Just thought you should know... I can't recommend this fabric shop highly enough.

5 days at a time.

2011-12-01T08:10:00.001-08:00

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the "whole month" thing right now in the middle of exams, so I'm going five days at at time. Here are the first five:

December 1 - Brown Rice & Lentil Salad and Raw mango-lime pie
December 2 - Salmon panzanella
December 3 - Ginger-lime chicken stir fry
December 4 - Maple dijon crock pot chicken with a spinach salad on the side
December 5 - Tuscan white bean soup

PS - Not all of these are gluten-free, but they will be when they're at my house! Like the salmon panzanella - it calls for a whole wheat baguette, but I'll replace it with a gluten-free hamburger bun that I have on hand. These recipes are all very easily adaptable to a gluten-free diet.

December cooking.

2011-12-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

I'm going through an "I really despise cooking" phase at the moment.
It's sad, because I used to love to cook.
I think it's a combination of things: the lack of time and energy, the food allergies, and the long distance from our house to the grocery store.

When we first got married, we had dinner together every night after work. Things were different - I didn't know about my gluten allergy and there were two grocery stores within a block of our apartment. Now, to be honest, I can't even tell you the last time we sat down for dinner at home together. We eat out at least 75% of the time. Sad, but true.

So I'm making a really big goal for December. I'm going to plan the whole month in advance, and try hard to cook 5 meals a week (20 meals total) during the month. That probably doesn't seem like much to some of you, but going from about 3 or 4 meals a month (mainly just when we have guests), it'll be a stretch.

Anyone have some recipes they recommend?

I'm about to head to Pinterest to see what I can find...

Wish me luck! I'll post here what the monthly plan is whenever I can figure it out.

A skirt for a tree.

2011-11-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

Last night, inspired by this fabulous tutorial, I spent about 3 hours making ruffles for this do-it-yourself tree skirt.

Was it worth the 18 glue sticks and two burn blisters? I'd have to say yes.
I really love this gussied up tree. She's ready for Christmas now!

Learning curve.

2011-11-29T18:15:00.001-08:00

I'm (almost) officially 3/4ths of the way finished with nursing school. I was thinking about it today and thought, "I have really learned so much this year."I've learned so much more than how to start an IV or how to assess lung sounds or explain the side effects of a medication.

I've learned that parents of special needs children are angels. I don't understand how they do what they do every. single. day. I'm exhausted caring for their child for just 8 hours (bathing, feeding, helping to the bathroom, etc.). Their love and sacrifice for their child just astounds me. Maybe when I'm a mom someday I'll understand it a little more.

I've learned that sometimes I need little rewards to get me through a tough week. My favorite way to spend a Friday afternoon is sitting in my car, listening to NPR, and chowing down some Chipotle. Luxurious.

I've learned that there are so many ways to procrastinate. Like cleaning your whole house. Then taking pictures cleaning the baseboards. Then posting a blog about it.

I've learned that washing your hands really works. I wash or gel my hands at least every 10 minutes in the hospital it seems, and shower as soon as I get home, and I have not gotten sick one time since being in nursing school. Eating healthy and getting sleep helps, too. But I'm serious... wash your hands! All the time!

I've learned that I can't always wear my heart on my sleeve. Some people's situations that I've encountered make me so sad, and I somehow have to remove myself from their lives just enough to care for them without wallowing with them in their pain. It's a difficult balance and I don't have it down yet. At some point I just need to pray for them, ask Jesus to comfort them, and do the best I can.

I've learned that I have some pretty amazing friends and family to stick with me through my terrible communication skills at present... they don't always get calls or texts or time, but they still love me. Thanks, guys.

I've learned that Shawn is even more patient than I thought. He'll sit for hours quizzing me on notes that make absolutely no sense to him. And he forgives me when I tell him a really graphic story right before dinner time that makes just about everything unappetizing. Crazy love... that's what he has for me. (That's what I have for him, too.)

I've learned that nursing is so far beyond a job. It's a ministry and a calling and it's one of the best decisions I ever made.

DIY: Christmas banner

2011-11-26T13:39:00.001-08:00

Is it time to decorate for Christmas yet? I thought so.

In our home, we are pretty minimalistic about our Christmas decorating. We do have two trees, but other than that, we only really put up a couple of nativity sets, our stockings, and some lights. I really love a softer, neutral palette when it comes to Christmas... creams, tans, and some greens. I decided to make this really simple banner to add just a little bit more to our decor. You'll need about an hour to complete the project.

What you'll need:
3/8 yard burlap fabric
3/8 yard cream cotton fabric
Heat 'n bond iron-on adhesive
1 1/2 yards pom pom trim
Sewing machine
Iron

1. Cut out four rectangles of burlap (not shown). Mine were approximately 5" x 8". Following the adhesive instructions on the package, iron a piece of iron-on adhesive to a piece of cream fabric large enough to accommodate your letters.
2. Print out the word you'd like to use. I chose "noël" and used Lucida Blackletter font (size 470).
3 & 4. Flip the letter backwards so you're seeing through the paper and use a pencil to trace the edges onto the back of the iron-on adhesive/cream fabric. You want to press hard enough that you can see where you've traced and cut on those lines. And once you cut the letters out backwards, you'll flip the fabric over and it'll be facing the right direction.

5. Peel the iron-on adhesive backing (the paper part) off of the letters onto the burlap pieces and position them on each piece where you'd like them to go. Once you've positioned them, iron them on according to package directions (usually just hold your iron on there for 5 to 10 seconds until they've adhered to the burlap).
6. Using your sewing machine, stitch around each letter in a matching color thread. This just makes it look a little more finished.
7. Now stitch the pom pom trim onto the top of the burlap to create your banner and you're finished! (You could even use a glue gun for this step if you don't have a sewing machine.)

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions!
And happy decorating. :)

Thanksgiving this year.

2011-11-25T19:47:00.001-08:00

Our Thanksgiving could not have been better.

Lots of family met up at my grandparents' house in Ohio which is the best possible location for such a feast. We transformed their garage into a dining room (a yearly tradition), even hanging strips of fabric on a trouble light to make a chandelier at the last minute. Hope you enjoy a few little snippets of our day. We have so, so much to be thankful for.

3 more weeks.

2011-11-21T00:30:00.000-08:00

As you read this, I have 3 more full weeks of school and this semester is done.
Over.
Finished.

Can you tell I'm excited?!

That means that I have one. more. semester. until I'm a nurse! A real live scrubs-wearing, stethoscope-using, chart-toting nurse. I kind of can't believe it. And at the same time, it's been one of the hardest things I've ever, ever done... this cramming a Bachelor's degree into 16 months. Yikes. It's not for the faint hearted (or weak stomach), but it's been worth every hour of sleep lost, every test I've crammed for, every blood pressure I've taken and shot I've given. (And for those who have heard my many crazy nursing stories, there have been other things I've seen and touched that just won't make it to blogland. Sorry.)

I still can't believe the privilege it is to walk into someone's hospital room, stand by their bed, and become part of their story in that instant, in the most vulnerable place in their life.

Trust me, it doesn't always feel like a holy moment.
Sometimes, I feel panicked, uncomfortable.
Like last week, when I stood by the bedside of a mentally challenged five year old boy who could not speak and wore a diaper. I had no idea in the world how to approach him, communicate with him, comfort him when I'm sure I scared the heck out of him wearing a mask and a gown and gloves and coming at him with a blood pressure cuff.

But it's in those moments that I have to pray, "Lord, take over. I am so worthless here." I feel like I have absolutely nothing to offer. But then I remember I have Him, and that's more than enough. I can offer the Healer, the Comforter, the Savior through my words, through the silences, through the love in my eyes.

You guys.

2011-11-18T01:30:00.000-08:00

You guys are the nicest people. I mean it.

When I started blogging a couple years ago, I did it for myself and my family. I really wanted to chronicle our first days and weeks of being married, and for our family (who lived in Nashville and in Germany while we were in Chicago) to be able to see what we were up to. I never did it for the comments, the networking, the self-promotion... and that hasn't changed.

But I also never realized just how amazing you guys are.

I get an email nearly every day from someone just saying they were encouraged or inspired, and I can't tell you how much that means to me. (A whoooole lot.) I can't believe that so many of you would take the time to write an email to a stranger just to make their day. Amazing. I can't tell you what a privilege it is to be able to share a project, a prayer request, a lesson learned, and to have such affirmation and just to know that you're all there. Hundreds of you. You're reading, you're listening, you're praying. I may not ever get to meet you face to face* but I love knowing that you're there. I really, really do.

That's all I wanted to say - just thank you. I count so many of you as friends because of our interaction back and forth. Keep it coming, ok? :)

*I've now met a total of four of you who just recognized me off the street from my blog, and that just blows my mind. Please always say hi, ok? I love it when you do!

Green Smoothie.

2011-11-17T06:40:00.001-08:00

I first saw this smoothie on Kirra's blog, and had to blog about it myself because it's just that good. It has transformed breakfast at my house. I feel like Popeye drinking my spinach every morning and enjoying every sip.

And just to keep it real around here, as I was photographing this half of my breakfast and feeling all artsy, I completely forgot about the other half that was broiling in the oven. (I have to broil gluten-free toast instead of using a toaster to prevent cross-contamination.)

But smoke alarm and all (oops!), this breakfast was totally worth it. :)

Go here for the recipe.

A picture of grace.

2011-11-16T15:28:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday at church, the sermon really struck me. You know those weeks that it's as if there's no one in the room but you because it's that perfect for what you're going through? It was one of those weeks.

In the middle of the sermon, there's a moment that I will never forget. I don't say that lightly. It was a picture of grace and mercy that was so beautiful it brought just about everyone to tears.

If you have an hour, watch this whole thing... but what I really hope you'll watch starts at 29:15. You'll laugh and, if I know you at all, you may cry too.

The Church from Journey Franklin on Vimeo.

I hope you see just a glimpse of the love the Father has for you. It is so much wider and higher and deeper than even this love a father has for his son. We are so unbelievably blessed to be children of God.

Marriage.

2011-11-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Mignon McLaughlin

I can't tell you the number of people who, when they found out we were engaged, made comments like "Enjoy your freedom while you can!" or laughed about a ball and chain. Even though we had many more people encouraging us about getting married, I definitely had hesitations about the kind of wife I was going to be as I was so independent, and these comments never really helped.

I remember being on our honeymoon and saying to each other, "We had no idea how great this would be!" We still feel that way. Three years later, I'm learning that a good marriage just gets sweeter, richer, deeper with time. And I haven't felt that ball and chain or any lack of freedom since we said our vows. I love the privilege of known Shawn and being known by him more than anyone else in the world.

Take two weeks ago for example. I had made a terrible grade and felt pretty defeated as a nursing student. As soon as Shawn got home from a long day at work, he held out a bouquet of roses and a dinner invitation to our favorite steakhouse. I changed and we headed out. But I felt guilty about it all, and told him at dinner, "I so don't deserve this" after making such an awful grade. He looked me straight in the eyes and said, "That's the point. My love isn't conditional like that. If I just took you out when you got a great grade or did something awesome, you'd think I base my love on what you do. And that's not the case." It was exactly what I needed, and he knew that.

Take last week for example. Shawn had a rough day at work and had to stay super late, and I know how depressing it is for him to have to leave for work and return home when it's dark outside. It's like the whole day is gone (oh wait... it is). So I packed his running clothes in my car, met him at work, and we jogged down the street and back and talked about anything and everything except his stressful day at work.

Three years ago, we never would've known that that's what we had each needed. We're continuing to learn each other and I'm loving every minute of it. I love that in 3 more years... and 30 more years... the heights and depths we've experienced together will in turn give us more depth and richness in our marriage.

So if you're about to get married, please hear me say that marriage can be so much better than you can even imagine. Don't let people tell you your freedom is gone - I feel more free than ever being completely myself with someone who loves me as unconditionally as any human being can. Enjoy every moment. It's the best gift I've experienced on this side of heaven.

Praying vs. talking.

2011-11-14T14:14:00.001-08:00

I recently saw this on Pinterest, and thought wow... how true of me.

The answer to this question, 9 times out of 10, is no. I am so guilty of this exact thing. I receive the littlest tidbit of bad news and I instinctively reach for my phone to call Shawn or my mom or a friend and talk through it, not even thinking to pray and ask the Lord (who knows and sees and ordains all things) to help me. It happened just today.

It goes the other way, too - I get good news and forget to thank Him for it.

I needed this reminder today.

I needed to remember that He is for me, He loves me, and He wants to hear from me when I struggle.

I want so much to be a woman of prayer, and sometimes it seems like the hardest thing in the world not to pick up the phone first. It seems like a faith issue: do I really believe that He can do something about it? And if He doesn't change the circumstances, do I believe He can change my heart and my perspective?

So here's my commitment and my prayer to pray first, then talk.

24 hours.

2011-11-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

24 hours with this girl was just what I needed.

The only photo I got... bad blogger, I know.

She volunteered to come from Kentucky for a sleepover to help me put a dent in the neverending work I need to do for BrighterDay. And I knew at that moment - she's the real deal kind of friend. What a gift. Seriously.

We had the best time... cutting fabric, doing a little DIY that I hope she'll share on her blog someday (please?), talking, laughing, baking cookies, and ending the night with a Shawn-Whitney concert (not me Whitney, her Whitney). They should go on the road, it was that beautiful. I just sat back and closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I am one lucky girl to have friends like these and to hear music like this in my very own living room.

The fun continued on Saturday morning with a trip to Bowling Green to see Ellie girl and do some thrifting. That town has it made in the antique/thrifting department. There are good places in Franklin, too, but nothing compared to the prices and selection just across the Kentucky state line.

Whit,
I loved getting to be with you. I am so refreshed, encouraged, and thankful for you!
Love,
The other Whit :)

I felt just like a nurse today.

2011-11-10T13:02:00.001-08:00

And just like a patient... at the same time.

This morning while I was in the kitchen, I bent down to grab something and stood up really fast, right into the corner of an open cabinet. I hit my head so hard that my the top of my head started bleeding and the pain immediately made me nauseous. I was seeing stars when I crawled over to the freezer and grabbed some ice to put on top of my throbbing head.

And as I sat there, I transformed from being a patient to being a nurse.

I thought to myself,
"What's your name?"
"When is your date of birth?"
"What day is it today?"
"Who is the President of the United States?"
"Ok, now count backwards from 100 by 7s."

I made sure my strength was equal in both hands and both feet, and then I grabbed my penlight and crawled into the bathroom to check my pupil dilation and reflexes in the mirror. Aaaand I determined that I would be just fine (and laughed a little at the thought of crawling to the bathroom with ice on my head).

I'm sure I was overreacting, but when you spend day in and day out seeing the worst possible scenario of things, you can't help but be cautious (i.e. a patient I saw this week had gone septic and almost died after eating a cupcake that had E. coli... crazy, right?).

And hey, it's pretty handy information to know! I now understand why people say, "Once a nurse, always a nurse."

DIY: Reusable gift tags

2011-11-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

Is it already time to be thinking about Christmas?!
In our house it is... I've got the Justin Bieber Christmas album blaring at the moment (Shawn's gone so it's ok, right?). And I've been trying to do some Christmas shopping here and there so that December isn't quite so overwhelming.

I LOVE do-it-yourself projects for Christmas presents, but the problem with blogging about them all is that my family and friends read this blog - so it would spoil what I'm making for them. So because they already know that they're getting something for Christmas - and because the gifts need tags - it doesn't ruin any surprises. :)

You'll need:

- Oven-hardening clay (I found mine at Joann for about a dollar)

- Acrylic craft paint in dark brown

- A small paintbrush

- A rolling pin

- Rubber letter stamps

- A plastic straw

1. Break up the clay into smaller pieces. It's easier to roll out this way.

2. Roll each piece into a thinner layer using a rolling pin. Mine was approximately 1/4 inch thick (maybe less), but it's up to you how thick or thin to make it.

3. Use the rubber stamps to stamp in what you'd like to write on your tag.

4. Use a knife (or pizza cutter, in my case) to cut a rectangle around the name. It's easiest if you leave a little room on the left side for where the hole will go.

5. Press the straw into the left side of the tag.

6. Pull out the straw to make a perfect hole for where your string or ribbon will be attached.

7. Put all your tags on a baking sheet and bake according to package directions. Mine needed 30 minutes at 230 degrees.

8. After 30 minutes, pull them out of the oven to let them cool. The great thing about this kind of clay is that even when it's baked, it's still somewhat pliable and won't easily break. Let the tags cool completely.

9. Using the small paintbrush and acrylic paint, paint the letters. You don't have to be perfect with this at all, just make sure you get down into the crevasses.

10. Using a slightly damp paper towel, wipe across the top of the letters while the paint is still wet in order to leave a little paint in the letters. Let dry and you're finished!

You could also use a small, round cookie cutter and make ornaments! I'll keep this one (below) on a gift, and they can use it as a Christmas ornament for next year.

Etta Grace.

2011-11-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

I'm guest posting a super easy DIY today at these two cute girls' blog:

Make a cozy sweater pillow from a thrifted sweater...

Check it out here.

Because this is awesome.

2011-11-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

I just happened upon this site today and had to share:

helpink.org

The basic concept is that they sell these prints/posters that have the most beautiful typography and you get to choose a charity that will receive 40% of the profit! I'm all about this kind of art + charity blending. Aaaand I have my eye on a couple of these. Check it out!

The weekend.

2011-10-31T04:22:00.000-07:00

We had the most glorious weekend celebrating Fall with dear friends. They drove up from Athens, Georgia to be with us and we loved every minute. Some guests leave and you're kind of relieved to get your house and routine back. Others you just wish could stay for a few more minutes... or a few more days. They are those kind of guests (more like family, really). And they happen to be gorgeous and obnoxiously photogenic. :) We did a mini photo shoot while hiking through the woods in one of our favorite spots in Franklin.

The brunettes

The blondes

Creek playing

Michael and Staci,
We loved our time with you... the dinners at home, the s'mores, the Christmas music, the Fall Festival, the community. We are so blessed by your friendship and cannot wait for you to come back!
Lots of love,
The Newbys

A whole flock of sparrows.

2011-10-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

Friday morning did not begin well. Within an hour of waking up, I saw a new grade that had been posted that was the lowest grade I've gotten on any assignment during all of nursing school. And it wasn't because I had done bad work. It was because I had inadvertently skipped an entire section of the assignment.

I drove to school with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. It wasn't just the grade - it's been this entire semester that just won't let up. I feel pulled in so many directions: striving to do well in school, managing a very busy Etsy shop, being a wife - you get the idea. And I don't feel like I'm doing well at any of it. The grade was evidence of just that. I've been distracted, dropping plates and disappointing people (or just myself) left and right.

So on the rainy drive to school, with tears in my eyes, I prayed. It didn't feel like a holy moment of willing submission. It felt like an "I'm giving up because I obviously can't do this alone" kind of moment. I prayed that God would remind me that He's in control. I prayed that He would show me a piece of His heart, that He cares about the little things that are big things for me.

As I drove and prayed and sat in traffic, I followed a car with this bumper sticker on the back:

The Contributor is a newspaper written and sold by homeless people to help them make a living. It's a wonderful business to help people get their feet on the ground. So I thought to myself, "The next Contributor person I see, I'm stopping."

A few hours later, on my way to my parents' house after class, I accidentally got off on the wrong exit. And lo and behold, there stood a Contributor person selling papers in the freezing rain. I rolled down my window, handed him a few dollars, and thanked him for the paper.

It was only then that I saw the front of the paper and gasped:

The feature story was about Bhutanese refugees. The same refugees I've been working with all semester. Had there been almost anything else on the cover, I don't think I would've noticed. But when I saw people I've worked with and really care for, my eyes filled with tears.

God reminded me so clearly: He's in control.
He put that car in front of mine (as I prayed, no less) with a bumper sticker that made me think.
He let me get off at the wrong exit so that I'd see that man standing there with his stack of papers.
And He put my Bhutanese friends on the cover to remind me that He is so in control. No doubt about it. It was as if I saw that newspaper and instead of seeing the story of the Bhutanese, I saw His own words:
"What is the price of two sparrows - one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." (Matt. 10:29-31)

He knows me.
He loves me enough to give me the glimpse of His sovereignty that I so desperately needed.
What a good Father He is to me.

This girl is into her books...

2011-10-27T05:32:00.000-07:00

Especially Hop on Pop.

I love her serious, concentrated face with those pouty lips.

I love how she turns about 15 pages at a time.

And I really love that bobby pin in her hair (that she didn't realize was there).

I just love this girl.

(Can you tell?)

Autumn light.

2011-10-26T03:47:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help it. It was just too pretty to stay inside and study/sew/clean. I love Nashville in the Fall. It was warm enough today to walk around barefoot as the sun set and photograph the hazy light playing in the leaves. We have friends visiting this weekend and they are surely in for a treat. Hold on just a few more days, Fall. Pretty please?

More comfort food.

2011-10-25T03:03:00.000-07:00

It's a common theme these days:
Have a long day at the hospital = come home and indulge in comfort food. You've seen it before.

I'm in my pediatrics rotation right now and it's one of the rotations I've really been dreading, to be honest. I can say my first day was probably better than my expectations (especially when the little guy I was caring for climbed onto my lap and wouldn't let go for the entire shift), but it was still pretty sad seeing kids so pitiful and sick. Unless God does something miraculous in my heart (and He could, of course), I can safely say this isn't the area for me. I'm more and more amazed every day with nurses who are clearly called to this kind of work.

So grilled cheese it was... and pajamas before 7pm... and "Look Who's Talking" on TV.
Pretty perfect, I'd say.

The happiest little girl you ever did see.

2011-10-24T03:45:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a little biased in this, but this niece of mine is deliciously adorable. After not seeing her for over 9 months, it's about time I got the chance to see (and photograph) her. So excuse the many, many photos in this post. I just can't get enough.

Learning to walk

Lots of love from Mimi ("Mim")

Making friends with Keebler ("Da-dah")

Just being the sweetest girl

(while Mommy and Mimi danced like crazy behind the camera) :)

It is well.

2011-10-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

This morning I was in a creative/DIY kind of mood... and this being one of my favorite hymns, I thought it deserved a place on our wall. (I also made sure to include the hymn writer's name because his story is so moving ). I'll make sure to post a photo when it's printed and framed. If you'd like to download it for printing, just click on it and drag it to your desktop and it should give you a very large version of the print. It has a white border around it to make it easily frameable.

Happy weekend!

61 years.

2011-10-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Last week when my grandparents were in town, I pulled them outside for a few minutes to take advantage of the gorgeous Fall day and a 61-year-old marriage that's as sweet as ever. I really, really love these.

9/11 Memorial.

2011-10-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, Mom and I took a trip to the newly opened 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero.

We caught the E train headed south and once we showed our tickets and went through multiple checkpoints, we ended up here:

It's the footprint of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, which was the first tower to be hit. The waterfalls symbolize falling tears and viewers cannot see the bottom of the deep pit in the middle. The theme of the memorial is "Reflecting Absence" - not only the absence of these two towers that symbolized such strength but the absence of 2,900 people who cannot be replaced. When the sun hits the water, it sparkles and looks like thousands of tiny camera flashes going off, reminding us of each precious life that was lost. The memorial could not have been more perfectly done.

Around the perimeters of the towers are the names. Thousands of names. Names of victims, heroes, and stories we will never know on this side of heaven. The most poignant moment for me is when I saw a woman find her loved one's name, slowly run her hands over it, and start to cry.

This name on the bottom stopped me in my tracks. There were lots like it: "... and her unborn child." It said so much to me that America would acknowledge that unborn child as a life that was lost.

Surrounding the memorial is construction. Those towers are being rebuilt, sending a message that though the terrorist got us in this battle, it's not over. Many of the construction workers rebuilding these towers are veterans which just brings tears to my eyes.

Standing at the site of these two towers and running my hands across dozens and dozens of names, I've never felt more patriotic. It felt like sacred, holy ground - and it's not something I can even put into words without taking you there and letting you experience it yourself.

So if you're in New York anytime soon, I can't recommend the experience enough.

I'm so proud to be an American.

New York, New York.

2011-10-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

So it turns out I'm sitting in the lobby of the Sheraton in downtown New York City.
The trip here was a very last minute decision that involved a two-day Fall break, a cheap plane ticket, and a big achievement for my dad. He played at Carnegie Hall tonight - a once-in-a-lifetime kinda thing - and I had to be there to witness it. The last couple days have been full and wonderful. A time of refreshing that I desperately needed (and one I can really find in a city like this one). There have been many highlights, one of which will have to wait for tomorrow because it deserves a post by itself. But here are a few. Thanks for indulging me.

Our view from our hotel window, my happy mom, and some of the score from my dad's concert.

Central Park

I spent one glorious hour in the late afternoon here, sipping Argo tea, sitting on a rock, listening to a fiddle play and watching the sun sift through the falling leaves. It couldn't have been more beautiful. There's just nothing like Central Park in the Fall.

Seeing cousins

Well, my mom's cousins, actually. They're two talented, sweet guys who we don't get to see enough but who both happen to live in NYC and made time for breakfast with us. And they both work at the MET, which I think is wonderfully impressive.

Protesters

Have you heard about the Wall Street protests? Of course you have. It's all over the news. I'm still not really sure exactly what they're protesting, but they seemed pretty serious about it all camped out in tents in the middle of the city. I thought it was reassuring to see their little camp surrounded by NYPD to make sure nothing terrible happened.

Babycakes

We were serious about getting to this place. As in, it took us about 30 minutes to find our way on the train serious. But getting to order a banana cupcake with maple frosting that was gluten-free, no questions asked? So worth the trouble. It was darling inside, but no photos allowed, hence these two.

I head back tomorrow morning to the real world of school, sewing, and responsibility. And my husband, which is the best part. I'll share more bits and pieces of the trip throughout the week, but I have to say, it's been exactly what I needed. And seeing my Dad walk out onto the stage at Carnegie Hall tonight in his tux and take his seat at the piano - that was a proud moment that made this whole trip more than complete.

The best kind of dessert.

2011-10-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, on a rainy and chilly Saturday, we spent some time at my parents' house with these three little cuties, my cousins. (You'd think they were my nieces for the age difference, but nope... cousins indeed.)

We chowed down on fajitas, watched some of our favorite YouTube videos, and enjoyed our family. I wish I had color pictures of the sorbet they're eating... but it's one of our family's very favorite desserts and is so easy to make if you have a good juicer. My parents and Shawn and I each have the same juicer - a Champion - which is one of the best. Not only does it juice amazingly well, but you can even put peanuts into it and it will come out as peanut butter! Amazing, huh? Or in this case, you can put in frozen fruit, and it comes out sorbet! It is the perfect, creamy consistency and is only fruit so it's super healthy. The men were in charge of making it tonight.

Sometime, I'll do a post in color so you can see the consistency... but let me just say, it was yummy!

Does anyone have a good juice recipe I should try?

Thank you, Pinterest.

2011-10-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've all heard about Pinterest by now (I hope so!). It's an amazing spot for inspiration where you can see all kinds of ideas that people have "pinned" and wanted to remember from the internet. I love it most for all the DIY projects that I can find in one place.

Well, Pinterest has been my friend this week. Somehow, this DIY heating pad I made a while ago made its rounds and was pinned lots and lots of times and, in turn, the traffic on this little blog went up about 500%!

So I guess you guys like the DIY posts?
I'm planning one for as soon as possible that I think you'll like too.
Hi to all my new readers! I hope you stick around!

To see more from Elm Street Life on Pinterest, go here. You'll be sure to see the heating pad. About 29384 times.

Therapy.

2011-10-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I got home to a house full of fabric scraps that are seriously taking over,
a to-do list with not nearly enough check marks on it,
a sewing machine that's being finicky,
nursing books waiting to be read,
and not much motivation to dive into everything that needs to be done from now until bedtime.

Solution?
Backstreet Boys radio on Pandora.
I blasted it as loud as it would go and danced and sang my way to a clean house and a much happier me.
It took me back to 7th grade - and it's a little scary how many lyrics I still know.

Feeling stressed today? Unmotivated?
I think I found a temporary solution.

PS - Brian is still my favorite.

Weekend highlights.

2011-10-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend was gorgeous. Most of this whole Fall season in Tennessee is. We hit the Franklin Farmer's Market which just keeps getting bigger and better every time we go. Shawn tried basil lemonade and pumpkin donuts. I had fresh juice. I could seriously live at the Farmer's Market. It's hard to pull me away when it's time to go.

We also celebrated this little guy's birthday. He's not so little anymore... and he's kind of a daredevil on a skateboard. The nurse in me couldn't watch.

Favorite photo of the day:

We also got to go to an 84-mile-long yard sale (does that not sound heavenly?) that started in Franklin. I should've taken pictures!

How was your weekend?

Morning light.

2011-10-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

I've gotten the question several times recently:

"Do you always have your camera right there with you?"

And the answer, simply, is yes. I don't carry it in my purse or take it to school (it would make me too nervous!), but the camera usually sits on our kitchen counter so that I'm reminded to capture the moment whenever it comes. Because by the time I would dig my camera out of the camera bag or try to remember where I put it, the glowy, reflective light of the morning might pass... the steam off the coffee mug cooled... the moment gone. So for all those aspiring photographers who are just getting started, here's my advice: your camera should be like your right arm. Take hundreds, even thousands, of photos. I can't say practice makes "perfect," but it certainly makes "better" and trains your eye to see those moments that should be captured.

Big Ben.

2011-10-05T02:09:00.000-07:00

This might be my favorite photo Shawn has ever taken.

It makes me want to jump right into it... with a Jane Austen book, a rain coat, and a cup of hot black tea.

Ahh London. We'll meet again someday.

Current faves.

2011-10-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

Favorite smells:

Onions sautéed in butter

Fresh ground Intelligentsia coffee

Hay bales at Gentry's farm

Favorite words:

intrinsic

beaker

thorough

Favorite sounds:

Shawn's prayers

The ocean

Phil Wickham's "You're Beautiful"

Favorite foods:

Greek yogurt with honey

Pumpkin bread

Sweet potato chips & salsa

What about you?

Another movie you should see... or two... or three...

2011-10-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

So I guess I couldn't just stop with just one movie recommendation.

Shawn and I saw Courageous on Saturday night and were so impressed and inspired. Even though it revolves around the importance of fathers, it's something that I would recommend to any man who strives for godliness. I loved how the Gospel was so clearly portrayed, as it is in all of the movies that come from Sherwood Baptist. They are doing a great thing and I'm thankful the Lord is prospering it. And let me warn you... you better bring a whole box of kleenex. You'll need it.

Secondly, here's another movie that I cannot wait to see... just watch the trailer (with kleenex, again):

Last, this wedding highlights video is a must-see. Some friends of ours got married in July and Marianne did such a beautiful job capturing their story. There's nothing more beautiful than a wedding that reflects God's love story and this was the most worshipful wedding we've ever attended. I think you'll be able to capture a glimpse of it here:

Lt and Audra::Wedding Highlight from Marianne Bach on Vimeo.

Have you guys seen any good movies lately?

Previewing.

2011-10-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

This movie, based on one of my very favorite books, is coming out in December.
I love when I am able to read a book long before the movie comes out (it doesn't happen often!), and you still have time to read it, too! I don't think they could've found a better cast.
I. CANNOT. WAIT.

Part VII - Our first time being really far apart

2011-09-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Just 8 days after Shawn and I started dating, our two-week Spring Break arrived. We were going on two very different trips. Shawn was part of Moody's Chorale and was touring all over the Northwest US. And I was headed to Viet Nam to teach English.

I was so looking forward to the trip, and had been preparing for months, but with this new relationship I felt like a piece of my heart was being ripped out. We had just started dating, and the newness and butterflies of those first days and weeks was far from wearing off. Not only would we be apart for that time, but we'd be on opposite sides of the world. It was likely that we'd have no communication at all during that time.

The morning before we both left, we met at a hole-in-the-wall diner down the street from school to have some quality time to talk and pray and say goodbye before the big trips. At breakfast, Shawn slid this across the table to me:

It was a devotional he had written for me - one for every day of my trip. I guarded it with my life. It was so, so special. I tried to save each devotional for that day, but it was really hard not to look ahead. Every morning was a comfort reading the Word in Shawn's handwriting and reading his prayers over me.

As I boarded my flight to Tokyo and for the next 2 weeks, I learned for the first time what it really meant to miss someone. I had always been so independent that I don't think I had really felt it before - but I missed Shawn with every ounce of me. My every other thought was a prayer for him.

The trip to Viet Nam was an incredible adventure that I really loved. But the whole time I was there, I felt like a piece of me was missing. I wanted Shawn to be there to experience all of it - the smells of the local markets, the rides through Saigon on scooters, the privilege of telling someone about Jesus for the first time.

Me & a Vietnamese friend

So one day toward the end of our trip, a friend and I rode our bikes to another pat of a village we were staying in and came across a phone booth that claimed it could make international calls. I stepped inside the tiny booth and the directions said I should just press "1" and the number when dialing to the States.

I punched in Shawn's cell phone number, but I was skeptical to say the least. There had been no dial tone, and there was no ring on the other end. My heart sank a little.

Just as I was about to hang up, I heard from the other end: "Hello?"

I couldn't believe it. I didn't even say anything, I was so stunned.

"Is this who I think it is?" he asked with a smile in his voice.

My heart pounded as I tried to hold back just how giddy I felt. I couldn't believe I could hear him and he could hear me and we were talking for the first time in 2 weeks. I know that sounds so dramatic, but it was one of the happiest, most relieved feelings I've ever felt. We caught up for a few minutes while my friend waited patiently outside. Shawn was just about to head to bed at someone's home outside Seattle, 12 hours ahead of me. And I was dripping with sweat in a tiny, humid phone booth in a village outside Vinh Long. And we both couldn't stop smiling.

Most of all, I think this trip confirmed for both of us that we didn't belong to each other - we belonged to our God, who would protect us, strengthen us, and grow us apart from each other. I also had a lot of time to think about our future, and the Lord really confirmed that Shawn was going to be part of it. After meeting Shawn and knowing him as deeply as I did and being so encouraged by his love for the Lord, I knew I wouldn't be able to settle for anyone else.

To read the rest of our love story, go here.

Looking at the future.

2011-09-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.

“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

I love that when you entrust your life to the hands of God, you really have no idea where He's going to take you. It's the best kind of adventure.

So here's my latest surprise: I really love obstetrical nursing.

Why so surprising? OB nursing was quite literally the last type of nursing I ever saw myself doing. My friend Erica reminded me today that she had suggested it at one point and I said something to the effect of, "OB nursing seems too easy... the patients aren't really sick. I want to work in trauma where I'm really needed."

(Eating my words right now.) :)

I remember our pastor Jamie said a while back that God's will is not a tightrope... it's a wide open field. We should run until we hit a fence. I love that picture because I've hit some fences so far in the nursing world, but it's really for the best. I want some places that I can check off and say, "Nope, I don't think that's for me" so I can hone in on where I am supposed to be. I've experienced community health nursing, school nursing, gerontological nursing, a cardiac floor, general med-surg nursing... and none of it excites me and enthralls me the way OB does.

I found that I look forward to studying women's health and it comes pretty naturally to me.
I found that I don't come home from clinicals completely exhausted, and wouldn't mind staying even longer.
I found that the emergency C-section I witnessed a couple weeks ago from about 3 feet away was one of the bloodiest and scariest things I've ever witnessed... but when they pulled out a tiny 2-lb. baby and started singing, "Happy Birthday" to her, I wanted to rejoice. The moment was so sacred, holy, and beautiful.
I found the documentary "The Business of Being Born" completely fascinating. It stirred up something inside of me that I didn't even know was there... a passion for what birth was created to look like. It's a very graphic documentary, so I won't officially endorse it (especially to my young readers), but if you're interested in natural birth, I'd recommend it (not while you're eating, though). :)
I found that when I had the chance today in class to find a fetal heart tone and found it on the first try, it felt magical.

These feelings are all so new and surprising - and who knows that He won't change directions before May when I really have to decide - but I'm excited to see where He continues to lead.

Sewing Night #2!

2011-09-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

I'm hosting another sewing night, since the first was so much fun. And you're invited! It's October 15 from 7pm to 9pm at my house and we're making this flower pillow:

Some things you should know...
- You can make the pillow in any color combination.
- My all-star seamstress Grandma is coming all the way from Ohio, so the class is going to be way better this time because I'll have back up!
- I only have a couple more spots, so if you're interested, let me know soon. (If you've told me you're coming, I'm assuming you still are.) :)
- I'll send an email to those who are coming sometime this weekend with more information on what you need to bring. This time, instead of bringing money, I'll let you know how much yardage you need of fabric so you can choose your own fabrics!

Comment on this post or send me an email to let me know if you'd like to come! My email address is whitneynewby@gmail.com. If lots of you want to come, we may need to spread it out over two dates... a great problem to have!

Today, I...

2011-09-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

spent the morning at an elementary school, shadowing a school nurse. I can definitely say being a school nurse is not my calling, but I was inspired by the woman I shadowed who was perfect for that role. (P.S. - I wish I'd known as a 3rd grader how obvious it was to the school nurse if I was faking or not. Let me say... it's obvious.) :)

helped with eye exams for, oh, 60 Kindergarteners who were about the cutest things ever. I loved some of their super cute names, too: Trotter, Blaze, Eloise, Ina, Nelson.

ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Shawn. Rare and wonderful.

ran intervals around a field with Shawn, reminding me of my cross country days. My legs feel like jelly in the best way.

felt really overwhelmed with all that's on my to-do list. I feel like I'm getting through it, then I remember that one other thing I need to do. I'm not perfect and put way too much pressure on myself sometimes (lots of times).

sewed 9 purses.

got a text from my Dad who just landed in the USA from Cuba. Always a good feeling.

did some planning for our next sewing night! It's October 15th (mark your calendars!). I'll fill you in soon!

opened the windows to let the fall breeze in.

It's been a good, full day.

What about yours?

Homemade Tortilla Chips.

2011-09-26T04:30:00.000-07:00

The other night, I had a friend over for PW's Chicken Tortilla Soup and at the last minute, I realized we didn't have tortilla chips. What I did have was some extra corn tortillas I had gotten for the soup recipe, and I remembered how my mom would make homemade chips when I was little and we would finish every last one.

So here's what you do, in very non-scientific terms...

Grab a stack of corn tortillas and cut them in half, then in quarters, with kitchen scissors.

Put them in a large bowl and add a couple tablespoons of canola oil and toss to coat (not pictured). You don't want to them to be drenched... just a light, even coat on each one. Then spread them as evenly as possible on a baking sheet.

And top with coarse salt.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F and watch them closely so they don't burn. You want them just slightly browned and crispy.

Serve with homemade salsa.

Try it! :)

Cozy, cozy.

2011-09-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Rainy Saturday evenings spent in the sewing room are pretty much the coziest thing imaginable.

Happy Saturday to you!

Financial Peace.

2011-09-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

About a week and a half ago, Shawn and I started attending a weekly Dave Ramsey "Financial Peace" class at a local church. Some good friends (hi Erica & John!) had encouraged us about how beneficial the class is - especially at our age - when it comes to being a good steward of your finances. And I have to say that even just a week and a half in, I agree with them. My whole thinking about money is being turned upside down.

Since we've been married, we've been very frugal for the most part. We aren't big spenders and we don't go shopping much at all, but there are those multi-weekly Chipotle dates, Pinkberry, Starbucks, etc. (Can you tell our financial downfall is food?) Yes, I have food allergies. And yes, we eat really healthy which costs more. Oh, and we're super busy - so eating out is often much more convenient. But it's still no excuse - and I kind of couldn't believe that we were spending just as much on food every month as we were spending on rent! No joke.

Dave teaches from a Biblical point of view (and is a fellow Franklinite! Yeah!) and he means business. He instructs you in little baby steps to take to be able to live debt-free, invest, and give. Ultimately, it's a lot about freedom. A lot of people who seem financially free really aren't at all... swiping the credit card when there's no money to back it up, buying cars and houses that they really can't afford. What Dave teaches is definitely countercultural, but I really see it as bringing true freedom - and that makes me so excited.

So in the first week, our progress is pretty miraculous: we've saved just about $1,000 for the first baby step, the "emergency fund." Money goes a lot longer when you have a new perspective on its stewardship, you pick up a couple extra photography jobs, and you eat at home. This may sound so simple, and you may be saying, "Well, of course it's going to save you money if you eat at home" but it's more than that. It's a way of thinking that I hadn't adopted until now. Money is not just there for my pleasure - it's ultimately God's and He has given us a big job in managing it well.

I encourage you to look into taking a class!

Sacred.

2011-09-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

See these bags? They're special. A lot more special than the usual bag I make for Brighter Day.

A couple months ago, Caitlin (a friend of a friend) approached me with an idea. Her father - an amazing and godly man - had passed away last August and she had a few of his favorite shirts that she wanted to turn into bags for her and her family. The two striped ones were two of his favorite preaching shirts - and the brown flannel was another favorite. I was all over the idea. Once I received the shirts in the mail, it was hard to make those first few cuts, hoping and praying the bags would come together in a way that she and her family would be pleased with. I love how they turned out, and I love that they'll be such sweet reminders for her family for hopefully years to come. My favorite part is what is sewn inside each one: Living To Seek His Pleasure. It's how he signed his letters and what is now on his gravestone. What a privilege to work on such a sacred, beautiful project!

Welcome, Fall.

2011-09-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Finding balance.

2011-09-14T07:31:00.001-07:00

If you hadn't heard, I'm in nursing school in my third of four semesters, which is so hard to believe! (Wasn't I just starting?) I love nursing school, even when it has meant lots of late nights studying and some very stretching clinical experiences. I think I'll look back and see that these four semesters have been one of the best decisions I ever made. This semester I'm in OB, pediatrics, community health, and aging adult all at once, so I'm getting a pretty good picture of the whole life span. It's so beautiful and mysterious how God has created our bodies.

A theme that keeps coming up over the last few weeks is that I feel very open to alternative/natural/holistic medicine. When I went through my Celiac health crisis a few years ago, it was a natural doctor who finally diagnosed me correctly after 5 different internists had diagnosed me with a variety of other things... pregnancy (twice), diabetes, thyroid problems. So since that time, I've been much more open minded and even passionate about natural remedies, diet changes, and a holistic look at the body. We juice vegetables, we take elderberry syrup in the winter, we make homemade deodorant, we eat gluten and dairy free, and more. It's what has worked so well for us and has truly given me back my health.

While in nursing school - as I've been working in the thick of modern, Western medicine - I've seen some things that are unsettling...

A triple bypass patient ordering a burger and fries for his first meal out of surgery (while the nurse holds the menu and makes the phone call).

A pregnant woman receiving an epidural at only 3cm dilated and no painful contractions yet (thereby immobilizing her for the duration of her labor), because she hasn't been told any differently.

Vaccines and hormonal birth control being pushed pretty hard.

Surgeries (like hysterectomies) that seem more convenient than needed. Maybe it's just me, but taking a whole organ out of your body shouldn't really be a first option if there are other things that can be done.

But there are also things I think Western medicine does really well.

If I needed a cutting-edge brain surgery, I know I would be in the very best hands here in America.

If I was in a serious car accident and needed to be life flighted, or had a high-risk pregnancy, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

So I want to be balanced about it all. I know Western medicine isn't perfect, and I know the alternatives aren't perfect either. I know that pharmaceutical companies have too much of a say in how patients are treated because they have the most money. But I know that many alternative practices are not researched well and ride on tradition (for lack of money).

So there it is. I'm thinking out loud about some things I've seen and felt with no clear answers as to what's next. As last semester is my very last semester in school, I have to decide what I want to do for my practicum which will possibly lead me to my first job as a nurse. I've gone back and forth between ER/trauma, OB (midwifery is appealing), community health, and I'm still not sure. I'm praying for wisdom and that the Lord would lead me to exactly where I am supposed to be. I know He will.

Any nurses out there gone through these thought processes? I'd love to hear!

Our weekend in pictures.

2011-09-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been lovely. The Saturday morning light that streamed in gave us the perfect backdrop to homemade pumpkin spice pancakes, peaches, and cinnamon tea.

In the afternoon, we had the privilege of photographing this sweet girl for some headshots she needs for an upcoming audition. It was one of my first forays into hair and makeup, but thankfully a 12-year-old that's this photogenic really doesn't need much. We ended up with at least 50 good options for which we were so thankful, and her precious personality really shined through. At the end of our session, when her face was sore from smiling so much, she ran out to the best swing ever and loved it.

Hope your weekend has been beautiful!

DIY: Dress up a candle.

2011-09-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

This idea comes solely from my dear friend Kirra. It was her inclination to "dress up" a candle and I loved what she did - so I decided to make my own.

I bought this pumpkin spice candle yesterday from Walmart ($5.00!) in celebration of my very favorite season, and I decided it needed a little love. I grabbed a few bits and pieces left over from past projects and went to work. And instead of gluing, I decided to use clear tape, just in case I wanted to use those pieces again.

The first version of the candle (on the left) was pretty, but just a little much. But the one on the right? Just right. A hint of lace, a strip of khaki colored linen, and some twine. Simple, but elegant. My favorite.

I think this says "Fall" so perfectly.

P.S. Just to keep it real... as I was putting this together in my craft room, two huge trucks pulled up and some burly men got out and started putting gloves on. It kinda freaked me out at first, not knowing they were there to saw down a tree. But my favorite part is when one of them looked straight at me right after I took this picture. :)

Dear Husband,

2011-09-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

The other night, you stayed up way later than normal to help me finish a Brighter Day order for a bride who needed the purses quick. I watched as you knelt on our bedroom floor and cut piece after piece of fabric and I ironed and sewed them together. And I thought, "He could not be more supportive." I mean it. You probably never pictured yourself hovered over strips of silk, losing sleep over it, but you've never once complained. Instead, you've called it "our business" and tell me all the time how proud of me you are. And you dream big with me about how far this little business of ours will go. So you just needed to know: your support in every area of my life never ceases to amaze me.

Love,
Your wife

This makes me love Chipotle even more...

2011-09-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

... as if that was even possible. :)

P.S. Kels & Zach, I sure hope Chipotle is one of your first five meals back in the States! It has missed you, too.

Even there.

2011-09-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend was busy, as usual, but we relished the extra day off of school and work to prepare for the week. And Fall arrived overnight! With lots of rain. So that was fun.

The most rejuvenating part of our weekend was Shawn and I listened to yet another poignant Timothy Keller sermon. This one was about Psalm 139. I decided to paint as I listened, which actually helped me to focus. I think God is glorified when we worship him creatively, with all of our senses, and it's a helpful exercise for me, too. So I painted. Is it my favorite painting I've ever done? No. But it's meaningful to me because I was able to capture little bits and pieces of truth, and they've stuck with me. I especially love the words "even there" that I put in three different spots.

When I am fast asleep in my bed last night and the storm outside knocks over an entire tree just feet away from our house... even there.
When I am convinced I can't take on one more thing without having a mental breakdown... even there.
When I am rejoicing because, once again, God has shown his grace and compassion in my life... even there.

I hope those two powerful little words are an encouragement to you today.

This week.

2011-09-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Does anyone out there have a recurring dream?

Mine is this:
I find myself sitting behind a desk in math class, realizing I haven't attended the class for the entire semester. We're having a test that day - a test that covers all the things I've missed all semester and have no clue how to figure out.
I start to panic.
And then I wake up.

I'm sure it's a stress dream, because I usually have them during the busiest times in my real life.

Here's the thing: I've had that same feeling in the pit of my stomach all week long. I feel unprepared. Like I'm missing something and I can never quite catch up. I'm sure I can chalk it up to "syllabus shock" or the fact that two of my classes are online and have sporadic due dates popping up all the time or even the fact that I still have over 100 purses to make for brides who are waiting.

Yikes.

So that's where I've been this week.
Trying to just keep my head above water.
Trusting that when the Lord says that he will take hold of my right hand and he will help me (Isaiah 41:14), he really means it.

Snippets of California.

2011-08-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

After the chaos of last week, our wonderful, relaxing California trip feels like a lifetime ago already. Nonetheless, it's fun to think back on the good times. It makes today's load a little lighter.

The food.
We were very spoiled by all the fresh sushi, the fish tacos, the abundance of gluten-free menus, farmer's markets, and avocado added to about everything. Oh, California. You make some delicious food.

The ocean.

Every time we got a whiff of that salty air, we found ourselves hunting for where we could get a glimpse of the ocean. There's just nothing like it. We especially loved this beach in Del Mar (below). It seemed the whole little town had gathered next to the ocean on picnic blankets, just enjoying the cooling night with footballs and frisbees, wine and sandwiches. It was a delight to be there.

The friends.
It's kind of amazing how many of our friends live in California, whether short term or long term.
Our friends the Casters hosted us and welcomed us so well. We shared lots of meals, shopped with them, traveled with them, stayed in their guest house, and so enjoyed their company. (This is just a couple of them.) :)

Ashlyne was my super talented, sweet friend in high school who is still super talented (I mean... she opened for the NKOTBSB tour this year!). It had been years since we'd seen each other, and it was so fun to catch up with her and her boyfriend while they showed us around their current hometown of Santa Monica. The beach, the shopping, the sunshine... oh my. We love Santa Monica. And we love Ashlyne. :)

This dog.
She cracked us up. Never have we met a dog who actually enjoys having sunglasses on her face. She'd just sit there so proud and would keep them on for however long. She's hilarious.

Can we please go back next week?

He makes us smile. A lot.

2011-08-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Peter & Linzi.

2011-08-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

On our last night in California (I'm skipping ahead), we had dinner with our sweet friends Peter and Linzi. Peter was in our wedding almost 3 years ago, and that's the last time we had seen him! It was such a refreshing time being with them. It was just us, the cutest dogs, the most delicious gluten-free meal, and a lot of laughing. We wish we lived closer and could see them more often!

We love you guys!

Not so different.

2011-08-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

I started school on Tuesday, and I'll just be honest: it's been brutal. The thought has crossed my mind more than once: "I think I should just quit." It started with a chaotic orientation where we left with more questions than answers, and still not knowing my complete schedule is pretty frustrating. They weren't kidding when they said this would be our most demanding semester, but somehow I didn't really think that meant clinicals every Friday night. So I'm realizing there are some things I need to cut out of my life temporarily in order to stay sane.

Yesterday was very interesting. We had a long morning orientation for my community health class, then we headed out in pairs to meet our assigned refugee family who we'll be visiting for the next six weeks. It all sounded right up my alley. I love this kind of thing. The married couple assigned to me are just 18 and 19 years old from Bhutan and moved here a few weeks ago from a refugee camp where they've spent most of their lives. As I read about them in their social work chart, I just kept thinking, "I can't even imagine." And I also kept reading, "No English" which happened to be underlined several times. Uh oh.

So we arrived and I knocked on their door. A little man (maybe five feet?) opened the door and just looked at me with a blank stare as I introduced myself.

"English?" I asked.

Blank stare.
Then just as suddenly as he'd opened the door, he bolted past us, walking fast and purposefully outside.

"Where is he going?!" we asked each other.
We stood there very confused.
A few minutes later, he returned with a broad smile across his face, and his grown son walking behind him. The son seemed to understand a little more than his father, but it was hard to tell. We stood in the doorway pantomiming awkwardly, not sure how to explain that we'd be back next week.

So this story doesn't really have a point, except to say that I'm sure he felt a little like I've been feeling the last couple days as I begin this semester: confused, overwhelmed, like someone is speaking a foreign language to me.

But probably my favorite part of the visit was what I saw when his apartment door was standing wide open. We looked inside out of curiosity and saw a couple couches, a small kitchen table, a Chinese-style lantern hanging from the fan, and... wait for it... a life-size Justin Bieber poster. I'm not sure what to make of that, except that maybe we're not as different as we think.

They're Hindu. I'm Christian.
They speak Nepali and Bhutanese. I speak English.
They are 5 feet tall. I am 5'5".
They like Justin Bieber. I like Justin Bieber.

Do I show up next week with "Bieber fever" shirts?! :)

Unbelievable.

2011-08-24T05:44:00.000-07:00

I can't get over this video.
Not only does he have an anointed voice, but I really think he understands what he's singing.
I hope you worship right along with him!

Toluca Lake.

2011-08-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

It's not every day that you get to take a long, slow bike ride through the streets of Toluca Lake just as the sun is setting.

And it's not every day that you pass by houses and hear, "That's where Denzel Washington lives." Or Jennifer Love Hewitt. Or Steve Carrell.

And it's not every day that you get to reconnect with old friends like this one and just enjoy an easy bike ride around his hometown. He was a great tour guide.

And it's not every day that you run into these three, just enjoying the loveliest day in the neighborhood.

Home.

2011-08-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

We're home from California, with lots to show and tell because we had the best time. But for now, there's so much to catch up on. School starts tomorrow, Etsy orders need filling, clothes need washing... you get the idea. So in light of the new semester beginning, you'll probably be seeing lots of California posts this week. I think I'll need them: those sweet, refreshing reminders of our dreamy vacation by the sea. We are already missing it!

A much needed break.

2011-08-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

Taken at my sweet friend Whitney's kitchen table. Vintage perfection.

By the time you read this, I'll be in the great state of California where Shawn and I are taking a much needed vacation.

There will be fresh yummy food,
reading this and this,
hanging with sweet friends,
sitting by the ocean,
and Disneyland.

There will not be much blogging (if any),
answering many phone calls,
keeping up with an Etsy shop,
thinking about school.

It will be glorious.
See you next week?

10:00am.

2011-08-16T04:53:00.000-07:00

Baby Ellie, waiting for the antique store doors to open.

Yesterday, my friend Justine and I took a quick trip across the Kentucky state line to visit our friend Whitney in Bowling Green.

The occasion? Antiquing.
Competitive antiquing at that.

There's a very unassuming antique/thrift/little-bit-of-everything shop in Bowling Green that has one special booth with incredible prices. And the insider antiquers know all about it. So at 10:00am when the doors opened, 6 or 7 other women (and a couple men) filed into the shop to see the newest findings from the weekend. And to claim your future purchases, you have to pull the price tags off. A couple of us (not mentioning any names) had their fingers completely full of stickers.

It was a little too intense for pictures at the moment - I mean, there were vintage crates and dishes and books at rock bottom prices waiting to be claimed - so about 95% of the pictures I took of the visit were really just of baby Ellie. But who could blame me? She's a beauty.

Whit's beautifully curated, vintage-decorated home. Didn't take enough pictures of it!

The star of the show. And her golf ball.

Thanks for having us, Winkler women! We loved our time with you.

One proud auntie.

2011-08-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a little biased, but this is one stunningly beautiful little girl.

We've watched her grow from this...

To this...

And now to this little munchkin.

So privileged to be her auntie!

If you just can't help yourself, go here to see more.

Sunday.

2011-08-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

Sunny day. Good friend.
Lunch at Joe Naturals (of course).
A lot of laughs at embarrassing memories and the less-than-perfect dismount off the tree swing.
Life was sweet to us today.

Reminding myself of the Gospel.

2011-08-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

Our church has been going through a series in 1 John, and this past Sunday, pieces of our pastor's message just won't leave my mind (sign of a good sermon?).

1 John 1:5 says, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."

Our pastor described several characteristics of light: it is clean, it is pure, it is beautiful and perfect. It drives away darkness and decides just how far it's going to extend. So if God is those things, and in him there is not even a shadow or a hint of darkness, he can only be clean, pure, beautiful, perfect. There is nothing in his character that should catch us off guard. Nothing we should be afraid of. As our pastor put it, we should "hurl ourselves" into his presence without fearing that he'll do something that isn't the best thing for us. I'm not saying that following him is all roses all the time. It's often tough and uncomfortable because we are so far from perfect. But it always leads to joy and to becoming more like him.

I know I've had trouble with this very thing, with being afraid of God. Sometimes I inadvertently picture God as my principal. He's bent on keeping the rules, and when I don't line up, he lets me know. I trudge into his office, head down, ready to hear the list of all the commands I haven't kept. Sometimes I'm afraid to open my Bible because I know that I'll read something that will convict me. It will haunt me that no, I don't live up. No, I can never live up. And in my pride, that really bothers me.

But what I'm missing is the continuation of this passage, the true message of the Gospel: "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

So no longer do I sit in the principal's office, so to speak, hanging my head in shame at every command I've dragged in the mud. Instead, he lifts my head, looks me in the eye and says, "I knew all along you couldn't keep all of these, as hard as you tried. So I gave you my perfect, spotless Son who has kept all of them and I'm giving you his record. You are clean." And I have tears in my eyes because I know this is grace. And it's this hope that I base my entire existence upon.

I am forgiven. Not because he says, "I'll just forget about your sin and that'll be that." No sin can just be forgotten without some form of payment. And Jesus paid. He paid everything. And his payment was enough for every person that has ever walked the earth and ever will - even me, even you. What a beautiful Gospel.

Sewing night!

2011-08-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

Sewing night came and went, and it was even more fun than I expected! (I was a bit nervous teaching something I just learned to do myself.) And can I just say... the purses turned out so well. I was incredibly impressed. I'll let the pictures do the talking tonight. I think you can tell we had a grand ole time.

Our next sewing class has already been (tentatively) decided. How about learning to make this:

Anyone in?

Around our house this morning.

2011-08-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

When I walked into the sunroom this morning, this is what I found:

Quite the creative microphone stand I'd say!
Someone got his microphone to stay on the base of a lamp, held down with hair ties, while he recorded a couple new songs.
Someone's wife needs to buy him a real mic stand.
And speaking of mics, Shawn has a mini concert coming up this weekend in Columbia. He's opening for Brandon Heath and I get to sing with him on one song. It should be fun (if not completely nerve wracking for me). I'm so excited for him to be able to use his gifts. I married a multitalented man!

Ok, back to the house tour.
My favorite big room of the house: our kitchen/dining room/living room. I love how open and light it is.

Our fruit basket with bananas ready for banana bread and tomatoes from the garden!

The wide open door that we've become kind of used to this summer. I woke up with it standing open, no one in the house but me. But it's such a safe home with people always working in the yard outside (we live on lots of property with friends on either side) that I never feel unsafe. We're not in Chicago anymore!

Our growing collection of old books and cameras.

Our guest room which has been occupied for a solid month now. And we love that.

Our matching hats.

The last piece of banana bread that I made yesterday. With two ravenous men in the house, it goes quick.

Fresh flowers (Trader Joe's!) separated into vases. 2 weeks now and still going strong!

I love saving old bottles... that green one was red wine vinegar in its former life.

One thing is for sure: this home is well loved.

Can I recommend...

2011-08-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

... that the next time you're looking for good music (today?), look no further.

I have this EP playing over and over on repeat as I sew right now and I'm loving every minute. And I'm so proud to call this very talented girl my friend.

I don't know about you, but I'm always up for a good music recommendation, and now I'm passing one along to you. Think a mix of Colbie Caillat, Brooke Fraser, Bethany Dillon... there's something so unique, peaceful, and beautiful about her lyrics, melodies, and her voice.

So inspired by you, Whit!

A night at the county fair.

2011-08-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

It was just as lovely as it looked.

Weekending.

2011-08-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Mama and Papa arrived to our house on Friday afternoon from Germany. We're so glad to have them in our home for several days and show off some of Nashville's best: Radnor Lake and Joe Natural's, of course. :)
On that same Friday afternoon, our new camera arrived in the mail! So to celebrate, I think I'll let these pictures tell the story of our weekend so far. It's about time this blog has some pictures again.