That's a Wrap!

 

 I had a wrapping party with myself and the company of fabulous Christmas movies the other night. I may or may not have even wrapped some fun snacks from the grocery store to open on Christmas. Hey, they'd otherwise be gone by Christmas and it will be fun this way because I already forgot what all is wrapped up.  Fun times! By the way an inexpensive wrapping option with endless possibilities is to purchase postal packaging paper by the roll. I bought a HUGE roll for around $5-$6 from Fred Meyers and believe me, it will last forever! I like the simple, rustic look of the brown-paper-bag-like wrap. 

Will anyone else admit to buying themselves something and wrapping it up, or am I the only one? 

I remember years ago when my sister bought herself a pair of shoes, wrapped them up, and opened them on Christmas morning acting completely & genuinely surprised. I think she'd forgotten all about them! It made for quite a laugh that morning. How can you Christmas shop without getting yourself things too? I just don't have enough self control for that quite yet...

PS: Family all over the country, sorry if your gifts are late! I need to send them ASAP. 

Season of Love

 

<Chris Hunt Photo> 

 

 This is the season of being engaged; the season of love! Last year at this time we were getting engagement photos taken in Seattle.  Ever since we got married, I've had a slight aversion to all things wedding. Planning a wedding was fun and enjoyable, but slightly stressful when so much else was going on at the same time. It was such an exciting time of growth and planning, however, I'm so thankful it's over. 

 I often wonder if we'd do it (wedding) all differently now. I look at pinterest and find so many things I wish we'd done or done differently. But when I actually step back and think about it, I realize that it's not about the colors, flowers, dress, food &, music. It's about being joined together as one. About being united as one flesh in God's name. 

."..A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh...So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." 

Matthew 19:4-6

The pretties are just an added bonus. Having friends and family take part is such a blessing and offers a wonderful time to build memories. But in the midst of planning and decorating and creating that special event, it's easy to forget about the whole purpose of a wedding and only focus on the details. It's easy to get caught up in focusing on all the guests coming and making sure they have a good time or that it is "worth it" for them to spend their time and money to be there.  I encourage anyone in this phase of their life to step back and stay focused on the purpose, not the pretties. Not that the decoration, food, flowers, etc. aren't important and so much fun.... Just remember that the whole reason you are there is to profess and promise your undivided love and life to the man or woman standing next to you on that special day. All will fall in it's place and in the end and you'll leave this event with waving and well wishes, and most importantly, with the man or woman that you will fall deeper in love with each and every day. What a blessing marriage is. God is good.  

DIY: You is Kind, You is Smart, You is Important

 

 

Have you seen and/or read The Help? If not, you should (& bring tissues). It's such a touching film. This is a quote from the movie that is repeated throughout. So sweet & such a great reminder.

My Mom recently saw the film and wanted to create a sign/artwork for her house. So, that's what we did!

Very simple, child-like (which is fitting). Just paint on a canvas and sharpie! Mom added some burlap to hers.

 -Aibileen Clark

The Help

Which Came First? Kidney or Kidney Bean?

Left:  Andrew after his first preceptorship with an anesthesiologist. Look at that handsome dude! 

Right:  Me at 7:30 am after my 2nd solo night shift last week. I'm looking pretty tired... ready to go home & sleep!

Sorry for the terrible photo quality. Courtesy of our phones. 

*This is a lengthier post, consider this your warning... *

Andrew gets to observe surgeries and take part in pre & post-op procedures. So far, so good! He learned how to intubate (stick a breathing tube down someone's throat) someone last shift. He's hoping to get practice at this skill throughout this rotation.

I'm gearing up for a stretch of 4 nights on in a row. Whew! Hoping for a good few nights and great sleep in between!

In my days "off"  I'm learning what it means to just be still and know that that's ok.  It's alright to not have every minute of every day scheduled out. It's fine to have 3 entire days with no plans (that happened to me this week for the first time probably since Kindergarten- whoa). "Be still and know that I am God." Ps. 46:10. I am so finite and God is so infinite. He has blessed me with this time of change, rest, re-grouping, enjoyment of being a young married woman. He has provided for Andrew and I in unthinkable ways. I need to be more positive, cherish this time I have "off" and just be still.

***

Some favorite activities in my time off:

• Reading my bible while taking a hot bubble bath first thing in the morning...then working out... then showering. Our water bill may be a little high this month, but as of right now, it's worth it!

• Making my hubby yummy meals & treats. It makes me happy to see him & his tummy happy. 

• Sleeping. Can I justify still "catching up on sleep" from the last 4 years of my life? Ok, working nights also throws a large curve-ball in the sleeping department.

• Cooking, baking, crafting.... the usual stuff you often see on this blog

• I've discovered a love for war movies... brings me back to the first real book I ever read & loved as a child,  Johnny Tremain.  Why am I just now rediscovering my love for historical fiction? Oh yeah, because the last 4+ years of my life have been completely focused on nursing. Brainwashed? 

• Reading something other than a textbook. I literally can't remember the last fun book I actually read. Okay, I do... it was Marley and Me 3.5 years ago. I know... ridiculous.

• Friend & Mom dates! So thankful to live somewhat close by to friends and family.

***

On a lighter note, you may be wondering why this post is titled something about kidneys. Here's the answer if you made it this far: our dinner convo the other night consisted of trying to decide which came first, the kidney bean or the kidney (as in which was named after which). We decided that the kidney came first... I figure that's something a doc should know, don't you think? Never found a definite answer though so if you know, please share! 

DIY: Re-Done Trash Chairs= My Treasure

 

After

Our refurbished chairs! 

              

Before

 As I posted in the beginning of November, the hubs and I found these chairs in the dump at our apartment one evening. Such a find! They were a bit beat up and smelt like smoke.  Eww. The seats were quite gross indeed. But, all they needed was some TLC and they are now good as new! 

Sanded, painted, upholstered, Tada! 

Found an R on each corner... I can only assume it means 'Right'.... but I say it's for our last name :)  These chairs were meant to be ours!

 Andrew and I worked together on Black Friday to complete our chairs. It was so nice to be able to work on a project together.

I was hoping to use a more funky fabric for the seats, but it being black friday and all, the waits at the fabric stores I went to were at least 2+ hours. Not worth it.... I can always easily recover them!

 

What do you think?  

PS-  It's my Dad's birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Dad! Love you! Wish I could meet you for a Hacienda date today. Rain check?  

We Decked the Halls

 

It's officially Christmas at our house! Just got the tree up and am still working on getting everything else decorated. What a fun time of year! I can already tell that it will be hard to take the tree down after Christmas.

 

The perfect treat while watching Christmas movies! Sprinkles, extra chocolate, and marshmallows included! YUM.

... I promise I'm not that distracting to Andrew's studying.... Ok, who wouldn't be distracted by hot cocoa and Christmas? I'm doing my best to keep the distractions to a minimum.

 

See, he's studying hard! 

Come to Me All You Who Are Weary & Burdened

A little encouragement for your morning.

Praying for my friends and brothers & sisters in a time of stress, worry, lack of sleep (Aka- finals & Dead week/ end of term). 

This song of God's word was such a blessing to hear this morning & I wanted to share. Take a listen!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11:28-29

DIY: Stenciled Jars

 

I added a little flair to the baking jars in my kitchen and LOVE the subtle creative touch. 

This is a very basic, simple project just requiring a few supplies and a couple of minutes.

 

Supplies:  Sticky stencils (I found some at Michael's Crafts in the "Martha Stuart aisle"), paint brush, paint (I used a satin, all purpose paint), and an item to stencil. 

I find these sticky stencils to be so much easier for round items like these jars than the typical non-stick stencil that you have to hold tightly and/or tape down to the item you are painting.

The possibilities are endless... I could stencil so many things in my house right now. I won't... Ok, maybe just a few things like a mug or special plate.
  :)
Happy stenciling!

Santa Baby, I've Been an Awful Good Girl

December already!?!? I can't believe it, but I'm so excited! 
Too old to have a Christmas list? Never! Actually, I don't think I've ever truly made a Christmas list. Why not start now?
I saw this idea of using Polyvore to create a Christmas Wishlist on Molly's (a gal I went to high school with) blog, Urban Nester. So, here's some ideas for my list!

1. Starbucks Gift Cards- Always a joy to receive

2. iHome for our apartment (I have a gift card for and will probably be getting it as a self xmas present, hehe)

3. A trip to the mountain! Skiing or sledding/tubing with friends &/or family

4.  Nike running full length tights/pants

5. A new bible with room for writing notes (like this one!)

6. Burberry Brit Perfume Amazon for $30

7. Red & Gold nail polish

I'd be fully satisfied without getting any of these items and/or being completely surprised with something I haven't even thought of.  Mostly, I simply cannot wait to spend time with friends and family.