52 Reasons Why...

The story behind the gift: Mark and I knew each other for years but just from passing at Seneca Lake Youth Camp. We began talking via Facebook on November 30,2010. We met at the Winter Retreat (Seneca Lake), I was a chaperone, he was Co-Director in January. He came to Ohio (from Louisville, KY) for our first date, 7 hours away, on Friday, February 3. He got snowed in (we got 27 inches in a few hours). He ended up stuck in Ohio until Sunday afternoon... On Sunday afternoon, I fell in love. Over the phone on Monday he asked me if I wanted a silver or gold ring... (apparently he fell in love too) The next weekend, which happened to be Valentine's Day weekend, I drove the 7 hour drive to see him. I needed a gift and had 4 snow days to create one for him... 

 

This started as a '52 Reasons Why I Like You' book but after our Sunday afternoon I knew I loved him. I simply bought a deck of cards, a pack of binder rings, and scrapbook paper. I sat down with my Cricut and bad a blast. I had the most fun thinking up reasons why I loved him... Some are quirky like 'We both hate pickles' and some are very serious.

So Very Proud

I am so very proud of my husband, Mark. Today was his ordination service. We had a wonderful day which started out with Youth Sunday. Each month with 5 Sundays the youth group leads worship and Mark preaches. Marks parents, aunt and uncle, and nephew came up for the service then we had a great time going to lunch.

After lunch we showed them the apartment then headed to my parents. It was so nice to have our families together. More of his family and many friends came from Columbus to share in this time. After an hour of council, Mark's ceremony began. It was encouraging to see a good pastor friend of Marks get up and say great things about him. Our pastor closed the ceremony.

Afterwards we there was fellowship with everyone who came out to support him. There was an outpouring of love from both sides of the family, friends near and far, our awesome youth group, and our church family.
I am so proud of Mark for all that he has accomplished and look forward to following God's call for our lives.

Bloggin Buddy

I am so excited because I found a friend who is as addicted to blogging as I am. She is a first grade teacher and her blog is full of teaching ideas. If you are a teacher or have children that you like to work with at home she has some great resources. Follow her: Mrs. T First Grade

Red Letter Dinner

A good friend of mine got me a Red Letter Dinner Set for my bridal shower. My husband used it on me for the first time tonight.

I have seen it as a gift at Bridal Showers many times. It is a really nice idea for anyone looking for a sentimental but inexpensive gift.

How to make it:

1. Buy a nice box (hat boxes work really well as they are already decorated). It ties it all together if the box has red in it.

2. Buy a red plate (dinner and salad), bowl, glass, napkin, and placemat. It is also nice to put a red candle in it as well as a candle holder.

3. Copy the following saying onto a piece of red paper. A special touch is to add the bride and grooms name and their wedding date. Decopauge the letter into the inside of the lid.

Your Red Letter Day

This one setting of red dishes is intended for "Red Letter Days"

Surprise one another by setting it for your spouse of child when you prepare a special dinner for him or her.

Let the birthday spouse or child use the red dishes to mark another year of good health and happiness.

Set the red dishes for a guest of honor who comes to visit your home.

Celebrate the completion of a project or a promotion for your loved one.

One day you may set the dishes for a child who brings home a great report card.

Whenever you use the red dishes, we pray God's blessings on you, your marriage, and your family.

May you have many "Red Letter Days" together in the years to come.

To print the letter click here. (The letter is printed in black font so it shows up on red paper.)

Thanks Sarah & Tom!

Another addiction...

So I have had so much fun making bottlecap necklaces that I expanded my horizons and made these cute little marbles as well. They can be turned into magnets but right now I think they are cute just sitting on my desk at school, craft table at home, and I even made one for Mark.