Happiest 10 years

Well, today is the day. I've been married 10 years! This morning, 10 years ago, I was waking up on a perfect Spring morning, ready to be a bride. I lounged in the bath and tried to stay calm. (What if my dress is tight at last nights dinner?!?) I ate breakfast, and tried to stay calm. (Why didn't I get my hair highlighted last week?!) I got ready with my sisters and tried to stay calm. (Oh no! I forgot to pack my bridal jewelry!)  Minutes before I was about to drive to the ceremony, I ceased being calm and started to freak out. (What if this backup photographer doesn't do a good job? The cake isn't going to be on time! Where are we going to get a last minute cake???) My mom calmly got me into the car and we drove the 5 minutes to the Spokane Temple. Shane wasn't there and I continued to freak out. (Quiet hyperventilating, but still freaking out.) Then I saw Shane walking up the steps in his black suit and all was right and perfect. It was the most wonderful day of my life.

The longer I'm married, the more this truth solidifies in my mind. Getting married is the biggest decision you will ever make. It is a much bigger deal that we can ever realize before actually making that choice. It is huge. Enormous. I've spent a lot of time with brides, from being a florist, photographer's assistant and working as a bridal consultant. If I could go back I would tell each of them the same thing. The wedding is just one day. Just one. The marriage is the part you need to be thrilled about. If it isn't, think really hard before you go through with it. This man will be part of every aspect of your existence. He will be the one constant in a world of change. Your greatest creations will be half of him. His happiness will be your new purpose in life. And your happiness the new purpose of his. This is not a decision to make lightly or quickly. Not a decision to make because you want something sparkly on your finger, that white dress or just to finally be a "Mrs".

As I wrote in my letter to my children:

Find the right spouse. Nothing in your life can bring as much joy, or sorrow, as the spouse you choose. When you marry someone, you are tethered to them. Your lives are the same. Find someone who brings light and love into your life. Find someone who is always kind to you. Someone who is kind to others. Who makes decisions based on your needs. Find someone you love to be around so much it hurts when they are away. Find someone who understands you need time for yourself as well. Find someone who shares your faith. Stay away from anyone who demeans or belittles you or doesn't understand your worth. Stay away from anyone lazy. Stay away from anyone who spends beyond their means. Stay away from anyone with addictions. ---- Don't rush. Don't let the excitement blur your vision of who someone really is. Take your time choosing this person. Get to know them. Live enough of your life to know what type of person you are looking for. And above all else, be the kind of person the man/women of your dreams would choose. - I married the man of my dreams, and other than having children, it is my greatest accomplishment.


*********

Everyday I thank God that somehow, and the tender age of 23, I was able to choose someone like Shane. And that, for some inexplicable reason, he chose me as well.

Happy 10 Year Anniversary Sweetheart. I love you forever.

photo source
photo source 

I miss Tennessee

UPDATE! If you live in the Chattanooga area and want to donate needed supplies to those effected by the tornado, or would like to send donations to the area, visit Jessica's Coupons for information.

My thoughts have been on Chattanooga lately. The horrible storms a couple weeks ago were devastating to the area and I long to be there. See some photos of the damage here. Ringgold, where many of my friends live, was one of the worst hit. They are all safe, but many others lost everything. Video of the tornado here. See a video of the destruction here. Today, I miss the South so much my heart hurts. So, allow me if you will...

I miss...

Going to lunch every Wednesday at Lupis. 

(In the top 10 best pizza places in the country I'll have you know.) I could eat their whole wheat bruschetta every lunch of my life and be happy. (My waistline - not so much.)

The green. The chaos of green everywhere.

Having wildflowers in my house all spring and summer. photo source

The architecture.

The Fall. 

Beautiful Chattanooga. One of the coolest cities in the country for sure.

My cherry blossom tree. It's in bloom I bet. 

And the lovely house behind it.

Most of all, my friends.

I miss the South. I miss the charm, the culture and the beauty. I miss the diversity of the people. 

I miss being called "hon".

For the record, I do not miss the humidity, July and August, the bugs, the NASCAR enthusiasts, people calling all soda "coke" and the Walmarts. :)

*******

Don't forget to include the South in your prayers.

It's Mother's Day!

I hope it's full of sweet kisses, breakfast in bed, handmade cards, flowers, hugs and naps. 

and

Congrats to my Sister in Law Sara on the birth of her darling little boy Jonah! 

I can't wait to snuggle him and smell that baby smell.

Makes me want one more baby. 

Not now. But soon...

Being a mom is joy.

(and that, my friends, was a haiku).

Happy Mother's Day.

cake photo source

photo of me and liddy by M Photo 

Etsy Feature Friday - Longrunners

I had so much fun using my linens for my little wedding tea, I thought I would show off some of the other darling wears you can find at the etsy shop Longrunners.

I love how the runners can be for simple teas, or elaborate dinners. 

For $15, you can get them for every occasion. Yea. $15.

My Mother-in-law travels a lot, so for Mother's Day I am sending her one of the Longrunners clutches. $10!! (Don't tell her it was such a steal.) I filled it with some of my favorite travel treats. 

Clutches and mini-wallets make a lovely set. Great for a bridal shower or birthday.

And the mini-wallets are perfect for teacher gifts. 

For Lydia's pre-school teachers, I filled two with with lip balm, a pocket mirror and chocolate. 

The ultimate teachers emergency kit.

The bibs are so adorable! (And the best price on Etsy! Like half of what a lot of shops charge.)

I only use mine when Collin is eating dry food. I don't want it ruined with Spaghetti sauce!

If you are planning a wedding, make sure to check out the ring pillows too.

 Great quality at great prices. Can't beat that! Make sure to go check out Longrunners yourself :)

I think being depressed is kind of like having the hiccups. Sometimes to snap out of it, you just need a little scare.

I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but a while ago I came down with a bad kidney infection. After a round of antibiotics, my kidneys were still bothering me, my ovaries had started to hurt and I felt totally exhausted all the time. The urologist had me come back for some tests. She had me do a urine culture and after the nurse handed her the results, she looked at them for a while.

"Natalie, I think we need to do a CT scan. Today."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"I just think we need to take a look as soon as possible."

I had to go pick Lydia up from Preschool, and I had no way to get a babysitter on such sort notice, but I told her I could get in the next day.

I decided to enjoy my little hospital vacation, even if it was just for a couple hours. I was given a pair of  blue scrubs to wear, and I imagined I was part of the "Grey's Anatomy" cast and McDreamy Shane was going to drag me into a nearby supply closet.

Then I was moved to a different waiting room and my mood changed a bit. I was surrounded by sick people. Really really sick people. People with shiny heads from chemo and wheezing with oxygen tanks. I started to think about the one thing I had refused to consider. What if I was really sick.
I immediately banished that thought.

A nice attending called my name and helped me on to the CT scan table. "Now you are sure you're not pregnant?"

"Yes, very sure."

"Ok then. Try to lay as still as you can. Closing your eyes might help."

I did just that and the whirling of the machine erased any other noise.

I don't know where it came from, but suddenly I was engulfed in fear. Like the dam holding back every horrible possibility broke way.


What if there is something really wrong? 
What if I couldn't have another baby?
What if I wasn't here for my family? 
What if I had to say goodbye to them?

I left the hospital with dark sunglasses on a rainy day to cover up my bloodshot eyes.

Shane and I started a fast the next day. A fast is like a special focused prayer. We fasted that my body would be healed.

I tried during the weekend to ignore the overwhelming fear that seemed to follow me. It was hard to see through it. Every pain I felt brought it to a new peak.

When the urologist called, she was very happy.

"I have great news! There was no mass on the scan. Your culture is still off, so we will keep monitoring you. But for now, just drink lots of water and keep the stress level down."

I don't know if I have ever been so relieved.

I'm sure it's been obvious, but I haven't been the most chipper me since moving to Boise. I've never really dealt with long term sadness, but just couldn't shake it. I did everything I could to cheer myself up. Boise is a perfectly nice place, but it just isn't very "me". Not that it matters. It was a great opportunity that brought us here and was the best decision for our family. Still, I haven't felt at home. That on top of insomnia and leaving my friends was just a recipe for melancholy. I wondered if I would ever break free of it.

Something snapped on that scan table. It was as if all the superfluous worries were erased in my mind, and everything of importance went into high relief.  The fear of losing time with my family shattered the inconsequential issues that have been clouding my days for the last 6 months. Once I knew that my body was well, I feel like smiling again. I am starting to enjoy the newness of this adventure. Whenever I start to feel the sadness encroaching, I can easily push it away. I just have to say to myself the truth that has become so evident in the last couple weeks. With my darling children, a wonderful husband, a comfortable home, a healthy body, a healthy family and a strong faith. The possibilities are endless.

I have everything.

Impromptu Royal Wedding Tea

Late on Thursday I was setting up the TiVo to record the Royal Wedding and I got a little sad. If I was in Tennessee I would have thrown a party with my friends with fancy appetizers and big hats. 

Then I thought to myself...."self, let's have a little party with Lydia instead." I was 4 when Princess Di and Prince Charles got married and I still remember it. Why not make it a fun thing for Lydia? I mean, how often do you get to see a real princess being made. I sent out a couple texts and started seeing what I could pull together without having to go to the store. 

The great thing about a tea party is, as long as you have a set of china and nice linens, the rest is easy. 

(So lesson is, get yourself a set of china.)

Gray and yellow linens from Longrunners.

On the menu, berries, my favorite drink Herbal Ice Tea and lemon icebox cookies. 

(If you use this recipe, half the salt.)

Can you believe this yellow and gray serving tray?

 I think I screamed for a split second in the store when I saw it.

Dining before the big event.

Everyone looked so lovely.

The treads of the day - Large flower fascinators, plastic baubles and ruffles.

I told Collin he needed to wear the standard Morning Suit, but he must have misunderstood because he showed up in his jammies. 

The party really got started when Prince Humperdink showed up. (That's what Lydia calls him.)

He is a big time flirt.

Spellbound the moment Kate appeared.

The next moment...discussing the dress.

(I loved it by the way.)

Having a daughter is so much fun.

What did you think of the wedding?

Etsy Feature Friday - Sora Designs

I'm starting a new little thing on my blog. Etsy Feature Friday. When some people detox, they watch TV. Me? Well, I watch TV and browse Etsy at the same time. I have so many shops bookmarked, I thought to myself, why not share my sweet finds?

You probably already know that I'm a jewelry addict. I just love all that pretty bling. Sora Designs is my newest jewelry addiction. I love everything in the shop from the simplicity necklaces for everyday wear to the 3D nursery necklaces that are some of the most classic statement pieces I've ever seen.

Here are a few of my favorites (and narrowing it down was painful):

One Fine Day - vintage repurposed OOAK necklace

Prohibition Necklace 

Dearest Jardin Ring- vintage cameo in coral, cream, antiqued brass

Cherish no.2 - multi strands glass pearls, Swarovski crystals

I would have loved this look for my wedding.

Blue Bird and the Locket-14kt gold filled chain

And this one for my bridemaids!

Bewitched Garden - statement necklace

Chain of Clouds no.2 - multiple 14kt gold filled chains and pearls

I was planning on getting this one to wear to the royal wedding today. 

Strangely, it seems my invite was lost in the mail. 

You can see why Sora Designs has over 5,000 Etsy sales. I wonder how many of those are just mine? Hum....

Hurry up! Still time to get something for Mother's Day!

What's For Dinner (A much saner mommy)

After my little vent about how sucky 4PM is, I decided to make a few changes around here. I like to cook. In fact, I would say cooking is about an 8 for me. Cooking with kids around? I would give that about a negative 2. So I am switching up the schedule. Usually I put Collin down for a nap around 1pm and Lydia takes her rest. Then I sit for 15 minutes, check emails and drink a diet coke. I then spend the next hour running like a crazy women to clean whatever I can get to. I look like a contestant on the Supermarket Sweep. (That was a cool show.) By the time the kids are up, I'm exhausted.

New plan. After the Diet Coke break (which is non-negational), I make dinner. At 1:15pm. All by my lonesome. I can watch a little TV on Hulu, or listen to music. I'm just going to go to my chopping and sauteing zen place. When the kids get up, I'm happier and have energy to play with them. Of course, the downside is the house is messy. But I would much rather tidy up with the kids around than cook. I can always vacuum to drown out the 4pm breakdowns. (That above photo is of a very impatient Collin yelling "Mama EAT!")

The first day I tried this routine, I made a culinary masterpiece. My copy of BON APPÉTIT arrived and I knew I had to make the cover receipe of Pasta al Pomodoro. Ever since traveling to Italy with friends I've been marinara snob. The sugary tomato pasty crud they sell at the grocery store is no comparison. It just has the same color. (It doesn't keep me from feeding it to the kids though. They love it. )

Oh my. I have had major restraint with my portions lately, but this dish was such decadence, I was slurping it straight from the pan. Creamy and silky, bursting with basil and garlic. It's perfect to serve to company as it reheats wonderfully. (Just make sure to save extra pasta water for the reheating or it will dry out.) I served it with chicken sausage on the side. You can get the recipe here. And if you use dried basil, I will hunt you down.

Another yummy and easy recipe is Quinoa soup with corn and avocado. My kids HATE quinoa and sadly, this will be my last attempt to serve it to them. Shane and I thought it was delicious. Use homemade stock if possible. It makes all the difference. I make a batch of stock every week, so you know it must be easy. Seriously. It is the easiest thing ever, and it makes the house smell incredible. I like this tutorial, but I cook it for at least 6 hours instead of 4.

If you use bouillon cubes, I will hunt you down.

Lastly, the other day I had no idea what to make for dinner. I hadn't been to the store in ages. I thought I would try my hand at pantry cooking and was pretty happy with the results.

Was it as good as if I made everything with fresh ingredients? Well, no. But it was pretty good all the same. No one in my family is a fan of canned veggies, but they were troopers and ate them with minimal complaint. I didn't eat the potatoes because I think they taste fake, but the rest of the family loved them. Guess I will have to start integrating potato pearls. I can always microwave a real potato for me. I found a sad little pork tenderloin in the deep freeze that wanted to be of use. Instead of white wine for the sauce, I used white wine vinegar from the pantry, and in this instance, I think I preferred it. Made an outstanding gravy. Loved the briny hint.  I found just enough Marie Calendar's Corn Bread mix for the four of us. The "Fried" apples were the real hit. I cooked sliced apples in water and lemon juice until they were tender but not falling apart. Then I mixed them with apple juice and a bit of sugar. Once it was boiling, I added some cornstarch mixed with a bit of apple juice and cooked until it made a sticky sauce. Yum yum yum.


Excited to get back to enjoying cooking again. Look at me. Domestic! (Kind of. We're having corn dogs tonight. I will not be preparing them early however.)

Little Easter Shoot

The other day I was just putting Collin down for a nap when I looked outside and saw the most glorious lighting outside. I made a snap decision. "Lydia! Put your Easter dress on!" I pulled Collin out of his sweats and whirled around his closet like a crazy person, trying to get his Easter outfit on before the light changed. I did enjoy seeing them look at each other with that "Mom's losing it" look. "Jellybeans! Each of you will get a whole egg filled with jellybeans if you smile!" That changed the tone. I had about 3 minutes before Collin was totally done and wanted candy, but I still managed a couple cute shots.

Dancing in the driveway while I hurriedly tested the light.

They seriously know how to shake it. 

Goodness she's lovely.

So handsome. Even with hat hair. He looks like his Daddy.

Oops. Looks like the bow tie is falling down. Did I mention we were rushed?

And did I mention this was during Collin's nap time?

Had enough.

"Don't worry mommy. I'll stay in the photo."

(Jellybeans!)

Ahhh, there we go. 

Hoping the message of Easter brightens your home and heart.

Have an extra three minutes? 

Click here to see a beautiful Easter message you can share with your entire family.