The Big Move.

Well, it wasn't that big of a move. But it was our first. And it was pretty monumental - full of all the mushy, sentimental, nostalgic moments that involved big sighs and even a few sappy tears.

So, here's what happened:
We wanted to save some money. (So that we can travel/travel/travel - get back out there again.)  And so we apartment swapped. With Mr. Shane Lance. An interesting situation, I know. But we talked about it, we did it. It happened.
So. We are currently living in the apartment above the parents' garage. It was a smooth transition. We are cozily settled into our new home now. And we're praying that the weather gets better soon so that we can make use of the beautiful trail nearby and - of course - take picnics beneath the tree where we were wed.

Some pics of the old place:
(Oh, our first apartment...)

Moving in to the new place:

  

DIY Tuesday: a little spring.

Just a little spring diy fun.
Getting ready for Easter and wanted some decor that was a little more fresh.

#1. Tissue Pom.Poms.
      (side note: I vote the name be changed. Pom poms? Cheerleading? eh...)

 For a step by step, check out this website.


#2. Tissue Tassel Garland.

For a step by step of this diy, go here.

Valentines Day.

Only one guy has every had my heart.
Three year ago was our first valentines together. He was in India, I was home. Needless to say, I didn't expect to celebrate the day. Regardless, I awoke to a video in my inbox that he had made - featuring pictures of him and I together and little phrases that were a constant, sweet exchange between us.
Ah, it's the little things...

This year for Valentine's Day we stayed in.
We ate a great home cooked meal together. (Including some delish fondue - cheese & chocolate.)
And it was peaceful and lovely and full of all things loving.

Sestina, Elegy.

And if within your home I’d held your hands

as you had rest your chin against the wall

perhaps within my heart I’d understand you now

and wake to find illuminating light

But your promises could never wake me from the deep

or open up your eyes from life’s eternal sleep

A long day’s end of blackened rain does call out for sleep

I saw your face so framed by wood, held onto your cold hands

My heart’s lone discontent lies somewhere in the deep;

stuck beneath couch cushions, imprisoned by your walls

That you would keep from me the one true source of light

…Expect me here and now

to cry and to call out your name: if now

could be enough to wake you from that sleep

that long before this “death” had come had robbed you of your light

had dragged the love and miracles from cracked and calloused hand

and splattered what love we had left ‘gainst Mother’s painted walls

then waltzed your pride a distance only God could reach: too deep

And this is who and where you are now: the deep

Your eyes are closed, and you must know  

time has left you loveless, and your walls

have left us bruised, and bitter – without sleep

So mother wakes and stands all day: a hammer in her hands,

chipping away at obstinate brick, begging for rays of light

to flood back in, to fill our lives. Oh light,

was it he that pushed you beyond the boundaries, into the deep?

Oh, we missed your presence, foremost, then your hands

and feet. Singing hymns of reunion, and praying you were homeward now

Yet all the while you did sleep

your limbs curled up, on the other side, all love and wisdom muffled by that Wall;

all our cries one blur of stifled noise. Oh wall,

come down. Please let back in our light

With you we might lie peacefully again to sleep

Might let you back in deep

But here we stand and here you lie, now

Given o’er to aching earth and father’s timely hands.

All that’s left is my own hands to break down your old walls.

And now to let back in some light,

allow the dirt to cave in o’er the deep, ‘llow you to get some sleep.

Siked on Christmas.

There's nothing like December. Baked goods, the smell of pine, Nat King Cole, family, caroling, and, above all else, celebrating that little baby that gave life (and death) new meaning.

Preparations for Christmas with the boy:

Side note:
Because Alex and I are only on round two of Christmas at the Grob's, we are lacking c-time decor. So. I made these fancy cardboard cut-out signs. (Signs that I think are quite fantastic).
.cardboard/gold paint/ribbon.
Joy/to/the/world, friends. Joy, joy, joy.

Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving. 
My family has always been Thanksgiving people. We love cooking, we love eating, and (for the most part) we love people. And we definitely love being around each other.
And it's cheesy, I know. But I am one blessed gal. 
I spent Thanksgiving surrounded by families I love and love to be a part of. 
 

Here are some photos from Thanksgiving at the Lance's:

Alex and I have three families. So when it comes to holidays, sometimes things get a little stressful. But really, we just have more to be thankful for. We love being a part of the Grobs, Lovelaces, and Lances. And as a bonus, after over a year of being married, we still really love each other. And we plan to keep it that way.

Alexander Conquers Twenty-One.

So, it's been a while. A good long while since the last post. 
The most important event of the last month and a half that must be mentioned? 
Alex's Birthday. 
 Yes, it was August 26th, and yes I am aware that it is currently October 14th, but - better late than never to give a shout out to the best guy I've ever known.

dinner + stacks.of.presents + birthday.signs + red.velvet.cake.pops + camping + pizza.on.the.campfire + song.recordings + glockenspiel + dinner.parties + lots.and.lots.of.kisses + birthday.joy.joy.joy

Let's be honest - these pictures don't even do the month-long celebration justice. It was incredibly fun and magical and I just never wanted it to end. (and it wasn't even my birthday!)



Another note - for Alex's birthday he got some recording time in the studio. So, that's happening. To check out his single "Old Man" click here.