Recently I was asked to share a testimony during my church's Christmas Eve service. My pastor said to share a testimony of how God has appeared in my life--the theme of that night's service. Naturally I thought of Joe's cancer diagnosis and started thinking of how God showed up during that trial. Since I basically wrote my testimony as if I was writing a blog post, I thought I'd share it here. So, how did God appear in my life?
Last year I hosted a Valentine's Day play date party and it made me realize 2 things: 1. When you take the pressure off of an event by having it during the day, it becomes so much easier to keep things simple. and 2. Freeing up weekends by hosting some celebrations during the week is simply awesome. Obviously not everyone can do this- if you are a full time working mama, a play date party probably isn't feasible. But you can still use these tips for your weekend hosting gigs.
Haha at the title. Dax is currently 3 months old but I'm already behind with sharing his monthly milestones. Hashtag life with three. Am I right? But since I do it as much for me as for you (Okay- more for me), I'm sharing anyway! So here are some milestones and a bit about how we're doing.
I'm over on Tall Clothing Mall sharing a few fun Holiday sweaters and a review. All of these items are available in regular sizes as well as tall and petite! Go check it out!
See full post with outfit ideas and review here!
Happy Holidays!
In honor of Genevieve's upcoming 5th birthday I figured I'd share her 4th. Wait what? That's not how it works? I edited the photos a year ago but the task of organizing and sharing them just before Christmas just kept falling to the bottom of my priority list. A year later, I figure if I just share the photos without fancy collages (I know collages aren't really fancy. Humor me) without a bunch of words and explanation (hashtag failing), without watermarks, and without text overlays, it won't take so long. So here goes:
It's time I finally share Dax's nursery. And admit to myself and to you that it might not ever be 100% complete! It's good enough for now. And I'm excited for you to see it.
If you have an iPhone or iPad and are looking for some DIY inspiration, I'm happy to say I just discovered some for you! You can preview the latest issue of DIY Lifestyle Magazine by following this link and enjoying a free download. The link will also lead you to an offer for a free 18 piece Tri-Lobe Precision Knife set when you subscribe to the magazine (valid in the US and Canada only).
The content was contributed by many talented bloggers and I'm super psyched to have been one of the chosen few for the October issue. DIY Lifestyle magazine is ranked #1 in the iTunes Newsstand for crafts and hobbies with a 5 star rating. It's such a fun read! For the October issue they featured my Chevron Wall Tutorial and my "Cheap and Easy Ceiling Fan Makeover" tutorial. Check it out along with other fun projects. Would love your support! Download the magazine and get your free gift!
The content was contributed by many talented bloggers and I'm super psyched to have been one of the chosen few for the October issue. DIY Lifestyle magazine is ranked #1 in the iTunes Newsstand for crafts and hobbies with a 5 star rating. It's such a fun read! For the October issue they featured my Chevron Wall Tutorial and my "Cheap and Easy Ceiling Fan Makeover" tutorial. Check it out along with other fun projects. Would love your support! Download the magazine and get your free gift!
My little man is ONE month old! It's really amazing how quickly the time passes. And while sometimes I'm eager for it to pass (3 am feedings anyone?), most often I'm trying to soak it up. Perspective is a beautiful thing--with each child it seems the time passes more quickly and having lived through it, I'm less tempted to wish it away. Here's a bit about how we're doing along with some notes about Dax that I want to remember (and hopefully include in his first year book like I did for Nadia and Genevieve):
9 pounds. 5 ounces.
20 1/2 inches.
Arrived on 9/4/14 at 11:30 am.
10/2015 UPDATE: I updated the party supply source list at the bottom of this post with almost everything we used (or a similar substitution). Enjoy!
A couple of weeks ago my mom, mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law threw me a beautiful "Welcome to the World Baby D" baby shower. While I saw bits and pieces of what my mom was pulling together (and let's be honest--helped with a couple of tiny DIYs), I was mostly in the dark! Can I just say, not knowing the details is quite painful for a party planner?! I suppose it's nice not to have to stress about it but I think I stressed more with hoping it was going to turn out okay, hoping my mom wasn't feeling overwhelmed, and hoping all the co-planners were doing ok! In the end, stress wasn't at all necessary! Besides it being on a weekend in the way-too-short-and-way-too-precious-new-England summer (i.e. many people already having other plans), it was beyond perfect. And the people who could make it (including one of my dearest college friends who was visiting that weekend!) were the perfect mix of people I hold dear! It was a lovely shower and a lovely time and I'm so thankful! So enough chatting. Here's a peek!
Nadia's turning 3 in just a few weeks. I can hardly believe it! If there was ever a year to skip a party it would be this year. But I'm already having anxiety about her having middle child syndrome so I just couldn't do it. Instead I will kill myself to pull off a somewhat cute, very simple fairy 3rd birthday party. I took a few photos of her for her DIY invitation and wanted to share!
Currently I have guests staying in the nursery so I can't give you a real sneak peek. So I decided to throw together a little e-peek. All of the items pictured are currently in the nursery. There is more to of course--a fun yellow side table, shelves, woodsy/rustic art, and fun DIYs, but this is the best I could do with items available online. My instagram friends have asked to see more so hopefully this tides you over! Oh and if you don't follow on instagram, there are more "real" sneak peeks there.
It's amazing how we take family photos every year, yet I forget how crazy it is! I suppose if you have calm or obedient children it's easy but my girls are definitely not the former and only sometimes the latter (unfortunately- but we only have ourselves to blame!). Anyway, it seems Miss Jordan caught every moment in between the naughty moments. She encouraged me to do them in the first place (though I was thinking she might have been regretting that in the thick of it!) and I'm so glad I did--especially after seeing them. Here are a handful of my favorites:
I'm over on Live The Fancy Life today sharing a fun offer for a nursery must have! Besides a FREE offer and gift basket inspiration, you'll also catch a little peek of my DIY changing pad cover & our maternity photos!
Check it out here!
Remember this depressing post where I declared that I hate chemo? Well I suppose I don't actually hate it. I mean, it did its job. My husband is in remission!!!! He posted more details here, but I just wanted to stop in (I know- it's been quiet lately) to say Thank the Lord! Hallelujah! The tumor is gone! He still has 3 treatments and 2-3 months of its side effects. And that still stinks. BUT the perspective you get when you know it's working is priceless. I'm so thankful.
Other cancer news: During our church service Sunday, my father in law and a good friend shaved their heads on stage in order to surprise us with this announcement:
It was crazy. It was hilarious. It was shocking! We are so honored and lucky to be a part of an amazing family and church family. Besides our family, this benefit will go toward the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Joe has found such value in that organization that it will always hold a place in our hearts. From monetary assistance, to setting you up with a survivor to chat through experiences, they really are helpful. If anyone local is interested in details let me know and I'll make sure you get them.
No more news for now! Next week I'll be sharing Genevieve's room. For now, it's time to celebrate.
moments after getting the news! |
It was crazy. It was hilarious. It was shocking! We are so honored and lucky to be a part of an amazing family and church family. Besides our family, this benefit will go toward the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Joe has found such value in that organization that it will always hold a place in our hearts. From monetary assistance, to setting you up with a survivor to chat through experiences, they really are helpful. If anyone local is interested in details let me know and I'll make sure you get them.
Joe finishing the job. |
Like Father, like son. |
Today I'm sharing an adorable easy and inexpensive last minute mother's day gift. When Genevieve saw them, she said "Those are pretty mom!" ha. So cute! I needed a handful of thank yous for the wonderful ladies who cleaned my home. I wanted something affordable and thoughtful. As I was putting together these succulents in a mug, I realized they'd make a perfect mother's day gift. It literally took 5 minutes and cost $6/pc. These would also be great to make with a child for his/her mom. Want a tutorial? Ok here it is:
I mentioned our surprise gender reveal party in my last post. I'd always planned to do a party- partly because I wanted a boy so badly that I figured I should give myself a reason to celebrate either gender- but especially a girl. Also since I am 99.9% sure this will be our last baby I'm really trying to do the opposite of what I feel like doing. I feel like doing nothing. I'm busy and exhausted--ya' know--actually making the baby, but also because of the cancer drama. But I don't want to look back and regret not doing any of the fun or special things I want to do or have done with the girls just because of an extremely temporary situation. Well the exhaustion won't be temporary, I'm sure, but the rest will be. Anyway, while I often sort of felt like gender reveal parties are a bit much (like does everything need to be a party?), I jumped on that bandwagon and was so glad I did!
A few weeks ago we surprised our family with a gender reveal party! Up until people arrived they had no idea we knew the gender of our baby. It was such a delicious secret to keep. You might be wondering how this came to be. You might be clicking away onto the next blog by now. Well when I posted something on Facebook about the countdown until our ultrasound someone asked about the date. It was a week after Joe started treatment so I mentioned that depending on how he felt we might reschedule. I'd already talked to our family about having a little reveal party but the more I thought about it, the more that seemed risky considering Joe could miserable by then (7 days after his first Chemotherapy).
After yesterday's raw post, I thought I'd share the fun one I was working on when my emotions took over. Today enjoy the last post of Nadia's Birthday party. You know, before we're celebrating her 3rd birthday! In this one, I'll share her birthday cake(s), some party people, and of course the most special part--the birthday girl smashing her cake and realizing "wait, this is all for me?" I love that moment when kids look around at everyone singing for them! So sweet!
Have you ever been afraid to face your real feelings? The ones that don't match what your mother says or what the Bible says or what you KNOW in your head to be true? Maybe that's why I haven't written too much about Joe's journey here on Taste{Full}. I mean you come here for parties and DIY right? Not cancer drama. But maybe it's because we've made it through one round or because it's chemo day (round 2) or because I'm pregnant and emotional, or because my husband is so stinking strong that I feel like I need to be weak. For a minute. And what better place to do it than the world wide web? ha.
I hate chemo. I do. I hate that they call it "infusion therapy" as if that makes it suck less. I hate that it makes my husband sick and weak and tired. I hate that the effects trump the effects of pregnancy. Because you know- it's my last one and I was really going to make him work! I hate that even though it's supposed to work, what if it doesn't? I know it's going to make him well. I know God gives us brains, which give us technology, which give us great medicine, which heal us. I know people who don't have access to the medical care we have would probably want to punch me in the throat for taking it for granted. I don't care. I hate watching my husband being infused with something that, while eventually will make him well, in the meantime makes him sick. It's hard. It's way harder than I thought it would be. And I keep telling people it's MUCH better than I expected. Which makes me realize I could NOT have handled what I expected. Like I couldn't have watched him vomiting and retching and weak and nauseous. Because I might have wanted to curl up and go away. Instead I just want to get through this.
It really hasn't been as bad as I thought. He's weak, tired, and nauseous but not like in the movies. But it's still SO far from normal. I mean I almost wish I had a husband like those they make fun of in sitcoms. One who does nothing around the house and "babysits" his kids, rather than parents them. Maybe then it would be easier to not count on him, not rely on him, and not have the pleasure of his company. But I don't. I have a phenomenal husband. One that more than pulls his weight- practically speaking, spiritually, financially. He pitches in. He keeps us strong. Even now, while in pain at worst and in exhaustion at best, he keeps us strong. He reminds me not to go by my feelings but by what we know to be true (by what our moms say and what the Bible says. really.) He reminds me to stand on the word of God and have faith. He reminds me that our journey isn't just about us and that there's a bigger picture to consider. He's "excited" [and I quote] "for what God will do through this." Crazy kid. And deep down I know. And deep down, if 2 months ago, God had given me option A: to not go through this or option B: to trust Him that we will be better for it and it will positively affect some people we come into contact with and that we would be used by him, I would have chosen option B. I wouldn't have said, "nope, God, I know better. And I'd MUCH rather be comfortable. Thanks but move on please." My heart really is to be in His will. Even when I don't get it.
Nevertheless it's hard. And I'm sorry for the pity party. I seriously just needed to get this off of my chest. And now I can exhale. And have faith that we will get through this and we will be stronger for it. And God is holding us in the palm of his hand, leading us to a glorious destiny. And if I know you all, you will rally around us like you have these past couple of months and I can lean on you a bit too.
I hate chemo. I do. I hate that they call it "infusion therapy" as if that makes it suck less. I hate that it makes my husband sick and weak and tired. I hate that the effects trump the effects of pregnancy. Because you know- it's my last one and I was really going to make him work! I hate that even though it's supposed to work, what if it doesn't? I know it's going to make him well. I know God gives us brains, which give us technology, which give us great medicine, which heal us. I know people who don't have access to the medical care we have would probably want to punch me in the throat for taking it for granted. I don't care. I hate watching my husband being infused with something that, while eventually will make him well, in the meantime makes him sick. It's hard. It's way harder than I thought it would be. And I keep telling people it's MUCH better than I expected. Which makes me realize I could NOT have handled what I expected. Like I couldn't have watched him vomiting and retching and weak and nauseous. Because I might have wanted to curl up and go away. Instead I just want to get through this.
It really hasn't been as bad as I thought. He's weak, tired, and nauseous but not like in the movies. But it's still SO far from normal. I mean I almost wish I had a husband like those they make fun of in sitcoms. One who does nothing around the house and "babysits" his kids, rather than parents them. Maybe then it would be easier to not count on him, not rely on him, and not have the pleasure of his company. But I don't. I have a phenomenal husband. One that more than pulls his weight- practically speaking, spiritually, financially. He pitches in. He keeps us strong. Even now, while in pain at worst and in exhaustion at best, he keeps us strong. He reminds me not to go by my feelings but by what we know to be true (by what our moms say and what the Bible says. really.) He reminds me to stand on the word of God and have faith. He reminds me that our journey isn't just about us and that there's a bigger picture to consider. He's "excited" [and I quote] "for what God will do through this." Crazy kid. And deep down I know. And deep down, if 2 months ago, God had given me option A: to not go through this or option B: to trust Him that we will be better for it and it will positively affect some people we come into contact with and that we would be used by him, I would have chosen option B. I wouldn't have said, "nope, God, I know better. And I'd MUCH rather be comfortable. Thanks but move on please." My heart really is to be in His will. Even when I don't get it.
Nevertheless it's hard. And I'm sorry for the pity party. I seriously just needed to get this off of my chest. And now I can exhale. And have faith that we will get through this and we will be stronger for it. And God is holding us in the palm of his hand, leading us to a glorious destiny. And if I know you all, you will rally around us like you have these past couple of months and I can lean on you a bit too.
child rearing
And Then there were FIVE: Why We Decided to Have Another Baby (After Almost Deciding Not to).
In our initial announcement I said "We're crazy! We're going to have another baby!" Well I wanted to follow up to that "crazy" party. What I meant was, we’re crazy enough to think:
So, we had our ultrasound today but to be honest we already knew the gender of our baby! I know- I can't believe I kept it a secret for 7 days. WHAT?! I'll tell you that story later because I know you want to get to the good stuff...So...here....Goes...............................................................................
Can I be honest? I still hate the word Chemo. Chemotherapy. It was what I was believing against. I was all about supernatural healing. Even though I've learned about all of the side effects, with everything they say "you never know." "It affects each person differently." "He could have no side effects at all." Or my favorite, "You're young and strong and will withstand this like a rock star." Still scary but I'm clinging to the peace of God that passes all understanding. I've promised God and myself that I will trust Him every step of the way. Even when I don't get it. To that end, Joe starts chemo on April 1st.
You know how I always say I like everything cute. Or I could say everything has the potential to be cute. Not that everything always is. I get that. But sometimes just a little bit of effort and a small amount of cash is SO worth it in the end. Take pregnancy announcements for instance. After the fun photos we took for our pregnancy announcement--that we will cherish forever and ever-- I am more convinced than ever of the pay off. When I was researching ideas and products, I found there was a lot (and I mean a lot) out there that I would never spend my hard earned cash on! I waded and waded through a lot of etsy listings. I figured I could maybe save someone out there some time by pointing out a few fun places to start.
We keep saying we know God is going to work in us and through this. "This" being a cancer diagnosis. God is already at work and we can see His hand during what should be a ridiculously scary experience. I don't know why but I'm still hesitant to bare my soul about everything. (I'm not as strong as my husband is). But for those who want to keep in the know, Joe's blog is here. He named it Walking Through the Fire because from the beginning Isaiah 43:1-5 has been a bible passage we've stood on. The first few verses are below:
It goes on to say that we are precious and honored and God loves us and to not be afraid because he is with us.
Joe thought a blog would be helpful to keep friends and family up to date on what is happening. He also wanted to chronicle this journey so we could look back and see how God wove everything together for his glory and our good. It scares me to type that because there is a very real threat to our family here and it's one I have to constantly bring under subjection. I can't succumb to the fear. I made up my mind to trust God every step of the way. Trust him when the biopsy goes wrong (Trust him that Joe needs a biopsy in the first place). Trust him during a 3:30 am trip to the ER after the biopsy. Trust him when the diagnosis is in fact "cancer." TRUST him. I'm believing for complete healing for my husband. But I'm not trusting in that. I'm trusting in the Lord. Whatever happens. Whatever comes. I trust God.
The Sunday after everything happened the song "Oceans" by Hillsong came on during the worship service at my church and it was as if my feet had a mind of their own. I nearly ran to the altar, fell to my knees, and praised God. I praised Him because He is GOOD. I praised Him for carrying our family through this journey. I praised Him because it was all I could do. The bridge to the song goes like this:
Read more: Hillsong United - Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) Lyrics | MetroLyrics
I couldn't have said it better myself. I want TRUST without borders. He's taking me deeper than my feet could ever wander. I want my faith to be made stronger. And I want to remain in his presence. A friend said to me, Victims say "Why me?" Victor's say "What now?" And I would add "Lord."
I'm copying Joe's blog- I love that he ends each post with a song. Here's the entire song "Oceans":
It goes on to say that we are precious and honored and God loves us and to not be afraid because he is with us.
Joe thought a blog would be helpful to keep friends and family up to date on what is happening. He also wanted to chronicle this journey so we could look back and see how God wove everything together for his glory and our good. It scares me to type that because there is a very real threat to our family here and it's one I have to constantly bring under subjection. I can't succumb to the fear. I made up my mind to trust God every step of the way. Trust him when the biopsy goes wrong (Trust him that Joe needs a biopsy in the first place). Trust him during a 3:30 am trip to the ER after the biopsy. Trust him when the diagnosis is in fact "cancer." TRUST him. I'm believing for complete healing for my husband. But I'm not trusting in that. I'm trusting in the Lord. Whatever happens. Whatever comes. I trust God.
The Sunday after everything happened the song "Oceans" by Hillsong came on during the worship service at my church and it was as if my feet had a mind of their own. I nearly ran to the altar, fell to my knees, and praised God. I praised Him because He is GOOD. I praised Him for carrying our family through this journey. I praised Him because it was all I could do. The bridge to the song goes like this:
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
Read more: Hillsong United - Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) Lyrics | MetroLyrics
I couldn't have said it better myself. I want TRUST without borders. He's taking me deeper than my feet could ever wander. I want my faith to be made stronger. And I want to remain in his presence. A friend said to me, Victims say "Why me?" Victor's say "What now?" And I would add "Lord."
So, What Now Lord? What now?
I'm copying Joe's blog- I love that he ends each post with a song. Here's the entire song "Oceans":
I don't know when and if I'll be comfortable posting details about everything we've gone through with my husband's health over the last week and a half. It's amazing how everything can change in an instant. For now I will say that on Friday we will receive an official diagnosis as to whether he does in fact have Cancer, if it is Lymphoma (which they suspect), and which type. This post isn't about that. Well I suppose it sort of is. But mostly it's about the absolute love we've seen pouring out as a result of that. Quick tangent: I'm really tired of Christians dissing the church--as in the Body of Christ. Yes we have our faults and are not above being lovingly challenged. But if I read one more article detailing what Christians need to stop doing, I might throw my laptop across the room. Oh wait, Nadia already did that. Hence my lost family reunion photos catastrophe. But I'm tangenting from my tangent. Anyway, the church has its faults. Last time I checked it was made up of a bunch of humans. So yeah, there's that. But the body of believers I belong to...I have no words to describe the love these people have for others. Both inside the walls of the church and outside. If I have ever hated on the church, these past few days have made me slap my own wrist, bite my own tongue, and question my messed up motives. These people are the hands and feet of Christ. If he was here on Earth, he'd be hugging me, crying with me, comforting me, healing me, helping me. He's not. So they do it on his behalf. Let me show you what love is:
I'm determined to share the rest of Nadia's party with you before her next birthday. I know-- I'm super ambitious. This is the 2nd to final post on one of my favorite parts of the party: decorations. I love balloons and streamers as much as the next mom but I go gaga over DIY projects, crafts, and party trends. So here goes:
I didn't tackle a Christmas DIY and it totally bummed me out. I really wanted to do something inexpensive and simple for Valentine's Day. Even though it's late, when I saw this post over at A Place For Us, I knew I had to try something similar. This project was nearly free. I had everything on hand except for one .97 gift bag. And even if you don't have craft supplies on hand, these are very inexpensive. Here's what I used:
You know I adore you and yet there's no way I could put into words just how much you've impacted my life and how much I hope to be the kind of mother you are. Here are some words that best define you and our relationship.
I'm so excited to introduce you to a longtime friend, Sheria Clarke. I met Sheria forever ago while we were both camp counselors at Kids Across America. I'm so thankful we've stayed in touch! Sheria is a stylish fashionista who I always look to for the latest trends. (Go check out her Style Pinterest board).
I recently read "Lessons Learned in Staying Put" over on A Handmade Home. I could not have read a more perfect piece of encouragement than that one (thank you Ashley!). A few years ago Joe and I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course and decided to use the majority of our savings to pay off my school loans instead of using it as a sweet down payment on an even sweeter newer, bigger, prettier home.
No, not that kind of eye candy. I mean, my husband reads this thing. More like cute baubles and trinkets that you can pass on to your man as a hint. Or if you're like me, you can just buy for yourself and call it a day. Or buy for your bff. She was probably your Valentine before your man was. Am I right or am I right?
Planning activities is usually the toughest part of the party for me. Sometimes I just print out theme related coloring pages, buy some fresh crayons, and call it a day. But for some reason the ideas were flowing for this party. I had three main "activities" planned for the party: a photo booth, a reading corner, and a "read up on the birthday girl" table. Side note: My husband also set up the girls' picnic table and put bubbles out. SUCH a keeper.
You know I love thrifting and painting. If I had the time I'd much rather find an old piece of furniture and paint it than buy new. I suppose if I had more dough I might just buy something new that looked old but I bet I'd still miss the makeover process. Just keepin it real. Anyway, when I happened upon this little bar for $25 at Goodwill I fell in love! I purchased it and a short year later (I said if I had time didn't I?), I completed it.
Remember the party I helped my sister-in-law plan back in June? Well I owe you the rest of the details! My sister-in-law loves to cook and try new appetizers so rather than my usual dessert buffet, she did a full table of football themed snacks and appetizers. These ideas are perfect for game day snacks or the Super Bowl.
Food
Sources/Recipes at the bottom or check out my Pinterest board for lots more football themed snack ideas!
She also served delicious buffalo chicken dip, hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, and more...