The cross was enough

Last Sunday we went to church and we had been having a really good weekend.  Chris and I went out to his work party on Friday night, Saturday I got to go to a movie with my sister in law.  Chris took Addilyn swimming at the Y and was almost done cooking dinner when I got home.  We had friends over, our house was relatively clean and dinner was delicious.  Sunday morning I had the somewhat rare occasion where I loved what I was wearing, and felt good about myself.  Despite Addilyn crying when we dropped her off at nursery I felt good that we were at least there, when it's easy for me to find excuses not to come because I hate that she cries during the service.  
All in all, I was feeling pretty good about us.  
Worship is one of my favorite parts of church, maybe my most favorite.  I often get emotional as we sing songs and I think about getting my heart right with God.  We started singing the song Jesus, Son of God and got to the line the cross was enough.  Over and over we sang it.  
I started thinking about what makes me feel good about life.  This morning it was having time with just Chris and I, having time with my sister in law, finding an outfit I felt good in, and feeling like this weekend we had our stuff together.  But none of that really matters.  
God didn't forgive me for all my sin because I had a nicely decorated house or because our family had a fun weekend together.  It's easy for me to find my happiness in other things.  And there's nothing wrong with those things, but I realized I was basing a lot of my attitude lately on how I felt about our circumstances.  
I want the cross to be enough for me.  To find my fulfillment in what God has done for me and who His is, not what I am doing.  Not in my circumstances or not in how well I can control things.  
On the altar of our praise, let there be no higher name Jesus son of God You laid down your perfect life You are the sacrifice Jesus Son of God
Be lifted higher than all you've overcome Your name be louder than any other song There is no power that can come against your love
The cross was enough The cross was enough 

Christmas here

I started putting my Christmas stuff up the week or so before Thanksgiving and am glad I did.  This time of the year goes so fast and I'm glad I've had it up to enjoy it.   

This window pane has been the best things I've found for our house.  (I found in someone's trash while I was on a run and carried it home.  Those things are heavy!)  I love adding garlands to it and finding things to put on the shelves.  I had pinned a cute Christmas print to put in the frame, but our printer is broken so there's scrapbook paper in there right now.  I cut out a bunch of circles from scrapbook paper and sewed them for the garland.  I bought the JOY letters at Hobby Lobby and painted them gold.  

I saw lots of similar things to this deer print on pinterest.  (1) I just freehanded it with pencil (2) outlined the black parts with a thin paintbrush  (3) Used a foam brush for the rest of the black (4) Painted the deer in gold.  I LOVE how it turned out!  

This vase was an old Target dollar spot find and I never ended up using it, so I painted it with a few coats of white paint, then used modge podge to pour glitter on the bottom half.  

I stuffed this box I found at Hobby Lobby with green garland and then broke apart the gold and red berry sticks and stuck them in there with some pinecones.

I looked online and in craft stores for a square wreath but couldn't find a cheap one.  I bought a $3 circle, plain wreath at Michaels and just bent the wire to make it square, then added a burlap bow! For the joy banner I cut out pendant shapes from an old text book and used black paint to do the letters.  

Wish List

top: old navy   scarf: made by my sister in law   pants: kohls   boots: zulily 

I mentioned my love for this scarf my sister in law made me last week, so I put it on my Christmas list.  But to save Lauren from the hours she took to make it, I found a similar one that comes in maroon, cream, green and black. Plus it is only $15.  

Here's a few other things on my list: 

Since redoing the colors in our dining room, living room and kitchen I want all things turquoise, grey and yellow.  I love these kitchen things from World Market. 

utensil holder  // spoon rest // mason jar

I have few monogram things already, but I somehow want more.  I'd love either of these sweatshirts from Courtney Bock Designs. 

lace sweatshirt // zip up

I've shared about my love for Sheinside clothing, and these are a few things on my wishlist: 

mint sweater // yellow sweater

jacket // hooded sweatshirt

Coffee mugs.  I have plenty of them.  But most of them are olive green from our wedding registry or somewhat ugly holiday mugs from six years of student holiday gifts.  Cute mugs make me happy and make my morning coffee drinking even better.  

Chalkboard or vinyl calendar.  I'm running out of time to find the one I want, but I'd love a new calendar for our kitchen!  

What is on your Christmas list? 

very Merry Christmas

Last year I couldn't wait to send out our Christmas cards as it was our first year as a family of three. This year I am just as excited, as it's so fun to see how fast and much she's grown since last year. We've used Tiny Prints for every invitation, card, announcement since Addilyn has been born. Her birth announcement, first birthday invitations, thank you cards, and last year's Christmas cards.   I can't even believe that tiny little baby with those chubby cheeks!

So I didn't even think about using something other than Tiny Prints for our Christmas cards this year. I've always been so pleased with their site, customer service, and other products I've ordered from them.  I've decided next time I make a card I am going to limit myself to one hour to decide.  I can't even tell you how many nap times and evenings I spent looking through all their cards, putting in different pictures and going back and forth between all my saved projects.  They have so many pretty holiday cards that it was hard to decide! 
Here are some of my favorites: abounding joy, elated tidings, and ingrained wishes.  I loved all the gold, foil stamped cards too.  I picked the lush holly card and I love the gold writing, rounded edges and the back of the card.  Maybe my favorite part!  I choose gold envelopes and ordered matching address labels, which will be a huge time saver in addressing my cards.  

I am so happy with our cards!  You still have time to order your Christmas cards and right now you can get 40% off their entire site.  Happy Christmas card ordering! 

A theatre I'd take a nap in . . . . #AMCandCocaColaFreestyle

This is a sponsored post, thanks to AMC Theatres and Coca-Cola Freestyle, but all opinions are my own.  #AMCandCocaColaFreestyle  #ad

I've gotten some neat opportunities as a blogger, but this one may just be my favorite.  This weekend I got to go to AMC Theatres to see a movie and enjoy a drink from the new Coca-Cola Free Standing machine.  I also got to spend time with my just my sister in law, which doesn't happen often.  It was wonderful.  So while this may be a sponsored post, in all honestly I LOVED this theatre and was by far the most comfortable one I've ever been too.   The only downfall?  Dark theatres do not make for good pictures.  

When you walked into the theatre it felt fancier and nicer than others, and when you paid for your ticket you got to pick your seats on a screen.  Plus, if you download the AMC app on your phone, you can buy your ticket and reserve your seat ahead of time.  Isn't that so cool?  And the best part is, the tickets are the same price as any other theatres. That are far less comfortable and crowded.   These seats were so huge, reclined and were so comfy.  I only wish I had brought a blanket.  

Before we got into the theatre we stopped at the Coca-Cola Free standing machine for a drink.  I've seen one of these once before, but have never used it.  They are so cool.  There are a ton of regular drink options that you get to choose from, but then you can add flavors to your drink.  There are a ton of choices!  There were even a good amount of non-soda options, which is awesome since I rarely drink pop.   (If you download the AMC app, you can also check to see which AMC Theatres have the Coca-Cola Free standing machine, or check out the list here.)

 

#AMCandCocaColaFreestyle

I chose the Minute Maid Lemonade, and then added raspberry flavor to it.  When I went back to get my free refill, I added strawberry to it.  It was delicious!  The only downside of bringing this huge drink into the theatre is that I went to the bathroom literally three times during the movie and immediately after.  So next time, I may need a smaller size.  We saw Horrible Bosses 2 and it was hilarious.  Lauren and I laughed a ton, and I'm not normally one of those laugh out loud people, but I did quite a few times.  

Chris and I already have plans to go back in two weeks to see the new Hunger Games movie.  Maybe I'll repay Lauren for babysitting by taking her to a movie again.  Thank you AMC Theatres for the fun day!  We will be back!