Birthdays and Such

Hey friends!

I have quite a picture filled post for you today! Last Saturday was Ryan's 25th birthday! He's such an old man now. ;) We went to Cincinnati with our friends Mallory and Camden to celebrate by going to Ikea and Pappadeaux. It was our first time in an Ikea and man, was it awesome. I want everything in that store! We've needed another bookshelf for some time because of all the books Ryan has gotten for seminary, so we were determined to get one on this trip. Our only hiccup was that we drive a Civic. Not exactly the best vehicle for hauling furniture. We ended up getting one though and got it home by taking it out of the box and placing the boards in car with part of the back seat folded down while Mal and Cam sat next to each other on the rest of the backseat. I'm so thankful for friends who love us enough to ride uncomfortably in the car! We got it all put together and it is wonderful!

After Ikea we went to Pappadeaux, Ryan's favorite restaurant. It was soooo yummy and we even got a free dessert since it was his birthday! Here we are after our meal!

Me and my hot husband-in-flannel

I also made a birthday cake for Ryan. This year was not my best work, but at least it was yummy!

Note: Royal icing and pudding frosting do not mix.

Finally, I wanted to show off my Christmas decor like I promised in my last post!

Our baby tree on the table

Christmas cookies!

Presents for the fam

The Nativity Set that I got for Christmas last year

Close up of our stockings

Front Door Wreath

Close up

Living room window

All lit up!

I love our decor this year! I'd really love to do more, but seeing as the only people who see it are me and Ryan, I thought I'd keep it low key. If we ever get a house, you better believe I'm drenching that place in Christmas!

I doubt I'll update in the next couple weeks because we'll be so busy seeing friends and family, so until then: 

Merry Christmas!!!

Loves,

Amy

Homeward Bound

I'm so excited.

This time next week, Ryan and I will be in Arkansas! We're so thankful that we get to spend Christmas with our families next week. It will be a short trip, so we won't get to see everyone that we want to, but we're glad we'll be with family. Christmastime seems to get better and better as I get older.

I can't believe this year is almost over. What a year it has been! I've gotten married to my perfect soul-mate and we moved to a new city and made amazing new friends. The only downside is we miss our Arkansan peeps. Many nights Ryan and I will reminisce about college days and the year "off" that we took. We had so many good times. (Thank the Lord for Facebook so I can stalk all of you!) This year has been a great learning year. People always tell you about marriage, but you really don't know anything until you're there. We're thankful for the preparation we did receive from our pastors and mentors. It's been very helpful. I'm glad that Ryan and I know that marriage is not only for happiness, but for holiness. We know that when things aren't quite right, it's because we're sinful and the Lord is smoothing out our edges and refining us. Ryan has been the best sanctification tool outside the Holy Spirit and I am so thankful for him. It hasn't even been a year and I can already see how the Lord has been changing us. I'm told the "newlywed" ooey gooey phase will eventually fade, but knowing that marriage serves a greater purpose than making us "feel good" gives me great hope that we'll be together forever.

I'm really looking forward to next year for one big reason: I'll be an aunt! It'll be so exciting to have a baby in the family again. The last one we had was Alex and he is 16 now (oh my gosh).  I know my mom is thrilled and it'll be fun to see my dad as grandpa. I can't wait to spoil that cute bundle of joy!
I'll be 24 next month and that sounds weird. I'm sure I'll be one of those people who won't be able to handle the transition to her 30s well since I'm already freaking about my mid 20s. I still don't feel like an adult. I'm pretty sure I never will. Ask Ryan. I still dance and sing in the living room like a 3 year old. I'm a total dork.

Well friends I hope I get to see some of you next week! If not it's only because we were there for the weekend and just ran out of time! May the Lord bless your time with family and friends this Christmas. Thank you Father for sending your Son to the earth for our redemption. You are truly good. We are nothing without You.

Merry Christmas!