Just Us: Josh & Mel

I'm Moving!

2012-01-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Not my house. No. Already did that. Not again for a long time!
BUT.

I am moving blogs. Pretty, pretty please go check out my new one? http://iwilljoy.blogspot.com/
I have a button and everything you can grab while you're there!

Thanks everyone!

Josh is sweet. That is all.

2012-01-17T17:54:00.001-07:00

First off, let me show you our Master Bath. Josh painted it with left

over paint from our bedroom. I love it. Light grey, to me, is the perfect neutral, calming color. Love it.

(other side of the bathroom)

NEXT. I came home from work the other day (Josh was off that day) to this:

This made me laugh...

I really laughed here...

And what he did, just makes me smile.

See, I have an Etsy. (You know this.)

And I love to create.

But I *hate* leaving a mess out mid-creativity. So I rarely get to create, because I'm too OCD and must.clean.the.dirty.things.

Anyways. I digress.

So, I mentioned to Josh like maybe twice, how I would love to convert our box/wedding/random junk storage area to a little craft space for me. So I could create away, then walk away whenever I needed to.

So I came home to this:

Gosh, I love him. :)

Melissa Rae Murphy: Designs

2012-01-08T20:58:00.003-07:00

Alright, so you all know I have been an "Etsy-er" for a while, but I only recently started trying to streamline my work and actually make it look professional. As time and money allows, of course.

So far, I have a logo:

And of course, an Etsy site: Which you can find here.

And a Facebook page. Which I am asking you to pretty please "like!" (pretty please?) And "share," too, if you really wanna help a new adventure of mine out!

Thanks for your support in advance, I really appreciate it!

The Sweet Boy I Married

2012-01-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Our church gives out Bible Reading Calendars that Josh and I try to keep up on. (It's alot of reading, but we try to do it every day!) Anyway.

At the beginning of the calendar/book thing, it has a place for your name and phone number, then the next page is goals you set for yourself for that year. As we were throwing out the old one, Josh showed me his goals for last year.

And at the very top, it said: "Marry Mel :)" along with other goals he had set.

I can't tell you how happy I am that goal is now accomplished. I love him so very much, and I love that he's mine. :)

Laundry Soap:

2012-01-03T12:26:00.002-07:00

I love Pinterest. I could spend hours on it. Good thing I have a job and stuff so I don't spend hours on it...
Anyway, I came across this blog through my Pinteresting.... And ended up making the detergent on this post.

And now, I am going to spend about .20 for 75 loads of laundry.

New Years Resolution 2012: Be Thrifty. Extra Thrifty. (I'm already pretty thrifty, but I need to be even more so.)

I'm going to have no choice, really. But this is a good start, and so far I'm super happy with the results!

Have any of you tried making your own cleaning supplies? I'd love to find out what you made, and how it worked!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T08:25:00.001-07:00

I don't think any year could possibly be more exciting for us than 2011 was...

But here's to another great year!

Here's some things I know will be happening in 2012:

Josh starts college this semester. Scary time for us, since I will be the only one working. God will provide, though!
We'll be an auntie/uncle again! Both my sister, and sister in law will be having baby boys!
We'll both turn another year older...
And God will still be good. :)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T12:48:00.002-07:00

My goodness, but we've been busy! I hope to update you soon on, you know, life in general.

But, for now. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope it's filled with laughter and memories. =)

Merry Christmas

From Josh and Mel :)

Clippies~

2011-12-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

A little twist on the typical red and green for Christmas...

These are red and LIME green. Super cute. and Super cheap. Love it.

Find them here!

(and feel free to spread the love!) :)

Our First Christmas. :)

2011-12-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Our first Christmas tree. :)

I like it.

I like Christmas.

Thankful 30: Day 30- The B-I-B-L-E

2011-11-30T10:00:00.001-07:00

I thought I already posted this! I guess not.

Anyways!

I'm thankful for my King James Bible.

For my Lord who showed the men to write it.

For the men who died to protect it.

All so we could read it.

That's it for "Thankful 30!" I hope you've enjoyed following my blog for this, or doing it yourself!

"Be thankful unto Him and bless His name."

Thankful 30: Day 29- Servants

2011-11-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

I probably had you fooled into thinking I was so rich I had real servants I bet.

Not. :)

Anyway, I AM thankful, however, for those "servants" we have. The washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven, microwave, etc.

They make life easy peasy!

Thankful 30: Day 28- Running Water

2011-11-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Cheesiest picture in the world. I know.

But anyways... I'm thankful that when I turn the handle, clean water comes out! :)

Thankful 30: Day 27- Hot/Cold

2011-11-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful for heat in the winter, and air conditioning in the summer!

Thankful 30: Day 26- My Kitchenaid :)

2011-11-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite kitchen tools.

And it's cute. :)

Thankful 30: Day 25- Life

2011-11-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful for life.

Life in general.

The fact that I can breathe, walk, talk, feel, taste & smell... well, that's pretty neat. :)

Thankful 30: Day 24- Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:00:00.001-07:00

Today I'm thankful for my favorite Holiday- Thanksgiving!A time of the year where it's all about family, friends, and being thankful.

No gifts. Just thankful hearts.

Most people will get together today and eat far too much, while some in this world will go without.

We're blessed.

Thankful 30: Day 23- PNG Missions Trip

2011-11-23T10:00:00.010-07:00

You may remember my trip.

Today I'm thankful that I was able to take a short-term missions trip to Papua New Guinea to stay with the Chad Wells Family.

Isn't it GORGEOUS?!

Here's the class I helped Mrs. Dee Wells with:

They are so cute :)

Here's me with Chad's wife, Kirsten in our "Meriblouses."

It was such a great experience, and I'd love to go back. With Josh this time! :)

Thankful 30: Day 22- The Church Bus

2011-11-22T10:00:00.002-07:00

Today I'm thankful for the bus ministry our church has

It's a ton of work.

And I don't always adore when I get a super short Sunday nap because of it. (Ask Josh- I get cranky sometimes when I have to wake up.)

But kids get saved through this. Lots of kids. They know where they are going when they die, and they know where to go to find people that love them.

And do silly things for them:

[Disney Day]

And they know that every Saturday, somebody will come by just to say "hi" and make sure they are coming the next day.

It's a blessing. It really is.

Thankful 30: Day 21- Our Honeymoon

2011-11-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful we were able to take a honeymoon to the beautiful Oregon Coast.

I know not everyone has the means to take one, but I am so glad we could.

It was perfect. :)

Thankful 30: Day 20: My Ring! :)

2011-11-20T10:00:00.001-07:00

This is so... girly. haha

I seriously adore my ring. (And now I have a band to go with it! Yay!)

But anyways, I thank Josh for it all the time. It means I'm his.

And I like that. :)

Thankful 30: Day 19- Christmas!

2011-11-19T10:00:00.001-07:00

I just love Christmas so much!

I love the music. I love the season. I love the holly-jollyness.

And mostly, I love the reason for the whole season.

Thankful 30: Day 18- My Parents

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

#1. Aren't they so cute?

#2. I just love my parents so much for raising me right, in church, and with the best childhood ever. Also, the fact that I have never once ever thought they wouldn't be together is so awesome to me. :)

You guys are the best!!

Love you!!

Thankful 30: Day 17- My Nephew

2011-11-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Maksym is such a fun kid. He has brought so much joy into our family!

And he has a sibling on the way. It's like the fun won't stop! YAY!

Love you, M. :)

Thankful 30: Day 16- Our Home

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for our cute house. I love it.

...And what I love the very most about it, is who I share it with.

Thankful 30: Day 15- Lysol

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

No I'm serious.

I'm thankful for Lysol and it's disinfecting powers.

Thankful 30: Day 14- Our Wedding

2011-11-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful for our beautiful wedding!

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Seriously. I loved it.

Thanks, Dad & Mom. :)

Thankful 30: Day 13- Sisters

2011-11-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful for sisters! I am so glad God blessed me with three gorgeous, awesome, silly sisters!

We have fun together and I love each and every one of them so very much. :)

Thankful 30: Day 12- My Childhood

2011-11-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

Seriously I had the funnest (yes, it's a word.) childhood ever! My parents are the best for giving me such an awesome life. :)

Even though I got spankings and everything, I wouldn't trade my childhood (or those spankings) for anything!

Thankful 30: Day 11- Veterans

2011-11-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

It only seems right to be thankful for our outstanding Veterans today!

May we never forget that freedom came with a price.

THANK YOU!

Thankful 30: Day 10 - Stuff

2011-11-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

I know that title sounds vague, but it's the best I could think of.

Today I'm thankful for "stuff."

"Stuff" is all over our house, in every cupboard, in every closet, on the walls. We were given so many wonderful things for wedding gifts, and I truly can't even begin to tell you how blessed we feel. I think of whoever gave us that ________ whenever it's used, and just feel so loved!

Thankful 30: Day 9- Transportation

2011-11-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful that we have transportation.

Pretty glad I don't have to take a horse to work every morning. :)

Thankful 30: Day 8- Friends

2011-11-08T10:08:00.002-07:00

Today I'm thankful for friends. Friends far and near.

:) They make life more fun.

Thankful 30: Day 7- Work

2011-11-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful that Josh and I both have jobs. I'm thankful we have paychecks.

I'm not saying we get up every morning and do a happy work dance by any means... :)

BUT, Praise the Lord for jobs!

Thankful 30: Day 6- Seasons

2011-11-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today I'm thankful that I live in a beautiful place that has Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

I love Idaho. :)

Thankful 30: Day 5- America

2011-11-05T11:57:00.000-06:00

Today I'm thankful for America- and the freedoms we have in it.

I know it's not perfect, far from in in fact... but I'm so happy to call it home.

God bless America- our home sweet home!

Thankful 30: Day 4- My Church

2011-11-04T08:08:00.001-06:00

My church.

It's the church I've grown up in. The church I realized I needed saved in. The church I was baptized in. The church I went through the hardest time in my life in. The church I had the happiest day in and married my best friend in.

This church has been there for me. I love it. I love the family I have there

Treasure Valley Baptist

Thankful 30: Day 3- My Family

2011-11-03T10:14:00.000-06:00

My family. I love my family.

They're the best. :)

And I have a new family now, too! They are also awesome. :)

I'm so blessed.

Thankful 30: Day 2- My Husband

2011-11-02T10:10:00.001-06:00

I can't really even begin to tell you how much joy this guy brings into my life--I have never been happier!

He isn't perfect, but he's perfect for me! We are so happy together. Being married to my best friend is so much better than I ever dreamed it could be!

I love you, Josh!

Thankful 30: Day 1- My Salvation

2011-11-01T10:08:00.001-06:00

Today I'm thankful for my Salvation.

For the blood that was shed for me, and for my Savior for being willing to do so... for me!

Find my Salvation testimony here.

Thankful 30

2011-10-21T17:07:00.001-06:00

I was thinking.

Shocking, I know.

But seriously. I was thinking about just how good I've got it. How thankful I am for so many things. Then I thought it might be fun to challenge myself- and you, to post something we're all thankful for every day in the month of November. Hence, "Thankful 30."

Surely we can all find 30 things at least to be thankful for!

Who's with me?

"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever"- Psalms 107:1

Chimichangas

2011-10-18T21:15:00.000-06:00

This is one of Josh's favorite meals, and I love it cause it's super duper easy peasy.

Sometimes I just feel like rhyming twice in a row, ya know?

What you'll need:

1lb ground beef

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 1/2 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

1/2 cup green chilies

1/2 cup taco sauce

1/2 cup sour cream

1 Tbs. cider vinegar

Flour tortillas

Cheese

Brown the ground beef:

While it's browning, throw the sour cream, chilies, taco sauce and cider vinegar into a bowl:

Like so:

Add the spices and garlic. If we have salsa, I usually dump about 1/4 cup of that in there too. But it's good without it, too.

Then add the ground beef. Drain it, first!

Mix it up!

It should look like this:

Put about this much onto a flour tortilla: As you can see, I'm very technical with my measurements.

Put them into a pan...

Brush them with butter. Go all Paula Deen on those babies.

Well actually don't. That's unhealthy. But a little butter won't kill ya.

Put them in the oven at 400* for about 10 minutes, til golden. Then top with cheese. (We do half and half, cause I shouldn't really eat cheese.)

Stick them back in for about 5 minutes or so. (I usually turn the oven off and clean up the kitchen and to me, that means they are done then. :)

And there you go! Easy, yet yummy, dinner. :)

Enjoy!

Mr. & Mrs.-- Pictures!

2011-10-15T20:36:00.000-06:00

Yay! We have wedding pictures now! What do you think? I love them!

More to come!

Sweet & Sour Chicken. (Or Pork-- If you like gross things.)

2011-10-07T13:01:00.000-06:00

Since I'm a wife now I thought it was high time to share a delicious recipe that I first made in Papua New Guinea. Actually, being a wife has nothing to do with it, but I felt like I needed a reason.

Anyways...

So here's what you will need:

2/3 cups Soy Sauce

2 tsp. minced garlic (I basically always double garlic. Always.)

1 Tbs. minced ginger. (I keep mine in the freezer and grate it as I need it.)

1/4 cups flour

1/4 cups cornstarch

Salt and Pepper

1 Lb. of Chicken. Or pork, if you're into that. (As you can see, I'm not.) Anyways. Pick a meat, and cube it.

Oil

1 cup of ketchup

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 oz. honey or 1Tbs. sugar (I just do a squeeze or two of honey. It works.)

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

1/2 Tbs. sesame oil

1/3 cups of each: onion, green pepper, red pepper, celery

1 cup pineapple. (And may I just say, in PNG, we picked and ate it the same day. DE.LI.SHUS. :)

Mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, flour and cornstarch.

Season meat with salt and pepper. Place in bowl, and toss that disgusting looking sauce all over it.

It kinda looks gross. But trust me. It's nom nom.

"Dredge" the meat in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. I like that word, "dredge."

And now for the extra healthy part.

In a large frying pan, heat 1" oil to 350*. (To me, this translates to "heat up some oil in a pan at like... medium-ish temperature.")

While that stuff is cooking, in a separate bowl combine the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and honey. Whisk them together and set it aside. Also, by the way, don't use a cereal bowl like I did. It's not whisk friendly like you might think.

Mmm.

Fry the meat until golden brown and drain on a paper towel covered plate.

Get your veggies all ready...

Onions.

Celery.

Red pepper.

Green pepper.

(do you like the way I have carefully cut them all to size? haha. I am the worst cutter ever.)

And the best part, pineapple. This makes this dish, in my opinion.

Doesn't this look great?

Go on. Enlarrrrrge this.

Place the fried chicken and veggies in a roasting pan with the canola and sesame oil.

Cover with the ketchup mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook til meat is tender.

Yummmmmmmm

In other news, Josh took me to this fondue restaurant for my birthday. We basically had to be rolled out to the car after. It was delicious! (This is us on my birthday.)

Yummo.

That's all! Let me know if you tried it and how it turned out! :)

Never a dull moment...

2011-10-03T17:00:00.001-06:00

So we were at Walmart the other day, and the funniest.thing.ever happened.

And now I'm going to tell you. Aren't you excited!? Here's how it went down:

Me: *Eats Oreos at checkstand before we pay for them*
Man behind us: "Oh, are those for everyone?"
Josh: "Careful, she might bite your hand off if you take one!"
Man behind us: *Holds up nub.*

I'm not even kidding.

I mean really.... What are the chances that guy wouldn't have a hand!?

All we could do was laugh... and hurry ourselves out!

Before/After

2011-09-28T10:00:00.000-06:00

I am really hoping to get back to blogging a bit more now that I have a little more around the house taken care of and more of a routine.

I thought I'd share with you a little "before/after" project. A little project, yes. But a project just the same!

I'm sorry if this is hanging in your house, but I think it's gross.

Bought at Savers, $7.00

BEFORE:

Some spray paint and a $4.00 Walmart white board cut down, and, viola!

AFTER:

Also PS. We found this spider and it almost killed me.

Not really. I'm being dramatic. But isn't it just gross?!

One!

2011-09-20T17:05:00.001-06:00

I have one picture to show you!

Here's the picture we included with thank-you cards for wedding gifts!

Whatcha think?

Honeymoons are fun!

2011-08-20T12:20:00.003-06:00

Just Married!

2011-08-15T13:30:00.001-06:00

More pictures to come!

Three.

2011-08-01T21:06:00.000-06:00

With three days left, I'm doubting I will have much time to blog!

I just wanted to thank you all for your wonderful support of Josh and I! We can't wait to get married!!

Ten Days:

2011-07-25T22:35:00.002-06:00

Freak out!!!!!!!!!

Here's a picture of Josh and I (accidentally) matching last Sunday. Aww

In other news we are so busy (Mostly Josh) working on the new house! He is re-doing the cabinets right now because the people who lived there before us were basically awful at DIY-ing. So we're cleaning up their messes.

Speaking of cleaning...

Before:

After:

Yeah. They were gross.

Homeownership: Day one

2011-07-17T17:43:00.000-06:00

I had a slight freak out when we walked in the door (literally just put the key in for the first time) and walked in to see the ceiling dripping, along with the bubbles in the paint/drywall. I figured since we closed already, this was our problem now. However, we have an amazing Realtor (my sister!) who got on the phone right away, and pulled some strings.

It should be fixed this week. :) Yay!

Hello from: The homeowner.

2011-07-14T20:53:00.003-06:00

That's right. Today we signed papers!!!! Soooo exciting!

Versatile Wedding Decor: Flower Puffs

2011-07-08T19:05:00.001-06:00

I got these adorable flower puffs from a personal friend and Etsy business owner, Kate. Check her shop out!

Aren't they just perfectly cute?

I am not sure what I'm doing with them all. They are pretty large (About 4 inches wide) So I'm not sure my bridesmaids (all of them) will be willing to wear them on their heads. They would be super cute with the right hairdo though! And I am hoping to have one of my flower girls wear the polka-dot one you see below.

When I mentioned to Josh that all the girls may not want to wear them, he came up with this idea, and I loved it! What a little designer he is. :)

Since we are having a candy bar (for the favors) at our wedding, Josh mentioned putting the flower puffs on some of the containers we will use for that. See below. You likey?

I got these gumballs at World Market the other day. I hate gumballs. But aren't they cute?

Anyway, just wanted to show you another idea, and give a great big HOLLA to my friend Kate! :)

Thanks, Kate!

Simply Adorable: Wedding Thank-You's

2011-07-08T16:09:00.002-06:00

For the men in the wedding (Preacher, Soloist, Pianist, Cellist.) I was a bit confused as to what kind of token of thanks I should get them. Money? Kinda impersonal. Gift Card? Where? I mean, I know they would appreciate these things, but I decided on ties. Maybe it's cliche, but I think it's a good idea.

I went to JCP and got them all matching-the-wedding-colors-but-not-each-other ties.

Then, my favorite part, I wrapped them all adorably. With cute tags and everything. I know they probably won't care... But I do. What do you think?

I got the boxes at Craft Warehouse for about $1.50, and the ribbon I had on hand.

Don't forget to check out our wedding website! :)

GASP

2011-07-05T23:06:00.001-06:00

My goodness but I've been busy lately.

Just wanted to take a break really quick to say hi. And I haven't forgotten all about you, I promise! Just thought I'd somewhat update you on my life!

Besides wedding stuff, which is taking up a good majority of my brain right now, we are also in the process of buying a house! SO exciting- SO stressful! We should have keys this week or next! Keep your fingers crossed for this week though, mmkay? Cause I would LOVE to get going on cleaning the place and putting things away! :)

In other news, Josh, his grandma and I all went to go see his dad last weekend and had a great time. He is doing so much better, and Lord willing, should be home soon!

Here we are. :)

I know this is like the lamest of lame posts, but I just wanted to let you know I hadn't fallen of the earth. I'm just, ya know, slightly preoccupied.

PS-30 days!!!!

And my favorite!

2011-06-24T18:57:00.001-06:00

I just love this picture. We didn't send it out because we both aren't looking at the camera, and well, that was a good reason for me.

ALSO. We have a wedding website! Check it out, and sign the guestbook!! :)

The one we sent out:

2011-06-23T20:29:00.000-06:00

You like?

Engagement Pics: A few more!

2011-06-08T12:52:00.000-06:00

You aren't allowed to see the one we will send out with invitations, and you aren't allowed to see my other very favorite one... But you can see these. Cause I'm nice.

Tell me what you think-- or I will ground you from anymore pictures! :)

Giveaway!

2011-06-07T18:51:00.001-06:00

Go to my Etsy Facebook page and see what it's all about :)

An even better sneak.

2011-05-17T18:38:00.001-06:00

That title just sounds creepy.

Annnywaaaays. Here's a better sneak peek of our engagement pictures. I can't show them all to you, cause that would really take the fun out of this whole thing, now wouldn't it? So anyways... What do you think about this one??!

I just realized I actually look like a laughing hyena or something here. What can I say... He makes me smile. :)

Sneak Peek!

2011-05-17T16:46:00.001-06:00

Here's a very poor quality sneak peek of engagement pics! Get excited, yo! :)

Tagged:

2011-05-09T21:32:00.000-06:00

It's been like 90 billion years since I've been tagged in one of these things, but Melissa decided she wanted to know these fun facts about me... So here you go!

#1. What did you do ten years ago?

Let's see... I would have been 13 years old. So I was babysitting and I also had the figure of a refrigerator. It was awesome. Not.

#2. What did you do one year ago?

One year ago I was thinking of going to Papua New Guinea, working at a job I didn't love, and being on-and-off "friends" with Josh. :)

#3. Five snacks that you like?

Goldfish crackers, Cheeze-its, apples with Peanut butter, anything chocolate, and bananas, I guess.

#4. Five things you would do if you were a millionaire?
-BUY A HOUSE!!! (We are having some house drama right now...)
-Go on another missions trip--this time with Josh! (To Romania, since he knows the language.)
-Buy all new church busses. With nice heaters. :)
-Wardrobe malfunction days be gone.
-Buy houses/cars/clothes for all my family. :)

#6. Five bad habits?
-Biting.my.nails. I want to quit. It's gross
-Being too critical about myself and others.
-Caring way.too.much about what others think.
-Facebook. Is it really necessary? Yes. ;)
-Checking my alarm 500 million times before I go to sleep-- just to make sure.

#7. Five things you like to do?
-Be with Josh.
-Be with Family.
-Go to Church.
-Drink good coffee. Lots of it.
-Watch the rain fall on my windshield.

#8. Five things you would never dress in or buy?
-Mini skirt.
-Leather pants.
-Crocs.
-Short shorts.
-Super high heels

#9. Five Favorite Toys:
-My phone. Although not fancy (I want one!) It's my pal.
-Laptop.
-Buzz Lightyear gun; kept in my car, I shoot stupid drivers with it.
-Coffee Pot. :)
-Ipod!

I am not going to tag anyone specifically, so if you want to do this, consider yourself tagged! :)

Shameless Promoting:

2011-04-27T21:56:00.000-06:00

As you know, I have an Etsy store.

So I'm here to tell you that if you go to said store and buy any necklace, we'll give you earrings free! (Any set you like in the store, or we can custom make you some)

So please go check it out, and tell all your friends. Family. Loved ones. Blog buddies. People in the line at Walmart... Whatever.

I'll love you forever if you do.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T22:33:00.000-06:00

How the Church Bus rolls:

2011-04-17T21:58:00.000-06:00

I wanted to make a really dorky pun about how we technically roll on wheels... But then I was like, um, no. That would be stupid..

So anyway, we have Disney Day on the church bus. We bus workers love dress up days. Check it out! :)

We have Mulan, Army guy from Toy Story, Queen of Hearts, Alice in Wonderland, Ken, Lotso from Toy Story, and TWO Jack Sparrows! :)

Lots of the kids dress up, too. I just didn't post any pictures. :)

Craigslist Find:

2011-04-16T08:14:00.002-06:00

This is the free chair we got! Obviously it's the "before" picture... Don't expect an "after" for awhile :)

Patience.

2011-04-16T00:30:00.000-06:00

Josh is the most patient man I know.

#1. He works with special needs kids all day. That takes a very patient person, and I am so proud of him for being so great at it. :)

#2. Um. Look who he's marrying...

For example:

Tonight we were just hanging out, and I was surfing the Craigslist free ads, per usual. When I saw a chair I liked, and realized it was maybe 3 minutes from my house, I decided we simply had to have it.

So, we got in my car and left.

When we got there, we realized that chair was so not fitting in my car. But don't worry, I came up with a brilliant idea... So we stuck the back of the chair into my trunk, and I laid down in the trunk and held on to it! Isn't that so smart? I laughed the whole way home, because seriously, who does things like this?

Yes. He is patient.

Pictures to come! (It's a before/after project!)

Of Mason Jars and Miracle Whip lids:

2011-04-14T23:10:00.000-06:00

Maybe I'm just too easily excited. Maybe. Or maybe this is really a sweet deal I got mah-self.

See all these jars? There's more that aren't in that picture. I didn't take the time to count, but there are a lot. I am using them for my wedding as centerpieces. Just look at how lovely they are:

Well. Okay. Right now they're dirty. I see that. But a little scrub and they will be good as new.

There are lots of Ball & Kerr jars. I like those the best.

Oh. Also I got a Miracle Whip lid on one of them. I took this picture because I thought it looked cute and oldschool.

Anyway. Back to my story. So, I was browsing Craigslist (My favorite!) and found this lady in town who had a bunch of jars in her shed. She wanted someone to take them off her hands. So, I did her a favor and did just that.

Yes. They were free.
Yes. I'm ecstatic.

Coming soon: A sample of the centerpieces I'm talking about! Don't doubt me, people... It'll be pretty!

A little of this, a little of that.

2011-04-02T00:05:00.001-06:00

1. Mr. Murphy was going to be released today, but then his number started rising, so he had to stay. :( Do pray he can leave soon! (He still has to stay near that VA hospital for quite some time while he recovers, but he would really like to be out of THAT bed.)

2. I found this stuff when I was in Australia. It's called Nak. It's the best thing that ever happened to my hair... And then I ran out. So yes, if you are wondering, I did have some shipped here to good ol' USA. A good hair day is worth it, right? Don't judge me.

3. Josh and I went on a picnic tonight (first good weather day in a looooooonnnnnng time) Here we are.
Oh. Do you like my hat? I don't feel like a hat person. But Josh likes it, so I wore it. :)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I plan to visit all my bus kids, go to church, and win this. =]

I can dream, anyway. :)

Update:

2011-03-28T17:04:00.000-06:00

SO sorry for the delay in updating you-- especially after you all prayed for Josh's dad.

The Friday before we left, he was not doing good-- at all. Hence, the trip.

By the time we got there Saturday afternoon, he was doing much better, and the doctors were optimistic. We left Sunday, and Monday he had another infection (keeping him from being on the liver transplant list.) The infection was gone by Wednesday, and he was re-listed at #1.

He has now had the liver transplant, and was sitting up in a chair 8 hours after surgery! He did have a blood leak, but they did another surgery (which went well) and that is looking good now.

All in all, people, God is good. End of story.

It'll be a long road to recovery for him, and he isn't out of the woods yet, so please keep him in your prayers. But the fact that he is alive is an answer to prayer alone!

Prayers, please.

2011-03-19T06:10:00.000-06:00

Josh's dad is having very serious health problems. He needs a new liver, and will get put on the list to get one... Just as soon as a really bad infection he has goes away.

We're driving to Portland today.

Please. Pray for his dad. He needs a miracle. Pray for his mom, too. Pray for his whole family, really. And please pray for safety as we travel there and back this weekend.

Love,
Me.

"When I was 4...."

2011-03-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Josh sometimes makes fun of me because of my memories. I remember, quite vividly, when I was the ripe old age of four. Anyway, take a trip down my memory lane with me?

-The time my rude neighbor, Britni, threw a rock at my head. I remember it.

-The time I was in Britni's single wide, and their water came out of the faucet black, and her mom still made me drink it. Oh, I remember it.

-The time I watched my elderly friend, Mr. Wilson, plant a tree. I remember it.

-The time I was peeling potatoes with my mom and cut my finger. (still nervous around potato peelers)... I remember it.

-When I pretended like I was pregnant and shoved a teddy bear up my purple shirt. I remember it.

-When I rode the rocking horse "bare back" (I had the bare back)... I remember it.

-That one time I woke up after falling asleep while "The Simpsons" was on, and then the evening news came on and the evening sun was beating on my little four year old back and the dust speckles showed... I remember it. And for the record, I still hate evening sun because of that. And the Simpsons.

-When I wore that romper with the fish on the front that had gel and glitter inside... I remember it.

-That one time when my mom woke me up from a nap by shaking a giant stuffed dog "Wags'" that I had at the end of the bed... Yeah, terrifying.... I remember it.

-That time I watched a movie where a kid ran away from home, so I did, too-- for no reason. I remember throwing all my clothes into an open sheet and my mom asking me what I was doing, and telling me that if I ran away, it'd break her heart... So I stayed. I remember it.

-When I was mad at my older sister for squirting me with the hose, I said "I'm telling mom!!!" then I stood inside for a second, didn't tell my mom, then went back outside and said "mom said to stop." I remember it.

....I wonder if I will have a kid just like me someday? I have many more memories from that age... Just thought I'd share a few. :) Do you remember when you were four? Or is that just me?

The Weekend:

2011-02-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

See these stickers? You probably think we gave blood, dontcha?

Yeah, well. We tried.

See, they wouldn't take mine since I was just in a tropical place. (They think I have Malaria or something.) And they wouldn't take Josh's blood because he lived in Europe for 8 years.

So, rules being rules... We went. We tried. We did not give blood.

But we still took our stickers.

Annnnnyways. Right after that we headed up to Sun Valley, Idaho, to spend the weekend with the College and Career group at church for our very last Winter Camp! (We'll be married by the next one!!)

Here are the pictures!

{Every road trip should have goldfish along for the ride.}

{Tubing}

{Ice skating}

{STARBUCKS!!!!!}

{what?}

{hahahaha Josh makes me laugh.}

{Gorgeous!!!}

{The end.}

In other {non wedding} news:

2011-02-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

I posted a couple of new things on Etsy. Take a looksy! Also, I haven't forgotten that I want to do a giveaway... I just can't decide what to giveaway! Earrings? Necklace? Hair-do-dads? Tough decisions. :)

Bridesmaids Bouquets?

2011-02-20T17:15:00.001-07:00

Thoughts? This is just an option. Obviously I have a long time before these actually have to be done... But my plan is to knock everything that can be done out right away, so the days leading up to the wedding can just be FUN! :)

But seriously. What do you think?

Wednesday:

2011-02-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

Today I substitute taught at the school again (lots of sickies!) and also tried on a dress comparable to the expensive one I told you about for WAY cheaper. :) It is in the running!

I thought you would like to know some of the hilarious things I heard today though from the kids:

"You can say stupid to Lego's... but NOT your friends. Or humans."

"My mom said I can leave school whenever I want.... *lonnnng sigh* I wish someone would help me dial the phone number to tell her I need picked up."

......

Also. I met the cutest little girl on Monday who asked me on Tuesday if she could be my flower girl. :)

That's it for today everyone. I am feeling no good myself so I will be headed to bed early tonight!

I am a substitute teacher today...

2011-02-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

And this is the note a cute little girl left her teacher. :) So cute!!

"Dear miss megan I am so glad you are not going to die. But I hope you get well now. From Grace."

From now on...

2011-02-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

You will probably see lots of my wedding ideas and what I'm up to. Is that okay with you? Will that bore you to death? Cause if it does I will create another blog so I don't bore you.

Do tell. I'm seriously curious. :)

The Story!

2011-01-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

So about three weeks ago, while Josh and I were visiting our bus kids, (we do that every Saturday), I mentioned that I thought it would be fun to take a winter picnic/walk on the greenbelt in lovely downtown Boise. So I planned my own engagement without knowing it!

It seriously could not have been any more wonderful! I was taking pictures the whole time (lucky you!) and documenting the day and I had no idea what was coming!

[Picture one: Here we go!]

We saw these abandoned gloves sitting on a bench. I said they were "wedding gloves" because they were black and white. Aww.

[We started at the Anne Frank Memorial in downtown Boise]

[Chaperone.]

[Look Josh, your name!]

[going through a tunnel]

[said tunnel]

[I found this peace sign on a little dock thing by the Boise River]

[Cute. :) Please note: I still had no idea!]

.... So then we decided to stop for our picnic. I wanted to take a picture of the view from our bench.

[view]

[hot cocoa]

[He's a crunchy guy, I'm a creamy gal. And yet, we get along. Yay PB&J!]

[being a dork.]

[making Josh be a dork with me.]

Then... THEN the fun started.

Josh: Do you want dessert?

Me: You have dessert? Oh, is it those cookie things your grandma makes?

Josh: No, it's a surprise dessert.

Me: Oh. Okay. (Still clueless....)

Then next thing I knew, he was on his knee, with a beautiful ring in his hand, asking me to marry him.

To which I said:

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!?!?! NUH-UH!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!"

All the while waving my hands like a crazy person. So he had to ask me to give him my hand. Upon which he placed the most gorgeous ring ever. I love it. I love him.

[I think I will keep him.]

By the time we walked back to the car, I had a horrible stomach ache. (Dairy, probably. Dumb dairy) So Josh stopped at the store on the way home (to see our families who were waiting to hear the story) and bought me Tums. And roses. :)

It's love, peeps.

Big ginormous announcement!!!!!

2011-01-29T23:29:00.000-07:00

We're engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will tell you the story later. I have to be up early tomorrow and really should *try* to sleep-- though I am way too excited!! Anyway. Just thought I would share the wonderful news!

I swear....

2011-01-29T00:21:00.002-07:00

Maksym picked out this onesie today at Babies R Us.... I promise he did!! How CUTE is he?!!

A foggy day...

2011-01-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

...makes for some pretty pictures, if you ask me!

Loving:

2011-01-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

Maybe I am really conceited or something, but I am loving this set of clippies on my Etsy site. :)

Oh! And you can now "like" my Etsy on Facebook. So do a girl a favor, and like it!!

I'm feeling a giveaway happening soon, too. So stay tuned.

Is that so wrong?

2011-01-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to post my newest Etsy item, and I didn't happen to have a baby girl just hanging out.

So I used my nephew.

Is that terrible?! He is SO cute I can't stand it. Do you think he will hate me later for doing this to him?!

[You can find it here.]

Just thought I would share:

2011-01-04T00:24:00.000-07:00

These.

Just in case you were in the market for cute V-day clips! :)

[You can get them here]

Stuff and whatnot.

2010-12-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

I have this obsession with taking pictures whenever I accidentally match people. I have a whole album dedicated to it on Facebook. I hate intentionally matching people... But when it just so happens? I.love.it. Please, don't ask why. I can't explain it. This is Vickie and I. We were having a movie night!

My little nephew, Maksym, is getting so big! (well, as big as a three month old baby should get...) and he loves his fingers, and me. The end. :)

Here we are waiting in line to see Santa, who was also cranky that day. How is that even possible?! Santa and cranky just don't belong together!

I brought him this sweet hat back from Papua New Guinea! A lady made it for me in her hut. I requested the BSU colors. :) I also made him a BSU blanket when I was there.

See?

Anyway. Here is Josh and his whole family and I. :)

That's the nitty gritty for now, everyone!

Christmas at our house!

2010-12-24T17:08:00.002-07:00

I hope you all have yourself a merry little Christmas.... And please don't forget the reason for the season! I know everybody says it, but Christmas does have such a meaning!

My savior was born, so he could die.... for me!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

What with being out of the country and all, I seem to have run out of time to do a really special Christmas blog for you all. I know you are probably really missing it.

But you know what? This is it. I really do want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Love, Mel. :)

I'm back!

2010-12-16T17:29:00.001-07:00

Hello friends!

I'm back from my adventure in Papua New Guinea! So many pictures to share.... But this is my favorite:

Love.

2010-10-30T01:17:00.002-06:00

Oh, but I do love fall!

A little slow here...

2010-10-21T10:50:00.002-06:00

I just realized I can blog from my phone... Yeah, yeah... I'm a little behind. Anyway, now that I know I can do that, it means you get more bloggy fun from me! Wow! Get excited!!

Annyway. Here is a picture from when my cutie pie nephew came to visit me at work yesterday! Go on. Ooh & aah.

New Blog!

2010-10-20T12:13:00.000-06:00

Alright everyone. I'm leaving the country for three months. IN 11 DAYS.

I'm freaking out.

And also, I am going to do my best to blog on my journey abroad. I may not always have internet, but I really want to keep everybody updated... You can go ahead and start following me here to get the nitty gritty!

Crazy busy!

2010-10-18T19:07:00.000-06:00

I have just been busy doing the usual work/church/boyfriend things... And also freaking out that I am leaving for Papua New Guinea in less than two weeks.

I KNOW. FREAK OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyways. Also I have been making stuff for my Etsy. Check it out! (I know, I know... these need to be in hair. I do not happen to have an adorable 2 year old of my own to be my model though.)

And this, my friends, is why kids want to ride our church bus:

2010-10-04T22:02:00.001-06:00

Because we decorate our bus to look like tons of fun (which it totally is) and drive around town to parks and neighborhoods giving free popsicles away and inviting kids to church!

Hooray for fun Saturday's and new souls on the church bus!!

... And hooray (?) for taking weird pictures!

My birthday lasts a week basically.

2010-09-30T15:29:00.001-06:00

Well only three days I guess. But still. :)

So. On my actual birthday, Josh took me a to a delicious restaurant that I love called Brick 29. They have the coolest atmosphere and some seriously tasty food! I went there with the Holtom's and this fella not so long ago. Anyway. Yum!!

And for my present?

Let me tell you. Josh is good. Reaaaaaaal good.

He got me not just a pedicure. Not just a manicure. Not just my hairs done. Not just a massage or a body scrub. Nope. He got ALL of those things for me. All of them. It's going to take an entire day. I.am.so.excited!!!!! And it's to this really awesome spa that I got a pedicure at once forever ago. Oh wow. I'm stoked. :)

And then yesterday (birthday #2) I got a cute coffee cup that looks like a Starbucks cup only it's plastic, and a coffee card, and money towards my trip from my parents. Thanks mom and dad!! And my little sister Hayley also put money towards my trip... Thanks Hayley! And Taylor got me a CD from our church bookstore which is (so far) really great! Thanks Tay!!

Tonight is party #3. :) Wow I'm spoiled!! Grandparents, my older sister and of COURSE the baby are coming, as well and Josh and some other pals. Exciting stuff! I chose s'mores for my birthday dessert! Fun times. I'll fill you in on #3 later! :)

HB to ME!

2010-09-28T06:44:00.000-06:00

Weird how everything turns into a "birthday" whatever on my birthday.

This morning I shaved my birthday legs. Got a cup of birthday coffee. Did my birthday makeup...

And now I have to go to birthday work. Getting "old" means birthdays are just days now. I never understood that when I was a little girl getting My Little Pony stuff. But now, NOW I do. :)

Have a fantastic Mel's Birthday, everyone. =]

I'm an Aunt!

2010-09-20T15:01:00.000-06:00

May I introduce you to the cutest little thing?!

(ps- his cheeks have the cutest dimples. Ever.)

Maksym James

That is one VERY proud Grandpa :)

(It was game day, hence all the orange and blue. :)

My Preacher said it really well...

2010-09-11T21:31:00.000-06:00

(yelling) BOISE! STATE!

2010-09-07T22:08:00.000-06:00

Well since we have cable, and the big game was on ESPN, everyone came to our house to watch it! I personally haven't ever been a huge football fan (unless I'm at the game - then I find it more interesting) but it's still fun to have people over, wear the colors and of COURSE eat the food. =]

Here's me and my youngest sister, Hayley

Here is me and the older sister, Megan. Probably next time you hear me talk about her, I will be talking about the baby she just had!!! But that hasn't happened just yet. I am betting it's going to happen tomorrow. 9/8. Serious. I think that's the day.

Here is Vickie and I. Love that woman! :)

Josh and I :) He is boring and doesn't wear BSU colors. Sheesh!

My dad looks like he is having entirely too much fun here...

Seriously that picture cracks me up. :)

Sup? (pictures and an announcement)

2010-09-04T18:44:00.000-06:00

This has been a crazy week! One of my best friends, Ashleigh, got married last night! Here's some pictures of what I've been up to. :)

Bridal Brunch: (the baby feet are just random. There was a baby there, and I thought her toes were cute. :)

And here I am just before the wedding... Complete with 5 inches of makeup. (Thanks, MAC!) :)

I have pretty friends. :)

Oh. And....

You probably would want to know this. I'm just guessing of course. Maybe not. Do you want to know what I am trying to tell you? Probably so. I won't delay any longer... Ladies and gentlemen...

.........

Oh you are still waiting?

mmkay. I have a boyfriend now. We have been really good friends for quite some time, and only (very) recently became boyfriend/girlfriend.

Meet Josh: A great guy who loves the Lord and wants to serve him, and treats me so so well and is understanding about, you know... everything.