Spring Around The House // Bunnies, Plants and Eggs

Spring has sprung around our little place and with it comes new beauty, fresh greenness and plenty of song birds.

 

Oh, and a heavy dose of spring fever.

 

I've been itching the last several weeks for the colder days to pass; while I wait, I have been making tiny adjustments in our apartment. I think wiping the dust from our homes, airing out rooms and decorating in simple ways is an excellent way to usher in the joys of spring.

 

 

In the kitchen, two bunnies (Mr. Salt + Miss Pepper) have found their way on the bakers wrack. A little jar is filled with flowering weeds a little friend gave me a few days ago.

 

While I wash dishes the (deliciously yummy!) scent of eucalyptus wafts from the front window. I found a bunch for $2.99 at Trader Joes. :)

 

Tiny spring touches have come to the living room. Do you remember the spray-painted branches I made in February? They are now "blooming" with yellow and white tissue paper blossoms.

 

(Heeheehe, you may also see dirty laundry waiting to be watched. Ooops! :)

 

A little rocking chair was recently given to us by sweet friends ... I love my new seat as it is perfect for my height! (No more tippy-toe rocking for me! :) The chalkboards have phrases like "Alleluia" and "Abundant Mercy" scribbled over them in an effort to bring Resurrection Sunday to mind.

 

The rest of the living room is decorated with tiny pastel colored eggs from Hobby Lobby. Dalton enjoyed tucking them into different places around the house. He is such a cutie. :)

 

Out the door our flower bed is beginning to grow -- since this is our first spring here I am unsure as to what will be coming up but I think we have some roses, daffodils and tulips among the mix.

 

Last week I enjoyed laying new mulch over the dead leaves. Our neighbors (who are avid gardeners) were so kind in offering their bags of mulch and soil. Lord willing, D and I will try to grow some veggies in containers along the small driveway.

 

Does anyone know what this little beauty is?

 

Look closely and you will see our friends Miss Dove, Mr. Squirrel and three different feathered ones enjoying the bird feeder my daddy gave for Christmas.

 

I would *love* to see how you are ushering springtime into your homes and lives. Are you spring cleaning? Redecorating? Finishing finals? Trading in hot drinks for summer time treats like iced coffee?

 

Tell me what's going on -- I'd love to know!

 

With lots of love, blessings and hugs,

Following God as Dear Children // Coffee Series

It's 9:30 am and glorious.

 

With birds singing, sun shining and a cup beside me I can't help but rejoice (even though I just dribbled coffee like a sprinkler down my dress and recliner ... woopsie!)

 

Above all the beauty and joy which I have described I am most thankful for the love of God. Often, I struggle with worry and fear; I introvert too much and spend days wondering if I am doing enough,  loving enough and following enough, if my walk with God is enough. Can you relate?

 

After weeks of fretting I began to ask God to work in me; to show me His love, to lead me away from any sin and to create in me a heart that loves Him. And while I feel that I'm not where I should be He has answered my prayers.

 

 

Being followers of Christ isn't about being good enough. For "Christ's sake, I am forgiven."

 

Loving the Heavenly Father isn't about following hard rules, strict obedience and bowing down to a wrathful judge (although obedience and justice is involved). It's about "walking in love, as Christ loved us."  

 

We're called to be followers of God, as dear children. A long time ago, I wrote a little piece on the definition of the word dearheart. As I look over it I see the phrase, "Highly valued; greatly beloved; cherished; precious." Following God isn't about following hard rules; it's about following Him as highly valued, greatly beloved children. If you are a follower of Christ, you are cherished, precious and your Heavenly Father will equip you to follow His ways fully and in love.

 

And that is the greatest reason for being happy today. The springtime weather, fresh coffee and singing birds are lovely, but having a God Who has forgiven me fully, loves me as a dear child and equips me to follow Him is why I sing today.

 

What lessons have you been learning lately? Do you ever struggle with introspective thoughts and have you found freedom in looking to Christ? I would love to learn from my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ. :)

 

With love, blessings and an (empty!) mug of coffee,

Downtown Travels | Jefferson City in Snow

 

I really enjoy Jefferson City.

 

 

Surrounded by beautiful country, the city seems to have the perfect mixture of old-fashioned beauty and modern convenience.

 

I especially enjoy living only two miles from the Capital; Dalton often drops me off on his way to work. I walk along the library, pass shops and eventually through the Capital building. It is always open for touring.  

 

The Governor's Mansion is truly beautiful. Behind it hides a Greek-themed garden planted years ago by the Governor's wife and several working prisoners. In the spring dog-wood blossoms and tulips greet everyone who pass by while several fountains have children (and adults) smiling.

 

When I wrote this two weeks ago the the city was cold and laden with small snowy piles.

 

On my latest walk I discovered a little museum tucked along the street; maybe our next date day can take us here. Our favorite pizza place isn't very far away ... ;)

 

 

Behind me are several railroad tracks and, even further, the Missouri River.

 

One day I plan to write a post about falling in love with a new city; sometimes it can be challenging adapting to a new home. Thankfully, the capital of Missouri seemed to have no trouble winning my heart and making me feel at home. :)

 

Do you enjoy where you are living? Is it more country or city? Did you ever have a difficult move? I would love to hear your stories.

 

With love and blessings,

55 Things I've Learned After Being Married for One Year

I can't believe it. I can't believe that Dalton and I have been married for exactly one year today. A lot of time has passed since that lovely March day; a lot of love, memories and lessons have occurred within our glorious year. Overall, I would say that our first year has been pretty easy; of course, we've had our arguments and our disappointments but theses things have only driven us closer.

Below are fifty-five things I have learned during this first year. Some are fun and silly while others are more serious; each have helped make me into the woman I am today. I look forward to seeing who I will be next year and the year after that. God bless each of you as you read this -- may it inspire, humor and bless you in your own adventures!

1. Marriage, in God's will, is one of His greatest, most kind, gifts to mankind

2. Breakfast doesn't make itself

3. But real men make breakfast (thank you, Dalton! xoxoxo!)

4. Marriage really does take a lot of work

5. And patience

6. And grace

7. Grocery shopping with Dalton is a real treat (I had always imagined I'd shop alone as my dad never went with us. :)

8. You really can live (well!) on one income

9. When buying furniture it is far better to wait for the right style, price and time than jumping into a bargain you'll regret later

10. Babies aren't just made

11. But contentment in the waiting will make you (and your spouse) grow closer to each other and the Lord

12. Homesickness is inevitable

13. And it is okay

14. But when homesickness sweeps over you, don't run home. Run to your beloved and share your heart. You'll grow through it.

15. Arguments will happen (even when you're the perfect couple!)

16. But most of the arguments will be based on miscommunication

17. Your spouse cannot read your mind and he shouldn't have to

18. Going on a date can be as simple as walking through the mall together ... the time together is oh, so priceless!

19. Husbands love to have their jokes laughed at ... but they want you to be real! ;)

20. Dalton cannot stand popping knuckles ... if I pop them while he sleeps he hears it and gives a little grunt of disapproval :D

21. Being your mate's biggest fan and advocate is *so* important. Criticizing him or allowing others to criticize him is a big no-no and a trust breaker. I learned this the hard way. Always, be on your mate's team ... you'll never regret having their trust!

22. Being thrifty can be really fun

23. But sometimes going cheap is not worth it (like buying cheap toilet paper which rips ... du du duuuuuum!)

24. The first few months of marriage will probably be a little tight in the budget ... but don't fret! In about 3 months you'll have the budget set, utilities scheduled, and furnishings furnished and you can begin to relax.

25. Husbands want to know if they're "getting fat " sometimes ... and they want an honest answer

26. Celebrating "month-a-versaries" is really fun!!

27. Riding the bus is actually ... really easy

28. Decorations can be bought little by little each year. Our Christmas tree was given to us and our ornaments were made from a package of potpourri ... but it was truly beautiful and definitely "us." I've found it far more satisfying to stay within budget and buy a little to set up home then go into debt (or over budget).

29. But remember, the budget isn't meant to be a hateful, slave master constantly whipping your backs. If you find that you can agree that the purchase is necessary then go for it! :)

30. Tubs need to be scrubbed every few months ... otherwise they get this gross ring around the edge and your sister will have to scrub it when she comes to visit they get gross.

31. Your Momma is really, really going to miss you (and you her). Bless her, call her, text her, send letter to her ... do all that you can to make this transition easier for the dear woman who has loved you all your life. I wish I had done more of this in the beginning!! <3 p="">
32. A man who makes you coffee is a man worth keeping!!

33. Men like kindness (imagine that!). But really, it's true. Sometimes new wives tend to allow familiarity to become an excuse for complacency breeding selfishness and thoughtlessness. From my extensive studies, men don't respond very well to those traits; however, give them a dose of kindness and suddenly you're a princess who does everything right! ;)

34. You could complain or you could swallow that complaint. The choice is yours.

35. Not being honest about your feelings is a lie. Period.

36. Dalton is genuinely impressed and happy when I give myself over to my "creative juices." His support for my little creations and writing has been such a blessing!

37. Strep throat can be incredibly costly

38. Sleeping during the night is far better than sleeping in the day. When we were first married, D worked the morning shift (11 pm - 7 am). It was a fun adventure, but we were sure glad when he was able to get a swing shift instead (1 pm - 9 pm). We loved not having to sleep in the daytime!    

39. Keeping house is a lot of fun ... especially after you get into the swing of things

40. A good man will eat a lot of icky meals (including leftovers!)

41. Friendly neighbors are a real blessing

42. Lovemaking is so much better than what you thought it would be as a single person

43. Pursuing a relationship with your in-laws (or in-loves as I like to say!) is super important and super rewarding

44. Pregnancy tests are super expensive

45. And getting a negative reading can be devastating

46. Bacon is a financial treat you should partake in once in a while

47. Praying together every day is a investment for eternity and well worth the time

48. Saying "I'm sorry; do you forgive me?" is one of the greatest phrases of all time and a great healer. Use it often.

49. Contentment is a choice ... even after you have everything you ever wanted (a husband who loves you, a home of your own ...) you'll still have to choose to be content.

50. Being married to you best friend is the best thing that could ever happen. He will hold you when you cry, laugh when you laugh, and bless your every moment.

51. Marriage (and all that comes with it) will affect your hormones and you'll feel a little "out of control" for a while. It's okay and I'm pretty convinced it happens to us all. Give yourself grace, plenty of rest, and good, nutrient rich meals and you'll survive. :)

52. God will never fail to meet His children's needs. I have learned this over and over again this year -- our God is good and loving!

53. Finding an apartment with a good landlord and without any broken windows is a huge blessing

54. Not eating sugar/wheat really does make me feel better

55. A man who points you to Christ, encourages you to look up, and prays for you is worth the world and rare

I really couldn't be any happier than I am right now. Dalton and I are so blessed -- we've learned a lot since we said "I do" last year on March 7th. We've stumbled, bickered and felt lost. But we have grown, bonded, and found hope in God's leading. I know we wouldn't trade what we have for the world.

Happy anniversary, D! May we have 70 more!

Were there any points you could relate with or that surprised you? Feel free to bring up your thoughts!!

With love, coffee, and a one year old marriage!

 

Home Again, Home Again // Las Vegas Honeymoon

It's official.

I love traveling with my darling man.

Not only do I have someone to tote the large suitcase onto scary, metal escalators but there's a constant hand to hold + smile to find ... even when we're lost + travel weary.

Our (late) honeymoon was a blast. We flew to Las Vegas + spent ten warm, sun-shiny days touring the strip + lounging in the lazy river at our resort. A very kind friend had given us a week of his time share so we were able to really feel at home in a Wyndham apartment.

 

 

 

We spent hours walking the strip, eating gelato + exploring the sites.

 

 

 

 

One of our favorite discoveries was Las Vegas' Chinatown. While there we ate at Mother's Grill, a beautiful Korean restaurant.

 

 

Afterwards, we explored a busy grocery store full of foreign foods, fresh meat + produce.

 

Trinket shops were full of adorable items + hilarious signs.

 

And we wandered into one shop that was full of dried goods including shark fin, mushrooms + ginseng. Everything was amazingly expensive ...

 

The Hershey Chocolate store was lovely ... every type of candy lined the shelves.

 

 

Often times, we'd prepare our own meals at our apartment ... Dalton loves pickle juice + took full advantage of the lovely glasses we found in the cupboard.

 

 

And many nights we spent watching a movie with the fireplace ablaze, snuggled close.

 

It was a really special trip + one I'm so thankful we could go on. Now we are back home + making the most of our days here ... but we will always be able to look back to this trip + smile!

Coffee with my Lord | Promises from God's Word

 

Good morning, sweet friends! It is a beautifully chilled and gray day today -- my beloved is out gathering the last of his Christmas list and so I am sitting in an unusually quiet home with tea in one hand and a few encouraging verses next to the other.

 

God is so good, isn't He? Faithfully, He meets our needs and with a gracious hand our wants are often met too. Beyond our imagination is His love and mercy and wisdom. A simple lesson I have been learning is to look to our Heavenly Father for His promises and to cling to them; a simple practice I used when I was a newborn Christian but for some reason allowed to fall to the side in the latter years.

 

The good news is that His promises are never ending! We barely have to part the pages of His Word before words of promise pour out. Promises of life, freedom, victory, mercy, love, security, and justice have been preserved for our generation; there are also other promises: judgment, His second coming, and discipline. Thankfully, what seems like negative promises actually bring comfort to the believing soul. There will be a day of judgment, but it will be tempered by the blood of Jesus who I plead. There will be a day when Christ appears, but praise God!, I will be prepared to meet Him with a heart washed in the blood and a life transformed by His power. There will be discipline in this life, but it is only the gentle, correcting staff of a shepherd Who watches yearns for His sheep to walk in the path of life.  Yes, the Bible is full of promises I need to cling too!

 

Psalm 62 had a few promises which encouraged my heart -- I hope they encourage yours as well!

 

What promises do you find yourself clinging too? Maybe there is a special promise you have been reminding yourself of lately? I'd love to hear it!

 

Also, don't forget about the giveaway tonight! I can't wait to make you and your mailbox happy!

 

Love and blessings to you!

 

Late Nights at the Duncan House

 A happy hello to each of you! I hope this finds you well—rejoicing in the peace and joy of the Lord! The last two days I have enjoyed the sunshine (and rain) with my sweetheart. Him having two nights off gives wonderful freedom to explore our city, catch up on sleep, work on house projects, and simply enjoy spending the day together.

But what exactly goes on when my mister leaves the house for work at 10:30 p.m.? Whatever occurs in the wee hours of morning while I await D’s homecoming? Since Dalton and I are purposing to be on a similar schedule I spend my evenings in all sorts of ways. Let me share some with you. 

Computer Work

                          

Welcome to my office! Here I perform a myriad of tasks ranging from creating/implementing a household budget ( S U P E R  fun!), investigate options for insurance, internet and the likes, search for husband birthday ideas (it’s coming up and you know … I’ve never had a husband to throw parties for. It’s kind of a new thing ;), create grocery lists, to-do lists, and random blog post lists.

Oh, I also spend a lot of time here and here and here. Ooops.

 Craigslist-ing

Although searching Craigslist is considered computer related this pastime deserves its own paragraph. Hours of searching/replying/crying over unnoticed bids occurr in my solitude. However, I am thankful that these pictures demonstrate the results of watching over the furniture section like a buzzard over road kill. We were blessed to find a sofa and love seat for $130 and the cutest bench table for $100. Both in good condition!

                                      

Cooking and Cleanting

(a shout out to Madea)

The house is abuzz with all sorts of projects once eleven o’clock strikes. Cabinets come off hinges and are painted, pantries wiped out, floors mopped, bathrooms sanitized, and occasionally meals get prepared for. This yummy dish can be found here and was filled with turkey and cheese (blue for him, cheddar for her). J

                                      

 Quiet Time

The quiet moments of evening prove lovely for listening to music, reading, and writing. My current favorites include re-playing "Attaboy," reading God's words in Psalms and Proverbs as well as re-reading my copy of Created to be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl.

Overall, the favorite pursuits of my current third shift is working with the budget and taking time to read. I know these slow yet busy days will not always last so I want to be as patient, thankful, and productive with them as possible.

Have any of you tried to maintain a weird schedule? I’d love to hear about it!

Your nightowl of a friend,

Frannie

This Thing Called Marriage

:: Cinnamon water, black coffee, and matching plates of omelets and pita bread for brunch. A happy hello from the Duncans! ::

Hello dear friends!

Wow … can you believe that I am actually, truly, for the rest of my life, married?

Sometimes I myself forget. J

But before I get lost in some confusing blog post let me tell you something ...

Marriage is wonderful!

I love waking up next to my best friend every day. Talking budget with him. Learning how to communicate and share my/our feelings better. Discussing how our parents are doing. Encouraging him. Showing him what I’ve been doing while he is away at work. Strolling through town with him. Greeting him at the door. It really has been a blast—and something I pray lasts for many more years to come.

There have been many (hilarious, conflicting, amazing) adjustments to make since I became Mrs. Duncan two weeks ago. Let me list them:

1) It is okay that I’m sleeping with … gulp … a man.

            I know, I know. “Get with the program, Frannie. You’re married so of course you’ll sleep with a man.” ;-) But really. This has been an adjustment and one I am pondering and plan to write more on in the future. J

2) WHO AM I?

            Marriage has turned my world around and for the better. But there are some moments when I stop and ponder the big questions in life. Who am I now that I’m married? What am I supposed to do with myself? Who do I answer to?

            Of course I know the answers to these questions. I’m still Frannie. Yet, marriage has altered my course of life drastically. You see, I think I was prepared for the idea of marriage and not the reality. I have spent many years happily single, enjoying the freedom singleness gives, and knowing exactly who (and how) I wanted to please. The day after our wedding I sat in bed and asked my beloved husband the silliest of questions, “Who am I now, Dalton? What do I do with myself?” Thankfully, my tenderhearted, gentle man didn’t laugh at my quandary and the huge wave of reality that washed over me. Instead, he gave me encouragement to start slow and see where God takes me in this new adventure of wifehood.

            Thankfully, God is still the same God now that I’m married as He was when I was single; He knew I would go through an unforeseen identity crisis, He foresaw that I would wrestle with what I was to do next, He understood that my rule-loving, schedule-abiding heart would need reminders of His faithfulness. Most importantly, He understood my heart way before I did.

3) The wait-till-two-flush-rule

            J It isn’t a rule but I find it humorous how my tidy, thrifty stud of a husband likes to save money by waiting till the second potty run to flush the toilet.

4) Signing my name as Frannie Duncan

            Having now become an “official adult,” I’ve thrown myself into all sorts of adult-like interests (i.e. researching renters insurance, internet company quotes, homemade cleaners, Craigslist furniture searches, calling stale bank ladies who seem to hate answering the phone …). Being grownup is really quite entertaining. And signing all the documents and email signups with my new last name has proven to be a hassle some days.

            p.s. I’m being sarcastic when I say that being married now equals adulthood. I’ve always felt that that was how the world viewed me but I can honestly say that marriage does not “grow you up” or make one feel validated. It is wonderful and lovely but it is not what makes a girl a woman or a boy a man. That’s what character and maturity is for.

5) Living with neighbors … for better or for worse

            Most of my life has been lived in rural, wooded areas with several acres in between homesteads. When describing his ideal place to live my dad puts it this way, “I need to be able to pee off my own porch without worrying about people … or else I just won’t worry about them.” J

Moving to Jefferson City with Dalton has been one of the most thrilling adventures yet. I adore this city. I love seeing the neat, brick homes lining the street and watching families sit on their porches after work. I like living within hearing distance of the train and church bells. And I thoroughly enjoy being able to walk downtown passing historical sites all the way to the capital. Dalton and I were especially excited when the empty apartment above our little home began to buzz when a new couple moved in. But after being jolted out of bed by the sound of a well-equipped boom box and later overhearing their relationship problems through the course of a yelling match I’ve been laughing over how little I now about living right next to neighbors. Hopefully, I’ll be making cookies for the new pair and, who knows, maybe our two families will stay in touch for the rest of our lives. J

            Needless to say, marriage has brought so many joys and blessings my way. I am so thankful God saw it fit to bring D and me together … and I am so glad I get to share this new adventure in life with you!

            With lots of love!

                        Frannie

Special Love from England

A few evenings ago, I received a lovely wedding present all the way from England.  

 

Ms. Barbara, from the blog Cornish Cream, was so generous and thoughtful and I cannot help but share her kindness with you!

Within the package was another bundled sweetly in ribbon and pretty paper.

And within that lace and a delicious lavender sachet.

Four colorful, wonderful tea towels met my eyes!

 

How special!

 

The most special of all were the four tea napkins which were given from her dear mother's Irish collection.

Are they not the most adorable, dainty, priceless gifts ever?

I hope to carry one of these special tea napkins with me as a hankie on the wedding day--though I hope to keep any tears from staining them!

 

It will be a special part of my "something borrowed, something blue, something old, something new."

 

What a remarkable, dear gift!

 

A thousand hugs and thank-you's, Ms. Barbara!

 

Your love and kindness brightened my busy days tremendously!

 

With love and a very happy heart,

Frannie