Whats that you say? Christmas is about Jesus?! Surely you jest

Bella Cupcakes

Today I had a phone interview for a potential marketing intern position through Bella Cupcake Couture - a cute little company (that is growing a lot!) that creates and sells cupcake "wrappers" (for lack of a better word) that can be used for businesses, parties, wedding, etc...

Please be praying that I get this position! It is about a two month commitment, unpaid, and only about 8 hours a week BUT it is something that I am really excited about! I would have the opportunity to use my public relations skills, marketing, creativity, AND there is cupcakes! haha I mean, I'm taking cake decorating classes and I would love the opportunity to use all my skills. At least how it seems, it combines many of my favorite things that I enjoy doing! :) :) :)

the website is www.bellacupcakecouture.com

Christmas, Showers, and things like chemistry (i.e. an ode to Relient K)

I figured I would post some pictures of things that have been going on recently :)

I must say, I am soooo excited to be sharing our "first" Christmas together, Tim & I. I think I was planning it out in August. God has blessed us and as excited as I am for Christmas, I am also reminded of my inner struggle to be a consumer v. a producer. It's definitely something that I have been convicted of - spending my money wisely. Let me just say this now: You'll never find me out shopping the day after Thanksgiving. No thank you...

Anywho, let me get off my soap box for a moment to share some of the recent joys that have been going on :)

Christmas decorations

Stockings that Tim's sister, Makayla, made for us!

Last weekend we also had Lisa's bridal shower! It was a lot of fun! (not to brag or anything, but I totally made that sweet looking bouquet...)

A few weeks ago, Tim and I had the opportunity to spend a four day weekend in Port Ludlow, one of the places we stayed during our honeymoon! It was so good to be back and explore the area with Tim!

Port Ludlow, WA

We went to the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, WA. Basically, you just drive around in your car and get to see everything from bears to peacocks, bison, and even white deer! (*Question: which bear is better? Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica. Oh the office...)

The Bison (and all the animals there for that matter) had no inhibitions about coming right up to your car.

Tim and I in the car at the game farm

In Sequim on the water, it was beautiful!

Reflection

Tim on the water

Overall it was a great time to get away and spend time together!

Grace is sufficient

It is very interesting, and timely, that I would be writing this as the stupid TV show "The Doctor's" is on and the subject? New Parent Tips.

*DISCLAIMER* I'm not pregnant. You'll understand as I write on.

I am so thankful for the community we have become involved in - Tim and I have had the opportunity to get to know wonderful people and form friendships that we were so longing for when we first moved back over to the westside. I have had the opportunity to go to a women's Bible study on Thursday's that I have loved.

That being said, I'm the only one who is not a mother that is in the Bible study. It really doesn't effect the way I learn, or even relate to the other women in the study. If anything, it is extremely helpful for me to learn from women who are in different stages in life. However, being submerged in all these adorable kiddos and talking with their moms has definitely shifted my focus. (*side note - how easily are we persuaded to be like those around us, whether it be the style of clothes to the stage of life*)

Not that it has shifted my focus to wanting kids right now, but rather, looking forward to when that time comes for Tim and I. We would absolutely love to have kids some day, but when I say that my focus is shifted I mean this: Rather than enjoying the stage of life God has for me right now, I am focusing on the future, the 'next thing' if you will. For example, when I was single I wanted a boyfriend, when Tim and I were dating I wanted to be engaged, when I was engaged I wanted to be married, and now that I am married I want to have kids. Yes, all of those things are good, and I should want them, however what I am saying is that my struggle is not being satisfied until those things are fulfilled.

There is definitely a benefit to being single, a benefit to just dating, a benefit to being engaged to learn before you are married, and a benefit of being married and allowing yourselves time to enjoy each other and learn about where God would have you. Not to mention the extra time that you have available because you don't have kids.

Anyways, this just hit me this morning. It's been a very subtle thing, and definitely not as pronounced as my desire to be married, etc... But it's there nonetheless. Even within the past few weeks there has been much going on in regards to babies and pregnancy. About a month ago two families lost their precious babies at 9 months pregnant. Last night I was rejoicing when I found out that a couple in our community group is expecting (previously they had gone through a few miscarriages as well), and I also found out that a friend suffered an ectopic pregnancy.

It's just going on all around me and it reminds me how things may be different for different people, even when there is tragedy there is also something to rejoice over.

So, I am trying to be smart about our future and save money for when we do want to have a family, but I also am trying to be content with what I have now.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9