Ask & I Shall Receive

Remember how I spent the majority of the weekend sick? Well, I'm not a doctor, but I'm about 100% sure I was sick from being overly exhausted.

I've found myself wondering lately if there's some way to just add more hours in my day. I've gone over and over in my head trying to plan out and allot the perfect amount of time to get everything done. I even have a list of everything that MUST be done on a daily basis as the wallpaper on my phone. I'm a task-oriented person, and it's difficult for me when I go to bed at night really really tired and know in the back of my mind that I didn't get everything done. Then I start to freak out because I'm only eight months into marriage and we don't even have one kid yet! How will I ever survive motherhood someday?!? Then I just get really stressed out and I get sick for an entire weekend.

Do you ever find yourself feeling like this?

Well, if you do, you can probably also identify with me when I say that the first thing to go when I get really really busy is exercise. This week I found myself trying to calculate how many minutes I walk throughout the day if I added up walking to and from the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and parking lot. A little hint: it's not enough to count as exercise. Then, I found myself absolutely determined to get to the gym on Wednesday. I did go after work and while I was there I just kept getting frustrated that I wasn't in good enough shape and I started thinking about all of the other things I had to do that night. I ended up leaving before I even really got started.

The next thing that goes is cleaning the apartment. I tend to be a little bit better at this just because our apartment isn't very big and not everything has a place to begin with. When it gets messy, I feel like the walls are caving in, so sometimes I'll take a few minutes before bed just to straighten up or put clothes away (Jason is really good at doing this too).

Those are really the only optional things right now - and that means that I rarely get to them on any given day. Even the weekends are crammed full of stuff these days. Between work, church, traveling, freelance work, cooking, grocery shopping, errands, sleep and seeing friends/family occasionally, there is not enough time in the day.

I spent a good portion of our time driving back to Birmingham last weekend complaining about just that - a lack of hours in the day. I told Jason that I was going to have to create a rigid schedule for myself and keep to it or I was literally just going to fall apart. "I need more hours in the day," I said, and Jason - who is a very very hard worker and very very busy - agreed.

Wednesday I saw this...

...and so I researched the app a little. Then I downloaded the app. For two days straight I have woken up at 5:00 and spent time being productive, attempting to be a "doer".  I have decided to spend that extra hour and a half primarily on exercise, reading the bible, and meal prep.

If yesterday was any indication on how AWESOME getting up at 5:00 can be, I never want to wake up later than that on a weekday again. In January I began getting up at 6:30 instead of 7:00 to read the bible. For the most part, I've been pretty good about doing that, but I still find myself running out of time sometimes and it never leaves any extra time to actually get things done. Getting up at 5:00 provides me the opportunity to actually accomplish things that are on my to-do list for the day and give them the priority that they deserve.

Since I worked out in the morning yesterday and did my meal prep for the evening, I was able to come home, relax for a few minutes, make dinner, work on a freelance project, take a 30 minute nap, clean both bathrooms and the kitchen, and spend some time watching TV with my guy.

I made a taco bar for two.

It was delicious.

Most nights I AIM to do all of that, but it looks more like this:

• Get home from work.
• Change for the gym.
• Sit down to put on my shoes to go to the gym.
• Decide not to go to the gym. 
• Rush through making dinner and throw whatever it is on a plate in a huff because I'm stressed.
• Work on freelance projects and feel rushed.
• Get up to clean the apartment.
• Decided I'm too tired.
• Try to read. 
• Decide I'm too tired.
• Go to bed.

This morning I got up at 5:00 and Jason got up with me. We were able to go for a walk just as the sun was coming up. He works late tonight, and although we have plans for this evening, we won't get much quality time together. Getting up and exercising together at 5:00 gave us an extra hour together today. That is time that I truly cherish.

Jason took this on our way to the Lakeshore Trail.

It's times like these that I realize just how faithful our God is to take care of us. I spent a weekend complaining about how tired I was and how stressed I was. I felt helpless and hopeless to accomplish all of my goals each and every day. The Lord heard my small, whiny, pitiful cries and He didn't ignore me; He didn't say that my problems were too little or insignificant. Instead, He provided me exactly what I needed. I'm not much of a morning person, and the last time I got up at 5:00 in the morning consistently was in high school and that was out of pure necessity. But even so, because I know that this is a gift that the Lord has provided, I will get up an hour and a half early each day with joy because I've been blessed with more time. 

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" - Matthew 7:7-11

It's All Greek To Me

So let's talk about this morning...

I woke up at 5:00. I haven't done that since high school, except for the random early morning trip every now and then. But today, I did it. I woke up at 5:00 and I got a TON of stuff done.

Last night I'd written a general to-do list on the white board we keep on the fridge. By the time I left for work today, I had crossed off about half of the items!

So, what does one do at 5:00 in the morning? Well, I don't know about all the other people who wake up in the middle of the night, but I woke up, got dressed, drove the the Lakeshore Trail, ran for about 35 minutes, came home, showered, made my lunch AND Jason's lunch, straightened my hair (which is rare if I take a shower in the morning), read my Week 15 Day 4 bible reading (Psalms 25, 54, 63, 18), and then left for work.

I like this whole being productive thing!

One thing that I did notice is that I move much slower in the mornings. I usually work out and cook at night, so this morning I felt like I was moving really slow. I also couldn't comprehend anything, like the time - it was as if everything was Greek to me.

Speaking of Greek...

Last night I made chicken roll ups for Jason and a HUGE Greek salad for myself. Both were delicious!

For the chicken roll ups, I used one chicken breast that had been seasoned with a little garlic salt, two whole wheat tortillas, cream cheese, and a little bit of feta cheese. You can get the full chicken roll ups recipe here.

Remember, Jason likes things pretty basic: bread, chicken, cheese.
But you can always add some lettuce to cucumber or even some of your own Greek dressing.

My lovely salad consisted of baby spinach (there's actually a little bit of leftover romaine in there too), one chicken breast seasoned the same way, feta cheese, chia seeds, and Trader Joe's dressing. It was one of the best salad I've ever made for myself!

I even added my Zoe's cup in the background to add to the Greek-ness of my salad.

Any night that includes handfuls of feta is a good night to me. I think I may just be Greek.

In other news, if you'd like to become part of the "5Club", you can download the app.

Here's what happens: When your alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m., you have one minute to "check in". I'll keep you all updated on how long this lasts, but I really would like for it to become part of my routine! When you're as busy as I've been lately (who am I kidding, most of us are that busy), any extra hours to add to the day are cherished!

A Big HOPE Weekend

I honestly don't even know where to begin.

I guess I'll just start at the beginning.

I've wanted to adopt a child since I was 16 years old. Just to give a little reference for when that was, I turned 16 in May of 2005 and Angelina Jolie adopted her second child, the child she and Brad adopted together, in July of 2005. The decisions to adopt are not related in any way.

When Jason and I met three years ago, I told him about my desire to adopt. He has encouraged me in my desire to be an adoptive parent since the beginning, and he quickly adopted this plan himself once we became pretty serious and knew we would get married (no pun intended...okay, maybe a little intended).

I don't remember exactly how I learned about Show Hope, and I'm sure Jason learned about this organization through touring with to Casting Crowns, but I've always seemed to just know that Show Hope existed. I have occasionally checked their website just to read about their mission and get excited about someday adopting, but in December of this last year, Jason and I became official Show Hope sponsors. 

Well, one thing led to another, and last weekend we spent Sunday volunteering at Show Hope's 10 Year Anniversary celebration in Nashville.

This day could not have come at a worse time in some ways, but in so many other ways it came at the perfect time.

I was sick all weekend with a horrible headache and sinus congestion. Traveling to Nashville this past weekend as meant that we'd be traveling for four weekends in a row. Jason worked on Saturday, so I had to pack for both of us and be ready as soon as he got home if we were going to make it there at a decent hour. On and on my excuses when, and you see, on paper, we probably should have just canceled. In fact, when I was feeling horrible and laying on the couch complaining, Jason asked if I wanted to just cancel and stay home.

But as always, God had the better plan.

Upon arriving to Nashville, we met up with the couple who invited us and some of their family/friends. We went to see Star Trek, which was good for Jason and a nap for me. Just kidding...but I'm a little bit serious. The redeeming factor to Star Trek is that J.J. Abrams directed it. But regardless, we had a great time with the company. I digress...

The next morning it was up and at 'em early. We were at Lipscomb University by about 8:45 ready and waiting to be given directions. We spent the next couple of hours helping set up for the "picnic" that Show Hope was hosting all afternoon. And when I say picnic, we're talking outdoor awesomenes. We're talking food trucks. We're talking blow up bouncy things. We're talking entertainment all afternoon. We're talking photobooth. We're talking merch table (which I took full advantage of). We're talking radio stations. We're talking everything a person could image at a picnic and much much more.

Volunteer Badge

Setting up

The Veggie Tales, duh.

The Red Bus Project

But even all of the awesomeness of the picnic didn't make me feel better. I was still feeling kind of icky with headaches and sinuses, and I just couldn't shake the "I want to be in my own bed" feeling. Finally, I did. Well, God did.

At about 1:30 in the afternoon, I looked around me. I saw families that I admired and I didn't even know their names, or where they were from, or any information about them, even the basics. I didn't see anything remarkable - they all looked and acted normal. Kids were crying, moms were frantic, dads were a little helpless but trying to be helpful; they were having fun one moment and the next they were cleaning up spilled juice...they were all completely normal; except for one thing...

They all had inexpressible love overflowing out of them.

They had love for their children. Love for God. Love for the organization that threw the awesome party picnic. Love for the other families. Love for those in need. Just plain, unmistakeable love.

At one point that afternoon, I was standing inside the arena waiting for Jason to get something to drink and a random lady walked up to me. In my memory of her, she had about 10 kids hanging off of her, but in reality it was probably only about three. She walked up to me, a complete stranger, and said, "Isn't it amazing what they've done here? All of us here in the same place. The Chapman's have just done something incredible by opening up their lives to us!" Then she walked away.

At this point in time, it was probably closer to 2:00, and this stranger had just peeled back the jaded selfishness that I'd carried around all day without even knowing it. It took me from 8:45 that morning until 2:00 in the afternoon to realize that God had placed Jason and I there to help and to serve, but more than that, he'd placed us there to look ahead at what obedience looks like. Obedience looks like all of those families. It looks like the stranger lady with 15 kids hanging off of her. It looks like Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman and their story. It looks like love.

From that point on, I was on the verge of tears for the rest of the afternoon. I finally was able to let go and just cry when it came time for the concert that night.

People gave testimony after testimony of how God had allowed children to come into their lives and just turn their world upside down for the better. Testimonies of waiting. Testimonies of hurt. Testimonies of strength. Testimonies of discouragement. Testimonies of fear. Testimonies of grace. It was all there. All in one room.

I watched and listened as families talked about making the decision to adopt. For some it was an easy decision, but for some it was difficult. I watched and listened as people spoke about adopting children with needs and how that has brightened their lives with the purest kind of love in a way most of us will never experience on this side of heaven. I watched and listened as families shared their struggle financially to bring their child to live under the same roof. I even got to celebrate with a family who was given the financial means to bring home their baby right there on the spot. It was an incredible night full of laughter, tears of joy, and hope...lots and lots of HOPE.

The Chapman Family

A tribute to Maria Sue Chapman.

All of the bands on stage at the end.

Few people get the blessing of getting a glimpse into what their life will look like in the fugure. I am thankful to say that I received such a gift this past Sunday.

I got to see the kind of love a child out there will bring into my life - a love that is pure, a love that is kind, a love that is joyful, a love that surpasses my wildest understanding, a love that has hope, a love that is like Christ.

I got to see what my family may look like someday, not just the physical appearance, but the spiritual DNA of the future and expanded Morales Family.

I got to see the thousands of families that will be in this community of biblical adoption and orphan care with us someday.

I got to see the faces of those who are and will be praying for the same things that we are and will be praying for, and who will come alongside of us in this journey.

Most of all, I got to experience a renewed hope.

A hope for my future as a person, as a believer, a wife, as a mother.

Jason and I

I walked away from Sunday with a clear understanding of why Show Hope does what they do. I understand why they've been around for 10 years and I pray that they are a pillar that never ceases to exist. More than anything, I understand their name - Show Hope.

They do exactly what they're named for, and their name does deliver; they truly do Show Hope.

----------------------------------

Established in 2003 as Shaohannah’s Hope, Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth initially founded Show Hope out of their desire to see more children find their way into forever families.  Though many families they talked to were willing to adopt, the financial costs to adoption were simply too high.

Originally named after the Chapman’s first adopted daughter, Shaohannah Hope Chapman, Shaohannah’s Hope has grown far beyond the initial vision of helping a few orphans find homes. In 2009, after changing the name to Show Hope, this organization has seen an amazing explosion in growth. From a six-story caring facility in China, equipped to provide surgeries and medical care to special needs orphans, to multiplying the effects of the adoption grant program by assisting churches in setting up their own adoption funds, Show Hope continues to expand its remarkable worldwide impact.

-Source

Weekend Top 5 - Atlanta

So we had a pretty busy and exciting weekend. To be completely honest, our adventures on Friday and Saturday left me really tired and lethargic on Sunday. I basically laid on the couch watching TV and reading until about 4:00. On the flip side of that though, I feel surprisingly rested for a Monday.

Here's the weekend top 5:

#5: Figuring out a new aspect to this blog.
Beginning next week (hopefully) {mr}blogbacktome (aka Jason) will be adding one post a week to my blog. His posts will consist of music, movies, tech tips, and all things media or technology related. He knows SO MUCH about that kind of stuff. We constantly have friends asking us about music, movies, and technology related things, so I thought I'd give him a little platform to share information about what he knows best. I think you'll all really enjoy it. I'm going to archive his posts on the page that is currently "under construction" called Morales Media. The idea is to have an archive built up so that if you're looking for new music, movies, or books, you can just go to that page and have plenty to choose from. I'm considering giving him another section about tech related stuff, but we'll just have to see how much he's able to talk about that sort of thing due to the restrictions he has with his job. I'm also trying to figure out the name for his blog posts because I want them to all have the same name and then just have the specific subject as a subtitle.

I'm thinking either Morales Media Mondays or Media from the Mister.  

What do you think (blogbacktome at the end)?

He makes my heart smile.

#4: Going to Ikea and Pottery Barn.
So, I wasn't aware that Mr. Jason Frank Morales had never been to Pottery Barn before. Well, that changed a lot on Saturday. We went to the Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta and just happened to mosey into their HUGE Pottery Barn. After about 5 minutes of Jason walking around saying, "That's SO COOL!!" I asked him if he'd ever been in a Pottery Barn before. His response: "What's that?" Oh man, oh man. So we spent close to an hour in Pottery Barn just getting ideas for our future house and then gasping at the prices. On our way out of town, we decided to swing by Ikea just to ease our minds after seeing such ridiculous prices at Pottery Barn. Our style is definitely more Pottery Barn because they use warmer colors and it's almost a little bit more rustic, but Ikea's prices are definitely more in our price range. I walked away from Saturday very interested and excited to see what it's like once we actually buy a house.

Just trying out Pottery Barn.

The Mecca of furniture and household items.

#3: Grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. 
I've been reading blogs for a couple of years now. Almost all of the health, food, and fitness bloggers I follow love shopping at Trader Joe's. We tried to go to one in NYC while we were there, but it was so crowded and the line was literally wrapped around the store. It was also raining when we went to that one, so we didn't want to carry around paper bags for the rest of the day while walking around NYC in the rain. I knew there was a Trader Joe's in Atlanta, but I didn't know where. I also didn't really think about looking into it because I figured that Jason would not want to spend time in a glorified grocery store while on our little road trip adventure. But, as we were driving to Lenox Square Mall, I saw it. I was complaining about sitting at every red light, and then my eye caught the sign and I started freaking out. Being the kind and selfless man he is, Jason said, "Do you want to go?" and my untruthful response was, "No, we don't have to do that." Again, Jason being amazing, said, "Let's go," and he turned into the parking lot. About 3 grocery bags and $75 later, we have enough nonperishable items to last a few months.

When I saw this, I started freaking out on the inside.

Best coffee I've had in a while. Only $6.99 for this. They basically were giving it away.

Happy Jessica.

#2: Reading the book of Ruth.
As I've said before, I'm doing Guthrie's plan to read through the bible in a year chronologically. Saturday I was supposed to read all of Ruth, but we were so busy that I just never found time to. So yesterday, while I was being ridiculously lazy, I read Ruth. After I read it, I decided to go back and listen to each part of the four-part series on Ruth that David Platt preached in 2009, which was before I went to church at Brook Hills. For this series he asked our incredibly talented friend Mandi to write a song about each book/sermon part for Ruth. I've listened to these songs since Jason and I started dating (he played "Love Story" for me on our second date under the pretense that it's a great song a friend of his wrote - he's very smooth), but I hadn't listened to them in the context of the sermons or scripture they were written about. Yesterday, I read Ruth and then listened to the first sermon. After I finished the sermon, Jason suggested I listen to the song So Long, Familiar that goes along with the sermon. Even though I'd heard the song multiple times, it was really just a blessing to hear in context. I plan on doing the same thing for each sermon part and finish up on Wednesday. 

#1: Reconnecting with Atlanta friends.
I told you all on Friday that we were going to the Braves game (which was awesome) with my college roommate and her husband. We literally had the best time with them just catching up and sharing stories about newlywed life. It was encouraging, refreshing, and everything I knew it'd be and more. But we also had an unexpected visit with some other friends. Let me go back in time a bit...
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When Jason was in 8th grade, he became a believer. He wanted to be involved in youth group and he wanted to get plugged in at the church all of his Christian friends went to, but because his mom worked, so he didn't ever have a ride to church on Sundays or Wednesdays. When 9th grade rolled around, a man named Darren was his Sunday School teacher. Jason told Darren that he wanted to keep coming to church, but he literally couldn't because he didn't have a ride. So Darren found an easy solution to that problem - he and his wife Sarah started picking Jason up for church. Darren was also the person who ran sound (I'm probably saying that wrong) and was the tech guru at their church. Because of that, he had to be to church early, which meant Jason did too. Since Jason was there early, Darren used that time to teach him all about running sound (still probably saying that wrong...Jason: you can make fun of me later). So one thing led to another, and Jason found a place and a purpose among a large youth group in a large church. Jason's friends and experiences from his youth group impact his life today on almost a daily basis. Jason's youth pastor, you may have heard of him - Mark Hall - and their youth band, you may have heard of them as well - Casting Crowns - went on to be a award winning and popular Christian band and Darren was their head production person (sorry, I don't know the official title). Jason was able to tour with them multiple times after he graduated from Samford doing sound stuff, and then eventually breaking into the merchandise realm which has taught him an unfathomable amount and led to where he is in his career today.
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So, all of that to say, Darren and Sarah are VERY special to us and we got to have dinner with them and their three hilarious kids on Saturday night. We are eternally grateful for their lives that have been devoted to ministry for many years, and we're blessed by their friendship as well.

At the Braves game - this is what we call "Chillaxin'"

Ashley and I after the game...and after the rain.

My first experience at the Varsity.

Leaving to come back to Birmingham.

Let me also just take a moment to encourage any of you who are involved in student ministry. I know that the school year has or is coming to a close and you may or may not be off for the summer in your student ministry duties. But either way, be encouraged that what you do matters. The hours you pour into your students, the time you spend praying for them, the events you plan to invest in them, the tasks that you do that are completely out of your way - that ALL matter. Not only are you following after God's calling for your life, but you are impacting students just by being there for them. They may be snotty and stuck up sometimes, but your ministry and your life DOES have an eternal effect on them. So please, be encouraged by the story of Darren and Sarah. They're still doing student ministry today, even with three kids of their own. Jason will turn 27 this summer, and he reaps the benefit of their ministry daily, even 13 years later.

So that all being said, how was your weekend?!?

Two Busy Bees & the Infamous JT

Disclaimer: I feel like I have to take a moment to prove that I'm not naive and that I have a little bit of street smarts. Here's the thing y'all...I'm about to tell you when Jason and I are going to be out of town. That being said, if you want to break into our apartment, that's fine. But everything of any value will be with us, so it'll just be a hassle for you and annoying for us.

Over the course of the next few weeks, our schedules are about to get CRAY-ZAY!

In a few hours we'll hit the road to head to Atlanta to see my former roommate, Ashley, and her husband Cody. I'm pretty excited about this for a few reasons.

Ashley and me right before we went home for the summer after freshman year at Samford.

#1: I haven't seen Ashley since BEFORE we both got married.
#2: We're going to a Braves game while we're there.
#3: We get to hang out with awesome friends whom Jason has yet to meet.
#4: We're spending Saturday doing anything I want to do in Atlanta.
#5: Jason said he'd buy me all new furniture at Ikea and put it together for me before Monday.

Okay, okay...so Jason's not aware of the last two things, but he will be soon enough :)

Then we head back to work on Monday for a week that is pretty normal.

Next Saturday we'll head to Nashville for Show Hope's 10 Year Anniversary Concert. Jason lived with a family the summer before we got married and we've become very close with them over the last few years. They've invited us to go up to Nashville and volunteer with them to put on this celebration concert. We are excited about taking a step forward in our involvement with Show Hope. Currently, we are Show Hope sponsors and give to the organization on a monthly basis. Hopefully, in the next couple of years, we will call upon Show Hope to help us when it is time for us to raise support to adopt our first child. Next weekend will be fun in the present, but it will also remind us to keep dreaming for the future.

To read more about Show Hope, click here.

 After that weekend, we'll head back to Atlanta just for a day trip. Jason has been so excited to see Fall Out Boy ever since he found out they might be doing another tour. He's listened to their album about nonstop since it came out and I just know we'll have a blast at that show.

The weekend after THAT, we'll be heading south for a tour through Florida. I'm so excited for my sister Julia because she'll be graduating from high school on that Thursday. Jason and I will get to participate in all of the fun graduation activities to support Julia, and then the next day we'll head over to Jacksonville to see our friends Cody and Lacey tie the knot. We are so honored to be friends with this couple and so blessed to be a part of their special day!

Looking forward a few months, we'll be going back up to Nashville in November for THE 20/20 EXPERIENCE WORLD TOUR: Justin Timberlake at Bridgestone Arena. Words cannot express my excitement for this night!

I've been a JT fan since my dad asked me in 3rd grade if I'd ever heard of N'Sync. I don't remember how it all came about, but the next year my mom and my aunt loaded up my cousins and me to drive to New Orleans to see N'Sync in concert. The next year, we did the same thing with a few of my friends in Biloxi. I have failed to keep up with the four members of N'Sync that aren't JT, but I've definitely kept up with everything he's done. He's just so darn talented.

I'm pretty sure I had this in the form of a poster until I was about 16.

Anyway, it's going to be quite the summer and fall. I can't wait.

Let's hit the road Jack - or...ummm - Jason.

A Talking Marriage

I came across a new blog the other day (well, it's new to me). It's written by a girl who reminds me a lot of me, but she's a way better blogger. Someone on Pinterest had pinned a post in which she lists "26 Questions to Get a Marriage Talking". I thought I'd walk through a couple of those questions.

My disclaimer: As always, I write in hopes that maybe one person can identify with me, maybe gain some sort of new perspective, or just know that you're not alone. I always want to be an encouragement to you guys, and on the flip side of that, I love to hear encouragement from you too!

1. What things did you see in this person that made you want to marry him?
   First, I saw Jesus. Jason is kind, caring, loving, and sensitive. From the beginning he challenged me to grow in my relationship with Christ. He lovingly forced me to surround myself with biblical community and then seek ministry opportunities to pour out what God was growing in me. Beyond that, I saw a hard working man who was silly and allowed me to be myself around him and appreciated my quirks.
   
2. What were your goals for your marriage when you were engaged?
   Non-tangible: Always communicate with each other - even if that means over communicating. Love each other. Honor each other in front of others and also alone (sometimes it's easier to talk great about your spouse in front of others, but always honoring them when the spotlight is gone can be tough sometimes). Be closer tomorrow than we are today.
   Tangible: Travel. Buy a house. Live below our means. Love our jobs. Love our families. Adopt. Be prayerful parents. Have children who become believers in Christ. Send our children to college someday.
   
3. If you could press a button and change your marriage, how would it change?
   I wouldn't change a specific thing, but I would just change our understanding of each other. I think it's God's design for men and women to have a different perspective on things, but sometimes when we're making decisions or dealing with a conflict or point of tension, it would be nice if I could understand Jason and where his thought process is originating and visa-verse.
   
4. In what ways do you think God is honored in your marriage?
   I believe that Jason and I truly love each other well - or at least we try to. Obviously there are many many times that I put myself first, and I do not love, respect, and submit to my husband as well as I could, but it is my desire to. I believe the same goes for Jason. Obviously he isn't perfect, but I believe his true desire is to love me well, serve me sacrificially, and honor me as his wife in the most glorifying way. I do honestly believe that this bring glory to God and honors Him. We also want to adopt. Just as the picture of marriage is the most literal depiction of our relationship with God and His church, adoption is God's illustration of being welcomed into God's family upon accepting salvation, not based on any of our own merit.
   
5. Describe how you and your spouse arrive at decisions.
   95% of the time we are on the same page when it comes to making decisions. Most of the time, we don't really have to talk further than our initial thoughts because they are very similar. BUT, there have been a few times that one of us didn't know what decision to make or we just disagreed on what we should decide. As the wife, I try to follow Jason's lead. If I feel as if we are not making a good decision, I definitely put my thoughts in. Usually, if we are not in agreement for whatever reason, we will take time to pray about it, and really talk through things honestly and extensively. So far, after that process we come to the same conclusion. I think it helps that we really trust each other and trust that the other is seeking after God's will for our lives and for our marriage.
   
6. Describe how you as a couple resolve conflicts.
   We were told in pre-marital counseling to do this thing where I tell Jason what is bothering me or what I'm upset about and then he repeats back what he heard to make sure he's gaining the full amount of understanding that he can from what I'm saying. We do try this sometimes, but not always. Our conflicts are pretty few and far between, and they normally arise out of pure frustration that has nothing to do with the other person. Many times one or both of us is on edge after work. We are worried about something, so we're grumpy. Whatever the trigger, it's usually not the root of the issue. Usually, we just let that person experience the emotion (frustration, grumpiness, irritability, etc.) and then talk about what the root cause is. Sometimes it may have to do with something on of us did to the other, and I think that what is most helpful is that we both know that at the end of the day, we'd never intentionally try to hurt each other. Any hurt caused is accidental. The times we've had actual "fights" since we've been married, we've resolved the conflict by taking a step back, disengaging from the heightened emotions, and really talking through things honestly and efficiently. Those times aren't fun, but we always end up stronger and closer on the other side.
   
7. Why do you think you have struggled as a couple?
   Two main things.
   #1: We are from REALLY different families. I would almost go so far as to say polar opposites. Jason is an only child and was raised by his mom. I was raised by both of my parents, with siblings, and my mom was a stay-at-home mom. My family is all up in each others' business constantly - and not just my immediate family. I have 21 first cousins, and by the end of the year I'll have about 30 second cousins. My family is HUGE...and that's just my dad's side. Almost all of my dad's family lives within about 60 miles of each other. Jason and I are two of the few who don't live there. So when he comes home with me, there are just people everywhere and there's no such thing as a quite moment to yourself. Anyway, all of that to say, it's been a huge adjustment to get used to. Being from such different families can be hard, but we strive to really learn from each other. Navigating how we want The Morales Family to operate and look like has been the hardest part of marriage so far since we bring very little to the table that is similar in relation to our families. But one thing is for sure, and this is by far the most important thing, both of our families love us immensely, and we love them as well. Jason and I desire to build a family and a home that is founded on what God's Word instructs us to do. Beyond that, the rest is just small details.
   #2: Because of our difference in family backgrounds, I think that sometimes Jason thinks that I want more from him than I let on. Whether that's more money, a nicer house, better cars, more time with my family, more extravagant vacations, nicer clothes, whatever, I think he thinks that I want more. Because of that, he does this thing where he tries to hear the message behind the conversation. I may be saying that we should renew our lease for another year, but what I'm really saying is that he's letting me down by not buying me a million dollar home right now. That's extreme, but you see my point. In reality, I'm really just saying, let's renew our lease for a year because that's what's best for us, and that's all there is to it. There's no message behind the statement. But when Jason feels like there is (and let's be honest, I probably do something to make him feel like there is), then he gets defensive, and then I get mad because I feel like he's accusing me of something I didn't say or do. We've had to learn to really express what we REALLY mean and also ask a lot of questions. We've improved in this struggle an insane amount since we got married almost 8 months ago.
   
8. How do you communicate dissatisfaction with your spouse?
   When we first got married, I didn't really. If something happened or was said that I didn't agree with or like, I'd just bottle it up and then something would trigger it and I'd get really mad. I've learned that the best way to let Jason know if he upset me is to just say really calmly and nice, "When you did _______ today, it really hurt my feelings. I wish you would have done ____________ instead." Mostly, he feels really bad, but it also gives him an opportunity to explain if he wants to. I usually do this as we're going to bed so that we're both calm and relaxed. If something has bothered me for a while and I have a lot to say about it, I'll write it for Jason in a note. For me, I express myself the best through writing and it also allows me to step back and not be as emotional. If I write something out of emotion, I can go back and reword it or take it out completely before things get said that can't be taken back. Jason also does well with notes because he can look at it multiple times and really understand what I'm trying to communicate to him.
   
9. What do you think God is doing in your marriage right now?
   I believe that God is just growing us. I believe He's growing us closer to Him and closer to each other. We are taking this season of life to just work as hard as we can at our jobs, on our marriage, on saving money, on growing closer together, on growing in our individual relationships with God, and with our spiritual relationship with God as a couple. This is a sweet season of life where we are just getting our footing and navigating how our marriage should work and look. I'm thankful for this season because I know it won't last long - there's always a busy schedule lurking around the corner. So while we're here, I just want to learn all that I can and allow God to mold us into what He sees we should be.

I hope that this has been helpful. It's always difficult to be transparent on my blog because it requires a ton of vulnerability knowing anyone out there can just read this. My hope and prayer is that reading this will bless you as writing it has blessed me. To see the rest of the 26 questions, visit Rachel's blog here.

Weekend Top 5 - Round 2

Here we go again -

#5: Making my first creation with my new sewing machine.
I made a pillow! A few weeks ago I accidentally turned all of our pillow shams blue after washing them at the same time as a new hoodie. Yesterday I found some really awesome fabric that was on sale (yes!) and made a new sham. I still have one to go and I need to sew some buttons on, but I'm pretty proud of my first project.

#4: Watching Jason do the worm.
Jason is pretty good at making me laugh so hard that I cry. He's seriously the funniest person I've ever met. We're kind of like Claire and Phil from "Modern Family" (except I'm probably a little bit more laid back than Claire) in the sense that Jason would get really jealous if another man made me laugh as hard as he makes me laugh. Anyway, last night as we were sitting on the couch watching TV, Jason and I started laughing at something - so of course he decides to get up, lay on the ground, and do his version of the worm. I literally started crying. I wish I had a video, but unfortunately, I was laughing too hard to think straight.

#3: Being told Happy Mother's Day...twice.
I'm not a mom. I'm not even a pet mom. BUT, I do hope to be a mom someday. Yesterday I was told Happy Mother's Day, not once, but twice. Honestly, I was a little surprised because until yesterday, people always assumed I was about 18 years old. Apparently I went from being 18 to being a mom, so I basically skipped about 8 years of my life. Honestly, I take it as a compliment though. My mom is pretty rad, so if I look anything like her, I will definitely accept that. Also, upon hearing my story, Jason said that I should go get the Mother's Day free froyo from YoMo (aka Yogurt Mountain). But alas, I am not a liar. Maybe in a few years random friendly people...maybe in a few years.

#2: Talking to my mom for 2 hours on the phone.
My mom and I used to talk for about an hour a day when I was in college. Then she went back to teaching full-time and I began working full-time. Now we text pretty often, but it's rare that we get a collective hour on the phone throughout an entire week. Well, Saturday I spent a full 2 hours on the phone with my mom. It. Was. Awesome. I just love hearing her wisdom and being encouraged by her.

#1: Ending my birthday week with dinner at La Paz.
Friday night a group of friends all met Jason and I at La Paz for one last birthday celebration. This seemed like the longest birthday week ever, but there was really no way around that. Since we went to Destin last weekend, the infamous birthday week started early on Saturday with a family party. Then, Jason continued it on Monday by taking me to see "Iron Man 3". Then Tuesday my work friends took me to lunch, and Jason took me to dinner. Jason wanted me to get to celebrate with a group of our friends, but it's just hard sometimes to get people together during the week when everyone has to be to work early the next morning. So, we put it off until Friday - which was so wonderful. I am truly blessed to have such incredible friends in my life. So thank you all, for all you did from Saturday to Friday for my birthday. It was simply a terrific week.

Cake. It was delicious. It was also my breakfast all weekend.

Oh - and I got to hang out with this cutie on Friday!!
{Baby Kyla <3 Jessica}

I hope each of you had a fabulous weekend as well. Happy Belated Mother's Day to all of you moms out there - and future moms!

Feelin' a Little Crafty

So as you know, I got a sewing machine for my birthday on Tuesday - YAY! But did you also know that I already have an Etsy store that I've been selling things on for about 3-5 months? Well I do...so now you know!

Lately I've been totally obsessed with burlap creations. Here are a couple of examples that I've made so far:

Adoption/Baby Announcement

Adoption/Baby Announcement

Bible verse - in color

Bible verse - in color

Family

Family

Family

Wedding Gift

Wedding Gift

I also have some other little things that are non-burlap and I basically sell just the file download. I can do the actual printing, but most people want to print things themselves to save money. I am totally a fan of just about anything that saves a few dollars.

Wedding Gift -or- Wedding Accessory
Place this in a frame for the gift table

Phi Mu

Custom Wedding Programs - This is just the front.
I've done everything from one page front & back to a ten page booklet!

If you would like to take a look at my Etsy store, you can click on the link below and take a look around. Also, make sure to check back in a few weeks after I get going on my sewing machine! Keep in mind that everything is custom made, so personalize it however you'd like!