31 December 2013

The Best Day: Our Proposal

Our Proposal:

First of all, let me start by saying I had every intention of having this post up on Christmas Day. Well, here we are on New Years day and its happening. I hope you enjoy.


December 25th, 2012. Let’s talk about that day for a little, shall we? (I seriously can’t believe it’s been a YEAR! Where does the time go?) I thought it would be fun for those of you who don’t know the story, to tell you how my Jacob popped the question, and for those of you who DO know the story…hear his side too ;)

And so it begins…

(Kylie)

Christmas eve I could BARELY sleep. I knew it had to come sometime soon. I’d been hinting for months (okay maybe all year) that IT WAS TIME! Do you like it? Okay…put a ring on it. Every major holiday, or any time Jake bent down to tie his shoe, I was ready with my “I DO!” face. Yet, every Holiday, and every shoe-tie passed without “the big question”. I could barely sleep Christmas Eve because I SO HOPED that tomorrow would be the big day.

(Jake)

Christmas Eve:
I was really nervous. Practicing my speech over and over again making sure that I wasn't gonna sound like a complete idiot. I was playing the moment over in my head and thought I had it all figured out

(Kylie)

When Christmas morning came, and we had gone through all the presents, I couldn’t help the wave of disappointment that hit me before breakfast. I received TONS from Jake…not a good sign that I had a particularly expensive one somewhere under the tree! We cleaned up and started breakfast and I had to repeat in my head “it’s okay…maybe New Year’s…it’s okay, MAYBE NEW YEARS!” over and over in my head. ;)

(Jake)

I actually wasn't too nervous come Christmas morning. I kept telling myself, "it's in like 5 hours so no point in worrying about it." Little did I know that those 5 hours felt like 30 minutes and I felt the pressure and nervousness begin to build. A little after breakfast I got with Kylie's sister, Kassidy and told her that when I give her the sign (a head nod) she was to go to her room and call my phone. At this point I changed Kassidy's name in my phone to "Sheriff’s Office" so when she called, Kylie would be completely off guard. All I needed to do was wait for the perfect moment.

 (Kylie)

The day came and went, and before you knew it, it was afternoon. My dad had been setting up camera equipment on the deck all morning, but I just figured that he was setting it up for our annual Family Christmas photo. I literally had NO idea what would be happening in just a few short hours. In fact, I started to get a little antsy and bored so I may have suggested “I’m bored as heck! Can we at least go on a walk or something!”…that’s when Jake knew…it was time!

(Jake)

So it was getting later in the afternoon and I could tell Kylie was getting bored. We were sitting on the couch watching tv when Kylie, so lady like, "IM SO BORED! Can we go do something?" At this point I knew it was time! So I looked at Kassidy and gave her the nod. She walked off and 10 seconds later my phone rang. Kylie looked down and saw the name on my phone. She gave me the most surprised and disappointed look I have ever seen. I picked it up and walked off into the other room. I kept it short but said enough to sound really serious, I think it went land these line "Hey Sarg... What happened... Oh my gosh, I'm not my way." I turned to Kylie and said there's been a riot and I have to go. I could tell she was really upset but knew it was part of the job. I ran down stairs and got in full uniform and shaved. I kissed her good bye and ran out of the house.

(Kylie)

Only about 5 minutes later, Jake gets a call from “Benton County Sheriff’s Office” (I saw it on his phone! It actually said BCSO!) saying that there was a riot and all on-call deputies were called in immediately.  I was a GRUMP! I was used to it as my Dad was a cop growing up and had to miss more than his fair share of Christmases, but come on! Really?! Trying not to be a giant brat, I gave him a kiss and sent him off (in full uniform…boots, badge, and everything! He even shaved his face!) I was extremely grumpy, but I tried to be nice. I even posted this on facebook:






(Kylie)

A half hour passed, and I seriously had no reason to believe he hadn’t really gone into work. The only thing that seemed a little fishy was that I went to go take a nap and my sister and mother said “NO!” and were being a little too nice to me about Jake having to work. Usually my little sister would tell me to suck it up and move on…hmmmmmmm…I still didn’t think anything of it! I just made myself another plate of food and continued watching “A Christmas Story”.

(Jake)

As I walked to my truck it felt like my heart was gonna beat out of my chest. I have never been so nervous in my life. I had already placed the clothes I was gonna wear in the truck the night before. I then drop down the hill to a empty parking lot and changed in to my suit and tie. After changing I sat in my truck for a few minutes just thinking it over one more time. I noticed walgreens was open so I went in to see if there was any last cute gifts that would be the icing on the cake. So I decided to buy an oversized teddy bear that later turned out to be the gift the Kylie would care about the least. I then headed back to the house. I parked pretty far down the street so that her dog wouldn't hear my truck and start barking. I got out of my truck and started walking towards the house and called Kylie. I said "Hey babe I have a piece of paper with a name on it, go down stairs and find it please." As she went down stairs I made my way into the house and to the porch. She said she couldn't find it and I told her it was in my gym bag and then... click. I hung up and waited.

(Kylie)

My phone rang almost an hour after Jake had left, and it was him IN A PANIC on the phone saying he had left inmate paperwork on the bar in our downstairs apartment and he needed me to bring it to him ASAP. I ran downstairs and started rummaging through everything and couldn’t find this so-called paperwork anywhere. Worried I had thrown it away, I started DIGGING THROUGH OUR TRASH! (So glamorous)  when he called me back and told me he thought he had left it in his gym bag. When I went into his gym bag I found something that would totally change my life forever. J

(Jake)

While I was on the porch it was approximately 18 degrees to I was hoping she hurried up. Kylie's dad was standing there with his camera and we stood and waited. After a few minutes she appeared in the stair well in absolute tears. I knew she knew what was going on and I knew she was so happy. She came out and jumped into my arms and continued to sob before I even said anything. I told her to relax and that I love her so much. I went down on one knee and everything I practiced for weeks went completely out the window. I said something along the lines of, "I can't not live without you... (Which technically meant I could live without her, real smooth). I then cut to the chase and said, "Will you marry me?" Then the tears really started...

(Kylie)

Inside the gym bag was the following note:


(I keep it in a shadow box because it means that much to me)


And from the minute I saw it I knew what was happening. I could.not.stop.shaking. He found a way to shock the socks off of me (literally...it was NINE degrees that day and I wasn’t wearing shoes outside…burr) I came up the stairs, just as my note instructed, and there was my guy in the gazebo…about to make all my dreams come true (aaahh cheeseball!)

The rest is documented on this video:





(Kylie)-

It was seriously the best day of my life. I cried and cried and everytime I said “we’re engaged!” I cried some more. I can’t believe the best day of my life was a year ago, and in 5 short months, I will have a new best day when we say “i-do!”

(Jake)

It was by far the best day of my life. Not only did I give my Kylie the best Christmas give ever, I asked my best friend to spend the rest of her life with me. Everything worked out the exact way I wanted it and to be honest, every time I watch our video it gets me a little choked up. Now it's wedding time ... 


If you made it to the end of this long sappy post, you receive 1000 Kylie points. I hope you enjoyed our proposal, and I really hope that you and your family have the absolutely best 2014. This is the year. I hope I look back and say "that was it...yep...2014...one of the top best years of my life. Amen!

xo,

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20 December 2013

CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR LINK UP!!!!!



Hello, all!!

I am so glad you were able to recap some of the fun Christmas festiveness with us this week! Now lets wrap it up with some gorgeous inspiration featuring...YOU! Link up your favorite Christmas projects/homes/tours/printables and lets get to partying!!



home tour link party







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19 December 2013

Christmas Card Mailin' Station'

 Happy Thursday, all!

 I'm so looking forward to some final festive fun this weekend. My Jacob is off work so that means Christmas Jammies, Cookies, and snuggles with our Axl Boy!

On Monday, I shared how I DIY'ed our Christmas Card using PicMonkey (which is my FAVE by the way) and today i'm here to share how I made mailing 100 + cards out 100000 times easier!



Having everything you need in one easy little box makes moving from space to space addressing your cards a BREEZE! Or even if you want to do some of them now, and some of them later, you can simply do what you want, then throw the rest in the box to get the clutter out of site. Plus, its nice to have all your card essentials in one place!


Start with a box. It doesn't need to have little handles like mine, but if it does, it sure makes things easier for you! I picked this up a Targets Dollar Spot a few years ago.



Then you just need to add your essentials. Not pictured (i.e...under all this crap) is my spreadsheet with names & addresses. I'm an excel nerd so I keep everything that way so its easy for me to mark off when i'm done!

I also added cute envelopes, some pens for addressing, our address stamp + ink pad, and stamps!


I didn't do anything fancy when addressing. I just used a pretty silver pen and called it a day. But I sure do LOVE our address stamp :) It makes it so much easier to put a return on all the stationary we send out!


Having everything in a box was perfect for me, because that meant that I could place it on my lap (under a blanket of course!) and enjoy this weeks episode of Greys Anatomy while stamping the final envelopes. 3 cheers for laziness at its finest!



I forgot to share with you how darn cute these little envelope seals were. And they were SO affordable on VistaPrint! I will seriously buy all my stationary needs forever from VP now!


Thats about it, folks. Make sure you come back for our CHRISTMAS HOME LINK UP tomorrow! Share you idea's and bask in the glory that is this beautiful season!!

Until Next Time,

xo Kylie



Skip to my Lou/Keeping It Simple Crafts/DIY Showoff/Home Stories A to Z / Uncommon Designs /Sugar and Dots / The Winthrop Chronicles
The Girl Creative  / The Shabby Creek Cottage
Liz Marie Blog / Tater Tots & Jello / Shabby Nest / Whipper Berry /Funky Junk Interiors / Serenity Now /Classy Clutter / Someday Crafts
Reasons to Skip the Housework / Six Sisters Stuff / Be Different Act NormalLife with the Crust cut offThe Turquoise Home /  Ginger Snap Crafts /

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18 December 2013

Christmas Home Tour 2013

Let me start by saying Good morning, all! I am just smitten to have you here today. There is truly nothing better than this time of year!! If you're visiting from Gracie's blog, Kitchen Table Art, i'm so glad to have you! Her Holiday home was just gorgeous. If you haven't been by yet, make sure you go visit!






I was SO thrilled to be asked by the lovely Rachel of Like a Saturday to participate in this group of amaze-balls total gorgeous, mouth dropping Christmas inspiration!

Last week,  I shared most of my Christmas home, but for you newbies, i'm so excited to be able to recap it.




We'll start outside. No one told me what a giant pain-in-the-rear putting up Christmas light is! It took us so long, and it didn't turn out anything like my vision! But i'm still happy to have a home to have lights on, and I just love our festive entry.




I kept things pretty darn simple in the entry. A little tinsel here, and a printable there, and I called it a day.




I just love the living room lit up for Christmas! I could honestly keep a tree in here year round. Is  it just me, or does the magic TOTALLY happen when the gifts are wrapped and under the tree?







I just love a full mantle, and this year was no exception! Lots of fun accessories and some battery operated LED's made for a festive display.



Our last stop is the kitchen, where I keep my family nativity scene, and an updated chalkboard. It's definitely the most simple décor in the house!

And that wraps it up! I'm so happy you stopped by, and I wish I could invite you all in for cookies and cider! (with booze of course). Don't forget to stop by and see Andrea over at Life.Love.Larson to check out more incredible inspiration! (You don't want to miss this lovely ladies gorgeous home!!)








Wait, that wasn't enough?! You want more??! Well don't fret, folks! Friday we'll be wrapping up the goodness with a LINK PARTY for all the Christmas Inspiration you can handle!




And in case you want to check out some of the other beautiful homes, here is our lineup for the week:

Monday:

1. Rachel @ Like a Saturday

2. Krista @ The Happy Housie



Tuesday

3. Kayla @ Home Coming

4. Meegan @ What Meegan Makes



Wednesday

5. Gracie @ Kitchen Table Art




Thursday

7. Andrea @ Life.Love.Larson




Friday


10. Alexis @ Persia Lou
Thank you SO much for coming by, all! I look forward to being fast friends :) PS to see more of my home, click HERE! :)
XO,
Kylie



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17 December 2013

DIY those Christmas cards using PICMONKEY!


MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MY LITTLE FAMILY TO YOURS!

First, let me show you the finished product! I am so happy with how these turned out, and it could not of been any easier! For some reason the font is coming off hard to read in the above picture, but it was just fine on the paper copy!

On most websites, I find that Christmas cards come at minimum, .70 cents a card. That's too rich for my blood, when you consider you also have stamps to buy for those bad boys. Luckily, I made these in standard postcard size, and just ordered them as a "marketing material" from Vistaprint, and spent a whopping 18 dollars on 100 cards with my 25% off coupon. That is a HUGE savings! I couldn't of been more pleased! It may be a little late in the game, but I thought i'd share how you can do this yourself :)


Start in Picmonkey by creating a custom shape. Use the dimensions of a post card, in this case, 1677 x 1300 pixels.


Go to the "overlay" tab (butterfly) and click "add your own". Then you can select any picture you'd like to throw on the card. After that, go to "labels" and pick your favorite to start your card!


Select your favorite color :)


Now it gets pretty simple! Go to "fonts" and just start playing around with different fonts! I try not to use more than 3 to keep it from getting to cluttered.


Next, I went back into "overlays" to add another banner to my label.



Annnnddd back to fonts!


When my fonts were filled in, I added another banner around our picture. I wanted to make sure our colors matched, so to let you in on a little trick, simply click the grey box to the right, and it will give you a "dropper" you can then pick any color on the entire screen! This is my favorite trick EVER!


Play with your fonts until you get the look you're going for.


Now to start the "in review" part. First, you'll need to go to Google and search "royalty free ____ clip art" for any images that aren't already stored in Picmonkey. Then as you add them, you will simply select "your own" in overlay, and play around until you get the placement correct.


Just keep going with this pattern until you fill up your card!


PicMonkey has an AMAZING "Santa-Land" feature with TONS of overlays and themes to make it a little more festive I added a little gift at the bottom with our initials on it!




Finally, I went to "borders" and added a small white border along the edge, so when I uploaded to Vistaprint, nothing was cut off.

After that, all you'll need to do is save, and upload your cards into Vistaprint (or your favorite printer!) and you are good to go! Show me the savings, baby!  IMPORTANT NOTE- make sure when you save, you're saving as "Sean" which is the largest, clearest file so you don't have any resolution issues.



I made our wedding invitations, thank you cards, wedding programs, and menu books the same way, and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. (and how much money I saved doing it myself!)

I sure hope you'll come back tomorrow for an AMAZING Parade of Christmas homes. You guys, I am in awe of the inspiration out there! Come on in!

See you tomorrow :)

xo Kylie




Skip to my Lou/Keeping It Simple Crafts/DIY Showoff/Home Stories A to Z / Uncommon Designs /Sugar and Dots / The Winthrop Chronicles
The Girl Creative  / The Shabby Creek Cottage
Liz Marie Blog / Tater Tots & Jello / Shabby Nest / Whipper Berry /Funky Junk Interiors / Serenity Now /Classy Clutter / Someday Crafts
Reasons to Skip the Housework / Six Sisters Stuff / Be Different Act NormalLife with the Crust cut offThe Turquoise Home /  Ginger Snap Crafts /

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16 December 2013

Lately

Hey there, readers!

 Merry Monday to you. My computer bit the dust this week, so i've been lacking in the posts but i'm here to remedy that! I've got a slew of funsies for you before the Christmas week...so lets get to it!

Please enjoy a giant iPhone-dump of all the things that happened our week of being snowed in: 

First of all, no one ever told me that a new puppy is a lot like a new baby. I'm constantly cleaning up shit, he wakes up every 2 hours to go outside, I have to vacuum every 5 minutes, toys everywhere, but when you get those sweet cuddles...you no longer care.

So yeah. I'm saying it. A puppy is like a baby except you don't get maternity leave and they don't have diapers to catch the disgusting things that come out of them!


Axl meets Kaedyn. They're best friends! Except for the choke hold Kaedyn tends to have Axl in..."Mom! Help me! Get me away from this Child!"


This dog is not allowed to sleep in the bed. But he literally does not give a single ef about rules, or about make room for me.


Those puppy snuggles. :)



Axl's first trip to the vet. I literally cried real tears when they gave him shots. It was so sad. I promise to not be that person, I promise! Last you'll hear of it I swear. 

Anyways, for some further iPhone dump, here is my fam after our first "Fran" which is basically "thee" Crossfit Benchmark workout. We were proud we made it through and I made us commemorate with a picture.

This is the dress I bought for my Bachelorette party, and I had to selfie-it-up for my girlfriends to see. Sparkles + Tutu. Yes. Jake said that I look like a freak trying to be a fairy. I told him to suck it because I AM A FAIRY!



I chopped and organized all of our wedding invitations. I.LOVE.THEM. I am seriously sending them out February first even if that is technically a month early.


This is the pile to go back home for Christmas. I also finished wrapping this weekend...hot diggity dog!


And to wrap it all up, our week of being snowed in consisted of a lot of cocktails. This was my absolute favorite! You must make it. Like a vanilla-orange smoothie without the work. Next time there is fluffy white snow on the ground, make the most of it...get boozy :)

Tomorrow i'm sharing how I made our Christmas Card myself! And order 130 of them for a whopping 30 dollars! Boom! Come back. It will be fun :)

xo

Kylie







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