Joy Christmas project

Just in case you have started to think about decorating for Christmas (and the only reason I have is because I'm wondering how the heck I'm going to have a Christmas tree up for 30+ days and not let Sawyer destroy it) here is a cute little decor project I finished last year. Yes, I said finished last year and started the year before. Oh well, I finished it at least. How many of you Pinterest peeps can say that? I saw the tutorial here and thought I would put my own little spin on it. Part of the reason it took me so long to complete is that I could not find finals. Our Lowes does not carry them. I finally found some in my mom's stash of junk that were old curtain rod finals. And while the burlap was lovely, it just isn't very Christmasey to me. I used some scrapbook paper instead and had my aunt cut out the letters on her Cricut machine. Overall, pretty easy and pretty cute, no?

Letter to my teenage self

So I read a post by Andrea at My Chihuahua Bites, and I as I was reading I kept thinking , "Yep, sounds familiar." I bet so many of us could identify with the wisdom she wished she could have shared with her teenage self. It's such an emotional time, trying to figure out who and what you are. If only we could have listened to the advice of an experienced 30-something year-old....but then, I'm sure I would have been, "whatever...she doesn't understand!"

Letter to my teenage self:

I know it's been a tough few years dealing with the separation of your parents, your best friend moving away, boys and an asshole of a little brother, but I promise you, it will all get better!
I'm sorry to tell you that your parents will continue to have a tough time for the next several years. I know it feels like you're the only one whose parents are having issues, but you're not. Find it in yourself to talk to someone about it.  That Michelle girl is pretty nice. All the fighting, crying and back and forth takes it toll, but, in the end, they make it. They stick it out.
Cher moving away was devastating. I understand that when you're 10, your best friend is your world. But trying to be one of the "popular" girls is not going to work out. Most of them are nasty and you don't really want to be friends with them. But they will teach you to be true to yourself and one of the most loyal friends anyone could ask for. Amazing friends are just around the corner, some of whom you are still friends with today.
Don't get too worried about having a boyfriend. There are some good guys you will kick yourself for passing on, but you're not ready so it's just as well. Although Chris will be a very special friend so don't feel too bad about letting him slip by. A good guy will come along, maybe not as soon as you would like, but hang in there.
Little brothers are a pain in the ass. Yours will continue to be a pain in the ass (and jaw) for a few more years. I'm not going to lie, you don't become best buds, but your relationship is much improved. You might even enjoy hanging out with him some. Remember this, because you will need to tell it to our daughter one day.
You are beautiful and smart and funny and such a gift to this world! Enjoy your time, it really will go by so fast.
P.S. Don't pull away when Grandaddy hugs you for a long time
P.P.S. Pluck your eyebrows.