Happy 5th Anniversary to My Amazing Husband!

Today is our 5th wedding Anniversary! And although it seems like yesterday we were saying our I dos, I am reminded of how much time has gone by and just how much has changed since that day five years ago. So many wonderful blessings since that day. Some heartache too. But over all we have so much to be blessed and thankful for, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Orion, 

I'm so blessed to be your wife, everyday I thank the Lord that he brought us together. How he's made our lives one and continues to teach us about Him and ourselves. I know that he is our anchor in times when things have seemed unsure. I'm so lucky to live life with you, raise children with you and call you my husband. I'm so proud of you. I'm proud of us. I look forward to so many more years of marriage. I love you.

Andrea

Happy 5th Anniversary my love. 

{Our Home} Mantle Re-Mix with #KmartHoliday

I'm excited to show you what I did with the holiday decor items we recently picked up on our shopping trip to Kmart! You can read more about that experience here. 

Sunday afternoon after church I got to work taking apart our mantle so that I could do a little mantle re mix with these awesome pieces I found at Kmart. The first thing I did was add another piece of garland to "beef" it up a bit, I felt like there wasn't enough, and that we need one more to really add an impact and make it "pop!"



Next, I started to add in the different decor items I picked up while on our shopping trip.



Here's some of the items that I used in the garland;
Midnight Clear Glass Bird Ornaments
Midnight Clear Glass Ornaments in Green
Trim A Tree Garland
Celebrations Ornament Hanger

Here's the beautiful after our mantle re mix:



I want to show you a close up of these amazing glass birds, I have a thing for glass birds like this. So when I saw them in the store I knew these glittery, feathery gems had to be mine!



Pretty huh?! Here's another close up of the mantle details again; I just love how much everything sparkles!



I really loved how it all turned out, using some of what we already had but also adding some new fresh pieces makes it such a fun mantle to look at!

If you're still looking for holiday decor head on over to Kmart to do some decor shopping. They have some great stuff at really affordable prices. Right now most everything is 40% off, and I'm sure after the holidays it will be discounted even more. The perfect time to get decorations for next year!

You can see their full holiday collection here. 

If you haven't done so already, become a fan of Worley House on Facebook. It'd make my holiday! :)

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias all opinions and ideas are 100% mine though. As always, I wouldn't endorse someone professionally that I wouldn't personally.

Celebrating 4 Years

A week ago was our 4th wedding anniversary! Orion and I have been together for six years {married 4, dated for 2} and in the best possible way it feels like we've been together even longer. Celebrating four years of marriage was so fun for us! Each year that we're married is a celebration in and of itself, I know each year that's gone by we learn more about each other, we grow together more, we grow as people. We're better people because of each other. Orion makes me want to be a better wife and mother, a better person for those that I meet and will come in contact with.

When I think back on each of these last four years so many emotions come to mind, they are marked by significant milestones, heart aches and triumphs! They have been years of testing of our faith, our reliance on God and learning to trust on the Lord and in each other. As we sat at dinner celebrating our anniversary last Saturday we talked about these things. How they have changed us, made us better and how we have learned so much from times in our life when if you'd have asked us 4 years ago we would have never thought any of {this} would be in our lives. We're better and stronger for all of it. We're thankful for it.

As we head into our 5th year of marriage we feel excitement and anticipation. I told Orion when we were out for dinner that I feel like "this is our year." Not that the last four haven't been but we have packed in a lot in the last four years, been through so much not always bad but it's been a lot of transition. And, I know that we'll always be learning and growing people that is just apart of life and who we are. At this point in life, we finally feel settled. We finally feel like we're in the best possible place spiritually, physically and mentally to take on the next year and all its joys and challenges. We're entering a new phase of life and we're loving where were headed. 

Big changes are ahead for us and we're excited. Orion started Graduate School last week, we're just a year and a half away from seeing him complete a major milestone. I'm so excited for him. Excited for the growth that will happen in his life, excited for the doors it will open and what God's going to do in his life. He's also training for his first 5k this fall, working his way towards his goal of a marathon and then and Iron Man. 

Each and everyday we're reminded of God's faithfulness and provision to us. We're truly blessed. 

Life isn't going to be perfect always but this is our perfect. This is our happy, this is our life. 

*****

I just wanted to say a "welcome" to the new readers of Worley House!

I'm glad you're here! 

Possibilities with Lifestyle Crafts + A Discount for You!

Today Lifestyle Crafts is releasing their brand new Possibilities Collection of die cuts! I was excited to be lucky enough to receive some of these fantastic dies to try out for myself. With our anniversary coming up, I knew I wanted to make a card for the Hubby with my Letterpress and this new collection of dies.

I feel like over the last 4+ years of anniversaries, Valentines days, etc. I've seen and probably given Orion every card imaginable. I even saw some cards on the shelves at Target that I'd already given Orion. Well, and we can't have any repeats.

I really just wanted a simple card, that said exactly what I wanted it to. Here's where my Letterpress and the new Possibilities dies came in.

I started out by using some of the ink dye and making a letterpress design on three cards.



Next I choose one of the dies and coordinating scrap booking paper and cut three of the same shapes using the Nesting Lace Squares. 



I put some foam 3D squares on the back of each one. I wanted them to pop out on the card when I finished it.

Next, I used the same die and cut some of our wedding photos. I don't know if you're supposed to use photos or cut them with the Letterpress, but I did and it turned out well.



I also put 3D foam squares on the back of each of those three as well. Next it was time to assemble to entire card. I tapped the 3 embossed cards together so that they kinda stood up like a book. First, I wrote some simple phrases on the three yellow cards.

We have this thing where Orion will tell me he loves me, and I'll say I love you more back and then he'll say I love you the most! Yes, we're cheesy like that and it's our thing. It's exactly what I wanted the card to say.





Here's what the finished card looked like when I gave it to him on our anniversary.





And that's not all the awesome people at Lifestyle Crafts are offering all Worley House readers a 20% off discount! Enter WORLEYHOUSE at check out and getting 20% off your entire purchase!

BIG thanks to Lifestyle Crafts for letting me be apart of this promotion! I can't wait to keep using it and come up with other projects!

Happy 4th Anniversary Orion

Today, is our fourth wedding anniversary. We didn't know it four years ago when we saw each other for the very first time what the next four crazy years would hold. Through everything there is no one else I'd rather live this life with than you! You're my partner, my friend and the one I love more than anything. You've seen the good in me and the bad and stuck with me through it all. Together we've made so many memories, become parents to a lovely girl and I look forward to the many adventures we've got yet to come. I love you Orion.

To see more of our wedding, including our wedding video click here.

photos by: Gregory Photography

Celebrating Our Third Anniversay- The Video

I finally got my video camera working again. I was able to upload & edit the videos I took on our anniversary date. I'm really enjoying having a video camera to record all these little moments. It's a lot of fun to document our lives this way too. 

Enjoy, the video that we took on our anniversary. 

The music is "Everything" by Michael Buble' this was our first dance song at our wedding!

Anniversary Week III: Through the Years

Our Anniversary has come and gone this week, we had a ton of fun celebrating all week together. 

Video of our week is coming soon, as soon as I can get my camera [that died] recharged and the video edited I'll post it. 

But, for now here's a little collage of pics from the last few anniversaries that we've had here at the Worley House!

Enjoy! 

Anniversary Week III: How We Celebrated

Our third anniversary has come and gone, but we're still relishing in the fun and memories we made just a couple days ago. 

We lounged around that morning, Orion had the entire day off so it was perfect! We went to lunch at Chipotle, since that's how we are simple and do what we love. After lunch we headed off to my surprise for Orion.

A couple weeks back I was trying to figure out something fun to do on our anniversary since this year we were staying home and local unlike previous years when we took a weekend trip to celebrate. I thought it would be fun to go to a place and paint our own pottery together, and make something for our home together. 

I didn't know how Orion would do, since I'm usually the crafty one in this relationship. But, when I told him where we were going and what was in store he was excited about the whole thing and couldn't wait to try. 

We headed over to Color Me Mine in Peoria and picked out a set of coasters to paint. He did two and I did two of them. We each put our own designs on them. We get to go back Monday and pick them up after they've been sealed and glazed. 

Next up, we went to Home Goods. This may sound silly but Orion had never been there and I really wanted to show him all the goodness that is Home Goods. So we went. He was impressed. We bought a dog brush for Bentley and dreamed of all the things we would do to another house someday, if we find ourselves in that position again. 

After that it was time to head home to get ready for dinner and drop Ava off at a friend's house, so they could watch her while we went out to dinner. 

We choose to go to Sassi in Scottsdale for dinner. I love this place. It's beautiful, and it looks like Italy. I've never been to Italy but my Mom has and she agrees. 

We ate dinner. Ordered sparkling lemonades, drank and were merry! Orion ordered gelato and I got a latte for dessert. We chatted about the past, the present and what's in store. We dreamed new dreams and made plans for the next year to come. 

After dinner we walked about the outside of the restaurant. They have weddings there, so it's beautiful and gorgeous. We took this picture:

For gifts this year we decided to go in on a gift together, something that we both wanted and could both use. We decided to get an ihome system for our ipod. We both really love listening to music and pod casts so it was a perfect gift for us. 

We picked Ava up from the baby sitters a.k.a our friends, and she was a champ! She did great, had a little gas when we first dropped her off and was a bit fussy but then calmed down. When we walked in and asked where she was, they showed us and laying on the floor there she was in a basket of theirs with her blanket. It was adorable! 

We went home, snuggled our girl and smiled at each other thankful for the last three years together. 

Anniversary Week III: By the Numbers

3 is the number of places we've lived since we got married 3 years ago. (yes, we've moved every year, and yes I know that's annoying.)

1 the number of pets that dwell at the Worley House.

1097 are the number of days since our wedding!

4 are the number of fights we've had over building furniture together (but who's counting)

16 are the number of attendants at our wedding.

2 is the number of flower girls at our wedding.

45 is the number of people that RSVP that didn't show up to our wedding.

2083 is the number of our current apartment.

5 is the number of times I was a bridesmaid before I was a Bride. 

3462 was the number of our first house together.

6 is the number of times Orion's been peed & pooped on since Ava was born.

14 is the day we got married!

2007 is the year we got married!

7 is the month we got married in!

July 14, 2010

July 14th, 2007

On July 14th, 2007 we said "I Do." 

On July 14th, 2008 we celebrated one year, not knowing what would come in the next year. 

On July 14th, 2009 we celebrated two years and later found out that we'd be parents soon. 

Today, we are stronger and better and a family. 

I married my best friend. The person who makes me laugh the hardest. The person who's always accepted me just for who I am. 

Orion is everything I ever wanted, and everything I never knew I needed. But, God knew. He knew when Orion would walk into my life, he knew how Orion would complete the weakest parts of me and how together we'd be stronger and make each other better. God knew the trials and joys that we'd walk into and he gave us each other to lean on during those times. 

I feel so blessed in so many ways to have such a loving, caring and wonderful Husband. 

Orion, thank you for being the husband that I need and deserve. Thank you for being an amazing Daddy to Ava. Watching the two of you is like a gift. A gift I am forever grateful for. I'm thankful that the three of us together make a family. 

I love you so much and can't wait to share the day with you, and celebrate many more years of bliss with you!

Anniversary Week III: Looking Back

Last night Orion and I sat on the couch a looked through old pictures, flipped through photo albums and reminisced about the early days when we first met and started dating. If you don't already know about our story you can read it here. 

Orion and I met in January of 2005, it's hard to believe that five years have passed since we first met and when on our first date. This picture below was taken in April of 2005, a month before we "officially" began dating. We were at a Twins game with some friends when my friend Sara conveniently snapped this picture of the two of us. I thought she was taking a group picture and found this later on my camera. Our friends were coming up with scenarios on how to get the two of us together, we went on quite a few group outings before our first date. I honestly was pretty oblivious to what was happening, it wasn't until Orion actually asked me on a first date that I realized he might like me. 

This next photo, was taken on our second date, which was actually 24 hours after our first date. :)

Orion had asked me to go out with him on May 13th, 2005 but I'd already RSVP to a friends wedding that day, and I didn't want to back out. So I asked Orion if we could go out the day before, which was a Friday night. Our first date, went so well that I asked him that evening if he'd like to go to the wedding with me as my date. 

No on knew that we'd even went on a date the night before except for a few close friends, so showing up to a friends wedding where there was tons of mutual friends there was like our coming out party so to speak. It was on May 13, 2005 that we actually told people we were "officially" a couple after deciding this the night before on our first date. 

It's so fun to look back, and see how far we've come, where we've been and dream and hope for what the future has for us. 

Looking back at these pictures, I see a girl who didn't know how quickly she'd fall in love with this man. I never dreamt we'd go through so much and experience so much in just a short amount of time. But, I'm so happy and lucky that I've gotten to do all that with Orion by my side!

Anniversary Week III: Gift Ideas

As we kick off anniversary week here at the Worley House, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some possible cute gift ideas. I took the liberty to put together a little sampling of some ideas one for her and one for him. 

The traditional gift for the third anniversary is leather. 

This awesome leather bracelet for a man is from Juliethefish's Etsy shop. I've actually been eyeing this for a while and it's actually what I'm getting Orion for our anniversary. Shhh....don't tell. Instead of putting a name in the silver plate I'm going to put his fave scripture verse from the Bible. Next, up is this adorable patent leather purse from Target. I've been stalking it for a while. It's what I told Orion I wanted for a gift. It's cute, has a lot of room and priced right at $29! 

The modern gift for the third anniversary is crystal. 

I'm not sure why this is the modern gift, I don't think many people like crystal much. I however love crystal when it comes in these forms:

For her I picked this adorable crystal cupcake stand from one of my fave Etsy shop's Vintagely Yours. And for him these really pretty crystal cuff links from Etsy as well.

1093 days

Since we said "I do."

3 more days till our 3rd Anniversary!

Tune in all this week for the details of how we celebrated and some fun anniversary posts along the way!

To tie you over, here's some reading material:

To see our original wedding website click here. To read about how we celebrated and what we did on our first anniversary click here. To read all about celebrating our second click here and here. 

It's one of our traditions to take a picture of us on our actual anniversary, these pics were taken the day of our anniversary at dinner that evening, can't wait to fill in the gap for this years anniversary. 

#3 here we come! 

Anniversary Week: How We Celebrated!

Yesterday, was our 2nd anniversary! It's been two whole amazing years since "I do!" Orion and I spent last weekend in Duluth, MN we'd both never been there before so it was awesome seeing it together for the first time. Last night we headed out for dinner at one of our fave places, we hadn't been there in a while and so this place was a treat. Here's a little recap of how we celebrated our second anniversary (take a look back at year 1, click here)

Year two: July 14, 2009

Dinner @ Rudy's Red Eye Grill

@ Leif Erickson Park Duluth, MN

Snack Time @ Crabby Bills

Attempting to skip rocks. Orion is great at this, Me not so much.

Gooseberry Falls State Park Two Harbors, MN

It's crazy that today, we begin year #3! Can't wait to see what the next year holds for us, I have a feeling we're in for a few surprises!

Happy Anniversary!

July 14th, 2007

Today, is our anniversary. Two years ago today Orion and I exchanged vows and said I do in my home church back in Iowa. Our day was perfect! I remember the anticipation I felt as I got my hair and make-up done that morning. And the feeling I felt when Orion and I saw each other for the very first time that day. And the moment I started walking down the aisle, my eyes were on Orion. Seems as if two years has flown by so fast, I can hardly believe that it's been two years already. [i'll probably say this at 10 as well] Who knew that two years ago we'd have all the adventures that we've had, or traveled the places we've been, or go through heartache and the testing of our marriage all in two years? I didn't. I think each person who is married would probably agree with me in saying that every year of marriage is different than the previous. It has it's own set of challenges, joys, triumphs and victories. I feel like this year has been all that and more, but at then end of the day I feel stronger together than apart, and there's no one else that I'd rather walk through the hills and vallies, or go through the storms with than Orion.

Orion, thank you for being my protector, providing for me, loving me and always being there. I love you with all of my heart and can't wait for the next year of our lives together to begin.

love you more- Andrea

And since it's our anniversary it's only fitting to show you some of our wedding photos:

The whole big bridal party! 14 attendants, 2 flowers girls, 2 ushers!

Cutting our cake!

leaving the church, headed to the reception....one of my fave photos!

Orion & I.

Me.

Our first meeting that morning..... I thought we were "alone" but I looked up later and saw everyone watching us out of the BIG picture window from the church.

Sealing the deal!

Unity Candle.

It's Anniversary week all week @ Worley House! Tomorrow, pictures and memories from our honeymoon and anniversary!

Countdown.....less than 24 hours!

Less than 24 hours from now..... Orion and I will celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary! More to come tomorrow.....

Celebrating One Year of Wedded Bliss!

Yesterday was my one year wedding anniversary! Wow! A year has flown by so fast! The whole day I kept thinking, remember where we were this day last year?!!?! It's hard to believe that one year has gone by since we said, "I do." Orion and I spent the day together relaxing and remembering our wedding day.

Our weekend leading up to was a lot of fun. Here's a little re-cap:

Friday, we woke up late drove to Iowa for the weekend. Rolled in about 4pm. Checked into our wonderful hotel suite. Chilled before dinner. Then met my sister, Mom and step-dad for dinner.

Orion and I all checked into the hotel

Saturday, had breakfast together, went shopping, played a round of mini golf. Which I won! The headed off to dinner at Flemmings, then took a walk around the lake district, and of coarse took pictures.

Orion and I after a round of mini golf!

At Flemmings for dinner.

Sunday, we packed up to head home. But, not before getting my anniversary gift from Orion. What you might ask? Well, I'll tell you! A PUPPY!!! Yes, that's right. I was so excited. I'd been asking, wanting and desiring a puppy for a while. Orion just kept saying that it wasn't the right time, and he wanted to wait, etc. He's good..totally had me fooled and feeling like he didn't want one.

Me with Bentley.

Monday, we spent the day chillin' and hangin' out. I ran errands with Bentley and Orion washed the car. Later that night we headed out for dinner. Orion took me to Ruth Chris's downtown. This place is special to us, since this is the place where we got engaged. We headed back again for our anniversary. It was so good, and I was stuffed! When we got back to the house we cracked out the top of our wedding cake to partake! Let me tell you it wasn't as good as it was a year ago. But, I still loved taking part in a tradition! Year One: July 14, 2008

eating the top of our wedding cake.

Taking four days to celebrate was a lot of fun. I wish O and I could chill out everyday together, and not have to work. :) I'm such a lucky girl to have married my best friend, be so in love, and love every minute I get to spend with Orion. He's such a great husband, and this year has been one of the best years of my life. We both have grown so much in this last year, I can't wait to see what next year holds for us, and the year after that, and years to come! Check out more pictures from our anniversary here.

I love you Orion!