Weekend Warriors!

I'll start this post off with this song, so you can listen while reading if you so wish. If you haven't heard of Gungor yet, please go have a listen. Gungor's music is worshipful and earnest, and I can't help but resonate with so many of their songs. Such beautiful praise!



On Saturday night, Colin and I went to a dinner party thrown by some of Colin's sweet work friends. It was such a good time! If you have never played this game, you need to. We don't even know what it's called... It's basically telephone, where each person gets a piece of paper, and they write a funny phrase on the top, then pass it to the next person, who has to draw that phrase, then they fold over the previous sentence so the next person can't see it, then the next person has to write a phrase describing the picture, so on and so forth... It is always a riot, and the best part is seeing what comes out at the end.

I'm pretty sure this one started out as "a hamster running on a wheel"...

This one, I believe, started out as "an alligator peeing as a UFO lands on its head."

On Sunday we were so excited to participate in our church's first Sunday in their brand new building in downtown Columbia! Not only is it a beautiful space, but having our own place that God graciously provided is amazing. There are actual, awesome youth rooms, too. We were so happy to worship in that space and enjoy a good ol' southern barbeque afterwards! We are grateful for our church.

All photos taken by Rod Lewis. Thanks, Rod!

Happy Monday!

Baby Steps to the Nursery...

It's November! I can't even believe it. Time is absolutely flying.

Found this awesome video on babble, and it definitely inspired me! I love wearing scarves, and usually settle for the classic loose drape. Here are 25 wonderful ways to wear your scarf (and just the cutest video!)



We have officially begun putting together (and I say that as loosely as possible) Little Girl's nursery! I have been gathering ideas for a while now, but we now have a crib on the way as well as some beautiful crib bedding. We also found a dresser/changing table at the thrift store this weekend, so once I finish painting it I'll post about that as well!

We opted for the simple and classic look of a white Jenny Lind-style crib. If you look at nurseries on Apartmenttherapy or Pinterest, you will see this crib everywhere. It's simple and affordable!

(Both images found via apartmenttherapy)

For bedding we decided to go with this babydarling pink and mustard crib set (she also has an adorable gray and yellow set that we considered if we were having a little boy!). I always thought I would be one of those moms who didn't do any form of pink for her little girl (I've never been much of a fan of pink), but I absolutely love the way small pink accents complement my favorite color of all, mustard. If you know me at all, you probably knew mustard was going to make an appearance somewhere in this room ;)


All this to say, my etsy favorites list grows and grows by the day (I've said it before and I'll say it again, that website is DANGEROUS), and I am so looking forward to putting together Little Girl's room bit by bit.

Happy Monday!

Mommy! Mommy! *sip* Mooommmy!

1. In the Kiser household, we love Allstate's Mayhem commercials.
This one, though, takes the cake in my book.



2. I know that many of you probably saw our post on facebook, but yesterday afternoon I felt Little One's very first without-a-doubt-it's-baby kicks! It was unmistakable. It felt like little, tiny pokes or bumps from inside, just below my bellybutton and to the left. I have been able to feel them a few more times since then, and it brings a huge smile to my face every single time! I know there is nothing unique about pregnancy (the vast majority of women are blessed to be able to conceive more than once!), but it sure feels special and miraculous.

3. Any time I talk to others about being pregnant, they almost always ask if I've had any weird cravings. I haven't had anything interesting to report at all, sadly, except what DOESN'T sound good. Well, my friends, I have one that takes the cake. On Colin's way home last night at 9 pm, I had the most intense desire for a chocolate iced glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut... and... an eggroll. It defies explanation, but eating both of those things, side by side was heavenly. (Before you call the prego police on me, I have been monitoring my diet carefully and don't often indulge in super sweet or fatty foods!) My husband is incredibly loving and serves me so readily. I am very, very blessed.

4. I totally missed blogging about it, but this past weekend our wonderful Mama K came to visit us! We love her, and she is one of the most gracious house guests you could possibly have. We were able to eat, relax, get outside (for walks and Colin's soccer game) and play games. Such a leisurely time with one of our favorite people!

Completed a game of Monopoly. for serious! Who does that?

Got to see Colin score a goal on Sunday! Go, husband!

Hope everyone stays warm, it's going to be our first chilly weekend in the South!

At least I can laugh at myself!

Hello all! I trust some of you are enjoying the chillier weather (I, for one, am not!). It has always comforted me in some small way, though, that there are people who come alive in the winter. So, hurray for you!

In celebration of fall, Colin and I will be going out of town this weekend on our respective CotA youth camping trips. I'm excited to smell like campfire and spend some quality time with some middle and high schoolers!

Also, thought I'd share because to be honest, it makes me laugh... Two things that have made my pregnant hormonal self cry this past week (And I'm not talking about the time I was on my period and started crying at the last verse of Taylor Swift's "Romeo and Juliet"-- True story).

1. The trailer for this movie-- "Being Elmo".


Who doesn't love Elmo? I can't wait for our children to discover the joy of Sesame Street. The fact that his birth is an underdog story made me choke up. Here's the trailer.

(found via Cup of Jo)

2. I'm a little ashamed to admit this one, as well: Grey's Anatomy. I know, I know, a little late to the bandwagon (like 8 years), but I saw that all seasons were up on Netflix when I was in the throes of first trimester sickness/fatigue, so I gave it a shot. DO. NOT. WATCH. THIS. SHOW. WHILE. HORMONAL.

Yup, totally cried.

Have a great day, everyone!

Checking another desire in life off the list! Seeing Ray Lamontagne live.

Yesterday, Colin and I made a quick visit to Cary, NC-- to see our good friend Ray Lamontagne! My parents are avid concert-goers, and, knowing of my love for Ray, bought us tickets to come and see him months ago. Colin and I were in NC for no longer than 14 hours (seriously), but got to spend some good quality time with my parents and see an amazing show.



Seeing Ray live was incredible. I firmly believe that he is one of the most solid and timeless artists of our generation. As I've read in interviews of his before, he's super shy, so most of the time the lights weren't shining on him. He kept his hat down low, and while he was cordial and thankful to the audience, he clearly focused on the music and that was all. We had GREAT seats , and it was at a nice venue-- Koka Booth Ampitheater. It was 70 degrees outside and couldn't have been a more perfect night. And oh, boy. If you can imagine his voice being more beautiful in person, it was. He wooed the audience. He sang with emotion. He rocked the harmonica, His band, the Pariah dogs, was awesome, and I was genuinely sad when it was over!

If you ever get the chance, see Ray Lamontagne live! I'll leave you with our favorite song of his.

Reverting back to childhood.

1. This is a new song off of Zee Avi's new CD! Celebrating the last stretch of summer...




This weekend Colin and I were able to go floating down the river with some dear friends. The coupling of spending time with them (and one another!) and enjoying the last weeks of summer was blissful. We "docked" our floats at one of our favorite spots on the river and relaxed for hours.

It's something I think about often when I reflect upon marriage, specifically Colin and I's, but I realized again how important the act and mentality of playing is. One of the most strengthening things about our marriage, we believe, is that we're best friends in the true sense of the words. Silliness knows no bounds, and the times we feel closest to one another are when we let our maturity go and just... play. Laugh. Splash the heck out of each other in the water. Push one another (unsuspectingly) down the rock slide. I sincerely believe the day that Colin and I stop playing together is the day that our intimacy will begin to wan.

I got to watch Colin's face light up with boyish excitement as he and Dan plotted their antics on the rapids. My friend, Carrie, and I couldn't help but comment on how one of our deepest wishes was that our husbands would keep that child-like excitement for life, adventure, fun... and us!

A weekend full of blessings. We hope you experienced much the same!

grace and peace.

a good wednesday.

(Gregory Alan Isakov... a recent favorite. His music is so beautiful! Listen.)

Today is a good day.

I'm off work (always a plus!),
The house is clean,
I wrote to one of our children, Turatsinze, in Rwanda,
I'm broiling eggplant for baba ganoush,
I'm reading The Reason for God for High School bible study tonight.

I've found that, when I'm a busier person (working full-time with weekly commitments) I'm much more productive. I naturally tend towards laziness, sadly. I'm not a self-starter and not particularly motivated. I'm happier and a better person/wife when I absolutely MUST get the laundry/grocery shopping/cleaning done on Wednesday because it's my only day off. Of course, I would rather have a normal schedule with weekends off, rather than a weekday, but that's life right now. It makes me feel good to realize that I can be good at keeping a house and being a wife AND help throw some serious money at our loans (I'm so ready to throw off Sallie-Mae's shackles, you have no idea). It feels good.

How do you other wives (or anyone for that matter... singles, parents etc.) maximize your time on your days off? How do you manage productivity while still recharging for the rest of the week ahead?

Happy Wednesday!

a change of scenery.

It's been a crazy two weeks! We are in the new house and love it... so much. We are pretty much obsessed with the fact that we have a dishwasher and actual counter space among other things. The one thing that's kind of killing me is not being able to paint the walls-- I don't know how to function without my marigold kitchen. Anyway, I'll take pictures once I feel as though it's adequately settled (or, at least when we don't have boxes to unpack anymore).

I did take this one picture of the amazing lamp we found while thrifting the other week. The poor thing was so caked in dirt that you could barely tell it was white-- Colin actually cringed when I asked him to hold it (Although, he now admits how glad he is that we bough it!). I knew it had potential and I was right! It fits right in. Love the ceramic and wood together.


It's so funny how much tastes can change in such a little amount of time. I remember a couple of years ago sharing how much I couldn't stand most female singers and wouldn't choose to listen to most. Lately I'm obsessed-- Feist, Zee Avi, A Fine Frenzy, and more lately, The Bird and the Bee. The femininity of this genre almost seems to lend itself to the breezy, sunny season that's upon us.



Enjoy! Hope everyone's having a great week. Let's enjoy spring while it lasts!

sickly, chapter 3.

1. Peaceful days, where I can sleep in with Colin, sit in the living room with the windows open, listen to music and make grocery lists. I'm actually almost thankful for being sick this past week-- it forced me to relax, because I couldn't do much else. Not work, not scramble to get things done... just wind down. Now, I feel rejuvenated to go back to work and do the things that need to be done this week!

2. I know the whole internet world is abuzz about Adele, but if anyone's worth the hype, this girl is. She makes me believe that there is talent out there in a world where every voice we hear on the radio is auto-tuned. It's hard to believe that such a mature sound can come out of such a young person... her first album (which is incredible) was recorded when she was 19 years old!



3. So much coming up in the next months-- to top it all off, we're planning our second wedding anniversary trip! I can't even believe it'll be two years of marriage in July. We already booked our hotel and flight (thank you, thank you, tax returns!). Since we did something very Rachel-friendly last year (not that Colin didn't want to do it and didn't love it, but laying in the sun is definitely my thing), we're going to do something different this year. We'll be spending a long weekend in D.C., seeing the museums and sites, going to a nice dinner on our anniversary, then we're going to go see Manchester United and Barcelona play at Fed Ex field! We are so excited! We feel blessed to be able to do things like this together.

4. I'm also on the hunt for the perfect everyday shoe. I've had two pairs of TOMS now, but honestly the two things that attracted me to them in the first place (them being different and also the company's philanthropy) have come and gone. Literally everyone in the world has a pair now, but mainly the allocation of their (abundant!) resources and their stewardship is kinda sketchy. I like the idea of a shoe that goes with anything and is effortless-- I've been eying a few pairs of keds but can't commit. Any thoughts?

5. Kevin comes tomorrow! We get our friend back for the week. It's a harsh reality of post-college life that people move away and you rarely get to see them. Fortunately, sometimes you do :)

Hope you're enjoying your rainy Sunday!

I know that You are for me.

Such an awesome Truth.
In my brokenness, sadness, anxiety, whatever... He will never forsake me. He won't forsake you, either. Know it, and live in it. Live like it.
It's almost too much for me to contain at times.

grace and peace.

it feels like spring.

1. Hope everyone had a great Valentine's day! We definitely don't treat it like the huge relationship-altering holiday it seems to have become to many, but we relish the opportunity to take one another out and speak love in an active way. Colin, sushi, and a bottle of Merlot made the night beautiful and peaceful.

me about to tear into that Jade Roll. helllooo.

2. A dream of mine is being actualized this coming May-- We are going to see Cirque du Soleil!! The show that's coming to Columbia is Alegria. Our seats are so good I'm convinced we'll be able to high-five the clowns, for real. SO excited, you guys! Thanks, Colin!

3. Love this post by Color Me Katie. It will make you smile!

4. Thank you for this, seventeen-year-old Zooey Deschanel.

5. I laughed so hard when I read this article. 'homeless chic'.

6. Check out Brooke Waggoner if you've never heard of her. Her music is beautiful, delicate, and happy. I love listening to her and hearing random harps or banjos thrown in... her album Fresh Pair of Eyes (2007) is so good, and it makes me sad it took me so long to hear of her!



Have a wonderful week and enjoy the beautiful weather!

it's been quite the week.

Hello, Friends! What a lovely, lovely, lovely day. Let's enjoy it, because it looks like a "wintry mix" is going to hit Columbia on Friday supposedly. Gross.

1. I've been looking at this picture all week-- I can't remember exactly where I saw it first to credit-- and it makes me so, so happy. The colors, the lighting, the patterns and textures... It's just good.


2. On Wednesday I leave for beautiful California with Cait and Swhite! Since Cait left all of her stuff out there in LA after graduation, including her car, she absolutely needed us ;) to fly out there with her and then drive it all back to the East Coast. Cross-country trip, anyone? I am way excited to spend so much time with my best friends on a welcomed adventure, and to get to meet all of Cait's college friends and see her life for the past four years! I'll try and be good about taking pictures to share when we get back. I will also try and coerce Colin into blogging a little while I'm gone!

3. Also, I think that you should check out Laura Marling. She's been an accomplished artist for years now, and is still only 20 years old! Her sound is simple and beautiful. Her boyfriend isn't too bad either (Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons)!



4. The other day was a really awesome thrifting day-- took a short break in between work and a meeting to go to His House with Katie, and it was so fun! Here are some of my finds...

I am such a sucker for older/vintage housewares. I think that most of the new things put out these days, like casseroles, cookware, dishes...etc. are boring. Everything's stainless steel, white, or black! This old thermos ($0.25) is in great shape and I love the color.


This blazer ($1)! I have been on the hunt for a good tweed blazer and look every time I go thrifting, and I finally found one! I wore it today to church and love it. This is the sign of a trusting friendship-- there was no mirror in the store, so I just put it on and asked Katie yes or no. It was a yes!


And lastly, these belts ($1 each)! I have so many dresses and tops that need to be belted, which has become my favorite thing to do, and these do the trick. They're in fun colors with gaudy buckles, and I love them!

Not pictured is my awesome pampered chef stoneware baking pan ($1). When I got home I checked online and saw that they retail for about $65 on Amazon.com.... wow. Find of the day, for sure! I can't wait to make apple crisp in my new pan! Thrifting is my favorite hobby. It provides hours of relaxation at a very, very low cost, offers me a chance to be a little creative with my dress, and it helps feed my desires to nest/decorate.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Love Came Down

Mountain high or valley low
I sing out, remind my soul
that I am Yours, I am forever Yours.

cabin fever.

I miss being able to breathe. I miss having a real voice. I miss my ears not ringing. I miss being able to get stuff done. I miss showering, doing my hair and makeup, and putting on actual clothing. I miss seeing friends. To quote David after the dentist, "Is this going to be forever?" That's what I feel like. I'm the girl who is always sick. I've had a stinky immune system as long as I can remember, and as fate would have it, I married the guy with the best immune system in the world. He's been actually sick (like, for more than one day) one time in the four years I've known him. He insists on cuddling with and kissing me still, even though I'm a snotty mess, and I guarantee he won't so much as sniffle. Insane.

Basically I just wanted to stop in and share this song. I can't stop listening! Every now and then I find a song that can only be described as hauntingly beautiful (Mumford & Sons- I Gave You All, Death Cab for Cutie- Brothers on a Hotel Bed, Lovedrug- Thieving...). This is one of them, for sure. Check out the Civil Wars!




Also, this is the last entry that will be "posted" to my facebook, so if you want to follow our blog, follow it on blogger, google reader...etc. for updates!

grace and peace.

sickly.

1. Woke up this morning with a pounding headache, sore throat, and achey body. Immediately decided to go back to bed and slept until 4 (!!!) in the afternoon. Only glanced through our blinds at the snow... There are more significant things than snow when you feel like death warmed over, I think. You know how, when you're sick, you start to wonder what it was ever like to feel not sick? I've only been sick for 24 hours and already I'm feeling that way. ugh. All I have to say is, thank goodness for throat coat tea! I have been drinking it like nobody's business.


2. I just heard that the book, The Great Gatsby, is being remade into a newer film-- featuring Leonardo Dicaprio as Gatsby himself and Carey Mulligan as Daisy! I could not be more excited! I have such high hopes for this film. I have loved this book for a long time, so we'll see. Leo can't seem to go wrong.


3. I can't stop listening to Andrew Belle. his album, The Ladder, has been on repeat all night. In a few of his songs he brings out his banjo, also, which I love. His voice is so soothing, and I love the folky elements that he brings in this album. This song makes me want to go on a night drive in the summer, with my feet on the dash, holding my best friend's hand.



4. And lastly, because I love food... one of the simplest (but tastiest) things I prepared for dinner this week. I adapted it just a little bit from this recipe here. I followed her recipe, except I doubled it and instead of soy sauce I added balsamic vinegar (yum). This tastes AWESOME. Highly recommend it if you want something fresh, and if, like in our case, the spinach you have in your fridge is starting to wilt a little!

via broke and healthy.

Hope everyone is enjoying having some time off from school and work! Stay warm.

grace and peace, the wife.

cool.

i just have to share this.



how fun is this? this is, of course, my personal favorite. such talent, love it! i also really like his renditions of "dynamite" by Taio Cruz and Rihanna's "only girl".

enjoy!

Colin here.

Apologies for the long absence. Much has transpired and blogging has been on the far distant burner.

1. Currently at coolbeans musing on James 2. What a shocking and provocative passage for protestants of all shades! Every once in a while I'll read scripture and come out of the experience winded. Pneumatic workout.

If you got that last one, you're a geek like me.

2. Radiohead: yes. If you haven't ever listened to "optimistic" or "in limbo" together, you lackin'!
I do think they almost pulled off a masterpiece in these two songs. It's rock with a pillow under your tush. I jet off into a far galaxy when I listen to the whole album (Kid A).

3. Watch this and then let's talk about it.



Call social services. Other than the irony of these "ladies'" extreme singleness, there's not much to grin at in this one, folks. Rachel brought a great point over dinner about this video and in light of the "Whip my hair" song by Willow Smith, who is 10 years old. The issue is that our media-centric culture is luring children into social, emotional and physical development faster than ever. In short, we're growing our kids up too fast. In reference to the "single ladies" we just viewed, they are seven years old. that's right. siete anos. When I was seven years old I was playing street hockey everyday after school. These girls are playing with barbies in the afternoon, then going to striptease-esque dance lessons after dinner. hhmmm. What's worse is that any person who speaks out against this video on youtube (like one guy we saw, with a vlog) is consistently called a "pedo" or "pervert" for saying the video is sexually charged and inappropriate. REALLY?

not trying to be uber critical, just...GOMMORAH, people!

4. I love my job. Frenzy Screen Printers! I've posted about it before and told of God's providential grace in giving it to me after months of prayer asking for a job just like it. I enjoy going to work everyday knowing that, to a large extent, the fate of the business rests on my (and Savannah's, my co-worker) shoulders. It is a grand responsibility, but infinitely better than being a cog in the wheel at a factory. I'm in a new store on Harbison Blvd, right next to Chili's and Barnes and Noble. If you need anything printed on t-shirts, hoodies, sweat pants, etc., give us a call (781.3755).

5. God is so abundantly worthy. He is deserving of our devotion and obedience/trust/praise at all times. When we don't have intense religious affections for Him, I firmly believe in THAT time we can honor Him in a very special way, even if just by being with Him intentionally. May we never shrink away from Him because of self-inflicted shame.

Be with God this week. I'll be seeking to do the same.

Grace and Peace to you from the only glorious God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

it's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees...

winter is upon us! high of 37 on wednesday?? aah. moving our little space heater into our bathroom for when i get out of the shower was one of the best ideas i've had in forever. toasty. also, a sprinkle of cinnamon in your cup of coffee does, in fact, brighten your day, just a little bit.

this looks really good right about now.. 43 degrees. BLAGH.

via Oh Joy!

what. the. heck. what is this? so cool! when Colin saw it, he said, "No. no. NO." haha.

the Wood between the Worlds.


why have i not been listening to Joni Mitchell all my life? I love her! I'm finding more and more lately that I love the sound of music from earlier days. If anyone has good recommendations for other artists, please let me know.



James Taylor at Christmas, also. I will always have love for sweet baby James... always.

trusting in Jesus in the midst of sorrow does not go unnoticed by Him. As a sweet friend instructed me, "you just walk." I have found a compassion that is incomparable to anything else. It is such a sweet truth that He is near to us in our grief. i am hungry for His presence. thank you, Lord, for grace to trust You.

grace and peace.

happy list.

because i am sick, and because i've been feeling glum for the past while... things that have cheered me up this week.

1. this music video. not only have I started to fall in love with the Black Keys, but this video literally made me grin from ear to ear when I saw it. Go, Funkasaurus Rex!



2. this yellow door. My dream house includes this door along with a brick fireplace that I can paint white...or maybe just one brick accent wall.

via ish and chi

3. this. hahaha. titled, "Haters Gonna Hate"

via totally looks like

4. this video of a sloth nursery. again, grinning.

5. Color Me Katie. She's a street artist from Brooklyn. her blog is by far the most colorful and cheerful blog I've ever read. here she went out on her street and traced her footsteps in bright colors, then ran back upstairs to watch random passersby enjoy them. love.

color me katie

6. This engagement shoot. I absolutely love it, so unique. I would have loved this shoot to be ours, especially since Colin and I love playing poker.

via snippet & ink

7. And lastly but certainly not least. this boy. It has been such a privilege to experience our marriage and love grow with time. Hardship has been used by the Lord to develop and mature our respect for each other as well as the warmth between us. Colin has served me so well, with great strength and compassion... it is all God's grace.



grace and peace.

booya!

in order to celebrate opening day of Harry Potter 7! one of my favorite things is hearing non-americans speak with an american accent. "Charlie Sheen. Glenn Beck."




love it.