Christmas: traditions, decorations, and presents

Holy cow, Christmas is already over!

Christmas always passes too soon, and I find myself feeling a little melancholy in the few days following December 25th. I know I'll be one who procrastinates taking down the decorations.

This year, Dal and I spent Christmas with my family in Fontana, and it was wonderful. It was so nice to be at my home away from home, with my parents and two of my siblings. It made me so appreciate the traditions we have cultivated over the years, and it led Dal and I to discussing what our own family traditions will be in the years to come.

Some of my favorite Christmas-time traditions are:

• my daddy reading "Teach the Children" to us on Christmas Eve
• my mama reading "Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree"
• writing goals for the new year and putting them in a white christmas stocking as gifts for Christ
• new pajama pants on Christmas Eve
• my favorite cereal on Christmas morning
• Australian bonbons at Christmas dinner
• the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls
• going Christmas caroling
• having an excuse for wearing hideous Christmas sweaters 
• watching "Houseguest" (our not-so-Christmasy, Christmas movie) 
• spending time wit family!!

This year all of the traditions of Christmas time were extra special, as Dal got to be a part of them with me.

I loved standing next to him and enjoying the harmony he added to our family's caroling. I loved sitting back to back with him while we wrapped eachother's Christmas presents. I loved making goals together for the new year. I loved our first Christmas together.

Before we headed to California for Christmas, I decided to Christmas-ify our apartment with decorations. And since we are poor college students, it was done in DIY-dollar store fashion. It's what I do best.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and loved ones! I am so grateful for the birth of our Savior and for being able to celebrate it with fun, sweet, memorable family traditions.

Three little DIY Christmas Trees

Glass pedestals: Dollar Tree

All three trees made with poster board.

Left Tree: ribbon and tool from Dollar Tree

Center Tree: bead garland (cut up) and tool from Dollar Tree

Right tree: fake rose petals and glitter from Dollar Tree

Ornament Wreath: 

Ornaments: Dollar Tree

Styrofoam Wreath: Hobby Lobby Clearance

Tool for bow: Dollar Tree

I wanted to make note of a couple special Christmas presents that were exchanged this year. I know it is so easy to get caught up in who bought which present and who got which present and how much the present cost, etc, etc, etc. But I have always enjoyed gift-giving because it gives me time to reflect on individuals-- on their strengths, their interests, their talents, their innate gifts. It allows me to appreciate the people around me and show them that I notice them, I am learning about them, I want to know them, and I do those things because I love them.

A Kitchenaid for my mom, because she deserves nice things, and I hope she knows that. As we thought about what to give my mom, this seemed like the perfect gift. My mom is such a loving, generous person and one of the ways she shares that love is through her food. She pours her love into the kitchen and makes delicious soups, goodies, breads, and meals for countless people over the year.

A Sewing Machine for me, because I am ready and excited to cultivate my talents and interests. I am grateful to my parents and my sweet hubby for taking note of my interests and buying me such a thoughtful gift… I am excited to learn and play around with this awesome new tool. I hope to be able to use it to bless the lives of others, like I have watched my mom do with hers.

A Wire Stripper, some ammo, and a survival book for my husband, because he is curious and excited to learn and not afraid to try new things. I admire his intrigue in learning how to be self-reliant and self-sufficient. It's a curiosity I am still trying to develop. But I enjoy watching my husband learn new skills each day. I am grateful he has the desire and motivation to work hard, to develop new talents, and to provide stability for his family.

There were many other beautiful, sweet, fun, clever gifts exchanged at our family Christmas, and I am grateful for being able to show love in a special way each year.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and loved ones! I am so grateful for the birth of our Savior and for being able to celebrate it with fun, sweet, memorable family traditions.

Then They Do.

My Mom and Dad both had their birthdays this week.
Let's face it, moms and dads never get enough credit or recognition, and they have the hardest jobs on the planet. I have been so blessed to have mine.

So this is for the mom and dad that changed all my diapers, heard me say my first word, dropped me off at kindergarten, kissed my boo-boos, held me when I cried, helped me grow up, sent me off to college, and watched me marry my best friend. You've been there through it all.

Parents simply want their child to be happy. It motivates everything they do. I've seen it millions of times-- in the lunches my mom packed for me, in the car-ride talks, the stern reminders and the disappointed looks… in the sweet, handwritten letters, the ice cream cones, and the everyday efforts of a mom and dad.

I think Trace Adkins summed up parenthood pretty nicely:
"You want all the dreams they dreamed of to come true. Then they do."

Mine have. Thanks, Mom and Dad. I love you.

My Mama Llama Loo

1. My mama knows how to remedy cramps, moodiness, heartaches, and bad days. She's basically an expert at it. I can't count how many times she came to my rescue with hugs, sloppy fries, milkshakes, blankets, cuddling, and a chick-flick. She is my favorite.

2. My mama knows me better than almost anyone. She knows what I'm thinking before I say it. She always knew when I was having a bad day by my quirky little habits like deep cleaning my room. She has helped me discover who I am… she's helped me figure out my strengths and my weaknesses… and how to use those strengths in my life. I can't count how many times I've called her asking for help in figuring out my life and what I'm going to do. She always reminds me of who I am…and that gives me drive.

3. My mama became my best friend because of Taylor Swift. I remember one time we were driving in the car during my Freshman year of high school… listening to Taylor Swift. And my mom told me a story from high school that was exactly what Taylor Swift was singing about. And that blew my mind at the time. My mom knows what that feels like? Wow. That changed a lot for me. I saw my mom differently… I gave her the credit she deserved all along. I knew she was like me…she'd gone through it all before. I trusted her in a different way after that.

4. I remember during my sophomore year… I came home from school, a heartbroken 15-year-old. That dumb boy had led me on and then said things so mean…. I laid in bed and cried. My mama sat there and talked to me. And cried with me because she knew what that felt like. Regardless of the fact that it was teenage, high school "heartbreak" and drama. That didn't matter to her. All that mattered was that it was important to me. Those were real feelings of pain and hurt. And my mom never tried to discredit what I was feeling… she never chalked it up to a phase I was going through. She didn't try to belittle my feelings. She made me feel like my feelings were valid and real. And that made a world of difference for me. I'll always be grateful for that.

5. My mom and I can get in these giggly moods together. We'll sit in the back of the car, whispering to each other like little girls. And the people up front are wondering what the heck we're talking about. We just smile. I love my mama for being my friend like that….for talking with me, laughing with me… sharing inside jokes.

6. I love my mom because she made everything that was important to me, important to her. My friends were welcomed with open arms into our house… anytime. And our house became the gathering place for most activities. My mom didn't go into her room and close the door… she talked to each of my friends individually. She played the role of "second mom." She fed them and learned about them. My mom loves my friends…first because I loved them, then because she grew to love them too. That has always and will always mean so much to me.

7. My mama has worked harder than anyone else to maintain our relationship since I moved to college. I get texts almost daily reminding me that she loves me and prays for me… And I don't think she has any idea how many times those little texts and phone calls have been the answer to my prayers.

8. My mama trusts and values my opinion. I have always felt that way. That has given me self confidence, discipline, self control, and a feeling of duty. I know she is counting on me. My mom turns to me for help and input…ideas, suggestions… and that makes me feel wanted, needed, valued. I never want to let her down.

9. My mama is one of the most selfless people I know. She's shown to me through example that my time and efforts should be about others. My family always teases her because anytime she makes something (a craft, a dessert, etc.) her first comment is, "Who should we give this too?" But that's my mom. She's never thinking about herself… always about others. I've learned from her what charity looks like. She lives it.

10. I love my mommy for teaching me how to be a woman. She has taught me what my role is…what God intended it to be. She's shown me the beauty in it. And because of the life she's led, I love and respect and understand that role. And I know how sacred it is… and I want nothing less.
I'm grateful to my mom for being there for every moment of my growing up… I'm grateful that she made sure she was there when I came home from school. She was there to wake me up in the morning. She was there to kiss me goodnight. I know that isn't a privilege all women get… and there are many sacrifices that are made to make it a possibility. 
 I'm grateful my mama was home for me. I knew I could always count on her to be there. A mom really  is the epitome of "home."

I love you, Mama. Thank you for helping me find myself.

My Papanwa

1. My daddy has always treated me like a princess. Since I was born, I've been his little girl, his "sweetheart baby angel cakes." And I always will be. He was the first man I ever loved and the first I gave my heart to. I have a stack of letters I've saved from him over the years…the ones he sent to girls camp, trek, etc. And even the more stern one he sent in response to my "we shouldn't be moving" letter back in fourth grade. My daddy has a way with words. He has a way of conveying his love… and treating me like a princess no matter how non-princessy I may act. 

2. I will always treasure those late night talks on my parents bed. They usually involved me crying a ton, and my mom and dad crying with me too. I remember my daddy always being the voice of reason-- and reminding me that whatever trial I was facing, though hard at the time, would not be the end. I remember my daddy always comforting me, giving wise counsel, listening to me, believing me, and leaving me with one of my favorite phrases from him: "This too shall pass." 

3. I remember car rides to school with my daddy. And our routine slugging each other's leg on the way. Even when there weren't many words spoken, I felt safe and happy and proud to show up to school and kiss my daddy goodbye. When I found myself surrounded by kids and friends who didn't have a dad in the picture, I felt so grateful to know I had a daddy who was sticking around. 

4. I have always loved my daddy's ability to feel. He has true and sincere empathy. When I hurt, I know he hurts too. It meant so much to me when I would turn to him and tell him about my friends and the trials they were going through, and how much it hurt… and even if he didn't know them, he'd tear up and cry with me. I know that is what the Savior would do. That's what he did for Mary and Martha. I have always loved that about my daddy. He has the gift of weeping. He feels. 

5. I remember one time in particular I was really struggling. I felt weighed down by decisions I had to make, the burdens of friends, etc. I went to my daddy and asked for a blessing. Much of what I was dealing with was confidential and so I couldn't tell him much really. But he gave me a beautiful blessing. It was so specific to what I needed. It was such a testimony to me that my Heavenly Father knows me. My daddy helped strengthen my testimony. And I will forever be grateful for a daddy who lives worthily of the priesthood… who lives worthily to be called upon at any time to bless his family and his home. That has always been a comfort to me.

6. I cherish my daddy because he never gave up on me. When I went through a stage when I was mean to him… when I ignored what he said… he kept trying. He kept teaching. He kept loving me. And the lessons I learned because of him were so powerful. I learned that the "laws" and "rules" our Father gives us can sometimes seem harsh and overbearing, but that is only because we cannot fully see the picture. They are really just the loving advice of a good parent.

7. My daddy has always told me I'm beautiful. And that has meant more to me than any compliment from a boy. 

8. My daddy is thoughtful and kind. Over the summer when Dal and I were apart for our engagement, I remember one time in particular there was a conflict in schedules and when I would be coming home. Dal had been through some traumatic things and needed to see me, but I was scheduled to go home before he got back. I was so caught up in emotion and confusion and heartache-- I couldn't think clearly. I remember sobbing over the phone…with no idea what I should do. But my daddy stepped in and talked me down. He bought me multiple plane tickets. And reminded me that he works so hard so that he can do things like that for his family. I have always appreciated that my daddy has always made me feel like I am worth  it. I am worth the time and the money. Because of what he has done and said, I know that he works hard for me. To provide for my needs- physical, emotional. I feel secure and safe and I know that money is not that important in the grand scheme of things.

9. My daddy has trusted me. And I've felt it. Ever since I can remember, I've known that my daddy believes in me, knows my character, and trusts me to make the right decisions. He helped me grow up and mature because of that. I began making decisions with more awareness of the consequences…of how they affected others…. That has made a world of difference for my self-confidence and my ability to make choices. Because I know my daddy counts on me and expects good from me, I have always always tried to live up to that. He has helped me realize my divine nature and my infinite potential….and I think that's what Heavenly Father would want. 

10. My daddy was a huge part of how I found, held onto, and got sealed to Dal. I don't know if I would have if it weren't for him. My daddy has always set the example of the man I wanted to marry. I lost sight of that for a while. But my daddy kept being that example for me. I remember him telling me over and over "I pray for you and that you'll be sealed to your sweetheart in the temple. That is what you are worth. Nothing less." I grew to understand what that meant, and value a temple marriage before I even really understood much of the temple. When I met Dal, I knew he was the one because that's when I finally understood what my daddy had wanted for me all along. I felt this overwhelming feeling when I looked at dal, that he was exactly what my dad talked about. The list my daddy would have made for the guy I needed to find was complete. And when I talked to my daddy about Dal, he felt peace about it. And that made me feel even better. My daddy approved-- and that meant I was finally doing something right. I'll always cherish the journal entry my daddy sent me that recorded his conversation with dal before dal proposed. I love hearing him call me his princess. I love his sweet spirit and the love he has for my husband. I loved dancing with him at my wedding-- and feeling complete peace as he gave me away to Dal. 

You've done good, daddy. I couldn't ask for better.  I love you. <3

August 14, 2013

This is the day I married my best friend.

From the day we got engaged, on April 13, 2013, there were countdowns on both of our phones. It's crazy to look back and see the screenshots of our countdowns at different stages of our engagements.

Planning a wedding is hard work!  But I had the best team of planners. Me, myself, my mama, and my mama. There were a gajillion and one other wonderful people who did soooo much to help make it all I wanted it to be. But me & my mama. That's where it started and ended. I can't credit my mom enough for months and months of planning, sewing, shopping, brainstorming, fixing problems, and calming me down countless times. She is incredible for doing all of this for Dal and me.

Our engagement was hard. Dal was gone most of the summer as a wildland firefighter. He was wonderfully supportive and as involved as he could be. But, I felt pretty alone. My mom stepped up and filled so many roles for me. She played best friend, wedding planner, come-back-down-to-earth person, therapist, and most importantly, Mom. 

For those of you who don't know, my family and I are not millionaires. We do not have endless money or resources. But, we do have creativity, time, and the determination to DIY the crap out of everything. And that's what we did. :)

As my Aunt Holly says, a motto for our family could very easily be "If we had the stuff and knew how, we could make that!"

Or as my mom says, nomatter where we are or what we are looking at, "I bet we could make that."

Anyway. This seriously was the best day of my life. I felt complete and utter happiness as Dal and I were joined as husband and wife. This is what I had waited for my whole life. From the moment Dal and I first met, the Lord was molding us into a perfect match. I cannot wait to spend the rest of eternity with my better half. He is truly the best thing to ever happen to me.

Without further ado, I give you pictures of the most beautiful, perfect, love-filled day of my life. Love because of my wonderful new husband, and our perfect little new family. Love because of being able to seal our marriage before the Lord in His holy house. Love because of the people that filled our day with kindness, generosity, and beautiful, wonderful memories.

First of all, let's introduce the bride and groom!

Prior to these pictures of us exiting the temple, was one of the best moments of the whole day: When Dal saw me for the first time. According to him, he got goosebumps and literally felt his knees go weak. :) 

Also, when walking out of the door to greet family and friends, Dal stepped on my dress. Of course. :)

My amazingly handsome groom. :)

Suit: Men's Warehouse on SUPER SALE! 

Cufflinks and Shirt: Also Men's Warehouse

Blush Pink Tie: Made by my mama! 

(Crazy huh?We were searching for the right color tie and then one day I came downstairs in the morning and she was making them. Totally my mom.)

And the Bride...

Lace Wedding Dress: I ordered my dress from "foryoudresses.com" which is a dress company in China .  Basically, I was able to custom design my own dress. I sent them pictures of various dresses saying "I want the sleeves of this dress...the bodice of this dress...the neckline of this dress..." etc, etc. I told them which fabric and color I wanted. Then they sent back a price estimate and asked for measurements. The dress was sent to me about five weeks later, and I absolutely loved it. They give you an incredible price. It's kind of scary because you never see it until it's done, but it worked out perfectly for me. Let me know if you have any questions about it!

Beaded Blingy Belt: We found the bling in downtown LA for like $20 and then I sewed it to a white ribbon.

Earrings and Bracelet: Some little no-name store in Fontana next to Target :)

Woops I used the picture on the right twice. Oh well. 

All the peoples.

We are so blessed to have so many people who love and support us. So many friends and family shared in our big day. 

I love that Grandma Greening is blocking out her granddaughters' faces. 

I also love that only my Grandma's hair can be seen. 

I love that Erik is doing my signature cheerleader wave. 

Love this picture.

Our families. 

The Stanton Family. 

Dal's mom, step-dad, and siblings. 

The Brown Family. 

Dal's dad, step-mom, and siblings (and two adorable nieces).

The Knudsen Family. 

My parents and siblings. 

My Mama Llama Loo.

 I know I already talked about my mom, but I can't say enough about this wonderful woman. She is my best friend. She's been there for me through everything and she is everything I aspire to be. I love my mama llama loo so dang much. 

Dancing with my Daddy.

Song: "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw

I have always looked forward to dancing with my daddy at my wedding. This is the first man to ever have my heart. And he'll always have a piece of it. I will forever be his "sweetheart baby angel cakes." 

My beautiful Maid of Honor, Briana.

This is my sister, Briana. (or "Bana," "Brrrnana," "loveydove," etc.) I love her will all my heart and I was HONORED to have her as my Maid of Honor. 

My sweet Briana is now "Sister Gonzales" serving her mission in South America. I am so incredibly proud of her and the wonderful things she is doing. Granted, I miss her like crazy. I miss talking on the phone every single day. I miss blasting "Get Out of Your Mind" with her in the Kaiser parking lot every morning, and being late to Dodd's economics class. I miss laughing hysterically with her over our dumb little inside jokes-- like Clythwania, umbrellas, etc, etc. I miss crying together. I miss sharing all the stories and all the lessons we've learned. I miss holding her pinky. 

But in 16 months, I'll get to see her again. And I cannot wait for that beautiful day.

My lovely bridesmaids.

Bridesmaid dresses: Target online. Sleeves added by my wonderful Aunts. Beaded belts made by me. :) 

(From left to right: Marisa, Beth, Courtney, Madie, Me, Briana, Mikelle, Sarah)

Heavenly Father knew I needed sisters in some form. And he's sent them to me. I've been so blessed with incredible friends who fill that role. Briana and Sarah have shown me what it's like to be a sister. They've taught me about trust, love, loyalty, and having fun. Marisa is my boof-mama butterfly. She has been my friend for years and I feel so blessed to have maintained a close relationship with her after moving away. She is such a sweet, beautiful person that radiates good-hearted enjoyment of life. I love her and am so excited for the things in her future. 

I am so thankful for the sisters that have been added to my family through marriage. They are wonderful and beautiful- each in their own way. They've taught me so much about the diversity of beauty. I've learned to love them and accept them as sisters... and I'm so glad they've done the same for me. I can't wait to grow closer to them over the years.

The dashing groomsmen.

Blush Pink Ties: Made by mama. 

(From left to right: Noe, Tyler, Jacob, Van, Jake, Dal, Cody, Bennett, Braden, Matthew, Taylor)

So Dal and I have been blessed with incredible guys in our lives too. Dal has five wonderful brothers (one is on his mission) who have treated me like their own sister. I have three awesome brothers who have watched over me for years. Two of Dal's cousins have been his best friends forever and I've grown to love their ridiculous sarcasm and constantly repeated jokes. Matthew (Matty) has been my best friend since fourth grade and it was SO important to me to have him in our wedding. He means the world to me and I'm so grateful he was able to be part of our wedding day. 

My boofs. 

(From left to right, bottom picture: Jeffery, Briana, Erik, Me, Joe, Matty, Marisa)

I don't really remember where the title "the boofs" started, but this is it. These are some of the best people I know. We got super close in high school and I'm so grateful we have been able to maintain our friendship despite living all over the place. Some of us are in Utah, some in Berkley, some in Long Beach, some back in good old Fontana...but when I got engaged, you know what the first thing these people did was? They created their own Facebook event page to plan how they were going to get all the way to Utah for my wedding. That's the kind of people they are. They care about people-- regardless of money, schedules, time, and distance. These five poor college kids rented a car, drove 500+ miles, and stayed in Utah just to see me and Dal come out of the temple as husband and wife, and come to our reception. Wow. I love these guys. They'll never know just how much that meant to me. I vow to be there for their big life events. I vow to maintain this friendship we have been so incredibly blessed to have. These people are family, and I love them dearly. 

The First Dance.

Song: "Then" by Brad Paisley.

Dancing is special for Dal and me. 

The first time we ever really "connected" was shortly after we met, when Dal asked me to slow dance with him in my apartment. It was so beautiful and so right. And I think even in that moment, before we even started dating, we both knew. 

Then, over the summer while Dal was away fighting fires, dancing became special to us in a different way. Everytime he got to come home, our night seemed to end with us slow dancing. I'm not sure how it started...but it became something that was such a comfort and a peace to us. We held each other and danced. We didn't have to speak. It was such a beautiful thing that became so significant to us. 

Our first dance as husband and wife was equally special and beautiful in a whole new way. 

I have always loved dancing, and for a while before I met Dal, one of my favorite quotes was:

"Dance with God, and He will let the perfect man cut in."

And he did. 

Cake cake cake cake. 

 Cake: Done by the wonderful "Cakes de Fleur" in Salt Lake City. 

< http://www.cakesdefleur.com/index.php >

The different layers were Vanilla with Nutella buttercream, and Raspberry Almond. So yummy!

Pink doors behind cake: Given to us by my Aunt Susan. We painted them pink and sanded em down! Love em!

Yeah, we smashed eachother's faces with cake a little bit. Or a lot a bit.

The littlest details. 

 Food: Made by my family (Aunts, Cousins, Mom, Grandma)

 Chandeliers: All were found at thrift store and garage sales. Then spray painted white and adorned with "bling" :)

Tablecloths: Made by my amazing mother. These were one of my absolute FAVORITE parts of the whole reception. Beautiful. 

 Candlesticks: HobbyLobby clearance, spray painted white

Mirrors: Dollar Tree

Wooden Sign: Built by my Grandpa. Painted by my aunt and me.

Our rings: Mine is a beautiful rose gold ring with a center diamond and a halo of diamonds. Dal custom designed it at Sierra West. Dal's ring is a Titanium band.

Pictures pictures pictures. 

This will forever be the day my life changed, the day my new family began, the day I married my best friend, the day I became whole.

This is the start of "home."

________________________________________________

My amazing PHOTOGRAPHER was Trey Mortensen. He is incredible, super helpful, and very reasonably priced. Check him out! 

< https://www.facebook.com/Trey.Photo >

All of the FLOWERS were done by my incredibly talented cousins, Meg, Nicole, and Heather. They may be opening up a flower business in the near future. :) 

Our WEDDING CEREMONY took place in the LDS Salt Lake Temple. Many of our photos were taken at Temple Square. It is the most gorgeous place! And a free venue! ;) 

If you would like to know more about it, check out this link! 

< http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/ >

Our RECEPTION took place at Historic Wheeler Farm in Salt Lake City. 

My cousin had her reception there several years ago and I've wanted mine there ever since. It is a beautiful big barn which was perfect for the style I wanted. 

Here's the link to that page too!

< http://www.wheelerfarm.com >

What is home ?

Is it the walls covered in picture frames? In handprints? In ball marks?

Is it the warm smell of your mom's apple pie on a chilly Autumn Saturday morning?

Is it the sibling banter that echoes through the halls?

Is it the traditions? The disney movie nights? The summer trips to visit family? The birthday parties? The football games? The Sunday dinner conversation? The late night giggles?

Is it that favorite blanket you claim as "yours" and snuggle up with in your favorite chair?

Is it the talks you have on your bed with a parent-- the ones when tears are shed, words are spoken, and love is grown?

Is it the grocery store that takes exactly 8 minutes to walk to? Is it that beaten down charcoal SUV that's been running for years and falling apart everyday? Is it that cracked tile on the corner of the kitchen counter? Is it that last step on the stairs that you always skip? Is it the town? The walls? The house? The tree in the backyard?

Whatever it is, it has to be made, created, formed. "Home" takes work. It takes time. It takes people.

About two months ago, I married my best friend. And now, my life is completely different than it ever has been.

And while it is beautiful and new and exciting, it can be hard at times, too.

It can be hard to switch to playing "mother" and "wife" when you're used to playing "daughter" and "sister." It can be difficult to switch from calling Mom and Dad's familiar house, filled with food, people, comfort, and years of memories,"home," to calling this itty bitty apartment with bare walls and empty cupboards, "home."

I know. It's hard. But it's also worth it. It's necessary. It's a wonderful change in life.

So, this is for all the people who are growing up; the people who have moved forward, made changes, and embraced the future. It's not easy to let go of the past that is so warm and friendly to face a future that, at times, can seem scary and unknown. But it is possible. And, I believe, it is necessary in building your own family with that beautiful, wonderful man who is changing your life forever.

This is all about my experiences:

my trials and errors, my ups and downs,

my projects and my crafts,

my experiments, my attempts, 

my lessons-learned, my blessings-counted, 

my one-step-at-a-time journey of  m a k i n g "h o m e."