Finish This, week 52

Linking up with Nicole from Three 31 for the Finish This linkup

What did you do in 2014 that you've never done before?

Left my baby for 4 days away with my hubby. Can't wait to do it again in a few weeks!

Did you keep your new years’ resolutions?

I had 3 last year- read the bible Genesis to Revelation (failed but read lots of the bible), do something active everyday (if you have a toddler, automatic success), date night once a month (yes!).

Will you make more for next year?

I made one, to read more pleasure books and I am excited to keep it.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! Lots of my friends had sweet babies this year, we have 3 1st birthday parties in January alone.

Did anyone close to you die?

Yes. Philip Lutzenkirchen, an incredible young man and family friend. Also, my childhood dog Kelli Ho passed away at 14.

What countries did you visit?

Lots of trips in the US and one trip to Cabo San Lucas Mexico.

What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?

A baby Lucy!

What date from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory?

August 11th, 2014... surviving one year of parenthood! 

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Starting a mom's group with a few close friends and it has grown into a huge city wide community for new mamas.

What was your biggest failure?

Not keeping my #1 resolution of reading the bible front to back. As much as I want to do that, I did spend a lot of time growing and studying in different books of the bible.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Why yes. I had the tummy bug twice...in August when I was newly pregnant and yesterday, New Year's Day, bleh. I also found out I have a hernia that I will get surgically repaired during my April C section.

What was the best thing you bought?

My embroidery machine (Brother PE770). KitchenAid mixer is a close second.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Ford Nehemiah. He went from a chubby 4 month old at the beginning of 2014 to such an adorable, talkative, and well behaved 16 month old. He is so much fun and such a joy to be around. And seriously, none of my house is baby proofed and he is alive, I call that a win!

Where did most of your money go?

Target, HEB (grocery store), Amazon, traveling. If you know anything about me you would know I love saving money, it is a thrill of mine.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Having a baby girl in 2015

What song will always remind you of 2014?

All About that Bass by Megan Trainor, it is Ford's jam

Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder?

Happier. My baby sleeps through the night (we were in the trenches of 4 month sleep regression last New Year's and boy was that TOUGH), we aren't fighting Ford to take a bottle (talk about emotional ride), and we've had another year of family memories. 

Thinner or fatter?

Fatter....currently carrying around a 6 month baby bump.

Richer or poorer?

Non financially speaking, richer. Financially, let me check with Jon.

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Reading pleasure books, hence my 2015 resolution.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Stressing about sleep training, bottle feeding, baby milestones, getting pregnant.

How did you spend Christmas?

Recap of Christmas 2014 here.

Did you fall in love in 2014?

Yes! With two boys, Jon and Ford, and one little lady who I can't wait to meet in less than 4 months.

Who were your best friends?

Jon, Jimi, Cori, Tomi. My husband, mom, and sisters.

What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?

Helped launch MOMquery, an online community meant to support and encourage moms of all ages

What were your favorite TV programs?

Scandal, Call the Midwife, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

What was the best book you read in 2014?

Restless by Jennie Allen

What did you want and get?

An embroidery machine, got it for Christmas.

What did you want but did NOT get?

A massage.

What were your favorite films this year?

12 Years a Slave, Prisoners, 22 Jumpstreet

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 26 and we spent the night downtown, sans Ford.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Nothing, I loved 2014.

What kept you sane?

Family living close by and getting to go on so many dates with my hubby.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Jimmy Fallon, Kelly/Michael...they make me laugh everyday.

What political issue stirred you the most?

ISIS, abortion laws.

Who do you miss?

I am going to miss my little sister who leaves for a 6 month trip to Australia on Sunday!

Who are the best new persons you met this year?

Oh man, too many to list. So many awesome new friends this year... new neighbors, ladies I've met in mom's group, church friends.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.

That God is sovereign over all. It is easy to say but hard to trust and believe at times. And that my suffering is meant ultimately for good, and His glory. 

Quote that sums up your year:

"I know God's working, so I smile." -Philip Lutzenkirchen

You can read my 2014 Year In Review here.

Finish This

I have a quarter to use a pay phone, I call...Apple to find my dang iPhone! I haven't seen a payphone anywhere but an airport in the past 5 years, do they still exist
I found $25 in my pocket, I buy...a maxi skirt from Target and a pair of shoes for Ford... I am obsessed with baby shoes (just bought him some Lacoste tennis shoes for $3 at Salvation Army!)
I have 25 minutes to watch anything on TV, I watch...a rerun of Modern Family. We have about 90 on our DVR and can watch them over and over. Nothing gets me going like Phil and Cam.
A meal I can prepare, from start to finish, in 25 minutes...in attempts to eat healthier, we've been using our Slice A Roo to make zucchini pasta, "zoodles", and I can throw a meal together in less than 10 minutes.
At the age of 25, I wish I would have known...well I am 25 now and yesterday in my bible study I was enlightened by this: developing your God give gifts takes time. This is a lifelong journey of discovering and growing in our spiritual gifts. God is not not holding out on you, He is growing and revealing your gifts and abilities, some slower than others. (Taken from Restless by Jennie Allen) I find so much rest in this! I don't need to conquer the world or write a book at 25. There is a time for everything under heaven. 
If I drove 25 miles from my house, I'd be...halfway to my parents lakehouse and anxious and excited to relax, unplug, and eat my body weight in Cape Cod potato chips. 

Leave a comment, finish the sentences above!

Linking up with these ladies (Nicole {Three 31} Lisa {The Coastal Chicster}, and Becky {The Java Mama} Jen {The Arizona Russums}) for a weekly series called Finish This. 

Finish This

My favorite recipe is...these chocolate chip cookie dough bars. My mom's been making them for years and they have to be the easiest and most delicious dessert ever. Want to wow people at a dinner party? Make them. 
I believe in...forgiveness. Colossians 3:13, "forgive as the Lord forgave you." I've shared about the gift of forgiveness and how to forgive on my blog, would love for you to check them out. 
I need to set boundaries...with my time. Since having a baby I've gotten better at saying no and not over committing myself. Laundry can go unwashed, errands don't have to be done all in one day. The "old" me would cringe but babies don't keep, I am working on living in the moment. 
I began living when...I met Jon. I led a happy and content life before meeting him but he unlocked spontaneity in me, helped me find a confidence I seemed to have lost, and together we sought the Holy Spirit in our relationship. 
I'll keep you safe, you keep me wild

Linking up with these ladies (Nicole {Three 31} Lisa {The Coastal Chicster}, and Becky {The Java Mama} Jen {The Arizona Russums}) for a weekly series called Finish This. 

Finish This

My last growing pain was...

40 week pregnancy update

I grow and nurture...my marriage. As happy and awesome as it is, we both vowed to never let things plateau. Marriage is work but it is fun work. Year after year, child after child, I want to get deeper and more intimate with my husband. 

The guilt-free snack I enjoy most...Nutella and anything. In fact, I had to pry the jar out of my hands last night after eating it smeared on strawberries and pretzels. (FYI Nutella and Cheez-Its is the jam)

The best reason to stay up all night...sleep training! Total mom answer but a few days of rigorous sleep training and Ford sleeps through the night. Thinking about it now, I don't think I've ever stayed up 24 hours straight. No cram session all nighters in college, no parties til dawn. Girlfriend loves her sleep

If I were stranded on a desert island, I'd...make myself nice and comfy in the shade. You can still get skin cancer stranded on an island!

Linking up with these ladies (Nicole {Three 31} Lisa {The Coastal Chicster}, and Becky {The Java Mama} Jen {The Arizona Russums}) for a weekly series called Finish This. 

Finish This

My favorite makeup item is…mascara. I go totally makeup free at least 2 days a week but I sure do love mascara. As a new mom I’ve learned how to do full makeup in less than 2 minutes.

The best book I ever read was…Redeeming Love because it reminds us that Jesus is the only husband we truly need. His love will always be enough.

My favorite TV show is…Scandal. I binge watched it when Ford was first born and now have my sister addicted. Other shows I love are Call the Midwife, Parenthood, Kelly & Michael, Jimmy Kimmel, Ellen. 

The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done is…spontaneity isn’t one of my strong suits (especially now that I am a parent) but 2 years ago Jon planned a whole trip for us and didn’t tell me where until the day we left. I normally have a huge part of planning and organizing not only trips but basically everything in our lives so it was fun to let him take the reins and surprise me!

I prefer dogs over cats because…the only cats I’ve ever encountered have been so evil to me. I feel like they are always plotting against me and planning their next attack. I am SO thankful Jon is allergic to cats or else he would want to own 10.

I met my husband…at work. I was an intern and he was a sales guy for a software company. What a wild ride it was.

Vintage Jon & Ruthie

Linking up with these ladies (Nicole {Three 31} Lisa {The Coastal Chicster}, and Becky {The Java Mama} Jen {The Arizona Russums}) for a weekly series called Finish This. 

Finish This

1. I don't get enough...I want to say sleep but that is not the case. I get 8-9 hours everyday but I think all moms can agree with me that child rearing just wears you out. I could easily go to sleep at 8pm each night but husband time (or me time) is way more important. Right now I feel like my life is pretty well balanced, I get enough sleep, I get "me" time, we have date nights. Sure there are things I'd like more of but right now I feel full.
Gym daycare= just the motivation I need for a mama break

2. My favorite indulgence is...relaxing when Ford is napping. The day we got home from Hope Spoken I was beat. I had stayed up late with my roomies, gotten up early, and was "on" the whole weekend. I put Ford down for a nap and Jon told me to go lay down. I quickly responded with a list of stuff I needed to get done, vacuum, unpack, laundry. I am slowly learning that those things can wait. I can't seem to fall asleep when he's down but sometimes laying in bed in the quiet, alone, is just what I need to energize me for the next part of the day. I may or may not doze off while watching Real Housewives Reunion shows....don't judge. 
3. I made a major change in my life when...I met my husband. I prayed, the Lord showed me His path, I left all I knew, and took a chance on Jon. Some things in life are easier said than done, and this is one. I followed my heart, fell in love, and now thank God everyday for revealing what a true covenant relationship looks like.
4. You should read...A Case for Christ by Lee Stroebel. Jon and I are both reading it now. Skepticism isn't just for unbelievers, this book is absolutely incredible. Not only do I feel like A Case for Christ gives me concrete facts to share the gospel with unbelievers but also truths I need for myself. 
5.. My secret ingredient is...dry ranch seasoning. Oh. My. Gosh. It is a staple in our house. Added to potatoes, chicken, dips, eggs....do yourself a favor and stock up. 

Linking up with these ladies (Nicole {Three 31} Lisa {The Coastal Chicster}, and Becky {The Java Mama} Jen {The Arizona Russums}) for a weekly series called Finish This. 

Finish This

Linking up with these ladies (Nicole {Three 31} Lisa {The Coastal Chicster}, and Becky {The Java Mama} Jen {The Arizona Russums}) for a weekly series called Finish This. 
1. I know this is weird but...I sleep talk every night and sleep walk a few nights a week. I've always had my own room until freshman year of college and my roomie Alyssa (who I've managed to keep as my BFF ever since!) would be absolutely freaked out by my night talking. And I have no idea I am doing it. Jon keeps a note in his phone with "sleepy Ruthie quotes" and they are quite entertaining. It happens early in my sleep cycle so Jon is often awake when I talk. When Ford was a newborn and still in our room, I would freak out almost every night thinking I fell asleep feeding him and that he was under the covers and strip the bed of our comforter. Y'all I can't make this stuff up. Sleep walking happens less and I can usually wake myself out of it (luckily I've never left our bedroom). Thank God Jon married me. 

2. When stopped at a stoplight, I...check my phone (tsk, tsk), and pop my head around to say hello to little Ford. He isn't the biggest fan of his carseat and loves throwing his toys around so I keep a handful of toys up front with me that I can hand back to him if he gets cranky. If toys fail, we rock out to REALLY loud music and I make up songs.
3. My guilty pleasure is...to be honest, I do not feel guilty about it but dessert is my probably-should-be-guilty-about-it pleasure. It's all about moderation folks. I could have eaten the biggest steak and baked potato for dinner but without fail, there is always room for something sweet. Currently my sweet treats are Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches or smores in the microwave with peanut butter. Not that food needs to be justified but I loving knowing I burn an extra 500 calories breastfeeding (wahhhh only a few more months of using that as an excuse). I also workout a few times a week not because I want to lose weight but because I love food and want to eat a lot of it. Pssst.... I am making this hot fudge pie this afternoon to take to a dinner tonight. Yum. 
4. My favorite way to unwind...is taking a long, hot shower without a baby staring at me. Since becoming a mom, showers are my escape. Before Ford came along you wouldn't ever find me in the shower longer than 2 minutes but now...I have to force myself out. Every night before bed Jon scratches my head and like a baby, I fall right asleep. Jon and I also LOVE watching reruns of Modern Family. Being showered, in pjs, and in bed watching Mod Fam by 8pm is very common around here. My boss sure does tire me out.
Totally unrelated pictures but every post needs a little Ford...
Ummm do we have the same sized head?

Post nap Houdini baby