Aloha!

A couple who ____________s together, stays together.

You've heard it before, time and time again, but we decided on travels together.  For Adam and I, this 2 year anniversary travel trip was extra special because we had been going nonstop with the move from Chicago to Nashville/new jobs/new home, etc.  We got to Maui, Hawaii and set ourselves apart from everything. Off went the cell phones!

You can't help but focus on each other when you are on an island, with no communication to others, no social media, pinterest, etc.  It was amazing! It got me thinking on marriage and what is important in our life.

Our advice to any couple, young or old (there are A LOT of old couples in Maui who obviously prove traveling together year after year helps the marriage), would be to take time apart whether it be a day off work, weekend, or week to just be with each other.  We all get so caught up in our everyday life, family, friends...until we stop and realize when is the last time we had a date night - I will get to that later - or set aside time for just us to reflect on each other, check in on each other, and grow as a couple.

1. Date Night - There are obvious things that can instantly make a couple happy and stronger, but we won't go there. ;) One thing we have found profitable in our marriage is Date Night! This was the best advice we got our first couple months of marriage, and it is always my favorite night of the week.  We sometimes set aside a night at home to just watch out favorite show together, or go out to a restaurant, or any other type of date you can think up...it doesn't matter...just plan it. Get creative.

2. Check Ups - No not at the doctor.  Spend time - NOT ON YOUR DATE NIGHT - to check up on each other.  Take 5 or 10 minutes to ask your spouse how they are doing, how is work, is anything bothering them, anything exciting going on. This may sound stupid to some of you, but Adam travels a good amount for work, so for us this is key to making sure we (mostly I) don't eventually blow up over something stupid I could have addressed in a casual conversation. Go the extra mile and chose something you guys could both improve on, and here's the kicker...actually work on it!

3. Be the spouse you want your spouse to be - Ouch!  This is also something we heard at a church event early on in our marriage, and it stuck with us. Sometimes I will literally be about to do or think something and instead think....gosh, I would freak on Adam if he said/did that to me.  It can prevent lots of tiffs if used properly.  Also use it in the way of going out of your way to do something nice for your spouse. Sometimes we try to outdo the other one, and who can lose there? Keep the sweet things coming. :)

4. Have couples in your world that you admire the marriage of.  - Parents, friends, etc.  We have certain couples in our world that we admire and take advice from.  It's always great to know people who have been where you want to go. 

5. Say I Love You...as often as you can.

6. Give kisses, lots of kisses.

7. When you DO argue/fight/throw things, make up fast because yes it will happen. For the couples that give advice and say they don't argue...look for advice elsewhere because they aren't real people.  It will happen, but more importantly don't dwell on it - that's Bible. Don't forget every one's favorite word and verb...Forgive...that's also Bible.

7. Keep pressing on keep looking up, and most of all - Have FUN!

Marriage is the best thing that was ever invented, and being your with your best friend on your journey is the best feeling in the world. We are no where near reaching the perfect marriage, but we are always looking to grow and implement new things into our journey to be better.  Feel free to share tips, and steal ours.  There is nothing more important to me here on this earth than my man and our marriage.

Can't end this without thanking my sweet man, my role model, and best friend - my husband, Adam. I Love You.  

Boxes, tape, bubble wrap...there must be a move going on

Well, here we are again.  Since my last post in June while I was gleaming over my Great-Grandmother turning 101 years young, many things have changed around the Suttle Nest.  The Nest is uprooting once more…

Really the best words that describe this story I am about to share are…God is not only guiding our steps, but dragging us into them so we don’t even have the opportunity to mess up and miss it. We knew our last move to Chicago was a God thing, but you see, we did not know just what it was going to lead to.

To recap our memories….we got married almost 2 years ago (yes we have moved across the country twice and about to move again – all in less than 2 years).  God planted us in San Diego to start our marriage, which obviously means we already had great favor with him because hello – San Diego is paradise!  We learned what being planted and serving fully in a church that we fell head over heels in love with was like. Its an Australian based church that is now global, with church plants going up all around the world - remember than fun fact for later. We also learned what it was like to have an amazing marriage by watching and being under such great leadership there, and we basically lived on vacation for year making working so hard seem totally worth it. 

When God uprooted us to Chicago through Adam’s job promotion, there was no doubt that it was where we were supposed to take our nest.  Our pastor at the time was coming back from a conference and ended up sitting on a plane in the very seat beside one of his pastor friends from Chicago.  Conveniently, that was just after found out we would be moving here, so he told him that he had a couple moving to Chicago and that he would send us his way.  Can you say God thing?? 

Next thing we knew, we were moved into our new place in Chicago! We got up to go to City Church Chicago for the first time and hello….the church was less than a mile from our building AND…what??? FREE PARKING….in Chicago…no way!  Besides the great parking, our pastors took us under their wing from day one.  We have grown beyond measure under their leadership, and we were given opportunities that neither of even saw in our future. Before we knew it, we were leading a new member’s class and teaching people what becoming part of church looks like.  Next thing I knew, Adam was up on stage giving the church announcements, offering messages, altar calls, and then the best thing ever happened…he got to share his testimony.  Truly one of the most powerful things I’ve ever heard, and even though I knew every word and have lived through all it, there is such power in a testimony, and it was like nothing I’ve ever seen before.  Seeing him allow God to use him through all of this was the greatest thing.  If you aren’t so sure where you fit in at church or what your calling is, just get involved and doors will open, your gifts will develop, and you will go to the next level - “Whole Nutha Level” as Pastor Alli likes to say. 

So, here we are.  It was the first week of July when on the very same day Adam’s company went through major changes, we got a letter saying our super expensive rent was going to be raised another $300 if we renewed our lease, and this new company fell out of the sky and reached out to Adam.  Long story short, we both began praying about what our future was going to look like with his company, our home, etc.  Next thing we knew he had very quickly received and taken this new position that is moving us back to Nashville, TN…HOME.  It has always been a desire of ours to go back, just not this soon.  I began the very mixed emotions stage with much excitement to get back to family and friends that we have missed while being away, but then I started feeling a bit of claustrophobia – we are really done with the journey of our little traveling nest, and our life is no longer going to be just us living as husband and wife away from all our of family and friends back in TN?  I continued praying…a lot.  A few days later the story that puts all of this together happened.

Adam’s dad is in construction.  He had a meeting with a potential client to do some custom work on a house.  They began talking about why the couple had moved to Nashville and whatnot.  Come to find out, the couple had moved to Nashville to help start a church – hold up, what?  AND not just any church, but the exact same church plant movement that we were at in San Diego! Not impressed by God yet?  We joked so much when we lived there to people that we would eventually go back to Nashville and who wanted to come with us to start one there!  His dad explained our story to the guy, and he was in unbelief as well.  Adam called him and they began talking about all the details. We made plans to meet up right when we get there, and we couldn’t be more excited!  AND, the couple knows several of the same people that we know within the church movement.  In shock!! 

What about my job? Well, that’s just another fun fact to add to the story.  When we moved to San Diego, God blessed me with a job within the first two weeks of us living there.  It was literally the first job that I applied for and was going to be my, “Okay Adam, I tried to get a job” plea so I could play tourist in San Diego for a few months.  That didn’t work.  I started right away, and then God blessed me with transferring right into the John Hancock building when we moved to Chicago – the absolute best location I could have gotten with the most incredible view.  So, I told my boss on a Monday that I was going to be leaving for Nashville at the end of August.   That same week on Friday, a girl in my EXACT same position put her two week’s notice in at one of our locations in Nashville.  How cool is that? To top that off, when I spoke with my new soon-to-manager, she informed me that we went to the same college (Go UT!) and were in the very same sorority.  Small world much??

I say all this because it is so clear how God will write our story for us if we just put him in control.  I had no idea as a 21 year old who said “yes” to my marriage proposal that I would be moving all over the country and developing a life with my husband that can only make since knowing God’s hand was in every single step.  He truly will guide you, and he truly will provide more than enough to make your journey more than you ever asked for or imagined.   Don’t discount what God can do in your life, and where he may lead you.  We aren't even sure what Nashville is going to look like for us, but we are sure that we are going to get to be a part of what God doing there.  Get ready folks, the best is yet to come!

101 Years of Laughter & Love

That's right.  It's not a typo...my Gran is one hundred and one years young today!

 

Last year, we went all out for Gran's 100th Birthday and celebrated with her family her friends.  At that age, she had already outlived just about all of her friends, and is one of only two children still living, out of 9 siblings.  She grew up with all sisters and one brother!  I love hearing all of her stories of growing up, seeing how she has literally seen 101 years of life in our country. She is outstanding and still going strong! She is the spunkiest Great Grandmother that I know!

 

We are also so thankful for my Grandmother, that is she able to have Gran live with her and take care of her, even though they stay on the go constantly with their busy lives...shopping, eating out, getting Gran's hair done every Friday, and much more! I am so impressed with the women that both of them are.  They are always dressed up and looking fabulous, even if it is just to go to the grocery store.  Everyone thinks they are sisters when they are out and is always blown away when they find out Gran's actual age.  I love her and am more than words thankful for her.  She tells everyone her secret to a wonderful and happy long life is Laughter and Loving The Lord.  She reads her Bible every night before bed, which is more than I can say, and has hardly ever missed a Sunday service at church.  She has spent her life being a housewife, mother, gardener, spending a lot of time with family (always the life of the party), and being our role model for what a wife, mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother should be like.  She truly is the Proverbs 31 woman!

 

This woman is one of my heroes, an incredible member of our family, and always a blessing to be around.  I would give anything to be with her celebrating her big 101 today, but I know she is partying it up in Tennessee! Enjoy some photos of Gran.

 

Last year at her 100th Birthday Party!

 

 4 Generations

Last Summer at a Family Cookout...my dad, Grandmother, me, and Gran

Our wedding, September 24, 2011

Gran is on the far left. I have a good lookin family!

 

These women love my Prince!

Me, Gran, Aunt Jennifer, Grandmother

How many of you have a gorgeous Great-Gran that danced with you at your wedding?

I will cherish that moment forever! 

 

I love you Gran, and I thank you for your encouragement, love, and inspiration you have brought and still bring to my life.  May the rest of our your days be filled with much more laughter and fun times. You are truly a cherished lady by all who know you! 

Happy 101 Birthday, Gran!

Mason Jars, Burlap, and Bows Oh My...

...Bridal Shower! 

I have been dreaming of helping my sister plan her big day since we were little kiddies. 
Part of the wedding fun is getting to plan all the parties! I had an absolute blast planning her Bridal Shower with my mom, and I may be biased...but I think it turned out pretty darn cute. :) We went all out pink and teal, vintage themed with my mom's large teal mason jars, lots of burlap and bows (she's a pro bow maker),  antique silver pieces, and lots more of my fave things.  I couldn't be more proud to get to be my sister's Matron of Honor, and we are counting down the days until July 20th! Literally...

 

She was 98 days away on April 13th from being Mrs. Coltharp

 

Some of the table decor..

Left (antique napkins for our guests, silver forks, and some themed decor)

Right (entrance table: basket for her recipe cards that we sent out with the invites)

 

 

For the food table, we started with lots of my mother's blush antique pieces with paper doilies, cake stands to create different heights, antique candle sticks, glass plates,

and as always - some floral goodness to add a spring touch! The pink antique shutters (thank you Jordan!) were the perfect table backdrop for the sign I made & a little heart grapevine love.

"Love is Sweet"

Drink tables

We served pink punch in our Mason Jars - "C" is for the future Mrs. Coltharp

The pink & white striped straws were a must!

 Chalkboard stickers for the candy jars!

These two sweets were probably two of my most favorite details at the party. I can't take credit for actually making the cake or the Mason Jar cookies, but I had so much fun working with our baker to create the look I was imagining for both.

H + J = Holt + Jennifer

 

Cant wait for 7-20-13!

 

Advice for the future Mr. and Mrs.

This was so much fun, and I have to give the credit to Jennifer for this one! She found "Advice for Mr. and Mrs." coasters, so I created a little prop and basket for them. 
Everyone had so much fun leaving them with a little piece of advice. :)

Mr. Coltharp came at the end to meet and thank everyone. They received so many awesome things from all of our sweet guests. They are a blessed couple already! 

 

I had so much fun planning this party with my amazing momma! I am so glad even though we are miles apart, our brains can think alike and pull off a party of 50 people for our special girl.  We decided we'd make a pretty good party planning team, but I guess I will stick to my day job for now.

 

 That's a wrap! We are so thankful to everyone who was able to come! It was a fun filled afternoon, a house full of some of our favorite ladies, and an amazing time celebrating the bride-to-be!
Throwing this Bridal Shower for Jennifer was such a blast, and I will remember it always!

Snow in the City

 SNOW, SNOW, AND MORE SNOW!!!

 

Well...on March 1st there was more than enough snow to build a snowman on the grounds of Chicago. I must say that I am so beyond ready for Spring to get to this city, but I did have some fun the past few weeks snapping a few photos in the snow. Adam and I spent a little time in our neighborhood park one afternoon, and it was gorgeous! My little snow bunnies are finally adapting to all the white stuff on the ground.  It gets to be a bit challenging for Daizee's inch tall legs, but other than that...they've been little troopers!

 

Lincoln Park

 Peyton - my little explorer

Want a newspaper?

Little Daizee loves her hoodie :)

 Of course there's an over edited, romantical park pic

And now....we are ready for SPRING!!! Bring on the warm weather & sunshine...I may just be wishful thinking considering I've been told it can snow though April....here's to that not happening.

My Mr.

This year, Adam is away on business for the day we all get sappy, eat too much chocolate, and gaze over flowers.  I wasn't planning on anything for Valentine's Day, but since it is hard to stop thinking about it if you look at any sort of social media, I decided to take a few moments to write about my Valentine! After all, I am one blessed lady to have this guy in my life!

I love this photo of him, just moments before we saw each other for our "first look" before the wedding. I was hiding out in the top right window watching him get his glamour shots taken. :)

February 14, 2013

On this 2nd Valentine's Day as Mr. and Mrs. I am so very thankful.  I am thankful for a man who stands by side through anything, my best friend, and someone who not only makes me a better person, but encourages me to go beyond what he thinks I can do. Watching this man go hard after God every single day is possibly the best gift I could ever ask for.  I am lucky to call this guy my Mr. and am so glad I am his Mrs. We are amazed every single time we stop and look at what all God has done and is doing in our lives. 
Blessed to do life with each other!

Happy LOVE day!

Enjoy spending time with your Valentine today...I've got a hot date night with my two pups! <3 

Golden Engagements

This past weekend we went to Tennesee to celebrate our friends Chris & Cassi at their Enagement Party! The weekend was packed full of fun things! Friday was full of decorating for the party and celebrating Chris's 22nd Birthday.  Saturday...party day! We loved getting to be there with them to celebrate such an exciting day in their lives!  Cassi & I have been friends for over 10 years, and I couldn't be more excited for her. Here are a few photos from the weekend.  

Adam & Chris putting the forrest together

Some of the decor...the theme was wintery forrest glammed in gold & Cassi thought of everything!

Tree stumps, painted gold with furry fabric on top for seating

Table decor 

The Happy Couple - Chris & Cassi

We love the soon to be Frazier's!

Love Cassi's little sister Jamie & coming soon - baby Ruby

All sorts of sweet treats were there, but these little baby bundts were my fave!

Chris & Cassi with their Wedding Planning Essentials Basket from us!

Let the wedding planning fun begin!

 

Go ahead...read a little!

First things first....the following books HAVE to be great, because this girl is not one for reading for fun! I think it's important to pass along great things because what good are we if we keep great things to ourselves? Not any good at all! All of these were passed along to me, so it's my turn!

The following is just my list of a some of my favorites so far, and like most all of my lists I have created, this list does not include all of my faves, just some. I have a few on my shelf that I haven't gotten around to reading yet, so there will be more to come...eventually. :) If you have any questions about any of them, feel free to ask! They can all be found on Amazon...I think. Happy reading!

Princess- Janine Kubala's husband preached at my previous church and brought her books - I basically loved the title and the hot pink cover, so I bought it! Little did I know, it was going to shape me and open my eyes to see who God really has called us to be as "princesses" and to stand out, support each other, and reach into our calling. This would also be a great gift for any girl you know, no matter the age!

Captivating- Women only, or men who need to understand their women! John and Stasi Eldredge wrote this one together.  I read this with a girls only small group, and loved it! Makes you understand more of why you are the way you are. Not that we will ever figure it all out...

Forgotten God - This suggestion came from Mr. Suttle, and it's a must if you want to get pumped up for God's House and serving your church with the Holy Spirit in the center. We are nothing without Him! Author - Francis Chan

My Friend, the Holy Spirit - written by Pastor Mark "Powerhouse" Peterson from our previous church, C3 San Diego. Seriously answers every question you'll be able to think of  about the Holy Spirit! Get in on the good stuff - your life will be forever rocked!

Sun Stand Still - Steven Furtick is on fire in this book about finding the vision God has given you and how to pray audacious prayers to see it happen.  So challenging & inspiring to go beyond normal! I'm still currently reading this one right now, but from page 1 it has had me hooked!

Faith - This is full of scripture & wisdom on Faith! The C3 Oxford Falls pastor, Dr. Phil Pringle is the author, and he is nothing short of an outstanding preacher, teacher, and author who is completely on fire for God! God begs us to have the Faith to let him rock our world and move our mountains...it just takes some time getting use to letting Him have control. This is currently my biggest challenge!

I'm so thankful for the authors who have inspired and challenged me! I am also thankful to the people who introduced me to some of these, the preachers who suggested some of these, and my husband for encouraging me to read some of his own favorites! Each one of these books has and continues to challenge me, but that's what it's all about. I'm always taking suggestions for good books, so please feel free to share with me some others that you've read and loved! :)