Why You Should Celebrate Everything

18 months ago, when I launched The Letter Project, I had no idea what I was doing. In fact, I just posted the idea of it here on my blog, thinking it might be a little campaign I try out. I had no idea what kind of growth and support I'd receive.

Also? I had no plan. Literally. No systems to organize the requests. No business goals. No concept of how I'd pay for the postage. Nothing. It was an idea I had one day over lunch with a friend and, within 24 hours, I'd posted it. Excel sheets? Nope. Forms to document requests? Nada. Terms and conditions to protect myself legally? Not a thing, butterbean. 

The day I launched (though "launch" sounds like it was more organized than it really was!), Chris and I went to dinner to celebrate. The fact that I'd shared it with the world and received positive feedback felt like something worth acknowledging.

I posted a photo on Instagram and captioned it "celebrate we will." Minutes later, a friend texted me: why are you celebrating? She was only being curious, but I immediately felt ashamed. She knew about The Letter Project. Did she not think it was worth commemorating? Were we being overly indulgent? Were we making something out of nothing? I felt so embarrassed. (Though, it's worth noting this was far from her intention - she was just trying to be a good friend!)

My niece, Della, celebrating life in a big way. :) 

As I reflected on it later that night, I realized accusing someone of over-celebrating isn't exactly an insult. In fact, I want to be just the type of person who does over-celebrate.

I want to take time to recognize small victories. I want to slow down enough to appreciate little wins. I want to sink into the goodness life offers us - both big and small - whenever I can. I want to be vulnerable to the abundant joy life provides, whether it be through big news, like our CNN shoot, or tiny things, like the fact that the previous homeowners planted beautiful spring tulips that just popped up. 

So today, I'm celebrating. It's Friday, it's supposed to be 83 degrees and I'm having an iced coffee later. To me, those three things are worth all of the praise.

Let's celebrate life for its beauty, its simplicity and its goodness. Let's celebrate daily, not because each one is perfect, but because remembering to pay attention to life's sweetness just might be the very thing that makes it sweet after all.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

My due date is one week before Mother's Day, which means I will most certainly have gifts for my mom and mother-in-law ordered before the day comes. I can't imagine what sort of gift I'd order from the hospital, in that post-baby-delirium-slash-blissed-out state.

I thought I'd share a few of the Mother's Day gifts I've been eyeing. 

Maya Angelou's book Mom & Me & Mom. I recently heard Maya speak on a podcast about her relationship with her mom and I thought it would be such a thoughtful Mother's Day gift. She is so wise!

A painting of her house from That's So Fletch. A girl I know from Atlanta paints these and I think they're so beautiful. Such a sweet way to remember a season.

Compose Prayer Journal. I can't imagine how much mamas must pray for their babies. We pray for ours all the time and we haven't even met it yet! I think these journals are lovely.

Strong Is the New Pretty. I love this book. I have almost purchased it for our coffee table a million times. Such a nice tribute to women and girls everywhere.

Joan of Arc sign from Magnolia Market. We have this in our house and every time I feel nervous about childbirth, I stand in front of it and remind myself my body was made to do this. Kind of silly, I know. But it works!

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. I convinced my mom to try this in December and she was totally hooked. It is deeply moisturizing and feels more luxurious than a $26 product. I can't imagine anything better than that for a hard working mama! 

A bundle from The Letter Project :) Honor your mama with us! For $10, you can sponsor one bundle. Following your donation, you'll receive an email with a printable card to give her, explaining just how generous you were!

What other ideas do you have? I'm ordering my gifts this week!

Your Significant Other is Going to Annoy You (and it's OK!)

The first time Chris did something that really annoyed me, I wanted to cry. This is it, I remember thinking. He isn't perfect. Here comes the end. I'd convinced myself that happy couples are perfect; that they never frustrate each other or have strife. How wrong I was! I was looking for a romantic comedy instead of a relationship.

What I didn't know then, because I had never been in an honest, authentic relationship, is that everyone gets annoyed of their significant other from time to time.

In fact, I'd venture to say that if you've been together for years and you're not annoyed every now and then, you're probably not paying attention. 

The first time Chris was really bugging me, my internal thoughts went into overdrive. Am I being unreasonable? Is this going to work? Why is he doing that!?...Why is he still doing that? I am fairly certain I was almost in tears when I asked him to stop. And then I apologized over and over for asking him to stop, assuring him it was OK. His reaction?

He told me this wasn't a big deal and if we were going to be in a relationship, we needed to practice authenticity over harmony. 

If something is bugging you, he said, you have to let me know. How else will we ever grow together? And how would I know it's bothering you if you don't tell me? 

I recently asked Chris, jokingly, how long it would take him to name something about me that bugged him sometimes. He wouldn't commit to an exact time, but laughed knowingly when I said 30 seconds. He then told me that he thinks in almost any close, healthy relationship - romantic or not - most people could probably name something about the other person that is frustrating. Why?

It's a sign of authenticity and comfort. It's a sign that you're not pretending or walking on eggshells, but, instead, letting your guard down. It's not a lack of love, in fact, it's a space where love and comfort flow freely. 

I recently read a Time magazine article about why it's actually good when you annoy each other. The article said it can be a catalyst for growth, because the little things that bother us often point to larger issues.

"How do you know what could be improved in your relationship? Look at what’s annoying you. Maybe your partner being late to dinner points toward a deeper issue: She always stretches herself too thin. Or maybe your partner forgetting to wash the car is evidence of his irresponsibility—a legitimate concern in any relationship."

Sometimes, it's probably pointless, and the fact that two humans living in close quarters can be a breeding ground for a little bit of conflict. Other times, though perhaps it does serve as the gateway to conversation about where we can both grow. 

And, of course, if your partner always annoys you - like all the time - it might indicate a lack of compatibility. But if him leaving the dresser drawers open or not keeping his car clean gets on your nerves from time to time, I think you'll be OK. Just remember to speak kindly when you bring it up and, of course, bear in mind he might have a thing or two that bugs him, as well.  We're only humans, after all.

A Playful Weekend & a Things I'm Loving Today

Friday, Friday, Friday! Happy day! I'm so glad it's here. 

This weekend, we are celebrating both my brother's and my mom's birthdays. I can't wait to give them that good birthday loving. 

Chris and I have been grinding a little too much lately. Every minute has been jam packed with work, or getting the house finished from the renovation, preparing for the baby, etc. Honestly, we have not been good about remembering to play or relax. We realized this week that it's been too long since we have spent alone time together without to do lists or computers or goals. Seasons like this are short, but we always notice they create emotional space between us. Which is not what we want just four weeks before my due date! 

That being said, we're taking back Sunday this weekend. After church we're going to eat a good lunch together and enjoy the Masters. I might bake, because that's one of my official forms of play. If it's nice outside (come on, spring!), we'll probably go for a walk. Maybe even have a dance party? We will see where the mood takes us!

I hope you have a fun, playful weekend, too! And, a few things I'm loving:

Brené Brown: The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting // Oh this is so good. So good. I will probably listen to this annually. I know (you know, everybody knows) we love Brené in the Saxon household, but I think this would be awesome for any expecting or existing parent. 

Our nursery rug // I really wanted a bright, geometric nursery rug. Normally I love subdued blues and whites and tans, but bright for the babe's room felt right. Beyond loving the price (!), I love that it seems like it's high quality in person. And, the way the thread runs makes it look like it's just been vacuumed all the time :) (Don't forget to order via Ebates to save another 2%, too. It adds up!)

Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People // OK I haven't read this yet, but I preordered it and am so excited! I went to Uganda with Bob Goff a few years ago and he's as awesome as his first book might suggest. I don't know what could be better than a book about loving people well. 

Joanna Goddard's post on throwing a really good party // A themed party? Always a win. An end time? Genius! Definitely going to employ these in the future.

You guys! // You have been such an amazing audience lately. From super thoughtful comments, to supporting The Letter Project and just being so very kind, I feel grateful and blessed to know/internet-know so many of you!

Have a great weekend!