My Love Story

I am linking up with Karen at My Desert Cottage for a "Share Your Love Story" link party!  The purpose is to share your own personal love story. Be sure and visit Karen to read every one's love story that is participating!

My own story is not about love at first sight or over-the-top romance.  It's more a story about endurance.  My hubby and I have been married for more than 22 years and we have endured a lot throughout that time - both wonderful and not so wonderful.  I guess that's what they call life.

We met when we were both in our early 20's on a psychiatric unit.  Don't jump to conclusions ~ we worked there, ha!  What attracted me to him was his sense-of-humor which still continues to this day.  Our humor has gotten us through so many difficult times.  We had a lot in common and really still do.  Our values and goals have always been very similar.

Whenever I have a dream or a goal, no matter what he thinks about it, he supports it.  He took care of our toddler triplets A LOT so I could finish graduate school while he still  worked at least 50 hours a week.  When I said I wanted to start a business, he said okay and jumped right in to help.  Imagine a 6'2" man selling soap!  Yep, he never complained and frankly he was better at it than me!  When I wanted to open my private practice he jumped on board even though money would be a little tight while it was building.  Yes, once again he never complained and just worked more.  He continues to work in a job he doesn't love anymore and can retire from.  But, he's working like a dog to help put our triplets through college.



I could go on and on about the sacrifices he's made over the years.  He is the most wonderful man I have ever met and has allowed me to understand that there are good men out there, despite my past experiences.  So David, while I certainly don't tell you enough and there's no doubt I take you for granted, I do love you and thank you for everything you've done and will undoubtedly do, for me and the children.  Happy Valentine's Day!

And, wishing all of you a very Happy Valentine's Day - filled with love and gratitude!

OXOXOXOX,

Jacalyn

Happy Valentine's Pink Saturday!

Who doesn't love Pink Saturday?  Better yet, who doesn't love a Valentine's Pink Saturday!!!!! 

I recently participated in a Chocolate Swap with my friends at Etsy Cottage Style and I thought this would be the perfect post to share it.  My wonderful partner was Judy who runs this little Etsy shop here.  She sent  me the most wonderful box of chocolates from a sweet little shop near her home.

Don't you just love the anticipation of opening the box....

 Nothing better than unwrapping a pretty pink box!

 ...even better, opening a pretty pink box filled with chocolate!

Is your mouth watering yet, ha!!!!  This chocolate is to die for!  I especially like the chocolate and nuts, Yum!  As you can see from the picture above I couldn't wait to take a little taste!

So naturally I forgot to take pictures of the goodies I sent Judy but she was so sweet to send me some so I could share.

Based upon what Judy told me she liked, I sent her some yummy white chocolate hearts, raspberry creams, sponge candy (which is a Western New York exclusive), and some milk chocolate hearts.  Plus, I threw in a few little extra goodies! 

It was so much fun and I really have to thank Judy for being such a great swap partner!

Please remember to visit our hostess Beverly to see all of the PS Valentine Posts!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!  Much love and hugs to everyone!

Jacalyn

Who needs Pottery Barn?!

WARNING:  This post contains images that some may find disturbing!

I would strongly suggest that if you are an English Teacher or Librarian you just skip this post.  Continue reading at your own discretion.

Please don't hate me...

I just couldn't help myself.  It seemed like such a good idea and it, well, is just so darn pretty!

Please don't judge me...

By now many of you have seen this:

Pottery Barn book stacks - so very pretty indeed.  But $39.95?  A little steep for my budget (someone please tell my hubby to stop laughing....).  I am also sure you have seen the many knockoffs on others' blogs.  Well, what's a girl to do when she so longs for a vintage book stack and loves to craft?  Oh what to do... what to do...

Are you hating me yet?

It seems that I had these books sitting around, lonely and unread or read and discarded.  So I thought I would give them new (old) life.  And, it was super duper easy!

Disclaimer:  I. Am. Not. A. Book. Hater.  I love books.  I love to read.  And, there actually was some hesitation in, er, ripping the covers off of these books.  Like many of you, it has been drilled into my head that books should be respected and cherished.  And I sure do.  Which is why I can't bring myself to buy an e-reader.  I love the feel, the smell, the ambiance of a good book.  But I digress.

Want to make your own vintage stack of books?  Gather up some lonely books or buy some cheapies at your local thrift shop.  For my stack I used 4 books that I had around the house that I had read and no-one else wanted.  I *gasp* ripped the covers off and used distressing ink around the edges to make them appear old.  Next, I printed off a key graphic from the lovely and generous Graphics Fairy and used mod podge to adhere it to the top book.  I had some vintage lace and seem binding which I used to tie the books together.  I finished it off with some vintage keys and paper roses that I had. 

It was so easy and I love the results.  It now resides on the bottom of my end table.

Please don't hate me.  I just couldn't help myself!  And I ask you, who needs Pottery Barn?

Hugs,

Jacalyn