12 years (8/13/2005)

12 years of marriage.

we've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly and yet Jordan has remained by my side through it all.

the good times have been AMAZING + great.

the bad times have been heartbreaking + confusing + sad.

but we remain a unit and a team.

life is a joint effort between this handsome guy I call my husband and I absolutely wouldn't be able to get through it without him- he's the glue that holds all the pieces together, you guys.

taking a look back..

I've got (digital) pictures from about year three of our marriage to now.. and we were BABIES

this weekend we spent time away from the kiddos. we got a hotel room in downtown dallas and went out with friends to the house of blues.  Brittany's husband Tanner is an amazing musician (Texas country.. think: Pat Green) and he was opening for Mike Ryan on Saturday night, so we HAD to go out and support!!  

::check out his debut album This Town HERE::

we got a night without kids. and it was the best! 

we got dressed up and ready to 'party' like adults without kids might like to do..

we started the night with dinner at Stampede 66.. a mix of Texas + Louisiana + Mexico.. true southern flavors.  Jordan had the chicken fried buffalo + mashed potatoes + green pea salad and I enjoyed the best shrimp and grits I've ever eaten! 

with full bellies and a bottle of wine later we hit the HOB and waited for Tanner to take the stage. 

his friends and family were all there to support- seeing many that we recognized and knew from other family events (i.e. birthday parties..) but don't get to hang out with very often made the time even more fun.

selfie in the elevator at 2:30AM.  like we were 20 and 23 again.

except I'm about to be 33 with four kids at home and was desperate for my breast pump and pajama pants when we got back to the hotel room- ha!

Sunday morning came much too quick after pouring ourselves into bed after 2AM.  I'm getting so old.  the 32 year old self wished she would have given us a curfew on Saturday night to take advantage of getting all the sleep that I'm not getting at home:) cant hang like I used to!

nothing an amazing Sunday brunch couldn't cure.  we hit up Breadwinners before heading back to the 'burbs and back to the babes. 

this is 12 years.  the good, the bad + the ugly.

but mostly the GREAT.

happy anny, babe.

one very proud wife

we've had a heck of a day over here and I've been trying to get this post up since early this morning but when the opportunity presented itself for a shower, I took it. and then the rest of today happened and here I am typing up this blog post while the girls eat dinner and with a milk drunk baby sleeping on my chest.  the blog comes second (or third..or fourth), sometimes. 

I am always, always, always in awe of what my husband does for a living.  I often forget what his job actually entails on a daily basis and when I can get Jordan on the phone while he's on shift its usually filled with a plethora and variety of stories of his day.  

sometimes he runs into burning buildings.

sometimes he saves a man from a heart attack. 

..and sometimes he helps an elderly woman fill her prescriptions at Walmart.

he's even saved a kitten from a tree. 

all in a day's work. 

this guy is my hero.  he is today.  he was yesterday. and will be again tomorrow.

on a day back in February Jordan made many calls, both fire and medical- including one that he was honored for this week by the city of Irving, where he works as a firefighter (driver) paramedic. 

he saved someone's life.

he pulled a very confused and combative man out of a burning car.

..and he did it without thinking twice.

because thats his job.

 a diabetic man became very confused due to low blood sugar and ran into a parked car causing it to combust into flames. he was confused and didn't understand the danger of the situation and refused to come out of the car.  although uninjured from the actual accident, he was in and out of consciousness because of the smoke inhalation and low blood sugar

police that arrived first on the scene and used several fire extinguishers attempting to keep the flames under control until IFD got there.  the car continued to deteriorate and the tires exploded and then the gas tank.. Jordan was able to get inside the car to unbuckle the man and pull him out of the vehicle to safety.

he earned a life saving merit of honor by both the fire department and the police department for that day. they all work together and the policemen that arrived first on the scene were impressed with how well Jordan handled the situation, but the first thing out of Jordan's mouth was that he couldn't have saved the guy's life without the policemen keeping the fire controlled the best that they could before they arrived.

 we were able to view the body cam footage and this is a screen grab of Jordan rescuing the man.

to be honest I cried watching the entire thing.. the man was screaming from the car..you can barely make out what is even on fire because the car was completely engulfed in flames and smoke- the repeat explosions and organized panic of the officers (who were WAY more calm than I can believe) was just overwhelming to watch. 

I, emotionally and physically,  couldn't make it through a single day in Jordan's world on the job.

today is international firefighter's day.

I salute my husband and all those servicemen and women that risk their lives everyday on the job.

so thankful for you, J.

holiday gift guide | for him

Jordan is the easiest guy to shop for.. but yet at the same time he is so difficult to shop for.  he wants big things.  expensive things.  and when he decides he wants these things, he straight up goes out and purchases them. well.. that leaves me with a whole lot of nothing for ideas when it comes to Christmas, birthday, and anniversary.

that being said- he's a pretty simple guy.  a simple guy that is happy with the little things, too - outside of clothing, he would rather spoil his wife and little girls and now future little man than allow me to buy him ANYthing.

I'm okay with that:)  this year we opted to skip really elaborate gifts and stick to the simple.  after all, we have three girls to buy for and a nursery to fill, so saving monies everywhere we can is most important, right now..

a man's mug // a couple months ago I got Jordan a campfire mug just for fun and he drinks his coffee every single morning out of it!  if your boy is a coffee lover this is a "manly" mug that he is sure to love.

quality leather goods // for father's day this year I had an old friend make my hubby a new wallet that he desperately needed.  he doesn't love a "big' wallet that makes his pocket bulky, especially when he's carrying his phone as well.  when she announced on FB that her hubby was starting a new biz, gunnar & co., making handmade quality leather goods I might have been first in line!  Jordan has carried it everyday since then and it still looks brand new- aside from the amazing look that leather takes on as its weathered with age.

just porter // I was recently introduced to Just Porter brand backpacks and bags and knew instantly that this would be something that Jordan could get some great use out of.  aside from toting a bag to and from the fire station, Jordan also works one shift/week as a medic in the ER of a hospital close to our house.  his ipad and snacks and even his lunch go in this bag- its like the best thing to ever happen to the "man purse" :)

a good pair of slippers //  about seven years ago I splurged and got Jordan a pair of double leather lined slippers and he still wears them to this day.  it is time for a new pair- the bottoms are looking rough (holes all over the place-ha!), but who can say they wore a pair of slippers for seven years?  every husband, father, brother could use a great pair of slippers, am I right?

tech finds for your guy // Jordan has a bose speaker from last Christmas and they have come out with a new one- that he probably needs, too.  while Jordan is a lifeproof case for life type of person, nothing like a good trendy case for his phone.

dollar shave club // if you haven't caught wind of my (our) love for the dollar shave club - it is the most perfect gift.  after deciding to get Jordan a membership for Father's Day three years ago, I finally got a membership for myself (we do the $9/mo).   the razors are legit..and so cheap in price, but not in quality!  they have since come out with hair products and body wash- Jordan loves the hair paste the best.  throw in some of their amazing shave butter and you're all set for the perfect gift set for your guy!

..and if you have never watched their marketing videos, they are hilarious!

Just the Two of Us

Our life.  

We've spent the last 13 years together living this roller coaster of life and my how much has changed. Over the last 3 years our life has been less about 'us' and more about 'them'.

Them being the greatest accomplishments of our lives - our sweet, sweet girls.

It has taken some manipulating and change to continue to make our time together as 'us' just as special as before,  but there is no denying that its different.  I am laying here, as I type, with three baby girls in my bed and Bubble Guppies on the DVR.  Thats a good different:)  

Recently Jordan started to have real conversations with Jolie and Parker about Jesus, boys, life, love..

As real of a conversation you can have with a two and a half year old toddler(s).

I knew he was doing this,  but it didn't resonate as something they were understanding until one night at the dinner table he asked Jolie a very important question.

"Jolie, Who's my favorite girl?"  

Mama!!! she replied and I just about lost my mind with a flood of tears.

I am his number one after The Lord and I have remained there throughout these last 10 years of marriage + 3 years before that.  

I'm his favorite girl, and he makes me feel that way on a daily basis.

BB and Papa took the twins on Wednesday evening for a sleep over and kept them all day so that Jordan and I could spend the day together to celebrate this milestone anniversary.  We 'slept in' until 8am, drank coffee together, ate breakfast and watched the news and then Kelly and Michael.  Leisurely spent the morning doing 'quiet' things without getting caught up in the busy-ness of being parents.  I spent a full hour getting myself ready (hair and makeup) and then we headed out for lunch.

Sushi.

Hi.  I would like a truckload of sushi on a platter, please.

Our server finally told us that 'we were done' after she caught me glancing through the sushi menu again while she cleared the empty plates that sat in front of us.  

It was a long 9 months - don't judge.

After lunch we sat down for a movie - the matinee seating on a Thursday.  We were the only folks in the theater. Our perfect day ended as we headed to our favorite spot of the neighborhood to meet Brittany to capture the last moments of the sun as well as the end of this decade together.

This day-date was the perfect and only way I would have asked to spend our anniversary.  

With they guy of my dreams, still 10 years later.  

On August 14th, ten years ago I remember leaving the hotel (very tired) to catch a plane to the Bahamas.  It was my first trip to anywhere and I was taking it with the most perfect person, ever.

This morning, on August 14th, I woke very early and very tired, from a sleepless night of feeding a baby every couple hours and our other babies tapping me on the forehead and asking for chocolate milk.  Heading into another day of parenthood with the most perfect person, ever.

My how things have changed.

But the change is perfect.   

BFaith Photography 

T E N

TEN.  Today marks a big day.  A huge day.  The Gent and me are celebrating 10 years of marriage.  

Thats a long time.  We were wee little babes when we were married.. at just 20 and 23.  

I'll never forget my bachelorette party - we went to a impromptu comedy club (four day weekend is amazing if you are in the DFW area) and they included me in their show.. me the girl not looking a day over 16 and wearing a hot pink cowboy hat with a veil attached.  They spent a solid 20 minutes making fun, and asking me if we were 'going to bed' after this because I will have 'hit my curfew'. They wanted to bring me a drink and then didn't because, well because I wasn't 21.  

It made for a great laugh, but I will never forget it.

Putting together words to describe my love for this man always leaves me at a loss.  I cant hardly express how thankful I am for him. We were young and naive to what marriage really entailed and how it would rock our world forever. We have been through a lot in 10 years - they say for better or for worse, and thats exactly the truth.  While every day/month/week/year hasn't been the most perfect, I can say for both of us that we wouldn't change a single thing.  

The good times, the hard times, the happy times, the sad times..

All those 'times' of our life together have molded and shaped us into the people we are today- celebrating these last 10 years.  We are a unit.  A unit that is stronger and more confident than ever before.  

I'll ever never be the one to boast 'the most perfect marriage advice', but a few things (how about ten things?) I've learned over the years..

--It takes work.  Work to fall in love with one another over and over again, every single day.  

--It takes grace.  Grace to love each other through it, no matter what the situation.  Grace when a pregnant Amber is being absolutely ridiculous.  Jordan, you show grace so well.

--It takes protection. Protection of your marriage is something we didn't figure out until much later in our years together.  Make your marriage a priority and never fail to hold it to the highest standard of protection. 

--It takes real and constant communication. We spend a lot of time communicating, and especially now after having kiddos we have found it to be most important.  Being on the same page of parenting and doing life together makes stuff just run smoother.  Often times arguments result from some kind of miscommunication.

--It takes a team effort.  We work as a unit.  Sure, we are both strong individuals, but together we are stronger. 

--It takes forgiveness.  Living our life with a spirit of forgiveness.  Sort of along the same lines of offering grace to your spouse, we should also offer forgiveness.  Early in our marriage (and while we were still so young) it was hard for both of us not to hold onto mental 'lists' or transgressions against us by the other.  Grudges, lists, and hurtful reminders do nothing but form a wedge in your relationship.  

--It takes effort.  SO much effort.  We spent a lot of time together before the girls were born, and now its more of a 'divide and conquer' to survive the day.  Since having kids we have failed many times to maintain our promises of regular date nights, but putting forth effort to get out of the house as a couple is so important.  Get a sitter.  Make the effort to get dressed - even if its just for an hour to grab a burger or chat over a cup of coffee.  We find it to be a breath of fresh air to our marriage relationship after going on a date, no matter what the size or shape.  

--It takes faith.  God is first.  Number one.  I learned a long time ago that it isn't about how or what I could do to control Jordan to make changes in his life - how he treated me, his walk with Christ, and how he carried himself in personal decisions he made.  I cannot change or worry about that of him.  I was not placed on this earth to be Jordan's personal Holy Spirit.  I vowed to be his partner for life.  All I can do is trust that he does walk with Jesus on a daily basis.  Growing his wisdom and his faith gives me security in his leadership of this house and his relationship with me.  

--It takes intimacy.  I am NOT a touchy person.  I'm not one that remains comfortable cuddling for hours on end while watching a movie or sleeping with zero space between us for 8 hours at night.  Jordan is the exact opposite. Our love languages are on complete opposite spectrums (I am words of affirmation and he is physical touch) but that doesn't mean I am not called to learn his love language and love him through it the way he best receives it and not the way I prefer it.  Being really really close to someone can be awkward and uncomfortable.. and basically take too much effort that I'm willing to give sometimes..  But, the reward outweighs it all.  Jordan is the one single person on this earth that I should be able to bare it all to- not just the physical, but emotional and personal as well.  He is my person.  He is going to be the one that watches me grow grey as our years go on and will still be the one to love me the most.

--In all the hard, I am reminded that it is so much fun.  It has been a sweet surprise that a decade later, it is still fun to be together.  When we are doing well, we are doing well.  Jordan and I both enjoy just being together.. we share a long history (13 years total) that is filled with stories and memories that don't require a ton of explanation as we reminisce.  He's my best friend.  Our marriage is work, but often times that hard work makes life easy to live.  We thrive on the like-mindedness that is held between our two heads.

I am so proud of being where we are.  Ten whole years of marriage.  I am so thankful.  So happy.  So emotional.  I am also SO postpartum, but I promise that isn't resulting in any or all of these emotions:)

We haven't learned it all. We are still growing and changing and going through the motions of this married life - and maybe by year 20 will have figured it out a little better.. but no matter what, we are doing it together.

Love you, Jordan Fort.

So much.

Christmas Wishlist | The Gent

My Gent is the easiest guy to shop for.. but yet at the same time he is so difficult to shop for.  He wants big things.  Expensive things.  And when he decides he wants these things, he straight up goes out and purchases them. Well.. that leaves me with a whole lot of nothing for ideas when it comes to Christmas, birthday, and anniversary. 

My gent never shops for himself on the clothing front. He leaves that for the holidays listed above and expected everyone to purchase his wardrobe for him.  So.. of course I obliged.  But that means he wears what I want him to wear. 

holla.

He's a simple guy.  A simple guy that is happy with the little things - outside of clothing, he would rather spoil his wife and little girls than allow me to buy him ANYthing.

I'm okay with that:)

1 // Dollar Shave Club - For Father's Day this year and gifted Jordan with a DSC subscription, and you would have thought I handed him a million dollars.  I learned about this through a random email and a link to the most hilarious video, ever.  So, I thought.. what the heck.  Lets try this out and see what he thinks.  I was nervous because he is overtly picky about his shaving products.  I was the hero of the holiday, don't you know?  So - Although he already gets his razors in the mail every six weeks (I chose the $9/month option), I had to tell you all about this so you could be an amazing wife or girlfriend, too!  Oh.  Get the Shave Butter.  You will thank me later.  
2 // Magazine Subscriptions - A simple man, but loves his magazine subscriptions.  Most of which are in my name because I pick them out for him:)  Because he has a bad habit of letting multiple months go by without reading, and allowing stacks of his magazines pile up - I have limited him to just a couple.  Still a decent gift.

Three, Four, and Five are all to feed his clothing need for this Christmas. I plan to grab him up another pair of his all time favorite jeans, too!

 3. Half-zip Pullover  // 4. Casual Polo  // 5. Cashmere Blend Sweater

I grabbed these on sale (and its still going! Use code GIVETHIS for 30% off).  I usually always buy on sale at places like Gap and JCrew because full price is just too expensive for my taste.. and there always seems to be a sale!  My man looks really good - like amazing - in pink hues.. so I couldn't pass the cashmere blend sweater and comfy cotton polo up.  I will get an eye roll when he opens them, but really, the first time he pulls them on, he'll make a comment about how good he looks or something or other.  The half-zip, well, my hubby doesn't like coats/jackets or anything of the like.  Last year I got him something similar and he wore it out so much that he needs another.  

6 // iTunes Giftcards - He saves these all year.  He has an obsession with apple and all their new products (he watches hours upon hours of press release when new software comes out.  Really.) so apps sing to his heart.  Always an awesome stocking stuffer.
7 // REVO Sunglasses - After playing hard with the sister girls in the car one Sunday morning before church - he sat on his Revos and snapped them in half.  They were his favorite, and I'm hoping these will do justice of his former pair.
8 // Date Night - Gift card to our favorite restaurant, movie times picked out, and a babysitter lined up.. nothing better when he doesnt have to do any of the work for planning a date night out with his wifey.  I get the benefit of this gift, too:)

Whats on your list for your sweet love this year?  I'm always open for more ideas for  last minute gifts!  Next up - The Lady's Wishlist and a giveaway to boot!  See you tomorrow! 

Firehouse Rules

I had something completely different planned for today's blog post..something along the lines of toddler indoor activities.  I think I'm bringing you something better.  I'm just about half prepared for that aforementioned blog topic, and I promise I will bring it to you.  I continue to be inspired by things, and unless you want nothing less than 'stacking dog food cans' I promise it is worth the wait.

Jordan worked a full 48 hours at the fire station over Saturday and Sunday this weekend, so that left us with little time on Friday to get in a weekend's worth of daddy time.  Jordan left on Saturday morning and I spouted out promises we would visit.  Sunday afternoon rolled around and it was time to load up the monkeys to visit the fire station.  

over this last month they have been very interested in trucks.   big trucks- like 18-wheelers completely blow their toddler minds and it is screeches and squeals from the back seat, demanding 100% acknowledgement of the 'big trucks'!  I didn't even think about it when we opened the door to the apparatus bay and there parked was the biggest 'trucks' they'd ever seen.  these girls were enamored.  Immediately running towards the engine with the biggest grins on their faces.

we have been to the fire station before, several times, but never had they taken interest the way they did this time.  they sat proudly in the driver's seat (thats daddy's seat!) and played with all the buttons.. turned on the lights, let out the siren, blew the horn.  I mean.. Parker's face says it all.   

 my favorite people in the whole world.  can't even express the gratitude i have for my husband for his service.. not just for the city and strangers, but for his amazing service as husband and father to Parker and Jolie.  

 so, whats next?  we did al the typical 'fire station' stuff.. and then the best question ever came out of daddy's mouth.  do you want to squirt the hose? never even a thought to my mind, but Jordan has probably been waiting for this day since forever.  Parker acted like this was the best day of her life.  she was jumping around like a hungry puppy.

 they weren't totally sure what to think about it all.  the loaded hose was wiry and moving all over the place before Jordan picked it up under control.  when the water started to spew, the lit up faces never dimmed.  

 again.. Parker has got it covered for explanation as to the time they were having.

 and it wouldnt be a fire house visit without the impromptu engine pictures.

I promise them cookies..and Parker was holding me to this promise by shouting about it.

gimme all the cookies, ma!

 only if you give sister sugars.

never fails.  

and sister sugars never, ever, ever, never, ever get old.

ever.

Jordan talked about how much fun he had, and how much fun the girls seemed to have for the rest of the evening.  he was basically gushing with joy to see his babies be so excited about where daddy works.  I love it.  this is such a cool place to visit, and sounding the siren, whether you are 2 or 30, is equally as special.

such a perfect end to our weekend.  and daddy got to be apart of it, even while working. 

I hope yours was the same! 

happy Monday!

head wrap // two little bees

kimono // camden & kate

tee // hip little tribe

leggings // odarling handmade

boots // old navy

Circa 2005 {9 Years of Favorites}

Today marks the 9th wedding anniversary for the hubs and me.  There has been such history made in those 9 years, and there isn't enough web space to even scratch the surface to give credit to all we've been through, accomplished, grown, changed, loved, lost, laughed, and cried.

Babe.  I wouldn't change a single moment of it.  

Looking through the last 20 months of this blog I realized that this blog had a whole-latta babies and hardly any husband.  BUT- over the last 7 years we have documented our married life via this little corner of the internet and I found some of my all time favorite photos of us to share in celebration of this 9 year milestone.  Most of these photos have made it to the blog at sometime or another, and if you've followed from the beginning might have seen or might remember these Massey Moments 

(I know there are some- and my greatest thanks for following along)

This is a long scroll of pictures {nearly 50 photos}, but I couldn't bring myself to forget a single one.

When you have 9 years of married history (and nearly 13 total), there are a lot of pictures.

..and I'm so very thankful.  

Tears well my eyes to type this as I think back about it. 

Love you, Jordan Fort.  Happy Anniversary, Lou.

July 2005 just one month before we were married

My Senior Prom 2003