Talk to anyone who’s recently gone through some form of pre-wedding counseling, especially from a pastor, and there’s a huge chance they’ve read an amazing book by Dr. Gary Chapman entitled The Five Love Languages. This book is not just for married couples as it breaks down the five main ways that husbands and wives, friends, family and everyone else show love to those in our lives. The five languages are simple: physical touch, acts of service, quality time, receiving gifts, and words of affirmation. Learning how you naturally show your love to others and how you desire to be loved helps every relationship so that each person recognizes how they love and can communicate the love language they desire to truly feel love. It really is simpler and much more common-sense than it sounds. Think about a relationship in your life whether it’s you and your dad, mom, best friend, or significant other. What ways do you naturally present your love to them? What ways do they do the same for you? For example (and to be open and honest), I desire, more than any of the other love languages, ‘words of affirmation’. I need to know where I stand with you; I need to hear you say the words. I’m not just talking about empty compliments but truthful validation and encouragement. On the other hand, I love through ‘acts of service’ and ‘giving gifts’.

This simple fact is the reason I find so much joy in serving within my apartment complex and is just another reason why Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love spending the months leading up to Christmas deciding on the perfect gift for the special people in my life. Finding, creating or even baking things that are unique and a simple way for me to say, “I care about you. You matter to me.” Each scarf or cd or piece of fudge is the silent words of affirmation. I drive my mom nuts every year because I really have no huge Christmas wish list. Instead, my list contains practical things like a red pie server (which totally rocks in my cherry kitchen) because Santa doesn’t specialize in the “you are great” and “I’m blessed to have you in my life” gifts. However, this year I had an absolutely amazing Christmas because certain loved ones in my life did an amazing thing. They spoke words of love to me in the most personal and thoughtful ways possible, and I can’t help but want to share some of them with you. For those of you out there who loved me this past year whether it was with a gift, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, time to just hang out and be ourselves, or a simple hug, your friendships and love mean more to me than I can say… thank you.

(A Framed Pic of Zac and I when I was 6 and he was 4: Documented proof that Zac and I used to willingly hug. He still is always willing to supply a hug. Guess what his love language is;) )

(The Year Quilt: I am so blessed to have so many of my mom’s handmade quilts in my home. While this one might appear a bit blank, its actually just missing its ‘content’. If you look at the top of the white section you’ll see three snaps that allow you to attach one of twelve smaller quilts to the quilt frame. So you can change the theme of your quilt throughout the year and seasons. Only my genius mom would find a quilt that allows me to have quilt ADD at the same time as decorating my house for each holiday. She’s currently finishing a cute snowman to be hung for the rest of the winter.)

(Shoe Houses: Pink slippers for cold toes. Practical and fashionable. Just the way I like it.)

(Comic Relief: Nothing fights the workday blues like a quote from my favorite show on TV. “Lord, beer me strength…”)

(Snuggle Quilt: The trick to getting more of my mom’s quilts is to present a logical argument of why you might need another flannel throw quilt and/or rename it. I already had a ‘cuddle quilt’, so naturally I needed a ‘snuggle quilt’. The frog is from my dad. Pink slippers and a pink quilt to warm me as I blog in 11 degree weather.)

(Laurel Love: I have this amazing friend who is so creative and brilliant and gifted me this year with the neatest handmade things. An “L” luggage tag, the coolest John Mayer mouse pad, and this pink Laurel sign. Anyone noticing a pink theme???)

(Spice Rack: This is the coolest thing ever! A spice rack made of multiple magnetic tins that keep your spices in order without taking up counter or drawer space. Plus, it’s red!)