Here's to 2016

2016? Seriously? Is it just me, or do the years seem to pass by faster and faster? I think it comes with parenthood (or so I've been told). 2015 has absolutely flown by. It seems like yesterday that Brooks was so tiny. He has accomplished so much this year, and Justin and I have definitely grown as parents and husband and wife. I know that 2016 is going to offer us just as many blessings as 2015 did.

So what's in store for Coalleys in 2016?
We're building a house!! You read that right! The loggers stared clearing the property the week before Christmas. There's been one clear day since then, so needless to say, they aren't making much progress. As much as I want this house finished (yesterday), I know it will be finished in due time. I'm sure I'll be forced to practice patience over the next year. Justin has given me the task of thumbing through dozens of catalogs of light fixtures, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, doors, windows, paints.. you catch my drift? I think he's trying to keep my busy. I have searched Pinterest through and through looking for the perfect rustic modern decor. I'm certain that I'll have all the answers when I'm asked about trim and cabinets, sinks and faucets. I'm in the excitement phase right now. There's something new happening almost every day. I know it's not all roses and butterflies. There will be lots of tough days when I'm more than ready to move in, but when I think about how quickly this past year has flown by, I know that we'll be in our new house before we know it. If all goes well, we'll be decorating our Christmas tree in our forever home in 2016. That makes me so, so happy.

Also happening in 2016- My sister is getting married! She has found the one whom her soul loves and we couldn't be more thrilled! We're working on planning the perfect fall wedding. Who doesn't love fall? Fall, full of oranges, browns, golds. Love FALL!

Brooks turns 2 this year. I can't believe it! With all the other things we have going on this year, I am getting a head start with planning. I always want him to have a party that he enjoys and boy does he enjoy a lot of things! The kid loves everything that moves. He's amazed by every little thing. It's precious. So what's the theme for his shindig this year? Here's a hint: Choo-choo... He is obsessed with trains. If he doesn't have a drastic change in interest we will be hosting a0" Choo-choo Brooks is 2" birthday party in August.

Some events are planned and we look forward to. Some come as surprises and we can either embrace them or let them get us down. I hope to continue to grow this little blog of mine. Do you like what you're reading? Let me know in the comments.

Let us embrace life's moments, big and small. I pray that 2016 is full of love and laughter. I love ya'll!

God Bless!

12 Christmas Traditions Your Kids Won't Forget

Christmas is a special time of year. People have a different spirit about them. They're happy, cheerful, even loving. The majority of my childhood memories come from Christmastime. It's special, but it's also BUSY! I love the hustle and bustle of the season. With the world's materialistic view on the holiday, it's easy to get caught up in the gifts and the stress of needing to be a million places at once.

My parents always made sure we knew the true meaning of this season: Christ. Even though we celebrate Him all year long, this season is special, set aside to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Now that I have a family of my own, I look forward to the starting Christmas traditions with my family that they will remember forever.

12 Christmas Traditions for the Kids

Decorating the tree- Ever since I can remember, we've decorated our Christmas tree on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I carried on the tradition my parents started when Justin and I got married. It's one of my favorite days of the year.

Christmas Lights- I absolutely love to see a house that's all decorated with lights. Brooks loves to look at lights so this is a favorite for me as well. Last year we went to the Lights of the South light display. It was the most beautiful light display I've ever seen. They even has a castle completely made of lights. Brooks was so little. I can't wait to go bath this year to see how he reacts.

Pre-Christmas Purge- This is a new one for me this year. I don't think I ever realized how much "stuff" comes with having a child. I'm sure someone told me but holy cow! A friend told me a while back that their elf came with a letter telling the kids to pack up all of the toys they have outgrown or never use anymore to give to a child who's less fortunate. This is the same for us adults. I have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. Know the feeling? My plan for my first day of the Christmas break is to purge. I'm excited to start the holiday season and the new year with a little less clutter.

Elf on the Shelf/Kindness Elf- This is my first year using the Elf in my classroom. I haven't used it at home yet. Brooks is too young to make it fun. We're undecided on if we'll use Elf on the Shelf or the Kindness Elf concept at home.

24 Books of Christmas (or however many you choose)- I started collecting Christmas books last year. Every night we read a Christmas book. I don't have 24 books yet. Books can be expensive. If you buy them early and throughout the year, it doesn't seem that bad. Hopefully I'll have a complete 24 book collection by next year.

Cookies and Hot Chocolate- I love to bake, but I really love it during the Christmas season. I don't want to wish Brooks' little years away, but I'm excited to have him "help" me make Christmas cookies.

Polar Express- This is another one on my bucket list of traditions. We watch the Polar Express movie every year anyway (while we enjoy our cookies and hot chocolate:), but I'd love to make a yearly trip to ride the Polar Express Train.

You've Been Elfed!- I'm not sure if this is an original idea or if I saw it somewhere. It's a spin off of the You've Been Boo'd at Halloween. I'm trying it this year.. we'll see how it goes. I can see it being a blast when Brooks is older.

Christmas Eve Gift- As kids, my sisters and I would BEG my parents to open just one gift on Christmas Eve. They would let the excitement build until the last minute when they finally gave in. The catch was- they got to choose the present we opened. This year we're starting a Christmas Eve gift with some Christmas pajamas, a new movie or book, and a sweet treat.

Christmas Sleepover- The parents can't have all the fun, right? Brooks' Grandparents can hardly wait to start this sleepover tradition.

Picture with Santa- Need I say more?

The Christmas Story- LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST! I love Christmas and I have a lot of favorite traditions that I share with my family, but nothing warms my heart more than hearing or reading the story of the first Christmas. Before the gifts are touched, we all sit around and someone reads from the book of Luke (or Matthew- your choice). The story of the Greatest Gift ever given or received. Don't let the true meaning of CHRISTmas slip away.

Do you have special traditions you share with your family? Leave a comment! 

20 Stocking Stuffers for Your Manly Man

Stockings are my favorite part of Christmas morning. It's always been fun to see what all my hubby can fit into that tiny thing. However, it's always a struggle for me to fill his with something worth while. It's hard because he's not into toys, gadgets, and things of the sort, and I hate filling it with candy that most of the time I end up eating. He's a "manly" man. He's into fishing, hunting, and other MAN STUFF. How am I supposed to fit a fishing pole into that thing? So, for ladies like me that have a manly man's stocking to fill this Christmas, I've put together a list of stocking stuffers sure to impress. Hope it gives you some ideas!

1.Gum
2. Zero bar (or your hubby's favorite candy bar)
3. Mini Flashlight
4. Screwdriver
5. Jerky
6. Hunting/Fishing Magazine
7. Pocket Knife
8. Knife Sharpener
9. Hunting Gloves
10. Extra Cell Phone Charger
11. Fishing Lure
12.Peanuts, Walnuts, or Pecans - better yet, a mixture of the three!
13.Beef and Cheese
14. Batteries
15. Gift Card
16. Earbuds
17. Apple Cider
18. Baseball Cards
19.Car Air Fresheners
20.  A Year's Worth of Pre-Planned Dates (see The Thinking Closet's post about this DIY)

Do you have some favorite goodies for your significant other's stocking?  I'd love to hear from you. Comment below:)

Happy Stuffing!

10 Stocking Stuffers For Your Toddler

Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa Claus is coming to town! I don't know about you, but this Santa is READY! well... almost ready. We are so excited about this Christmas with Brooks. Last year, it was fun to see his amazement at the lights, paper, and tissue. This year he might get into his gifts. He is obsessed with farms and trucks, so let's say there will be a lot of farming and trucks! I love buying the perfect gift. Not just for Brooks, for everyone on my list. When it comes to Christmas, my weakness is stuffing stockings. I never know what to put in them. My husband is a pro- He can fill a stocking with the best of them. Now that Brooks has come along, I have two stockings to struggle with. I don't want to fill them with junk that will just collect dust. This takes some serious thought for me. This year, I started making a list when I saw something online or in the store. I have compiled a list of 10 items that will be perfect for my toddler's stocking... it may be perfect for yours as well.

1. Sippy Cup
2. Thomas the Train Flashlight
3. Disposable Placemats
4. My First Markers
5. Mini Tape Measure
6. Tooth Brush
7. Bath Tub Crayons
8.Travel Silverware with Case
9. Matchbox Cars
10. My First Crayons


Am I the only one who has trouble stuffing stockings? What are some of your stuffer ideas?

Christmas Pictures, Cards, and Gifts, Oh My!

Happy 2nd day of December! I hope you all had a thankful Thanksgiving holiday. We've been out of town which is why I haven't posted in a week! Whew!

We're gearing up for Christmas around my house. The tree is up and decorated and I've sent out our Christmas cards... And it's only December 2nd! I'm pretty positive that this is a record! I'm usually sending out cards the week before Christmas.

This year, we had our fall family pictures taken my my friend, Meredith. She gets me! I love our photo shoots with her. She always does a great job. The photo shoot was a gift to my parents from my sisters and brother.

We always take fall pictures with our Christmas card in mind. I've used many different companies for our cards over the past few years. This year, I chose to work with Walmart. I chose them mainly because I knew I could order the cards and they'd be ready for pickup when I got back into town and wouldn't be sitting in our mail box all week. As I scrolled through the cards I was amazed at the variety of cards. There were several that I liked. This one was my final decision.

As you're preparing for the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season here are a couple things to help you stay organized and on budget. Every little bit helps.

Christmas Card Sent/Received List

Christmas Gift Recipient Log

Barnyard 1st Birthday

Happy Wednesday, friends!

My son, Brooks turned one on August 28th. He loves, loves, loves cows and tractors, so naturally he 'wanted' a farm themed birthday party. I began planning in January- I have a fear of forgetting details or leaving someone off the guest list, so I got started early. I went straight to Pinterest and created a shared my virtual idea board with my mom, sisters, and mother in-law.We pinned away for... months.

I kept a notebook nearby at all times to jot down random thoughts and people to invite when they crossed my mind. I bought a Cricut Explore cutting machine and it saved me a ton of time and money. Another thing that helped keep the cost down was having time to shop around. I kept an ongoing list of what I needed to purchase, where I found the item, and the price. I was bound and determined not to spend a fortune on a birthday party. If you search the web, there are tons of FREE backgrounds, clipart, and fonts to use to make decorations- another reason to get started early.

I could go on and on, but I'll get to the point- months of planning paid off. It was a dream 1st birthday for our little man.

Are you looking for inspiration for your little one's next birthday party?Planning a Barnyard party? I'm including some things I made for decorations.

Need some help? You can find PDF versions of some of the party decorations below. Help yourself!

Happy Birthday Banner (click here)
Food Labels (click here)
Centerpiece Signs (click here)
Cup Labels (click here)
Thank Yous (click here)

Have a blast planning and preparing for the big day! Make it a birthday they'll remember!

Hello Blogland!

Thanks for stopping by This Wifey Loves! 

I created this blog a while back, but I've been a chicken about writing my first post for no real good reason. Well, folks, the wait is OVER! I know you've all been waiting for this. I'm excited about having a place to document DIY projects, baking success and failure, the joys and not so joys of motherhood and anything else this wifey loves!

I have great plans for this little bloggity of mine. You can expect a new post two to three times a week. 

Whew! Now that that's over we can get to the good part. Who is the crazy lady that's behind the blog?

HI! I'm Megan! 

I'm a twenty-something year old Georgia girl. I am currently a first grade teacher. I have several loves in this life of mine. Firstly, I'm a lover of Jesus Christ. I'm so unworthy of His grace, but oh so thankful that He loves me. 

 These two are the peanut to my butter, the sweet to my tea. These two are my world. My husband, Justin, and I were high school sweethearts. We dated throughout high school and college. We were married on July 12th, 2010. He is definitely the one whom my soul loves. He pushes me to dream big and stands by me every step of the way. He is the best husband I could ask for. 

On Christmas morning 2013, we found out we were expecting our little peanut. What a Christmas gift! He had been prayed for for years. We were overcome with emotions! We welcomed our little man into the world on August 28, 2014 and we haven't slowed down since. Brooks is our gift from God. He is so full of life and his smile melts my heart. His laugh is contagious and what I wouldn't give for an ounce of his energy! He is all boy! He loves playing outside, 'reading', and anything with wheels. 


That's me and my little family in a nutshell. I hope you'll drop back by soon! 


See you real soon! 

Megan