Rush!

Its the name of the home team. Rapid City Rush hockey games have become a little family tradition for the Montana Sprys. Whenever we come back to our 'mother land,' we indulge in a little time by the rink and acting like houlagins like the rest of the 5000 people there. 

Avin fit right in this year. 

(My goodness, we have a beautiful little LADY on our hands!.... Being her mama really melts my heart)

It was a fun night. Just us. And noisy. And rowdy. We won!

XO

Jari

Happy Thanksgiving

Today was AMAZING!!!!

Joel and I have been looking forward of coming home to see our family for a few weeks and we knew we wanted to just be intentional with soaking in the family bonding while we were here. 

Today we woke up fairly early and seriously just lounged around, laughing and snuggling up on our newest little niece.

We used to run around to every store while we were back home (which never really made sense because we have almost every store in MT as they do here in SD!) but not this trip. It's all about the relationships this time. 

We enjoyed a late lunch/early dinner Thanksgiving spread. My mother in law and sister in law know how to cook! It was all so delicious!

Joel and I made a new appetizer that was super yum too. I'll share the recipe soon!

Tonight I went on a little adventure with 3 in laws to do some Black Friday shopping. I just wanted to go for the experience and only wanted to snag one item knowing that it would be gone before I even got to the store (Dr Dre Beats!). We went to the Walmart closest to us and it was like a ghost town. No adventure there. But I did purchase some razors (even though it's freezing here my husbands deserves to see and feel better legs than this!) and a Mooshka tot (cutest soft baby dolls I've ever seen!) for the little Bear. 

Next we hit up Target. That was a little busier but I didn't make it past the baby section. You see we left MT with no sippy cups or a travel high chair, two things an almost one year old absolutely needs! Once I was in the baby section, I was sucked in drooling over the selection of newborn baby girl clothes. Let's just say that little miss Ava Joy may have gotten a little spoiled from Auntie Jari tonight. 

So my Black Friday shopping experience seemed so much more like a regular trip to the store. Not sure I'll ever do that again. But I do have to say the company was perfect. I'm so happy the 4 of us went as we got a chance to have some good laughs together. 

I have something VERY.VERY.VERY exciting to share with you oh so soon!!! Joel and I have conquered something monumental for us!!!!!

Until tomorrow.... I'll be taking more photos! I've noticed since not being on Instagram, which is so hard some days, I haven't been taking as many photos. Boo. I need to get better.

Happy Thanksgiving. There is so much to give The Lord glory and thanksgiving for. So blessed. 

XO

Jari

A Very Merry Advent WINNER!

And the winner of the VERY MERRY ADVENT CALENDAR EBOOK Giveaway.....

LINDSEY!

Congrats girl! Email me at Jari(dot)Spry(at)gmail(dot)com <---- trying to block the spam can you tell?!? ha!

More coming soon!

XO.
Jari

Happy face!

This is my happy face! 

Today...

My sweet friend got engaged!

we purchased a vehicle!

I had coffee with one of my fave ladies and picked out photos finally for our gallery wall!

I made a homemade stew thanks to my sister. And I even made no bake cookies for dessert. 

We got our practice Christmas card in the mail. 

And we ONLY have ONE MORE DAY until we head on the road to see almost all of hour family!!!!!

If you didn't know, we live 730 miles from Joel's hometown and 810 miles from mine. Most of our family is still loving there and we don't get to see them nearly as often as we would like. We are so happy we made the decision to go 'home' over Thanksgiving because we can't even remember the last holiday we all spent together. 

We reserve Christmas to be spent at our home usually with just our little family. We like the slow pace and starting traditions with our girls. 

But I will say that I am so pumped to see everyone, hug their necks, kiss their cheeks, and laugh for the next 2 weeks!!! There will be a lot of running around but worth every moment. 

Hey SD family!!! We're coming!!!! Leave the light on for us!!!! 

XO

Jari

Oh What a Feeling.

I guess it has been a while since I've posted. I honestly thought it had been just a day but my sister informed me tonight that it's been since Thursday.... Ooops. Sorry. Time flies when you're cramming in a month of to-dos in a weeks time. Hoofta!

At least I know I'm loved. By not spending any time on social media, I do need to make it a point to be here everyday to make sure that the people who want to keep up with the Spry's have a place to do that... (that and because I said I would and I'm working hard on sticking to my word like glue.)

Here is where we are at on the whole vehicle situation.

We sold our Pathfinder over a week ago and have been stuffing our 5 person family in a our little commuter car, Honda Civic. It's actually been pretty easy since Joel was gone all last week for work and had a rental. But today we had the weekly Costco trip and a trunk full of Scentsy deliveries. Talk about sardines.

We had looked at a 2007 Suburban that we found in town but after giving it a test drive and having it inspected, it just wasn't going to work for our family. I'm sure it'll find a good home.

Joel had found a 2008 Suburban on Craigslist in Billings, but it was actually a couple that lived in Cheyenne, WY. Quite a ways away from us. He called the posted number and ended up talking with the owner who was from Missoula and was actually going to be coming back here for Thanksgiving! HOLY MOLY... how perfect was that?!? We had seen photo and this baby was everything we were looking for in a used Suburban... low miles, white, bucket 2nd row, leather, entertainment, towing package (whatever that means really!) and navigation (Great for Scentsy delieveries and events).

So we had worked out a deal that when this family from Wyoming got here, we would test drive it and 90% sure we would buy it. (It has proven to be VERY difficult to find the exact vehicle we want!)

It all seemed like a God thing. Everything was falling into place perfectly.

But then I started having the yuckiest feeling in my stomach. It started on Friday... like a nervous feeling, knotted stomach that would come and go. I thought it had to do with something completely different and just couldn't figure out why I would feel that way.

All through yesterday that feeling kept coming back. This morning throughout church it came back and wouldn't go away. We went to lunch with some friends after church (waiting in town so we could test drive this Suburban) and as we were getting ready to order, Joel's phone rang and my gut wrenched hard. He stepped away not knowing who was calling.... I just kept hearing him say "Oh no!"... "Are you guys ok?"... "Is there anything you need?".... "I can't believe it!"

I knew it had to do with the vehicle. Instantly my stomach, gut wrench, yucky, uneasy feeling was gone. Like it had never happened.

He walked back to me and told me that as the couple was driving up to Missoula, the engine blew up on the Suburban that we were about to purchase and go on a 1600 mile road trip with.

As I was so thankful for finding out before we purchase, my heart still hurts for the young family who was now not able to be with their family for Thanksgiving.  That stinks.

But I love The Lord's timing. He is in control of ALL things. Always.

So... back to the drawing board. We think we might be choosing a different direction after searching tirelessly for what we need.... Please pray for wisdom that we would make a good decision. We have 2 days before our big trip.

Oh and don't forget about our Advent Calendar giveaway! I've been working, planning and thinking of which activities, recipes and crafts we're going to try.

Now I'm off work on my Sunday 7... time to get everything planned!

XO.
Jari

Christmas is MORE.... (finished video!)

Remember when I said we have an incredibly talented media team at Sovereign Hope Church?! I wasn't kidding! Take a look for yourself.

This video was such a joy to make. I think my girls are excellent actresses, wouldn't you agree? 

Christmas is MORE... more than family trips, gifts, dinners, stockings, cookies, advent calenders.... while all of those are great, it's really important to remember that Christmas is about CHRIST. The Savior of the earth. The Prince of Peace. The Wonderful Counselor. The King. He is that... but even MORE.

"Christmas is a time when the world stops and celebrates. We gather with family and friends and focus on the birth of a baby, the gift of a king, goodwill and peace on earth. But Christmas is more than a birthday because Jesus was more than just a baby. It is more than a season because Jesus was more than just a King. The beauty of the gospel is that Christmas is more than just a holiday, because Jesus was more than we could have ever imagined." - Pastor John Luhmann

If you live in the Missoula area, I encourage you to join Joel and I for this sermon series in December. We'd love to see you at church.

If you live, well, not in the Missoula area, we invite you to watch this series online at Sovereign Hope Church.

XO.
Jari

SCENTSY SUPER SALE!

WHOA NELLY! You have to check it out!!!

Starting tonight at 1am mountain time (ok technically tomorrow!), select Scentsy goodies will be selling like crazycakes at a HUGE discount of up to 70% off... for 4 FULL days!!!!!!

Don't miss it! I know I'll be staying up late to get the best deals!

There's going to be GRIZ warmers... Holiday warmers... and every day warmers that are so gorgeous I can't believe they're going for such an incredibly low price!

Don't forget to shop til you drop... well... don't drop... but get in on the good deals!

XO.
Jari

A Very Merry Advent {giveaway!}

Every year I always have the best intention of creating an advent calendar with the girls.  And every year I run out of time or ideas. I never actually do... Always just dream. 

But not this year! I found Heidi Kenney and Amanda Krueger's new ebook A Very Merry Advent.  Advent solved!

After quickly skimming through the ebook, I knew I had to give it away to one of you too! It's adorable!!!!!

Even though we will be away on a short vacation during the first week of December, there are fabulous activities that the girls can do with their grandmas, grandpas, aunties and cousins! I'm so excited to have these memories this year. 

If you would like a chance at winning a free copy of A Very Merry Advent,simply check out the site and leave a comment here sharing what part you are most excited about (paper dolls, softies, recipes, etc)!

I'll draw and announce the winner next week on Tuesday November 26th, so you can make sure to get started on time!  If you can't wait, the ebook is only $12 and packed full of fun stuff to do!  Plus, who can resist these adorable faces? Not me!

Good luck friends!

XO

Jari

Saved by the Ring

Oh I almost had a relapse... I almost jumped on Facebook today!

I have been home almost every moment since Sunday afternoon and I was feeling a little stir crazy. Wondering what's going on out there. Feeling like I'm missing out. 

So I quickly grabbed my phone and text Allison! "Girl, I'm about ready to give in!" 

Fastest reply back from her = "Don't do it!"

"I need you to tackle me! It's sucking me in!"

"I'm coming!"

RING!!!!!!

Why would I feel this way? Like I'm missing out? But missing out on what? The maze of conversations that are both good and negative? Of people that you don't even really know? To get sucked into an hour of 'seeing what's going on?' Catch up? Encourage?

Heck I don't know what it was but almost  a month in, this was the first time it felt like I needed reassurance. 

I'm not gonna lie, it's been quite the change to be off social media. But not a bad change. But hard at times. 

I have actually gotten so much done in the last few weeks. 

I have felt a fog lifted that I didn't even realize had me sucked in and surrounded. Life seems clear. 

And beautiful. I have paid way more attention to the little, everyday, ordinary moments. I'm so thankful for those moments. 

I was the biggest skeptic on the question so many people have asked "how are you going to run a successful business without social media (Facebook)... And keep up with your team?"

To be honest, I'm still working on that. It takes a lot of out of the box, intentional, thoughtful planning. From phone calls, new strategies, mailings, and more... But I am loving this challenge. 

I'm so thankful today that The Lord placed an accountability friend in my life. Without Allie saving me from returning to a sinful behavior, I would not have made it through without spiraling out of control on the web. 

This journey has it's few challenges... But the rewards far outweigh them! 

Did you think I could last this long?

Do you think you could do it too?

What's your most favorite way to communicate?

Know what else I'm thankful for? This beauty... Whom I get to snuggle with in 7 days!!!!

And one last note of what not to do... Never... I repeat NEVER drink a half gallon of egg nog in one day. Like ever. 

XO

Jari

So close!

Right now, at this very moment, I'm in the midst of texting back and forth with my sweetest sister in law as she is about to have her first baby!!!

The feelings of joy, anticipation, excitement, inspiration... And then sadness that I can't be right there cheering her on and praying for her. 

Being 700 miles apart from family can be hard at times. It feels like we miss out on amazing life events. 

But in just a few days, I'll be holding that sweet niece of mine... And I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to share her or not!

Love you Tiff! You're going to be an incredible mama. 

XO

Jari

Prayer request: that we please find a vehicle to purchase so we can go on our vacation as planned; safely and comfortably. 

Bohemian vs Nordic

These are the little conversations we have in our home from time to time. 

I told Joel today that it's finally time to dust off the Christmas decorations and put up some holiday cheer. 

Each year I try to accumulate more decorations to put up in the house. I change the theme every year to add a little extra pizazz. 

In the last few years we've had 'candy', 'white wonderland', 'silver and gold' and this year, I had mentioned that I'm thinking a 'Bohemian - Modern Christmas' would be adorable. You should've seen the look in Joel's face. 

Confused. Mortified. Concerned. 

I had envisioned whites, burlap, with metals and woods. Antlers, bright reds with beautiful patterns (you know, like the sweaters our parents wore when they were little!) Add a pop of mirrors and clean lines and you'd have the Spry family Christmas decorations. 

Well, tonight when I jumped on Pinterest to get some more ideas, I typed in 'Bohemian Christmas decorations' and I looked like a gypsy puked on the screen!

Hold up! What!? Glittery sequins jewel toned stockings covered the pages. EEKS!!! No wonder I got the craziest look from Joel earlier today! (Not a bad style... Just not what I expected!)

So I told him my thoughts in what I really wanted and he said it sounded more like 'Nordic-Scandinavian' and sure enough, my guy was right! Ha!

I guess I better work on my geography and world trends and culture. These two styles are almost exact opposites. (Follow Pinterest photos in the right hand column to see original phot credit)

Now it's safe to say I'll be going to bed without dreaming of sequined, jingly stockings chasing me.... But a calm, cozy, white and clean home filled with the thought of a never ending flow of hot chocolate (with marshmallows please)

Bring on the Silent Night and all the other Christmas songs... We are ready. 

Decorations go up starting tomorrow!

What's your favorite Christmas song? 

XO

Jari 

Goodbye Grinder

We have officially outgrown our current family mobile. Our Nissan Pathfinder found a new home today. 

I always get a little attached to things we have spent so much time in. We put over 120,000 miles worth of memories, moments and dreams in our 'grinder'... 

Story time:

Long story short I purchased an 1987 Pathfinder from my sister (first vehicle that was mine all mine) that was a manual. When you can't find 'em, grind 'em was my motto so hence all pathfinders from that time on would be lovingly nicknamed 'grinder.'

But really, this beauty moved us 860 miles across our most familiar lands, to a make a home in the mountains where The Lord led us to Himself. 

She helped get our business up off the ground running... Each delivery, each fair and show, each party and coffee date. 

She bravely trekked us up the mountains to go skiing and traveled through some slippery passes to get to airports with a tropical destination. 

I'm going to miss her. She was so good to us. 

Goodbye Grinder... Take care of your new owner in Colorado. 

XO

Jari

Party Planning

It's been a few years since I've gotten to plan a FIRST birthday party and I couldn't be more 'bubbly' about it!

I love that we can personalize the party invitations with Sincerely Scent cards. (I can order fragrant cards that every detail is personalized specific for the event or occasion.... Here's just a sneak as I don't want to give away all the details before the party guests get a chance to see!)

After seeing the party Pinterest board of my sweet friend Brittany's (one she made for her daughters birthday) and knowing the location of Avin's party, I knew an 'Under the Sea' party was a must!

Arly and Alyn are so excited to help me find ideas, make and create, to make little Avin's party a memorable day for all of us. 

Here is a little inspiration to get the creative juices flowing...

And I'm still 'surfin' to find more inspiration. The location will be tricky to execute it all but we're going to try our best. 

By the way, I cannot believe that our sweet baby girl is too close to being a ONE year old!!!!!!!

XO

Jari

Behind the Scenes

We had the privilege of starring (a funny, awkward attempt at acting!) in a short film this afternoon.

Our church, Sovereign Hope Church, has an incredibly talented media team. They make the best short films I've seen. Don't believe me? Take a look at their website. Search Identity and Stories of Grace. 

Today's scene was of Christmas morning. 

Here's a sneak peek. 

It was a fun experience. From the makeup and hair (not too much makeup  and messy hair since it's a Christmas morning, wake up and open gifts with the family) to decorating and the many takes from different angles with a variety of lens and equipment.

It really made our family appreciate all the work our media team does for each of their films. It took 3 hours (a really fun 3 hours!) to get a finished 30 second film. (When I said movie stars I meant it!) we can't wait to see the finished result from Daniel and Luke. There will be a lot of time, editing and whatever else goes into the film before it's just right. 

Thank you Luhmann's for opening up your home (one of our favorite homes ever!) Thanks to Patty for all the behind the scenes work and dinner! Delicious! And to Cameryn for tree and decorations!

We are blessed beyond belief to be surrounded by such authentic and fun friends!

This was a day the girls are sure not to forget. One of them has now been nicknamed 'Holly-Wood' but I'm not naming names... Ahem.... Alyn!

This little bear was wiped out after an afternoon of acting and diving out of a high chair (ouch! Poor baby!)<---- not the scene we wanted tonight  :(

I'll be sure to share the final product when it is finished. 

Have a lovely night!

XO

Jari

The Beeb... My Beeb

Tonight I am writing to honor my sweetest niece, Kaci. (aka Hasey Beeb, Cecil, Ceese, The Beeb... and many more!)

Girl, you have always been one of the brightest sparkles in my eye. I'll never forget when I found out your mom was pregnant with you. I was so excited because I knew you'd be like a little sister to me. 

I was 14 when you were born and have loved you every moment for the past 17 years. 

When you were little little, I remember just reading to you, playing hide and seek, taking naps with you and playing the 'laugh out loud until we annoy the whole house' game! 

You were the first one to teach me that I could really love beyond myself. 

When you moved away with your growing family, you grew up so fast. I loved our phone chats and I'll never forget the conversation your mom and I were having when you were suppose to be heading to bed. Your mom asked if I wanted 'p-o-p-c-o-r-n' to which you came running down the hallway and very matter of factly said "I would like some p-o-p-c-o-r-n!" Your mom spelled it out so you wouldn't know what we were talking about but even at the age of 2 you knew! 

You are so intelligent. I'm so proud of your academics and all of your accomplishments through the years, but even more so of the way you choose to live your life. 

Your always so positive. You serve other people joyfully. You are always so kind; especially when it comes to entertaining your little cousins who look up to you so much. 

I know we don't get to see each other very often. It hurts my heart that we are so far away since we left SD, but I know our bond will only get stronger the older you get. You have become a beautiful, amazing young woman. I love you like a daughter. Like a sister. Like a friend. 

Tomorrow, when you face your challengers, I want you to let go of every past game. Let go of every win and every loss. Play with all your heart and all your guts and sweat. You can do all things through Christ. 

Go Scottie's!!! Know we are cheering our lungs out from 750 miles away! 

CAN YOU HEAR US?!?!!!!

LOVE YOU!!!!

XO

Auntie Jari

From Sunday to Monday.... and WINNER announced!

Joel and I spent a few hours on Friday and Saturday at a conference put on by the City Forum (a group of local churches who bring in speakers to spur Christ-centered missions)

The speaker, Hugh Whelchel (Executive Director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics), really spoke to our hearts on how Christians sometimes leave their faith at church and home and don't extend that into our jobs.

Whether you are a claims manager, stay-at-home-schooling mama, teacher, lawyer, dental assistant, mechanic, plumber, counselor, chef, coach, independent consultant, accountant, painter, photographer, cashier... whatever you do, you are placed in your workplace by God; for God's Kingdom.

Your work is important to God.

He wants to use you exactly where He has you. Hearing that really helped me.

I struggle with the feeling of inadequacy. I find that often I am comparing myself with others. I'm not good enough. Why can't I be more like that? Am I as good of a mom as her? Am I doing enough for my team and customers? She just planned ANOTHER date night with her man?!?

But when I let go of social media, I started comparing myself less. Almost to the point of no comparison and it's amazingly peaceful.

After hearing that I am exactly where He has me, I can be confident in myself. I can know that being at home with my girls is my biggest mission. Serving my family joyfully is my calling right now. Leading women to understand they can be successful through direct sales is another mission of mine. Knowing the truth that comparison is the thief of joy. It causes discontentment which is a sinful behavior.

I want to let all my readers, friends, family, customers, team members know that YOU ARE EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE MEANT TO BE. I want you to know that I am not perfect. I don't have it all together. So if you have ever compared yourself to me, I'm sorry.

Hugh said, "We won't have a meaningful life without work... but work must not be the meaning of your life." Our relationships with Christ and others is the meaning of our life. But what we do today, and HOW we do it EVERY DAY, matters eternally. We were made to work... and we will be working forever. It's not WHAT you do... but HOW you do it.

I encourage each one of you to go to work tomorrow - - whether at home or in an office - - and serve others with an eternal perspective. Serve joyfully.

I've realized that it's time to be responsible with what we've been so graciously given... and what we do with it.

NOW... ON TO THE WINNER of the PIONEER WOMAN HOLIDAY COOKBOOK!!!!

I used random.org to pick a winner. There were 28 comments.... and the WINNER IS......

Jesica RokohlNovember 7, 2013 at 4:37 PM

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to make homemade Blackend Chicken Alfredo! {My hubby loves it too :) } 

Jesica Rokohl, Houston, TX

Congrats Jesica! Please email me your address and I will get your goody sent your way!

How did you all like a giveaway?!? Pretty fun right? Be checking back because I love to give and am excited for more opportunities to gift some of my favorites to you!

Have a lovely Sunday evening... I'm off to work on my Sunday 7 and plan out our CRAZY busy week! It's time to get back on the planning game.... I haven't used my planner in 4 weeks! SCARY! (so unlike me... I think my mind was way overwhelmed to even think about compiling thoughts and appointments... now that I have more time and clarity, I think I'll be on time more :)

XO.
Jari

Our night.

Hey you! Don't forget the scrumptious GIVEAWAY! I'll be doing the drawing tomorrow night! Just enter here.

Now onto tonight's regularly scheduled program. (smile!)

Want to hear something funny? (and pretty ridiculous actually...) Joel and I watched a suspense movie late last night after the girls went to bed. I do NOT like any movie that has suspense, drama, conflict, etc; it serious makes me have stomach aches. I tense up so much and just shake the whole time. I woke up this morning with what felt like a twisted ankle! The only reason I can think that my ankle hurts is because I was shaking and clenching my toes during the two hour flick. What was the movie?!? Don't laugh.... WHITE HOUSE DOWN.

So tonight... I was in charge of picking the movie. Grown Ups 2 was the winner and really... so far, it's not a winner in my book. Pretty crude and funny.... more disgusting than funny though.

Apparently it's a movie watching weekend at our casa. I can't take much more of it though.... I think I'm going to bust out the Project Life and create an album for 2013. I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. It's unreal.

I'm so thankful for all the every day moments. Even movies nights when the movies just aren't great and the Halloween candy is inducing a sugar coma and somehow you end p with a twisted ankle. But I would change my company for the world. 

Ok... go sign up for your chance to win the cookbook!

Nighties!

XO

Jari

Humility.

When you're short on words and your heart speaks.

I'm working on it.

XO.
Jari

Peace & Quiet

I've tried to be an early bird.... But I just keep missing the worm. I really am okay with that. 

I've tried to go to bed a smidgen earlier and get up before the rest of the house to have my 'me' time. 

But I just can't stick with it. There is just something about the stillness of the night. The quiet. The peace. 

In this season of my life I'm going to just go ahead with the fact that I'm a night owl and that's when I can be alone with my thoughts, prayers and books. 

No sounds (except the occasional barking of the neighborhood coyotes). Deafening silence really. Just me. And some sleepy loved ones. 

My time to dig. 

I'm so thankful for nights like this. When I'm still awake to write this post on my phone (yes, I write this blog almost every night on my iPhone) and soon to be nose deep in God's Word. 

What a beautiful night. 

What's your favorite time of the day? Morning or night?

XO

Jari