Clothing Swap 101

Hosting a clothing swap is super simple, fun and such a gift to so many women!

About 3 weeks before the swap, I started getting the word out to some friends about the swap and asked them to go through their closet to find gently used clothing, jewelry, hats and accessories. 

Anything you haven't worn in one year, add it to your pile to swap. Even if you still like it! If you never wear it, pass it on to another gal who will show it off in public! :)

A few days before the event, I posted on Facebook to help get the word out and reminded girls of the swap. I also sent out a few texts to some friends who I really wanted to come so I could pick through their clothes! Ha! Sneaky eh?

Each swapper attending was asked to bring an appetizer or dessert to share. This really made hosting the swap stress free for me. There were so many varieties of deliciousness in the kitchen but I think the donut holes were the biggest hit! Donut holes and wine... Girlfriends and guilt free shopping... Does it get any better than that?

Party start time was 6pm. When the swappers arrive, we had them place their goods in a 'somewhat' controlled manner out on the table. They were not allowed to look at the other articles laying out. Then to the kitchen they went... snacking, drinking and laughing. 

At 7:29pm, I explained quickly where they could try on the clothes... bathrooms and bedrooms (all of which were not super clean... oops! - REALITY!) This is when I closed the curtains to the outside. We all stood around the tables and did a countdown....

"10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-SWAP!"

I may, or may not have thrown an elbow or two to get to these shoes!

We had girls chatting, laughing, trying clothes on right and left... it was so much FUN!

We had grandma's, moms and college girls here. What a blessing it was when you saw almost every person walk away with a bag FULL of 'new to them' clothing & goodies.

When all was said and done... we had 8 BIG trash bags FILLED to the max with leftover clothing. This week I had the privilege of donating them to our local Teen Challenge Thrift Store on behalf of all the swappers!

What do you think!? Would you be willing to host a clothing swap?!? If you do, let me know how it goes!

For an added bonus if extra fun, have your friends bring fingernail polish and treat each other to a new polish job! 

We have already planned our next date - March 1st (if you're local!) for a HOME GOODS SWAP! (think decorations, dishes, throw pillows etc!) Mark your calendars!

XO.

Jari

The Call

2 years... Maybe 3? That's how long it's been since we had a conversation.  Like for real. Years!

We've been through some sticky situations together and some incredible times too. From childhood all the way to today. Boy stuff, sports, high school, a 3 wheeler incident (or ten), kids, endless nights just talking... Laughing. 

That laugh. Oh my how I didn't realize how much I missed that laugh until I heard it today. Every memory flooded me when I heard it. 

To get a random call in the midst of a busy day... chat about life, about kids and adventures, about Jesus and health and maybe some padded underwear and orphans. My heart swells with thankfulness and my eyes fill with tears of sadness. Sadness because I am realizing that I haven't been a good friend for a long time. 

I always say I'm so swamped and overwhelmed. But then I hear other peoples stories and daily routines and I feel like the laziest, most selfish person (two of my biggest sins so if you don't mind I need to be selfish and ask for prayers for that.)

And she called! She called me just to chat! And I picked up the phone!!!! People that is huge!!!!!

I loved every moment of listening to her voice and picking right back up where we left off. We only talked for maybe 15 minutes because she was taking one of her foster kiddos to an appointment. But she called. She took the time and called. She fit in relationship into the nooks and crannies of her busy day. 

It made my whole day. That one little call connected us instantly. 

I've been very passive and disconnected when it comes to long distance relationships. Maybe a Facebook message here... A text there. But it was the actual call that moved my heart today. Changed my heart. I need to be a better friend. 

Nothing can separate friends. Even from here to the North Pole... Literally. I made a vow today to pick up the phone more often. My soul needs that. 

Thank you Tasha for calling. I love you and miss you. Let's chat again soon. 

XO

Jari

Give Me Some Jesus

I'm so happy that today finally arrived!

It's been placed on my heart to host a Bible study for quite a while. I always made excuses... Too busy, not smart enough, not this, not that, bad at this, suck at that. Satan was totally controlling my thoughts. 

But when the constant nudge wouldn't go away, I decided to share the idea with a friend. It was then, when tears flowed, that I knew the time was NOW that we grow together in Christ. 

Well, today was the day. 

With the help and encouragement of a sweet friend, today we started our Beth Moore: Believing God bible study. 

I'm excited to grow over the next few months with the 5 gals that showed up. It's my prayer that we will start believing God is who He says He is, He can do what He says He can do. That we are who He says we are. That we can do all things through Christ and that Gods word is alive AND active in our lives. 

XO

Jari

5 Spry + 5 Crow = One Happy Mama!

I have a friend who is INCREDIBLY talented behind the lens and who is becoming like a sister to me. We had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with her capturing memories of our little family.... but I have a problem. I CAN'T DECIDE WHICH I LIKE BEST!!! I LOVE THEM ALL!

Jessie is a phenomenal photographer and owner of 5 Crow Photo here in the Missoula area and I'm so happy that she got these amazing shots of our family. She is so patient, full of ideas, flexible and the quality of her work just makes me melt.

Here's where I need your help!

I have this grand idea of creating a gallery wall that folds around a corner of a couple of walls in our home. We have next to nothing hanging up now, so I definitely want some family photos included in this gallery. But it's nearly impossible to choose on my own which photos to print when they are all so good. So please... could you let me know what your favorite 3 photos are by the number in which they are listed? Pretty pretty please?

And if you would be so kind... to go to 5 Crow Photo, look at her beautiful work and click LIKE. Jessie is working hard on getting her new studio ready and I know a little marketing help would just be icing on the cake! :) Oh and I heard she's doing something fun over there on her awesome page too!

CAUTION: Spry Family Overload.... Enjoy :)

Thank you Jessie. Love you beautiful friend.

XO.
Jari