I have interrupted your previously scheduled post, to bring you a different perspective. Shaunna has no knowledge of this post, and will not until sometime tomorrow morning, probably not until comments start popping up on her email, but I felt it was my duty to share some of this with you.
I am about to show you some pictures that may shock you a little. So if you have a weak stomach or can’t handle unsavory photos, you many not want to continue reading this post. Mind you, these are raw un-edited photos, so stay seated.
You have seen many beautiful pictures of our house, but what you haven’t seen, is what our house looks like between all those awesome pics that Shaunna has taken…
This is amidst all of the work on our makeover of Ava’s Room.
Filthy couch cushions, toys, capri-sun wrappers.
Right now the house is covered with paint, and unfinished boards, boxes and uncomplete projects.
Ava’s storage room a.k.a. the Guest Room
But the amazing thing is, beneath all of the clothes, the toys, the junk, and unfinished projects, is not just a house, but a home, our home. Where my beautiful, and ever-so-talented wife, writes this amazing journal of our lives, and takes old worn out junk, and recreates it into something beautiful for our home. It impresses me how she has started an online store to sell paint and other items to help us provide for our family, and is pursuing her dream of opening her own studio, while starting to write her very own book.
But what really amazes me, is how she finds time to take care of our two beautiful babies, but she doesn’t just take care of them, she loves them, nurtures them, teaches them, picks up after them, teaches them to read, and to talk like a true southerner 🙂 but most of all, she shows them what it means to be like Christ. To love others first, and ask questions later.
But the most humbling thing is somehow after all of that, Shaunna still makes time for me, I don’t just mean the usual cook and clean, and take care of my dirty clothes, I mean she makes time to listen to me, about how good or bad my day was, uplifts me when I am down, puts up with the endless list of things I want to build, forgives me when I am not all that I should be, and makes me feel like I am still the man of her dreams.
She just Loves me.
I can’t say enough about this beautiful woman that God has blessed me with. I love you beyond belief! I can’t tell you how proud I am of you, and all that you do, but most importantly, of who you are!
All I can say is Thank you! And I love you, sweatheart!
– Matt 🙂
**P.S. Shaunna here. I did have no idea that Matt was writing this! I’m so glad you did, sweetheart. What a beautiful insight into exactly why it’s so easy to love you. Thank you for being my partner in crime. I know you love it when I say that. I love you with every single fiber of my being.
What a sweet post! Made me smile!
Thanks, Allison!
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shaunna & matt
Epic! What an awesome hubby.
Glad I’m not the only one 😉
Thanks, Caroline. No, you’re definitely not.
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shaunna & matt
Wow, Shaunna, you have an amazing husband! This made me cry. Proverbs 31 woman, to be sure!
Whoa, Lorena, thank YOU. Such a kind thing to say.
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shaunna & matt
What a sweet post! Shaunna, you are awesome and so is your husband! So glad you are writing a book and sharing your talents!
Thank you, Sharea.
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shaunna
Real life and real love…..a beautiful thing!!
Thank you Lynn…definitely real around here.
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shaunna & matt
This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing! You have a beautiful home and beautiful family. May God continue to bless you!!
Thank you, Laura!
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shaunna
Matt, you made me cry! This is a wonderful post! Thanks for the unsavory pics, too 😉 They made smile.
Glad you enjoyed them, Anna! P.S. been meaning to email you back–will do as soon as I can!
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shaunna & matt
Love this! How sweet! You guys seem like such a great team & wonderful family!
Thank you, Aja!
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shaunna & matt
Matt, you just made me cry! Shaunna is one lucky woman to have you. I am always curious about “the men behind the blogs”… I know (from my own experience) that these fabulous blogging woman couldn’t do what they do without some pretty fabulous men beside them.
You are SO right, Jen! We absolutely are a team–and when we’re not, I feel like it shows in our home and our work. He’s a keeper. 🙂
shaunna
Thank you for the interruption in my day. What a beautiful post this was. Teresa
Thank you for reading, Teresa!
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shaunna
Hold on to this guy – he’s a keeper!!
Will do, Susan…he sure is!
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shaunna
What a precious gift to see yourself through someone else’s eyes, and be blessed by it! what a beautiful relationship you guys have. Wonderful family, wonderful home, and Shaunna, your wonderful place in our hearts. Thank you for this! What a blessing this post is to all of us!
You’re right, Allison…it is unnerving and wonderful to see what he thinks about me…without my prompting. Thank you for a sweet, sweet comment!
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shaunna
Awwwww, what a sweet thing for a hubby to do! And I’m glad your house looks normal. Believe it or not, it’s very comforting to see that!
Btw, I don’t know if I’ve ever posted a comment here, so, hello!
I believe it, Kim–it’s comforting to me, too, to see others’ homes in a “normal” state. So glad to hear from you!
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shaunna
Shaunna, I love, love, love the new wing chairs in your living room! Where did you get them??? 🙂
Hey Bethany! SO funny you noticed! We got them at Granville in Wetumpka, Al. We LOVE them!
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shaunna
So, so sweet. Blessings to you both.
Thank you, rita!
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shaunna
I laughed when I started reading this post and was in tears by the end of it. I love the “real life” photos…and the way your love for each other is so easily felt through your words.
Thank you, Jody…I know, me too!
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shaunna
Matt, just want to tell you that is how all us ‘do it yourselfer’s’ houses look when we are in project. When a husband understands that is when we can excell. =)
LOL, Jennifer. Well said.
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shaunna
Now that is romantic!
My thoughts, exactly, Lydia!
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shaunna
That brought gigantic tears to my eyes. I was sooooo happy to see your messy house AND soooo touched by Mike’s words. You are one blessed bunch.
Haha, I’m glad, Staci! We think so, too.
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shaunna
Wow Matt. At first I thought uh oh bad idea with the house pics but then you redeemed yourself. This was beautiful! You both are wonderful people (and I don’t even know you)
I know, Lesley! I said, “Oh, honey, did you have to show them all in one post…,” but then I kept reading.
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shaunna
I have never replied to a post before. I was so impressed with this post, I had to respond. Being a homeschool mom and Christian, this really touched me. I was completely edified. Matt put into words exactly how my husband feels about me. And every husband who is apart of the body of Christ feels towards his wife. Thank you for your transparency.
Thank you, Cindy. Thank you for commenting (so nice to meet you!) & for your wise words…
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shaunna
You too are just awesome!
Thanks, Della. Right back atcha.
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shaunna
I jsut about died for Shaunna when I started seeing those pictures of what looks like my house of unfinished business at times…but the more I read, the more fogiveness set in, and the more the tears started to well up in my eyes. How blessed you both are to have such a loving marriage. You are sooooo forgiven for posting those pictures
God’s love and blessings are quite apparently in your lives!!
I know, Amanda. Same here. Thank you for reading and your comment!
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shaunna
This made me cry….in a really, really, really good way…
Aw, Hayley…I’m glad in a good way. Me too.
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shaunna
Ok… I’ll admit it. I totally teared up reading this. What a sweet, loving post!
Thank you, Dana. I cried through the whole thing.
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shaunna
What a wonderful post! Life happens, houses get messy, but love and family are forever, so it is nice to read about your sweet family. My husband and I have a similar relationship, and he is very supportive of me, too. It makes all the difference! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yep, Tracey…totally our sentiments. Thank you for reading!
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shaunna
Wonderful insite to your life….Your husband is amazing. Love it 🙂
Thanks, Diane…he sure IS.
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shaunna
Mr. Matt you just completely made my day!! I spilled a whole can of paint all over my desk and bedroom floor about 2 hours ago. lol I am trying to get my act together for opening up my new booth, while in the meantime recovering from surgery. So our whole house looks just like yours!! Hahaha! (no offense..) 😉 tehe But thanks for being real, and reminding me that life goes on. You both are such an inspiration to me, and so much fun!!! Keep it up and blessings to your family!! 😀
-Joanna
Thank you SOOO much, Joanna. Hope the whole paint thing worked out. Just so you know, Matt spilled a whole can of Emperor’s Silk not only in my booth, but ON a newly finished piece of furniture. Life certainly does go on. 😉
shaunna
What a sweet post from your husband. With encouraging words like this, you might even forgive him for posting those pictures, huh! 🙂
Seriously, it’s helpful to us readers to see the real-life behind the scenes view!
I think I will, Suzanne!
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shaunna
love this blog all the more! thanks for sharing real life and real love. i got a bit choked up. good stuff, good stuff!
Thanks so much, Kim!
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shaunna
Glad to know you two are normal and that Matt is so patient with hump teen projects going on, covering every vertical surface. I truly believe that all artistic creative people live in spaces that look the same way, you just don’t get to see It.
Loved your post Matt.
He is, Gloria! We’ve learned to only do one big one like this every 6 months to a year…can’t live like that all the time, lol. It’s already lookin’ better!
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shaunna
And those are the things that make a long happy marriage… well the stuff Matt said, not sure about the stuff in the entryway contributing to longevity.
~Bliss~
True….but it sure makes it more interesting!
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shaunna
So sweet, that post made me cry. You are both lucky to have each other and your beautiful kids. Thanks for all that you!
Thank you, Kristie….we certainly are.
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shaunna
shauna. i am so jealous. i long to be married to a man that i love with every fiber of my being. it just wasn’t god’s plan for me. instead…water & oil.
i see why it is easy for you BOTH to love each other. 🙂
blessings
robin
Oh, Robin….I’ll be saying some little prayers for you, then. Thank you for YOUR transparency, and for your sweet comment!
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shaunna
Awwwwww – that’s so sweet. Your a lucky woman Shaunna – my husband sometimes makes me feel like Matt put into words here and it’s a wonderful thing. Love your house {even when it’s messy}. your children are so precious and now we know how sweet your hubby is. I know your life must be crazy busy, but you obviously have your priorities in order. Congratulations and God Bless You and your family.
THank you, Jeannie! He sure is…and we are lucky. And you’re right; they all come first, hands down. Thank you for your sweet comment!
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shaunna
This might be my fav post ever. 😉 My house always looks like this. I will escape to blogland and wonder how blog moms keep their house looking so beautiful. It is really nice to see that no one is perfect. What a beautiful marriage you two have. Bless you both.
No perfection here, Jamie. Never. Thank you for your sweet comments, not just today, but ALL of them!
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shaunna
awwww! that melts my heart…what a sweet hubby you have! i’m also happy to know i’m in extremely good company when it comes to the “normal-ness” of the house under revamps. you’re an inspiration to us all!
Thank you, Annaliese! Yes, we’re rolling in “normal-ness!”
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shaunna
made me teary-eyed. God bless your wonderful husband 🙂
Thank you, Brenda!
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shaunna
Wow!!! Your husband is so sweet and speaks directlly from his heart. I have a husband that speaks from his heart also and I feel so very fortunate for him as he is a true blessing for me.
P. S. We just returned from our cruise and LOVED Dubrovnik which was just as you described with the beautiful sights that were breath taking.
I’m SOOO glad, Beverly! We loved it, too. Where was your favorite stop?
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shaunna
We were on a Holland America Cruise also (MS Noordham) and went to such lovely places, each with it’s own special appeal, but the day in Dubrovnik was our first and definitely our favorite. Walking along the walls of the Old Town with it’s gorgeous views of the sea and the close knit houses with their terra cotta colored roof tile…I think this port was our favorite.
We also loved the tranquility of being on the lido deck as we watched the ship pull out of the all of the ports and into the sapphire blue sea.
oh..my heart melted. that is real life. that is my life too. what others don’t seem to know is we work from our homes and most of the time it is a crazed mess..AND we raise children..love husbands..try to find time to cook and clean instead of drive through McD’s
thank you for being raw and real. I am happy I am not the only one.
you all shine from the inside out…don’t ever lose that:)
xo
tiff
Thank YOU, Tiffini! I’m so thankful to know women like you…and thankful for your sweet words, today!
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shaunna
What an adorably well written love story to one’s wife. You my dear are very blessed & by the sounds of it so is your hubby. God Bless both of you
Thank you, Thereasa!
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shaunna
Aww Matt what a sweetheart you are! I am also blessed with a great husband who believes in everything I do (26 years of cheering me on in anything I dive into). I could see how truly happy you were to be there washing paintbrushes, pouring paint, anything Shaunna needed at the workshop you were all too happy to help! And yes, my home looks like that right now as well, I am in the middle of a redo of 2 rooms (one inspired by my visit to your home)
Thank you, Dawn!! Good luck with the redo’s!
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shaunna
glad everyone’s house looks that way sometimes!
Loved this post. Reminds me of what my hubby would do. Love the pictures of the real house, makes me feel better about the half finished projects sitting in my livingroom. I can see why you two always look so happy, it is the love in your home.
Love it:) This post made me feel sooo much better…I’m Annie Sloan-ing our kitchen cabinets and our house feels like a construction site!
It was great to see a busy life and what it can look like in the middle of house projects at least it does in my house. God has blessed your marriage and I pray that God continues to be the center.
TOTALLY BAWLING MY EYES OUT!!! You two are such an amazing couple…I don’t even know you but this is so ever apparent through this blog and all that you two create together.
Thank you Matt for sharing and for being such a great support to someone who brings so much joy and inspiration to all of our lives as well!!!
What a beautiful post!! You have such a sweet hubby!
Thank you soooooooo much for this post. It is so nice to see that behind all the amazing projects and perfectly tidy rooms, there is a human element–that shows other mothers and women of God striving to do their best with the gifts they have, with their time available– that shows that the cobwebs and dust can wait, but their family can’t. Thank you.
I love EVERYTHING about this post. Your husband’s words are beautiful & your house is real & lovely. Thank you!
Wow! What a blessed family! In the mess of life, both internal and external there is always a purpose and plan of beauty to be revealed. Sometimes it takes a little longer to see (in my case that is)! Thanks for sharing!
Does matt have a brother?! 🙂 Soooo very sweet!
I keep this e-mail in my inbox because it makes my heart to smile. You two are proof in the darkness that TRUE LOVE does exist. That two people can not only love each other to the ends of the earth but want to stand on top of a mountain and tell the world. That you can see thru the mess, the daily sticky floors and runny noses and see that woman with the greasy ponytail and sweatpants is the most beautiful woman in the world to you (I might be projecting that image :)) You are truly blessed.