Sometimes life lacks proper balance, sometimes there are too many distractions, sometimes it’s hard to focus on the most important things.
I need to get my focus back, I need to get back to basics this week: family and schooling and life. So I’ll be taking a week off from this wonderful blogging world, and taking a step back from technology in general.
Have a wonderful week! See you on Sunday.
There’s always so much to be grateful for, but this week one thing takes the cake.
Meeting this little guy-our newest nephew. Such a gift, such a miracle.
We are so very smitten with this guy.
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.
Melody Beattie
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13
What’s got you feeling grateful this week?
1. Snow today. Yes-snow. Fortunately it was all gone and completely sunny by lunch time. And even better, the sun is supposed to be out tomorrow. All I can say is that we live in a very temperamental area. And we wear lots of layers.
2. I love Trader Joe’s. Really, seriously do. Shopping there feels like a vacation. Maybe that’s an indication that I need a vacation? Well, all I can say is that I always find exciting things there and I always want to take home an arm load of fresh flowers.
3. Clean sheet night is my favorite night of the week. It’s even better this week because my sweet and amazing friend let me use her dryer today. She totally made clean sheet night possible. And a week without a dryer has made me realize that if I had to choose for a major appliance has to break I’d always, hands down pick the dryer. A drying rack works well, and a clothesline gets the job done. But, I’m really glad that thing should be operational tomorrow.
4. Sometimes I use mean words. I’ve been talking to the kids a lot about using words that feel like hugs, not hits. Who doesn’t love a big, wonderful hug? What would life be like if everything we said felt like a big, wonderful hug? I’d take a hug over a punch in the nose any day. So why is it that I’m telling my kids this all day long, but am having such a hard time practicing it myself? It’s been a real challenge, and I want better words for my kids and my husband, and everyone else around me for that matter.
5. And speaking of my husband, we have this strange thing of always wearing very similar clothes. It usually happens at church. He leaves before me, or while I’m in the shower so I don’t really get a look at him. Then I get to church in khakis and a blue shirt, only to see he’s wearing khakis and blue shirt. It’s been like this for awhile. So either we’ve got really good taste in clothes, or we’re turning into one of those married couples. You know the ones who look alike, sound alike and all? I guess it’s not that bad, as long as I don’t grow hair like he does and end up six foot six. Here we are today, matching brown shirt Friday, it’s also give your seven year a turn with the camera Friday. I guess we have nothing better to do when it snows.
And with that I’m off, this weekend I’ll be busy using words that feel like hugs and praying for less snow, more sun.
How about you?
The painting is done and my master bedroom is feeling much more like a getaway than an after thought. I whined about this blue color in a previous post and was super encouraged by all your amazing comments. Thank you everyone, really-your nice words were just what I needed.
I really didn’t want this color, I was hoping for a cloudy day kind of gray but I got a misty morn blue. Really, that’s the name of the color-Misty Morn.
But as a I painted and then (finally) put everything back together I feel in love with Misty Morn. It’s comfortable and refreshing and restful all at the same time.
So the painting is all done, and now I’m moving on to the fun challenge of accessorizing with what I already have on hand. It’s a challenge for sure, and that’s why you’ve been looking at such silly photos of giant pillows and stuff. Because I have no accessories in there yet-but I do have ideas. And a can of gray spray paint, and some orange paint, and some yellow. We’ll see what happens.
But for now, I’m totally content to fall into bed on my wonderfully crisp, freshly ironed linens-surrounded by a sea of Misty Morn.
Today I’m sharing with Melissa at the Inspired Room.
My oldest, first born, only son is seven today.
Good grief, how did that happen?
I’m pretty sure just yesterday he was a chubby little baby, full of rolls and drool.
Now he’s our cautious adventurer, our master Lego builder, our sterling speed reader, our happy go-lucky guy; a boy who exudes light and life.
Happy Birthday Mister Levi. May you enjoy your day playing the Wii, having lunch with your Dad and doing the quintessential father-son thing: shooting.
Love you bud!
(And for those of you who were wondering, I’m still painting. Life has a way of taking a project that could really only take one day and stretching into six, and counting.)
I started painting yesterday. I was hoping for a bit of a cloudy day in my room, but I got more of dirty robin’s egg blue. In some lights it’s gray, it some it’s more blue. At any rate I’m not completely sold.
So I started looking online for some inspiration. I was concerned that the blue would be too girly and prissy-a little more country than modern. And I don’t really want girly, because I live with a man. A wonderful manly man who I’m pretty sure doesn’t want to sleep on a field of flowery flowers. Oh I know he doesn’t really have that strong of a decorating preference, but he does live here too.
I found some inspiration that reminded that the look of a room can totally change depending on the details.
from Martha Stewart
from HGTV
So I’m going to look at it today with an eye for the extra details. I think it’ll work.
Here’s the blue on one wall, I’ve got all white bedding and will be adding in different accessories. What accessories I’m not too sure.
So what would you add to a master bedroom this color blue to give it a more modern feel? Or would you just repaint it all together more gray?
1. Spring-and some real spring like weather yesterday. This didn’t last, this morning dawned cloudy with a chance of rain and tomorrow the “s” word is in the forecast. No, not that word, snow. But “s” is kind of how I feel about it.
2. Blueberry muffins, yummy and wholesome and totally gone. They were good while they lasted.
3. New paint, as in my long awaited bedroom redo is finally happening. I’m sure you’ll be hearing (and seeing) all about it soon.
4. Spring break, I love this whole home school thing-I really do. But I’m so ready for a lesson free week, so I can, um-paint.
5. Those little plastic popcorn cups from the dollar spot at Target. Really, these things have been a big deal around here. Who knew that one buck would make one child so happy?
6. Good friends, I know we’ve all got em. I’m especially grateful for weekly Saturday morning coffee with my two best gals. I love them and the perspective they bring to my life.
7. Decorating magazines, this must be because I’m redoing our master bedroom. But it seems I can’t get enough inspiration from so many great magazines.
8. Provision, as in being able to pay bills and having a bit extra to buy some fun things.
9. A clean house, and the ten minutes that it lasts. Ten minutes of clean is better than none at all.
10. And finally, I had to list ten today because of my gratefulness for completing my first double digit run. Ten miles, one hour and thirty four minutes, 850 calories, an average pace of 9:24 per mile and a really cool Garmin to tell me all these stats.
What are you grateful for today?
Spring always brings such promise. The hope of bright, sunny days with a fresh breeze blowing through your sparkling clean windows; and carefree bike rides to the park with some sort of fresh flower in your bike basket. Right, isn’t that what spring looks like in your house?
No? Well, not mine either. The windows are streaked (and for that matter so have the kids), the bike has a flat and there are no fresh flowers growing in yard. Not yet anyway.
So when the bright sunshine made its way into my smudgy windows and highlighted the crumbs and dust all around my kitchen counters I had to get busy.
I moved some things around, just so I could dust. Then I did what always leads to a long afternoon of wandering around the house with random home decor in my hand-I thought what if that silly I-pod dock was somewhere else? You see, it was in the corner of my kitchen counter, taking up valuable space. It seemed like something better could be done.
So I moved stuff around, I took stuff off, and added stuff in and cleaned everything else. When it was all said and done my kitchen was a touch updated, well at least one little corner.
Before there was a giant tower of fruit, that despite providing nourishing snacks for the family was always in the way.
Now there is sunshine and little place for me to enjoy it. Shhh, don’t tell the kids I’m having my afternoon snack on the counter. It’s the only spot of sun I can find in the house right now.
Now, I’m off to chase more sunshine and flowers-inspired by the knowledge that spring is just around the corner.
I don’t care that my spring break forecast calls for rain, if it does you know where you’ll find me: on the counter, praying for sun.
What’s inspiring you?
I’m sharing with Melissa at the Inspired Room Today.
Up at 5:30 (am) just to have some quiet time, Jesus and coffee. Honestly my favorite time of the day.
Breakfast around 8, waffles (gluten free!) are the request of the day.
A slow morning of lego play and some dress up by the kids while I finished the weekly books.
School started late, about 10:20 and we totally took our time getting through. We studied caves, attempted to make a stalagmite, got frustrated through a long spelling lesson, reviewed the quarter and read through some fun rhymes. A special friend joined us for lesson today too.
(this is what will hopefully grow into a stalagmite, or stalactite-or something cool like that)
The afternoon was filled with books and outside play, all while wearing the newest spring fashions. (Because when you’re five a bathing suit with a long sleeve shirt and some cool boots are totally appropriate, right?)
The weather was wonderful and made us super excited for spring break next week.
Dinner happened around 5:15 and was promptly tossed into the garbage disposal. And I became completely frustrated with food that pretends to be something it’s not. (Tofu and nutritional yeast do not make cheese-no matter how many times you pray and cross your fingers. Vegan lasagna is not for me.)
We headed to our church small group and then rushed home. The kids were in bed by 8:20 and I was asleep on the couch at nine. Typical, totally typical.
So I salute you, normal Tuesday. And I love that you happen often, and I want so much to be able to remember the normalness, and routine and the details that make life what it is. I think fifty years from now, when I’m older and I can’t remember what life is like now I’ll appreciate having a little glimpse of you, today in 2010.
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I’m ever inspired by Ali Edwards and her pursuit to tell stories and capture life, right now. I also love her Week in the Life concept, which is happening soon. My album from the last round is one of my favorites simply because it captures life, as it is right now. Nothing fancy, no big celebrations-just daily life. And I love that. I love the little pieces that tell a grand story.
Do you tell your family’s story in some way?
I’m grateful for this girl, who reads to herself all the time and makes her own peanut butter, banana and jelly sandwiches.
I’m grateful for this stage of life for her, an independent five year old who knows what she wants and has no problem going out to get it.
I’m grateful for this furry guy, and grateful that we got this picture of him awhile back (since he’s still afraid of the camera). He’s a faithful running partner, always ready to go-even when I’m not. Some days that’s a really good motivation for me.
And I’m grateful for an extra hour of day light at the end of the day, instead of the beginning. And for the coming of spring and the forecast for tomorrow that tells me it’s supposed to 65 degrees.
I’m grateful for two amazing grandparents who take the kids overnight, so I can have a much needed break and a some good date time with Zac. Because a refreshed mom is a happy mom, and I know I can get an “amen” to that.
What are you grateful for today?
I love little bits and pieces of my home, those special place that tell a story. They have meaning and history.
Those little places are special because no one else has them.
No one else has pictures of my grandparents on the wall.
No one else has a little Alaskan guy that once lived in the office of Zac’s grandpa.
No one else has a peanut that once took up residence on my grandma’s coffee table, it’s sole purpose to hold chocolate kisses or coffee nips.
I love these things about home because they are special just for me and my family. I love that they tell a story and have meaning.
My home should be very personal, and these little corners make them special and unique for my family.
What little pieces of your history do have hanging around at your house?
With spring fast approaching I was feeling the need for color, light and something a bit different. As usual, I wanted all these things right away and I wanted them all free. Cause that’s how I usually feel about things in my home. Cheap and now, thank you very much.
I had a few canvases hanging around, blank and lonely and all. So I made some quick art. Like any bad blogger, I don’t have any fabulous pictures of the process. But I can tell you how to make some quick, easy, painless art yourself.
Start with a blank canvas. Paint it the color you want. Find some bubble wrap. Cut bubble wrap into strips, whatever size your heart desires. I choose about four bubbles wide, you can do less or you can do more. It’s your art, you know-do what you like. Okay, take said strips of bubble wrap and paint over them whatever color you want. Take, carefully, the painted strips and lay them on the canvas. Straight would be okay-that’s what I went for. But there’s no rule to say you can’t keep it straight. Again, it’s your art. Press the bubble wrap on like it’s a stamp, and then carefully remove.
Repeat this process with whatever color you want, however many times you want. Do this until you look at it and say, “It’s done.” Or it becomes too cold and windy outside and it’s dinner time anyway and the kids are running around out of control because their mother is too busy making stuff. Whatever works for you, cause, you know-it’s your art. (And your crazy kids.)
When it was all done I took some stain and brushed over it, then wiped off. I think I’m good with these-I like the color and I like that they were absolutely free.
However, I’m not sure if I’m loving these in the room. Maybe it’s the cart wheeling girl that’s distracting. I think maybe they should be bigger of something. Or something else. What do you all think?
And on one final note-make sure you start your day with a googly eyed smile. It makes everything better. (And yummy.)
Sharing with Kimba’s DIY day and Kim’s Get Your Craft On
Sometimes life requires us to do hard things. I was thinking of this the other day after I finished a pretty tough, long run. I’m in training for a half marathon in May and training requires me to do things I don’t always want to do. All those regular runs, days with my only free time focused on cross training, days spent watching what I fuel my body with-avoiding certain amounts of junk in favor of the healthier things. But it’s all for a purpose, for that one day when I put my toe on the line (so to speak, I won’t be up front at the start-that’s where the elite guys go) and give it my all, my best.
photo credit: http://ironann.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/mind-over-matter/
I think life is like that sometimes. After this really hard run, a run that I literally had to psyche myself up for, a run I did not want to even begin, I realized that all I needed to do was take one step. And every single step I took made the next one a little bit easier.
There are many hard things to be done in life; hard things in our relationships, hard things (like discipline) in our parenting, hard decisions to be made concerning our finances or careers. Sometimes life puts some hard things before us, sometimes God asks us to do things that will be very tough. I was encouraged this weekend, as I reflected over the run that I dreaded that ended up not being so bad after all, that when we’re asked to do hard things in life often all we have to do to get going is take that first step. Once that first step is behind us we find that God will give us grace and strength to take the next step, and the one after that.
I know that not one of us likes to do hard things, it’s so much easier to maintain the status quo. But I wonder where the joy of victory comes if there’s never a point of decision that we are going to do what God has set before us, not because it’s easy or simple but because it’s hard and difficult. Because we know that in the hard things we get closer to God, in the hard things we see his character revealed and in the hard things his strength sustains us.
What’s before you today? Is it something hard or unbearably difficult? Be encouraged-rely on God to give you the strength and gumption you need. He’ll do it, all you need to do is ask and then take off-one step at a time.
Yellow lemons add a touch of spring and a bit of color at my house. This was a use what you have project. I’ve had these ceramic lemons in storage for a long time now, they’ve found a home here. Where there once was pinecones now there’s color.
My inspiration comes from this blanket that Zac’s great grandma made for him. Isn’t it cool? I love the vintage combo of orange and yellow, with a little touch of green.
Some silk flowers add spring touch too.
Then there’s that orange, yellow and green combo again, this little corner needed a touch of color.
We’re ready for spring and sun and warm around here, how about you?
I’m sharing with the Inspired Room today, head over for more inspiring finds.
1. Right now the little people are taking over, and all their little things too. These guys are everywhere. Really. My poor bare feet.
2. Right now I’ve been thinking about coming clean, well going to a clean diet anyway. My friend and running partner introduced this concept to me and I gotta say it makes sense to me. It’s not a diet, it’s basically eating food that’s as close to natural as possible. Stuff that does not have extra ingredients or preservatives, essentially eating things with the smallest ingredient list. Why put stuff in your body that’s not the best? As I gear up my training for a key race soon I think it makes more sense to fuel my body with quality things that will actually make me healthy. Optimum performance might just come easier if I’ve been fueling myself with healthy things. Right now I’m in the awareness stage of this, and I think we already do a good job of eating wholesome and whole foods most of the time. It’s those snacks that get me, like the ones that consist of a half a bag of chocolate chips. Really? Yeah, my body sure doesn’t need that.
3. Right now I’m eating less sugar. I’m really working on cutting it out totally. I think it’s healthier and better and my body sure doesn’t need it anyway. This is tough, because I really like sweets. A lot. And at the end of a really long run I feel like I deserve a big honkin’ candy bar. So that’s why I really want this cookbook: I’m thinking it might help in this area.
4. Right now I’m totally feeling inspired by some cool things at Anthropolgie.
Like this:
And this:
And this:
Yup, it’s a good thing there’s no Anthrolopogie close by.
5. And right now the sun is shining and it’s a beautiful Thursday, the kids are groovin’ through the school day. I’m thinking we’ll be finishing up early so that we can get out in it. It’s just too nice to do anything else.
What’s up at your place right now?
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