Thursday, November 28, 2013

thanksgiving



Praying that today all of your love, family, friends, and blessings would show you just how great God is and speaks of his kindness to you (and me). 

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. 


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

a big boy room for Everett

Everett moved into his big boy room LAST August. Yeah, like a year and a half ago. I had Graham soon after and his room went on the back burner. Both boys were sick and contagious this week, so I was finally able to complete the last few projects. I made the Emerson quote sign and strung the garland and called this bad boy done.

Starting out, I knew that I wanted the room to be a light gray with navy and white and pops of red added in. I didn't want anything too theme-y but I did want to include lots of dog things since Everett loves them. Any and all dogs: he wants to pet them, say hello, and is constantly playing with ours. So, that was my jumping off point. I brainstormed a lot and made a Pinterest board devoted to his big boy room.








The biggest project by far (and the cause for the delay) was the dog sign on the wall. In the end though, it's also my favorite part of his room. I love when something I envision actually becomes a reality. The other awesome piece is the chevron quilt that my mom made. It's perfect!





It took a year and a half, but I love this room. I love the personal stuff like my favorite picture of Everett and I when he was little and his bed that I painted white. It's a bed that I slept in growing up and so did my sisters and so did my dad. I love the chevron, polka dots, dogs, and initials. I love the signs I made, because I made them for Everett. I love the quilt and curtain that my mom made. And best of all, I love that Everett loves it just as much as I do.




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Source list:
Bed- family hand me down
dresser- Ikea
chair- Pottery Barn Kids
lamps- Homegoods
toy/book baskets- Target
number art- Homegoods
dog hooks- Ikea
dog bank- Amazon
scripture art - etsy (Fancy that design house)
dog sign/emerson quote sign - DIY
polka dot pillow - CB2
red letters- Michaels (spray painted)
red garland - DIY (wool balls from the felt pod)

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

intentional thankfulness

Thankfulness leads to more thankfulness.

It's something easily forgotten. I wrote this 2 years ago. Last November, I chose one thing to be thankful for each day. And today, I sit here wondering why it's only one month a year that I remember how much better life is when I'm intentionally thankful. It's like I just simply forget. I hate that. It's not that I'm ungrateful the other 11 months, but I am also not always actively calling out gifts and things to be grateful for all year round. I'll remember on an anniversary or birthday, but then forget all the little things in between. I forget to remind myself when I'm frustrated or struggling to call out all the good, to call out all the things I can be thankful for.

This year, I am determined. I'm determined to make it more than just a November thing. I'm determined to call out the thankfulness of a full life all year round. I'm starting with this November and a jar of thanks. And, I'm going to fill it with a year of goodness.

I found these printables:



And a $10 jar from Walmart that I stenciled: 




It was easy and cheap and exactly what I wanted. Everett and I started today. It was the perfect day to start really, since I've got 2 sick kids. It was good to think about what I did have to be thankful for instead of what I could be frustrated about.





My heart is in such a different place when I'm thankful. I pray this year my heart would be full and overflowing with thankfulness for the life and people and grace I get to experience.







Monday, November 4, 2013

radio silence

Have you ever had days/weeks/months/seasons that were just so full? Sometimes too full? The ones where too much of a good thing rings true? That's been the last 5 months for me. Overcommitted, full schedule, birthdays, celebrations, vacations and weekend road trips, small groups, bible studies, playdates and more playdates. It's all such good stuff, but I've been left feeling exhausted.  Last Sunday, I skipped church and just spent some time in silence. I think that might be the thing I miss the most as a mom. I never missed it before having kids because there was plenty of it. Now, most days are loud, noisy and messy (and awesome), but lately I have missed the quiet. The last 5 months have been so busy and loud that I haven't had time to really think. I haven't had time to fully process. I haven't had time to do all the things I want to do well. And, I haven't really had time to blog. The thing is though, I love to write. So, this month, I'm committing to finding some silence and some time to write. I'm finding some time to document my sweet kiddos and this busy season for us. I'm finding the time to tell you about my trip to Kenya and the way the Lord is using that in my life here.

Here's to a few more posts, some time to write and think, and maybe a little more silence.