January in Review

Thought I would do something new this year....instead of weekly photo dumps, I am going to do monthly recaps.  Will this work Traci?!!  Ha!! 

January 2015

* I went to Canton in January!  Of course I had to take the obligatory "find-a-head-and-take-a-pic-with-it" picture!!  He looks pretty stoked about it too!!
*I came across some old pictures while purging my bedroom....baby B with Grandma and mom playing Annie Oakley!!  She has always been beautiful, but when she sings she is even more stunning!!
*The kids spent some nights with Gaga and Grandpa...that always involves crafts.  :)  Breslyn made hats for herself and her AG doll, Isabelle.
*I finally got a MUCH NEEDED haircut.  I love it...I do miss my locks when I want to throw it up in a quick bun, but I'm loving how easy it is to fix!!
*We made a trip to Target and B decided to become a shoe model and I shopped the sheet section for some great deals.
*Grandpa and the kiddos shot bb guns off the front porch...yep, we are classy like that!!  Haha!!  But seriously they have a HUGE front yard, and they had targets set up!
*I started leading a new women's bible study at our church..."Restless" is a GREAT book, and it has moved me to tears and closer to God!  I'm honored to be teaching it to a wonderful group of ladies.
*I renewed my healthy eating goals and hit my one year mark with Weight Watchers!!
*Aidan broke his new glasses playing bball...ugh.  So we had to make a trip to the eye doctor.
*And finally we have decided to move Owen in with Breslyn.  It was a decision I did not make lightly- - -but it is best for Finn to have his own room right now.  I can't wait to finish their room and take pics for the reveal!!

Draw Me Closer Lord

I have spoken those words many MANY times over....Lord, please draw me closer to you.  Please.  Whatever it takes, please let me be close.

I've gone through a lot the last few months that have caused a constant draw to Him.

When there is no one else who understands...He does.

When there is no way to make my passions come alive...He has the way.

When I can't understand why we have such a hard situation with our child...He knows.

When no one else knows my name...He speaks it clearly.

When the tears are often...He comforts me.

When I'm tired of watching what I eat and working out...He carries me.

When I don't know which decision to make...He speaks.

I've never felt closer, wanted to spend more time praying and reading my Bible than right now in this place in my life.  Thank you Lord for drawing me close.

{chalkboards by Sweet Blessings}

13? What??? A Teenager!

I can't believe this little stinker is now 13!! 

I love you Aidan.  

You are so funny...

...strong...

...brave...

...a great big brother...

...handsome...

...sweet...

...goofy...

...a son of God...

...silly...

...obedient...

...ever-smiling...

...so helpful...

...maturing...

...precious...

...willing...

...a good sport...

...gentle...

...smart...

...a Christ-follower...

...genuine...

...athletic...

...a momma's boy...

...adventurous...

...a hard worker...

...a blessing...

...a TEENAGER!!

I LOVE YOU MY SWEET BOY!!!  I hope you have a great next year...but I pray it passes slowly and I get to enjoy watching you grow and learn.  XoXoXo---momma

Shared Boy and Girl Room

I've been scouring Pinterest for ideas on boy/girl shared rooms and love each of these rooms!!  Some still seem a little girly for a boy and girl, but still...the ideas are great.

I love the difference in the headboards and footboards in this first picture.  Similar but not exactly alike...but with matching paint one doesn't stick out as different from the other!

I doubt this room is boy/girl...but I still really love the spindle headboards/footboards.  And the gold and turquoise...swoon!!

Simple, but precious.  Plain white, but it works.  The map bunting, the gorgeous chandelier, the individual pics above the beds...all perfect.

This room is a personal favorite because I follow her blog closely.  Her kiddos are precious!!  Love the photos and material garland above the headboards.

Guess I REALLY have a thing for these spindly beds!! ;)  In this particular photo I like the mixing of colors.  I wouldn't want the room to look circusyyy, but I like the blue with black and pink and red and yellow, etc!  It all works so well together!!

Awwww....just absolutely precious!  Adore the metal beds, the white quilts, the photos above the headboards.  LOVE.IT.ALL!

I may be implementing some of the design elements soon!!  ;)  

Words for 2015

I feel like these quotes will look very random to anyone else but me but it's because....

Haha!  But still....I needed some words of encouragement for this new year.  All of these quotes apply to different areas in my life.  I hope they mean something to you as well.

Area: Kids

Area: Biz Adventure

Area: My heart

Area: Getting through past, present and future disappointments 

Area: Serving others (husband, kids, family, friends)

Area: ALL:)

 Happy New Year dear friends!!  Here we go 2015!!

Peace Out 2014

Wanted to hit on some highlights from 2014...last year I attempted an UBER LONG post and halfway through my computer shut down...after an hour of loading pics!! So this year I will just talk about a few things!!;)

First up....our year started off a little rocky with Joey starting a job in car sales.  It was straight commission and a straight heart attack for me!!  But the Lord provided for us abundantly.  I'm so thankful for His provision and the peace He gave us during that time!

In January I began my weight loss journey.  It wasn't easy, it still isn't easy....but worth it.  I have a post in my drafts about this subject, just can't make myself hit publish!! ;)

In April B and I went to Canton with Gaga and Grandpa!!  It was too much fun..as usual!!

In May our precious girl asked Jesus into her heart!!!  Best decision EVER!!!  More on that HERE!!

 In June my father was diagnosed with colon cancer.  It rocked my world.  Another experience for the Lord to show me He is good - ALL THE TIME.  More on that HERE!!

All summer I painted.  ALL summer!!  Ha!  This is a TERRIBLE picture, but it's proof!  I painted our foyer, kitchen, dining area, halls, living room and master bedroom.  I'm exhausted just remembering it!  Ha!!

 The kids started back to school!!!  7th, 3rd, 1st and Pre-k!!

Aidan started playing football!!!  Big WHOA moment for this momma!!  I can't believe I have a child old enough to be in 7th grade, but he's playing football too?!!

In September we had a little family getaway.  Just a hotel, pool and eating out!!  It was so much fun packed into a short weekend!  More HERE.

The rest of the year has been busy with football, basketball, ballet, kids performances, working, taking pictures for clients and friends, celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and the start of a new business venture {more on that later}.  It's been fun 2014....peace out!