And Breathe...

I've been reading a lot of blog posts lately about time management, about being successful at getting stuff done, about multi-tasking in a "controlled way". And what I've discovered in all of them is the reminder to take time to breathe. So this has brought up the question of, "Am I remembering to breathe?" Am I really taking time to just sit and enjoy God's presence in the midst of all of the stuff I "have to" get done?

Just this morning I found myself trying to do 3 things all at once and by the time I was done I was frazzled and feeling overwhelmed. Why? Because I was trying to do too much. Now I'm not saying that multi-tasking doesn't work. It definitely does and helps productivity - but only to a point. If I'm so caught up in doing laundry while cooking dinner while packing lunches for the next day that I fail to look up when my toddler discovers a new word or my husband wants to tell me about his day or my Savior is calling me to His Word, then there's a problem. Because its in those moments that I believe God can shine the brightest and show us his glory.

So let's challenge ourselves to breathe. To not be overwhelmed by the worries of tomorrow and focus on what's in store for us today. And at the end of the day, if there are a few dishes in the sink, it won't kill us because what's most important is that we were able to have those moments with our LORD because we remembered to breathe.

Getting Back Into It...

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who has a tendency to struggle with blog posting...You know, really wondering why it is that I blog. I've actually considered closing this chapter of my blogging life...starting afresh...anew...a...something.

I always enjoy starting a new journal or sketchbook. Opening that cover, skipping over the first page (because some pages should be left blank), creasing down the crisp, white gutter of a new page and then beginning with whatever new thoughts come to mind...

Journals represent seasons of life. I occasionally pull out my collection of journals from high school and college and am overwhelmed by what's inside...the silliness, the raw emotion, the doodles, the relationships. I find myself getting caught up in memories (good and bad) of those past days that are so far away, but seem so near when I read each page.

That's how I feel when I browse through this "journal." I look through old posts. Browse my blogroll to see what all of you lovely people have been up to while I've been absent...

Bear with me as I get a bit transparent...
I've found myself wanting to quit doing the things I most enjoy these past few months. Starting new projects kind of makes my stomach turn because there's the always looming thought of "will I actually finish it?" Now, I do understand that life is different with our Little One in the house and priorities have definitely shifted. I enjoy soaking up the special moments of each day as I watch our Little Man grow and I do not regret pausing and embracing each of these moments. But does that mean I shouldn't go after the other things in life that bring me joy? I know God has placed the desire to craft and create in my heart. I feel it every time I look at bolt of fabric, a beautifully crafted font, a photograph that warms my heart. I feel it every time I look at what He's created...my son, my husband, the world around us. The ultimate Creator has put that desire of "creativity" in each one of us because we were made in His image.

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Let us make human beings in our image... [Genesis 1:26]
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But I've turned it into more a chore. Taking a picture with my camera (not my phone) means I have to open it on my computer, edit it if necessary and then post it. By the time I've done all that, I don't even want to follow through with the original task I set out to do...document a special moment in life...But my heart is changing...

And so, with God's help, I will climb out of this valley up to the mountain top. I will let Him burn that passion back in my life. Because we all need Him to help us follow the plans He has for us. And I need it more than ever right now.

My posts may still be sporadic, but I hope you will still follow me as I take this new path - not for my glory - but for the Glory of the One who truly is worthy of all Glory and Honor.

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by SouleMama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by SouleMama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Baby Bump Update - 36 Weeks

It's time for a Baby Bump Update.
36 weeks along...only 4 more weeks til our due date.

Baby Bump Update - 32 Weeks

Just a little update on the growth of our Little Man.
It's hard to believe that we only have 8 weeks left!

Simple Joys

I felt the need to post something random today. I've noticed that the majority of my posts here recently have been the weekly, scheduled out ones...not that there's anything wrong with that. I like the structure and schedule. But I also enjoy just updating you on what's going on in my life.

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We're pretty much all set up in the house. The only room left to complete is the nursery, which we seem to be working on a little bit here and there. It makes the process more enjoyable and exciting, I think. We have the crib assembled and all set up.

The sweet Mama Sheep and Lamb were made by my Mom from this darling tutorial.

Every time I walk by the nursery I want to just walk in and stare at how comfy the crib looks or sit back and relax in the rocker. The first night we had the crib set up, Hubby told me he wanted to sleep in the nursery because of how comfy it felt every time he walked in. What's great is that we could actually do that because we have the futon set up to serve as additional seating/change of scenery.

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Let's see, what else...my Lil' Bro is in town visiting us. He's been here since last Wednesday and it's been fun hanging out with him. He and my Hubby did a bunch of fun NASCAR stuff this past weekend since the Brickyard was going on and tonight they're off to Cincinnati to see John Mayer.

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Our Little Man is definitely growing. Today is the first day of our Third Trimester. I can definitely feel the many differences that are accompanied with that. Little Man is so active, making me much more aware of him. It feels like and looks like my Bump is getting bigger every day, which I'm loving. There really is something so beautiful and extraordinary about being pregnant. I should have an updated photo next week (I'm trying to space them out every 4 to 5 weeks). I also have my glucose test next week. Yum. Can't wait to drink pure sugar water. My nesting instinct is definitely beginning to kick in. I have quite the laundry list of projects that I want to complete before our Little Man gets here. I'm hoping to get started on some of those this weekend. I've got a few baby gifts to finish up for this Momma and this Momma, so as soon as those are complete, I will be in high-baby-making-stuff-gear.

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So there's a bit of an update for you. Life is beautiful. I have no complaints, and even in the moments when I could complain, I'm reminded by how great God is and I count it a joy to be living and serving Him with each day.

Sweet Faces

Some of the "little" attendees of this fabulous shower...

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by SouleMama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.


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Baby Bump at 25 weeks.

4 Years...

June 24, 2010...
Today, my love, we celebrate 4 years of marriage. I've been so blessed by these last 4 years and I can't wait to spend the rest of our years together. I'm so excited to enter into this 4th year of marriage in our first house and expecting our first child. Words really can't express how much I love you. You are my prince and I am your princess.

{this moment}

{this moment} - Inspired by SouleMama. A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.


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Baby Bump at 21 Weeks.

More Cute Clothes

Here's another lovely garment from Anthropologie.
I absolutely love this top. It's so neat how it looks like a shawl, but it's not.
And it's super soft and cute for every season.

And again I'm wearing that beautiful broach that I found at the antique store.
It just looks beautiful with everything!

Lovely Finds

There was more Birthday celebrating going on yesterday while my parents were in town. We went to the most beautiful store in the world, where I found this delightful and dainty tea cup and this cute plaid shirt. (The broach is an antique find.)I found several other clothing items that I plan on posting as I wear them during the next couple of days.

Pigtails & Red Shoes

...Just make me happy.

Ribbit

The cold is still lingering within my body and it has now taken my voice. So in honor of what I have sounded like for the past 2 days, I thought I would draw a cute little froggy to show you. The only thing I'm missing is the slimy green skin and a huge appetite for flies!

Hooray! A Snow Day!

For the past 2 1/2 days, Southern Indiana has been hit with quite a snow storm...which has meant 2 days of no school for me! Just look at our car and parking lot - do you think I could get out of that?



So what do 2 adults do on this wonderful snow day? Get all bundled up and make a snowman of course!


We tried to get the pets involved, but they didn't feel like getting all bundled up for our play-time.


The snow was quite fluffy and it took a lot of work to build our snowman up, so we decided to go with a shorter snow woman. We named her Paula because of her rockin' Paula Abdul-like hat and her beautiful flowing dress.

And being the "child" that I am, I had to make a snow angel. What a heavenly day...tehehe!



And this final picture is dedicated specifically to Mrs. Williamson's Kindergarten class in Prince George, Virginia (many of whom have never seen this much snow in their little 5 and 6 year old lives). Mrs. Williamson is my wonderful Mom and she called this morning to say thank you for the Social Studies, Math, and Science lesson that our snow storm was able to provide for her delightful class. Look kids - almost 11 inches snow! Pull out your rulers and see just how much that is!

Self-Portrait

So I'm taking a video class this quarter and our first assignment was to create a self-portrait in any way that we saw fit. Well since I don't have any experience with making videos and we don't have a video camera, I decided to create a photo montage of the most important things in my life. My Hubby knows how to use iMovie so he helped me out and we created it together. Watch & enjoy!

Me & My Hubby

Every year Dustin and I take a Christmas photo for our Christmas cards. This year we were blessed to have a free photo shoot done by Josh of Sunlit Images. We worked out a deal where I designed some Christmas cards for his clients and he provided us with a free shoot in downtown Indy. It was so much fun and the photos came out so great! Here are just a few...




This kiss reminded us of our very first kiss...we waited a whole year after we started dating to kiss and we were so excited that we smiled and laughed during the whole thing. This is probably what we looked like during that first kiss...hilarious!



My hunky hubby! I just love him!







Thanks so much Josh! They are amazing!