a new year

I have never been one for making big new years resolutions but I do love that feeling of a brand new slate full to the brim with hope and possibility. This year I was inspired to choose a word to focus on over the next twelve months. I wasn't really sure where to start in finding the right one but a few days ago the Lord put Rise on my heart in a big way and although it isn't as flashy or pretty as some of the others I was considering, I like it - I am feeling the depth hidden in the many meanings and I am so looking forward to embracing it in 2014. God also put this verse out of Isaiah on my heart and so I am embracing it too as my verse for the new year:

Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have have kept you-rise to a new life! Shine, be radiant with the glory of the Lord, for the light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Isaiah 60:1

Here are just a few ways I am hoping to Rise in the coming days:

Rise earlier to embrace each day as a gift and to prepare my heart for all that God has in store
Rise above fear that holds me back from really pursing the things that God has entrusted me with
Rise above what I think others want me to be and focus on who I am as a daughter of Jesus
Rise to a fuller potential and be bolder in my faith

So what about you did you make any resolutions or choose a word to embrace this year? I am so looking forward to what 2014 has in store - many blessings friends and happy new year!

whirling

Oh this season, it has been whirling by and it feels at times that I don't have much to show for it. I haven't unpacked all of the decorations and lights and probably won't, no gift guides or cookie baking weekends or big holiday parties. The elf has been left on the same shelf multiple times to the frustration of my seven year old son who so desperately wants to keep believing a little longer.

I did finally get the kids set up on a salt dough ornament activity last week after the craziest morning that had already pushed me to my limit. I soldiered on though because they were all so excited and had my camera out to share about the morning here on the blog. I turned my back for a minute and the baby took a giant bite of dough, started gagging and projectile vomited all over my pretty crafting table and everyone's masterpieces…three times.

I know how incredibly funny that is -  but it was pretty frustrating at the time…I often hate how annoyed I get when my big dreamy expectations of what the holidays are suppose to look like aren't met. I wish I was better at shrugging it off and laughing and embracing but it's not always easy for me, I am still learning.

This morning we woke up to a beautiful blanket of snow and news that the last day of school for the year had been cancelled so we all ran around outside for a good while soaking it in before heading into the warm house for hot cocoa and breakfast. I've resorted to the fact that I won't get to all the christmas crafting tutorials I had lined up, or the handmade gifts sitting on my desk. But this weekend my little girl is dancing in her first ballet at just three years old and, wow that will be magical for sure!

I don't want to miss it. I don't want to let my expectations of what Christmas is suppose to look like interfere with what Christmas is. I know that two thousand years ago a baby was born in a dirty stable to a mother who had no idea what to expect - and when hope and life is laid in your hands sometimes it doesn't look perfect or easy or how you want it to. I don't want to miss the whirling reality that Jesus came to earth and brought within himself the kind of love that I can't fathom but only accept as a beautiful gift.

So this season I am choosing to try to be present and to do the things on my list with a little more joy than feels possible and to see the magic and wonder in the eyes of my children just a little longer…I am going to leave the salt dough ornaments for another year though.

I will be back in 2014 to share more of our life in this place online that I love - I hope you have a wonderful holiday season my friends and know that even if it doesn't all look perfect it is full of hope and life and more love than you can fathom and it's all still worth it! Merry Christmas! xoxo

candy canes winner!

This month's Ten on Ten theme was Candy Canes and I am super excited to announce the winner, Gwen from Rosofam! I loved the entire set of ten photos but this one of the old school candy cane reindeer just made me smile big! Congratulations Gwen and thank you for always inspiring me with your eye for life and beauty - your family is so darling I love to see what you guys are up to via your blog!

Thanks to everyone who played along the past few months with these prompt contests…I am not entirely sure what is in store for Ten on Ten in the coming year but I sure have loved searching for beauty with all of you these past six!

Ten on Ten :: December 2013 :: Candy Canes

A quiet little day at home over here but still lots of sweet things to find - thank you to all who played along with me today there is still plenty of time to add your set to the linky party. I will be looking through all of your photos and choose a favorite for the Candy Canes prompt soon! I can hardly believe this project has been going on for a full six years now it's always such a gift to find beauty in the ordinary with you - until 2014 my friends, happy photographing! xo

Ten on Ten :: December 2013 :: Candy Canes

Happy tenth everybody I hope you have a great day today searching for beauty in the ordinary things! If you want to play along with this months prompt contest use Candy Canes as your theme and make sure to let me know somewhere in your post that you are participating. Looking forward to seeing what you find! More about the project HERE. Play along on Instagram using #10on10 or #tenonten #10on10candycanes #tenontencandycanes

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a reminder that tomorrow is Ten on Ten!

Just a little reminder this afternoon that tomorrow is the final installment of Ten on Ten for 2013! The theme for this month is Candy Canes - of course no pressure to use the prompt but for those of you who do you will have a chance to win a special prize package including a copy of my friend Sarah's new solo piano Christmas album, Here + There. It's a wonderful collection and has been on repeat in our home for the past few weeks I can't wait to share it with one of you! So get those camera batteries charged up and ready to go - I am looking forward to finding some beauty in the everyday together! xo

More about the collection HERE!

Target hacker

Chris and I did a little Target hacking this past weekend to one of the super popular tin Joy signs that everyone seems to have grabbed lighting fast this year. I liked the brown faux bois pattern but it just wasn't totally me. We thought about spray painting it red or covering it with Christmas fabric but in the end I used some of the Orla Kiely wallpaper scraps we have left over from our old place, and I kind of love the results. I might even leave it up after the holidays!

I had Chris take it apart for me, it took a little brute force and a few of the bulbs went out so if you are planning to do something similar make sure to do one letter at a time. I simply traced the letters, cut them out with scissors and used an exacto knife to create holes for the lights. It's really not perfect but with a little clear Mod Podge it's doing the trick in our living room right now patiently waiting for some more decorations to join it.

I have been slower than usual getting things out this year but enjoying the season nonetheless. Wishing for some snow and soaking in my busy bunch as much as I can. What about you are you all decorated for Christmas already or taking it slow like me? Hope you're having a great week! xoxo