Which Kitchen Idea do you vote for? I need your opinions. I am going for cozy lived in, inviting, yet different and fun all in one....

Some Hopes for the New Year...

(Picture compliments of LE Love)

*To Simplify- Really
*To Prioritize My Time
*To Improve on My sewing Skills
*To Get Healthy-But not Obsess
*To Create some new traditions with my family
*To get a to a new level in my relationship with my Savior
*To create a scheduled, Regular date night with my hubby
*To attend a dance class
*To look outside of "my world" and meet the needs of others
*To go on a vacation with Jeremy
*To take a make-up class through MAC
*To learn my camera inside and out
*To start piano lessons
*to have the courage to let go and enroll my daughter in kindergarten
*To plan monthly girl's nights
*To go to bed earlier so that I can be the first one up and enjoy the morning peace

There are so many other aspirations I have, so I am sure to be adding on and crossing out throughout the year. What are you dreams for 2011?

" I Want You"

Last night was a long night, to say the least. I was up and down literally every 15 minuets with my daughter Olivia. From the look and symptoms, I'd say it's the flu. My poor baby girl. Throughout the night as I emerged once again to take her to the bathroom to clean up after yet another tossing of her cookies, I realized something...I was happy to be doing it. I hate that she is sick, I hate that we are getting zero rest, but I am so thankful to be the one to take care of her every need at a time like this; to be the one whom she needs. Who I am to be so blessed as to be called "Mommy" ?

The night went on and before we knew it, the sun was rising. Between my three little loves and my sick husband I felt like I was racing back and forth and I began to get a little exhausted, and furthermore, grumpy. I had so quickly forgotten the blessing and felt a little burdened I am ashamed to say. Just at that moment I heard one more shout.

Olivia: Mommy!

Olivia: Mommy, Mommy.

Me: What?!(In a tired, and a bit irritated tone)

Olivia: I WANT you.

Me: What? ( Much softer now)

Olivia: I want you.

How could I have so selfishly felt burdened by my precious gifts? Not only have I been blessed beyond imagination to be Mommy, to be needed, but I am wanted by my child. She wants me with her, just close, just to BE with her. I am ever so grateful to have heard these words this morning and to have my heart fall in love all over again. I am a mother, I am blessed.

A Joyful he(ART)

So this morning I woke up with a beautiful epiphany....CAKE STANDS! That's right, I have been inspired. I have always loved the cheerful ambiance that a darling cake stand adds to a room, not to mention multiple stands. They are such a fun and cozy decorative piece and so versatile too. So, may my collection begin! This may sound silly to some but the beginning of my new found search has put a joy in my soul. I can't wait to start my collection, and one day, God willing may they be on display in my adorable cake and cupcake shop....sister's included.

This is where I need to spend some time. Let me start by expressing that i adore my life. I love my sweet babes and it is an honor to give them my life. Cooking, cleaning, loving, candyland, play dough, discipline and laughter are my daily pleasure. I am crazy blessed to be called "Mommy."

All that said, I feel like I am at the point of needing some quiet, peaceful rejuvenation. I am longing to speak with my Jesus and be able to hear Him speak His truth to His daughter. I crave to lie in His arms and rest. I am tired and I need Him.

I want to think, with a clear head and a quiet soul. Where am I at in my life? I am longing for something new. An adventure perhaps. I am feeling an urge to KNOW what the Lord's next step for me is. I want to do something to make some one's life easier, better. I want to take the load off of some one's shoulder, but I ask myself each day...how, when, with what? I need time to think, to hear, to act in faith.

I need rest, a full night or 5 of uninterrupted sleep.

I need peace, a new joy, purpose. I love where I am at....but I am ready to grow.

Merry Christmas...

I love the holidays. Everything is gorgeous. I love the Christmas lights so much, they almost make me cry. I cannot believe there are only 9 more days until the big day is here. I'm thankful that I started shopping so early, and aside from a few small things, that part is done. There is one thing that saddens me about this season. Is it just me, or does every year it seem to be getting shorter? I feel like harvest time lasts a while, which I love, but as for Christmas, well it's gone before you have the time to look forward to it! The last two years in fact, I have observed a noticeable decrease of outside Christmas lights. It is such a joyous season, the smells, music, colors, and cheerful hearts. Do I only feel this shortage because I am getting older?

I came a cross an old phrase last week that really hit me in a new way this year and I wanted to share it with you. "Let your hearts be light." It is a phrase I have heard so many times before without really taking the time to let it's meaning settle in. What a beautiful wish, and that is mine for all of us. I challenge you, me, all of us to be sure and take some time in this rushed season to remember the true meaning, be thankful for our loved ones, and simply let our hearts be light.

Just keep swiming, swiming, swiming...

Aaaaahhhhhh! I am so frustrated! I am sorry to lay it all out but I need to vent. Let me start by saying that I adore my kids. I am just so tired of them simply not listening to me. It has become close to impossible for me to get anything outside of this house done anymore. I try my best to hurry when we have to go out, but I think 5 min. in Target to them must feel like an eternity. They won't sit down in the cart or stroller so strangers feel the need to come over and "help" them...embarrassing and a bit frustrating as well, they scream at each other, and they suddenly loose all knowledge of how to get along with the other. I think my voice becomes silent to them, that's what I would like to believe anyways, but I know it is just selective obedience. I feel inconsistent and overwhelmed. I want to exude the true way I feel to them. I am so thankful for the gift of them in my life. I cherish them and would love to pour out my love. I just can't seem to find the line, any line. I know they need discipline but if I left a store every time this occur ed we literally wouldn't even have food on the table. Tell me how this will ever work with three?! Okay, I'm done...thank you listening. I just wanted to throw that out there and if any of you feel led to pray on my behalf it would be so coveted. :)