shine bright

Yippee! My album arrived in the mail, and now I can start recording ways in which my one little word becomes visible in my life this year.

I chose the word clarity because in the past year or so, I feel like I have been going through the motions of life, sometimes not being totally present... feeling as if I'm in a fog.  The to-do lists are long, the responsibilities are many, the projects/hobbies are varied, and so on.  I would like to be less distracted and clear in thinking, meaning, expression and style.  I will be mindful of what is important to help me grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, professionally and creatively.  This process will change me for the better and I hope to inspire others along the way.  I am excited!

"...let your light shine in front of others. Then they will see the good things you do.  And they will praise your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 NIRV

Splendid

Christmas is over; but before I get to packing away the decorations, we are still enjoying the last week of this holiday season, partaking in a little merriment with family and friends.

 

At the same time, I am looking forward to the new year and new adventures ahead.  I even picked my one little word for 2014...  can't wait to start Ali's workshop!

fa la la

Three more days until Christmas...
still need to finish up my shopping, get to my present wrapping and then start on my baking.

grateful

Happy Thanksgiving!  It is a quiet, lazy day in this household.  Our families are of town and so we are mostly relaxing today.  Although Thanksgiving will be a small celebration this year,  my heart is overflowing with love and gratitude.

 

"In every thing give thanks" 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In a Blink

Wow, November is here already.  It happened in a blink.  I was still trying to catch up with Halloween that happened; and today, I am happy to say I finished my scrapbook pages.

This is the first year I skipped decorating for Halloween.  To be honest, I don't feel too guilty about it.  The kids didn't seem to mind either.  Their focus was on dressing up in a cool costume and getting candy, of course!

I am intent on decorating for Thanksgiving, though.  I am inspired by Rhonna's chalkboard art.  Since the days are flying by quickly, I have to get my butt in gear, decide on my color scheme and gather my supplies >>>

family first

I may have been gone but dear blog, you are not forgotten.

Some of my priorities changed except the one always in the top: my family.  Crafting and scrapbooking have fallen by the wayside.  I still enjoy them, so I will do when I can do.  Recently, here's what I did:

We celebrated E's birthday at one of his favorite restaurants that has a great seafood buffet.  E has a sophisticated palate for a kid his age.  I wonder if he will become a chef or a food critic.  Time will tell..... but I hope it doesn't go too fast.

(The scrapbook design is by Teresa Collins)

summer still happening

I am embracing these last summer days with my kids, even though school time is around the corner and I'm doing the back to school shopping.  Last month was filled with a trip to Cali, swim lessons, a wine/book exchange night, a birthday party, a day at the beach, get together with old friends, night at Ravinia, mini golf, and visits to frozen yogurt & ice cream shops. And although my kids would prefer to bum around the house or play at the nearby park (which they have had plenty days of), I have a few more activities planned with them.

The problem is my desire to photo document everything.  I realize I need to be more selective in the pictures I take and keep, because I do tend to get snap happy.

This is a mini book of our trip to our friends' lake house back in June.  Always a good time there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used one of the many Amy Tangerine daybooks I have (love them!).

 

 

Well, we are off to the Aquarium today!