It's Sunday again and that means it's time for Sunday Scrappin'. This is a GREAT way to get inspired, meet other crafters and share your creations, so please drop over and join today!
I've recently gotten back to digital scrapbooking after budget issues curtailed my paper projects. I love digital just as much as paper really. I didn't devote too much time to scrapping this week. We were busy settling into our new place and visiting some of our old haunts, like the fabulous kids' consignment store just down the road. This week I also started a new venture which I hope to grow in the future.
My TA-DAs are:
For these pages I used a beautiful kit called Musical Memories from Cottage Arts.
For TO-DOs this week I want to do some more digital pages start organizing February's photos into layout projects.
I'm happy to report that we are all settled in to our new place. At least, that is, as settled as we plan to be in this unit. We'll only be here until mid-April and then we're moving into our 3 bedroom place. That will be an easy move, since it's right across the hallway from us. : )
With our move behind us, I am embarking on a new and super fun adventure. Actually, I'm really just picking up an old hobby, but embarking on a new adventure sounds better. I'm super excited about it, and I'll be chronicling the journey on a new blog, American Toy Picker. I hope you will all take a minute to stop by and read about my plans. Each new post will have a fun question for readers to answer in the comments too.
It's Sunday again and that means it's time for Sunday Scrappin'. This is a GREAT way to get inspired, meet other crafters and share your creations, so please drop over and join today!
I've recently gotten back to digital scrapbooking after budget issues curtailed my paper projects. I love digital just as much as paper really. Even though we moved yesterday, I still managed to squeeze in a few digital layouts this week.
My TA-DAs are:
I found an adorable digital kit called Here Kitty Kitty by Kim Cameron, and I can already see lots of feline layouts using her adorable art. I chose this kit because two of the cats look like our cats, Askavi and Binx. For the title I used alphas from a kit called Promise, a free download from Shabby Princess.
My kitty theme continued with my Snow Kitty page, which goes along with my previous snow layouts. In addition to the kitty elements, I used one of my current favorite kits Brrr..., and alphas from Express Yourself. Both kits are also from Shabby Princess. Can you guess my favorite source for digital kits??
Last but not least is my Love layout. This beautiful picture of Ashley and Abby really speaks for itself and that's why I opted for the super simple black background and minimal add-ons. The word Love is word art by Marie Stones. It was part of a free download kit called A Mother's Love which I found at Free Digital Scrapbooking.
That's all for this week. I don't have specific TO-DO's except to try to get our new place in order. Thanks for looking!
Today is our last day here. I've been so busy trying to organize and pack, I've not really paused to consider the reality of that. Although this was not where I wanted to be, we've been here for two years and it's become home in its own way. We've struggled here, but we've had a lot of good times too. There are things I will miss. These apartments are very nice and our pool is fabulous. There is a small cafe behind the complex that we frequent and we've gotten to know the ladies there. During the summer, Aspen made some friends at the pool. I could go on, but I'm sure you get the point. The fact that I can sit here and list the things that I liked about living here represents a milestone for me spiritually speaking.
Contentment has always been a big issue for me. I've lived a lot of my life anticipating something better. Yoda summed it up well when he said of Luke Skywalker: "All his life has he looked away, to the future. Never his mind on where he was, what he was doing." That's a pretty accurate description of me for my entire adult life. So often I've forsaken the joy of the here and now while daydreaming about someday when life would be perfect. My mantra was kind of like, life will be good when...we have a house, we have a new job, we move to new town, we have money, the kids are older...blah, blah, blah.
It makes me sad to think about all the precious time I've wasted with that foolish and short-sighted way of thinking. Over the years I've recognized that about myself, but it's not been something I've been able to change on my own. God has now changed that for me, by putting me here and making me stay put until I "got" the lesson. I now appreciate little things so much more than I ever did. I am able to be content with so much less than I ever could before. I also have finally learned that God is the boss and that I can't just run amok doing what pleases me. I have to be still and wait on His guidance. I can only be successful by obeying His rules.
In many ways, this chapter of my life can be summed up this way. I was a naughyt, rebellious, selfish little girl who has been given a giant cosmic time out. Lessons learned. No hard feelings. Time to move on with the joy the Lord has planned for me.
Gosh, it's been hard to blog this week. It's been a hard week. I'd swear that sly old devil is throwing obstacles in our path, trying to rob us of our joy. But I'm having no part of that. I know this move is a gift from God and nothing is going to make me lose sight of that. And God has been faithful and true to His promises to provide for us.
Over the weekend we ran out of bins and boxes. I'd spent as much as I wanted to on plastic storage bins, so I told Him, "Lord we need some boxes." On Sunday evening as I was taking out trash I noticed a pile of boxes on top of our cardboard recycling dumpster. I couldn't reach them but Shawn went down and came back with about 15 nice, almost new moving boxes. They're the nice (and pricey!) ones the rental places sell. They're all good size and there are even 3 tall wardrobe boxes.
On Monday Shawn was able to get off work early and so that gave us time to get a lot of our painting done. We had painted 2 full rooms and 3 accent walls, all of which had to be primed for a fresh coat of paint. That same day I pulled my back and had to take it easy, so it was great that we got that extra time. On Monday we also learned that all of our family moving help backed out on us. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because it prompted us to cancel our truck rental and hire movers. Thanks to funds God had already provided through our tax refund, we had this option. It will be so nice to let others do the work for once, instead of wearing ourselves out trying to do it all. We were glad we'd gone that route too. Later Monday night we decided to go ahead and break down our bed frames. While Shawn was taking ours out to our garage, he dropped a piece on his foot and cut his pinky toe pretty badly. No stitches were needed thankfully. I know the Lord was watching out for him because that piece was heavy and had it fallen differently it could easily have broken his foot.
As if all this weren't enough, we learned that our oldest, Kelly is very sick with mono. Ashley has not been feeling well and had many similar symptoms, and had shared food and drinks with her sister when she was here a few weeks ago. I'd been putting off taking her to the doctor because of a lost insurance card. It's been a complete headache trying to get it replaced. The possibility that she could have mono motivated me to get on top of it and I was finally able to get it resolved. With what I'm sure was divine intervention, I was able to get the doctor's office to see her without the card, something they's never been willing to do before. We were relieved when both the mono and strep tests they did were negative. I knew in my heart that the Lord was at work in that situation, but I also got some neat confirmation later. As we left the doc's office this evening, we were blessed with a large box of neatly folded boxes in just the sizes we need to finish packing. There might was well have been a note on them saying, "These are for you. Love, God"
I could go on about all the little things like this that God has done for us this week, but you get the picture. I'd like to ask each of you to say a prayer for my hubby, because he has walked into a mess at our new community. Things are a total disaster thanks to the prior guy's lack of doing anything for months, and it's on Shawn's shoulders to clean it all up. Nothing has gone right for him over there this week and that combined with our quick move has him stressed out and exhausted. I know God is with Him, but as a non-believer he doesn't have that faith to fall back on. I know your prayers will help a lot.
Random Hearts is a new photography project I am starting. Lately I've been seeing hearts everywhere, in the most random and unlikely places. I've been noticing them so often that I decided to start photographing them. I'll post them here for all of you to enjoy. These are randomly occuring heart shapes that appear in ordinary places, and they are captured exactly as I find them. I don't manipulate the shape at all.
This first one appeared the other day on a plate of french fries Aspen and I shared for lunch. We did not create it. Honest.
It's Sunday again and that means it's time for Sunday Scrappin'. This is a GREAT way to get inspired, meet other crafters and share your creations, so please drop over and join today!
I've recently gotten back to digital scrapbooking after budget issues curtailed my paper projects. I love digital just as much as paper really. I managed to get several pages done this week because I'm doing digi and was able to do them on my laptop while Abby nursed and napped in my arms.
My TA-DA's this week are:
For these layouts I used kits from my favorite digi site The Shabby Princess. I bought an adorable kit called "Brrr..." and that's where the papers and elements are from. The letters are from another SP kit called "Express Yourself" and it was a free download. The slide frames on the All Bundled Up page were from another SP freebie kit called "Harvest Spice".
Several ladies have asked me about digital scrapbooking since I started posting pages again. If you're not familiar with it and want to learn more check out this site.
As for this week's TO-Do's, I am organizing January's pictures into folders for future projects and even though we move Saturday (YAY!!) I hope to do a few pages. Thanks for looking and have a blessed week.
This is one of my favorite memes, but I haven't participated for a while now. I've been listening to my favorite worship songs while I pack this week. This one is one of my favorites. I love this song because it reminds me of the simple truth that the lord is everywhere, in everything and we have only to seek Him.
I wanted to post the live version because it gives me goosebumps listening to the audience sing along at the end. The embedding function is disabled though. To enjoy that version, go here. Be sure to click the button at the top of this post to enjoy more wonderful music.
We've moved a lot. 15 times to be exact, since we got married in 1988. So I am no stranger to organizing and packing. No matter how many times we do it though, some things never change. It seems that, no matter how meticulously I organize while packing, and no matter how much care I take in organizing boxes for loading, we always end up disorganized in the end. Things never quite go on or come off the truck in the way I plan, or end up where I need them at our new place. And, inevitably, something vanishes and something breaks.
This move has a unique twist too, in that it will really be two moves before we're settled. We are temporarily renting a 2BR unit until a 3BR opens up. We'll be renting a garage and putting about 90% of our belongings in there, to avoid making more work for ourselves later. So I have to organize and pack with this in mind and separate essentials from things that can be stored for a while. It's been entertaining so far. To make things even more interesting, little miss Abby is teething and therefore wanting Mommy more than usual. Also, Aspen has become virtually joined at the hip with her big sister Ashley, so neither of us can be as productive as we'd like.
As for the actual move itself, we have family coming to help. This is a mixed blessing, since with family help usually comes family politics. Nothing we aren't used to though and it beats doing it all ourselves. My prayer is that the Lord will shine His love, patience and tolerance through me and supersede my issues and my shortcomings in these areas.
In spite of the challenges and short time frame of this move, we are thrilled beyond words and can't wait to get back to life as we knew it.
PS - Farrah, if you're reading this, don't worry. I still use your sling almost daily. This one is DH's, which I used because mine was in the car with him at work, lol.
We have one! We've been approved to temporarily rent a 2BR apartment, until a 3BR becomes available. We'll be moving on February 20. That's exactly 11 days from now. Yes, 11 days. I couldn't be more thrilled!
We have a lot to do in that time. Besides purging, organizing and packing, we have to empty a storage unit, clean and paint over our lovely accent walls. I am decluttering like a mad woman! If we haven't used it, it's on the donate pile. If we won't have room for it, it's on the donate pile. If I am sick of looking at...well you get the idea.
Knowing that we are winding down our time here fills me with so much joy I could skip down the street. I feel as though I've been released from prison. The vague cloud of restlessness that has hovered over me since we moved here has vanished and in its place is a new sense of peace. I feel that we've been just existing here, living in limbo on a place that wasn't home.
I learned a lot during what I'm now jokingly calling our exile. I learned a lot about contentment, about appreciating what I have and keeping my eyes on what is good in my life. I'm done complaining. I finally "get it" that a true, core happiness can only be achieved through surrendering totally to God's will. Rebellion and the need for control only lead me into folly.
I believe that God brought us over here to teach us all these things. I think we'll all be stronger and a bit wiser in the coming years. In spite of our troubles, I can already feel that our marriage is healing. There is a happier, more united family feeling in the house. It feels like we're all on the same team again, and that is such a treat.
I don't remember when I last felt this hopeful, but it's been too long.
This is a wonderful meme from The Simple Woman. If you haven't visited Peggy's site I highly recommend it. Her philosophy is just what the stressed-out mama needs to slow down and appreciate the simple things.
My Daybook
For today....February 8, 2010
Outside My Window...It's bright and sunny but it's a chilly 47 degrees. Ashley and Aspen are on the porch playing in the sand table.
I am thinking....about what a great investment my new laptop was. I've had it a week and haven't touched the desktop in that time. This allows me to make use of time better and to multitask. Yay!
From the learning rooms....Will we ever be done with Algebra 2? Aspen is enjoying the PBS show "Super Why" and is learning a lot. I'm impressed.
I am thankful for...the amazing, wonderful, incredible blessing of hubby's job transfer.
From the kitchen...fish sticks baking for lunch, lasagna and salad for dinner.
I am wearing...new jeans in size 7 (yay!!!) and a purple striped OP top that I got for $5 at Wal-mart. I wore the OP brand all the time as a teen and it's fun to wear it again. It's cute and cheap, too!
I am creating...a big donate pile for Goodwill.
I am going...nowhere 'cause hubby has the car.
I am reading... Full Circle by Kathy Collins. (She's my sister!)
I am hoping...for a 3BR apartment to miracuously open at the community hubby was transferred to. Or that they'll let us temporarily rent a 2BR.
I am hearing...Aspen and Ashley whispering, Abby gently breathing as she sleeps in my arms.
Around the house...it's messy now, as we purge, organize and pack.
One of my favorite things...quiet moments with my kids.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: continue packing, and being extra kind to my hubby since he's now driving 40 minutes to and from work and has a mess to clean up at his new community.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Instead of a pic today, I want to share this video Ashley made of herself playing guitar and singing one of her favorite songs. I was impressed because she taught herself the song and even more impressed that she had the courage to share it. I love her voice, too. I'd never heard her sing on her own. Enjoy!
It's Sunday again and that means it's time for Sunday Scrappin'. This is a GREAT way to get inspired, meet other crafters and share your creations, so please drop over and join today!
I've recently gotten back to digital scrapbooking after budget issues curtailed my paper projects. I love digital though, and it was a real pleasure to do this page on a brand new computer. It's amazing how much faster my Paint Shop Pro runs!
So, without further ado, my Ta-Da this week is this page for Abby's Baby Album. I can't believe she is six months old already! Where does the time go?
For this project I used papers and elements from two kits called Shabby Mommy and Amore that I downloaded for free from the generous and talented ladies at Shabby Princess.
As for To-Do's this week, I am going with the whole "scrap what you feel" philosophy, so I'll just be browsing pics and going with whatever images inspire me at the moment.
I've been writing this blog for nearly two years now. In that time I've met many wonderful people. My fellow bloggers have brought me ideas, inspiration, entertainment, advice and so much more. By its very nature, the blogsphere is a fickle place. Readers come and go. Just like in the real world, true friends are hard to find. I think this is even more true online, where it's so easy to break off contact with people. We have but to choose options like "hide", "block" or "unfriend" and do just that. For me, that makes finding a bloggy friend that much more special.
No matter what realm we're in, cyber or real, someone who will stick with us through life's ups and downs, and always treat us kindly, is a true blessing. That's what this award is all about. I would like to honor a few special ladies who've hung in there with me through good times and bad, who've read posts about my marital issues, money problems or lagging faith without judgement, and who've always infused their comments with love and kindness. You are each truly a blessing.
The new title and layout of my blog reflects a dramatic change that has taken place within me since the Lord blessed us with the miracle of Shawn's job transfer. I feel as if a tremendous burden has been lifted from my shoulders. All of the issues that weighed so heavily on my heart when I wrote this post a few weeks ago will be solved or greatly improved.
More than anything I am looking forward to returning to my church. After two years away, I am as spiritually parched as the Samarian woman of John 4. I can't wait to reconnect with the church family. The first thing Aspen said when she heard we were moving back was, "Does that mean we can go back to church?"
What clearer sign could I ask for?
I'm also beside myself with excitement over having a new home to redecorate and make our own special haven. I love home making and have truly embraced that role in the last few years, under the Lord's guidance. The joy I find in keeping our home is a wonderful blessing. As we begin to pack we will be decluttering, purging and reorganizing, so that our new home can be clean and in order the way we've become accustomed to.
The area we will be back in offers us so many opportunities that this one does not. There is a community playground. The library and a children's consignment shop are within walking distance. We will be in the downtown area of a smaller town, and it has that older small town feeling that I really love.
Our finances will improve, too. Our rent will go down, and our electric bill will too. Hubby's salary will stay the same. This means less stress, less boredom, and less fighting.
Ashley will be closer to her friends, and we'll be back in close proximity to tons of homeschool groups and activities for Aspen. The church and the homeschool community offer lots of opportunities for me to connect with other moms.
I could go on all day, but you get the point. My joy is off the charts. I feel as if a mass of storm clouds has moved away and the full light of the sun is shining down on us. I told my hubby that I would not have been happier if he'd told me he'd won the lottery. As far as I am concerned, we did.
As for my new blog title, I chose it because over these last two difficult years, I have learned that the only way I can be truly happy is in total surrender to God's will for my life. When I am following Him, and letting Him be in control, I am so much happier and more content. I hope that I can finally remember that and put it into practice on a daily basis. That is what my new journey is about.
As I write this post, my heart is filled with joy and my faith is renewed. If you're a regular reader here, then you know the story about where we live and why I have been wanting to move, and how its never worked out. For those of you who are new here, I'll share the story again.
My hubby works as an apartment maintenance supervisor. This has been great for us because we can live where he works, get a discount on our rent, and save a ton of money on gas. We're a one car family so this allows me to have the car whenever I need it. It works out beautifully, usually.
Two years ago, he took a position across town from where we were. Not moving was not an option because it's an hour drive and we couldn't afford the gas. Moving meant taking my then 15-year-old daughter from her school and friends, and I gave up a PT job and my church. I expected to find new friends and so on here. What I did not know was that, although our immediate area is nice, we are surrounded by some of the worst parts of town. As little as a few miles down the road in almost every direction are high crime, scary parts of town. This is reflected in the schools over here. Within two weeks we made the decision to pull Ashley from school and home school her.
All in all, we adapted and have had some good times here, but we've been lonely and isolated to some degree. A host of issues have arisen as a result of our general unhappiness. Issues that seemed insurmountable.
Then today, totally out of the blue, my hubby was offered the Supervisor position at the property we lived at before. Two years of prayers were answered in one moment. He will start next week over there and we'll move as soon as a 3 bedroom unit comes open. I have no words to adequately express the joy I feel. With the exception of the birth of our sweet Abby, this is the best thing that has happened to us in the last two years.
I am grateful for our time here, too. As difficult as it has been at times, it has taught us many valuable lessons. My hubby and I have learned that major changes must be in every one's best interest, not just mine or his. Ashley has grown and matured so much. She's grown from a girl to a young woman, and she has learned so much about making careful choices and making the most of hard stuff. She and I have developed an incredibly close bond that I know will last our lifetimes. The little ones have benefited from having their big sister around. They've gotten more loving attention than I would be able to give them alone.
I look at this as a new start, and as a new lease on life. I go forward with a new appreciation for every little thing we get to do an experience every day. I feel as if the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders, and I feel hope for our family and our future.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
