a little haitus

Oh I do love this little blog... & I really miss coming here, but I'm just a wee bit busy at the moment and will return here when I have more time after April. You are so sweet to keep coming back to visit. I'll miss you!

p.s. I'll leave you with my favorite picture of myself (um.... ever!) from my 4 year old. : )

xo

goodbye 2010 & hello 2011!

Another year gone by... why do they seem to go faster & faster? I always look forward to the beginning of the year. It feels so good to think about a fresh start, how you want to do things differently, and how to make this year better than the last. I've been thinking a lot the past few weeks about this and resolutions I'd like to make, and there are so many things I want to do (like usual!).

If I were to make my '2011 list', here are some of the things it would include (some carried over from last year!):

• be mindful, thoughtful & present

• eat less sugar

• learn to crochet

• embrace imperfection

• learn to live with less

• finish a book (I can't remember the last time I have!)

• incorporate a tiny bit of meditation into my day
  

• find a volunteer opportunity for our family

• hike more with the kids

• live in gratitude

• set better limits

• laugh more

• use less packaging/buy more bulk (in reusable bags that I'd love to make myself)
  

• work on not taking things so personally

• finding balance (a constant journey!)
  

• clean out every room in the house (including closets!) to get rid of unnecessary things

• surround myself with positive people & energy

• slow down!

• try not to be overwhelmed by 'to do lists' (like this one!)
  

I think about all of these things on this list... A LOT, especially being overwhelmed. I tend to put way more on my plate than I can do by myself, and so even though I would love to do everything on this list above for 2011 (and will try), what I truly want to do is find ways to simplify my life. I believe more and more that true happiness lies in the simplest of things, and when you can make life simpler all around, it makes time for the more meaningful things, which gives way to more space and freedom. I'm also learning that the more quiet space you have in your life, the easier it is to listen to your heart. If I can find ways to live more simply and follow my heart, I think 2011 will be one heck of a year!

Happiest New Year to all of you!

XO

dear oh dear...

Oh this poor little blog is being neglected... I think I have just adopted a third child that has stolen my heart ~ The Makerie. I still can't quite believe it has become such a reality, a dream come true to get this off the ground, and a huge amount of work to go along with that! So that's where I've been, and I will try to get back here as often as I can, but I'm also trying really hard to simplify where possible and honor my time with my family. It's not always easy to find the right balance with all of this, but I'm trying really hard!

I hope this makes you smile. It certainly does me... every single time! (Sorry about the bad color on the video. Eek!)

LOVE this!

I just discovered this new blog. And I love it. SO MUCH. How happy was I to discover that they translate it into English. YEAH! I am now in search of wool felted balls so I can squeeze this wreath in for one last holiday project. Isn't in darling?!?

photo via pickles

we're back

And this photo makes me smile... a whole lot. We had the most incredible Thanksgiving in the woods of North Carolina ~ full of amazing friends and family, homemade EVERYTHING, walks along the leaf-covered trails, fresh herbs from the garden, chopping wood (I even hacked a few!) and a bonfire with smores. Yes, it was like being back at camp and we loved every single minute of it. One day... just maybe one day our home will be surrounded by trees galore too. Wishes CAN come true!

the big 6!

My little guy turned 6 today, and yes, we survived the fort party with 14 kindergartners!:)

Birthdays are such a wonderful time to reflect on time passing, what was and what is yet to be... When I close my eyes, this is how I picture my Owen right here and now... snuggled up with his animals, climbing all over our house (including scaling the cabinet walls, seriously!), confidently riding his two-wheeler, explaining everything with his hands, drawing elaborate pictures ~ all with such detailed explanations, the sheer pride that lasted a few weeks when he scored his one & only goal in soccer (on a penalty kick), talking about how he wants to be an engineer, making sculptures, loving sushi, feisty, writing lots of stories & telling everyone it was his birthday today.

Happiest 6th Birthday to my sweet, spunky, creative & always keeps me on my toes not-so-little boy. My greatest wish for you on your special day is that you remain simply beautiful, perfect you. I love you more than you will ever know Owen!

almost the big 6

My Owen is turning 6 on Monday, and we're celebrating this weekend with 13 kindergartners at our small house. He wanted to have a 'build-a-fort' party so that's what we're doing ~ gathering boxes, tents, sheets & blankets to make this little boy's fantasy come to life. We are quite used to this activity, as our couch is rarely (okay... almost NEVER) in one piece because making forts out of our cushions is all my kids want to do! Who needs toys? The party is going to be just a wee bit nuts, so keep your fingers crossed we are all in one piece after Saturday! Oh and by the way, this is the birthday invite Owen designed himself. I love it.