Wordless Wednesday: Packing up to take a trip...

Not sure when or where but one day ....

it will be just US and a suitcase off to see the world....

For more Fabulous Wordless Wednesday photos, visit 5MinutesforMom.com and Wordless Wednesday.

What makes your house a home?

I’ve always believed that you can make a home anywhere. Because it truly is about the people who are inside the walls that make your house a home. With that being said, I have long been attracted to the whole concept of home. I love having a cozy place to call my own, to nest in at night, to nurture my family, to create memories, and to find peace and comfort. But for some reason I get very caught up in other people’s beautiful homes. Don't get me wrong I am blessed with a beautiful home but I always find myself wanting more. {sounds like a contentment issue to me} Then, I realized if I just changed a few things up every now and then it made me enjoy this wonderful place where I get to raise my family even more. 

So, if you don’t have the time/money/inclination for an expensive remodel {we don’t}... If you are not the type to do extensive DIY home projects every weekend {we’re not}, and if you are not especially artistic or lucky in finding beautiful armoires or vintage furniture by the side of the road {one day I will be}!  Still, your home can be adorable, modern, comfortable, personal, welcoming and nurturing. Here are some things I do and thought I would share them with you!

1.  Clear the Clutter
Throw your stuff away or donate it to Goodwill. A lot of us {me included} have SO much junk. It is amazing what a really good Spring cleaning {even in a winter storm} can do for the soul!
2. Use What You Have

Along the same lines, I have found tremendous fun in challenging myself to home decorate using whatever I find around the house. Most of us already have so many things. I found that once I stopped longing for new things, I was able to use and enjoy my own and have fun putting together things I hadn’t used in a long time.   

3.  Clear the Dining Room or Kitchen Table
 The table is to be used to eat, to create memories with your family, to do art projects, to read ... It's isn't your closet or a storage area... it isn't where you just throw all of your junk. It is amazing what a CLEAN table can do for the "look and feel" of your home.
 4.  Rearrange
 This is my favorite thing to do. Rearranging the furniture can be very fun and give you a much needed change. Even if you don't have a lot of space try rearranging smaller elements in the room. It will keeps things fresh as new.  
5. Pictures

As you know by now, I LOVE pictures. I love the way they capture memories or just a moment that you will have forever. So, print out your favorite pictures and get them on the walls. Create a photo wall in your house. It adds SO much to your home! 
6. Paint

I am a sucker for color. My first house {that I adored} was plum, mustard yellow and green. You are thinking... what? Oh. it was so yummy . With our house now we did a lot of tan but accented a bunch of the walls with fun colors. Try painted just ONE wall. Or even better yet, go get spray paint and your nasty gold mirror that you have had for 10 years. Spray paint it black. You will LOVE it and it will give your room a whole new feel!

7. Candles 

Add some smell goods to the house. I firmly believe just like first impressions you get a feel for a house within minutes. So, have a candles going. Super easy, Super cheap, Super practical!

8. Laughter

My mom always says, "I just want you to laugh a lot." Why does she always want me to laugh because then she knows I am happy. Create an atmosphere in your home that makes people smile. A place where your kids can, where YOU can laugh and simply enjoy what you have blessed with. 

9. Encouragement

Sounds weird but hear me out. Your house should be a place where you can serve others. Where they can feel like they can be themselves/open up/ laugh/cry/be encouraged  and just chat it up in your home. If you come into my home my desire is for you to leave feeling better then when you stepped foot in our doorway. I want you to feel encouraged and loved whether you are one of Mason's friends or a 90 years old women.

10. Love

Twenty years from now when my boys have families of their own are they going to remember what color mom had on the walls? No. Will they remember that we had a fancy rug in each room? No. What they will remember {i pray} is the love that we all shared as a family. The times we sat at the dinner table and talked about our days. The times we played video games together and had team dinners. The times we sat in bed and read the Bible. The times we prayed together as a family. The times we sat snuggled on the couch and watched our favorite movies. The times we played in a serious game of basketball. The times we cried together and the times we laughed until our bellies hurt. That's is what they will remember about our home. 

I can remember one of the greatest compliments I ever received was from a man who had been finishing our basement. When the job was complete {which took about a month} he told me that he looked forward to coming into our home because he just felt a sense of peace and warmth. Seriously, it brought me tears. He didn't have to say it but I am so thankful he did. I don't tell you that to say I am great but to let you know that your home creates some type of atmosphere. Is it chaos/peace/laughter/Jesus/joy/anger/bitterness? 

My question for you is two fold... 1.)What atmosphere does your home create? 2.)What makes your house a home? Is it your kids drawing or a favorite bookcase? I would LOVE to know!  

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda  

Taking the plunge...

Do you remember this post? As you all know by now, like many of you, I put things off or say I will do it in a few months.  I fully know I am NEVER going to actually do it all because I am afraid I will fail at doing it. Kinda like the blog situation. I had wanted to start a blog for as long as I can remember but was terrified no one would read it. Look, you are reading and hopefully loving it! If nothing else one day my little loves will read all about their crazy but oh so fabulous momma so either way it is a win/win situation, right?

Which bring me to this.... I have been somewhat obsessed with Zumba. In fact, I am pretty sure many of my friends and family think I have a problem. Here's the deal. I lost ALL of my third child baby weight because of it. Many of you know losing the third child extra baby weight is enough to make you want to jump off a cliff. {not really but you get my point} I have always loved to dance and always loved/had to exercise. This for me was the perfect mixture. So, I have been going to classes for about 9 months now and love it just as much if not more than when I took my first class. It makes me feel young. It gives me energy. It keeps me in shape. It lets me dance. So, instead of saying I am going to do something and NEVER do it I want to tell you I am getting certified in March. Why am I telling you this? Because this means I can't back out if I get nervous or start to doubt myself. Failure isn't an option.

Here's the deal... People have already asked me when and where I will be teaching. I am fabulous and love to dance so I would want to come to my own class. {I kid. I kid.} I have no plans as of right now to teach BUT I am praying that doors open up for me to teach if that is what I am supposed to do. I want other women to enjoy exercise and most importantly enjoy their bodies. Nobody can make you take care of yourself. YOU have to do it. YOU have to take the time and put in the effort. As moms we always put everyones needs in front of our own. We have to take care of ourselves and our bodies or we wont be here to help everyone else.

I could stay on that soapbox for a long time. I will keep you all posted. In the mean time go try out Zumba and if it's not for you that's fine... just do something active! You deserve it and believe me you will thank me later when you are feeling fabulous and looking hott!

Dear Brain,

I know there are no secrets between us, but we need to talk. Obviously I've done something to upset you because you, my friend, are no longer around when I need you. In fact, you seem to think it's entertaining to watch me struggle some days without your support. For example, I just got a bill back from the post office I sent WITHOUT the dang stamp on it. Seriously? Where were you? There are days that you make a brief appearance and I am reminded that you do exist. It makes me miss you even more when you are gone. Which is often. For example... actually, I can't even remember the example I was going to use to illustrate my point so obviously you only let me remember one thing today and now you have decided you're on hiatus once again.... awesome. 
I wish I could fix whatever it is between us that has gotten you all worked up. Yes, I know I have put you through a lot in the past six years. Were you over worked and under appreciated? Well, suck it up. I feel that way all the time. Once all three of my little loves were here it's kinda like you bailed on me. {sigh} I know you work hard and you are managing all the worries, need to knows, running around, changing diapers, getting lunches, wiping butts, getting kids dressed and the list goes on and on...   
Regardless of reason, despite my stubbornness, I am here to say to you that I am sorry... not knowing what I did wrong but truly I am sorry. I really need you back and I know you have to miss me when you are gone. Really... How could you not? I am the bomb. {see.. you never would have let me use the word "bomb"... it's so 1995} You have been with me when I needed you the most. However, recently you have been gone and really... I'd like you back for good. I deeply miss you and frankly so does everyone else around me!

linked to Things I Love Thursday

Seriously,

 I am head over heels for this little man of mine!

For more Fabulous Wordless Wednesday photos, visit 5MinutesforMom.com and Wordless Wednesday.

If you find my voice... Please tell it to come back.

I am sitting here Kleenex box in hand, nose spray beside me and this thing they call a Neti pot that I am WAY to scared to use. I have no voice, well I guess if I try hard enough a manly deep something comes out. In fact, Mason said to me "Mom when will you and your voice be back to normal?"

I am beginning to think the no voice was His plan the entire time. You remember this post and this picture?

Photo: Nikki James Photography

I am pretty sure the Lord heard me and took my voice away. Um. Not exactly what I was going for but it  is teaching me to be slow to speak. Which is what I am desiring, learning others ways to discipline my little loves beside raising my voice. So, I am thankful He hears me, loves me and continues to shower me with His grace in the midst of sneezes and sniffles. 

It's funny to me how things can change in our castle when my mouth is shut and I can't express myself vocally in any situation. Believe it or not, with my voice being absent, our castle has been calmer. Weird, right? I have heard before that if you speak softly to your kids they have no choice but to calm down and listen. This is so not my personality. I am loud. I hate quiet. 

My boys are actually loving the no yelling. I do think they respond better to soft spoken {or squeaked } words instead of my yelling and nagging. Truth be told everyone hates a nagger. So, I don't blame them for enjoying more peace in our castle. 

Truth be told, I am enjoying myself more {minus my sinus headache}. I am actually using patience and understanding with them. As they have been more than gracious in destroying the house  playing all day! Blessings are wrapped in many different forms aren't they?  

Here's my challenge to you. If only for a day... Don't raise your voice and see how your kids respond. Let me know if you are taking the challenge. Can't wait to hear what all you learn about yourself and your sweet babies.

Much Love, 

 

This week I say YES...

This week I say yes to 6 am.

Yes to long runs and some serious zumba dance moves.

I say yes to laughter and enjoying my family.

I say yes to cheering for Coach W and my DC boys!

I say yes to God.  Yes to prayer.

I say yes to getting things DONE.   

I say yes to good thoughts that energize, uplift and encourage me.

I say yes to blogging my little heart away!

I say YES to lovin on the three sweet loves of my life!

I say yes to learning about things that fill me with joy.   

I say yes yes yes to a heart of gratitude. YES to saying THANKS.

I say yes yes yes to more than 5 hours of sleep every night.

I say yes to encouraging others and being a supportive wife, mom and friend.

I say yes to confidence in my God given abilities.

Yes to acting like a teenager who is addicted to her favorite reality shows

Yes to the people and things that energize, inspire and fill my soul with JOY.

What do YOU say yes to this week?!

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda