Desperately Seeking Blogger

I decided the best way to let everyone about this change was to post it on each blog! Attention, faithful followers, please don't leave me!!! After reading the following, go over to Celebrating Everyday Life and party with me!

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Ever since I started this blog, I've been having a blog identity crisis. Well, no more. I'm deciding (kind of with a heavy heart) to combine my two blogs. Eeeekkk. I know, I need therapy.

I've been posting over at A Resting Place for several years, now, and part of me feels like I'm quitting on her. But, really, I just want the two to become one. Now, I sound like I'm coaching one of my newly engaged couples.

This morning, as I was trying to sit and write a post that would be meaningful and encouraging, I kept being interrupted. The three year olds kept needing something, the kitchen was a disaster, and I had a meeting in an hour. After about 10 interruptions, I frustratingly hit the quit button. It made me realize that trying to keep up 2 blogs just isn't possible right now.

As is my custom, I can't incur a transition without celebrating it. So, I'm going to throw my first party over here. I'm giving away one of my super cute and BRAND NEW mini market totes. See and drool...

If you haven't noticed these amazing market totes, they are the best things ever. I use my big ones all the time, and this new size is just so cute. Perfect for picnics, graduation gifts, bridesmaids gifts, or just leaving in your car to bring all your junk to and from your house. Not only that, but I'm gonna throw in a funky charm bracelet just to make it a little more enticing.

Now, to make this transition fun for me (because you know it has to be fun for me, too!) I'm asking that you "follow" this blog and then leave a comment letting me know which mini market you would want! If you're super competitive and want an extra entry, link back to this post from your blog, and then comment to let me know you did the "extra credit". (And if you are already a follower, just leave a comment, and I'll still enter you!) You have til' midnight on Thursday the 20th to link up. I'll announce the winner on Friday!

Change isn't always easy, but I know that with your help, even this little change in my life could be a really great way to celebrate everyday life.

Oh, and I can't wait to tell you about the graduation party I designed last weekend!!

My Favorite Places

down a country mile in Eastern NC

Montreat, NC

Seattle skyline at sunset

Ocean Isle Beach, NC

my house at Christmastime

Charleston, SC

It's taken me a few days, but I wanted to link up with Gypsy Mama's "favorite place" party. These are some close to my heart and definite favorites of mine.

Piece Me Together

When my husband and I were married 10 years ago, I remember how we received a ton of serving platters. And ten years ago, I could have cared less about serving platters. I remember thinking, "Seriously? Another one??" And struggling with coveting the fun accessories from Pier One and Pottery Barn that my other newly married friends were getting. I wanted candles, frames, and cutesy apartment decor...not platters.

Little did I know, that I was receiving some of the best gifts I could have asked for. I had no idea that I would absolutely LOVE hosting events, and even become an event planner, of all things. Now granted, that comes in last place after family, nannying, friends, and so on...but still...I never saw it coming. I had no idea then, that in 10 years, I would be thanking God for blessing me with so many things to entertain with.

Speaking of events, I decided on very short notice to host a Hallelujah Party for my children and a few of their good friends, so that the true meaning of Easter would be able to be celebrated. This tissue paper cross was our craft, to show that even though Christ died, the darkness and sadness of death all around Him, couldn't hold back God's love from raising Him from the dead. And furthermore from shining through us, each in our beautiful, colorful way, as we walk with Him in our lives. The 3 yr. olds probably didn't get all of that symbolism, but still, they make really pretty window decoration!

Even though it doesn't compare in weight, the picture of not getting what we want in life, or even what we pray and ask for, still very much applies. We cannot see with God's infinite wisdom, the tapestry He's weaving. Or the piece of pottery He's throwing, as one of my dear friends wrote about so eloquently. We don't know how the pieces will connect together, yet somehow, He uses our broken, torn, and otherwise "thrown out" bits of life to create a beautiful piece of work.

"Reality" TV

Last night, we arrived back home after a fabulous weekend at the beach, to a house with needs, a full week ahead of us, and tired bodies from all fun. However, rather than jumping in with two feet to all the chores beckoning my attention, I got the kids in bed, and then plopped down on the couch to watch the Oscars.

Yes, I absolutely love to see all the amazing dresses, but what I really love is seeing them just be themselves. Seeing them get nervous when they have to go up on that big stage. Watching as they get choked up as they receive the affirmation of another. Getting to see that behind the scenes artist whose name I've never heard before, but is quite definitely brilliant beyond measure. Celebrating with the star who did what "was unpopular to do what was right".

Most of the time we see them on the cover of tabloids in the checkout line at the grocery store, or in the news having their name smeared for something they've done wrong, or an action everyone has to know about. For me, though, I'd rather watch them as they are. I'd much rather see them be mothers, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, sons, friends, and neighbors...to see them simply as people.

Never Saw It Coming

I know I haven't been around here very much lately. I have a great excuse, and a great new website to prove it...thanks to my creative and techno savy hubby. We still do this, and you still have time to get some of these if you need them by Christmas, but over the last several months, I have been given the opportunity to truly celebrate everyday life. With real people. In real settings.

This past weekend was one of them. I loved every minute of planning, brainstorming, and carrying out what needed to happen for this sweet couple to have their perfect wedding. After a very busy weekend of fittings, and calls, and placing people, and giving instructions, and pointing, and bustling, and smiling, and problem solving, and chatting, and hugging, and buying huge golf umbrellas (just in case), and crying (because I always cry at weddings...especially at the first dance) and laughing, and being a little sassy to the people who needed some correcting, and dancing with my itinerary, and directing, and being bossy, and running from here to there, and putting out fires...literally....I felt as if I was doing something I was made to do.

I've felt that a million times as a mother. But it's different feeling that way about a career. And I would have never guessed that it would be this. I never even saw it coming. That's the funny thing about God. He can give you your dream job, without you even knowing that it's your dream job. And show you what you're naturally gifted to do, and then let you do it. All this to say, I'm excited to announce Events by Design.

Sometimes...

Sometimes...only sometimes...I get to be this super fun, cool and crazy, girl who has teenagers come over to her house to do things like watch the So You Think You Can Dance finale. And sometimes, they even have fun.

Now, I just have to keep these pictures a secret, so they don't kill me for publishing them.

Happy Green Day!

Ok, so instead of cleaning my house and taking care of things here, I'd much rather find green things to talk about.   After all, it is St. Patrick's Day!

When I was a pre-teen and teenager, my favorite color was green.  Kelly green.   You could have had a piece of balled up green paper, and I would have been like, "Can I keep it??"   I even had a green shelf in my room that held all of my green treasures.   True story.

So, to celebrate a little today, here are some of my favorite green things around here.

this made my morning trip to Harris Teeter with the toddlers a little more enjoyable (especially because today it was free!   i had to wait while they made a new pot, so it was on the house! happy st. patty's day to me!)

little lady leprachans

i can't wait to plant these!

my handsome adventurer

my "welcome home" bouquet that my sweet family surprised me with on sunday

springtime mantle (not too different from Christmas)

Here's wishing you happy green thoughts for the day!   How green was your day today?

Give Aways and Good Stuff

There's too much goodness out there right now to not tell...even though by my telling, I'm making competition for myself! UGGGHHH! The rivalry. Ok, I think I've had a little too much ACC tournament for today.

Chickadee over at a Familiar Path is doing her annual super fun birthday bash for herself and us! Check out her great blog and fun giveaways.

And Kendra, who I have met in real life, and is so cute and very talented in the kitchen, is doing a survey about how you cook and eat. In return for participating in her survey, she's giving you the chance to win a set of her very own spices! Which, I'm really gonna fight you over because I WANT THEM! So go have fun, and .....GAME ON!

The Birthday Princess

admiring her princess tutu that she helped design

The princess of our home had her 5th birthday today.    We had a wonderful day filled with presents, yummy food (of her choice), friends and family, and celebration.   My favorite things, too!   I know that I have talked before about how similar we are (my sweet River and I), but today was a day that highlighted many of our similarities, and I loved every minute of it.

From the moment she woke up, she could hardly wait to tear into these...

Then, with her birthday breakfast - her choice was exactly what mine always is - French Toast - complete with powdered sugar, strawberries, and whip cream.

Next we moved into hanging out and watching a movie.    She finally got a Doodlebops DVD so she had to see that.

We began to prepare for the royal ball that she and I had planned.   We had talked extensively about all the activities we wanted to be able to do, and how we wanted our party to be.    She had been as into the planning of the details as I had.   I even had a pad labeled "official party business" - you LOTR fans will appreciate that.   From crown decorating to wand making to polishing nails and painting faces, her party was so fun.     We planned the menu together, and had lots of finger foods to munch on, and then cupcakes and build-your-own ice cream sundays for dessert.    When I asked her what her favorite part of her party was, she said, "the food!"   I laughed.

Her choice of restaurant for dinner was Chick-Fil-A - big surprise!    I probably would have picked differently on that one.   However, I remembered as we were pulling up, how my 5th birthday party was spent at McDonalds.

But my favorite thing about the day, was hearing her answer this question.    When asked, "Were you the prettiest princess there?" about her party, she sincerely replied, 

 "There were soooo many princesses there.    They were all sooo beautiful!!"     I smiled and thought what a princess she truly is.    

I am so proud of what a thoughtful and sweet girl she is.   I know that she won't always want me to be the queen of her party.    She won't always want me to help get her ready and pull on her tights.    She won't always want me to play "magical chairs" (her title for our musical chairs at the party) , and offer to let me have her seat instead of being out, just so that I can keep playing with her.    She won't always ask for me to tuck her in.      She may not  want me to snuggle and say goodnight every night with a hug and a kiss, and butterflies, and saying "sweet dreams, sleep tight..." and so on and so on.   

But no matter what, she will always be my princess.    And I'm so thankful she is who she is.

Ever Fall on Your Face?

Tonight we got to go to a grown up party...with no kids...and no toys to trip over. So, I decided to wear my heels to go a little fancy for the evening. I mean, it's not very often that we get a night out, much less, without the little ones.

After a little eating and talking, I decided to venture outside to the outdoor games. As I was walking down the brick steps, my fancy little heel got caught in the grooves of the mat, and down I went. All the way. My hands hit the pavement below me, with my heel still at the top of the stairs. With lots of people watching.

Do you ever do something where you think, "Did I seriously just do that?" and you wish that you didn't but you know you totally did. Thankfully these people are my friends, and helped me up, and asked if I was okay. And didn't even laugh at me.

I fall a lot. It wasn't just because I was wearing heels, even though I did regret that in the moment. But I fall a lot more than most people.

Like the time that I finished dancing in a performance, and then when I ran back to the dressing room, tripped over a step and landed on my foot the wrong way, and broke it.

Or the time that I was walking down the steps by a fountain, and wasn't really thinking, and stepped out and completely missed a step, and my feet came up over my head, and I landed on my rear end.

Or the many times that my ankle just chooses to go out, and I fall down.

Or when I was at church the other week and fell down the stairs.

Or the other day when I fell down holding my son, but thankfully didn't hurt him, just felt silly.

See what I mean? It comes out of nowhere for me. I guess I'm just clumsy. All those years of dance apparently didn't teach me how to be a graceful walker.

But sometimes in life, whether by the wrong decisions that we make or just by being blind and stumbling, we can just fall flat on our face. In front of people. Without knowing that it's coming. And without knowing how to recover. You feel ashamed. Embarrassed. And unable to get up.

The only hope comes in knowing One who can pick us up. One who doesn't care how far we fell. Or why we fell. Who doesn't point a finger and say, "I TOLD YOU TO WATCH OUT!" He only says, "I want to help you get up. I love you. You're not beyond my reach."

It makes me so thankful to know, that we are never beyond His reach. That He never tires of pulling us out of our mire. Even when the pit has been dug by our own hands.

On Christmas Morn...

We had a great Christmas, filled with gifts of joy and cheer throughout the day.

We started with our birthday party for Jesus, where we have yummy cake - the kids wanted Jesus to have chocolate chocolate cake this year for His birthday.

Then we moved into the present opening.   Asher's at the stage where he could spend all day just with the first present, and never care about getting to any other gifts.

River, however, went from one to the next, barely stopping for a breath.

I think the biggest hit was the new furniture addition that I'm so lucky to have added to our house...(just ignore the clean clothes piled up on the sofa).

It seems to always come and go quickly, and before you know it, another year has gone by.      But even though the day has come and gone, my hope is that the joy and remembrance of Christ will remain in our hearts each day in this next year.     Hope you each had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Eve Agenda

Christmas Eve Agenda:

watch cartoons

bake cookies

bake pie

decorate gingerbread house (remember how it's a tradition?)

eat candy from gingerbread house

play tickle game

finally eat real food instead of cookie batter and candy

stay in pjs until afternoon

watch a Christmas movie with River while Asher naps

get ready for Christmas Eve service

worship together and celebrate Christ's birth!

have dinner with friends

open our one present for Christmas Eve!

set the stage for CHRISTMAS MORNING!

Garland Show and Tell

i love being able to put together beautiful garlands.    i really just discovered this love about 3 years ago, and ever since, i look more forward to doing them, than my tree!  isn't that awful?! shhh...don't tell anyone.    

because i keep up with a 1, 2, and 4 year old every day, and because i'm a dork who doesn't have google reader, i don't always know all the goings on out there in bloggy land.   so, today at one of the best playdates ever, (she made me homemade chocolate chip cookies, wore my kids out, and gave me much needed friend time), emily told me to make sure i linked up to nester's garland party.    so, needless to say, i couldn't wait to have an excuse to show mine off!

these are close ups of my front room garland

my dining room garland

 (a little less traditional, but probably my favorite)

the whole thing

can you guess what kind of garland this is?

Check back tomorrow and I'll show and tell!

Making My Mark

The alarm sounded at 5:45, and instead of being grumpy about having to get out of bed, I jumped up, and quickly got dressed. I hit "on" on the coffee maker to start brewing, and gathered my things while I waited for my hot beverage. I felt giddy, like a kid on Christmas morning.

As I pulled up at 6:15 to the street in front of the church where we vote, I saw the line of people bundled up already making their stance in history. Their voices were quiet, but their presence speaking quite loudly. I walked up, and said in a jovial tone,

"What time did y'all get here to be first in line?" The older African-American man answered back happily,

"Oh, about 5:30." I patted his friend on the back as I walked by and said,

"5:30! I'm impressed!" We chuckled and I walked on to the back of the line.

A few seconds later a woman walked up behind me and we said hello. Then we ended up talking for most of the time we were in line. A reporter showed up about 6:30 and was snapping some pictures, and a man was sneakily passing out flyers campaigning for his candidates.

Then, we all watched as a SUV drove into the parking lot. In trying to squeeze by the line of voters, the driver didn't realize she was about to scrape up next to a parked Jeep. We all gasped together when she hit it, and then let out another "oooohh" when she tried to back up, and just scraped it the other way. The man I had originally spoken with, who had been there since 5:30 came walking back, and very casually said,

"Hold on. Let me pull forward." After he moved his car forward, he said for her to not worry about it, that he thought his car was fine. I'm guessing hers was not. The woman next to me giggled and whispered, "It doesn't look like this is the first time that's happened" as we were on the opposite side of her car, and could see scrapes there as well.

A few minutes later, we were escorted into the building, and knew that we would soon make our choices, and go our merry ways. After 4 long years, now it would only be hours until we would all see the results of who America chose as our next President.

So, on went my day, of making breakfast, and dressing children, and of course stopping to get my free coffee for voting. Knowing all the while today is a day of making history.

The Winner Is..

Well, what fun was that! I love knowing that you each also love homemade goodies, and I hope that we can have a holiday that supports more than just the big chain stores. Here's to a crafty holiday season! Congratulations...Beth and thanks so much to all of you who participated!!

Don't forget to check out our fun gifts at www.rekonciledesign.com. Let me know if you need any help with holiday shopping! I'm doing free gift wrapping for any Christmas gifts as a way to say thank you to supporting our little business!

A Homemade Holiday

As long as I can remember, I've loved buying from smaller businesses. My mom was a saint at this. I hardly remember going to big department stores or places like Wal-Mart. She actually NEVER went to Wal-Mart, unless forced. She was dedicated to shopping from local stores and getting to know the people she shopped from. Like farmers at the local farmers market. Or the girls at her favorite clothes boutique. And this wasn't just when she lived in big cities and had lots of options, this was even when she lived in Eastern North Carolina. Sometimes it cost a little more (ok, sometimes it cost a lot more - she could go a bit overboard) but to her, it was always worth it.

Now, I'm not gonna sit here and tell you, that you can't go to Target for your stocking stuffers, because let's face it, I can't commit to that. But it has made me sad to see the decline in buying from people, to buying more from huge stores that mass produce. So I do want to try to have more of a Homemade Holiday. I've been wanting to commit to support people who create, and not machines, and the Nester just happened to be in the same mindset this year. So, when I heard about her Homemade Holiday party, I knew that I would have to participate. In the hopes that I would sell some of my homemade wares this holiday, but also, just to encourage those of you who read this blog to shop more homemade and/or locally this year. Etsy is a fabulous place to shop online for handmade goods, and has so many things to choose from. Or your local gift shops, that are more family run. Or farmers markets. Or craft shows. But also, check out all the talented and creative gurus over at the Nester's party. It's amazing to see what people do!

To celebrate the beginning of the gift-giving season, I'm going to be giving away either a potpourarrie...

or a stroller blanket

(of your choice) to one of you.

So stop by the our website or my etsy shop, and see if there's anything I can help you with for the holidays. And just comment here to enter, and then check back to see if you're the lucky one on Saturday!

Usually at Christmas time, I try to see how much I can get for the least amount of money. I think this year, I'm going to try to see how much I can bless people with one of a kind items that come from other people wanting to let creative juices flow out of them into the world around them. Talk about a gift to our economy - supporting each other...that in itself is a gift!

Weekend Update

Whew, I feel like I've been away for a while! I've been here, but just away from the computer. We had a wonderful shower here yesterday for one of my dear friends, and then a show last night, with lots of other Crafty Craftersons. Which was also really great. I love getting together with other crafty people, to soak in their genius and enjoy their creations. Not to mention to get ideas of things I could copy and make! Of course, me being the nerd I am, didn't get any pictures.

You were so right - the biggest hits were definitely the shell jewelry, the tutus, and the aprons. I've GOT to get my etsy shop up to date. I mean, it's just pitiful how behind I am. However, after many nights of 4 and 5 hours of sleep and not much time with my hubby, I'm proud to say, I came home last night, showered, snuggled, and fell asleep by 10pm. Hooray for sleep!!!

Confessing P.O.O.P.I.E.?

Well, the Nester is at it once again! Ridding the world of disastrous decor, one flower at a time. This is an area that I have to say, I'm pretty passionate about. When helping a friend spruce up her house last year, the first thing I did was go to the HUGE arrangements of fake flowers, and say, "How much do you love this? Because it really needs to go." But sometimes, I confess, it's hard to figure out, what's good and what's not. I've got plenty of mishaps over here at my house, just waiting to be redeemed. Or rekonciled, if I do say so myself. ;) So check out the Nester, and look on all the other great blogs to get good ideas, or see what NOT to do!!

These did look pretty when they were real. Someone please take them out of my front door!!! I've been wanting to do a fall wreath, and just haven't gotten to it...so there ya go - a BAD front door welcome arrangement.

I like all these fun outdoorsy things mixed with other things, and I wanted my little bunny to have a place to rest. So, here ya go, little bunny. Isn't she cute!? Whatever little things River finds outside, I just put in there. Yes, even the cicada shell.

Ok, this is just SAD. I got these really cheap to be able to put into my Christmas tree last year to give it a little more flare. Since then, they've pretty much been hiding in my dining room, and after the kids played "Palm Sunday" with them, over and over again, they just look so sad. I mean, it's like palm pig tails or something. Again, I need to TAKE THEM AWAY!

This is one of my favorite yard sale things ever - and why? Because I got it from the Nester's yard sale. I know, I know, it's sad that I have to use her trash, but hey, when it's cheap, and looks great, why not?! So, these have been from one end of my house to the next, and they've fallen apart and I glue them back together. But I still love them. Nester, you see anything else that looks familiar? ;)

Here's another thing from the summer - I mean, it's NOT like it's FALL YET! I don't have my PUMPKINS OUT YET! Gosh, give a girl a break. heehee.

So, yes, I'm a P.O.O.P.I.E. but they're are lots of things around my house that could use a good refreshing!!!

Did Someone Say Party?

Because I love parties, and because it would be absolutely ridiculous to throw a "website release party", I have decided to celebrate here instead!   We are not brilliant computer people, but with the help of a friend who is, we have finally been able to publish our website!    To celebrate, we are going to give away something from our shop, to one of you!    Just comment here to enter, and then if you link back to this post again on your blog, I'll count it as a double entry.   Then, a week from today, I will choose the lucky winner.    We're excited about our growing business, and wanted to let you all have the chance to celebrate with us!   Wanna see what you could win?   Here she is...

Cute, fun, and so versatile!    I use a different color almost every day - as a purse, diaper bag, beach tote, travel bag, or just to look cute on the go.  If you win, you can pick the color (they come in solids and polka dots, too!) , and tell me how you'd like it monogrammed, and I will send it to you, for free!    Ready to party?