Word

I am not a resolution maker. I don't like to make a list of things I might not accomplish and then feel like a failure pretty early on in the year. I want my new year to be filled with a fresh outlook, a clean slate...not to worry about watching my every step making sure I'm not blowing a resolution. That's just me.

Last year I read an entry on a favorite artist and blogger of mine, Ali Edwards. Each year, Ali chooses a single word to focus on, to reflect upon throughout the year. I thought this was a wonderful way to not make a resolution(s) but to still have something to think about daily and center on when I start to lose sight of the big picture.

My word: moments

Too many times through my day, week, month I worry about little things...dusting, vacuuming, making sure everything is in its place. My mind is always thinking about a 100 things I need to get done instead of just being somewhere in that moment. I want to sit and cuddle with my little guy and not worry about the laundry or the toys on the floor. I want to relax and just be. Simple. Attainable.

Do you have a word? I'd love to hear it, comment here and let me know your word (or your resolutions.)

Happy New Year! (and Happy Birthday to my sister!)

Merry Christmas!

Hope your day is filled with lots of holiday cheer!

A little reindeer food for Santa's crew...

We had a little cookie exchange and holiday party this morning with some mommy friends and their kiddos. I had big plans for the kids to make snow globes out of glass jars but had issues finding the little plastic figures to put inside. Not sure why, because if I go to the store now I'll see tons. The back-up plan...reindeer food! The kids had fun filling their bags with some oats, cereal, raisins and glitter. GQ even made a few extra bags to pass out to his friends in the neighborhood. We'll have fun Christmas Eve sprinkling our reindeer food on the front lawn so Santa can find us!

It's a work in progress...

but it's coming together. I have most everything organized and labeled so I'm not endlessly hunting, but I have to use the room and make adjustments, I'm sure. The walls are bare but will soon be dressed and the chandelier and curtain rod are going to be given a new life, but those are just little things that need to get done. I also need to figure out how I want to store my paper...still researching and brainstorming. Keep in mind while looking at the pictures that this is actually a formal dining room. We're not "formal" diners so it's my room :D The room is open to the rest of the house so it needs to remain decorated and clean like any room that is basically seen by all...incentive for me to keep organized!

I'll have pictures soon...

I promise! The craft room is 1/2 way set up. I'm going to organize tomorrow and this weekend. Then I am going to spray my chandelier rather than replacing to save a few dollars. After that it's pretty much complete! I'll be back to scrapping and creating cards very shortly. Stay tuned...

My all new, shiny craft room...

is getting closer to becoming reality for me! I sketched out my room last night and measured and shopped around via the net...found a couple perfect additions to the room and hope to get them sometime this weekend or next week. Soon the room will be pretty and functional and I can begin crafting again! woo hoo!

Do you take cream and sugar?

I love this and it's at the top of my want list! I'm seeing a trip to Crate and Barrel in my near future :D

the gratitude project: day seven

Sorry for the missing day seven entry...we moved and had to be w/out internet for about a week before we could get the cable company out to install a line for the modem. So finally...my day seven list!

1. Internet
2. My new house...it's feeling and looking like home already
3. GQ loves his new room and has had no issues w/sleeping during the whole transition
4. Some friendly neighbors with awesome little ones for the little bug to play with
5. Family that traveled down to spend Thanksgiving with us
6. The Geek Squad...they make putting a TV on the wall and networking it all seem so easy
7. Attic space to run and hide wires
8. A roomy garage to house the car and all the misc stuff we're not quite sure what to do with yet
9. That a little garage sale fine, some elbow grease and paint can make a great coffee table
10. A full kitchen on turkey day
11. Some helping hands for cooking and dishes
12. A wonderful table full of great food
13. For everything I have...and never wanting, very lucky to have that
14. Talking to relatives states away to wish happy turkey day wishes
15. Seeing GQ and grandparents sit and watch Charlie Brown together on the couch
16. Ibuprofen for a little allergy sufferer; the only thing that he's able to take, it's some relief
17. Simply enjoying the family moments
18. Hearing GQ giggle while watching cartoons
19. That I will be sitting at home tomorrow not dealing w/any Black Friday crowds
20. For all my friends, family...near or far, each one holds a special place in my heart and I am so lucky to have you all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

the gratitude project: day six

1. Despite being very excited about today, little GQ slept through the night
2. Last night in a house w/no yard
3. All the hard work hubby has been doing for our move
4. Figuring out what made GQ act so crazy last night
5. Almost indestructible chew toys
6. Family heading down for turkey day next week
7. My paper, glue and embellies...even though I haven't seen you in a while
8. My crafty friends
9. Etsy...for shopping, inspiration, etc
10. Facebook
11. A sweet, sweet little boy. Even though he's a stinker at times, he pretty awesome!
12. Move-out cleaners
13. All the boxes from all the moves that I've saved
14. Lands End and all their comfy clothes
15. A chilly morning with the sun shining and windows open, the laptop warming me a little
16. GQ's love of old school cartoons...Scooby-Doo! Where are you?
17. All that I have...family, house, no many, if any worries
18. Clarks socks. They are truly the sock for me...guaranteed to not get wholes or they replace. I'll probably give them a run for their money. ;)
19. Little freckles across a cute little nose and cheeks
20. bandages

the gratitude project: day five

1. GQ getting 12 hours of much needed sleep...he still needs more, but we're getting there
2. PTO for the husband
3. Lots of variety for take-out
4. Hugs from GQ
5. Phone calls from my mom and mother-in-law
6. No rain...so far
7. Cuddling w/GQ on the couch
8. Hearing GQ count in Spanish
9. Early morning snuggling w/my family
10. Having windows open
11. Seeing my new house slowly become a home
12. All the friends I've made through YCM
13. How much GQ is loving his new house, yard, bedroom
14. The fun that GQ finds in the simplicity of things, like a bean bag...great fun!
15. That suffering through possibly H1N1 wasn't that bad and the cough is almost gone!
16. A husband that lets me stress and be crazy during a move and laughs at it rather than thinking I'm completely insane!
17. GQ singning, humming, yodeling
18. Modern Family...finally a sitcom I love!
19. Digital work turning out exactly as I imagined
20. GQ beginning to look forward to school...he has to wait till next fall, but it's fun to see him getting excited!