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Silver Bella Sneak Peek Part II

It is 1 am and I am trying to wrap up some last minute projects for Silver Bella.

I have tomorrow to finish and get packed.

Thursday morning (early) I will head out for my 10 hour drive to Omaha....what was I thinking???

Airplane....ship my items.....think rationally.....

I signed up for an art swap months ago.  MONTHS.

Do you want to know when I started this lovely project that requires me to make 13.......two days ago.

That's right....procrastination.

I make 13 and I will get one of my own works of art about Mary back and also 12 others. 

I can not wait to see what everyone came up with.

Here is a peek at mine.

I can't wait to tell you all about it!

A Little Girl Time

I have so much going on right now.

I am usually really good at balancing a lot of things.

This time there are so many things that I almost just sit and do nothing.

I don't know where to start.

Many months ago one of my best friends, Amy Jo, and I bought tickets to see Wicked.

The plan has been to meet in Denver and have a girl's weekend.

To be honest....I worked up until it was time to go.

The closer I got to Denver the more all my responsibilities and stress just washed away.

We met at the theater to see Wicked first.

Oh my goodness it was sooooo good!!!

Seriously....my favorite show to date and I think we see a lot!

Laughed. Out. Loud.

Really laughed!

I now wish we had seen the show sooner and there was still time to see it again before it leaves.

After the show we headed to the Vesta Dipping Grill.

I love this place and we were not disappointed this time either.

I am hungry just looking at this picture.

We had so much fun catching up without interruptions.

If you are a mom you know what I mean....the conversations that normally don't ever get finished or if you are like me you forget what you were even saying!!!

After dinner we walked around Denver, got a coffee and talked a little more.

We stayed at The Brown Palace...a gorgeous, historic hotel in Denver.

Look at some of the details.

 

We finished up our time together just walking around Denver and doing a little shopping.

 

 

 

We had so much fun and we can't wait until our next girl time!

Than you Amy Jo for a wonderful weekend and for your true friendship!

You bless my life.

Silver Bella Sneak Peek Part I

I am really excited to attend Silver Bella this year.

This will be my first time and I am looking forward to the art swap I am a part of, the workshops and meeting so many talented girls.

I will also be selling at vendor night.

I will have all of the things in my shop and I will also have some new items. 

I didn't make as many things as I had hoped to but I am loving what I did find the time to make.

Here is a sneak peek.

 

 

 

 

 

I want to let you all know how much I have loved all your comments about dreams!

I have some things in the works that I am hoping we can all do together!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

I will be spending the weekend in Denver with one of my best friends.

We are staying at the Brown Palace, seeing Wicked, eating yummy foods and spending time together.

What are your weekend plans?

How Big Are Your Dreams?

Brave Girl Camp has made me think of many beautiful things about my life and the dreams I have for the future.

I started to think about how many people I have told my dreams to.

Why don't we always share our dreams?

I quickly realized how many people in my life don't really know a lot of the things that are quiet whispers in my heart.

That is ok.

These are sacred.

I have only begun to whisper those dreams out loud myself.

It took me a few years to even say them in my head. 

I would think about those dreams and picture them.

Sometimes clearly and other times in a cloudy fog.

I have started to share these bold, big and beautiful dreams with my husband.

I am not talking about small dreams.

The big ones.

The ones that once they slip past your lips you almost wish you could take them back.

Once they are out...people know.

When people know then there is the chance of failure.

I am the kind of girl  that really likes to do things that I know I will succeed in.

I have no plans on looking like an idiot in front of people.

The past few weeks since I have been home from Brave Girl Camp I have shared some of those dreams with my mom, dad and a good friend.

One of those people even laughed a little....and I was ok...a little bruised...but ok.

It is powerful to speak your dreams out loud.  Dreams take a lot of work. Support. Encouragement.

Why not let the people that love you be there to give your dream a fighting chance.

I had an interesting conversation with my mom last week. 

We were talking about dreams and I shared one of mine with her.

When I did it made me cry.

I felt really vulnerable and exposed. Maybe even a little foolish.

She had just heard a pastor talking about how we dream so small for ourselves sometimes.

God dreams big!

We need to dream so big that when they happen we will give all the credit to him.

Dreams that are so big that they could only happen when we give them to him.

I want to be a big dreamer.

I might fail. I might succeed.

I might look like an idiot.

I want to dream for myself and family the way I want my children to dream.

HUGE!

I want to dream so big that all the glory will go to the Lord for blessing my dreams.

How big are your dreams?

Are you dreaming for yourself like man does or like God?

"God delights to do impossible things through improbable people to impart exeeding grace to undeserving recipients".

Chip Ingram

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All photography from here.

Sugar Overload

I bet almost everyone in this country feels the same way...too much sugar!

I can't believe how much candy the kids got this year.

In the past I have even told them that I will buy them a new toy if they throw away some of the candy...it is for the best...for their teeth and my backside.

So here are my little kiddos.

 

Each of their costumes are so them!!! 

They couldn't wait to dress up and they were ready to head out long before it was dark.

I stayed home and handed out candy and Kelly took the kids throughout the neighborhood.

Benjamin was finished in about 10 minutes and he was ready to partake in the bounty he had received....about 20 pieces of candy.....the most the kid had ever seen!!

It was really funny how excited he was.

Every time I turned around he was stuffing his face with another piece or trying to steal some from the trick or treat bowl.

I told him that he probably should stop so he didn't throw up...he repeatedly promised me that he would not throw up...as he put another piece in his mouth.

 

The best part is that they all ate too much sugar last night and they have not even asked for any candy today (ok..that has changes since I wrote this).

FREAKY!!

Here are the neighbor kids.  My children love playing with this family.

The little girl's name is Aspen.  Last summer I heard Madolyn yelling, "Ass!!!  Ass!!!  Ass, do you want to play dolls?"

I asked Madolyn what was she saying and she told me it was Aspen's nickname....like how Aspen calls her Mad.

I told her that some names are too pretty to shorten:-)

I hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween.

I think next year Kelly and I will dress up.

Little Lovlies

Every once in awhile I love showing you little things that I find that are so lovely.

I hope you find them as lovely as I do.

I am also starting to really get excited for Christmas...what about you?

Are you dreaming of decorating and baking?

Making gifts and spending time with friends and family?

I was singing Christmas songs yesterday...probably all that snow that Colorado is getting.

Efia Fair

Alicia Bock

Royal Buffet

Gypsy Fish Studio

Deniz Gunes

 

 

Amy Hatch

 

Sweet B Papers

Simple Linens

 

Cathy Walters

Sadie Olive

Petit Coterie

I Love Me Some Sparkle

I don't know if you remember my window seat.

I posted awhile ago about my window seat makeover and how I was looking for a chandelier to hang above the seat.

We bought a gorgeous chandelier a little while ago for our bathroom...and we have no motivation for the remodeling right now.... so we took that chandelier, hung it and I LOVE it.

It is so perfect in this space and makes it look so lovely at the top of our stairs.

This little area is how I want our whole home to look:-) 

I can't tell you how many times we have looked around the house and just switched things around and everything looked new.

I bet you have something that would have new life if you changed it's location.

I sure love me some sparkle!!!

What projects are you working on right now?

Or what projects do you WISH you were working on:-)

Where Has The Time Gone?

I know everyone says this.

The time goes by so quickly.

I remember.....really remember.... the day Madolyn was born.

She was 4 1/2 weeks early and she was an emergency c-section.

I remember like it was only a few months ago.

It couldn't have been seven years ago...could it?

But it has.

Seven years and this little girl is growing up.

This little girl that thinks her older brother is the funniest kid around, she is always making up a story or a play and she SKIPS everywhere.

EVERYWHERE....even after getting in trouble.

She can be upset and the next minute it is forgotten and she has moved on.

Doesn't hold a grudge and is so generous to the people that she loves.

She has been letting us know for the past week what the schedule was for her birthday.

She wanted pumpkin pancakes with apple cider syrup for breakfast (a family favorite), dinner at PF Changs and playing at Chuck E Cheese....yes, Chuck E Cheese.

Her breakfast was served on our china and our Tiffany crystal goblets...because seriously....when else are we going to use those things???!!!!

She was all smiles when she came downstairs and saw the table and her presents. 

I do this for my children because that is always what my mom did for us. 

We always came downstairs to a birthday banner, presents on the table and our favorite breakfast.

I always felt so special...and I hope my own children grow up feeling the same way.

We met my sister and her family for dinner at PF Changs and then headed to hell...I mean Chuck E Cheese.

I tried to bribe her not to go.  I offered cash....CASH....she was adamant that the big rat was where the action was.

So we went.

I told my husband that 160 tokens was it and we were out of there.

I had wanted to order a cake from the French Pastry shop here in town and she would not hear of such a thing...we HAD to get the Wal-mart cake (I refuse to buy groceries there...but my Kelly loves Wal-mart...LOVES) with the makeup kit on top.

So...the makeup cake was what we got.

At the end of the evening you can see the amazing selection of high quality toys that can be traded for your tickets...just look at those choices.

And just think...besides the incredible quality toys we probably brought home the H1N1 virus...yummy!!!

You should have seen me with my small bottle of antibacterial hand wash walking around that place.

I would have drank it if I thought it would help!

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!!!!

Maybe next year we can fly to Paris like you originally asked...and yes...she really asked to go to Paris for her birthday!

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Just in case you want to make some yummy pumpkin pancakes for yourself.

2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup pumpkin
1 3/4 cup bisquik
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/4 tsp cinnamon 
 
Beat eggs on high for 5 minutes and add the rest of the ingredients.
 
Cider syrup
 
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 cup cider
4 tbsp oj
2 tbsp butter
 

Mix brown sugar and cornstarch.

Stir in all but butter.

Boil until thick and blend in butter.

Born To Fly

I have to admit that coming back from Brave Girl Camp has been an emotional roller coaster ride.

My heart and mind came home so full of ideas, joy, creations, promises, truths.

It has been hard to find a rhythm this week. 

Hard to do school, laundry, pay bills and even create.

I think I have been walking around like a shell of a person because I keep thinking about the amazing women I met. Their stories.  Their pain and their bravery.

I really miss them.

It seems so strange to say that when I was only with them for 4 1/2 days.  I miss the laughter...man...did we laugh!  I miss the creativity.  I think I just miss the chance to be still and listen to who we are.

One of the most powerful writing exercises for me during the camp was the day we made our promises book.

I don't think I have EVER written promises to myself.

It is the only exercise that made me cry. Not because it was hard....because it was precious.

I felt like I was making promises to myself as a little girl....and that I would fight for her...I would support her...I would believe in her dreams.

I then went on to write promises to each of my three children, my husband and then our marriage.

Even if you just set the timer for 5 minutes and write all the promises you can think of that you want to make to yourself and those you love....it will change your heart.  When is the last time you listened to your heart?  Do we even know what our hearts are desiring?  We are so busy that if we don't stop every once in a while...we forget.

If you have been reading the posts that I have written about the camp....you know that it was beautiful.  I knew it would be.  Melody is all about heart...so I knew there was no way I was going to leave without my heart being changed. 

Sometimes you just need a little quiet to hear the truths, make the promises and remember that you were born to fly.

(incredible book created by Melody Ross)

Not endure, not survive....THRIVE!

Even in the middle of pain, change, heartbreak, disappointment. 

We have the power to make the choices that set us free.

I believe that the things I can't handle that the Lord is right beside me holding my hand, lifting me up, carrying me.

You don't have to believe what I believe to know that we can't control all of our circumstances...but we can control how we react to them.

Melody said over and over that she has learned to "Go To Where The Peace Is".

Notice that she didn't say happiness.

Happiness is fleeting.  Peace is real.

Peace is knowing when you put your head on the pillow at night that your words did not hurt anyone that day, lies did not come out of your mouth, you paid attention to your husband and children, you were careful with your money, you encouraged a friend, you made time for yourself, you nurtured relationships around you.

Peace may be saying "no" to a lot of things we have been saying "yes" to.

Peace may be setting boundaries, cutting off relationships, moving into a smaller home, going to work or staying home with the children. 

I don't know what that peace will look like for you. You do.  Look for it. Life is so much better with peace.

This is my last post about my time at Brave Girl Camp...I promise. 

I know I have gotten so many emails wanting to know more about the camp.

Go to www.bravegirlsclub.com to check out the location, times, and costs.

You will not regret it! 

Who couldn't use a reminder that you were BORN TO FLY??

 

I have to share ONE more thing:-)

The BGC "theme" song was Life Uncommon by Jewel.

The words are incredible.

Kathy sang it a few times and the last night Kathy and Melody sang it together.

I hope you love it as much as I have.

Remembering Your Truths

I started off my second day at Brave Girl Camp with an early hike with some of the girls.

Idaho reminds me so much of Colorado and I really felt at home.

Because I have three younger children at home it isn't often that I am out taking a walk as the sun is coming up.

I really believe that these early morning walks could make me a morning person (as anyone who knows me is dying laughing right now)

These morning walks were so beautiful and a quiet time with some of the girls.

Besides being such a great way to start the day....it was gorgeous.

It is rare for me to just be on a walk with my camera.  I am usually chasing a child or running beside a three year old.

Not a bad way to start the day..huh????

After our hike and a delicious breakfast (the food was out of this world...still working if off) Melody shared about some of her art that she had brought and the story behind them.

Don't you love when an artist explains the beauty that they created?

When Melody shares her heart ....I have to be honest...it changes yours!

There are so many things that I want to share with you...but it just wouldn't be the same on a computer screen.

The reason these posts are harder to writer than normal is because I feel like I am trying to describe the most intimate conversation I had with a best friend and I don't want to tell anything that is too personal.

I am trying to tell you about a sacred relationship.

Does that make sense?

Who wants to come over for coffee and I will spill my guts???:-)

I really want to share one of the sweetest parts of the day.

One of our projects was to make art (whatever that is for you) that states truths about ourselves.

So we wrote letters of truths to ourselves.

Everyone's was different.....the truths and the style of their art.

Becky would hand paint on hers.

Lissa (who said she wasn't crafty or artsy) blew us away.

Here are some of mine.

 

On this night we had the amazing treat of having Kathy play the guitar and sing.

I truly could have listened to her for hours.

I have never seen two sisters compliment each other as beautifully as Kathy and Melody.

I guess I just want to end the day two post with asking you one question.

Are there truths about yourself that you have forgotten?

Have you forgotten because someone has spoken lies over you (maybe even yourself)?

When is the last time that you spoke those words of TRUTH out loud?

The spoken word is POWERFUL!

Even if you just take a few minutes right now and jot down some truths of yourself...I promise you...you will feel so empowered.

My words were written as if the Lord was speaking them over me.

Maybe you have a person in your life that you adore.  Use them as your special person. 

These little works of art are so precious to me. 

I even think I will hang the art around my studio so I have a constant reminder of the truths about myself.

What are you waiting for????