A Word For 2014

The kids and I have been down and out with hacking coughs and congestion since the day before Christmas.  For myself, I wasn't entirely surprised, as I'd felt the stress mounting--up, down and up again.  It was stressful this year, even as much as I used to think Christmas was never a stressful time, I felt the pressure accumulating thick.

The funny thing is, when Christmas morning came, there was a release.  All my ideals came to a thudding halt, the noise turned down and there was a stillness.  And I realized how much of my worry and the pressure I was carrying was because of my choice to entertain it.

Woosh, another Christmas gone.

The cold of winter brings a sense of barrenness.  I've been collecting myself, thinking of ways that I can continue to be in awe this season, to be stimulated and filled up, how I can give thanks all season long.

I'm thinking along the lines of less TV and electronics, and more outdoors.  How I'd love to hike around Jones Creek with Husband, and tromp around the property with my Nikon strapped around my neck, documenting winter in images.  There's something in this season for me, beyond the mothering, writing, reading, studying, long runs, and a few winter bathes.  Whatever it is is waiting for me.

I haven't settled on a resolution(s) this year.  I haven't done that for a couple years, as I've learned like many of you that resolutions can become problematic.  I want to breathe in each day knowing I've given my best and it must be simply so.

Last year, I did choose a word to focus on, and I liked doing that because even though it is just one word, it can be all encompassing.

The word for 2013 was WRITE.

What's funny about me and writing in 2013, is that I did less in a sense, but what I did do, was more.  Without plans to do so, I blogged less.  Then later, I decided that my blog needed some fine-tuning.  I felt the authenticity of SFS slipping between trendy-natured posts and a pressure to write more regularly to "have a successfully read blog" (i.e. increase numbers), than to write hard and meaningful for me, and if it so happens, for others along the road of exchange--however that happens over the interwebs.  I've watched a handful of blogs that I love become so overrun with marketing, links, products to buy, etc. that I've actually quit reading.  I'm making it a point to go and seek beautifully written blogs for their content, alone.   I love a good story.

My word for 2014 is EUCHARISTEO.

In the Greek translation, it means to have joy and to give thanks.  I first learned of this word last year when reading, "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp.  It's a book that has altered my thinking; it has firmed me up spiritually.  I've found that in giving such thanks there is an exchange that occurs.  I give You my broken pieces and questions, and You give me Your comfort, unending love, Your beauty, and deepen within me a joy for life in its intricate and fragile mess of wonder.   "Thanksgiving always proceeds the miracle."

"The root word of eucharisteo is charis, meaning “grace.” Jesus took the bread and saw it as graceand gave thanks. He took the bread and knew it to be gift and gave thanks. Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis. But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning “joy.” Charis. Grace. Eucharisteo. Thanksgiving. Chara. Joy."  Ann Voskamp, The High Calling

The thanksgiving is a way of life.  It's a present term; active and free-flowing.  It's words falling off saddened lips of loss.  It's thanks during disappointments that have penetrated deep.  It's the thanks for the blessings which have miraculously arrived after doors have slammed shut.  The thanks keep me in close relation with God, it keeps me joyful, and it keeps me humble, too.

Here's to eucharisteo; here's to the exciting New Year!

Did you do a resolution or do you have a word for this year?

image

A lovely holiday.

It was the perfect holiday weekend to celebrate the season of Thanksgiving and what was fall.  It was a pleasant and full day filled with family, a feast, blueberry pie and pumpkin cheesecake, and just as my heart desired, were the dusting of snow across the lawn.

Upon returning home from my in-law's country home, nestled in the trees, Husband and I slipped into bed to watch Eat Pray Love.  I'd been wanting to put film to memory since I read the book, but just as many say when comparing books to movies, the book was far more enjoyable.  However, Julia still makes me smile on the inside when she grins.  This must be the reason that I have a small collection of Julia Roberts movies in VHS in a box somewhere.  And while I am on the subject, can I just say how awesome it is to watch her in her element,  post babies?  It makes a mother feel good, and is quite empowering. 

Other than this and a couple of afternoons in my pj's fighting off a cold, while Husband was off helping his Dad harvest his elk meat, the weekend was relatively relaxed.  So relaxed, that when today fell upon us, I secretly hoped that I could be on holiday until January!

What was the best part of your holiday weekend?  I hope it was enjoyable!

via

give thanks-a fabric banner

Last weekend,

my friend, Erin, from CreativeLeigh Me,
came over to show me a thing or two about "fabric banners."

She is the fabric banner queen!  She has even made an interchangeable banner for different occasions,
and has sweet little accents like hearts ready to be thrown in the mix.

Boy, was it fun!

Lots of cutting!

I decided to outline the acorn and the leaves to help them "pop."

I refrained on the letters,

because it would have taken entirely too long,

and used crimping sheers to help the fabric not fray.

Then up she went!...a few days later.

After a moment, I realized something was missing--

Do you see it?

My new favorite owl.

He is quite cute, right?

And he helps spruce up my boring mantle.

This craft was involved, but relatively easy,
and has so many possibilities!

Have you done any fun crafts lately?

happy mama

This last weekend was more joyous than I could have imagined! The weather couldn't have been better, nor the moods of each family member the entire weekend!

Here is the weekend round-up, because it was that good!

Friday, we picnicked at Cottonwood Beach.

Saturday was just as beautiful as the day before. The skies were robin egg blue, and the temperature was perfect for a jaunt down at the Camas Mother's Day Plant Fair.

I could hardly believe my eyes, when we arrived and found practically the entire downtown area shut down to accommodate space for the many, many gardeners and growers presenting the fruits of their labor.

There were bonsai plants, trees, hanging baskets, herbs and a plethora of green and colorful bunches of earth exuding color for sale.

What did I buy, you wonder?

Not plants for my bare pots,

or hanging baskets to dangle from my porch to welcome visitors.

Not a bonsai to add culture to my largely traditional decor,

and not fresh herbs to enjoy over the many summer moons.

So, what did I buy, you ask again?

This:

A kit, of all things.

To do it myself.

Funny how that works, and often, it seems--

that I opt to give it a whirl myself before I spend money on the ready-made versions.

Delighted with my purchase and my willingness to dive in and plant the seeds with my bare hands, I barely notice that something is off.

Unsure about what I just did, I ask Husband for confirmation as I walk away, "Did I just spend $20 on seeds and wooden sticks?" Ironic how that works when you opt to "do it yourself," with half the purpose being that you think you can save money.

Lovingly, though, his response was "it'll be more fun for you this way."

What can I say? I'm a sucker for crafty talent and an A+ in presentation.

One herb kit sold!

Upon my arrival home, after my sheepish discovery of my lack of frugality in certain areas, Husband sent me on my way to find flowers for my pots elsewhere. Shhhh...the fair was over-priced! I hate to say that, especially when I like to give back to my community, but c'mon?

Thanks to a certain nursery expert, I returned home with a beautiful combination of flowers and vines. I can't wait to see them in full bloom!

Sunday was just as beautiful as Friday and Saturday. I woke early to my little ones scampering around my room. Forgetting that it was Mother's Day and not Father's Day, I headed down stairs, grabbed my Spark (No, not Sparks the alcoholic drink. It's a non-carbonated energy drink packed full of vitamins and minerals), whipped up a batch of banana pancakes and eggs and hurried to have them ready before Husband woke. He seemed confused at the sight, but kindly let me finish what I started.

We spent the rest of the day attending church, picnicking on the lawn with strawberry banana smoothies in goblets, lounging around the house, and leaving quite the mess in the kitchen. I also spent some time creating more bookmarks for my shop (yes, shop!--details to come).

It was one special Mother's Day weekend.

My girl and I.

Mother's Day 2010

(My sweet boy was sleeping, and the photograph that was supposed to happen, never did. Bummer.)

hey neighbor

I couldn't help but smile when I looked out the window while cooking dinner tonight. These two can find fun in almost anything. Even in hollering at our neighbor for twenty minutes as he climbed around on his roof cleaning gutters.

"Hey neighbor," Brooklynn would say, while Asher tried to finagle the same. Finally, Husband had me lure them inside with ice cream (before dinner!) to give the guy a break!

p.s. please excuse that hair. I would never let her leave the premisis looking so sweet.

Thankfulness 11/20/2007

With Thanksgiving only a few days away, I have thoughts of dinner plans and recipies running through my head. What a great time of year--a time to put my improved baking skills to the test, and a day to dedicate to family. However, since being married, the holidays have proven to be the most stressful time of year, as far as family goes. Sad. Nate’s parents are divorced and do not celebrate anything together. Even our wedding landed us in a pickle. His Dad didn’t talk to us for a few months after the fact. I guess they thought that one party wouldn’t be there for the biggest day of our lives together? I’m not sure the thinking. So, the holidays for Nate, especially, are heart-wrenching. He hates the idea that we have to devote our time to one of the three families at a time. If only we could say, “We’re celebrating at our place and if you want to join--come on. The more the merrier--regardless of whether or not you drink alcohol or if you had five kids together and haven’t spoke in ten+ years. WE DON’T CARE! And if you do, stay home!” But, unfortunately this would never happen and we don’t think our small family is big enough or there is enough distance between our family and the others to ditch all the commotion. What’s worse is that we actually look forward to the day that we can. But setting all this aside, there are so many things that I am grateful for. Here’s a short list:

My health and that of my family members.

My loving and devoted husband.

My happy, beautiful, and bright daughter.

Easy pregnancies.

Loyal and long-time friends.

My relationship with God and His unconditional love!

The financial blessings that God blesses my family with.

The gifts that I’ve been blessed with--I’m so happy that God has given me passion--to feel passionate about the things we love is infectious and a blessing to those around us.

Silence--the older I get, the more I need of it. How wonderful it is.

Inspired individuals who are extending their gift. To be inspired is a wonderful thing.

Happiness found in the simple things--i.e. a walk around the neighborhood, a cup of coffee, laughter.

Motherhood and all that it teaches me about what really matters and so many things about myself. God is constantly teaching me.

The peaceful moments, though, I know that storms are inevitable and opportunities for growth.