a bit of beauty

and awe....http://vimeo.com/31158841

i would like to challenge you as we head into the next few weeks-
to take a moment or two
a stand in awe of something
or someone
or a memory
and know you
are blessed...

love to you all and may your Thanksgiving be special between
you and yours.

karin

a Soul Restoration recap

If you have followed my posts at all you have read about the class I took online and about the projects I did. But I know I haven't completely outlined what I learned or how it changed me.
The gals at Brave Girls are having a little contest for those of us who went through the first online class. We are to write about our experience and then post links on their facebook page. If you are interested in reading the posts or even just helping me win...go read the posts and "like" those who inspire you...like me...
This first photo is of my clean new journal before class started. Just a spiral notebook from Michael's...the band is important as you will see...
yep-that is what it looks like now, full of fun artwork, my favorite papers and my soul poured out upon the pages. Here is another look to show you just how full it is and why I needed that band!

Oh look, there are more pages to do there at the bottom of the stack.

The first lesson I learned was what Peace would look like to me- silencing my inner critic, covering lies that Satan wants me to believe with God's truths. One of the great ways I do this is by putting my truth cards right on my dresser so I can pick one each day and then focus on those thoughts. (You can see some of the examples in my Soul Restoration catagory) I also so
appreciate the daily notes the the group sends. They are always life affirming and challenge me to look at things differently.

Looking through my life's timeline also showed me that some of the things I think of and about myself, crept in years before I thought they had. So I try to remember the little girl in me when I get to thinking about acting differently than my authentic self. I realize that the little girl had to grow up too fast and so taking things slowly and making time for play is really important to my soul.
I love the thought of authentic self. You sift things through what you know of life-but being authentic to me means being able to not have to change who I am for each person I encounter. Not having to reign in enthusiasm if that is what I am feeling. Not feeling guilty if what I feel like doing is just sitting and not thinking about anything in particular. How amazing would it be if we all felt the freedom to be real in each circumstance we encounter. Not having to worry about how to say something in such a way that nobody will be offended or challenged. It would be life changing for sure.

Some of the pages in my journal also hold the words to songs that I find especially meaningful like you're beautiful, you are more, what love really means, voice of truth. The songs that when they come on I crank on high and sing right along. Surrounding myself with life affirmation music changes the way I feel, as much as working on crafts or my journal does. The journal was an interesting project to get into. I have a girlfriend who for years has been doing art journaling. She has created amazing books that I love to go through and just relish the creativity. I always looked at journaling as a thing people did daily. Well I don't like the idea of "having" to do things and so I dabbled in journaling from time to time but the whole commitment thing blew me away. Besides each time I journaled I was dealing with the same problems. This time though I gave myself the freedom to journal as the feeling came to me. Having the prompts that went with the class helped me zero in on the issues I have dealt with for years. It enabled me to look at things differently and gently allow myself to feel again. I must say it is way easier to write my soul down on a pretty piece of art than on a big white page of blue lines.

I also liked the lesson where we explored "doing it anyway". By looking at each obstacle or situation I encounter which could have the potential to derail me and start me back into a spiral down and realizing that by looking at it differently, I could continue down my healthier path. I could essentially face the situation and "do it anyway" and still be able to go onto the next thing.

I think my favorite part of the whole process was when we wrote out our "instruction manual."
By writing down the things I do when I am on track or off track, etc. I have a tangible place that I can go to with concrete things to do to keep on the path to a completely restored soul.

Finally, today I made my promise book. This was the last project and I had to go and review the video to see what it was supposed to be like. I had done another book that was focused on God's promises to me. This was supposed to be my promises to myself. I had this little book in my stash from a thrifting trip. Since it was 2 ringed I was able to add an envelope, a photo card as well as other items from my inventory to create a unique book. I was amazed at how quickly I was able to fill it with promises. Things I came across during the class that remind me that I am a prize. A prize not only to God but to myself and those around me.
It has truly been an amazing experience and I am looking forward to part II coming in a few months.

Decorating for Christmas

Tradition at this house is to decorate the day after Thanksgiving-we want to make Christmas last as long as possible! I make up a lunch of snacks and treats and the kids show up when they can.

Gary helped with the garlands since Amy and I are
vertically challenged and Gabriele wasn't here yet.

The theme this year was red, pink and bright green and also vintage.
These piles are the ones that Amy thought were most vintage looking.

This is my favorite ornament-it has hung on our trees
since I was a little kid.

This little angel is Amy's favorite ornament.

This bigger angel is Nick's favorite ornament!!

The decorating crew-

Amy and I made this cute wall hanging from the back of my
desk calendar. And I made the little ball ornaments.

Stockings hung in a row- 75% off at Safeway a few years ago.

Our manger set has been in Gary's family since he was
little. I was going to put out a smaller one I had bought
but was met with resistance in the name of tradition.

My snowbaby collection found a new home in the
hall.

Dining room frames were filled with images from a
vintage children's book.

Dining room window filled with bubble lights I
picked up cheap at Goodwill.

Ta-da...the finished tree!

and just in time too-the next day a head cold hit and I spent most of the next 5 days laying on the couch...glad I had something pretty to look at.

100 Awesome Things! - Brave Girls Club

I love all things about the Brave Girls Club...
I participated in their online "What is awesome" in your life by posting a few things on their website. When I was watching the video I saw one of the things I had written-can you find it too?

New blinkie

Well it's called a blinkie but it doesn't blink :)
It is a link to an amazing group. They send out daily "truths" full of words that are to encourage and inspire and heal those places in our souls that need help or encouragement or inspiration or healing.

They have retreats that are always full and are going to do an online camp in January.

Take a look and then sign up if you are brave...
Brave Girls Club

Mother's Day

It looks like it's going to be a grand Mother's day morning...the sun is shining bright. The flowers look great and we have some fun stuff planned for the day. But I awoke with a need to acknowledge what being a mom has meant to me and to say thanks to a few people.

All I can remember wanting to be as a little girl and then later as I grew up, was a mom. A mom that was able to be home for her children, that played with them, baked cookies and read them
stories. My dream came true and I still find it exciting to see what new ways I can share my love.

These women taught me by example what unconditional love was. I felt adored and cared for as every little girl hopes for. Grandma's mom died when she was 8 and she began working as a young child. She worked most of her adult life as a telephone operator and was retired by the time I was 8. We spent a lot of time with her and a lot of her influence taught me how to have fun in the moment. My mom was a single, working woman with 3 young children. She was often "done" by the time she got home from work, but the thing I remember most about her was that she was always telling us that she loved us. A moment I cherish as a mom was when she said to me, just days before she passed away, " I wish I could have been the kind of mom you are." It was the only time I had ever heard her acknowledge me as a mother. I reassured her in the fact that I appreciated the impact she had on me but I sure do wish we had more time...
Well without this guy I wouldn't be talking about being a mom at all! Gary has given me not only two great gifts but by working really hard, has allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom. He was always ready to take over if I was at the end of my rope by 4pm or to rough house with the kids so I could get dinner ready. I have cherished his support and been so glad to have him by my side constantly.
Our firstborn has become an amazing woman! She is loved by so many and is wonderfully gifted.
It is still a bit shocking to me when she starts talking numbers and housing costs and bankruptcy rates...she sounds so grown up! But she is still my little girl that loves to shop and do crafts with me. Watch girly movies and eat chocolate with. I adore you-always have and always will...
My gregarious boy-oh how much fun I have had watching you grow up! Those who work with him will tell us about things he said or did and I am awed because I still see in my mind the little boy who would go out in the yard next door and play baseball. All alone, you would hit and run bases and slid into home, all the time talking away to yourself. Did you know I was watching you from the window, reveling in your imagination? I cherish your sense of humor and your willingness to do things for others. You are an awesome man!!
The next two photos are of the people who adore my children almost as much as I do. For that they have a truly special spot in my heart. They are different than the two I gave birth to, but I still consider them my children...knowing the God loving hearts of these two made it easier to relinquish my hold of Amy and Nick's lives and hearts.

Last but not least are my friends. They cheered and cried and supported me through all the phases of being a mom. They are still there for me even though my active work is mostly done as a mom. They have shown me how to be better by example as well as their words. This photo shows just some of the great women who have been there for me through the years. Thanks to you all for allowing me to be who I am and gently guiding me when I needed it.

May those of you who are moms have a grand day today and be treated like the princess(queen) that you are. I sure wouldn't be who I am without you...

a Valentine's Day

Valentine's day portrait....
Started the day at New Heights East and heard a great talk about how to pray. We also got to see the "boy" playing...always neat.
Gary's coffee to start the fun-
Then off to Mississippi Ave. in Portland for a sunny stroll through shops-
The plant store had a bunch of different chickens and this one was smart enough to come inside for breakfast-
Photos of us-

Lunch at Mississippi station-
with a BLTA-
and an open faced burger- oh and a half order of french toast (made with bread pudding) to go. Yummy without even warming it up!
oh that guy likes to take my picture-
a bowling ball for the sphere garden-
then home for a nap and movie...fun!!

Thankful Thursday

1. Read more of the bible than I ever have before
2. New ways to keep in touch with friends
3. Crazy weather on trip to see MIL
4. A day focused on Gary after he heard his mom died
5. Rejoicing that she is dancing w/Jesus in a glorified body
6. Taking a day off today
7. A year of new possibilities
8. Good books
9. Great friends
10.My awesome God

Thankful Thursday

Many years ago God sent his son to live with us so that we may know God. Christmas celebrates his birth...we are so thankful for the chance we have to share in the promise of joy, peace, hope and love that is central to what His message was/is. May you all have a wonderful Christmas and I thank you for sharing my life with me.

This image is from the beginning of the year...we may not have a "white" christmas but it will be full of love!

1. My loving Savior

2. My wonderful family
3. My awesome friends
4. Joy
5. Peace in my heart

6. The ability to work from home
7. We are able to pay the bills
8. My health
9. Our vehicles
10. My home

Thankful Thursday

1. yummy smells in the house
2. no desire to eat treats either!!
3. silver sparkle french tip manicure
4. sharing our glorious God
5. visits with friends
6. anticipations....
7. new music
8. internet inspiration
9. month break from photo business
10. wedding plans

Thankful Thursday

1. my Great Big Amazing God
2. my wonderful kids
3. my awesome friends
4. my cozy robe
5. sleeping in
6. Facebook and checking in with old friends
7. free tickets to Christmas show
8. invites to parties
9. warm drinks
10. Christmas smiles

Thankful Thursday

November chalkboard, everyone who came to the house added something...

1. glittery baubles

2. smiles on peoples faces

3. getting projects done

4. not being sick

5. closing office for December

6. the PEACE that comes from understanding

7. new music in my IPOD

8. traditions

9. new couch

10. son in now engaged!!