Project Life Tuesday

This is new to me, but not new to so many.


I love it and had to take the leap.


I love this time of year, the feeling of new beginnings.


Project Life Tuesday is about taking one photo from every day of the week 

and actually putting them together with a quick line or two of journaling.  

It's a way to chronicle the every day moments of our lives.  

A way to be PRESENT in them.

And a way to document those little details we think we'll always remember, 

but sadly with time will become blurry.

Which is why I want to take a moment today to cherish the present, 

also knowing that my future self will be so glad I did. 

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Ava's kindergarten artwork sent home from school.  

A snowman painted with kid writing explaining what she made.

Sheer excitement over the new play-yard daddy bought from Costco.  The boxes proved just as worthy play toys while daddy sorted the hundreds of pieces of wood together.

Getting supplies for Ava's birthday party at Target I came across these I (heart) U vases in the dollar section at Target.  They make me smile. 

Enjoying early mornings with my kids still in their jammies.  Sitting around the kitchen table, talking, watching the birds, reading the bible together before the rush to get out the door.  

I always want to freeze that time and let it last forever.

Lots and lots of this was happening this week.  

Every second she could, Audrey was with Daddy, his little shadow, 

helping him build the new play-yard.

When I have a lot on my plate one of two things happen.

I'll either be fine and kick into high gear, or I'll start to feel like I have organizational ADD.  

I start and half finish a lot of things, 

but I wind up feeling frustrated with myself 

because nothing is getting completed.  

On my way to put one thing away I get side tracked 

with something else I need to do and my path changes, 

then I discover something else in that process and on and on it goes. 

Does this happen to you?  

Oh when it does I start to feel like I'm spinning. 

That was happening.

But Saturday I knuckled down and sat still long enough to make her.  

She is the cake topper for my 

daughter's 6th birthday (using this pdf...so excited) coming up this weekend.

  

I was just so happy to actually complete something!

This weekend the weather was beautiful.  

Two kids had runny noses so we stayed home and did nothing.  

Nothing but hang out outside enjoying the sunshine and each other's company.  

1,000 Gifts

After my experience counting 100 Joys during Christmas, I'm inspired to continue with some structure for this little blog.

For years I've read Ann Voskamp's blog and today I jumped feet first, not only to buy her new book, but to join in the Bloom book study and to begin counting my own 1,000 gifts. 

To see this video, I can tell the book will be amazing and this journey will most assuredly be life changing.

Won't you join me in doing any or all of these.  Perhaps you already are.

To open our eyes to the extraordinary in the ordinary, to see the thousands of gifts He lays before us every day.

Oh and to focus on all that is pure and lovely.  We must in order to push out the darts the enemy tries to throw.

This weekend I had quite a few trying to bring me down.  It started to work.  But thankfully I have a God who is bigger than this, I have a husband willing to listen and to pray with me and I have eyes to see the beauty all around me.  I have the hope in Christ that He is working all things for good for those who love him.

So here we go...as I embark on the beginning of my 1,000 gifts.

1.  It seems only right that I start with my Heavenly father.. and His word.  For the thousands upon thousands of ways he provides and comforts and rescues and fills with joy and hope and love.  For His undying love and everlasting peace. Oh I could go on and on.  For today I'm specifically thankful for my Community Bible Study on the faithful servants of God.  And for this book giving scriptural references to animals being in heaven.  From my previous posts, I've mentioned I really needed something like this right now.  

2.  My husband of fourteen years who works tirelessly and joyfully to provide for us.  For the ways he's so positive even through the hard times.  For the ways he has turned his life over to the Lord and completely trusts in Him.  It's a faith that has inspired me and has helped us grow together.

3.  These three kids that have been placed in our care, for such a short while really.  Though at times they bicker and fight, they look so sweet in this pretty light.  I just had to say that.. it rhymed too well. ;)

Each one I see growing longer and leaner and becoming more of the big person they're meant to be.  Oh it's scary how fast I see them changing and pulling away and that is another reason I want to embark on being PRESENT in counting these moments as the gifts they are.  (For those of you new here, that's my one word for the year... which is why I'm making a point to bold it when it finds it's way into my day).

4.  The silly faces and poses she makes for the camera, even when she's home sick.

5.  Seeing the joy of her biting into her first subway sandwich.

6.  Her 'pilly' which is her baby crib bumper.  It has been her 'lovey' from the time she was a baby, clinging to it and carrying it everywhere she goes.

7.  And her teeny crossed over toes, just like her mamma had when she was young.

8.  His spunk and energy and everlasting search for outdoor adventure.

9.  The amazing way they can pretend play with just about anything.  

10. The chance to be with them.  To really be with them.  To be 100% PRESENT.  Feeling well and healthy and not taking a second of it for granted.  

Wearing this hat just because I wanted to, not because I had to.  For over a year I wore a hat every second of every moment outdoors.  With the lupus diagnosis I was told I had to.  It felt like a stronghold in a way.  I suddenly had to fear the sun and shun it.  Something that is so warming and brings such joy and peace and suddenly I had to hide from it.  Thankfully I am in remission and I'm not saddled with that fear now.  I praise God for that.  And even the sun I no longer take for granted.

11.  The surprisingly warm January weather that meant we all could head into the jacuzzi after dinner.  Making this mamma really ready for bed.  But first I wanted to make sure I posted this.  Which brings me to a question.  How do people find time to write all these fabulous blog posts with amazing photos.  I love them, really love them and find them so inspiring.  But man doing my own really takes time.  No matter how much I try to bust it out quickly, the loading and sizing and spacing etc.  it just takes time.  Sometimes I really wonder how you all manage to do it all????

12.  And last but not least tonight.. this beautiful full moon, or nearly full moon.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  Thank you Lord for a beautiful holiday off as a family spending the day outside just being PRESENT.

New Things

There's lots of excitement around here.

For the kids and for me.

With lots of this

And lots, and lots of these.

And despite what seems like a lot of loose pieces it's making us all so happy.

You see, for years I've wanted my kids to have one of these.

just a preview... of what's to come

But we don't have a lot of flat space in our yard.

However, this one is tall rather than wide.

One day last week we saw it at costco.

The girls asked, and Daddy said yes.


Without hesitation.

I think it may have had something to do with the sadness, 

(early morning 1.8.2011 the kids saying their goodbyes to Bella)

over having to say goodbye to Bella.

(I took a moment to capture this goodbye, but quickly put the camera away.
It was too emotional for all of us.)

  

Daddy has spent his free time, morning

day and night 

following the directions, little by little piecing together

a place that will host a million imaginary worlds.

Oh I'm so excited for them.

Most of all Daddy says, he doesn't care how long it takes, 

the time spent with his little helpers is priceless.

Other exciting new things, our tulip magnolia trees are budding.

As I watch these signs of new life this week I'm reminded of my memory verse for this part of the month.

"Remember not the former things, 

nor consider the things of old.  

Behold I am doing a new thing; 

now it springs forth, 

do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness 

and rivers in the desert."

Isaiah 43:18-19

Also making me smile,

these adorable little vases I found in the dollar section at Target.

I like having visual reminders around the house of God's promises and love.  That's what this represents to me.  And my daughters say, that is a perfect flower.  It's from one of the camellia trees planted years before we owned the house.  They truly are a sign of God's perfection.

And I'm very excited about how this little lady turned out.

I still have to add her rolling pin.  But I followed the tutorial from this pdf.  She'll go on top of my daughter Ava's sixth birthday cake.  We're using the instructions for a baking party from one charming party.  

Also making me happy, this new wrapping for my prints.  

I ordered bakers twine to wrap up the girl's party favor boxes and decided it would look cute for the scripture art wrapping as well.  So I spent a little time making a new gift tag that goes with the pink/red theme.

And finally, last but not least, I wanted to share my new scripture 

I've chosen for the scripture memory challenge hosted by 

Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore.

"He will shield you with his wings.

He will shelter you with his feathers.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

Psalm 91:4  NLT

I have a picture forming in my mind to go with this.  As soon as I have time to dedicate to it, I hope to bring it to life. 

My Morphing Warrior Girl

I got a request to give her a blonde ponytail to go with the 

Isaiah  girl who is flying on the eagle.

Just wanted to share that she's in the shop now.

Creative Therapy & Free Banner

Taken With My Phone (excuse the blurriness)

Have I mentioned how much making things is therapeutic for me?

And of course deadlines help.  Because sometimes when you're sad you just don't feel motivated.

But once a month it's my job to update the Good Citizenship Board at the school my older two kids attend.

The first friday of the month they have an assembly where they recognize a couple of students from each class and then one from each grade is recognized for a special character trait.  This month was kindheartedness.  They also can be selected for good sportsmanship and for getting caught being good.

Then the following week it's my job to change out the board, giving it a new look with the new kids being honored.  I've chosen to go with the theme of the month.  

So this month is Happy New Year!  

I found the number paper at paper source.  We're lucky enough to have one of their stores near us.  It's such eye candy.  I could get lost browsing for quite some time.

I wanted to offer the banner I created as a free download for anyone who'd like it.  It should fit perfectly onto an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper.

You simply download and then print onto an 8.5 x 11 piece of cardstock.  Cut out the triangles.  I used a cutting board, but scissors would work.  I then taped the little flags onto bakers twine.

The map background is a free download from Designer Digitals.  The polka dot and orange damask papers are from Shabby Princess, the Plentiful Collection.  It's also a free download.  The graph paper and circle letters I created myself.

I hope you enjoy a little creative therapy this week.

Now I must get to work on the many details of Ava's party.  It's a little over a week away.  I want to have fun with this, but am feeling a little overwhelmed.  

Focus Jackie, focus!


Oh and p.s. I'm linking this to You Create at gitzengirl.. so head over there to find more creative inspiration.

Peace

"You keep him in perfect peace 

whose mind is stayed on you,

because he trusts in you."

Isaiah 26:3

He said that he would give us perfect peace.

I had been praying for that.

I didn't feel it for a little while.

When I grieve I feel a palpable ache in my heart.

The physical hole that is left by something taken from you or something lost.

It hurts.

And I know in the process of grieving I needed to feel it.

But in the process I kept trusting in Jesus and asking Him 


to help me find that peace.

And you know, on Sunday, after praising Him 


and experiencing an awesome service.

I felt the heaviness lift.

It doesn't mean I have stopped missing her.

But I've felt the peace and comfort of Jesus.

I also talk to God and sometimes ask Him 

to give me something to hold onto when things don't make sense.

By something, I don't mean that I need a sign, 


but that I'll wait for the right scripture

to touch my heart, or a song or a sermon.  


Some kind of message that speaks right to the confusion 


and fills it with godly wisdom.

He always answers, in one way or another.

And more than once, that answer has come in the clouds.

While I was silently talking to God yesterday, I looked out the car window.

And then I saw a perfectly formed heart shaped cloud.

it was dark and stood out against a white one, serving as its frame.

It made me think of Christ's perfect love.

His love is more than enough to heal my loss.

I feel it happening already.

I didn't expect it to be this quick.


But Christ knew.

And I praise Him for holding me through everything,

 and showing me again and again His perfect peace 

that comes from trusting Him and His most unconditional love.

Goodbye To Our Bella Girl

November 2010

I had been praying for the Lord to make it clear when it was time to let her go.  Last night I knew we had to as soon as we could today.  She never slept.  I never slept.  She was shaking and panting and moaning and going to the bathroom every ten minutes all night long.  She couldn't get comfortable and wouldn't settle down.  She hadn't been able to keep any food down since Monday.  She was looking so weak and so confused.  She'd turn over and over and sit up and stare and tap me with her paw begging me to make it better.  The decline happened so rapidly.  In some ways I know that was a blessing.  But last night, oh it was killing me.  My poor sweet Bella girl.  I knew, we had to let her go.

So early this morning our very compassionate vet and her sister who work together were with us as we peacefully let her slip away to heaven.  And I am holding onto the fact that dogs do go to Heaven.  I just have to right now.  

In a very child-like way earlier this week I begged Jesus to please take care of her.  I know He is.  But I need to feel comforted knowing that.  I still feel like I'm her mom and I need to make sure someone is taking care of her.  I'm still letting go and grieving the loss of having her here with us.  

Both my husband and I have so many triggers like when we take out the trash, she'd come running to follow us outside, or when we walk in the laundry room we instinctively check her water dish, or when the kids are in bed, how she'd jump up on the couch to snuggle.  Oh the list could go on.  Her absence is felt so strongly right now.   

I called her Bella bunny because she bounded around more like a bunny than a dog.  She had such spirit and really truly the love poured out of her body as every ounce of her wiggled with that darling tiny tail that wagged so excitedly about life.  I want to envision her doing all those things through fields and meadows of such amazing beauty I can't even imagine them.  

In memory of our sweet Bella girl.  

December 2010

August 18 1999 - January 8 2011

Much love my sweetheart.