a year in review

I was thinking about this post today and what I would say when it got to be the end of one year and the start of a new one.  And nothing seemed to really come to me.

This past year was so full.  New member of the family, baby sister graduating from high school, brother-in-law got married (read: another girl in the family which is good with all the boys on that side), rebranded my jewelry business, and am still trying to get laundry done.  =P

There were bad days this year - tired momma days.  But mixed in that were also sweet days.  Days of laughing babies, sweet friendships, family time in California and Hawaii.  It was a lot of different things...

I don't know how to say exactly what I am feeling.  But 2013 was a learning year for me.  So for 2014, I hope to be able to be more aware of things.  More aware of how I spend my time, be able to appreciate the good and bad days with the kids, to be able to focus my energy with my business, and most of all, to glorify my Lord and Savior

But for now, I am going to go keep working on that laundry.  =)

Have a beautiful day and a very Happy New Year!

6 months as a momma of two...

My little girl is six months old today...

We have gone from this...

...to this...

...in too short a time.

I had been thinking of what I was going to say in this post...but somehow I'd rather just show you what has been filling my life.  Because it is the greatest blessing I could ever receive.

Six precious months...

There can't be enough time with these moments, these smiles...thanking God for these and praying for more.

Have a beautiful day.

thankfulness...

Another year, another holiday.

But not just another day.

Today, I am doing my darnedest to hold on to the lovely, true, and good - to actively thank for those things.

For family, for kids, for house, for clothes, for a luxury business, for a brain, for writing, for coffee, for good days and bad, for marriage, for food, for wine, for sleep, for movement, for health, for cars, for fuzzy slippers, for freedom, for phones, for texting, for memories, for photos, for presents, for baby hugs and kisses, for video games, for people to game with, for pillow forts, for cuddle time, for beauty, for...everything.

Because really, nothing I have is mine.  If we are really honest, don't we all know that?  Someone else worked to give us life in the beginning.  Others worked to give us education.  It is all gift - great and gracious.

And so today, thanks to the Father of lights, the Giver of all gifts.

via Loopzart

The Good News of Little Drummer Boy

This week, one of my favorite music groups brought out an amazing version of the song Little Drummer Boy.  And I have been listening to it fairly regularly...ok, it's been on repeat but details.

And then my rough morning started today.  Corby had an emergency at work that meant he had to leave the house suddenly, Sophia was getting tired early, and Hito did not want to play by himself.  My sore throat and suspiciously pink eye were bothering me this morning and the list of things to do before Thanksgiving was growing this morning.

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum...
So to meet Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Come, see, gift.  And then it started to sink in...

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy to, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give a king, par rum pum pum
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

The gifts we bring don't make us better or worse because really, we have no gifts fit for a king.  The thing that we bring is that little question and the determination to do it: can I play for You?  Can I work for You?   Can I clean my house for you?  Can I live my life for You?...

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
We often fail at our drum playing...like my morning...and I certainly was not doing my best this morning.  But I come again, to the throne of grace, and ask if I can play for you.  Trembling hands grasp the sticks and try to drum out a life that is worthy to bring the King.  

And I see the baby Jesus smile.

currently

Wishing my dear blogging friends, Megan and Sandy, happy birthdays!  

(I know I'm a little late but I do sincerely hope you both had wonderful days!)

via Julie Ann Art

Celebrating my birthday with family

From phone calls to texts to sweet gifts, it was a lovely day.  Also, my husband is the best.

Getting the new shop stocked and ready for all the holiday shopping that is coming up!

If you follow me on Instagram, some of the pictures I've been sharing of jewelry were for Aime Jewelry.  If anything caught your eye, go check it out because some pieces are limited!  (P.S. Stay tuned here or follow Aime Jewelry on Facebook & Instagram for some holiday goodies that will be coming up!)

Enjoying a good bowl of ramen

That picture over in my Instagram feed on the side?  Yeah, that amazingness.  Egg, pork, bean sprouts, nori, and the most amazing broth.  It has heavenly.

Getting my holiday shop on!

Aren't these cards from Julie Ann Art the greatest?  Kind of love them.  =)

Already have some cards, some gifts, and lots of ideas!    And I actually have ideas for guys this year!  If you need ideas, I am thinking of posting a guys gift guide.  Would that be helpful to anyone?

Have a beautiful day!