Praying.... Now Ready, Set, Go

   I feel like I've been spoken to so much today. I almost feel like God is yelling loud and clear, "Okay Mia, I'm speaking to you and asking if you are listening?!" It ha touched me so deeply I wanted to jump on here and share. Maybe this is a turning point, a new beginning to my life goals, the shaping of my future and my dreams actually starting to unfold... Maybe this is a learning experience and motivation to move forward with encouragement that God hears me, but may not be ready for me to start my new journey. I'm not sure, but I do know that very loudly and clearly He has lovingly spoken to me and shared signs with me since late last night. This is just the most recent touching experiences, but honestly my experiences since middle of September have been walking me down a path that truly constantly screamed God has His hands wrapped around myself and my lovely family.

   Specifically to share today's experiences you would have to know that in hindsite I see it started last night when I saw a post on Facebook sharing the story of Joanna Gaines (extremely talented and beautiful person inside and out with a lovely family who has prospered under God's guidance as well) who is the star designer on HGTVs Fixer Upper with her husband being the star contractor and building director). Herself and her husband Chip Gaines have stepped out in faith and, as she stated in her short video, have been placed now on a tremendous platform allowing them to touch so many people's lives while fulfilling their family dreams... This video brought me to tears and spoke so deeply to me at this exact moment in my life. I have included link because it may touch you as well. https://vimeo.com/125510141?outro=1

   Now moving into my experiences today, which I realize link into my yesterday now, I've had so many things cross my path relating to others touched as well by God today and it keeps coming up. My sister spoke to me early on today very touched by the Joanna Gaines video I shared, then we had a very long heart to heart that brought a lot of thought and clarity to my vision of my professional and personal life right now. This all could be described in far more detail, but suffice it to say my day rolled into this evening and then I run across some amazing articles written by powerful Christians. This evenings events that i just began to reference were as follows, I'm reading this blog and the words are so well spoken and speak so clearly to me and again exactly where my current mindset is. This blog post suggests at home work and then it's an amazing article that suggests books to read for virtual assistant type of work making around the income I make now. The writer of this article beautifully articulating why many people from many view points desire more schedule flexibility and hers being her children which is exactly where my heart is as a mom of a three year old and a three month old at this moment. So I download two of the many books her article suggested and the very first one to come up for sampling on my Kindle app is written by a Christian lady who wrote it with the want to stay home, but contribute income and she sounds like she is literally in my head at this very point in my life.... Literally, I cannot tell you how loudly this book slapped me in the face with the introduction... 

   So now I'm searching, praying, and reaching out in hopes that all of these beautiful moments and signs that have crossed my path are a call to action on my part. I'm sharing because I hope this encourages someone reading this as their words encouraged me. I am praying that if this is a fork in the road that takes me down a new and wonderful road of blessings for my family that I can share the journey ste by step to encourage others as these powerful writers I have run across encouraged me and as most importantly an effort to share God's love and guidance in my life so that you can know as well He is there and carrying us every step of the way. 

   As I research and learn I will share more through posts here and I hope I have a lot more to share in the coming weeks and months! 

Lots of Love and appreciation for your visits to my blog! 

Momma Mia 

As an addition, I wanted to share the eBook about at home work and virtual assistant guidance because I appreciated it so much and I am still reading it at this moment. I just realized j spoke so highly of it in this article and then never actually noted the author. The author is Lisa Morosky and her book is titled the Bootstrap VA. 

Family of Three Now a Family of Four! ;)

   Since my last post we have joyfully welcomed our second sweet little angel into the arms of our family. It's an overwhelming happiness and love that fills you beyond anything you can plan to expect. I'm sitting here right now watching them both as they nap with sweet peaceful little faces that light up my world! 

   You wonder all kinds of things as you find out you are expecting your second child... One of my main concerns (that was more of a pre-baby arrival concern) was a healthy pregnancy and safe arrival of our little guy. We have had some wonderful and special people around us go through some very tragic experiences. The weight of those experiences left a lot of fear in my heart and mind. I just wanted to be sure to do all I could to make baby healthy and myself healthy because my oldest needed me and our little one needed me to make sure I did my part to be healthy for him as well. I am beyond thankful God brought us both safely through. It was a healthy pregnancy with little issue except I throw up all 9 months with my boys! :) They are worth every bit of those minor issues though! The key in all of my worries is to trust and try to find calm in that we can only control we we can which are the daily choices of how we treat our body's while pregnant and if we are making every effort then let the worries and concerns go because those are harmful to you as well as the baby. Let go of your fears and let trust God has His arms around you. 

  One of my top concerns for after baby arrived was making sure my oldest felt included and still special along with making sure I loved on the second as well. I promised my oldest the entire pregnancy that if he was just patient I'd be back to normal soon and we could jump and play just like we always have. We also made sure to explain how much baby brother loved him and how he could hear him in my belly while I was pregnant even to encourage his feeling/knowing there was a special connection already between him and his brother. Since baby's arrival my oldest has had his moments of needing attention, but that's to be expected! However, he absolutely endlessly loves our littlest and just yesterday told his baby brother he was his best friend in the whole wide little world! So all is going extremely well on the new family member front!!!!! 

   My biggest thing to share and be thankful for is how I see our beautiful family growing and progressing. We are still adjusting to all of life's little changes since our newest addition, but we are ready and enjoying the ride! 

   I am just very thankful for all we have been blessed with and hoping to encourage others through our experiences. 

Lots of love from Momma Mia and family

From One to Two Beautiful Blessings

 Tomorrow morning I leave for the hospital. Scheduled to be induced for the delivery of our second baby boy. I just wanted to share my thoughts before it all changes tomorrow and our family of three becomes four. 

   First thing is I'm scheduled to be induced because I tend to deliver quickly and my doctor is concerned I will deliver before arriving at the hospital. I'm not a fan of this idea either. I want our baby here safely and further down the list of importance ofcourse I really want an epidural! So there is the reason I am being induced this time. My prior pregnancy was due to preeclampsia just three weeks prior to my first little guys due date. 

   My little boy is so excited to meet his brother with moments mixed in of hesitancy and "That's my baby stuff so why am I going to have to share it again mom?" He has such a beautiful heart and disposition though that I know all the kinks will smooth and he will be amazing to this new little member of our family. I've been directed and informed by wonderful blessings around me who have gone through this transition. They have offered me ways to hopefully make my oldest know how special he is, how big of a helper he is to me, and how needed and loved he is by all of us including our new little one. Thankful for this advice and nervous for tomorrow's events to unfold. I'm just going to pray, kiss my little guy a million times, and focus on getting home and loving on our newly increased family!! 

   I thank God for my family and friends that surround us with love and support and before I fall asleep tonight I will pray a thankful and excited prayer for the blessings we are experiencing. 

   To my oldest blessing and heartbeat, "I love you my sweet oldest angel and eagerly anticipate introducing you to your little brother and our newest little blessing tomorrow!"

   Thankful for a healthy pregnancy and praying for a healthy and smooth delivery tomorrow. 

So much love and thankfulness is in my heart tonight

~~Momma Mia~~

DIY Table Layout! Handmade Place Settings

So my latest project was a simple, no sewing involved, project for my sisters new house! All you need for this project is the fabrics of your choice, a glue gun, a ruler, and scissors.

    She loves natural yet delicate combinations for her decorations and really favors burlap and lace detailing. She just refinished her kitchen table with white paint and wood accents so this was a perfect gift for her.

      Below you can see I just purchased my burlap and cut in length and width I desired. Be sure and place your utensils set or one of similar size into the pockets prior to cutting them and gluing to ensure the place settings are oversized by a little. This allows utensils to fit without hassle and gives a little flexibility if another set is purchased. I would always make sure they are made a little larger rather than smaller just to be safe. As a side note, I purchased a large section of burlap rather then pre cut rolls of burlap because it was much less expensive and it gave me flexibility to really choose the width I wanted without limitation. I made a set of eight for her. 

      I ran a small strip of hot glue on the inside edge I was folding up and over to create my pocket as shown below and then ran a thin strip of glue around entire parameter of the back of the place setting to stop any edges from shredding and shedding those little strings on the burlap. If you don't do this they really will shred quickly. I was having a difficult time just avoiding losing more fabric than I wanted to while I was cutting and placing everything like I wanted it. 

   After my pockets where glued I cut my lace in strips and just used hot glue sparingly and carefully to secure the pieces of lace down into the pocket so the ends were hidden. I also used a touch of hot glue around the back of the place setting so that the edges were all secure and concealed from the front view of the place setting when in use as well. 

   The finished product is below!!! I hope this inspired you to create your own special touch at your kitchen table with burlap place settings or any fabric that fits to your style and preference! This was a fun, no hassle project and I plan to make a set for myself as well!!! Thanks for reading and give me your thoughts on this project! Also, please feel free to share your special kitchen table project ideas with us!! 

~~Momma Mia~~ 

:D 

Gods Little Blessings

   There have been a lot of changes in my surrounding friends and family's lives lately and through it all both happy and sad prayer is the thing that is the foundation!  

   There are prayers of need and sadness for lost mommy's with little ones, husbands, parents, siblings, and friends left here to pick up pieces and really connect them in a totally different way... For lost baby's before a mom could ever see them open their eyes, for family and friends and sudden tragedys. 

   There are also prayers of thankfulness for blessings of all kinds: safe travels, new baby's, clean bills of health, new milestones in life, close relationships with Christ no matter if newly found or just stronger than ever.

  This may seem confusing to some, but based on some of the things we have experienced lately I am at this second to the point of tears just from feeling overwhelmingly blessed, grateful, honored that my son can call for me and find me. That he can say Mommy and not have to keep looking with no knowledge his mommy went to Heaven and will no longer be able to love and care for him on this earth. I pray for a long and healthy life in which I can pester and harrass my family to the very last because though I know I'm going to Heaven and I'm blessed to have that opportunity I also love my little piece of Heaven God has granted me on this earth. 

   Prayer is the very first and yet also the final place your heart and lips go to cry and to rejoice! He is our beginning and end and He is our full unending support on earth. I just feel incredibly blessed and am reminded daily even more so really by the minute at some times how very blessed I am to have His love and through His love to have an amazing and faithful family and close knit group of friends to move through life with.

Dear Lord,

   Thank you for your gifts of love unchanging and for my beautiful blessing of a family and extended family through friends. Please always allow me to work more every day to shine and honor you! Please let me work to never take for granted my blessings on this earth and in Heaven. Amen 

   Thank you as always for stopping by and taking the time to share in my posts, thoughts, life, mommy moments, and projects. 

~~ Love Momma Mia

Mommy Moment ~ Snuggle Time

   I am here to say that the most priceless moments are when your little one snuggles in for a nap and just hold on to you with all of their love! I will wrap my arm around my little guy and he will give my arm a kiss and squeeze while making a hugging sound and my heart melts into a puddle...

   Being a mommy is the most special change that has ever happened in my life and literally words cannot express my appreciation for the opportunity to be his biggest fan and audience for ever!

Love my sweet little man! What a blessing! I just had to share :)

~~Momma Mia

Why Women Need Their Girlfriends

This is just a beautiful reminder posted on another blog and I had to share it because two beautiful friends and sisters of mine shared it with me. 

~~Mia~~ 

THE BLOG

Why Women Need Their Girlfriends

Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis

Years ago, I was at the beach with my family when I noticed a group of ladies nearby who appeared to be in their 50s.

With a quick glance, I knew they were on a girls' weekend. All the signs were there -- coolers and cocktails, beach bags with romance novels, straw hats, umbrellas in the sand -- but most telling of all was their laughter. Lots and lots of laughter, the kind that draws attention and curiosity from anyone in earshot.

I loved watching these women enjoy each other's company. Although they were older than me, and well past my season of life in having babies, I could imagine being in their shoes one day, basking in the glow of old friends who still made me feel young again.

That afternoon, I saw two of them in the elevator. When I commented on how much fun they seemed to have, they smiled and nodded. One replied, "Oh, we do have fun. We've kept this beach trip going for 20 years and have been through everything -- divorce, death, cancer, unemployment. Don't ever lose touch with your girlfriends, sweetheart. The older you get, the more you'll need them."

The conversation left an impression on me. While I'd always treasured my girlfriends, I'd never thought about needing them more with age. And if I'm being honest, it's only been in the last year or so that I've taken their words to heart.

Because now that I'm in my 40s, I'm seeing how real divorce, death, cancer, unemployment and other major life problems are. I understand what they meant when they emphasized the importance of girlfriends, as my age group faces hardships we couldn't imagine when we were young and carefree.

Last February, I found the advice these women gave me really validated when my dear friend Emily, whom I met when our daughters became friends, lost her husband Joe in a plane crash. Emily and Joe weren't just any couple -- they were the couple who had been best friends since age 15, whose incredible love story was still going strong. What they had was special. To have it end early and suddenly was unfathomable, unfair and hard to comprehend.

Joe's death impacted a lot of people hard, and throughout their home there was so much sadness and grieving, so many heavy hearts in one place. In the midst of this tragedy, however, there was also so much LOVE. You could feel the Holy Spirit everywhere, working in Emily and the people surrounding her.

As I left Emily's house the day after Joe's death, I sat in my car and reflected on everything I'd witnessed. One thing I kept thinking about were the women in Emily's life, and how amazing they'd been. It wasn't just the food being carted in, the affection showered on the family, or the fact that so many people had dropped everything to drive or fly to Birmingham. It was the way Emily's village came together, how friends from every stage of life were represented (adolescence, college, law school, work and motherhood) and howwell everyone knew her.

And because they knew her well, they could do a lot to lighten Emily's load.

When I arrived at Emily's house the morning after Joe's death, for instance, someone asked if I'd write his obituary. I agreed, of course, and was given the names of surviving family members to start with. Since Emily was meeting with her pastor about the funeral, I began the obituary with the help of four friends who'd known Emily and Joe for decades. My intention was to write a rough draft and let Emily fill in the blanks.

But guess what? Emily didn't have to fill in blanks, because her old friends filled in the blanks for her. Together they recalled pertinent details of Joe's life: the special dates he planned with his daughters, how he graduated first in his law school class, which law firms he'd worked with, his role as basketball commissioner, his love for their church mission trip to Maine -- the list goes on.

As they talked and I typed, I found myself wondering: How many people have friends who could write their husband's obituary? What does that say about Emily and her relationships?

All over Emily's house, huddles of women were taking care of business. As I passed a group from her church, I heard them planning the visitation and family luncheon before the funeral. "Emily wouldn't like that, but she would like this," they said. "Why don't we give her option A and option B?" When Emily emerged from her meeting with the pastor an hour later, the legwork was done. She was given an obituary to proofread, options for Saturday and updates from friends handling small matters so Emily could reserve energy for big ones.

Our girlfriends can't save us, for only God can do that, but girlfriends can help make a tragedy bearable. They can read our mind and our emotions, intuitively recognize what needs to be done -- then do it. They can listen, empathize and show compassion. They can be used by God to comfort us and provide a timely shoulder to cry on.

It's hard to nurture friendships when you're busy raising kids. Some days, I don't have the time or energy. But one thing I've learned from watching Emily cope with her loss is how having strong relationships in place before a tragedy occurs enables the healing process. While faith keeps you standing, friends and family hold your hand as you slowly move forward. They help you find a new normal.

They meet you for yoga, bring Starbucks to your home, take your kids for ice cream, plan a girls' beach trip for your Mother's Day, get your dog groomed, text words of encouragement, continue coming to town to check on you and show love in a million heartfelt ways.

"Don't ever lose touch with your girlfriends, sweetheart. The older you get, the more you'll need them." The women in the elevator that day were spot on. And now when I see a group like them having fun, I realize the laughter is only part of the story, what comes after the complicated grown-up stuff. And while we certainly need the wonderful men in our lives, for they play a crucial role, too, men simply aren't designed to understand us like one of our own.

Sometimes it takes another woman to intuitively recognize what needs to be done -- then do it. Or to sense what needs to be said -- then say it. Or to take the thoughts and emotions we don't voice -- and know what to make of them.

Having great friends is largely a matter of being a great friend. The reason Emily's circle is so strong is that she invests in her people. And in her greatest time of need, she reaped the benefit. I hope this story comes as a friendly reminder of why girlfriends matter in good times and bad, laughter and tears, and through the highs and lows that reveal who's with us for the long haul, and who's willing to share in our suffering so that one day, when we're laughing again on the beach, there will be a history that makes the laughter sound richer and stirs the curiosity of anyone in earshot.

This post originally appeared on karikampakis.com. Find Kari on Facebook or check out her upcoming book, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, to be released by Thomas Nelson in November 2014.

Follow Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis on Twitter:www.twitter.com/KariKampakis

Mommy Moment / For the Parents

   There is nothing more special than a sweet little one in your life. No blessing quite like them and no love so honest and deep as the one they give! I'm such a blessed and thankful mommy. I just pray I can do the best I possibly am able for him every moment of every day. It is an honor to be his mommy and I always want him to know I am here for him with all of my heart. 

   There is a wonderful site I follow and have mentioned on here before (ChristianPF.com) that offers advice and information on a wide range of topics, but I specifically really enjoyed this post that I will give a link for below. Moms and dads offering their advice and knowledge for a new parent as per requested by a new dad. There were so many strong and smart things people listed for the new daddy who posted for helpful advice and tips from his audience. I really found it a great thing to read and a wonderful reminder as a parent and wife. 

http://christianpf.com/advice-for-new-parents/

   My little one is just now one and a half years old. He is our first and currently only little one. So I feel I am so new at so much! I feel badly he has to experience me learning as I go, but I know we all do it. My time to pray and my mom and dad's advice is our rock as we experience all of these new things. As long as we learn as we go with every bit of love in our hearts for them we are doing the best thing we possibly can for them and they will know that (Now as parents we need to remember that as well for the moments we feel we fall short. As long as we are offering them all we can we are doing our very best and need to remember that is the most we can do and it's definitely a great start :D) Cherish every moment with your children as I cannot even figure out where time went in just this past year and a half. He's so grown up and big now! So expressive and such a big little adult is the best way I can explain it. He's the most loving little guy and an absolute blessing every second. My husband and I just want to teach him and guide him to follow the Lord and be the person through out his whole life that we already see so impressively in him now. 

   Hold your little ones every moment you are with them. Love them as if they are a gift of the most priceless value because they are absolutely just that. Learn who they are and listen to what they want to share with you. Don't miss time and moments because of things that can wait. They are the most important thing. Involve them in the activities you know you need to do and they will learn to be responsible and helpful. Always be kind and patient. Step back and rethink before you ever respond with anger as that only teaches them how to respond as well. No one is perfect, but if we try with every bit of us they will know that and all will be okay! Just remember they are such perfectly precious gifts from God! Children are the bright sunshine in our every moment offering true love, honesty, faith, innocence, entertainment, and joy like nothing else. If only we could harness and keep hold of every one of their characteristics as adults. This world would be a totally different place. Cherish their presence in your life. :D 

   I also wish the best to the gentleman and his family who posted the blog link listed above that really enriched my evening and made me write this "Mommy Moment post". 

Mommy Moment #1

   I plan to just start sharing special moments or happenings with my little one. Experiences, sentimental moments, funny events, and things I learn along the way. I hope they reach others as well to really show how blessed we are to be parents and how we never stop learning along the way which I'm sure our little ones appreciate. :) 

   All that was said to me before becoming a mommy was true. Having a sweet blessing of a child or children is life altering in th best of ways! My little one lights up my days and the snuggle time we share means so much to me. Each hug, kiss, and nap together is precious and even more so when totally initiated by their sweetness. I'm snuggling my little one right now and I would not trade these moments for the world. He will grow up all too fast and the time spent just totally snuggled in with him as my sole focus is just priceless. I love my sweet angel. 

Wedding DIY Details Continued: Ceremony Décor

~~~Our Vows~~~ 

   The plan was for us to write our vows to each other, but we found vows that we felt were perfect for us and used those instead. In regards to reciting our vows to each other, we were both so nervous we held little booklets with our vows typed and posted inside though the original plan was to have them memorized. We  knew we would stand up there and our minds would go blank. The little booklets are a wonderful little keepsake as well. Worked perfectly for us. 

~~~The Glow~~~

   Not as much of a DIY project on my part, but still completely handmade pieces, were our unity candle and candles for decor around the entire wedding site. These came from a special candle store that has the most gorgeous hand carved candles! They handmade and personalized every single piece to display our invitation, match our wedding colors, and compliment our theme. They were just stunning additions to our special day! The store is called The Candle Carvers and they are a family ran business in Tennessee. They make the most gorgeous pieces and are very worth visiting!! Pictures to follow. 

www.TheCandleCarvers.com

~~~The Flower Bouquets~~~

   A close friend of our family, my mom, my sisters, and a few close girlfriends of mine all handmade every single one of our bouquets and floral arrangements for the wedding decor, bridesmaids bouquets, and my bouquet. This was definitely budget friendly, but more importantly it was so special because we created a lot of memories making those pieces together and we all were able to keep those memories forever as well! 

Below is a close up of one of the center pieces. Displayed in my house today :) 

Below is a black and white of my bouquet. I will get a closer, clearer photo and upload later. 

We dropped ribbons and detailing from the bouquet and tied little knots for love knots in the thinner ribbons. The stems were wrapped in a braided design with ribbon. More detailed notes below... 

Below are a few pictures of the maid of honor and bridesmaid arrangements :)

The girls all had matching navy chiffon dresses! We sale shopped though these were more expensive, but we fell in love. There are a lot of options though including just visiting your local department store and finding matching sun dresses or more formal designed dresses right there in store. Just make a special evening of it and gather all of the girls together and go shopping! ;D 

In the pictures below our sweet and wonderful photographer (family friend) had the groomsmen put their coats on the bridesmaids for some really great photos. Loved our wedding photos and it was so amazing that he came and did them all for us! 

Below was my little, sweet sisters flower girl basket. We found an all white pretty yet basic basket and finished it off with little buds of the flowers we used in the larger bouquets. Also for rose petals to throw while going down the isle we just went to Kroger and asked for their extra petals. If you choose a specific color it's more, but if you take all colors (That it what we chose and I preferred it. Beautiful!) then it's much cheaper. Was less than $7 for a bucket full of petals to cover all tables, flower girl to use, and add pretty flower petal touches around where ever needed. We had plenty. 

   Where to go for the flowers? Hobby Lobby definitely! We went to a combination of retail stores and suppliers to look and grab little things, but the place we found the bulk of our floral supplies was Hobby Lobby. The floral options are awesome, the flowers look real, and their prices were wonderful! You couldn't tell for a second at any distance these pieces were not real. The colors in our wedding were soft yellow and blue primarily. Our flowers were focused on roses and hydrangea with other small detail flowers and greenery that we thought mingled well with each piece. It all comes down to personal preference when picking these types of things and the tiny filler details become a thing we really chose as we shopped. We used some ivy and small detail pearls as well. All of the bouquet stems were wrapped in a braided detail with ribbon allowing the bottom of the green stems to still show through. All of my flower girls had a ribbon style, my MOH (Maid of Honor :D) another style,  and then mine was different ribbon in addition to more little ribbons with knots made in them to symbolize love knots. They were perfect! 

http://shop.hobbylobby.com/wedding-and-floral/

 (Tip: Make a plan to purchase your DIY supplies at times when those sections are on sale at Hobby Lobby. Their floral department was having their standard 50% off sale when we planned our trip for floral pieces. Same tip applies to any department within this retailer. Theyrun wonderful sales regularly throughout all departments.) 

~~~Details of the Isle~~~

   We found 4' shepherds hooks at an excellent price at a local tool shop and purchased a couple dozen of those. (If I recall correctly they were just a few dollars a piece.) These were all placed to line the inside of the isle we would walk down on either side with decorative ribbon running down them and mason jars hanging from them with little bits of ivy and fresh flowers to match our colors. We used daisies (the flowers in my parents wedding so that was a special link). The jars were hung simply by attaching ribbons (wrap the ribbon around the metal rim top for secure attachment) with hot glue to the jar's metal lid rims only and then we screwed those down onto the mason jar tightly. This secured the ribbon as the hanger and left the opening for the flowers to set. So just remembering to pull your center lid insert out of your canning jars and just use the lid rim to create basically small hanging vases for little floral arrangements to line your wedding isle. They were lovely details on either side of the isle. Just beautiful.  

~~~Perfect day!!~~~

Wedding DIY Details, but First to Set the Scene!

   Do-it-yourself projects for weddings and other special occasions are not only a financially friendly approach, but more importantly the experience and your special touches really make the surrounding environment that much more memorable and personal! I was blessed to be surrounded by people who wanted to jump in there with me and DIY like crazy for our wedding so there are a lot of projects and ideas for me to share! 

~~~Setting the Scene :) ~~~

   I want to share some of the projects we incorporated in our wedding, but first just to reminisce and of course to provide a little more of a visual for you all I'll tell you a bit about the wedding venue. When my husband and I were planning our wedding we were able to find a beautiful venue in Townsend, TN nestled privately in the mountains. There was a large space of green grass where we were married. A small creek was gently flowing between the space where our wedding took place and the mountain side around us which was covered in beautiful trees spashled with fall colors while speckled at their base were little wild flowers. The venue also had a covered space for the reception up the hill with large natural log details and beautiful rock floors complete with a lovely natural rock fireplace that was perfect for adding extra warmth to the fall temperatures that day. Funny side note: the fireplace was also perfect for my Dad and a couple of my sisters and family to cook a hot dog in the fire while setting up as well haha! :D There was a kitchen for food prep and cabins for all of the wedding party. Basically the backdrop for our special day was so amazing just as the memories we all made there together. The venue was newly established so we were the first to be married there among any of our family and friends which was really neat as well. 

   The day was just perfect! Surrounded by family and friends I married my wonderful husband. There was love and effort from everyone invested into our special moment and you cannot ask for anything more than that. 

   Just watch for future posts. I'm gathering pictures and notes on the projects we did for the wedding and reception to be posted soon. 

   

 

  

New Year Thoughts

   I have already had so many meaningful learning experiences and special people cross my path in this new year. I want to share and plan to share many of those things here on my new connection to others through this blog. I feel it is most definitely a year of change and growth! I am eager to experience whatever blessings this year plans for me and my family and hope I am able to encourage many others to do the same through this new year as well! 

   So many times one can get to a place in life that seems like you are stuck. You cannot move forward, backwards, or anywhere. You are scared to change because of the chance you are taking and the possibilities of loss from one angle or another. The fear is embedded in the concern for the family for whom you have to provide or maybe as a single person your concern is for providing for yourself with no fallback plan if you fail. It is hard to know and see everyone's special scenario, but the key for all cases is faith. Taking the step that you feel in your heart you are led to is most important. Learning the lesson of trust and then smiling as the blessings unfold! This year I want to know I am trusting and stepping out in faith. I hope those experiences and steps can allow me to take care of my family in new and awesome ways throughout 2014 and also lead others to feel encouraged and inspired to do the same for themselves.