A Treasure

she looks at these

as gazing upon treasure,

quite certain that she will always love them.

she might name each one,

or give them all different personalities,

or she might just enjoy looking at them in a cup.

but, whether they're

broken or whole,

shiny or dull,

colorful or colorless,

it matters not.

she loves them.

she puts them in a safe spot.

and asks to make sure we have them.

treasure indeed was found this day.

i only wish that i could see more clearly

how the Father

does the same to me.

Also linking up with Simple Pleasures.

Sometimes A Graphic Designer

Lots of times when you think about "event designer" or "wedding planner" you think of the glorious parts of the job. And there are plenty of glorious parts. Getting to see off that happy in love couple. Being the best friend to the bride and groom the months leading up to their wedding. Designing and the directing the day that they will always remember and cherish for the rest of their lives.

But, as with many occupations, that there are several jobs that I end up having in the midst of carrying out my duties. Some days, I'm an interior designer, sprucing up the space for an event by rearranging furniture and clearing clutter. Other days, I'm more of a family therapist. (Those are the days right before the weddings. haha) Still, other days, I'm a personal assistant, running here and there, and getting lots of last minute necessities. You get the idea. So, this past week, I got to be a graphic designer.

Now, don't judge me too harshly, because I AM NOT a graphic designer. But, this last week, I had a couple who decided that they wanted their "Save the Date" cards to look like concert tickets. They love music, and going to shows, and thought it would be a neat way to represent them through their save the dates.

We started by looking at these. However, I couldn't find a template I liked enough, and didn't want them to have to spend extra money to hire someone to design it. (Now, don't give me the link where you found the exact template, because that will just depress me). I did my best, and used the colors and theme that they wanted, and here's what I came up with. (of course names and details are changed for privacy reasons.)

So, my Mac was my studio this past week. I think they turned out really well. And they are totally this couple's style, which is what's most important!

These are a great idea for save the dates, football parties, other party invitations, or just to have a cute hand out for an event!

Linking up to In the Studio Sneak Peek Fridays! What are you creating this week? Go have show and tell over at Jennifer's with the lot of us!

A Student of the Least of These

These two little ones,

who love without regret,

that speak words without fear,

these are friends of the sweetest kind.

They sometimes hurt each other's feelings,

and they sometimes cry because of how sad they have made each other.

But, they are so real.

So true to who they have been made to be.

As they speak of their

love for one another,

or some exciting news of the day,

or their accomplishments from the evening before,

or even of their love for God,

they teach me.

They bring a tear to my eye,

they come and hug me...or jump on me,

And I am blessed.

Blessed to be around the "least of these",

just as Jesus said I would be.

Also linking up with Simple Pleasures.

Good Things in August

My friend who introduced me to blogging several years ago does this very cool thing every month. She takes one thing (or sometimes a couple) from each day of the month, and makes a "good things" list. This friend is no stranger to struggle. She has lots of reasons to choose to not to see the good things in life, like many of us could. But instead, she chooses joy. She chooses grace. She chooses to see the goodness in her life, and share it with those around her. Come and join along!

Aug. 1 - got to sleep in, go to church, and then had a great time at Music in the Park.

Aug. 2 - asked to co-chair Restoration Runway's 2011 fashion show! a really fun surprise!

Aug. 3 - had dinner with my stepmom and little brother and sister. and laughed a lot!

Aug. 4 - met friends at jump and fun, and was such a fun mom for taking them there!

Aug. 5 - had my first meeting for Restoration Runway, and got to meet some awesome women.

Aug. 6 - took a short roadtrip with my dad and my big sister. only a couple hours, but it was much needed hang out time for us.

Aug. 7 - bittersweet day, this year, but still our anniversary, and good time with family.

Aug. 8 - had a great day being with my hubby and celebrating our 11 years!

Aug. 9 - we really love being reunited with our kids after being gone for a weekend. that's always when i get the best hugs and kisses!

Aug. 10 - spent the whole day with this family, and loved every minute of it. it was such needed time for all of us.

Aug. 11 - spent a lot of time playing with my kiddos, because i knew i wouldn't see them much for a few days.

Aug. 12 - began setting up a reception site.

Aug. 13 - had a great time with a bride and groom and their sweet families.

Aug. 14 - saw a priceless look on a beautiful bride's face as she walked into the room i had designed, and remembered why i love being a wedding planner.

Aug. 15 - went to a baptism at a lake with lots of people we love.

Aug. 16 - spent the day enjoying a laid back summer day (one of the last ones!), and cleaned the house, too!

Aug. 17 - my Stella & Dot trunk show...fun jewelry and yummy dessert, and friends at my house...what could be better?

Aug. 18 - had a playdate with Meredith and her three boys.

Aug. 19 - met a friend that i hardly ever see anymore for lunch in Burlington.

Aug. 20 - got Maddie and Taylor (the little girls that i nanny) back from summer break. watched as my kids lavished love on these little ones and were so happy to have their "best friends in the whole wide world" back.

Aug. 21 - went back to school shopping with DiDi and got the some fun new school clothes for the kids!

Aug. 22 - went to Taylor's one year old birthday party!

Aug. 23 - had a good time meeting River's first grade teacher at open house.

Aug. 24 - went to the Natural Science Center for the tiger's 6th birthday party...pretty cool to see them open presents with their claws and teeth. also, it was Randy's first day of grad school! the beginning of new journey.

Aug. 25 - first day of first grade and had a fun pancake dinner with my sis and her boys.

Aug. 26 - had fun creating this tablescape and then listened to a fabulous message from Kari.

Aug. 27 - got my haircut, which is always such a treat. and introduced my kids to the old Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory for our family movie night.

Aug. 28 - had a pool party with friends to celebrate the end of summer.

Aug. 29 - met my new sunday school class, and enjoyed an afternoon at home!

Aug. 30 - had a fun playdate with Blair and Millie.

Aug. 31 - went to the park with friends, ate delicious chicken salad, and watched Glee reruns.

As sad as I am to see summer fade away, I'm looking forward to whole new month filled with many more good things to come.

Summer Vintage Tablescape

I don't iron. I haven't owned an iron for about 8 years. A few years ago, my daughter and I went over to a friend's house to hang out a bit. She had her iron and ironing board out, and my little girl pointed to it and said, "Mommy, what's that?" Exactly.

Last weekend, as I was prepping for a reception, I used this awesome steamer to steam out all the wrinkles in the linens. I thought to myself, "I really should at least have an iron." Then, last week, as God would have it, I was shopping at the best grocery store in the world, when I saw a steaming iron. I think it was maybe $10. I decided it was time to break down and get one. (I even grabbed the ironing board for $8 while I was at it.)

So, then, this morning, while the kids were playing happily, I decided to work on a new tablescape. I've been wanting to play around with some vintage finds that I had recently collected from estate sales and clearance racks. And, plus, with my hubby having night class two nights in a row, I figured we could use a nice sit down dinner all together. So I dove into designing.

With my handy dandy new steaming iron, I freshened up the linens...almost ALL the linens. I got a little carried away. I couldn't stop! It was absolutely addicting! I knew there was a reason why I didn't have one. I now understand why my grandmother would say "those creases in the linens were her pride and joy".

I've always loved vintage pieces. They have such a story to tell, and they are all crafted so beautifully. As, I took everything out, I was really pleased how well all the pieces went together. Usually, when I'm on the hunt, I don't try to match with what I have. I just grab what I like that's a good price, and then try to find a good spot for it.

I couldn't wait to sit down with my family for a nice dinner together. But, then I remembered what I had made for dinner prior to designing the table. Any guesses?

Baked spaghetti. Oh, well. They wash up well, and hey, I can bring out that iron thing again!

Linking up to a very fun linky that I just found today! I just can't keep up with all these fabulous blogs.

Have you been in the studio creating this week? Go check out Sneak Peek Fridays with Jennifer!

Because of Her

Because of her, I wake her up with, "Good morning, my beautiful first grader!"

Because of her, I bought flowers and wrote a sweet card.

Because of her, I walk slowly by the classroom, just one more time.

Because of her, I make chocolate chip cookies to welcome home my sweet first grader.

Because of her, I lick the spatula clean.

Because of her, I wrap some up for her grandsons, whose mom can't stay home and make cookies, but who wishes she could still have some for them.

Because of her, I celebrate the little accomplishments in life just a little bit more.

I wish she were here to see her only granddaughter in first grade, or to call and say, "Happy first day of school!!", but in so many ways, she's still here.

Linking up with Tuesdays Unwrapped, because these moments are too dear to not celebrate with others.

Also linking up with Simple Pleasures.

Truth Be Told

A while back, I remember being at Bible study, and being asked to think about what our greatest fears were. We were to try to think of the worst thing that could ever happen to us...the things that are in the dark places of our minds, that we feared more than anything else, what would it be. At first, I was a little taken off guard, as I try not to think about those things. But, we were reassured that this wasn't to share with anyone, just between us and the Lord. I wrote down several horrific thoughts that I never really admit to anyone, but that sometimes creep into my mind. Most of the women there, agreed that their worst fears had to do with tragedy, loss, and suffering.

Then, as the study went on, we talked about the character of the Lord. We talked about how if we knew really believed that God is who He says He is, that He loves us, and that He's good, we knew in confidence that He would be with us wherever we go. That no matter what circumstance we might find ourselves in, however grave or scary, that we could be assured, that the God of the universe, who made us, and who holds our very breath in His hands, would be right there with us. Not that we would ask for struggles or strife, but just to remember that He is able to be with us, throughout all of it. I remember thinking that if I was really able to take hold of that truth, how much more freely I would live. To know without doubt, that whatever happens, wherever life may lead me, that I don't have to be afraid, because He is with me, and He is in control.

One verse that we say with our children all the time is "Be strong and courageous. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Especially in times when they feel afraid or anxious, we will talk with them about that truth. That God will never leave them, and that no matter where they go, or what they are faced with, that He will be right there beside them, holding them, comforting them, carrying them through anything.

This past week, I opened up my scripture book. As I flipped through the pages, I saw this precious gift waiting for me.

It's so great to see that somewhere, somehow, it is getting through. And, not just that...but that they are wanting to remind me of God's truth. It's a blessing indeed.