Learning to let it be

This is something that I've been working on for years. :) It's in my nature to try to "fix" circumstances, or events, and at times worry excessively when things aren't going as I think they should.

I have been in a situation where I was giving, giving, giving to someone who was lost on their own journey and hurt me in the process, when I was getting not- so- subtle (screaming, even!) hints to let it be.  To part ways and restore peace in my own life. :)
(Huge sigh of relief when I was out of that one!)

I've stressed myself silly at times wondering how to fit in, make a difference, make an impact.

I've questioned if I'm doing everything that I could/should be doing to be who I'm meant to be.

More recently, I have been enjoying this blessed and super happy season of my life with my wonderful husband. And I'm still working on letting it be. :)

My blog readers probably don't know this one, unless you know me personally, but we suffered a miscarriage in November. After the loss of something that we were both so very
excited about and looking forward to so much, I found myself being really nervous when we found out we were (are!) expecting again. My husband will be a first time Daddy this year, just a bit before his 40th birthday. He's been waiting for this for a long time.
So, I worry. I worry about every little twinge, and symptom that doesn't seem quite "right".
Our gorgeous little Parker's due October 5th and so far everything looks perfect!
So, letting it be is something that I'm breathing in. I'm learning (slowly) to just relax and realize that life really can be (for the most part) beautiful, and peaceful.
I'm learning that it's OK to be really ridiculously happy. :)

I thought I'd write this all down because being mindful about the journey is important to me. :)
Let it be....it's a lovely mantra for being mindful of each season and moment of our lives.

♥
Charin

Yes, please!

 

Images via Pinterest

Chevron prints and the color aqua have been catching my eye a lot lately.
I love how lively and energetic chevron is, and there's something so peaceful and "light" about aqua! Perfect combo for Spring. I need to incorporate these two into my home decor, soon. :)

Inspiration!

I can't remember the last time I was so inspired by seeing a scrapbook page! But I DO know I have always been able to count on Elsie of a Beautiful Mess to inspire me with her beautiful use of pattern, texture and photography. The picture above is from a recent blog post of hers talking about a fun new project! Gorgeous, isn't it?? :)
Back in....2006, maybe? is when I fell in complete love with her style and she really inspires me like no other creatively. :) And she is so genuine and sweet in real life! Love that.

I haven't been scrapbooking at all lately, but I miss it, A lot! This take on Project Life by Becky Higgins may be the perfect way for me to start recording those beautiful every day moments again.

Since I've been dreaming of scrapbooking for months but have also been thinking about starting fresh with a new minimal supply stash, here are some I've been thinking about picking up lately.

Dear Lizzy. Fun, fresh colors!

The Smash line. I've been eyeing this one at Walmart lately, love the focus on journaling.

Sweet Notes by Allison Kreft-just saw this one tonight, love the happy colors!

I know I will always record memories in one form or another. I'm anxious to start getting these memories back on paper and in books for us to cherish.

Here's to always having a creative outlet!
xo
Charin

Baby love!

 Source for images

 

 

 

Ever since Brad and I found out we’re expecting (Ahhh!!) our days have been filled with talking about our baby.:)

While it’s too early to tell if we’re having a boy or girl, we are both thinking “boy”.

For me, my main reason for dreaming of a baby boy may have a lot to do with imaging the cutest little nursery ever, done up in comic book strip style superheroes! (Is that wrong?? I don’t think so.:) Everyone knows I will adore baby Adams either way!!)

I recently started a Pinterest board for some online inspiration and have been dreaming of a fluffy bright red rug, framed art with words like “POW!” “ZAP!” and maybe some shadow boxes with cute action figures. I’m a bit of a nerd, I happily admit.:)

 

These are just a few images that I’ve been leaning towards. I can’t wait to find out what we’re having so I can start decorating! Spring time always makes me want to redecorate anyway, and lately I’ve been so ready to add some bright color and new textures to our house.

 

Here's to happy colors and fun dreams!

Oh, baby!

 

 

My husband and I got some great news January 22nd! :)

I took a positive test that told us we were expecting baby Adams. ♥ After suffering a miscarriage in November, we were both very cautiously optimistic and waiting to make sure that all looked good before we got TOO excited, or announced it to the world. On our very first Valentine's Day together we saw a perfect beating heart!! I am now ten weeks along, and everything looks great with the baby.

We are SO very thankful. Brad will be a first time Daddy at 39! :) (Although, he's already a wonderful, loving, playful and completely devoted Daddy to Katie and Colin)

 

Now our days are full of dreams of our baby and how beautiful it will be to bring another little soul into our home in late September or early October. :)

 

Life can change so quickly...I love looking back over the past year and seeing how things were working out to bring me to where I am today. It's a beautiful season and I'm so very thankful. :)

 

 

 

♥ Being thankful ♥

I've seen the idea for a gratitude jar floating around in places like Pinterest and I loved the concept. It's so simple....write down the little things, and the big things that you're thankful for. Be mindful. Recognize things that you might not have noticed otherwise. :)


This month, I'm challenging myself to record at least one thing every day that I'm thankful for.
And that should be easy. :) Life is really beautiful and there is so much out there to celebrate! I grabbed a cute little container that I had and went to work. :) So far my "thankful list" includes a precious note that my husband gave me, extra time snuggling my kiddos, and the chance to sleep in this morning. :) (There's room to grow in that container, even on the busiest days I can just grab a piece of the paper and write it down.)

Oh, and one more thing I'm thankful for? My daughter watching me and picking up the gratitude bug. She's making her own, and her first "thankful for" was that she got to eat a popsicle today. ;) (Big or little things...they all make our lives a little sweeter!)

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate"

A good fortune

 

 

 

 

Why not take it as a little bit of serendipity today? :) I personally think fortune cookies are so much fun. My husband and I had lunch today with my parents, and I was really anxious for everyone to open their fortunes. :) I'll take the one I opened as a good sign! :)