Before & After: Farmhouse Paint Dresser Makeover

Woo hoo!  It only took me three weeks to finish a project for 2015, but I have to say this was a good one and something of a test drive at the same time.  If you follow me on Instagram, you saw this last weekend -- another driveway sanding session.  (My neighbors love me -- and they bring me their cast off furniture pieces when they see me out!). That sweet little solid wood 6 drawer dresser was an unexpected find last November.  I was in … [Read more...]

It’s All About the Margin… {Personal Goal}

Happy Monday, friends... I'm off for MLK Day today and what a delicious gift a simple day off can be!  I know -- I just returned to work after two weeks of Christmas vacation, but if you recall I was traveling heavily and also dealing with serious turmoil at my school so my "break" was not a restful one.  And oh, how I need rest.  Don't we all? I've been thinking a lot lately about how to restore some margin in my world -- you know -- that … [Read more...]

Five on Friday (and my Winter Mantel)

Friday, y'all... and I am so thankful.  This was another week of meetings and prayer as my precious school is being put through the ringer.  I can't go into all the details yet, but let me just say: Satan is alive and well.  I have never experienced spiritual warfare before, but I'm enduring it now.  So if my posts are a bit scarce for a while it is because I am drained.  BUT, I am optimistic and continue praying and seeking joy in my … [Read more...]

My Word of the Year: 2015

Oh, friends.  My year has begun with much turbulence.  I have spent much time in meetings and prayer and the rocky road is not over.  Which is why I thought today was the perfect day to share my Word of the Year for 2015. Everywhere I've turned this word has been before me... Yes.  That word is JOY.  While last year I sought peace (and found it for the most part), this year I will be focusing on JOY.  Many changes are coming my way … [Read more...]

The Top Five in 2014

Hello, sweet friends!  After 6 planes, 20+ hours on the road, and roughly 4000 miles traveled, I am finally home -- just in time to dive back into work and 2015.  I had a wonderful break and spent time with many loved ones -- both friends and family.  Not much rest, but my memory banks are delightfully full.  So I call that a success! Since I'm unpacking, bill-paying, grocery shopping today, I thought it would be fun to share the top five … [Read more...]

Happy New Year!!

Oh, 2015!  I can't begin to imagine what you have in store for us!  We're spending some time celebrating the New Year with friends, but I'm also brainstorming DIYs and inspiration to share here, along with some more personal posts along the way.  This year is already promising BIG changes in our world, so I'd love it if you'd pray for us as we venture forth.  In fact, why don't we pray for each other??  Please share in the comments how I can pray … [Read more...]

It Was an Insta-Christmas!

Whew!!  What an amazing week we had with my family in Texas!  Our travel out there was rocky (to say the least), but once we got there it was a lovely relaxing time with some of my favorite people.  If you followed along on Instagram, I apologize for the duplicate pics, but there's a few new ones in here, too!  And there are a few photos I've saved for our New Years cards so I'll share those soon.   Yes, I decided to send NY cards this year, … [Read more...]

Christmas Around the House 2014

Happy Sunday, friends!  Whew, what a whirlwind this past week or so has been... lots of non-Christmas stuff going on so I'm just now getting around to sharing a few Christmas touches around my home.  I figure better late than never, no? So settle in for some pics... I scaled back on decorating a bit this year and I'm actually loving a some more simplicity.  Plus less to take down in a couple of weeks, right?  Here we go... Let's start … [Read more...]

Feed a Crowd: Beef Vegetable Soup

TGIF, y'all!  I didn't intend to step away this week, but -- Life.  Anyway... our holidays are all about crowds.  I mean, we have five kids.  Who all have friends, girl friends, etc.  So I wanted to share a new Feed a Crowd recipe that's been a lifesaver recently: a Whole30 compliant Beef Vegetable Soup! This is not only healthy and delicious, but it's FILLING!  And when you're feeding a crowd that's key! Here's what you need: 2 lbs … [Read more...]

Five on Friday {Teacher Gift Edition}

Hi y'all!  Woo hoo and TGIF!  The hubs and I are headed to the lake to celebrate his birthday with friends this weekend and not a moment too soon.  While my to-do list still looms (wrapping, shipping, last minute shopping), God knew he and I needed time in a serene place this weekend.   Lots of non-holiday stress has been creeping in and I think a little time in front of a roaring fire with good friends and good food is just what the doctor … [Read more...]