The kids are in the bath
right now. So I thought I could write another random post just for
kicks. Speaking of kicks, I know of some little people who know how to
kick (and splash). Right now the tub
has 1/3 of less water in it then when I filled it up. Wonder where the
water all went? Mmmm probably the soaked towel on the floor, the running
stream through my bathroom and my very own clothes had a little bit to do with
catching some flying water :)
Well the Christmas season is finally here! And boy am I excited! Of course we are now headed into the cold months which I particularly don't like and have frankly forgotten what it feels like. But add in the lights..(or should I say more lights, since you all know that I use them year round) , warm fires, the hot cups of tea, scarves and mittens, and the cloudy snowy days and I'm all for it! I am very excited for this year, especially since my parents and siblings are back from Africa to stay! And what a blessing to have them living close by.
We have had a good start to the season! This last week we enjoyed pulling out all our decorations and setting up a christmas wonderland. This year I tried to keep my decor more simplified. Since my Christmas excitement tends to lead to, well lets just say, I tend to want to stick a christmas-e item in every empty spot or bare space on the wall equaling in a Christmas overload. Which can be okay, just ALOT of work and decorations. Plus, I think if there is too much going on sometimes it can overshadow a few cool pieces to the room. So I decided to pick out a few key items that I liked the most. And stick to a simple theme. I chose gold in my living room with the accent of red. Gold is such a wonderful warming color. I love the feel it gives to the room.
When I was putting together my centerpiece for my table this year, I decided to go with something a little more neutral, and not full on Christmas-e. I love green and I love plants and flowers. Anywhere I can add God's natural beautiful creation.... I will. I also found a bag of fake artichokes at a garage sale for 50 cents this summer and wanted to find a place for them. And they found a spot on my table.
And anyone wondering about my tree stand? Funny story! Last week it was an end table in our living room. When the glass on the top accidentally broke, I was kinda bummed. I really liked the look of the table and I knew we probably wouldn't get the glass replaced for a while. So when the tree was brought in and I was looking around for a cute skirting to put on it. The idea popped in my head to do something a little different. So there you go folks. another use for an end table :)
This outdoor light I bought at a store going out of business for $2.
I bought 2 and Daniel re-wired so I could plug them in and add some light to the living room instead of using another lamp.
If you know me, one of the most important things to me is good lighting in a room. It can take the feel of the room to a whole new level. No florescent lighting thank you very much! So what I cherish in a room is a lot of warm lighting at several different points in the space. (also with added dimmers so you can set the mood.) So an awesome thing that I can't pass up telling everyone about is this super cool light control box my husband bought me a few weeks ago. You can get them at home depot or probably any home improvement store. Its a box that comes with a set of 3 plug ends and a remote. I think he spent around $20. You just plug what ever you want into the socket and can control turning it off and on with the remote. It has worked perfectly with the christmas lights. Plus I always take lights that are supposed to be wired into the ceiling and just have my husband wire it so I can just plug it into the wall anywhere. So for me in my household I tend to walk have to walk around unplugging things. So this makes it super simple to flip the christmas tree lights off, and some living room lights, and lamps. 
Another quick tip on one of my favorite subjects. Pillows! They are pretty expensive in the store, but you can pick up cute ones at a any garage sale or thrift store (for anywhere from 25 cents to a couple bucks) I keep a collection stored away and switch them out all throughout the year. Its an inexpensive, quick and simple way to add change and color to a room for a new season.
I have been keeping busy with the mothering side of life to learning a new trade. I am very much enjoying my newly discovered love for photography. Has become a lot of fun! Its been a transition trying to balance work and home. But a good transition at that. Gives me a little time to get a way and do something I love, while still giving me the chance to spend most of my time with my family.
This weekend I fly to Atlanta to photograph the SEC football championship. Have never been to Atlanta, so I am excited about being a part of it all.
I think as life gets busier for me, I have been realizing how easy it gets to lose track of what life is really all about. The easy track tends to lead to the misuse of money, things, people, status, and worst of all the symptom of me me ME!!! I have definitely been crying out to the Father to give me clear focus in direction as life moves on. Living life to the fullest isnt a bad thing. Its just the question of what are we filling our life full with? Its hard sometimes to wrap my tiny head around all of God's amazing attributes and characteristics. And sometimes I try to add up my worth by wordly standards or ones that I feel I should set for myself. When all God's wants is my heart,and He takes care of the transformation in me. I have already passed the test! God opened His arms and I came running!
" When you become consumed by God's call on your life, everything will
take on new meaning and significance. You will begin to see every facet
of your life - including your pain - as a means through which God can
work to bring others to Himself."
Charles Stanley
God gives such joy to us when we aren't trying to obtain everything for ourselves, but others. I am asking God for diligence in using my time wisely to open up the opportunity to reach others in love and service. To be a light and bring glory to the One that we celebrate this season!
Well, I hope everybody is having a good season this year. But as we all know how seasons work, not one is the same. And not all are as jolly. This time last year I was just fresh out of the hospital for the 3rd or 4th time, going to dialysis every other day for hours on end, taking around 50 pills a day,dealing with by whole body just being out of whack. But I am thankful to say this year I feel SO much better. It just makes me think how important it is to keep the right attitude and spirit in a rough spells of our life, because it never lasts. God is always faithful to bring us out of the desolate times and into a season of peace. So whatever season you are experiencing this year , just know that God is with you all the way! And with so many blessings surrounding us in so many little ways, we can be sure to find lots to be jolly about.
Blessings and love!
Hannah-Grace
P.S funny quote of the week. Found my daughter looking out the window and she turns to me and says "Mom I love looking at
the trees to see the pink possums that live on it." Pink possums? I have never seen one of those. "Yes, they are soooo pretty!" Oh you mean pink Blossoms? "yeah! blossoms" . :)
