Easy Boxwood Wreath

One of my favorite DIY blogs is The Handmade Home.  I am constantly impressed by the projects that Ashley creates.  When I saw her post on a DIY Monogram Wreath, I knew I wanted to make my own.

The material list is short and sweet.  In fact, I did not have to buy anything--I already had the wreath form, green floral wire and dried boxwoods

I broke apart the dried boxwoods into smaller chunks that could be woven in between the stick wreath form.  I did not even have to use glue.  At the end, I cut three pieces of floral wire to secure some the edges that were sticking out too far.

The pearl "E" pendant was a gift from a dear college friend that I've had for nearly 5 years.  I simply strung a new silk ribbon through it and tied it onto the top portion of the wreath

And the little birdie friend?  I found her in my craft box.  She is enjoying her new nest.

The pop of green really brightens my bathroom and adds visual interest to what was just a blank wall over my towel bar.

The most gratifying projects are ones where no extra materials have to be bought, but you're able to work with items you already own--agreed?

Presidential Inauguration 2013

Our country has inaugurated a president merely 57 times.  That may seem like a high number at first, but compared to our European and Asian counterparts, we are still in the beginning stages of this republic. 

Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution requires the President to take an Oath of Office:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

The short oath encompasses a vast list of responsibilities, one that grows more complex with each President.  

I wore my special Aviator sunglasses for Ashley and Laine...they have a pair too.

The Capitol building is breathtaking. 

We did it!  After 4 hours in the cold, I was ready to be indoors.

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

I Timothy 2:1-4

My word of the Year: LISTEN

I've enjoyed seeing some folks trend towards selecting a "theme word" for their year versus stacking up a long list of resolutions.  I've been pondering a word that could encompass a personal goal but also be simple enough to remember often.

L I S T E N

I am often eager to share my opinions and contribute my own stories, but that sometimes means that I forget to ask another person about their thoughts.  I can become so focused on trying to think of what to say next that I miss hearing an important discussion going on right in front of me.

I want to listen more to my friends and family.

"Be still and know that I am God." 

Psalm 46:10, ESV

I want to listen more to God's word.

I recently came across this verse and I cannot stop thinking about it:

"The Lord will fight for you, and you only have to be silent."

Exodus 14:14, ESV

This verse is a reminder that I do not have to use words to get my way or make my opinions known all the time.  God knows what I need and He will work His plans for my life accordingly.  I can relax.  I can listen. I can learn.

I'm linking up today at The Lettered Cottage to share my word for 2013.

I look forward to the growth and change that I trust God will bring about me in 2013.  I'm curious to read your thoughts...what are some characteristics of a good listener?

Happy Anniversary!

My parents were married on New Year's Eve in 1984 so they celebrated 28 years together last month.

Kern and I decided to break up the long drive back to Washington and stop over in Atlanta at my aunt and uncle's house, where my parents had gone to celebrate.

Unbeknownst to my parents, I smuggled photos of them from childhood throughout their marriage to Atlanta and we held a special in dinner in their honor.

Aunt Susan and Uncle John helped tell my parents' story--from dating through their quick engagement and New Year's Eve wedding.

I rifled through my mom's jewelry box and found this ceramic heart pin with her name on it that my dad had given her as a gift before they started dating.  It was a "prop" for the great story telling saga!

Susan and John were truly prayer warriors during the time my parents were dating.

We spent the evening laughing, tearing up and reminiscing.  Such fun!

I am so thankful for my parents and the Godly example of marriage they have set for me.

The Big Easy

New Orleans has accidentally become a tradition...

The last fews times Kern and I have had extended stays in Mississippi, we have made a point to travel to New Orleans at least for a day.  The Saturday before we returned to Washington proved to be an ideal time to make the short trip down south to the Big Easy.

First stop: Cafe DuMonde.

The last few times we've been, we've skipped this tourist destination because of the line, but we waited it out and were rewarded for our efforts! 

I love New Orleans because all you have to do is walk down a random street and you see something like this...

Don't ask me how he got on or will get off.

We had a great time with Greg and Jody!

After Cafe Du Monde, we spent the majority of the day walking up and down Magazine Street--an area that I love.  We stopped for a coffee and treat at Sucre.  It was ah-mazing!

It's nice to visit a place where you don't feel stressed or rushed to see a certain site or eat at a particular restaurant.  I love wandering and happening upon places.

What is your favorite city to wander through?

So I'm a...Seamstress?

I will readily admit that I am not very crafty or talented when it comes to sewing.  Remember this post--where I was so proud of merely sewing on a button?  Yep, I also dreamed of being able to make my own pillows.  

There's an old saying, "Be careful what you wish for..."

I understand it now!

I was given a sewing machine for Christmas!  At first, I was a bit intimidated, but I also tend to get scared when faced with new challenges.  I've learned it's best to dive in...

So with Kern by my side and Jody as my able teacher, I did just that.

I made two napkins, a miniature pillow for Moses the dog and a regular sized pillow!

This photo is embarrassing but too funny not to share.  This is my exact feeling with the machine whirring beneath me.  Practice will help...

Moses is very excited about his tiny pillow

I am so excited about this new challenge and opportunity to learn a basic and helpful skill.  Who knows what will be next?

My guess is lots of napkins for the time being...

Do you ever sew?

A Christmas to Remember

I know...Christmas was a while ago...but I couldn't resist putting a few quick photos from this year's festivities.  I enjoyed each precious day with family--it flies by so quickly.

We had our traditional Christmas Eve dinner at Gran Fran's.  I love counting the carolers and eating off the Spode Christmas tree china.

Lucky Santa...he got a plate full of Marcia's sugar cookies!

Santa came!  I woke up early and snapped a quick photo of the tree with gifts.  I love the quietness of the morning before the chaos sets in...

 The "after" photo for comparison's sake...

Josh and Lee

Kern and me with Gran Fran

I have a few more photos from my Bogue Chitto Christmas...including a surprise gift that will certainly make multiple appearances on the blog...tomorrow!