Grace for 2014

I have seriously put off writing this post for weeks because I have been arguing with myself and with God about my word for this year. There is so many words that come to mind with some of the things that I am personally about to step into and opportunities that the hubs and I are about to step into that I could just name quite a few and be content with those. But, God has other plans for me this year and my word is...

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Understanding God's grace in my life hasnt been as difficult to walk out or understand as other things like trusting and being patient, but walking out God's grace and showing grace to others somehow is extremely difficult to me. Sometimes I feel like I have to guard who I am and protect myself from everyone and everything. I hate when people do me wrong and I hate when things aren't fair and just and a lot of the times if I were honest, anger gets the best of me. I dont always bite my tongue and my actions arent always the best response. This year I want to really walk out Gods's grace and show grace to others. I want to be slow to speak, slow to get angry, and I want what comes out of my mouth to be a reflection of who God is. I want when someone cuts me off and I am in a hurry with a baby in the backseat to not be so mad and upset about it, but to be able to just wave and smile. Or when someone does me wrong or says something that shouldnt be said I want to be able to not let it sting and want to retaliate.

Im being real and transparent with yall because I want someone to hold me accountable. 2014 is new a start for a lot of things and I want God's complete favor in my life and take me to different heights and depths, but I know there is somethings that are holding me back from getting there and this is one step in moving forward. Im excited for what this year might hold and what it can become! I am embracing this new year with open arms.

Hebrews 12:15 
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled


Here's to a new year!

NYE on the Beach

Popping in to share some of our photos from New Year's Eve on the beach!

The weather wasnt all that great but we managed to get a few good pics! Dont be surprised if I have a post some time later this spring with these photos hanging up in our entry way :)

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Mommy & Me

As you read this, I am off getting my hair did, a much needed time in the beauty seat!

We have my mom here for the week to help us me get ready for Paisley's first birthday party on Saturday. We are still days away from our party and already I am one hot, emotional mess. I cant even imagine how bad her actual birthday is going to be. This year has flown by within a blink of an eye and I am stunned at how big Paisley Grace has gotten. This time last year when my mom came we were days away from meeting our little girl, dreaming of what she would look like and what her personality would be and here we are a year later, a little girl that is walking, talking, and too smart for her own good. Momma's how do you seriously cope with your baby turning one!? I need the secrets!! 

Since we have been super busy with family coming into town we have not gotten any new photos, I am posting photos from NYE, which happen to be my all time favorite photos. I will tell you which one has me just swooning and so giddy....Are you ready for it???

 The below picture has me over the moon giddy. For some reason this one just hits the spot and makes me melt. Not sure what it is about this one, but its become my favorite photo!

Have a great week! I will be a busy bee party prepping!

Five on Friday

Happy New Year friends! Are you enjoying 2014 so far? I have a feeling that this year might be hard to top last year, but I have high hopes for amazing things this coming year! 

I cant think of any better way to kick of this year than a little five on Friday so here we go...

ONE

My Momma comes tomorrow and I am so darn excited!! I havent seen her since July and I can only imagine the fun that we are about to have with her! She is going to be beside herself when she sees how big Paisley is and sees Paisley walking!! I may just not be able to sleep tonight!!

TWO

I got this gift from my mom this year and even though its not a Clarisonic, this thing is amazing! I dont know how I ever went this long without one! This is Ulta's version that they sell for $25 which totally affordable! My skin has had to go through a detox period, but I am coming out on the other side and I am impressed!

THREE

I learned a few things a week ago. Cake Smash photos are difficult to do when you have a teething baby, and Paisley Grace likes cake no more than she likes Santa. Despite the rough session we did get a few good ones and here is my all time favorite pic! The hubs designed her invites and I am so happy these are going out in the mail today! Did he not do a fab job?

FOUR

We spent NYE on the beach, and although the weather was super crummy we still managed to get out some great photos before dark

FIVE

Here's to starting off this year right and accomplishing many things in this year to come!

Have a fabulous weekend!!

A Year in Review: 2013

Are we really at the end of yet another year? 

I think this year has by far gone by so much faster than any other year and I am just in awe that its over. 

What a year it has been! 2013 holds some of my greatest memories. We welcomed our sweet Paisley Grace into the world at the beginning of last year, and what a joy she has been. We've survived our first year as new parents woohoo! Im sure we could safely say that the reason time has flown by so fast is because of Paisley. She's added so much joy, happiness and color to our lives. Its been a fun year just watching her grow up and blossom into a little personality. Im not sure what we ever did without her except get a full nights sleep ;) 

In October we bought our first house! The process was grueling and sometimes the perks of being a homeowner are somewhat overwhelming but I am in love with our new home. We have truly been able to make it completely ours and its been such an experience to see its transformation. We have lots of work left to do, but its come along so beautifully!

With the hubs being a teacher, we were able to spend part of our time in CO this summer with my family and having them meet Paisley and what a trip! We also were able to welcome my niece, Bentlee into the world with my family and what a joy she and Kylar are! I wish that we lived closer so that Paisley could grow up with all her cousins ;) Soon we will be welcoming Kohen Samuel into the world and Im sure he will steal our hearts just as Kylar and Bentlee have.

Other than the big purchase of our house, Aaron and I were able to finally buy an upscale keyboard! We've been looking for the last year and a half and finally found a deal too good to pass up! Now this baby sits in our office and will be a great thing for this next year when I begin teaching vocal lessons out of our house! So much in store all because of one instrument!

Aaron and I have had the privilege of leading the worship for our college and career group and its been such a fun experience! We might be small in numbers but we've had some awesome times! I cant wait to see what will take place in 2014 in this ministry!

There are still so many great memories, and some tougher times that we've experienced and other than the birth of Paisley, Christmas with Paisley has been the highlight of the year. She has been too much fun, and its like I am getting to live life all over again through her eyes and see everything for the first time! Her favorites have been the Christmas tree and all the lights. She marvels in the sight of each shining light and gets so giddy over them that your heart cant help but melt :)

I hope you all have had an amazing year and you have a very...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!