Sweet Inspiration

I just came across the coolest blog today. If anyone has not already came across it...you must! The link is : http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/ So much great stuff here...definitly worth a few minutes (I warn you...you will be here much longer!) I think I found a new favorite for 2009 already!

So long 2008...

As the year 2008 draws to a close and a new year fastly approaches, I find myself looking back on an incredible year yet very optimistic as to what the new one will bring. They always say that the older one gets the faster they go by, and I can definitly agree with that fully. It seems just like yesterday that we were ringing in 2008 and here we are about to bid it a fond farewell in our history books. This year was definitly a huge one for me. So many monumental things happened this year to myself, my family, my best friends. There have been ups and downs, changes, good news and the not so good. But all in all, it has been full of many blessings...for which I am always so thankful for. Of all the things that have happened this year, there are definitly some things that have moved me in one way or another and that have definitly made me learn more about myself and the choices that I make in my life. I am so thankful that I have a passion. So many people do not have one, and I could not imagine my life without it. Of course, this passion is my scrapbooks and love for photography and the visual arts. It has changed my life in more ways than one and has made me so much more aware for all that I have that money could not ever buy. If anything, my passion has taught me and continues to teach me about what really does matter and what truly defines happiness. I have made this journal for 2009. I made it to sit on my desk and to continously be a visual reminder for me on keeping my perspective and reminding me of the importance of practicing the many important values for enriching my outlook and approach on everyday life. Speaking of passion, I could not help but include some photos my husband took on his most recent trip sledding to the mountains in BC. The pictures are stunning, and I love that we both have something in our lives, which we can call our own, that we both love to do and can share with each other. I love that he has something that makes him happy and that he looks so forward to doing when he gets the chance.

So long 2008...it has been a great year with many memories that we will cherish forever.

Welcome 2009...I cannot wait to begin creating more!

So good for the soul

Today was an absolutely fabulous day. I had the chance to visit and catch up with some of my best girlfriends this afternoon. Even though we are all on our own, doing our own thing, with our own lives, living apart from one another, we all still remain close at heart and I absolutely cherish the times where we can be together just hanging out like it was high school again! However, things, circumstances and the issues we all presently are faced with have significantly changed since then...haha! Of all of the things that I am most proud of in my life, is the relationships that I have formed with such amazing girls. My friendships mean the world to me, and these girls are true beauties in every sense of the word. They have all worked so hard and faced ups and downs of various types and sizes, but their spirits continuously shine through no matter what. They have been there for me in so many ways, over all these years, and I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done for me! We had such a great day discussing everything! I am so thankful for today in so many ways. It was so good for my soul. And a great way to start a brand new week...and a brand new year!

It's About Embracing the Spirit of the Season

Christmas is fastly approaching and so will be the hectic days of last minute running around, getting here and there, prepping, adding that last finishing touch...so I thought I would post my thoughts for the beginning of the season a tad early, in hopes of being a bit more organized (and perhaps starting my 2009 resolution a bit earlier??) In any case, I came across a verse that I thought perfectly summed up my thoughts and feelings on what Christmas and the entire season is really about. Not presents, not baking, not food, not music...basically a restoration and reflection on what is a gift for us-that we can give to our own self...to our soul, our spirit, our humanity as a whole. This Christmas... end a quarrel. seek out a forgotten friend. dismiss suspicion...and replace it with trust. write a love letter. share some treasure. give a soft answer. encourage youth. manifest your loyalty in word and deed. keep a promise. find the time. forgo a grudge. forgive an enemy. listen. apologize if you are wrong. try to understand. flout envy. examine your demands on others. think first of someone else. appreciate. be kind; be gentle. laugh a little. laugh a little more. deserve confidence. take up arms against malice. deny complacency. express your gratitude. go to church. welcome a stranger. gladden the heart of a child. take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. speak your love. speak it again. speak it still once again. Have a wonderful holiday season everyone.

I Found Treasure

"Treasure this day, and treasure yourself. Truly, neither will ever happen again." ~Ray Bradbury

Speaking of treasure, check out this super cute journal I found today!

It is the most inspiring little book I have come across. It is filled with blank pages just waiting for stories to be told, while at the same time each back page on the bottom left hand corner is filled with an inspirational quote. A simple reminder for anyone, that no matter what, to just stop and enjoy and reflect and savour the moment one is in.

It seriously is the cutest little book ever!

Perception

Lately it has been a struggle to find the joy in everyday. Not that there really is a reason for a struggle, it just happens to be that way. It is funny how every so often a person can hear a story, or talk to someone, or see someone who will inadvertently make you take a step back and completely re-evaluate a situation that may have been causing one grief, stress, or heartache. I think there is so much more meaning to chance meetings, and unplanned conversations. I really believe that everything that happens to us in a day is all meant to teach us something more. However, it is up to us to try and make meaning of it. Today that chance meeting for me was when I was just reading up on some blogs and I came across this quote that Heidi Swapp used for a class she was teaching. It was included in her project materials, and I just needed to read something like this today. "See things as you would have them be, instead of how they are" ~Robert Collier All of a sudden, when you read this and reflect, something better comes to light. Things may just not be that bad after all!

Digital Fun

So, I finally got my hands on my disc from the photographer for our wedding. It seems like they took forever to arrive, however I tried to be as patient as I could be. Of course, I could not just let the photos "be" so I did some of my creative editing and here are a few of my favorites!

As for other stuff going on, Matt and I had a busy weekend in Edmonton getting some Christmas shopping done and enjoying some family time with Matthew's mom's side of the family. It was a great chance to visit and catch up with aunts, uncles and cousins since we have not seen most of them since the wedding!

It also looks like it is going to be a busy week ahead. However, I think everyone is in the same boat with the amount of craziness and business within all our lives, so somehow when I think of that it makes it so much easier to deal with and handle! We are all busy people and just all trying to get through and enjoy this time of year the best that we all can.

It's all about perspective and intention. Living with intention...something on my mind more and more lately. I think it can be such a critical aspect for an individual's mental health and overall happiness and contentment. I am reading a book right now that touches on this factor. It is still that whole notion of "living in the moment" and being "present". Gotta keep those things active in my mind!

As for unexpected news...I just recieved an email from an individual with Simple Scrapbook magazine and a layout I submitted is going to be featured in their May/June 2009 issue! How exciting is that! I cannot believe the first layout I have ever submitted is going to be featured in a magazine. Very cool. So hopefully everything all works out and come next year I will get to see my work in a magazine. I am very lucky!:)

So, as I prepare to start another week I think it is important to just take a moment and count the little blessings that have showered our day today.

And look forward to tomorrow!

It is going to be a great week.

More Stuff

I still have been working on some projects and layouts with pictures from our trip to Mexico this past September, and I am really liking the outcome! I had the idea for this mini album when I was actually in Mexico and made sure I jotted it down, so I would not forget it. I really love the concept, and I tried to keep things simple and not too complicated, as I just wanted to focus more on the natural beauty and stories of the pictures themselves. Little embellishments, little detail, little stress...it all came together so nicely and I really love the simplistic nature of the project. Here is a sneek peek of a few of the pages from my mini album. Here is another 12 x 12 layout that I completed for our big scrapbook. I used the picture I had taken of Matt and I on the beach at sunset...definitly one of my favorites. I loved the colors that I used, and of course the making memories paper and embellishment line. I just love all of their products and am truly addicted to buying them. They are so inspiring to use and I think they look so great on pages. I am loving how this album is coming together. Nothing is planned, or in any particular order...it is just being completed as I am feeling ready to, or inspired to I guess. Ultimately it is just our diary of the time we spent in Mexico, and our favorite moments, memories and photographs. It will be so nice to have to look through again and again, whenever we want to relive the time we spent here together. To me, this is what scrapbooking is all about. Capturing the memories, freezing time, and using our albums to bring us back to truly important and memorable times in our lives. I absolutely love it. It purely and simply just makes me one happy girl. Let's all be a little happy today!

Image of Peace

After having such a hairy week at work, I just needed to find some peace. I stumbled across this picture I had taken a couple of years ago in the late fall, and I just love it because to me this symbolizes just that... peace. It is so easy to get caught up in the fast pace, hectic, sometimes annoying and troubling drama that one can find to begin creeping in one's daily life. This week was one of those for me, however I refused to let it get the best of me and tried to cope the best way I could. It's just all about perspective and choices, and choosing to take one path over the other. I have made the choice to be the better person, I have made the choice to not take things so seriously. I have made the choice to choose patience over impatience. I have made the choice to look on the brighter side of things. I think I made the right choice.

Thoughts for Today

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. ~Denis Waitley

December is Officially Here!

It is officially December. Time really does pass by, and reflecting back on the year of 2008...I have had a year of so many wonderful moments, memories, and change. It really has been a year like nothing else! My parents turned 50, my Gido turned 85, I got married...there really has been some incredible moments and I am really blessed to have experienced them all. I am definitly ready to celebrate December, and all of the little and big things that it will bring. I am beginning to get ready for holiday shopping, visiting, baking, eating...just to name a few. It has been challenging to get into the whole Christmas spirit for me this year (not sure why) but I am becoming more optimistic and aware of using my time and energy wisely, versus worrying and procrastinating about nothing. Life is too short to not enjoy the little moments that we are faced with each day. Today is also the first day for my first entry in my December daily album. It is so nice to have a project already made. Just pop in a picture, add some journaling, and a mini-layout is done! Before you know it, the album will be complete! I love the feeling of completing projects and adding them to my collection.

I just had to snap this picture today of my dog before heading off to work. I think she is so pretty, and Matt and I just love her to pieces. She brings so much joy to our life.

The Power of Healing

Today I attended a crystal information session on different crystals and their healing powers. I find it so fascinating how these little pieces of miracle healing surround us everyday, whether we know it, (or believe in it). All I know is that they are definitly something that should not be ignored, as it is amazing to hear all of the different healing stories people have encountered with these rocks and crystals. Above is the collection I have, which I keep at my desk in a cute little bowl Matt and I had been given while we were enjoying our honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta. Within my collection I have amethyst, which is a powerful and protective stone with a high spiritual vibration, moon stone, which is a stone of new beginnings and calms emotions, the love stone wich is a stone of unconditional love and infinite peace, and solalite, which unites logic with intuition and opens spiritual perception. I find these stones and crystals so inspiring, and I love learning more and more about what and how they interact with our energies as human beings. Thank you to Dina today for hosting such a great information session! It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Had to Share...

Of course, like usual when I check out Ali's blog I come across fabulous quotes and phrases that just sum up things that I truly value and believe and really try to live by. The following is one of those quotes. It literally makes you sit back and think "hmmm..." Melodie Beattie : Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. I just LOVE that!

It's Beginning to feel alot like Christmas!

Usually on Saturday's, I love to just putsy and not really have anything specific to do, or much less anything planned. However, today was one of those days where it was busy from morning until night with things that I needed to get crossed off my "to-do" list, as well as projects I wanted to start, and finish. Then of course, there are always those other things that need to get done that also seem to just fall onto my lap! One of those major "to-do" jobs, was setting up our Christmas tree. I must say initially I wasn't in the mood, however pulling out all of the decorations and hanging them on the tree really started to get me into the whole Christmas spirit just a little more. That has to be one of my favorite things about Christmas. Opening the boxes of ornaments and decorations that have been stored for almost a year, and reminiscing about the years past, and wondering about the things to come. I love finding certain ornaments or decorations I forgot I had, and placing out the ones that I always remember and highly anticipate setting out. The whole decorating process did not even seem to take that long, however I like to keep my decor to simple and clean looking, so as not to become too crowded and overdone with stuff. I am really into the whole "simple" living. One really is enough!

One other project that I was really excited about starting, and which I actually did finish, was my Christmas advent calendar. I thought it turned out super cute, and I love the fact that it is handmade and something that I can set out every Christmas that is completely unique. The whole project did not even take that long!

Every couple of months, I love to display a layout in my home. This is one that I had completed a couple of weeks ago, using the Making Memories "Fa-La-La" collection (LOVE this line). This layout is something very sentimental to me, as it signifies Matthew and my first Christmas together as husband and wife. I love the colors and design I was able to do, and again, this came to me so easy and took no time at all! To end my busy afternoon, I made a homemade pot of Chicken Tortellini soup and cheese biscuits for supper. It was just kind of a soup day, and both turned out great.

Now, that it is almost time for bed...hopefully I can relax a little bit tomorrow! It is Sunday after all!

Quote To Share

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams live the life you've imagined As you simplify your life, The laws of the universe will be simpler." ~Thoreau I love this quote!

Just a random thought...

I came across this photo earlier today, and it just brought me back to a really blissful time. A time of friendship and fun, love and laughter, comfort and memories. Thank god for photos.

Something Special

This past weekend was a great one. Matt and I went into Edmonton to begin our Christmas shopping, spend some quality time together and then I took a scrapbook class at the Urban Scrapbook. Above is a picture of the very "eclectic" album that we made in the course. It was taught by Talia and Kim, the infamous goodie box girls, and it was a beautiful project! These girls are so creative and inspiring, and I was able to have a really good visit with them. Thank you so much girls for this beautiful project and great learning opportunity! An additional bonus (and one HUGE surprise) was that Talia picked my name out of the draw for the $100 shopping spree! How exciting! I was totally shocked and extremely grateful. I ended up splurging on a Zutter Bind-it-all machine that I have been eyeing up since last year. I am really excited to begin using it, it has so many endless creative possibilities. Thank you so much Urban Scrapbook! This week, nothing much is new...still working on those thank you cards. I hope to be done soon and have them mailed out. I also got word from my photographer that my disc of pictures and photo album is ready as well, so he will be mailing that out to us too. Another great thing to look forward to!

I just had to post this...

I just had to post this picture...it is one of my favorites.

Randomness...

So...I have been swamped with this...finally my thank you cards for the wedding arrived and lucky they have because I think it is honestly going to take me two weeks to thank all of the amazing guests we had attend our wedding! My goal is to have these done and mailed out before December 01...and I am pretty optimistic I will meet that goal, however I don't think I have done this much writing since my university days! It has been such a rewarding process though, and a wonderful trip down memory lane considering I still don't recollect about 95% of the day itself. It is still a blur, and something that at times really does make me sad. It is so nice to read all of the cards and everyones well wishes and sweet words of wisdom and praise.

On another note...last weekend I threw myself into creative mode and finished my December Daily album, as seen on Ali Edwards blog. I am so happy to have it ready and am eagerly awaiting December 01/2008 so I can start recording all of the big and little moments this December has to offer. I know I will be so thankful that I did this project and will be one of the greatest gifts I can give myself. Thank you Ali for some amazing inspiration once again!

I want to remember this

LOVE this quote

So, while surfing some of my favorite scrapbooking blogs, I came across the following quote on Ali Edwards blog. Honestly, if this quote does not hit home I do not know what will...it is so true in regards to so many of the things that I feel so passionately about in my life. Sometimes a person does not know exactly how to express themselves, however this quote completely sums up the way I feel about alot of things and the choices I make and decisions I have made in regards to how I live and want to continue living my life by. Marilyn Thomsen : And while it takes courage to achieve greatness, it takes more courage to find fulfillment in being ordinary. For the joys that last have little relationship to achievement, to standing one step higher on the victory platform. What is the adventure in being ordinary? It is daring to love just for the pleasure of giving it away. It is venturing to give new life and to nurture it to maturity. It is working hard for the pure joy of being tired at the end of the day. It is caring and sharing and giving and loving… Thanks Ali!

One of those days...

Have you ever just had "one of those days"? Well, today was my turn. Honestly, I do not know what was going on, but from the moment I stepped foot out my door and headed to work...I knew things were not going to go my way. There was nothing in particular that was wrong, it was just a day where I wasn't feeling "it" at all and really did not know how I was going to get through a full day at work having to feel the way I was. But then...things got better. My husband surprised me with flowers this afternoon and of course that sealed the deal for things to start heading on a better track. All of a sudden I just regained my focus and it was like "wake up girl! Let it go and just be happy and thankful". And it wasn't the flowers that did it, but just the sheer fact of being reminded that no matter what...there are always people out there that care for you, and need you, and are here to cheer you on. We all can have our days, but in reality...those days really are not that bad...especially when a person is surrounded by so many good "little" things in life. Thank you Matthew for reminding me of this, and making me more aware today of so many things. Reason #589 of why I love you and why I promise to be even more grateful and thankful for you in my life everyday.

Random Thoughts & A Palm Tree

Since I woke up this morning to snow, and I am getting ready for bed as it is snowing...I figured it would be most fitting to put up this picture of a palm tree so it could take me back to some blue skies and sweet sunshine! How I long for the sun!!! This past week has been so dreary, grey and cloudy that I was forced to go and buy myself a light therapy lamp for my desk at work. The SADD symptoms are definitly trying to force thier way through and I am trying my best to fight back with all my might. Me and winter do not get along so much! However, looking at this picture does bring me back and truly makes me feel so happy. My mom and dad came over for supper tonight, and it was great to just have a spontaneous visit. Sometimes those are definitly the best visits to have. I am not really much of a planner, so when things just fall into place at times, I definitly do not mind. My dad is heading to California for a week on a golfing trip so it was nice to visit and bid him a fond farewell to sunshine and golf courses while we sit here under grey skies and snow covered ground! I am really looking forward to the weekend, and do not have much planned. A baby shower on Saturday and that is about it. Maybe I will be able to get some scrapping in here or there. We will see!

Today I am Grateful & Saying A Prayer

Today I am grateful... 1.) For the amazing relationship I have with my husband. I love how we can talk about anything and everything. I am thankful for our friendship. He is the #1 in my life. 2.) For music. 3.) To have arrived home safe and sound after going to Edmonton today. Also...I had came home to some unsettling news. I am saying a prayer for that certain someone. Let us all remember to be thankful for the power of prayer.

What I've Been Up To...

So just when I thought that all my creativity was out the door...I got this huge need to create something and "ta-da!" this is what has become of it. I finally have finished not one, not two...but three layouts! Crazy, I know! I guess a big thing that I try to remind myself of is that to just try and "let it go"...whatever it may be. It's so hard not to get caught up in the "trendiness" of this hobby. There are so many products out there and gadgets and things to buy that sometimes it almost paralyzes a person. I know that is how I get. And really, it is all about the photos in the end anyway. It is important to try and not get so lost in all of the hoopla. I really believe less is more, and when too much "stuff" gets in the way of this incredible hobby, it makes me sad. No one should ever feel insecure or incompetent about what or how they create. I think the individuality in everyones creations are what make scrapbooking so unique. No two layouts or projects will EVER be the same...so why so much insecurity? I know I am definitly guilty of that at times and constantly have to remind myself to not get discouraged or dissatisfied by my work from the things I read and see. I love scrapbooking books and magazines...I could read them for hours. But sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in the desire of "perfection" and I too can get frusterated that my stuff doesn't look like that. But then I shake my head....OF COURSE it is not going to look like that...it is not my stuff! Anyway...just thought I would share some of my latest creations!

Girl Time & Perogies!

Reflecting on this past weekend, it was one of those times where I was time-machined back to high school...or maybe even closer to college days! And sometimes, that is really nice when it happens. Hannan came and spent the night with me and it was so nice to have some quality time together with no distraction. The weather was pretty lousy as well so it forced us to just be content and sit inside gabbing and visiting endlessly. We played around on photoshop (she so graciously taught me so photo tricks!), ordered pizza, went and bought chips and ice cream and watched movies until the wee hours. One memorable moment would have had to have been around 7:30 that night, the power went off (due to the massive wind storm) so we were forced to sit around in candlelight for about an hour where we peeled potatoes for our big batch of perogies we were planning to spend Sunday making! At least it was an effective way to kill time!

On Sunday, we made about 800 perogies from scratch that ended up turning out so delicious! For our first time ever doing the whole entire process by ourselves (dough and all) we were quite proud, and needless to say very tired by the end of the day. But it was all worth it. And on another note...I think...I just may have found my scrap mojo again! On Saturday I spent some time scrapbooking and completed a few layouts! However we will seeif it keeps up as I have been struggling with my creativity lately but it just might be finding it's way back to me. I am optimistic! It's funny how creativity and the desire to be creative flows in waves and mine has been definitly at a standstill for awhile. However, of course Ali Edwards is always a huge help, and her blog is so full of fun and meaningful projects. Currently she is posting about a 25 days of Christmas album that is to be completed and ready for documenting the holiday season! I think I may just attempt this one! I am just going to try to stay on this creativity wave flowing my way! We will see how it all goes!

Wednesday Already!

Like everyone else...I find myself sitting here wondering where time has literally gone. Life can be such a whirlwind and just when you think you have it all under control and within grasp, you realize that it is the furthest thing within reach. For instance, the wedding and honeymoon are long gone, Matt and I have been married for over a month, it's insane!!! I guess that is why I always try to maintain a perspective and continuously remind myself to "treasure each and every day". This week has been busy, like usual, with work and everything else that follows. An added bonus on Monday (which by the way was a great way to kick off the week) was that my photographer finally got in touch with me and gave me access to our online gallery. He did an amazing job, and I am so pleased with my pictures. It is a total representation of how our day unfolded. What I find really neat is that in some pictures, I can remember exactly how I was feeling at that moment when he was taking it. Other pictures, on the other hand I do not even remember him taking! How insane is that! In any case...thank god for photos! Today was neat in that I met up with Cindy and the girls to do a spontaneous photo session after work. It was so much fun and the pictures that I was able to capture are really some of my best. I cannot wait to see and hear Cindy's reactions. But with kids that cute it really is somewhat of a sure thing anyway. Last but not least, on my mind is that I really need to start finding some balance and putting some plans into action. I have been finding myself a little under motivated lately, which I hate, and I really need to jump start some things. Even with my scrapbooking I have been feeling a lull and am just waiting for some inspiration to slap me in the face! I know it will come (probably when I have NO time of course) but nevertheless I am patiently waiting. Let's just say right about now I definitly have my hands full with projects just waiting to get started. I have never been bombarded with so many pictures as I am right now. Maybe that is part of the problem! In any case, I think I will just start small and wait to see what happens!

In A Blink

It's been awhile since my last post, however as it seems like October is coming to a fast close and Halloween is nearly approaching, I better get on it and begin some blogging! As usual, and I am sure like most people life is busy and sometimes when it get's to a point that a person does have a spare moment, they would just prefer not to "do" anything...which with me is usually the case. Nevertheless, I will appreciate these moments I took the time to journal down the road so that thought always keeps me somewhat motivated. Today I had spent the day with my mom in the city and doing some shopping. I was very fortunate enough to have the opportunity to spend some of the gift cards Matt and I had recieved for wedding gifts, so it was definitly nice to spoil ourselves and our home with new "this & that". However, I am totally exhausted...shopping is definitly no easy task! All in all it was a great day, but I also found myself today re-evaluating alot of things and choices and I am in the midst of just having that feeling and need to just stop for a moment and appreciate and treasure those people in my life just a bit more. In a blink of an eye, life can change. It is so easy to get caught up in such superficial mumbo jumbo that when real things (be it happy or sad moments) catch you off guard it can really cause you to step back and re-evaluate the choices we all have made in this life. They are those moments that just instantly bring you back to earth and make you shake your head in realization of the important things in this world. Ironically, this all happened on a day where I was so caught up in choosing shower curtains, linens, towels etc. It really is a mystery as to how things like this happen...but as hard as it can be on a person, and as hard I am having a time as to comprehending some things right now, I am truly grateful for the wakeup call I got today. So my challenge to everyone is to just stop for five minutes in your day, close your eyes, and just breathe. Think about those people in your life and how important they are. Call someone you haven't talked to in awhile...any past grudges, let them go...and if it is too extremely difficult maybe just take this time to possibly think it over. Life is too short and too many things can change before we know it.

Pure & Simple Gratitude

As I sit here reflecting on this past year and everything that has happened...how could I NOT be thankful? With thanksgiving around the corner, of course gratitude and everything that it means is felt heavily within the air. It is just that time of year. And as I sit here tonight, I am feeling both very blessed and thankful. Not only for thanksgiving, but also for the simple fact that it is Friday and I can sleep in tomorrow! Plain and simple, I am so fortunate in every way possible. Not only for the "stuff" in my life, but more importantly for the relationships that surround me as well as for the sheer fact that I can sit here and feel sincere happiness. So many people in this world are clouded by sadness, struggle and hardship that I am so thankful for the fact that I can be and feel happy. May those people out there who are in those positions of hardship find strength and blessings along their journey to reaching a place of contentment and happiness. You will find it. I am so grateful for being healthy, that I have an amazing husband, that we share such a special bond and sense of teamwork and respect for one another. I am grateful for the relationship that we have built and continue to foster with each passing day. I am grateful for our families and friends who we love dearly and who mean the world to us. Thank you for being such wonderful pieces to our lives. Gratitude is an amazing thing...just when a person thinks they are down and out, try counting the things in your life that you are so thankful for. It's funny...about a minute ago I never felt this rich!

A Wonderful Whirlwind!

Well we are finally back home from Mexico...but wow what a trip! It was so unbelievable and I feel thoroughly blessed that we were able to have such a wonderful experience and amazing vacation. It was everything and more I could have hoped for as a honeymoon and I know Matthew and I will treasure our time spent in Puerto Vallarta forever. The resorts we stayed in were amazing...the beautiful Hotelito Desconocido was more than I could have ever dreamed. That place is truly heaven on earth and words cannot describe just how beautiful and serene it is there. I am so honored we were able to spend the time that we did there. It is truly a hidden treaure of Mexico. I would highly recommend that resort to anyone. It is a very special place and I will always hold it in my memory. The Riu Vallarta was very beautiful as well and Matt and I had a great time relaxing and soaking up the sun there, as well as splashing around the pool, eating to our hearts content and enjoying all of the nightly shows. It is a beautiful hotel and a perfect way to finish off our honeymoon and to spend our first days as newlyweds there. I cannot wait to start developing all my pictures and begin on some scrapbook projects. My mind is already filling with ideas and inspiration...now the only challenge is to find some time! Life has been busy and my house is still not up to my standards. I keep on starting one task, then walking away and never finishing it. Tonight I think I will try and organize my scrap room, and then I will feel able to clear my head and maybe start on a few projects or just do some journaling. In any case, I am just so happy and thankful to be safe at home with my new husband!