A New Favorite

Last night my sweet husband not only endured but actually suggested that we watch Julie and Julia. He's heard me say several times that I'd like to see it. So clearly the recommendation had everything to do with him wanting to serve ME. I can't really see him thinking about how much HE'd like to see that movie! The thought of that actually makes me laugh out loud right this very minute. So where was I, anyway, when it was at the theater?! I can't remember exactly when it came out but I remember wanting to see it then. And I remember saying about 1,000 more times that I wanted to see it. I found it to be surprising and delightful and sweet and warm and the perfect movie for my not so perfect mood last night. And I must confess that today when I was getting ahead on my cooking for the week I put on my cutest apron and had to talk myself out of going to put on my pearls! :)

Incentive

Although I absolutely love and am energized by completing small decorative projects around the house, my motivation often comes in waves. And for whatever reason, I have not been terribly motivated lately. But, alas, I started thinking of a couple organizational additions I'd like to add and along the way found some glimmers of motivation for a few dangling ended projects that need to be completed. So, as extra motivation I decided I cannot purchase the fun, new additions until I complete the few things still lingering on my list. And what do you know, that sparked a wave of motivation! :) These are the things I'd like to add:

It's a magnetic board that I'd hang in my laundry room which is also where we walk in from the garage, pass through to get to the office AND to the restroom that most guests use when visiting our home. I will put invitations, prized school work, etc. on it.

This, I will hang in the office for those magazines and prayer letters and other things that I can't always stop right then and read when sorting the mail. Do y'all think the fact that it has no sides would be annoying? I LOVE the wrought iron but wonder about the missing sides. Anyway, even if not THIS one, something along the same lines is a must.

Maybe I'll post pics of the completed projects as an EXTRA incentive to get them done and get these things ordered! By the way, they are both from Ballard Designs...one of my absolute favorites for home decor and organizing.

A Tank Filler

First of all, Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! For some reason, I've never really been over the moon about Valentine's Day. It's not that I DON'T like it, I'm just pretty neutral about it I suppose. I do, however, enjoy ANY reason to celebrate and make a day extra special! Because of that it has been fun, as a wife, to have a reason to celebrate. And being a mom has added a new dimension that allows for the fun, lighthearted celebrating that I like vs. the expectation of "mushy love" on Valentine's Day! :)

Nonetheless, none of that is really my point. Today was a really good day IS my point! Not because it was Valentine's Day per se but because it was filled with some of my favorite things. The morning started off with Andy distributing his little V-day trinkets to the kiddos. Little girl was beside herself that Daddy got her jewelry (plastic heart necklace w/matching bracelet)! She insisted on leaving it on for church, which afforded great worship and a thought provoking message on Biblical love (more on this later). Upon leaving church we headed for one of our favorite brunch places that is reserved for semi-special occasions. After brunch Little buddy had a friend over to play and then I took them to see a production of the following:


It was a blast to watch two little boys on the edge of their seats, completely captivated by the actors and constantly asking, "Are they REAL pirates?!". We came home for some more playing since our little friend's mommy was in the hospital having just given birth to her 3rd little boy! As I baked treats and assembled goody bags for tomorrow's school Valentine Party (delayed b/c of snow) I absolutely delighted in, not only what I was doing, but also in hearing them giggle and play while Andy watched the olympics and baby girl napped. As dinner time rolled around we decided to make a quick, easy but delicious dinner (thanks to Sprout's amazing sale items this week! check out their ad here). Steak, crab legs, baked potatoes and chocolate dipped strawberries for dessert! It was just a fun time together at the table as we ate and exchanged cards. Andy had a surprise for me from James Avery...a new charm for my charm bracelet and all the charms that used to be "loose" now affixed to my bracelet. I'm most impressed that he got all that out of my jewelry box without me noticing. :)

So, for a girl who's been running pretty low lately, today was a much needed tank filler. I'm still not overflowing but some definite filling today. And maybe that's what Valentine's Day is all about anyway and not my perception of all that "mushy love stuff" (Can anybody name that movie?!).