Super sweet family Sneak Peak!

my OWN kitchen remodel!

So, I think it's high time I finally get some pictures and show off all our hard work on our Kitchen!

Hubby and I did everything ourselves except installing the countertops!

This is the view when you walk into the kitchen.

To the left

to the right

and of course facing back towards the living area

I ADORE my new hammered copper farmhouse sink and faucet!

why YES you did see sparkles on my counter tops!

I ADORE my black quartz counters complete with sparkles

Repainted, new countertops, hardwood flooring, glass subway tile backsplash, 

sink and faucet, light fixtures

as well as new dishwasher, fridge and stovetop

Added new shelving as well!

We also FINALLY after living here for 12.5 years put knobs and handles on the cabinets too!

Sneak Peak

Beautiful Surrender

If you ask me, fall is the most glorious and splendid season of the year...

The trees simply glow with their vibrant colors and it's as if they are alight with joy

I am also struck that fall is really a season of surrender, have you ever noticed it?

Such splendor for the leaves impending death?!

If only to surrender the things in my life with the incredible splendor and grace of a maple tree, 

or an oak

as they prepare to face the coldness and hardship of winter.

Do we see a time of loss or a time of suffering coming as a time to become beautiful

or do we see it as something to fear?

I pray that I may face trials like a lovely maple tree

gracefully, knowing that what is ahead is for my best.

That in the seemingly barren time ahead there will be time for my 

roots to grow, and time to be watered deeply.

That even though perhaps the weight of the snows to come might make me anxious

they are truly a burden that will be for my good

allowing me to grow in new and better ways.

A trial free life is an empty life;

lacking depth and character that can be gained from only one source

In the comforting hands of my Father in Heaven.

But a life surrendered in splendor to the Lord and the ways that threaten to pierce us through;

it will grow and strengthen and eventually rise up as a pillar of light shining one 

incredible truth:

The God that created it, is loving and kind and joins in our sufferings.

He is not aloof and indifferent but actually holding us through it.

He suffered and He died,

FOR grace

and He rose in splendor and conquered death.

and I pray that in some small way that truth would be ALL that people would see through

the struggles of a perfectly sinful woman who loves Him with all of her 

crooked but graciously forgiven heart!

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!  Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.  And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.

~Phillipians 4:4-8~

My warrior

My warrior

He fights every single day, 

Seizures, Asthma, Autism, Sensory Input

He fights

and he is marvelous and amazing!

A year ago when he had to have his appendix removed

I brought him Bentley the dog.

He and Bentley have been inseparable since.

Anytime we have to go to the dr for a scary test or he has to be away from me for a time

Bentley goes too and he keeps all the kisses that my Bean has for me and then
Bentley delivers them later.

And now... this kid who wasn't going to live past 3 months old

He is 10 and I am blessed beyond words to still have him with me.