favourite things.

I thought about the people in my life and how they have impacted me the last year. I want to be intentional about making sure my friends know how much they mean to me. I sat down with Dave one night and said I wanted to honour those who have walked this journey with me the last few years.. I wondered how I would be able to do that. I said to him.. "Could I get them all in one room and tell them how important they are to me? I couldn't do that could I?" He shrugged at me and said "Why Not?" Yea why not?? So I concocted a plan. Thanks to Pinterest I read about a great party idea and thought it would be the perfect way to get this unique bunch of women together. I sent out a Save the date email back in September and hid all the address's so no one would know who was invited or even why... it was fun. Cause man did that drive some people CRAZY. I created an invitation and invited these precious women to my Favourite things party. They were instructed to bring three of their favourite things ($10 and under) and a favourite appetizer or dessert. The anticipation was too much.

I spent a lot of time getting things ready. I wanted it to be special. After all this was a pretty important crowd and I wanted to them to know how much they meant to me. I made gift bags so they could take the new favourite thing they would get home. When they got to my house each one wrote there own name on three slips of paper which would be used for our favourite things part of the evening.

I can't even begin to tell you how special the evening was to me. Here in one room were 13 women who have motivated me, inspired me, cried with me, laughed with me, supported and loved me. I am honoured that each of them has allowed me to call them my friends. We had a great time eating amazing food and drinking wine and other sparkly drinks. We sipped tea and coffee and it was rarely a quiet room. I got to share why each one was there and what they meant to me. We went around and shared our favourite things. Each person then picked out three names and they got to go home with their special thing. It was neat to see what each person picked and the idea went over really well. I wish I would have gotten a pic of everyone's favourite things.

Another one of my favourite projects for the night was the Thankful Tree. It turned out way better than I imagined. On each card was a special note for each girl just trying to express in words what they meant to me.

The whole night turned out better than I could have ever imagined and when everyone was gone I sat in the quiet of my dining room and wept... for all the times I complain about the circumstances of my life or I have a bad day. Each and everyone of my friends is always there for me. I am so blessed.

I encourage you to honour those in your life that have helped you through, held your hand as you felt you were drowning, made you laugh when all you wanted to do was cry and prayed for you when you couldn't see the way out.

I can't wait to have another favourite things party next year!!

Thanks to Lisa V for the amazing party pics. Other than the first 2. :)

thanksgiving.

I am trying here really trying to get motivated to give you a good post. The Stallion told me last night I was neglecting this blog and that is SO true.. I just feel so overwhelmed when I sit down to write that the words just don't come. So instead I am taking a page from my new favourite book. To write down what I am thankful for right now. Struggling to answer the question how do I find Joy in the midst of deadlines, yucky financial stuff and the daily grind... Trying to express gratitude in the midst of the shitty things because really that can only be the place I find Joy... in being thankful.

And if I allow myself to remember that perspective is everything... I have SO so so much to be thankful for. There is so much more going on in this world beyond me... hey that's one thing to be thankful for...

2 curly haired five year olds who inspire me every day and remind me that they are the best thing.

My strait haired 16 month old who is curious, fast, funny and sweet. When he wraps his chubby arms around my neck and nuzzles in I fall in love.. again.. every time.

My Stallion... oh where to start. Thankful for a man who loves me in spite of myself... and boy does he LOVE me.

Family - each one of them.

My bootcamp ladies - sheesh these women are AMAZING. it is an honour to do this with them. I couldn't be prouder to be apart of something so much bigger than the exterior.

Ruffles and Doilies

Teal & Grey (especially together)

Pinterest - a daily escape and an overflowing fountain of creativity.

David's Tea - Pumpkin Chai

My morning coffee routine... everything about it.

Women - yep I am surrounded by some pretty fabulous ones. My friends mean ALOT to me.

Strength - mine. those around me. God's. Sometimes STRONG is just what you have when you've used up all your weak.

Life is like riding a bicycle in order to keep your balance you must keep moving.

Happy Thanksgiving.