My Word for 2016

      I have always been curious about New Year's resolutions and if people actually keep them. I don't usually make any other than the unspoken, "lose weight". Usually the 31st of December slips into the 1st of January and things stay the same.
     As a perfectionist, (yes, I have come to grips with my condition, you know admitting it is the first step) I don't usually shoot too high for fear of failure so resolutions are scary. Perfectionists usually do things really well but they we don't accept failure very well. We tend to be very competitive and failing to achieve a goal could thrust us into some serious depression. So, making resolutions is a major no-no for me so I've decided to do something a little less reckless. I've seen others do it in the past and it's actually a really good idea. So I have chosen a word for my inspiration word for 2016.

     Consistency isn't something I really have a huge problem with. I am actually very consistent in the things that "really matter" but I tend to fall off the wagon on the things that "just matter". I don't have a problem with getting in my Bible time every morning. I just do it. I know it's important to hear what the Lord has to say every day so I make sure to get that in consistently because it "really matters". I don't have a problem doing whatever I need to to make sure my husband is happy because he "really matters". I never have to decided to go to church because that "really matters".  But when it comes to things that "just matter" like quilting, blogging, running or crocheting I tend to be very inconsistent. Sadly, those of you who faithfully read my blog know that I'm a sad poster girl for a faithful blogger. I always mean to make time for blogging but since it "just matters" it falls by the wayside.
    So, for 2016 my inspiration word is CONSISTENCY. Consistency in the things that "just matter". I want to quilt consistently. I know it doesn't "really matter" but it does matter a little to me. I know my blog isn't life changing but it matters to me. So, I am going to practice being consistent in the things in my life that "just matter".
    Since I'm being so consistent in the things that "just matter" like blogging; I'll be back real soon!! Promise!
What about you? Do you have an inspirational word for 2016?

Happy 2016!

Happy New Year all my blogger friends! I'm so thankful for all that happened last year and quite glad to be forgetting a little of that. I love that God is always making a way for us to repent and return to Him.

Looking forward to 2016! BTW, my word for this year is CONSISTENCY. So I'll be back soon, I promise!

16 Sew-able Valentine Tutorials

Okay, so with Valentines Day just around the corner, I guess you could say I'm in a lovely mood. So, since I love to sew and I love love I found some tutorials that include both. Enjoy and make sure to leave a comment and thank the creators for the tutes.

1. Adorable Secret Pocket Pillow from See Kate Sew.

2. Wonderfully cute heart quilted table setting from Moda bake Shop. (Love this site!)

3. What a cute gift for the reader in your life. Sweet heart bookmarks from Simple Serendipities.

4. Who doesn't need red heart hot pads for the kitchen? Look at this tute from Made by Me & Shared with You.

5. Okay I super-love rainbows and that's probably why I chose this one. Who says Valentines can't be rainbow? Check it out at Momtastic DIY.

6. I love this Heart Strings pillow from Allisa Jacobs, so cute and easy.

7. I want one of these A-dorable Valentine aprons from One More Moore.

8. If my Nan was almost 18 instead of 18 I'd be making one of these for sure! Check it out at Make It & Love It!

9. There's a great tute over at June Johnson for these adorable Hugs and Kisses pillow covers.

10. I super-love this anatomical heart pillow; love the whimsy! You can find a tutorial over at Hearts and Sharts.

11. Look how cute this Hex and Heart coasters are from Cosmo Cricket.

12. This is such a great idea. The Renegade Seamstress has beast idea for a sweater Valentine Upcycle.

13. Here's another adorable kids clothing project I found over at Polkadots on Parade.

14. I really need to make one of these cute Valentine Buntings from Life in Liberty Canyon.

15. DIY Dreamer has these sweet little heart bookmarks and a tutorial for them to boot!

16. Last but not least, check out this adorable Lego man love applique at TrashN2Tees.

Okay, now get sewing and make sure to share your projects!!

Happy Mother's Day 2013

New Beginnings!

So it's almost a new year. UNBELIEVABLE!!! I can't believe it's already 2013 and there are still no flying cars? Are we behind technologically or what? I thought for sure there would be flying cars, Tele-ports and smell-a-vision by now. What have we been doing all these years anyhow?

It's 2013 whether I'm ready for it or not. Looking ahead I can see that this is gonna be a difficult year. Our oldest son is already in the states in Bible college and in April our second son leaves to graduate and start college in the Fall. When we return to Croatia we will be returning with only our daughter in tow. Time has flown by. When I think that this year my kids will be 16, 18 and 21, I cringe. I wish someone would have told me to stop and stare a while. I wish I could go back right now and watch them playing in the yard but I know I can't. It's their turn to experience life and I can only sit back and wait for what the future holds for them and us.

Oh yea, this is my "big 40" year. Every once in a while that'll shock me. Especially when I realize that the next big birthday after 40 is 50. I shutter to think I've made it to 40 and I feel like I've missed so many years with our hectic pace of life. I'm gonna slow down a bit. Gonna enjoy my Lord, hubby and wonderful children.

There are a few things I would like to do this year. Not so much resolutions but more intentions.

1. I would love to read my Bible every day this year without missing one day.
2. Wanna make it to my goal weight this year.
3. Would love to turn 40 with style.
4. Really want to spend more meaningful time with my daughter while I have her.
5. Wanna fall more in love with Johnny than I am now.
6. Wanna spend more time being thoughtful to others.
7. Wanna get back to my sewing, i miss it.
8. Wanna take lots of photos.
9. Would love to renew my relationship with my brother.
10.
11.
* I'll fill those in later, i'm sure.

This year also holds the possibility of even a greater happening. Who knows, this could be the year our Lord and Savior Jesus returns for us. Wouldn't that be grand!

My Sweet Valentine

Yesterday we had a Valentine Banquet at our church in Cakovec. We had a wonderful time! 

Here are a few random photos.

  Me and my honey! Our 21st Valentine's Day together. 

The teens were wonderful waiters. 

 The ladies team, the winners!

The losing team! Okay we're all winners, yea right. 

 Picture perfect!

Our crazy wait staff and the night's entertainment. HA!

The night's sermon, it was a wonderful sermon and even in English and Croatian so the Americans could enjoy it too. Since I heard the sermon in two languages you'd think I got it right, nah. 

  

I was so thrilled to open my Valentine present from Johnny. It's been so long since I even said anything about this thing that I can't believe that he even remembered. He's pretty special and I can't wait to get busy with my new Graphic Tablet, now I just have to learn to draw!

Valentine Extravaganza

I love holidays! I have always wanted to be one of those people who decorate for every holiday. I always have good intentions and I end up doing a little but not like I would like. 

Anyhoo, here are some ideas for decoration for Valentines Day and some really unique Valentines.

Super cute wreath from the idea room. 

Does it get any yummier than Rolos?

I SUPER love this idea!

So cute and free printables.

Cute! A little Valentines Day fun with Hubby!

Easy idea for dressing up any light or any thing for that matte. 

How cute are these? And kisses are the best!

A ton of super-cute printables!

Yummy idea!

How fun us this shirt and cheap!

I LOVE Smarties!

Sweet and easy!

This is such a sweet little throw pillow, I think I can do it!

Leave it to BHG to come up with genius!

MUST SEE!

Snuggling + Heart shaped Marshmallows and Cocoa = LUV

Too cute!! Give 'em a hand!

Kids can even get in on the decorating!

Gonna go make some heart garland...for real!