new year, new look.

The last year has been an eventful one to say the least. Believe it or not, a year ago Travis and I weren't sure we'd make it another year of being married. It was a very tough time for both of us, still so in love, but facing challenges we were fighting to overcome. And, nearly failing to do so. After alot of communication (which we were lacking), hours of staring at our son knowing we wanted him to grow up with his parents together happy together, and accepting that we had to stop being selfish or stubborn and give the love we have for each other some real effort we knew we just couldn't be apart. You see, as it is for most couples, when our child was born all of our time and effort went to caring for him. Unfortunately, we neglected ourselves and each other and it started taking it's toll. Quickly. For those of you who don't know, we've been together ten years. You can imagine how we've both changed since first meeting: our personalities as we've matured, our stresses, family needs, friends, our likes and dislikes, and days now just don't seem as long or as carefree as they once were. Say, when I was just 15 years old. :) One thing that hasn't changed: our love for each other and my certainty that Travis was the man I was meant to share my life with. So, here we are, facing another new year to strengthen our relationship, make new memories, and to celebrate all the things we love.

We ended the year spending the day in Charlotte with family. Watching our little man play at an indoor play area called "Monkey Joe's", taking a train ride through the city and having lunch with family we don't see often enough. The evening was spent with Travis' father and his lovely wife Suzanne, along with some of their friends having a fine dinner, drinks, and of course that midnight kiss from my handsome hubby. We welcomed the New Year with plans for changes. As you may have noticed, my first change was this little ol' blog I happen to love so much. I appreciate not only the inspiration I recieve and am able to share, but also the friends I've made. I wish you all the very best year ahead.

As for changes to our home, which I am always thrilled to daydream (and blog) about. There's that kitchen of ours we made big changes to but have yet to finish, a nursery that needs to better suit our "baby" who now needs a 'big boy' room, our dark and dreary master that I'd prefer to be airy and romantic, a guest bedroom that we'd like to make our guests feel as welcomed as we do, and our blank living room that is in great need of character. Who knows if all of those projects will be done this year. Especially since just in the short amount of time it took me to type that sentence, I thought of another room, make that two, that need some attention. Our laundry room and Jack's/guest bath. Whew! We've got our work cut out for us but I'm determined to have fun with it and appreciate the beauty in what IS done, as opposed to stressing about what is not.

On the very long list of things to incorporate, here are just a few of my favorites.


A super comfy chair in the living room:

Wall interest in big doses of beadboard:

A completed kitchen as pretty as this one:

A gorgeous chandelier...

To hang over a farmhouse table (I'm working on for the kitchen) with a stunning resemblance to this one:

Tons and tons and tons of white and memories displayed on our walls:

And, God willing, you never know if another angel will bless our lives:

(Jack Trenton; the reason I believe in love at first sight.)

I hope you all are as happy and excited to start a new year as I am. I look forward to the changes it brings for each and every one of us!

Xo-