Friday, January 1, 2010

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-

7 comments:

  1. I understand everything you're talking about. Having 0-3 kids in less than four years was a hard time for us. We did'nt even have time to get to like our new relationship (Marriage)! Everyday is a struggle, but he always tell me that he is in it for the long haul and that made me reevaluate how I thought about things. We have been together 10 years so I totally feel you on getting to know who I am now versus who I was at 16. Girl I can go on and on about this! What I'm doing right now is reading the Love Dare from the movie Fire Proof. Have you seen that movie? So far I'm on the 5th day and I'm seeing things a lot different.

    Happy New Year to you and your family.
    I'm so glad I started following your blog. I really enjoy topics like this. It's nice to know that there are other people out there that go through similar situations.

    BTW, those images above are totally swoon worthy! LOVE LOVE LOVE the white kitchen!

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  2. What a wonderfull post, very true about love, childern and marriage.

    Glad I found your blog. Love the kitchen pic lovely...

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  3. Ooh I love all of these pics!! That photo wall is stunning.

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  4. Thank you very much ladies! Happy New Year to you all.

    I think a very similar photo wall is a definite in our living room this year! So, I'm certainly glad you all seem to love it as much as I do. :)

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  5. Love the list, but the beadboard most of all!

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  6. I'm glad you were able to work things out with your hubby. I totally understand where you are coming from. Me and my husband started dating when we were 18 it's now 10 years later and we aren't the same people. We've both grown and it's made us stronger. I'm certain it will do the same for you.

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thank you for stopping by and as always, for your kind comments. each and every one sure does bring a smile to my face.