frame of mind.

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."  Abraham Lincoln

Perspective is a huge element of literally, every aspect in our lives.  How we view something determines how we feel or associate with it.  How we interpret something carries weight until we are corrected/change our course of thought.  It's crazy to me that we can convince ourselves of things JUST because of our perspective on things.

It was only yesterday that I was having a busy day and was thinking, "Why do I do this to myself?  I thought I was getting better at this...".  I was on my way to a ladies lunch while my mom watched the boys for a couple of hours.  All I could think about was the hassle it all was that I 1. had to find a babysitter 2. had to leave the boys 3. was going to a lunch and not taking time for myself 4. yadda yadda yadda...

Clearly, I wanted to go (as I made all efforts to), but it wasn't until I got there that I enabled myself to experience the benefit.  It was more than just a ladies lunch, it was a time to connect and glean from other women.  A short hour and a half that did me wonders for being not only a wife, mama, friend - but me, Sarah.

The benefit didn't hit me until one lady started sharing.  She was the reason we were all together as she and her husband are visiting Calgary this week.  We were all asked to bring a couple questions about ANYthing we wanted to know.  This "benefit" of getting together wasn't clicking with me until she said something along the lines of,

"Enjoy every moment, every breath..."

I've heard that for so long, and was reciting it before I even knew it's meaning, I'm sure.  But something about that moment, when she shared that about her children, in the midst of the group I was sitting in, seemed to hit home for me.

Why else do we do life?

Life is about experiencing, engaging, receiving, giving, living, loving ... lunches like those, long laborious breakfasts with my boys(!), walks in the park, drives to do errands ... ALL of these things serve greater purpose when I realize the bigger picture and arrest those small moments as pure joy.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever [and whenever] I have.  Philippians 4:11

I challenge you to change your perspective today.  Take that which is difficult and look at the bigger picture.  Realize the cause for each and every moment and enjoy it.  For THIS - today, right now - is the life we get to live.

pic pix: some of our 2014 pumpkin collection, Oct.2014, at home

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Judah West: I am convinced you are going to be one great worker, at whatever you do!  It's always on your mind to "work" and get stuff done just like papa ... it makes my heart happy that you love to be outside and productive.  To already see qualities of a man inside you makes me swell inside with pride.

Hunter Elias: This week you turn 1!  You exude cuteness on every level and are definitely the source of a lot of our laughter these days.  And my goodness, to see such a little person walking seems like a miracle in itself.  You make me proud, son, everything about you.

tender moments.

Much like this post, I can see that nearing birthdays is going to be a time of nostalgia for me.  These boys are the quintessence of my role as mama and I mean, with cuteness like that face, how can I think they are anything but perfect?!

This little darling has found a way to take over our hearts.  His smile is seriously the most infectious thing.  And the contagious laughter he can spout out can convince you to give in to nearly anything.  The fun he already knows how to have makes me so proud of how smart he is(!).  He takes on what's in front of him with such confidence and I can see, he'll always be a go-getter.  A good hunter.

Hunter Elias, there isn't a day that I don't give God the praise for you being in our lives.  You fit perfectly into the you that you were created to be.  I'm so blessed to be called your mama.  I love you so and am looking forward to this time of celebrating you and your precious life. 

pic pix: at the park, last week, Calgary, AB

colorboard / no.33

color: oxblood / grey / blue tones

word of inspiration: embracing the season

source of word: In life, seasons are constantly changing.  The only way to enjoy it (whether hard or easy) is to welcome it with open arms - jump in with full enthusiasm.  Seeing as it's autumn, oxblood and it's counterpart colors seemed only fitting for this seasonal board.

/1. this scarf is perfect for all seasons  /2. boots  /3. baseball tees for days  /4. love this quote, love this graphic  /5. favorite coat rack  /6. you can always use another watch  /7. not only would i love to have this quilt, i hope to one day make it  /8. perfect rocking chair, in a nursery or not  /9. cute bar stools  /10. bison love  /11. totes need this tote  /12. loved this coffee maker so much, i bought it and the matching kettle  /13. i'll take two, for the boys

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Judah West & Hunter Elias: yous are far, the best (and cutest!) kitchen cleaning helpers I have ever known!

creating time.

Lately, I have had no more time to squeeze.  It seems from the minute I wake up, to when I crash for bed(!) every moment is taken with something.  For a gal who loves to be in control of her life, it can get frustrating.  And as fine print to that last statement, I should add that I like to be in control but I dislike routines!

Before I was married, I always squeezed in "my time" at the very end of the day - which could also mean some early mornings.  And actually, after we got married and even after I had Judah, I could predictably have the hours after Matt and Judah went to bed to be create.  read.  blog.  think.

But if you know me and have talked to me recently (this past year), you would know my world has changed drastically with Hunter being born.  Having a colic baby has shaken my world.  Yes, having kids PERIOD will change the world you once knew, but his life has actually been my hugest life change to this point.

What I could at one time control - my time - has been upsetted.  Sleep deprivation galore, post pardum depression, and lack of "me time" have made me look at my personal staple of needing control more as an issue (as clearly, I can live without being in control or EVERYthing, ALL the time).  And as it turns out, my frustration has ended up controlling me more than me actually being "in control of my life".

Don't sin by letting anger CONTROL YOU.  Think about it overnight and remain silent.  Psalm 4:4

There is nothing I would change about this shaking process in my life, because I've needed to experience it...and I got a darling munchkin out of the deal!  I've needed to be awakened to the selfish way(s) I've lived my life and to be challenged at how I've actually used my time.  Even right down to cleaning my house, I haven't wanted to let a schedule/routine dictate me.

But as I should be, I'm learning once again.

Learning that routine carries more freedom.  Learning that everyone benefits from structure.  Learning that if I don't make the time for something, it won't happen (i.e. blogging, reading, paperwork).

For all the earth is the Lord's, and He has set the world in order. 1 Samuel 14:17

If my Creator has made a perfect order in this world, He must have a perfect order for me.  Right down to how often/which days I do my laundry, or when I should schedule dates in with my boys, or when to blog, etc.

I'm definitely in the early stages of this Sarah Nadine "re-org", but am looking forward to the freedom that I know will come with it.


*On a related note, how do you place routine in your life?  Any tips for this newbie?!

pic pix: a picnic lunch with the boys - on a day we scheduled nothing but to be together, Sep.2014, Fish Creek Park, AB 

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Judah West: you call this our family park and you especially love this train.
Hunter Elias: that smirk just about says it all - t r o u b l e ! !