Slacking...

I have been slacking again. Seriously...I have to be one of the worst bloggers ever. I do an awful job at posting and keeping up to date here. One of two things happens. I either feel like I have nothing exciting to share or my life gets so busy and exciting that I don't take the time to share. I'm really going to make an attempt to do better.

Time MARCHes On...

March has proved to be another hectic month. As usual a good portion of time was spent on the routine of work, school, karate, dance team, praise band, bible study group, church, appointments...There have been some difficult moments (won't go into details here), some really fun times and the opportunity to be so very thankful and grateful for the blessings in life.

Here's a glimpse at my month of March:

• Had a night out with Ben and a group of folks from church. About 18 of us went to a local restaurant for dinner (bless our waitress!) and then on to a night of dessert/music at the church food pantry fund-raiser. Great time with great friends!

• A somewhat last-minute road trip to Binghamton, NY to see one of my favorite groups, Selah and the lead singer's lovely wife, Angie Smith (whose touching story I've been following for a couple years on her blog). Went with my dear friend and her husband and ran into an old MOPS friend (who happens to be my favorite handbag designer) and her husband. AMAZING evening of friendship, music and testimony. The real highlight was meeting the members of Selah and Angie. Love them all! Such sweet people!
  

Here I am with Todd and Angie Smith and my friend, Sarah.

With the group: me, Amy, Allen & Todd

• We welcomed a new dog into the house..."Geo" the geometric dog. Emily made him as her 3D shape project for the elementary school project fair. So cute! And he doesn't make noise, require food, need walks or need to be let out. The best kind of dog! (Don't get me wrong, I do love our real dog!)

• "Spring" has showed itself here and there and my flip-flops made an appearance.
• We've had outdoor playtime.

• I hosted lunch for a couple sweet girlfriends, we attended the elementary school carnival, I've been creating "gabbead blessings" jewelry and so much more.

And to top it all off...

• Em and I won her these awesome jeans from a blog giveaway hosted by Brassy Apple.
  

March has served as a beautiful reminder of all the blessings and special moments in my life amongst the chaos. I hope this post finds you all well and enjoying life!

Share Your Creative Thoughts & WIN!

***UPDATE: Contest moved to Facebook!***

Since re-connecting with an old love (making jewelry), I have been told by several people on numerous occasions that I should sell my creations and have been contemplating it for some time. I have officially decided to take the plunge!

I am trying to come up with a creative, catchy name for my jewelry business and I NEED YOUR HELP!

So...who's up for a little friendly competition and a "Name My Business" CONTEST?

Leave a comment with your suggestion(s) by this Friday, February 12, 2010. Winner of the Name My Business Contest will receive a handmade beaded bracelet. Each individual who participates will be entered into a random drawing for a pair of handmade beaded earrings. (Be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you are a winner!)

*A few facts to aid in the brainstorming process: My designs are primarily beaded, I sometimes go by "Gabby" and one of my favorite pieces I've created is the "Truly Blessed" necklace...

Can't wait to see all of your great ideas!

Time Flies...

You know the old saying, "Time flies when you're having fun!" Well, I guess I've been having lots of fun, because time is sure passing quickly. I keep saying I am going to do better at updating here, but it always gets set aside...hopefully someday I'll get to it! In the meantime, check follow our happenings over at Facebook...that is where I spend too much of my time!

Happy New Year

I've never been a big fan of New Year's resolutions. Maybe it's the procrastinator in me, fear of failure or any number of reasons why I either don't make any or don't follow through with the ones I do come up with.

But as January 1st came this time around,I took the opportunity to reflect on where my life has led me this past year and the road I will take during the new year. Perhaps I am finally growing up and living more intentionally or just had a little too much free time on my hands while I was cooped up with winter weather and a head cold! No matter what the cause for my moments of self-examination, I have thought of how far I've come, how much road there is ahead and realized that I have the power within me to determine the journey between the two.

As I think of how I'd like to live my life throughout this next year, several words come to mind...(oddly, all begin with the same letter. Perhaps motherhood has finally sent me over the edge and my life has become an episode on PBS Kids...This year is brought to you by the letter "P". Ha!)

Back on a serious note...I have decided that my 2010 will be about:

Purpose, Perspective, Passion, Possibilities, Progress and Peace.

• I will focus on the things and people that matter
• I will keep a positive attitude
• I will base actions and decisions on their importance in the "grand scheme of things": if it doesn'thave significant impact, I will let it go or say No
• I will notice the little things
• I will give my all
• I will remain open to possibilities that arise in my life
• I will strive for progress rather than perfection

It's my hope and desire that the above will all lead to peace.

I plan to be intentional, focus on what matters, strive to make a difference and improvements and live with peace and joy.

Blessings to you all for a healthy, happy new year!