2011 Motto Search

I'm currently searching for a quote to serve as my 2011 motto. I've loved 2009 and 2010's so so very much. Sometimes a quote will just resonate and my goal will come from it, and then other times I try to find a saying to go along with what I'm working on. I've decided that in 2011 I want to focus on having grace in my words, actions, movements (Ha! I am so not graceful), and thoughts. Here are some quotes/verses/sayings that I've been collecting. They are all wonderful, but not the one. I'm still gonna keep my feelers out for the perfect one. Please send any you know of on the subject! Thank you, thank you!

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Proverbs 31:26

I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am. ~John Newton

Having grace and bringing grace to all situations brings health, happiness and prosperity.

Guru's Grace

Grace was in all of her steps, Heav'n in her Eye, in every gesture dignity and love. ~John Milton

Grace is available for each of us every day... but we've got to remember to ask for it with a grateful hear and not worry about whether there will be enough for tomorrow. ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Learn to limit yourself; to content yourself with some definite work; dare to be what you are and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not; and to believe in your own individuality. ~ Henri Frederic Amiel

I know this will be a challenge, but I think it's a worthy one. It seems that I'm always given lots of opportunities to practice my sought after quality. Makes me a bit nervous! Do you ever feel this way?

Fave Scenes

Have I mentioned that our new kitchen is done? It is!!! D-O-N-E. The workers have cleared out and I'm busy unpacking boxes, organizing, getting it all lived it, and of course, planning to take photos for before and after pics. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite moments since we've started utilizing our new space:

Our breakfast nook (I have a breakast nook! Hehehee... Makes me giddy :-):

Cooking, finally! Well, I haven't completely embraced this, but I'm working on it:

Eating at the breakfast bar/island (And if you look in the background, there's the new mini-mudroom. Yep, I said it: I have a mudroom space! Well, it's really just a back entry-way, but it makes me smile to call it that.):

I'm working on getting it photo-ready to share with you, but I couldn't wait to show it off a bit. Thanks for indulging me!

Oh, and the little gal is feeling much better. Thank you so much for sending your prayers for a healthy, happy birthday!

Sick Day

Oh, don't you hate when your little ones are sick? It's such a helpless feeling, not being able to make it all better. I have a confession though: I secretly enjoy, in a small way, when my kidlets are under the weather. They are so snuggle-y and still, with nothing better to do than lay up on the sofa together and watch movies all day.

I'm trying to relish that small silver lining because my sweet gal is on day four of a fever. Will you say a little prayer for her that she's all well so she can properly celebrate turning 8 this weekend? Thank you.