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Tuesday, January 13, 2015

a little insta update

i just barely got used to writing 2014 on everything
then it went and switched to 2015
yikes.
i really am not sure where the year went. it kinda flew by.
it was a hard year for us. but a good one too.
Christmas came & went sorta like i just snapped my fingers
there's definitely things i want to do different next year as far as Christmas goes.

playing a little catch up here in photographs...
i post almost everyday on instagram. it's just so easy to keep up with everything there
it makes blogging seem like a lot of really hard work. yeah there's that.



i got a new phone after thanksgiving so a lot of my pictures are still on my old phone but this pic was snapped the night of my Christmas cookie exchange/craft night.  my craft besties and i have been doing this every year for a lot of years ... maybe like 8 or 9? i dunno. a lot. we do gifts, cookies and food. lot of food. and this is what my craft table looks like by the time everyone sets there stuff up. crazy.


i suprised my hubby a few years ago and redecorated out master bedroom while he was out of town ... there are still things in that room that i haven't finished ... minor things, but things.
so i'm bound & determined to do them this month .. or next. but i'm doin' em. you can take that statement to the bank. this little ledge above our bed is one of those things. my ideas of what to put up there have changed since i first did the room, but when i found a few of these pretty things (mercury jars from target - picture frame from hobby lobby) i had a few visions, and a new place to start.


my hubby maaaaaybe. just maaaaaybe let me get a white Christmas tree.
i love it so so much. thanks babe. i really love it
so much.


this is what we do when grandparents have the kids and we have a free sunday afternoon
we rummage throught the 2x4 pile at home depot. ha.


one of the best decorations i put out this year. a color-it-yo-self paper tablecloth from the tarjet
a bucket of markers, some candy and boom. my kitchen table was kid friendly holiday-ified
(thanks to my bestie for the tablecloth tip)


new slippers. yes
wood trees. yes.
cuppa tea. uh huh.
just what the blizzard that day called for.
the next day it was 58
ny is weird


happy mail. my stitching the states project was on hold until i got some new thread colors
was super excited to lay them out and finish up the east coast with them. i sell the pattern in my shop here. and i get most of my thread here. (which is not the same thread that is in included in the kits i've been selling but similar) oh and that cute stationary stuff?? from here.


a few travel pillows went out the first few weeks of December...


the charlie brown one in the middle really came with the book! i found it at a thrift store and had to put it in the pocket :)


yeah this was my studio. full of kits waiting to be sent out 2 weeks before Christmas
and that was only the second half of all the kits i mailed out since black friday! whew.


early Christmas present from my hubby. i bake a lot. which if you follow me on instagram, you already know. 
the 6 qt. bowl can hold two batches of anything i make at once! saves me so much time when i'm meal planning or making breakfast/baked goods to store in the freezer 


shameless bathroom selfie at van maur. have you ever been in their bathroom?!?
it's like a mini spa. i could hang out in there for a while.


wrapping my gifts actually happened the night before Christmas eve... which is when i'm usually scrambling to get it all done. so even though everything else i did was late, my wrapping was early. 
go figure.

i love serving together with my husband at out church
he's so good at what he does. but it brings us closer together when we're serving, helping others as a team. this was the stage we put together with friends at church for Christmas eve services ... at was awesome. it was fun.



clementine wreaths = neighbor gifts
all i did was add ribbon, jingle bells & a pretty little tag


that 2x4 pile we were rummaging though up there? was for these nativity sets i wanted to make for some of our besties kids ... the nativity images were a printable kit from here


put it all in a basket and brought it over ... i think they loved it!
i loved it ha. i made another set for our house too.


here's the original caption from this picture when i posted it on ig ... this was exactly what was on my heart that night:

"props to all my mamas who are up at this hour. i know there's alot of us...wrapping baking decorating all the things. for our spouses, littles, families...we. are. tired. we are worn out. but we do it because we love. the Creator built a driving force inside of us that loves nurtures and serves...all of these little meaningless petty things we're doing that no one notices while running ourselves into the ground ....they are not missed by Him. they are not forgotten by Him. He sees, He knows... and we love because He first loved us.


for God so loved the world
He gave His only Son
that whoever believes in Him
will not perish
they will have everlasting life.
#johnthreesixteen
#thatsenoughformetocelebratewithacookie

#nowgodoallthethings 
#orgotosleep
#sleepisnotoverrated"

that about summed it up.


a little bit of our living room decked for the holidays




breakfast in bed from my littlest little (a toaster strudel & applesauce on a paper plate :)
my journal & jesus calling. just what i needed that morning


this was the Christmas view upon entering our casa


a year in review ... rainbowtized edition


boxwood forever
(new anthropologie goodies help too)


i mentioned that one of my new years resolutions would be to NOT not eat more crackers with nutella. 
so there.


late night stitching sesh with my old person glasses
i don't wear glasses but the readers help me see better at night!
are you working on the pattern? you can share your progress in the #stitchingthestates hashtag on ig!
go take a peek and see how many people are making their maps beautiful!! it makes me so happy and all warm & fuzzy inside!! seriously guys it does. and i show my husband all the pictures. 


sunday-funday partner in crime. love this girl.


so this is what my map looks like right now.... actually i think i finished SC & NC since this progress pic... getting there! almost done!


blueberries in the freezer from a warm summer berry picking day ...
turned into muffins for a cold snowy morning breakfast.
i love how God provides for us in all seasons. blueberries n all.


how do you start your morning?
i try to stay disciplined with my planner (though doesn't always happen)
my journaling or some type of quiet reading/ relecting with Jesus
and breakfast. yum.



craft room diaries.
big suitcase full of vintage strips. mainly used for garlands i sell in the shop
or for whatever else you'd want to use vintage sheet strips for ... i can think of lotsa things :)



my car thermostat read -11 that day. without windchill
brrrr.


aren't these supa cuuuuute?
 they store all your stitching the states goodies & projects supplies ever so nicely.


it's january. that means #throwawayallthethings
finally got around to cleaning out these two big drawers 


muddy buddies. nuf said.


and this was yesterday .... this is what was goin on in my brain
kinda feels the same today....

"started my day immediately feeling bogged down & overwhelmed with the things i had put on myself to accomplish today. my husband texted me a short sentance and it caused me to stop. i just stopped. long enough to hear thoughts of#ephesiansthreetwenty running through my head


now all glory to God. who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.



so stop for a minute girls. lock yourself in the bathroom, turn off the radio or just close your eyes...and let that soak in. now look through ephesians three twenty lenses at what you want to get done today and what might have to wait until tomorrow. cause tomorrow's a new day. aaaaand bonus: new mercies will be right there with it.

#canigetanamen
#nowgomakeachickenpotpieortwofordinner
#raisinguprubiesinthekitchen"


i'm not sure what happened to me being all gung-ho about getting back to blogging
i think about it all the time
that's just the problem
i have a lot more time to "think" than i do to "do"
what about you girls? what are you busy "doing" lately? organizing, purging, catching up on sleep that was non existent over the holidays? 
check check check all of the above.
tell me! and i'll email the PDF file of the stitching the states pattern in my shop to the first twenty people who leave a comment, and hopefully if you're on instagram you'll share your progress in the hashtag! mkay?! kay :)
much love ♥




55 comments:

  1. I'm busy trying to get a new house organized!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. great! can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  2. I have been working on getting an Etsy store set up. It's been huge on my heart lately and is scary!

    ~ Carrie
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/Brighthappycreations

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it is a scary thing to start, but you'll love it once you get started!!
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  3. What a fun blog update! I enjoyed all the inspiration and the lovely pictures! Looks like you've kept busy! (smile)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you for the visit!
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  4. Decluttering and organizing so I can do some fun stuff - crafting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. craftting is the best :)
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  5. i finally, finally got all of my christmas things put away over the weekend... only to realize that i forgot to un-decorate our bedroom... oops... maybe this weekend! and i've been working on orders and getting things ready for valentines day... just taking things one day at a time : ) also, i agree... instagram is way easier to keep up with... i've told myself that i want to do better with the blog thing... so far so good... even if it is just getting down memories so my girls have something to look back on... enjoy the rest of your week! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks so much for the comment :)
      you can jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  6. Lately life has been all about routine. Getting back into the everyday after the holidays. It took longer than it should have this year. And getting back to some sewing time. That has been such a blessing to me! Now I am thinking about a project for my One Little Word 2015...love. Big and overused, meaningful and meaningless at the same time. Trying to put it in its proper perspective this year. God bless you and your family in 2015! I enjoy your blog but I know how easy IG is...I enjoy that, too. Your photos and thoughtful posts are a blessing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  7. My first comment didn't post :( basically, I feel like IG is the Cliff Notes for blogs. I keep up with the handful I read but that's about it. I don't have time to devote to blogging anymore!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  8. Setting up our routine for the new year- definitely throwing out all the things! Cleaning, organizing, trying to make our house a home, counting our blessings and working on myself as well. Doing a #yearofmaking so as not to squander the gifts I've been given. Off to Instagram to follow and thank you for the lovely thoughts and giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you're welcome! can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  9. I can't just comment without letting you know what an inspiration you are to me! Your IG, blog, and Etsy shop.. it is a ministry and you are such a good and faithful servant! It is so awesome to watch a woman put her God-given talent to such good use! I am originally from Rochester and I enjoy your pics and posts even that much more.. it gives me a little taste of home :)

    Now to answer the ?.. I have been busy getting my household in order for the new year! Last year was the hardest yet, and I am super pumped for 2015!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much for the sweet words Abbie! can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  10. I have a HUGE list of projects I am trying to accomplish. Quilts, things for the kids school, an upcoming my little pony party (hello necklaces!) The holidays are usually lots of time for me to make things, but we were sick, so yea. I also just started wasting half my life on instagram. LOL

    ReplyDelete
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    1. huge list here too!!! can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  11. Trying to get all my closet spaces in order - organizing is my favorite part of the new year!!

    I love your blog. I'm originally from Rochester, NY and whenever I see your posts it makes me miss it. Especially Wegmans! I noticed the Wegmans baking powder in one of your pictures :-D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i'm a wegmans junkie!! can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  12. I just can't tell you how much I love love reading your blog!! I so enjoy seeing all your creativity!! I read and read every one! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. awww thank you Susan! can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  13. It is a busy time at work and also staying inside where it is warm. We may make it to the 30's this weekend. Hope to see the new ice palace in our town! I too love your blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you! can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  14. Purging all the things and vowing to never bringing another item into the house knowing that at some point it will be the clutter that I cannot bear for one more second.

    (and then buying *justonemore* vintage oil painting on etsy because such things cannot be helped...baby steps?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  15. Am I really in the top 20? Would love to receive one of your groovey maps!! Can't wait for you to finish Michigan on yours I wanna see it done? You always inspire me so much!! I hate it I want to be on Instagram so stinkin bad but I can only follow and comment. I have an ultra tablet but am havin problems on how to load up pictures!! It is so fun on IG I had a I phone but I was a bad girl and went over my data!! Ew kinda a bad thing!! lol my husband was so mad at me!! So my phone went back. This new fancy ultra notebook is suppose to be able to do everything the others can! HA not made for blondes!! Your really a talented awesome lady of God!! Can't wait to see what is new for you in 2015!! XOXO Love Fran.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jaime If you are only able to give out 20 of your PDF state patterns pleez give mine to Bethanyhttp://craftingmyhappylife.blogspot.com/ she is such a sweet soul and genuine person. She was bummed cuz she was#22. Thanks Jaime. You too are an awesome person!! XOXO Love ya Fran.

      Delete
    2. i'll send you both one Fran! :)
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  17. I'm not on Instagram so I really miss that you don't blog as often - I don't get to keep up with you as well! :-) But, believe me I understand. I have to say that I STILL look at your craft room pictures and drool. AND, with that said that is what I'm doing this first month of the year... trying to cutesy up my craft room! Happy 2015 to you! - Dori -

    P.S. I love that picture of you and your daughter. Frame worthy! And she's darling.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. thank you Dori! so glad you're here... can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  18. I follow you on Instagram, but love hearing more details on the blog as well. My heart and mind have been focusing on being still. Resting in Him. Quieting my riotous thoughts and emotions to the obedience of Christ. Each day making Him my focus, and allowing the rest to fall away. All to the glory of our great Father. Also, organizing, purging and taking moments to create for my lovelies.
    Blessings to you Jaime!
    xo
    Susan @SugarBeans.org
    Can't wait to get the stitching the states PDF. Thanks for your sweet offer!!!
    mombenson at comcast dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  19. I love hearing the stories behind the pictures. Thanks for sharing then with us. Lifeasalee@gmail.com

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  20. Purging my entire house!!! Thanks for the PDF - xxzanniexx@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have been busy trying to catch up! My hubby switched jobs, skipped a paycheck, so we had to eat out of the pantry and be veeeery frugal for December. I'm trying to restock my pantry, recook all my freezer meals, and stock up on everything! And then January came, and it was time to start up school again (homeschooling my 6yo and my 4yo) and keep an eye on my 2yo! But I've started crocheting again, and it's been a lifesaver. If I can just take two moments to sit and do a line or two...it is so calming.

    I love seeing all your photos, so I like following you on Insta to get the little glimpses into your life. But posts like this are so awesome to read, to give a little more depth!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. thank you Amanda! can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  22. Waa, waa...I'm number 22. Oh well.

    I still love blogs. I'm new to instagram and still have yet to post my first picture. I feel so much pressure to make it a good one. My poor blog was a little neglected last year so I want to do better at that. My days lately sound similar to yours-cleaning, organizing, sewing for my Etsy shop and my friend's occasional shop, baking, cooking, being mommy, trying to spend more time in the Word. I've been looking through your blog since I'm new to it and am loving all the cuteness and Truth.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. number 22 is still good! :)
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  23. Well pickles I didn't make it. I love your blog. You're so darn cute and so is your daughter. Your home is so happy you can tell God is in the center of the happiness.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. happy monday! want to send you a pattern anyways :)
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  24. hi Jaime! just wanted you to know that i LOVE ALL you posts-they're a ray of sunshine just like you. :)
    and i've bought several things from your etsy store and lemme tell ya, NO ONE and i mean NO ONE can measure up to your packaging and care you put into everything! we are all blessed by your gifts :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. that means so so much to me Lisa!!! want to send you a pattern anyways :)
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  25. So glad to see some updates from you. If you are posting more in instagram I'm going to have to start following you there too. Your posts are always so cheerful and inspiring - love reading them. Congrats on the shop doing so well over the holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a wonderful, busy, beautiful life you have. Thanks for sharing it.

    Love those wooden nativity blocks.

    Many more blessings than you ever expected on your 2015.

    Hugs,
    Teresa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. happy monday! want to send you a pattern anyways :)
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  27. I'm working on trying to re-orient myself to regular time. So many exceptions are made for the holidays- regular meal planning changes; traveling for holidays means that cleaning schedules and even where you sleep and what you wear, changes. I work two jobs, so it's difficult picking up the rhythm I put down before the holidays and still being at work all the time. Plus, the cold weather makes snuggling a priority over catching up. I think it's important, too, to be gracious to yourself this time of year when things are difficult but motivation is high. If God can extend grace, we should, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. happy monday! want to send you a pattern anyways :)
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  28. I was so happy to see your post today!! It looks like you had an awesome Christmas break. By the way, my family ate 4 batches of muddy buddies over the holidays....we are paying for it now, but it was worth it :) We are back to school this week...college for my hubby, myself and older daughter. I'm trying to not to think about this year for us...too many changes coming. The biggest is that after homeschooling both my girls since kindergarten, I will be graduating my youngest in May. She is going to Abiline Christian University which is 6 hours away :( The purpose for my life is changing and it scares me terribly. I know God has plans for me, but the unknown is always scary for me. I'm just trusting God and taking one day at a time. I really enjoyed all the pictures and hearing what you've been up to. Have a great week!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. happy monday Crystal & thank you! want to send you a pattern anyways :)
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete
  29. Lovely to catch up on a blog post from you! happy new year and thanks for sharing, J9 x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. happy monday! want to send you a pattern anyways :)
      can you jot me an email at raisinguprubies@gmail.com ... and i'll send you your digital file! yay!

      Delete

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