Friday, December 31, 2010

Inspiration Friday Party No. 17!

5...4...3...2...1...

It's almost a New Year!
What will it hold?
The rollercoaster ride that is this life guarantees us that there will be surprises and joys and challenges in the coming year.
Are you a Resolution maker?
I'm not really, but I do have a lot of things on my mind as I close out 2010. Things I'm dreaming about.

Like where on earth to put this thing...




I was at TJ Maxx the other day (go figure!) and there it was buried under a pile of other artwork. It called out to me but I didn't listen.
Then...it haunted me...and haunted me...it cried,
"Come back! Come back!"
So I did.
And it was still there. Which we all know means it was meant to be mine all along.

Do you want to see it in all of it's gigantic glory?



But where to put it?
There it sits in the laundry room just waiting patiently while my hubby huffs it all around the house holding it up for me in a myriad of places. He's such a giver!
I'm pretty sure I know where I'm going to hang it but, I think I will let that be a surprise for my first post of the New Year!


But, even more than decorating and home projects, we are purposing as a family to do a lot more of this....


In just 4 days, this boy has become quite adept at Chess and is begging to play every day with Daddy. We almost got a Wii this year (I know we are the LAST people on earth to not have one!) but then he mentioned wanting to learn to play chess and, let's face it, this was a lot cheaper! Don't worry, he got other gifts too.


And I am purposing in the New Year to do a lot more of this...




I'll admit it...I love a good mystery! Not just any mystery, though. I like old-school stuff like Miss Agatha Christie and I got the above this year for Christmas and I've already been sucked into the world of Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.


And my hubby and I are reading things like this...


We know she is only 3 but it's never too early to start preparing for what is coming our way and this book is especially excellent for those with girls ages 7-12 (and on into the teen years).
We are daily praying for God's wisdom and guidance as we prepare these little people to go out into the world someday.

And, I've decided that when it comes to my long list of home projects for this year, I am just going to ease into things.
Because, well, I'm tired!
So, here is a sneak peek at a quick and easy change I made this week to our master bathroom.



I'll show you the rest next week!

So, do you make Resolutions?
I know those creative juices are already flowing with dreams for next year! Or, maybe you are just still enjoying Christmas and the memories from this past year. I have seen so many amazing posts with your highlighted projects from 2010 and you all blow me away! I can only imagine with the New Year will hold.
I'm sure it will be an adventure!

Now, let's get to our Inspiration Friday Party!
What did you get for Christmas? What were your favorite projects from last year? How are you preparing for next year?
I can't wait to be Inspired by you all!

You know the drill...
1. Add your Permalink to your entry but not your General Blog Address. To get your Permalink, click on the title of the blog post you are wanting to submit and copy and paste the address into the URL box. You will also have to add your email address but it will not be visible to anyone else.

2. Do not try and Link up until you have actually published that particular post on your blog.
3. Please link back to the host blog, Southern In My Heart, so that those who visit your blog will be able to find some wonderful Inspiration from everyone else.


And let me leave you with this as we usher in 2011,
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him..." Romans 15:13

Happy New Year Sweet Friends!
From this Southern Girl at Heart,
Vanessa













40 comments:

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Vanessa, I know exactly where you can put your newest purchase. Take it directly to the post office and mail it to me!! I love it! Thanks for being such a dear friend and supporter of my blog this year. I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2011.
Hugs,
Sherry

DanielleisNesting said...

The picture of your son playing chess melts me! Good for you guys. The WII is great but the fact that he's learning Chess is awesome. I've read all of the Sherlock Holmes series by SACD and I loved every one!

NanaDiana said...

Vanessa- You have a big list! But you have the most important part of your life right---taking care of, holding and molding those precious children that are entrusted to your care.

I love that you son is learning to play chess. How cute is that!

Happy Holidays to you and your wonderful family- hugs- Diana

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

Hey, Vanessa! On our way home to OK! I linked up from my phone. Now I'm in a pickle because I can't seem to paste your button! So sorry! I'll do it when we get home.
Happy New Year!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I love your new rooster picture. It is fabulous. I can't wait to see where you hang it.

Love that your little guy is learning chess. It is such a great brain stimulator. Something he will play all of his life.

I look forward to your upcoming decor projects and vignettes.

Have a super weekend and may God Bless you with the best New Year ever. Hugs, Marty

Jenny H. said...

Happy New Year! Cute find with that rooster piece, hope you find just the right spot! Thanks for hosting the Inspiration Friday party.

Unknown said...

I took this week off from posting, but I couldn't stay away from Inspiration Friday! I love what your looking forward to for 2011, Vanessa! Every moment you invest in your children will be the best moments you could ever, ever spend.
And the rooster print? Well, I can't wait to see where you put it in your gorgeous home-it will be perfect when you find it a home!!
Happy New Year
xo
lynn

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Vanessa,
I love your new picture! It would look nice anywhere! It is wonderful that your son is interested in playing chess with his dad...what a blessing!!!
Thank you for Inspiration Friday!
Cindy

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Vanessa, I love that art piece and can't wait to see where you hang it. Thanks for hosting and Happy New Year!!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hey there Vanessa~ LOVING that piece you found- yes, it is fabulous and it wanted to be in your house! :) Love that your little man is learning to play chess ... so sweet. My boys love chess too- So much fun ! So glad to have met you this year Vanessa! Happy New Year to you and yours! Thanks for hosting- Hugs, Courtney

aspiritofsimplicity said...

I stayed at the Sherlock Holmes Hotel right on Baker Street when we were in London last year. I plan on getting a lot of reading done this year as well.

Roberta said...

Very nice post !!

Best wishes for the coming year !!

Roberta - La Sportina

Vintage Gal said...

I love the new picture. When you decide where to put it, please show us! Thank you for the new year wishes.
May the new year hold many surprises, peace and joy for you!
Marianne

Debbie said...

This inspiration Friday post is just CHOCK FULL of the good stuff!

Loving your new TJ find. I visited Home Goods this past week myself but left empty handed. Pooey.

My favorite part of the post was the book about raising daughters during those tween years. I stand up and applaud you, dear Mom. I couldn't agree more that we must work to guard the sweetness in our girls (boys too, I know, but I have only girls)

Anyway, I'm just back in town trying to catch up on favorite blogs and stopping by to wish you a very happy New Year!

Katie @ This Chick Cooks said...

We're always trying to figure out where to hang things around here too :) Hope you have a Happy New Year!

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Vanessa, I still need to make a list for next year. It's probably going to be a long one! I love the photo of your son playing chess! So cute! Happy New Year!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Vanessa, thank you so much for your sweet comments. I have been so blessed to meet you this past year and have loved getting to know you and see all of your wonderful creative projects. I look forward to the coming new year to share more. God Bless. Hugs, Marty

Sue said...

Resolutions? Hopes? Dreams? I have them all! Re: your new purchase- I'm sure you'll find a place soon. I do the very same thing- I have a closet full of things I don't yet have a place for... LOL I DO try to rotate my goodies every now and then- makes me feel better about the purchase! Hope you have a joyous new year to come, my friend. I've enjoyed your blogging friendship so much. xo Sue

Ashley said...

Hi Vanessa! Love the new painting. We just sat down the other day and wrote out our goals and resolutions for the new year. Its always fun to pull out the old list and see what we accomplished. I am so thankful to have met you this year. Your sweet comments always mean so much to me! I pray you and your family have a wondeful new year!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Your art piece is great. I'm sure, as all of us "Domestic Divas" are want to do, you will find the perfect place. Happy New Year to you and your sweet family.
CAS

Green Door Girl said...

yeah I get to link up for the first time! :) I might have to get that book you are reading - raising two girls I need to keep them as little as possible! :)

DIYbyDesign said...

Vanessa - I'm going to go get me a copy of that book. I have a ten year old daughter...probably enough said. I can't wait to see what you did with your master bath...your sneak peek has me excited. Have a wonderful new year's. -Judy

kara@elements-interiors.net said...

OH MY Vanessa!!! That Art piece is just AWFUL and I cant imagine it fitting in ANYWHERE in YOUR house!!! Soooooooooooo...Ill shoot ya an Email with MY Shipping address!!! Okie Dokie???
Uuuuhh! You Lucky Dawg! That is SOOO PRETTY! Im dyin to see where it goes....BUT if ya cant find a spot...IM HERE! Have a Super BLESSED New Year my sweet girlfriend! Love ya ta PIECES!


xoxokara
OH! The picture of that sweet lil munchkin! ADORABLE!

Honey at 2805 said...

Love the post, Vanessa! The photo of your son playing chess is just precious. And the art piece, isn't that in the box you're sending me?

Thanks for hosting another fun party. My husband, Mr. Honey, saw this post and said "Your friends are going to think you are 110 years old!"

Thanks for being such a special friend!

Betsy B. said...

If you can't find a place for it I have a lot of blank walls!! That is gorgeous!! LOVE it!

Happy New Year!

Pamela said...

Vanessa I am sooo jealous girl! I LOVE your new rooster art work and now must run to our HomeGoods and see if such a thing exists! Can't wait to see what all you have been up to. Happy New Year!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Hope it's okay that I linked up twice -- actually 2 different posts! What can I say, I'm inspiring myself!
CAS

Traci said...

Happy New Year Vanessa! I usually make resolutions, eat better, exercise, etc. & I always fail miserably! This year there are no resolutions!!

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Love the rooster painting-can't wait to see where it ends up. You know I think if more parents gave gifts like a chess set, instead of another electronic game,their children would be better of-I think you are on to something.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Happy New year sweet friend!
If your husband gets tired of hauling the picture around I'll take it :)
It's been so fun getting to know you this past year! You have the biggest heart and I can see you are the best mom ever!
XO
Kristin

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Oh Vanessa...seeing your sweet comments just made my year! I am so happy to be back and chatting with everyone again...I can't wait to get caught up with all of your posts!

I love the new piece you bought! I can't wait to see where it will find it's new home!

Happy 2011!
XOXO
Cathy

It's a Wannabe Decorator's Life said...

What a treasure you found!! It is just stunning! Can't wait to see where you are going to hang it. You are so right! YOu need to start early with your little girl. I have a 12 year old little girl and let me tell you the world of 6th grade girls is pretty darn scary!! I read a great bible study that helped me so much. It's called " 5 Conversations you must have with your daughter" You really need to prepare her for God's expectations and not just yours. That is what this book helped me to see! Good luck sweetie!

michelle said...

I love that he is playing chess! Good for him! I think that is never too early either to start preparing for those tween year! We are there right now and that book would have come in handy! My daughter is pretty good though but I know that there are some rough roads ahead. Girls are not nice at this age and she is very sensitive. It seems they all want to grow up so fast and it just terrifies me at times when I look at some of her friends and what they wear and say and do! OIY!! Have faith in God as I know you do, you are wonderful parents and He will show you the way! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi there it's me, I am also visiting this web site regularly, this web page is truly fastidious and the people are actually sharing nice thoughts.

Also visit my homepage germany

Anonymous said...

Have you ever thought about writing an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss and would
really like to have you share some stories/information.
I know my visitors would value your work. If you are even remotely
interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.

my weblog: vakantieparken frankrijk

Anonymous said...

Right here is the perfect website for anyone who would like to find out about this topic.
You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa).
You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been written about
for many years. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!


My blog - france 24 arabic

Anonymous said...

Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of information on your page.
Im really impressed by it.
Hey there, You have done a great job. I'll certainly digg it and individually recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this site.

Also visit my web-site vakantiewoningen huren

Anonymous said...

We stumbled over here coming from a different page and thought I might
as well check things out. I like what I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to looking over your web page repeatedly.

My web site vakantiewoningen huren

Anonymous said...

Hi friends, fastidious piece of writing and good urging commented at this
place, I am really enjoying by these.

My homepage huis huren frankrijk

Anonymous said...

I blog often and I seriously thank you for
your content. This great article has truly peaked my interest.
I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking
for new details about once a week. I opted in for your
RSS feed as well.

Feel free to visit my web-site vakantiehuisje frankrijk ()