Sparkle in December

The magic of this year.  Us.

Sparkle in November

Hello season of the twinkle.

Sparkle in October

The month.  The day why I chose the word sparkle.  A day that will forever be one of the highlights of my life.  

Sparkle in September

Playing catch up on sharing my sparkler photos from last year!

Sparkle in August

In August I sparkled and finally got that English Bulldog I've been wanting for the last 8+ years. His name is Moe and I love him so much.  He is ornery, chews everything he can get his mouth on, and makes me laugh on a daily basis.  So happy to have him in the family.  (Rory, our cat might say otherwise, but he will get over it.)

Sparkle in July

Again, still playing catch up after my little break in taking sparkler photos...  My real sparkle was going to France.

Sparkle in June

My word for 2015 is sparkle and to document my journey, I'm taking a monthly photo with sparklers.

I hit a slow patch in these photos and did take them....for three moths.  Last night, I caught up.  June, just playing around with shapes.  Nothing special, yet still pretty cool.

Sparkle

Week 23

June 1, 2015

A little late for the month, but I got it anyway.  I'm still learning how to take night photos and struggled a little with this photo.  But it's the three of us and sparklers and it's the best one I got so I'm keeping it.

This month was in honor of celebrating 5 years.

Whirlwind

Week Sixteen

April 18, 2015

This month has been a complete whirlwind.  It was stressful and time felt like it was moving extremely slow.  And then other times it was exciting and like a breath of fresh air.  I had my first dress fitting and took some photos for someone I work with.  We celebrated Easter with both sets of parents.  I had last minute things going on with junior league and dress giveaways.  Dakota and I began our pre-wedding counseling.  We collected the remaining addresses and got our save the dates out.  I had training at work.  We finally booked our caterer (!!!!!) We celebrated birthdays, lot of birthdays.  And now I'm getting ready for a weekend with my high school girl friends.  Like I said, busy!

One Little Word | Sparkle 2015

Week Fourteen

 March 30, 2015

If I had to describe this month in one word, it would be BLAH.  It wasn't a bad month by any means. In fact, there were a lot of great moments.  But I just didn't really feel like me.  I've been longing for warmer days and a different scenery.  One that I have no control of and the other doesn't really allow much spontaneity when you have commitments.  So, March, I'm over you.  Lets bring the sparkle back into life.

One Little Word | Sparkle 2015

My word for 2015 is sparkle and to document my journey, I'm taking a monthly photo with sparklers.

This month was so much better than January.  
This month I turned 26.
This month I began to feel more comfortable in my new job.
This month we made progress in the wedding.
This month we took action for our future and met with a realtor and planned out what we need to do to the house before we are ready to move to our new home.
This month I brainstormed some project ideas.
This month I started doing yoga again.
This month D told me we didn't have to celebrate Valentine's Day because every day is special.
This month was February and I'm so happy to experience it.

One Little Word | Sparkle 2015

My word for 2015 is sparkle and to document my journey, I'm taking a monthly photo with sparklers.

This month really challenged me to sparkle.  The beginning of the month was alright, nothing too special.  I did have a moment during this photo shoot with my mom.  She helped me take the photo by lighting my sparkler and pushing the shutter.  This photo took about four takes and when she saw the outcome of the first photo and saw the joy on my face, she said, "Thank you for bringing so much laughter and joy to our lives."

I began a new job this month and the transition has been a little strange.  My boss was out after having surgery and my position is brand new and no one really knew what I was supposed to do.  He came back this week and things are beginning to feel a little more normal.  The atmosphere is just so different from my other job as well.  It's been a lot to get used to.

D and I had a few little hiccups.

I had the flu (or food poisoning) during our 2 year anniversary.

And then the month ended with D's birthday and we had an amazing lunch date at my favorite restaurant.  It was awesome!

OLW December Goals

Instead of setting intentions for the year, I am setting 3 goals to accomplish each month.  Goals that will create moments.  Goals that are attainable.  Goals that are things I need to get done.  Goals that will make me a better person.

Here is how I did in December:

1.  Complete Week in the Life album and One Little Word album | My Week in the Life album is completed.  Still have September and December to complete in my One Little Word album.

2.  Do my third December Daily album | Still working on the pages for this book.  I'm about half way done.  It's going much slower than previous years, but I plan to finish it next month.  (I'm also ready to get the scrapbooking stuff off my living room floor....my mom is too!)

3.  Sit and enjoy the twinkle lights from the Christmas tree | This happened this month and I'm so glad it did.  I purposely took about 15 minutes out of a day to just sit and admire the twinkle.

4.  Enjoy Christmas and all its joy | Christmas this year went by fast and I unfortunately I don't think I really experienced all it's magic this year.  But I was present and we accomplished a lot this month.  

MOMENT, you were a wonderful word this year.  It was just want I needed and you will forever be in my heart.

OLW November Goals

Instead of setting intentions for the year, I am setting 3 goals to accomplish each month.  Goals that will create moments.  Goals that are attainable.  Goals that are things I need to get done.  Goals that will make me a better person.

Here is how I did in November:1.  Complete my Week in the Life book | Book is planned.  I had to order photos and didn't get them back until last week.  I have a few days completed, but not the entire book.

2.  Get caught up on Project Life (currently 11 weeks behind) | Not quite caught up but I made a lot of progress.  I even have a post coming soon!

3.  Get caught up on One Little Word (currently 5 months behind, including November) | Again, close, but not quite caught up.  I still have September, and now December to do.  Plus I have to write my letter onto my artsy paper.  Paper is done and letter is written, just need to complete the page.

4.  Put together beach album | Haven't done this yet, but I will since it is a Christmas gift.

This month is going to be finishing up projects (again) and enjoying Christmas cheer!

1.  Complete Week in the Life album and One Little Word album.
2.  Do my third December Daily album.
3.  Sit and enjoy the twinkle lights from the Christmas tree.
4.  Enjoy Christmas and all its joy.

OLW October Goals

Instead of setting intentions for the year, I am setting 3 goals to accomplish each month.  Goals that will create moments.  Goals that are attainable.  Goals that are things I need to get done.  Goals that will make me a better person.

Here is how I did in October:

1.  Announce bridal party in a fun way | Bridal party has been asked and everyone has accepted!

2.  Work on Save the Dates | This didn't happen.  Our engagement photos will be done next month and we will have our save the dates out after the New Year.

3.  Get caught up on one little word | This also didn't happen.  However, mom and I watched the videos to September and October and have plans to get caught up.

4.  Participate in my third Week in the Life project | Collecting information/photos is done.  Just need to work on putting my book together this month.

5.  Celebrate dad's 61st birthday! | We celelbrated by having dinner and cake at home.  He had some shots to boost his bone morrow and wasn't feeling up to going out to dinner.  We will be doing that soon.

This month is going to be all about catching up on projects.  I've slacked and I don't like it one bit.  I think a little break was needed, but now I'm ready to craft and get it done.
1.  Complete my Week in the Life book
2.  Get caught up on Project Life (currently 11 weeks behind)
3.  Get caught up on One Little Word (currently 5 months behind, including November)
4.  Put together beach album


Bring on November!

OLW September Goals

Instead of setting intentions for the year, I am setting 3 goals to accomplish each month.  Goals that will create moments.  Goals that are attainable.  Goals that are things I need to get done.  Goals that will make me a better person.

Lets just say September was pretty amazing.  Here is how I did on my September goals I set last month:

1.  See Ed Sheeran in concert.  (Tickets bought in June) | Dakota and I saw Ed Sheeran in concert and it was amazing, incredible, awesome.  Such a special night.

2.  Photograph my second wedding.  (My friend from 1st grade asked me to take a few photos on her big day.  She hired a photographer and doesn't like her bachelorette photos and asked me to take a few.  Such a huge honor.)  This also requires going to Minnesota!  (Hotel reservations bought in June?) | I photographed my second wedding and loved how the photos came out.  I shared a few on my facebook page and the bride LOVED them!  I'm so happy for her and I'm so happy I captured what she wanted.

3.  Enjoy some down time with my family in Branson |   Down time in Branson was great!  Everyone was relaxed and cracking jokes off of each other.  I love this little family of mine and family friends who are more like my family than my real extended family is.

4.  Spend a week at the beach (with D's family).  RELAX.  (Trip planned in April, paid for in August) |  Beach at Galvenston Texas was pretty amazing and one I'll never, ever forget!

Now my goals for October:
Guys, I have a WEDDING to plan!  However, this is my one little word project, so no, not all future goals will be set based on wedding planning, but I'll probably add some in every now and then.  And since it's new, I have a few wedding goals for October.

1.  Announce bridal party in a fun way.

2.  Work on Save the Dates

3.  Get caught up on one little word project (Still need to do months May, August, and September)

4.  Participate in my third Week in the Life project.

5.  Celebrate dad's 61st birthday!



Let October begin!!

OLW August Goals

Instead of setting intentions for the year, I am setting 3 goals to accomplish each month.  Goals that will create moments.  Goals that are attainable.  Goals that are things I need to get done.  Goals that will make me a better person.
 
Man, this month was stressful.  I accomplished things, just nothing to do with the goals I set for myself in this project.

1.  Limit myself to one hour a day for screen time (computer/ipad/phone/tv).  This does not include time spent printing photos for PL, watching Oscar movies, watching Bachelor in Paradise (come on, I need one guilty pleasure), and putitng together our vacation video, all of which are on my project to do list. | I didn't actively limit myself, but I there weren't days that I stayed glued to my computer.  When I was on it, it was always for a good reason.

2.  Put together a video from our vacation.  I've never done this before and purposely took videos for this goal.  I already know I should have taken more videos... | Videos I took on my phone aren't even loaded to my computer.  That needs to happen before my next adventure.

3.  Breathe in the last long summer days. | Haven't been outside much and the days seem to rush by.  Where did August even go?

As longs as things go as originally planned, this month is going to FLY.  So many adventures planned.  So many MOMENTS.  I'm excited!

To do in September.  Each one of these have been planned a few month in advance and have had action put towards them (part of my action goals set in the February prompt):

1.  See Ed Sheeran in concert.  (Tickets bought in June)

2.  Photograph my second wedding.  (My friend from 1st grade asked me to take a few photos on her big day.  She hired a photographer and doesn't like her bachelorette photos and asked me to take a few.  Such a huge honor.)  This also requires going to Minnesota!  (Hotel reservations bought in June?)

3.  Enjoy some down time with my family in Branson.  D has a friend getting married in Branson so mom and dad are coming with us to visit a family friend who lives there. (Plans made in August)

4.  Spend a week at the beach (with D's family).  RELAX.  (Trip planned in April, paid for in August)

Oh September, you are going to be super busy, but oh so fun!

OLW July Goals

Instead of setting intentions for the year, I am setting 3 goals to accomplish each month.  Goals that will create moments.  Goals that are attainable.  Goals that are things I need to get done.  Goals that will make me a better person. 

-  ME | Actively use fitbit this month.  I need to get in the habit of really taking care of myself. | Fitbit has been on and used almost daily.  I say almost because I didn't track my food the week we were on vacation.  It has been fascinating to see how much I move in the morning when I'm getting ready for work and how much I don't move while I'm at work--the downside to a desk job.  I tweaked the goals that fitbit automatically sets for you.  For me, that's ok.  I'm still not reaching my goals everyday, but they can be met and I'm more likely to reach them based on what my average daily activity is like.  They are more attainable and I'm more likely going to stick with using fitbit past one month or after summer ends.  The main thing, is that it still is pushing me to get up and go for a walk, even if it's a little one around the block.  

-  GIVE | Still thinking on what to do with this one.  I think it will be a spur of the moment thing, not something I plan out. | It was minimal, but I sent postcards to my kids.  Their mom told me that it was thoughtful and they loved getting mail from me and now they can't wait to go to Yellowstone!

-  CELEBRATE | Plan family vacation.  We've been talking about this for a year and I'm happy to report it will be happening this month. | We went on our family vacation at the end of July.  It was wonderful!!!  We traveled to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Park.  I've posted a few photos on this blog, I have many more to go.

-  Learn my cameo with the Cameo Basics class through Studio Calico.  I bought this class during sale thinking it would force me to finally learn my machine. | Didn't do anything this this, but that's ok.  It was an incredibly busy month.  And I completed the goals Ali set for us.

July was awesome!  Here is what I have planned for August:

1.  Limit myself to one hour a day for screen time (computer/ipad/phone/tv).  This does not include time spent printing photos for PL, watching Oscar movies, watching Bachelor in Paradise (come on, I need one guilty pleasure), and putitng together our vacation video, all of which are on my project to do list.

2.  Put together a video from our vacation.  I've never done this before and purposely took videos for this goal.  I already know I should have taken more videos...

3.  Breathe in the last long summer days.

Get Messy | July Prompt

I'm so excited to be joining Get Messy and art journaling.  From the little bit that I've been seeing, this is a great group of people who support one another.  I think the world could use a little more of that.

So, my first pages...ever!  

This first one is a page I created for my One Little Word prompt for July.  We were told to make three goals.  One for you, one about giving, and something to celebrate.  My goal for me was to work on getting healthier.  I bought a fitbit it is definitely getting me out walking more often.  (Check back on Monday and you can read more about my progress.)  Giving was a little bit harder.  I knew it would be something that would happen on its own, rather than something I preplanned.  I sent post cards to my kiddos.  It was something so simple, yet they loved getting snail mail from me!  I love that family so much!  And then celebrate...we took our first family vacation in seven years.  And it was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!  I've posted about the first day here, more is coming. 

I took a slightly different approach to the prompt.  I know the prompt was completely hypothetical, but I'm not throwing a party and the idea of planning one right now is a little stressful to me.  So I journaled a little bit about my entrance into art journaling and created a someone into page to the beginning of my book.  (Still need to make a cover...what should I call this book, thoughts?!)

Get Messy is an art journal challenge where a gang of crafty vixens are sharing art journal pages we have created to practise our skills and push past our creative limits with hopes to inspire. We share our pages without restraint every week, and once a month we create around a prompt. Go check out these crazy talented ladies who are creating pages who each have a unique perspective and style. We will be sharing our work around social media so follow the hashtag #getmessyartjournal.

OLW June Goals

Instead of setting intentions for the year, I am setting 3 goals to accomplish each month.  Goals that will create moments.  Goals that are attainable.  Goals that are things I need to get done.  Goals that will make me a better person. 

1.  Get Bailey family photos into a book | Yeah, still didn't happen, but there were times I really thought about starting the book.  That's much better than before when it never crossed my mind.

2.  Farmers Market | Done and had a blast.  I definitely want to go again later this summer and make a day of it.

3.  Do 2 pinterest projects | I picked 2 out.  One of them needed some background information and I'm working on adding that.  As June ended, I began to think of things I wanted to work on for July. Even though I set three attainable goals each month, I've gotten into a really good habit of not completing these tasks, despite how simple some of them are.  I've also been in the habit of starting a project (i.e. buying supplies) with good intentions on working on said project and yet all the tools sit in my basement waiting for me to come around to them.

At the end of June I bought a ftibit.  For Chirstmas I got a Silhouette Cameo and waited until April to get it out of the box.  (I've wanted this machine for about a year!! How could I let it sit that long and not get used!?)  I have no idea how to use this machine with the exception on how to cut out basic words.  I've been intreged about the Letterpress class on Studio Calico and caved and bought the class bundle (class 1 and 2), but have no idea what to do with the tools.  I'm not even sure I have all the correct tools I need...  So in a nutshell, I've jumped into way too many projects at one time and the water is way over my head.  That doesn't even metion keeping up with Project Life, One Little Word, the two other photography projects I do on my own.  And then, of course, add regular everyday life into the mix.

Where does the time go!?

So at the end of June I sat down thinking the best way to get to the surface. I picked the following prompts and I had to laugh because when I opend the prompt on July first, I noticed that two of my three goals fit right in with Ali's prompt.  July is already in my favor!

-  ME | Actively use fitbit this month.  I need to get in the habit of really taking care of myself.

-  GIVE | Still thinking on what to do with this one.  I think it will be a spur of the moment thing, not something I plan out.

-  CELEBRATE | Plan family vacation.  We've been talking about this for a year and I'm happy to report it will be happening this month.

-  Learn my cameo with the Cameo Basics class through Studio Calico.  I bought this class during sale thinking it would force me to finally learn my machine.

This month I have 4 goals, just becasue the Cameo Basic class is going on this month and I want to make sure I do the July prompt.  I think July might be a really good month.  One full of many moments!