lovefromvalerie

tivo tuesdays.

2012-02-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

If I had a Tivo or PVR, that's probably what I would call my Tuesday nights.

Usually when Jake goes to bed I either run errands (mall, grocery store), clean (which is most often the case) or work on a project of something I have on the go. But Tuesdays, ah Tuesdays. Tuesdays are my lazy, get-in-your-pj's-at-8pm kind of nights. I watch my week's worth of TV on Tuesday nights.

Glee, Biggest Loser, New Girl & Parenthood are my guilty pleasures.

I usually skip back and forth between the first few minutes of Glee & Biggest Loser and then decide which one I'm more interested in and then I'll stick with that one. (It's usually Glee, because by 9:00, Glee is over and there's still another hour of Biggest Loser left).

And then New Girl, which I never miss. So good....

And then I've, more recently got into Parenthood. My husband likes to make fun of it & me for the whole hour, saying how overdramatic it is, etc etc... but because I watch next to nothing dramatic or serious, this is just enough to wet my melodrama whistle.

>>> If baby is having one of those nights where he's restless and bedtime takes longer, I just watch whatever I missed online the next day...

The shows I watch through the rest of the week are.... The Bachelor (so bad, but so good), Up All Night & The Office. I also just watched "Smash" last night and was pretty intrigued! I may watch it here & there. Definitely will watch next episode. Oh, and Parks & Recreation, I usually watch that online during naptime if I'm off!

So, that's my sad little television confession for the day...

What shows are you watching right now?!

Like a Marionette.

2012-01-17T23:13:00.000-08:00

That's what I feel like.

I feel like I'm just floating through this experience; like a marionette on strings.

How did I get here? How am I recording my own album? Nashville? What?!

What started out as an email to a favourite musician has blossomed (blossomed, the perfect word) into a dream.

I keep going back to that verse: "He is able to do exceedingly more than we could ever hope or imagine."( He = God, FYI.) That verse...wow, the guy who wrote it knew what he was talking about. God is able...so much more than able…which takes me back to my original point: I feel like a marionette.

As I was walking through the Seattle airport this morning, I just all of a sudden felt like it wasn't me. And then I thought about it more...it isn't me. I'm not the one going through this airport, I'm not the one making this dream come true...cause beLIEVE me, on my own I am a mess. I feel like I've laid back, taken the load off my shoulders and let God just carry me through this. It was a real realization for me this morning. I felt, even as I lifted my leg to take each step, it wasn't me. It wasn't me. I just felt like God was lifting me everywhere I went - just bringing me to every destination.

This whole trip I've felt it.

Even now, as I am some 37,000 feet up in the air and I can hear Jakob & my mom making friends with a lady behind us, I just feel God carrying us; and I am realizing that it wasn't me who ushered us on the ferry as the very last car on a full boat yesterday - and it wasn't me who brought us through an intense snow storm on the drive to Seattle as cars did donuts all around us. Nope…I could never have done that. It wasn't me who made sure we met our tight connecting flight even though our first plane was an hour late leaving. I could never have done all that. None of us could.

Typing this almost chokes me up (I’ll hold it back though, because I hardly want to become the hysterical woman crying on a plane). And I don’t want to preach. (man, I really don’t want to preach). I just want to give God the recognition He deserves for all this. (Whatever “all this” may become.) But, God's grace, provision and protection have swept me off my feet. I am just in awe of what my God can do.

I've been working on a bio for my album and for the concerts I'll be doing once it comes out - and I'm always a little tied for words as I try to write it. It's hard to get it all down, I have so much to say. I feel like my bio could be a book - a book about God and what He can do. What He can do with a mess like me. What He can do with someone if they’ll just let Him.

I can hear my mom now telling the lady behind us about my “story” of Nashville and all this…and she just said "it's a miracle".

People…friends, I sometimes wonder why I keep a blog – but it’s things like this that revive my heart. I wanted to encourage friends, to share God’s love and the things that make me happy…and let me tell you this is something I really want to share. If you are hopeful for something in your life, if you have dreams that you wonder will come true …..go for it! Shoot for the stars! - But, beyond that, and first…ask for God’s help. Ask for His guidance. Open your heart, your mind…listen to what He’s done in my life, what He’s done in so many other lives… and take the hint. God can do it. But – a word to the wise: be careful what you wish for. If you ask God to take you somewhere, have your bags packed and be ready to fly!

(Now off I go to land this flight. J ).

my new year goals.

2012-01-14T01:04:00.000-08:00

There they are. Sitting all pretty, just waiting to be worked on. My twelve goals for 2012....

It took me about a week into this new year to really think about what I wanted to accomplish this year. I've been seeing people around the blog world coming up with a word for the year. I've seen "cherish", "embrace" and a few others... I think that's a neat way to go about it, but there wasn't really one word to sum up the things I'm dreaming of for this year. So this is what I came up with. I love the visual of the Lululemon manifesto, so I knew I wanted to make something that looked like that - something to keep my attention rather than the same ol', same ol' list (because a mama can only handle so. many. lists...!). So I made my own manifesto! I love to be inspired, so I think this will be great to come back to throughout the year! (It's currently my desktop picture).

Did you set any goals this new year?

thoughts for the climb.

2012-01-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

I'm enjoying a cup of tea & some deliciously minty gum (thanks Kayla!) while Jakob sleeps. It's so quiet and peaceful in the house right now that I knew I wanted to spend some time reading my Bible & talking to God.

I opened my little mini devotional called "40 Days With Jesus" and it stems from the book I wrote about before that I love, called "Jesus Calling". The author, Sarah Young, compiles a few verses and writes it as if Jesus is saying them directly to you. It's all scripture, but becomes so much more relate-able when written this way, as a letter

Here's what I read today.

Follow Me one step at a time. That is all I require of you. In fact, that is the only way to move through this space/time world. You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights. Meanwhile, because you're not looking where you're going, you stumble on the easy path where I am leading you now. As I help you get back on your feet, you tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead. But you don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from these mountains. There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance. If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb. I will even give My angels charge over you, to preserve you in all your ways.

Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My Presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you.

-------------------------------------

I believe that with my whole heart. I believe that His way & timing are perfect, and if we just hold on to His hand we will be right where we are meant to be.

One of the songs on my upcoming album is called "Still" - it's new and soo beautiful. One of the lyrics goes: "Oh calm my anxious heart. There is no reason to fear. He's given perfect love, why would I waste my time with worry? I need to be still, quiet, until Your peace comes and drowns out the noise."

If you have a mountain ahead (we've all got them) and you're feeling anxious about the climb, just stop, look down, focus on your next step and trust that God will lead you safely on.

----------------------------------------------------------------

"For He will give His angels charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11

♥ January Favourites

2012-01-04T05:39:00.000-08:00

I love discovering something new & great. A makeup product, a how-to book or a great new album...

And since I love it so much, I thought I would inspire you with some of my favourite things coming out of the holiday season and into a new year!

Enjoy!

1. Glitter nail polish... I know it's kind of 7th grade, but I love it. And lately I've been wearing it over everything!

2. Essie's "midnight cami" polish. - Keith bought this for me for Christmas and I love it! It's just dark enough for a little drama...but not so dark that it falls into the Autumn color spectrum... I think of the ocean late at night when I see it. Just lovely!

3. A Twisted Peppermint candle from Bath & Body Works... I know Christmas is over, but my house can GLADLY smell like peppermint for a few more weeks. Yum!

4. New Girl! I know I tend to go on about this show...but I can't help it, I just love it! Everytime Jess (Zooey Deschanel's character) bursts into song about something random like making dinner... Keith goes "Oh Lord, she's you! She is so quirky and the show is such a nice change from the usual primetime lineup. If you haven't watched it, I suggest you tune in next Tuesday night for an all new episode! (Or, be a geek like me and catch up on missed episodes online :)).

5. This time of year for me is all about re-organization and de-cluttering. (and hyphenated words, apparently)... So, I always reach for Lauren Conrad's "Style" when it comes to switching out my wardrobe for a new season. Lots of great ideas!

6. Covergirl "Amazemint" Lipgloss. I feel like I may have talked about this in a previous post...but who cares! That's how much I love it! It's a lip gloss (with color or there's a clear one) that is infused with a minty taste AND scent! It's the joy of chewing a really minty gum and wearing a really cute lip gloss....in one fantastic little tube!....Go get some!! (I wear "Pink Positive" and "Happy Hour").

7. Also, in these colder months, I find myself unable to leave the house without a nice, good layer of my Mary Kay foundation.... I've swayed here & there looking for other brands that are maybe easier to attain...but I keep comin' back home to Mary... there's nothing better when it comes to color matching, smoothness & finish. (full disclosure: I even started selling it last year because my distributor lady is VERY persuasive...although only my mom buys it. haha.. Mary Kay anyone??)

8. I just discovered music by Jadon Lavik.... and, if your volume is turned up you're likely listening to his song over on my playlist and discovering it too! I have lots more listening to do as it looks like he has a few albums out...but I just recently heard his song "Wondrous Love" (a new take on an old hymn...surefire way to capture my attention) - and loved it! It's beachy & catchy but there's something humble in his presentation...which I really appreciate.

>>> And that's it my friends! My favourite things this month! What are yours??

OH. I forgot to add one.

Jakob's laugh.

I WISH I was tech-savvy enough to post a little sound clip of it here...maybe I'll learn... add that to the resolution list! Anyways...it is SO cute. I just heard him bust a gut in the other room watching early-morning Dora reruns* and it was the cutest thing. Cute cute CUTE!!

*(I say reruns because he watched this same DVD at least 4 times yesterday -- I'm aware that all Dora shows are reruns in that they are the exact same storyline with different characters and lyrics each time).

xoxo, have a great day!
love from, valerie.

Yes!

2011-12-31T23:51:00.000-08:00

20 Q's for 2011

2011-12-31T10:22:00.000-08:00

This is a questionaire that I filled out last year to reflect on the new year...here's this year's rendition!

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? The beginnings of recording my first album!

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? Probably learning how to live on a smaller budget.

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? NASHVILLE!

4. What was an unexpected obstacle? Um...that one takes some thinking. No unexpected obstacles come to mind.

5. Pick three words to describe 2011. blessed, busy, toddlers.

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you). exciting, busy, nashville".

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking). ?? i have no idea!.

8. What were the best books you read this year? Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and lots of great Joyce Meyer stories & articles.

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? God, Keith & my relationship really grew over the last little while ... my friends, and my family

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? This step into the beginnings of a new, dream career...

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? I know what I want more than I ever have before.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? growing into the knowledge of truly desiring God's will for my life, above other plans and thoughts.

13. In what way(s) did you grow/change physically? not too many ways - I started wearing nail polish every day? That's about it.

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? every year I get a little better at being true to myself, letting my true self shine no matter what company I keep... not being shy to say what I'm thinking - and I have an amazing group of friends who nuture that.

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)? recording music in a studio!

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)? Same answer as 2010: "The pay cut you take when choosing to be a stay at home mom - totally worth it for me."

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Yup, another repeat from last year, where I said: "I think I'd be a fool not to say facebook." (some things don't change!)

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year? Those quiet mornings spent in prayer, and time spent getting to know my good friends - when I look back, I always remember how important it is to always make time in a busy schedule for your friends.

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year? Nothing is impossible with God.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2010 for you. "He is able to do exceedingly more than we could ever hope or imagine." (that's actually Ephesians 3:20, but it works perfect for my 2010's phrase)

>>> I've learned so much this year. This year I've let go of some things...some relationships, some projects I wanted to do, some dreams I thought I had, and, in the process of following God's voice (that quiet thing inside of my soul, telling me to go one way instead of another)... I have walked through a door that I only ever dreamed of...I never thought it would happen.

What was 2010 like for you? There's something lovely & reflective for me about this day, which is why I like to look back...think about the year, the challenges, the blessings, what I could do better.....But there's also something really exciting about New Year's Eve...the chance to start fresh in the morning, with a new set of goals and ideas...the possibilities are endless! (really!). My advice this new years? ... Dream bigger. Go for what you've always dreamed of. A lady in my church (and a sweet friend of my family) was talking to me about my trip to Nashville over facebook chat late one night. After a short conversation, (we were both tired) she said "I am so proud of you. Not enough people chase their dreams." -

That short little phrase has stuck with me ever since she typed it. "Not enough people chase their dreams".
So...find your dreams, whatever they are, write them down...and then go get them!

Happy New Year, friends.

(ps. please enjoy this lovely version of Auld Lang Syne)

He asked me to do this...silly dog.

♥

new year, new look.

2011-12-30T02:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Eve, Eve friends. >> Another year on it's way...wow.

Inspired by the new year's overhaul I'm giving our little home, I decided to take a break and work over here on my little internet home. While moving things and colors around, I chose to go with a title a little more....me. > I started this blog a few years ago because I wanted to post things that inspired me & that I loved... things that blessed me - hence the name "Blessings". And I wanted to be a blessing while I was at it.

>> That won't change. > However...

One of my new year's resolutions is to let myself free (to make it sound 100% more dramatic than it is...). What I mean is: I often have ideas or personality traits that I squish away for fear of effecting some else's idea of who I should be. >> I think we all squish away parts of ourselves so not to feel too vulnerable or exposed - and that is why, in 2012, among other things, I am going to let all of myself free. I am going to just be me.

pronoun: a free-spirited, shy-at-times, loving, slightly over protective wife, mother, sister & daughter who loves her friends, southern-gospel music, 90's TV shows; wears dresses, doesn't like socks or the news and is blessed with a great family and an even greater God.

>>>>>>

Okay, where were we? Oh yeah, the name change.

Love from Valerie...That's about as me as it gets, especially in regards to writing. I've signed everything (formally and not-so-formally) that way since I could hold a pencil... so, there we have it. Love From Valerie.
The "Blessings" will always be there. Things that make me smile, things that I hope will make you, my friends, smile... all blessings.

I hope you're into this little change!

Happy New Year...

Love,

From Valerie ♥

>>>>>>>

(ps. Jake just said in the middle of his dead sleep "I want a fry. Can I try?" - and then stayed fast asleep - I love our crazy little life!)

thoughts for Saturday. ♥

2011-11-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

...a quote from a book I grew up with, called "Christmas Joy" by Susan Branch.

It's the weekend, friends!

This weekend I'm singing the national anthem at provincial Judo competition (random!), fabric shopping for the kid's Christmas musical costumes, having a couple playdates for Jake (and for me! I love my mama friends) and then heading to church on Sunday. Here are some links for you to enjoy as you enter your weekend!

This post about this girl... My family's become invested in her story & her mission and I hope you will, too!
I have always wanted to be able to do a fishtail braid - and this is a great tutorial - but I need to borrow a straight-haired friend! Those things just don't mesh with afros!
What to do with all those toilet paper rolls! Jake would love this!
This would make a great hostess gift! Unique but so practical!
I'm really hooked on reading blogs about foster parenting. I've always imagined being a foster parent at some time in my life, and these really give you an honest glimpse into the life. Read Fosterhood & NoahBaby to see what I mean.

You can check out what else I'm loving on my Pinterest account!
PS. It's a major Jewel-fest on my little side-Pod music player today. I grew up listening to her Christmas album and it brings back great memories! The first song on auto-play here is called "Face of Love" that I sang at a friend, Leah's wedding, when I was probably about 15... It was a beautiful wedding and I've loved the album ever since!

Have a great weekend!

the most wonderful time of the year!

2011-11-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

This is my desktop picture right now and it makes me so happy!

This time of year I love to be surrounded by wintry things. (Wintry? Wintery? - the second one looks better but the first one is correct! Hmm) I love seeing kids (especially mine) play in the snow. I love cozy mittens. I love hot chocolate with marshmallows billowing over top like a cup full of snow. I love the fancy coffees (and drinking them with friends :)). I love the music, the smiles, the love; but I also love the busyness. I love seeing families lined up to see Santa. I love the crafts, the carols, the craziness at the stores...the hustle, the bustle.... I love it all!

Winter is such a feel good time. Everybody cozying up to loved ones, bringing gifts to show their love...

This year we have a lot going on at Christmas time: we have a kid's Christmas play, a trip to Nashville, a Christmas party in the works, a baking day with the church girls & an advent calendar full of fun little activities to do together as a family. It's easy to get overwhelmed with such a busy season ahead, but I hope to embrace all of it with gratitude & appreciation; remembering that this time of year is truly to honor the birth of our Lord, and that's the real reason why it's the most wonderful time of the year. (The rest is just icing!)

"The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people, for today in the city of David a Savior has been born, who is Christ the Lord!"

Luke 2:10 & 11

a string of cranberries & shiny pink glitter nails.

2011-11-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

Two things I did for the first time yesterday.

A String of Cranberries.
When Jake woke up from his nap yesterday he was still really groggy and just wanted to cuddle (which was nice because it forced me to sit still). Last month I had wanted to make cranberry sauce, but then didn't, and have had a bag of cranberries in my fridge that I wasn't sure what to do with! (They last a lonnng time!) So, I took out a really thick needle from my grandma's sewing box, grabbed some (also thick) thread, and started stringing! It kept Jake engaged for a good half hour....and me too! My fingers were a little red afterwards from the berry juice but it was worth it to complete a Christmas-y craft that I've always wanted to try!

Pink Glitter Nails.
Another girlish thing I always want to do, but never actually do (I always think it'll look too childlish). Well, last night, while my husband & I were watching The League (a TV series about fantasy football... actually really funny!) around midnight, and I realized I never got around to painting my nails on the weekend (something I always do) I thought - let's go for it...glitter pink! So I started with Essie's FIJI (love it, but a little chalky looking on it's own) and then topped it off with a couple hearty coats of an old Cover Girl clear glitter (the name of which is totally worn off - it was the first nail polish I ever bought, actually!).

And it turned out like this!

I am clearly not a hand model.

I love it! - and woke up this morning feeling accomplished (it's the little things, right?) and ready to take on another new task today.

So...why am I posting about cranberries and nail polish? Because I want to encourage you to stop today and take some time out to do something fun! Something that may seem like a waste of time or something that you just don't seem to be able to get yourself to stop and do.

Do it today!

Want to try that recipe for peppermint bark you found? Go for it!

Want to tackle that DIY project you've been seeing around the web? Get crafting!

That new manicure? That new braid in your hair you've been wanting to try? Pamper yourself!

My thoughts today? Stop... and do something great for yourself today!

Sit Quietly.

2011-11-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

I read a devotion book in the mornings called "Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace in His Presence". It takes Bible verses & paraphrases them into a thought for the day. It's great for someone who has a busy morning and can't fit much reading into the early hours.

I like giving the very first part of my day to God; letting His voice be the first I listen to - you know, before facebook, before housework, before toddlers using my toothbrush to make soup in the dog bowl. -- Being with God is a really nice way to start the morning.

So, just as I woke up this morning with a touch of a sore throat and started to really worry about it's affect on my singing in Nashville at the beginning of next month - this is what the Lord reminded me:

November 9.

SIT QUIETLY WITH ME, letting all your fears & worries bubble up to the surface of your consciousness. There, in the Light of My Presence, the bubbles pop and disappear. However, some fears surface over and over again, especially fear of the future. You tend to project yourself mentally into the next day, week, month, year, decade; and you visualize yourself coping badly in those times. What you are seeing is a false image, because it doesn't include Me. Those gloomy times that you imagine will not come to pass, since My Presence will be with you at all times.

When a future-oriented worry assails you, capture it and disarm it by suffusing the Light of My Presence into that mental image. Say to yourself, "Jesus will be with me then and there. With His help, I can cope!" Then, come home to the present moment, where you can enjoy Peace in My Presence.

LUKE 12:22 - 26; DEUTERONOMY 31:6; 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

So, here I sit, with my tea, relaxing and really enjoying the peace of knowing God always goes before me - He's got it all under control.