trimmings & trappings

I think everyone would agree that moving at Christmastime is something you try to avoid at all costs.  Unfortunately sometimes it can't be avoided.  It's hard to feel festive when your walls are bare and there are boxes everywhere.  We did manage to put up our Christmas tree, Santa needs somewhere to bring presents don't ya know ;)  We are doing our best to get into the spirit despite the fact that our home is becoming increasingly barren.

There is something to be said for preparing your home and making it a joyous reflection of the season.  Giving your children the wonder of Christmas magic, the sparkly lights, the heartwarming smells, showing them the significance that something really big is about to happen...celebrating Christ our Savior's birth.  Showing His love through so many ways.

So while there's not much festive decorating, cookie baking, twinkly light hanging, etc going on for us this year, I've decided to live vicariously through these beautiful images from my Holiday Cheer Pinterest board.  Follow me on Pinterest here!

Let's get to it shall we?

how I would love to walk up to this front door, real live greenery is my fav

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can a kitchen sink get any cuter

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absolutely making these lighted Christmas "presents" for on the front porch next year

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how about these sweet nests full of presents

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epsom salts make the perfect snowscape

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simply and adorable

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I think we could all use a little more jingle in our lives...am I right?

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December 2014...it's so ON baby!

How will you be decorating this year?  I truly hope all of you are having joyful holiday season and letting your creative juices flow!

I've also asked all that follow on IG to share their posts that mark the Christmas spirit with #holidayjoy, will you join in the fun?  Follow me on IG here.

Have a wonderful week my friends!

its unoffically official

Images from my "Country Living" Pinterest board.  Follow me at Krista@behindthemoon

So it's finally "kinda-sorta-unofficially" official.  Gotta sign on the dotted line buuutttt....

After 6 awful long months, Hubsy, the rowdies, and I will finally be moving to the country!  I am so completely relieved to get this process over and start a new chapter in our lives.  Back in this post I talked about my frustration with knowing if this was going to be God's plan for us or not.  Well, He's kept us guessing until the very end ;)
Not gonna lie, it was a pretty difficult process and only a few people really know all the twists and turns we had along the way but you want to know the best part?  Not only is God gifting us with this dream come true but He also made my sister an instrumental piece of the puzzle.  How cool is that?!

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Living in the country is something we have always wanted but considered more of a retirement-type of thing until about a year-and-a-half ago.  I think my mid-life crisis actually started at about 35 because what I used to consider "someday" things have turned into "gotta do it now" things.  Right now.  Like now, ya hear.

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The more we thought about it the more we wanted this for our kids so they could have the time to enjoy it before girls friends became more important and their focus shifts to their own budding adulthood. Not to mention, we just need more space.  More space for Hubsy's business equipment, a large garden, and hopefully one day...chickens. Eeek, I love the thought of having chickens!  The whole idea of living a little more self-sufficeintly and naturally really resonates with me. And so while we will be gaining land, we will be downsizing house.  This is a little daunting but also very exciting!  Living with a little less "stuff"....I can almost hear myself taking a nice deep cleansing breathe and feeling the freedom of it :)

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 And so....these are the things I am looking forward to, all of which will be surrounding our new home.

open fields

dirt roads

farms

quiet

livestock

rolling hills

four-wheel riding

wildflowers

barns

playing in the creek

fences

fresh local honey

cleaner air

views upon views upon views

So much to be thankful for.
Wishing you and your families a blessed and very Happy Thanksgiving!

am I ever really there?

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Have you ever had an idea/concept/truth all the sudden sink in... even though you've heard it over and over again?

It's a God thing.  Sometimes He needs to open your heart to "hear" the message and that can take time.

I'm a Barenaked Ladies fan.  Have been since Hubsy and I met back in 1995, he took me to see them in concert and I was hooked.  So needless to say I've been listening to them for a long time.  "For you" is one of my favorites and there are these lyrics in there that just hit me one day about a year ago.

"If I hide myself wherever I go 

Am I ever really there?"

--Lyrics from "For You" by Barenaked Ladies

I never considered myself as having low self-esteem, but maybe I did?  I do care what people think of me.  Problem is it seems I spent most of my life caring to the point that I would try and alter people's perception of me or I would just clam up and not share much of myself.  I would rather someone not have much of any opinion of me than really know me and dislike me.
I was not living authentically.  I was not practicing true self-acceptance.  The day those lyrics finally hit me, I pondered if I am hiding portions of myself, am I really truly living?  Am I having authentic experiences?  Um...no.  

Self acceptance is the only way to true happiness.  It's an extension of how God sees you.  As a unique and irreplaceable treasure, flaws and all.  I'm learning to embrace the things I once thought of as flaws.  Changing the way you think and act is not easy.  It takes time, not like flipping a switch or anything.  But I am truly so much happier and feel at peace more often having begun to put this into practice.

Sadly I have to admit that I was even hiding parts of myself from friends and family.  I would often just stay quiet and not share much.  Lately I've been sharing more and more about my opinion, my faith, and my thoughts with those I once would not have.  Authentic relationships is what I crave now.

How about you?  Do you hide yourself?

what is it about cable?

Seriously...what is it about cable knit sweaters that makes you just feel oh so cozy and secure?
I think the secret's in the structure the roping detail provides.  Any way you braid it, it's a timeless beauty.

Now wouldn't you just love to wrap up in some of these cozies?  And maybe join me for a lovely cup o' coffee?  We could chat about our vulnerabilities because our cable knit sweaters would make us feel more secure in doing so ;)

Which is your fav?  I can't decide!  However I'm really loving the pairing of a lace detail with #3.

1.  Fold Collar Sweater
2.  Green Heather Sweater Dress
3.  Cream Cable Sweater Twin Set
4.  Blue Cable Cardigan
5.  Cream Button Up Cardigan

 Happy Friday my dear friends...stay cozy!

if I were....

 Here's a fun little post....don't you just love these?  I do anyway.
If you don't, feel free to pass on this one... I won't be offended :)

I got this one from the ever so lovely Sarah over at "any way the wind blows", love that I get to be one of her "peeps" ;)  You can too...check out her answers here.

If I were a month, I’d be October
If I were a day of the week, I’d be a Saturday Morning
If I were a time of day, I’d be 8:30am
If I were a planet, I’d be undiscovered
If I were a sea animal, I’d be sea otter

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If I were a direction, I’d be SouthEast
If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be a loveseat
If I were a liquid, I’d be honey
If I were a gemstone, I’d be Smoky Quartz
If I were a tree, I’d be a Weeping Willow
If I were a tool, I’d be a flashlight
If I were a flower, I’d be a Ranunculus

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If I were a kind of weather, I’d be a warm summer rain
If I were a musical instrument, I’d be a drum
If I were a color, I’d be Queen Anne's Lace
If I were an emotion, I’d be childlike wonder
If I were a fruit, I’d be wild blueberry
If I were a sound, I’d be whispered giggles
If I were an element, I’d be Earth
If I were a car, I’d be Jeep Wrangler
If I were a food, I’d be peanut butter
If I were a place, I’d be a wildlife preserve

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If I were a material, I’d be glass
If I were a taste, I’d taste like butterscotch
If I were a scent, I’d be lemon fresh
If I were an animal, I’d be a bird
If I were an object, I’d be a windchime
If I were a body part, I’d be eyes
If I were a song, I’d be You and Me by Dave Matthews
If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be flip flops
If I were an item of clothing, I'd be well worn pair of jeans

If I were a facial expression, I’d be joy

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seven year itch | family room inspiration

We've been in our current home for about 7 years or so.  Much of our furniture is closer to 10 years old but sadly it is drooping and fraying and really looking more like twice it's age.
Sshhhh....don't tell my couch I said that, it has served us well and I wouldn't want to part on bad terms ;)
However there's no denying that the itch has begun to freshen everything up with a new look so I thought I'd share our inspirations with all of you!

The only hurdle is exactly which family room I will be making over ;)  For any new readers out there, we are in the process of trying to sell our home and move to a smaller home in the country.  It has been a roller coaster of an experience but it will be ending soon come hell or high water!  So the question remains, will I be remodeling our current family room or one in a new house?
Your guess is as good as mine....stay tuned!

Either way this is the color scheme I will be working from, although our wood choices will probably lean more towards darker tones.  Thanks again Pinterest!  Seriously, I don't know how I ever decorated our home before without it!?!  (You can follow me here)

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We actually picked out a slightly more bluish gray for the walls...Rocky Mountain Sky from Behr.  Below is an example of the look I hope to be incorporating, including pieces from some of my favorite stores....Target and IKEA....can I get an AMEN!!!

1. IKEA Hemnes Coffee Table
2. Target Slipper Chair
3. IKEA Ektorp Sofa
4.  Amazon Natural Storage Bin
5.  Amazon Metro Rug
6.  Target Ruffle Shear
7.  Amazon Barnwood Trunk
8.  Amazon Chevron Accent Pillow
9.  Amazon Silver Serving Tray


I can't wait to get started!
Do any of these pieces strike your fancy?

Don't miss the in-between

There are so many things I want to do and accomplish with my life.  My list is soooo long.

Take more pictures
Join a church group
Blog more
Exercise
Volunteer
Redecorate the house
Visit family
Plan a girls night out with friends
Eat right
Keep a clean house
Do art projects with the kiddos on a regular basis
Cook one new recipe a week
Organize

I could go on and on...and on and on and on...you feel me?

I like to consider myself a emotionally dynamic passionate person :)  I get frustrated easily but I also get inspired and fired up quickly for things that matter to me.  This usually leads to frustration that I can't DO all of these things Right. Now.  But I think about them alot.  Maybe more than I should.

Does this happen to you?

We are so caught up in our busy busy busy that we forget to stop and just breathe.  Stop obsessing.  Life is still happening and we aren't even fully present in it because we are always so focused on the future and all the things we want to accomplish with this precious life.  But I don't want to forget to live it and I bet you don't either.  I encourage you to find some small ways to be more present in your day.

Take a slow inhale of your morning coffee/tea
Look people in the eye when they're talking to you (I'm so guilty of this even with my kids sometimes!)
Get off your smart phone...take a brief walk
Hug someone
Lift your face to the sun and feel the warmth it provides
Chew your food slowly and really taste it
Listen to music





 What are some small ways you can find to be present in the in-between?

october's opal

The opal is said to be many things including the most powerful of healing stones, the stone of hope, the stone of great achievement and inspiration.  It is said to enhance the imagination and creativity as well.

Regardless of any deeper meaning, it's just plain beautiful if you ask me :)
Fest your eyes on these fabulous beauties from a few fellow jewelry artists.

1. pink faceted opal
2. opal filigree ring
3. opal and emerald earrings
4. opal pendant necklace
5. opal and silver ring
6. opal and gold charm bracelet
7. peruvian opal earrings

Are you a lucky October baby?

Have a lovely weekend friends!

ah-ha! she got it!

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  Becoming a parent has been extremely instrumental in growing my relationship with God.  It has opened my eyes to how He loves me as His child.

The other night I had an experience with my own kiddos where I felt so proud/relieved/excited that my kids actually got something that I have been "preaching" for years.  And it made me chuckle to think that God probably has the same  kind of moments with all of us.  The elation of your kids finally "getting it".

I've even been able to recognize recently a few times where a message had finally sunk in for me.  You conceptually understand something but it is only later that hits home and you are able to put it into practice.  Although where God's concerned it happens at the time of His choosing and not by happenstance :)

Self-Acceptance has been a big one for me.  I struggled a lot with the negative parts, you know the sinner in us all.  I kept trying to earn God's grace.  Be good enough to deserve His dying for me.  It's not that I thought I could live a perfect life but I remember praying "Lord, please just let me get through one day with out letting You down in some way. One day."  Well that is never going to happen.  It just isn't.  We are broken, sinful beings and we can't change that.  Accepting that you don't deserve grace and you never will (even for one day) is when the enormity of what Jesus did finally permeates your soul.  His mercy is ours not because we are good but because He is good.  Have I heard all this before?  Sadly yes, but I tried anyway.  It has finally flooded into all the corners of my heart and I now live with a recognition and acknowledgement of my brokenness, an unending gratitude for His merciful rescue, and the certainty that I am loved far beyond my short-comings.

Have you had an ah-ha moment like this where a concept has finally sunk in for you?  Do share!

my fall fashion favorites

I love dressing for a crisp and colorful fall, it's my favorite season!  The abundant rich hues and textures of the season are meant to be celebrated!  And it's time to break out the boots, can I get an amen?

These are some looks that are inspiring me right now.  If only one or two would magically appear in my closet :)  Which look is your fav?

rest before you're tired

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“So, to prevent fatigue and worry, the first rule is: Rest often. Rest before you get tired.” - Dale Carnegie, How To Stop Worrying and Start Living

Rest BEFORE you get tired?  What?

Is it just me or is this concept foreign to you too?

This little gem hit me like a palm to the forehead.  Duh!  Of course resting before you get dog-on-feet-dragging tired makes total sense, but did my fuzzy brain pick up on it?  Nope.  Thank goodness I came across Katie and her blog Conquering Fear Spiritually.

Let me back up a bit.  Katie writes a lot about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but there are golden nuggets on her blog to help everyone improve their well-being, not just CFS sufferers.  I don't think I have CFS...I really don't know...but I can tell you that I am exhausted All.The.Time.  Like fighting-to-keep-my-eyes-open-at-work exhausted.  Like so much so that sometimes my own driving scares me.   Not good I know.  People have told me that it's just because I have 2 small(ish) children.  That I work full-time.  That I don't get good sleep (my youngest suffers from night terrors almost nightly).  That I don't get enough exercise.  That our lifestyle is just too busy.  All of these are probably true but I don't know...something still seems off.

Anywho, now that I've rambled on about my struggle right now (which was not the intent of this post), let's move on shall we?

Back to resting before you're tired.  I don't think we know how to do this anymore do you?  Our lifestyle these days is to stay busy, constantly do or accomplish something....anything.  There is a sense of guilt that comes washing down if you don't.  You're lazy, or some other such nonsense.  I myself have bought into this for some time now too but slowly....slowly...I am learning how to unwind and put my health (mind, body, and soul) first.  Carnegie's words are like getting permission to rest and take care of yourself, no guilt included.

Normally if I have any "down time", I immediately seek out something that "needs done".  I really struggle with making rest a priority.  One of the ways my family has recently started to do this is to spend about 30 minutes every night, in quiet fellowship with each other.  This meant telling my boys that there would be no TV after 7:30 (the normal pre-bedtime routine).  No ipad or iphone either.  We have the house quiet, turn down the lights, and simply do something quiet and relaxing together.  Listen to oldest read a story (to also practice his reading skills - two birds with one stone!), play a card game or board game, or build with Legos.  Making sure we get this quiet time every night benefits us all.  Not to mention bringing us closer as a family by giving each other our undivided attention.  Thirty minutes, that's all it takes.  You can start with less than that if you need to.  But taking just a short time each day to stop, breathe, and be solely in the present will change your life for the better. 

I encourage you to go to Katie's blog and check out some of her posts, I know you'll find something that will help you!

a classy football party

 A classy football party?  Can there really be such a thing?

When I think of a football party I usually think of greasy (albeit delicious) food and maybe some kitschy decorations.  Don't get me wrong kitschy definitely makes for a good football party, but I'm intrigued by the idea of throwing a slightly more grown-up version.  Hubsy loves him some football and I'd love to actually be able to have friends over to watch the game now that the boys are older and don't need to nap or be in bed really early.  Hmmm...maybe once our house situation is resolved.

So...how would one pull off a classy celebration of grunting, tackling, and throwing around the ol' pig skin?
Go vintage. Yep. Definitely vintage.
Instant class and credibility I tell ya.

I'd focus on the following themes:

~ Lettering
Choose classic sports fonts (like the ones seen here) for your invitations and any signage.

~ Stripes
Think striped jerseys/socks and referee stripes.  Maybe go for a striped tablecloth or napkins.
 
~ Stitching
That unmistakable football cross stitch.  Could be incorporated into food design or used on your printed materials as well.

~ Flags/Pennants
Have fun with these and string 'em up all over.  Nothing says party like a banner or pennant bunting.

Here's some additional inspiration to get you going on a sophisticated football party of your own.

1. flag cupcake toppers
2. concession stand chalkboard menu
3. penalty flag napkin holder
4. brew listing (love the use of the football's texture for the border)
5. pennant bunting

So what do you think?  Could I pull off a classy football party?  I think yes.  And you could too :)

Happy game watching!

Go Steelers!
(sorry I have to, I could not call myself a Pittsburgher if I did not give a shout out to the "Stillers" :)

that favorite t-shirt

I know you have it.

That favorite T-shirt that you would just live in if you could.

And sometimes do :)

This is mine.  I got it from JCLU FOREVER and I just adore it!  Not only the message (which is the reason I bought it) but it is also so soft and comfortable.  You can feel the quality, which is important when you plan on wearing something over and over....and over again :)

These are some more great shirts I'd love to have.

the message

source

the graphic

source

the patterned

source

the striped

source

the solid

source

What does your favorite tee look like?

feelings vs truth

I've often referred to myself as an "emotionally dynamic" person.  I find that description has proven to be quite accurate ;)  It's all about how something makes me feel.  That's not necessarily a bad thing and I'm learning to embrace this aspect of myself but there are also times when you need to separate yourself from the feelings and review the facts.

Despite my best efforts to do that in many areas lately, I find myself slipping back into those old behavior patterns and letting my emotions get upper hand.  Thankfully I have recognized it, and that's half the battle!  I even told Hubsy the other day that I was too emotionally invested at the moment to make a decision and that it would need to wait until I could bring myself back to "neutral".

It's so easy to let our emotions rule.  We fall victim to our own thoughts and feelings when we really need to lift our eyes and focus on what we know to be true.

Such a great list right?  What joy is found in these truths!  Feelings are good, they are a gift from God, but they should never overshadow these truths.  So if you feel like God is not around, know that these are true and He is fully invested in your life even in times you don't feel it.  He is there. Through everything.

Have a wonderful weekend!

times

Sometimes there are songs that reach into the deep recesses of your heart and whisper the encouragement of truth to you.
This is one of those songs.
For me at least....and I thought I'd share the encouragement with all of you :)

"Times"
by Tenth Avenue North

I know I need You
I need to love You
I'd love to see You but it's been so long

I long to feel You
I feel this need for You
I need to hear You
Is that so wrong

Oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, oh oh

Now You pull me near You
When we're close I fear You
Still I'm afraid to tell you all that I've done

Are You done forgiving
Or can You look past my pretending, Lord
I'm so tired of defending what I've become
What have I become

Oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, oh oh

I hear You say
My love is over
It's underneath
It's inside
It's in between

The times that you doubt me
When you can't feel
The times that you question
Is this for real

The times you're broken
The times that you mend
The times you hate me
And the times that you bend

Well my love is over
It's underneath
It's inside
It's in between

The times that you're healing
And when your heart breaks
The times that you feel like you've fallen from grace

The times you're hurting
The times that you heal
The times you go hungry and are tempted to steal

In times of confusion
In chaos and pain
I'm there in your sorrow under the weight of your shame

I'm there through your heart-ache
I'm there in the storm
My love I will keep you by my power alone

I don't care where you've fallen or where you have been
I'll never forsake you
My love never ends
It never ends, mmmm

Oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Oh oh, oh oh, oh oh

gold fever

GOLD FEVER

It seems that silver has had my heart for most of my life.

But lately there's a new kid in town...gold.  Sorry silver I didn't mean to cheat on you but surely there is room to love you both?  I'm crushing on gold's refreshing warmth right now.  Maybe because it reminds me of the sun.  Are there any other sun worshipers out there?  I don't mean tanners, I mean those that need the sun, like air, just to function.  Surely I'm not the only one?  And Gold, right now your subtle fire is warming me up and keeping me energized...bless your little heart ; )

I'm adoring these finds from fellow handmade artists on Etsy, be sure to check them out!

1. tangle earrings
2. glitter earrings
3. hammered bangles
4. infinity bracelet
5. leaf chain necklace
6. tiered necklace
7. stacked ring
8. leaf ring

And I've been wearing my own creation below like its my job :)  Love the way this one turned out!

Magnesite Teardrop and Gold Necklace

Have you been faithful to just one metal or are you poly-metal like I am becoming?

gone coastal

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The call of the ocean is undeniable to pretty much everyone.  It mystifies and lures the old and young alike.  Our little family is blessed to be able to take a beach vacation almost yearly and it always makes me want to bring some of the sea back with me and incorporate it into my home.  However heavily themed rooms can be overwhelming. I've always been one to gravitate more towards subtly, so these are the points I would keep in mind when putting together a room with a hint of coastal ambiance : )

- thick natural textures like wicker, sisal, and wood
- a breezy color pallet
- weathered finishes
- just a few coastal decor touches like shells, glass, and rope

Don't forget the personal touches, fill a bowl or container of shells you found or frame a photo from the beach that you took yourself.  Nothing can take the place of personal touches that speak to you and recall those memories and emotions brought to you by the sea. 

Here's an inspiration board I came up with featuring all Pottery Barn products.  I would absolutely live at Pottery Barn if I could ; )

1. Bronze Bowl
2. Carved Wood Starfish
3. Sheer Drapes
4. Wool and Natural Jute Rug
5. Oversized Sand Dollar
6. Seagrass Chairs
7. Glass Buoys

Do you have a vacation destination that seems to linger in your thoughts long after your gone?  Have you ever incorporated your favorite locale into your home?    How did it turn out?  Tell me about it, and send me pictures if you have them.  I would love to see it!

a little more

Remember in grade school when the teacher would have you stand up and tell the class what you did over  summer break?
Head back to second grade with me just a sec okay ; )

Despite the craziness of trying to sell our house and move to the country we have made the most of the free time we have had.  There have been vacations, camping, backyard playing, family visiting, boat rides, amusement parks, and typical summer shenanigans going on round these parts.

We explored the natural world in our back yards.

Went on a few camping trips and discovered some AMAZING sights.

Had some backyard sprinkler fun in the sun.

Enjoyed some fresh harvest from our garden.

Practiced being beach bums

Took in some amusements

And enjoyed a night out on the town with family (sans-kids no less!)

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These are the favorite moments that made my summer....it was awesome : )