You are wise enough to know when you're hiding from your true purpose, or from an awakening, or a new direction. You are wise enough to know when you are avoiding, or distracting yourself, or playing games of smallness. If you are nodding as you read this, then find a way to create your own ritual. Find a way to tell the universe you are ready. And then, bring it on! -
~Christine Kane

Hello Dear Ones,

It's been a while since i have 'blogged'. I have really missed it, and I have missed all of you. Life has had many ups and downs, and twists and turns in this past year. I have been stretched, and I am growing still. God has healed many places within my own heart and I am blessed by the struggles. Which is their true purpose, is it not?

This is not a 'goodbye', but a "farewell" for a time, as I put aside blogging for a while in order to open up to some things calling to me from the outside. I won't be posting for a time....and I know how much I will miss all of you, my sweet fellow blogger friends. I just want to say, "THANK YOU" all for inspiring me. It has been a beautiful Journey that was rich with beauty and soul. I will pop in to say hello and visit your blogs, because I am in love with all of you!

Shelbi
xoxoxo

Happy Easter :)

"He is not here, He is RISEN"

Happy Easter to all my dear ones !!

::: updating the shop :::

I have been adding some new lovelies to the shop lately :) The bracelet and the dragon fly earrings are sneak peeks...they still have not been listed. they both would pair beautifully together...don't you think?

happy to be easing back into blogging and creativity. I have missed all my blogging friends and I am making my rounds to visit everyone. I feel like i have been away forever :) thank you all for the emails and well wishes while i was away...it warmed my heart :)

dreaming today

dreaming today
Originally uploaded by keeper of the chocolates {Marigold}.

wild things .....

::: emerging from a long slumber ::::

counting it all { JOY }

blessed to love them....

and blessed to be loved.

hello sweet friends,

are you hurting today? is there a secret place in your heart that feels dark and lonely? do you have a burden that wakes you in the dead night, causing you to worry and fret and despair? please know that you do not have to live this way. i have been living a season like this...and i am walking out of this darkness and into a the light. God is so good. He gives us hope, even in a time of weeping. He promised me 8 yrs ago when i was going through my agonizing divorce, that my boys and i would find 'beauty from ashes' ...

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."—Isaiah 61:3.

He restored my life...gave me a second chance at love, and motherhood, and i know that God wants to fill hurting hearts with promise and hope, like he did mine. firstly, thank you all for the lovely and supportive comments, notes and emails. i am so thankful for the wonderful people that God has placed in our lives during this time.

yes, I am torn up over the loss of time i will spend with my sweet son during this trial, but I know God has a plan. I have stepped aside from the emotion and worry of it, and simply allowed Him to work. There is an amazing peace in this kind of process. God is bigger than any trial we face. one thing that God has shown me through this time is that sometimes it is not about 'us'. sometimes, it is for a greater purpose or plan outside of our own limited viewpoint.

I do not know the outcome of my situation with my son. but my God does. He is going to see me through to the other side. He is our defender, comforter, counselor, lover and friend. He has a hope and future for all who love Him. how can i sit in fear when i place my focus on these promises? God has never broke a promise in the History of all time...so rest assured, He will not be breaking any in the near future concerning you or me.

I must admit, in my 30 or so years of walking with my sweet saviour, I have been a worry wart. I have said that I trusted God but really, sadly and honestly, I did not. even during the first round with my ex over the custody of our boys...I told God that IF he took my boys, i would DIE. i would not survive it. i screamed at God telling him, 'I was put on this earth to be a mama and a wife'!!! . when my marriage dissolved, and i was no longer a 'wife', i was left with only my 'mama' self to show for anything. how would i be able to go on without my children IF my ex's threats came to pass and he was awarded custody?

God did not allow that, but looking back now, I see that i was so lost. my identity was wrapped up in other things, other people...other desires and roles. today, i know i am a daughter and child of God above all else. i was placed here first and foremost to be a daughter of the KING. I know my purpose is to bring glory to God in any and all circumstances. I SO desperately want live from this place today, right now. from here on out. no more wasting away in my worries of this life.

this trial has given me another chance. i am trusting GOD all the way this time. i will be ok with whatever the outcome. I trust Him to defend me and keep me from befalling what would be the greatest loss my heart will ever know to date. But, IF the worse case scenario is to be my 'cup'...i will trust and love Him regardless. I will find my peace and my joy in knowing that He is my all.

that is my prayer for all my friends and family as well. are you hurting today? if so, please please please know, there is a God who loves you and wants to reveal His goodness and love to you. He see's you now, the empty places in your heart. the aches and the hurts from others. the sadness you carry behind that sweet smile. rest sweet friends. rest.

God bless you,
hugs
shelbi

{ being brave }

this

:::: Celebrations :::::

My brothers Sam and Todd ROCK my world with my all favorite dessert!

Christmas morning walk....

Christmas day....so lovely..

me and my bros :)

umm...can you say, 'mommy STOP'!

Daddy's birthday cake

she has mad frosting skills! and such intensity!

making daddy's cake perfect :)

the book of all master surf photog books :) one happy man!


I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas this year. we had a wonderful time celebrating through out the entire month. hubs bday, Christmas eve at my brothers house, Christmas day relaxing at home, and today, spent with my awesome in laws, (pics will follow).

of course the sweetest day is still to come, our anniversary...:)
woohoo. December is such a fun month :)

{ santa } comes on a Christmas train !

The Christmas train .... all lit up so pretty!

such a sight to see....

daddy and his girls....

we sat in a cozy little spot in the parking lot, away from the crowds, and had a perfect view :)

...here comes 'da' man!

the long treck back up the steps home....i love this shot of emma's face.....she just saw santa clause...on a big bright train, right in front of her house :) so cool!

ya gotta stink'in LOVE Christmas!

new pretties to share

So I just received a beautiful package in the mail, these dreamy sachets. I actually won them from an awesome giveaway over at vintage indie!

They are from the sweetest shop Back Home Again. I just love them. They smell divine and have really added such a touch of romance to my bedroom. Please do check out her shop when you get a chance.



are you all ready for Christmas? my goodness, is it already just about a week away! ? really? I am off to do some candy making! i will be making these this year, you can find the recipe here!

Happy tuesday all!!!! hugs!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY and a Give AWAY!

{me and my cuddly hubby}

Today is my honey's birthday! we are off enjoying the day together! They predicted a storm, but the sun is shining and the waves may be good today! so.....Surf's up for the man! Honey, I LOVE YOU! Enjoy your day!

=================================================================

{ Tangled up in Blue Cloisanne Earrings }

And a happy day to every one! Pop on over to the very sweet and wonderful Mamarazzi's blog! Her blog, 'our dandelion wishes' is hosting another Shop Marigold giveaway today! Go and see all the fun details on her blog and BEST WISHES!

:: Shop Marigold's Give Away winners ::::

Hello sweet friends, I want to thank each and every one of you for the generous comments you left for Shop Marigold's giveaway this month! I was hoping so much to be able to personally 'thank you' via your blog or email...but I was blown away at the response and was not able this time to personally visit and thank everyone. For that I am sorry.

I was so happy to see the winner chosen and that person is Robin from my melange.!! congrats Robin! when your number came up I just squeeled in delight! please email me and leave me your address so I can ship this off right away to you!

I must tell you how difficult it is for me NOT to be able to gift each and every one of you a little something special from my shop, but I would like to offer each person who commented a $5 off $25 (or more) gift coupon towards something you like ;)

Please email me at ShopMarigold (at) yahoo dot com for the coupon code and details :) thank you all again for making my day!!

::: Mother Letters ::::

The other day I stumbled upon something so wonderful. The "Mother Letter Project". This sweet husband is collecting 'Mother Letters' for his wife as a Christmas gift this year through his blog. Tired of all the commercialism in Christmas, he is working on a compilation of “open letters” from mothers, to mothers. He is going to put all of these letters in a Christmas book for his wife.

::: sweeeeeet :::

Of course, yours truly could not resist the call to post my own 'open letter' and wanted to share with you all here. Be inspired today to inspire others on your motherhood journey...and go and post your own today!

===================================================================
Dear Mother,

So often, I hear new moms talk about the 'firsts'. The first tooth, the first steps, the first smile. As my children are getting older and range in age from 15 to 2 yrs, I can't help but reflect on the 'lasts'.

The last time I was able to carry my son in my arms. The last time I nursed my sweet Emma, (now 2 and weaned). The last time I tucked in my 15 yr old...? The last time we read 'love you forever'? (my 10 yr old's favorite bedtime story).

"Last times" come and go silently. Like a thief in the night. Had I known I was facing a 'last time' I most certainly would have lingered in the moment. But I was so unaware. And now, I cannot remember it.

I only know that it was here and gone...and now my 'babies' have graduated onto new adventures. I guess in every stage of life, as so in motherhood, you learn to eventually slow down long enough to take it all in. you learn to 'ask', "is this a last time"?

Please mother, try to do this more...as you watch your children grow, remember that they are only going to be this age once... and then it is gone.

Capture the magic before Thomas the train turns into 'Hannah Montana'...turns into 'I need the car keys mom'...ugh.

I am so blessed to be a mom. I get to help God make little people become big people. :) I want to do it right. And I don't want to miss out on a thing; the 'firsts' or the 'lasts'.

Have a merry Christmas. and CHERISH.

It doesn't have to be perfect, to be beautiful....

love to you all at Christmas!

hello dear fellow Christmas lovers of the world....this year, i am going to share a little fact of motherhood - it's called, the infamous bottom part. the bottom right, left of center to be exact. why you ask? well, if you have to ask, God bless you, and read on. because this means you are not yet prepared for the 'wonder years' of motherhood at Christmas time. it's actually a conspiracy. no body talks about this, and well...i am going to tread where no other mother has tread before.

when 1/3 of your home is vacated by people under 3 feet tall, they will want to 'decorate' the tree....and well, let's face it moms, we gotta learn to deal with the 'bottom part'. Smile through it. bite the bullet. deal. It is at this point in motherhood, when one learns what it means to be truly humbled. Especially when 'Mrs. "my tree and my house and my life if just perfect"' pops in and pays you a visit. Oh the horror.

you see, the Christmas tree is a mere 'tool' to bestow 'growth and wisdom' that only mothers of toddlers can truly grasp. Oh, we fight it. we fight it hard people. Whoa to me, for far too many years i did rage against this machine....and lost. But eventually I learned the secret. If you want to get to your 'happy place', your 'om', take a deep breath, and 'surrender'. you see, the bottom part of your tree is a really just a test...a test from the emergency broadcast system of heaven. God uses the 'Christmas tree' as tool....a tool to remind you that life is about the surrender. not the fight!

After 4 kids and 15 yrs of being in the stinky- poo- poo - trenches of motherhood and life and messies and 'bottom parts'...I do believe i have finally found the way to true utter joy....(ok, not complete true utter joy, but in this particular case, dang darn close)....its called "surrender".....sigh. Now go mothers....walk on. Be proud of that bottom part! It's all ok.

It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.

Life is best served sticky. admit it, accept it. It always tastes better that way anyway. And while i am on a roll here, i may as well share a few more TABOO secrets that most other moms won't talk about ... put on your big girl panties... it might get a little bumpy ;)

* plastic trumps china. (but not when plastic is manufactured in China) .

* smiles are better than tears. give in sometimes.

* a perfectly coiffed tree is a sign that you still have issues. get over yourself. (refer to exhibit A above)

* some days pajamas can be better than retail therapy (as in, stay in your pj's all day kinda day)

* strong coffee, good chocolate and lipstick can make all the difference in your day.

* surrender....

* 2 boxes, (one filled with soft plushie, kid friendly ornaments, and the 'mama's box, hands OFF!'
(hey, i have my limits)!

* remember this; the beauty is in their little smiles of accomplishments. that's the beauty. that's where you'll find it. cool huh? so in a way, it is 'perfect'. Just a different kind of perfect. It's really all in your perspective. (insert my 'sarah palin' imitation wink here)

C'mon, show us your 'bottom parts'...don't be ashamed! display them here proudly! and leave me a comment telling me about your day of reckoning with surrender and the bottom parts of motherhood in mr. Linky :)

ps. swing by Tip Junkies blog today, and enter her Mr. Linky, I am so inspired to share more about how to keep Christ in Christmas, but believe me dear hearts, this is ONE of the many ways i do it....surrender people!

How to Play: Compose a post that talks about the 'bottom parts of your motherhood surrendering journey'! Be sure to link back to KotC. And don't forget to add your direct post (not home page) to Mister Linky at the bottom of this post.

::: more Beornica!! :::::

(isn't she just so pretty - thats my new heddy :))

Hello sweet friends! Beautiful, unique, earthy and gorgeous. Am i talking about the the artist, or the artists work? Actually, I am describing both :) the very beautiful and talented Danielle of Beornica Designs made this uber soft, uber pretty heddy for me! I have to tell you, I love this girl with all my heart. She is gorgeous inside and out, and her passionate artisan heart shines through in everything she touches. She also creates colorful and amazing paintings that you can see here.

Everything in her shop is unique. I am actually wearing this heddy right now, as I blog. actually, to be honest, I wear it *almost* every day. I wake up and can't wait to put it on! it is so soft and so easy to wear! She uses the softest yarns in all of her crochet creations. I have a 'thing' for soft and plush, and this heddy is my 'go to' piece all the time. I am in love with the cute little vintage buttons, and the stitch and the colors and oh! just everything about it.

(right now i am totally crushing on this scarf)

please do visit her shop and stop in at her blog to say hello today. And if you are in the market for the most perfect of all accessories, please do visit her shop!

hugs all!
shelbi

::: last nights sunset ::::

“I remember a hundred lovely lakes, and recall the fragrant breath
of pine and fir and cedar and poplar trees.
The trail has strung upon it, as upon a thread of silk,
opalescent dawns and saffron sunsets.”
~Hamlin Garland

this was our sunset here last night. it made the whole day for me. :)

Thoughtful Thursday

{Trust in Him, Psalms 37:5}

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trust and rest when all around you
puts your faith to stringent test;

let no fear or foe confound you,
wait for God and trust and rest.

Trust and rest with heart abiding,
like a birdling in it's nest,

underneath His feathers hiding,
fold your wings, and trust and rest.

(Streams in the Desert Devotional, p. 465)

Shop Marigolds December Giveaway!!

ok friends :) i am so excited over this giveaway! i love love LOVE this new piece. it is one of a kind...totally exclusive... just so pretty! and the thing is, this is the only pendant of it's kind that i have to offer! oh, it pains me to part with this beautiful piece, but i wanted this Giveaway to be extra special! ...isn't it just so pretty! you can read all about it here!

so, ok, here are the official rules to enter the Giveaway!

*Go visit Shop Marigold...

*pick out your favorite piece of jewelry...

*come back here to my blog and tell me all about it in my comments....

*enter as many times as you wish...(up your chances of winning) by sharing as many different pieces as you wish :) one comment per piece of jewelry.

*** and up the odds of winning! simply blog about this Giveaway, and link to this blog and the shop, and you will be entered 3 times more! (leave me the linky to your blog so we all can give you some linky lov'in too :))

* if you are here via Melissa's beautiful blog, the inspired room, please tell me in the comments, so you can be entered 3 more times for that!

*If you do not have a blog, make sure to leave your name and email in the comments. That way I can get in contact with you if you're the lucky winner!

a random winner will be chosen by the weekend of December 13th. So enter as many times til then!. The winner will be posted shortly afterwards that weekend!

best of luck and pretty wishes to you all!

hugs
shelbi

:: update ::: I just found one more of these sweet pendants, so I do have just one more available to purchase in my shop if you missed this giveaway.

another crush........

my eternal crush.....'DMB' (i heart heart heart this man)....this song just touches me. and so did this movie. enjoy all :)

SLUMBER PARTY at the Shop

Hannah, Emma and I are inviting all of you to come by our shop and enjoy some slumber party fun! Jammies and Slippers recommended, but not required!

new necklaces

and tons more pretties!

Did everyone have a wonderful feast for Thanksgiving? we sure did. we went to my dads and they made an amazing spread for us all! Irene can cook up a storm and she is going to give me the recipe for the stuffing that is out of this world! with her permission, I will post it here as soon as i get my stuffing loving little fingers on it!

so, i am off to bed finally! i have added some new pieces to the shop tonight. i should have been in bed hours ago. but i am so excited to have these new pieces available for tomorrow.... please do take peek if you get the chance....I am really excited to show you these gorgeous pendants and a ton of new earrings as well :) I am offering FREE SHIPPING world wide all day for Black Friday until midnight Cyber Monday :)

well, hope to hear from you all soon, stay tuned for the upcoming give away for the month of December! it gonna be a pretty one! i promise!

hugs all :)

shelbi

:: sniffle, sneeze, ACHOOOOO! ::::

{ ::cough::: cough:::: }

Don't get too close, i don't want to get you sick! .ugh. i guess you all thought i just wondered off and forgot to blog ey? in actuality, i have been trapped under a mountain of used up tissues, and bottles of nyquil.

(oh nyquil -- how i love thee )....sigh.

oh oh! yes, what was i saying.....

achem, anywhoooo. i am achy, disheveled and sad to report that my sweet babes have the beginning of this thing too! poor little chit'lins. it all caught up with us, so here we are.

we will be back after this short hiatus of being in the trenches :)

hugs all, (from afar) ;)

Shop-a-Thon, over at TIP Junkie

I am so excited! I want to promote a wonderful online community that I am now honored to be partaking in.....Tip Junkies Mom-Prenuers Shop-a-thon! women supporting women in business. now that is a very worth while community indeed. take a peek at the many fine shops that are involved in this great shop-a-thon...and what better way to shop, than all curled up at home, with your big fuzzy slippers, a hot mug of cocoa, and your computer leading the way! bring it on baby!

RECIPE DAY! and WINNER announced!

(this is emma making her famous and delicious cranberry orange bread *recipe follows!)

the girls and i love to have our weekly bake fest, and this week, we chose a favorite recipe that is emma's very favorite! she makes it very special using her ancient chinese secret. she says its all in the way you stir your batter. i dunno...but that girl is onto to something, cus this bread is fabulous!

(so moist and decadent)

(yummy)

all done!

Recipe for Emma's Cranberry Orange Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup orange juice

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in orange zest, cranberries, and pecans. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together margarine, sugar, and egg until smooth. Stir in orange juice. Beat in flour mixture until just moistened. Pour into prepared pan.
3. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the bread springs back when lightly touched. Let stand 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Wrap in plastic when completely cool.

Do you have recipe to share? if so join in! what is your FAVORITE holiday recipe? do SHARE!! link here in the 'mr. linky' box to your post with your special recipe :)

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and now for our winner of shop Marigolds Give away!

thank you all so very very much for your sweet input and awesome guesses on my new shop name :) you are all so very special to me! your support in this little endeavor of mine is truly inspiring. i wish i could gift everyone who commented something special. :)

the one person who was randomly chosen from our 'hat in the box' drawing was ....::: drum roll please :::: ruth, from the disquiet mind! congrats dear one :) send me an email about the details of your gift certificate!

happy day every one! also, be sure to keep checking back, i have another GIVEaway lined up in the near future :) for a very pretty and unique piece


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:: my new etsy crushes ::::

black leather head band, by hende

this cup by khphillips

*and things i am most grateful for today:

*my afternoon nap.
*noodles for dinner made by hubs.
*early morning run with a new friend.
*my cozy bed.
*my very cute kids.

what are you grateful for today ??