Curveball

Sometimes life throws you a curveball...

That's where I'm at...

I never in a million years would have imagined my life to have turned out this way...

The future is full of uncertainty...

I'm afraid and unsure...

Change...

I haven't been feeling like myself lately

It feels like I'm on the verge of something new and good

I'm spending time fighting becoming a butterfly and I don't know why

When I'm there, I will look back and appreciate the times I was a caterpillar

I need to learn to let go

Blessings,

Nora

Wasted

This statement is so true.

I'm enjoying wasting time.

I miss you all so much.

I'll be back soon.

Just wanted to check in and say hi.

I think of you often...

Hope you're having a blessed holiday season.

Blessings,

Nora

image weheartit

Thoughts For The Day

I'm overwhelmed.

Work too much.

Need some time to relax.

That being said...

I'm taking a blogation for a little while.

I miss you all and am reading, just not posting.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Blessings,

Nora

In The Future...

This will be a reality.

We will look back and be thankful for struggles.

What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger.

Blessings,

Nora

image via weheartit

Realness

image via weheartit

You don't always have to pretend to be strong,

There's no need to prove all the time that

Everything is going well

You shouldn't be concerned about

What other people are thinking,

Cry if you need to,

It's good to cry out all your tears

Because only then

Will you be able to smile again

Blessings,

Nora

Long Road

That my friends is a picture of cookies baking in MY oven.

I finally got an oven yesterday after 2 1/2 months without.

I can not wait to use it more.

What should I make for dinner?

Blessings,

Nora

Dream A Dream

I have dreams of peace

Peace not of this world

A life filled with happiness and contentment

Knowing that the battles are not mine to fight

They have already been won

Dreams of a world where it's okay to say "no"

Dreams of a life where others

opinions and thoughts don't matter

Where we all realize deep down in our souls

that we are PERFECTLY and WONDERFULLY made

*What are your dreams?*

Blessings,

Nora

image weheartit

Home Depot...

At 7:30 this morning Home Depot delivered two pallets of goods to our house.

About $3,000 worth of product.

Needless to say, I'm gonna be busy for a while.

I'll post new house pics. soon.

Blessings,

Nora

One Simple??? Word

It amazes me that as children one of the first words we learn to say is "no",

As adults one of the hardest words to say is "no".

I'm searching for a life of peace and less commitments which sometimes is going to require me to say "no".

It's a lesson I'm in the beginning stages of learning.

My first steps on this journey were to delete my myspace and facebook.

I'm on a mission to cut out any unnecessary commitments.

Blogging is necessary.

You women encourage me beyond belief.

Your friendship inspires.

Thank you!

Blessings,

Nora

Revelation

Today is a new day...

Today I'm choosing to let go of the past

And to look forward

I'm going to learn from past experiences

And help them shape me better for the days ahead

I'm choosing to move on and look to a better and brighter future

Full of freedom, peace, healing, and forgiveness

Blessings,

Nora

Change In Perspective

These words struck me hard this morning at church.

They are going to be my new theme.

No matter what comes, I will rejoice.

I will rejoice, and be glad.

Blessings,

Nora

Have I Lost My Marbles?

I am STRESSING over picking out my countertops.

I have looked at hundreds of granite samples and can't find anything I love more than carrera marble.

It is more fragile, sensitive to heat, gets scratches, and looks worn in.

Is it bad that I don't really care because I love it that much?

What is not to love about those counters?

After getting some much needed advice from Kim,

I think I'm going to take the plunge.

Please don't tell me I've lost my marbles.

Blessings,

Nora

photos from Martha Stewart, Country Living, Houzz, Decorpad

Worry Wart

"Worrying is like a rocking chair.

It gives you something to do,

but it won't get you anywhere."

-Ryan Reynolds

Van Wilder

Blessings,

Nora

I Heart It

I am loving these inspiration photos. Clean, crisp, and cozy.

I hope one day I have a girl and her room can be half as cute.

I am loving chandeliers.

Such a simple room, so cozy and peaceful.

Chandelier once again. Everything looks so fresh. Love the glass knobs on the dresser.

Who wouldn't want to spend an afternoon of girl talk there?

Such a great mix of treasures.

All images from weheartit

Blessings,
Nora

You Know...

Have you ever asked a question that you already knew the answer to?

I did in my last post.

The second picture to me wins, hands down.

Problem is, hubby doesn't like light counter tops. He likes the dark ones.

So...I have spent the last two days convincing him that the lighter ones are much warmer.

Your votes also helped convince him.

Thank you for confirming my thoughts!

Y'all are a blessing.

Much love,

Nora

Vote

Looking solely at the elements of each kitchen, which do you prefer?

Yes, I realize this is a blind advertisement...try to look past the terrible quality.

Please leave a comment and tell me which you prefer.

Thanks!

Blessings,

Nora

Truths

Your victory and theses truths are written in stone...

How different would your life be if you KNEW deep in your soul that your creator and heavenly father is...

He Is…..
The First and the Last
The Beginning and the end
The Keeper of creation
The Creator of all
He’s the Architect of the universe
And the Manager of all time
He always was, always is, and always will be.
Unmoved, unchanged, undefeated and never undone
He was bruised but brought healing,
He was pierced but eased pain,
He was persecuted but brought freedom
He was dead and brings life
He is risen to bring power
and He reigns to bring peace
The world can’t understand Him
Armies can’t defeat Him
Schools can’t explain Him
And leaders they can’t ignore Him
Herod couldn’t kill Him
Nero couldn’t crush Him
The new age can not replace Him
And Oprah can not explain Him away
You remind yourself that
He IS Life,
HE IS Love,
HE IS Longevity and He IS The LORD
HE IS Goodness, kindness, faithfulness
And HE IS GOD
HE IS holy and righteous
and powerful and pure
His ways are right,
His word eternal
His will unchanging
And His mind is on us
He is our savior, our guide,
our peace, our joy, our comfort
our Lord and He rules our lives,
I serve Him because His bond is love
His yoke is easy His burden is light
And His goal for us is abundant life.
I follow Him because,
He Is the wisdom of the wise
The Power of the powerful
The Ancient of days, the Ruler of rulers,
The Leader of all leaders,
His goal is a relationship with me
He will never leave you, never forsake you
never mislead you, never forget you,
never overlook you and
never cancel your appointment in

His appointment book...never!
When you fall He’ll lift you up,
When you fail He will forgive you.
When you're weak He’s strong,
When you're lost He’s your way
When you're afraid He is your courage,
When you stumble He will steady you,
When you're hurt He Is going to heal you,
When you're broken He will mend you,
When you're blind He will lead you,
When you're hungry He will feed you,
When you face trials He Is with you,
When I face persecution He shields me,
When I face problems He will comfort me,
When I face loss He will provide for me,
And when we face death
He will carry us all home to meet Him.
He is everything for everybody,
everywhere ,every time,
And in every way.
He is YOUR God
and that sisters is who YOU belong to!

These are some AMAZING truths spoken by Priscilla Shirer during the Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed bible study that we just started at church last Thursday. When I heard them I immediatly knew I wanted to share these truths with you. Julie beat me to it, so thankfully I didn't have to search too hard. I pray that these truths become a reality in all our lives. I pray that we will live with confidence knowing that HE is on our side.

Blessings,

Nora

Honest Crap

I changed the name from Honest Scrap to Honest Crap...Hope that's okay with you :)

Allegra and Tracy have both been huge blessings to me. I fell in love with their blogs separately and later learned they were cousins. I appreciate their honesty and friendship through this blogging world. I can not wait to meet these lovely ladies one day (hopefully soon)!

Here's what I'm supposed to do:

1.) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
2.) Share "10 Honest Things" about myself.
3.) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs
I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
4.) Tell those 7 people they've been awarded
HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving

Here goes...

1. I am a very honest person. If you ask me if something looks good on you and I don't think it does, you better believe that I will tell you.

2. I've had plastic surgery...not by choice. I suffered a bad sports accident that resorted to seven hours of reconstructive surgery, four metal plates, and a new orbital floor holding up my eye. LONG story...I will maybe get into it one of these days.

3. I have bits of OCD. Not really sure what you consider obsessive but let's just say I eat my food in even numbers.

4. I am currently loving all things Juicy. Perfume, clothes, accessories, etc.

5. I grew up thinking I was adopted. My family is VERY Irish...I do not look irish. They have the pale skin, freckles, green eyes, red hair. I don't. Growing up my older brother and sister used to tell me I was adopted. I believed them....One time our family was coming back into the US from Mexico. The border patrol asked me if they were my parents...I responded with "As far as I know". This of course led to secondary inspection. My mom to this day is still mad at me for that. I think she should be mad at my brother and sister for telling me I was adopted...It's not my fault I don't look like anyone in the family and believed my siblings. The first time I saw my birth certificate I seriously studied that thing up and down just to make sure.

6. My dad is my hero. There is not one thing about my him that I don't love. He is my safety and sanity.

7. I am not a girly girl. I just recently started wearing dresses. I think I only own two, but it's a start. I gave my childhood best friend a picture of me from a dance in high school. She freaked out because I was in a dress that was pink, and had makeup on.

8. I love ALL sports. It doesn't matter who is playing, what sport it is, I'll be watching.

9. I come from a LARGE family. My dad comes from a family of 8, my mom from a family of 6, and I a family of 4. I could not even tell you how many first cousins I have on my dads side. To me, the more the merrier.

10. I HATE HATE HATE when people keep their Christmas lights up year round. I'm sorry if you are one of these people. If you are, we can no longer be friends.

*I was tagged twice in this and instead of boring you with 20 honest tid bits about me, I thought I would share 10 and then leave you with song lyrics that sum me up quite well.

Tim McGraw

The Cowboy In Me

I don't know why I act the way I do

Like I ain't got a single thing to lose

Sometimes I'm my own worst enemy

I guess that's just the cowboy in me

I got a life that most would love to have

But sometimes I still wake up fightin' mad

At where this road I'm heading down might lead

I guess that's just the cowboy in me

The urge to run, the restlessness

The heart of stone I sometimes get

The things I've done for foolish pride

The me that's never satisfied

The face that's in the mirror when I don't like what I see

I guess that's just the cowboy in me

We ride and never worry about the fall

I guess that's just the cowboy in us all

*Now the fun part, I'm choosing to tag:

Tricia

Amber

Jessica

Blessings,

Nora

Don't Forget...

Where Were You

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'that September day?

Out in the yard with your wife and children;

Or working on some stage in L.A.?

Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke

Rising against that blue sky?

Did you shout out in anger in fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children that lost their dear loved ones?

Did you pray for the ones who don't know?

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

and sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out in pride for the red white and blue

And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer?

And look at yourself for what really matters?

I'm just a singer of simple songs;

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you the difference

in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith, Hope and Love are some good things He gave us

And the greatest is Love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning

That September day?

Teaching a class full of innocent children;

Driving down some cold interstate?

Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor

in a crowded room did you feel alone?

Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her?

Did you dust off that bible at home?

Did you open your eyes hope it never happened;

And close your eyes and not go to sleep?

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages;

Or speak to some stranger on the street?

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow;

Go out and buy you a gun?

Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'

And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers?

Stand in line and give your own blood?

Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family

Thank God you had somebody to love?

I'm just a singer of simple songs;

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you the difference

in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith, Hope and Love are some good things He gave us

And the greatest is Love.

I'm just a singer of simple songs;

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you the difference

in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith, Hope and Love are some good things He gave us

And the greatest is Love.

And the greatest is Love.

And the greatest is Love.

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'that September day?

*Let us not forget that day*

Blessings,

Nora

It's Gonna Be Good

Today blogging is coming to life. I get to meet Aubrey from Made You Blush. She is such a sweetheart via the internet and phone, I can't wait to meet her in person. We are going to meet at Cupcake Royale in Ballard. I have never been but heard that they have the best cupcakes in Seattle. We are both lovers of antiques and anything vintage so I'm sure there will be some of that too.
Hope you all have blessed days as well!
Nora

Two Things I Do Know

One would think that picking out items to remodel your new house would be all fun. It can be fun, but it can be stressful too. I don't want to make the wrong decision. Two things I do know are that my new kitchen will have subway tile for the backsplash and a farmhouse/apron sink.
Here are some inspiration pics. of farmhouse sinks and subway tile.
Hope you enjoy!

Blessings,

Nora

Keep On Movin

I love this song by Rodney Atkins. I think it is a good reminder to keep moving forward, even when the times are tough...

Well you know those times
When you feel like there's a sign there on your back
Says I don't mind if ya kick me
Seems like everybody has
Things go from bad to worse
You'd think they can't get worse than that
And then they do
You step off the straight and narrow
And you don't know where you are
Use the needle of your compass
To sew up your broken heart
Ask directions from a genie
In a bottle of Jim Beam
And she lies to you
That's when you learn the truth
If you're going through hell
Keep on going, don't slow down
If you're scared, don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there
Well I been deep down in that darkness
I been down to my last match
Felt a hundred different demons
Breathing fire down my back
And I knew that if I stumbled
I'd fall right into the trap that they were laying, yeah
But the good news
Is there's angels everywhere out on the street
Holding out a hand to pull you back up on your feet
The one's that you've been dragginig for so long
You're on your knees
You might as well be praying
Guess what I'm saying
If your going through hell
Keep on going, don't slow down
If you're scared don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there
Yeah, If you're going through hell
Keep on moving, face that fire
Walk right through it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there
If you're going through hell
Keep on going, don't slow down
If you're scared don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there
Yeah, If you're going through hell
Keep on moving, face that fire
Walk right through it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there
Yeah, you might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there.

You Never Know

You never know when keeping a dream notebook will come in handy. I have a ton of pictures that I have been inspired by over the last few years. I didn't quite know what to do with them, so I finally decided to store them in an inspiration binder. I have it separated into different sections: Living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, baths, bedrooms, etc.
I never really thought I would actually use the photos but am happy to say that they are aiding me greatly in the design plans for our new home.
Here are a few photos from my dream binder...

Blessings,

Nora

Footprints

Thank you Lord, that you love us so

much that you not only come along

side us, but carry us through the

tough waters of life.

Blessings,

Nora