Right now I’m still packing for the Blissdom Conference.  My flight leaves in T-minus 6 hours.  I still need to shower, finish packing and write a post.   Oh and leave a schedule for my dear husband so the kids don’t drive him nuts.  Oh how it’s the little things that matter.

I’m going to miss these silly goobers.  They are crazy, wild, rambuncious, and oh so cute when they smile.  I just enjoyed today and the smiles.  It’s just the little things isn’t it.  Oh how I’ll love every minute of Blissdom. But boy will I miss my lovies at home.. Yes hunny that means you too! XOXO

Do you ever have one of those days where you feel you’ve done everything wrong as a mother?  Does that guilt consume you and eat away at Your soul?  Well of course you’re not alone.  There are so many women who think and feel the exact same way.

What do we do with those feelings though?  How do we respond in our hour of need for compassion?  Do we react, reach out or what options do we have?

Join me to read more and join the discussion of the battle oF the Bad Mommy Word over at Sisters in Bloom today.  I’d love to hear from you!

Renew, Revive, Refocus.  These are the things I hope to accomplish once I complete my antibiotics and am FINALLY HOPEFULLY all better! Since the middle of October it seems sinus and upper respiratory have claimed their place in our home.  I hope that I can finally clear my bronchitis up so I can finish some big projects I’ve started. And I mean BIG! This is going to be a great year for me, my family and my blog/business! I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store!

I have SO many great projects and new  things going on that I’m soooo excited to share with you all!!  Please bear with me.  I’ll be starting with updates this week. 

Happy Monday and have a great week!!!

I know some of y’all, newbies or not, are nervous about what to wear to Blissdom this year. We are 23 days away- WOOT! Last year was my first year at Blissdom and I was so nervous too. As I’m sure you’ve heard you should wear something that is “you”, something you feel good in and comfortable shoes are a must. So to help ease your mind……and pocketbook. All of these outfits are things I actually own. The clothes are the closest I could find, but the accessories I mostly own. I usually stick to solids that I can combine easily to make a lot of different outfits. I also recommend layers since you may be hot in a crowded area and then cold inside a session. Adding an accessory or two in a different color can add just a punch or some depth to your outfit. These are just my style of accessories, you can go with whatever you have that you’re comfy with. A lot of my clothes in these pictures I got at Target so I didn’t spend a lot on them.   I hope you are more comfy with what you pick to wear and know that myself along with tons of other women will be there as friends and Community Leaders to welcome you with hugs!

Hey there everyone.  Sorry long time to write.  If you didn’t know already I’ve been working on an Ebook that will be coming out this Spring.  *exact details coming soon.  So I’ll be starting to write more soon as I get more organized for this year. 2011 ended up being such a hectic year for me and I want to apologize for being so sparatic with my writing.  I do love all of yall and appreciate your time reading over here on my little blog.

Now if you are always popping over to my blog JUST to see the new header, I’m sure you’re not the only one. LOL.  I’ve been in a funk about my own design.  I think the tricky thing about being a creative soul is you’re too critical of your own work, especially of yourself.  Soooooo.  I’m finally set on this blog design.  Sorry it’s been crazy.  You’ll be seeing some small tweaks on the sidebar and some additions of my DIY projects, etc.  However NO MORE big changes.  I promise, no matter how much the urge strikes me I’ll be keeping it the same.

I did want to share some Blog Design and Content tips that I’ve picked up that have helped me.

Amy talks about blog purpose here.

Amy talks about blog Do’s and Don’ts  over here (just check out all of Amy’s stuff. She’s got so much great info and is TONS of help!)

Maggie has a post about improving your blog here

Stephanie has the BEST post on Branding here.  (but you must read the rest of her posts on branding for follow up, it’s great advice and info!!)

If you’re having problems Branding or Need help with your Blog Design don’t forget I’m available to help.  My Design site Funky Faith Designs is going through some updates but feel free to comment or email me with questions at

funkyfaithdesigns@gmail.com

I sit at the computer trying to finish some design work.
My eyes begin to close.
I know I should be in bed, but the silence is captivation me to continue.
For I know in 5 short hours the house will once be in chaos.
It will be loud and there will be no silence to concentrate.

So I sit, stretching my mind.
Taping my eyes open, hoping to finish.

This year is the year I promised to take better care of myself.
That means going to bed at a decent time, no matter what.
I come first so I can be the best wife and mom.
I need to be alert, awake to best in the Lords word.
To really absorb it in the wee hours of crazy in my home.
So I write this in short. Less than 5 minutes.
Because I’m going to cuddle with my 3 year old who won’t stay alseep.

Because it’s the little things.
The little moments that make it Life. THAT’s why I need to be well rested and awake.

I’m linking up with The Gypsy Mama.

Definition of BLISS: complete happiness

Definition of -dom (as a noun suffix): a state of being

so BLISSDOM=A State of Being in Complete Happiness!

That’s the simple way of putting what Blissdom is all about. You will be in Bliss for 3 Days! And probably when you get home as well. I’m not sure that the ‘high’ and surge of energy wears off fast if at all. Blissdom ’11 was my first conference and my first Blissdom. I walked away a changed person, woman, and blogger.

I was worried about clothes, not knowing anyone in real life and just being accepted. (As I’m sure we ALL do.) I listened to those Blissdom veterans tell me all the info I needed and I followed a lot of it. I brought clothes that made me look good, made me look like me and were comfy. I definitely brought too many clothes, but I drove so I could do that.

I brought 250 business cards. Enough to hand out and throw on some tables. I even forgot to order them and had to print them on the computer at home. EEEEK, handmade cards??? Then, everyone loved them.

I’m here to tell you it’s NOT about the clothes, cards, or even who you know.

It’s about being yourself.

Being Confident in who you are, knowing that you will meet great people who you will bond with and create friendships and connections with.

Knowing that it’s ok if you have a laptop or a notebook, as long as you’re getting the info you want out of the session. Even if it’s one quote from a speaker or pages of notes.

Follow your heart at Blissdom. Follow who you are, who you want to be and why you’re here. You’ll have no problem fitting in. We all feel a little alone………..until you get to Blissdom!! I’m a Newbie Community Leader this year alone with Kristy and many more. Head over here for the Blissdom Official Link up. Also, Kristy and Meghan are having a linkup to get to know others.

If you’d like to link up a new post or an old post that’s helpful or encouraging for Blissdom Newcomers, please do. We all need some encouragement to step out of our comfort zone!

I know that so many Blissdom Newcomers are nervous about coming to such a big conference and for a 1st conference it can be intimidating.  I do NOT want you to feel that way!!  Last year was my first Blissdom and my first Conference and I was so intimidated but excited. This Year I’m so lucky to be able to be a Blissdom Community Leader for Newbies!!! YES!

Yes, There will be hundreds of women there that you may not know.

Yes, You will probably feel alone, like no one else feels the same.

Yes, You may not know what to wear, where to go, what to bring.

I’m here to tell you that is completely normal, and I’m going to help calm your nerves.  Because Blissdom is about Connection, Fun, Friendships, Learning, and most of all GETTING YOU BLISS ON!!

Next Monday, January 9th, I’m hosting a HUGE Blissdom Link Up Party for……………..

A) Any Blissdom Veterans who have tips, help or just a great experience to share!

B) Any Conference Veterans who have a ‘Need to Know’ List of what to bring to a conference for the first time or any other advice to share!

C) Anyone who wants to Encourage Blissdom Newcomers at all.  Let’s Spread the Love!!

So let’s spread the Word and get your posts ready for Monday.  The post will go Live at Midnight on Monday and I can’t wait to get our community together.  PLEASE please feel free to link up past posts on Blissdom that you think are helpful!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It’s better late than never.  I think my household is finally stopped being sick. I hope.  I’m finally working on a regular schedule and getting back on track.  I’m sorry I’ve been so absent.

I was reading Mique’s post over here,  on New Years Resolutions and loved this printable she has.  I also love writing new goals down each year.  I like to dream but try to keep it realistic.  It’s also the 3rd Year I’m giving myself a Word of the Year.  Last years word was EMBRACE.

Embrace the change.

Embrace the new blessings.

Embrace the sorrow and tears.

Embrace the disappointments.

Embrace the everyday.

Embrace the Joy.

Embrace His love no matter what.

I think I mostly succeeded on that with of course some bumps.  However I’m pretty proud of myself for a great year of accomplishments of my own.  This year I heard of joining my word of the year with my blog.  So I’m giving it a try for my life and blog all in one.  Here’s my shtuff for the year…..all out in the open.  I love it!  Bring IT ON!

Have YOU chosen a Word for the Year??  What is it, I’d love to know. 

Have you set any Resolutions for this year?

I hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoyed the true meaning of Christmas and got to share it with those you love.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours!