All you need to know about New Years.

I won't hide it, I'm a New Years nut. I like it more than Easter (which is saying something) and definitely more than my birthday (because it's for everyone). I'm writing this post a week before January 1st and I've already got all my new paraphernalia. Goal planning worksheets, a total of seven new notebooks (they all have a purpose!), a new water bottle, and four fresh bottles of vitamins. I buy into the hype, I plan my little soul out, I pick a verse for the year and everything. The way I cast vision for the year has changed - it used to involve hyper-planning and scheduling and now I've learned that really honing in on the end result that I'm desiring works best. I plan out some intentional action steps to get there, with some measurable benchmarks along the way, but the fun part - it's thinking about the end result. I won't hide it from you or shy away. At the end of 2014, I do want to be different. Even a better version of myself. I want to be more well-rested, have a more balanced schedule. I want to be a more-bendy-healthy-wild-and-free me. I want to grow. 

Do you feel it in you? Do you read about it or hear it from the more negative people in your life? That inconsiderate and unloving voice that says it's silly to set goals, it's dumb to believe that a new year will all of a sudden make you consistent and amazing? If you couldn't do it in November, what makes you think you can do it January? As Christians, should we even be trying to get better anyhow? Shouldn't we just be grateful for who we are and what we have and leave it at that? 

I believe we have confused contentment with complacency. I believe we can redeem the hype of the calendar and let the Holy Spirit capitalize on the very real shift that happens when the last day of December turns into the first day of January. I believe in fresh starts because I believe in grace. Grace that picks us up in March when we've screwed it all up and the exact same grace that nudges us at the end of December and says, "Maybe... just maybe you could try something new? Because what if it DOES work this time?" I believe in the grace that catches us and the graces that spurs us, and I believe it all comes from Jesus. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 has been my battle cry for a few years now. Occasionally it grows stale for me and doesn't seem as powerful, and in those moments - I fear I'm usually relying far too heavily on my own strength. 

"'But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

You see? It's not that it's January first and you'll suddenly be perfect. The fact is that the year is new and the rest of the world is on the same page of grace that we get to live in constantly. Next Tuesday and that random Thursday in September when you have an awful day, this grace is here for you, to meet your eternal and daily needs when even you just can't do it. The grace will be there and will turn your feeble efforts into strong Christ-infused movements of God in your home and community. No matter the day, we can boast in our weaknesses and walk in contentment because He is strong within us and around us. 

But today? Everyone is on the same page. Today, everyone is seeing the grace and the fresh start. And we can lead the charge today because as women of God, we can bring the grace in the days to come. We can speak as hopefully and encouragingly to ourselves and our people today as we can six months from now. 

That grace is ready to catch you like a net when you fall off the wagon or lose sight of the goals and that same grace is whispering to you this morning, "Try. Why not just try? If you know you don't have to be perfect, if you know your weaknesses are purposeful and perfected - just try." Turn off the negative voices (especially if they're your own) that tell you it will never get any better. Buy the fresh notebooks and write down the goals. Reread this post when you need pick-me-up in March or October, or maybe even write a note to yourself to remember how you felt today. If Christ is in you, your weaknesses are being made perfect, and you are strong. 

You get to lead the charge today. 

This is your fresh start. 

It's the last day!

Today's the last day! All orders (excluding canvas orders) placed by 5pm EST will be shipped in time to for Christmas delivery! AND one of our customers who spends over $30 will be entered to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! We'll announce the winner here on the blog on Wednesday! 

The winner of Friday's 16x20 canvas is LaTysha. 

Hop over to these shop and don't miss our shipping cutoff!  

So you want to print your custom photo cards?

It's that amazing and also slightly stressful-for-families time of the year! 
Christmas card season! 
I love when we get to the sweet spot in mid-December where there are a few Christmas cards coming each day! When I was little, my mom and I would pour through the mail together and I have so many sweet memories of sitting on the steps and staring at all the cards. Reading every single family update & enjoying the faces of families and friends we hadn't seen for awhile. No wonder designing other people's cards is one of my favorite "jobs" I get to do all year! 

the reason for our joy

It's Monday.
This is a big week. 
We have plenty of reasons to doubt, to fear, to be stressed. 
I don't mean the general "we", I mean the very specific - WE. 
The Connollys. 


I was just thinking today - there are so many reasons to fear. to cry. to stress. 
Our future is uncertain, we don't know the exact next step the Lord has for us. 
We're tired and our kids are at a stage that zap every ounce of energy from our souls & bodies. 
We've been dealing with serious family illness and minor family illness. 
It's even been a tough month feeling like the "lady who can never get over her miscarriage" to quote my friend who struggles like I do. 

But oh, we have a reason for joy. 
And I don't mean the specific "we" only, I mean the general.
We all have this intense reason for joy in front of us.

And I hope that if you see me this week, a smile the size of Texas is plastered on my face.
Because Jesus Christ came to SAVE, came to RESCUE, came to COMFORT, came to LOVE us, to show us MERCY, to be our FRIEND, and REDEEMER.
He was born to die for the sins of the world, for us.

So it's time to smile.
And rejoice.
And celebrate. 
We have a great reason. 

coffee date

If you were here for coffee or tea this morning, here is something I'd like to talk about: 

How do you keep your joy during Christmas? 

If you're a mama, or a friend, or a wife. 
Or just a responsible human being who realizes Christmas is not the best time of year to wallow in any sinful and selfish feelings of your own, how do you let your heart be joyful during the holidays? 

This year, I can't help but think back to last year - when I was seriously struggling with depression over Christmas. I'm so pleased that my kiddos have fond memories (some of their first!) about last Christmas, but I can honestly say - I remember so little about it. 
I know the Lord carried us through some dark days. 

This year, we have so many hopeful and exciting things in our lives, and STILL it's such a battle to fight through the "it's-thursday-night-and-i'm-exhausted-and-i-really-need-to-do-laundry" to get into the most spectacular Tree decorating party ever. Amen? 
Or is that just me? 


And then, you add in the fact that our kids are FOUR, THREE, AND TWO and I have to remember that every memory we make in this seasons is going to involve slight whiffs of poop, a temper tantrum or two, and maybe a few tears. 

But they're still really beautiful memories. 
And they're still worth making. And He is still worth celebrating. 


I've been thinking back on my own childhood memories a lot and thinking about my single mom making Christmas work every year. I'm sure there were financial stresses, loneliness, tiredness, and a million other problems - but I don't remember a single one. I truly, truly, truly loved our Christmases growing up. 
Thank you Mama for pushing through. 

And then there is the Santa conundrum! Whoa Nellie. 
We don't even "do" Santa, and we've always felt really non-dramatic about it. Let the kids watch Santa movies and such, sort of ignoring the whole he-comes-down-the-chimney idea. Explaining that God gives us money and with that money, we sit it fit to buy our kids a few gifts to celebrate Jesus being born.
But at our kids school, they heard about Santa & his goodness, which led to a thirty minute conversation last night in which Elias insisted Santa was more exciting than Jesus. 
Which was heart-breaking and understanding all at once. 
And it took some grace to just move on and some prayer that He'd believe us one day. 
That Jesus is a million cadrillion times better than Santa. 

And speaking of Jesus, it's all about Him, right? 
I feel like the Lord has given me special instructions this year about the joy thing. 
Keep my eyes on Him. 
Keep my eyes on Him. 
Isaiah 45:22 - Look to me and you will be saved. 
Keep my eyes on Him. 

But let's talk - 
what are you doing to fight for the joy? 
What special coffee are you drinking at 4pm to get pumped for a night of advent activities? 
Do you find yourselves saying, "Well, does Santa die on the cross for our sins?!" :) 
I want to hear your heart, lady. 
And you can pray that I'll be keeping my eyes on Him. 

save big, bless big

There's no denying it now, ya'll. 

The holidays are upon us. 

Here in South Carolina, it may be 70 degrees but THANKSGIVING IS JUST DAYS AWAY. 

And with the Holidays coming, I can't help but think of...

joy?

peace?

Jesus?

family? 

YES. All those things, but I also really find myself thinking about 

MONEY. 

The car trips to visit family, the advent activities with the kids, the decorations, the gifts, the extra food, all of it. It costs dollas. And we're in a precarious stage of life with money. My husband has a wonderful blessing of a temporary job, we're fund-raising to plant a church, and our secondary income (naptime diaries) fluctuates mightily. 

But this year, I want to feel different about money. 

I don't want to be looking at what little we have discontentedly. 

I don't want to be feeling the exhausted hit of the bank account on the 26th. 

So, we decided to ask the Lord to help us do two things this holiday: 

SAVE BIG so we could BLESS BIG. 

We've now sat our kids down and explained to them, we're watching every penny from now till Christmas. No Friday sonic runs. No little new toys from Target just because. I've done my last thrift shopping trip of the year. No new books for Nick. A tiny coffee budget per week that has me missing my baristas something fierce. Making more gifts than we're buying. Really watching our grocery list with the knowledge that we'll probably want to save room in our wallets and our bellies for holiday parties and events. 

And our HOPE is not just that we'll get through the Holidays in the black, but that the Lord would help us shift our thoughts about what is good about them. That He'd open our eyes so we could open our hands to people who need more than we do. And maybe, just maybe be able to bless someone (or many someones) BIG. Be able to pay a friend's power bill, make a big adoption donation, buy a meal, WHO KNOWS?! Who knows what the Lord can do in our budgets if we make room for Him? 

So what do you say? 

Want to join us? 

What if once a week I did a save big/bless big post and in the comments we all shared tips & tricks for how we're saving during the holidays and ways the Lord is opening our eyes to ways we can all do a little holiday blessing? 

Let's do it. Well, let's see what He can do. 

weekend roundup.

This post is brought to you by TOO MANY pictures, instagram, and my own personal style fairy godmother - Kristin. 

here's the short story: 

drove with the kids to Charlotte friday morning. 

went to bridal luncheon, forgot how much I loved my cousins & extended family. 

played with my sister. 

nonny took the kids on fun trip #1. 

found out my dad was in early from Germany. 

elated sister and I drove to airport. 

hugged dad. 

stayed at a beautiful home of a friends. 

woke up. kids had daddy day in charlotte. 

girls had spa day at aveda institute. 

relaxed. 

family lunch. 

dad fresh from germany took kids for night. 

lots of intense and good marriage talks began. 

went to beautiful cousin's beautiful wedding. 

celebrated God's good gift of marriage with close & extended family. 

post wedding datenight. 

drove to country to pick up kids. 

lunch with husband's family. 

most relaxing afternoon ever. 

sleep. 

breakfast with old (wonderful) friends & their kiddos. 

drove home. 

blessed. 

tired. 

thankful. 

none of us REALLY knew what fun & goodness we were in for. 

this one. i love her. 

cousin casey (new running buddy). beautiful nana banana. 

again. i love her. 

AND HIM! Heyyyyy Pop! 

the Non, Cic, and me. Let's go to Aveda!

pedicures, self manicures, and impromptu updos. 

let's be honest. we look a little twilight-ish. which i don't hate. 

photography by the Rubes iphone. Beautiful, beautiful wedding. 

Hunkle Josh, we missed you. Also, this is the point prior to the reception where I try and convince myself NOT to start dancing the second we walk in. I always fail. 

sunday driving & talking with my love. 

got my city kids back from the country.

4.5 is literally the best thing that ever happened. 

except for maybe super late afternoon Sunday naps. 

we missed you Loah & Pearce! (and Kal and Shawn)

My thanks: 

My family provided the fun. 

Kristin (look over there -----> {kristin at clines}) basically styled my clothing for the whole weekend. 

Our bff Larlar provided the Aveda hookup. 

Thanks to our friends the Conklins for the hospitality. 

God brought all the goodness. 

thinking on easter

Birthdays are nice and mother's day is special. 
Valentines is sweet & halloween sure is great for being missional. 
Christmas is beautiful & the birth of our savior, but Easter. 
Easter is just something. 


The tomb is EMPTY. We have a reason for hope past our own selves. 
If you're me, if you're you - that is some good news. 


I want to teach our kids to party hard on Easter. If ever, ever, ever there was reason to celebrate - it's easter. This year, we're going as all-out as we possibly can with a 2,3,&4 year old and coming off a mini family crisis. This whole week we're talking about how Christ died for us and next week we'll get to the good news - that He conquered the grave. We're trading out our "happy birthday" pennant for a "christ is risen" one, and speaking of Christ is Risen - I'm doing lots of listening to this song. Favorite worship song, ever.

modcloth dress, we heart it, 

etsy boys bowtie, easter cake pops

etsy onesie, easter pennant, 

etsy headband, & another dress

Dying eggs, easter pennants, scouring thrift stores for a dress, cake pops, maybe a special headband for mama & Glory, bowties for the boys, visiting family, maybe some family worship on the beach, praying for our kiddos salvation, and I'm sure - just sure there will be some food celebrating in there. 


If ever there was reason to celebrate, right? 
Christ is risen, Amen?!

we're halfway there.

Lauren started at 10am.
I took the last grocery trip with the kiddos at 10:30am.
(I thought it was the last, I'm going back once more in the a.m.)
Lauren spent all day cooking & I think so far, she got down the mac & cheese, veggie casserole, congealed salad (which actually looks delicious), cornbread sausage dressing, sweet potato souffle, banana chocolate bread, & the raspberry/strawberry cobbler.
I think she finished around 11pm.

Nick and I started at 6:30 when the kids were passed out.
Between the two of us we got one turkey prepped, pumpkin soup made, pastry brie spread constructed, roasted garlic prepped, tapas tray prepped, & espresso brownie batter mixed. We also assisted in the cleaning and recleaning of the kitchen, decorating two tables, and setting 16 places at two separate tables.

Tomorrow the turkey goes in at 7am, the oven starts a cookin' at 8am.
I've got mashed red potatoes, pear & goat cheese salad, & gravy still to conquer.
Here are some pictures to get you excited, we sure are.

The following is what happens when you need to distract yourself from being away from extended family at Thanksgiving, and when your helpful son & husband gather materials for your table - GOOD JOB BOYS!!!