if....

if you would have told me 33 years ago how much I would dislike this day, getting older,

I would of said you were crazy

reminding you of how impatient I was to be 16, let alone to turn 18...finally.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that I would not only be a painter

but it would take me so much further than I could of dreamed,

I would of laughed.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

how much I would love music, art, design and movies

I would of agreed.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

how much my life would revolve around fashion,

I would have laughed hysterically, reminding you of how I never wore dresses.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that I would marry my husband when we were both young,

and be more in love with him in the past year, and deeper everyday,

than what I never would of dreamed,

I would of asked you if you had had a bit of crazy for breakfast.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

to listen and pay attention more during math class,

because my life would revolve around if,

I would of rolled my eyes....I hate math.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

just how hard the past four years of our lives would be,

I would have thought that all of it was impossible.

if you would of told me 33 years ago
that I would be slightly addicted to coffee and chai tea,
I would of told you that is something old people drink with pie.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

about the amazing relationships I would make through a little thing called 'blogging',

I would have asked you what the heck that is...blogging.

if you would of told me 33 years ago
that I really should take good care of my skin,
I really, really should of listened.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that jr. high drama will still exist in your thirties and be insane,

I would have asked you why can't people grow up.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

how self conscious I can be and how nauseating and never racking social events would be,

I would not have been able to comprehend why, until now.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that my husband would be the one to actually show me the beginnings of how to cook,

I would of thought you had lost it.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

how meaningful and easy my relationships are with a handful of people I grew up with,

and how tightly to hold on to them and not let them go,

I would of taken it to heart.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that we would find the perfect church home just two short years ago 

(God knows how much I hate change),

the amazing relationships we have developed there, 

and how we can actually feel Him working in our lives,

I should of (even though I wouldn't of) stopped and listened.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that it is better for me to have a very few, meaningful friendships, which I am extremely grateful for,

than have a huge number of 'friends' and have no depth at all,

I would of needed to remembered this years down the line.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that I would actually forget how old I was when I was twenty-nine, 

only to be reminded by my oldest,

I would of said in my sassy tone that that is impossible.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that I would have kids at a young age,

and it would be the very best thing that has happened to me, besides the hubs,

I would of probably told you that you were wrong, that wasn't my master plan.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that when I began DIY and working with paper, it was as a means to save/make money,

and soon I would get a kick out of it and fall in love with it,

I would have asked what the heck DIY is.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that I would have three offspring,

and they would make me laugh and cry,

frustrated and joyful,

feel so young at times and so, so old at other times,

how much I can see myself and the hubs in all of them,

I would of asked you if you were mentally ok.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

how much would I love being a mom,

how I never let my kids sleep with me, but I have given in with my youngest, because I realize how insanely fast they grow up, and it breaks me, 

to the point of tears, to think of it,

how much of a mama bear and over-proctive I have become in the past few years,

how I have realized it's more important to be a mom and not a friend,

that I can never say 'I love you' enough to them...even when they roll their eyes,

how much it means to still hug them....tightly, even if it is embarrassing,

how important it is for me to be there for them, all day, even though I could have 'normal' job, and we could have more money, I could never trade that,

how when they cry with their troubles, I cry with them and just want to rescue them,

how much I miss, really really miss, them being little and hate how time flies,

how all that I want to do is make them happy, full of laughter, self confident, 

and have the best childhood memories,

I would still be in shock that you told me I would be toting around three offspring.

If you would of told me 33 years ago

how much, if not even more so, I wear my heart on my sleeve and cry 

at the drop of a hat,

I would of told you in my sarcastic way, that I am not a baby...just ultra-sensitive.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

how much I love being a wife,

that my life revolves around him,

how hard he can make me laugh,

how truly happy he makes me,

how I still get chills when he reaches out for me,

how my heart skips when calls,

how I am always hoping it is him when the phone rings,

how through tragedy and rough times, it is him I need, and how we 

grow stronger through trials,

how truly thankful that God has placed him in my life,

how deeply I love him,

I would have asked who this mushy person was, and where did she come from.

if you would of told me 33 years ago
that we would lose just about all that we had in a house fire, except each other,
and I would have a weird sense of calm come over me that only God and husband could provide, for the very first time, all while being at my breaking point,
I would not have been able to understand this.

if you would of told me 33 years ago

that even though I don't want to get older, even by a day,

I would not have changed anything. at all. it has all happened for reason, 

and I am better because of it,

I would smile knowing that I have had the best 33 years I could of asked for.

 

Casual Friday Link Up

Haven't been on pinterest in who knows how long,

till this week.

Took a road trip to the big D

and I knocked out some major pins.

Most were living and kitchen design ideas,

but I did have a very few fashion tacks.

Overall thoughts...high tops, heels, glasses and purses...umm, hello...

Source: pinterest.com via Allison on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Allison on Pinterest

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Allison on Pinterest

Source: marionwd.tumblr.com via Allison on Pinterest

Source: musingsinfemininity.tumblr.com via Allison on Pinterest

Source: styleinz.com via Allison on Pinterest

Source: outfitidentifier.com via Allison on Pinterest

I have started something new every week with the link up's ;).

I created a new Pinterest Board specially for this! So, whatever you link up, I will pin it on my board, leading you all to more traffic....yippee! Just hang with me...I have major catching up to do on this board!!

Click HERE to view the Casual Friday Link Up Board ;)

BIG thanks to ALL of you who linked up this past week! You sure know how to rock a girls world ;)

Now, onward with the rules for linking up, easy peasy:

1. Be a follower of the blog (there are lot's of ways, via GoogleFriendConnect,Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Email, etc., hey you can follow me on Pinterest too!)

2. Link to your specific post, not your main blog page, and any post goes, whatever makes you be you.

3. Please link back here so all of the casual business makes sense, I even have a rockin' button on the sidebar!

4. Check out others links! We all know we dig followers and comments on our post we work so hard on, it's just cool to play nice. And you never know what other awesome blogs you will find!

{I send out email reminders for this link up. I have had several ask lately for me to add them. Are you one of them? Would you like a reminder on Thursday Nite? Leave a comment below with your deets or drop me a line with you info at TwoThirtyFiveDesigns(at)Gmail(dot)com.}

some of you have emailed me requesting change of email address or adding you to this list. after the insane month I haven't changed some, can you message me again and let me know what you want to be added to/changed?? 

Casual Friday Link Up & DIY Cupcake Toppers

{update on the #aftermath below}

I felt like I needed to post something

a bit more upbeat this week and my fashion post are 

seriously lacking.

I was a hostess for a baby shower, one of the hubs friends wife
(is that proper grammar?) is due
next month, and I was in charge of the cupcakes.

I had already decided I was just going to pick up a few and take them, after the insane past month.

But as in true form, I get a hair brained idea 15 hours before time of the shower

and tackle it in full force.

I can't just take plain cupcakes, so this happened...

The toppers are crazy easy.

I punched, taped, peeled and stuck all while watching 'The Town' and this:
We are all worn out, and I have been beyond delirious....hence the midnight craftiness.

Pretty self explanatory...

Taped the back side to a cake pop stick...

I'm continued to be overwhelmed (in a wonderful way) with all of the super sweet comments, emails and prayers that you all are sending. We truly need them and appreciate it all, I can't say thanks enough.

This is the progress of the structures as of yesterday.
It's mixed emotions going from this, moving forward...

To driving four spaces to the East. Seeing the 5 year old's Barbie Carriage
on top of the rubble. Then your demo guy saying that it is taking everything in him to not cry...

(many of you guys have asked how they can help. One of our sweet friends set this up, click here for more info)

I have started something new every week with the link up's ;).

I created a new Pinterest Board specially for this! So, whatever you link up, I will pin it on my board, leading you all to more traffic....yippee!

Click HERE to view the Casual Friday Link Up Board ;)

BIG thanks to ALL of you who linked up this past week! You sure know how to rock a girls world ;)

Now, onward with the rules for linking up, easy peasy:

1. Be a follower of the blog (there are lot's of ways, via GoogleFriendConnect,Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Email, etc., hey you can follow me on Pinterest too!)

2. Link to your specific post, not your main blog page, and any post goes, whatever makes you be you.

3. Please link back here so all of the casual business makes sense, I even have a rockin' button on the sidebar!

4. Check out others links! We all know we dig followers and comments on our post we work so hard on, it's just cool to play nice. And you never know what other awesome blogs you will find!

{I send out email reminders for this link up. I have had several ask lately for me to add them. Are you one of them? Would you like a reminder on Thursday Nite? Leave a comment below with your deets or drop me a line with you info at TwoThirtyFiveDesigns(at)Gmail(dot)com.}

Casual Friday Link Up

Philippians 4:6-7 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As we make our way to school each day, coming from the opposite direction as we normally do for the past couple weeks, we have noticed the birds everywhere.

My youngest is constantly asking where they are going and

the middle always tells her to the South, but she still ask where.

I finally told her that they were headed home for Christmas and she pondered this

for a bit, then said she wanted to go home, just like the birds.

This week has been full, as the last few have, but

it's progress that we are making, even if it is slow and steady

and the idea that this is our reality has begun to hit us all.

And we are ready to go back home.

Last summer, I acquired more ink...my three little birds on my inner, left elbow.

My, oh my. How it now has so much more of a profound meaning

now than it did then.

Our Wings might have been broken, but we are slowly learning to fly again...

BlackBirds from Two Thirty Five Designs on Vimeo.

You guys are truly awesome. You have left sweet comments and emailed me saying that you are praying daily. I have been brought to tears numerous times reading your sweet messages. Big thanks and even bigger hugs.

Be sure and head over to the super sweet Casey Wiegand and her awesome blog (click HERE), for the feature and her weekly link up. She is truly an amazing friend.

I have started something new every week with the link up's ;).

I created a new Pinterest Board specially for this! So, whatever you link up, I will pin it on my board, leading you all to more traffic....yippee!

Click HERE to view the Casual Friday Link Up Board ;)

BIG thanks to ALL of you who linked up this past week! You sure know how to rock a girls world ;)

Now, onward with the rules for linking up, easy peasy:

1. Be a follower of the blog (there are lot's of ways, via GoogleFriendConnect,Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Email, etc., hey you can follow me on Pinterest too!)

2. Link to your specific post, not your main blog page, and any post goes, whatever makes you be you.

3. Please link back here so all of the casual business makes sense, I even have a rockin' button on the sidebar!

4. Check out others links! We all know we dig followers and comments on our post we work so hard on, it's just cool to play nice. And you never know what other awesome blogs you will find!

{I send out email reminders for this link up. I have had several ask lately for me to add them. Are you one of them? Would you like a reminder on Thursday Nite? Leave a comment below with your deets or drop me a line with you info at TwoThirtyFiveDesigns(at)Gmail(dot)com.}

Casual Friday Link Up

#theaftermath....

Last Saturday went as any weekend would,

lazy mornings then decided to head over to the mall (hence the picture which I was planning for a post).

Then we received the dreaded call from a neighbor a few blocks back...

Our house was on fire.

I feel like I actually left my body at this point, as all I could tell her was that there was a dog in the house, over and over.

We both took off running, slamming into people shopping to get in the car.

You know that moment when you tell yourself it's really not that bad,

this doesn't really happen? That came to a halt when we rounded the corner to go outside

and you could see the smoke all the way across this side of town.

And silence when we arrived...

I think I read that it took four trucks to put it out. I have no clue, I was pretty oblivious to it all.

After the sun set and the fire was gone,

I was determined to go in, as was the hubs. I realized I didn't have on my wedding rings and all of the jewelry husband has given me.

I do have to say we have the BEST neighbors in the world,

one helped me get dressed in clothes to go in

At first glance, going in and as we left I noticed the five year old's

nightlight...all the way from her room to the entry.

The first night I managed to find my two John Hardy Bracelets

and diamond earrings melted to my nightstand,

And my mac had melted down onto my D90 and my 50...

The Entry with the Fish Scale Wall and my newest DIY, the painted entry rug...

Headed into the living area, from my Christmas Decor Post...

The Entry Way Chairs (far right corner)...

The mantel and tele...

Most recent pic of living area...

Dining...

Kitchen...(she had pajama day, incase you were wondering)

Desk with mac and camera gear (yup, the Kelly Moore melted too) 

and what's left of my Stella&Dot...

Master Bed & Bath...

Frames in Master...

My nightstand...

Newest Recovered Chair, in master...(with a heck of a lot of clothes, sitting on it)

Garage...

And my very last 'Wear' post from this door, as the last few girls left said I should do one, 

last shot from here. 

Give me another week or so, let me

collect myself and the fam and maybe, some sense of normalcy and routine will return.

Thanks to all of you wonderful people who linked up last week and all of your super sweet comments, you guys lifted my spirits this week, and that was just what we needed...

I have started something new every week with the link up's ;).

I created a new Pinterest Board specially for this! So, whatever you link up, I will pin it on my board, leading you all to more traffic....yippee!

Click HERE to view the Casual Friday Link Up Board ;)

BIG thanks to ALL of you who linked up this past week! You sure know how to rock a girls world ;)

Now, onward with the rules for linking up, easy peasy:

1. Be a follower of the blog (there are lot's of ways, via GoogleFriendConnect,Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Email, etc., hey you can follow me on Pinterest too!)

2. Link to your specific post, not your main blog page, and any post goes, whatever makes you be you.

3. Please link back here so all of the casual business makes sense, I even have a rockin' button on the sidebar!

4. Check out others links! We all know we dig followers and comments on our post we work so hard on, it's just cool to play nice. And you never know what other awesome blogs you will find!

{I send out email reminders for this link up. I have had several ask lately for me to add them. Are you one of them? Would you like a reminder on Thursday Nite? Leave a comment below with your deets or drop me a line with you info at TwoThirtyFiveDesigns(at)Gmail(dot)com.}