This has been a week of endings. How appropriate that the conclusion of this collaboration should fall on not just any Friday, but the "last Friday." So far no signs of the world according to the Mayan calendar coming to an end, but it's symbolic none the less. I had my doubts.

Speaking of doubts, that's how I'd like to approach my goodbye-summary of this whole experience. A year ago, Danielle petitioned a number of her girlfriends to be repeated guest writers on her blog. I happened to be among the group of women she invited to participate. She asked for a year-long commitment, with the goal of showing our readers that we were "regular" young ladies, all at about the same place in life, with similar interests but very different personalities. Immediately, I doubted her. Worse, I doubted her openly. Yes, I was the Judas of the group. I was concerned about many things. I didn't personally know the other women who would be involved, I was worried about everyone else's commitment level, I was concerned about the quality of the others' contributions. I was just plain doubtful, and sure that it would flop. By the time I felt reassured enough to consider being a "Yes Man" and playing along, she had filled all four slots with volunteers.

I then became a reader. I was already a follower of Danielle's blog; she's my best friend, so of course I read her work. But now, every week day, I was also a follower of her friends. After about three months, I was impressed everyone had stuck around. I was still doubtful about the overall project, though. I kept expecting it to piddle out when everyone inevitably got bored. But week after week, there were your five posts on Sunday Hatch. Reliably fun, educational, and entertaining.

About halfway through the year, due to extenuating circumstances, Danielle had an opening for Friday's guest blogger spot. She gave me - the Judas-doubter friend - a second chance. This time, I didn't doubt and I didn't hesitate. I said, "Yes! Count me in!" You might regret that decision, having to listen to me week after week prattle on about stuff, but I've really enjoyed it. I have been so impressed with these ladies, and so thankful that even though I've never met any of them, I have grown to feel as though we are friends. I have shared their lives for a whole year, as a reader and a fellow collaborator. I am proud. Proud of Danielle, for seeing possibilities, following her instincts, and being a talented leader. Proud of us for all sticking to our commitment. Proud of YOU for following along!

The way I'll tie all of this together is to remind everyone, all of us, that this is the Season to put aside doubt.  Doubt in ourselves, and doubt in other people. Spend time considering we have all been given second chances. We have all been forgiven. We are all free to become better people, to strive for peace, and to see the good in others. Danielle had the foresight to see what common good could come of this project. 

I doubted, but I see it now. And it was so so so good.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from my family, to yours.

With Love,

Waiting on a baby

So it is only fitting on my last blog post that I get to share with you Graeme's room all done! Sorry what was supposed to be "healthy and fitness inspired posts" this year by me turned into ramblings of a pregnant woman, but this is what happens when life circumstances change your focus. 

Now we are just waiting on Graeme Alan Runyan to make his arrival into the world! I hope you have a Merry Christmas! And here is to a happy and prosperous 2013 for us all.

www.madisoncary.com

May this be my attitude for the new year..
Do not fear my will, for through it I will accomplish what is best for you. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in me. - Jesus Calling

Danielle R.

Au Revoir

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe that's the last time I'll say that.. hopefully not forever, but to you at least! What a year this has been. I feel very lucky to have been a part of this adventure 'Sunday Hatch' for the past year. It's an amazing thing to bring people together from all over to collaborate on a single project. It really is wonderful to be a part of something like this. I guess this is similar to a book club or community group... those are definitely going on my list for 2013. Anyways, I highly recommend a collaborative event if you are not already part of one.

As I wrap up my year, I can't help but look back in awe of all that has happened:

• I got a job- a real job- a job I actually love
• I also realized that loving your job is a true blessing and I am grateful every day for it 
• I mean not as grateful as I would be playing with the puppies all day... 
• No, no I take that back- I wouldn't have it any other way.. for now at least
• I planned a wedding
• Let me reiterate.. I planned a wedding.. and I didn't even get married! (I have to same some things for next year :) or the next.....)
• I learned in doing so that I do not want to pursue a career in event planning 
• I also learned that rain on your wedding day does not mean the end of the world
• I'm going to just keep telling myself that... according to Danielle I might get over it in the next two years... here's to hoping..
• I grew up
• Not sure when it happened really, or if it happened this year at all, but somehow I woke up one morning a 'grown up'. Although, I think saying 'grown up' probably contradicts that statement... an 'adult' maybe? Anyways, you get the picture
• I think it started about a year a half ago actually, but it has been a work in progress
• Looking back on where I was just a short while ago and where I am now, is a crazy thing- can't really explain it unless you've experienced it yourself. But I'm different.
• I'll probably say that again this time next year, but I think that's what your mid-twenties are all about... figuring out who you really are. So far, I enjoy this time of challenging and questioning myself more so than my early twenties when... well I wasn't doing very much soul searching... we can leave it at that 
• I learned that there are times when I need to just let go, to always trust in God, to accept adversity and to say no from time to time- for me these all go hand in hand
• This actually brings me into my plans for 2013... continue to grow 

2013 Happiness Project:

• I want to do my own happiness project. if you haven't read the book The Happiness Project, I highly suggest it! The point is to write down some things you want to work on that will contribute to your happiness and to actually work on them
• So far I have the following:
• Clean, clean, clean- every cabinet, every storage old box, even my computer- for me cleaning is both tiring and therapeutic, but mostly the piles of miscellaneous items in drawers hurt my heart 
• Focus on nature- not only by eating more organic and less processed food, but also spending more free time outside instead of in front of the TV 
• Putting others first- I do this 100% of the time at work, but I definitely want to work on transitioning this into my personal life more
• Learn about history- I have a hard time reading about past events and not questioning them. Needless to say, this creates a lot of confusion in my mind and heart, so I plan on digging into history- books, documentary, anything I can really
• I think the main thing to take away is to focus on challenging yourself. If you dedicate one month to one thing you want to work on, you will always be growing. And I think that is a lot better than a New Years Resolution that lasts for the month of January. This way, you start fresh every month! 

Okay okay, enough talking. But before I go, I do want to say thank you for joining us all on this adventure and listening to me ramble on about the many different things going on in my brain every Wednesday. It has been a pleasure. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

Peace!

-Sophee

A Bid Farewell

This is my last Tuesday post on Sunday Hatch! Sad face. I still can't believe Danielle G thought that I, for some reason, should contribute to her beloved and fantastic blog every week.  I'm sure you're wondering this as well!!! What a great adventure this has been for me.
I'll leave you with a few things we are planning for in 2013.

Timeline
January: leaving for a cruise with the family! YAY! Going to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico! Ow ow!!
February: starting our entire master bathroom/closet/bedroom/hallway remodel. This is frighting. I'll be calling Danielle G for design advice, and just advice in general, given that's she's been through a remodeling process already:) Here are a few bathroom ideas I have floating around in my head.

via

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Contemporary Bathroom design by Denver Interior Designer O Interior Design

And in the Spring/Summer: hopefully we'll be expanding our family?! Human family:) God willing that is. Here's our Christmas card this year with our children:)

Paul, Kendall, Moose and Bear

I can't help but share a little "life lesson" on my last post! I've recently realized how incredible it is to have PEACE in my life, the peace that surpasses all understanding...what a sigh of relief.

To be honest, it's a struggle to not make Peace circumstantial in my own life, but to continually have it, no matter what craziness is going on around me. Especially this time of year.

I've learned that I CAN NOT have peace without praise and without thanking the good Lord for all his blessings. This is difficult because I often focus on what I do not have or what I wish I could change, but the truth is...I HAVE SO MUCH. I have a VERY blessed life. When I truly have gratitude, peace naturally flows from that place. They go hand it hand it seems.

May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and PEACE as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ have run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God. Let every detail in your lives, words, actions, be done in the name of the Master Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. (the message) Colossians 3:15-17

I'll leave you with a little quote via Graham Cooke. (When you read this, imagine a British accent. The man is from England for goodness sake).

"You have the presence and peace of God whether you feel it or not. There are going to be great, fabulous, glorious days when you will feel it because God is tangible and He loves to be tangible. But you’re going to have great, marvelous, wonderful days when you’ll have to trust that He’s there, and not trust on your emotions or your own understanding, but just have that simple place in your heart, “God said it; I believe it; that jolly well settles it. He’s here. He’s here because He said He would be.” And that has to be enough. It’s always going to be enough."

So no matter what may be causing you to feel flustered or out of sorts this time of year, I hope you know that no matter what, you have Peace available to you, at all times, without a question. Exercise that gift.

I bid you farewell friends! 

Kendall

adieu for now

All I really want to say is THANK YOU. To my faithful bloggy pals, Danielle, Kendall, Sophee and Laurel and heck why not... Danay you too. You stuck in there for a good while! This has been a great year and I have loved waking up and waiting til your posts "go live" and I get to read about your lives and your plans and dreams and thoughts. Love you all.

AND THEN... THANK YOU to our readers! We appreciate you thinking we're cool enough to keep up with :) I had big plans for this 2012 "FINALE" but as usual I get too busy and a less grand expression appears. However, I do have big plans for projects next year.

In the works right now....
- Antique desk redo

- funky nasty bench redo

-- Crap room turns real room:

Developments:
- stamp collection to be sold in my shop
- Disperse some of these cards & grow the biz!

- Vintage looking guest book

Hopes and dreams:
- keep working on the house, Bedroom (curtains! any suggestions?) and office are next on the list!

Want this rug! for the living room!

Last but not least... Downton Abbey starts!

Love you all!!!!!!!!! See you next year! 

REVERSE! REVERSE!

WELL. Life is crazy. One minute were moving to malaysia the next minute were staying put. Instead of going overseas, Rob got a new job! Soo forget that post. hahah. 

Laurels computer broke so Im filling in. Look at her new business cards she let me design!!

Also about to start the new year cards... for those who couldn't get it together for Xmas! 

Papertherapyshop.etsy.com

NEXT WEEK IS OUR LAST WEEK!!!!!!!!! 

Join us as we wrap up this crazy year of Sunday Hatch Blog times! 

A shower of blessings

A few weeks ago my friends blessed me with an awesome baby shower. They are very creative and sure do know how to throw a fun party! Here are some pics from the day!

The decor and yummy food!

Best friends and wonderful hostesses

Awesome golf bag diaper cake

Love for Graeme

So excited about the diaper genie

Pregnant friends :)

I really do have the best friends! So blessed by all of them helping celebrate this special time!

4 weeks and counting...

Danielle R.

I'm Dreaming of A.. Fabulous Kitchen

Happy middle of the week!! So as you know, lately all I do is plan my future house in my head. And my current obsession this week are kitchens. Ideally I would love a large open kitchen with a big island in the middle.. one that could expand into the living room and dining area so the entire house is open. Anyways, a girl can dream right? And I certainly do! So here are some of my favorites.. my Pinterset board is officially overflowing with houses!

The modern look..

I don't think it's my style/ I can pull off the all white house.. but if I could I think this is amazing! 

I am definitely going to need a fridge covering in chalk paint one day..

And my personal favorites

Images: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7]

Enjoy the rest of your day!
-Sophee

Songs

At work, I sit and listen to Pandora all day and have come across some goodies. I think watching videos messes up the song but this is the best way to do it. So push play and look away.




Whhhaaaat? How did Tswift get in there twice? So weird. Hope you didn't watch the videos (especially 99 problems, one of those 99 probs is that video) and enjoyed the tunes. I think if I listen to any more folk music I'm going to grow a beard and a cabin in appalachia and start drinking mountain dew.

-Danielle G. 

Pumpkin Gingerbread

I want to share with you today the recipe that changed my life. The first time I made this I shocked myself because I had never baked anything quite so delicious in my whole life. I loved it so much, I had to share it. So I started baking batches and taking them to neighbors, family members, and friends. It was a hit. I shared it on Facebook, and a sort of fan club was created. It is now a staple holiday item that I bake, at least 4-5 times during cooler weather. I had to stop baking it the rest of the year so that it would remain special.

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Pumpkin Gingerbread

INGREDIENTS

3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2/3 cup water
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
3 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

BAKING DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, and eggs; beat until smooth. Add water and beat until well blended. Stir in pumpkin, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
3. In medium bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and blend just until all ingredients are mixed. Divide batter between prepared pans.
4. Bake in preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, or about 1 hour. Let cool.
5. My tip: serve toasted with salted butter.

This recipe is remarkably simple, spicy, and deliciously good. 

Do not hesitate - run to the kitchen and bake it today!

Good food is meant to be shared.

Changing table makeover

This weekend I finally redid the changing table I bought at "Just Between Friends" huge consignment sale in August. The changing table was $100 and I was determined to make it cute. I probably shouldn't have waited until so late in my pregnancy to redo it given the fact that my bulging belly and inability to squat for any time period at all, made it a bit more difficult. But nevertheless, I got it done and I am so happy with the result!

Thanks to my friend Leslie, for introducing me to Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It really is magical. No prep needed and the whole project took me a day to complete because it dries so fast! I plan on redoing many other pieces in our house with this paint and the dark waxing method, but I will have to wait until I am a little more agile.

Here are some links I used to guide me in the process -
http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/copy_of_How_to_use_the_paint.html 
http://www.thepurplepaintedlady.com/how-to-and-past-workshops/ 

I bought my paint and supplies at the Unique Rabbit in Lubbock, TX. You can check online to find a retailer near you.

Tools
Arles color chalk paint
Normal paint brush (they have ones you could buy, but I just used one I already had
Wax Brush
Small can of clear wax
Small can of dark wax
Cut up t-shirt (to use for wiping off wax and wiping on dark wax for the shelves because the wax brush wouldn't fit)

Pics of the process

Before

After 1 coat of paint

After 2 coats of paint

After applying clear wax, buffing and then adding dark wax and buffing

Final product

I don't know why, but the final pic in the garage doesn't look yellow, but I think it is just the lighting. I didn't do anything but add the accessories once it was in the room.

Happy Thursday!

Danielle R.