More.

2012. Here you are, in all of your glory. It’s the dawn of a new day. A new year. A new beginning.

*****Bedazzle me*****

My resolutions this year aren’t so much about changing old habits, but lifestyle changes-- positive changes, simple changes, small changes that add up to something big in the end; something so grand that 2013 will have a hard time competing.

I’m whipping myself up, people. Meaning, I resolve to…

• Exercise more
• Make better eating choices
• Organize
• More DIY projects
• More photography, painting, and writing
• Be Better. Be Happier. Be carefree.
• More going. More seeing. More doing.

I want so much more in life. I want to be so full of extraordinary things that I’m bursting at the seams. I want more of the same, but yet I want it all to be completely different and new and fresh, untarnished. I want to be surrounded by lovely happy people who puts a smile on my face, and likewise, I put a smile on theirs. I want to be inspired, and in turn, inspire others. I want to live in peace, with sunshine on my face and the wind on my back.

A friend posted a statement on Facebook, and I think it’s the perfect way to bring in the New Year. It goes something like this,

Be Fearless. If you make one resolution this year, let it be to live boldly. You control this moment: rather than cautiously test the water, dive straight into life with freeing ambition. Imagine the person you want to be and the life you want to live, then simply commit to them. Believe in yourself. Embrace your beauty. Discover a new passion. And whatever you do, wherever you go, don’t be afraid to make a splash.

Here’s to more in 2012!

Happy New Year,

Em

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2011.

Wow, we're drawing an end to 2011; and as I'm reflecting on the past 12 months, all I can say is, "WHAT A YEAR!"

It's bittersweet looking back on all of our happenings-- seeing how much we've changed, how much our lives have changed.

I'm going to kick major ass in 2012. There's so much potential awaiting just around the corner, and it's mine for the taking.

But before I ring in a new year, here is a look back on my Top 10 most popular blog post:

10. Still a Reason to Celebrate
9. A Winter Light Show
8. Castle in the Sky
7. All in Boxes
6. She Danced with Heart
5. New Routines
4. Boom
3. Blizzard Bloghop and a giveaway
2. It's a giveway, and there's something in it for you!
1. A farewell to Alaska

Thank you all so much for reading along, supporting my family, and being great friends. I can't wait to see what 2012 has to offer!

Much Love,
Em

2011 Truly Begins

Okay so check it-- this year is already turning out to be super busy. 2011 is in full swing, so I’m strapping on my super-mom cape and carrying on to the best of my abilities.

By this weekend all Christmas decorations WILL be put away, my commission WILL be 90% complete, my laundry and house WILL be clean, and Krysta’s closet (which I started over Christmas break) WILL be organized. Don’t laugh because I can do it! I got my super-mom cape, remember?
48 hours left and counting… ready, set, GO!

********************************

New Year’s was great. It was just us, cozy pj’s, tacos, and the dropping of the NYC ball on the telly… at 8pm! With the Alaska time difference, we didn’t miss a beat.

And the holidays aren’t complete without Mimi flying 4,000 miles from the east coast to take Krysta to Build-a-Bear.

As the holidays comes to a close, the reality of the endless Alaskan winter sets in. It’s cold, icy, dark, and slow. This week, however, has been something out of the ordinary-- we’ve been hit with a heat wave!

This 30-something odd degree weather has cast a spell over me. I’m craving all things spring --spring clothes, spring colors, spring smells, spring cleaning-- but the realization that this heat wave is going to pass has held me from clicking the online “checkout” button to my shopping cart that’s full of sandals and sun hats. By the end of the week, the temps will be back in the teens and below and Alaska’s long winter will continue just as nature had intended.

our friends came back for another visit!

As the dreary January rolls on, there are still good times ahead --Valentine’s Day, William’s first birthday, Krysta’s eighth birthday. More on this subject later.

For now we’re attempting to get back on our school schedule after a fabulous winter break

sleepy head

And working painting commissions

And playing with my baby squirrel.

 pardon the holiday mess-- a hurricane William blew through our house

Everything in life has its own timing. So for now, my sandals and sun hats and dresses will patiently wait in the back on my closet, and thermals and wool will remain front and center.

On a side-note:

Hi. My name is Emily Roe and I’m an addict.

I’m addicted to Words with Friends App on the iphone. I find myself hiding in dark corners contemplating my next move.

Please save me.

Happy Friday Eve!

2010 Recap and 2011 Resolutions.

This year has been full of

love
mourning
delight
sorrow
bliss
pain
happiness
excitement
And life.

My family has mourned the loss of loved ones, and rejoiced in the arrival of new life.Our hearts have been bruised, scarred, broken, and are now in the process of being healed, rebuilt, and glued back together.

I’ve grown to cherish and embrace life and count my blessings more than I ever thought possible.

I’ve learned to live in the little everyday moments because the next isn’t guaranteed.

I’ve learned that life can forever change in a blink of an eye.

I’ve learned to love more and worry (a little) less.

I’m another year older, and just a wee bit wiser.

My heart is full.




Here is a recap of our life in 2010 through photos.

January

February

March

April

 May

 June

 July

 August

 September

 October

 November

December

We’ve had a great year. We've loved. A lot.

2011 is just around the corner. I’m excited to see what the New Year will bring us.
Until then, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here are my 2011 New Year’s Resolutions:

1)    Love more.
2)    Eat better, exercise more.
3)    Learn new painting techniques.
4)    Rebuild our savings from the blow it took this year.
5)    Pay off credit card debt.
6)    Better organize the house to make our out-of-state move smoother.
7)    Start a fundraiser. (more on that later)