crafting

Even though I find myself pretty busy... I certainly have way less stress and a bit more free time to do some of the things I LOVE :) This often includes craft/ artsy projects! [as well as being active outside!] Doing creative things makes me so inspired about life and just makes me feel "all warm inside" :)

Here are some of the latest things I have done:

A baby blanket (which took much longer than I anticipated!) for our new nephew!!

A treat box for my baby boy (a little paint, sharpie, wooden dog, and blank box!)

And a bulletin board for my husband and I! (Refurbished frame from goodwill, a little floral flare, reused cork, and buttons/ ribbons added to the push pins!)

being content in the moment

I have been realizing lately to really TRY and be CONTENT in the moment.
It is so important to appreciate where you are at and where you have come from.
Often times that in itself allows for much celebration...
Although dreaming of where you hope to be someday is important to your drive and hope, I have to continually remind myself to not let that take over my thoughts.
The oh so well known phrase (even I know it with my EXTREME lack of knowledge of sayings) "stop and smell the roses" is so true!
How are we supposed to enjoy each phase and point in our lives if we are always looking towards what will happen next?
If we forget to just stop and find joy, peace and even frustration in what is in the NOW, we will miss many life lessons and just plain happiness that is present RIGHT NOW!
I have a lot to be grateful for as I am sure you do too...
Although i find myself comparing my life to those around me quite frequently, and feeling that I either do not measure up to what they have accomplished, I have to remember that is a very debilitating thing to do to yourself. To be honest, these people may be looking at you and thinking the very same things about themselves.
I need to remember...

BE YOU (and celebrate your differences/ strengths)
DONT WORRY about what someone else has done, or how great their life seems to be (A. Just be happy for their successes and B. Anyone can make their life look good "on paper")
STOP AND ENJOY THE MOMENT (and every moment there after!)
BE GRATEFUL for the love and life you have been given :)

As I inspire myself to be a better person and always GROW, I hope I can do the same for you!!

Christina <3

If your not sure

[if your are not sure if you mom loves you, think again.
if you are questioning if the words you are saying to her are hurting her, reassess how you treat her.
and if you don't think that pushing her away makes her heart break, try and draw near.
A mothers love is so incredible and pure, and the roller coaster of emotions and roles in their children's' lives is sure to take a toll on them in some way. Can we as children try and make it just a bit easier on them?]

*New life is so precious and such a gift! There is a new Dittrich in the world and he is incredibly healthy even though there were some huge concerns along the way. But...prayers were answered and God had it all planned out for his little one :) Good thing we were faithful!

*Lately, I have really started to actually ENJOY completely intertwining my life with my husband. I feel like we are slowly working through some of the kinks and getting into the swing of things with this thing called marriage. Yes, its always tough and the concept that one CHOOSES to not only live their own life to the fullest but meshes with someone else's life as well is...well...kinda nuts! We are such selfish beings and it takes a lot of effort and training to stop living for ourselves but equally (if not more) live to serve, please, and LOVE every aspect of another person. However, companionship in marriage is irriplacable :)

Off to another "normal" week, except for the fact that Sam's Jr. High student ministry kicks off on Wed. :) So excited!!!

-Christina

I love my dog....

...and im not ashamed!
I have ALWAYS loved animals so much. I have had pets my whole life, but only what my parents would allow. From fish to hamster, to cat and then mice...I loved them all. However, last july, I was blessed enough to get the best lil pup for my husband and I. I never knew it was possible to love an animal [part of the family] so much! He is a yorkie, and is one of the biggest joys of my life! Theodore...your amazing!