Monday, November 15, 2010

One Year


One year of something new can change your world.  That's all it takes to change a person completely... I'm sure of it.   That's all it takes to develop a love for something and want to share it.  One year is all it took to make my tiny doable pile of scraps turn into this heap of loveliness!


I love this basket!  This is my look-at-it-and-remember-everything-I-actually-finished-this-year basket.  There is something really great about creating something.  We spend most of our days doing tasks that will never be complete...never be finished.  I will always and forever have laundry to do.  I will always get to pick up stuff off the floor.  Dinner will always need to be made and family will always need to be taken care of.  Although these things are extremely important and fulfilling at times these things are never really finished.  A quilt, on the other hand, when completed, is finished, useful and will always be beautiful to look at..unlike my kitchen floor. Sometimes it just feels good to do something and know that it will become a finished work. 

Can you believe it has been a year since we started sharing our lives and ideas on this blog?  It feels like just a week or so ago we were all sitting around my dining room table at 2 in the morning thinking of fun topics to write about and where we wanted this blog to go.  We hoped it would uplift and inspire our readers.  We also hoped it would help us discover new things that are praiseworthy.  For a year now we have sought after those things and it has changed me! 

I am the most unbalanced person on earth.  I always will be.  I try to do it all and I literally feel like I have to.  I put way to much on my plate and I say yes to everything I'm asked to do plus I add on more only to find myself  tired and overwhelmed.  I catch myself grumbling and throwing a pity party the day of the task but the truth is I love everything I do and I should be grateful for all of these experiences.  I don't have to go to work and hate 8 hours of my day.  I take it all on because I know I'll grow and I know that there are hoped upon blessings waiting around the corner for my family. 

Busy schedules push out time for self and for serving others.   I can tell you that this blog has kept me centered on the things that are most important regardless of my workload.  I have made time for sewing, for cooking, for writing and for pondering.  I know myself better.  I know my limits now and I know how to use my time for things that matter.  I have made time for baby quilts on blessing days, time for added holidays traditions and memories, and experienced fun new ways to brighten my home and strengthen my testimony.  Today as I think back on our year, I am happy with what I've learned and so excited to keep seeking after these things that are praiseworthy. 

I wanted some tangible way to share this with you.  So... leave a comment with your name letting us know what keeps you coming back to our little world and one of you will get the scraps from my past - fabric pieces from the things I have made this blog year. Big and small pieces that I love and that I look at often, from our quilt along, tree ornament tutorial, stuffed chickens, skirts for weddings, aprons for newly married sisters, Sadie's baby clothing memory quilt, bibs, a work in progress for a special little girl of mine who needs a quilt for her big girl bed, and blessing quilts 1,2 and 3 soon to 4 and 5.  This way you can make something awesome and pass on the feelings I get when I create.


So leave a comment.  Don't be shy. You know you want to.  I'll pick the random winner next Monday (Nov. 22nd).  You'll also want to keep coming back every day this week.  There will be more!

 

28 comments:

  1. My name is Jordan ;) and I keep coming back to Praiseworthy because it is a way to feel like I still get to be part of your lives even when I moved so far away. You ladies are inspiring and so talented and I love everything about you! I would love to get your scraps then I could think of you everytime I use them in something. I miss you guys...and I will always be a faithful reader of Praiseworthy!

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  2. I have your blog in my reader so I never miss much!

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  3. Wow. You are so creative I just wandered onto your blog for the first time. You have some great ideas. I love the quilt you made out of Sadie's clothing. What a special memento. I understand the way you feel about creating things. I love to make stuff. It doesn't really matter what, I just like to make stuff and go through the process. I'll definitely be following along with your creating now and seeing what you guys come up with. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. PIck me! Pick me! I love this blog and frequent it often- such awesome ideas.

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  5. I started following this blog because I love to see what my talented little sistie Jen is up to. She's one of my best friends, which I never knew until we grew up and became adults (instead of the little sister I never really "knew", me and my twin being 9 years older than her). I feel like I know all of you ladies even though I've only briefly met some of you. THanks for helping me feel "praised" as a mother and wife and friend. So many great ideas!

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  6. I keep coming back cause I just love Jenni, and I hope to gain some creativity, inspiration, and motivation. You all seem to have way more of that than me! ;)

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  7. I started following this blog because I had a very small connection with Courtney from years back through a mutual friend. I found this blog somehow and absolutely love reading it daily. I love the ideas and inspiration I gain from it, but also the commonality of searching for praiseworthy things in our lives as women. It is so edifying to know and hear others seek out those uplifting things in life. Thank you.

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  8. I'm Sarah, and I knew Cortney from my freshman year of college. She's still one of my heros; you all are now. I follow this blog because it is uplifting and inspiring. I am a mom of three young children, so I can completely relate to the endless days of cleaning, cooking and caring. It feels amazing to accomplish something above that, something a little more tangible and lasting. I feel like there's no apology here for being great. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all the amazing things you all seem to be doing, but mostly, I just feel inspired to be better when I come away from this blog. So, thanks!

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  9. I can't believe you made that many things this year! I love your tutorials, ideas, and inspiration. It has only been very VERY recently that I have started to make and create my own things and a part of that is thanks to this blog. Happy one-year-anniversary!

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  10. I keep coming back because as I read about your lives and topics I feel inspired to enjoy my crazy life more, and do something fun every once in a while. And because I love you Jenni and want to grow up to be like you!

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  11. I vote that you pick me! can we vote on these things? who's with me?

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  12. You guys do an awesome job. I check it when I can because I always feel inspired and uplifted! Keep it going!

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  13. I come back because i can feel the friendship and love that you have towards one another. You are some creative ladies that i want to be like.

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  14. That is such a sweet post. I love reading about the things you and your kids do and the time you take to keep yourself whole. Here are some little praises fluttering your way!

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  15. I just love how your posts inspire me to be better, to do more, to create. I also love getting to know each of your interests thru the blog! And I'd LOVE your scraps--they're perfect for the flower bows I've been making. You are incredible Jenni and I'm amazed at all you get done. It's all worth it. :)

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  17. I love your blog. Jenni- I met your husband mark when I worked at Western Wats in Rexburg, Idaho in 2005(many many years ago).. Love reading all your creative ideas and inspiring words.
    www.elliotandrachel.blogspot.com

    Rachel Rutt(Findlay is my maiden name)

    PS. I am excited to see you guys moved to Seattle area. I am from Enumclaw, WA and miss it so much! (we are back in Rexburg for my husband to go to school).

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  18. I love your blog...and was invited initially by my lovely younger sister Jen. Whenever I visit I find something that makes me smile--a new idea to try, a new perspective on my own life, and a renewed appreciation for the creativity of you ladies. So PLEASE PICK ME for the fabric. ;) I love your colors and do some quilting projects of my own. Keep those great ideas coming, Jenni.

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  19. I love to read your blog. It is one way to keep in touch with what goes on in your lives. I am inspired by what inspires each of you. It is also fun to get new ideas to try. I am looking forward to more free time after the first of the year so that I can accomplish some of the fun projects I have been waiting to work on. Keep up the good work.

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  20. I am the same way - always saying yes, way too busy, usually stressed out, but loving everything that I do.

    I come to your blog for inspiration and balance. I love reading inspirational thoughts, laughing at similar experiences, and seeing the amazing projects. I love the name and the concept of Praiseworthy. It really does help me balance out the busyness in my life. I think you girls are amazing.

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  21. I enjoy the honesty and reflection in every post. and the cute ideas. You girls are wonderful- thanks for being here!

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  22. You guys have had a lot of fun projects and ideas. Cute giveaway.

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  23. I love your fabrics. So I'm really hoping I win this one.

    I keep coming back to you guys (er, girls) because you're always uplifting. Sometimes I need that to remember what to focus on.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  24. I keep coming back because YOU write in it! I love watching all of the cutsie things you make and what a cute mom you are. Matt always says that you are a perfect mom! :) love you!

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  25. I know this will echo what has already been said--I love Praiseworthy because it makes me feel good. Not in a selfish kind of way--but in a way that makes me want to be a better person for my family and my friends. (And I love hearing on-line perspectives of people I really know!)

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  26. I started coming because of you, Jenni, of course. But, I keep coming back because I'm constantly inspired by what is written by everyone here. I love every post, and would love the beautiful fabric scraps :)

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  27. You girls are so talented, creative, inspiring and it makes me happy to read your posts. :) Mel

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  28. In my job I see so many disfunctional families and people who seem so lost. All of you are awesome young women who give me hope in the future. I am inspired by your love of all that is good and the importance you put on home and family. I came to your blog because my daughter recommended it to me and I keep coming back because it makes me feel good.

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