So much happened this year — it was long, busy, and full of unexpected turns. As the calendar winds down on 2009, I want to look back for anyone new to The Inspired Room or those of us with short memories. I’ll start with a few personal highlights and then recap some of the projects and moments that marked the year.
We moved over the holidays last year during a freak snow storm. The kids started new schools and we worked to settle into life in a new state.
I spoke about blogging at the Blissdom conference in February alongside friends Nester and SimpleMom. Blissdom was such a great experience they invited us back for the next year.
I shared my story at A Woman Inspired Conference with Alli from Blissfully Domestic — a meaningful time of connection and encouragement.
We waited nine agonizing months for our house to sell before we could buy our new home — a long season of patience and uncertainty.
In July I had an emergency surgery. It was a scary, life-changing moment and certainly added drama to our summer.
In the fall I joined the writing team at (in)courage, a DaySpring site focused on encouraging women. It’s been an honor to contribute and to connect with readers there.
We started a new church called Voyage in September. Moving to a new place meant starting almost from scratch — meeting people, building a community, and creating a church identity. I help maintain the website, run e-newsletters and social pages, host events, and oversee several ministries.
I launched two specialty channels on The Inspired Room. One focused on DIY projects and the other on random posts. I didn’t manage to keep them both updated as much as I hoped — life got busy — but they remain on the to-do list.
By grace (and many cups of coffee), I still managed some DIY around the new house. They weren’t grand renovations, but getting anything done felt like a small victory. Here’s a roundup of the projects and moments from the year.
I made my first moss ball topiary. It was a simple, satisfying craft that added greenery and texture to a corner of the home.
The birdcage received a fresh new look that brightened the space and added a playful touch.
Our Pottery Barn chairs got a paint makeover during our first Procrastinator Party, giving the seating a fresh, spring-ready appearance.
The front door received winter-themed decor that welcomed the season and warmed the entryway.
An oak dresser and hutch were transformed in our second Procrastinator Party — a great reminder that a little effort can make big visual changes.
In the kitchen, I removed cabinet doors to open up the space — a quick, impactful change that refreshed the room.
Those removed cabinet doors found a second life as shutters above the fireplace, first painted blue and later green to suit seasonal looks.
Antique stained-glass church windows were primed and hung in the dining room, bringing character and color to the space.
I made an easy felt garland and created a spur-of-the-moment centerpiece with nesting pedestal dishes, leftover moss, and a small decorative bird — proof that simple items can combine into a charming vignette without a formal DIY tutorial.
We also found time for lighter moments: wrestling with a few more of our signature stuffed giraffes and getting chased by giant swans during a holiday outing — small, joyful breaks from busyness.
PHEW. I’m kind of tired now — a nap sounds perfect before the New Year.
Plans for next year? I’ll share more after I rest. One definite highlight coming up: a bedroom makeover from one of the winners of a $200 HomeGoods card giveaway. I’m excited to show what she did with her prize this January.
What were your best projects this past year?
If you’re doing a 2009 project round-up, feel free to link them up on Friday. We’ll host a Year in Review Round Up this Friday — I’d love to see your favorites.
Shared with Kimba for DIY Day