So this was a long, eventful, and very busy year. As the clock wound down on 2009, I wanted to share a recap for anyone new to The Inspired Room or for those of us with short memories. I’ll start with a few personal highlights and then remember some of the year’s projects.
Our family moved over the holidays last year during a freak snow storm. Our children began new schools, and we worked to settle into a new state and routine.
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 this February as well.
I shared my story at the A Woman Inspired Conference with Alli from Blissfully Domestic.
We waited nine agonizing months for our house to sell before we were able to buy a new home.
In July I had to undergo emergency surgery. Thankfully I recovered, but it certainly added drama to the summer.
In the fall I joined the writing team at (in)courage, a wonderful site from DaySpring. It’s been a privilege to contribute to a site dedicated to encouraging women.
In September we launched a new church called Voyage. Moving to a new area meant meeting people and building community from the ground up. I help manage the website, e-newsletters, social pages, events, and various ministries.
I also started two new specialty channels on The Inspired Room, one focused on DIY and another for miscellaneous posts. I ran out of time to keep both updated, but the DIY channel still has plans for more content—life just got a bit hectic.
By the grace of God (and a lot of coffee), I managed to squeeze in a few small DIY projects around the new house. They weren’t elaborate, but getting anything done felt like an accomplishment. Here are some highlights from the year.
I made my first moss ball topiary.
The birdcage received a fresh new look.
Pottery Barn chairs got a paint makeover during our first Procrastinator’s Party, giving them a bright, spring feel.
The front door received winter decor to welcome the season.
An oak dresser and hutch were transformed during our second Procrastinator’s Party, proving a little paint and effort can make a big difference.
In a simple, practical update, the kitchen cabinet doors were removed for an open-shelf look.
Those same cabinet doors were later repurposed as shutters above the fireplace — first painted blue, then green for a fresh holiday mantel.
Antique stained glass church windows were primed and installed in the dining room — a project that quietly came together even without a detailed post.
I made a felt garland and assembled an impromptu centerpiece using nesting pedestal dishes, leftover moss, and a small decorative bird—proof that simple elements can create a lovely display without elaborate instructions.
We also took breaks from the busyness to enjoy everyday family moments, like wrestling stuffed giraffes and exploring local attractions.
PHEW. I’m a little tired now — I think a nap before the New Year is in order.
Plans for next year? I’m keeping a few surprises. One thing I can promise: in January I’ll share a fun bedroom makeover submitted by one of the winners of the $200 HomeGoods giveaway from The Inspired Room. I can’t wait to show what she did with her prize.
What were your best projects this past year?
If you do a 2009 project roundup, feel free to link it up on Friday. We’ll host a Year in Review roundup this Friday and I’d love to see what you accomplished.
shared with Kimba for DIY day