See that dirt under your fingernails? My friend, that is beautiful. That is remarkable. That is significant. You could have let go. But you didn’t. You could have given up. But you didn’t. You hung on. And hung on. And here’s what I believe: I believe 2014 was not your worst year, but possibly your greatest.
Your Year of Greatest Strength
Your Year of Greatest Faith
Your Year of Greatest Hope
Your Year of Greatest Patience
Your Year of Greatest Risk
Your Year of Greatest Determination
Your Year of Greatest Courage
Just look at that dirt beneath your fingernails. That is what you are made of. Isn’t it beautiful? Isn’t it remarkable? Isn’t it significant? It was your Year of Greatest Survival and you lived to tell about it. Thank you for holding on. Let us celebrate. The light overcame the darkness!
-Rachel Macy Stafford
Have you read Hands-Free Mama? That quote came from the author’s blog. Such a powerful message, isn’t it? I definitely wouldn’t consider 2014 as my “worst year”, but it sure has required a lot of strength, Faith, hope, patience, risk, determination, and courage. What a TRIP this adoption adventure has been!
Hey, speaking of that- we heard some GREAT adoption-related news yesterday! Two of the other (five) Three Angels families (who have been waiting for the same invitation we are) received their invitations! They are tentatively planning to travel to bond with their kiddos in mid-January, and we’re so excited for them! There is still a chance we could join them on that same trip, but until our Sweet P’s paperwork moves through all the same channels theirs did, we will just keep doing our best to be patient.
Exciting news on the home front this week too- Kevin accepted a job as worship leader at our church’s Old Cloverdale site! We’re both so grateful for the opportunity, and we’re so excited to forge new friendships there in the years to come. I hope you’ll come join us if you’re ever in the area Sunday morning at 9:15, too. 😀
…and over in the living room- I scooped up one of Lucy’s Red Christmas “Beetle” pillows for the sofa, and I’m trying to figure out what to do on the wall above it.
It’s been bare since the day we moved in, and now that the entry area is coming together, I feel like it’s time to hang something up there, too.
This next photo shows the area to the right of the sofa. Don’t mind the outlets that I still haven’t swapped out for white ones, or the curtains I still haven’t lengthened. Oh, and ignore the tripod lamp that barely fits on top of that side table. I just can’t seem to get motivated when it comes to that kind of nesting. 😉
Ooh! And while we’re over here on this side of the room- let me just tell ya about what I’ve been dreaming up for the fireplace. You remember our fireplace, right? The one that looked like this when we moved in a couple of years ago:
The one I played around with in Photoshop earlier this year, so it could see what it would look like if we took it all the way up to the ceiling:
Well, I think 2015 has “fireplace makeover” written all over it, so I started sketching out some ideas in Photoshop today. Keep in mind, these drawings are super rough, and not to scale at all. I threw them together really quick, just to see what a couple of things would (sort of) look like. The picture on the left (below) shows the built-in cabinetry on one side of the fireplace, a stone hearth and surround, and white-painted wood above a rustic wood mantel beam. (Kind of like the one in the photo above.)
The picture on the right (above) shows mostly the same, but there’s an angled, rustic wood area above the mantel beam. Sort of like this:
I’m imagining the stone part (below the mantel beam and on the hearth) looking like this:
I’ve had that inspiration photo saved forever, and my friend Ashley recently put me in touch with someone who can help us find/install that kind of stone whenever we get to that point. I also like the black hearth top in this next photo:
Do you reckon it’s soapstone? I really like the contrast. I’ll have to think more about that.
And what do you think? White planks or rustic wood above?
It may be awhile before we get to that stage, but I’d love to make a decision about it so that I can start thinking about where I could round up the materials.
Ooh! And one more inspiration photo! Check this out:
That is almost exactly how our first floor is laid out, and boy does that picture get me thinkin’ about more rustic wood in the kitchen… 😉
Gigi
My mom has a hearth like that and it’s made of slate, not soapstone.
Best wishes for a wonderful 2015!
Janet
My three favorites are in order: the wood trim with the TV over the fireplace, the stone to the ceiling and then the white board trim.
Victoria
Hi Layla
Have you seen Emily’s fireplace from Jones Design Company? http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/our-living-room-with-the-finished-shingled-fireplace/
They did it all themselves! I like the look of it and it seems to fit what you were aiming for. There’s another blog that did a floor to ceiling stone fireplace recently with a built in bench seat as part of it but for the life of me I can’t remember which blog. Maybe one of your other readers will recognise it.
Victoria
I remembered. The stone fireplace is Jenna Sue Design!
Leslie
May I suggest a Bobbi Burgers floral painting for your “wall”? I’ve seen her work on Pinterest and found it stunning!
Also, the other day on (woe is me) Pinterest i had two art works pop up side by side one of three angels and right next to it an adorable painting of sweet peas! Sent good thoughts your way! Fingers crossed it’s his and your year coming up.
LSP
Baileywife @IrishmanAcres
That rustic wood is gorgeous!! Definitely my choice!!! Oh, what fun!!
Catherine
Layla,
I don’t know how you keep it together. The adoption is taking such a long time, why?
I hope you continue to have strength to carry on so you can be united with your little one.
angela
the stone to the ceiling and put the white board on the ceiling. with a rustic wood beam for the mantel. i like both for the hearth top.
Colleen
Hmm my choice would be the rustic wood for me but I also love the white stone. Also I have purchased 4 of those pillows and given them all away so now I will just order a bunch more .and save one for me.
Beth
Where can I order a VW beetle Christmas pillow? I love it.
brandiandboys
Layla… congratulations on Kevin’s new position! So exciting. I actually co-lead a nonprofit for pastor’s wives called Leading and Loving It. Kevin’s title might not officially include “pastor” but trust me, he’ll be doing plenty of pastoring in his worship position. Anyway, might be something you enjoy checking out. 😉 My husband, Pete, pastors Cross Point Church in Nashville.
So excited for you guys. I’ve followed the blog for years and have loved watching your church story unfold.
Merry Christmas and really praying your trip to visit Sweet P comes together soon!
Layla
Thank you, Brandi! It is so fun connecting with you here today! I just did a bunch of dot-connecting in my head when you said you were Pete’s wife. (Angie, Carlos, etc, etc, etc!) 😀
I would LOVE to learn more about Leading and Loving It…off to check it out now! XO
Beja
My sweet friend is our pastor’s wife. They really enjoy Leading and Loving It. Last picture- my house is laid out just like that! Oh for inspiration!
Sylvia
All your designs and inspiration photos are beautiful. I’m sure what ever you do will be amazing…. except…. putting a tv over the fireplace. Sorry, I just hate that.
Mary from Virginia
Ditto =)
Layla
My four-year-old, cutie pie neighbor inspired me not to use the “h” word anymore, but I prefer the TV inside the built-in cabinet too, Sylvia. 😉
Denise
I love the TV wrapped one even if I would use a mirror or painting instead of the TV.
Kathleen
I always love your ideas. I would have a difficult time choosing between rustic and that nice white. I think I would go with white and a little rustic ….with a thick salvaged wood mantle. Keep nesting
Raylynn
I prefer the wood above the fireplace. Rhoda over at Southern Hospitality just put wood above her fireplace and it looks great. And I like the idea of the black stone on the hearth. Whichever way you go I’m sure it will look amazing!
gourmet goddess
Layla, reconsider putting a tv over the fireplace , no matter which design you chose. That is going by the wayside and i would much rather see a beautiful wreath or other seasonal vignettes than a big blob of black … which will become a focal point no matter where you stand in the space.
all your insprations are lovely and i like your approach, these remodels take a while to happen and like you I need time for everything to percolate !!!
merry xmas !
Dimitra
Layla
Oh, I’m not putting the TV over the mantel beam, Dimitra. 🙂 Can you see it peeking out from inside that built-in cabinet I drew in my Photoshopped inspiration drawing? That’s where it’s going to live! 😀
gourmet goddess
sorry. missed it when i looked at the photos – yes , much better location ☺
bj
You always have the most delightful ideas so whatever you choose will be magazine worthy, I know.
In case you don’t remember me, I am a stalker from a couple yrs ago..I copied your pretty mantel once and I am still using the paper snowflakes on my tree that you inspired me to do 3 yrs ago. I carefully pack my flakes away ea yr and they are still nice …
nancy
I have no doubt whatever you do will be awesome but I have concern re the rustic wood above the mantel. The ceiling in the inspiration photo is taller than yours and the windows are further away. I’m wondering if in your home it would be too much in too small a space.
nancy
And that is great about the new opportunity that awaits Kevin (and you!)
Angie W
Definitely the rustic wood. Looks very much like your style.
Krystle@ColorTransformedFamily
Congratulations on Kevin’s new job. What a great way to end the year. Plus the possibility to travel for adoption early next year. I know the waiting is tough… especially when you know who your little one is but it will completely worth it once you hold him in your arms. 🙂
Jamie
Gorgeous! I wouldn’t worry too much about empty wall space. Once that handsome little boy of yours arrives you will want to plaster the house with his pictures so you can see his smile wherever you turn. 😀
Nina @ Everyday Enchanting
I can’t wait to see what you do, I’m sure it will be lovely! 🙂 We re-did our fireplace in September, and I also loved the look of a soapstone hearth- but our granite installer talked me into leathered “Jet Mist” granite. It has the look of soapstone but it is more durable if you drop a piece of wood by accident (which happens to us frequently!). We’re very happy with it!
Kathy
Rustic wood Layla! No more white!! The Better Homes and Gardens photo is beautiful. You’re on the right track!
Susan
oh man do I love that last picture and its really got me thinking. I’ve been looking for a way to add some warm wood and some division to my open floor plan. Love your mantle ideas too. For that space on your wall, Cost Plus world imports has some fun Christmas tea towels that would look cute hung (on a black curtain rod like a wall hanging), in that spot.
shelby
RUSTIC WOOD! You can always paint anything white, even white, go for it;)
Kimberly ~ Serendipity Refined
I would guess that the hearth in the photo is made from honed Absolute black granite, not soapstone. Soapstone is really soft and porous. It stains and scratches easliy and unless you like that look, granite is probably a better choice for a fireplace hearth. No matter what you choose, I know that it will be lovely. Merry Christmas…and congrats to Kev! xo
Layla
Ohhhhh! That’s so good to know! Thank you for sharing that info, Kimberly! And Merry Christmas to you, too! XO
Lisa S
I love the look of the rustic wood above (angled) the fireplace….like in the inspiration photo. I also really like the wood post in the kitchen area in the last image as well as the placement of the sofa in the same image.
Whatever you decide there is no doubt it will turn out fantastic!
I truly hope you will be traveling to Haiti in January!!
Deanna
I’m really liking the rustic wood look but, I always love everything that you do so regardless of what you choose, I know it will look great! Congrats on Kevin’s new job too!
Amy
Layla,
Love this and as always, prayers for your adoption journey! Congrats on Kevin’s new job! I have a buddy in the “worship leader business” (ha!) in the UMC. Chuck’s in North Georgia and just posted on his facebook about a weekend retreat for worship leaders in 2015. In case Kevin might be interested, here’s the link to the post. https://www.facebook.com/wcbell2075?fref=nf Chuck is really wonderful. Merry Christmas!
patti
Love the angled rustic wood above the fireplace! Just totally looks like you and your style. Agree on stashing your TV. A nice big wood mantel would be perfect for your seasonal displays and your son’s stocking. Praying that you and Kevin will soon get to spend time with, then bring your sweet P home forever!
Alison
Rustic wood would be my choice and bringing it over to the kitchen area too.
Julia G.
I like the last picture only because of the cow and bell that caught my eye! You must get one of those! I like all the photos. We have rustic wood on ours but that black slab would really add to it.
hello haha narf
i would never dare to give you design advice! your taste and style are spot on. can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Dianne
First congrats to Kevin, he will be perfect for this new job. What a fine young man he is!
If your adoption were taking place anywhere else it would be over now. We adopted 2 children and it took about 1 year each from beginning to end. I know waiting is so hard. I will be praying for you. Sweet P was meant to be yours at the perfect time for all concerned. Keep the faith!
As for the fireplace…I love the wood on top and adding wood to the kitchen…just a little.
Jane
Where did you get the pillow of the beetle bug with Christmas Tree?
krys72599
See our fireplaces here – the first one is much lighter and whiter than it looks in the photo, but it will give you an idea…
LOVE your blog!
http://krysworld.blogspot.com/2012/03/two-fireplaces-this-month.html
Deborah
l love the look of the white plank board look.
Alison Pepito
LOVE LOVE LOVE that rustic wood!!!
Jane in Oregon
Have you thought of drift wood or that staining (of rough wood) for the wood on your mantel & upper area? Your colors are so soft and refreshing, the dark wood might over power the rest of your room. I love the design of the new fireplace!
Stacey
I love both ideas frankly. We did however just redo our fireplace and reminds me of your idea with the painted wood on top and rustic wood mantle. Here’s the link if you’d like to see.
http://stewardofdesign.blogspot.com/2014/09/fireplace-before-and-after.html
LUCY
First of all…ummmm? One of my pillows is sitting on Layla’s couch…what? But most importantly, I wanted to let you know that I admire not only your talents that goes without saying, but also your love for our God. Your perseverance, patience and faith in HIS plan and HIS time. His light shines through you and your marriage and I know He will reward you. Thank you so so much for sharing. It means so much to me.
PS.Congrats to Kevin…xo
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
Gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing!
Danielle
Congratulations to Kevin! Layla, love all your ideas for the fireplace and I LOVE all of Lucy’s pillows. x
Lisa
Wondering where the pillow is From?
Lori Linsmeyer
My husband is a mason, we own our own company. I showed him the picture, and he thinks the hearth is marble. He has done many fireplaces! I love your blog and I’m praying that you have your sweet pea in your arms soon!
Alison
HI Layla, Whatever you choose for your fireplace will be fabulous……. it always is:)
Can you tell me where I can purchase the “Beetle” pillow? It reminds me of the car my Grandpa used to drive and would make a nice remembrance of him. Thank you!!!!
Layla
Sure! I can’t believe I forgot to link the words to it! :-O
They’re clickable now, if you want to scroll back up and click through. 🙂
Brooke
Hi, I’m new to your blog. Beautiful house! You might have already shared this info, but what color did you use in this room? I really love it! Thanks!
Cindy Jones
Love the look of the BHG inspiration. The room needs some weathered wood texture. Maybe white built ins and greyed pallet wood done horizontally above them. Or put the wood over the mantel. It would be a great back drop for art or photos. I think the dark wood in your photo shop is too dark.
Jenny B.
I love the white planks, but the rustic wood looks nice too, and would be more unexpected. You may start a new trend! 😉
Anneke
Ah! So much goodness in one post! 2015 is sure to bring so much JOY. Congrats to Kevin – that’s awesome!
Jodi
I know stone is more expensive then wood, but I think white stone all the way up with a rustic beam would be glorious! Otherwise I like the idea of rustic wood all the way to the ceiling, but it might be too much of a contrast. Could you lightly grey stain or whitewash the wood so that it was still woody looking but not as dark?