a year later

For some reason I've been thinking about this time last year, all morning. This time last year, we were at the peak of financial distress as Tim had been without a job for at least 7 months. We had depleted our savings/tax refund money. The food on our table was coming from the church's food pantry. Bill collectors were calling 50million times a day. It was possibly the lowest time of my life. Little did we know that a few weeks later, Tim would be working at a ministry!
Maybe the Lord is reminding me of His faithfulness today. He carried us through that awful time, and He will continue to carry us now.
We all have so much going on right now. Here's what I'm clinging onto right now:

"For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. . . " 2 Corinthians 4:15-17

and, as always:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5-16-18

Please let me know if there's any way that I can be praying for you this week. :)

~Larissa

gettin' there

Well, this is the end of week 2 of working at the studio! Things are definately getting easier as the days go by. I am starting to develop a new routine, and I am getting used to having no "kid noise" around. :)
The #1 motivator for me right now is getting ready for my studio opening party happening on the 9th of October! Lots of bags to make, and I've got to finish decorating this place! Start marking your calendars, and I'll be posting more information about the opening in the coming weeks.
Have a great day everyone!

~Larissa

First Official Work Day and Pics of my Studio!

So I know that I'm excited about having time to work at the studio while theboys are at school, but it isn't without some anxiety. . . . . The realization that I am going to be working in a building, by myself, all day. This should be interesting. ;)
Here are some pics of the new place, though. And remember that it is still a work in progress! For those of you in Riverside, I'm going to try to have an opening sometime at the end of September, begining of October. Or you can just come by to visit anytime between 9 and 2!

My awesome cutting table and fabric (along with a load of stuff under it that doesn't have a home yet! )

My remnants

Awesome vintage couch in the lobby that I found at the S.A.!!!!


The view from that awesome vintage couch!

Fall bags are available!!!

Well, it's still hot here in SoCal, but we can pretend that it's almost fall with fun tweeds and fall colors. . . right?! :)

http://rejoicebags.etsy.com

Laptop Satchel

Check out this new bag here: http://weybrightphotography.blogspot.com/ (scroll down)

These new bags aren't available in my etsy shop yet, so if you would like one, just leave a comment here, and I will contact you. :)

~Larissa

Bring on the tweed!

We had a great photoshoot last night for my Fall collection. Thanks again to Matt, Kelly and Megan; you guys are amazing! :)
Here is a glimpse of what's to come: http://weybrightphotography.blogspot.com/2009/08/rejoicebagscom.html

. . . .

okay, so I decided to take a break from blogging and twittering. . . . . but I'm back! So much has been going on with Rejoice! Bags, it's been crazy. :) The most recent activity: moving into our new studio!!! I am still in disbelief. Stay tuned, pictures are coming . . . . and I might need some decorating advice. :)

~Larissa