Macchio Family

Rubber meet Road...

2011-11-28T09:21:00.001-06:00

Hello friends... please find me over at This is Where The Rubber Meets the Road

I'd like to ask you to "follow me" there... as we approach December 1st... I'm looking forward to posting in December daily...

Why I keep blogging...

(1) This blog can aid in Discipleship (Titus 2) -- I believe Discipleship is important to Christian growth. For any younger woman perhaps you might glean something through what the LORD has taught this humble gal... (that's me.)

(2) This blog hopes to Encourage (2 Cor 13:11 NIV) - perhaps you'll find ideas, encouragement, grace and fellowship... something I truly appreciate from my friends and what I enjoy about other blogs.

I'll keep this "old" blog up ... it's good memories for me... but all my new stuff will go to the new blog... where I plan to turn 40 there this year...

Sincerely,
Kimmy

B is for Blue Bell in Brenham, TX

2011-07-09T12:02:00.004-05:00

"Blue Bell... the best Ice cream in the country"... is the song stuck in your head now? We took a small trip at the beginning of the summer. On our way home we took a detour to Brenham, Texas home of Blue Bell Ice Creamery.

I've grown up on Blue Bell Ice Cream... as most of us have growing up in Texas. Is there really anything better than "Homemade Vanilla"? That's their number one flavor - by the way. Second is "Cookies and Cream"... of course!

The tour was educational and we were amazed at how small the creamery was given how much ice cream is made every day. No photography was allowed during the tour... perhaps one might capture secrets of the flavors to the yummy bites of creamy goodness - who knows. But we still enjoyed the tour, learning how the ice cream is made and it's history. Our favorite part was sampling ice cream at the end.... what a great ending!

And I was delighted to find a Blue Bell thimble for our collection... they even placed it in a little ice cream container... good memories!

Born in the USA

2011-07-01T13:06:00.000-05:00

Glitter, glue and 3D letters... Happy July 1...

We're getting my husband ready for a mission trip out of the country. Lots of activity here at our home. Please be in prayer for him and the whole team!

A is for Alamo

2011-06-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

Last year we took a trip to Sea World... it was a quick trip but we had to stop at the Alamo in San Antonio. Touring the Alamo is free and there are many historical items from the siege inside. They say three million people visit the Alamo every year -- more than any other famous place in Texas. The word "Alamo" means cottonwood tree in Spanish. The Alamo was built as another of many missions in the area.

Texans lost that battle at the Alamo in 1836. However only days later, motivated by General Sam Houston, Texans shouted "Remember the Alamo!" battled it out in San Jacinto winning independence from Mexico.

San Antonio has incredible rich culture and history. You can take a tour of all the missions that still stand. It's hot in the summer but there are many things to do and see here. River walk, rides, shopping, tours and "fiesta" in the spring. It's a great city!

Vacation Traditions

2011-06-27T14:55:00.001-05:00

Ideas that will make your vacation memories memorable! I love a good tradition. As my kiddos get older and we venture out into the world on vacations discovering and learning... traditions have evolved. Here are some of our "vacation traditions"...

One of my friends from college takes a photo of her children in front of every state capitol of the state they are traveling through... I think this is such an educational and fun tradition. We've only been in a few states with our kids but we certainly got a photo of the kiddos in front of our state capitol.. and good place to begin!

Early in our marriage Danny and I began buying Christmas ornaments from the places we'd visit on our vacation. Sometimes ornaments are difficult to locate but when we find one and hang it on the tree from year to year -- the "remember when we went here?" conversation begins... (side note: I found this pineapple ornament in Colorado at a precious little store in the town of Hygiene. "Pineapple" anything is difficult to find... I love that it symbolizes hospitality.)

I pick up thimbles that represent major historical locations we visit. We've collected quite a few and I hope to display them in a fun way this summer... (future blog post.)

The kiddos LOVE those pressed penny machines. The machine flattens out the penny by a hand crank or just the push of a button then imprints the special location... I try to keep quarters and pennies in my travel bag for just this reason.

Photos... this is my favorite tradition. I love having the photos to look back on the memories of our adventure. I take one of the kids with the car packed to the brim... and I take one of them in the car back seat... every trip.

Some other ideas I came across...

Shannon at Quarry Orchard has this incredible idea of "vacation Rocks"... and she is just as adorable as her idea.

Printing family t-shirts... you could do this so many ways. This is one fun idea at customink... and of course Becky Higgins just has the most creative family in the world!

What are your vacation traditions? Now or from childhood...?

R is for Rodeo - Mesquite Rodeo!

2011-06-19T19:17:00.000-05:00

Sweet friends of ours invited us to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. I've lived in the area my whole life and I've never had the pleasure of attending this pro-rodeo... my kids have never ever attended a rodeo so this was a fun experience for us all! And that it happened to be "first responders night" made our experience all the more special.

With a family friendly and patriotic atmosphere this rodeo has been around for over 50 years... a few presidents and many celebrities have even graced the doors. Yeeehaw!

We watched Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and the exciting -- Bull Riding! We couldn't help but notice real cowboys, cowgirls and the rodeo clown... a.k.a. Bull Fighters! Ride 'em cowboy!

It's a shame this photo is blurry... but I LOVE it! We were very fortunate to sit in a "box" so we truly had a view of the entire arena... the kiddos loved their seats!

We also enjoyed The Wizard of Whips and Ropes... truly amazing!

It was a great night with great friends... and a late bed time. But it was so worth it! And here's to the perfect first post dedicated to my ABC Tour Texas blog series...

I see a theme here...

2011-06-17T12:04:00.001-05:00

Everything is bigger and better in Texas... right? I love Texas. It's a large state. As I review our vacation memories we've seen a lot of The Lone Star State but there is still SO much more to see and experience...

My husband is taking a team to India for a mission trip this summer... this trip will take many of his vacation hours... so I've got a plan to educate and motivate my kiddos about our summer - even though will will not go on a long family vacation (unless some how, some way we can make our annual August trip to see family Colorado I will - but so far, sadly, that is not in the plan.)

So my summer theme is the "ABC Tour Texas"... inspired by and based on this Children's book that I so love... Heart of Texas: A Lone Star ABC by Laura Krauss Melmed and Frane Lessac.

As we slow down and enjoy the hundred degree temperatures our fine state is known for... with a few fun and educational experiences along the way. And hey, don't mess with Texas! (I had to get that in there.)

ahhhh.... summer!

2011-06-08T19:56:00.002-05:00

The school year is over and we finished with a bang! I often think the month of May is just as busy (if not more busier) as December.

But I love it. I'm tired. But love. It.

I enjoy my family so much and I truly enjoy their activities. Some may accuse me of "living vicariously through my children". Well, I won't even try to lie. So what do I say to that... "Yep. It's true." (The closer I get to 40 - the less insecure I become. Let's face it.)

Trust me. My kids are very happy and enjoy these activities just as much as I do. I'm doing my best to keep a balance and yes, I have sat through that same MOPS meeting -- don't over commit your kids, etc. Don't worry... I'm watching it. I'm not perfect... let's extend grace here.

We have slowed things down... and now I begin to pick up the pieces of my poor house that has suffered abuse this past month. (Those of you who have popped in to say "hi" know full well what I'm talking about! - and I love it so keep popping in!) Needless to say, I have quite the cleaning/organizing list. It includes purging clothes, painting base boards and walls and scrubbing the tile grout on the kitchen floor. I could add more but I will NOT bore you or add to your anxiety. You came to see what we've been up to... so I will not disappoint .

The problem is... where do I begin? The kiddos both celebrated birthdays. H experienced his first season of baseball (which thrills ME to no end!) The jury is still out in knowing if he'll play another season... and as crazy as it was --- I SURE HOPE HE DOES! We had Field Day, Kindergarten graduation, end of year parties and a dance recital... ALL in one week.

I also began attending a Bible Study Five Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter. (Yes, there is a boy version, too.) Sitting with other women who have older children and just soaking up wisdom... anything better than that would be sitting at the feet of Jesus. Already through this study I'm reminded we need not be judgmental of those moms ahead of us who may have made mistakes... and to remain teachable (we will all make mistakes) because friends, it ain't easy now... and it ain't getting easier. And no one is perfect. Ahhhh.... Grace.

So, blog friends. Thanks for stopping by and hanging in there with me. I promise to have more material on my blog this summer. I do enjoy this creative outlet - it's just making the time to blog. *sigh* But now... the laundry eagerly awaits my company...

and emma turns number seven

2011-05-28T20:36:00.000-05:00

That's my girl... my little baby girl. I can not believe she is 7. My sweet E, every day you make us laugh. You have a great sense of humor and even enjoy laughing at yourself (this will come very much in handy as you grow older!) Your good moods are contagious and your heart is tender. I enjoy watching you grow and change... you're up for any activity any time. You never meet a stranger and you can tell a great story... you can demand the attention, too! You have also asked Jesus in your heart this year - your love for God is precious. You remind me about God's goodness and His sovereignty when we have difficult moments. How I pray you never forget these simple Truths. You are one wonderful little girl and we love you so much it hurts!

Hudson turns 9!

2011-05-07T07:23:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday my sweet, strong and wonderful son! It's been a big year... so much to say. I'm truly thankful the Lord has given you to me... He has taught me so much through your precious life. I've learned to giggle and enjoy the little "boy" things that humor you. I've learned to be patient and wait to listen when you're ready to talk - this is probably a lesson I'll learn over and over. I've watched you grow in confidence in school and through Cub Scouts and baseball... having fun with your friends, using your imagination in writing books and skits. I enjoy watching you work... as you sit at the table and draw or write... you are so intent to make things "just right". I wonder how many erasers you've gone through! I love how you still sit on the floor and play with your "guys", how you make up imaginary games with your little sister. How every now and again you still call me "mommy". Your sense of humor makes me laugh... your inquisitive spirit makes me stop and think. This year you asked Jesus to come into you heart... you had so many questions this past year and then you decided you were ready to become a Christian. How we pray your heart will want to love and please the Lord you whole life...

Daddy and I are so proud of you... we love you so much and we are so enjoying watching you grow and change. We learn from you... God teaches us many things as we watch you get older year by year... you are such a good boy with such a tender heart. We are so glad God gave us you! Happy Birthday our boy!

Been living

2011-05-04T12:32:00.000-05:00

Yes. Living life. And this is my desk. I've rarely had a moment to sit and catch-up on blogs or any computer unless responding and playing catch-up. I know I'm not the only one who is a busy mom. I hear "it's so busy" from just about everyone.

I'm ready for summer... for the pace to slow down a bit.

But for now I've got two kiddos counting down to their birthday celebrations.... For me that implies parties to plan, shopping to complete, a house to clean and the endless cycle of laundry to continue.

And a first for me... hand-written party invitations. *gasp!*

Coming to grips with how I just can't do it all. Just can't. So I will pick and choose.

Only one life,
'Twill soon be past:
Only what's done
for Christ will last.

Take me out to the ball game...

2011-04-04T08:42:00.000-05:00

I love baseball. I do. So when H told us he wanted to play baseball -- I signed him up immediately! H's fascination with baseball began this past fall when the Rangers played in the World Series... we were watching a lot of baseball this past fall when usually sports are not really observed on TV in our household... my athletic and fit husband is a bit odd in that he does not really watch sports. I consider it a blessing in some ways... but then not -so-much when I want my son to learn about sports!!!

So our spring is busy with games... H is learning and seems to enjoy playing. He has not complained once. Which says a lot. *smile*

On another note... we had our church's Woman's Renewal this past weekend. It was fabulous. I believe many woman walked away feeling renewed and reminded "the reality of joy is worked out in the Christian life". Margaret Ashmore spoke on so much Truth and asked and elaborated on "do we believe how we live our life on this earth with effect eternity?" Good stuff.

Also I watched the movie All About Eve... Margaret had mentioned this classic movie as a side note during her talk... I was curious. I enjoyed watching it... I'm all about classics these days. I finished the book To Kill a Mockingbird last week, too... just to confirm - it is one of my all-time favorite novels ever. If you enjoyed The Help you will certainly enjoy and by moved by the classic To Kill a Mockingbird...

I'm off to enjoy the day...

HAPPY Wednesday

2011-03-23T19:47:00.000-05:00

I saw on Ali's blog back last year that someone some where was attempting a family photo a month for a year... well... I think it's a brilliant idea and I want to do that, too.

Why?

Number one... because I'm rarely in the photos. This way I'm guaranteed at least 12 photos in the hundreds of photos I take in a years time.

And number two... we do a lot as a family. Everything we do is a family affair. I want to document our family unit and capture our closeness right now.

And number three... I love goals and challenges. This one is beginning in March. My OCD is kicking in that I didn't begin in January... but oh well! How cares???

Our USS Lexington Adventure

2011-03-17T18:34:00.001-05:00

We're fortunate to be in a Cub Scout group that appreciates a good adventure... these adventures are new to our family but we're learning to embrace them! Staying the night on the USS Lexington a.k.a. "The Blue Ghost" certainly proved to be that adventure and great memories were made. This momma is learning along with her kiddos...

Pictured above is the massive CV-16 World War II vintage - Aircraft Carrier as we drove over the bridge. The kids were so excited when we explained that is what we're staying the night on tonight! The USS Lexington served the US longer and set more records than any other carrier in the history of naval aviation. We stayed the night and experienced a taste of history.

Although there is no place for the spa or even a nice bubble bath - there are many places for tours and exploration of all ages. The kids were in heaven. H and E walked every inch of this ship...

Every. Inch.

And if you know me... you can trust I took plenty of photos... I'll highlight a few here...

The males and females slept in separate quarters. This photo is of E taking the downstairs climb to our berthing quarters. Upon further exploration of the word "berthing" - it basically means cramming as many men as possible in a small space so they can sleep for a short time.

Lower deck walking towards our quarters. Watch your head!

Where we slept... my bed is the coffin-like one on the bottom with the green mattress. Hey, you can do most anything for just one night for your kiddos, right? We had lots of talking, giggling and girl-bonding fun... so it was worth it. For one night.

There's my boy... just earned his Wolf rank with the rest of our den last month. Stopped for a photo in front of the main stage at Hanger Bay 2. We were treated like Sailors and expected to follow the rules. Shirts tucked in, hats on straight and no hands in pockets! Lights out at 11 PM with taps. And 6:45 wake up to Reveille which was really 5:45 AM with the time change. * sigh * Yes... we were tired.

The flight deck is massive. They say you can park over 1,000 vehicles on the flight deck. It's amazing to imagine planes landing and taking off the landing strip. How do these ships even stay afloat???? It was windy -- as you can see -- but the kids were having so much fun!

At the end of the day on Saturday we participated in an amazing flag ceremony. We honored the 5 Branches of the Military and learned about the flag that represents each branch. You could not help but be moved and grateful for our men and women who serve and protect us all over the world.

I sure wish Lammey could talk... She would sure have a lot to say since Lammey goes on each and every vacation and adventure we take... I love this photo of Emma and Lammey...

"Now here this, now here this: We had a wonderful trip... a great adventure. Carry on."

* * *

Guests for dinner...

2011-02-11T17:26:00.000-06:00

Another scene... at our dinner table. A nest of birds... with the one lone heart bear. I wonder what kind of deal he made with the birds to get that seat. Do you think the birds are thinking "what's he doing here?".

The vulture in the front is one of E's prized stuffed animals. She loves that little vulture.

HAPPY Wednesday - ole man winter

2011-02-09T20:08:00.000-06:00

Snow and ice, snow and ice... I'm am a little tired of snow and ice. But I have enjoyed our 5 snow days! But it's also good to get back into a routine and get outside in the sunshine! During our iced-in time we were always looking around for something to do... pulled out the play dough bin and ALL our play dough was dried up! So we made our own... so happy.

Scenes from around our winter house... scarves, boots, shoes, towels, gloves...

Play room in constant state of messy...

My happy desk... my book I'm reading right now... I've read through it before. Reading through it again... always a good one to go back to in training the mind to think on what's right and true... my paper calendar under my phone... I still need that visual! Lemon drops... you know all the usual study essentials.

Also happy to discover one of my college roommates has a great blog... she is passionate about adoption and is one wise gal. We spent many late nights talking together sitting in the floors of our rooms... simply trying to figure life out never dreaming in a million years that we'd one day be typing out information, ideas and thoughts in the form of a web log... Let me introduce you to my my dear sweet friend "T"... Delighting In Dirty Carpet.

HAPPY Wednesday - Snow Day

2011-02-02T14:49:00.002-06:00

Day two of our iced-in weather... I love a good Snow Day... and now we've had two. Maybe we'll have three... mixed feelings about that but I sure have gotten a lot done today. Here's what's making me happy this Wednesday...

* Listening to my husband and son discuss Chronicles of Narnia...

* My daughter lost her first tooth! (actually that makes me a little sad - but she is HAPPY!)

* Reading a new book series that I just can't put down... on book three.

* Making a roasted chicken that is so easy and smells so yummy... and healthy.

* Cleaning out our bedroom and day dreaming of paint colors... will check out all of these ideas.

* Love this Etsy shop for Bible Cover and matching bag... for little girl.

* I'm so doing this photo idea for Valentine's... lots of ideas at Eighteen25

* Found this blog to join others in what they're lovin' today...

Hello Snow Day - how I love 'ya

2011-02-01T12:32:00.000-06:00

The view outside my upstairs office window this morning... the frozen tundra! It's funny how we make plans for our week only to be halted by the Blizzard of 2011! We North Texans can only take so much...

But from the view down the street it appears a few of my neighbors still ventured out! Just look at the ice on the roads... very brave souls they are!

But not my people... we're still in our PJs. Making pancakes, watching movies, reading and checking where we are in our scrapbooks... I love snow days. I really do love them.

Now we're off to see what it's like outside... I guess we'll bundle up and get back in our PJs in a few minutes... it's SO cold!

SO encouraged...

2011-01-29T09:00:00.001-06:00

My grandmother raised me... she was an incredible cook. Everything she made tasted amazing. Seasoned with lots of black pepper and bacon grease - she made vegetables taste out of this world. She made biscuits and gravy taste better than any restaurant any where... as you can tell I was raised on good southern food. I've also learned a lot from my wonderful mother-in-law. She can whip up an amazing meal in nothing flat! She can cook a huge meal with many sides - choreographed beautifully having everything on the table hot and ready! She makes it look so easy...

Last weekend I had the honor of attending Carrie's cooking class. I've been in a bit of a rut with my recipes and cooking - this visual inspiration was just what I needed! I appreciate Carrie's heart behind cooking with organics. She was really sick... and organics helped her. During the class she was full of grace, never overwhelming and full of wisdom. I walked away inspired and motivated.

I began this journey of learning about and implementing organics and unprocessed foods 4 years ago... it was then that I switched out our salt to a better salt because my husband loves salt... loves it. I have not changed back. Carrie gave many tips and information in her class... this information is also in her cookbook (it's on sale right now) and her blog. One thing she said was to make one change a week. Don't overwhelm yourself to change every ingredient in your kitchen all at once - that would be crazy and very expensive!

Last week I made "Pete's Black Olive Pesto Dip" page 116, so flavorful. And I felt so fancy making this dip! "Tuscan Lemon Chicken" page 128 - which I had never made chicken like this before and the whole family loved it including my picky eater! We could cut the chicken with a fork. And Carrie's "Chocolate Chip Cookies" page 168 - pictured above. I made these for the cub scout group... every boy ate these and loved them! They are to die for. There is nothing white in these cookies... and I can not believe how amazing they taste and so easy to bake!

HAPPY Wednesday

2011-01-26T09:42:00.001-06:00

A few Valentine decorations today making me happy... thought I'd share. I love blog-land for this reason... you can get lots of practical, pretty and fun ideas.

My sweet friend Greta made this frame for my family for Christmas. I love it. She even added our family photo... she asked me before Christmas what our family verse was... I told her Deuteronomy 6:5-7... I love what she did. It goes great in our home all year but especially appropriate during "love month".

This tray sits on our kitchen table right now... the whole tray decor is inspired by Bless Our Nest... she is SO good at placing things together... especially in a tray!

I made this frame last year inspired by Shannon's here... it makes me happy. Follow that link and you can see all her v-day decor from last year... so lovely.

And I can't help but have some pre-school art E made when she was 3 and 4 years old... the flower on the left is her hand print from the side. And the one on the right is a photo of her holding the poster board.

Food is Personal

2011-01-24T09:55:00.004-06:00

It's amazing to me how bent out of shape people can get when you begin to discuss food, nutrition and organics... the conversation can get heated pretty quickly. It's so easy for us as moms to begin feeling guilty that we're not doing enough... that you're better than me or you think you're better than me because you do this or don't do that... man... we're so hard on each other!

Extend grace to others.

I'm preaching balance... I am. Every family has their struggles. My son is the pickiest eater in the world! I have taken a lot of criticism to my face and behind my back. It has been a journey for us since the beginning... since he was a toddler. This topic is very hard for me and I can find myself getting defensive when people give me unsolicited advice or their opinion on how to get my child to eat certain foods... trust me - I've done everything... I am not proud of the fact that he does not eat food! It's humbling. And I'm okay with that... it's been my journey and the LORD is teaching my family. And we will continue to work on this... the journey is not over... meanwhile I will remain teachable.

Extend grace to myself.

SO, what I'm saying is grace friends... let's learn and make improvements in baby steps - if you need to. Let's not judge or criticize our friends for doing this or not doing that... we're all in this journey together. We need to always be teachable... we will always be learning. You can see in His Word God wants us to love one another John 13:34... He wants us to be good stewards to what He has given us... we need to take care of ourselves to work towards His glory Phil 4:8... let's remember the goal here Phil 3:14.

Okay, so I'll just be stepping off my soap box now...

Field Trip...!

2011-01-21T17:46:00.000-06:00

What a fun day... Got to support my friend Carrie and her new book Deliciously Organic... I love this cookbook - it has GREAT photos and recipes and I can not wait to cook my way through it... she has a blog... She is fun, amazing, humble and she loves the Lord. I'd like to be Carrie when I grow up.

Next stop on our field trip... my sweet and wonderful friend, Jen and I explored a few shops like this one...

Gathered inspiration and ideas... took a few notes... and had yummy lunch at this place...

Zoe's Kitchen... top notch! Good pita... and then we visited a little place that has cupcakes to take back to the family...

Truly a good day...

Do Your Best - HAPPY Wednesday

2011-01-19T11:29:00.000-06:00

The family took a field trip to the National Scouting Museum... we're fortunate to have this museum close by...

We committed to Cub Scouts over a year and a half ago and it's truly been a great experience for our family. We're in a wonderful pack... and our kids enjoy the program. Yes... even little sister E... more on that in a minute.

The museum is packed with historical collections, art and activities. You truly get a picture of the history of the organization and the impact it has made on our country... on our men and women.

Original Norman Rockwell paintings that will truly take your breath away... catch a glimpse into history from the eyes of one of the most talented artists in the world... I loved this one... generations of Scouting men and women...

And this painting below "Family Camping" by Joseph Csatari truly touched me because it reminded me of our family... NOT because we look THAT happy when we go camping -- because trust me we are such novice when it comes to camping... we do not even know yet WHAT we are doing and I want to be THAT happy when we go camping... *sigh* I don't know if we'll ever get there but we will give it a try...

BUT I adore the Cub Scout... the Boy Scout and the little sister with her doll and seeing the chipmunk... Scouting is truly for the whole family... learning together, leaning on one another, loving each other.

"A life dedicated to the service of others is a life well spent." ~ Dr. E. Urner Goodman, Co-Founder, Order of the Arrow

Let's Make it Monday

2011-01-10T18:06:00.001-06:00

Inspired by my neighbor's sign making abilities and ideas... I had a scrap piece of wood. So using the same techniques I used for these signs I decided I needed a better "no soliciting" sign than the one I had hand written and taped to the door bell.

With some white paint I white-washed the scrap wood. Painting with paint then wiping it away before it dried. I printed out the words I wanted to paint and with a ball-point pen, traced around the letters leaving an indention behind for my "lines" to paint in between...

See? Look closely... it's there...

With patience I began painting in the lines... using a small and even smaller paint brush. (This may sound weird but I quite like this process and find painting these letters relaxing!)

Added a gray paint color for the "please". Now this is fine and nice... but it needs some roughin' up. Sand paper... sanding the letters... the edges... sand away!

Looks better... more worn and aged... now it just needs some stain. Just brush on some stain -- rub it around... thicker in some areas -- thinner in other... love the results.

Posting to:

Cottage Instincts "Make it for Monday"

Skip to My Lou "Made by you Monday"

Sad and Awesome

2011-01-07T08:53:00.001-06:00

Disappointments... life is full of 'em.

Small ones: Like my daughter's play date (that she has been looking forward to ALL week) has been canceled for this afternoon because of a little stomach bug she has. My heart aches for her and her friend who have been truly counting down the days.

Bigger ones: Major changes in my husband's job/schedule... seeing much less of him and more responsibility on me. Not fun... not what I'd choose. Not what I'd want for our family in any way.

But when I came across this blog and she pointed me to this sign on etsy... I was reminded of my choice. I know it's going to work out one way or the other. It's not going to be easy. But I can rejoice. I can have mental sanity. I can't control the situation... but I can control how I respond to it.

"The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus... and the God of Peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4, 6-9 NIV

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set you minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

And even larger disappointments: Edie at Life in Grace lost her entire home in a house fire. Read her story... her courage and honesty will draw you closer to the LORD.

HAPPY Wednesday

2011-01-05T12:30:00.001-06:00

What makes me happy... Wednesday. A new weekly blog topic... join me? A few photos around the house... observations... things that simply make me happy. Subject matter will change from week to week... not limited to kiddos or anything... just what's making me happy. So here goes...

How H and E play... boy/girl... no matter. Lego playground, star wars figures with Goldilicious looking on... notice sweet elephant holding on for dear life... I guess he's trying to get a good look at the action below... imaginations in action... makes me happy.

Came home from gym then on to clean up kitchen and found breakfast plates still on the table... I wonder if E ate these or her puppies.... hummmmm....

This little scene has been sitting in the hall for several days now. Just don't have the heart to have E put them away... Momma bird watching over the Zu-Zu Pet family... makes me happy every time I walk by.

What's making you happy?

My One Word for 2011

2011-01-01T11:06:00.002-06:00

Well, It's not gonna look pretty on a necklace. But that's okay... I've been thinking about what my One Word for 2011 will be for some time now... and "intentional" simply keeps coming up. I hear it from my pastor, in my work, in my cleaning and organization, when training my kiddos... when simply filling my time.

I desire to be intentional with the life given to me. Intentional in my relationships. Intentional in my time with the Lord. Not in a legalistic sort of way... with purposeful direction... with aim, having a goal.

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:14 NAS

"But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." 1 Tim 1:5 NAS

2010: pray (read my post for 2010)
2009: love (read my post for 2009)
2008: joy (read my post for 2008)
2007: faithful (read my post for 2007)

Giving credit where credit is due... the One Word idea comes from the lovely Ali Edwards... I just realized that I've been blogging now for 5 years. It's my fifth year anniversary!

Goodbye 2010... hello ELEVEN!

2010-12-31T08:58:00.002-06:00

From left to right: 1. Jan's Pinewood Derby, 2. Feb. E looking adorable, 3. Mar. H in the Moosical at school, 4. Apr. Becca and Raven at Easter, 5. H turning 8 and E turning 6, 6. Jun. E's dance recital, 7. 4th of July parade, 8. Aug. ahhhhhh Colorado. 9. our 13th Wedding Anniversary, 10. Oct. Halloween with friends, 11. Nov. Hero steals the show at career day, 12. my two wonderful kiddos that I love dearly.

I'm kinda sad 2010 is over... I like saying twenty ten... sounds so sci-fi! Twenty eleven does not roll off the tongue quite as nice... but I guess I'll get over that. Since the year is changing no matter how I feel about it...

I do love a new year... clean new calendars... new start... new goals!

The House Creative is hosting 11 in 2011... Eleven things you hope to accomplish in 2011. Some of my house decorating goals carry over from last year... but here goes nothing... maybe they'll get accomplished in 2011.

1. paint bedroom, bath and half bath
2. organize garage
3. paint and shelf from Ikea in playroom
4. backyard landscape
5. finish E's desk
6. assemble H's desk/lego area
7. have living room/stairs painted
8. get quote on floors
9. finish wall up the stairs!
10. have intentional relationships - take time out for those I adore
11. extend hospitality to moms at our school

And my "one little word" post will come tomorrow...

a low light

2010-12-30T09:43:00.000-06:00

At times this blog can project perfection. As if we do not have daily challenges, bad days, struggles. Partly, I desire this blog to be an edifying experience for my visitors. I want to exude love, value... fun... It's an enjoyable outlet for me... not a platform to air struggles or hard times. But I also desire to be real. The Christmas season holds a lot of expectations, hype and excitement. During these days with young children, you can expect melt-downs, bad attitudes and selfishness. As a parent I have a responsibility to train up my children... pray for their heart attitude and discipline them accordingly. Sometimes these opportunities come when you least expect them...

like on Christmas Eve...

Our traditional Christmas Eve pajama hunt... a ring at the door bell. A present with H and E's names on the doorstep. Open it up... first clue! Running all over the house collecting clues... happy, fun, exciting... right?

Open the wrapped pajama present... (joyful music stops with a rrrrrriiiiiiiiip.....)

Tears. Lots of tears. (No more photos from me because I'm in shock.) What is this??? Why in the world are you crying???

They do not like the pajamas.

You what? Don't LIKE them? Don't LIKE the matching family pajamas? We do this every year... it's FUN. I don't care if you don't like the pattern... we all have the SAME and that's what is great about this idea...

More tears.

I leave the room. I'm not upset nor crying. Just in shock because this is not what I expected to happen. I begin to analyze the situation... how I've spoiled them. The ungrateful hearts of the children I've raised... what have I done? I've ruined them forever!!!! Praying to the LORD... please help me fix this.

Meanwhile, Danny is in the other room speaking to the children about how their reaction might have made me feel.

I come back out... gain some God-given perspective... we discuss how these pajamas are just a bonus. It's just a FUN thing to do... this is not what Christmas is even all about. Take away all the hype, traditions, events and presents... strip it all away...

It's about our Savior and His birth. How He came to bear our sins... to bring life where there is death. Take all this "stuff" away ... all away. It's about the Baby who was born to save the world. Not about these (forgive me) stupid pajamas!!!!

Not exactly how I expected the Christmas story to be told... but meaningful nonetheless.

Tears dried, we go to the Christmas Eve service. I can't help but observe other families standing around knowing as joyous this time of year is, it's also met with frustrations, tense relationships, unmet expectations, discipline and tears. And the rest of our evening went on with two very hyped up silly children who couldn't go to sleep... but memories were made... and a lesson learned for all.

And I got my family Christmas Eve pajama picture... thank you very much.

a few highlights...

2010-12-28T13:35:00.002-06:00

Just too excited... can't stop giggling on Christmas Eve...

Reading the Christmas Story from Luke in the Bible...

between giggling... oh man... these kids are excited.

Morning glow Christmas morning... not a creature stirring.

Finally awake... Stockings first!

Presents!

Hero, how can you just sit there with all this excitement!

And now the clean-up... It's been fun... it's been full. Now I'm ready to clean up... pack things up and take some notes for next year. Still cleaning up a few days later...

Praying and thinking about my "one little word" for 2011!

Merry Christmas Friends!

2010-12-24T08:29:00.000-06:00

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Merry Christmas from our family to yours... praying rich memories with your families as we reflect on our Savior's birth... May God bless you! Merry Christmas!

Tree Trimming...

2010-12-23T11:40:00.000-06:00

Each kiddo has a Christmas tree in their room this year... We're finally getting around to putting the finishing touches on them. Which has actually been fun waiting... good deals on decorations right now!

Perfectionist at work... some outer space ornaments with red and green and multi-color lights! He takes his work very seriously... bed-head and all!

Emma's tree makes me happy... it's perfect in her pink and green room... I wish we could keep it up all year... it just glows!

So Spoiled!

2010-12-20T10:15:00.000-06:00

Oh Hero... it's so hard being you!

Santa's Village

2010-12-18T09:25:00.001-06:00

Two class parties, singing carols at a retirement home, getting the house ready for a big family Christmas party, wrapping gifts, last-minute touches and Santa's Village last night with Grammy and Pop-Pop! Christmas is in full swing... 7 days. Lots to take in...

Check out this fun idea at eighteen25... will be doing this with the kiddos... love.

Christmas Cub Scouts

2010-12-16T06:47:00.000-06:00

We are in a great Cub Scout pack... the boys are truly learning some valuable tools. This week it was our den's turn to Post the Colors. Respect. Order. Country.

It was also a night to have FUN! Christmas inspired skits and attire...

A little "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Cub Scout style... so great.

Busy Bee

2010-12-15T06:46:00.000-06:00

A glitch in my December Daily album... I think a key tool would be to have a photo printer right in your house... I've been picking my photos up from C*stCo so I'm not very timely with my album. And it's not near as cute as Ali's! But I am making one this year... and that's the bonus.

Finishing up shopping today... errands to run. Perhaps a Starbucks stop in my future. Hopping up to the school to wrap some gifts. Baked cookies all day yesterday... okay, what's next... where's my list?

Stop. And enjoy.

Christmas Movies

2010-12-13T10:27:00.000-06:00

We had a full weekend... and I was a little under the weather... TWO WEEKS people! Two. I'm excited. As are the kids... so glad they have one more week of school so I can prepare this week. Taking time to stop this year and enjoy... I was stressed last week. That's NO fun for anyone. Took a few things off my list. Said "no" to a few good things... just can't do it all. I want the whole family to enjoy December. They can not if momma is stressed out.

Today I get a date with my hubby. *sigh*

I love movies this time of year... here are my favorites! There are many good ones... these I don't miss...

Watched this Saturday night. The whole thing! I love the raw emotion and acting in this Christmas Classic: It's a Wonderful Life

The whole family pulled the sofa up to the TV last night... ate pizza, popped pop-corn, drank hot chocolate and orange crush and watched Elf last night.

Others I enjoy... chick flicks... but I love them and always watch during Christmas:

The Family Stone - love the writing, the characters, the acting... the layers... love.

The Christmas Card - okay, okay... It's sweet! C'mon! I love this movie and I want to live in that town!

While You Were Sleeping - I love when Lucy discovers her stocking hanging on the mantel!

Christmas with the Kranks - it's a good one to wrap presents to!

Christmas Vacation - a classic.

A great one for the kids... and adults, too... this is a surprise. I love this DVD for the kids... it has some wonderful classic cartoons... good messages about giving and the true meaning of Christmas - even my son enjoys this one... Disney Princess - A Christmas of Enchantment

And we enjoy all of Mickey's Christmas dvds... you can't go wrong. We always watch Charlie Brown's Christmas, too. There are many... love the movies this time of year. Stop and enjoy!

ahhhh.... Preschool

2010-12-09T21:43:00.000-06:00

Picture taken with my phone camera... not too bad! Had our preschool Christmas party today. Nothing like sugaring up the kiddos and then sending them home... *giggle*

We have a great group of kids. And I truly enjoy the preschool I work at... I'm fortunate to work with many wonderful ladies... we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus with the kids today, too.

Lots going on here at home preparing for the weekend... life slows down a little on Sunday... looking forward to Sunday.... *sigh*

magazine decor

2010-12-08T16:02:00.000-06:00

This makes me happy. Tore these pictures out of magazines and clipped them to the clip boards in my computer room... Easy Christmas inspiration and decoration...

Tis the season...

2010-12-07T21:47:00.002-06:00

I want you all to know that I practice what I preach... feeling a little holiday pressure the past two days. Stressing out a little... okay, okay. A lot. Hey, just because I have a blog does not mean I'm perfect! *grin*

Just wishing I had done more in November...

No, not November... July.

Being out of town this past weekend put me behind... but it's all about perspective and enjoying these busy days.

Deep breath. Perspective. This is supposed to be fun.

My sweet friend says, "Come over and let's decorate cookies!".

I reply... "okay!"

Good times...

Weekend in review...

2010-12-06T12:52:00.001-06:00

*sigh* We went to Pine Cove Crier Creek over the weekend... Emma and I and our two sweet friends. It was a Mother/Daughter weekend there... we made crafts, ate well, sang, listened to a great speaker, ate well, rode a horse, rode the zip line, ate well... and truly had a wonderful time. Danny and Hudson had a great weekend, too... of course there are not near as many photos of them... Hudson had two birthday parties to attend and walked in the parade of lights with the Cub Scouts... (pictures to come eventually!)

1. Pine Cove Crier Creek... this camp is near Houston. We've gone before to Thanksgiving Family Weekend in Tyler. We love Pine Cove. We are saving for summer Family Camp for an entire week. I just can't say enough about the edifying environment and enjoyment of these camps. Truly such a great time...

2. Our cabin.
3. My Em and I.
4. Craft making... and boy did we!
5. Rest... true.
6. Em on a horse and loving every minute of it.
7. BIG zip line...
8. Geared up and ready to go... had a few tears but we did it! Em had fun.
9. Our speaker... Darla Baerg... she was wonderful... so real. She has a blog!
10. Us.
11. Emma made this rock for me... (with a little help from a camp counselor.)
12. giggling... lots of giggling.

Time to get busy on my Dec Daily album! Catching up to do!

December Daily - two {weekend hiatus}

2010-12-02T23:32:00.000-06:00

Sweet friends who frequent my blog... I'll be spending some time away from the computer until Sunday evening. Some planned Mommy/Daughter and Daddy/Son time this weekend. I will be in December Daily mode... many photo opportunities. Already inspired by what I'm seeing in blog land... here below I'm just keeping it real. Until then... have a great weekend!

December Daily - one

2010-12-01T22:22:00.000-06:00

A first... and NOT a tradition... the kiddos got Advent calendars today. One Play Mobile... the other Lego. Love these... not something I plan on doing every year.... but oh so fun this year.

Hello Mr. Lego Snowman... how cute are you?

Made these Christmas countdown blocks... found the idea from Little Birdie Secrets. For all the steps click here. LOVE how they turned out... and they make great Secret Santa gifts!

And got to hang out with this sweet family and take their Christmas card photo... gotta love a good dumpster for the background here...

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2010-11-30T22:07:00.000-06:00

Project life? Good things come to those who wait... I've been wanting this kit for some time now. But I just couldn't pay the money. Then BH put the 2010 version on sale for 40% off on black Friday... So... Merry Christmas to ME!

Now for it looking like Christmas... We went to our traditional Christmas tree lighting... it was awesome! And now... it truly is beginning to look a lot more like Christmas around here... December Daily here we come...

The First Sunday in Advent - Prophecy Candle

2010-11-28T07:05:00.000-06:00

"This candle reminds us of the time for waiting for the Messiah to come. It reminds us of the witness of prophets about the Savior. It is a time for our waiting as we move toward the celebration of Christmas."

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

I found this advent wreath in a catalog years ago. You can easily make your own advent wreath... or even use colored votive candles and place in a circle. Even if you begin your advent wreath tomorrow... it's the thought and memories you make with the wreath that matters.

Keeping Jesus the Reason for the Season

2010-11-27T09:44:00.002-06:00

Oh there is just so much to do, to enjoy, to watch, to ride, to experience, to bake, to plan, to wrap, to organize, to decorate, to light up, to clean up, to stuff, to shop, too much to do... *sigh*

As moms we sincerely want to make this the best Christmas ever. We want to do all of our traditions and build memories... and we want to keep Christ the center of attention. With all the hoopla surrounding the holidays how can you keep Christ at the center?

Lower your expectations... keep it simple. Stop, smile, enjoy it all... remember we celebrate Jesus all year long! Grace. Make your time alone with him a priority and you will make Him a priority naturally for the rest of your family... don't be too hard on yourself. Your kids need your presence... not so much your presents. Take a moment to read this... good stuff.

Now saying that... here are many (too many) ideas I have gathered over the years to help make Christ's birth a priority over the next 28 days. Do not... and I repeat... do NOT try to do all of these things. This is just a compilation of ideas... every family will have their own traditions. Pick a few that works for your family and do it with ALL your might!

The Advent Wreath - Every Sunday gather your family around the wreath of candles. Read the Bible verses. Learn what each candle means. Pray together. I personally love this tradition because you have to do this weekly. (And there have been Sundays that were simply too full so we did our wreath on Monday... grace. Right?) Let me know and I can send you the word doc. on this. More wonderful details and ideas on Advent here.

This book by Lisa Whelchel is a wonderful source for pointing our eyes towards Jesus during Christmas. I love this book... just reading through this alone with your kids would be wonderful! Christ centered ideas from the Advent Wreath, Christmas tree decorating, wrapping to baking and even Santa. Can't say enough about this book.

Use Scripture - As much as you can... The Christmas tree star (Mat 2:2 NIV), the Candy Cane (Isaiah 1:18 NIV, Isaiah 53:5 NKJV and Psalm 34:8 NIV), Christmas Lights (John 1:5), Christmas Cards (Luke 2:10 NKJV)... Good quiet time material for this momma!

Children's Books - make it a nightly priority (even every other night) to read books about the first Christmas. My favorite Christmas children's book is Mortimer's Christmas Manger... it's SO cute. I just love it. Paired with a make-your-own gingerbread house - would make a great gift!

Nativity Scene - (Luke 2:10-12 NKJV) I love the Little People nativity, Play Mobile, or the Veggie Tales set... that way the kiddos can "act out" their nativity. Little hands can touch and play... Having a nice (untouchable) nativity is great, too... I've heard of some families waiting to place Baby Jesus in the scene until Christmas Eve. Keep Wise men across the house and every day they get a little bit loser as they make their journey.

Birthday Cake - Younger children love having a birthday party for Jesus. Recipe and details for this later... you can google it, too!

Service - Take an Angel from the Angel Tree - have kiddos help shop for the family in need. Sing carols at a nursing home. There is SO much you can do here... my kids are just at this age to get it... we will do more service this year...

I'm sure you have other ideas, too... please let me know so I can add them to my list!

Coming soon... creative, fast and easy ways to countdown the days 'till Christmas.

Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent

2010-11-26T08:34:00.000-06:00

It's always a surprise to me when Advent begins when it's still November. This is my favorite Christmas tradition we do as a family (a close second is the Christmas Eve pajamas!) I love celebrating Advent every Sunday -- with all the enjoyment and excitement of this season -- our Advent wreath helps remind us what this Christmas season is truly all about... the birth of Jesus.

If you do not have an Advent wreath you can easily put something special together with four votive candles. On Christmas Eve we place a white candle in the middle to light for the birth of Jesus. If you'd like the details in a Word doc just email me at kimmysboutique at yahoo dot com (or send me a msg via FB) and I will send you what we do as a family every week during Advent.

Okay... time for me to put up the pumpkins and finish the Christmas decorating!

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December Daily Album Pages

2010-11-25T12:37:00.001-06:00

I'm very excited to post the photos of my December Daily album for 2010... this is a first for me. I've never made an album like this before ... yet always inspired by my BFF Ali -- I've participated in December Daily in 07, 08 and 09. This year I took the plunge and -- again -- influenced by AE's examples... here is what I have come up with... can not wait to fill these pages with my photos and finds from December 2010. All details regarding December Daily check here on AE's project site.

I'm happy to report I have not really spent any money on this project. Much of the paper I had from three years ago when I made these gifts. I love the paper SO much -- the color combination of green, red, blues and browns... The paper set came with punched out tags in the same paper and some stickers letter and numbers... I got lucky that this paper has a timeless look... at least I don't think it looks "three years ago".

* Paper Set by Basic Grey in "Fruitcake" and "Dasher"
* Transparencies purchased this year from Scrapbook.com
* ribbon from my own personal stash
* rub-ons by Making Memories

To see other December Daily folks check here. I'm #194!
More details to come... as we draw closer to December 01... I'm ready!

Gratefulness...

2010-11-25T07:49:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

I pray you have a thankful day full of fellowship, friends and family...

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17 NIV

Shutterfly - how I love ya!

2010-11-24T08:40:00.003-06:00

The Christmas card photo… we want it to capture the heart of our family… we want it to represent our year… and we want it to look good! The Christmas card photo has been an important element to my Christmas since I got married 14 years ago. We all send this card to our friends we never see, our friends we do see, our family far and near… it’s important.

The card has a life of it's own... it has a job! The Christmas card connects our very Merry Christmas wishes to those we care about... I use to slave of paper, ink, stamps and scissors creating the perfect card -- well, now there's Shutterfly. Check out these great these fabulous photo Christmas Cards here. These desk calendars make the bests gifts... don't forget to order one for yourself, too!

The Christmas holiday may slip past and sending a Christmas photo card may just not happen in a timely matter (It's busy, I get it!) Look at this... send out a Happy New Year! card this year... beautiful! So which one will you pick... ? That might be your most difficult decision this Christmas...

I worry too much...

2010-11-22T19:59:00.002-06:00

WAY too much about what other people think. Time to get over it... I love this blog. I think it's fun. I get inspiration from other blogs and I just think it's so fun to have my own little corner of blogger-world. Even if I'm just entertaining myself... ha!

We've been busy this month... SO much to be thankful for. I do not throw the word BLESSED around much... this thankful season in this blog post BLESSED is completely appropriate.

Number 1... I AM BLESSED with some terrific friends (YOU know who you are) and a husband who love me no matter what... truly love and care about me - faults and all.

Number 2... I AM BLESSED with children who are imperfect but greatly loved. And I'm training them day in and day out and OH how I pray that they will know the LORD one day. And be kind. And love others.

Number 3... I AM BLESSED with family members who are beautiful, loving, giving and generous.

Number 4... I AM BLESSED to be forgiven by a Savior who died and rose again.

BLESSED: divinely and supremely favored; fortunate.

Serving spaghetti dinner Veteran's Day at the VFW. The boys and girls did a wonderful job honoring these men who served our country.

Fun Run at school... never a dull moment.

Career Day at school... Danny does such a great job explaining K9 Police work to the kiddos...

Pre-school... thanksgiving feast... Truly a highlight to a 4 year old... our Thanksgiving Feast reminds me of the Peanut characters feast... so cute.

Pumpkin Art

2010-11-10T17:44:00.003-06:00

I wish these photos were more clear... but my sweet friend made this in her home. She painted the "S" and then did her girl's hand prints on the back... I think this pumpkin art is such a great idea.

Linking up with Faded Charm "White Wednesday"
and Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design

Check out those blogs for awesome inspiration!

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Let's Make it Monday

2010-11-08T08:10:00.005-06:00

Already gearing up for some home-made gifts... this planter makes a great teacher gift! For detailed instruction to how I made this one click here.

Linking up to: Keeping in Simple
and to Make it 4 Monday

On another note:

Made these yummy pumpkin cookies yesterday SO easy... and they have a soft muffin texture...
Find the recipe here...

By the way... found this super nifty blog... "Avoiding the Laundry" - the title is oh too true for me! She has compiled ideas from other blogs... certainly worth avoiding the laundry!

trick or treat...

2010-11-06T09:03:00.001-05:00

Make your mosaic at Mosaic Maker...

I'm a little late with this post... however, as we approach the Christmas season I'm beginning to become more inspired to blog... I can't believe how quickly time is going by... here it is - NOVEMBER! Gearing up for December Daily! Yahoo!

Are you getting ready for Christmas? Need I remind you there are 49 days until Christmas! Less than 50... have you pulled out your notebook that you put together last year - you know the one you wrote lots of notes in to help you this year??? What?... you didn't make a notebook? Make one this year... you'll thank yourself next year... I promise.

There's an app for that!

Always learning...

2010-10-09T10:13:00.001-05:00

I'm always learning how to be a better parent... always learning how to improve my cooking... always learning how to love my husband even more every day... always learning how to be more creative... always learning how to be a better photographer... I truly believe one of the best qualities in a person is their ability to be teachable... always working on being more teachable...

you get the idea...

Inspired by Becky Higgin's post I began setting my camera down and taking some shots I love the results... it's people like BH that spur me on, stretch me and help me to keep on learnin'

... at the pre-school - kiddos playing with play dough and our chika-chika boom boom tree in the background. I love the colors in this shot.

... at the pumpkin patch ... the shade in the grass made the contrast in this shot! (Basically I got lucky... just taking photos having fun - can't take too many!

... often some sort of creation on our dinner table ...

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2010-10-02T17:08:00.000-05:00

It's official... the beginning of the holiday season... You think I'm crazy for saying that. It's okay. Now we're on the count down for Christmas... and October is the month of fun, fall, pumpkins and planning...

On my list this month... Family photo for Christmas card. My goal this year is to have that card ready to go in the mail by Thanksgiving. Every year it's December and I'm still working on that Christmas card... every year I'm pulling my hair out and asking myself "why didn't I already have this done!!!!"... not this year... Not. This. Year.

In the mean time... I will enjoy fall...

celebrating 13 years today...

2010-09-06T17:26:00.000-05:00

It's our anniversary today... we've had a great day as a family. I even pulled out the wedding photos to show the kiddos. I'm thankful for a wonderful husband who loves the Lord, loves me and loves the kiddos... I've really grown the last 13 years (although still have some growing to do). As I looked at the photos of myself today I see a young woman dressed in white full of hopes and dreams. I truly have joy 13 years later... it's funny how you can have some expectations of living abroad or in another state... yet I find myself in the exact area where I grew up. That's not such a bad thing... just not what I "expected" 13 years ago. But the Lord has us exactly where He wants us for now. Growing in Him is what matters most. The longer I'm married and the longer I parent the more I see my need for the Lord. And so we press on toward the goal...

Seriously?

2010-08-24T17:18:00.001-05:00

What a mess! We just cleaned this play room... it does not take much. And all that you see in the back ground are cars and pet shop animals... at least they use their imagination!

What's the saying...?

"Cleaning they house while the children are still growing

is like shoveling the snow while it's still snowing!"

First Day Today

2010-08-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

Got our teacher gifts made... B & BW apple hand soap... with a little card attached. Happy kids ready for new grade, new teachers... good times! Walking to school... here's to a new year!

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Back To School Traditions

2010-08-22T16:03:00.003-05:00

(photo inspired by this post... photo above by me of my son.)

The night before the first day of school pray these verses over your kiddos... if you do this every night soon you and your child will have them memorized... and that my friend is a true treasure!
Colossians 1:9 -14

"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the LORD and may please him in every way:bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God..." vs. 10 NIV

The first day of school photos...
Of course our friend Becky Higgins has some great suggestions on back to school photos... click here.

An apple for the teacher...
Some ideas for back to school teacher gifts here... and here. Oh and check out this gift... way cool... it could even be a gift you give after the first week of school really... check Nora out here.

Special back-to-school breakfast...
love what Deliciously Organic has cooked up here.

First day of school... here we come!

Good Bye Summer...

2010-08-19T08:54:00.000-05:00

*sigh* We had a great, relaxing, fun-filled summer... I've decided to stop mourning the end of summer and get excited about the school year... What always gets me out of a funk? School supplies, new gear and back-to-school new shoes! Interpretation: shopping! (H & E sporting their new shoes above.)

In this last week we've hung out with fun friends, played in a spray park, swimming, children's museum, B & N in downtown FW (what is it about a bookstore in the downtown area that is so wonderful? We love it there...), played basketball with fellow cub scouts, made our own comic book - super heroes that live in a gold mine no less... (where did H get that idea?) -- just trying to pack it all in before The Routine sets in....

I'm having trouble embracing that... can you tell?

Day 6 and 7

2010-08-14T11:39:00.002-05:00

Last few days in Colorado... scenes from the back yard... photos by me...

Feeding the fish on the last day... part of H & E's daily routine! So much for a kiddo to do...

Road Trip Day 4 and 5

2010-08-13T12:29:00.001-05:00

Hanging out together with the family... at the house...

Day 5 - Estes Park and Fun City

Road Trip Day 2 and 3

2010-08-12T09:08:00.000-05:00

We arrived at Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Dave's home... first thing... visit the goats. They own three goats... these goats are so great, too. The kiddos fed them at least once a day.

Their back yard... Uncle Dave and Aunt Kathleen work SO hard on their yard. It's an oasis.

The pond... it's huge. More photos to come. Dave can put one in your yard! Just ask me and I can get his information to you... it's amazing.

Just down the road from their home... yes... it's beautiful.

Our trip to Idaho Springs... a fun little town. Ate lunch at Bou Jo's pizza... yummy!

The temperatures were perfect... such a nice break. Needed a sweater in the shade!

Hudson wanted to pan for gold... he had some real ideas of striking it rich! We toured a real gold mine... saw real gold in mine of the mountain, too.

Sporting our hard hats... entering the mine with Uncle Dave.

Little chipmunks every where... they would just come right up to you...

End of Summer Road Trip

2010-08-11T17:36:00.001-05:00

Leaving over 100 degree temperatures... we began our end of summer journey to cooler Colorado to enjoy the week with Danny's side of the family... a celebration of the end of a great summer.

Our view for most of the Texas drive... until we came to mountains. The clouds were amazing.

We love road trips... we've always enjoyed driving. (In 1998 we went on a trip (pre-children) for 10 days driving through New Mexico and Colorado... no reservations, no plans, skiing... good times!)

Endless Texas highway.... the majority of our drive is in Texas... kids enjoyed reading, drawing and watching movies.

The kids LOVE hotel rooms... it's the greatest adventure to them to stay in a hotel... I wonder why?

Next morning... Raton Pass... Next stop -- family in Colorado. (all photos taken with my camera phone.)

Recipe Memories

2010-07-26T12:05:00.001-05:00

Three years ago I acquired a wheat mill to better provide healthy and nutritious breads for my family. That was when I also traded in my Southern Living subscription (I heart Southern Living) for Cooking Light and Eating Well magazines. My husband and I began making steps in our diet to include more whole grains, less processed foods and more fruits and vegetables. We've come a long way... and still have a way to go. I put away all my recipes that called for heavy cream , bacon, hamburger meat and Velveeta cheese...

This week I've been going through "stuff" and uncovered this recipe for my mom's Beef Stroganoff Burgers. The recipe is in my mom's hand writing... my mom passed away 16 years ago. This recipe represents so much... I love her handwriting. And I remember her making this dish for me and my brother. It was oh so yummy. Maybe it was the recipe... maybe it was spending time with her in the kitchen... all I know is when I look at this recipe it makes me happy. Although this dish won't be in our weekly dinner rotation -- I love that I have it and that it's in my mom's handwriting.

Sometimes you just need...

2010-07-19T15:47:00.001-05:00

a little perspective!

* * *

it's another sign!

2010-07-17T11:49:00.002-05:00

It all started with the piece of scrap ply-wood I picked up for free at the H*me D*pot.

After the kiddos were in bed... painted it black... printed out letters right off my computer... centered them. Pressed down with a ball point pen and traced letters to create my lines for painting.

Here it is all painted and before distressing with sand paper...

And the final product... took me about an hour to complete. I think it looks better in person... it reminds me of an old sign that been up in a garage for years. I can't wait to find the perfect spot in my house for it...

summer food

2010-07-14T10:46:00.003-05:00

My kids love The Chicken Nugget... as I search far and wide for a prepared healthy "nugget" it simply does not exist... a truly healthy one anyway. Then last spring I got reacquainted with a friend from college. On her blog Deliciously Organic (and in her new cookbook coming out soon) I found a treasure of healthy and nutritious recipes. I then vowed over the summer to do my best to cook through her blog... my first attempt did not disappoint. Her recipe for "Chicken Tenders" is wonderful... yummy and the whole family LOVED them. I plan to make a huge batch and keep them frozen to pull out later. I also made "Karin's Everyday Salad" and oh my! I could not get enough and see why "everyday" is in the name... flavorful and oh so yummy...

As we sat at the table last evening it occurred to me that my family did not question or find it odd that I was taking photos of our dinner... and to me that's just plain funny.

* * * salad link is fixed!

my happy place...

2010-07-12T19:43:00.000-05:00

My wonderful neighbor introduce me to Brown Stone Village a while back... she drove me there and I was in heaven!

Today I had an opportunity to stop in... and they have expanded and grown! Happy happy day! Everything about this obscure little shopping haven makes me happy... a lovely tea room, interesting vendors, trendy jewelry and clothes, stellar art work, adorable business cards... and the prices.... not bad!

So, if you ever have a chance to stop in... tell me all about what you thought!

ahhh, summer.

2010-07-09T10:08:00.001-05:00

I love summer. Love. Love. Love summer.

It's truly my favorite part of the year. Long days. Pajama mornings. No rush. No alarm clock. The house is cleaner. The food is light. Time to just be. Friends over last night until after 10 PM. No need to hurry home... kids up way past their bed time. Summer movies. Swimming pool yesterday in the rain. I love summer.

I have time to paint... working on Christmas gifts.

Kiddos jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler turned on in their clothes... they will jump for an hour like this!

Scenes set up in odd places... this one in our family room... everyday a continuation of the story in my sweet girls imagination. I don't have the heart to make her clean it up every day... it's become the centerpiece on our coffee table...

Random naps here and there... (notice she's still in her PJs.)

Lego creator.... Hudson's favorite. Everyday this house evolves... a huge back yard with animals today.

And for me... again time to paint. Up till midnight most nights... loving this time to work on gifts for Christmas. Have I mentioned I love summer?

this land is your land...

2010-07-06T10:54:00.000-05:00

Here's to a little blog inspiration... I like to keep 4th of July decorations up all of July... just continue the celebration! I reproduced these ideas from this blog... love everything they make here. Scroll down to see how I got these ideas... I did not use spray paint. I had acrylic paint in the colors I needed and just used that.

And well... she just looked cute and I had to add this photo, too... Happy summer!

Down "The Fourth's" Memory Lane

2010-07-05T13:59:00.000-05:00

The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays... good memories... we always spend the day with friends and family... beginning in 2006 we started attending the neighborhood parade in Grammy and Pop-pop's neighborhood. As you can see... we ;ove to try and match our patriotic clothes... In 2008 we were in Florida with friends! So fun! This year was no different... and we had two days to celebrate! On the 3rd we went to the parade - photo with Grammy above. Watched the fireworks in the neighborhood with friends... went to church on the 4th... Bar B Que with friends and then fireworks again... shew!

here's to sweet moments...

2010-06-14T15:06:00.002-05:00

E's dance recital was last weekend. We were told to hang out after the recital for the awards ceremony. Ok. Didn't think a whole lot of it... E has loved dance this year and has worked real hard... perhaps she'd get "most improved" or something like that... to our surprise... E received "Dancer of the Year" by her dance instructor....

So nice!

E's instructor, Abbie, said a few words that she had typed up... made me cry... "...My favorite thing abut this girl is her sweet, loving spirit. At some point during every class she runs up to me, gives me a big hug and says, 'Miss Abbie, when I grow up I want to be a dance teacher just like you!' It's moments like this that remind me of why I do this. She inspires me to be a better teacher and a better role model for all my students. Not only do I absolutely love this girl, but my life has been blessed just for knowing her. I am truly honored to have E as my dancer of the year..."

Such a sweet moment for our family. E went up on stage got her trophy and gave Abbie a BIG hug.

Sweet moment.

6...SIX!

2010-05-29T16:34:00.001-05:00

So late posting these shots... but better late than never! Here's my girl... on her sixth birthday. She has a love for all things birds but especially owls. Can't blame her... they are pretty cute. Check out this fun blog... My Owl Barn.

Fun little goodie bags... I just cut it all out and glued them together...

A friend helped me with this idea... each kiddo molded their own owl with clay. Inserted black eyed peas for eyes, macaroni nose, feathers and pipe cleaners for legs. They all enjoyed this activity... each owl had it's own personality!

My sweet girl... I can't not believe you are six years old! You truly make me smile. I love how you wake up with a smile... you brighten my day every day. You are truly a ray of sunshine. I adore how you love all things animals... and especially your affection for birds. You get so happy about the little things in life. I pray that you come to know the Lord at an early age. I pray that you continue to think of others needs before yourself. I pray you keep your happy heart... and find the joy of the Lord when times are tough. You are precious to me in so many ways... at time I can not even find the words. I'm so thankful to the Lord that He gave you to us...

Owl always love you....

able to paint.... a little...

2010-05-19T18:35:00.000-05:00

I've been itchin' to paint for months now... and had a few minutes today. I needed a baby gift and fast... taking a meal to friends from Cub Scouts that just had a baby and wanted to give them something personal, too... I've been super bad at not giving gifts when I should... and taking meals when I should... I'm trying SO hard to work on this.

(So, Jen... I hate to tempt this "Lila" painting since it's not for you... but I can paint one for you!)

Also... Jen reminded me of this wonderful artist... and her work. Yes... I tried to copy her. I need to practice... but oh man, if I could paint like her one day!

More later on what we've been up too... so many photos... just wait!

Tornado of birthdays... part one

2010-05-17T19:34:00.003-05:00

My boy is 8... time is going by way too fast.

I adore this little boy.

Adore.

I love the freckles on his nose. The way his hair never looks combed. His enduring interest for space and Star Wars. His picky ways with food and even some of the other quirks his tends to display... he's unique, lovable and smart. I pray he'll want to know the LORD personally one day. I pray he'll choose to be kind with others. Because doesn't it often come down to a simple choice? I pray that he'll pursue excellence, education and intelligence but never forget the most important thing is the way in which we treat one another. I pray that his words are gracious and seasoned with salt... loving, kind... that he might choose the path less traveled by.

I know he won't be perfect... I pray my boy will honor God in disappointment and in failure. I pray he will trust God when his world just doesn't add up... might he have faith and be faithful. I pray he'll honor the Lord in his actions, in his words and in his work. He's a good boy... I thank God for him.

Darth Vader and the birthday boy...

spring at my house...

2010-04-19T11:35:00.000-05:00

Camping...

2010-04-12T17:34:00.000-05:00

A first for our family this week... camping in a tent! I SO want to be a camping family... I never camped as a child. I know camping is GOOD for the family. My sweet camper husband put that tent up in nothing flat! We had a great time on the cub scout camp out... even though I've been sick with upper respiratory and sinus infection. Ugh. The good thing was we had a Quarter Master who cooked all the food for everyone... something about camp food that tastes SO good. And something about me not having to worry about how and what to cook was a relief!

Every good camper knows they need a walking stick, their whistle and their stuffed dog. Sweetness... all this chick wanted to do was sleep in the tent! Must do this more often.

And Hudson... enjoyed camping. He's thriving in Cub Scouts and truly learning a lot. It's been a great experience for our family.

I've been in a blogging rut. This past week... it's like the wind has been sucked out of my sails a bit. It's a mixture of things... just one of those weeks. This too will pass. And once I stop coughing I think I'll be a lot happier. A couple of things have lifted my spirits today... the kindness of a friend. Who loves me no matter what. And this blog from a gal I know from college... she's amazing. I can not wait for her cookbook to come out in September...

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24 NAS

He is risen!

2010-04-04T06:52:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter dear friends...

I hope you have a lovely day!

"He is not here! He has risen, just as He said!" Mat. 29:6 NIV

The Laundry Room reveal!

2010-03-27T11:47:00.003-05:00

Every room in my home is in need of liposuction and a face-lift... what I mean is... purging and painting or touch-up. I started with the laundry room... seemed the least over whelming and a room friends do see when they are over... so here it is... old hand-me-down washer/dryer and all. One day I'll get cool front-loaders... but for now... I'm happy with these.

First of all... paint color... says it all? Much warmer and happier color than the original gray. Second of all... lighting. Fluorescent light does nothing... I say nothing... for a space. Other major changes... the detergent holder... it's just pretty and fun. And the baskets add a warm touch from the old plastic containers. I wish those were cabinets... but they are not. The baskets will have to do.

Sources of inspiration:
Paint Color: Eddie Bauer Pecan
{got the idea from this blog: A Soft Place to Land}

Lamp and Baskets: Walmart's Better Homes and Garden Collection
{the idea to even place a lamp, cute container and trey in the laundry room: Bless Our Nest}

Detergent container: Target - and it's a 2 gallon container

Trey: It's just one I had.

Metal organizer between washer and dryer: Container Store

And this blog also inspired my laundry room re-do: House of Smith's

Linking to The Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday!

Now... onto the next room.

Kiddos and Easter

2010-03-22T11:05:00.000-05:00

A fun way to teach young children about Easter... On Easter morning Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb empty. He lives! Kids love to help in the kitchen... this activity is kid friendly, easy and tastes yummy too! (The original idea comes from a sweet and wonderful lady from my church. Thanks Lisa!)

The ingredients. (Also listed below.)

Easy for my daughter to help... marshmallow in butter, then in cinnamon sugar...

... place on crescent roll triangle.

This is where I helped... pinch in all the seams together tightly so the marshmallow stays in the roll as it melts.

And repeat...

Put them in a preheated oven until they are...

Golden brown... and let them cool!

Where's the marshmallow???

It's not in there...

Ingredients:
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
8 large marshmallows
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions:
1. Preheat over to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. Separate crescent rolls into individual triangles.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar.
4. Dip a marshmallow into melted butter, then roll in sugar mixture. Place marshmallow into the center of a dough triangle. Carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow. Pinch the seams together tightly to seal marshmallow as it melts. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat.
5. Bake in a preheated overn until golden brown... about 15 minutes.

Read the Scripture to your children about how Jesus us alive! He lives! Mat.28:1-9

(I plan to post another activity that is great for older children... it's more detailed but a great teachable and creative lesson for kiddos and Easter.)

First day of spring?

2010-03-20T11:08:00.000-05:00

We have our work cut out for us... didn't expect frigid temperatures today to work on the yard... Thankfully we have awesome neighbors who helped spread dirt yesterday before the rain hit in the night... Now for the grass. I'm happy we'll have grass in our yard this year. But right now... what a mess!

Scrapbooking Essentials

2010-03-18T09:35:00.002-05:00

{ from 2003 }

Scrapbooking. Does just that word alone cause your blood pressure to rise? You're not alone.

Here are my tips for memory keeping... I want you to know that I truly do keep it simple. I scrapbook for me. For my family. And I don't have time to make it "magazine ready".

Like I said... I keep it simple but don't get me wrong... oh how I LOVE the art in scrapbooking. For me, the best part is the photography. I never want to do anything in my layout to take away from the photo. Also... the story. You've got to tell the story. Will your kids one day say... "oh those stickers are SO cute that mom placed in my album"... or will they want to know where you were and what you said...what was the LORD doing in our lives? That's what I want to remember.

Here are my essential supplies for documenting and keeping memories for my family:

My Camera… Canon Rebel Digital XT SLR. Love this thing and drive my family bonkers using it all the time. It seems like little Emma is in a constant state of “cheese!”
Round Tip Pens… quality black and cocoa, silver pens. Love to use my own handwriting and do lots of story telling and Scripture.
Adhesive… love Creative Memories tape runner… always have, always will.
Classic Paper… solids with a few patterns here and there. I want the focus on the photos.
My Journal… keep it near me and jot down things the kids do, say or moments I simply don't want to forget. My blog has also been a great "journal" for my memory keeping.
Photo Trimmer… I love this one from Creative Memories.

Yes, that would be all...

{ from 2009 }

"He lives" Easter Favors

2010-03-16T10:11:00.001-05:00

"He is not here. He has risen, just as He said." Mat. 28:6 NIV

Revisiting a project from 2007. This is from one of Johanna's creations from a CTMH party she hosted a few years ago. You could do this with pretty much any stamps.

- Easter Stamp set Close to My Heart

- "Ballet Blue", "Glorious Green" and "Pink Passion" ink pads from Stampin' Up!
- Bible Verse printed out from computer using "2peas Renasance" font from Two Peas in a Bucket
- "Close to Cocoa" ink around the edges
- cellophane bag from clearenvelopes.com
- Robin Eggs from Walmart

{ Projects.... }

2010-03-15T09:13:00.002-05:00

I mentioned back in January that my sweet husband replaced our kitchen faucet because the old one stopped working. I promised photos... and finally I'm getting to it. It's amazing how the little things you can do to your space can make such a BIG impact...

... old sink...

... new sink ...

Cleaning and de-cluttering helps a space, too.

And that's what I'm up to this spring break... purging, cleaning, clearing and organizing. My goal is to have several "before & after" blog posts this week!

Also... I'll have some ideas on teaching your children about Easter. (Happens to be my favorite time of the year... because He lives!)

Spring forward!

2010-03-12T15:27:00.002-06:00

After a loooooong weekend of R&R with my sister... (we went to our friend's new B&B to scrapbook. Just the two of us. It was restful. And I got a lot cropped for 2009... more on that later.)

H and the whole 1st grade had a barn yard "Moosical"! It was so adorable... some other moms and myself decorated the stage... it's amazing what you can do with yards of butcher paper!

And this guy... here's my "Pig". H had a funny line and got to do a little number on the stage. He made me giggle the whole time. I didn't know he had it in him... a performer! He kept his part in the "Moosical" a surprise for me and Danny... we were surprised! All the kiddos did such a fantastic job.

So happy it's "Spring Forward" time... I love the longer days. Here are some things that have been inspiring me lately...

A friend told me about this lovely blog: It's the little things that make a house a home

This gal's work makes me want to get out my paint brushes: Glazed from the Heart

Love their story and remodel of their home GREAT ideas here: Young House Love

Happy Friday!

Goodbye February...

2010-02-28T07:29:00.001-06:00

Where does the time go? Come on Spring...

My World = Mess

2010-02-27T09:28:00.001-06:00

(I love finding odd placements of my kiddos imagination in the house...)

It seems that every room in my home needs some TLC. I'm overwhelmed. So I'm beginning with the smallest room in the house.

The dreaded laundry room.

Before and after pictures to come eventually. I painted all day yesterday... so that's done. (It's amazing how the old paint sucked the happiness and life out of this narrow space... a fresh coat of a happy color has made ALL the difference in the world.) But now it's time to make it lovely. A few baskets, a few plates hung on the wall, perhaps a little lamp... I'm learning that it does not take much to make a space better. Although it's not a room that many people see... I'd like to not worry about keeping the door closed when friends are over.

We've been watching a lot of this the past two weeks....

We've been glued to the TV... USA! USA! USA! I'm going to be SO sad when it's over...
I LOVE it.

100th Birthday...

2010-02-22T08:10:00.005-06:00

This is our first year in Cub Scouts... at the Blue and Gold Banquet we celebrate the Boy Scout birthday which happens to be their 100th year! H has truly enjoyed being part of this pack...

H and his entire Den earned their Tiger Cub badge Saturday night. They also earned the "United States Heritage Award".

Danny pinning H's Tiger Cub badge to his uniform.

He's a good boy... it was an enjoyable night celebrating Cub Scouts and celebrating this boy's hard work.

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17 NAS

Nurturing creativity...

2010-02-17T13:46:00.005-06:00

I've been a fan of Becky Higgins WAY before Becky Higgins was cool... (I'm just sayin'). But today she has a post that made me delightfully giddy... I love what she has to say about nurturing creativity in our children... take a look for yourself...

Nurturing Creativity in Our Children - Becky Higgins's blog

On that same note... a sweet friend recommends the book The Creative Family... I may have to just get that...

Pray.

2010-02-15T17:22:00.002-06:00

A week ago we had our Woman's Renewal at our church... it was a lovely time. The ladies did such a wonderful job putting it all together and the speaker was Kerri Scheer. Some of you who I went to college with might remember her... well, now she is the mother of three boys and just as funny and godly as ever... Truly enjoyed everything she had to say.

The whole theme centered around how we can trust in the Lord during the hard circumstances of life. How we "Sing in the Rain." Kerri spoke a lot about how we need to know Scripture. Memorize it. God's Word should be hidden in our heart so we can pull those verses out when we need them at any given moment... she said so much - and I wish you had been there... but here was something that I thought was such an incredible idea... I must share it with you.

In the Old Testament the LORD had the Israelites build altars to help them remember Him and His laws... and even in Deuteronomy 6 we're told to "Love the LORD you God..." and write it "on the door frames of your houses and on your gates..." He wants us to teach His Word to our children and talk about Him when we "sit at home and when we walk along the road"... One creative way Kerri showed us (and I LOVE this because it goes hand-in-hand with my ONE WORD for 2010) is to write how God has answered prayer on river rocks (craft stores have these) and keep them in a container to help you remember how He has been faithful as you have prayed as a family for specific requests.

I pray with the kids a lot. For Hudson every morning before school we pray in the car for self-control. For Emma we pray for control of her emotions and for both we pray they will honor God with their words. We pray before bed, before meals... but I want them to be part of bigger things that God is doing in our lives and in the lives of others. I think this will be a great way to show them and remember God's faithfulness.

Recently we have been praying for a sweet couple in our Small Group... their baby was born last week. We have our first rock to show the kids... "Sadie" where God has answered our prayer for a healthy baby and mom. This is the most recent "big" prayer request and a significant one... We pray with GREAT expectations many more rocks will be placed in our glass container.

{love day}

2010-02-14T07:42:00.000-06:00

"Love the LORD your God

with all your heart,

with all your soul and

with all your strength."

Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV

Off to spend the day with our church family... have a few little valentines for the kids. Books! One of my favorite loves! And a love note for each... have a great day!

Valentine's Day Eve

2010-02-13T12:27:00.002-06:00

Our preschool had their v-day parties before the snow hit... so Emma got to have her party. Hudson will have his next Friday... I'm a little behind on posting Valentine ideas. I usually do a Valentine photo shoot with the kiddos... you can see those here and here. This year my inspiration is an outdoor photo session so I'll postpone it for next week. More on that then... but here are some fun ideas that have inspired me...

I made something similar to Shannon's frame for the preschool teachers v-day gift... scroll down her blog and you can see the adorable frame sitting in a tray - she's so good at putting things together! I used Deuteronomy 6:5 as the verse...

I discovered these little measuring cups from a magazine... and will give these to Hudson's teacher next week. I think they make a great gift. In the bottom of the cup it say 1 cup, 1/2 cup, etc. They are so cute... "We can't measure how grateful we are for your love of teaching!" You could give these as a hostess gift, birthday, etc.

So today we clean... I still have so much to share on my blog. Lots of material for next week. So many fun ideas in blog land. But now I'm off to organize pet shops, little people and star wars characters...

It's a winter wonderland...

2010-02-12T10:27:00.001-06:00

They say we have not seen snow like this in North Texas in 30 years... which makes a lot of sense to me... I remember when I was little - like early elementary school - playing in snow and my brother making a huge snow ball as tall as me... That was over 30 years ago!

The snow goes over the kiddos boots... much good those boots are doing to keep their feet dry!

Lovely back drop for my Valentine plant stake...

The only way we could get the big brave police dog to go out in the snow for a photo was to take a snow ball and throw it out in the yard. Then he was SO confused about where his "ball" went... it made us giggle but then we felt bad... poor Hero! Needless to say... he did not stay out in this for very long. He's a bit of a diva dog.

So now... as our clothes dry out... we'll be doing a lot of this... hanging out, making pancakes, doing laundry and maybe a few board games... I love snow days.

Love Week... Daddy Daughter Dance

2010-02-08T10:09:00.003-06:00

It's been one full weekend and I have so much to share with you I'm not EVEN going to bore you today with my menu for this week. I went to our Woman's Renewal Friday night and Saturday... we had such a great time of fellowship and encouragement. I have some fun things to share from the weekend. Also... I was without a kitchen sink from last Thursday until last night. My dear but not-so-handy husband was THE MAN and replaced our old leaky broken kitchen faucet. I feel as if I have a brand new kitchen... (it's the little things in life that thrill me.) Pictures to come...

Danny and E had their annual Daddy Daughter date... E and a few of her friends and their awesome daddies went to a Daddy Daughter Dance with a western theme. E said and I quote, "It was the BEST day of my life!" (Yes, she tends to be a little dramatic but I do believe she enjoyed time with Daddy and dancing... two of her favorite things hands down.)

So more later this week... I'm off to clean my kitchen. You don't realize how much you need your kitchen sink until you do not have it any more!

(Daddy Daughter Date from last year click here.)

Wordless Wednesday - simple pleasures

2010-02-03T07:59:00.001-06:00

( I love these little punks... Love. Them. )

Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-01T08:49:00.001-06:00

Monday

Slow Cooker Chicken and mushrooms over rice
Fresh Salad

Tuesday

Chicken Tamales oops, I had taquitos... sorry! (from Sprouts - easy just heat and yummy)

Homemade Guacamole

(activity day -dance & Cub Scouts - still sit at table together as a family even if it's short!)

Wednesday

Pioneer Woman's Beef Brisket

(I had this at a friend's house this weekend and it was AMAZING. Amazing. So I'm gonna make it this week... 'cause it's good.)

Thursday

Tostadas

(using left over brisket - but I may have to keep them healthier than lovely Ree's recipe)

salsa

Friday

eat out (Women's renewal at church!)

Saturday

Daddy Daughter Dance... (o: Not sure what we'll do about food today.

Sunday lunch

Super Bowl... probably have pizza.

Design consultation...

2010-01-30T09:44:00.002-06:00

Happy happy happy! I got a design consultation over here at one of my favorite, inspirational design and decorating blogs... take a look!

The Shabby Nest

Inspiration and Planning...

2010-01-29T10:08:00.003-06:00

One reason I enjoy blogs and blogging - ideas!!!! Ideas, ideas, ideas. I can not get enough. Before I discovered blog land (about three years ago) I purchased and subscribed to magazines. The truth is I do not purchase near as many magazines now - given how many folks put their decorating and crafting ideas on their blogs and other websites. Pictured above is a tear-out from Southern Living... who knows what year. But I fell in love with the photo wall behind the table. In my family room we have a large wall and I knew I wanted to reproduce that idea.

Ten black frames... purchased over time from my local craft/decorating store when they place their frames 50% off. I spent $50 on these frames. I took some of these photos of the kiddos and a few were professionally taken. I need to change a few out... my photography skills have gotten better... I'm happy to report!

The next thing I'd like to do is replace the over-sized denim sofa with a large farmhouse table... that will seat 8 - 10. Yes... 10. I want to have a place for everyone to sit when we have guests over for dinner... and I'd like this one please...

photo from Pottery Barn...

So, I'm looking for a good deal. And I still need to map it out and sell this idea to my husband. But I think it will work right there in front of those photos... I just think it might.

Linking today to:
Finding Fabulous - Frugalicious Friday
My Romantic Home: Show and Tell Friday