party weekend

This weekend we finally celebrated my younger daughter's 7th birthday. Her birthday's the end of December. We had a family party for her but of course she wanted one with all her girlfriends. :)

We had the party at our house. I was so nervous! I haven't hosted a party at home (other than family) since my 9 year old was in preschool. Our previous home was pretty small and I never feel like my home is good enough. (It's never clean enough or put together enough, etc.) I love having friends over to hang out but the idea of a party (even for sweet little girls) completely intimidated me.

I'm so glad I did. It was so much easier than I thought it'd be

My husband was so helpful! He ended up putting together most of the food. We made little flower sandwiches. They were so cute. I can't believe I didn't get a picture. I really couldn't have done it without him. We're a great team.

I hope the girls had a good time. I kept asking my girls what they thought. :)

And now I can stop worrying about it!

xo

p.s. My top pic is my attempt at the rule of thirds. Click the button below to learn more. :)

taking pictures everyday is harder than you think...

xo

I love cookbooks!

The actual motivation to get into the kitchen every night doesn't come as easily for me. :)

One of my goals this new year was to actually start meal planning. I took a couponing class last year and it convinced me that it's something I really need to do. (I don't know how many times I've heard this, starting with my mom...)

I just got The Family Dinner the other day so I'm excited read it and try out some recipes.

Hopefully I can find some even the pickier members of my family will enjoy!

Enjoy your day!

xo

my littlest helper

A couple pics of my littlest guy hanging out in the kitchen. :)

hope you're enjoying your weekend!

xo

Happy Wednesday!

I'm trying to keep up with the Siesta scripture memory team. The other day I found my next Bible verse to memorize.

It's Hebrews 10:22-25. I'm doing half now and half next month but here's the whole thing...

So let's do it-full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

I love it. It encourages me. I hope it encourages you!

How weird is it that I collaged these pictures together? I don't think I was planning on writing anything...just posting more random pics. :) Anyway, Monday, I actually got some cleaning done. It started with my floors, led to my fridge and then I remembered what I really needed to clean was my microwave. Here's a cleaning tip I learned in the process: use a small bowl of vinegar (in the pic) and microwave it for 3 minutes and then just wipe the inside with a wet rag. So easy I had to pass it along.

Ha! Here's the kiddo who got me sick. (Yes, I'm sick again.)

So I'm going to try to follow along with Becky's Thrive project. I really really don't know what I'm doing...I'm sure it shows. I'm loving that she's sharing what she's learning. Anyhow the pic above was me trying to play around with the shutter speed. I don't even know if this is how it's supposed to look but I'm trying. :) You can click the button below and play along too.

I hope everybody's having a wonderful week. Truly.

xo

happy weekend!

xo

an almost snow day

Last night around bed time, it finally started to snow. We probably got around 4 inches. And then it rained. The kids woke up to slush. It was such a bummer not to get to play in it. I'm not a huge snow person but I'd love a couple days of it. :) I guess I'll have to keep crossing my fingers.

I made some caramel apple cider on the stove today using this recipe. 3 out of 4 kids liked it. And the one who didn't never likes anything. :)

Mmmm.... There's lots of other yummy stuff on their site too.

I'm starting a new Bible study tomorrow!

Hope I'm not biting off more than I can chew...

xo

still taking pictures :)

Yes, I'm still taking random pictures. :)

and I'm getting ready to start this tomorrow...

I spent today getting a few last minute supplies.

I'm nervous and excited!

eek!

Happy Monday!

xo

p.s. Here's their site. You should sign up for their daily truths. I just got my first one, read the first couple lines and it made my heart smile. :)

another tooth bites the dust

I was at a loss for what to post a picture of today.

And then at bedtime, my 7 year old lost another tooth.

Love the toothless grin. :)

xo

the last of Christmas

This is my favorite ornament that didn't make it onto the tree.

I didn't find them til after Christmas (yay for sales!)

I bought a few for next year and kept this one out because I like them so much. It makes me smile whenever I see it. Must be all that glitter. :)

xo

words for the year

I like choosing a word for the year. I think my word last year was "live".

I'd like to think I was successful in that, but I know I wasn't. We never know what the future holds. I made it maybe 1/4 of the year before life just got me down. Of course, I got back up again, but my goal changed from really living to surviving.

I chose two words this year, or rather they chose me:

create and grow.

create: bring something into existence, cause something to happen

Isn't that broad? I love it! I want to create more stuff around the house, with my kids, little craft projects here and there...but I'm excited about all the possibilities that little word holds!

The definition of grow was a lot more complicated, as in there were many to choose from. When I think of grow I usually think of the role I play in my kids' lives. In a nutshell, I want to help them grow into adults who love God with all their hearts. I'm trusting Him to fill in the rest. But I kept being hounded by the word actually applying to me as well. So I think I must have some growing of my own to do. One of the definitions said to be capable of growth, to develop so as to become, to thrive.

It definitely sounds interesting. :)

When out running errands I happened upon this candle (see! this word is totally following me!). So I got it as a little reminder.

xo

a failed attempt at bokeh

I couldn't think of what to take a picture of today.

Our Christmas lights are still up outside so I decided to try the bokeh technique.

I think it's probably best to wait until you're not sick and you've already read your manual.

Then you won't have to read everything over and over again and then goggle what this term and that term mean and then read that explanation over and over...and your pictures will probably turn out better. :)

I used this tutorial.

I think I'll try it again once I've read my manual...hopefully in time for next Christmas. :)

xo

I just asked my girls what they thought of the pictures and they laughed. :)

ugh.

xo

This is how my new year's starting...

...of course it's better to start before you're already sick but better late than never right?

I am doing this, hoping that it'll motivate me to get to know my camera a little better. :)

Wishing everyone a Healthy and Blessed New Year!

xo