Free Christmas Printables

I love the creativity that is out there on the internet. This is the second year that I have found cute, free printables to put in my regular 8x10 picture frames to display during the Christmas season. Here are two I am using for sure:

The first is from Today's Creative Blog and it features a print by SissyPrint. I love that it displays that Christ was born as this is central to our Christmas celebration!



The second comes from Little Birdie Secrets created by Sister Secrets



Of course their frames are way cuter than mine but I am trying to just keep my regular frames I use all year and update them with new photos and free printables throughout the year.

Happy Printing!!

Happy 7th birthday Will!!

My son Will just turned 7 this past friday. So to say that October is busy with two bday parties in two weeks would be an understatement. Yet what a great gift to be able to celebrate my two healthy children. For Will's party we decided at the last minute to have it Magic Mountain. They had this great special going if you had your party this past weekend, which of course worked out perfectly for us.

Will invited 12 boys and 7 were able to come. They had fun playing laser tag and running around in the huge play gym there. Mike helped out so much as we tried to keep track of everyone. The boys were all sweaty with red cheeks by the end of the party which in my book means they had a great time and hopefully burned off the sugar they had at the beginning of the party.

Will is so enthusiastic about life. He will talk your head off if you let him and he has a tender spirit that I think is contagious. Mike and I feel so blessed to have Will as our son and we know he will do great things.

The best birthday gift was this Sunday in church Will prayed the prayer and asked Jesus into his heart. While he as done this with Mike and I before it was so encouraging to know that when they were presented with the opportunity to do it at church he went up and told his teacher that he prayed that prayer. Thank you for this gift Lord!

Here are a few pics from his birthday



Here is Will reading the book all his classmates made for him on his birthday. They each made a page of the book and said where they would take Will on his birthday. His teacher is so awesome!



Here is Will standing on his chair at school while they listen to a special birthday song. It is the one time they are allowed to stand on their chair!

Happy 9th Birthday Abby!

Abby turned nine this past friday October 14th. It hard to believe that the baby girl born 5 weeks early is now one year away from the double digits, dare I say she is approaching the "tween" age!! For her birthday she wanted a fancy dinner at home with a few girls. She wanted her dad and brother to wear suits to serve her and her friends. Then the girls slept over and enjoyed a pancake breakfast. It was fun, they laughed, got silly, played games, got silly some more and then managed to wind down and go to sleep.
Happy Birthday Abby! Mommy and Daddy love you to pieces!!


Here is the birthday girl and me before the party got started.


Here she is as her friends and family sing her happy birthday, notice her little brother Will is the blur in the background.


Our lovely waiters for the evening.

Here is how the dining room looked before the girls arrived. I brought out the fine china and all things pink!

For party favors I found these adorable zipper pouches from RKEM designs Etsy and placed a lip gloss in each. The girls also got monogramed zebra print tissues from Michaels to take home as well. It was a fun way to celebrate my special girl.

I feel truly blessed to have the family I have. Thank you Lord for creating are little family, we are truly grateful!

Love my kids!

Well tonight was parent teacher conferences for Abby and Will. I am always amazed at my kids, how God is using them in their classrooms. So much focus is on academics these days and I agree it is important. However tonight the first words from each of my kids teachers was about their hearts and their character. How blessed do I feel. Now am I saying my kids are perfect, no way! Am I saying I am proud and want to give God the glory for the work in their lives, FOR SURE!!!

Both kids are right where they should be for their age and I left feeling confident in their teachers and the school they attend. Most of all I felt confident in my God and how he is shaping their character at such a young age. I am grateful for the positive feedback my kids received, I am grateful for the areas the teacher identified where they can continue to improve. How cool as a parent to witness the transformation of your children. To watch them grow into their own personalities, see them bloom where they are planted. I am excited in what God is doing in their lives and consider it a true privilege to be their mother.

I don't want to be boastful but I want my kids to know how proud of them I am. I tell them often but having it written down for them to look back on when they are older I hope will be very encouraging.

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

All of creation!!

My husband has been out of town for the past few days on a golf trip with his dad. I am so glad that he got a few days to relax and hang out with the guys. While he was gone we headed over to Glacier Ridge Park in Dublin for some observing of God's creation. We saw all sorts of bugs, frogs, turtles and my kids favorite... a wooly worm!!



What a beautiful fall day it was here in Ohio. Fall is my absolute favorite season and I am so excited for the changing of the temps and leaves. God is so good to give us so many beautiful things to look at and share with each other.

Teacher/Neighbor Christmas gifts and just a general update

I love the blogging world, no where else can you find such wonderful people willing to share their creativity with those of us who simply are not gifted with it. I love having unique and personal gift ideas for people and this homemade vanilla extract idea from WhipperBerry is awesome! Check out her fabulous blog for more great ideas, I just ordered my vanilla beans tonight and can't wait for her next post that tells us all about her cute packaging!! Stay tuned for the final product!!

Speaking of gifts, both my kids have birthdays this month. I still have no idea what I am getting them yet, I usually get their Halloween costumes as part of their gift and then something small. We are not having any big parties this year, Abby might have a few girls over for a sleep over and Will might take a few friends to do laser tag. I have been so busy lately filling in at a PT clinic, doing my CAbi job and volunteering at the kids school that I am so happy my kids are totally okay without a big birthday party. Abby is loving the Third grade and has the best teacher, the Math homework is a huge step up from second grade. I don't remember having this hard of homework in third grade, all I remember is playing around the world with our multiplication facts. Will has enjoyed first grade, being gone all day from me has been a little tough on him but he is adjusting well and his teacher is so nice and patient with him. I absolutely adore our kids school.

I am so excited to be studying the book of Acts this year in BSF. I know God has many things to teach me despite this busy season. I will be sharing more about what I learn as I go.

Lots of random thoughts in this post but that is what happens when I wait a month to blog!!

School Days!

Well school has finally started and I find myself with a first and third grader. It was very weird to have the whole day free today, and I can only imagine how it will feel next week after a whole week away from the kids. I know there will be some adjustment for all of us but in the end I believe it is going to be a great year. I absolutely love both the kids teachers and feel like they are both in the right class.

Abby got her hair cut last night and it looked adorable today for school, she also got two feathers put in her hair which are all the rage in our elementary school. I love that Abby loves to wear a dress on the first day and the past two years Target has really come through with some cute vintage style dresses. How you see Will is probably the most dressed up he will ever get, he loves his sport shorts and tee shirts.

I can't wait to see all that my kids will learn this year and I hope and pray that they represent their God well as they do it.

What's your mood?

Abby must have been seriously adorable the day I let her not only shop at Justice but purchase blue nail polish that supposedly changes color depending on your mood. Whatever the case I let Abby give me a manicure today and I now have blue nails and so does she. Yes I am that desperate for a manicure that blue nail polish painted by an 8 year old sounded perfectly normal!

I am so glad that I have a daughter to share fun girly stuff with. I am glad that she still wants to hang out with me and enjoys spending time with me. I am glad that she seeks my feedback on her clothing(and nail polish) choices. I pray so hard for this daughter of mine, that she falls in love with her Christ, that she gets her value from him and that he is always at the center of her life.

So right now my mood is happy, content and grateful no matter the fact that my nails are still blue!

Hello blog, remember me!

Wow have I neglected the blog for a while. Once summer hit we have been super, crazy, fun busy and I have had a hard time documenting it. I also got an Iphone recently and with that came the app Instagram which has been great for taking pictures and posting them directly to facebook and twitter but not so good about posting them here.

We had a great time in July at Ruggles beach as always. We feel so blessed to have such great friends and family there and the memories created are so special.

ABBY TUBING FOR THE FIRST TIME


MOM AND WILL GIVING IT A TRY


MY MEN!

I also have started a new job which has consumed a lot of my time. I am now an independent CAbi consultant, a great clothing line and company that sells designer clothes in the home. Mike and I have prayed about this decision and I know that God is leading me to try something completely outside my comfort zone. Yet I know that when I stretch myself or even fail(of course I hope I don't) that it keeps me dependent on God and that is always where I want to be. I got to to travel to California for the first time for training which was fun, exciting and tiring, i flew my first Red eye!

So now we have a month or so before the kids go back to school, my little Will is going to be in first grade and my beautiful Abby in third. I will have both kids in school all day for the first time ever, that is going to be an interesting transition I am sure.
I hope that once the kids get in school I can focus more on keeping up on the blog and putting in writing the simple blessings that God places in my life daily. I never want to stop recognizing them or thanking him for them.

Will's Kindergarten graduation!

Well my Will graduated from Kindergarten a couple of weeks ago. I am so proud of how much he has grown throughout his kindergarten year and what a joy it was to spend the extra one on one time with him each afternoon. I know his teacher has prepared him well for first grade but it will be interesting being away from both my kids all day long next year. It is a natural progression but not always an easy transition. I am excited to see what God has in store for all of us next fall. Right now we are enjoying our summer to the fullest. I hope to post some video of Will and his class singing soon,


Will with his proud parents


My Graduate


Will receiving his diploma


My mom and Will

A Jedi battle like no other!

Gotta love that I took this picture of Will after he had eaten a juicy drop pop, hence the lovely glowing green mouth. Yes I have the gift for photography, NOT!!

Will has had a loose top front tooth for the past week. He had tried to wiggle it out with no luck. So enter super dad last night to get the job done. As Mike and Will were having a great Jedi battle, light sabers and all, Mike accidentally hit Will in the mouth with his sword and oops....out came Will's tooth. Luckily there was no crying and just a little blood. What a great story Will now has to tell.

I just had to take a picture of his mouth while his top tooth is gone, I am a sucker for his toothless grin. I also know it is one of those milestones that tells me my little boy is growing up. So I will snuggle with him while I can, listen attentively while he wants to chat a mile a minute and enjoy watching him as he sleeps(because it is the only time he is still). For I know the day will come when those days will pass and new and different memories with be created. Yet for now I will enjoy the blessing of Will, truly a gift that only our creator could give. Love you buddy!!

The Royal Wedding!!

This past Friday my daughter Abby and I got up at 515am and headed over to our good friends house to watch the royal wedding with them. Abby's best friend was there and they giggled and danced and watched all the festivities. It really was a special moment for us mom's to spend with our girls.

Here is Abby at our house before we left, the TV is on in the background as we watch Prince William head to the church.



The night before, around 11pm, I got inspired to make some scones. I have never made scones before so I used google and looked for a recipe with one egg as that is all I had left. I made chocolate chip and butterscotch chips scones and they were super yummy!!



I loved Kate's dress and I love this side by side picture of Grace Kelly and Kate with their Princes. I never was a lace girl myself but when I see these dresses I think I could be.



I of course would be remiss if I didn't mention that I know there is only one true King, one lineage that I am concerned with and that is Jesus Christ. As much as enjoy weddings, especially of a young woman becoming every girl's dream of being a real princess, I know that the my joy will be overflowing when I meet my heavenly father and everlasting King.

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:15-17

Teacher Appreciation Week

Next Monday(May 2nd) kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week. This year I have been wondering what to give the teachers that is simple, thoughtful and above all else, practical. Luckily there are a lot of talented, uber creative folks out there in the blogging world so I thought I would pass on a few of their ideas, which I may totally use.

First head over to Skip to my Lou and check out all the cute craft ideas they have. What I love about their site is they have very easy projects for the less crafty like me and some more adventurous projects for the crafting queens. I especially like this idea called Appreciation 7 days a week using a pill box and filling it with cute sayings and teacher friendly items. I also just discovered this one today called Upcycled Containers with Printable Labels where she uses old crystal light containers to hold whoopie pies. Yummy!

Another great idea came from Eighteen25 that also features cute crafts and adorable printables. I love their idea called Quick and Cheesy Teacher Appreciation gifts where she makes a cute printable for swedish fish saying "Your are o'fishally the best".

So give these blogs some love and check them out. I just discovered them both over the past few months and have such fun checking out all their creativeness. I also wanted to document the links for myself as I usually forget where I saw something and I definitely want to remember these ideas. Good Luck with your teacher appreciation ideas!!

Perseverance

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
-James 1:12

The past two weeks my little Abby has had to persevere a little. It is hard as a mom to watch but I know it builds character and confidence. If she can persevere with small things I know she can be strong and persevere in bigger things. I am only talking about swim team tryouts, nothing earth shattering or life altering but it did have an impact on who Abby is becoming.

Abby tried out for our community swim team, according to the swim guidelines she seemed to qualify. At her swim test she did as she was asked and was told "not this year" by the young lady running the test. There was little encouragement on how to improve or to try out again. Abby was devastated, she loves swimming, she wants to do this and she has several little friends who have done it and loved it. I came home defeated as well, did I misinterpret the requirements, should I have not had her tryout in the first place?

After discussing it with Mike and two friends whose daughters were on swim team I was encouraged to call the head coach and discuss the lack of feedback received and my disappointment with the whole process. Both of these women noted having to take their kids back 2 times in order to make the team. If Abby was clearly not ready that is fine, I don't want to be a "helicopter parent" but to not give much reason or guidance was not fine. She swims just as well as these two girls already on the team, it is 6-8 year old kids and I just wanted to be able to provide some info or instruction to Abby as to why she didn't make it. I am not a confrontational person, you could butt in front of me in line and I wouldn't utter a peep, so calling him was definitely out of my comfort zone. After speaking with the head coach he did provide feedback and welcomed her back for a second try. So Abby and I spent some quality time in the pool over the next two days and worked on all that he suggested. Abby really wanted to make the team and was diligent in her practice.

So about a week after her original tryout she passed the test with flying colors. We are officially registered for swim team and tomorrow morning I will find out which of the three teams she will be on. I am so grateful to those mom's for encouraging me to be an advocate for my child. I can only imaging how much she will improve after spending 6 weeks in the pool five days a week. I would have robbed Abby of the ability to persevere and overcome an obstacle and the opportunity to do something that will really benefit her in so many ways. Now had she not made the team after the second time we would have learned another lesson, that sometimes you don't get what you want but God always has a plan. I also know that that lesson will come all too soon, but for now we are enjoying Abby's accomplishment

So may I learn from my little Abby to persevere, in the small and big things. May we always persevere for Christ and our faith remain unshaken in the one who is unshakeable. Abby's reward for her current perseverance will be a medal or ribbon but our reward for standing up for Christ will be "the crown of life" . How awesome that will be!!

Too Cute!

My eight year old daughter Abby is really coming into her own style. She and I went shopping recently and I noticed how her clothing choices have started to branch out a little. She has always loved skirts and dresses and anything girly but recently she has been exploring the whole leggings with shorts or leggings with skirts thing. She picked out this hat too and I thought it looked adorable on her. I always want Abby to feel confident in her choice of style. I love that she still wants my help picking out clothes but that she is also becoming a little more independent in so many ways.

Abby has always been fearful to to do things by herself. She never wanted or desired to go to the bathroom by herself in a restaurant, she didn't want to be dropped off for any practice at the door but always wanted me to walk her in. Lately she has started to show signs of confidence and maturity that are really a treat to watch. I love the balance she displays of being independent when appropriate but not trying to be more mature or older than she is. I think second grade has been a great confidence building year and I can't wait to see what the next year brings.

Thank you Abby for being the sweetest daughter I could ever ask for. The joy and pride I feel in being bestowed the honor of being your mom is immeasurable. Our God knew how much we needed each other and I am forever grateful. I love you!!

Spring is coming finally!!

So with the warmer weather finally here in Columbus I decided to go to my favorite Hobby Lobby and buy some spring accents to update my mantle and apothecary jars. For some reason I am on a bird theme, which is not like me at all, but I will roll with it.



This cute birdhouse matches the Yellow on my family room walls perfectly. I think it says spring with out saying I'm country. It is also the perfect height to fit under my mirror on the mantle.



I found some moss at Hobby Lobby as well and then they sold these two little bird's nests and little eggs so I placed them in the two apothecary jars I have in each of my bathrooms.

Now I just need to find some springlike picture frames for my mantle an I am good to go.

I also downloaded this free subway art to put on my living room, here is the link if you want to print out your own. http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2011/03/spring-subway-art-prints.html

God is in control

To say last week was a rough week is an understatement. However, what seemed an overwhelming emotional week for our family is a drop in the bucket compared to what the Maloney family experienced. On Saturday March 12th their lives changed forever as their sweet son Noah died unexpectedly in a freak accident on a neighbor's slide. In an instant, Noah was gone and their family will never ever be the same. Noah was Will's age and attended kindergarten at our school. Noah's older sister is in Abby's second grade class, we had her over for a play date just a week before the accident. These situations are when Satan loves to pop those faith shaking questions in your mind. How is this good? Why did he choose Noah and not my child? I am so grateful that our faith, our God is bigger than any circumstance, that he allows us to know that he has suffered all things in order to be able to comfort us. I am so grateful this family has a faith to cling to and I pray that they continue to see God's faithfulness in the coming weeks, months, years.

There was a candlelight memorial on Wed night and it was so touching to see the communtiy come and show their support. To hear the words of our Lord offered as a comfort. I thought this poem they read was very touching.

I'll lend you for a little while a child of mine God said
For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead
It may be six or seven years or forty two or three
But will you 'til I call him back take care of him for Me
He'll bring his ways to gladden you and should his stay be brief
You'll always have his memories as a solace for your grief
I cannot promise he will stay as all from earth return
But there are lessons taught below that I want you all to learn
I've looked this whole world over in My search for students true
And from the folks that crown life's lane I have chosen you
Now will you give him all your love nor think labour vain
Nor hate Me when I come to take this lent child back again?
I fancied that I heard them say Dear Lord Thy Will be done
For all the joys Thy child will bring the risk of grief we'll run
We'll shelter him with tenderness we'll love him while we may
And just for having loved him forever grateful stay.
Author unknown at this time.

So please pray for the Maloney family as they try to process life without their sweet little boy. Pray for the family whose house the accident happened at, they are devastated as well. Pray for the families at Bailey elementary as their hearts are broken as well and that we may all reach out and be able to comfort and serve them as they try to get back to their new normal. Pray that we enjoy every moment with them and learn from their innocence and sweet laughter. May I always remember that all good gifts come from God, including my children. May we all be able to say "Dear Lord Thy Will be Done" and hear "Well Done Good and Faithful Servant".

Seeds of Turmoil by Bryant Wright

I am a history buff, I think where we have come from is a fascinating story and can provide much information into our future. So when I decided to read this book about "The biblical roots of the inevitable crisis in the mideast" I knew I was in for an amazing story. I have always been intrigued by Israel and the special place it has in God's plan, but this book really sheds light on how Israel formed and how and why she is hated by so many. I will say that this book is not a one or two day read, it took me a few months to finish it but it was never boring. I find this is typical for me with historical books to take my time and soak it in.

The book starts out by stating that the decision made by Abraham to disobey God has lead to what we see now in the Middle East. Abraham decided that he and his wife knew better about when and how their promised son was going to be born, so they took matters into their own hands. What unfolds is the birth of Ishmael thru Sarah's(Abrahams wife) servant Hagar and then years later the promised birth of Isaac via Sarah. I love on page 39 when Bryant writes " When we take matters into our own hands and try to manipulate God's will to get what we want, sometimes He allows it. Misery can result." Bryant does a great job of explaining the sibling rivalry between Ishmael and Isaac and how this transforms into a bitterness between two nations.

Bryant also discusses the sibling rivalry between Isaac's two sons Jacob and Esau. What I found fascinating was that even though at the end of their lives Jacob and Esau reconciled, the heirs of Esau(the Edomites, now present day Jordan) did not forgive and hence the bitter history between nations unfolds.

The first part of this book also focuses on the struggle of Israel to become a nation and up to present day as they struggle to remain a nation despite heavy opposition. Then in part two of the book it discusses the conflicting perspectives of the Jews, Islam nations and Christians. On page 137 Bryant states " Christianity originated between these two influential faiths(meaning Judaism and Islam), and it has been caught in the middle between the two to this very day."

I highly recommend this book as it provided great biblical perspective, is applicable to today's currents events and also discusses the eternal consequences of this history. I found it very interesting that at the time I decided to read this I came across the history of Egypt and it mentioned Mubarak. I would not have given a second thought to this but at the time the news was covering how Mubarak had just been overthrown by his people. I have discovered so many interesting truths, facts and life application by reading this book and am looking forward to exploring more from this author.

NOTE: Words in italics are my own explanation/words to provide context to the quotes from the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

John 3:16

"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE." JOHN 3:16

About two weeks ago was Will's last wrestling tourney. Mike took Will there for warmups and Abby and i joined them later. When I saw Will he was pale as a ghost and on the verge of tears. HE WAS SUPER NERVOUS!! This was the league championship and there were so many people there. I felt sick to my stomach, I didn't want my baby boy to be scared about wrestling or competition, I wanted him to have fun. I start thinking in my head, how do I handle this. Then I look down and I see this written on his hand.



In wrestling the kids get put in brackets and this was Will's for the day. So I told him the importance of that Bible verse and how God loves him so much. I was so grateful for the opportunity to share scripture with Will as comfort. His first match ended in a forfeit and he lost the next two. However he wrestled great despite the fact he had to wrestle the #1 and #2 wrestlers.




Mike got to coach a few of the kids because they were short coaches. Mike is on one knee by the table and Will is on his knees looking a little bored.



Here Will is sitting on Mike's lap as they await his next match. What great Daddy/son bonding:)




Lastly this was God again letting his presence and comfort be known. Abby and I attended church before we headed to the mat. I saw that she got a red heart ornament but I did not read what it said. When we got home after the tourney I looked at it and wouldn't you know it said GOD LOVES YOU on one side and JOHN 3:16 on the other side. Only God could orchestrate the events of that day and how gracious of him to reveal his love to my family.

Valentine's Party 2nd grade

This year I was a co party planner for my daughter Abby's Valentine's Day Party. I thought I would blog about what we did as I am always searching for ideas. Also I am always forgetting what I did in year's past so I thought I would document it hear.




For goodie bags, we filled 4x6 dollar store valentine bags with a few goodies(my co planner scored cute bubbles from target super cheap). We then wrapped an individual microwave popcorn bag in wrapping paper, whole punched the top of the popcorn and bag and tied a ribbon to keep it together. I found these cute free owl valentine printable from living locurto and inserted them in the bags



Here is my own sweet valentine dressed in all pink and red for her party day.



For games we split the class in two and did relays. One relay was putting a balloon between your knees and walking to/from the start/finish lines. The second relay was to race to these index cards with candy taped on them. Each card had a task to perfrom and then the team that performed fastest won, but everyone got to keep the chocolate. We then did a cupcake walk by numbering construction paper hearts and playing music until your number was called. Then you were allowed to go claim your cupcake and get some of the other snacks provided. Lastly we bought large conversation hearts and had teams build the tallest tower they could in two minutes. The kids seemed to have fun. I saw another class do the relay where you try and sit on a balloon and pop it and the team that gets all their balloons popped first wins. I remember doing this as a kid and because I didn't weigh that much I was always the slowest at this task. I had forgotten about that game until I saw another class doing it.

In my son's kindergarten class they did this really cute game where each child pulled a piece of paper out of a bag and it had a picture of an animal on it. Then you had to go around making the noise your animal makes and find your partner. We have also played bingo in the past.

Hope you all had a great Valentine's day. My hubby surprised us each with a small gift when we got home from soccer practice. We typically don't celebrate Valentine's day so this was a very nice thing for him to do.