So I started a new blog.
I don't really know why. I guess I just wanted something different. I will always keep this blog. At least until I get all of the pictures put into books of some sort. The new blog is going to be a little bit of everything. Sort of like this one. There's a header on there that I hope to replace with an outside shot of our house after its redone(hopefully the end of this month!). I'm still trying to figure out how to run/manage the wordpress site. So please, be gracious. I have no idea what I'm doing over there. I may end up scrapping the whole thing if I don't start loving it after a while.
Sadly, I don't have a lot of spare time for blogging and the time I do have is spent at other people's blogs. Ha! But I do want to blog once a week to start and work my way up to a few times a week. We have lots of improvements on the house that we've been working on and a lot more coming up. Think complete makeover outside and a new schoolroom. (Not to mention making our laundry room more practical and turning our living room into my dream living room.) And let's face it, there will be a lot of the kids on there too.
Anyway, if you're interested:
http://homebeyond.wordpress.com
Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
Lull
Seems there has been quite the blogging lull these past few months. I'm not really sure why but it almost seems as if blogging is a thing of the past. I blame Facebook. Ha ha.
It's not that there is nothing happening in our life or that it's unworthy of blogging about. After all, the sole purpose in my own personal blogging is to document our life while the children are at home. I don't scrapbook or even very often print photos, so it has always been a way for me to commit their childhoods to memory.
I think it's just that we are so busy living. It seems there is so much to do and teach and see. Blogging seems like a silly waste of time so often. But then again, its so wonderful for so many reasons. Looking back over the years has been so fun and a little bittersweet. It makes me want to document every second of my children's' lives. But then when would I live it?
So much has happened since my last blog post: a trip to Arizona, our 11th anniversary, a niece's wedding, visits from out of town friends, Rhett's 2nd birthday, Avril's 5th birthday, another 4th of July, the death of a beloved pet, and on and on. I do have pictures of a lot of these events and some things will never be forgotten even without photos. But for some reason I've lost the drive to put them up on the blog. But I want to change that. I want something for my kids to look back on and laugh & giggle and remember. I want them to scoff at the ridiculous clothing and hairstyles. I want them to gleefully exclaim the memory of a cherished toy long gone. I want them to divulge pertinent information about events that was unbeknownst to me at the time.
I guess this is just a plea and a commitment of sorts to blogging. I don' want to stop.
It's not that there is nothing happening in our life or that it's unworthy of blogging about. After all, the sole purpose in my own personal blogging is to document our life while the children are at home. I don't scrapbook or even very often print photos, so it has always been a way for me to commit their childhoods to memory.
I think it's just that we are so busy living. It seems there is so much to do and teach and see. Blogging seems like a silly waste of time so often. But then again, its so wonderful for so many reasons. Looking back over the years has been so fun and a little bittersweet. It makes me want to document every second of my children's' lives. But then when would I live it?
So much has happened since my last blog post: a trip to Arizona, our 11th anniversary, a niece's wedding, visits from out of town friends, Rhett's 2nd birthday, Avril's 5th birthday, another 4th of July, the death of a beloved pet, and on and on. I do have pictures of a lot of these events and some things will never be forgotten even without photos. But for some reason I've lost the drive to put them up on the blog. But I want to change that. I want something for my kids to look back on and laugh & giggle and remember. I want them to scoff at the ridiculous clothing and hairstyles. I want them to gleefully exclaim the memory of a cherished toy long gone. I want them to divulge pertinent information about events that was unbeknownst to me at the time.
I guess this is just a plea and a commitment of sorts to blogging. I don' want to stop.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Ten on Tuesday
1. 12 days until we leave for Arizona. It's so close, yet, I have so much to do that it feels distant. Tomorrow I will work on compiling a list of the groceries/supplies we need. This involves meal & snack planning as well as activities for travel for kids & adults alike.
2. I have made a decision to join CC Connected for our homeschooling adventures. I have rebelled at the idea and resisted to the point of just being obnoxiously stubborn but was convinced by a friend today that it is more than worth the extra money you spend. We shall see...
3. Adam had to have an abscessed tooth extracted today. It is his third one. Poor guy. I am not sure how to make his teeth healthier. I will start by making sure we clean up our diet a bit. We have also started using fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. Ugh. Does that stuff freak anyone else out? I mean, what is fluoride? I asked our dentist and he tried to explain but I don't feel any more knowledgeable on the subject than I did before. Oh pray for my kiddos' teeth. I think Avril's are going to have trouble too.
4. We have finally come to the conclusion that we need to go 100% dairy free as far as our kiddos go. It will take some adjusting but mostly with baked goods and when we are out & about. Those are really the only areas we haven't been very strict. They never drink milk or eat cheese and we get them a non-dairy spread for their toast and such. So begins a label-reading-frenzy for us.
5. That brings me to my next topic. Our children are unhappy. It would seem unusually so. Constant crying, whining, fighting, & grumpiness. I do expect to deal with this as a mother of four but it seems that we deal with it all the time. I would chalk it up to lack of discipline, only, I think our kids get as much or more discipline than most.(We are working on consistency and not yelling at the present.) So we decided that we would make sure they are feeling well and really work on structure as well as taking a sincere interest in them.
6. I started exercising again last week. It makes me feel wonderful & tired all at the same time. Here's to hoping the tired wears off quickly...
7. I finally got new contacts a couple of weeks ago and my eyeballs feel as though they've been on vacation ever since! Now I just need to suck it up and get new glasses. hey, its only been 9 years since my last pair.
8. Still trying to figure out the best routine for school. Ok, actually, I figured out a routine that works really well, when I stick to it. I have gotten into such a nasty habit of being idol. *sigh*
9. Any good daily devotionals out there that will last me more than a week? I need some inspiration and an outline to get me going on my daily devotions again. another thing that I've become idol about. Probably, not surprisingly, the reason everything else is so chaotic & out of whack.
10. Do you have any idea how long its been since I've read a book just for fun? More than two years. How sad!
2. I have made a decision to join CC Connected for our homeschooling adventures. I have rebelled at the idea and resisted to the point of just being obnoxiously stubborn but was convinced by a friend today that it is more than worth the extra money you spend. We shall see...
3. Adam had to have an abscessed tooth extracted today. It is his third one. Poor guy. I am not sure how to make his teeth healthier. I will start by making sure we clean up our diet a bit. We have also started using fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. Ugh. Does that stuff freak anyone else out? I mean, what is fluoride? I asked our dentist and he tried to explain but I don't feel any more knowledgeable on the subject than I did before. Oh pray for my kiddos' teeth. I think Avril's are going to have trouble too.
4. We have finally come to the conclusion that we need to go 100% dairy free as far as our kiddos go. It will take some adjusting but mostly with baked goods and when we are out & about. Those are really the only areas we haven't been very strict. They never drink milk or eat cheese and we get them a non-dairy spread for their toast and such. So begins a label-reading-frenzy for us.
5. That brings me to my next topic. Our children are unhappy. It would seem unusually so. Constant crying, whining, fighting, & grumpiness. I do expect to deal with this as a mother of four but it seems that we deal with it all the time. I would chalk it up to lack of discipline, only, I think our kids get as much or more discipline than most.(We are working on consistency and not yelling at the present.) So we decided that we would make sure they are feeling well and really work on structure as well as taking a sincere interest in them.
6. I started exercising again last week. It makes me feel wonderful & tired all at the same time. Here's to hoping the tired wears off quickly...
7. I finally got new contacts a couple of weeks ago and my eyeballs feel as though they've been on vacation ever since! Now I just need to suck it up and get new glasses. hey, its only been 9 years since my last pair.
8. Still trying to figure out the best routine for school. Ok, actually, I figured out a routine that works really well, when I stick to it. I have gotten into such a nasty habit of being idol. *sigh*
9. Any good daily devotionals out there that will last me more than a week? I need some inspiration and an outline to get me going on my daily devotions again. another thing that I've become idol about. Probably, not surprisingly, the reason everything else is so chaotic & out of whack.
10. Do you have any idea how long its been since I've read a book just for fun? More than two years. How sad!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Dear Lord...
"...I love you. I just love you very much. And I love all the people...except Mommy. And I love myself too, God."
~Avril, February 8, 2014
~Avril, February 8, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Alone?
So we are going to Arizona in a few weeks and I've been preparing ahead of time.
Yeah, I've been thinking about the food. And I've been thinking about things we need for the 5th wheel. No, haven't been packing. No, haven't cleaned the 5th wheel. No, haven't actually put our time into the vacation schedule. And no, I haven't even thought about mapping out the kids' school work.
But I have been preparing. I've been putting this time to good use. How?
By creating documents of the outfits my kids will wear for certain activities. You know, finding out what they'll need while were are gone for 16 days and then trying to put them all together into weather appropriate ensembles that are stylish & functional. Finding things we can mix & match and have them looking their best all vacation long.
Totally relevant & helpful to a two-week trip to visit family.
I will plan food and entertainment for the 2-and-a-half-days it takes to get there. And I will pack the 5th wheel.
But come on, first things first.
Am I the only person who does this?
Yeah, I've been thinking about the food. And I've been thinking about things we need for the 5th wheel. No, haven't been packing. No, haven't cleaned the 5th wheel. No, haven't actually put our time into the vacation schedule. And no, I haven't even thought about mapping out the kids' school work.
But I have been preparing. I've been putting this time to good use. How?
By creating documents of the outfits my kids will wear for certain activities. You know, finding out what they'll need while were are gone for 16 days and then trying to put them all together into weather appropriate ensembles that are stylish & functional. Finding things we can mix & match and have them looking their best all vacation long.
Totally relevant & helpful to a two-week trip to visit family.
I will plan food and entertainment for the 2-and-a-half-days it takes to get there. And I will pack the 5th wheel.
But come on, first things first.
Am I the only person who does this?
Monday, January 27, 2014
Adam
Time for Adam's birthday post. I know it's late but at least it's still the same month as his birthday.
(I will add pictures later today. I still need to take actual "portraits" of them but I have some of Adam opening his gifts on his birthday.)
Adam Taite
January 6, 2014, 9-years-old
What is your favorite color? Red
What is your favorite toy? Halo Mega Bloks
What is your favorite stuffed animal? My teddy bear, my old one
What is your favorite thing to sleep with? My smelly teddy bear (scentsy buddy)
What is your favorite fruit? peaches
What is your favorite cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cinnamon Toast
What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? BBQ chips with fries & a hamburger with potato salad
What is your favorite dessert? ice cream
What is your favorite drink? soda
What do you want to eat for your birthday dinner? pizza with sausage & peppers
What is your favorite animal? snake
What is your favorite book? The 39 Clues
What is your favorite song? I'm in the Lord's Army
What is your favorite game? Halo
What is your favorite t.v.show? Andy Griffith
What is your favorite movie? Spiderman
What is your favorite thing to do outside? shoot my BB gun
Who is your best friend? Camden
What do you want to be when you grow up? A UPS driver & a police officer but probably just a UPS driver for now.
Adam is still every bit as energetic & mischievous as he ever was. He brings so much fun & energy to our home. Sometimes a little too much but we love him for it! He has really matured in so many ways this last year. We are seeing less temper tantrums. And is magnificent with his baby brother.
He does still like to torment Rowan & Avril though and it is something we are working on.
He is an amazing reader and math almost seems second nature to him. He does so well in school and seems to enjoy it more than years past. Adam started basketball this winter and is LOVING it. I have only seen one of his games but I plan on seeing all of the rest as it is so fun to watch him play. He is aggressive and tries very hard. I think he was built for it as he is so tall.
Adam claims to have accepted the Lord this year as well. We do not know when this event took place but look for the fruit of it daily. It is hard to say whether or not he really understands what it means but we will continue to pray for him daily and ask others to do the same. It is our deepest desire for him to devote his life to Christ and spend eternity with Him.
We are so glad to have Adam and grateful that we get this great responsibility of raising him. We love him so much!
Adam is halfway to being an adult. *sniffle* Sometimes I look at him & still see the "tiny" baby that came to us that first night as parents. The same hairline, the same mouth, the same eyes. Every now & then I even still hold him in my lap, although it is getting hard to do. He is still my baby, my first, my dream come true. Other times, I just see this big, tall, gangly kid that I know so well but seems like a stranger all at once. He just keeps growing & changing. It's funny how you don't notice the changes until you look back and then it's just there, so blatantly obvious. You wonder how you missed the fact that he no longer calls spaghetti "skebbi", and when did he stop getting a stool to brush his teeth, and didn't you just buy those too short jeans like a couple of weeks ago? How do we miss it? Our children growing up. We spend every day with them, and yet we still blink and wonder, "where did the time go?"
I know where it went. It just went. It went in the training, the disciplining, the feeding, the playing, the loving, the frustration, the praying, the weeping, the living. And though it makes me sad that it went, I'm so so grateful that I was there. That I get to be a part of this boy's life. A big part. It's scary and hard and oh so wonderful. And I will strive every day to enjoy what is left of his childhood. No more being sad that the baby is gone and no more wishing away the days that are here now. I am sometimes filled with sorrow over the days that I feel were wasted. The days that I retreated from him & his siblings, the days I yelled & lost my temper, the days I just survived and wished were over. But then I realize that I'm just wasting more time by dwelling on those days. I am done wasting time. I have a family to take care of and to love. Someday they will grow, move away, or even pass from this life. But today they are here. Today we get to love them, pray for & with them, hold them, enjoy them, teach them, and share with them. I don't want to waste it. They grow too fast.
(I will add pictures later today. I still need to take actual "portraits" of them but I have some of Adam opening his gifts on his birthday.)
Adam Taite
January 6, 2014, 9-years-old
What is your favorite color? Red
What is your favorite toy? Halo Mega Bloks
What is your favorite stuffed animal? My teddy bear, my old one
What is your favorite thing to sleep with? My smelly teddy bear (scentsy buddy)
What is your favorite fruit? peaches
What is your favorite cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cinnamon Toast
What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? BBQ chips with fries & a hamburger with potato salad
What is your favorite dessert? ice cream
What is your favorite drink? soda
What do you want to eat for your birthday dinner? pizza with sausage & peppers
What is your favorite animal? snake
What is your favorite book? The 39 Clues
What is your favorite song? I'm in the Lord's Army
What is your favorite game? Halo
What is your favorite t.v.show? Andy Griffith
What is your favorite movie? Spiderman
What is your favorite thing to do outside? shoot my BB gun
Who is your best friend? Camden
What do you want to be when you grow up? A UPS driver & a police officer but probably just a UPS driver for now.
Adam is still every bit as energetic & mischievous as he ever was. He brings so much fun & energy to our home. Sometimes a little too much but we love him for it! He has really matured in so many ways this last year. We are seeing less temper tantrums. And is magnificent with his baby brother.
He does still like to torment Rowan & Avril though and it is something we are working on.
He is an amazing reader and math almost seems second nature to him. He does so well in school and seems to enjoy it more than years past. Adam started basketball this winter and is LOVING it. I have only seen one of his games but I plan on seeing all of the rest as it is so fun to watch him play. He is aggressive and tries very hard. I think he was built for it as he is so tall.
Adam claims to have accepted the Lord this year as well. We do not know when this event took place but look for the fruit of it daily. It is hard to say whether or not he really understands what it means but we will continue to pray for him daily and ask others to do the same. It is our deepest desire for him to devote his life to Christ and spend eternity with Him.
We are so glad to have Adam and grateful that we get this great responsibility of raising him. We love him so much!
Adam is halfway to being an adult. *sniffle* Sometimes I look at him & still see the "tiny" baby that came to us that first night as parents. The same hairline, the same mouth, the same eyes. Every now & then I even still hold him in my lap, although it is getting hard to do. He is still my baby, my first, my dream come true. Other times, I just see this big, tall, gangly kid that I know so well but seems like a stranger all at once. He just keeps growing & changing. It's funny how you don't notice the changes until you look back and then it's just there, so blatantly obvious. You wonder how you missed the fact that he no longer calls spaghetti "skebbi", and when did he stop getting a stool to brush his teeth, and didn't you just buy those too short jeans like a couple of weeks ago? How do we miss it? Our children growing up. We spend every day with them, and yet we still blink and wonder, "where did the time go?"
I know where it went. It just went. It went in the training, the disciplining, the feeding, the playing, the loving, the frustration, the praying, the weeping, the living. And though it makes me sad that it went, I'm so so grateful that I was there. That I get to be a part of this boy's life. A big part. It's scary and hard and oh so wonderful. And I will strive every day to enjoy what is left of his childhood. No more being sad that the baby is gone and no more wishing away the days that are here now. I am sometimes filled with sorrow over the days that I feel were wasted. The days that I retreated from him & his siblings, the days I yelled & lost my temper, the days I just survived and wished were over. But then I realize that I'm just wasting more time by dwelling on those days. I am done wasting time. I have a family to take care of and to love. Someday they will grow, move away, or even pass from this life. But today they are here. Today we get to love them, pray for & with them, hold them, enjoy them, teach them, and share with them. I don't want to waste it. They grow too fast.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
*sigh*
The kids & I had one of those days that makes you want to jump up and shout, "Do over!"
Adam was very, very sick all day. I think he threw up about 13 times and had the "other" twice. Poor guy. And Rhett decided that he would fight me on the whole nap bit for 4.hours.straight. Jay and our nephew Josh went snowmobiling and I was ok with it until around 3:30 when everything was falling to pieces around me, at which point I proceeded to snap at all 4 of the children and sent Jay a text via my email that said something to the effect of his day better be worth ditching me to deal with everything by myself. Oops. DO OVER!
Then Adam starting feeling better & Rhett woke up from his nap just as Jay & Josh walked through the door this evening. Then we, in a great frenzy, fed the kids and got them ready for be so we could watch a movie.
Here I sit. Jay asleep on the couch. Josh asleep on the floor. All by myself. And the internet is boring tonight.
Snowmobiling makes me so lonesome I could cry.
Adam was very, very sick all day. I think he threw up about 13 times and had the "other" twice. Poor guy. And Rhett decided that he would fight me on the whole nap bit for 4.hours.straight. Jay and our nephew Josh went snowmobiling and I was ok with it until around 3:30 when everything was falling to pieces around me, at which point I proceeded to snap at all 4 of the children and sent Jay a text via my email that said something to the effect of his day better be worth ditching me to deal with everything by myself. Oops. DO OVER!
Then Adam starting feeling better & Rhett woke up from his nap just as Jay & Josh walked through the door this evening. Then we, in a great frenzy, fed the kids and got them ready for be so we could watch a movie.
Here I sit. Jay asleep on the couch. Josh asleep on the floor. All by myself. And the internet is boring tonight.
Snowmobiling makes me so lonesome I could cry.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Rowan
We didn't forget Rowan's birthday this year! Really! We have just been so busy and I decided to throw the two boys a party together this time. I don't know if that will happen now with everyone coming down with the stomach bug. They may have to settle for us taking them out to eat and maybe a movie. It's kinda sad. It will be the first year ever that we haven't thrown them a party.
Well, here he is, my big seven-year-old boy! Can you believe it? SEVEN
1. What is your favorite color? blue
2. What is your favorite toy? legos
3. What is your favorite stuffed animal? armadillo
4. What is your favorite thing to sleep with? my lion
5. What is your favorite fruit? pears
6. What is your favorite cereal? granola
7. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? cinnamon toast, with like the swirly in the middle
8. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? pizza
9. What is your favorite dessert? ice cream
10. What is your favorite drink? soda
11. What do you want to eat for your birthday dinner? eggs, bacon, waffles
12. What is your favorite animal? snake
13. What is your favorite book? Harry & Horsie
14. What is your favorite song? Our God is an Awesome God
15. What is your favorite game? MegaMind DS game
16. What is your favorite t.v. show? I Love Lucy
17. What is your favorite movie? Despicable Me 2
18. What is your favorite thing to do outside? build snow forts
19. Who is your best friend? Jude
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? a toy maker
Rowan is still a fairly passive child. He loves to spend time at home. Alone. That being said, he does really enjoy playing with other kids and he loves to ham it up in a crowd. Rowan is learning to read this year and is improving greatly. Math seems to come quite naturally to him. He played soccer last spring and can't wait to start up again this coming year.
The biggest highlight of Rowan's year was that on September 2, 2013, he accepted Jesus as his Saviour.
We could not be more pleased with this boy. To say we love him would be a gross understatement.
Well, here he is, my big seven-year-old boy! Can you believe it? SEVEN
1. What is your favorite color? blue
2. What is your favorite toy? legos
3. What is your favorite stuffed animal? armadillo
4. What is your favorite thing to sleep with? my lion
5. What is your favorite fruit? pears
6. What is your favorite cereal? granola
7. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? cinnamon toast, with like the swirly in the middle
8. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? pizza
9. What is your favorite dessert? ice cream
10. What is your favorite drink? soda
11. What do you want to eat for your birthday dinner? eggs, bacon, waffles
12. What is your favorite animal? snake
13. What is your favorite book? Harry & Horsie
14. What is your favorite song? Our God is an Awesome God
15. What is your favorite game? MegaMind DS game
16. What is your favorite t.v. show? I Love Lucy
17. What is your favorite movie? Despicable Me 2
18. What is your favorite thing to do outside? build snow forts
19. Who is your best friend? Jude
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? a toy maker
Rowan is still a fairly passive child. He loves to spend time at home. Alone. That being said, he does really enjoy playing with other kids and he loves to ham it up in a crowd. Rowan is learning to read this year and is improving greatly. Math seems to come quite naturally to him. He played soccer last spring and can't wait to start up again this coming year.
The biggest highlight of Rowan's year was that on September 2, 2013, he accepted Jesus as his Saviour.
We could not be more pleased with this boy. To say we love him would be a gross understatement.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
A Few of My Favorite Things
These are the things that I'm "crushing on", if you will.
1. Vitamix
Oh the things I could blend...
These are so expensive but I must admit that I would truly love to have one. My blender is on the fritz & from what I've seen & heard, these are the best.
2. Lindor Truffles
Who doesn't love these? Jay usually gets me the tiny little bag that contains 3 of these beauties every year for my stocking. There are so many flavors that I haven't even tried them all. So far I have to say my favorite is probably the dark chocolate.
3. Le Creuset Spatulas
These are awesome. I only have the small one on the far left but I would be thrilled to find my stocking filled with the rest of these. Maybe even double of some sizes. They are pretty spendy as far as spatulas go but the one I have is the best spatula I have ever owned.
4. This Bedding from West Elm.
I love the slate grey color. Put together with some white crocheted pillows and a white throw it would be just the look I want for our bedroom. There is similar bedding on Amazon for about half the price.
5. Faux Fur Stockings
I just got these yesterday! I have to say, I totally dig them. They are bigger than I pictured and better quality. Each one is lined with the softest material. I didn't have them personalized because I thought a glittered monogram hanging with each one would be more my style. I hung them up the second they came and I can't wait to fill them. (Not sure what they cost now but I got them on clearance.)
6. Hand Warmers
These are a favorite of all 4 of my kiddos. They swiped some from the UPS fill-a-truck drive and played with them all day. Then Jay's mom sent this pack to split between the boys for their birthdays. It's a great stocking stuffer for just about anyone. I wouldn't mind having some myself. Throw in some of the boot warmers and I'd be one happy girl this winter.
7. Snow boots
There are so many options out there but I think these are cute as far as snow boots go. I honestly would enjoy anything that was comfortable & kept my feet dry. I haven't owned snow boots since before I was married. I know, I live in North Idaho. I guess I'm just used to it and since my trudging up Mom & Dad's driveway days are over, I just haven't felt the need to spend the money. But I would really love a quality pair of boots so that I could go outside with the kids for longer than 10 minutes. And not get frostbite.
8. Bare Escentuals Foundation
Girls, this stuff rocks. My winter color is medium beige. In the summer I need something darker. I love that you get decent coverage but it doesn't feel heavy or caked like liquid foundation tends to do to me. I recommend purchasing wide awake & their mineral veil as well. The wide awake is great for under eye circles or blemishes and the mineral veil gives your skin a nice naturally blended look. The best part is that my skin seems to get clearer(except currently for some weird reason) and it lasts me for about 3 or 4 months.
9. More Makeup
More from Bare Escentuals. This kit is called "city lights" and I have been eyeing it for a while. It is currently on sale. Yippee! Their holiday sets have been my favorites for eyes & lips(not a big lip person. makes me feel claustrophobic.). I do not care for their mascara. Not sure if its because they only have black & I use brown, or if it's their mascara brush, but I am not a fan.
10. Caramel Brulee Latte from Starbucks
I have had a couple of these this season and they are yummy. Trying to cut out sugar & carbs right now so I haven't been indulging but when you need a treat, these are a great option. I am generally a peppermint mocha or a chai tea sort of gal but these were nice for a change.
DISCLAIMER: I know this may seem very materialistic of me but I do have to say that I honestly do not care what I get for Christmas. In fact, I would be okay with receiving no gifts. I really would. Although I do love me a good gift, in my opinion, it is more fun to find gifts for others to enjoy. I am not the best gift giver. I readily admit that I am not the most thoughtful and I don't often come up with the best gift, but I do thoroughly enjoy trying. Please don't think me greedy, just wanted to share some things I enjoy and maybe give others ideas for those on their list. It's not too late!
Right?
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
O Christmas Tree
We did actually decorate the tree we cut down. I didn't get very many pictures. Attaching hooks to ornaments & making sure they don't get broken is a full time job with 4 kiddos so it makes it very difficult to photograph the process. We do have a few & I hope to take some more once we have the gifts wrapped & under the tree.(Rhett prevents us from putting them out too soon. He's curious to say the least.)
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
The Best Day...
Thirteen years today.
That is how long ago I met my husband.
We don't really celebrate the anniversary of the day we first met.
At the time it didn't really seem that significant.
But thirteen years later we know.
We know it was the start of a dramatic change in our lives.
I think often of the fact that I wanted to stay home that night.
And it's true that we probably would have met eventually.
But what if we hadn't?
I would not have known how being loved by him would change me.
I would not have met his family.
His brother's wife would not be one of my best friends. I would have never even met her.
I most likely wouldn't have traveled so many places.
I may have married another or never married at all.
There are at least 4 people who would never have existed. And at least one less in Heaven.
If I had married I would most likely be divorced. Let's face it, who else would put up with me?*wink*
Life would have been very different if I had not met him that night 13 years ago.
So I will celebrate in my heart. I will thank the Lord above. I will praise him for that night every day.
Because you can only meet the most wonderful man on Earth once in a lifetime.
That is how long ago I met my husband.
We don't really celebrate the anniversary of the day we first met.
At the time it didn't really seem that significant.
But thirteen years later we know.
We know it was the start of a dramatic change in our lives.
I think often of the fact that I wanted to stay home that night.
And it's true that we probably would have met eventually.
But what if we hadn't?
I would not have known how being loved by him would change me.
I would not have met his family.
His brother's wife would not be one of my best friends. I would have never even met her.
I most likely wouldn't have traveled so many places.
I may have married another or never married at all.
There are at least 4 people who would never have existed. And at least one less in Heaven.
If I had married I would most likely be divorced. Let's face it, who else would put up with me?*wink*
Life would have been very different if I had not met him that night 13 years ago.
So I will celebrate in my heart. I will thank the Lord above. I will praise him for that night every day.
Because you can only meet the most wonderful man on Earth once in a lifetime.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Gift Giving
It happens every year.
The overwhelming task of finding the perfect gifts for each person on our list.
I am not one who buys gifts because it is expected of me. I buy them because I truly want to. I do. I think gifts must be my love language because I enjoy giving them as much or more than receiving them. But I'll admit, the task can be rather daunting at Christmastime. With four kiddos, parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces & nephews, and our spouse, it gets really expensive even when you are spending frugally.
A couple of years ago we decided that we will no longer purchase gifts for siblings or parents. It was a family decision. My parents, siblings, and I all got together and decided that it was just too much to get a gift for every.single.person. So, my parents don't buy us gifts but focus on the grandkids instead. We have never purchased gifts for Jay's side of the family as it is so large & they all live far away. Half of them don't celebrate Christmas anyhow.
I am fine with this arrangement. It lessens the stress that comes with so much money going out. The only thing is, the kids get really spoiled. We tried to get them only one gift plus stocking stuffers the year before last. That did not work. They had things that they'd been needing and things that we really wanted to get them. Last year we tried to just be really selective but it still wound up being a lot of stuff. It was around last Christmas that I ran into this idea on the internet.
I LOVE it!
I cannot remember where I first saw it but this lady explains it really well on her blog.
It's perfect. You see, with two of the kids having birthdays right at Christmas as well, this will really help to narrow down the gift-giving options for us.
Each kid gets 4 gifts:
1. Something they want
2. Something they need
3. Something to wear
4. Something to read
It will make me put more thought into what we buy them. Because they only get one for each category. Plus it will free up some of the other things for their birthdays. It will help the gifts to be more meaningful. And it will keep the cost down.
At least, that's what I'm hoping...
The overwhelming task of finding the perfect gifts for each person on our list.
I am not one who buys gifts because it is expected of me. I buy them because I truly want to. I do. I think gifts must be my love language because I enjoy giving them as much or more than receiving them. But I'll admit, the task can be rather daunting at Christmastime. With four kiddos, parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces & nephews, and our spouse, it gets really expensive even when you are spending frugally.
A couple of years ago we decided that we will no longer purchase gifts for siblings or parents. It was a family decision. My parents, siblings, and I all got together and decided that it was just too much to get a gift for every.single.person. So, my parents don't buy us gifts but focus on the grandkids instead. We have never purchased gifts for Jay's side of the family as it is so large & they all live far away. Half of them don't celebrate Christmas anyhow.
I am fine with this arrangement. It lessens the stress that comes with so much money going out. The only thing is, the kids get really spoiled. We tried to get them only one gift plus stocking stuffers the year before last. That did not work. They had things that they'd been needing and things that we really wanted to get them. Last year we tried to just be really selective but it still wound up being a lot of stuff. It was around last Christmas that I ran into this idea on the internet.
I LOVE it!
I cannot remember where I first saw it but this lady explains it really well on her blog.
It's perfect. You see, with two of the kids having birthdays right at Christmas as well, this will really help to narrow down the gift-giving options for us.
Each kid gets 4 gifts:
1. Something they want
2. Something they need
3. Something to wear
4. Something to read
It will make me put more thought into what we buy them. Because they only get one for each category. Plus it will free up some of the other things for their birthdays. It will help the gifts to be more meaningful. And it will keep the cost down.
At least, that's what I'm hoping...
Monday, December 2, 2013
Waste Not; Want Not.
Whilst decorating for Christmas, I began to notice a common theme in my home.
* I have a lot of stuff I don't like & I have a lot of stuff I don't use.
So, in an effort to purge our home rather than our bank account, I have decided that it is time I repurpose, repair, or regift many of my belongings. I have a lot of craft supplies that I rarely use these days & those should come in quite handy. The plan is to make as much of the stuff I have into something I truly enjoy. The rest will have to find a home elsewhere. Of course, there are always sentimental items that aren't particularly your favorite, but you can't bear to part with them. I also plan to find a way to put those items to use if possible.
Another thing I've noticed is that I need to find a way to display photos of our family. The living room is sort of an 'awkward' space and it is difficult to display them there. Our hallway could be a really nice place to display them but I'm not sure if I can commit to decorating my hallway. I like the blank/clean feel of it the way it is. I know, I'm boring.
* I have a lot of stuff I don't like & I have a lot of stuff I don't use.
So, in an effort to purge our home rather than our bank account, I have decided that it is time I repurpose, repair, or regift many of my belongings. I have a lot of craft supplies that I rarely use these days & those should come in quite handy. The plan is to make as much of the stuff I have into something I truly enjoy. The rest will have to find a home elsewhere. Of course, there are always sentimental items that aren't particularly your favorite, but you can't bear to part with them. I also plan to find a way to put those items to use if possible.
Another thing I've noticed is that I need to find a way to display photos of our family. The living room is sort of an 'awkward' space and it is difficult to display them there. Our hallway could be a really nice place to display them but I'm not sure if I can commit to decorating my hallway. I like the blank/clean feel of it the way it is. I know, I'm boring.
The Hunt
Yesterday, we met with Mom & Dad & Tess at the Christmas tree farm just a hop, skip, & jump from our place. Often I will stay home with the little ones and Jay & the older ones go choose a perfect tree. This year I opted to go with and I'm so glad I did. We had a great time!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Floaties
Avril did not care for the 'floatie" in her bath the other night.
She started hollering for me and when I went in there, Rhett had already climbed into her bath, fully clothed. Nevermind that he had just gotten out of his own bath.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Monet Sounds Prettier than Picaso
Avril worked diligently on her drawings all morning. She is doing a wonderful job drawing pictures and writing her letters. And she has found the world of color recently. Gone are the days of entire pages being colored completely pink. This girl is all about the colors of the rainbow these days.
See....
And she even displayed them so beautifully on her closet door.
With GLUE!
Thank the Lord for children's glue. It's washable.
And wash it she did!
I couldn't bear to really get after her. She was just so proud of it.
And some of her pictures tore when we pulled them down.
But she didn't get upset, she just went to happily scrubbing.
And she got it all off too.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
A Little Bit of Summer
Huckleberries are sort of a summer signature in North Idaho. After all, it just wouldn't be summer without them. And after two years of huckleberry neglect, we went picking this year. Thanks to our freezer, we get to enjoy a little bit of summer all winter.
Being the native Idahoan that he is, Rhett was happy to demonstrate:
Being the native Idahoan that he is, Rhett was happy to demonstrate:
As long as eating is involved, this kiddo is game. He even showed off by double-fisting it a few times.
These photos may not be much from a photography standpoint but in the eyes of this momma, they are something to be treasured.
(and inspiration to get better at using my camera again!)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
