Make the everyday special.

Valentines is coming and for some reason, I really like going all out for it! The girls and I made this today, during River's nap of course. They were able to help alot and it turned out great! Do yourself a favor and do not read the nutrition facts on the back of the ingredients-yowza! Never too early to start planning for V-day.

Here I am.

I'm pretty good at hiding huh? I am at 34 weeks pregnant, reading about homeschooling while River naps and Claire and Lily ski with dad. This is a very normal Sunday! We are loving this season and I don't want to sound too annoying, but I'm enjoying it so much it's easy to hole up. School is going well. Lily is deep into 2nd grade and Claire is transitioning well into what I would consider kindergarten work. Andy wants them to be close together grade-wise so I have picked it up with Claire. I am thankful for the little hands that help unload groceries, buckle carseats, and sweep after meals. What a blessing family working together is! River loves 'hutball'(football to the layman) and can be found running around on our new hardwood floors with one most of the day. Which leads me to another blessing, Andy. I am VERY,VERY thankful for the husband and dad he is! Tonight we will continue painting trim and installing base board while we tune into the series 'REAl MARRIAGE' put out by Mars Hill in Seattle. It makes painting trim a little more fun. I'm journaling every day during my devo time trying to remember things like; went sledding, held Claire for an hour while she wasn't feeling good, Lily asked me how she could help me, Andy and I went out for dinner. The little things that I will want to remember when I'm gray. I am very excited to meet the next member of our family, but I am in no rush. I know it means sleepless nights and less going so I am trying to savor the calm before the storm. I'm also excited that it means family visiting and a hospital stay, or as I like to call it, a mini vaca. Life is good as we know it!

A few more gifting ideas.

Here's a few more ideas.

1. I bought This plush robe from Pottery Barn yesterday. It was originally 89$ marked down to 49$. Anyone who loves baths will LOVE this!

2. I kind of love this shimmery cardi from anthropologie. It's in the sale section at their website and it's an additional 30% off.

We love doing homemade too! Some things to think about; if you are a crocheter baby booties or a hat are a quick little project that everyone thinks are adorable! Sea salt scrubs in a mason jar. I use 2 cups of sea salt, 3/4 cup olive oil, one dropper of an essential oil. I like going to second hand store and finding cool purses, wallets, plates, mugs etc... If you don't have wrapping paper try some pretty magazine pages. It makes it eclectic and recycles-gotta love that!

A few of my favorite things.

Tis the season for Advent, celebrating, anticipation and perhaps a wish

list... Here are some of my favorite ideas that may inspire you when someone asks that big question, 'What would you like for Christmas?

1. I love the magazine 'Athleta' and they have done it again with the piper headband. I made my own and wear it constantly!

2. A turquoise bead necklace dresses everything up.

3. I found a great tablecloth and milk glass at goodwill and this picture inspired my to get some cuties to go inside.

4. A great pair of yoga pants my personal favorites are the American Eagle brand. I live in them.

There's a little list, maybe I will add more later now that I know how to copy and paste! Only 17 days til Christmas!

Just so you know.

I still really care about this blog! It's just that now we have a mac, and blogging on a mac takes time to learn. Andy tries to teach me as I'm printing off copies for homeschooling, switching laundry over or helping someone in or out of the bath. And, oh brother, I have plenty of time to sit and learn it's just that when that time rolls around I choose a bath,or a walk, or _______ enter excuse in the given line. A tutorial on a mac gets a big 2 thumbs down on how I want to spend time, but I will! I promise. My New year's resolution this year is to master the mac...or just learn how to copy and paste, baby steps(=.

Claire turning 5.

With our sweet-natured, middle child, birthdays can get lost in the shuffle of Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations. I am trying to be very intentional about having a separate party early in November to avoid that. The girls stayed with my parents a couple of days which gave me time to make things extra special! A Claire banner hanging from the hutch, cupcakes marked with 5's and a wax paper/crayon/leaf craft, were some of the features. It was a very fun day with very special people in our life! We look forward to more celebrating with those we missed over Thanksgiving and Christmas. We love you Claire-berry!

Fall and a little more progress!

Picking up where we left off, weeks 19 and 21 at the bottom of the picture. Happy Fall! Our weekend is filled with fun,free, community activities. Hope you are able to get out enjoy what is arguabley the best month of the year.