Coming Soon!
Life [Photo Edition]
9:49 pm
1. My neighbor and I hugged a cow the other day and fell in love with Chick Fil A even more. Is that even possible?
2. P.S. Yes, because they are now serving grilled chicken nuggets to our kiddos and there are warm chocolate chip cookies on the menu horizon. My thighs are afraid.
3. The other day, our youngest was giving my hubby some extra hugs and kisses. I pouted and said, “When is it my turn?” She ran over and hugged me. My hubby pouted and begged her to come back. She put her hands up in the air to stop the back and forth teasing, “Look, guys, I can do a pattern.”
4. While I was putting on makeup the other day, this same child said, “Mom, that’s enough (makeup). You look hot.” And then she added, “You know what that means, right?”
5. Hold me.
6. My son is playing basketball for the first time. We are doing Upwards (LOVE this faith-based sports organization). He’s new to the sport, but catching on fast. My hubby captured this little clip on his phone. Note the crazy mom screaming “YOU HAVE TO DRIBBLE!!” at the boy running down the court with the ball.
7. Okay: the crazy lady is me.
8. My little one got her library card. I just love the big fuss the library volunteer made over it.
9. And then within 24 hours she lost it/found it/lost it again.
10. We found it for the last time because now the library cards lives in Mommy’s purse.
11. I leave you with the pictures I found on my phone yesterday (surprise!):
WFMW: Get {Craftsy}
9:54 pm
I love the new site: Craftsy.
Have y’all heard of it?
It’s for knitters, sewers, quilters (people with real skill), but it’s also for people like me who are wicked with a glue gun.
Craftsy is the fastest growing online community for Crafters!
Craftsy users love:
1) Terrific online classes from amazing instructors for beginning, intermediate and advanced quilters, knitters, crocheters, seamstresses, jewelry makers, and other crafters.
2) Fantastic good deals on crafting supplies: organic yarn, lovely fabrics and high quality needles, etc..
It’s free to sign up and be inspired. (If you sign up for online classes and tutorials, there are class fees). I like hopping on there and looking thru ideas for Mercy House and my daughter who says every other day, “Got any crafts for me to do?”
*affiliate links are in this post
I He♥rt You {Giveaway}
10:21 pm
Psst: Hey you, yes, you:
{Whispering in your ear} Valentine’s is only 21 days away.
How did that happen exactly? Wasn’t it just Thanksgiving?
I’m going to make it easy for you:
And I ♥ this brand new design:
See? That wasn’t so hard was it?
The Vintage Pearl is my exclusive silver jewelry recommendation. I love the lady behind the business and I love their stellar works of art.
Today, my favorite jewelry shop is giving away TWO $50 gift certificates!
Please tell me what you’d love to give or receive in the comments as your entry.
This giveaway will close on Thursday.
75% + 15% Off Dayspring Calendars
8:37 am
Dayspring has an awesome selection of Christian calendars! They are 75% off, plus an extra 15% off with code below.
Here’s just a sample of the great variety, prices ranging from .60 cents to $3.00 (with discounts):
Wall calendars:
Desktop:
Pocket:
Click here to shop at Dayspring your 2012 calendar.
15% off Coupon code: 15offgifts
*affiliate link
We ART that family: Button Mosaic Heart
9:35 pm
Over the holidays, we put together about a dozen puzzles. And by we, I mean my husband.
The rest of his helped him. And by help, I mean we searched for the one missing piece.
There’s just something therapeutic about it and it’s a great way to unplug and just be together as a family.
We left out our puzzle card table and decided to create art that was not only therapeutic, but something we could keep forever.
This is not an overnight project. It took us several weeks of working in 20-30 minutes spurts (short attention spans here). But we all pitched in and created something I’ll keep forever!
This is a really easy, affordable project that the whole family (children over 3) up to grandparents can do together.
We opted for a heart…not really to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I just love them. My hubby penciled a heart on a large canvas. I wanted something whimsical (which is another way of saying “this won’t be perfect”).
We wanted to make this easy enough for our preschooler to work on, so we had her color in the hearts. We chose colors that matched the buttons we found on ebay. (Large quantity grab bags are affordable).
Then we started gluing. The basic object is to cover as much of the canvas as you can, so it’s a lot like doing a puzzle. Our buttons were different sizes so we turned and moved until each button found their spot.
And then glued some more buttons.
And more.
And more.
Each of my kids and my hubby and I, worked together and separately. Each of us spending just a few minutes when we could to glue on a few buttons.
And then we were done:
I think you could do just about any shape and it would look amazing.
But this piece has a lot of heart in it.
God’s Rules {Free Printable}
10:22 pm
Have you seen the oh-so-popular family rules? We made ours years ago and it hangs for all to read in our house. I love these practical reminders for happy living with the people we love. We made ours with colorful scrapbook paper and glue, but now you can find them in sleek posters all over Pinterest.
I’ve been stuck in Romans for a couple of months, slowly reading and trying to absorb the profound words of Paul. In preparation for the New Year, I’ve parked myself in Romans 12 and have been feasting on the oh-so-practical rules for living.
He gives us simple rules in black and white that sometimes prove to be a profound challenge:
- Love from center of who you are, don’t fake it
- Run from evil. Hold onto good
- Don’t burn out. Keep yourself fueled
- Be good friends. Love deeply
- Smile
- Be alert
- Don’t quit
- Pray hard
- Bless the needy
- Bless your enemies
- Laugh with your happy friends, cry with those who are sad
- Get along with others
- Don’t be the great somebody
- Don’t get even
- Be generous
- Discover the beauty in everyone
They are plainly written. And yes, I want them hanging on my wall, but even more, I want them inscribed on my heart. Romans 12: 9-21 [The Message] Really, go read it for yourself and then download this {free 8×10 printable} Romans 12:God’s Rules
What I’m Learning About Faith
10:13 pm
I don’t have much of it.
The end.
———
Oh, you knew I’m way to wordy to stop there.
As a self-professed control freak, I admit that I need more faith. I like to have a plan, goals, a to-do list a mile long.
The start of 2012 hasn’t been what I thought it would be: we’re still trying to figure out how to juggle all that’s on our plate and not much has changed. I’ve had some discouraging days. I’ve questioned God and wondered why me more than once.
In a moment of frustration, I nonchalantly said to a friend who was volunteering for Mercy House, “I don’t know why God chose us. Some days I just don’t know how to do this.”
The next morning, I woke up to this email from my friend:
He chose you because even on hard days he knew you would never give up
He chose you because those precious women and their babies needed parents and role models like the Welch’s
He chose you because He knew that you would be real and that you would show others how much we need Him in the everyday daily things we go through
He chose you because in a world where we don’t see the power of Christ often and the way Jesus moves us you guys live that out…our pastor used to say when was the last time the power of Jesus moved you? I see that in you all the time
He chose you because he knew you would step out in faith. He chose you because even when people question your decisions or why you do what you do…you continue to follow Him and choose His ways
He chose you because He knew you could change the world.
He chose you because He knew that family was special and He believes in you more than you believe in yourself.
He chose you and Terrell because at the end of the day He knew you would realize you could never do this on your own and that you two would rely on Him to make HIs power perfect in our weakness. That He is your completer. and that this is what this life is all about.
He chose you because He knew you would never stop dreaming to do more for His kingdom
It was just what I needed. God is never late. He is working in ways we cannot see. His purpose will be accomplished if we yield to Him.
My hubby and I snuck away for breakfast the other morning. We held hands.
We hold onto Him.
He has chosen us and we need to believe in Him to accomplish what He has begun.
I still don’t feel any closer to having the answers.
But that doesn’t mean I’m not.
*My beautiful silver faith ring is from The Vintage Pearl. It inspires me throughout the day!
WFMW: Preschool Shoe Tip
10:02 pm
My youngest is five. She is strong and independent, when she wants to be.
When she doesn’t want to be, she wants us to do things for her.
It’s just part of having a strong-willed child.
But she’s learning so much and asking questions relentlessly. It’s such a fun age!
She can get dressed by herself, even socks and shoes. But she still struggles with her left and right.
I finally figured out how to help her independently put her shoes on the right feet!
Pin It
Cut a sticker into two halves and place each half into a shoe: I told her to make a heart with her shoes and when she did she would know which shoes goes on the right foot. It works like a charm! What works for you?
Mercy House {Video} & {Giveaway}
10:09 pm
UPDATED with WINNERS: Congratulations to Jenn (comment 51) & Kelley (comment 94)
Some beautiful and hard things are happening at Mercy House.
One of our girls left with her baby. We are bringing in several new pregnant girls. Sadness and joy.
The hard times make the beautiful more beautiful, don’t you think?
My home church is working to partner with a Compassion church in Nairobi, Kenya. My pastor is there this week and visited our girls yesterday. My heart lives in that house!
Our girls are being transformed by Christ and it’s beautiful to watch!
We are so proud of the artisans they are becoming, too and we are thrilled to show you our first video:
The Mercy Shop is restocked with beautiful items. Please consider shopping mercy and give a gift that gives twice!
Stay tuned for details about our {Mercy} Home Party Division that is launching in the next few months!
We are thrilled to bring the party to you. We will have two divisions:
- Real Life Parties where you play the hostess and receive a Party Box with the above DVD, invitations, brochures and product to share with your guests
- Virtual Parties for your social media life (blog, Facebook, Twitter)
More details will be coming, but I couldn’t wait to show you our video, tell you our store is restocked and give some stuff away!
Today, we’re are giving away TWO SETS of our brand new barrel necklace with matching bracelet, earrings and handmade zipper pouch (our girls can sew now!) to TWO WINNERS. Some of these items aren’t even available in our store!
Value per set: $40
If you’d like to be entered, please watch our video above and leave a comment with your thoughts on it!
This giveaway ends Thursday.
This Is Why I’ll Never Be The Fun Parent
10:21 pm
See? I told you. I’m just not a hill-rolling-barely-dodging-dog-poop kind of girl. Ya know?
Who’s the fun parent in your house?
Family Art: Create a Water Color Snowflake
9:56 pm
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We have to make our own snow down here in Texas! Here is a really fun project that is easy for the entire family to create. 
Supplies Needed:
- Piece of paper
- Canvas-any size
- Salt
- Elmer’s white glue
- Water colors (can be chalk, liquid, or paint)
- Paint brush and water
We set up a small table as a work area and got our supplies ready.
Steps to Creating a Water Color (Salt) Snowflake: Start here: Cut a large paper snowflake out of computer paper. My kids are actually pros at this and we didn’t use a stencil. But here are a few templates you can print and cut out. Next: Once you have your snowflake cut out and traced onto a canvas, you can follow these easy steps:
1. and 2. Trace entire snowflake with white glue
3. Shake salt over wet glue and knock off excess from canvas (we did this part outside)
4. Mix water colors (we chose to do a rainbow snowflake, but a solid color would look great too)
5. Dip paint brush into water and barely touch the water color to the salted glue
6. Repeat until it’s completed
7. Let it dry and be careful to not tip the canvas, as colors may run
Hang and enjoy! 
Pin It
When You Just Want to Fit In
10:16 pm
In the fifth grade, Guess Jeans were the hottest item. Every popular kid had them. The dark denim with the triangle patch on the back pocket marked with the Guess ? screamed, “I FIT IN!”
Or at least my 11 year old mind thought so.
But I grew up in a practical, one-income home. I guess we were middle-class, but after a rough period when my dad didn’t have a job, we opted for a frugal life. Guess Jeans weren’t frugal.
I had cute clothes, a name brand scattered in when I could find it on clearance, but mostly, I wanted what I didn’t have.
My mom must have sensed my pain because she bought me a knock-off pair of Guess Jeans. In passing they almost looked the same with the mock triangle pocket patch. But they said something like Gasp without the ?
I wasn’t impressed. For some reason, the faux pair only increased my desire to wear a ridiculously overpriced pair of jeans I was sure to grow out of immediately.
So, I did something I’ll never forget: I took a red sharpie marker and wrote Guess ? over the word Gasp.
Of course, I didn’t achieve anything except an awful-looking pair of jeans.
And so I wore a long shirt over them until I grew out of them. Because I didn’t want my hard-working parents to know how badly I wanted to fit in.
I’m raising a twelve year old now. I think twelve is the new teen, only without all the privileges. I have no idea what I’m doing.
I can’t imagine how it would have felt to have us as parents growing up…we’ve always tried to raise our kids counter-cultural, but I’m afraid the status quo has shifted by running a non-profit from our garage, going to Africa every summer and occasionally being featured on Channel 11 News. And while we don’t apologize for it, I know somedays it has to be a little awesome and a lot hard when you’re in the sixth grade.
Because if I remember correctly, everything is hard in sixth grade.
I see it there, her desire to fit in. I recognize it and I understand it. I watch her fight against it, bend to it, balance it.
And more than anything, I get it. I don’t always fit in either. Most days it’s a little awesome and a lot hard. But I’m nearly 40 now and I understand that fitting in is fleeting. It’s always changing and I don’t want to keep up.
I’m okay with me. I’m thankful for my life, the journey we are on.
Last night, I told my daughter about my fake Guess jeans and we laughed.
She pulled off her knock-off Ugg boots and we talked into the night.
WFMW: The Boiling Pot
11:17 pm
“A watched pot never boils,” the saying goes.
But in our house, the saying is, “An unwatched pot always boils over.”
Ahem.
It never fails, it doesn’t matter if I’m boiling eggs (a favorite snack in our house), potatoes or noodles, the pot usually boils over. I get distracted, answer the phone, help with homework, exercise (kidding) and I forget I’ve got water on the stove.
I heard about this tip over the holidays and I put it to the test: place a wooden spoon over the pot and the water won’t boil over.
It works!
*UPDATED* While this tip did work for me, please do not leave boiling water unattended. Apparently, there are many naysayers it has NOT worked for. Some say it works for pasta, not rice, etc. Boil carefully, people. And if you find out HOW and WHY this *sometimes* works, there’s a lot of people who want to know!
What works for you?
Show Off Arts {Giveaway}
10:53 pm
UPDATED WITH WINNER – Congratulations to comment #93, Elizabeth L.
My home is filled with art.
But I’m hardly a collector of rare and expensive art. I only have one criteria:
Art hanging in my home must be meaningful.
Some of it is handmade, some of it is store-bought, but every piece means something to me.
When I walk by, I want to be Inspired. Reminded. Encouraged.
I want my home to be a sanctuary of peace and inspiration.
That’s why I love Show Off Arts! They show Him off:
Today, this beautiful company is giving this popular FAITH, HOPE, LOVE set to one very blessed reader!
Visit their online store and tell me what piece of art inspires you. Leave a comment on this post to be entered.
This giveaway ends on Thursday.
January {Dayspring} Deals
10:46 am
Dayspring has some of my favorite things on sale thru the end of the month under SPECIALS. They also gave me a coupon for my readers (JANFAM25) for 25% off your total purchase, expiring Jan. 15.
Bless This Home – Tiered Server:
$59.99 now $20.00 with 25% coupon code: JANFAM25= $15.00
Blessings of God Dough Bowl: $64.99 now $25.00 with 25% coupon code: JANFAM25= $18.75
Nothing Says Happy New Year Like A Bliss*turd
9:12 pm
I’ve decided to keep a running list. It just makes me feel better to record the insanity. Ya know?
- I spent the entire Christmas break trying to take a break from my computer. The first day back (with kids in school) a million and one email and several deadlines? We don’t have Internet in the house. Go figure. Oh, technology. You baffle me.
- I might have spent a few after-hours parked in front of Chick Fil A borrowing me some Internets.
- Speaking of Chick Fil A, my hubby snapped a picture of me having a special moment with my refill cup:
- We got a new-to-us car two days after Christmas.
- Which is another way of saying my old white van died a slow and painful death. And also, I’ve gotten proficient with jumper cables. Yo.
- It only cost us three hours with three kids at a used car dealer (shoot me). Plus some money. Once we signed the dotted line, they casually mentioned there’s only one key.
- Oh, used car dealerships. You also baffle me.
- My oldest child wanted to know why we couldn’t just buy a new car. After I stopped laughing hysterically, I laughed more because I couldn’t even explain, what, with all the laughing. “We buy everything used or with a coupon,” she said in a tone only a tween can use.
- Yep.
- While we were on our long drive to my in-laws Oklahoman farm for New Year’s, my little one kept complaining about her seatbelt, saying, “it’s rubbing a bliss*turd.”
- This made my 9 year old son’s day! Suddenly, everything had a bliss*turd.
- I never did find my Christmas cards.
- After the third picture, she said, “Can I just eat my cereal now?”
- She also might have patted a family member’s belly over the holidays and called them chubby.
- Oy.
- I am now the mom of a TWELVE year old. Hold me. (Mall Scavenger Hunt with five tween friends? Best frugal party idea ever!
- I don’t ever want to go to the mall again.
- It totally gives me bliss*turds.
Family Art: Word of the Year
9:51 pm
I wanted our entire family to create a piece of art that was unique and meaningful. Something to hang in a high traffic area, art to remind us of what we are needing, chasing this year. Our word for the year:
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This is something everyone can do! Supplies:
- Art Canvas
-whatever size you like (we went big!)
- Vinyl Wall art home -what is your word? You can have any word custom-made.
- Paint-two colors of choice-we love inexpensive, easy-to-clean Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint
- Materials to create texture-be creative! We used things we had on hand: pencil eraser, palm leaf, rubber bands, etc
- Apply vinyl to blank canvas
- Divide canvas into sections; we chose 5 sections because we have 5 people in our family
- Paint over the vinyl word art
- Once canvas dries, decide on your textures. Pictured is a square block with rubber bands twisted all over it
- Use your second color to “stamp” onto canvas. We dipped our block into paint and our youngest stamped in the first column
- In the next section, my son used the eraser of a pencil to create “dots.”
- Our third section is stamped circles created from the lip of a coke bottle.
- I used a palm branch from the front yard to create the fourth section. My husband used a piece of rope in the last column (not pictured above).
- Once the entire canvas is dry, peel off the vinyl letters carefully.
The Letter Box
10:11 pm
He gave me a beautiful mahogany box several years ago. It sits on our dresser and contains precious words.
This man I married who isn’t a writer, writing stunning letters to his wife, a writer.
He gave our oldest daughter a box and fills it with letters for her eyes only each year on her birthday and milestones.
Our son received his box next, it holds the treasure of father and son.
A few weeks ago, our youngest opened her coveted box on her birthday.
He read her first letter to her:
On your 5th birthday I want to give you your first Daddy letter.
Daddy letters are special words that I write every year just for you. They are words from my heart!
I remember the day you were born. You were called a “premie” because you didn’t get to stay in mommy’s tummy long enough.
You were so little and you were hooked up to lots of tubes and wires. I was so scared, because I didn’t know if you would live.
I loved you so much, but I couldn’t help you. So we prayed to Jesus and he healed you.
You are a special girl and you came along at a very happy time for mommy and daddy. God gave you to us as a special gift to let us know that he cared about us and loved us!
Today, you are five years old and you are more special to me now than ever before. I want to tell you a few things that make you special to me.
You are so smart and know all of your ABC’s and numbers. Soon you will be reading all by yourself.
You have a great imagination! I love to play house with you and hear all the great stories you make up about your dolls.
Your blond hair is bright and wild, just like you.
I love to snuggle with you.
One of my favorite things to do is to kiss you and make you laugh.
You are a great bike rider!
You can do a lot of things by yourself without any help.
You still like me to carry you to bed at night.
You draw the happiest, most beautiful pictures and you save them for me.
You like to lay down in bed and play “would you rather.”
You are always the first to pray about any needs that we have at dinner time.
You love Jesus.
You help me drive my car into the driveway.
You make me laugh!
You’re a big helper when it comes to helping clean up and do chores.
You love your brother and sister.
You always talk me in to giving piggy back rides.
You are a good swimmer
You like to dress up like the princess that you are.
You know lots of good Bible stories.
I love to take you on date nights.
You always jump in the car with me and go to the store.
I am so thankful that you are my little girl!
If I had to pick from all the girls in the world…I would always pick you! …and Madi…and Mommy…and Sasha…and Shina…
I love you!
Happy Birthday,
Love Daddy
She’s carried that box back down the stairs and I’ve lost count how many times I’ve heard her say, “Read it again to me, Daddy.”
Everyone needs a letter box.
WFMW: Tips for an Organized New Year
9:55 pm
[Have you run out of tips to share? January's suggested theme: share an organization tip, old or new]
I don’t know about you, but I’m on a bit of a cleaning spree. There’s just something about taking down all the Christmas decor that gets me in the mood to purge. I’m out of control. I walk in a room to hang something up and end up reorganizing an entire closet and stumble out an hour later. It’s both awesome and exhausting.
Here are a few tips to get your new year organized:
- Make piles to trash, to keep, to give and then actually trash, keep and give the piles
- Repurpose old furniture for storage solutions (old dresser above without drawers serves as entryway shoe storage and old dining room hutch now stores arts and crafts supplies below).
- Organize up: use vertical space to store and organize (dining room turned home office)
- Focus on one space at a time: it can be overwhelming to tackle the entire house, so do a little at a tim
- Once you’ve got a room organized, don’t allow anyone in it. Kidding! Be realistic and don’t let it snowball out of control again.
What works for you?
Doleman Creative {Giveaway} Plus a Freebie!
10:03 pm
UPDATE: Congratulations to Megan {{Millions of Miles}}! Comment #12 has randomly been selected as the winner of this giveaway.
—–
I love it when I can use my blog for good.
And not for evil. (you knew I had to add that, right?)
My path crossed with a young family last year. They lead the Orphan Care Network at our church and have become a part of our community. They live counter-cultural lives and are foster parents and to sum it up, they are just awesome people.
And they are stepping out in faith in 2012.
It’s appropriate since that’s our word, too. Randy is taking his years of experience as a graphic and web designer and launching his own business to help support ministries and non profits with design, as well as regular people who are trying to do good in the world.“My goal is to come alongside my clients and truly understand their needs so that i can provide them with a clean, useful, and personal product. design is my way of investing into ministry and hopefully making a difference,” -Randy Doleman, DC.
Doleman Creative is well, creative. The graphics and design are cutting edge. You already like his work. Remember, the Mercy House t-shirt contest?
Randy entered anonymously and his shirt was one of the two with the most votes!
Today, Doleman Creative is offering- 3, one-hour consultation settings in which we will discuss mission, goals, branding, needs, and promotion- custom website design or redesign of existing website (hosting & domain fees not included in giveaway)-$1000.00 value
Maybe this is your chance to step out on your own faith journey. Enter and you might just have your chance!
[Doleman Creative also designed this FREE PRINTABLE to inspire you:]
Pin It
Download Faith Printable
name: doleman | creative
website: www.dolemancreative.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/dolemancreative
twitter: www.twitter.com/dolemancreative
Please leave a comment on this post if you’d like to be entered in this giveaway!
[Visit Doleman Creative and go be inspired by the free printable. Here's mine framed on my desk:]
My Word for 2012
8:03 pm
I’m not big on resolutions.
Actually, I stink at them.
I realized this a few years ago when my big resolution was to [air quotes] get into shape. I rushed out and bought one of those exercise bike machines.
For 11.5 months, it held clothes that needed to be hung up. Oh, I had good intentions, you know, until I broke a sweat. Plus, it’s really hard to hold a sweet tea and ride a stationary bike.
I’m a simple girl.
That’s why I’m choosing one word for the New Year. Just one.
Last year’s was courage. We needed a boatload of it. The year before? Mercy.
Today, I want to challenge you to think about the New Year–not in an overwhelmed OHMYGOODNESS I have so much to do/be, but in a one word way.
I called my hubby and told him I had a word for the New Year. He said, “Let me guess. Because I have one too. I hope they are the same.”
We both said the word at the same time:
2012 will be a year of faith for our little family. I hope I can share more details as they unfold (still waiting on faith-in-action to kick in), but without a doubt, we need a big dose of it.
Five Tips to Help You Decide your One Word for the New Year:
- Find a quiet moment and think about the one thing you need/want/desire/dream of is. Is it freedom? Peace. Love. Courage. Grace.
- Don’t be negative. It’s easy to focus on what we aren’t or don’t have. Choose a word that inspires you.
- Create a list of words that stir you and write why they do so next to them.
- Pray. Ask God what He wants your focus to be for 2012.
- Share your word. Announce it; ask for prayer and support in achieving it and believing for it.
We stand at the doorway of a New Year, a chance to refocus and refresh our souls.
What’s your word for the year?
My front door: I used scraps of burlap with a cardboard backing hot glued into place. Leftover felt cut into numbers, coupled with after-Christmas snowflake and icicle ornaments give it a fun appeal for the New Year. It’s simply hung with a silver pipe cleaner. It was easy and inexpensive and it inspires me!
Best of 2011
1:34 pm
2011 has been an amazing year! I’m so thankful for new readers, but especially the ones who have stuck with me as my blog and life have changed so much.
Did you know that readers of this blog, turned supporters-of-Mercy-House have given in donations, purchased from the Mercy Shop, more than $120,000 in just 2011!! We’ve been able to do so much in a short time and have begun saving for a permanent future home.
Thank you for being a part of something so much bigger that this little blog! 2012 is going to be astonishing!
I thought it would be fun to highlight my most popular posts over the last year:
January: I Hate Your Blog
February: In a Shocking Turn of Events, I’ve Become the Older Mom
March: My Book: Don’t Make Me Come Up There!
April: You Are My Community
May: The Most Amazing Gift, You Won’t Believe It!
June: 100 Ways to Make a Difference As A Family
July: When Changing a Life Changes Yours
August: The Last Day of Summer
September: How to Make A Burlap Wreath
October: Be A Courageous Parent
November: The Best Idea I’ve Ever Had (This post received more than 115,000 views and keeps growing!)
December: Fifty Parenting Ideas You Won’t RegretHappy New Year, friends!
Inspiration for 2012
10:52 pm
“Dreams are like stars…you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.” ——unknown
I think this is on our weekend to do list (because we all need a jar with our dreams):
Source: d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net via Alayna on Pinterest
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Happy New Year!
WFMW: Laundry Brilliance
10:36 pm
I have a tiny laundry room.
But it’s cute, that should count for something, right?
Although if you stop by, it won’t look like that. [hint: piles]
My big kids are in charge of their own laundry (which is a fancy way of me saying, once a week, I ask them to bring down their basket, put it in the washer, oversee their soap-usage, remind them how to start the washer, tell them when it’s time to move to the dryer, add in the dryer sheet they forgot and tell them to now fold and hang up. It’s a work-in-progess).
I’m always trying to look for ways to tidy up the laundry room (since I’m only caught up about 45 seconds a week-FREEZE, everything is clean. Ok, moment over).
I love this idea:
Source: google.com via Erin on Pinterest
What’s your best laundry tip for the New Year?
edited repost
Pantry Pizazz
10:47 pm
The Pantry
Before
I wanted to spice up my pantry a bit. I’ve heard about screen doors being used as a pantry door and that’s what we decided to try. We bought a plain $18 screen door at a local hardware store and cut it down to fit the smaller width of our pantry.
I bought some fancy scrolls to embellish the plain door. I decided to spray paint the unfinished wood. Red, of course!
My hubby nailed the scrolls onto the painted door.
And then my sweet guy took off the old plain white door and gave me the country kitchen I’ve always wanted!!
My hubby did an AMAZING job!
After
My favorite touch? The fork door pull. He just used pliers to give it a bend and then screwed it into the wood:
And it cost less than $50!
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a favorite project from the archives
The Day After Christmas {Sale}
11:15 pm
Anyone else in recovery mode? We had an awesome day: it was simple and good. So good.
Highlights
[listening]: to Jesus Bible Storybook Audio (Jesus’ birth) on Christmas Eve
[playing games]: my favorite moment by far
[food]:We had a traditional New Mexican Christmas lunch with Posole. Have you ever had it? It’s one of our favorites and easy to make!
[birthday party for Jesus]: hooray!
[annual visit]: to the hospital NICU to drop off goodies to the nurses that saved our preemie six Christmas’ ago (she was born Dec. 16, but nearly died Christmas Eve).
[the wonder]: love
My kids got money from grandparents for Christmas, which can only mean one thing: After-Christmas shopping. Hold me.
I’ve scheduled some posts for the rest of the week, so I can focus on my family and do a lot of nothing.
I did want to share:
[Dayspring]: Sale: there’s a fantastic after-Christmas sale going on at my favorite store. These are items are 75% off! I’ve stocked up on teacher, neighbor and friend gifts for next year.
Christmas Carol Tree $49.99 $12.49
Beautiful Wooden Tray $34.99 $9.99
Metal TableTop or Outdoor Sign (I love mine on the my front porch bench) $29.99 $9.99
Mugs (in white and red) $9.99 $2.49
Star Trivet $9.99 $2.49
Get an additional 15% off your total with code: 15offgifts
xoxo,
