where did the week go?!

This past week has gone by in a blur! After last weekend's Holiday Bazaar (I promise that pictures will come soon!), I was beginning to feel like I was going to "crash and burn", but I was still running on adrenaline because we had our monthly MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting still to come on the Monday morning following the bazaar. You might say I was in denial that I was getting sick!

After my MOPS meeting, we had a fun lunch at Chevy's with my very good friend Kara and her family who were up for a quick visit...

Ally, Mikayla, Chloe, & Austin

By Monday afternoon I wasn't feeling good AT ALL and lazed around for the rest of the day on the couch. The kids had free reign of the house and my wonderful husband was so good to take care of them the minute he walked through the door. I bet it was a sight to see with cushions off the couch, and toys everywhere! I spent the rest of the night in bed.

Tuesday, I woke up with what I thought was a little more energy and the kids and I ended up heading to the library for story time and to check out some new books and movies. The rest of the day, I felt OK, having energy one minute and then the next minute having no energy at all. But I wasn't about to miss out on the Girls' Night with my college friends we had already rescheduled once, so I made sure I was well medicated before I had a night out with the girls (however, looking back at the pictures, I should have been a bit more concerned with the way I looked before heading out the door!)

In past years we've drawn names and then gotten a gift for whoever's birthday we had drawn. This year, we decided to do something different. To celebrate our birthdays from the past year, we decided to all go out together for dinner and dessert! We headed to Bridgeport Plaza and had dinner at Pastini's and followed up the fun with some dessert at Whole Foods Market, where we each got individual desserts. Triple Mousse cake for me...yum! We had so many laughs and these girls will ALWAYS be there for me through the joys and trials.


On Wednesday...actually I don't even remember anything that happened on Wednesday. Except, again, my children were allowed to have free reign of the house since I was now feeling worse than I had the day before!

"Look what we did, Mom!"

I was beginning to feel a bit better by Thursday, so I was able to get a few things done around the house. One of the much needed things that needed to get done was grocery shopping! I think I've been putting this off for 2 weeks now...my poor family!! So, I used this opportunity to clean out the refrigerator and freezer and organize the pantry. I also did some coupon cutting and wrote up a grocery list for a GIANT-sized shopping trip to Costco and Winco Thursday night. Which, by the way, I wanted desperately to put off again since I still wasn't feeling up to par, but I suffered through it and now we have a stocked fridge and pantry!

My bare refrigerator...

...and freezer!

Friday morning we headed to Mikayla's dance class. I think it was the first time I had actually put make up on in the last 3 days, or even got out of the house before 9:30. I was feeling OK, but my eyes were watering a bit and I was still coughing. Seriously, why am I not over being sick yet!? By noon I noticed that Mikayla was starting to go down hill quickly and she had an extremely high fever by 2:00 in the afternoon. My poor sweet girl, I hate watching her go through this! She ended up falling asleep on the floor next to me on the couch around 4:00 but was still ready for bed by 8:00, her normal bedtime.


And now, it's Saturday and again the day was lazed away. My poor sweet girl slept on the floor in our bedroom last night and at some point early this morning her fever was up to 103.9! With medication, some TLC, and LOTS of sleep, she is starting to show signs of coming out of the fever fog. She doesn't seem to have an appetite, but thank goodness we're not having to deal with the stomach flu!

And in the FIVE hours it took me to write this (Can we say distractions!? I started writing this post at 2:00 PM and it's now 7:00 PM), Austin has now come down with a fever and Ryan is beginning to show signs of a cough and the aches, which is how it started for me.


So, it looks like Sunday is going to be another lazy day...although this momma might actually be feeling up to the challenge. With just a leftover cough, I think I might be back in action!

There you have it...a week with not much to show for it (other than some fun times with friends and that's always worth it!) Maybe next week I'll get a little more accomplished?

~ Wow, did I really blog about all that? Man, I must be desperate to do something other than lay on the couch.

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Don't forget you still have 5 more days to link up a photo project for this month's craft challenge. Thank you to those who have already joined us...I'm loving what I see! Come link up your photo project gift ideas by this Thursday. That's plenty of time, right!?

she's back...almost

I just did something completely out of character for me. Something totally crazy. And I actually winced a bit in pain after it was over.

I "marked as read" ALL of the posts in my Google Reader without actually reading them! Yes, 400+ posts!! (I have a lot of blogs I love, what can I say?)

My personality is one that I NEVER do this. I love to comment (if not daily than every other day) on so many of my favorite blogs. Even if I'm behind on my reading, I still like to go back to comment, but seriously...this was getting a little out of control! I was way too far behind to get caught up the way I would have liked to. So, even if it pained me to have done it, I had to. For my sanity.

I hope you all forgive me if you haven't seen me around at "your place" in awhile. And, of course please forgive me for not reading some of the posts you put hard work into. Trust me...I know it's not something that comes quickly. This last week was so busy that I just had to give up on commenting to truly get things done. I'm working on that whole priority thing, you know?

But the good news?

I'm back...kind of. I still have a good-sized list I'm trying to hack away at, but it's so much smaller than it was. So, I hope to have a little more free time to come on by and say hello. And, if you could do me a favor...PLEASE leave me a comment if you have a post in the last week that I should come check out. No, seriously. Even if I deleted them...I know there are some great things to read, so I would love to hear it!

Oh, and you still have until Thursday to enter into the Monthly Craft Challenge - Ribbons! Go check out all of the great things created. We had such a wonderful turn out this month!!

Hope you all had a blessed Mother's Day!

feeling flattered and blushing a little, too

When I first started this blog my intentions behind it were to show off pictures of my kids. Which, of course, what momma isn't proud to do that? I was going to save my "creative posts" for my other blog, HB Creative Design (I dabble a little bit in creating digital photo cards). I soon began to realize that keeping up with two blogs was going to be impossible! So, I switched everything to one blog...right here at Blue Eyed Blessings. I still have my other blog but only with the intention to showcase the photo cards I continue to create.

Some weeks it's all about my kids and sharing projects, activities, and the fun we have or just some of the mischievous (but still cute) things they do around the house. Some weeks I get all crafty and am inspired to show off my own accomplishments whether it be organizing or some of my creative projects. And every once in awhile (or once in a blue moon I should say), I get somewhat deep, but I'm not one to just put it out there "as is", even in my real life. Ultimately the desire I have for blogging is that I want my blog to be a place of inspiration! Some understand my addiction, others may not, but either way I have felt blogging has given me a chance to release all of that creativity and passion that I have within!

I am so thankful to everyone who comes by on a regular basis and leaves such great comments. I read each and every one of them, and try as often as I can to either come visit or reply in an e-mail. It means a lot to me that you would take the time to leave a comment so I would love to do the same for you. I am completely blown away at how my blog has become a place where so many love to come and visit. That truly is so flattering and I have gained so many friendships because of that. So, I guess I can say I'm the lucky one!!

You might chuckle at this, but when I first started writing this post I couldn't come up with what I wanted to say! Obviously I found my words, so I suppose I should get on with the purpose of this post and that is to say THANK YOU to some wonderful bloggers who have so sweetly passed on a few awards.


Tanya at The Miller Racing Family & Kelli at Outside my Kitchen Window passed along the "Splash Award". Both of these women are amazing women of God who share their hearts and passions on a regular basis on their blogs. They are inspiring in so many ways and leave such sweet comments!

This award is given because they think my blog is alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring! Holy smokes, ladies! I'm starting to blush a little. I often have a hard time taking a compliment, but I so appreciate you being so thoughtful and passing this award onto me!

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Maridith at The Procrastinator Crafter & Rhonda at Down Memory Lane passed along the "Lemonade Award". I love Maridith's blog for her craftiness and I am certainly one to relate to the procrastinator in her blog title! Rhonda is always so sweet to leave comments and I love checking in on all that she and her family are up to!

This award is all about recognizing those blogs with great attitude and gratitude. Thanks, ladies for seeing something in my blog that you feel shows this! I feel honored and very grateful!

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The Masked Mommy so graciously passed along the "Super Blogger Award". I find this one super special since she started the award and I was one of the first to receive it! The Masked Mommy (and she truly is masked and has yet to reveal herself!) has some inspiring things happening on her blog. Whether it's a crafty project, her organizing ambitions, or party planning...she's doing it all!

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This award given to me from Tanielle at Polka Dot Daisy kind of makes me chuckle a little. I'm SO FAR from the queen of anything and awesome? Really?! Not so much, but hey what woman doesn't like a good crown? I was never voted queen (or even princess) in high school, so I'll take it! Tanielle is such a fun blogger and her blog is always full of something that will keep you coming back for more...and she probably has some of the most adorable little kids!

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I just have so many fabulous readers and favorite blogs that I can't narrow down the choices of who to give these awards to (lame excuse? maybe), so instead I will be holding a GIVEAWAY for all of my readers!! It has almost been ONE YEAR since I first started blogging. I can hardly believe it! Stay tuned for giveaway details...my official "blogiversary" is May 27th (the date of my first post), but I'm sure I won't be able to wait that long to share what I have planned.

Ooh boy! This was a doozy of a post! Thanks for sticking with me and joining me in this crazy little addiction...I mean adventure of mine!

Want to know what else is my addiction?

These precious little things...

Look at them holding hands. Oh, the moments I enjoy capturing.

Have a blessed weekend!

expectations

Blogging break? What blogging break?

As you can see, I snuck in each day during the weekend just to share a few tidbits here and there, so by looking at my blog you wouldn't have even been able to tell that I had considered myself "on a break"!

I've been processing a lot of thoughts lately, and I wanted to share them as a way for me to sort through all that's swirling around in my head. So, please forgive me for the long (and possibly boring?) post I'm about to share. Let's just pretend this is eloquently written and I have grabbed a hold of your attention. The. Entire. Time.

On Wednesday night I had come to the conclusion that I had been avoiding a lot of my priorities lately and I began to wonder why? My initial thought was that I was spending too much time blogging, so I instantly made the decision (at 11:00 PM) to give it up for awhile and so became this post...some late night rambling.

But then I got to thinking...

In general, I have some high expectations for myself, my life, and anything that I am responsible for. This has always been the case for me, and is often why people (and myself) call me a perfectionist. Although it has its goods being known as "one of those", it also has its hindrances. I tend to overstress myself to get it done right. This kind of thinking has struck in a new area of my life - blogging!

So, I got to thinking some more...

It would be one thing for blogging to be my little outlet where I could come and go as I please (which is what I had intended it to be), share what I want, and comment on other blogs here and there when I had the time. But because of my need for high expectations of myself I was turning this outlet into a "must have something to post every day or I'll die trying (or just stay up way too late doing it!)". And my need to comment on EVERY post I read was really getting out of hand (although, oddly enough, I actually love to do that). It's just not realistic...as I'm sure you all know.

So, my conclusion is this...

My blog does not have to be a place of strict daily posting if I do not have the time for it to be. I should be able to share what I want when I want and have no agenda. I'm pretty sure that's the whole point of blogging. A journal of sorts. I do not have to spend hours reading through blogs and commenting all the time. I'll do it when I can and enjoy it when it happens.

To be perfectly honest, blogging was not the only thing that was sucking up my time. I am just learning that I need to get my priorities straight and so I am in the process of figuring out a daily schedule for myself. Some of you might laugh at this, but I thrive on having things planned out. I know I won't always be able to keep this schedule, so I'll remind myself to be flexible! This schedule will also help me figure out when I need to work on my "outside the home" commitments (MOPS & Stampin' Up!) and when I need to make time for play time with the kids. I'm in the process of figuring that all out, but when I have the schedule done, I'll be sharing it with you!!

Lastly, many of you shared some great tips and thoughts for me to be realistic about my blogging and I listened to every one of them!

I love the idea that Rhonda suggested about getting through my morning routine before I look at the computer. Usually the first thing I do is check my e-mail. But I've decided that I need to get dressed and ready for the day before that becomes at all a priority. She also suggested setting a timer if I do sit down to do something on the computer. Because you all know how you can get sucked in!

Tanya shared the idea about keeping the computer OFF until I get done what needs to be done. Sounds scary to me actually...turn the computer off?! Which probably means it needs to happen.

And thank you to my good friend Leanna for reminding me that we can't always be totally balanced all the time because life is sometimes just too crazy. Love you, friend!

Thanks for letting me "talk it through" with you! I would love to hear more tips on how you keep your daily schedule, especially those with younger kids who have not started school yet. What does your day look like? How do you get it all done and have fun doing it? Of course, I'd like to hear from everyone on how you juggle life...with little kids or not!

And I suppose that in all my rambling I could have put you to sleep, so for that, I apologize. It was definitely enough to knock this little guy out...

Hope you all have a happy Monday and thanks for listening!!

i've got mail!

OK, so technically this isn't considered a blogging break if I'm taking the time to post, but look what I got in the mail today!!


My Stampin' Up! demonstrator kit...it's like Christmas and I can't wait to tear into the box and look through all of my goodies. I just had to share my excitement with SOMEONE!

**And, as a quick side note...thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who commented on yesterday's post. Your thoughts are more appreciated than you know! I think I'm beginning to figure out that there IS a place and a time for blogging, but that it's just a matter of perspective on what MY own expectations are on how/what I blog. Also, it's not just about the blogging that I needed balance on, so I can't blame it all on that. I'll explain more later...

And, as I quickly finish this up, I'm looking out the window watching my daughter and her daddy play some bat and ball, so I'm off to go join in the fun! Unfortunately, something I may not have taken the time to do before...itty bitty steps I tell you.

mommy, I need you

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about balance, quality time, priorities, and commitments. I have had a couple of encounters these last few days that have made me think about it even more and it has really been on my heart! On Monday, I received an e-mail asking me how I balance my busy life (I didn't have a good answer), and just today I read a blog post from a blog I follow asking questions about balancing daily life (I didn't have a good answer).

And, after these two simple encounters, I'm finally realizing that my babies and my wonderful hubby desperately need their mommy and wife without distractions, so I'm going to be MIA for a bit. I don't know how long that will be, but I think I need a little bit of a blogging break. I've been going non-stop these days with trying to get something posted every day. I'm enjoying it, but there are a lot of things that I have been neglecting because of it and I need to get back to my priorities. God. My family. Me. My responsibilities.

I hope to be back soon, but only after I figure out how to get the right kind of balance in my commitments to my family (number one) and the things that I am responsible for in other areas of my life. I'm just trying to figure out how to juggle this life as a stay-at-home mom and enjoy it along the way! I'm not sure I'm doing the best job I can, so I need to figure out how I can change that.

I know that we all go through this kind of thing in our life where we need to take a step back and figure out what's not working. In fact, I think it's healthy to evaluate our lives often. This is {one of} my times. I'm not giving up on blogging because I have really enjoyed the relationships I have built so far, but as I was telling my husband I do need a break and I realize that. And, instead of just quitting something that I find inspiring, I just need to see how I can incorporate it into my daily life without it being my main priority.

So, for however long it takes, I'm on a mission to find what "balance" means to me! Wish me luck...

let's get this party started!

I'm always up for a party, aren't you?

That's why I'm joining in 5 Minute for Mom's Ultimate Blog Party happening NOW through March 27th!

You'll want to join in, too, because there are LOTS of prizes! (What's a party without some presents, right?) And, one of the best parts is you get to meet lots (and I mean LOTS) of new bloggers along the way!

So, let's get this party started!!

If you're a regular around here, thanks for your support and encouragement that keeps me blogging! If you're visiting for the first time from 5 Minutes for Mom, welcome to...

~ Blue Eyed Blessings ~


a place where blessings abound,

creativity is inspired,

and organization is an obsession!

I'm Heidi, a former elementary school teacher and now stay-at-home momma to two blue eyed blessings.

I blog about many things.

Like the sweet moments I get to capture while being with my kids...

And my love for creativity, such as scrapbooking, card making, kid crafts, and decorating my home.

I also enjoy sharing my passion for creating, and just recently started a Monthly Craft Challenge for other bloggers to be able to share their ideas and inspire each other! Our next challenge is BUTTONS! We'll be linking up on Thursday, April 2nd, so come on back to join us!

I'm a regular for blogging on Tackle it Tuesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday & Things I Love Thursday (each of these links will show you my tackles, tips, pictures, and loves).

I also enjoy participating in Muffin Tin Monday & Friend Makin' Monday where I've learned a lot about many other bloggers...some that have become great blogging buddies!

And just recently I started linking up to Kid Friendly Friday to get motivated with doing some fun crafts and activities with my children!

That's a little about me in a nutshell.

Oh yea! Remember when I said there were prizes at this party??

Head on over HERE to check out a list of all the great prizes! There are so many things that I would love to receive (in fact I would be content if I won anything), so I feel a little strange about picking my own presents, but they asked us to, so my top three would include:

#89 - $100 gift card to Home Goods provided by HG Openhouse
#19, 21, & 22 - $50 Target gift card provided by Shoot-Me-Now, Agoosa, & Beginner Baby Blog
#109 - $30 Stampin' Up! prize pack provided by PENSIEVE

And, of course these all caught my eye as well
(in no particular order)...

#8 - A personalized name dot variety pack from Stuck on You.
#39 - Handmade Perpetual Calendar, Lunch Tin, & 10 Birthday Cards by Amy at Ordinarily Extraordinary
#65 - Girly Scrapbooking Embellishment Kit provided by Wani
#76 - place mat, melamine plate or lunchbox of your choice by Lollipop Papers
#91 - $25 Target gift card provided by Mummy Deals
#118 - $25 Old Navy gift card provided by Manic Mother
#123 - $20 gift card to Kohl's provided by The Grotto
USC10 - The Big Pack by Mabel's Labels
USC11 - See Kai Run baby/toddler shoes provided by Traveling with Baby
INTL61 - $30 gift credit to Amazon.com provided by Robynn's Ravings

Head on over for the party and eat some cake and ice cream for me why don't you! I'm trying to stay "on plan" these days...

coming out of the fog

I think I might be coming out of the sickness that has consumed me for the last two days. I was completely out of commission, and this doesn't happen very often...seriously. Thankfully, Ryan had the day off on Monday, so he was able to take care of the kids for the WHOLE day while I lay in bed with the chills and aches. I don't know how I could have survived the day if Ryan hadn't been able to stay home. Will someone share your secrets of how to still be a mom while you're sick? I couldn't even get out of bed, let alone take care of two kids! So, besides a leftover sore throat and pink eye in both eyes (ugh), I'm hopefully headed in the right direction of being back to normal. I really need that...it's been a long three days.

Don't worry...I'll be back soon with much more exciting things to share than me rambling on about being sick.

But, for now, I'll leave you with a sneak peek for March's CRAFT CHALLENGE! More details to come...


**And, if you're still being crafty using your circle scalloped punch, it's not too late to link up here.

staying on top of it all

Lots to do today...trying to stay on top of it all!

I had grandiose plans to try to do something fun and exciting this week to share for Kid Friendly Friday at I Blame My Mother or Friday Book Project at Just For Fun, but those plans quickly lost their momentum with still battling a sick and very crabby 17-month old. Thankfully, he's on the mend and a little more back to his old self. I've actually seen him smile! I miss that...

I've also been doing a lot of prep work for this Monday's MOPS. I'm the creative activities leader and create the monthly newsletter, so needless to say the week before MOPS I'm busy doing some planning. Thankfully I've gotten myself into a routine and do a little each week. As of today I'm all ready to go! (Thanks to my mom for entertaining the kids yesterday and helping me prepare the craft. Do you have to leave on Tuesday?) I'll look forward to sharing March's craft with you hopefully sometime this week. If you'd like to see some of the crafts we've created so far, check them out HERE.

This weekend is going to be quite the blur! So, I've decided to take a 2-day blogging break, which is probably what I should do on the weekends anyway, but blogging is just so addicting, you know? Maybe I'll use the weekend for catch up on my blog browsing, which I am SO behind on. Don't worry, I'm hopefully headed your way...

Tonight my husband is having a Poker Night with the guys, so I'll be busy preparing some snacks for that. But, of course, that means hitting up the grocery store first. It's nice out, so maybe we'll go for a walk instead of drive. I think we need a little fresh air! Along with making the dip and buying groceries, cleaning (or at least straightening up) should be on the agenda, so during naps I will try to tackle this. Not what I wish I were doing, but it's gotta get done!

Tonight, the kids and I will be heading to my mom's house to hang out, so that we don't bother the guys. My mom accepted the challenge of having the kids overnight while I come home later in the evening and wake up early on Saturday to head off to the Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention in Portland. This was a birthday gift from the hubby! I'll be spending most of the day at the convention with friends and then finish the evening with some scrapbooking at a local scrapbook store. I wonder if it's possible to get scrapbook burn out? I guess we'll find out!

And, because I have to share something fun besides just blabbing, here is the baby announcement I created for my good friend who just had her 2nd little guy at the end of January. Head on over to HB Creative Design for more photo cards that I've created if you're looking for something to do!


Try not to miss me too much over the weekend! Just kidding... I know you all have much more exciting lives than I do! I'll be back in full swing blogging mania on Monday and have some fun things to share next week!

And lastly, don't forget...it's not too late to link up for this month's Craft Challenge. It doesn't have to be anything new. It can be something you've already posted and created with the circle scalloped punch. I'll leave up Mister Linky until Thursday. If you haven't checked out the ideas that have already been shared, please take some time to do so! You will love what you see! I'll be announcing the giveaway prize for one lucky participant and next month's "mission" by Tuesday!

goodness gracious, it's finally done!

The always funny Heidi over at Sacred & Profane offered up a challenge to all of her readers (about a month ago). So, I decided to take her up on the challenge (um, about a month ago), and thought it would be fun.

That is, until she gave me the letter...

G!

I guess that's why I have taken about a month to figure out what I wanted to share (could it have something to do with my perfectionist ways...possibly). But when I finally thought about it, it wasn't as bad as I had made myself believe. I'm happy with my list. I guess you could say I'm just not a star Scattegories player who, when the dice rolls G, I beg for a re-roll. I suppose it could have been something worse like X, Y, or Z.

The challenge is simple (really, it is!). You leave a comment at the bottom of this post (leave your e-mail if you'd like). I will then give you a letter from the alphabet in which you are to post ten things you like that start with this letter and why.

And, in no particular order, except of course, the first one:

10 Things I Like...

God - it's rather a LOVE thing, more than just a like; He is my Rock, my Savior, and my Friend; without Him I have no purpose in this life He's blessed me with

Girlfriends - man, I have some great girlfriends, some that have stood the test of time, and some that are new and exciting, and both are amazing; I can definitely say I am truly blessed to have some incredible ladies in my life who have only made me a stronger friend, mom, wife, daughter, sister, and woman

Grandparents - not only all FOUR of my own who are no doubt leaving a legacy, but my children have some amazing grandparents of their own...I'm so lucky!

Gardening - oh wait, that's not really something I like necessarily, other than I envy those who have a love of gardening. I can barely keep my ONE house plant alive let alone a whole garden, but a girl can dream...

Gerbera Daisies - no, seriously. I got lucky on this one because they are my favorite flowers...so simple, so beautiful

Grapes - my favorite fruit (well, second to strawberries); such an easy, healthy snack to take along with me!

Guacamole - more specifically, Baja Fresh guacamole...enough said, in my opinion

Grey's Anatomy - I wasn't an avid watcher from the start until a co-worker of Ryan's loaned us the first 2 or 3 seasons while I was pregnant with Mikayla (almost 3 years ago). I think I watched them all in one week! And, I was hooked, so I still watch it...thank goodness for DVR

Glue - otherwise known as Modge Podge...I realize this might be stretching it a little, but I have really been into crafty projects lately that use Modge Podge, and Modge Podge is glue...come on, give me a little grace! I'm running out of options!!

Gifts - I love giving gifts, way more than getting gifts! Actually, I love wrapping gifts almost as much as I love giving the gifts. There's something about honoring someone with the way you wrap their present...it's just something I really enjoy doing

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And, there my friends, are my top 10 things I like that start with G!

Don't worry, Heidi, I forgive you for challenging (torturing) me and will continue to come to your blog for some stress and comedic relief. You're awesome!

Are you up for the challenge? Leave me a comment and I'll give you a letter. Simple as that. And, trust me, you'll actually have fun doing it. But, no re-rolls, you hear?

honored

I need to start out by saying that these fun, little awards that I am so honored to receive could not have come at a better time!

The last few weeks, I have felt rather inadequate as a mom, wife, friend, sister, and daughter. It's hard to explain why, I just don't feel like I am giving my all to the people that deserve it the most. It's a sad place to be, but it's real for me...more often than I care to admit.

I feel really silly even sharing this because I know there are so many who are going through such rough times in their lives, and here I am crying and stressing out about the little things in my life. I do remember a friend encouraging me once after me making a comment about why I was stressing over these little things. She said, "they may seem like little things, but for you they are things that matter."

Well, I suppose this post is headed into a depressing mood, so let me get on with something fun and little (but that feels SO BIG) before it's too late!

I want to say thank you to some wonderful bloggers whom I have never met before in person, but who have inspired me to keep blogging! They have honored me with some awards, which, as small as it seems, means SO MUCH!

The lemonade award celebrates great attitude and gratitude!
I received this award from Missy at Simply Red AND Kasey at All That is Good. Both of these ladies have so much to offer with their blogging. Missy is an inspiration to me for creating things that are fun and beautiful. And, Kasey is so sweet to leave me comments often and she just has that spunk about her that is so fun! Thank you ladies for honoring me with this award.





The Lovey Award honors blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement.
I received the Lovey Award from Lynz at The Miles Family. I "met" Lynz pretty early on to the start of me blogging. She has always been faithful to leave comments and I adore her qualities as a mom...it's all about family for her! And, although I do not feel like my blog is even close to charming, I do appreciate the award and feel like I have found a friend through this little hobby of mine! Thank you so much, Lynz!




Lastly, I received the Kreativ Blogger award from Sandy at Just For Fun. Sandy is an inspiration to me! She has some of the most amazing kid creations and craftiness. I wish I could do more of what she does with her children with my own children. I've got a list of "fun things" that I can't wait to try out with my kids. Sandy, I'm honored.


Thank you, ladies, for sharing your stories, creativity, family, and heart to me in this blogging world. I am truly honored to be "loved on" through these awards. I know you probably didn't think I would react like I was winning a Golden Globe, but at this moment, it's what I needed to keep me going. Please go visit these ladies and let them know I sent you!

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Why do I blog? I've answered this before in short detail, but let me add to it just a bit: I love to create! And blogging for me is about inspiring myself and others to create. As a stay at home mom, it's really easy to give up on your passions that you once had before having kids. To blog about the creativity that seems to flow through me, is a way for me to stay passionate about the things I love to do. And, although my number one priority in life is to be a loving and caring mom and wife (daughter, sister, and friend), I can't let my passions slip through my hands. Blogging is a way for me to inspire and be inspired! And, while I'm at it...what mommy doesn't love showing off her little blessings?

just a little glimpse of me...

Kasey, over at All That is Good, is ready to get to know her blogging friends some more! After skipping last week because of an ice storm, she's back sharing some getting to know you questions, and here I am ready to share!

1. My favorite book is anything written by Karen Kingsbury. I wouldn't be able to narrow it down.


2. I drive a 2007 Honda Odyssey mini van.


3. My favorite type of food to eat is Chinese, particularly sweet & sour chicken with pork fried rice, and barbecued pork.


4. My favorite dessert is chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

5. My favorite movie is The Notebook. I'm a big fan of chick flicks, so I could make a pretty long list of favorites... My poor husband!


6. When I go to Starbucks I get a strawberry frappucinno, hot cocoa, or ice water. I don't drink coffee and therefore, I don't go to Starbucks.


7. My favorite vegetable is carrots.


8. My favorite thing to wear is jeans and a sweatshirt.


9. My favorite color is PURPLE.

10. I decorate my house in this style: a mix of everything, maybe? - slightly contemporary, somewhat classic, but pretty simplistic, and who knows what else...kind of my own style?

11. Right now I am reading Summer by Karen Kingsbury.


12. If I could vacation anywhere I would go to Nashville, Tennessee. I'm a big fan of country music!


Now, it's your turn! If you'd like to participate, head on over to Kasey's blog to check out Friend Makin' Mondays.

get to know me and my menu

** For Menu Plan Monday, see below, but feel free to take a minute and get to know me...

Every now and then I come across a blog that I can easily get sucked into because of the fun personality I can pick up from the things they share. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon Kasey's blog, All That is Good, and have enjoyed coming back to visit time and time again. She is a mother of two (like me!) and someone who undoubtedly loves God and her family (like me!). She has started a weekly blogging activity on Mondays where you share just a little bit about yourself, so that other bloggers can get to know you. This week's activity is to share 10 random things about yourself. I have to admit this was rather hard for me, but here they are in no particular order.

10 Random Things You May Not Know
(or even want to know) About Me

1. The kitchen has to be clean before I can go to bed.
2. I've never had a cup of coffee before...not even a mocha or latte.
3. Once, I rewrote all the entries in my checkbook register because it looked too messy.
4. I don't like breaking the rules. At all.
5. I slept with my baby blanket until my daughter took it away for herself, about 2 years ago.
6. I will never eat peanut M & M's again because of a bad run-in with the toilet.
7. I have to have a fan on to sleep at night.
8. I label almost everything. You name it. It's labeled.
9. I've never left the country, and probably never will. I'm a wimp, and live vicariously through others who travel.
10. I only use one color/kind of pen on my calendar, and only I'm allowed to write on it.

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And, in other random news...

I was finally able to get my menu planning system up and ready to use. I bought this weekly dry erase board from Target back when school supplies were still heavily on the shelves...was that really 4 or 5 months ago?

I had originally planned on using it on the back of our pantry door, but only after a short few hours, it fell down. So, I set it aside because of frustration and forgot that I had even bought it. On Sunday, during my cleaning up frenzy, I found it and my husband engineered a new way to hang it. So now it sits sturdy on the wall. I decided to put it around the corner in my kitchen where I keep my calendar. Out of sight for most, but not for me. I added the ribbon to the eraser so I could hang it, and I love that it comes with a couple of magnets, so I can place the recipes on it for quick reference.


If I continue to get my menu planning act together I hope to be able to add not only the main dish, but the side dishes, too, but I can't go too crazy all at once, can I?

Sidenote: After organizing my recipe box last week, I decided to try a new recipe that I got on a website (non-reviewed). It was a complete flop...absolutely disgusting and from that moment have decided that I will not attempt a new recipe unless a) I've had it before and I ask for the recipe, b) A trusted friend gives me the recipe because they've made it before, or c) The recipe has been given good reviews by many (such as AllRecipes). Plain and simple. Easy as that. I've learned my lesson...unfortunately the hard way. Yuck! I think I still have the taste in my mouth.

And, here's what you've been waiting for...

My Menu For the Week

Monday - a variation of this Barbecue Chicken Salad
Tuesday - Baked Potato Bar with homemade chili
Wednesday - Chicken & Cheese Stuffed Shells
Thursday - Slow Cooker Beef Enchiladas
Friday - friends in town - out to dinner!
Saturday - Family Pizza Night
Sunday - Superbowl Goodies!!


Head on over to The Organizing Junkie and see what others are cooking up for Menu Plan Monday!

in need of a makeover

I need a makeover!

Yes, I definitely need one for myself, but I'll need to lose a few pounds before I start thinking about that.

I'm talking about getting a makeover for my blog.

I asked for one for Christmas, but I'm pretty sure anyone who saw my list was thinking, "What the heck is a blog makeover?"

Well, my birthday is coming up, so I'm going to give it another try.

This time I'm going to do a little homework and I need your help with finding a blog designer. I don't want to "spend" a lot of money, but I do want something that is a little more unique to fit me!

I would love to hear who designed your blog. If you could be so kind to leave me a comment and let me know!

just a little behind

So, this is what I did today while the kids napped...


I've been wanting to take down our fall decorations and get started on the Christmas decor so badly, but since we are leaving for California on Saturday, I've been busy preparing things for us leaving the kids with their grandparents...not to mention finishing our Christmas cards and other have-tos, like MOPS stuff and a few other Christmas cards I designed for some friends. I do have to say that I am proud that I had my priorities straight because all the things I had on my "to do list before vacation" are now officially crossed off. I can spend the day finishing laundry, doing some last minute packing, and I think I might even have some time for putting up a few more Christmas decorations.

Although I am feeling anxious about leaving the kids, I am also getting super excited! I plan on having one or two posts ready to go next week automatically, so you'll still be able to catch up on a few things that I've been wanting to share. I also might try to post some pictures of our trip while we're in California. We'll see...

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! I'm a little sad that we'll be missing out on a full week of Christmas fun that I could be doing with my kids (and enjoying making some crafty things, too), but I know this will be a memorable time for me and my husband. I can't wait to experience Christmas at Disneyland. I'm sure it's nothing short of amazing!!

And, lastly, I've read so many fun blogs that celebrate Christmas all month long with a fun activity for each day (big or small), so this year because of us being gone, I've decided that when we get back, to help continue my love for the holidays, I will be doing 12 Days of Christmas with my kids. You'll just have to check back in to see what that means. We return on the 13th, which means there are 12 days until Christmas. Could it be more perfect?

don't give up on me!

I'm still here, wanting to blog so badly, but trying really hard to get things done in the next 6 days I have before my husband and I leave for Southern California. What? I didn't tell you that we are celebrating our 5-year anniversary with a trip to see the sites? Yes, we are being crazy and taking off a week during the busiest time of the year to enjoy many of the well-loved California attractions. Unfortunately, we are leaving our 1-year old munchkin and 2 1/2-year old princess behind, which is breaking my heart just talking about it. Part of me says, "what in the world are you thinking?" (please tell me my kids won't need therapy for us abandoning them) and the other part says, "this will be some much needed and enjoyed time with just your husband". We wanted to visit the Happiest Place on Earth during the most beautiful season...Christmas! Luckily, our kiddos will be in good hands with the grandparents and I'm sure the week will fly by quickly! Right? Please someone tell me the week will fly by quickly!

In the meantime, while I continue to cross off (and add) things on my list, here is a quick little post showcasing our Muffin Tin Monday hosted by Her Cup Overfloweth. There was no theme this week, but we were able to have TWO muffin tins this week. I don't know...I must have been on a roll or something!

apple slices, pizza bites, cucumbers, apples, more pizza bites, raspberry yogurt

YoGos, PB&J bites, veggie booty, grapes, more PB&J bites, Satsuma oranges (which, by the way, didn't go over too well with the toddler's tastebuds!)

Next week's theme is Christmas stories and you better believe I'm going to try my hardest to squeeze this one in before I leave! It sounds like too much fun! Wanna join me?

I do have some fun pictures of Mikayla swimming and our Thanksgiving with lots of cousins to share, not to mention a few fun holiday goodies, but this short post for today (very early today) will have to do for now. Let's hope I'll get a chance to break away from my list of things to do and stop back by here.

who me?

Last night's dinner...

So, do I get the mother and wife of the year award or what??

Although I may never get that highly coveted award (that's for sure!), I did get my first blog award given to me by Lynz over at The Miles Family. Lynz is a mother of three and soon to be four! I found her blog when I first started blogging this last summer and because of her love for her family, I continue to enjoy checking in on her. She is a woman who is all about family and has a passion for teaching her children about all of the blessings in life. I commend her on raising her family in such a way. Thanks, Lynz, for always being one of the first to leave a comment and for honoring my blogging efforts with this award. I do appreciate the kind words and thoughtful blogger gift!

The rules for this award are...
1. Pick ten people and pass this award to them.
2. Then contact them and let them know you have chosen them and their blog for the award.
3. Also link back to the person who gave you this award.

I chose to pick 10 bloggers who I don't know personally. (I hope my friends already know that I am their biggest fan.) The ten blogs I chose (in no particular order) are blogs that I have found great inspiration from to further my passion for creativity.

1. Buzzings of a Queen Bee
2. Her Cup Overfloweth
3. Joy's Hope
4. Just a Girl
5. Make and Takes
6. Little Birdie Secrets
7. Just for Fun
8. Flip Flops & Applesauce
9. Skip to My Lou
10. My Insanity

Please go check out these amazingly creative blogs.

And be sure to tell them I sent you...