Monday, January 30, 2017

Bring On Spring. A Simple DIY Project.

From workspace to door in 20 minutes or less for under $13! A simple project that will bring springtime cheer to your door.

My Christmas wreath was still on my front door at the end of January. It was time to change it out, but I didn't have anything to put in its place. I noticed Michael's Arts and Crafts had 30% of your entire purchase last week (through 2/4/17). I stopped by to see if I could find an economical way to replace my Christmas wreath (which is a fast and furious task when you are shopping with a 3 and 2 year old)!

I decided on a grapevine wreath for my DIY project. I was excited about the $3.49 price tag (with the 30% discount) . Yes, please!  Into the cart it went.

The next step took me to the floral department. I must say this part took me a little bit of time to figure out. There were so many flowers to choose from, and so many directions I could have gone with this wreath. It helps if you have a specific color scheme in mind (especially with toddlers in tow).  I ended up picking two different flower options and headed to the letters. I knew I wanted a "W" on our wreath for the initial of our last name. I picked out a white wood "W" and a silver galvanized "W." I liked the way the silver ($4.00) looked so I ended up going with the green and white hydrangeas ($1.74 a piece). Step Two Done!


The wreath came together fast.  Getting the bow just right took the most time in this project. I already had the burlap on hand, but I felt it needed a pop of color to pull out the green. I grabbed this fun ribbon while at Hobby Lobby for 50% off. It was the perfect element to complete the wreath. The last step was to hot glue everything in place. I secured the "W" to the wreath with black pipe cleaners I had on hand.

Ta Da! Fun new door decor in less than 20 minutes!

I can't wait for spring! But until then this wreath will brighten my door on the cold winter days ahead.

Friday, January 27, 2017

Five Things Friday

YAY! It's Friday! It's been a while since I have done a Five Things Friday post, it's good to be back!

one. I worked hard last year to stay up to date in documenting our family. You may remember this post, where I talked about the system I use to preserve my family's memories. Well, on Tuesday the book arrived. I have never had the book in hand this fast after the year is over (I'm telling you this system works)! Normally, I'm a few years behind (which is okay too). Be looking for a new post next week all about getting your pages ready to print!



two. The Crown. Chris and I found a new show on Netflix a few weeks ago. It only took one episode for us to be hooked. The Royal Family intrigues me. The Crown is all about Queen Elizabeth II. We got through the first 10 episodes in a couple weeks (each season will showcase a decade in her life). Now we have to wait until November for Season 2 to come out! If you have Netflix check it out, it's so good.

three. I'm 27 weeks along (I'll be 28 weeks on Sunday) with baby #5.
The next 3 months are going to fly by, and baby boy will be here before I know it. That means I need to get to work! I made Jack and Judson a baby quilt before they were born (poor Max and Cooper, I haven't forgot about them...I will make them something too). I have been surprised how much each of them love their quilt and carry it all over the house (then want it back with them in bed at night). It's one thing I want to have done for this baby too. I'll post more about this fun project.


How cute is that fox?!

four. Discerning the Voice of God Bible study by Priscilla Shirer. I'm facilitating this Bible study on Wednesday nights at our church. I have loved each and every week. We are in Week 3 of 7, and each week I have gained new insights from scripture. In our DVD session this week, I love how Priscilla hit on why we don't always get the whole picture, ahead of time, of God's plan for us. If He hasn't given you the information, it's because you don't need it right now. Instead, we should take what He has given us, and be obedient. Amen! I highly recommend this study and her Armor of God study, they are two of my favorites!

five. I love this company, Boy Mom. Now, don't worry, they have Girl Mom shirts too (and Grand Boy Mom, etc)! Shortly after I found out that I would be forever a boy mom I got this new pullover. It was 70% off and they gave me a free boy mom license plate cover with my purchase. Who doesn't love a free gift with purchase?  I still need to get this installed on my van #proudboymom. I wore this pullover yesterday and I LOVE it. If you want to show your Boy Mom or Girl Mom pride, head on over and use the code HEART70 for 70% off your purchase!





Monday, January 23, 2017

The Goal That Changes Everything

It's 2017 and I have always loved the beginning of a new year. 365 days stretched out before me, full of hope, fresh and new, waiting to unfold.

As 2016 was coming to a close, I couldn't help but think, "What will I do with the Lord's blessings in 2017?" Not just material blessings, it extends far beyond that to include opportunities He gives me to share a kind and encouraging word with a stranger, time with family and friends, or even an opportunity to share how Jesus has changed my life. Each day He gives me on this earth is a gift, am I going to live in the moment or squander it away on meaningless things that do not matter?  

I have many goals, desires, and aspirations for 2017, and they are all fine and good. But realistically, half of them will not get accomplished this year. When I think about the thing I want to truly accomplish this year, it can be summed up in three little words. To Be Present.


To enjoy the here and now. To enjoy the season that I'm in right now. For me that season is motherhood. A season that is often chaotic, crazy, messy, and a double dose of challenging. Along with these words, it's also special, rewarding, amazing, and fleeting. God has blessed me with so much and I do not fully enjoy the blessings that He has so generously bestowed on me.

Growing up, I remember the thing I looked forward to the most was getting married and being a mom. I am shocked at how fast this time has gone. We will be welcoming our last baby into our family in 2017. Just like that, ten years of growing our family will come to a close. I know I have many years of motherhood ahead, but I do not want the precious time I have left with my kids at home to slip though my fingers.  Leaving them with memories of a distracted mom that was not fully present.

Now for the action plan. It's all good to pick a word or set a goal, but words without action are meaningless. Without a plan, my good intentions will fall flat and never transform or produce growth or change in my life.

To my shame, the number one thing that robs me of enjoying life and being present is my cell phone. This year I am going to work on not spending time mindlessly scrolling my Facebook feed and being "attached at the hip" with my phone. I love Instagram and Pinterest. I want to use them in moderation and not be so enamored with the "eye candy" of all the pretty pictures of projects I could accomplish in the future all while neglecting the present. My sweet boys are growing older by the day. Often, they will run up to tell me something about their day, a funny event, or an exciting thing they just mastered. If the story rambles on I find myself only half listening thinking about what I just read or saw on my phone. I don't want to live life this way. I want to be fully present to enjoy these little moments with my boys. For all too soon, they will be grown and moments like this will be few and far between.

One of my jobs as a believer is to "abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul (Galatians 5:17)." My flesh wants to do what it wants to do. I am going to have to fight hard against these desires to let my phone distract me by drawing me into mindless scrolling and searching. It is not going to be easy, but that is why #1 on my action plan is to  read my Bible daily, and to commit my goal of being present to prayer. Focusing on the things of Christ will help me to abstain from the desires of my flesh. "I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Goal #2...Eliminate the distraction. I will be setting up a cell phone charging/docking station in my kitchen. A place that my phone and all other electronic devices will stay most of the time. A place that I can easily hear if it rings, but not connected to my palm 24/7.

Goal #3...To not give up. This process won't be easy, but thankfully, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Do you have a goal you are hoping to accomplish in 2017? Do you find it is easier to come up with a word or phrase to focus on for the year? I would love to hear your thoughts below.