Gift Giving

So, I finally found the secret to giving the perfect gift. Scripture. Plain and simple. In giving a few gifts to some friends and neighbors this year, I included a specific scripture for that person either on the tag or somehow incorporated it with the gift. It sounds so simple, but it really makes a great difference. It turns the "how cute" into "how special" . Just thought I'd share.

Can I still keep the title of my blog even though THERE ARE NO MORE DIAPERS IN MY HOUSE!!!!! None. Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch.
P.S. I'd like to put some Christmas songs on my playlist however I can't remember my password to change my songs. hhmmm.

Nativity Scene

My mom gave me my late grandmother, Vivian's, nativity scene this past year. I have it in the dining room and it's the really pretty kind that has two barns with hay and all the animals and a little light that shines in the stable with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. I love it!! BUT, what I love most of all is secretly watching my son move all the animals out of the barns and all the shepherds, kings and travelers to face the stable. Silly me....trying to "display" the scene so everyone could see how beautiful it was. Only through the eyes of a babe does it make sense to see only the backsides of the participants. that boy. he teaches me more than I ever thought possible.

We 3 Kings...

This past weekend we spent the morning at the City Rescue Mission where my 5 yr. old was one of the 3 kings in a Christmas play. I loved being there, having my kids there to play with others less fortunate than us, but I'm especially fond of a little 3 yr. old named "baby" who gave me the best head massage ever!! no lie.

Bill would be so embarrassed if he knew I was going to write about him but....if you know anything of my husband he is a) a passionate photographer and b) a passionate giver and lover to humanity.
The man would wear dirt if he could. He's the most non materialistic person I know and sees life as a reason to make someone else's better.

He set up a photo booth at the shelter and took family portraits of the families that were there. It was so precious to see these families rejoice in a simple picture.

I needed a little wake up call this month and I got it~
We look forward to going again in the spring to take their pictures. ahhh, it feels so much better to give than receive.

my sweet friend

In chalking up my blessings this year, I'm reflecting on what my friend Alyssa has blessed me with this year and actully since Macy's been born.

Aside from being beautiful, Alyssa my sweet friend of my whole life, has been doing something really great for our family. Alyssa and her cutie little daughter, Hayden, (born exactly one year from my Macy) has graciously donated her wardrobe to us. So pretty much for the past two years, I've only purchased food and diapers and some bows for my little girl. Priceless, I know. Anyway, I just wanted to let you all see the pics of the beautiful, INSIDE and OUT, family that I'm so blessed to call friends. I hope you know someone as generous. Happy Thanksgiving.

family of 7!

Check out this super sweet, cute, fun, and happy family of seven! They were tons of fun and so easy! Lovely family.

shower thoughts.....

I do my best thinking in the shower. I've had tremendous spiritual growth in the shower. Seriously.

However, this week I needed to clean the shower. So I did.

Nonetheless, I still had a spiritual moment:


Me: "Man-o-mighty, if I would just clean this shower regularly it wouldn't get like this."

Holy Spirit: "It's kinda like your quiet time in the morning that hasn't been so regular."

Me: "Hmmm, I would be really embarrassed for anyone to see the INSIDE!"

Holy Spirit: "This is where you come clean. Keep cleaning. Don't fear judgement, you'll get there."

Me: "Okay, I'm really gonna start doing this more regularly, because it feels great to have a clean shower!"

Holy Spirit: "Come to me regularly also and you'll be refreshed!"

Me: " Oh, wait now I have to clean the soap scummed glass doors. Darn."

Holy Spirit: "It's also true that you should be transparent(just like your shower doors) so everyone can see how clean and made new I've made you."

Me: "Saweet"

Father, thank you for reaching me in the ordinariness (is that a word?) of today.

P.S. Last time Garrett saw me cleaning the bathroom he said "Mom, are you the new cleaning lady?" Ahem..."why yes sweetheart, I've decided to stay home and clean instead of going to work each day. Is that okay with you? "Sure, i guess."

A new favorite picture

I can't wait to frame this picture! It has my favorite people and a new favorite memory of our family lake house. We spent fall break this way:

Seeing more deer than people
Seeing more water than land
Breathing more outdoor air than indoor air
Playing more games than the casinos
Watching Macy crawl out of bed more times than I could count
Eating soup and chili that my husband made (de-lish)
Eating at a new restaurant our family is calling "Sabrina's Choice"

it was fun and much needed. I can't wait to go back.