Today, I'm Thankful For

Just wanted to share some of the little and big things that I'm thankful for today......

My healthy, beautiful children.

Quiet blogging time with a warm cup of Joe.

Smiles.

The beauty of God around me...his infinite creations ( people, snow, animals, sunshine, clouds,....)

My husband doing the dishes.....let me tell you, this is a great one :)

Kisses and hugs.

A game of Old Maid with the kids.

Jeopardy @ 4:30.

The laughter from my son as I read the word "underwear" in the book "Froggy Goes to School."

Loading the washer with my daughter. 

Staring at my baby as he sleeps. 

It doesn't get much better than this :)

A Mirror Makeover & A Little Reader Trivia

I LOVE CHALKBOARDS....they are cheap and look cute in the house. Better yet,you can walk past inspiring quotes 100 times a day. 

Check out this $5.00 transformation. Can you all guess who said this famous line on the chalkboard? 

A can of chalkboard paint, chalk, and some scrapbook paper for the heart garland...and whalaa...a beautiful chalkboard :)

                             

                             

                        

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Immaculate Heart of Mary Felt Saint Softie Doll from SaintlySilver

Etsy shop SaintlySilver has generously hand-sewn one of her dolls to giveaway to a lucky reader. 

All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post. Tell me how Mary's Immaculate Heart has influenced your life. Winners will drawn randomly. 

Last month, I was in search of something religious, unique, and long-lasting to give to my niece on her birthday. 

I was thrilled to find this precious Immaculate Heart of Mary Felt Saint Softie Doll from SaintlySilver on Etsy, 100% hand-sewn and made with love. Much to my delight, I realized after opening it, it was even more beautiful and intricate than what was shown on the pictures. 

This design also contains Eco-Fi felt. A felt made from recycled plastic bottles. Constructed with felt, thread, and poly-fill materials made in the USA and Germany. A Big Bonus... a cloth label on the back with Immaculate Heart of Mary prayer!

SaintlySilver also specializes in an amazing array of other hand-sewn Catholic saints and has been featured in the NY Times!

Please leave your email address if you don't have a blogger account. 

This giveaway ends Thursday, January 31 2013 at midnight CT. 

A Hospital Visit & A Comforting Smile

Last evening, midnight, I was on the way to the ER after my baby started heavy labored breathing. After a 12 hour stay in the hospital, my baby is recovering from a bout of croup. I'm very thrilled, overjoyed, and blessed to be home with a healthier 4 month old. During our stay, I was really emotional (scared, anxious, happy, and then relieved). Scared for my tiny little baby who was sucking in his chest to try to get air....anxious for his diagnosis, happy that it wasn't more serious, and relieved for his recovery. 

God always reminds me....for instance, this time....that life is so beautiful, precious, and in his hands. He also sends gentle caresses of comfort when in distress....like when my little guy was getting his chest x-ray. If any of you are familiar with infant x-rays, the baby sits in a clear tube, is securely strapped in, and arms suspended on both sides of his head. It looked terribly uncomfortable, and I was sure he was going to cry.....I was going to cry....but God sent a caress of comfort through the smile my baby gave me while sitting in that hard, uncomfortable tube. 

God reminded me how precious life and love is....what a blessing to have him home and smiling :)

~God Bless
Jenny

$10.00 Thrift Store Makeover; Framed Baby Pics :)

Check out my before and after thrift store makeover. I snagged these 1970's frames for $1.00 and the 8 X 10's from Shutterfly for under $10.00.

     A little paint & the arrival of my orange Shutterfly package...

    

    Transformed into two beautiful portraits of my newborn babes....to go alongside the baby pic of my first son :) And all for ten dollars!