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!

A List of Goals for 2013

I thought I'd compile a list of goals for the new year...if they're recorded, I'm more likely to follow them. 

2013 brings on a whole array of new challenges. This fall, I start homeschooling Kindergarten...my first official year (besides preschool stuff). 

We are also thinking of selling our house (we are outgrowing our current shack)...and with this brings various improvements to try to sell. Plus...working part-time as a librarian and mommy to three. So, here it goes...my list to help me keep more organized. 

1. Start preparing and organizing curriculum for Kindergarten. Looking into Our Lady of Victory Traditional Catholic Homeschooling curriculum. Order books and set up classroom. 

2. Update my mommy's survival binder...schedules, homeschooling, meal-planning, etc. 

3. Get rid of the Television. I have wanted to do this for quite some time...I finally have the strength to do it! 

4. Make updates to our house...to get ready to sell :)

5. Get outside more...when winter is over. Have my son participate in one sport this summer (whether it be swimming or T-ball). 

6. Volunteer with the kids this summer. 

7. Organize closets, pantry, garage, garden shed, and toys. Must find better solutions!


I hope at least some of these goals get checked off my list! :) Have a happy, healthy, and merry 2013!

God Bless
~Jenny

A Beautiful Year :)

I would have to say that this was a great year! But, since 2012 is coming to an end, my fairytale 4 month maternity leave is also coming to a halt.

What a blessing it was to be at home so long with my children full time. To not miss reading stories, playing games, tying their shoes, and taking loads of silly pictures. I pray that I will be able to do this full time again....soon :)

As for now, I'm taking advantage of my last full week as a stay at home mommy. But, grateful to God that I'm only going back to work part-time.

Thank you God for a beautiful 2012 :) God Bless ~Jenny