Valentine's Day 2012

We had such a fun, festive Valentine's Day. It started with the kids waking up to find their Valentine's gifts.

They also got the movie Dolphin Tale to share. We saw it in the theaters and they loved it!
Craig got his card and box of chocolates. He's also getting a watch of his choice. We just haven't had time to go to the jewelry store and buy it. Craig is very particular about his watch so I'm letting him pick what he wants.

Craig bought me a Nook Tablet. LOVE IT!!!! I take it everywhere. The kids are enjoying it too.

I made one of their favorite breakfasts-strawberry muffins. Notice the festive plates? We used them for dinner and dessert too.

I printed off labels and taped them around water bottles for Craig and the kids to take with them for the day.
I also added these notes to the kids lunches. I love that they're pre-printed and I can just fill in the blanks.

We all had a party-filled day at school and work. Preston and Kaitlyn had classroom parties with cookie decorating, games, and exchanged Valentine's cards. They also took Valentine's pencils to share with their friends. They came home with tons of cards and candy.

I received some nice treats and gifts from some of my students and coworkers. My boss even made a yummy lunch for all the teachers. Craig was super busy with his Valentine's tent at work. He said people were in and out of Kroger all day buying flowers and chocolates. Since he's the boss, he was kind enough to buy lunch for his floral department.

As tradition, we bought a heart-shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's.

For dessert, Craig requested a homemade cheesecake. It was actually my first time using a springform pan and it was so easy! The cheesecake was easy and delicious. Look for the recipe tomorrow on my craft blog.

I prefer my cheesecake plain and Craig likes cherries on his.

The kids like caramel and chocolate sauce drizzled over theirs.

And that ended our day. It was fun, festive, and full of love. It's just the way we like to do things.

Our Suburban Life

So, it's been about a month since I've updated this blog. I've still been heavily blogging, but it's mostly been on my craft blog carsandribbons.blogspot.com. What have we been up to? Just the typical family activities: church, school, church, work, did I mention church?

The kids had the day off from school for a holiday recently and actually asked to do some crafts. Kaitlyn and I created bookmarks. Preston got a wooden pirate ship kit from his aunt and uncle and was ready to start building.

Preston carefully colored the wood pieces.

The ship slowly started coming together.

Kaitlyn wanted to help once she finished making her bookmarks.

The ship still remains to be completed. Preston needs to add the finishing touches and we'll make the big reveal!

Kaitlyn also had a 3-D landform project for school that needed to be completed. First, let me just say she is in 2nd grade. The kinds of projects she's had to do this year are crazy! It hasn't been anything we couldn't handle, but I remember doing Show And Tell still at that age. Plus, half her homework and schoolwork has to be done on the computer. Things have sure changed since I was a wee lad (don't know why I felt the need to start typing in an Irish accent but it seemed fitting).

Anyways, back to the landform. Kaitlyn picked icebergs. So, we had to make a 3-D iceberg. I was actually not feeling well the week this project was due so Craig took charge and helped Kaitlyn. They did a great job simply using styrofoam and blue cellophane.

Craig cut the styrofoam in half and glued the cellophane in between the styrofoam pieces. If you look at pictures of icebergs, you can always see the bottom through the water. Craig wanted to duplicate that for Kaitlyn. I think it turned out great and can't wait to see what grade Kaitlyn receives.

The kids are also looking forward to their Valentine's parties at school. They spent time writing out their Valentine's for their classmates.

Finally, we just received our snowfall for the winter. It didn't last because we never got below freezing. It's supposed to be in the 70's in a few days.

It's been pretty mellow around here. Nothing too exciting. However, there are many fun things planned within the next few months and we can't wait to share them with you.

Count Your Blessings

It's a new year with new goals, new plans, and new dreams. Everyone always reflects on the previous year to see what they've accomplished or where they fell short. As our family looks back, we like to always stay positive, and not focus on the valleys that we've experienced, but rather reflect on those mountains that stand out and remind us of how blessed we are.

Our Faith-we are so blessed to be able to worship and freely pray to God everyday. Our morals and values are the foundation for our family and we will not ever take for granted what Jesus did for us.

Our Family-we love our family unit of 4: 2 girls, 2 guys. We are inseperable. We have 4 different personalities but love with the same heart. We cherish the time when all of us can be together and thank God for choosing us to be a family.

Our Health-we know what it's like to have to see doctors and specialists, to see the medical bills pile up, and to know surgery is inevitable. We made the decision in 2009 that I would have a hysterectomy at the age of 28. It was one of the best decisions we could've made and now I see my doctor only once a year. The kids never get sick and only see the pediatrician for well-child exams. Indeed, God has kept his healing hand upon our family.

Our Jobs-we don't ever forget how blessed we are to have jobs. Craig absolutely loves his job and was so ecstatic when God blessed him with a promotion last year. I only work part-time, sharing my passion with children, and get to spend the rest of my time being a mom and wife.

Our Home-we live in our dream home. When it was time to buy a house in 2008, we prayed for the right house and had a checklist of exactly what we wanted. We did not have to compromise on our list and God gave us the perfect house at the perfect price. I absolutely love my home and don't ever want to move again! Plus, we have a full pantry, full closets of clothes, and 2 running cars. What more could we ask for?

So, when you're feeling down and frustrated because things didn't go your way or you didn't get what you want, remember to stop and count your blessings. No matter how little you may have, you still have more than most.

And She's Off!!!

Yesterday, was January 6. It's winter. And the temps were in the 70's!!! People were wearing shorts. Next week, the weather is supposed to be in the 40's. That's Texas for you.

Since it was so nice, the kids wanted to ride their bikes. Preston does a great job on his bike with training wheels intact.


Kaitlyn has had her training wheels off for awhile, but was always scared to learn to ride with just two wheels. Finally, she set her mind to it and was ready to learn. She also did not want anybody's help.

Kaitlyn is surveying the area and getting ready.

And she's off!!!

And she did a great job all on her own!!!

Sadly, I think this is just the beginning of many things she'll be doing on her own.

Welcome 2012!!!

Ah, a year has past. So many changes. Craig was promoted. Preston started public school. Kaitlyn has found her passion in drawing. I've become even more involved in volunteer activities. Lots of people think that once kids start school, you have nothing to do at home. That couldn't be further from the truth. I've been busier than ever!

One thing that has taken up some time is a website called Pinterest. I have enjoyed finding new craft projects, ideas for the home, recipes, and more. People are always asking me to share my latest projects and creations. So, I've decided to start a craft blog. Believe me, it's not like I need one more thing to do. But, it's an easy way to share what I do and how I do it. Check out Cars and Ribbons (named after the kids favorite things) and become a follower.

This blog will still be active and will update everyone on what's going on with our family. Be prepared for lots of good changes and celebrations.

We wish everyone a blessed and prosperous New Year! Welcome 2012!!!

Vintage Decor

Christmas. It's the one holiday each year when someones house can be completely transformed from some festive decorations. We actually didn't put out all of our decorations this year, but I do love the few things that we brought out.

I have a gorgeous white Christmas tree in our family room that I purchased at a garage sale in fall of 2010. For $10. Yes, you read that correctly. Last year we only had black ornaments to put on the tree. This year, I finally got my topper-a black, glittery star. I love it!

You'll notice some paper chains coming off one side of the tree. Preston made those at church. He's supposed to take one chain off per day to countdown to Christmas. Well, he didn't want to mess up the chain so it's been left completely intact.

A friend of ours gave us a little pink tree with some ornaments. It's just what Kaitlyn has always wanted and it looks great in her room.

We also have two other trees that haven't changed from last year. You can read about those here.

I love the vintage, rustic Christmas look. I especially love vintage Santas. They have a classic, traditional look that makes the home feel cozy. Here are a couple of my favorite Santas that I have in my house.

He sits on top of my organ, next to a metal Christmas tree candle.

This Santa is a little smaller and stands on my buffet, next to a sleigh full of ornaments.

I also like rustic, traditional looking reindeer. These 3 metal reindeer sit in a corner of my kitchen counter.

This basket of scented pinecones ($5 at Hobby Lobby) sets on my coffee table in my formal living area. It smells so good as you walk into the house.

This is the top of my buffet. I've never decorated it like this before and I love it. The square plates were given to me as gifts over the years. The reindeer plates and mug on the right I purchased after Christmas at Hobby Lobby one year for just a few dollars. My little vintage Santa, sleigh, and ribbon Christmas tree are in the middle.

The ribbon tree I made in a couple hours last weekend. I really love it and can't wait to make more. I found the tutorial on Pinterest.

My friend gave me a couple of these ornaments last year. They have a black/white design to them. I decided to hang the from the buffet. I may keep them up all year!

Next, is our formal dining room table. The smaller red hurricanes I got on sale at Kirkland's. The taller hurricane I got on clearance at Hobby Lobby (can you tell I love that place?). Craig inherited the Christmas dishes from his grandmother. We have the entire set plus the flatware and serving pieces. We have not used them yet, but are looking forward to next Christmas.

I don't know where Craig's Grammy got the dishes, but they will always stay in our family.

This beautiful Christmas block was made by my mom (that's where I get my skills). It looks great on my long kitchen counter. Thanks Mom!

So that's just a taste of what our home looks like. My taste has definitely evolved over the years, but I think I've finally settled on a theme that we both like. It may not look perfect, but it makes our house feel like a Christmas home.

Badge Time!

We are part of the Assembly of God denomination. There are classes for the children called Royal Rangers (boys) and Mpact Girls (girls). These classes are held weekly during the school year and teaches the children God's Word while earning different badges. The program starts with 2 yr olds called Sonshine Kids. Then 3 and 4 yr olds are part of Rainbows. When the children get into Kindergarten is when they are divided by gender. The program can go all the way through the high school years if desired. I was not part of an A/G church as a child so I never got to experience this program. However, Craig remembers his time in Royal Rangers and is really enjoying the program with our son.

Twice a year are the badge ceremonies. The kids get their badges, certificates, and receive special recognition for all their hard work.

The year started off kind of rough for Preston. All at once he had to go to 'big' school, try football (didn't work out, but that's another story), and then go upstairs in the Children's building to be with the older kids. He is the youngest and smallest boy in the class, actually in all his new classes. Adjusting took a lot of time, especially since Preston was used to his mama being with him ALL THE TIME! Side note: it was hard for Mama too!

Eventually, Preston got used to it and loved having his dad with him in class to help out. We worked very hard on his badges and was the only Ranger Kid to earn 2 badges this semester. He also earned 4 achievement patches that go with his badges.

Mr. Dave does a great job leading the boys every week!

As usual, Preston is stuck to the side of one of his parents!

So proud of my big boy!

Then, it was Kaitlyn's turn. This is her third year as an Mpact Girl (2nd year as a Prim), so it's no big deal for her. From the very first day, she always did great and is very independent. So far she's an Honor Rainbow (so is Preston) and Honor Daisy. This semester she earned 4 more badges. Awesome!

Kaitlyn got to hold the Mpact Girls flag as they said their pledges.

Proudly showing off her certificate.

After the ceremony, she made a snowman craft. Very cute!

I had to fish this out of her church bag.

So proud of all their accomplishments. They earn great badges and prizes while learning about God. Such great discipleship training!

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it."-Proverbs 22:6