It's Been a While

It has been so long since I've blogged, I knew it the moment I plugged my camera into my computer and realized I had 420 pictures stored on it!!!  I have certainly been living, and I really do miss writing about it all.  
I've been hit by that writers block bug big time!  Hopefully finally posting will be just the right antibiotic to get me back reflecting on this peaceful space I created for myself years ago.

It's not like I haven't had any deep thoughts lately; in fact there has been some amazing things in my life these past few months that have really touched the deepest place of my very existence.  God is showing me much more than I could ever have imagined, so much that there is no way to form what He has shown me into words.  This is because... as usual, He's not finished with me yet.

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, I'm looking forward to '2015!

And then my favorite Holiday Decor Yet...

My husband and I were so blessed to receive a beautiful buffet and dining table from my beautiful Mother & Father in Law.  Ever since we got it, I have had so much fun decorating these beautiful pieces of furniture.

My picture wall, a little creativity from me, A few sweet sponsors: My Gi Gi (Great Grandmother), Mom, and 2nd Mother Aunt Heidi

I don't know what it is about me and slanted photos- lol

Making Beautiful Memories...

In celebration of our 12th year anniversary; here is a repeat post from a couple years back...

I met a beautiful woman a while back behind me at the bank; with such an evident beautiful heart...She was 85 years old; her name was Millie. I guess I could say I didn't technically meet her but I had the honor to stand in the long line to hear a woman speak to me about just how beautiful her life has been thus far. This conversation began after her taking notice of my daughter Shianne; who she absolutely adored! 

You could just see fond memories flashing before her eyes as she looked at & commented on her freckles- at which point she told me she was a teacher her whole life; taught elementary and in her elder years opened up a daycare of her own which she expressed being sad the day she closed her doors. 

I just sat there in line listening to her knowing she was an awesome teacher! Not to mention a woman who lived her life well; she spoke of traveling the world with her sweet husband Stan who went to heaven about a year ago. This was a woman who dearly misses her husband- but who could see the good in all. Her treasured memories of her sweet husband glowed through her eyes as she spoke of their memories together. 

This is why I love old couples, and the wisdom they have gained together- by living selflessly, the true joy they have found in accepting each other, and building one another up through the years. It shows in the way they look at each other. It was as if that day, she was looking into her sweet Stans' eyes as she spoke of all their joyful memories. 
You could tell it was enough...just enough to get her through that day. 

So today I am reminded as we head into our 12th year of marriage to make memories. Make memories that will last forever- and treasure that Man I love so dearly, the same way I did when I first fell in love. 
To hold onto those precious memories and feelings I had when we met, went on our 1st date, spoke the words "I Love You", shared our first kiss, committed our lives to each other, began our family, and strengthened our faith in God through the trials we have shared. 

As I think on these things and the many more memories that are yet to come- I don't ever want to forget to "GLOW" in love the way Millie did that fine day. 

Happy Anniversary to Us...and to many more beautiful memories together! 
I Love You Jay Arthur! :) 

The Question Is...

The question is- "How do they see you"?  

Take a step outside your own little world, look at your children in every interaction, and before you respond or react watch yourself, and ask "How do my children see me?"

If I'm truthful they would completely see me as a massive stress case.  Always running around with my head cut off and rushing everyone out the door for everything.  Not leaving as much time as I wish to just listen.  Even when I listen, I find myself reacting which makes them not want to talk to me about much of anything.  

Instead of the negative things they see; how bout flipping that around today - and think on at least 10 things you want your children to see when they see you.  

AND... 

in the next ten days; to remain focused jot down 1 thing for everyday that you felt good about.  Let's face it us Mom's can be way too hard on ourselves that any little regret can sometimes remove all the positive we've instilled in our homes that very day, we forget the good when we focus on the not so good moments.  Let's take this time to focus on the positive, so we can truly see the benefits, and watch God work through us in our homes.

My ten are:

1. A Mother who Loves them no matter what!
2. A Mother who planted self esteem within them through all trials.
3. Organized
4. Giving and Kind Hearted
5. Involved not hidden away
6. Patient Mother
7. Not afraid to be a kid
8. One who really listens with all her heart; quick to listen- slow to speak
9. A Mother who sees mistakes as an opportunity for growth, not defeat
10. Most of all a Mother who puts God first; because without Him, I can't imagine being able to do all of the above.

Five Minute Friday} Bloom

When I think of the word bloom I envision beautiful buds of flowers aching to see what the heavenly skies have to offer--- just reaching- reaching for something much better.
Displaying the beauty in every single precious petal, created by God himself.
I also see another side to bloom;
within those blooms petals fall... slowly fall and wither away.
The beauty of Gods creation is within each and every single one of them;
you see He is perfect; what withers away in each of those blooms He WILL rebuild.
With each petal that falls comes new life; the old has gone away to make room for the new.
I just love how God displays His works in the every day.
The way He constantly shows us the falling away of the petals; and through those withered crumpled up soft velvety petals comes a new bloom.
 The way He shows us that we will constantly be stripped away of what is no longer needed,
to make room for what He only knows we need.
Therefore I choose to rejoice where He will guide me to Bloom, aching to see what His Heavenly skies have to offer-
and rejoice in His plan for when I wither-
knowing that He will never fail,
allowing me to Bloom Forever in His Mighty Hands.

Five Minute Friday} Writer

Photo Image From: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/310889180497394769/

To become a writer...

I've often wondered how writers can continue to write during the dry seasons of life.

During the storms when the words are tucked deep within a place they cannot yet be pulled out.

How can one become a regular writer when the words don't always come.

As I ask myself this question, I realize that during the storms and dry seasons of life I MUST continue to write.  

Keep that journal tucked safely in the drawer next to my bed and don't forget that not everything a writer writes must be published- and when put in that context I see I am a writer, and it's okay to sometimes go into reflect mode privately.  It is a season God stirs within us the words He wants me to hear- and He will give me peace about the words that He would want me to share.  

I guess I am not becoming a writer...

I already Am.

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Now it's your turn - Click HERE for your opportunity to read other entries, post your own, or simply be inspired! 

Spring Break is in Session!

AND THEN... The Dog Whisperer...

The pool has been visited by us twice on the hot days, the rainy days have kept us in all snug. The first flower buds are peaking through with an array of color in our backyard. 

 I love Spring Break, having my children home with me- just planning our day depending on whatever the weather will bring.
It's been a while since I've written- while I have reflected a TON - I have yet to be given the words; so for now I will leave you with pictures of Jimmy's first ever Soccer game!!! He played great!!

WAY TO GO JIMMY!!!

Last but not least; my Favorite shot of the game... 

To watch Jimmy play his heart out on his first game ever, with other kids who have played for years made me so proud of our boy for 

getting out there- giving his all- and doing a GREAT job at it- ALL at the same time. 

I Love him so much!!!

Time to Get Fancy !

These are some of my favorites from Shiannes Spring Masquerade Dance at school ... Such a great group of kids and they had so much fun!  Everything looked so beautiful :)

Getting Ready... (Makeup- Sparkly Smoky Eye) By Mommy Lapierre -Lol

Dark Eyes light Lipstick :) She found a picture off Pinterest and we copied it!!! 

If you have a 14 year old, or ever have

then you certainly know this look! 

Shianne and One of her Best Friends setting up before the dance :) 

Mask Time! 

 OH MY!!! Shianne found the candy jar!

These were the most photogenic group of friends ever!!! 

I told you so...

Blurry - but Shianne & CJ were in charge of cleaning up the candy after the dance- bad idea.

Hahahaha

Lunch sack album Instructions} As Promised :)

So this is how to make a cute, quick & Easy handmade gift for someone special- or to keep your own mementos tucked aside for yourself.  Great for crafty kids & Teens too! :) 

1. Begin with 3 Lunch bags (I'm sure you could use more, but this will make 12 pages with 2 openings) 

Lay them Flappy side up in alternating directions as shown:

2.) Fold each sack individual to get a really nice crease (Keep in order though) 

3.) Now Fold them all together- and make another really nice crease

4.) Punch 3 Holes in the binding part of the book.  You can eyeball it (which I did) or you can make yourself little markers for where your holes should go.  Be careful not to go to close to the edge, or too far in 

5.) Cut 5x5 sheets of paper from an assorted paper pack; usually paper packs are themed and all the papers will coordinate well together.  You can even find 5x5 paper square packs in the scrapbook section at your favorite craft store, Target, or even Wal Mart.

6.) Time to glue down your front and back covers closest to the outside edge as possible

 It's completely okay if the paper covers your holes a tad, you'll still be able to get your binder rings through 

7.) Open up your book and start gluing in all your pages (It's much easier to work with and decorate your pages without the binder rings in) I used 1 1/2 inch binder rings, I found these at Staples, you could also use ribbon instead of binder rings.

You will notice flaps in your book- Really fun to place journal cards, and extra photos in.  I liked to tab mine with scraps of ribbon- you can also make tabs out of your coordinating scraps of paper 

I was pleasantly surprised to find these adorable journal memo cards at Walmart Pack of 60 for only .98 cents :) These made the book even easier to assemble.

# 8 

Choose any Ribbons you'd like to use to add some softness to your album, I like using ribbon as page tabs.

# 9

Use your scraps, stickers, stamps- whatever you'd like to create a title and page borders with.  The scalloped edge & stickers were in the $ 5.00 scrapbook paper pack I found- i got to use lots of accents from that book to decorate each individual page with. 

Notice how this page is just decorated with stickers & scraps of paper on the edges 

Don't over think your project and you will be so happy with your results.  I used to plan all my scrapbook pages out to match my photos with- 

This time I dressed my book before accessorizing with photos, and embellishments, it was so much easier that way!

Have Fun!!!