Happy Thanksgiving (Part 2)

Today I am also so greatful for the things I don't have at the moment. I remember this verse today:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Today I am also thankful for:

1. That hardly any of my clothes fit, though it's totally annoying, it means I am a new healthier (and smaller) me.

2 Garage doors. Our is broken at the moment, but it makes me realize how much I really appreciate being able to park in the garage.

3. My health and the ability to exercise. I am feeling sick today, and it always forces me to slow down and rest, i am thankful for that.

4. Money. We do not have much of it, but I am still thankful that we have just enough to pay our bills. Being on a tight budget also makes me thankful when we get to go out to eat (and be served). It is a rarity but I am thankful that we get to do it at all because I know some people aren't that lucky.

5. Money. Its a big deal so it gets 2 spots. Since we dont have a lot of extra money for Christmas gifts, I am thankful for my God-given ability to craft and make stuff. That way I can show the people I love how thankful I am for them by making them gifts.

6. All My family. I do not get my sister here on Thanksgiving or Christmas this year and it is really hard, but I am thankful that I have gotten to go see her in Colorado twice and that I know she will get to come home eventually.

I am so greatful to God for everything he has given me and all the things He chooses to withhold. I know that having less makes me more of a person. We are making it...and even though we dont have a lot of things or money, we have a lot of love and I am SO thankful for that.

Count Your Blessings

This time of year always gets me feeling thankful. This year I am thankful for: (In no particular order other than what comes to my jumbled head)

1. Getting to stay at home with my kids everyday.
2. For a husband that cooks the most amazing dinners.
3. My house and (hopefully) modified payment soon.
4. Olivias heart.
5. Toby's Dance moves.
6. Snuggle time on the couch every morning.
7. That people actually buy Ankle Biters stuff.
8. And amazing group of women I get to call my friends.
9. A healthy Baby Licoln.
10. An amazing and inspiring small group.
11. My sister-in-law. (I got real lucky with this one)
12. My Mom.
13. Crafting (yes...so thankful for this outlet)
14. Worship music
15. A God who not only provides for my needs but also my wants.
16. Cold weather


Have a great day...and count your blessings!!

The Ridiculous Faces of Toby

Toby is going through a phase right now that he makes the most rediculous faces in pictures. He is also throwing up some sort of toddler gang signs. Not sure what they mean...not sure he does either. It is driving me NUTS...hope it ends soon. Here are a few of the funniest for your viewing pleasure.

A Day with Thomas

On Sunday we headed out to the Perris Train Museum to go see Thomas. Toby LOVES Thomas. He loves all trains but Thomas and Toby the Train have a special place in his little boy heart. He was pumped the whole time, having to stop, look, and touch everything train. We also got to ride in a train car pulled by a life size Thomas. It was pretty cool to see his little face light up. Olivia was pretty excited too. She was just bummed that Rosie (The girl train) wasn't there.

Dena's Dinner Party

My dear friend and sister-in-law Dena
only wanted one thing for her 30th birthday. She wanted to have a dinner party in the forest surrounded with twinkling lights. The only problem...no electricity in the forest or a forest near by...but we made due. My mother in law has a little meadow in her back yard so we decided to do it there. I got to be in charge of the table. (I was pumped to be in charge of this) This was my first attempt at a tablescape and was pretty proud of how it turned out. I wanted it to be fancy, but woodland-esque. Tons of twinkly lights, candles, wood stumps, and woodland creatures. I wish the pictures I took could do it justice, but I just couldn't get a good shot. Here is what I did get.










The company was perfect. The night was perfect. Happy Birthday Dena. I love you so much!

Fall Decorations

I am slightly obsessed with fall this year and wanted to make a bunch of decorations...so I did. Here they are:





And yes, I took it to a whole new level and made a couple of fall bunting banners for outside. How freakin cute do they look though??

Zuzu Pet

Miss Liv has been wanted a ZuZu pet for a while now. But at $9 a piece this was going to take some work on her part. Now there is another thing that Miss Liv has been doing forever...and that is waking me up 3 times a night to go pee. She wakes up almost every 3 hours and goes pee and wants me to tuck her back in to bed. Now after almost a year of this (I know I should have done it sooner...dont judge me) I had had it. So we made a reward chart and if she went pee by herself and tucked herself back into bed she would get a sticker. After 6 stickers, she would get her ZuZu pet. She did amazing...should have done this sooner. After 2 days of the chart she was sleeping through the night and only getting up to pee once. So we go and get the ZuZu pet and she grabs it. "Thank you mom, but she needs an outfit" Here is "furry" in her "outfit.