Anja and I worked on these little place cards (thanks for the inspiration, Kate!) for our Thanksgiving this year. I love the month leading up to Thanksgiving–it’s such a good thing to count our blessings together and then celebrate with family. Hope you are enjoying your day and thanking God as well!
Haven’t had a lot of time to blog lately, so thought I’d just do a quick recap/share.
Sick girl snacks
No bathing privacy in this house! He’s recently figured out how to open the toilets, too (joy…), so we leave the bathroom doors closed at all times.
Sweetest. Thing. Ever. Husband may or may not kill me for posting this. (To be fair, he just used the stuff that was lying around from Anja’s Valentine-making…he’s not normally a puffy paint kinda guy.)
An up-do for the dance.
A different kind of dance.
A tradition. And the second one is blurry, but I like it anyway. The Valentine “Angel” was a special request from Anja. I aim to please! 
A sucker from a classmate.
A makeup-less self-portrait. I don’t often post photos of myself, so why this one? I do not know.
And some cookies I made are here.
I found this idea via Esther, and I just love it. So I think I’ll play along today!
Outside my window…crusty snow and icicles lie in wait. Highs are in the single digits until the weekend.
I am thinking…about how I need to be working. :)
I am thankful for…healthy kids. After a bout of the ick this weekend for Anja, I am glad that a bad day or two is all I have to deal with at this point.
From the kitchen…potato-leek pizza, salad, and Valentine cut-out cookies.
I am wearing…sweat pants and a long-sleeve tee from concert band tour in college. Fancy.
I am creating…a felt valentine garland (that I started last year…sigh…).
I am going…to pick Anja up from preschool later.
I am reading…Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson and One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.
I am hoping…for a great first “back in the saddle” photo shoot this weekend of a friend’s little girl.
I am hearing…a small voice whispering (my daughter, not God). :)
Around the house…I have a new paper heart garland and a big stack of boxes for the move.
One of my favorite things…is feeling valued.
A few plans for the rest of the week: MOPS, Small Group, and helping Anja paint nails and do hair for a daddy-daughter dance this weekend! I am so excited for them!
Here is picture for thought I am sharing…an oldie but goodie of my girl, taken over 2 years ago!
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It’s funny, because three years ago I told myself (and others) that I had no interest in joining Facebook, would never join Facebook.
And here I am, creating a page for my blog, just to make it more convenient for readers. See, I know a lot of people spend time at work or time the kids are napping catching up with friends, and it is just a more convenient place to get blog updates. So, if you’re so inclined, stop on by and (by clicking here or by clicking on the banner over to the right) “Like” my page. I hope to have other conversations going on over there, too, and I’d love your input. See you there!
Kind of Life – Tara Whitney
One of my favorite bloggers, Ann Voskamp, released her new book recently, which shot to the top of Amazon’s Bestseller list! I am ordering it pronto. The video below (watch it even if you don’t plan to get the book or have never read her work–you will be blessed) gives a taste of her gift.
Randi’s Recipe Box Swap is back! Soups and stews–perfect for winter!
I’ve been to San Diego a few times, and been to places like Richard Walker’s for pancakes (yum!), but why oh why did I never hear of this place (first place mentioned in the post)? I want every single one of those cupcakes. Aaaaaand…I now want to go on “dessert tours” with friends. Any takers? I really don’t mean to wreck New Year’s resolutions/goals here, but I can’t. help. myself.
Katie made some fabulous Valentines…my mind motor is whirring with ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!
Look at other people’s messes? Yes, please! As depressing as this might sound, it makes me feel so normal.
As I was informed by Gretchen, today is National Delurking Day. Meaning, if you read a blog but have never left a comment, “delurk” and say hello! I’d love to hear from you!
And have a happy weekend. We’ll be doing lots of celebrating around here. My boy’s 1st birthday party! Oh, and someone else is turning 31. But we don’t need to talk about that. ;)
The Problem of Pain – Life in Grace (Edie & family lost their home to a fire just 3 days before Christmas..I’ve read her blog for a couple years, so it was almost like hearing it had happened to a good friend.)
Spinach Smoothie – A Little Spinach (One of my goals this year is to incorporate more whole foods into our diets, from breakfast to supper, and this lovely Minnesota mother, who I met once at the gym via a mutual friend, has fab healthy recipes.)
Since Husband is having me pare back (understatement) my own Christmas decorating this year, I thought I’d do up some links to the best of the best around the Interwebs. So grab a cup of cocoa or tea, and click away (pics link to the full post)!
First up, we have Centsational Girl. I LOVE her entry and her mantel. And knowing her, she did it all on a tiny budget, too.
Love these cute but economical tin can candle holders.
I. Heart. Farmhouses. And though this house isn’t an actual farm, all the farmhouse touches make me drool.
And the Scandinavian in me loves this house. That little cookie cutter family? Adorbs!
This cottage is decked out.
How cute are all the little trees in this house? When Anja gets old enough, maybe I’ll let her decorate her own tree in her room.
The white and silver simplicity of this home is very sophisticated.
Birch! I might have to try this next year in the new house!
What great Christmas decorations have caught your eye this year? Anything new you’ve put up at your place?
Have you finished your Christmas shopping? I am almost done. I find that lately I am doing more and more of my shopping online. I try to support small businesses and local vendors when I can. It just makes me happy to know that another entrepreneur is able to put food on their table when I buy a gift. It’s like giving two gifts!
Speaking of food on the table (and lovely gifts), if you are looking for a dainty and one-of-a-kind present for a sister who loves to entertain, for a granddaughter who delights in tea parties, or even if you just want a serving piece to anchor your own Christmas spread…my friend Hibby has a shop. She makes cake stands and dessert pedestals that are sweetly feminine, perfect for displaying delectables. Pay her shop a visit!
