Ten Things I Love About My Mom

Today is my lovely mama's birthday! To celebrate, I'm listing out 10 things I absolutely love about her.

photo credit: Sackett Photography

1. She's a helper to my Dad. She does lots & lots of bookwork for the business. Plus she helps around the house and encourages him to make healthier choices.
2. She supported my sisters and me with lots of extra-curricular activities. Piano lessons, voice lessons, dance lessons, choirs & bands, musicals & plays, speech, photography classes, sports, and basically anything "extra" we wanted to try...I truly feel like my opportunities were limitless as I was growing up.
3. She's a fighter. She quit smoking years ago and has recently lost a bunch of weight working out & eating healthy. She overcame cancer gracefully. She's a strong, strong lady.
4. She's good at making friends. She has made new friends and kept old ones through her quilting hobby. They actually get together and do fun things!
5. She gets things done! She completes projects. Sure she has some unfinished projects, but she has finished many, MANY quilts and sewing goodies.
6. She doesn't complain or play the victim. She definitely did not have the easiest life growing up, but I never hear her complain or place blame on anyone. She was determined to give my sisters and me a loving & stable home...and she certainly succeeded!
7. She's an awesome Grandma! She made sure their home was stocked with baby necessities so her grandbabies would have everything they could ever need when visiting. She is willing to drop everything to help out when needed.
8. She is generous. She gives extravagant gifts! Homemade gifts like her quilts, canned foods, hooded towel for Erin, messenger bag, baby carrier, etc. Or just things that she doesn't use anymore that she knows we could use. Or, if she doesn't have any ideas for Christmas or birthdays, she is ok giving gift cards or money as a gift. So, so generous.
9. She is spontaneous and fun. She is almost always up for a spur of the moment shopping trip! I rarely plan ahead, so I really appreciate this quality in her!
10. I know she loves me. Never once have I doubted her love for me. Growing up, I felt wanted, valued, cherished, and cared for.

photo credit: Sackett Photography

Happy birthday, Mom! I love you so, SO much!! Thank you for being you and for being the best mama a girl could ask for.

Valentine Gift Ideas

I am totally loving making these fun gift boards! Valentine's Day is less than one month away. Here are my top picks for the whole fam.

Gifts for the Little Miss:
1. Dress. Such a pretty little dress for a pretty little girl! This would be perfectly paired with a black cardigan. (I really, really wish this came in my size!)
2. Rubber Duckies. Erin's bath toy supply seems to be dwindling (mostly because she has a death grip on them when she gets out of the tub and somehow sneaks them into her room). These duckies are too small for Erin, but something like these would be fun.
3. Count My Kisses or Huggy Kissy. This girl LOVES books.

Gifts for the Pup:
4. Toy. He could never have too many toys!
5. Beggin' Strips. He'd much prefer real bacon, but these are quicker, cleaner, & probably healthier!

Gifts for Papa:
6. Boxers. He wears boxers to bed. ALL of his are old, holey, and falling apart.
7. Book. OK...this book might be more for my benefit :)
8. Dark Chocolate. Can't go wrong with chocolate! He did just tell me he prefers peanut M&M's over any other candy, so I'll likely go that route.

Gifts for Mama:
9. Print. I would cry happy tears if Drew surprised me with this. Seriously. Bonus points if he framed it in a white frame!
10. DVD. Never seen it, but I do enjoy an occasional chick flick.
11. Necklace. Perfect dainty necklace.

First Birthday Party...Pig Themed

We celebrated Erin's 1st birthday party on the Sunday after her birthday. Gma & Gpa Camp were super gracious and let us use their home.

I decided on a pig theme for her party because I used to collect pig things and I didn't want to spend much money. Plus it's naturally pink and girly!

This pig cork board (complete with pig push pins!) made for a fun way to welcome guests. It features a newborn pic, 6 month pic, and 1 year pic of Erin.

The fireplace was decorated with stuffed pigs, a homemade photo banner with some of my favorite Instagram pics, a couple framed photos, and a couple Shutterfly photo books of Erin.

Another Instagram banner was strung across the wide doorway into the living room.

Pink balloons decked out like pig faces were hung above the dining room table. (Funny pig faces courtesy of Drew.)

I made Erin's piggy smash cake.

Plus little piggy cupcakes for the guests!

Erin only nibbled at her cake. She was more interested in feeding me. I made this pig party hat for Erin. Gma Oelrich made the sweet personalized pig onesie! 

The meal consisted of lasagna, garlic bread, green beans, fresh fruit, cupcakes, and punch. I made little bags of a snack mix (plus a photo of Erin) for favors.

Erin's favorite people made it to her party (with a few missing). We are so blessed to have such wonderful, loving families nearby and we miss the ones that live far away!

Erin was showered with great birthday gifts! She wasn't really into opening them, but Brodyn did an awesome job helping her out!

I love these photos of Erin with some of her aunts & uncles!

And a family picture! Erin's face cracks me up :)

All in all...it was a low-key and relaxing little gathering to celebrate our baby girl. What a joy she has been to our lives!!

Spiritual Goals for 2014

My Bible was Drew's gift to me when I graduated high school TEN years ago!

Continuing on with my goals of 2014, here are my goals to help strengthen my faith and relationship with God:

• Prioritize morning devotions for reading the Bible and prayer
• Memorize one Bible passage per month
• Read two faith-based books
• Join a Bible study group (already signed up for a study using THIS book)
• Once a month, get out of the house (alone) to read, memorize, pray, etc. (outside or coffee shop)
• Start and maintain a prayer journal

You can read my 2014 financial goals HERE.

Birthday Wish List

My birthday is next week and here are few items on my wish list (just for fun!)

1. Watercolor pad. I purchased one of these already, but I'm thinking an extra pad might come in handy as I get the hang of it!

2. Arrow Dolman Tee. Looks cute & comfy! Love dolman sleeves.

3. White picture frames. Simple, clean, & matching white frames. There is also a set of 7 that I like just as much.

4. Happy Camper sweatshirt. I am always cold. Always. Everything about this sweatshirt looks perfect (even if I had a different last name!)

5. These fun pots from Kate Chandler Ceramics. Adorable little pots for art supply storage.

6. Life Planner. I have wanted one of these for years.

7. Coconut Oil. This is supposed to be good for dry skin. I'd like to test it out!

Ten Years Ago Today

The date was Friday, January 9, 2004. I was a senior in high school. Drew was a freshman at the local community college and helping at the youth group I attended. We had been friends for a couple years, but for the prior 6 months or so, we started talking and chatting on MSN Messenger more and more (remember that whole fad??) It was quite obvious (at least to others) that we liked each other, but we were reluctant to admit it to ourselves. I remember telling my friends at lunch in the school cafeteria that I was going to marry this guy someday. They probably thought I was insane.

FINALLY, Drew asked me to go to Pizza Hut (classy, huh?) for supper and discuss our relationship. I met him at his parents' house and he drove the rest of the way to Pizza Hut in his forest green Dodge Dakota truck. I remember the table we were sitting at (the one in the upper right corner of the front room). We ordered our pizza and had a long conversation tip-toeing around the concept of us dating.

We left Pizza Hut and drove back to his parents' house (Drew later admitted he took a long way home).  Shortly before we arrived back, I mustered up the courage to ask him if we were official dating. He looked back at me with a bewildered look on his face and said, "I thought that's what our whole discussion was about." (That about sums up our last 10 years...just slightly on different pages which keeps us both on our toes!)

Ultimately, we decided to date with the sole purpose of pursuing marriage (pretty serious stuff for a high school senior!) We agreed that if one of us got to the point that we could not envision marrying the other person, we would prayerfully end the the relationship. We were engaged 9 months later and married 10 months after that!

Do you remember what YOU were doing 10 years ago today?  

Financial Goals for 2014

My favorite piggy bank made by my favorite potter, Kate Chandler.

For some time now, I have been stuck in a rut in basically every area of my life leading to some feelings of worthlessness and probably depression (exactly what the enemy wants.) I tend to dwell and stew over all the negative things in my life which leaves me tired, sad, and incapable to take action more often than not.

With the start of the new year, I've decided I need do something to change this destructive pattern. I'm clinging to the promise in Matthew 11:28. Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Such sweet relief for my weary and burdened soul.

I know full well that God has great plans for me and for my family. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I also know that I have the responsibility to set goals and work hard to achieve those goals. Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

With all that said, I'm going to break my goals up into categories and jot them down. Here are my 2014 personal financial goals:

• Create and stick to a zero-based budget each month.
• Don't use credit card.
• Tithe 10%.
• Pay for gifts and clothing only with money earned by selling stuff we don't need.
• Pay off one loan (which will require two extra monthly payments).
• Have $1000 in personal savings.
• Have $1000 cushion in personal checking.

Stay tuned for more goals. Cheers to a joyful and productive 2014!

Gift Ideas for a Old Year Old

What would you buy if someone (a very generous someone!) gave you a $100 Amazon Gift Card to use on your one year old??

Here's what I recently bought! (Thanks a ton to that generous someone..or two!!)

Hape Gourmet Kitchen Starter Play Set: When I spotted Erin using a drumstick to "stir" in one of her stacking cups, I knew it was time for a real kitchen play set. ( I can't wait to get her a play kitchen!) So far, Erin has only played with these toys sitting at the table while she is waiting for her meals to be prepared. She loves taking the lid off and on, stirring in the pot and pan, and shaking the salt and pepper shakers. My biggest complaint is that there are no spoons to go along with the forks and knives. (Age on box says 3+, but I keep a close eye on Erin and she has had no problems enjoying the set.)

Oneida Chateau Child Flatware Set: Erin received a set of these from her Great Grandma & Grandpa a couple months ago. We have a few other kinds, but these are the ONLY ones that she can manage to use herself. They are the perfect weight and size for her petite little hands. I love that the design is timeless and that they are dishwasher safe!

Bumkins Waterproof SuperBibs: We haven't received these yet, but based on the high reviews, I think we'll love these for meals and crafts. I especially love the fun, gender neutral Keith Haring designs!

Kid O Go Car: It's so much fun watching Erin push this little car around! It's easy for her to grasp and it's just plain cute. Drew picked out the green color for Erin, but they also have blue, red, and pink.

Learning Resources Farmers Market Color Sorting Set: The other day, Erin went around the edge of her dinner plate and pointed to all the red colored squares. I couldn't believe it! I think it's time to introduce color sorting activities! We haven't received these yet, but they seem to be a great value for the money and they have very high reviews. Erin loves putting things in and out of containers, so I know she'll approve! Also, I imagine they'll be great fun for pretend play down the road. (Age says 3+, but I think they'll work for Erin with supervision.)

Mega Christmas Recap

The first weekend of December, we started off the Christmas season by traveling to Strawberry for some family time and to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Mom made turkey noodle soup and other goodies and we got our baby fix in with newborn cousin Owen.

Grandma & Grandpa's "open" for visitors...silly Dad:)

Needless to say, Erin wasn't too thrilled to see Santa. Owen didn't seem to mind though. Mrs. Claus gave away a different Christmas book to each child. Erin got a Jingles Bells book.

Erin settled down pretty quickly and was happy when it was time to go.

We had Christmas at home on Thursday night before Christmas. 

We decided quality over quantity this Christmas and got Erin only four gifts. Something she wanted, something she needed, something to wear, and something to read. Here were our picks:

Want, Need, Wear, Read

Want: I discovered Tegu blocks around Thanksgiving and the more I looked into them, the more I liked them and what the company stands for. They are wooden magnetic blocks and I love the colored sets, especially the "Tints" set. I found the Explorer set on Groupon at a fraction of the price, and couldn't resist!

Need: Toy storage! Found these cute storage baskets at Land of Nod on sale at 12 bucks a piece plus free shipping. They fit perfectly into her Ikea Expedit shelf.

Wear: No Slippy Hair Clippys. Erin's hair is just starting to get long enough that it gets in her eyes. I love the look of side-swept bangs on toddlers. I got different colors of the "Bridget" bow style for 50% off (loved the name and the look!) and I got one pink "Nora" flower.

Read: Alphablock by Christopher Franceschelli. I stumbled upon this book on Amazon and loved it instantly. It was temporarily unavailable so I tried to find a different book, but I couldn't find one I wanted more than this one. So glad I ordered it...Erin and I both LOVE this book. She cries when it's time to put it away.  

Unintentionally, we gave Erin a fifth gift. She loved this gift the most. Silly girl.

Here are a couple pics of Tegu block fun.

Drew and I exchanged gifts too. He way outdid me! He got me another Tegu set and a cool cubby (like what you'd find in a kindergarten classroom) both found on Ebay and white Christmas lights. As soon as it gets carried upstairs, I'll share photos of the cubby. I got Drew a snowmobile performance DVD in a series that he collects. I also get him an ornament every year. This year it was a vintage glass deer ornament.

On Friday night before Christmas, my work Christmas party was cancelled due to bad weather.

On Saturday, we headed to Strawberry again for the Oelrich Christmas! Mom made a delicious meal and we exchanged gifts. A few of Erin's favorite gifts were a hooded towel made by Grandma, an alphabet puzzle from Vanessa & Gary, and crayons from Amanda & Neil.

On Sunday, we went to the Camp Christmas. More yummy food and great gifts! Erin especially loved the straws she got in her stocking and the little booklet that came with her drum set. 

On Monday night, we enjoyed the company of friends. Sorry, no pictures.

On Tuesday, Christmas Eve, we traveled to Illinois to visit with Great-Grandparents and extended family. We were treated with more good food and lots of nice gifts. Sorry, no pictures again. We headed back home on Christmas afternoon.

Great-Grandma Rock sent us home with some of her homemade cinnamon rolls. Erin LOVED them. She smiled and said "mmmm" after each bite.

Come Christmas night, we were nestled in our beds, exhausted!

What a joyous time of year! All to celebrate the amazing fact that some two thousand years ago, God saw fit to send His baby boy into this world to die for me and for you.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 10:9

Daily Tidbits

Alarm goes off at 6:45.

Sleep til 7:30 (oops!)

Quickly get dressed and ready.

Take Brisco out and feed him.

Wake up Erin and get her dressed and bundled up.

Drop Erin off to her home daycare and go to work at 8:00.

Bank clock said 3 degrees this morning. Brrr.

Go home for lunch at 12:30.

Take Brisco out.

Eat a salad for lunch.

Back to work shortly after 1:00

Leave work at 4:30.
Pick up Erin.
Take Brisco out.

Notice pretty sunset through our back trees.

Sadly notice that the UPS guy didn't drop off any packages (I'm waiting for watercolor paint supplies)

Feed Brisco.

Attempt to make a new recipe.

Realize my spaghetti sauce is frozen solid.

Realize my huge jar of frozen sauce won't fit into the microwave to defrost.

Remember that the defrost button quit working a couple days ago.

Switch to making homemade pizza using a new, quick crust recipe.

Eat supper.

Erin approves.

Thirsty girl drank close to 12oz of milk.

Cleaned up Erin and supper.
Time for 20 minutes of playtime before Erin's bedtime.
Erin goes straight for her books.
Read 6-7 books per Erin's requests.
Jammies, prayer, and bedtime for Erin shortly after 7:00.
Take Brisco out.
Relax & realize how much I miss Drew. (He'll be back Monday)
Take Brisco out.
In bed hopefully by 10:30.