Thoughtful Thursday–Don’t Overthink

I saw this ADORABLE idea over at Happy Home Fairy to create a visual prayer aid for my kiddos. I’ve been meaning to create one for months!

Today during lunch, I grabbed a pad of paper and a pen and said to my kids, “God tells us in the Bible that we ought to be praying ALWAYS. And that we should pray for our friends and family. So, who do you guys think we should pray for?”

My intent was to get a list of whose pictures I needed to print out to slap on a popsicle stick. But instead, this happened…

My son said, “Oh! For that boy that cut his chin!”

Our neighbor’s nephew cut his chin earlier this week and my amazing hubby utilized his medical training to help them out (so madly in love with him – side note). And my kiddo remembered, and thought to pray for him!

MIND BLOWN.

Here I am trying to overthink prayer for my kids, when in reality, prayer can come very naturally.

We continued with our list, and I would still like to carry out the “family prayer jar” to help in consistency, but my son’s response today was such an amazing reminder that with a technology-filled, Pinterest loving world and about a million amazing ideas flooding our brains daily, sometimes, doing something in its most simplest of manners might be best.

So as you REALLY delve into your summers (i.e. spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no break from your kids), feel free to ignore those blog-perfect pictures and just BE with your kids. Don’t overthink the activities you do with them. They’ll love you for it!

Thoughtful Thursday–Return the cart

Okay. This is a major pet peeve of mine.

Shopping carts left either hitched up on a curb, or simply out in the parking lot. I have MAYBE hitched a cart up at Costco WELL out of the way of a cart “stall” as well as any car MAYBE 3 times in my life. Other than that, I always bring it back. Raining, 2 whiny children, whatever.

This isn’t a rant blog post, allow me to explain.

I’ve heard the excuses. They have someone who specifically works at the store, that is paid to go around and collect the carts (this excuse certainly was not uttered by my husband, no!!). I’m sorry, have you ever heard of common courtesy? That’s why they HAVE the cart stall! For you to return it, so your cart doesn’t unexpectedly try to escape and ding up a fellow shopper’s car.

All this to say…other than returning my cart out of respect for the store’s employees, I have discovered yet another reason which is even more special! Read and listen closely…

LITTLES ARE WATCHING!! AND THEY WILL COPY!

I want my kiddos to display that common courtesy. And we all know that being selfless simply does NOT come naturally. So any and every opportunity I have to display that for them, I’m going to do!

One of my absolute favorite “common courtesy” things my son has picked up on is wiping down the sink in public bathrooms, and picking up any paper towels that miss the trash (WITH another paper towel mind you, thank GOODNESS he learned that from me, too, otherwise, EWW!). It WITHOUT FAIL, makes me smile each and every time I see him do it. It’s a baby step mind you, but it’s a step. It’s a glimmer of hope that he has it in him! =)

So, will you think twice before leaving the cart? What other ways do you model to your kids other common courtesies?

Thoughtful Thursday–Friendships

Who would you say is your best friend RIGHT NOW?!

Probably wouldn’t be the same answer if I’d asked you 10 years ago, huh? How about even 6 months ago? 1 day ago?! =)

Friendships change, they evolve, they last sometimes for only a season. And ladies…that’s OKAY!

A good friend of mine, Sara Whitehead, was a friend of mine during the season of life in which my husband was in medical school. Anyone who has supported a spouse through medical school can appreciate how important a close friend can be during this time! We did a TON together and I adored her twin girls during a season when I was not working, and didn’t yet have kids. It was a perfect fit! She appreciated the help with her girls, and I needed distraction and enjoyed conversation that pertained to something other than the nitty gritty that went on in my life at that time. Here we are at a very special wedding we had the honor of being a part of:

When her husband graduated from the residency and it was time for them to move on, she gifted me the book pictured at the beginning of this post, “That’s What a Friend Is” and told me that I would one day read it to my own children. It’s bringing tears to my eyes just thinking about it now.

The description in the book of what a friend is….is fantastic! Essentially, someone you feel yourself around, not judged, able to do what you enjoy doing, and who provides a safe place for you when you’re stressed or troubled. Wow. We ALL need friends, don’t we? Sometimes it’s really hard to find a friend like this.

But…in order to have a friend like this, we also need to be willing to BE a friend like this, too. And sometimes, this is even harder. But I’ve found that during the times in my life when I was struggling to find a good friend, it was because I wasn’t really BEING a good friend to people around me.

So…with all that said, ladies! Let me share something with you. Girls can be mean, petty, judgmental, critical, and just flat out witchy! But when they are? It’s probably because inside they’re feeling terribly insecure and really need a good friend.

Many Most All of my close friends have generally been fellow girls or women who struggled with female relationships because of all those reasons listed above. How can you be yourself when you’re feeling judged all the time? 

We need to stop with the judging and comparing, and learn to be open and honest so that we can participate in knowing what a friend truly is and can be! I’m thankful to have had many close friends throughout the different seasons of my life, so many in fact that I wouldn’t dare try to list them…but you know who you are.

I have had the pleasure now of reading this book to BOTH my children, and while I was reading it, a specific page caught my eye:

It reminded me of one of my best friends from junior high. So I hunted down another copy of the book and am mailing her a copy to thank her for our friendship during that season of life. What gal doesn’t love a fun surprise in the mail, right?

Who might you mail a surprise book to, or simply a kind letter thanking them for their friendship? I’ve had the book to mail for at LEAST a year now…maybe you’ll beat my pitiful time frame.

Here was the note I included on the inside cover of the book:

I was given this book by a dear friend that I had for a season of my life (well, not THIS exact book, but a copy of the same book, “That’s what a friend is”.). There are many different types of friendships, childhood, lifelong, family, workplace, mommy friends etc. many friendships have their seasons….and man are those friendships important for that season of life! That was true of my friend that gifted me this book, and I feel that was true of you and me up through junior high. I so appreciated our friendship. Anyhow, I thought how cool it would be for me to send the book onto a friend like you that I appreciated during a season of my own life. There is even a page in the book that reminded me of us in junior high. I adorned it with a little smiley face. Enjoy searching for it while you perhaps read it to your littles. Love you friend!

                                                                     Sincerely, Becky

Thoughtful Thursdays - You've Been Egged

Last year my kiddos and I “egged” a house…

Click here to see the full post from last year and get the free printables.

Eek! Look how adorable they are! I can’t get over how much they’ve grown in a year!

This year, I used the free printable from the Happy Home Fairy (mostly because I waited too long and didn’t want to make my neighbor “pass it on”). Click the picture below to go get your free printable!

See the pictures from how much fun we had? What are you waiting for?! Go do it! =) Happy Early Easter. Sunday is coming!!

I MAY have taken like 15 pictures before this not realizing the card for my camera was in the computer, not my camera. They were happier at the beginning.

See? They still had some cuteness in them!

And one last shot from before we rang the doorbell and ran!

Cooper was soo excited, and Allie was listening to make sure we weren’t going to get caught!

Thoughtful Thursday–Gumball Necklaces!

I’ve mentioned that I coordinate a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group, and I can’t believe I haven’t shared more of our crafts with you! So…allow me to give a tutorial on our most recent craft, gumball necklaces!

Supplies

• 8 gumballs (follow this link for the best bulk price I found)
• 1 yard or more of matching ribbon (ours was ~1/2” wide, do longer than 1 yard if you want your necklace length longer)
• 1/2 yard of 1” matching ribbon (for the bow – we got our ribbon from Michael’s)
• Metal skewer (follow this link for the skewers we used, or if you just need some amazingly cheap skewers that are good quality!)
• Tape
• Toothpick

Directions

1. Use a metal skewer to pierce the dubble bubble logo side of the gumball. Hold the top of the gumball steady as you guide the skewer carefully.

2. Flip the gumball over and pierce another hole directly opposite to the first hole. If you try to poke a hole straight through both sides at once, the gumball will crack. Poke holes in all 8 gumballs.

3. Tape a toothpick TIGHTLY to the ribbon.

4. Then use the toothpick to thread the ribbon through the gumballs. Tie a know between each gumball as you string it.

 

 

 

 

5. Once you’ve finished stringing all gumballs and tying knots, remove the toothpick from the ribbon and tie a small knot with the ends of the ribbon. Then, use the thicker ribbon to tie a bow over that knot.

AND…the thoughtful part…we encouraged our girls that if these necklaces weren’t there thing (how could they NOT be, right? ), to give them to a girlfriend as an early Valentine’s gift thanking them for their friendship. So…my parting thought for all you blog readers out there, don’t let Valentine’s Day pass without telling a good friend how much you appreciate them.

Tata for now!

Thoughtful Thursday–Don’t forget your spouse on Valentine’s!

I need to be honest.

My hubby and I do not always celebrate Valentine’s Day. We’re some of those that think it’s a commercialized holiday and I don’t need to be told when to love my spouse. BUT, with that said, why NOT take an excuse to love my spouse? Whether guys care to admit it or not, they always love being doted on, am I right?

I’m super thankful to not have the pressure to HAVE to do something for Valentine’s Day, but if I have the time, I enjoy doing something.

This year, I’m gonna do the 14 days of Valentine’s. Here goes…

There will be a lot of links because I haven’t finished putting them altogether yet. So hang with tight!

14 Days of Valentines

First, I’m printing this cute freebie out to lead the hubs to his first “gift”, and will probably try to tie each item to something from here on out, just to keep the theme going:

Day #1: You are the apple of my eye

(swap out the red/green heart – so cute)

Day #2: I’m bananas for you!

We’ll make banana splits for dessert that night!

Don’t forget whipped cream ladies!

Day #3: I wouldn’t “chews” anyone but you!

For free printables for some of these cute ideas, check out this cute website!

Day #4: What are the chances I have a “shot” at getting you tonight?

**Slight side-note here (and I don’t mean to start a debate or controversy here, I’m merely stating my personal beliefs on the issue): I am a Christian, and by that I mean I am a Christ follower, love Him to pieces, wouldn’t be alive without Him, am willing to do ANYTHING He wants me to do.

When some non-Christian friends find out I drink, they’re often shocked!! I live my life by following the words of the Bible. And the Bible states to not be drunk. So I, personally, am comfortable having a beer, or a glass of wine, or a mixed drink, just so long as I don’t get drunk. I am also careful that I don’t drink around others when it may cause temptation. But, seeing as it’s just the hubs and me….a shot for our evening’s festivities seems, well, appropriate. =)

Day #5: Blow me a kiss, Valentine! (or two or three)

Day #6: Have a great day, Cupcake!

I’m planning to get him one of those fancy cupcakes from Icing on the Cupcake this day. And….maybe, perhaps, the kids and I will have to share one while popping in, too! =)

Day #7: Valentine, never “LEGO” my heart

My plan is to take my son to Target to pick out a little lego kit like this one for them to do together.

Day #8: We go together like milk & cookies

For this day, I’ll get him some cookies & milk for work. Not sure what kind yet, maybe even homemade, for the office! We’ll see.

Day #9: I’m “berry” lucky to be your Valentine!

Day #9 is a Saturday, so we’ll have waffles with strawberries for breakfast! And hopefully we’ll have some whipped cream left.

Day #10: I love you, my stud MUFFIN!

For the free printable above, click the picture to take you to the link. They have a recipe, too. Not sure what kind of muffins I’ll make just yet!

Day #11: I don’t know where I’d be if you hadn’t “popped” the question!

This may be more of an excuse to make this for myself, but I’m sure he’ll enjoy a bite, too. Click the picture to take you to the link for the recipe.

Day #12: I think you are “soda”mazing!

I’ll probably get diet coke for my man, but again…click the picture above to take you to some of those adorable free printables!

Day #13: I’d be so mixed up without you!

So many delicious kinds to choose from when it comes to Chex Mix! My man prefers salty though.

Day #14: I’m nuts about you!

Final one! Pistachios will be a hit!

So…choose 1, choose 3, or dive in and do all 14 days!! I may be posting a shopping list tomorrow if you’d like to do all 14. Whatever your plans are for Valentine’s Day this year, tell your special someone that you love them! =)

Happy Early Valentine’s Day!

Thoughtful Thursday - Sibling Love

I found myself snarling the other day as I played referee between my son and daughter for what felt like the umpteenth time of the day. “Why can’t they simply leave each other alone!!” I shouted in my head.

The next day (mind you, after 2 weeks of Christmas vacation), I spent 3 lovely hours home alone with my daughter. While I had a glorious time playing with her, I may have actually gotten less “done” than I had the day before with both kids home.

Then, LIGHTBULB!

I thought this image was fitting for a number of reasons.

#1. I love the movie! If you haven’t seen it, you need to.

#2. Sometimes it actually does feel like we’re “in the trenches of motherhood”, recovering from battle after breaking up a sibling rivalry that matches no other.

#3. Click the picture above to watch the You Tube clip. So displays those aha moments and how magical they can be!

Okay…moving right along. My LIGHTBULB moment!

I realized that, while having to stop every 20 minutes or so to stop one sibling from pestering another, they did actually play amicably for 20 SOLID BEAUTIFUL MINUTES in which I was able to maybe, sort of, accomplish something in the adult world. AND, those siblings are LEARNING. Yes, they are learning folks! Learning how to play, share, love another human being. How precious is that!

And it is my responsibility to help them learn.

So…my “thought” today for Thoughtful Thursday is…think on that the next time you have to stop what you’re doing (or pardon yourself from a phone call because you can’t even hear the person on the line due to a screaming child) to intervene between your two (or more) children. =) The LIGHTBULB moment has certainly helped me pause, and not blow up like a crazy person when I do have to stop and intervene for the umpteenth time.

Hope this gives you new energy in your day tomorrow!

Thoughtful Thursday–Reindeer Noses To Go

I saw this idea, and sometimes when I get an idea stuck in my head, it’s like OCD and I just HAVE to do it, mono or not.

After I saw this adorable idea, I knew Cooper and I needed to make them for his classmates. Bite-sized, perfect little adorable cookies! I’ll be honest, it wasn’t has simple and easy as the original blog states. BUT…it made an amazing, traditional, baking holiday memory for my son and I, and he was SO proud to share with his friends. And, it really only took an afternoon, and a bit of the evening. Not too shabby for 27 Reindeer Noses To-Go kits! Refrain from doing the math – it’s 243 1” cookies total. Moving right along..

Her sugar cookie recipe, was absolutely perfect! AND…I should save this for a trick of the trade (I may repeat it next Tuesday, don’t judge!), but why have I never used wax paper to roll out cookie dough before? I laid out a sheet of wax paper, put my glob of cookie dough, then laid down another sheet and rolled away. No sticky mess! Then, I used a 1” cookie cutter (yes, they are teeny tiny people!) to cut out all the little noses. I used rolling pin spacers (1/4” – to make the dough a uniform thickness) and mine cooked for 11 minutes and were perfect.

Baking…DONE! That was the easy part. Oh, and kind of a silly tip, but when I took them off the cookie sheet, I counted out 8, then put aside a 9th on a separate sheet so I could keep count of how many “kits” I had already baked.

Now, onto frosting.

The recipe on this website seemed a bit off regarding water, but she did say to play around with it. I added quite a bit more than what was recommended. But again, play with it and see what works for you. And, be prepared to either take your time, or get a hand cramp, or both.

You know how you read all these blogs or facebook posts about perfect, holiday traditions and wonder why yours NEVER seem quite so perfect? Well, there was definitely a moment during frosting where that thought crossed MY mind. I took a deep breath, took some tylenol, played with my kiddos, THEN put on some Christmas music and got back to work. After relaxing and getting perspective, we DID have that awesome, traditional moment. =) See? I didn’t picture the play-doh mess that happened off in the corner while I was frosting said cookies. Thankfully, on the tile, and…worth it ‘cuz the kids had a blast playing!

The frosting hardens, which will be GREAT for packing them up for delivery, but you do have to work quickly if you’re crazy and are doing 200+ 1” cookies!. Another tip, use a LOT of food coloring. Mine are pretty light colored brown, I would’ve preferred darker, but I still ADORE how they turned out. And, Rudolph’s nose is sort of…shhh…pink! Gasp! Thankfully you can’t tell in these pics…

Final bit of information if you choose to make your own! I think the mason jars I used are half pint. I just put a paper lid in, I kept the metal inserts. I stacked the 8 brown ones like so, then placed the red one in front you so you can see it!

My husband thought this was overkill, but I LOVE how it looks! So aesthetically pleasing! =)

AND…if you choose to make your own, here’s your free printable! Perfectly sized to fit the insert for the Kerr mason jars. Enjoy!

If you’re having a hard time getting the printable, just shoot me an email. I’d be happy to email you the original. =)

And, as if you haven’t gotten enough pictures, here’s my son after placing them in all of his classmates cubbies at school. He was SO excited!!

Oh, and proof that I made a vat of them! And used two printouts of the free printable!

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