*lucky me*

I am so thankful for my two beautiful children.  Both charm me with their smile, intelligence, sense of humor and little quirks.  They do challenge me in ways that can be exhausting, but I'm open to what I learn from them.

The day I took these photos was one of those challenging times.  My kids don't like to take pictures to begin with, and to top that my daughter's mood matched the gloominess of the day.  She was sad and tearful which did not make for a joyful picture for Christmas cards. It was on a matter we've worked through before.  I tried to talk with her but it didn't help.  Bribes were not working.  Thankfully her brother, who usually annoys her, was helpful in making her laugh.  And when one gets silly so follows the other usually. My husband says they get their goofiness from me.  I wouldn't deny it. Hey, it's another charming quality :)

remember this

I am so excited to finish a scrapbook page in one hour! It usually takes me for-ev-er.....

I used Dear Lizzy's 5th & Frolic as well as her new Lucky Charm line.  This page is a reminder for a few things for me:

- to try new techniques (I'm loving Dear Lizzy's new blog, Paper Party, for inspiration) - such as using paint and layering

- that it's okay to take selfies even though I feel silly doing it - I gotta capture those little moments/my moods/my fave outfits :)

- it takes much longer than I thought for my hair to grow back long so I will think twice before cutting it short again

- this is the only picture of my ugly but warm blanket which I will be parting with soon. I've been searching for a comforter set for the longest time - now's the time to pick one out, decorate my bedroom and make it my new favorite room in the house.

- as much as I love to travel, home with my family is where my heart truly is

Valentine love

All work and little play today but I just had to quick post my scrapbook page of my loves.

I bought books for them as gifts when they get home.  E doesn't like reading as much as M, but hopefully he'll like the book... it's about a boy and football (his fave sport).  M's book is about rocks & minerals.

I also made cards and funny, I end up liking the most simple one.

Yes, the simple things in life give me pleasure and matter most.

xoxo

just us

I don't take as much pictures of me and the hubby as much as I do the kids.  But I'm going to make the effort to do so this year (yes...another item on my list).  The pics may all just be from our date nights once a month, haha.  We'll see... it's sometimes hard to get him to do it, take pictures that is.  I'll have to bribe him like I do the kids.  Donut, honey?

I do love my man and look forward to spending more time together just the two of us.

And Valentine's day is around the corner...hmmm, gotta make some plans for then - what to cook, bake, craft.  I know some people consider it a Hallmark holiday but I enjoy celebrating it.

So long January, hello February!

Year of the Peacock

Happy new year!  I am optimistic 2013 will be great.  My one little word is "perseverance": continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure or opposition.

I will look for the beauty in all things/situations, show more love, live with compassion, be at peace and always be grateful for the Resurrection and promise of eternal life.  These are all what the peacock symbolizes, therefore I deem this year as the year of the peacock.  And lately, I have been drawn to its beautiful colors.  I am seeing it in many home decor items (lovin' my new cup).

In addition to above and my usual resolutions of exercising regularly, eating healthy and saving money, I'm making time for monthly date nights, reading, journaling and scrapbooking.  There are other goals on my list which I hope to accomplish.

Come what may, I will persevere.

wrap it up

Although this year has been tough in many ways, I am feeling blessed and thankful.  And I'm enjoying these last days of December...

The decor will be taken down soon but the spirit of Christmas shall go on.

calendar and a cupcake

Not too exciting of a title but that is how I started this month which makes me happy.  I finished my advent calendar which focuses on the meaning behind items/symbols/activities that relate to Christmas.  My friend gave me a book which I used for teachable lessons and ideas for activities every day including Christmas.  I wrote down a lesson/activity on pretty scrapbook paper and placed each in an envelope.  Although the kids know they are not getting toys, they are still excited about opening the envelopes.

Well, there's still so much to do, gifts to shop for and parties to attend/throw.  Here's to more merry making!