Starts with L {Blake & Colb}

This one.

I tell you.

:)

She learned the letter L the other day. When I asked her what starts with L, I was surprised that she could list off four things quickly. When I prompted her for more, she even said, Liam (our friends' dog). Not bad!

Over the next couple of days, we had several conversations that went exactly like this:

Blakely, what starts with the letter L?

Ladybug starts with L
Lion (ROAR) starts with L
and Miss Lizabeth, mommy.

What else? 

Lizard starts with L
and Liam, mama.

Cute, right? Probably standard for her age. I don't really know. But here's what is really cute, er, not-so-cute... :)

I took this video after several flawless rounds of "what starts with L?" I thought for sure she'd practically sing it for the iPhone camera.

What am I talking about? I've never even heard her say that before!
Oh, my girl.

My other one, too. I can't get enough. She is three months and some change right now! She grabs at everything, especially her owl taggie that Auntie Anna made her. Our daily goal is still to keep her sweet skin from being scorched while we chase after big sister. She flips from her back to stomach constantly and pretty much owns the Bumbo. The girl sleeps 12 hours a night and the way she sucks her fingers, well, they might as well be pixi sticks! Already can't imagine this family without her.

Potty Training: the weekend that worked for my willful one

Three weeks ago...

Our lives changed just a tiny bit...I think for the better.

We started potty training!

Perhaps half of "potty training" is training the parents! I never knew I could keep such careful mental record of ounces (of juice), hours (between trips), and good ol' #2.

I'm sure all that fades. We're just three weeks in.

The best thing about potty training?

Easily...seeing the most glowing look of pride on Blakely's face. It's an expression I hadn't yet seen. I can't get enough.

Next best thing?

The encouragement I all of a sudden receive.

"Mommy?"

"Yeah, Blake?"

"You go potty?"

"Yep, I went shi-shi"

"Good job, mommy!"

"Well, thanks, Blake."

"I'm so proud of you, mama"


Since I can't remember being two, I certainly don't remember anyone ever expressing pride in my ability to use the restroom! ;) How nice.

Here's what we did/learned/worked (for us). Tactics vary. Kids are different.

Mine happens to be incredibly willful. We went heavy on the "buy-in." I knew it would either completely work or totally fail.

I had read some articles about potty training in a day (here's one link for a post I liked). We aimed for that, but it stretched through the weekend. The first two days were so-so successful (and kind of hard), but it clicked in pretty well on the third day!

1. Pretty potties (maybe that's a girl thing?) :)

2. Prize chart! She had to "earn" so many stickers in a row to get the prize. I shopped the party section of Walmart to find uber cheap trinkets that would spark her interest. After a day or so of her having the prize, I swept it up and put it back in a prize jar for another time.

2. Underwear options that I knew she'd love (Hello Kitty & Little Mermaid). The goal was that she'd want to keep them clean!

3. Stuck to the unds! She woke up on Friday, June 29th. We took off her diaper and never looked back (well, we did "look," we just didn't "go." hehe).

4. Napped in underwear. This was hard for the first week. I changed a lot of sheets. But, it actually worked out, too! She figured it out.

5. Excitement! Energy! We celebrated trying, sitting, going, etc... we toned it down each day throughout the weekend as well. She really worked for this ducky prize

6. Night night underwear (aka: pull ups). I was resistant to using a diaper at all because I didn't want Blakely to prefer the diaper over underwear. We just downplayed the pull up and called it her night time underwear. Who knows if that's a good idea or not. It's just what has worked so far. Some nights she's dry, some she's not.

7. Late night potty run. Before I crash for the night, I pick up my sleep beauty and plop her on the pot. She usually shi-shis in a half-sleep state.

8. Keepin' it simple. To ease big distractions for the first two full days, we played with toys, did puzzles, watched only short shows, and of course used the new prizes! She might have applied her whole thing of lip gloss in one application. :)

9. Coffee! I drank lots of delicious coffee the first two (trying) mornings.

10. Back to real life. Monday rolled around quickly -- Day Four of our "training." Blakely was doing awesome, but I was still worried about a car seat soaked in pee or an accident at the post office, etc.. Well, we had to jump back into routine sometime. We took the plunge! I now tote her little seat in one of my bags or throw her mini potty in my trunk.... just in case!

We are still new at this!

In fact, she's on the potty right now... I'd better go give her a thumbs up!

Happy Friday (and happy potty training if that's in your current or near future! xoxo)

p.s. I don't believe there is a right or wrong way to potty train :) I'm only sharing our limited experience because it was fun and it worked of us (so far)! 

Independent & Confident: For better or worse

"Shortcake, mommy?" *As in can I please watch my Strawberry Shortcake DVD for the millionth time?*

"Shucks, sorry Blakes, we don't have time. But I have something really fun for us to do."

"Treat?"

"Kind of...let's get daddy."

Last night we cruised back to Kapolei for the farmer's market at my high school and the family night play version of Wizard of Oz. It was Blakely's first live community theatre experience; I was pretty pumped to introduce her to real shows.
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At the farmer's market, Blakely chooses an oatmeal raisin cookie for dinner and I snag a Thai mix plate!

Daddy juggles two pillows, three blankets, two chairs, a fresh squeezed limeade drink for me (my hero), and Blakely's backpack full of snacks (family night is picnic style!). We stand in line before the doors open.

So far, so smooth.

Minutes later, and much to my delight, we see Blakely's daycare provider and her family walking up.

"Auntieeeeeeee" B squeals. *Big hugs*

Then, and I could not have orchestrated it better myself, Blakely's bestie from daycare and her parents join the line.

Blakely is beside herself.

"Leah...where are you?" she sings. "There you are!"

*more uncoordinated hugs*

The line moves. We claim a spot, spread out our blankets, and curl up with dinner. The lights dim... AND...

Tim and I are old news.

"Auntie" Blakely whimpers (not-so-quietly). More fanatic circular chest rubs (baby sign for please).

I can't just let her whine as the opening scene begins. If you've heard my daughter make any kind of noise, pleasant or not, you know she has only one volume--and it's not soft. :) I desperately release her chubby little body in hopes that she'll zip it and stay calm.

She squirms right off my lap and marches across the darkly lit venue to grab Leah's hand.

Leah slides off her mommy's lap.

The two head straight for Auntie's chair (our fabulous daycare gal). I whisper a joke to Tim about paying overtime as Blakely invites herself and Leah to climb on up.

The good witch Glenda comes on stage.

Across the room, I hear Blakely gasp loudly "Princess!"

I turn my head and smile, but put my index finger up to my lips in an exaggerated fashion. I hope she notices me. I doubt she does.

Minutes late, B wiggles off Auntie's lap and makes a bee line, dodging other play-goers, straight for me!

Yay! My baby is back to cuddle with me and enjoy live theatre! Delightful. This is just what I imagined.

"Nilk, mommy!" She starts rifling through my bag for her milk cup.

I sigh. She doesn't really want me. I hand her a cup of juice to keep her quiet.

"Joose" she whines...as if to protest because it's not what she asked for.

She accepts. She dances right back to Leah's side and Auntie's lap. She doesn't even glance back.

The play moves along. The cowardly lion comes out looking for courage.

Tim and I whip our heads to the right when we hear this loud, raspy sounding "ROOOAAR"come out of you-know-who's mouth!

She's having the best time sharing pirates booty popcorn and juice with her girl Leah. Both little girls lean into Auntie and cuddle up together.

Blakely treks back and forth (several more times) between daddy & mommy and Auntie & Leah. She asks for snack, treat, nilk, and monkey.

I lean my head on Tim's shoulder and feel baby girl kicking inside of me. One is sticking with me. She has no choice...for now. ;)

I wonder quietly to Tim... "is this just the beginning?"

Will our social not-yet-two-year-old always be so quick to scoop up her girlfriends, charm a crowd, and choose another seat? 


Did my mom plan evenings and wish I'd spend more time by her side? Did I gleefully find my friends and practice my independence?


I'm sure, er, I know I did. 


Don't get me wrong, I'm blessed that my Blakely girl is already confident, independent, social, and loving. I can embrace all that.

I just anticipate how quickly this time with her will go. How soon she'll go to sleepovers, borrow the car, and bring friends home on a Friday night.

I'm excited for all that's to come, but right now I want every moment where she stays on my lap to last a lifetime.

Burgers, Eyebrows, and New Books

Tim and I just stumbled onto a new island discovery! I have no idea what took us so long to try out Teddy's Bigger Burgers, but you have to go!

They are all across Oahu and the islands. I assumed they were just another greasy burger dive (which, I realize has it's place for some ;)). But they are soooo not! It's more of a cross between In & Out and Five Guys (for you Mainland folk). Think fresh, local, and natural.

It's an order at the counter, dine-in place with a 50s surfer vibe. The staff was uber friendly and they made our whopping, natural burgers to order while we sat. It may be a few bucks more than a Big Mac, but still cheaper (and waaay better) than a burger at Chili's.

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Oh, and it made me happy to see they are breaking into the Pacific Northwest scene with Teddy's to open in WA & OR.

Okay, enough about my latest burger (can you tell what I've been craving?). If you try it out and don't love it as much as I did, you can blame my pregnancy senses! Here is Blakely's newest "trick" that kept Tim and I chuckling while we waited for our lunch.

She may be charming most of the time, but she also has some pretty trying moments. In fact, my Amazon order came today! Guess what books I got?

Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood (by Jim and Charles Fay)
Making Children Mind without Losing Yours (by Kevin Leman)
Dare to Discipline (by James Dobson)
The Toddler's Busy Book (by Trish Kuffner)

Can you tell what I need to read up on? Yup! She's two in exactly two months. Here we go... :)

{good thing no melt down could make me love her any less...I am stinkin' proud of my little one}

3 New, 1 Old

Discoveries!

1. Have you seen this video yet? It's a spoken word poem. From what I can gather, the performer in the video is the guy who wrote the poem. Now I'm not knockin' the term religion. Ultimately, it's just a word. I don't have a problem with it. But, it's how we define it or how it defines us that matters. If you ask me if I'm religious, I'd say sure. If you ask me if I'm a Christian, I'd say sure am. But more than either or those two labels, I'm just a girl in love with the God who created her and believes the son of that God died so she could live. Check this out...



2. If you're a mom or you like stories about kids...check out my newest fave blog read. She's very funny and doesn't hold much back. ;) Her posts are quick and entertaining.

Five Kids is a lot of Kids

3. Trying to sneak more veggies into your day? I promise you...you must try Jamba Juice's new fruit & veggie smoothies. I'm a huge fan of Apples 'n Greens. You'll read the menu and question the likes of kale, spinach, green bell pepper, carrots, and spirulina (a type of algae). But, BUT, it tastes and looks so much like apple and is incredibly refreshing and nutritious. Just 220 calories in a 16 oz and 3 servings of fruits and veggies! :) I usually ask for a power size and request for a small kids cup to be filled from my portion for Blakes. She digs it.

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4. This is an old discovery...but the old ones are the sweet ones. 15 years ago--at just the right moment--God brought me this friend. We haven't missed a beat since. Happy 31st birthday today, Yasi! p.s. -- for more on Yasmin's incredible talent and work click here. :)

A Few Silly Tears

I cried.

A couple times.

Not the break-down sobs. Although I do that too, on occasion.

But just tears. Watery eyes. Sniffles. You know...

I'll share my less warranted tears...because, well, there's a chance you can feel my silliness. Maybe you can even relate... ;) Or...maybe not.

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*Sitting at a Blues Club (Buddy Guy's Legends) in Chicago. The server taps the wine menu in front of me and demands my drink of choice. I gladly say water, but surprisingly fight back a tear or two. The server abruptly leaves and I sink into a funk. Just because. I can feel myself going. I try to metaphorically wave my arms for help. My mood drops. Tim reaches over to ask me what's wrong. How should I know? I'm on an incredible two-week long date with my love and sitting in one of the best known Blues clubs listening to captivating live music and munching on my jambalaya. Nothing is wrong. I truly am happy with my ice cold water and my life. Really...it doesn't get much better. Of course, as my hormones would have it, Tim's concerned look is just enough to open the flood gates. I'm quickly a mess...a couple tears, runny nose, red eyes. I leave to collect myself. Upon my return to the table, the server comes back around to see if I've changed my mind about that drink. I politely (holding back tears) ask if she can bring me a cup of coffee or hot tea. Unsympathetically (at least in my mind), my server retorts, "no." And leaves. Ouch! I spiral again. No tea? No coffee? How is that possible? A few more tears. I venture, again, to the ladies' room. I just can't get it together. And...I don't know why!!! Well, other than the new cocktail of pregnancy hormones, missing my daughter, the lack of coffee, and well... I'm stumped. I blame hormones. I felt so unlike myself that night. So not-in-control of my emotions. And...slightly embarrassed. Good thing the room was dark, the music was loud, and I didn't know a soul besides my hubby--who was graciously understanding.

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*It was Veteran's Day weekend...a month or so after returning from Chicago and NY. I was thrilled with the developing life of baby #2. As easily as the laughter came, so did the tears. Church that weekend was especially powerful as we honored veterans--both present and not. When the slide show cued and the live rendition of I'm Proud to be an American was belted out, I lost the fight with the tear drops that had been gathering in my eye lids. Pregnant or not, my eyes would probably water, but I usually have pretty good restraint. You know what song I'm talking about, right? It always gets me. In a very good way. But, this year, this time, my eyes let a few drops escape from their holding place! It's okay though, my church is big and no one was looking at me. I collected myself. ;) While I'm always patriotic, I think the baby hormones make me super-patriotic! So many emotions!

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*Okay...my last silly run-in with extra tears. Last month, I took my chance to have Tim watch B and I stole Tim's mom away for a chick-flick. Have you all seen New Year's Eve. It's cute. Probably even cuter thanks to my extra sentimental pregnancy brain. I may have had watery eyes all movie long ;), but there was one scene that made a few tears roll down my cheeks. Sarah Jessica Parker (playing a single mom) is on the hunt to find her teenage daughter who snuck out of the house on New Year's Eve. Abigail Breslin (the daughter) was, as expected in a chick flick, searching (in Times Square) for the cute high school boy she was crushing on. Just at the very moment she sees the boy in the crowd, another teenage girl goes in for a kiss with the boy at midnight. Abigail sees the kiss, falls apart, and runs through the packed crowd in the opposite direction. She immediately smacks right into...dun dun dun...her mom (SJP)! Naturally, the timing lined up divinely (as it always does in a movie). She looks up at her mom and falls into a big hug. Yup. That was the scene...in all its cheesiness and predictability. The whole mother-daughter thing. I can see myself as both the mother and the daughter. I cried a tiny bit. It was just a silly chick flick, but it got the best of my emotions....easily so!

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I guess I don't mind the emotional roller-coaster so much. It can be annoying or embarrassing at times, but it's not really how I am all the time. I chalk it up to this amazing, God-given opportunity to have a baby knit together in me! I love all the good stuff and hard stuff that comes with this process. It's unique, beautiful, and sometimes messy.

Well, here's to wishing you the happiest of tears at just the right time! If you don't know why you're crying...think of me. You're in good company. ;) xoxo

Must Try: BBQ-ed Brie and Qwirkle

We were lucky to have Tim's parents here for 10 days! But, what I'm about to share with you I'm both proud of and ashamed of. ;) hehe..

In those ten days, we ate three rounds of brie cheese (you know, the Costco size). We shared some with others, but I'm pretty sure I ate double my fair share each time!

While I'm a sucker for good cheese cold or warm, I'd never had my cheese BBQ-ed until recently. Now, I can't get enough. Here...let me share!

 Take the whole round--rind and all--and pop it in some foil on the grill.

 Once the top starts to puff up--maybe 10-15 minutes or so--remove from heat and cut open.

 Enjoy immediately! Anything works for dipping in, but my favorite is a baguette or garlic bread!

Cheers!

And one more discovery to share...

My lovely in-laws gave Tim and I a new game for Christmas! Oh, how I love to play games.

Qwirkle.

Have you heard of it? Played it? It's like dominoes (although, truth be told..I've never played dominoes beyond stacking them up and pushing one down). This game uses colors and shapes rather than numbers.

 Tim was our score keeper!

 Here's the game...played out.

I only document the score sheet when I actually win the game! I can't brag too much, it's possibly just beginner's luck. ;)

If you get the chance, try it out!

Aloha! Happy almost weekend to you.

Best Of...2011

The week between Christmas and New Years is a funny thing. It flies, right? Between baby Jesus and resolutions...there is so much to contemplate!

Blakely's grandparents are here (Tim's parents) and we are enjoying all that the island offers with wonderful company!

I'm stealing moments here and there to pray and contemplate the new year. Two more days and we usher in 2012...whether we're ready or not.

Since I love all fresh starts, I'm a sucker for resolutions. Yep, I make them. Every year. Sometimes the same resolutions carry over each year, well most of the time. But, hey, it's still a new beginning and I can't pass that up.

My list is still undecided, but I'll share soon. Instead, I want to embrace 2011 for a minute. Here is our family "best of" list for the year.

{you may have read this already}

Best Vacation: Chicago and NY (for Tim and Katie)—To the grandparents (for B)

Best 1^st First Birthday: Blakey’s mainland luau

Best Milestone Birthday: Katie’s 30^th (birthday Olympics)

Best Company: All of them! (we love our visitors—mahalo)

Best Movie: Soul Surfer

Best Accomplishment: Blakely learning to walk, talk, and surf (well, close to surf)

Best Unexpected Success: The papayas on Tim’s trees

Best First Try: bathroom renovations DIY

Best Musical Artist: Amy Grant (every year)

Best Amateur Surf Comp: 3^rd annual Tandemonium (we’re getting better)

Best Actual Surf Comp: Billabong Pipeline Pro

Best Work Milestone: Tim’s five years with Chevron

Best Gratitude: Thanking God for B’s continual development in spite of her congenital hypothyroidism

Best News: Baby girl #2 coming in May

Best Reason to Celebrate: John 3:16 (Jesus Christ)

Do you have a list of "bests?" Although not every day is a great day, it does help to focus on the high points before the year closes out. 

 Enjoy your last couple days of the year, my friends!

When I Was 8 {and Russian Teacakes}

The house smelled like chocolate and cinnamon. I hurriedly flung the front door open and slid around the corner and shrugged off my Jansport.

Mom, we're home! I cried out excitedly.

Before she could leave the kitchen for a home-from-school kiss, I had already folded my lanky body into the corner between the boxy speaker and the record player.

I lifted the needle and replaced the current record with Amy Grant's Tender Tennessee Christmas. I started with song #4. The intro to Emmanuel made my entire 8-year-old body feel like Christmas all over!

Never mind that it was just three in the afternoon. Our Sunnyvale house was a Christmas wonderland! The tree was lit up, cookies were fresh, Amy Grant cooed, and hot cocoa was on its way. Christmas couldn't have been more magical.

Now that I'm 30 (that came fast), have my own home, my own lit up tree in broad daylight, and my own little girl, Christmas seems just as magical. Probably because Amy Grant's Tender Tennessee Christmas is still at the top of the play list. ;) And, amidst the hectic-ness of the season, I still make time to bake rich and aromatic cookies for anyone who comes this way!

I baked another round of my favorite Candy Cane Russian Teacakes yesterday. This time I snapped a few pics and thought I'd share the love cyber-ly. Since I can't offer you all a cookie, here's a very simple recipe! So simple and common, I'm almost embarrassed to share it! ;) Just five ingredients. Try it out, play some Amy, and enjoy your moment!

Candy Cane Russian Teacakes

1 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup crushed candy canes (or chopped walnuts)
1/3 cup (or more) reserve powdered sugar for coating

Bake for 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

Here's the run-down!

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Crush your candy canes (I suggest using a rolling pin, but use it more like a hammer and less like its intended use.)

3. Cream butter and vanilla till smooth
--it helps to let the butter soften, but I usually forget to do that. --recipe works fine with margarine too.

It may seem a bit lumpy, but since I'm not a perfectionist I just move on to the next step and the bumps and lumps work themselves out! ;)

4. Combine sugar and flour and blend into mix
--I just dump it in and let my Kitchen Aid do the work on a low speed.

This part takes a few minutes and I eventually help the flour residue on the sides and bottom to mix with the rest.

5. Mix in crushed candy canes (or chopped walnuts) 
--again, the mixer does it for me. This recipe is also good with macadamia nuts!

6. Shape into 1 inch balls
--I grease my cookie trays and prep my extra dough. In the picture below, the uncooked balls are on the plate and the cooked ones are on the sheet.

7. Bake for 12 minutes at 350
--I use two cookie sheets and set my timer for 6 minutes. Then I swap the trays in the oven (from top to bottom) and cook the remaining 6 minutes. If my balls are on the big side, I may add a minute, but don't bake too long. They'll look a little "uncooked" -- and that's okay!

8. When cool, roll in reserve powdered sugar

Now! Enjoy! It's super easy to double, triple, etc... this recipe! It makes for easy home baked gifts for neighbors and friends!

p.s. I'd be remiss if I didn't say that the real reason Christmas remains so magical for me is because of the very real celebration that Jesus Christ was born as a human baby and died on the cross 30 years later to give us everlasting life! Of course, Amy Grant does add to the magic, too!

Mele Kalikimaka! I'll trade you some sun for some clouds today! xoxo

Pretzel Jello Link and Cousins

Aloha!

I've been MIA! My ohana and I had a lovely Hawaiian Thanksgiving. While we greatly missed the rest of our family on the mainland, we did have Andy, Alicia, and baby Sawyer with us (and we still have them!!!).

I hope you are so full of leftover turkey sandwiches and your favorite Thanksgiving dishes! I know I am. The pretzels in my pretzel jello are finally getting soggy, but the salty sweet leftovers still melt in my mouth.

I actually think I like the leftover turkey on my turkey sandwich a few days later better than I do on Thanksgiving day! What about you?

Okay! I only have a handful of minutes!

Alicia snapped this cousin love from the front seat -- well, they're finding their vibe anyway!

Also, click here for a blog post from my dear friend and owner of Pemberly Bake Shoppe, Holly! She keeps up an amazing cooking blog with life stories! She blogged about pretzel jello today! I'm so honored! Enjoy! Her blog posts are always worth the read and her recipes are inspiring and delicious!

LOVE!!!!

11*11*11

Today comes around only once in a 100 years!

Kind of fun!
It's also Veteran's Day and I'm grateful for all who have served and continue to serve our country!
In honor of the numbers aligning, here are 11 current reasons for choosing joy my life.

Numero Ono: My almost 20-month-old rocks at independent play. Sometimes I feel badly that I'm not always engaging her, but I'm oh-so-grateful for the moments she gives me to work or rest. I just snapped this pic of her this morning on my cell phone.

Secondly: My love and I were just in the city that doesn't sleep. And little sleep we did get. It was such a blessing to explore a couple vibrant far-away cities!

Number Three: Our lilikoi are on fire this year! I can't wait for lilikoi pancakes, lilikoi yogurt, lilikoi butter, you get the idea...

Foursies: My hubby makes me coffee every day. I go to sleep excited to wake up and drink a cup (or two or three) of hot coffee!

Cinco: Our mini church (aka: bible study) is pretty much the goofiest and most loving group of people we could meet with weekly! Here are the girls Halloween weekend--pre karaoke as our singer selves!

The Sixth: In just a week-and-a-half, this 13-month-old ham is coming to stay with us! And he's bringing his parents along. We're stoked. :) BTW--Sawyer's dad is in the Air Force and I couldn't be more proud of my brother's heart for our country. Happy Veteran's Day, Andy!

Sevens: Thanks to Timber we have fresh, home-grown papaya a couple times a week! Yum!

Numero Ocho: I've been introduced to Essie nail polish and re-inspired to have pretty nails! The color goes on smoothly and doesn't chip for at least a week! I love it!

{silverlipsbeauty.com}

Niner: My husband rocked my skinny jeans (better than I can) and dressed up as Justin Bieber for Halloween. Oh, I love him! (I was 90s Gwen Steffani).

Tenth: My casa. My hale. I love my home. This is where I find my family. It may be small, but hey...it's easy to clean and I love having all my favorite people smooshed into one room! Cozy!

Eleven: While I love the little things that bring me smiles, I am by far most grateful for God's love! Feeling how deeply I love my daughter, reminds me that I understand just a fraction of how much our Jesus loves us, His children. I'm honored today that God has put a call of service in the hearts of so many. Happy Veteran's Day!

{We Heart It}

Friends and Family, I hope you feel covered by joy today, too! Love on a service member today if you can! Let's keep them all in our prayers!