Friday's Fav Finds

Just a few things I've found lately that I thought I would share:

Cupcakes I made and decorated for a sweet girl's birthday. 

For the flags I used washi tape, folded it in half around colored toothpicks, and cut to resemble a flag. I found the washi tape at Target, but when I went back a few weeks later they were out. So now I buy super cute tape here. 

A friend gave me this as a gift, and it has been such a treat! It's a tiny box full of beauty and body care samples called "Birchbox." One comes in the mail each month, and this pic is of my March box. Each month you get 4-5 samples that are tailored to your particular hair and skin type and preferences. Once you write 10 reviews the company gives you $10 to spend in the Birchbox shop.

My Publisher has been giving some incredible deals lately (just sign up for their emails to know the scoop). This sweet 25 page 5x7 hardbound photo book only cost me shipping ($8). I've used a couple of other companies and My Publisher's product is great quality and they will be my first choice in the future. 

My husband and Bellevue College Ministry have been doing an incredible series on relationships called "Together." And now you can listen to the podcasts on itunes! Every Monday night at 7pm is worship at The Vue {at Poplar & Highland beside Cici's Pizza} for college age students.

18 Months!

Liam, I can't believe you are 18 months old. There are so many things about you and this stage you are in that your Daddy and I just can't get enough of. We love the way you...

• Play hide-and-seek under the kitchen table
• Enjoy playing with balloons & watching "UP"
• Organize your blocks and toys
• Play with stickers like it's your job
• Shake your head no when we ask you a question. "Is Daddy a good singer?" Ummm....Nope.
• Race to the door when we say we are "going for a ride" in big jet.
• Eat bacon and biscuits at Brother Juniper's. 
• Ask for "Bob" when you want to watch Veggie Tales, and you sing along with Junior Asparagus "Somewhere beyond the barn..." 
• Say "Puppy Dog" when you want to play with Maggie
• And of course, you still think Mumford & Sons is the best music on the planet. 

InstaFriday: April

Wait, it's already Friday night? The days go by so quickly, and sometimes I just stop what I'm doing...breathe in deep...and try to capture the moments in my mind. Here are some of the moments I'm trying to remember from the past two weeks:

 Cowboy hats and horses. I love my new house "decorations." 

 This is a typical Friday morning for us - waking up without the alarm, taking our time getting ready, laying low, and eating breakfast together. 

 A quick trip to Nanny & Papa's and some swing time with Daddy.

 Take a deep breath...smell that fresh bathed baby scent? ;)

 L is really into stickers, and you can pretty much find them anywhere.

 Sweet cousin time. It's fun seeing them interact at only three months apart. 

 2nd row tickets to Need to Breathe and Drew Holcomb? Umm, yes please!!! What an incredible girls' night we had at the Orpheum!

How has your April been so far?

I'm linked up with:

Never, Not Ever Alone

When Liam was about nine months old we experienced his first reaction to separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a common occurrence among babies when they begin to learn object permanence. I had dropped Liam off in the nursery one Sunday morning like I always do, but he recognized this time that I was going away...and the tears came. It was so sad! The sweet ladies who took care of him assured me that he would be okay and that he would soon learn that mommy would come back.

Fast-forward a few months later when my precious boy did learn.  With some help from a friend I learned how to best help him transition. You ever had a conversation with someone at just the right time and know that God orchestrated that meeting?  Yep, God has graciously done this several times for me!  One of my friend's tips was to give Liam a hug and say, "Mommy loves you, and I will be back." It took him a few times, but he learned what "be right back" means, and the Lord taught me through this something very important about my relationship with my Heavenly Father...

He promises that He will never, not ever leave us:

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"...and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Thank you, Lord for your promises to us! We are never alone!

On My Heart

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7

My heart has been meditating on this verse for some time now. Verse five is the prayer I pray most often for Liam and what I want his life to reflect to others. Will and I are continually learning as Liam is growing how to establish verses six and seven in our home. I hope that demonstrating, serving, loving, and talking about the Lord is what Liam sees first and most in our lives.

Oh February!

A few highlights from last month
(since the last post was over a month ago...oops).

 My 30th birthday was on the 4th...and what a splendid time of celebration it was! Since Will proposed 9 years ago on the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel, I have always wanted to stay there. The room was beautiful and dinner at Chez Phillipe was fancy and delicious! 

 The next morning we slowly got ready, watched the ducks march in, then ate breakfast at The Arcade. I'm incredibly thankful for another year that the Lord has given me. Every day is such a gift. 

Did I mention it was also my 1st night away from L? Of course I missed him, but can't say the same for him. He was partying hard at Grump's and Mimi's house! 

 Valentines Day! L visited Mimi at work and brought her roses. 

 Will surprised me with my favorite flowers (he remembered calla lilies were in our wedding. Points.), a new book, and sushi for dinner. 

And this little guy gave me lots of kisses for V-day. My fav present by far.

DNOW 2013 was such a fun weekend. We learned, laughed, and looked forward to the future. Can't believe they are Seniors. I've known some of them since they were 7th graders! What a full and fun month February was!

A {FREE} Virtual Conference!

Ever hear people talking about a conference they attended or you see one advertised you would love to check out, but your schedule just won't allow it? Yep, me too...BUT, last week I found one that is a virtual conference! Better yet, it's FREE. The conference "Just One" is led by well-known Christian women and pastor's wives, and is for pastor's wives and women in ministry. The conference is 3 weeks long, on Mondays and Tuesdays, and you can pick from four different times to watch each day. One of those times fits in during L's naptime and another after he goes to bed - perfect! 

I tuned in last week, and the wisdom from these women on "Living in Freedom," "Freedom from Expectations," and "Freedom in Struggles" was insightful and helpful. You can check out this week's speakers and how to sign up here.  I'm looking forward to hearing from Lauren Chandler next week!

A few "nuggets" from last week: 

~"You reproduce who you are, not what you say." Christine Caine

~"Comfort and security are not the essence of the Gospel." Luke 4:18 - freedom is!

~"I am the LORD your God,... I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk with your heads held high." Leviticus 26:13