Counting My Blessings

 It's November. That means that thanksgiving is not far off-and what better way to bring in the holidays than to count our blessings? One challenge that I did last year was the thankful challenge. This year I almost forgot about the challenge; and although I am a week late I am still going to participate this year, too. All you have to do is write down seven things your thankful for each day through this month. It's not only a fun challenge but very rewarding. It make me realize how much God has blessed me!
 Click here for the challenge details.

Today I am thankful for sunsets, life and health, changing seasons, ducks---one of my baby sisters favorite words, color in ordinary life, fall hydrangeas, and my family.

 "Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments."
                                               Psalm 119:164

What are you thankful for today?

That's what little girls are made of...

Last week we had a baby shower our Aunt Jaime. She is having a little baby girl in a few months. We are very excited! My mommy is a very creative women. My sisters, my mom and I put our heads together and had a lot of fun making the shower as frilly, girly, and creative as possible.
Here are a few photos of the party...

We had a few baby shower games, food, and gift opening.

Theme: Pink and Yellow

The door decoration.

We made at least one hundred pinwheels that we hung and taped all around.

We bought little vases and carnations for party favors. (My mom's idea.)

So...What have you been up to?

Easter Preparations

                                          >>Hard boiled eggs

                                        >>We used natural egg dye this year!

                                                >> Blown eggs on the door

                                   >>>  Medallions...Inspiration from here

                                                        

                                           >>Blown egg trees

                                                   Medallions & Eggs

We're getting ready to celebrate Easter with both sides of our family. We've been planning, preparing and decorating. Here's a peek of the decorations strewn about our home.

A heartsy kind of day...

 A day of celebration. The celebration of love.
May this be a day to dwell on family, friends and most importantly God's love. His grace and mercy toward us. Let us turn our hearts to our Creator, to remember the blood He shed for us. The pain He bore for us. We are white as snow because of our loving Savior.

 Entering this one in Shelley's giveaway.

 Inspiration for decor from here and here.

But I trust in your unfailing love;
   my heart rejoices in your salvation.
 I will sing the LORD’s praise,
   for he has been good to me. 

Psalm 13:5-6

Happy Valentine's Day!...

Winds-day

Birthdays are so much fun. Spending time with family and a few special privileges.(Like not changing diapers and cleaning dishes) I had a birthday the other day filled with lots of birthday-y enjoyments.

 Coffee drinking. Book reading. A little journal writing.

 Present opening. Uninterrupted sewing. (More on what I made later...)
Candy munching. Pandora listening.

Cheese-burger bliss. Sunshine. Sister time.

Screaming for ice cream. Movie watching. Photo credit: My sister

I am so happy to be alive! Another year has gone by filled with so much to reminisce on. 
I am looking forward to another year to grow and learn.

Merry Christmas...

 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11

Holiday musings...

Only three more days...until Christmas...!

 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. 

Romans 5:1-2

What are your Christmas plans this week?

Summer Apron Giveaway...

*Giveaway Closed*
I have been blogging for two memorable years.
Through two years of writing, sewing, cooking, reading, two more siblings, music, learning and growing in Christ. I have blogged through struggles and happy times, through snow and sunshine. I have learned a lot and met many new friends. 

Thank you for your constant response and feedback!

To celebrate two years of blogging I am going to have a giveaway...

The Prize:

Ready to enjoy some baking and cooking?
An apron is an essential accessory when in the kitchen. Keeps you clean...and stylish!


To enter to win this apron...

Mandatory entry
-Please comment on this post saying you'd like to enter.
  
Extra entry
-Spread the word about this giveaway...! (You have permission to use these photos on your post.)

This giveaway ends August 23rd. I will plan to announce the winner on the August 24th.

(Please comment each entry separately.)
 
 (This giveaway is open to anyone in the United States.)


 Have fun!

A Post of Sorts...

I love to celebrate. How about you?

On Sunday, the third, we had our dear friends over for a very yummy dinner and went to the county's fireworks display. Yummy food, good friends, and fun fireworks.

Did I mention that our friends make beautiful, delicious cakes?

 Waiting for the fireworks to begin

The best part about fireworks is anticipating them before. :-)

We tried our best to make the fourth a productive day. So, we organized the garage.
Sounds fun, huh? :-)
Yes. Depends on your perspective, but fun none the less.
We made a lot of progress for a much needed clean. 
 For dinner we went out to eat at the Italian restaurant where our uncle works as manager. It was very nice. After dinner we were surprised to see more fireworks from the restaurant windows.

So, life has been very celebratory.

I thought I'd share a few other things, too. So here it goes.

One. My sister has the voting up for her poetry contest and every one  has done a great job on their poems. Maybe you should head over and vote, too. :-)




Two. Lots of giveaways over at Ashley's blog! So many beautiful prizes...




Three. One of my favorite photography blogs, just has the most inspiring photos! This week their showing holiday photos. Would you like to see? (Click here)

Four. Doing a little CAT testing. Sharp pencils and crisp test papers. Fun.

Five. We had some thunderstorms move through. Before the storm descended yesterday evening, upon the whole sky,  the clouds looked very much like cotton candy. God's creation is awing!

What have you been up to? How did you celebrate Independence Day?