~ A 10 Year Old's Journal ~

I’ve mentioned it more than once lately…SIMPLICITY.

It continues to tug at my heart.

It must be God.

Whispering, be humble, peaceful and simple.

It seems I can just be walking through the house and it hit me.

A thought, realization or gripping of the heart.

My job is to stop and listen.

Listen to what is being dropped in my heart.

It must have a purpose.

Even if it simply to mold me a better person.

Yet again, I was reminded of SIMPLICITY when taking a few minutes to read Ethan’s 4^th grade journal. 

3rd Grade Journal - TCS

Don't worry, I received permission to post a page from his journal.  :-)

He journals each day at school when time allows and brings it home at the end of the year.

What a treasure to have his writings.

It’s page after page of feelings, emotions and raw boy silliness.

But the treasure lies in it’s his heart.

There are numerous writings that start with “My Dad” or “My Dad and I”.

Writings of how special the time spent over the weekend with his Dad is to him.

How much he enjoyed building a project with his Dad.

How his Dad taught him something new.

It was breath taking and tear inducing.

So much so I went back and read past year's journals.

My point.......

We, as parents, get caught up in thinking we need to give our children the next “big ticket” item.

When really the answer is very SIMPLE.

They feel more LOVED by us giving them our time our just being "into" them.

Time talking, time loving and just time being there.

I’m so thankful for God’s never ending grace and mercy when I tend to get it wrong over and over again.

He leaves simple reminders about to keep me on track…even if through my children.

That’s LOVE.

So, maybe the next time I think about purchasing the next “big thing”, we’ll just go get ice cream. 

ATTENTION DADS, don't EVER under estimate the time you invest in your children.

You just might be surprised how much it impacts their little souls.

Blessings,

Anna

~ And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and PERFECT, will of God. ~Romans 12:2

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~ PlanB ~

Ethan went with Plan B for his birthday... literally.

His current skateboard has seen better days.

So, we enlisted none other than Franklin Skateshop to assist with the assembly of the new board.

Happy Birthday to my baby 11 year old!!!

~ Happy Father's Day 2011 (cont.) ~

Ok, so things have been a little busy and I'm just now getting around to posting about the actual day.

~ Father's Day ~  

We did something different this year for Allen aside from the usual staple gifts for Father's Day. 

It was simple, but special.

I saw a print on ETSY similar to the above print, except I decided to DIY it.

Did you expect anything else?

So, I found some tree clip art and some lil' green hands.

The kids LOVED doing the project and Allen really loves his new office print.

It was like any other Sunday, we woke up and went to church.

So, I snagged a photo in the lobby.

You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get this one photo...like herding cats.  ;-)

Allen took his Dad to eat lunch after service and I snagged another photo of the kiddos with their sweet Papaw.  

Nanny, I would say that I didn't leave you out on purpose, but I kind of did.  You would kill me if I posted the only photo I have of you and the kiddos on that day (eyes half closed...open mouth).  

Just thank me and not hate me.

Oh wait, here's one of just you and K...a good one.

  

There are many other photos of our time together, perhaps for another post.  

Oh, what's one more....

or two....

Allen, Kenzie, Ben (Allen's brother), Papaw Donnie & Ethan

I told you... like herding cats.

You get one situated and another one  is goofing off.

Good times!!!

Blessings,

Anna

~ Happy Father's Day 2011 ~

With much love and admiration for the man and father that my husband has become.

Thank you for everything you provide and give to our family.

For every....

~ Meal ~

~ For every ride on the mower ~

~ For every birthday ~

~ For every baseball game ~

~ For every push in the swing ~

~ For every tent invitation you accept ~

~ For every basketball game ~

~ For every walk on the beach ~

~ For every lesson you teach ~

~ For every new beginning ~

~ For every hug ~

~ For every moment that you you give of yourself to make us a happy family ~

My husband, my lover, my friend...

I love you more today than I did the first and I will love you more tomorrow than I do today.

Love, Anna

~ Tissue Pom Pom Love (Tutorial) ~

Ok, Ok...OK already!!!...I'll tell you.

If you know anything about me, then you know that I love unique party embellishments.

A staple for me are the tissue paper pom poms.

~ Pom Love ~

If you dare, you can purchase them pre-made online or visit your local Michael's Martha Stewart craft section.

However, if you are a DIY'er like me, you can make these lil' cuties in any size, color or style.

I've done them for Kenzie's room, party embellishements, gift bag toppers, napkin rings, gift bows and so forth.

~ Intimate Weddings ~

Because I continue to get so many request of how to make these lil' guys from fellow DIY'ers, I decided I would share my secret.

Ok, I won't make you wait any longer.

I follow the Martha Stewart tutorial and adjust to the size and style.

You can find detailed directions here.

Below is a quick summary of how to do the mini flat version.

Below is one that I did recently as a gift bow for a wrapped gift. 

The key to the bow instead of the ball is to just keep one side flat and just separate in one direction.



~ Notes ~ 

1.You don't have to tie with wire.  You can used ribbon or anything else you choose to secure.

2. The smaller versions work great with 8 peices of tissue.  However, I choose to do more with the larger versions so they will be fuller.  I think it makes them prettier.

....and now you know.

Blessings,

Anna

~ Today you are 11 ~

Ethan,

Today you are 11.

You continue to amaze me with your wit, creativity, tender heart and your overwhelming love for others.

You are my first born.

You taught me how to be a mommy.

Being your mom has taught me to….

love differently

act differently

pray differently

think differently

I guess you get the point…you’ve changed my life.

As I reflect on the past 11 years, my heart is filled with so many emotions.

My mind tells me that you are FOREVER my little boy

But my eyes are showing me every day that you are growing into a young man before my very eyes (I’m crying now)

I see you flexing your muscles and comparing yourself in height to me and your dad with excitement that you’ll soon be older, stronger, taller….

But I still think about the little boy that carried around his sippie like a football and said “hold you mommy”.

One day we’ll be nose to nose and our eyes will meet.

You’ll be driving cars and liking girls.

But you’ll always be my little boy

Do me a favor dear and slow down a bit

For now, you think I’m silly and overly emotional, but one day you’ll read this and realize just how much I love you!


Much love and praying for you always,

Mommy

This is what it's like trying to get a photo of you now days...silly boy.

~ A 3 Year Old's Purse ~

Kenzie has been lugging around a purse here and there lately.

It's the cutest thing!

I see her put what's special to her in and throw it on her shoulder and strut that little toosh...in my heels.

The other day she said "Now, I have all the stuff I need".

Well, I decided that I would take a peek to see just what the 3 year old lil' diva thinks she "needs".

I found the one and only...the faithful hand lotion.

The never leave home without it princess camera.

A girls best friend... her brush.

A couple forget me not bracelets.

Glitter me polish.

Drum roll please.... 3 tubes of lip gloss.

Hmmm?  That is very similar some of the items in my purse.

If she can learn what to put in her purse from me and actually do it, then I have great power, right?!

If you pay attention, you'll be reminded over and over again that your children listen and watch EVERY move you make.

They are little vessels waiting to be filled.

The question is... what will you fill them with?

I pray that I will be a living example for my children to learn the good things of this world.

It melts my heart that Kenzie shows signs of wanting to be like me.

She occasionally tells me she wants to be Strawberry Shortcake.

I try to quickly point out the GREAT qualities that Strawberry Shortcake has ignoring her vivid PINK

hair that Kenzie so adores.

Darlin', take it easy on your mom and no pink hair please.

Kenzie I know you are watching and my promise is that I will always teach you the things that I

believe will help you through this rough and tough world.

We are going to have some much fun learning to....

~ be lady like ~

~ walk in those heels ~

~ find the right outfit for every occasion ~

~ find beauty/fun in the simple things ~

~ get enough sleep ~

~ drive a car ~

~ play pretty ~

~ stop and smell those flowers ~

~ find good girlfriends to watch movies with ~

~ be a good hostess ~

~ find time to relax ~

~ be proud of your accomplishments without boasting ~

~ dance ~

~watch out for those boys ~

But most of all...

~ be proud of who you are and where you come from~

~and love others in times of heartache~

May 2010 Flood Relief

Here's to learning all the GREAT things in life while here on earth knowing that our ultimate goal is to 

one day be with our Creator and Savior.

Love, Mommy

(all photos from 2009 & 2010)

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