New Year Goals & Homemaking Link-Up!

Do you have any goals for this new year?  I have quite a few but, above all else, my main goal is to not do things that I don't really want to do or that I know I don't have the time to do.  I want this to be a "no-obligation" year.  An obligation is different than a responsibility in this sense.  An obligation, as I'm referring to it, is something that I shouldn't have gotten myself into but, since I've gotten myself into it, I feel obligated to follow through.  I want this to be a simple year.  I need a simple life for a little bit! :)

Here are some of my goals for this new year.  Please scroll down to join weekend Homemaking Link-up!

Relational Goals

*Walk With Jesus*

1.    Work Through Elizabeth Prentiss Study

2.    Work through Proverbs---my notes on it’s wisdom for women

3.    Prepare for my turn to teach Women’s Sunday School weeks ahead of time

4.    Spend time with God out of desire, not out of guilt

5.    Listen to praise/worship music on my NEW stereo while doing kitchen chores

*Marriage*

1.    Remember that Jamie desires a sweet spirit above anything else

2.    Ask what the needs are instead of assuming---his expectations of me are far simpler than what I think they are!

3.    Pray for his goals:  weight loss, finishing Bachelors Degree this fall, looking for long-term work

*Children*

     1.   Homeschool consistently Jan-May; take short summer break; continue Aug-Nov

     2.   Prepare L, M, E for standardized testing this year; follow through on testing whether it’s “their year” or not

     3.   Be very choosy about outside activities; instead, focus more on building solid characters and obedience training at home :)

*Friends*

1.    No obligation friendships:  schedule “friend time” when and if it works for our family and stop feeling guilty when it doesn’t! :)

*Ministry*

     1.  Remember that my ministry is my family.  Anything else is extra and not mandatory.

2.  Prepare for ministry commitments in a timely manner.  Study and prepare Women’s Sunday School lessons and Bible Study lessons before the night before.

     3.  This year I will serve on the Women’s Ministry board at our church.  Remember that this is, for me, a no-obligation ministry.  I will serve when I can and when it works well for my family.

Hobby/Creativity Goals

*Writing*

    1.   Submit at least one blog post a week to Christian Home online magazine---I’m already an established contributor there.

    2.   Consider whether I have the time to pursue other freelance opportunities and possibly do so.

    3.   Continue with my blog, posting at least twice weekly.  Bring followers up to 300 by the end of the year.

*Etsy*

    1.  Continue adding crafty items and vintage/antique items. 

    2.  Try to phase out candy sales until the holiday season comes again as it’s too big a temptation to have in the house.

*Sewing*

    1.  Really focus on finishing up projects I’ve started and using up my stash.  Some ideas include:  marble bags, crazy quilts

*Crafting*

    1.  Work on using up stash.

    2.  Host a CTMH party in early spring.

    3.  Refine the art of the ATC! :)

*Musical*

    1.  Decide which instrument of my 3 that I want to learn first:  Celtic Harp, Cello, A/E guitar?  I think I’m leaning toward Celtic Harp.

    2.  Patiently accept Jamie’s help in learning it!

    3.  Establish routine of singing hymns with kids before bed.

*Reading*

    1.  Read 50 books.

    2.  Be more involved in BookCrossing.

    3.  Read regularly with the kids.

Homemaking Goals

*Home *

1.    Plan meals and grocery lists several days before shopping trip.

2.    Reassign chores to distribute the work a little better.

3.    Continue working on my kitchen to make it a more pleasant place to work.

4.    Focus more on healthy homemade recipes.

5.    Shabby-Chic my piano and hutch.  Do a good job so Jamie will let me do my dining room table and matching hutch too!  Also want to do the antique dressers in my kitchen and bedroom.

6.    Plant vegetables and flowers this spring.

7.    Buy a red geranium and put it in a green pot for my porch chair.

Health Goals

*Physical*

1.    Drink plenty of water daily.  

2.    Set up small challenges for myself and reward myself when I accomplish them.

3.    Ride my bike when weather is nice.

4.    Go for walks…by myself and with family.

What are some of your 2012 goals?  Please join me this week by linking up your homemaking-related posts!  *****Do you need an email reminder?  Let me know in the comments below and I'll send you a weekly reminder about our Homemaking Link-Up Weekend via email.  (Please remember to add your email address if you want the reminder!!)*****

Also linking to:

Beverly's Pink Saturday
L.A.C.E. Wednesday
Encourage One Another Link-up

Our Day Today Homemaking Link-Up Weekend

Have you entered my newest book giveaway?

Today, I thought I'd share with you all a little from a typical day at our house! There's always something fun and crafty going on around here---especially when we're taking a holiday break from our homeschool! 

A few days ago, 5-year-old Selah surprised us all by sitting down and flawlessly playing, "Up On the Housetop"!

Her three oldest siblings have been taking piano lessons but we weren't planning on her having lessons for another few years!

Apparently, one of her big brothers took it upon himself to get her started.  Now she's playing all kinds of things from her siblings' older books!

Kynthia Joy, who turned 4 months old on December 2nd, rolled over for the first time today!

We've all enjoyed playing with sweet Kynthia as she's starting to explore her home!

I made this yummy pasta dish for lunch.  I am trying to use up the things we've got in our freezer and pantry this month and start the new year out with a newly-stocked kitchen so this was a hodge podge of ingredients that turned out really great!  I'll try and put up the recipe later this week.

Yesterday, 11-year-old Lynzie made another cute rag doll.  She has always been into the American Girl dolls and recently read about the 1856 doll, Kirsten, who had a little doll of her own named Sari.

Lynzie decided to make her own Sari doll and asked me to help with the hair since I'm not comfortable with her using a hot glue gun yet.

Here she is with her sweet new dolly.  I'm so glad my young lady has retained her childlike spirit this far!  While she could easily run this entire household, including care of the children, she still finds joy in childhood past times like dolls, dress-up and playing make-believe games with her younger siblings.

I've tried, on many occasions, to interest Lynzie in using my sewing machine, but she is more comfortable with her needle and thread.

Her hand-stitching rivals my machine stitches any day!

I think I did her hair pretty cute!

I hope everyone who celebrates is enjoying getting prepared for Christmas!  I can't believe there's only 10 days left!  I've got quite a bit of sewing to do myself this next week.  Liam is getting a "big boy pillow" now that he's almost 2 so I'm sewing him a cute pillowcase with lions on it.  Baby Kynthia is getting a quilt I'll make from pieces from my fabric stash and a Sunbonnet Sue block that was found in my grandmother's things after she passed away.  I've gotten everyone marbles so I'm wanting to make them some simple felt bags to store them in and I have a canvas book bag to decorate for 2-year-old Avalon Grace.  I think I'll use some of the printable fabric that Jamie got me for my birthday last year and find her some pretty vintage image to put on the front of the bag.  She loves going to the library and will enjoy having her own special bag for books.

What kinds of special gifts are you giving to loved ones this year?

I'd love to have each one of you link-up with my Homemaking Link-Up Weekend this weekend!  It's so fun to visit so many creative and encouraging bloggers!  In fact, I'd like to introduce one of my favorite bloggers from last week's party:  Shirley of Sweet Romantic Notions!

Shirley decorated this gorgeous silver tree with special handkerchiefs and handmade ornaments!

I was just really taken with the beauty of this tree and asked her if I could please, please share it with you all!  If you've got a minute, stop over and visit Shirley at Sweet Romantic Notions and tell her you "met" her here!

I've just been so blessed this week as I've gone about making my home a happy and comfortable place to live! What sorts of things have you been doing around the home this week?  Please, share below!  Have a lovely weekend!

Also linking with:

Beverly's Pink Saturday
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Best Friends --- Homemaking Link-Up Weekend

I've got some great PINKS in my Etsy shop for Christmas! This French Ballerina Pillow would be a sweet gift for someone---like yourself!

How about some PINK wrapped carmels?  I also wrap them in gold and red!  Visit my shop today to order lots of yummy treats!

I had every intention on doing a great Christmas decoration themed post tonight but, as I was going through my pictures, I found these and just had to share them!

Our oldest son, Michael, celebrated his 10th birthday on December 3rd.  On Tuesday, he had his best friend Jonathan come and stay the night for a friend party.  L-R: Michael, Jonathan, Elisha, Cainan, Selah, Avalon (all are ours except Jon)

He was pretty excited with the Nerf-like gun that Jonathan gave him!

The thing I just love about these guys is that they treat each other with such kindness.  They are true friends and show Jesus' love to each other whenever they're together.  It is such a joy to have Jonathan over and Michael is such a kind boy.

Michael is the kind of kid who just loves life.  He's loving and patient with all his other seven siblings and does his best to please his Daddy and I.

Happy Birthday dear little boy!

Please feel free to link up your homemaking-related posts here!  Homemaking Link-Up Weekend runs every weekend from late Thursday night until late Sunday night!

Also linking to:
L.A.C.E. @ Lily-Rose Cottage
Beverly's Pink Saturday

Easy Petits Fours Recipe and Homemaking Link-Up Weekend

Good Evening! Wow, where has the time gone? I have to admit, it's been a crazy busy week! It's 1:00 a.m. on Friday and I am ready for bed!! I'm going to sort of cheat a little this week and offer up an old post.

My recipe for Easy Petits Fours is, by far, my most popular post. I have people coming to that post every single day! It's very popular on Google Search---Ha! So, here you go!

When you're done reading the recipe, please make sure and read about my blogging friend, Cindy at Blessings From Cindy, and the gorgeous craft idea she came up with! Her Craft Blotter is so easy---you could make one today for a Christmas gift---and make one tomorrow for yourself!

Have a lovely weekend and thanks for linking up with my Homemaking Link-Up Weekend!

For several years, I would make these really easy petits fours for different church functions.  I hadn't made them in a long time but was thinking about them the other day and thought they'd make a good blog post, as well as a yummy treat for my friends at our homeschool co-op today!  Here's how you can make a simple petit four with basic ingredients and supplies you likely have on hand.

 Begin with a boxed Pound Cake mix and the ingredients mentioned on the back (eggs, water, etc.)  You will also need a package of vanilla almond bark and food coloring if desired.

Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.  I like to spray the pan with nonstick spray or water first to help the paper stick to the pan and not roll up.  Mix your cake ingredients according to the directions on the box, spread batter into pan, and bake at 350 for 15-20 min. or until done and lightly golden brown.  

Let the cake cool completely and then cut it into squares with a sharp knife.  You will likely not cut into the parchment paper but if you are concerned about that you can turn the cake out onto a cutting board and remove the paper first.  Pound Cake is very easy to cut into nice squares thus eliminating the need for an actual petit four pan.

When cake is completely cooled, break half the package of almond bark into a bowl and microwave at 30 sec. intervals, stirring in-between.  I like to add some oil or shortening too to make dipping easier.  When it is completely melted, you can mix in some food coloring if you'd like.

Using a fork, dip the cake into the coating to cover it completely.  The coating gets thicker as it cools so you may find yourself having to spoon the coating onto the cake and then tap the excess off on the side of your bowl.  Transfer the coated petit four to wax or parchment paper.

If you desire a decoration on top, add it as soon as you place the cake on the paper to cool.  Almond Bark sets up pretty quickly and you want your decoration to stick.  I found these pearly candies at Target in the Easter section.

Once the coating has hardened, you are all done!  I got several compliments on these today from my homeschooling mom friends!  In the past, I've taken the time to fill them with jelly or frosting.  This makes for a much taller petit four, but one could always cut the cake in half before filling---although this will make it less stable as the cake will be pretty thin.  Have fun making these and make sure to send me pictures of your own creations!

Make sure and visit Cindy's blog, Blessings from Cindy to learn how to make this adorable Craft Blotter:

   Cindy's instructions are super easy and the project is made from things you probably already have around the home! Thank you, Cindy!


Linking up today with Beverly's Pink Saturday!

Remembering a Special Veteran for Pink Saturday

Today I want to remember a very special veteran: my grandpa Henry Andrew Bourrie.  I have such sweet memories of my favorite grandpa and miss him so much!  He passed away eight years ago, Thursday---the day before Veterans Day.

My grandpa Henry grew up on the fishing docks of Maine and New Hampshire and always had a story to tell about his days on the docks, in the military, or later, when he worked maintenance at the local hospital here in Pendleton, Oregon.

He always called me Punkin and looked at me as if I were the most special thing in the world to him.  Several of my kids have that same mischeivious twinkle in their eye like Grandpa did!

Here he is with a group of guys in Portland, Maine in the late 1940s.  They were enlisting in the Navy:

(If you think you might know someone here, let me know and I'll put up a list of the names and hometowns)

This is him, seated in the middle, just as he's signing his enlistment card.  How crazy is it that I've got a picture of one of the most proud moments of his life?

Grandpa served as a Fireman in the US Navy in Korea.  Here's a little information about the responsibilities of the Fireman:

The training received as a Fireman or in the related engineering skill specialties is equivalent to that received as an electrician, electrical or power plant/co-generation plant operator or supervisor, diesel mechanic, or electronics repair technician. Equipment associated with Fireman training includes propulsion and electrical generation gas turbines, and diesel engines; electronic machinery plant control systems and networks; and intricate electrical wiring and distribution systems.
The name Fireman enjoys a proud and storied history. The name originated in the days when the Fireman was responsible for keeping the fires burning in the ship’s boilers which were used to make steam. The steam powered large turbines then produced the ship’s electricity and turned the ship’s propellers.
After completion of recruit training, enlistees in the Fireman Apprenticeship Training program attend a three-week course on naval engineering fundamental skills in shipboard operations and evolutions.
After successful completion of this training, Firemen are usually assigned to shipboard duties where the Navy needs them the most.


I found that info here.  Thank you, Grandpa, for your service and your love!

Now, for some PINK!

I was the proud winner of Connie's Apron Giveaway a couple weeks ago...isn't it beautiful?  Thank you, Connie, for your generosity!

On top of that, I was the winner in a second giveaway too!  I just happened to hop to a blog that I'd not seen before and ended up winning this Digital Scrapbooking Software Suite from My Memories!  I'm really looking forward to playing with that this weekend after my husband helps me figure it out!

Check out MY Giveaway here!!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend and HaPpY pInK sAtUrDaY!  Please take a little time today and visit some of the other pinkies at Beverly's place!

Why I Need Another Baby! Pink Saturday

Let me show you why I need another baby:

Ok, so I'm partially joking...!!  Of course, I would be blessed, honored, and delighted if God saw fit to send more babies our way.  Our children are such joys---they are definitely God's greatest blessings and rewards! 

But, in addition to that, I REALLY WANT ONE OF THESE SHIRTS!!! I love the idea of putting Hannah's prayer for Samuel on a t-shirt---what a wonderful way to share the truth that children are a blessing!

I was just randomly searching Etsy listings the other day, looking for God to point out people he wanted me to feature on my blog, and I discovered Regan and Melody's shop, His Child Clothing.  I asked Regan to write up a little "About Me" dealie so I could introduce her and her daughter to my readers and encourage you to visit their shop.  

They've got the CUTEST little tops for toddlers, as well as several inspiring maternity shirts for the expectant mom who wants to share the truth of God's word regarding children with others around her. 

Surely, there are some of my readers who either know someone who is expecting or know someone with a sweet little toddler who would be blessed by this unique and God-honoring business!  Maybe you'd like to take a minute and visit their shop, give them a couple hearts, bookmark the shop for future or right now purchases...maybe even send the link on to someone you know who would also be interested!

Here's what Regan and Melody have to say about His Child Clothing:

"Our names are Melody and Regan and are a mother-daughter team. We started His Child in April of 2010 when we realized the need for maternity apparel that was devoted to God and His value of life. I (Regan) have more christian shirts than I can count, but when I got pregnant I couldn't find a Christian maternity shirt. At least I couldn't find one that wasn't sold beside a disgusting "knocked up" type of maternity shirt. Refusing to give money to someone who sold what they didn't believe in, we started making our own shirts.

Our belief is that the carrying and birth of a child is one of the most wonderful mysteries any woman is blessed to experience. A lack of stylish and modest clothing should not dampen the joy of this event. HIS Child’s purpose is to make pregnancy fun and fuss free as moms get ready for work, church, or just out to have fun. Our mission is to encourage parents and to honor the sacredness of life in a positive image and in a fun and stylish way.

The name HIS Child is based on John 1:12. “Yet to all who received Him (Jesus), to those who believed in His (Jesus’) name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

Thank you for the opportunity to spread the word about His Child. It means a lot to us.

In Him,

Regan & Melody of His Child"

Let me just note that no goods or services were provided to me prior to publishing this post on my blog.  It is solely for the purposes of spreading the word about a business I respect!  Oh, and it's also a big SHOUT OUT HINT to my mom and husband...  :)

Happy Pink Saturday!  Be sure and stop by to see Beverly and the Pinkies at How Sweet the Sound!

Also linking with: 

Pink Wrapped Nibbling Carmels

Hello!  Hope everyone had a lovely week!  It's my birthday weekend (Sunday I'll be 32!!) so I'm looking forward to a little pampering from my sweet family!

For today's Pink Saturday post, I thought I'd show off my first offering in a line of candies I'm selling through Etsy:

Pink wrapped carmels!!  Aren't these just the perfect thing to have alongside a plate at a tea party, stick into a holiday package, or keep in your purse for a little sweetness throughout the day?   I made these for my mom's candy store when she had it open and they were a big hit!  Visit my Etsy shop to order your made-to-order batch today!

Speaking of delicious goodies, I'm only days away from my next Weight Loss Giveaway!  Check it out and maybe you could win a little something from me!

Have a great weekend and try to visit Beverly's Pink Saturday for more delicious PINKS!

Pink Week

Before I show you my pretty pinks for this week, have you seen my Weight Loss Giveaway?  Visit the link if you think you might want to encourage me in my goals...and win a prize for yourself!

Also, I still need one more person in my Pay It Forward game.  If you're interested, go to the link and check it out!  I thought I'd do a little pink recap of this last week.  Last weekend, I got all of my craft items together in one accessible place.  You can read about that here.  I've been saving jars and lids to store all my little found things in.  Once I get the lids decorated, they'll be a pretty cute set---thrifty!  :) 

  Monday was my mom's birthday and I made her this little pillow.  I should clarify...I spruced up an already-made pillow that I found at Salvation Army!  The actual pillow and the lace trimming were someone else's work.

The picture is baby Kynthia Joy right before we brought her home from the hospital and the text reads, "The Best Days Are When Babies Come".  Who can tell me where that line is from?  :)

Speaking of baby Kynthia, she turned 2 months old on Sunday!  She's smiling a lot now and laughing too!  (Not sure what she's doing with her fingers here though...Ha!)

Linking up to Beverly's Pink Saturday!  Have a great weekend everyone!Also linking to:  

Spring Swap

Hello Friends!  This weekend has all the markings of one made for relaxation and maybe a little crafting!  I'm linking up with Beverly's Pink Saturday today.  

Before I show you my pretty pinks for this week, have you seen my Weight Loss Giveaway?  Visit the link if you think you might want to encourage me in my goals...and win a prize for yourself!

Also, I still need one more person in my Pay It Forward game.  If you're interested, go to the link and check it out!

And now for the goods...

For the last 6 months or so, I've been participating in the Once A Season Swap over at Gone Stitchin'.  Because the swap coordinator is from Australia, all the seasons are backwards from mine!  I just completed the Spring swap that actually coincides with our Fall.  (Doing Spring-themed gifts in the fall wasn't quite as strange as making Winter gifts in late May!)  Anyway, I wanted to share what my partner and I swapped this time around since we've both now received our gifts.

I was partnered with Linda from Stray Stitches.  I love reading her posts as they are so lovingly put together---she really has a knack for journalism and her blog is most interesting!  Here is the beautiful and cheery gift she sent me:

I love every part of this gift...all the way down to the cute peppermint candy wrapping paper!  She sent me a flowery emery board, 2 pretty notepads with a pen, a set of 2 bookmarks, 2 pieces of pretty pink, flowered fabric, an adorable card, and the most beautiful handmade pin cushion.  What I love most of all is the bit of lavender she put in with the pin cushion filling...the smell reminds me of the place we just left (and terribly miss!!) in Washington.  It really was a thoughtful package of gifts!

Here's what I sent to Linda:

First, I made her this cute little hanging plate picture from a vintage Limoges saucer and some found items.

Then I put together a coordinating bottle.

I found her these matching Spring-colored items at Walmart.

I had a lot of fun putting together these things for her!  Swapping has definitely become the new addiction!  What a great way to use up my HUGE stash of crafting supplies!