Monday, February 9
Birthday Shenanigans
The little lady's birthday is on Easter Sunday this year and I am so excited about planning a fun Easter themed party! Let the fun times begin! Here are a few inspirations I've found on Pinterest.
Sunday, February 1
February's Verse
With February being the month of love, of course this month's verse centers on the nature of pure, Godly love.
Before we move on-- I hope you've memorized last month's verse!
February's Verse comes from 1 Corinthians 13- which is commonly known as the love chapter. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul outlines the true nature of love and gives us a measuring stick to examine our perceptions of love. This is crucial, because worldly love is very, very different from Godly love! That's a whole other post in itself.
This is by far one of my favorite passages in Scripture. I actually memorized the entire chapter a few months after giving my life to Christ. And yes, I can still quote it verbatum!
Anytime I'm feeling frustrated or fear that I'm about to 'lose my cool' with someone-or something- I always recite this chapter to myself. Instead of just counting to ten, reciting this chapter refocuses my heart and mind on Jesus, His model for love, and how I can display love.
I challenge you to memorize 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. If you want to dig a little deeper, try memorizing the entire chapter!
Before we move on-- I hope you've memorized last month's verse!
February's Verse comes from 1 Corinthians 13- which is commonly known as the love chapter. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul outlines the true nature of love and gives us a measuring stick to examine our perceptions of love. This is crucial, because worldly love is very, very different from Godly love! That's a whole other post in itself.
This is by far one of my favorite passages in Scripture. I actually memorized the entire chapter a few months after giving my life to Christ. And yes, I can still quote it verbatum!
Anytime I'm feeling frustrated or fear that I'm about to 'lose my cool' with someone-or something- I always recite this chapter to myself. Instead of just counting to ten, reciting this chapter refocuses my heart and mind on Jesus, His model for love, and how I can display love.
I challenge you to memorize 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. If you want to dig a little deeper, try memorizing the entire chapter!
Happy February!
Monday, January 12
Just In Case...
Just in case my husband {or anyone else} is wondering what to get for my special day, here are three things I'd just love! :)
{One} Southern Shirt Company 'Kimmy' in Riviera Blue {size M}
{Two} Life Application Study Bible - Personal Size {NIV translation, in pink :)}
{Three} Gift cards are always welcome! I cannot wait to shop for Spring lovelies and pick up some new warm weather tops.
{One} Southern Shirt Company 'Kimmy' in Riviera Blue {size M}
{Two} Life Application Study Bible - Personal Size {NIV translation, in pink :)}
{Three} Gift cards are always welcome! I cannot wait to shop for Spring lovelies and pick up some new warm weather tops.
Sunday, January 11
Not-So-Fun Flu
Even more than I hate being sick, I hate seeing my sweet baby and husband sick.
Our little family has officially been hit by the dreaded flu. The little one woke up at 2 am Thursday morning with a 103 fever. It was all down hill from there. The hubby took her in that morning and she indeed had the flu- along with strep throat. We got a whopping 4 hours of sleep Thursday night which made for one very cranky toddler {and Mommy}. Just when sweet pea was finally starting to make a turn for the better, my dear husband woke up sick Saturday morning.
Ya'll, I'm not sure what is worse: a sick baby, or a sick husband.
I came home Thursday and did not leave my house until this morning- I just had to get some fresh air and space. So, my partner and I did a short run this morning with the fun 5:02 group and that has done wonders for my mental state!
I looks like I will be doctoring my two sick loves again today. Please pray their fevers break and they finally start turning around.
And please pray that Mommy- aka Doctor/Nurse/Cook/Disinfecter- doesn't get sick, too.
Monday, January 5
Tuscaloosa Half 2015
Today marked day one of training for the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon. The fact that I didn't bail even though it was 35 degrees, 4:30 in the morning, a Monday morning, and I was on time speaks volumes of my dedication! Ha! My running partner was even blown away!
My dear running partner ran this marathon last Spring,right after our Leo Half, and highly recommends it. The course contains only one hill- huge change from the Leo which could win the hilliest route award.
We're back to our Mon-Wed-Fri schedule. We plan to run a shorter route on Sundays for the next few weeks until we start back on Saturday long runs. Excited!
Here's to another half!
I'm off to my first day back at work. I've been spoiled by sleeping late for over two weeks. Something tells me I'm really going to miss that afternoon nap today!
My dear running partner ran this marathon last Spring,right after our Leo Half, and highly recommends it. The course contains only one hill- huge change from the Leo which could win the hilliest route award.
We're back to our Mon-Wed-Fri schedule. We plan to run a shorter route on Sundays for the next few weeks until we start back on Saturday long runs. Excited!
Here's to another half!
I'm off to my first day back at work. I've been spoiled by sleeping late for over two weeks. Something tells me I'm really going to miss that afternoon nap today!
It's the first Monday of the New Year- make it a great one!
Saturday, January 3
January's Verse
I've had so many people mention how much they have missed my blog. I'll admit, I've been a horrid blogger lately and my posts are sporadic.
I've been brainstorming things to blog about, and one thing I decided on was a verse for each month. I'm going to make a point of memorizing these, and I hope you'll join along with the fun!
And here it is, the verse for January. I thought it was fitting with the start of a new year. We all seem to love New Years- the idea of getting a fresh, clean start appeals to our imperfect selves. There is something that surpasses a fresh, clean start to a new year- a fresh, clean start to life. And this is possible through faith and an abiding relationship with Jesus. In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul gives this amazing statement of how faith in Christ can truly change our lives. In Christ, we can become new creations, letting the old pass away and welcoming the new!
I've been brainstorming things to blog about, and one thing I decided on was a verse for each month. I'm going to make a point of memorizing these, and I hope you'll join along with the fun!
And here it is, the verse for January. I thought it was fitting with the start of a new year. We all seem to love New Years- the idea of getting a fresh, clean start appeals to our imperfect selves. There is something that surpasses a fresh, clean start to a new year- a fresh, clean start to life. And this is possible through faith and an abiding relationship with Jesus. In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul gives this amazing statement of how faith in Christ can truly change our lives. In Christ, we can become new creations, letting the old pass away and welcoming the new!
Happy New Year!
Thursday, January 1
Twenty Fifteen
Of all the years in my life, 2014 has by far gone by the fastest. It doesn’t feel like 12 months since I wrote my 2013 Adieu post.
When I read it back, I was excited for what I’ve achieved this year,
humbled by the support I’ve received from all of you out there, and yes
there’s a little disappointment for the things that I didn’t quite get
right.
But life is a work in progress, so 2015 will be more of the same.
This time last year I was so excited for a fresh, new year. Odd years always seem to be the tougher years in my life, so I was excited to say goodbye to 2013.
2014 was am amazing year for myself and my little family. So many blessings were showered down upon us and I feel we grew leaps and bounds in so many way. I was a SAHM for most of the year and enjoyed soaking up those precious days at home with my little lovebug. We put our house on the market and began praying about adoption. I went on my first mission trip, which was life changing. God opened a door at an amazing school that puts Him first- a place that nourishes me professionally and spiritually. I was blessed with precious, new friendships. My best friend welcomed her sweet daughter into the world.
2014 is among my favorite years so far.
And although odd numbers haven't always been my best, I feel this electricity in the air and I know that 2015 will be an amazing year.
We have so many exciting 'happies' that are heading our way this year and I cannot wait to experience all that this year has to offer.
But life is a work in progress, so 2015 will be more of the same.
This time last year I was so excited for a fresh, new year. Odd years always seem to be the tougher years in my life, so I was excited to say goodbye to 2013.
2014 was am amazing year for myself and my little family. So many blessings were showered down upon us and I feel we grew leaps and bounds in so many way. I was a SAHM for most of the year and enjoyed soaking up those precious days at home with my little lovebug. We put our house on the market and began praying about adoption. I went on my first mission trip, which was life changing. God opened a door at an amazing school that puts Him first- a place that nourishes me professionally and spiritually. I was blessed with precious, new friendships. My best friend welcomed her sweet daughter into the world.
2014 is among my favorite years so far.
And although odd numbers haven't always been my best, I feel this electricity in the air and I know that 2015 will be an amazing year.
We have so many exciting 'happies' that are heading our way this year and I cannot wait to experience all that this year has to offer.
Happy New Year, Lovelies!
May 2015 be your best year yet!
Saturday, December 20
The James Family Christmas Card - 2014 Edition
Now that everyone has received their cards via mail, I'm finally able to share our family Christmas card with my blog family. I get so excited to share our holiday cards with ya'll each year...call
me crazy, but it's almost like I'm sending each of you a card, too.
Loads of time, energy, outfit planning, and the amazing photography skills of my dear
friend went into this year's Christmas card and I hope you like the finished product as much as we do.
From our family to yours, may you have a wonderful holiday season,
filled with all the things you enjoy most...we wish you the merriest
Christmas of all and a Happy New Year, too!
And P.S. Isn't my sweet girl adorable?
Sunday, December 14
Gluten Free Christmas Yummies
I'm going to be completely honest and open in this post- so please be kind in your comments.
Ihate dread school parties, birthday parties, church activites....
My baby has Celiac Disease- which in the most simplest terms, means she cannot consume anything with wheat, barley or rye {or anything that could be contaminated with those 3 dirty words- such as being manufactured in a plant that produces gluten products}.
You cannot begin to fathom how many everyday products contain gluten. Forget foods, even some soaps and chap sticks contain gluten. No, I don't by the $3 EOS chap sticks because I want to- they are the only ones that are gluten free.
Each month we spend on average $150 a week to feed our two year old breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for the 5 day school week.
That's $600 a month. On just her food. That doesn't include what my husband and I eat- because typically, we eat ramen noodles and doritios. Truth.
I've prayed for peace. In those moments when I'm in the grocery store and want to just break down, I remind myself of this: My baby is a normal, healthy, happy girl. I know there are parents out there who wish all they had to do in order for their child to be healthy is buy gluten free foods. I'm thankful we are blessed and can afford to live a gluten free life.
I am blessed, and ironically Celiac reminds me just how much.
But all that aside, we are finally managing to keep our head above water in the gluten free world. We've found foods that sweet pea will actually eat, accumulated gluten free recipes we all can enjoy, and we've mastered the art of knowing where to find gluten free things we need.
We never go out to dinner- and if we do, we have two choices. One of which is Chic-fil-a. Did you know they have their own 'gluten free' menu- you just have to ask for it :)
And then comes what we cannot control. Social events.
When we go to birthday parties, we bring ice cream cups for everyone- since MG cannot eat most of the yummies typically found at parties.
When the church has events, we bring MG her own 'special' foods :)
But school parties are my undoing. I'll admit- I shed many tears on the days before and after MG's Halloween Party at school. So many moms made such cute 'Pinteresty' snacks that the little ones adored, but my sweet girl couldn't indulge.
She's two. She doesn't understand why. One day she will, but right now she feels left out and gets so frustrated and angry. She thinks we are just being mean.
And ya'll, it rips my heart open. Every. Single. Time.
I'm tossing around ideas for her birthday party. The cake topic hurts. If I did manage to find someone who could make a gluten free cake, the cost would be outrageous. For example, one box of cake mix {which makes about 6-8 cupcakes} is easily $6 and up.
My sweet husband suggested ordering an ice cream cake, so that's the route we will take.
Back to the party thing- when I walked in the school a couple of weeks ago and saw the signs for the Christmas parties, I immediately thought about just keeping her home that day.
But more than not wanting her to feel left out, I do not want Celiac to keep her from enjoying life.
So, I've once again shed tears and tried to decide what to do. Being honest, the gluten free cakes etc are not that good. I mean, Mary Grace doesn't know the difference, but the rest of the world does- including her classmates. I wanted her to be able to contribute cute, festive treats that her classmates would love as well! Thank goodness for Pinterest. Along with bringing what we signed up for {chips, dips, ice cream cups} I found these super cute {and cheap/easy} ideas that my sweet girl will LOVE bringing to school for her friends :)
I
My baby has Celiac Disease- which in the most simplest terms, means she cannot consume anything with wheat, barley or rye {or anything that could be contaminated with those 3 dirty words- such as being manufactured in a plant that produces gluten products}.
You cannot begin to fathom how many everyday products contain gluten. Forget foods, even some soaps and chap sticks contain gluten. No, I don't by the $3 EOS chap sticks because I want to- they are the only ones that are gluten free.
Each month we spend on average $150 a week to feed our two year old breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for the 5 day school week.
That's $600 a month. On just her food. That doesn't include what my husband and I eat- because typically, we eat ramen noodles and doritios. Truth.
I've prayed for peace. In those moments when I'm in the grocery store and want to just break down, I remind myself of this: My baby is a normal, healthy, happy girl. I know there are parents out there who wish all they had to do in order for their child to be healthy is buy gluten free foods. I'm thankful we are blessed and can afford to live a gluten free life.
I am blessed, and ironically Celiac reminds me just how much.
But all that aside, we are finally managing to keep our head above water in the gluten free world. We've found foods that sweet pea will actually eat, accumulated gluten free recipes we all can enjoy, and we've mastered the art of knowing where to find gluten free things we need.
We never go out to dinner- and if we do, we have two choices. One of which is Chic-fil-a. Did you know they have their own 'gluten free' menu- you just have to ask for it :)
And then comes what we cannot control. Social events.
When we go to birthday parties, we bring ice cream cups for everyone- since MG cannot eat most of the yummies typically found at parties.
When the church has events, we bring MG her own 'special' foods :)
But school parties are my undoing. I'll admit- I shed many tears on the days before and after MG's Halloween Party at school. So many moms made such cute 'Pinteresty' snacks that the little ones adored, but my sweet girl couldn't indulge.
She's two. She doesn't understand why. One day she will, but right now she feels left out and gets so frustrated and angry. She thinks we are just being mean.
And ya'll, it rips my heart open. Every. Single. Time.
I'm tossing around ideas for her birthday party. The cake topic hurts. If I did manage to find someone who could make a gluten free cake, the cost would be outrageous. For example, one box of cake mix {which makes about 6-8 cupcakes} is easily $6 and up.
My sweet husband suggested ordering an ice cream cake, so that's the route we will take.
Back to the party thing- when I walked in the school a couple of weeks ago and saw the signs for the Christmas parties, I immediately thought about just keeping her home that day.
But more than not wanting her to feel left out, I do not want Celiac to keep her from enjoying life.
So, I've once again shed tears and tried to decide what to do. Being honest, the gluten free cakes etc are not that good. I mean, Mary Grace doesn't know the difference, but the rest of the world does- including her classmates. I wanted her to be able to contribute cute, festive treats that her classmates would love as well! Thank goodness for Pinterest. Along with bringing what we signed up for {chips, dips, ice cream cups} I found these super cute {and cheap/easy} ideas that my sweet girl will LOVE bringing to school for her friends :)
Marshmallow Snowmen
Berry Merry Marshmallow Santas
Snowman Cupcakes {will use Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Devils Food Cake mix for cupcakes}
We have two Christmas parties this coming week. Her ballet class will have their little party on Tuesday evening, and then her class party at Patrician is on Thursday.
Now that I have a plan in place, I'm actually looking forward to them. Which is a big deal. A very big deal.
Thanks for 'listening' as I poured out my frustrations.
Here's to enjoying the season's festivities!
Monday, December 8
Christmas Crafts For The Littles
I've been on the lookout for cute Christmas crafts to do with my sweet little, and I thought I'd share my top ten faves with my fellow mommies-of-toddlers. Some of these are cute ideas for Christmas ornaments- which I plan to do for the Grands. Some of these are just cute art ideas- because let's face it, what's cuter than a reindeer made by those precious, chubby little hands!
P.S. - I adore #7 and it may be a new tradition we start this year.
P.S. - I adore #7 and it may be a new tradition we start this year.
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six.
Seven
Eight
Nine
And last, but not least, number Ten.
Happy Monday, Lovelies!
Monday, December 1
Wednesday, November 26
Merry Mail
Speaking of Christmas cards.... I'm in search of a super cute {but super easy} DIY Christmas card holder.
Here are some lovelies via Pinterest.
Here are some lovelies via Pinterest.
This Merry Mail lovely is available on Etsy- but I think it could be a fun DIY.
Love the lights :)
One of my favorites! Love the tree and the cute mouse traps :)
While it's not fancy, it's practical and pretty!
Thinking I could do this on our pantry door.
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