DPP 2011 * Thrifted

After spending a long day in the truck running errands around the Denver area, I was frazzled to say the least. Even with Matt driving, I was still at the end of my emotional rope. As we came back into Boulder, I quietly said...

"Matt, I need to go into the thrift store for a little bit...BY MYSELF."

And being the fabulous husband that he is, he didn't question or argue, but just dropped me off and waited.

Inside, I was able to take a few deep breaths and regain my sanity. I grabbed a few things from the maternity rack to try on and made my way to the fitting rooms. The first thing I tried on was a pair of Citizens for Humanity jeans...marked at $4.99. I'm not big into brand names, but I did know those were normally quite spendy.

As I pulled them on...and they actually went over my ever growing thighs and rear end...I started crying. Yes, when you're pregnant and you just outgrew all of your clothes and your 2 tubs of maternity clothes are 2 states away in storage and then you find an amazing deal...you cry. Can I get an AMEN from all my pregnant sisters out there? :)

From there,  I walked over to the fabric section because we needed some curtains. I found a set of four red cotton panels that were brand new...and it turns out they were Pottery Barn. My smile was pretty big at this point. I turned down one more aisle, and see a toaster with four openings. I've wanted one for quite awhile and I was so thrilled to find one there. I added a few pieces of clothing for the girls to my basket and checked out.

We headed back up the canyon to our house...and I quickly showered and got ready for a prenatal massage that I had scheduled for my frazzled self. The therapist was AMAZING and fun and I'm so glad she is right in Nederland. I can't wait to go back.

And so...the day turned out for good.

It was just a gentle reminder that when my eyes are on my circumstances and I allow my emotions to control my actions, it's really hard to lift my head up and see all the blessings God has in store for me.

I am so thankful for a God who knows me and my emotions and loves me anyway. Like a good father, he takes me by the hand, helps me to find my balance again, and sends me back on my path. Oh how I love Him for that.

DPP 2011 * Sisters

It's December! That means a lot of things...but one of my favorites is The December Photo Project. This is my third year participating and I just love how it causes me to see beauty all around in one of the busiest months of the year. It also encourages me to blog every day...so you'll be seeing a lot more of me during this month!

Today we lived in the kitchen. We started out making applesauce-cinnamon ornaments...which turned out to be a lot messier and more complicated than it seems! I didn't have any white glue, and I think that was my downfall.  The batter seemed so wet, so I added more cinnamon...and now I think they are too dry. They are hardening now, but we'll see if they actually stay together. If anyone has any tips for our next round, I would appreciate it :)

We enjoyed watching the snow fall outside all day...it looks like we got about 8 inches. I just love the snow...it makes everything so beautiful and quiet. Click here to see the "runner up" image for the day.

Banana muffins and Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookies completed our afternoon of baking. And now Daddy is home, the sun has set on another day, and supper is being prepared. Looking forward to our Jesse Tree devotional and also to our family viewing of X Factor :) Have a great evening everyone!

*note the two different boots on my little Lucy...she cracks me up.

Awaiting a King

We are in full preparation mode around here...cutting, creating, lighting it up. Christmas is coming! We spent an entire day covered in paint and mod podge...creating handmade ornaments for our tree.

We had big plans to get a permit to go cut down a tree in one of the nearby forests, but after a big wind storm a few weeks ago, we found this sweet little tree laying behind the house. It turned out to be the perfect size, it has "character", and we just love it! The girls had such a great time hanging their ornaments...it's been so special to have our own tree this year!

All of these preparations are not just to "decorate" or make things pretty for the holidays. We are awaiting a King! Jesus' birth is the single cause for celebration. And this year, we are turning our eyes toward Him every night after supper as we read together from Ann Voskamp's Jesse Tree devotional.

With Bella and Lucy snuggled up with Daddy, we light a candle and learn more about His love for us and the grace He extends. So excited to walk through this amazing Advent time with my loves and to create new rituals and traditions together as a family.

What are some of your favorite rituals and traditions during the holiday season?