Focusing My Heart and Mind on Christ this Season

                                                       

I was so excited when my friend Miranda posted that she was doing a week of Pinterest inspired Christmas ideas! I thought I'd share a few things we are gearing up to do to make sure that we slow and savor the season!

#1. Truth in the Tinsel.

I can't begin to explain how much we LOVE this wonderful Advent ebook. Its full of super cute and easy ornaments to make as we learn about the true meaning of Christmas. Lauren and I did it last year and I can't wait to include the little man this year.

#2. Good Morning Girls Advent Reading Plan.

This one is for this mama. I'm still keeping up with BSF, but I wanted something that I could easily do during this sometimes hectic season that would focus my own mind and heart on my Savior. The plan just started yesterday so there is definitely still time to get on board. Plus, it's a free ebook and it's got great family connections in it as well!

#3. Sara Groves Holiday station on Pandora. David Crowder Band Holiday station on Pandora. Check them out. A to the mazing!

#4. Lighting a candle each day to focus on Jesus and the peace he brings.

These are just the main ways I can think of right now that we are going to do to keep our hearts and minds focused on our Lord and Savior this season. I would love to hear your ideas! And if you blog about it, go link up with Miranda!!!

Linking to Our Nesting Place. 

A Thank-FULL Heart!

Oh my word. I love Thanksgiving. I mean absolutely love it. I love that it is a chance to slow down, eat really well, and enjoy my family. We've been switching off years between families for a couple of years now and although we hate missing Thanksgiving with the other side of our family, it really helps us not be too stressed or busy during this thankful time. This year we headed to my parents house.

On the way there we called Shawn's parents to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. Easton loves talking on the phone now. He gets so excited and then you hand him the phone and he just stares into space. :) It cracks us up! He was "talking" to Papa Wayne and Meme here!

When we made it to the house, the boys all had to get their bows out for some shooting practice. ;) They cracked me up. But, I wouldn't have had it any other way. Side note...I love my brothers so stinking much.

My dad burned his face pretty bad the day before Thanksgiving, so the white-ish stuff is ointment the doctor gave him. Easton is Big Papa's buddy for sure. He wanted to be wherever the boys were.

Each Thanksgiving my dad deep fries our turkey. I know that might sound totally crazy to some but it is seriously the. best. turkey. you. will. ever. eat. ever. I'm serious. It is so juicy and flavorful. There is no comparison in my book! This year he fried four!

Easton wanted to help hold the arrows and was so proud when Uncle Jared gave him some of his to hold.

I took this picture and couldn't believe how blessed I am. I am so thankful for these two little people. They've given me the name Momma and it's a title I take very seriously. I love them both so very much.

My mom makes the BEST homemade rolls ever. They smelled sooooo good and it was so hard to wait!

I'm thankful for my mama. She's put up with me and loved me through everything. I adore her and am just honored to be her daughter.

Easton wanted to take his turn with the bow. ;)

Aunt Victoria and Easton...

Thanksgiving always makes me feel even more thankful for my man. I don't know why he puts up with me or why he chose me all those years ago but I am loving growing older with him. We've been blessed with a love that is from God and I am honored to be his wife.

This Thanksgiving I reflected on how blessed I am, how loved I am, and how much I want to love on and bless others. I have a heart that is full of thanks!

Just Gettin' Her Teeth Sparkled

This morning, my mom came to town to watch Easton for a bit so that I could take Lauren to her very first dentist appointment! She was very excited to get her teeth sparkled and had no reservations about going!

When we got there we read a few children's books they had about the dentist and waited for Lauren's turn to head back. She was so excited and I was so proud of her. Just a few short months ago she would have been so petrified and shy but she was just ready today!

Our sweet hygienist, Miss Tina was amazing! She told Lauren that Belle loved to get her teeth sparkled too and that she always put the bib on princesses so they didn't get water on their pretty selves!

The only moments she got a little nervous were when she had to sit in the chair by herself. She wasn't sure about it and really thought she would get to sit on my lap. I was so proud of her though because she braved right up!

Soon, Miss Tina started bringing out all the cool dentist tools for Lauren to see.

All smiles again! I seriously almost cried at how awesome she was doing!

Then she got to ride the chair up!

She did great while the chair leaned back also!

When it was time to get her teeth sparkled she was so ready! She wasn't nervous at all! She chose birthday cake flavor toothpaste, ha!

Her favorite part was the little tool that sucked all the water out of her mouth. She called it the kissing thing!

I love this picture because she is looking at Miss Tina and was really happy and totally fine through the whole process!

We love Dr. Kelly! She is amazing and was perfect for Lauren today!!!! 

She did such a great job that she got to pick three toys from the surprise box! She was so proud of herself!

I am so thankful for our awesome dentist's office. It's the best and today was perfect. I loved how Shawn's hygienist came over and wanted to see Miss Lauren in person because she said she's watched her grow up in pictures over the years. Every time Shawn goes in they have to see new pictures of the kids...how awesome is that? So thankful that today went so well! Looks like she is really growing up now!

High Five for Friday

1. Red by Taylor Swift on constant repeat.     2. Amazing friends and an awesome chili cook-off/bonfire night.     3. My Beauty and Bull for Halloween.      4. My mama bought me a new book called Unglued by Lysa Teurkerst. It's changing my life right now.     5. A fun (somewhat chilly) park play date with dear friends. 

Linking up at High Five for Friday. 

The Beauty and The Bull

I'm gonna be honest here...I kind of really don't like Halloween. It's nothing serious or well thought out...it just kind of gives me the creeps. You know, walking around in the dark in full on costume garb to knock on someone's door you don't. even. know. and ask for candy (without razorblades, preferably!) Nope...I'm not a huge fan at all. BUT - I am a fan of this new fad called Trunk or Treat. Our church put one on last night and it was awesome. I loved seeing all the little ones in their costumes and it wasn't creepy at all! And, I'll admit that having little ones helps me like the holiday a little more too...I mean how could you not when you see these cuties?

Lauren was Belle and Easton was a Bull. Mooooo!

I loved fixing Lauren's hair all fancy-like. She didn't enjoy the process, but she loved the end result! She left it in all night (except for a small stint without the tiara) so I knew it was a success!

 I love these little ones so much. I am a blessed mama for sure.

These pics were all taken before we left for the Trunk or Treat. Most of my pics from there are pretty dark and also I'm too lazy to upload them right now! ;) We had a very Happy Halloween!