valentine's printable: sharing the love

digital papers and clip art from Cocoa Mint

Remember these darling matchbook valentines I made for Madi and Ella last year? I still love them. Apparently Ella Bella does too. When she saw them on the computer, she said she wants to use them again this year, only change the photo to a more current one. Is that allowed? Sure would be simple. :)

valentine's day: 10+ reasons I love you!

Last year I decided to do something silly and fun for Lynn for Valentine's Day. I jumped on the "open at ___ o'clock" band wagon and put together a package of gifts for him to unwrap each hour throughout the day. Each gift was related to a reason I love him.

The hardest part was coming up with items to go with each reason, because I didn't want it to be all soda and candy. Maybe my ideas will help spark some of your own.

celebrate: meeting Ella's birth parents

I've shared just a small portion of our adoption story in past posts. I am so grateful to those who have responded. Your comments have given us such hope and encouragement. Thank you!

Our story continues.

About six months ago, we realized that Ella was "stuck" in her play therapy. I remember telling her therapist, Erin, "If I have to play out that story one more time I'm going to freak!" (At that time I was also in the playroom with Ella during therapy.)

Erin just laughed. She asked if I was really ready for a change. I knew what that meant. With change comes emotion. Not just a little emotion, A LOT of emotion from our Ella--spewing everywhere, especially in my face.

Erin could see that Ella had parts of her story that were missing, and suggested we fill in the blanks. We all met together and with a stack of pictures and photos, unfolded Ella's story before her eyes. Erin explained each part so Ella could understand. It was hard to listen to all she had been through when she was so little. Ella was pretty quiet--and then hyper--as she took it all in.

Yes, there was a fall-out--as expected--but it was also very helpful. Ella had very strong, painful emotions associated with her mother, but I was the only mother she remembered. Now she could see, that it wasn't me who hurt her so deeply.

Fast forward, and Ella starts asking more questions about her birth parents. Why did they make bad choices? Do they still make bad choices? She wondered if she wasn't with them because "she wasn't born right." That seriously broke my heart. I could see the little wheels turning in her head and her self-worth being impaired.

We thought perhaps it was time for Ella to "meet" her birth parents. I say meet, only because she didn't remember them. She had pictures and had actually talked to her birth father, Sean, a couple of times, but was still struggling with whether they were "real".

The big day.

For days, Ella shared her feelings as excited, but also nervous. I'd tell her, "Me too!" and we'd giggle. We explained to Ella that she could change her mind at any time and cancel the meeting.

Ella chose to meet at the Family Support and Treatment Center. I was hesitant, but Erin explained it was a very understandable choice, because she feels safe there and it's where she deals with hard things. (Yep, my issue again. :))

Boy, I was pretty serious about getting this right! :)

simple tip: christmas books

Jumping in for just a minute to share a little tip.

I've been packing up our Christmas decorations. I know many of you count down the days until Christmas with a special story each night. We do too. (Looks like a few of the "grown up" books made it into the pile in the photo.)

welcome 2013!

I love the fresh start of a new year. It's like opening the pages of a new book you've been wanting to read, or writing the first words on the pristine pages of a newly-purchased notebook, or opening a beautifully wrapped gift.

We had the most wonderful Christmas ever. I can't wait to share.

So many sweet memories.

I put away the last of the decorations today, so now I can focus on my new resolution for twenty thirteen. I usually only choose goals I know I can accomplish and make me feel successful. They've been things I want to do, like read more books for pleasure, practice photography, or eat more veggies. Nothing super-essential, but they make me happy.

the 12 days of [simplifying] Christmas: service

I've shared our neighborhood service project before. It's one of our family's favorite activities and in my opinion, one of the greatest ideas and ways to simplify. This year, one of the scouts in our ward, John Fluhman, is taking over the event as his Eagle Project. Isn't that a great idea? He's donating everything to the Santa's Workshop and Crisis Nursery at the Family Support and Treatment Center.

Service is a large part of our lives and a value we most definitely want to instill in our children. Our bigs got it. Our little (Ella), is struggling this year. I know a large part of it is her age. She wants everything to be "fair", and it's not fair if someone else gets something she wants. So she chooses toys she doesn't like. What a little snot you are! Not exactly the attitude I was looking for. :) But she'll get it--eventually.

So we changed things up a bit. I helped Ella choose the toys we'll donate and she can take them to FSTC to give to Eric, the Santa's Workshop Coordinator (who she adores!).

the 12 days of [simplifying] Christmas: many merry meals from one chicken marinade

Those of you who have the freezer meals thing down have a big jump on the rest of us, especially during the busy months of the holidays. I'm not there yet. But I did find boneless chicken breasts for $1.67 lb. thru Deals to Meals, and put together six packages of marinated chicken and a few containers of soup for the freezer a couple weeks ago. Even just a few meals planned ahead have made a huge difference in simplifying.

This past September, our Relief Society fall social was rained out. Half an hour before everyone was to arrive, we moved it to my friend (and our RS President) Marci's basement. (With six kids, it takes a lot to get her frazzled.) She also happens to be an amazing cook, so she had put together the main meal for all 50-60 sisters.

the 12 days of [simplifying] Christmas: simply gifted

I've had a Target gift card floating around my purse for awhile. I figured there might be a few dollars left on it, and finally remembered to use it the other day. It had still $25.00 left! Who forgets about that much? That would be me.

There was a time I thought giving gift cards for Christmas was too impersonal. Handing over a small piece of plastic--even if it did have value--seemed so...not fun. I've changed my story. Gift cards are simple, the recipient can get what they really want, and I love receiving them myself.

Packaging gift cards with a small gift makes them even more delightful. It doesn't have to be big. My brother, Steve, loves the Rocky Road fudge at Cabela's. For his birthday I got him a nice big slab to go along with a gift card. I added a simple bow and still came out ahead time-wise.

the 12 days of [simplifying] Christmas: merry me

I returned last night from the most wonderful girlfriends' weekend. It was just what I needed before heading into the holidays.

1. We stayed at my friend Marci's bro and sis-in-law's condo in St. George, Utah. 2. Road trip shot. 3. We all took sewing/quilting projects to work on. 4. My first time eating at Smashburger. I eat a burger maybe twice a year, and it will be here from now on. The olive oil, rosemary, sea salt sweet potato fries were sooooo good! 5. Shopping. 6. Breaking Dawn 2 opening weekend, so we hit the matinee. 7. More shopping. :) 8. Attended church on Sunday. 9. Listened to great music and lots of Christmas tunes.

We spent a bit of time at one of our favorite stores, Urban Renewal. It's a "must see" every time we're in St. George. Lots of new, consignment, and vintage goodies. 3. I love how the hair accessory was packaged on a vintage postcard. 4. I found a great stash--weathered pots, a vintage repro clock, some small green bowls and a nice pine topiary for my Christmas mantle. 5. Check out those glasses. Jen looks a little _____________ (fill in the blank). 6. Terra cotta pumpkins. I know I'm going to wish I'd gotten some. 7. We all walked out with big bags chock full of goodness. 8. These were so cool. Letters cut from old books. 9. Loved this owl, but wished he'd been a bit smaller .

the 12 days of [simplifying] Christmas: make good choices

My older children still roll their eyes when I tell them, "Make good choices." It's something they heard often growing up, mostly as they were headed out the door.

I think one of the hardest lessons for me to learn as a young mother, was that I couldn't do it all. I sure gave it my best shot, especially during the holidays. As wonderful as my intentions were, I realized with all my doing, I wasn't being the mom I wanted to be. In all the busy-ness and striving for perfection (yes, I am a recovering perfectionist), I realized I was missing out on far more than I was ever accomplishing. I learned I simply need to make good choices, not all the choices.

With the plethora of amazing and creative ideas on Pinterest and blogs, and in magazines, it's easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of projects and find yourself snowed in under the stress.

The golden question.
What works for me, is to make list of everything I wish I could do, and then look again and ask, "Now what can I realistically do with my time, energy and resources and still enjoy myself?" It's a simple exercise, but it works.

the 12 days of [simplifying] Christmas: wrap it up

I enjoy wrapping gifts. It's kind of "my thing." But as much as I like pretty packages, I don't want to be up all night Christmas Eve cutting and taping. I try to relax and get to bed at a decent hour because I know I'll be awakened bright and early the next day!

So what's a super simple way to avoid the stress of an all night wrapping session? Years ago, I started wrapping gifts as I purchased them. The task was spread out which resulted in less stress, and our tree looked even more beautiful with wrapped packages underneath.

WRAPPING IT UP
a few more ideas for simplifying

It's so you!
If you had to choose just one "signature" wrapping paper, what color or design, would it be? A few years ago, I started using the same paper--red with polka dots--for all my gift wrapping. It may seem boring, but I found one style feels more designer-ish and pretty. One or two large rolls of good quality paper go a long way in simplifying wrapping.

the 12 days of [simplifying] Christmas: cha-ching, it'$ a good thing.

My experience has been, the key to a memorable holiday season, is doing those things that express what we value most.

There have been years I've spent way too much on "stuff" because that's what we (and everyone else) have always done, and I really like to shop, and there were SO many great deals. Whatever the reason, more often than not, when it was all over, I had a big, empty feeling.

There's nothing sweeter than a 2-year old's "pictures." :)

I still love getting new things and seeing the look on my kids' and grandkids' faces when they get something they really wanted. But now, the bigger focus of our celebration--and our funds--is on what's most important to us. That includes spending time with our family, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and honestly, staying out of debt. The gift-giving has become a smaller part of our holiday celebration and we all enjoy it so much more. I'll admit, it's been a process to get there.

The 12 days of [simplifying] Christmas series

With the holidays swiftly approaching, sometimes we need a little reminder to keep things simple so we can just enjoy! On each of the twelve days, I'll share some thoughts, ideas and/or tips that I hope will inspire you (and remind me) to CELEBRATE SIMPLY.

*To find all posts in the series, go to Simple Things labels in the side bar and click on The Twelve Days of Christmas.

simple solutions: Deals to Meals

It happened again. I was in the checkout line at Walmart and the cashier totaled my transaction. He looked at the register and motioned to the person in charge. As she walked up, the cashier said two words, "price matching." The PIC smiled and used her key to "unlock" the transaction (or whatever they do), so we could finish up.

Halloween costume: garden gnomes

Looking for a last minute Halloween costume?

My darling and creative daughter-in-law, Ashlee, put together these garden gnome costumes for their annual "friends" Halloween party. I think they are fantastic! (*Ashlee, we want to borrow them next year!)

my favorite [simple] things: Halloween 2012

I'm sharing a few of my favorite things about Halloween this year.

We have our own little "Vampirella". :) You gotta love the toothless grin of a six-year-old. When Ella brought home her school pictures, she scowled as she handed them to me, "I look like a vampire!" I smiled. She was right. I even regressed back to perfectionist-mode and thought about doing a re-take. Nope, this is just how we'll remember her.

free printable: countdown fill-able frame

The most popular fill-able frame print from our recent Super Saturday was the "days until" countdown. I had many attendees order them by the dozen, with the intent of using them for Christmas gifts. Such a fun and simple idea--just add a frame + dry erase marker.

The inspiration for my design came from this countdown on eighteen 25. I love the number background print they used.

celebrate | madilyn's fairy party

My granddaughter, Madi, turned four a few weeks ago. Her party was at our house, since she just moved to Idaho and hasn't made many friends there yet. It won't take long though, she's a little jabber jaws and makes friends very easily. :)

simple halloween project | pumpkin heads

I had this simple little project in mind as part of our Halloween mantle decor this year. I let Ella and Madi choose which pumpkins went on each family members face and they squealed and giggled through the entire project. They couldn't wait for Patrick to come over so they could show him he had a mean face. And they chose the biggest pumpkin head for Dad/Grandpa because he has the biggest head. :)

out and about | witchfest at gardner village

For as long as I can remember, we've celebrated fall by visiting the witches at Gardner Village. Every year it grows into a larger event.

Kate and Madi were visiting from Idaho, and it's Ella's fall break, so we thought it would be a great little girls' date.

 

There are little vignettes with witches throughout the villages shops. They are all so darling!