Literally...

According to Webster's:

Literally

1 In a literal sense or manner. Actually. Took the remark literally.
2 In effect. Virtually. Will literally turn the world upside down.

The word literally has reached epic proportions around our house. I didn't realize the extent until Gibson came in a couple mornings ago and said:

"I literally walked into my room, literally picked up my shoes and literally found Landry's doll under the basket that had literally tipped over onto the floor."

After I picked my jaw up from the floor, I realized that we literally had a problem. I started to listen closely to other conversations that were happening around the house and realized that everyone is literally saying literally ALL THE TIME! (Including me...which is where this originated from I'm sure.)

As I'm delving into the possibility of other big, over-used words at our house, meet virtually and absolutely.

Embellish Magazine Challenge

This month's Embellish Magazine Challenge is one of my favorite color combos! I could not resist entering this one.
Black, white and summer sunrise paper - Papertrey Ink
Stamps:
Polka Dot Basics - Papertrey Ink
Flourishes, bird and sentiment - Unity Stamp Co.
Ink:
Black and gray Tsuniko Memento
yellow - Colorbox pigment ink
Fiskars border punch
Recollections rhinestones

Thanks for looking! :)

A change in perspective...

The beginning of this school year has been a rough one. We are adjusting to three kids in school, significantly more homework than last year, and a rougher schedule for me. It has taken a good four weeks for us to make the transition and a definite adjustment in perspective for me. It has been a process involving anger, depression, self-pity, and a bit of sadness at the loss of "the way it used to be." I recently heard a quote by Nelson Mandela and I have to say that it has become a bit of a personal challenge to me:

"If I cannot change when circumstances demand it, how can I expect others too?"

I have reminded myself of this often during my process. I have also come to the conclusion that no matter how much I am doing, I have to have joy while I'm doing it. Joy allows me to deal with my circumstances in a manner that allows me to be effective and to not let my bad attitudes carry over into every aspect of my life.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

I am proud to say that I have gotten myself back together, and with that, am enjoying my crazy family again.
We were enjoying a family meal at Steak and Shake. They have these fantastic hats! Who can resist?!
Grace and Landry were showing off their matching pony tails. Landry was mad at Dad and was refusing to look at the camera. Surprise...surprise...
Of course, the boys couldn't let the girls get a picture and they miss out. They were looking tough...

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23

Gracie's last meet

This fall has been Grace's first season to compete as a level 5 and she has learned lots of new elements and skills. Here she is with her team mate at a meet a couple of weeks ago. We are in the middle of competition season, so we have meets every other weekend or so. She is working hard and we are trying to keep up with her schedule! :)
This is her floor routine.

Bella's Blessing

I have recently found out about a foundation called, Bella's Blessing. They are a great organization that was started by Lisa, a mom of a sick child. Her daughter, Bella, developed cancer and during their struggle, Lisa had to quit her job and the family spent a great deal of money on gas, hotel rooms, food, etc., while they were caring for Bella. Bella wasn't able to continue to fight, but out of their situation they have created a foundation to honor her. Bella's Blessing provides financial assistance to middle class families that do not qualify for government or other forms of assistance because they make too much money. The foundation provides financial assistance to be used in the form of rent, hotel rooms, food, gas money or other needs that may arise during the course of a family's ordeal.

They are having a fundraiser this month and I was able to design and create the invitations for the event.

The order included 100 invitations. These invites are one sheet with the front being the "You're Invited" side, and the back containing the information.

The poker chips feature the foundation's logo.

I was thrilled to be able to design these and wish them the very best at their event!

Landry is 3!

My youngest is 3! I cannot believe that our smallest child is no longer a toddler. Of course, she lets us know on a very regular basis that she is very independent, and that whatever she does has to be her idea.

We kicked off her special day with donuts on the way to school. For dinner we had grilled cheese sandwiches and cookie cake. She got a new baby doll and a Little Mermaid beauty kit complete with a necklace that sings. (I have heard that necklace "sing" a lot! Especially when she is supposed to be going to sleep.)





All of a sudden, she was shy...

There she is! Complete with her icing mustache. Happy birthday my little love!

Homework

We are back in a regular school-day routine. Getting up early, all day at school, running home to get Gracie to the gym, and lots of homework. Hayden is the only one that likes it. He actually is disappointed if there isn't any in his folder. Landry thinks that she knows exactly what is going on and if he pulls out homework, she is right in his lap trying to do it for him.

Since this is the only picture I have of happy children with homework, enjoy! The rest are not so eager...