Misc. Monday: Happy Day Project Wrap-Up

Sunday was the last day of The Happy Day Project and although we did not participate in all the activities. What we did do, felt great. Thursday was "give a book to a friend" and I know just who is getting what book. Also, The Joyful Life Library Project was shared. Through this charity we were able to sent three books to CHOC hospital. I can not begin the imagine what those kids and their parents are going through. I could barely stand being in the hospital for 6 days with Iris last winter. When we were there, we read a ton of donated books and watched donated VHS tapes. They were such a blessing to us!

All images are from Joy's Hope.
Julie saved me a lot of time taking pics this week.  ;)

We are finishing off with buying gifts of compassion with our life group at our annual after Thanksgiving meal. We just got our catalog in the mail and there are so many wonderful options you can do to help others, starting at only $5! Our family will be putting together blessing bags for the homeless on Thanksgiving day. We feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to give back. There are many links provided here, why don't you check out one or two?

Wee-Ones Wednesday: The Happy Day Project

We are continuing with The Happy Day Project this week. Yesterday, Julie challenged us to write letters the good old-fashioned way... with a pen. I sent a letter to my Grandma in Minnesota and Lilly wrote a nice note to her Grammy. It feels so good to do something that you know will make someone smile. I feel like I've been in a better mood all week. There are a few more letters I look forward to writing... I appreciate being reminded that such a simple act can brighten someone's day.

Today's act of kindness is to carry some food gift cards in your car to pass out to the homeless people we so often see, but don't see at the same time. I really love this idea. I have no idea how or why a person is on the street, but I don't have to know why in order to show God's love. 1 John 3:18 says, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth." It's one thing to feel bad about something, or to say how sad a situation is, but it means so much more when you do something about it. I go to Burger King every Friday with my grade level team (exciting, I know). This Friday, I plan on buying some gift cards to put in my glove box, so I can do just that!

Visit Julie's blog and get some ideas on how you can brighten someone's day!

Misc. Monday: Project Snickerdoodle

 Julie from Joy's Hope has teamed up with her friend Jeannett to create The Happy Day Project. It consists of doing something nice for someone else for 7 days. How cool is that? They are also providing some sweet printable art, so you give a little and get a little.
Today, we baked some easy snickerdoodle cookies for some neighbors.
They are super easy to make:

1 box of Super Moist vanilla cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup butter (1 stick) melted
1 tbs Cinnamon
2 tbs Sugar
Mix first 3 ingredients with wooden spoon.
Mix cinnamon in sugar in little bowl.
Roll dough into 1 in. balls.
Roll balls through cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.
Taaaa-Daaa!
Now go be a good neighbor and check out Julie's blog to see what else you can do for someone this week!
Smiles,
Michelle

Free Fabulous Find Friday: 3D Ultrasound

I have the best find for any pregnant mom out there (if you live in Orange County, CA, that is)! Samsung Medison America trains techs on using their 3D ultra sound machines and always need mommies-to-be to volunteer. Just call 714.889.SONO and leave your name, phone number, & due date and they will call you back. I'm not getting anything for sharing this info; I just think it is one of the best free opportunties I've stumbled upon.
 I did it with both Lilly and new baby boy (sorry Iris). It is incredible. It takes awhile, but who doesn't want to watch their precious cargo in utero? You get to leave with a ton of pics, but the most amazing part is just watching the baby move in real time. Our little guy was sucking his thumb, stretching, kicking, smiling, flipping around, and playing with his boy parts. I could have stayed there all day... seriously!

Wee- Ones Wednesday: Trick or Treat, Please!

Halloween was a blast this year! Iris was a trick or treating maniac. She "meowed" at every door and woke up the next morning asking if "We go trick or treat today?" She was very disappointed to discover it is a once a year activity. Lilly (smarty pants that she is) took Pasquel, from the movie Tangled with her, and had him trick or treat too! She even had a little bag for him to put his candy in. Genius! Their faces when we got home and checked their candy were priceless.

Misc. Monday: Toddler Craft Date

Most of you know, I'm off Mondays and I usually get to spend time with both girls. But today, Lilly got invited to a special Halloween party at her preschool, so I decided to have a little Halloween play date for Iris. Her cousin Sophia & her two best friends, Adam and Mia came. I made some little pretzel ghosts that I saw at eighteen25, set out some coloring place mats from the dollar section at Target, and we made ghosts from their precious, tiny feet. It was so much fun! Now it's time to rest up for the big night ahead. Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Sew Crafty Sunday: Pumpkin-palooza

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Eggs & chorizo, crepes with  fruit, banana pudding & whipped cream, danishes, chocolate chip banana bread, and cheesy potatoes. Oh my!

How do you get your kids to look and smile at the camera at the same time?

Christian had the genius idea of using a dry erase marker to draw the design. Brilliant!

This is the 1st year since Lilly was a baby that she would even touch the stuff!

"I do it myself, Mama."

This year, Amy brought paint. I love love and Lilly apparently loves California. I don't know where she comes up with this stuff! The carved pumpkins are an ode to the girls' costumes this year:  Rapunzel for Lilly & kitty cat for Iris.

Today after church, we had friends over for brunch and pumpkin carving. The food was delicious, and the pumpkins adorable. We can't wait for tomorrow!

Wee-Ones Wednesday: At the Patch



This was last year. I love that Iris is now trying to keep up!

 I could not let October pass by without sharing some pictures of our trip to the pumpkin patch this year. We went with 5 other families. It was crowded and hot, but was such a good time. I cherish these traditions and memories and realize just how fast the time goes.

Misc. Monday: Just Perfect

These small moments of perfection make it all worth it.

I love these little ladies. Alot.