A Lil' Bit O This & A Lil' Bit O That!

So!  Have ya'll noticed the blog design change???  Isn't it adorable?  My sister-in-law gave me a gift certificate for Christmas for a blog makeover!  I luv it!  The sweet April over at April Showers designed this super cute layout.  She now does kids blog designs as well as custom illustrations.  Be sure to check out her blog and designs!
On another note . . . my sister-in-law is hosting a FAB giveaway for Bearpaw sandals.  Head over to her blog and check it out!
Last, but certainly not least . . . I'm heading out on vacation starting tomorrow! YAY!!!  It's been five years since Baker and I have gotten away out of state together, without kids.  Way too long.  But, in our defense we've been busy procreating (in case you were wondering).  Have a great week, and watch for a children's book giveaway starting tomorrow.  You'll luv it!

The Winner Is . . .

According to the handy, dandy random.org . . . it was quite the toss up between Nadia and Emily!  (smile)  However, number 2 - Emily, you won your very own copy of An Absence So Great!  Congrats and happy reading!

Book Review and Giveaway!!!

If you like photography, symbolism and historical novels then you will thoroughly enjoy Jane Kirkpatrick's last book inthe Portrait of the Heart series.  I unknowingly read this book without having read any of the previous books in the series and was still able to follow the storyline and characters easily.This book had several interwoven stories using photography as metaphors for the main character Jessie Ann Gaebeles life.  The storyline follows Jessie's life as she blossoms from teenage girl to an independent young photographer trying to make it on her own in a world where previously only the men are entrepreneurs.  She uses her passion for photography to try and fill the emptiness felt from a forbidden love.  Jessie does everything within her power to create a meaningful, independent and purposeful life by following her passion of photography only to find that everything she once thought as reality to be a facade.  If you enjoy historical novels then you will like this book! 

Now . . . you have the chance to win your own copy of An Absence So Great for your own library!  Leave me a comment telling me why you want to win this book along with your contact info.  Giveaway will close next Monday, April 5th at 7pm PST.  A winner will be selected using random.org

The fine print:

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Life Happens

I have been the worst blogger!  Honestly, life . . . a lot of life has been happening.  It's been GORGEOUS outside . . . and we try to get lots of energy out at the park when we can.  Which means we are home less, and therefore blogging less.  Also, Luke is making some transitions in his schedule which means that I get a) little or b) no break during my day.  Such a bummer.  Because anyone who knows me knows that I ♥ naptime.  Major heart.  And this momma . . . well, I'm tryin' to make some changes too which involves time, priorities and organization.  All of which push blogging to the very end of my too do list.  I have a fun change in store for my blog which should be coming soon.  Very soon - watch for it!

Bring on Springtime!

I've been getting my wardrobe ready for spring as I am now a completely different size than I was last year.  Completely different.  As in no short sleeved t-shirts.  Baker's family business logo short sleeved tee does not count.  Belive me.  Therefore, I've been hunting down some basics.  Found a few things I'm luvin!  Gap.com had basic tees and tanks with a 20% off promo - and I scored tops for less than $9 a piece.  Luv a great deal.  If you like GAP, they are now running 30% off and can get an even better deal!!!

Another favorite I found was from Buckle.  It's one of my new favorite stores.  These are my new denim capris.  They are so comfy and cute.  Apparently, they make me look skinny as I had several compliments wearing them.  That my friends is a great staple to any wardrobe!

Any new trends that I should be aware of for this spring and summer?  I tend to live in the basic tees and jeans so any kind advice is appreciated :)

Perhaps You've Noticed

The blogging for books button on my sidebar.  It's been there for a little while, yet I haven't told you why.  I'm going to be reading books, writing my own review and then give YOU an opportunity to win your own copy of the books I'm reviewing.  How cool is that?  It's a great way to help with one of my new years resolutions, while being frugal at the same time!  Such a great concept!  My first review is coming the last week of March.  If you love to read, you're gonna wanna check back soon!  If you're looking for some great books head on over to waterbrookmultnomah.com

Boring, Blowing Noses . . .

It's spring clean time around here, and among many other reasons . . . I've been too pre-occupied to blog much.  Boring, I know.  Today we are home while girlie is battling a fresh runny nose and my little guy has a fever and was up vomiting last night.  So, more laundry today and hopefully a few clean toilets too :)  Maybe I'll even have a few minutes to sit and pound out a few creative blog post.  That would be a miracle! Until then-

Food 4 Thought

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)

There are so many things to get anxious about throughout the day.  Today was one of those days.  I cleaned up one mess only to move to the next problem and then look behind me to see that another was created.  They weren't large messes, or life threatening.  Just little things.  Little things like time stealers that ate away at my day, my peace, my patience and my joy.

Words have the ability to cut to the core, and wound eternally.  They also have the ability to strengthen, encourage, soothe, heal and uplift. 

Like I tell my children often, "use your words." 
So my question is who do you know that needs to hear a kind word from you today?

Kids Say the Darnest Things!

Conversations during my day sounded something like this:
Pulling out of the driveway to head to the gym. 

Me: Oh no!  I forgot my deoderant.  Now I'm gonna stink!
Luke: It's okay mom.  They have bathrooms at the gym.

Later while watching my nephew the kids are all at the kitchen table eating lunch.

Nephew: Aunt Jackie?  Will you take me to Disneyland? My mom doesn't like Disneyland but I wanna go.  Will you take me with you?
Me to Nephew:  We aren't going to Disneyland.  You need to finish your lunch.

Sooo Polka Dot Cute!

This is my super cute swimsuit I found at Target this weekend.  It even looks cute with pastey white winter skin.  Okay, maybe not.  But, I'm so glad I found a suit that looks good.  But, I'm still looking for a one piece that isn't too old lady looking (for those "feeling fat and bloated" days).  Anyone have any leads on cute swimsuits??? BTW - It's brown and white :)