Thinking, Playing, Reading

Gorgeous Florida beach.

Frozen Mid-West landscape.

Thinking:
We've been enjoying quiet winter days and a really relaxed (of course still busy) season of life with just three at home.  I've been to Florida twice over the last two months, and feel so lucky to soak up the sun.  The memories are fading from the horrific last winter thankfully.

I am asking for massive prayers for two close friends (Kate and Ann) who are suffering from cancer, and in the middle of chemo and its side effects.  Mothers just like all of us, trying to stay faithful and boy is that difficult when it seems like there are setbacks.  I think I say "thank you" hundreds of times a day in my head, and have learned to say it much more to those around me, as I am incredibly lucky to be finished with that awful experience, but it is bittersweet when I know that there are still battles being fought.

Playing:

We've been enjoying some fun Christmas gifts-lots of art and Legos.

These sticker-by-number books are so relaxing and fun.

Steaming out clogged sinuses-the goggles were her addition.  All healthy now knock on wood, because boy did we battle colds in December.

Valentine's Dance!  Thought this was cute without being crazy as is the trend it seems.

Dress like your favorite teacher day.

Lots of snow=hot chocolate.

Reading:
We've been reading so much around here.  Janey and I decided to go through her whole shelf of books this winter, reading every story.  We are making headway!  She is just on the verge of reading herself, but that little "click" I know happens, hasn't happened yet.

Patrick and I are reading Island of the Blue Dolphins.  

I have read and LOVED:

The Fever Tree

So much good history and a gripping novel-we read this for our book club.

Leopard at the Door

Had to read her other novel next and maybe loved it even more?  I think I read this in one day on vacation.  Loved it.

A Place For Us

Our newest book club novel and oh boy, so much to talk about.  Very emotional read-picks up about 1/3 of the way through-wasn't sure I liked it till then and of course, by the end, I was crying and didn't want it to end.  Really incredibly well-written first novel.

Midwife of Venice

Another history lesson, quick read, makes you glad you were plopped onto the earth now, in the age of easy living.

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I am going to check out for a little while with everyone home.

Thank you for all your kind and supportive comments and emails this year.  

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season with your families.   

Hug those little ones because they will be taller than you before you know it, and enjoy the older ones for the wonderful friends they will be to you as they become adults.

Life is precious and none of us know if we have tomorrow.

It always bugged me, and still does-the quote that says "Live this day like it's your last."  That's impossible for mothers who spend their lives planning-for meals, for education, for the next day and week, for Christmas.

But over the last year I've learned for me it's just important to be aware of the preciousness of each day, because many aren't so lucky to have a glimmer of certainty that there might be a next day, or week or year.  Let all the material things go and say "oh well" about the things that aren't important, and much of it is not.  Bask in the work of the day, even if it's difficult.

Live each day with gratitude, and be kind to yourself-be able to lay down at night and say "I gave it my best, even if I messed up, I did what mattered in God's eyes for my beautiful precious family." 

Photos by Katie Croci

Teen Gift Ideas

Favorite Toys here.

Favorite Games here.
Book Gift Ideas here.

Ok, ready?  Boys and girls mixed in, junior high into college, here's a list of ideas from Abbey and some of her good friends. (I begged only a few suggestions out of my boys.)  Also at the bottom, is a cute post my daughter wrote when a few years ago with more ideas.

Kindle Paperwhite

I wasn't sure this was a good idea, but I LOVE my Kindle and for kids who read so much and so fast you can't keep up its been a good choice and favorite gift for us.

Destinations of A Lifetime

For the traveler, or wanna-be traveler, this book is gorgeous.

Himalayan Salt Lamp

I only don't understand the trend of these ugly lamps but I've heard they are all the rage and a certain college girl around here asked for one this year.

101 Secrets For Your Twenties

Adulting 101

I couldn't resist these books, they look so good and received so many good reviews-wish I would have had these when I was just graduating!

Nike Men's Performance Cotton Cushioned Crew Socks

Nike socks-girls and boys wear them. I have bought so many pairs of these! Where do they all go?

ALEX AND ANI Charm Bracelets ($24+)

Very popular right now, lots of different choices.

Makeup Brush Set Cosmetics Foundation Blending Blush Eyeliner Face Powder Brush Makeup Brush Kit (10pcs, Golden Black)  ($8.99)

Makeup brushes. I am told they don't have to expensive to be quality.

Urban Decay Naked Palette Eyeshadow ($19) 

Sanuk Women's Yoga Sandal

Sanuk flip-flops.

Soft PJ's.  The Aerie brand is popular.

These pajamas are SUPER comfy and come in a cute bag. 

Scunci Effortless Beauty Basic Jaw Clips,9 Cm, 3-Count

Crocodile clips.  Can be found at any drug store

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray, 8 Ounce

Not Your Mother's Beach Spray and Dry Shampoo

These Lush bath bombs are a perfect gift and have a five star rating and are very popular.

Personalized Coffee Mug

This cute one is from Anthro for $8, but you can find these everywhere.

Yoga mat

Camel Back water bottle

Lotion socks

Electric Blanket-Abbey LOVES her electric blanket (and boy did it come in handy early this year when Janey and I had a terrible bout of pneumonia.)  I bought her one at Kohl's on sale.

Fuzzy Blankets
We have this one and this one-these are found everywhere, the softer the better.

IPhone Cases
My niece uses the Otter Box  Commuter Series and really likes it-they are affordable too.
Abbey uses a LifeProof (after having to replace the screen because of a breakage she decided it was in her best interest to spend a little more.

neff gloves-boys or girls!


neff beanies-again, boys or girls, lots of cute colors.

Duffel bags-especially for college kids-Lands End has great ones, I love their sales, and you can get them monogrammed.

Quad copters. This is the brand we chose and you can read about this fun toy here.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Illustrated Edition
A gorgeous book for HP fans.

Here is a list from a couple years ago, written by my daughter:
Shopping for teenagers is definitely harder than other ages (I would know, I am one) and one of the biggest problems is not knowing exactly what they want.  If you're stuck on this and need a few ideas, these are some of my favorite things that I have gotten, and some things I am asking for this year!

Headphones. Definitely a broad topic. My favorite are the brand Skullcandy .  Lots of styles, affordable, and great quality! Pink and purple are my go-to colors.

Something that I am in desperate need (okay, want, sorry Mom) of this year, this iPod adapter thingy for an older car like the one Isaac and I share.  Because radio music can get old too fast when they play the same songs over and over...

The Wet Brush Detangle Brush . Last time I went to the salon, the lady who trimmed my hair suggested this because my hair is so long and gets tangled so easy. It works wonders.

OPI Mini All Stars 2015 Nail Lacquer Set of 10 Minis

OPI and Essie nail polish. great quality and true to color. New favorite colors: Gargantuan Green Grape by OPI (minty green) and Mango Bango by Essie. You can find Essie at Target and OPI at salons and makeup stores like Sephora and Ulta.

Mauve is the "color" this year!

A subscription to InStyle magazine.  Full of great ideas, new trends, fashion advice, cool pictures, and classy clothes!  Once I am finished reading a magazine, I look through it and cut out pictures that inspire me and my style and collage them onto my doors.

Every girl needs something Vera Bradley! Such cute patterns and very durable. I use my bag for everything, school, shopping, etc. (Sometimes I see these at TJ Maxx for a great price.)

And when I don't feel the need to lug around my big purse, I love a wristlet. This one comes in tons of different patterns.

Also I put my cards in a pouch on the back of my phone.

One of my absolute favorite Christmas presents last year from my grandma was this Color Daze Blockbuster from Sephora.  (NOTE: This is crazy expensive now, this is a similar kit at a price close to what was paid for the above kit.)  For girls that love experimenting with makeup and trying new techniques, this set comes with it all: Mascara, blush, eyeliners, lip gloss, eyeshadow, luminizer, and brushes. It could also be a good starter kit.

Jewelry Organizer 

A jewelry organizer is a must-have for a cluttery closet! This one hangs anywhere and is two-sided.

Hope this helps!