About a year ago, I really began to focus on my time in His word, my time with Him and developing my relationship with God, in addition to bettering myself, mentally and physically!

Along the way, I read a personal development book, and one of the subjects in the book spoke about using the gifts God gave you to minister or to bless others. 

I feel like God has given me the gift to 'create'. I really enjoy crafting, painting and drawing, and I have always had a passion for writing. 

Not long after I read this book, He laid it on my heart to begin writing. 

As always, I am adding to my reading list, but this year, while I am adding "fun" reads, I am making choices to add intentional reading to my day. 

I want to add more books to help build me as a mom, a wife, and whatever this person God is working to mold me into!

I have always had "issues" with buying books. And notebooks. And planners. 

Okay, so I may just be a good old fashioned "nerd", but I don't see that as a problem! I also have a problem with buying books and not being able to part with them, they are like my trophies!  

Here is a list of books I am planning to read in January and February. 

Studying the Bible and His word is one of the most important things we can do as Christians. 
 
Over the last year, I have really "dug" into His word, looking for new studies every chance I get; even creating a few studies on my own!

That last one, writing studies for others to use, is something I never thought I would do, but it is one of the things I am most proud of- for sure. 

I have been thinking a lot about what I can create for the upcoming year, for my readers, followers, you, my friends and family. I have some studies I am praying about, and working on. 
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But, I wanted to start here, with focusing on His truths; his truths for you, about you and your families' lives! 

Y’all! The New Year, is fast approaching!

Meaning, it’s time to shop for one of my [many] favorite things- PLANNERS!

Seriously.

I HEART PLANNERS!

Over the past year or so, I have been journaling in various places. 

I journal in my Bible, in a study journal, and a prayer journal. 

Three different places? Yes, three different places. 

There is a couple of reasons for that, but it began with Bible journaling.

I wanted to document what I am studying in my Bible, but sometimes, the lessons would be too long, and I needed a place to organize my thoughts. 

Is it me or is everyone making cookies this time of they year? I assume it is because holidays are here, and that is just the thing to do!

For me, when Winter hits, it seems to be one of my hobbies. Because, it is cold outside, and I am looking for ways to be creative, inside.

​This year, with us trying to be healthy it has been a struggle. I want to bake, but I don't need to eat what I bake. So, I have not baked much this year.

Until the other day. I got invited to a cookie swap at one of my good friend's house.

Over the last year, I began doing something I never thought I would- listening to podcasts!

I never enjoyed talk radio, you know the radio shows your dad made you listen to on the way to school, so I assumed I wouldn’t enjoy podcasts.

I was so wrong. I was wrong to assume that podcasts were anything like talk radio. I was so wrong to assume I was not a podcast person!

I have been listening to some really good stuff this year, and as much as I love music, sometimes a podcast has won over music on my drives to work, or to get the girls after work.

My kids don’t love it, they would rather watch Paw Patrol or Frozen, or even listen to Disney soundtracks! But, it gives them some quiet time, and they take naps in turn! *Parental Win!*

A few weeks ago, I went on a mission looking for new lunches to make for Blakeleigh and Amila, they love peanut butter and jelly “sam-a-whiches”, but let’s face it, it was time to change it up some!

So, naturally, Pinterest was my go to search board.

Soooo many ideas came up. Some easy. Some had way too many steps, some had way to much stuff the girls wouldn’t eat.

I found these pizza roll ups on The KitchenCritic blog (click to see her full recipe), and definitely wrote it down to try.

My whole house loves these!

It is really difficult to believe that Christmas is already here! I feel like it was just Christmas last year.

​Okay, that’s not true! 2019 has been long, I mean the month of January lasted 67 days on its own. I think that was a meme!

None the less, there has been so much growth in our lives, from personal to our kids growing up. I looked at a picture of my two and I instantly had that feeling that some moms get, “My babies aren’t babies anymore!”.

Ughh.

I know, it’s part of life. Just a great remember to soak up everything you can and #makethememory !

If your like me, you have been pondering what to get your sweet, but spoiled babies! So, I have compiled a list of the best options we have found!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Literally!

I can easily say that this is one of my favorite holidays. It is such a meaningful holiday, and I appreciate that it still holds its meaning. 

Thanksgiving is all about being grateful, spending time with loved ones, and just being in bubble of gratitude, family, and "food comas"! 

Speaking of food, we have compiled a list of great food options, from sides to healthy options to desserts, and a few ideas for leftovers, too! 

While I enjoy traditional dishes, I love seeing new takes on dishes and how other families make not so traditional dishes, traditions for their family! 

Anyways, check out the list below, and let us know what is on your cooking list this year!