Katherine Marie

 

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[Weekly Bit & Bobs]

…I adore Mason’s new orange, blue and green smile.

…Frankie’s colic is getting BETTER!  A sweet friend recommended this sleeper for her and it has made a colossal difference.

…My oldest “baby” is sixteen!!  SIXTEEN!  16!!  It’s bittersweet.  I’m sure you’ve noticed he doesn’t like to make blog appearances… but I’m hoping I can convince him to do a birthday photo shoot for me someday soon.

…I’ve been working on thank you notes!  I’m behind.  Hope you know how much I love and appreciate the special gifts you’ve sent along.

…I took my girls (I have TWO now!) out antiquing today.  I bought a library style file cabinet. It’s REALLY ugly and I REALLY love it.  I can’t wait to fill it with art supplies!

…I want to make everything on my Valentine’s pin board.  EVERYTHING!  It’s not happening, but it’s fun to dream.

…I love this quote from Isaac Bashevis Singer… “Life is God’s novel.  Let Him write it.”

xoxoxoxox! 

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This afternoon I  whipped up white-chocolate-cherry-fudge WHILE I was fixing lunch for the kiddos.  It’s so easy you can do it one handed!  It took three, maybe four minutes (and a little extra time to wrap them up all pretty!!)

Idea and Recipe via Cookies and Cups!

I packaged a napkin with the fudge so it’s ready-to-devour.  Whoever invented CD sleeve treats is pretty cool, don’t ya think?!

xoxoxoxo!

This is the miracle that happens

every time to those who really love;

the more they give, 

the more they possess.

Rainer Maria Rilke

xoxoxoxo!

All in a days work-

wake up, eat, play, play some more,

shop, read, take pictures,

paint, tend to crying baby, buy goldfish…

and

REPEAT with a smile!!!

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Around here an exciting adventure means a trip to the pet store!

Who knew that 29 cent gold fish could bring so much JOY!?

 No joke— they woke up at 4:30 in the morning with eager anticipation to bring home their new “pets”!!

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So many books, so little time!

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In the Target parking lot.  He is getting braces soon!

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That is about as exciting as it gets around here!!

xoxoxoxo!

Making sure all the party goods work properly.

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I think they work fine!

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New Years Eve looks a little different these days.  I remember when I used to get all dazzled up and go out on the town to ring in a new year.  Now I do a count down with silly spray at 8pm after dancing on our make-shift dance floor.  I get to celebrate through THEIR eyes!  What a joy.

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Thank you GOD for 2011!!!

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Many many blessings to you in 2012!

xoxoxoxo!

how I feel the day after CHRISTMAS—

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Taking off the ornaments isn’t quite as fun as putting them on.  Almost, but not quite!

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I’m really really going to MISS taking Santa hat pics!

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I might even miss ALL the colorful MESSES.

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We have some new toys to enjoy!

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Box after box after box of Christamsy things— all packed up till next year. 

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Someone missed all the Christmas cleanup!

ONLY…

364 days

2 hours

24 minutes

18 seconds

until NEXT YEAR!

xoxoxoxoxoxo!

I’m not good at baking at all!  I’d rather set up a little Christmas tree with cookies than to actually bake them. But HOLIDAYS are different!  I don’t know what it is, but something about baking for others makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

 52 Smiles folks— your challenge this month is to surprise someone with fresh baked goodies. Pick someone WHO WOULD NEVER EXPECT IT!   Think about someone you see semi-regularly…  A favorite employee at your local market?  The staff at your doctor’s office?  Your mail carrier?  The UPS driver?  The folks at your hair salon?  Your barista?  Go make their DAY!

Last year I took a batch of easy lemon bars to a nice lady who works at Sam’s Club. I wanted her to know that appreciated her friendly conversation and kind attitude.  Shopping is never easy with arms full of small kids, but she always had a kind smile for me.  My cookies most certinaly didn’t repay her kindness… but she SMILED and was delighted.  You bet I’m taking her goodies again this year!!

 [Cookies Circa 2010!!]

**If you are new here, 52 Smiles is a year long project where we intentionally do one out-of-the-ordinary act of kindness each week!  You can find out more about this project HERE!**

HAPPY COOKIE BAKING!

I’m just finishing up Barbara Browns Taylor’s beautifully insightful book, An Altar in the World. 

I was espically captivated with her chapter on prayer, The Practice of Being Present to God.

Prayer…  

…is waking up to the presence of God no matter where I am or what I am doing.  When I am fully alert to whatever or whoever is right in front of me; when I am electrically aware of the tremendous gift of being alive; when I am able to give myself wholly to the moment I am in, then I am in prayer.  Prayer is happening, and it is not necessarily something that I am doing.  God is happening, and I am lucky enough to know that I am in the midst.  [page 178] 

Playtime at the park as prayer?!

When I am fully aware of the presence of God; absorbing all his blessings, love and beauty, I am in a form of prayer.

All of these sacred, ordinary, GOD-GIVEN moments of my day can be prayer!  All I need to do is be open and present to the gift.

xoxoxoxoxo!