Katherine Marie

From this

March 11, 2012 9:07 PM

In the blink of an eye we went from this…

and this…

to this…

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In a matter of days we went from 30 degrees to high 60s.

Spring is upon us.

I’m not ready to kiss my favorite season goodbye yet!!

I already miss

cozy winter gloves,

snow kissed cheeks,

hot cocoa in front of the fire (we only did that once this year)

and

our sweet days of cuddling and crafting inside while the snow swirls outside.

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I guess it’s time for new adventures!

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The above photo reminds me that I’m enjoying my highly “flawed” photographs more and morEthese days. I think the imperfections of images like these speak to me in a way that my other images don’t. I love the energy and craziness. My life is chaotic and messy so that makes a lot of sense! I also think I can appreciate the “flaws” more because, for the first time in my life, I’m feeling moments of being “comfortable in my own skin.” These moments are still rare, but once in a while, I am able to stand with my head tall and my heart full of love and by the grace of God, really feel okay being me—the highly flawed, imperfect, loving me!

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Today marked our very first trip to the park in 2012.

Frankie’s first trip to the park EVER!!

I’m getting used to taking photograph with a wee one in my arms again.

The crisp, sunny air felt so lovely.

I hope these sunny (or whatever season you are transitioning into) days bring you loads of happy smiles.

Much love to you!

xoxoxoxo!

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Silly Shamrock Swim

March 9, 2012 9:59 PM

Last week Larry-the-Leprechaun surprsied the kiddos by setting up a SILLY SHAMROCK SWIM! Larry turned the water green, left bath paint (shaving cream and green food coloring) and set out a collection of shamrock goodies for them to enjoy.

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This was a HUGE hit! I’m thiking I need a suprise like this someday— maybe with some fresh lavendar and flowers!

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I’m not certian, but I’m pretty sure Larry has been sneaking around Pinterest. I bet he got this idea from the ultra creative Growing a Jeweled Rose blog! Check out their amazing BIRTHDAY BATH and this treasure hunt rainbow bath!

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Can you say SILLY SHAMROCK SWIM three times fast??

I can’t!

Wishing you a GREAT day!

xoxoxoxox!!

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- Celebrate Holidays!

100th Birthday!

March 7, 2012 8:09 PM

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Last week we had a little party for Frankie’s 100th Birthday. 100 days old!!! The kiddos made her hand colored birthday cards for her keepsake box and we had cupcakes. No cake for the birthday girl YET!

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I can’t even begin to tell you how thankful we are to have this doll in our lives!! She has brought us so much sunshine and joy. So thankful!

xoxoxoxoxo!

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- Celebrate Baby Love!

Tuesday’s Reflection

March 6, 2012 8:38 PM

“Today be the sunshine of God’s love.”
Mother Teresa

This afternoon I spent some time meditating on these gentle, beautiful and wise words from Mother Teresa–

“MY SECRET IS A VERY SIMPLE ONE:

I pray.”

…

“PRAYER IS A JOY. Prayer is the sunshine of God’s love, prayer is hope of eternal happiness, prayer is the burning flame of God’s love for you and for me. Let us pray for each other, for this is the best way to love one another.”

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“Even when we sin or make a mistake, let’s allow that to help us grow closer to God. Let’s tell him humbly, “I know I shouldn’t have done this, but even this failure I offer to you.”

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“Try speaking directly to God. Just speak. Tell him everything, talk to him. He is our father, he is father to us all whatever religion we are. We have to put our trust in him and love him, believe in him, work for him. And if we pray we will get all the answers we need.”

Quotes from: Everything Starts from Prayer; Mother Teresa’s Meditations on Spiritual Life for People of all Faiths.

Prayer hasn’t always been a part of my life. For years and years, even as a believer, prayer was virtually non-existent in my world. Now I see that my very life depends on being connected with God. Without prayer I would be trapped in my same old self destructive behaviors. For so long I missed opportunities to serve and to love all of God’s kids. Today I get to experience love in a completely new and powerful way. Mother Teresa joyfully believed, ”the best way to love one another is to pray for each other.” I’m so thankful that prayer is part of my world now.

Do you have something specific that you’d like prayer for? Please feel free to contact me anytime. I would be honored to pray with you or for you.

xoxoxoxo!

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{Fun With} Larry the Leprechaun

March 5, 2012 10:07 AM

Larry the Leprechaun is an imaginary Leprechaun who visits our house during the month of March. Larry loves to surprise the kids with with all sorts of mischief. Sometimes he leaves notes, tricks, and activities. The kiddos know that Larry is pretend, but they still love to play along!

Blaise dressed as Larry!

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“Love, Larry” Notes

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The Legend of the Shrinking Leprechaun Hat via Mrs. Miner’s. Loved loved loved this activity! Kiddos decorated hats, left them for Larry at bedtime and woke to find Leprechaun sized hats!

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On Saturday Larry left a treasure map and clues to find Lucky Charms treats.

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Leprechaun Puppets

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Larry left chocolates and scraps to make a POT-O-GOLD collage! Idea via B.Inspired mama!

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This was a riot! Our favorite Larry surprise yet. I’ll post pics later this week.

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Larry left directions and tools for a painting challenge. No paint brushes!! The kids had to create with shamrock cookie cutters and toys.

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Friday afternoon Larry set up a St. Patty’s Day Pop! Each balloon contained 1-5 tickets. Kiddos redeemed tickets for St. Patrick’s Day prizes (books, pencils, key chains…)

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How to Catch a Leprechaun pull-out “book.” Larry left this for Mason to complete this week.

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Leprechaun hats and trap.

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xoxoxoxoxoxo!

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Top Secret!!

March 1, 2012 10:08 PM

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This is the other baby announcement that I designed for Frankie. I thought it would be fun for our friends with older kids. Each small envelope has a business sized card with mini photographs to look at with the magnifying glass. My very favorite part is Frankie’s teeny tiny finger prints. I used an archival ink pad to take her “prints.”

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Secret Agent Frankie signing off!!! xoxoxoxoxxo!

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- Celebrate Baby Love!

Tuesday’s Reflection

February 28, 2012 8:10 PM

“God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us.”

St. Augustine

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“Magic moments. You’ve had them. Chugging a bubbling soda after a hot day of outdoor work. Holding a little child’s hand on a walk to the park or ice cream shop.

Every good and perfect moment like this is a gift to you from God. Every one– even the ones that seem like happenstance or coincidence. He sends these gifts to remind us all that He is still in control, and this His supply of love and kindness will never run dry.

These gifts also remind us to keep our eyes, minds, and hearts open for the blessings, large and small, that await us in the future.

The next time God drops one of these blessings on your tongue, take time to savor it, enjoy it.”

God has a Plan B; page 89 (Scott Degelman and associates)

God’s gifts come in all sorts of shapes and sizes for me. Silly mismatched socks that made me smile and art time around the kitchen table are treasures. Precious gifts I don’t want to overlook.

I pray that I can fully open my eyes to the everyday gifts that fill my world. I pray that I can give praise and thanks to the One who provides the reason for my smiles.

Blessings to you!

xoxoxoxo!