Me: Good morning Evangeline!

Evangeline: Good morning. (smiles sheepishly) I tooted in your bed! haha.

Evangeline: Mommy, you’re Cheri. I’m Giant. Miracle’s Happy.

Miracle: Mommy?

Evangeline: No! She’s Cheri, I’m Giant, you’re Happy.

Evangeline: Knock Knock.

Me: Who’s there?

Evangeline: Drum

Me: Drum who?

Evangeline: Drum why did the drum cross the road? 

Me: Why?

Evangeline: (mumble mumble mumble) hahahaha!

(She continues this with several animals and various other items.)

Evangeline: Dude! Dude? Who tooted? Dude?

We were just finishing up dinner after Awana when we got a phone call from some dear friends of ours. I use the term friend only because I don’t know the word for mentors/surrogate parents/ loving supporters. They asked if they could stop by because they had a little something for us.

Well, I have to admit I was excited to see them but a little embarrassed at the thought of visitors- especially these guys. I was really kicking myself for not getting the cleaning done that I had planned for that day! So Andrew and I bribed the kids and we whipped our little house into presentable shape in no time. (I in no way am endorsing bribing your children. heehee)

We had an absolutely wonderful visit, although very short, and they left us with a large wicker basket loaded with gifts. Some for the kids, some for the parents and some for the family.  As we watched the kids tear into their gifts we couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by this kindness shown to us. We never would have expected it, and the timing after the events of the day did not go unnoticed.

This lovely couple we do not get to see nearly enough but every time we do they leave us with a feeling of peace and joy. As a woman they encourage me to be a better mom, wife, host, housekeeper… a better person! I am blessed by every encounter. You can see God at work in their lives and their obvious obedience to Him. Thank you sweet friends, for the gentle reminder from God of the amazing people in our lives!

Our family made a little video for them that we played during the service. It is on my husband’s facebook page so you may have to be his friend too see it, but I wanted to share it because it is kind of fun and I want you all to know how thankful we are! Click here to watch it.

I believe that it is so incredibly important for everyone to have a place where they can feel comfortable worshipping with other believers, be fed awesome Biblical truth, and serve God each in their own special way. If you don’t have that, find it!

Thank you so much Pastor and Lois for all you do for our church and our family! You have led us as parents, spouses, friends, pastors, leaders… the list goes on. I can see God at work in your life, your family and your ministry. Thank you for your Godly example and your commitment to Oakwood Church and our family there.

However, I managed to sneak out to Red Lobster with my husband to celebrate. Did you know….

We have known each other for 12 years.

We have been best friends for about 11 1/2 years

We have been together for 10 1/2 years

We have been married for 8 years

Crazy right? I don’t know why, but 8 years just seems like a big deal to me. And guess what else? I like my  husband. I love a lot of people, but not only do I love my husband, I like him too!

Happy 8 Years baby! You are amazing. The ups have brought us close and the downs have brought us even closer. Thanks for your commitment to “no matter what”!

The fabulous Sarah T. hosted a favorite things party for our friend holiday get together. She got the idea over at Nesting Place and I convinced her that we should go ahead with it.  So. Much. Fun. Not only did I get to find some awesome new products (and foods) I also got to have a girls night with some of my favorite friends and met some new friends too!

I can’t keep all this amazingness to myself now can I? There was some yummy food (everyone brought their favorite snack):

Some awesome girls (that were seriously not ok with my camera! I don’t know why though because they all are gorgeous.):

And lots of great gifts. I really wish I had taken more pictures at the party, but these girls were not feeling it. Oh well, I’ll get them next time! Here is my awesome stash:

(Almost every image is linked to a place where you can buy the item. You know you want to!)

This is what I brought along with a cute mug (wish I had pics) for each lovely lady. I can't live without my Chai!

I really wanted to bring something from the Melaleuca dry skin care line, but I didn't want them to think I was trying to sell them on it so I just stuck a lip balm in each mug as an 'extra'.

I knew Elissa is allergic to the chai, and preggo, so I brought her my favorite preggo tea.

Sarah brought this, and my whole family is already in love!

How cute is this little guy from April?! A bunny ring holder that is already sitting by my sink.

Elissa brought some silicone spatulas for everyone, but she had already given me a couple of the awesome little guys so she brought me these silicone pinch cups instead.

Nadine is a girl after my own heart. She also brought chai. Side note- my favorite place to go out for chai is 'The Steepery'. When getting my Christmas present Andrew found out they use Pacific Chai! Four scoops Pacific, two scoops creamer. You're welcome.

Katie misunderstood so she brought a different favorite thing for each lady. Who cares! I happen to love what I got.

This was also in my gift from Katie, and is great too!

Carrie's favorite thing is a bath, so she got us bath salts,

a candle,

and some lotion.

It was such a great way to get to know everyone better and find some awesome new products! The favorite things parties are going to keep coming, with new themes each time. Sweet right?!

It was his buddies birthday the other day and Andrew was showing me the coffee mug and beans that he picked up as a gift. They were really cool and unique. When I asked where he got them he told me about a little place over on Marshall (not in our neighborhood) so I said, “Oh, what were you doing over there?” Andrew replied, “Getting this.” It was just so obvious to him, but I don’t tend to think that way.

For me, when it comes time to purchase a gift (especially for Andrew) I find myself freaking out about what to get. I realized I don’t know people well enough and that makes me sad. Especially when it comes to my husband.

So my goal for 2012 is to become the most awesomest gift giver ever. I want to be the one who remembers and acknowledges birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. My cousin sent me a card the other day with a $5 gift card to Caribou to congratulate me on my pregnancy. So simple and yet so thoughtful. That little piece of mail made my day! (Thanks Anne and Ellie)

No more short cuts, no more excuses and no more laziness! Wal-Mart bags are not wrapping paper, and wrapping paper is not a gift tag… I will be thoughtful, I will be caring, and I will be the most awesomest gift giver ever.

Ok, maybe not ever. I do have Andrew to compete with, but I’m working on it!

(If you would like more information on any of these items, you can click the image to be linked to the original post, and for most items, free tutorials.)

I gave a lot of these (my kids LOVE theirs, and this is what they begged to give all their friends):

Bean Bags ($2 each or a set of 6 for $10)

and these:

Therapy Sacks ($8.50)

and a few of these:

Superhero/ Prince(ss) Cape ($20)

Chore Charts (No link here, $15)

Car Cozie

It was a lot of fun, and most everyone who received their gifts loved them. I don’t have pictures of many of the gifts that we did for Christmas, but the kids helped me make some painted canvases and coffee mugs for grandparents which was a ton of fun, and we also knitted a few hats together. (ok, ok, we are still working on them because we ran out of time. conner and caleb, your hats are coming!!!)

Of course lots of dresses (especially for my girls) and a few onesies and other items as well.

I almost forgot! Here is what I gave Andrew:

Guitar Pick Keychain ($19.99)

Becky was great to work with and super fast. I ordered way late and she still got it to me in time for Christmas. I had it engraved with a cute saying our family has “mostest mine i win” and I’m pretty sure Andrew really liked it.

I’m not giving up on giving handmade, but I will admit I’m excited to buy some gifts! More on my new challenge later!

(I didn’t mean for this post to turn into a sales pitch, but a girl’s gotta feed her family crafting habit. If you are interested in any of these items you can email me at lovealwaysxox at gmail dot com.)