It's a Golden Life

I have been trying to find ways to keep the kids out of the cabinets without using those pesky baby proofing items! Not only are they expensive (when you have a lot of cabinets to do), but they ruin the cabinets. Since kids typically grow more fascinated in their books and toys as they grow older-I just needed a temporary solution to keep the kids out of the crackers, breads, canned goods and snacks. I was growing tired of Pax bringing me the entire loaf of bread as of he'd found a gem. So here it is-the tools: Velcro, hot glue. Simply hot glue the opposite sides of Velcro. One to the cabinet door or drawer, and one to the base of the cabinet. Works like a charm :) The best part-once the Velcro wears out-its cheap to replace it. The other best part-it won't ruin the cabinets with silly holes.

25 things about me 2012: 1.) I like sleeping on top of the sheets, but under the comforter. It drives Donovan crazy. 2.) I hate sleeping with socks on. 3.) I love watching animal planet-Animal Cops is my fav show on there. I know, I'm weird. 4.) I love reading and watching love stories. (That aren't filled with crap, rather a more "real" picture of love). 5.) I like the twilight series, but didn't even get into it until the 2nd movie (new moon). 6.) I love cooking, and have to limit myself to 2-3 new recipes a week. 7.) Pinterest is probably my favorite website. 8.) I love crafting, but rarely have time. 9.) I still think about my Nanny everyday. Often forgetting she's not here anymore. 10.) I am dying (a tad dramatic, I know) to play soccer! 11.) I want to be an elementary school teacher when my kiddos are all in school. 12.) I have an Associate of Arts degree and am almost finished with my Bachelors. (I just recently realized how much I love t...

Happy Birthday, Paxton! I can't believe you're one. You're walking & climbing & running. You love to sleep, eat anything, and love to play. One year ago today, we met you for the first time & instantly fell in love.

This is a little personal, and it stung. A lot. My husband doesn't care if he hurts my feelings. Let me explain. He cares more about the condition of my heart. He knows that he is probably the only one that could be so brutally honest with me (if he is being truthful) and I will mull it over and think about whatever it is he was trying to convey. I am thankful that I have him in my life. I'm stubborn and just a ball of emotion, but he takes the time to know me and knows when (he thinks) my intentions are off or my character is out of place. Even when I think I'm one step closer to being like Jesus-I realize how easy it is to be consumed with all the wrong intentions, without intending to. I'm just thankful that he cares more about my sanctification and the condition of my heart than my emotion.

My brother and I have always had a special bond. We were buddies growing up. He's turned into a fun guy and can always make me laugh hysterically. He is the epitome of hard work and I admire him for that. My bro in law is such a sweet guy. He is always looking for ways to help out! He is an awesome uncle and the kids really look up to him. It's been fun watching him grow up :) I am thankful for the blessing of brothers.

Sisters, sisters, sisters. There were never more devoted sisters. I am so thankful for my sisters and the relationship I have with them. My sister, Shannan, is always, always there when I need her. We have such a busy life right now-although we only live 5 hours away from each other, we have a hard time meeting up! They are renovating their house right now and have horses, so it's kind of hard for them to get away. Nevertheless-we talk on the phone almost daily. I can be completely myself with her. She has taught me so much and is one of the most giving people I know. I love her so much and am SO thankful for our relationship. It's such a blessing. When I married Donovan, I knew what I was getting myself into with his 10 1/2 year younger sister. To say she did not appreciate me "stealing her brother" (her words) was the least of my worries. That little stinker has turned into a beautiful young woman now, and is such a blessing in my life. She is so in love with Go...

With the events that occurred this morning, I am SO reminded to be thankful for every single thing that has made my "list" so far. I am keeping in mind the thankfulness for reliable cars. Even though they both broke down this morning. I got a a phone call this morning from donovan telling me that his truck broke down :( he thinks he knows how to fix it and it is going in the shop tomorrow. So, I loaded up all the kids because he had meetings to get to. Thankfully, I have amazing parents of the kiddos I watch and they didn't mind me driving with them. We get home and as Donovan is helping unload the kiddos, I smell an all too familiar scent. Radiator. I chuckle nervously as I tell D, "This is not the best time to tell you...but you may want to come take a look at the Commander..." Upon further investigation, there is a small stream of radiator fluid flowing out of the engine. My super car smart (thanks YouTube) hubby figured out it was the water pump and th...