blog goal: connect

Although I'm not new to this thing called blogging, I have an amateur blog.  That's okay.  I'm good with that.  Really...I am.  But because I've been blogging for so long, I feel the need to shake it up from time to time to keep my reader's and my interests up.

My blogging goal for 2014, in one word: CONNECT.  I'd like to connect better with my audience.

This may seem like a shameless plug for more followers but more than anything, it's an attempt to get to know you--to connect:  

Some people follow along through Bloglovin', Twitter, and Google Friend Connect.  Those are good options for receiving updates to this blog as they are published.  But the Facebook page and my Instagram have really connected me with some of my readers on a more personal level.  I post more frequently to these two sites and I get to see the faces, pictures, interests/hobbies of my fellow bloggers and friends.  Hmmm....I totally won't be offended if this blog is the most of ME you need in your life! :)  But, fo reals, I want to know Y-O-U!  *Did I just type 'fo reals'?  Now you understand how much I want to connect with my peeps.  My peeps?  It's getting late...I need to quit this. Moving on...

If you'd like to 'LIKE'...

Bloglovin', Twitter, and Pinterest badges can be found on the sidebar.

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Before I wrap-up, I have a few questions and I'd appreciate your feedback.  Seriously.

1.  Fellow bloggers, do you get many spam comments.  Recently, I've started getting one or two a day.  Tips? I know about word verification.  Been there, done that, and  I'm not a fan.  It seems to discourage comments and, for me, that's one of the fun things about blogging--connecting, sharing, encouraging, etc.  I've noticed that some bloggers have made the switch to Disqus but I just don't know enough about it.  Any feedback?

2.  I'm wanting a new, yet affordable look.  I've spent a whopping 30 bucks on this blog in the 5.5  years it's been in existence.  I don't want to spend a lot, but I'd like a new look. For the first 4.5 years, I did all of my make-overs myself and I wasn't awful, but time and html codes have gotten the best of me!  I just want something simple, clean, and easy to load.  Suggestions?

3.  What are some topics you'd like me to tackle--homeschooling, Bible study, crafting, etc.?  Of course, the kid posts are here to stay!  Those girls are the main reason this little 'ole blog got it's start in the first place.

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I love my little blog community.  I've made some great "friends" over the past five years.   I look forward to connecting with more and more folks!

                          

Five on Friday

[ONE]
As I was doing some organizing this week, I flipped through Graham's baby book and found this:

Graham screamed from the time we walked in the church until we left the church - Dr. Thorn said, "It looks like we have a preacher on our hands."  He received a Bible, book, and long stemmed red rose. - Graham's baby dedication service

 I'm thankful my mother-in-love is a good record keeper.

[TWO]

Yep, Joy may look more like Graham than he does...

[THREE]
Sorry, Old Navy.  I'm pretty sure "the heart is deceitful..." Jeremiah 17:9

 [FOUR]
Nothing like a squeaky clean baby just after a good 'ole sink bath!

[FIVE]

Thursday, I had a mother-daughter date with AG.  We went to Starbucks and she enjoyed a cake pop and hot chocolate--coffee for me!  We've had some tough days the past few weeks (post to come soon) and this little date was just what the doctor ordered.

Today, Edy and I went consigning and thrifting.  P.S.  I let her dress herself!  While at lunch, a little boy came up to her and just stared at her...and smiled...and stared...and smiled.  Edy was like, "What is it?"  He just stood and smiled.  I whispered to his parents, "I think he's in love."  They agreed.  It was too cute and even cuter than Edy was clueless!

Christmas Kids

*I'm still wrapping up a few Christmas posts for the family.

My traditional "Christmas Kid" post coming right up!

*Shameless brag:  You won't want to miss the super adorable video of my girls singing in church at the end of this post!

Happy Birthday, Jesus from Leslie Hale on Vimeo.

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Christmas Kid 2007
Christmas Kid 2008
Christmas Kid 2009
Christmas Kids 2010
Christmas Kids 2011
Christmas Kids 2012

8 months of Joy

Joy is EIGHT MONTHS old today!!!

 

Joy's stats:

• army crawling and pretty much "regular" crawling
• no teeth yet
• says mama, da, bye-bye
• waves bye-bye
• sits on her own
• can almost push herself to sitting position
• sleeps 12 hours a night
• takes 2-3 naps a day
• eats 5-6 times a day (breastmilk)
• taking to solids a little better
• loves her big sisters
• wears 9 month clothing
• wears size 3 diapers
• hair is really starting to grow (coarse texture)
• reaches for people to hold her

I guess it's true what they say, the baby of the family is spoiled!  Graham, AG, Edy, and I all cater to this little one!  I don't stress much over what she is/isn't doing like I did with AG or even Edy.  She doesn't eat solids every single day and I really don't worry much about it.  She is my most needy baby, but that's not saying much--she's pretty easy going.  She isn't "doing" as much as her sisters were at this age, but I think it most likely has something to do with being held all of the time! ;)  I remember thinking AG was more grown at this age and always pushing her toward the next stage.  Not with this one!  She's just a little baby and I don't want to rush anything.

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AG at 8 months
Edy at 8 months

Christmas Ideas {for next year}

I'm back!  After nearly two weeks of Christmas traveling, we are finally getting settled, Christmas decor is down, and things are mellowing out.  I have a few posts up my sleeve (home, Christ, family) and they will be coming up shortly.

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Each year I see certain Christmas decor/crafts and think to myself, I'm going to do that next year.  But it never fails--I forget!  Not this time!  I'm determined to remember.

Along with pinning some of the crafts and decor I like, I also made a list and posted it to my August 2014 calendar so I have enough time to get prepared before I begin decorating in November. Thanks for the idea, Na! Plus, I'm recording my ideas here on the blog.  Surely, I will remember! Surely!

IDEAS FOR NEXT CHRISTMAS:

1) book/hymn page diy ornaments

Along with ornaments, I'd like to make a pair of angel wings for the top of my tree out of sheet music.  I'm ready for a more traditional tree topper.

2) tartan plaid

I want to incorporate tartan plaid ribbon, scarves, and throws throughout my home! Cozy! Cozy!

 

3) creative wrapping with baker's twine

 

4) design labels for packages and print on linen card stock

 Do y'all do this?  Think of ideas for next year and jot them down.  

I'm hoping that next August I will keep my eyes peeled for the items on my list and begin preparing in advance! ;)  Never too early to start planning for next year!