Weekend Links

Dora Ballerina Birthday

Mad Scientist Birthday Party

Classic Cowboy Birthday Party

Mason Ball 90th Birthday

This Week:

What I Made: Does dinner count?

What I'm Reading: A great new release from Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson.  Anyone know what I'm talking about?  :-)

What I'm Doing: Putting off getting ready for church.  I just want to lounge this morning. 

What I'm Watching: The kids play with Lydia's toy phone, pretending that they're taking photos of each other.

What I'm Enjoying:

12 DIY Projects for 2013

Last year I posted 12 DIY Projects for 2012.  It was a great motivation, reminding me each month of household projects to be done and new ideas to try.  It was a such a great success for me personally, that I decided to post again this year.  Each month, I'll share with you my successes (and failures) of the current month's DIY project.

After much writing and re-writing, here's my final list:

January--Herbal Honey

February--Homemade Pretzels

March--Hula Hoop Chandelier

April--Backyard Herb Garden

May--Homemade Mozarella

June--Homemade Swimmer's Ear Drops

July--Lemon Ice

August--Super Giant Bubbles

September--Homemade Naan

October--Dollar Store Illuminated Pumpkin

November--Herbal Vapor Rub

December--Peppermint Cheesecake

Do you have any DIY projects for this year?

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2013 Goals

Source



For the past four years, I've been setting goals here at Creative2xmom.  In 2010, it started out as Nutritional Goals.  I wanted to start changing the way my family ate, including more fish, sprouting grains, and learning about sourdough.

In 2011 and 2012, I saw the success of previous years' goals and couldn't help but make more.  Over the years, you've seen me tackle organic budgeting, work on monthly dates with my kids, and manage my blogging schedule better.

So as we enter 2013, I've been so encouraged by progress (not perfection).  And I'm anxious to see what the new year holds.  Here's my goals for 2013:

Personal:
Read 24 books
Tackle 12 DIY Projects
Memorize Colossians

Marriage:
Go away at least once this year without kids
Read 3 books together
Have monthly date nights
Flirt with my husband every day

Parenting/Homeschooling:
Plan monthly field trips
Plan monthly outings with each individual child
Swim lessons for all three kids
Karate, Little League, and Dance with kids
Finish second grade/begin third grade with Noah
Finish preschool/begin kindergarten with Lydia
Read at least 12 chapter books with kids
Find a homeschool group
Memorize 12 Scriptures with the kids

Health and Wellness:
Eat one seafood dish a week
Exercise 4x/week
Complete couch to 5K
Compete in at least one 5K

Blogging/Ministry/Friendship:
Write at least 2 cards a month
Plan blog posts a month in advance
Write blog posts 1-2 weeks in advance
Open up our home 1-2x a month to share a meal

What Goals are Your Pursuing this Year?

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Bookmarks for 2013

For the past couple of years, I've made a list of books I'd like to read.  Reading is even more than a passion in our home.  It's an obsession! Currently we have more than 30 books out from the library, many of which are a part of our Advent Book List.

Last year, I posted a list of suggested reading called Bookmarks.  Bookmarks is a monthly feature here at Creativexmom.  It's an online book club dedicated to sharing good reads and fantastic finds.  Posts can include thoughts on the suggested reading or any other book you've been reading throughout the month.  Discussion, however, must include a real book.

So let's get started reading!  Find a good book to discuss and come back here on the last Friday of the month.  You can link up a post discussing your book or leave your thoughts in a comment.  Check out the other blogs participating and ask good questions.  Who knows?  You might find a fantastic new book.

I came up with 12 books that look safe to recommend.  I tried to include a variety to catch everyone's different tastes, but like I said, feel free to veer from the recommended reading.

January-- Absolutely Organize Your Family by Debbie Lillard

February-- Prayer Begins with Relationship by Cynthia Bezekw

March--Hope for the Weary Mom by Brooke McGlothlin

April--Frugal Living: How to Save Money and Not Feel Like You're Broke by Jamie Walker

May--Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner

June-- In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham

July--Forgotten God by Francis Chan

August--Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner

September--The Mentoring Mom by Jackie Kendall

October--Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae

November--Steady Days by Jamie Martin

December--Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson

If you're interested, I'd love to have you join us!

Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

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Happy New Year 2013

I pray that you're having a fantastic day

celebrating and cherishing

family and friends!

Happy New Year!