As we draw near to the end of 2012, I thought it would be fun to reflect back on some highlights from our year...month-by-month. So, here goes!
..........
January 2012 - I enjoyed having some of my dancers perform at the Fulton Opera House for a fundraiser supporting the Mennonite Central Committee. Mya became much more mobile (i.e. learned how to run). We had won a 6-week membership to Gymboree Play & Music and loved taking Mya to various classes during this time.
February 2012 - I enjoyed getting involved in a book club for ladies at our church and was challenged by the book, "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. I highly recommend this book!
March 2012 - Brandon's parents came to PA to visit us for about a week, and we enjoyed some fun adventures during their visit. We were also able to attend our extended family's annual Weaver Weekend at a cabin near Shunk, PA.
April 2012 - I was asked to perform a ballet dance...a solo...during a Worship Service at our church. It took me out of my comfort zone and was an awesome experience. At the first signs of warmer weather, we also enjoyed every opportunity to take Mya to local parks and loved asking friends to meet us there.
May 2012 - Brandon and I celebrated our 8th anniversary...Hard to believe! We also enjoyed celebrating birthdays with several of Mya's little friends (Jansen, Tristan, and Kate). We spent the Memorial Holiday weekend at Eagle Rock with my parents and sister.
June 2012 - We joined the "Y" and have loved it, and Mya especially loves using the indoor pool there. We have a sad little girl on our hands any time we go and don't use the pool. I celebrated my 29th birthday! Woohoo!! We also enjoyed our annual trip to Ocean City, Maryland with my parents, sister, and our family friends...Laura & The Bauer Family.
July 2012 - We spent an average of 2-3 evenings per week (all summer long) at Dutch Wonderland. (Just an FYI - DW is FREE and open to the public for the last 45 minutes every day they are open...Such a blessing!) We also learned that we have a little lady on our hands that LOVES rides...and the wilder they are, the better! We enjoyed celebrating the marriage of Brandon's cousin, Darian, and Marsha and were thrilled to have Brandon's mom here for the wedding and then along for the ride with us on our annual summer trip out to Ohio & Iowa. We visited with Mya's birthmom, half-brother, and biological grandma while traveling through the State College area...and were thankful that Brandon's mom could also be along for the visit this past year. We had lots of fun adventures while in Ohio and Iowa...including swimming at Uncle Stan & Aunt Ro's house and visiting a water park and an awesome children's museum.
August 2012 - Brandon started his 8th year of teaching at CVHS in the English Department. He also signed up to have his first-ever "year-long" student teacher from Millersville University. I, very spur-of-the-moment, also decided to take on painting both of our bathrooms, and when I pick the paint (with Brandon's approval, of course), we end up with a warm, bright, orange bathroom and a cool, sleek, gray bathroom. I love those simple home improvements that add so much to making our house a home!
September 2012 - I had fun organizing a 30th birthday "card shower" for Brandon. He was so surprised and loved opening each card. We also had a great time having birthday dinners with family and friends to celebrate throughout his birthday week. And, Mya and I even successfully surprised him at school for a special birthday lunch!
October 2012 - Brandon and I were honored to both be in our dear friends', Hiran & Maggie, wedding in NY. It was a wonderful celebration and oh so beautiful! I also resumed teaching dance lessons at the beginning of October (after our May thru September break from lessons).
November 2012 - We loved celebrating Mya's 2nd birthday in our home with a small family party. She loved dancing the night away amidst her "rainbow-themed" birthday decor. We were blessed to spend a fun evening at Hershey Park with some dear friends (...shout out to the Watkins Family!...) while riding some very fun rides. We spent Thanksgiving here in Lancaster with family. Oh, and...I STARTED A BLOG!!!
December 2012 - Mya loved counting down the days to Christmas this year and loved watching every "Peanuts"-themed program we could find on TV. She especially loved using her first-ever Advent calendar and learning the details of the birth of Baby Jesus.
..........
As with every year, we experienced highs and lows. We experienced joys and disappointments. We laughed, and we cried. We gave, and we received. And throughout it all, I can honestly say that 2012 was yet another year of blessings....
I am blessed to stay at home with our daughter. I am blessed that Brandon continues to use his gift of teaching in the local high school, through the Fellowship of Christian Students, and within our church. I am blessed to continue sharing my love of dance with between 20-25 dancers throughout this past year, and I am blessed to also tutor some very amazing little ones. Although I am helping and teaching all of the children that enter our home, I am reminded more and more that they are teaching me in ways they don't even realize. I am blessed. I am fulfilled. I want to continue allowing God to use me and work through me. I am the clay...He is the potter. May He mold and shape me into the woman of God that He wants me to be. And may I faithfully serve Him.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2013! Here's to another year of life, love, and learning. Let's continue on this journey together.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Have you "Elf"-ed yourself yet???
This year's Hershey Family "Elf Yourself" video can now be seen here for your viewing pleasure...
http://host-d.oddcast.com/php/application_UI/doorId=1083/clientId=299/?mId=44787317.2
Merry Christmas, everyone! Wishing you many blessings this holiday season!!
Love,
Kristen
http://host-d.oddcast.com/php/application_UI/doorId=1083/clientId=299/?mId=44787317.2
Merry Christmas, everyone! Wishing you many blessings this holiday season!!
Love,
Kristen
Saturday, December 22, 2012
A Time to Reflect
Christmas is now just days away.
I find myself reflecting a lot at this time of year...each year. I'm reminded of how amazing it is that God chose to send His Son to us in such a miraculous way. I'm reminded of the beautiful details of that story...and of how much God loves me because of His gift of Jesus to me and to you. I'm reminded of God's faithfulness to me...He provides daily, His love is unending, His provisions for me and for my life are unimaginable. God fills me with all I need.
This time of year is not just all happy, mushy-gushy, though. This time of year reminds me of what it can feel like to wait, to hurt, to long for something, to wish, to be in pain, to dream, to desire, to wonder, to feel unfulfilled.
During our years of infertility, Christmas time was much harder for me than I ever imagined. It was difficult for me to see pictures, hear songs, and be reminded of the Christmas story details of Mary carrying a baby in her belly and giving birth to Jesus. That first Christmas after learning we were unable to have children biologically hit me like a ton of bricks. I was very emotional. Very sad. Yet, thankful still. It was a bittersweet feeling and time of year for me.
By the grace of God and through the prayers of many, we pressed on, desiring to still serve God, to still hope.
And...As time went on, and our journey led us down the path to adopt, and we were able to grieve and heal in ways only God could help us through...I began to see Christmas differently again. Although it was still hard for me because we were still waiting with empty arms and an empty heart for our child, I was able to re-shift my focus back on the true meaning, the true reason...for Christmas.
In the Fall of 2010, our world...and everything that seemed normal...changed. For the good. Forever. God blessed us with our daughter. November 2010. When we found out this news and brought our daughter home, my thoughts and feelings towards Christmas became much more emotional again. This time, I was filled with feelings of incredibly deep thankfulness. For His provision. His plan. Christmas 2010 is a bit of a blur because of the sleepless nights of having a newborn...but I wouldn't change the timing of our daughter. I see it as God's perfect timing to slowly change those difficult feelings towards Christmas into feelings of reflection and gratefulness. Reminding me that He is the focus at Christmas time...not what I want or think I need, not what gifts I'll give or receive, not how busy I'll be...but that He is ALL I NEED.
Fast-forward to now. Our daughter is newly two years old. She's filled with ambition and exploration. She's busy. She's joyful and silly. This Christmas comes with lots of anticipation...because of Mya. We're counting down the days with her...using a very simple Advent calendar. Yet, she's filled with such excitement when I remind her that we need to go open the new window in the calendar for each day. She stops everything she's doing and runs to that calendar. She points with excitement to baby Jesus, to Mary, to Joseph, to the star, and to Gabriel. She even attempts to say "Bethlehem"...but is usually able to successfully pronounce "BEFF-lem." We haven't really talked up the whole Santa thing...but somehow little ones just seem to know about him. She even points to Santa (on TV, in stores, on cards) with as much excitement as she does towards her favorite furry friend, Elmo. Mya's love and excitement fills our home with a great enthusiasm towards Christmas and the birth of Jesus. God has taken this opportunity to use our daughter as a way for me to refocus on the excitement of Christmas time, too.
Christmas may not be easy for you. There's a lot of junk going on in the world, in our communities, in our families. Some things are just so hard to deal with...to face. Some things are beyond difficult to understand. I don't know all of the answers. I never will. I don't pretend to even remotely understand the stuff of this life. But what I do know is that there is hope in Jesus. There is life in Jesus. And Christmas time is a great reminder to me of that life and hope in Him. No matter what you're facing today...what questions are still left unanswered...what relationships are still hurting or are broken...may you know you are loved and cared for. May you know that God desires to have a relationship with you and to help you grow in your understanding of Him. One step at a time. One day at a time. We're all on a journey. May your journey include the gift of Jesus. God's son.
I find myself reflecting a lot at this time of year...each year. I'm reminded of how amazing it is that God chose to send His Son to us in such a miraculous way. I'm reminded of the beautiful details of that story...and of how much God loves me because of His gift of Jesus to me and to you. I'm reminded of God's faithfulness to me...He provides daily, His love is unending, His provisions for me and for my life are unimaginable. God fills me with all I need.
This time of year is not just all happy, mushy-gushy, though. This time of year reminds me of what it can feel like to wait, to hurt, to long for something, to wish, to be in pain, to dream, to desire, to wonder, to feel unfulfilled.
During our years of infertility, Christmas time was much harder for me than I ever imagined. It was difficult for me to see pictures, hear songs, and be reminded of the Christmas story details of Mary carrying a baby in her belly and giving birth to Jesus. That first Christmas after learning we were unable to have children biologically hit me like a ton of bricks. I was very emotional. Very sad. Yet, thankful still. It was a bittersweet feeling and time of year for me.
By the grace of God and through the prayers of many, we pressed on, desiring to still serve God, to still hope.
And...As time went on, and our journey led us down the path to adopt, and we were able to grieve and heal in ways only God could help us through...I began to see Christmas differently again. Although it was still hard for me because we were still waiting with empty arms and an empty heart for our child, I was able to re-shift my focus back on the true meaning, the true reason...for Christmas.
In the Fall of 2010, our world...and everything that seemed normal...changed. For the good. Forever. God blessed us with our daughter. November 2010. When we found out this news and brought our daughter home, my thoughts and feelings towards Christmas became much more emotional again. This time, I was filled with feelings of incredibly deep thankfulness. For His provision. His plan. Christmas 2010 is a bit of a blur because of the sleepless nights of having a newborn...but I wouldn't change the timing of our daughter. I see it as God's perfect timing to slowly change those difficult feelings towards Christmas into feelings of reflection and gratefulness. Reminding me that He is the focus at Christmas time...not what I want or think I need, not what gifts I'll give or receive, not how busy I'll be...but that He is ALL I NEED.
Fast-forward to now. Our daughter is newly two years old. She's filled with ambition and exploration. She's busy. She's joyful and silly. This Christmas comes with lots of anticipation...because of Mya. We're counting down the days with her...using a very simple Advent calendar. Yet, she's filled with such excitement when I remind her that we need to go open the new window in the calendar for each day. She stops everything she's doing and runs to that calendar. She points with excitement to baby Jesus, to Mary, to Joseph, to the star, and to Gabriel. She even attempts to say "Bethlehem"...but is usually able to successfully pronounce "BEFF-lem." We haven't really talked up the whole Santa thing...but somehow little ones just seem to know about him. She even points to Santa (on TV, in stores, on cards) with as much excitement as she does towards her favorite furry friend, Elmo. Mya's love and excitement fills our home with a great enthusiasm towards Christmas and the birth of Jesus. God has taken this opportunity to use our daughter as a way for me to refocus on the excitement of Christmas time, too.
Christmas may not be easy for you. There's a lot of junk going on in the world, in our communities, in our families. Some things are just so hard to deal with...to face. Some things are beyond difficult to understand. I don't know all of the answers. I never will. I don't pretend to even remotely understand the stuff of this life. But what I do know is that there is hope in Jesus. There is life in Jesus. And Christmas time is a great reminder to me of that life and hope in Him. No matter what you're facing today...what questions are still left unanswered...what relationships are still hurting or are broken...may you know you are loved and cared for. May you know that God desires to have a relationship with you and to help you grow in your understanding of Him. One step at a time. One day at a time. We're all on a journey. May your journey include the gift of Jesus. God's son.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
"Little Bo-Tique" Children's Consignment Shop
If you (or anyone you know) love to shop for clothing for your kids at the "Little Bo-tique" Children's Consignment Shop, I just received this special coupon...good for $5.00 off your purchase of $30.00 or more. It's valid from December 24 thru December 31.
And, if you've never shopped there before, now's a GREAT time to check it out! They sell (and buy!) used clothing, shoes, toys, books, furniture, strollers, car seats, bedding, etc. in excellent condition and are located just next to Lancaster Mennonite High School and Friendly's (along Rt. 30) in the small shopping center. They carry clothing for boys and girls, sizes newborn through teens and maternity clothing, as well.
Check out their website daily for new arrivals and extra special items currently for sale in the store (under the "Blog/New Arrivals" tab on their site)!
Here's your coupon:
http://www.littlebotique.com/coupon.html
And, if you've never shopped there before, now's a GREAT time to check it out! They sell (and buy!) used clothing, shoes, toys, books, furniture, strollers, car seats, bedding, etc. in excellent condition and are located just next to Lancaster Mennonite High School and Friendly's (along Rt. 30) in the small shopping center. They carry clothing for boys and girls, sizes newborn through teens and maternity clothing, as well.
Check out their website daily for new arrivals and extra special items currently for sale in the store (under the "Blog/New Arrivals" tab on their site)!
Here's your coupon:
http://www.littlebotique.com/coupon.html
Amazon.com...FREE One-Day Shipping!
Thank you, Hip 2 Save blog, for this great deal. From now until December 22nd, you can get FREE one-day shipping through Amazon.com on qualifying items...and you don't even need to be an Amazon Prime member. See the link below for details. Happy Last-Minute Christmas Shopping!
To find out specific details on this deal from the "Hip 2 Save" blog, please click here:
http://hip2save.com/2012/12/19/amazon-free-one-day-shipping-for-many-items/
To see the items that qualify for free one-day shipping, please click here:
http://www.amazon.com/b/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&node=2441323011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=1444357622&pf_rd_r=0SZ67VFZNNJKQ1AY77JS&pf_rd_s=hero-quick-promo&pf_rd_t=201&tag=wwwhip2saveco-20
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
More Fun CHRISTMAS Ideas!
I couldn't help but pass along these fun ideas to you! Gotta love PINTEREST!!! Click on the links for step-by-step instructions.
{1} CARDBOARD BOX CAVE
Save a large box (possibly from a gift received this Christmas), poke holes in the cardboard, and place Christmas lights through the holes. So fun!
http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/2011/06/cave-of-stars.html
{2} DROP BOX
Cut squares or circles (in different sizes and shapes) out of a box. Provide your little ones with different items to "drop" into the holes (rocks, Legos, pipe cleaners, blocks, etc).
http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/2011/07/drop-box.html
{3} CREATIVE GIFT WRAP
Cute ideas for how to wrap gifts to keep kids entertained...especially if they have to wait to open gifts on Christmas morning or at a birthday party.
http://www.linesacross.com/2012/12/interactive-gift-wrap-for-kids.html
{4} SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS
I love this Santa idea. Other ideas could include a reindeer and a turkey (for Thanksgiving). The possibilities are endless. Don't forget to write the date and/or child's name and age on the back to reminisce at a later time.
http://www.meaningfulmama.com/2012/12/day-337-salt-dough-santa-hand-print.html
{1} CARDBOARD BOX CAVE
Save a large box (possibly from a gift received this Christmas), poke holes in the cardboard, and place Christmas lights through the holes. So fun!
http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/2011/06/cave-of-stars.html
{2} DROP BOX
Cut squares or circles (in different sizes and shapes) out of a box. Provide your little ones with different items to "drop" into the holes (rocks, Legos, pipe cleaners, blocks, etc).
http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/2011/07/drop-box.html
{3} CREATIVE GIFT WRAP
Cute ideas for how to wrap gifts to keep kids entertained...especially if they have to wait to open gifts on Christmas morning or at a birthday party.
http://www.linesacross.com/2012/12/interactive-gift-wrap-for-kids.html
{4} SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS
I love this Santa idea. Other ideas could include a reindeer and a turkey (for Thanksgiving). The possibilities are endless. Don't forget to write the date and/or child's name and age on the back to reminisce at a later time.
http://www.meaningfulmama.com/2012/12/day-337-salt-dough-santa-hand-print.html
Monday, December 17, 2012
TARGET "Grocery" Coupon
Here's another GREAT Target coupon. This one's good for $5.00 off your $30.00 (or more) total "grocery" bill. Don't forget to check out what other valuable grocery coupons they have on their website and pair them with this coupon.
http://coupons.target.com/grocery-coupons?page=5
http://coupons.target.com/grocery-coupons?page=5
FREE SHIPPING Day!
Monday, December 17th = FREE SHIPPING Day! + Delivery of item(s) by Christmas Eve. Woot! Woot!
Many websites are offering free shipping (some with minimum orders and some with NO minimum order...others are adding an additional % off your total bill, too.) Follow this link:
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Star Ornament
Here's a cute and very inexpensive craft for you to make.
Great to make and add to the top of gift boxes or to decorate throughout your house for the holidays! Creating them in a variety of sizes and hanging them on a wall could make for cute artwork, too. The step-by-step instructions can be found here:
http://jandjnewleaf.blogspot.com/2011/12/crafty-christmas-twig-star-ornaments.html
Great to make and add to the top of gift boxes or to decorate throughout your house for the holidays! Creating them in a variety of sizes and hanging them on a wall could make for cute artwork, too. The step-by-step instructions can be found here:
http://jandjnewleaf.blogspot.com/2011/12/crafty-christmas-twig-star-ornaments.html
Friday, December 14, 2012
From a blank piece of paper...to a work of art!
For the last month or so, Mya has loved coloring on printed coloring pages. Nearly everyday, just after breakfast...and then again just after lunch...she asks to color. Once I have her all set up to color, I then hear, "Mommy color, too, please?!!"
I like to let her color on her own (so I can secretly watch her coloring skills and creativity get better and better each day)...but even more so, I love to sit closely beside her, grab a crayon, and color right along with her. We chat. We share crayons. We decided who's gonna color what and where. I know in the scheme of things, this small phase of coloring together, side-by-side, will only be for a few short years.
I cherish these moments.
These small moments remind me to stop what I'm doing...in the midst of the busyness of life...and play or color or read to Mya.
I have a whole stash of extra coloring pages...ones of flowers, teddy bears, baby Jesus...from back when I was a MOPS teacher for our church's outreach a couple of years ago. Each time, I would save the extra coloring pictures and add them to my stash...because I never felt like I should just throw them away. I always wondered if I'd ever ACTUALLY use them up...and now Mya's slowly going through a couple of pictures each day, and the pile of coloring pages is diminishing.
In this last month, she's started to pay more attention to coloring slowly and to trying to stay inside the lines better. These simple skills are so challenging and yet so fun to watch in kids. I love to see her learn and grow each day. And, I love to see her feel good about herself when she accomplishes something for the first time. As a parent, babysitter, teacher...we accomplish something, too, in those moments, don't we?!
And...just when she was starting to color better INSIDE the lines, the preschool teacher came out of me, and I wanted to do something different with her. After watching Mya color a kite picture with a brilliant shade of blue, I asked her if she wanted to try to draw a picture on her own. A picture with NO LINES to color in. A picture that SHE COULD CREATE on her own. I wanted to see what she would do...and where her imagination would take her. Her eyes lit up...She was excited for this new opportunity. (Flash back: Earlier in the week, Brandon and I had dentist appointments and took Mya with us. Our dentist has a chalkboard wall in the waiting room. Mya walked right over, grabbed a piece of chalk, drew a large circle and a few other lines and squiggles, and proclaimed, "Daddy!" Whoa, this was the first time she did this. My mind went back to this moment in our dentist's office, and our coloring activity proceeded in this way....)
I handed her a blank piece of white paper.
Our conversation went something like this...
"What do you wanna draw, Mya?"
"Daddy."
"Does Daddy have eyes?"
"Yes."
"Do you wanna draw some eyes on Daddy?"
"Yeah."
"Who else are you gonna draw?"
"You, Mommy."
"Okay. What else are you drawing?"
"A hat. Mommy's hat."
"I love it. Do you think you should draw Mya, too?"
"Yes."
"Tell me what you drew."
"Mya doing the chicken dance." (She proclaimed this with a huge grin.)
Here's her finished product:
My heart melted. I realized in this moment that she {we} entered a new phase. As a preschool teacher (prior to becoming a mom), I couldn't WAIT until this moment with my future children. I always loved working with my preschoolers on drawing and coloring and painting and watching them create masterpieces. But, my most favorite part was asking them to tell me all about their creation. I would ask them questions, and their little fingers would point to different parts on the picture, and they'd go into (sometimes great) detail about what they'd accomplished.
A simple task...like coloring, drawing with a pencil, painting...is such an important part of our development. It's amazing that in the simplest of things, we can build skills and develop into the person God wants us to be. Some of us turn out to be good artists. Some of us develop into skills musicians or excellent public speakers. Some of us are great at working with the elderly, the physically handicapped, or the tiniest of babies. We were all created to serve a different purpose.
I love to see that in this instance...where Mya created her first family picture masterpiece...that this skill of drawing could become something she really loves to do. I love that she can become whatever she wants to be. I love that she will continue to learn and try new things (sometimes excelling...sometimes failing)...and each skill will mold and shape her into the girl, teenager, and young lady that God wants her to be.
I like to let her color on her own (so I can secretly watch her coloring skills and creativity get better and better each day)...but even more so, I love to sit closely beside her, grab a crayon, and color right along with her. We chat. We share crayons. We decided who's gonna color what and where. I know in the scheme of things, this small phase of coloring together, side-by-side, will only be for a few short years.
I cherish these moments.
These small moments remind me to stop what I'm doing...in the midst of the busyness of life...and play or color or read to Mya.
I have a whole stash of extra coloring pages...ones of flowers, teddy bears, baby Jesus...from back when I was a MOPS teacher for our church's outreach a couple of years ago. Each time, I would save the extra coloring pictures and add them to my stash...because I never felt like I should just throw them away. I always wondered if I'd ever ACTUALLY use them up...and now Mya's slowly going through a couple of pictures each day, and the pile of coloring pages is diminishing.
In this last month, she's started to pay more attention to coloring slowly and to trying to stay inside the lines better. These simple skills are so challenging and yet so fun to watch in kids. I love to see her learn and grow each day. And, I love to see her feel good about herself when she accomplishes something for the first time. As a parent, babysitter, teacher...we accomplish something, too, in those moments, don't we?!
And...just when she was starting to color better INSIDE the lines, the preschool teacher came out of me, and I wanted to do something different with her. After watching Mya color a kite picture with a brilliant shade of blue, I asked her if she wanted to try to draw a picture on her own. A picture with NO LINES to color in. A picture that SHE COULD CREATE on her own. I wanted to see what she would do...and where her imagination would take her. Her eyes lit up...She was excited for this new opportunity. (Flash back: Earlier in the week, Brandon and I had dentist appointments and took Mya with us. Our dentist has a chalkboard wall in the waiting room. Mya walked right over, grabbed a piece of chalk, drew a large circle and a few other lines and squiggles, and proclaimed, "Daddy!" Whoa, this was the first time she did this. My mind went back to this moment in our dentist's office, and our coloring activity proceeded in this way....)
I handed her a blank piece of white paper.
Our conversation went something like this...
"What do you wanna draw, Mya?"
"Daddy."
"Does Daddy have eyes?"
"Yes."
"Do you wanna draw some eyes on Daddy?"
"Yeah."
"Who else are you gonna draw?"
"You, Mommy."
"Okay. What else are you drawing?"
"A hat. Mommy's hat."
"I love it. Do you think you should draw Mya, too?"
"Yes."
"Tell me what you drew."
"Mya doing the chicken dance." (She proclaimed this with a huge grin.)
Here's her finished product:
My heart melted. I realized in this moment that she {we} entered a new phase. As a preschool teacher (prior to becoming a mom), I couldn't WAIT until this moment with my future children. I always loved working with my preschoolers on drawing and coloring and painting and watching them create masterpieces. But, my most favorite part was asking them to tell me all about their creation. I would ask them questions, and their little fingers would point to different parts on the picture, and they'd go into (sometimes great) detail about what they'd accomplished.
A simple task...like coloring, drawing with a pencil, painting...is such an important part of our development. It's amazing that in the simplest of things, we can build skills and develop into the person God wants us to be. Some of us turn out to be good artists. Some of us develop into skills musicians or excellent public speakers. Some of us are great at working with the elderly, the physically handicapped, or the tiniest of babies. We were all created to serve a different purpose.
I love to see that in this instance...where Mya created her first family picture masterpiece...that this skill of drawing could become something she really loves to do. I love that she can become whatever she wants to be. I love that she will continue to learn and try new things (sometimes excelling...sometimes failing)...and each skill will mold and shape her into the girl, teenager, and young lady that God wants her to be.
JOANN Fabrics -- 5 coupons!
Here are five 50% off coupons...Good at JOANN's Fabrics between now and NEXT Thursday (December 20th). Valid on regular-priced items.
http://www.joann.com/socialmediacoupon/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=couponcommotion&utm_content=121412&utm_campaign=SM
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Dutch Blitz
For my "Dutch Blitz-lovin' friends"...here are some AMAZING Dutch Blitz t-shirts. Plow, Bucket, Buggy, and Pump t-shirts (...the plow is pictured below). Right now, they're on sale for $9.99. Grab one while you can!
http://deadparrotpress.com/new/blitz-plow-blue/
http://deadparrotpress.com/new/blitz-plow-blue/
Monday, December 10, 2012
I {Heart} Post-It Notes
I. love. Post-it. notes.
I do.
I have a passion for them. If I could, I would seriously consider investing in them.
I've even been known to have post-it notes for other post-it notes. Ha! I don't know whether it's the phase of life I'm in...(aka "mushy mom brain" phase)...or my desire to cross things off a list and feel like I'm accomplishing something. Either way, I don't care. I love them.
At any random time, you can expect to find post-its in my car, on the kitchen counter, or near our computer.
I love that they're inexpensive. I love that they come in really great colors and seasonal patterns. I love that they're different shapes and sizes, too. With life being just weeks away from Christmas, I'm presently happy to be using my Santa-themed post-its.
Now, I may be exaggerating a bit...but I do love that the post-it notes keep me focused and on-task. They guide me and help me to accomplish things. They're reminders, list keepers, space for other random notes.
Why do I need post-its? Why do I depend on them? Am I afraid I'll miss something...or that I'll make a mistake? Maybe. But deep down, what I really love is their simplicity. I love their purpose.
And, I've been challenged to use them for yet another purpose. I heard of someone who decided to leave random post-it notes for others. In public bathroom stalls. On car windows. Inside public transportation. On desk pads. Wherever. Anywhere. Any time.
I want to do this.
I want to bless others in this way. I want others...whom I may never know or meet...to know they are loved and cared for. They are blessed; they are a blessing. They are smart, beautiful, talented, and meaningful. They are skilled.
It might be a compliment. It might be a Bible verse. It just might even be a simple, thought-provoking quote.
But just think how much that simple post-it note might turn their day around...inspire them. Give them that boost of energy they need to go about their day. Allow them to bless someone else. Encourage them to take a chance. Inspire them to love and care for others.
Wouldn't it be amazing if we all completed random acts of kindness each. and. every. single. day?! Challenge yourself. Think of others. Show love. Smile at someone you don't know today. Maybe even leave a Post-it note for someone to find this week.
Brighten someone's day.
I do.
I have a passion for them. If I could, I would seriously consider investing in them.
I've even been known to have post-it notes for other post-it notes. Ha! I don't know whether it's the phase of life I'm in...(aka "mushy mom brain" phase)...or my desire to cross things off a list and feel like I'm accomplishing something. Either way, I don't care. I love them.
At any random time, you can expect to find post-its in my car, on the kitchen counter, or near our computer.
I love that they're inexpensive. I love that they come in really great colors and seasonal patterns. I love that they're different shapes and sizes, too. With life being just weeks away from Christmas, I'm presently happy to be using my Santa-themed post-its.
Now, I may be exaggerating a bit...but I do love that the post-it notes keep me focused and on-task. They guide me and help me to accomplish things. They're reminders, list keepers, space for other random notes.
Why do I need post-its? Why do I depend on them? Am I afraid I'll miss something...or that I'll make a mistake? Maybe. But deep down, what I really love is their simplicity. I love their purpose.
And, I've been challenged to use them for yet another purpose. I heard of someone who decided to leave random post-it notes for others. In public bathroom stalls. On car windows. Inside public transportation. On desk pads. Wherever. Anywhere. Any time.
I want to do this.
I want to bless others in this way. I want others...whom I may never know or meet...to know they are loved and cared for. They are blessed; they are a blessing. They are smart, beautiful, talented, and meaningful. They are skilled.
It might be a compliment. It might be a Bible verse. It just might even be a simple, thought-provoking quote.
But just think how much that simple post-it note might turn their day around...inspire them. Give them that boost of energy they need to go about their day. Allow them to bless someone else. Encourage them to take a chance. Inspire them to love and care for others.
Wouldn't it be amazing if we all completed random acts of kindness each. and. every. single. day?! Challenge yourself. Think of others. Show love. Smile at someone you don't know today. Maybe even leave a Post-it note for someone to find this week.
Brighten someone's day.
Vera Bradley...TODAY ONLY deal!
Need a last-minute gift for a lady in your life?? TODAY ONLY, you can purchase this adorable Vera Bradley "Vera" bag (in select colors/patterns) for only $39.99 (retails for $80.00-86.00). Plus, TODAY ONLY...if you spend $50.00 or more, shipping is FREE!
I especially love the "Mocha Rouge" and the "Deco Daisy" patterns. TWENTY PATTERNS to choose from!!! Great for a teacher, mom (or mom-to-be), friend...
(Sorry the picture isn't great...Click on it to see a better image on the Vera website.)
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Small Business Saturday...again?
I love the concept of "Small Business Saturday." Although our country's annual "Small Business Saturday" has already past (the Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to be exact), I feel the urge to encourage you all to get out there and support our local, small businesses more than just on Small Business Saturday. Maybe we could each do our part to support local businesses one Saturday per month?...or two? Maybe we could each intentionally choose a small business to shop at for a Christmas gift or birthday gift?
I think it's fantastic to support local business owners. I love that small businesses are what make up the heart of Lancaster County. In fact, I grew up in a family that owned a small business...and now today, I am able to own my very own small businesses (dance lessons and tutoring).
I love the sense of community I feel by supporting those small businesses around me (and by being supported in my businesses...so thank you!). I love that our larger community has embraced this concept, too, by publicizing area events like "First Friday" in Lancaster City, "Second Friday" in Lititz, and "Third Friday" in Strasburg. I'm sure there are many more that I'm not even aware of...but I love learning about events like this.
And in addition to community events, there are specific local small businesses that I/we love to support. Here are a few...
Sweet Charity Thrift Boutique
Lancaster Creative Reuse
Good's Store
B.B's Grocery Outlet
YoFro Sweets
Zimmerman's Hardware Store
Cherry Hill Orchard
Jack's Family Tavern
Strasburg Market Basket
Kauffman's Fruit Farm
Jack Robinson Garage
Highland Car Wash
And many, many MORE!!!!
What local businesses do you love supporting? I'm certain I've forgotten to include some other AMAZING businesses (so please forgive me if I've neglected to mention you on here).
Please share...Who do you support locally?
I think it's fantastic to support local business owners. I love that small businesses are what make up the heart of Lancaster County. In fact, I grew up in a family that owned a small business...and now today, I am able to own my very own small businesses (dance lessons and tutoring).
I love the sense of community I feel by supporting those small businesses around me (and by being supported in my businesses...so thank you!). I love that our larger community has embraced this concept, too, by publicizing area events like "First Friday" in Lancaster City, "Second Friday" in Lititz, and "Third Friday" in Strasburg. I'm sure there are many more that I'm not even aware of...but I love learning about events like this.
And in addition to community events, there are specific local small businesses that I/we love to support. Here are a few...
Sweet Charity Thrift Boutique
Lancaster Creative Reuse
Good's Store
B.B's Grocery Outlet
YoFro Sweets
Zimmerman's Hardware Store
Cherry Hill Orchard
Jack's Family Tavern
Strasburg Market Basket
Kauffman's Fruit Farm
Jack Robinson Garage
Highland Car Wash
And many, many MORE!!!!
What local businesses do you love supporting? I'm certain I've forgotten to include some other AMAZING businesses (so please forgive me if I've neglected to mention you on here).
Please share...Who do you support locally?
Friday, December 7, 2012
Still Learning...
Please accept my apologies...I'm still learning as I go with this whole blogging thing. :)
If you've attempted to leave a comment on one of my posts and were unable to, it's because I had my settings saved incorrectly, and they are now corrected. Please feel free to leave your comments and feedback. I'd love to hear from you!
A special "thank you" to my dear friends for making me aware of this problem and for also helping me to resolve it (...you know who you are, and I'm very thankful for your help). :)
If you've attempted to leave a comment on one of my posts and were unable to, it's because I had my settings saved incorrectly, and they are now corrected. Please feel free to leave your comments and feedback. I'd love to hear from you!
A special "thank you" to my dear friends for making me aware of this problem and for also helping me to resolve it (...you know who you are, and I'm very thankful for your help). :)
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Language
lan·guage
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Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Target Coupon
Planning a trip to Target by this Saturday??? Planning to spend at least $50.00?? Here's a link to receive a $10.00 Target gift card with your $50.00 (or more) purchase...
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Christmas Keepsakes
I don't know about you, but I absolutely LOVE this time of year. I love that Christmas is right around the corner. And, I also love that there are so many fun, creative, inexpensive activities out there to do to have fun celebrating, making memories, and starting traditions in your home. Here are a few fun ideas I found that would be great to do with your kiddos, at a girls' craft night, or at a family Christmas party...
http://www.giverslog.com/wrapthegift/?p=20
http://modern-interior-design-decorating.blogspot.com/2010/09/easy-simple-christmas-decorating.html
http://easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.ca/2012/01/christmas-reindeer-footprint-craft.html
http://rhymetime4kids.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-crafts-for-toddlers.html
http://emptybobbinsewing.com/2010/12/12/o-christmas-tree-o-felt-christmas-tree/
http://spoonful.com/crafts/felted-wreath
http://www.giverslog.com/wrapthegift/?p=20
http://modern-interior-design-decorating.blogspot.com/2010/09/easy-simple-christmas-decorating.html
http://easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.ca/2012/01/christmas-reindeer-footprint-craft.html
http://rhymetime4kids.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-crafts-for-toddlers.html
http://emptybobbinsewing.com/2010/12/12/o-christmas-tree-o-felt-christmas-tree/
http://spoonful.com/crafts/felted-wreath
Monday, December 3, 2012
FREE Printable Christmas Tags
These are adorable and totally free to print!!! Just in time for Christmas and gift-giving.
Create-Your-Own Felt Nativity Set
Here's a FUN ONE to make for little ones. Check out this adorable Felt Nativity Set...
Download the template here: http://crazyblessedlife.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/nativity-master.pdf
More pictures of nativity here: http://mycrazyblessedlife.com/2012/11/07/wall-nativity/
Thanks, "My Crazy Blessed Life!" blog for this adorable idea!!!
Download the template here: http://crazyblessedlife.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/nativity-master.pdf
More pictures of nativity here: http://mycrazyblessedlife.com/2012/11/07/wall-nativity/
Thanks, "My Crazy Blessed Life!" blog for this adorable idea!!!
Zephaniah 3:17
Yesterday started off like any other Sunday in the Hershey household. Everyone was up and ready-to-go and off to church. We call Faith Church our home. This is the very church I grew up in. I love this church.
It is so much more than just a building to me, a place to worship God.
It is a family to me. A community of people on different journeys...brought together by the common thread of desiring to worship God and grow in their understanding of and relationship with Him.
And, as I sat in the church pew during the worship service, I was STRUCK by (...and my mind keeps coming back to...) a key verse from Pastor Joel's message:
ZEPHANIAH 3:17
"The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
It is so much more than just a building to me, a place to worship God.
It is a family to me. A community of people on different journeys...brought together by the common thread of desiring to worship God and grow in their understanding of and relationship with Him.
And, as I sat in the church pew during the worship service, I was STRUCK by (...and my mind keeps coming back to...) a key verse from Pastor Joel's message:
ZEPHANIAH 3:17
"The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
One reason this verse struck me was because my mind immediately raced to a familiar song, "Mighty to Save," and I began recalling the tune and lyrics of it. This song is beautiful and holds a special place in my memory. As we waited (...and waited...and waited...and longed for a child for several years...), this was ONE OF THOSE SONGS that really spoke to me. It touched a place in my heart. It brought tears to my eyes. Countless times, I BELTED this song out in our home or in the car as it came on the radio. (...For those of you that know me well, know I cannot sing to save my life...but I found such peace and fulfillment in still belting this song of praise out to God.) I cried to this song. I literally wept to this song. I found hope in this song.
I may or may not know what you're going through right now. You may be in the deepest of valleys...going through a crisis or dealing with junk that's incomprehensible. You may be attempting to resolve a relationship. You may need forgiveness. You may be clinging to a hope that you'll find work or be able to pay for this month's rent or mortgage bill. You may not have even felt like waking up today. The stress of life is yucky. It can feel hopeless...depressing...and just straight-up crappy...at times.
I'm not sure what you think about God or how you feel about going to church. You may be completely against it...hurt by it...turned off by it. Or, you may know God and may have your own stories of how certain songs have touched your life, how songs have helped you to heal or grieve or feel loved.
Either way, my hope is that you can take a minute, and listen to this song. May it touch your heart. May it uplift you today. May it start your day off knowing that there's hope for today and hope for tomorrow. You are special. You are loved.
God loves you.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Family Day...and what that means for us!
Yesterday [November 30th] marked an anniversary for our family. It was our "Family Day." For those of you who don't know...or were unaware of the details...our family was formed through adoption, and our daughter, Mya, joined our family when she was just three weeks old. November 30th is the very day...2 years ago...that we became a family and brought her home to be our daughter. [Her official legal adoption didn't happen until 6 months later...but for us, we say November 30th was the day we became a family.]
So, what is "Family Day?"
Family Day can look different for different families. Some families may even call it their "Gotcha Day." It's an exciting day...a celebration...a day of rejoicing and a day of remembering. It can even be a pretty emotion-filled day. For our family, it has a ceremonious and emotional meaning.
On November 30, 2010...We were blessed to have an adoption ceremony at Bethany Christian Services with our caseworkers, the interim care family that Mya lived with for the first 3 weeks of her life, my parents, and Mya's birthmom, biological grandma, and biological brother. It was a ceremony that included Mya's birthmom reading vows, Brandon and I reading vows, and an official "handing over" of Mya from her birthmom to us. Talk about emotional. It was beautiful. It was special. It's a moment in my life that I can so vividly remember and can still see in my mind. I cherish that day. And, I'm thankful for the pictures...the memories...the emotional moments.
And, although that's part of our story...our journey...that's not what each Family Day looks like...and that's exactly what makes Family Days so SPECIAL, so IMPORTANT, so UNIQUE. I love hearing how each family's story is different. Family Day's hold special places in the hearts of everyone touched by adoption. And, although your family may not have been formed through adoption, each and every family is created and formed in its own amazing way! You all have a story. And, all of our stories continue to be written. Maybe your family will even include adoption someday, too.
Whether or not your family is formed by adoption, may you take this opportunity to know that there are so many great resources out there to learn more and to share with your children about adoption. Chances are, you will know someone...in your family, in your neighborhood, in your child's class at school, in your workplace...that is touched by the gift of adoption. So, here is a list of GREAT adoption-related books for you to enjoy...and many are available at our local libraries for you to borrow!
So, what is "Family Day?"
Family Day can look different for different families. Some families may even call it their "Gotcha Day." It's an exciting day...a celebration...a day of rejoicing and a day of remembering. It can even be a pretty emotion-filled day. For our family, it has a ceremonious and emotional meaning.
On November 30, 2010...We were blessed to have an adoption ceremony at Bethany Christian Services with our caseworkers, the interim care family that Mya lived with for the first 3 weeks of her life, my parents, and Mya's birthmom, biological grandma, and biological brother. It was a ceremony that included Mya's birthmom reading vows, Brandon and I reading vows, and an official "handing over" of Mya from her birthmom to us. Talk about emotional. It was beautiful. It was special. It's a moment in my life that I can so vividly remember and can still see in my mind. I cherish that day. And, I'm thankful for the pictures...the memories...the emotional moments.
And, although that's part of our story...our journey...that's not what each Family Day looks like...and that's exactly what makes Family Days so SPECIAL, so IMPORTANT, so UNIQUE. I love hearing how each family's story is different. Family Day's hold special places in the hearts of everyone touched by adoption. And, although your family may not have been formed through adoption, each and every family is created and formed in its own amazing way! You all have a story. And, all of our stories continue to be written. Maybe your family will even include adoption someday, too.
Whether or not your family is formed by adoption, may you take this opportunity to know that there are so many great resources out there to learn more and to share with your children about adoption. Chances are, you will know someone...in your family, in your neighborhood, in your child's class at school, in your workplace...that is touched by the gift of adoption. So, here is a list of GREAT adoption-related books for you to enjoy...and many are available at our local libraries for you to borrow!
Adoption-related Stories that we have and that I can recommend:
"My Adopted Child, There's No One Like You." By: Dr. Kevin Leman
"God Found Us You." and "God Gave Us You." By: Lisa Tawn Bergren
"A Mother for Choco." By: Keiko Kasza
"Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born." By: Jamie Lee Curtis
"Happy Adoption Day!" By: John McCutcheon
"Forever Fingerprints." By: Sherrie Eldridge
"Mommy's Heart Went Pop!" By: Christina Kyllonen & Peter Greer
***Please note: "Mommy's Heart Went Pop!" is also available for purchase at Sweet Charity Thrift Boutique in Strasburg, PA.
"Brown Like Me." By: Noelle Lamperti
"Shaoey and Dot." By: Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman
"The Colors of Us." By: Karen Katz
And many, many more!
Spread the Word
I'm feeling so blessed by your love and support. Please feel free to SPREAD THE WORD about my blog. Share it with friends. Post it on your FB page. Share ideas with me. Provide me with feedback. I'm learning as I go...and am embracing all of the help I can get.
Thank you for sharing in this journey with me.
(P.S. I think I'm really gonna like this blogging thing.)
And, on a different note...
This gift idea is WAY TOO CUTE not to share. Maybe a fun Christmas gift for a teacher or co-worker? Or, maybe a fun craft to do with your kids or students? The possibilities are endless with what you could do with these.
(P.S. I think I'm really gonna like this blogging thing.)
And, on a different note...
This gift idea is WAY TOO CUTE not to share. Maybe a fun Christmas gift for a teacher or co-worker? Or, maybe a fun craft to do with your kids or students? The possibilities are endless with what you could do with these.
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