Rock Photo/Quote Holders

We made these adorable rock photo holders last night at church with some of my favorite young women!

See download and print options below.

We got the idea from One Little Project (her photo).

Her instructions are super easy to understand, so I'm going to attach her link here. I intended for them to be used as photo holders, but decided to make some quotes that could be used in them as well.

There are 2 sizes. Click on the option you like for the download and print!

4x4 #1

4x4 #2

4x4 #3

4x4 #4

3x3 #1

3x3 #2

Such a fun, easy craft! Wouldn't this be so cute for teachers? I think I'll do those quotes next!

Mom Always Knows

The past couple of months have been a bit challenging for me. About two months ago I found a mass in my breast.

It's true...I'm going to talk about the ta-ta's! 
(Check yours ladies!! It's so important!)

At first, I was determined to handle things with courage and optimism and just carry on with normal life. But, the more time that went by, the more I thought about the reality of my situation. And the more scared I got.

When I first told my mom, I was calm, cool and collected. I was still determined to be optimistic. But, inside I was fighting that battle to be calm and optimistic...and it was getting harder.

The best thing about my mom is that when I entered this world, I believe my mom was given the blessing of REALLY knowing and understanding me. She always knows. I can be smiling and have a cheerful voice, but she always knows my heart.

So, she did what she does best...and she came to town.

And I'm so very grateful she did.

She knew that I needed her.
Somehow she always knows.

And it makes me so happy.

We have laughed, we have cried. We have cleaned and shopped. We have stayed up late talking. And we have just sat in silence, just enjoying being together.

Today, the mass is gone, and my ta-ta's are just fine.
(Did I mention that you should check yours?!)

Lucky for me, my mom is still here.
So now I get to enjoy her with no worries.

I'm so happy that mom always knows.

Getting to Know You Blog Hop!!

I'm so excited about this fun Blog Hop hosted by Mariel at "Or so she says..."!  It's a fun way to get know a little bit more about me and the other contributors on her fantastic blog! Mariel is someone I have grown to love, admire and respect a great deal. I love her blog. Mainly because she tries so hard to have something for everyone. If you have not followed her yet, you are missing out. You can follow her here on Facebook also.

To get to know us all better, Mariel asked us to answer these few questions.

What inspired you to start your blog (or shop?) I started my blog as a type of journal, but also a way to keep my family out west connected to my crazy bunch. 

What's your favorite and least favorite thing about blogging? My favorite thing about blogging is just sitting down and putting thoughts, memories and emotions into a post. My least favorite thing is not having enough time to do it all!

Tell me with only 20 words, 20 things you love. God, hubby, kiddos, snuggling, helping, thunderstorms, tickles, flowers, hope, laughter, hugs, chocolate, family, memories, friends, creating, reading, Sunday's, photography, piano.

What is the one recipe you are most often asked to share?  Please share it with us! 
My homemade caramels. But, I've been sworn to secrecy. The second most requested one would be my buttermilk bread. It's so yummy and easy. You throw it all into the bread machine and go!

BUTTERMILK BREAD
For a TWO pound bread machine

1 1/2 c. + 2 TBL Cultured Buttermilk, 80 degrees F/27 degrees C (the buttermilk should be warm enough where it's almost uncomfortable to leave your finger in there)

1/4 c. oil

1/4 c. sugar

2 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. baking soda

4 c. flour

2 1/4 tsp. Active Dry Yeast OR 1 1/2 tsp. Quick Rise Yeast

Put all the ingredients in your bread machine in the order of the recipe. After you put the flour in, make a small hole in the flour and put your yeast in it. 

Select your normal White Bread Cycle. I choose light crust, because anything else is too done. At least for my cute little bread machine.

For a 1 1/2 pound bread machine:

1 c. + 2 TBL Cultured Buttermilk, 80 degrees F/27 degrees C

3 TBL oil

3 TBL sugar

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

3 c. flour

2 tsp. Active Dry Yeast OR 1 1/2 tsp. Quick Rise Yeast

For a 1 pound bread machine:

3/4 c. + 2 TBL Cultured Buttermilk, 80 degrees F/27 degrees C

2 TBL oil

2 TBL sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

2 c. flour

1 1/2 tsp. Active Dry Yeast OR 1 tsp. Quick Rise Yeast

5 favorite beauty products, right now... what are they? EOS lip balm, Maybelline The Volume Rocket Express mascara (BEST mascara...especially if you have thin eyelashes.), Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain, Pantene Expert AgeDefy hair products (mama's got lots of unruly grays!), and Bath & Body Works Orange Ginger body cream.

What's your personal mantra(s)?  Something you tell yourself on a regular basis? All is Well. Or at least it will be soon. :)

What movie made you laugh more than any other? The Proposal! Oh my goodness...I was recently reminded that this movie makes me laugh!! ...and laugh, and laugh, and laugh!

If you could recommend one family vacation, what would it be? I think mine would be Yellowstone, state parks, or anywhere else we can explore. No long lines, no expensive hotels, lots of exploring to do. We have so many kids, so these are the ones we've always gravitated towards. 

What goals are you currently working on? There are always SO MANY! Right now, to be happy in the moment, to come up with a rock solid meal plan for the next 2 weeks, find time to read a good book, love on my family like crazy, and get my desk organized.

Please share links to 3 blog posts (or items from your shop) that are special to you (or favorites of yours), and explain why.

My Friend "K"  Ahhh...this is one of my favorites mainly because it just gives me major gut giggles.  My friend "K" truly is one of my greatest joys.

I See You  I love rereading this post, because it was such a POWERFUL reminder for me to stop and enjoy my kids. It's always amazing to me the things you can learn from your children.

The Dentist...Gone Horribly Wrong  Why this post? I think it's so important to be able to laugh at ourselves. ...so very important!  

My Etsy Shop  This fun little shop on the side makes me so happy. It creates a bit of stress when orders are crazy, but I love it. I love that I can sit in my home and make something that people want to buy. I can take "love on my kiddos" breaks and then get back to work.

Take a minute to hop on over to the other contributor's of "Or so she says...". They are SO GREAT!

Participating Blogs: Cooking with Ruthie Blissful Roots Lemon Tree Dwelling Tips for Family Trips Five Heart Home Double the Deliciousness Nine a Plenty Creative Carmella So Festive! Family Volley Bits of Everything Kiki & Company Additional Contributors (not in blog hop): Packed with Fun Darling Darleen Prepared Housewives Kleinworth & Co. Blahnik Baker Shopgirl The Connection We Share

Dancing in the Rain

Recently I've had some scary medical issues that were going on. And for a time, it consumed me. All I could do was look at my kids and wonder what would become of them if I wasn't here to take care of them. My mind went crazy.

Then one day, we had a hard rainstorm come out of the blue. I was sitting on my couch, when Lucy went RUNNING out the back door with an excited screech that sounded something like, "I'm gonnnnaa pllaayyy in the rraaaaaaainnnnn!"

She ran out to the trampoline and started bouncing, dancing and singing.

As I watched her for a few moments, my mind went back to the fears that I was struggling with. Then I noticed something. The longer I watched Lucy, the more peaceful I felt. I loved watching her find joy in this little rainstorm. I started thinking about my own life then. I was facing a potentially scary storm, but here my little Lucy was teaching me to find the best in it.

I loved her so much in that moment.

It has been a good reminder to not let my trials and challenges get the best of me. I believe that even during out hardest times, we can find joy. We can dance in the rain.

Thank you Lucy LuLu!

My Little Miracle

Today I came home early for church because this little guy had a headache.

As I sat in my quiet house and watched him sleeping, I started thinking about this little guy. He was born with a gentle soul, and still has one. He came with a spirit that was ready to love and had the power to heal all of our broken hearts. He has made us laugh, he has made us all feel like we have a special connection with him and he has a giggle that is contagious and healing. I believe that God knew that we would need Luke. And I believe that this amazing spirit was chosen specifically for our family. 

To be told I would never have children of my very own, and then to have this incredible miracle take place, has taught me many things. I have learned that we really don't have a clue about what is best for us, in spite of what we think. I believe that we have a very loving Heavenly Father who sees our lives much more clearly than we can. I struggled for years with the thought that I would never have children of my own. That pain is hard to describe unless you've been asked to endure it. There were moments when I didn't understand, and I would struggle to have enough faith to accept it, and then would try to find ways to still have joy and fulfillment. It was so hard at times. Honestly, there were times when it felt unbearable. In spite of how hard that challenge was, I feel very grateful for it. I'm grateful for the way it taught me to trust my Father in Heaven. I am grateful to know that I can do hard things. I am grateful to know that when we exercise our faith, we are blessed with strength and peace. I am grateful for the way our challenges draw us closer to our Savior. I'm thankful to know that I only have to stress so much about my challenges, and then I can turn them over to someone who can see the whole picture. 

When I look at Luke, those are the things I think about. And I am thankful for this little reminder who is around me every day. When I look at him, I'm reminded to have faith and not fear. When I look at him, I'm reminded to trust. I'm reminded to be patient. I'm reminded that I am loved perfectly. 

Today, I'm grateful for my little buddy.

Mother is Always Right...in My Dreams.

I WISH.

I had two conversations with Lucy LuLu in the past two days.

"Oh, MOM! It's California! I LOOVVEE California".....as we were driving to a friends house.

"It's not California Lucy, it's Portland."

About 10 minutes later..."Mom, YOU are wrong. It's California. 

I just know it."

Admitting defeat and wanting to avoid an argument.....

"OK Lucy. If you say so."

"Thanks Mom. I knew I was right."

This morning.....

After Lucy smacked her arm on my desk.....

"OW."

"Did you hit your funny bone Lucy?"

A look of heartbreaking sadness mixed with dismay.....

"MOM! It's not funny!! And it makes me sad you said that!!"

"Lucy, sometimes we call that our funny bone."

Said loudly, with even greater dismay - and with big tears.....

"IT'S NOTTT FUNNY!!!"

You win Lucy LuLu.

Mommy isn't always right.

Be Happy...and Grateful.

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There is a lady in the small charming town I live in, who has recently taught me a great lesson.

I see her walking around town all the time.

But, it isn't that she's just walking, it's that she can hardly walk. I'm not sure what the story is with her, but she walks with an extreme limp. I have watched on many occasions as she has struggled to move a body that is twisted and bent. Literally every step seems to take all the energy and strength she has. 

I have stopped and given her rides before, to which she has expressed immense gratitude.

During these rides, we have had some nice conversations. Nothing serious or deep, but I have enjoyed getting to know little things about her. She seems rough and worn by life's challenges, but has always been so grateful for the help when given.

The other day, I stopped again to offer a ride.

And on that day, this sweet lady taught me something great.

After I offered to take her where she needed to go, she looked at me with a smile and said, 

"Thank you! But, it's so beautiful out today, so I'm ok walking."

I was shocked.

Here was someone who struggled so much with just the simple act of walking, and yet, on that beautiful day, she was completely content to deal with the challenges of the life that was hers.

We smiled and parted ways.

As I drove away, I found myself counting the blessings that are mine.

I have a wonderful life.

It is a happy life.

And on that day, I was reminded of that.

As I watched her walk away, I didn't see a smile on her face. I saw a face that showed every ounce of effort it took to move her twisted body down the road. But, I knew that at that moment, she was managing to be happy with the life that was hers. She had passed up an opportunity to make her challenges easier, and seemed content to deal with them. 

What a great lesson.

I love those moments that teach us and help us to be grateful for what we have. 

Is my life perfect? No.

But, I know the world is full of people who have managed to be happy with far less than what I have.

I have been humbled and have been reminded to be grateful for all that is mine.

Keep Laughing

A little while ago I had a dear friend give me a gift.

I have thought a lot about this gift since receiving it.

She knows me well, and I think she knew that I would use it.

But, I also believe that she knew the quote on the front would be something that I would find great meaning in.

And she was right. 

There are so many reasons that I love this. 

But, mainly because it was a reminder that even when life gets challenging, we need to laugh.

Laughter works magic in my crazy little world. 

And there really are moments in each day that can make us laugh.

The choice is ours.

I never want to be so serious about life that I forget to laugh.

And I don't ever want to let the struggles, pressures and day to day responsibilities get so overwhelming where I don't laugh.

Thank you, my dear friend.....for reminding me to keep laughing.

Thank you for reminding me to keep finding joyful moments.

Thank you for my gift.

I'm laughing.

I really am. 

My Happy Family

Recently, I had the blessing of spending time with my family. 

I have always loved my family, but it wasn't until I moved far away from my family that I realized how much.

Being in a family of grown siblings is a funny thing.

I grew up in a home with nine siblings and loved the life I shared with them.

But, when everyone grows up and moves on with life, I've realized that it takes a lot of work to stay close.

We are spread around the country, but in our own ways, we made decisions early on to remain close.

And I'm so very grateful for that.

We've all grown up, we all have been shaped by different experiences in our lives and yet we all still share a common thread.

WE ARE A FAMILY.

And we always will be.

The more time that goes by, I feel like our family just keeps getting better.

And I love that.

I love my siblings. 

I love who they have become.

I really do love that they've chosen to marry some really awesome people.

There are no "in-laws"...they are my FAMILY.

And I'm grateful for those brave souls who made a decision to join our crazy bunch.

I also love each of my sweet nieces and nephews.

They are all growing up as well and are becoming great people. 

And so the circle keeps growing.

 

I love the saying, 

"A happy family is but an earlier heaven."

Do I believe that?

ABSOLUTELY.

I have enjoyed a small glimpse of what heaven will be.

So, thank you to my awesome family.

Life truly is richer because of you.

Cooking 101: Blaylock Style

After graduating, Israel has decided to serve a 2 year mission for our church.

And he is very excited about this.

So, as we wait for his paperwork that tells us where he's going, I thought it was time to get this darling boy ready to leave home. And since Noah is only a year behind him, I thought he should join us as well.

So, last night we began cooking lessons.

Yes.

Cooking Lessons.

BLAYLOCK STYLE

Unless you have had the rare opportunity of being in the kitchen with these two, it's hard to explain what that means.

I figured a safe first lesson was baked chicken and mashed potatoes.

Safe? Yes!

Boring? NO!

These two are so different. Noah is EXACT and PRECISE in all that he does, and Israel is just determined to be done. 

In the end, we had yummy chicken.

And the potatoes? Well...they were yummy.

Interesting.....but yummy.

Of course Noah had to put his stamp on it!

Needless to say, it was the most fun I've had in the kitchen for a long time.

As I watched these two and listened to them, I got a bit emotional.

They truly love each other. 

And they ENJOY each other.

I'm realizing that our moments with the two of them will be changing soon and it feels like a REALLY big pill to swallow. 

They are not the same without the other. 

So although these coming changes are tough,

I'm excited for what the future brings for both of them.

I sure love these boys.

I'll Catch Up One Day

I have some amazing friends.

You know the ones.....

the ones who are on top of EVERYTHING.

They are organized and somehow they manage to accomplish literally one million things in one day.

And then there's me.

I really don't think I will catch up with life.

Mainly because I don't think it's possible.

So, instead I have to just keep truckin' along.

Well, remember her?

 (Read my post on her) 

My Friend "K"

She sent me something in the mail today that put it all in perspective.

I laughed so hard.

And I've been laughing ever since.

So, here's to all those who also love the 

WOOSHING sounds

that fill their crazy lives.

Thank you "K".

You understand me so well.

We truly are kindred spirits.

Kindred spirits whose lives are full of 

WOOSHING sounds!

Oh The Places He'll Go...

This has been a big week for our family. Another milestone, another change.

Israel Blaylock graduated.

And our life has once again changed.

This is how I remember Israel from when I first met him. 

He was charming, witty and full of life.

I would sit up at night and look through his "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" books and we would laugh as we looked at all the crazy stuff in that book. 

That will always be one of my favorite memories 

of my time with him.

There are many memories with Israel that are priceless.

He has been my buddy, my friend, my quiet cheerleader and someone I have always admired.

He is good, through and through.

I have had the incredible blessing of sharing his life and watching him grow over the years. Although he has changed over the years, in many things he has never wavered.

He is a loyal friend to all.

He is compassionate and cares deeply about others.

He quietly observes the world around him, but boldly 

goes about doing good.

He doesn't need the limelight, he doesn't need attention or praise.

He just quietly goes about his business and does his very best.

Just like every parent who had a child graduate this year, 

I am excited about his future.

I am excited about his potential.

And I know he will become something great.

So, Israel, thank you.

Thank you for making the choice to love me.

Thank you for always knowing exactly when I needed your support and help, and for quietly giving it in powerful ways.

Thank you for the example you are to your siblings, and for the strength you are to your parents.

We all love you.

We are all proud of you.

And we will all be behind you, cheering you along the whole way.

I love you.

Simply Sunday: A Happy Life

Wow! It's been a long time since I've been on here.

This morning, I was sitting here in my peaceful, quiet home and I started thinking about my crazy life over the past months. I feel like I have had to fight to find those peaceful moments to just pause, think and regroup. No one said having a big family was simple and easy, but it is so worth it.

Just a bit ago, Lucy was snuggling on my lap and she looked up at me and said, "You make me happy." She then squeezed my neck tight and said, "We have a happy life, right mom?"

Such a simple question, yet it has made me think of so many things. 

And the one thing that stands out the most is that, 

YES.....we have a happy life.

We have a crazy and chaotic life.

We have a life filled with challenges that can be tricky.

We lots of people who live in this house, who all have their own individual trials.

But, yes.

I do believe we have a happy life.

And I believe we have a happy life because we have each other.

We have a home full of cute little people who make decisions every day to find happiness.

They choose to be happy.

As I watch them do this, it makes me very proud of them.

Am I happy?

Yes.

I am.

I have a happy life because of them.

Simply Sunday: Love One Another

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This weekend we had beautiful weather. 

It was perfect.

And in spite of having strep throat, my little cuties
just HAD to play outside. 

I'm sure the fresh air was good for them.

They had the most fun riding an electric motorcycle. 

They actually have two different ones, but today they decided they wanted to be together on the same one.

They were so fun to watch.

As I watched them, I realized something that kept happening over and over again.

Luke kept making sure that Lucy LuLu was holding on tight. 

EVERY TIME before he would start to go, he would reach down and gently pull her hands together and make sure she was hanging on tight.

He did this
EVERY TIME.

I watched my young little son show his sister such great love.

And I don't think he was even aware he was doing it.

He was doing it without even thinking about it. 

I am so thankful to be the mother of such great little people. 

I'm grateful for Luke.

I'm grateful that he loves his Lucy.

Loving one another really is everything.

A Happy Heart: Be Happy

From day one of my blog, I promised myself that I would try to be as real as possible.

I would try to capture my 'real' life.

Life in a 'real' home, with a 'real' family, and a home full of people who deal with 'real' things.

SO...

 We all have those days.

You know the ones.

The ones where you have grand intentions of feeling joyful about everything, skipping through your day, laughing at the fun of life.....

and then you realize that your new plan is to just be as happy as possible.

Well, today has been that day. 

I am extremely grateful for many things.

But, there are just some days that feel a bit tough.

You know 'those' days.

RIGHT?

Well, today was one of mine.

At one point I was discouraged that I couldn't shake my funk.

And then I decided that I needed to do the best I could.

I needed to be as happy as I possibly could.

And that would be enough.

And it worked.

My day hasn't been perfect.

And I still find myself venturing toward the 'funk'.

BUT,

I DO feel like I have honestly tried to be as happy as I possibly could.

And today, it makes my heart happy that my decision to TRY made the difference.

We can't all have perfect days.

But we CAN decide to try to make the best of them.

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A Happy Heart: Kindness

Something that is very dear to my heart is kindness.

And today is the end of "Random Acts of Kindness" week.

We've had a few little hiccups this week, so all my grand plans for this week fell apart.

And I have been so bummed.

I had so many fun ideas of things I was going to do.

Then this morning,  I realized something I COULD do.

So, I grabbed some caramels and off I went.

I handed them all out at church and came home feeling pretty good about the day.

But I was still kind of bummed that I had missed my favorite week!

Then I started to realize how ridiculous that was.

Why not still do my ideas?

Why was I thinking I could only do them because it
was "Random Acts of Kindness Week"?

HOW SILLY

Kindness isn't shown on some timetable.
Kindness should be at the very core of who we are.
We should always be looking for moments where we can show kindness.

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It really IS possible to find moments when we can be kind.

They are always there. 

We just have to look for them.

Today, it makes my heart happy to know that I can ALWAYS find those moments.

I can ALWAYS try to be kind.

A Happy Heart: Ordinary Moments

Today, my heart is very full and happy 

when I think about the life I have.

And I am thankful for all the ordinary moments that make 

it such an amazing life.

This morning, I had one of those moments.

I sat there today and listened to four little ones giggling as they were watching Saturday morning cartoons. 

I realized that at that moment, something that is so ordinary in our home, seemed EXTRAORDINARY. 

I sat and listened to them talk and laugh. 

I looked at their sleepy little faces. 

I saw them snuggled up together under cozy little blankets.

And I found myself feeling very grateful for that ordinary moment.

Then later, I was cleaning through some photos and realized how many made me think of "ordinary moments" in our home.

I loved thinking about those moments.

These truly are the moments when you realize how EXTRAORDINARY your life is.

I'm grateful for the reminder of today.

I'm grateful to remember so many of those moments.

And I'm grateful for a life full of such moments.

So, if you think your life is ordinary,

take a minute and think of your own "moments".

I promise that we all have them.

And when we can find joy in them, 

life really is

EXTRAORDINARY.

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Simply Sunday: A Happy Heart: Friends

Very few things make my heart happier than my friends.

They make me laugh.

They teach me.

They make me a better person.

As I was looking through my pictures of my friends, I realized that I have a very unique relationship with each of them. 

I love them all, but I love them all for different reasons.

I remember specific moments in my childhood when my mother taught me the importance of loving everyone. She taught me to always make sure I had room in my heart for everyone, especially those who really needed a friend.

And I remember so clearly feeling that I really wanted to be that person.

When I consider the things that make my heart happy and bring me joy, I really do have to talk about my friends.

I feel like I have been richly blessed to have the friends that I do.

And they come from all walks of life.

They have each found their way into my heart, into a spot that is theirs and theirs alone.

And once they find that spot, they will ALWAYS be there.

It doesn't matter how much time goes by, it doesn't matter the distance, they will always be my friend.

 

As I was looking through pictures, I wished I had a picture with each of my friends. 

So, this is me - giving you fair warning.

It has become a new goal.

Be ready. :)

To all my friends today.

Thank you.

Thank you for making room for me.

Thank you for a life filled with so many moments of joy.

Today, you each make my heart VERY happy.

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