my blessed life

We recently had new family photos taken by our good friend, Becky. I think she did a wonderful job--considering what she had to work with..ha! And for those who've had photos taken with your young children recently, I am sure you can just imagine the *story behind the photos*. If ever your children (ahem...my son) are going to be ornery and misbehave, it's going to be during the family photo session. But in spite of all that, we were still able to get some really good ones. Here area a few of my faves: And now I'm off to finish my Christmas cards...

My awesomely creative hubby made me the coolest gift for Christmas. I just have to tell you all about it! It's a set of envelope templates so that I can make my own beautiful envelopes with whatever paper I want to use. He cut the templates from one of those giant art clipboards so they are nice and sturdy. And there are two sizes: smaller and larger:) He even put a few together for me. Aren't they pretty?! His gift included more pretty scrapbook papers to make into envelopes, glue sticks, gel pens and cute stickers. Isn't he so very incredibly thoughtful and creative?! I just love it! And him!:) I am looking forward to writing more letters this year! I do really love to write *real* letters (and receive them!) and I hate that I've let life keep me from writing them much anymore. This year I resolve to write my friends more often. Do you enjoy writing letters?

Today has been sort of a laid-back school day (since it's a holiday and all!). We enjoyed reading this book together: Then The Princess wrote a letter to President Obama and drew him a picture: I can remember writing to President Reagan (my favorite president!) with my class in 4th grade. It was so exciting to receive a letter back from him! I hope that President Obama will respond to The Princess' letter, although I know he has a lot on his plate. It was good letter-writing practice for her anyway--that is a talent I want to encourage her to develop. I'm curious, have you ever written a letter to one of our past presidents? Do you encourage your children to do that? Find more Blissfully Domestic things here !

OH. MY. WORD. That banner at the top of my page is starting to freak me out!! I cannot believe how close Christmas is already. And how many things I still need to do. We've had a couple of trips lately and that always gets me behind on the homefront . Do trips do that to you, too? I spent all of last week getting my house decorated (and I still have one little vignette to do in one room). And cleaning up from the aftermath of a trip....well, you know that isn't easy. I always try to leave the house *clean*, but somehow it never feels like that after we've unloaded the car. So what do you have left to do to get ready for Christmas? I've got several things... cleaning/preparing for our progressive dinner this Friday finish a few little decorating touches finish some Christmas gifts that I'm crafting oh, yeah...the Christmas cards--I'm way behind there! take the kiddos for their annual visit & picture with Santa bake more cookies That's all I'm lis...

A letter from a far-away friend brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart all day long!

What with having her birthday on Easter, all the visiting relatives, and then the immediately following flu, the Princess didn't have a chance to celebrate with her friends. And, believe me, she just didn't feel like her birthday was complete without having *the girlfriends* over! So yesterday afternoon we invited several of her friends over for some fun. And fun it was: cupcakes, ice cream, gifts, and much princess play (ie: dress up!). blowing out *5* candles gettin' sugared-up! a Cinderella play set: Prince included! She had a great time, Mr. B enjoyed terrorizing all the girls (I can still hear the screams!) and I was totally ready for a nap after so much celebrating! Thank the Lord that we're feeling so much better and beginning to get our energy back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On another note: I just have to share how good God is! Lately my husband and I (along with our whole church) are going through a very stressful and discouraging situat...

... Chocolate Ink ! A brand-new blog brought to us by my friend (in real life!): Nancy. Nancy and I have been friends for our whole lives-- really. Our parents were friends before we were ever twinkles in their eyes. Even though we've never lived in the same state or town (except for 1 1/2 years during college) we have remained friends always. For years we kept in touch by that thing I love , real letters, and in recent years, email. Now I'm excited to be *blogging friends*, too! I'm sure you'll love her blog , so check it out. Just be warned: it'll make you hungry for chocolate!

This afternoon (while Mr. B has been napping) the Princess and I made Easter cards. We had so much fun together cutting, pasting and stamping. I'm so glad she enjoys that sort of thing! It's fun quality time together for us. My next project is the Princess' birthday cake. Since her day falls on Easter this year, I thought I would do something I've been wanting to try for a while. You may remember this old issue of Victoria with the precious lamb cake on the cover: and the sweet mini lamb cakes shown on the inside: Well, when that issue came out I had to have those cake molds: I've never yet used them, but THIS year I'm going to ! It'll be a special Easter birthday cake celebration! I'm still working on what recipe to use, but I'm sure it'll all come together. I've never baked in these types of pans though, so if anyone has any tips for me--bring them on! **UPDATE: I just found the most adorable Easter egg project that I so wish I had time...

Yea! My John Adams card came--postage included! It's so pretty, I almost want to keep it. I think I will share it with a dear friend though. I hope you have recieved yours, too. If not, go here and create one today!

I've always been a letter writer, ever since I learned how to write. I still keep in touch with pen-pals that I've had for 30 years! Even in this computer age, I still love a handwritten letter, both writing one and receiving one. There's just nothing like opening the mailbox and finding a REAL letter from a dear friend. It's just the best! Well, Clarice at Storybook Woods gave a link today for a beautiful card with a quote by either John Adams or Abigal Adams. It's free! Go check it out if you're interested. I can't wait till mine comes. Till then I'll be thinking of which friend that I want to share it with.