One Thousand Gifts--Weekend Reading

Over the last couple of months, I have been rereading Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts, for the third time! 

Yes...the third time. 

No shame here! 

The book has made such an impact on my life! 

Because of that, when the DVD study came out I decided to host a group of ladies to complete the study together. There were between 5-8 of us each week for the study, and it was wonderful! 

It really opened up good conversation and vulnerability between the group members. 

 I LOVED it!

In the midst of this study, my husband was interested to see what the hype in our house was all about. 

So what did he do? He read this review of the book and proceeded to forward it on to me. 

Honestly, I was appalled! I have my own thoughts on the book (obviously contrary to the ones in this review) and was really upset about! I had to explain my thoughts to my husband so he didn't think I was a crazy lady for liking the book!

Then, we came across this jewel earlier this week.

So thankful for his humility to write a response of forgiveness! True gospel community is humble and loving...even in critique! 

Another little gem for your weekend--an interview from Desiring God with 

Ann Voskamp!

If you happen to be looking for a good read right now, One Thousand Gifts would be my recommendation! :)

May you have a blessed Easter weekend!

Good Friday

Thinking on how THIS Friday is significantly different than most has been extremely 

sobering

this morning. 

My Bible reading this week has consisted of Matthew 21 and following--the accounts of 

Passion Week.

I have been struck by the harsh words of Jesus to the Pharisees and His love for those who are not of the household of Israel--mainly, ME! 

Today's reading of the night of his betrayal, morning of the "trial" and crucifixion has been even more astounding in light of the sermon last week from Matthew 21 and the subsequent readings throughout the week. 

My prayer is that, while enjoying this gorgeous, sunny, spring Friday, I will also contemplate the events that this day signifies. 

May we mediate on what this day and Sunday truly mean.

"He is Risen, Indeed!"

Spring Clean--SALE!

Yep, that's right! 

A big sale is going on in the shop right now! 

Due to Spring coming and my Spring Cleaning bug beginning to hit, I have decided to clean out all of my current inventory. Hey, if I'm cleaning my house, why not clean my shop too right?!?

I need to make room for my Spring/Summer stuff that is in the works too

(you won't want to miss this stuff!). 

Here's a preview of what's on sale!

Kindle Case

Reversible Coasters

Reusable Snack Bags

Here's the deal--

50% off of

ALL ITEMS in the shop! 

Use the Coupon Code 

springclean

at checkout for the 50% discount on any item!

Simply Clean

Spring is almost upon us...and with Spring comes

flowers, warm days, sunshine, and cleaning! 

At least, that's what I think of. 

Spring Cleaning.

Those two words can conjure up fear, dread, excitement, or maybe all of those! 

I don't know that I really do specific Spring Cleaning. I don't follow a schedule or anything. I do, however, enjoy getting my house all sparkly with the sun shining and a few windows open letting in a cool breeze. I guess that's kind of the beauty of Spring Cleaning. 

With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my favorite natural/homemade cleaning recipes! 

Not only are these recipes safer if you have children because you don't have harsh chemicals in your home, they are SO much less expensive than purchasing pre-made products. You really only need a few staple ingredients to get you started:

baking soda

vinegar

Original Dawn dish liquid (the blue kind)

essential oils (lemon, orange, peppermint are my favorites)

There are other ingredients, but those are the basics. 

Over the next few weeks I will be posting my favorite cleaning solutions, tips, and tricks. 

Most of the recipes I use have come from a little book called 

The Naturally Clean Home

My mom picked this up for me one day (as one of her little "prizes") and I love it! 

It has everything from floor cleaning solutions, to getting rid of pests, to dishwashing liquid! It is wonderful! 

So, here's to Spring Cleaning...the natural way! Are you up for the challenge? 

Here's an easy bathroom cleaning recipe to get you started:

(tip: the two ingredients in this one are basically staples for making your own cleaning products, so stock up!)

Bathroom Cleaner

Ingredients

1 part white vinegar

1 part Dawn dish liquid (Original Blue Dawn only!)

Lemon essential oil (optional)

Warm the vinegar a little bit. Pour it into a spray bottle. Add the Dawn and essential oil. Get to work on cleaning that bathroom! That's it! It is simple and it WORKS! This stuff cuts soap scum and mildew better than most other things I have tried. 

They Say...

They Say...

"Time flies when you're having fun"

Honestly, I don't know who they are and I don't typically believe what they have to say, but in this case I'm making an exception. 

Our baby girl--Little E-- turns 2 today! 

WOAH!

the very first time we saw her beautiful face

click here to read her birth story!

one month old!

just hanging out at home...dying to get outside!

one year birthday breakfast date with Papa!

first birthday party--had to try on her gifts :)

my big girl getting her nails painted!

I honestly have no idea where the last two years have gone...but they sure have been fun! Sometimes difficult, exhausting, and not-so-simple, but always fun. 

Happy 2nd Birthday Little E! 

We love you!

a week of birthdays!

We've celebrated one, will celebrate one tonight, and another on Sunday! Whew! 

I'm trying to convince one of these people in my family to switch their birthday to a different time of year...this is a whole lot of celebrating and cake eating for one week! 

Don't misunderstand--I LOVE birthdays! 

Here's the thing--Our family finds any reason we can to celebrate something...seriously. Ask any boy that has dated my sister. Almost every one has made mention of the fact that we celebrate  a lot!

So three birthdays in one week means lots of partying.

I've done other things this week too...

birthday celebration decor crafting for Miss E's 2nd birthday! 

(Anyone know where the last year went?)

Cleaning out OLD things at my parent's house...

How old is that bag? Probably as old as ME!

She really was excited. You just can't tell. 

Grandpa Matt brought back a cool, new bib from the Daytona 500! 

He always brings home fun prizes (yes...we call everything a "prize"...again, ask sister's boyfriend).

So, while driving I realized my odometer hit 111,111! 

How cool is that? Of course I had to capture the moment! :) 

I'm ervinlady on instagram...in case you want to follow! 

I'll be linking up with LifeRearranged this week for Insta-Friday!