Homemade organic cinnamon play dough

Recipe:
1/4 cup organic sea salt
1 cup organic flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup (or more) water

Have your child mix the salt, flour, and cinnamon in the bowl. Add water and knead the dough to make a clay consistency.

Did you know? Playing with play dough is a great way to help develop your child's fine motor skills. Have fun! ☺

His timing is perfect

I am truly amazed how God orchestrates every detail of my life. Every experience, whether good or bad, allows the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with Him, myself, and others. I couldn't be more thankful:)

"You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." Psalm 139:16 (NLT)

joy • love • peace

The true joy of Christmas is the love of Christ, shared with family and friends. May you find His joy, love, and peace in the coming New Year.

(Click on the photo to enlarge)

Emily's escapade

Tonight my 2 1/2- year-old daughter quietly snuck into the bathroom and used the step stool to grab two forbidden items -- a pair of scissors her dad accidentally left on the counter, and a bottle of lotion her mom accidentally left on the counter (oops!). She decided to give herself a haircut (front layers, to be exact) and lather her pajamas with goats milk lotion.

Emily's haircut could have been a lot worse. Surprisingly, she even used care when trimming her feather hair extension. Maybe she'll follow in her Aunt Teresa's footsteps and become a hair stylist someday;)

Even though I was upset (especially since I'm planning on taking Christmas photos this week), when I heard her sweet little voice and saw her innocent smile, I couldn't help but laugh inside. However, I did refrain from taking a picture of her handiwork even though I wanted to.

Did I mention this happened at 10 o'clock in the evening?

She's tucked in bed now. Hopefully she won't try to escape again. Gotta go...

Life is good:)

Here's a brief photo recap of the past couple of months...

Trunk N Treat at our church
October 31, 2011

Batman · Wonder Woman · Spider-Man · Supergirl

Ethan (4 1/2) · Emily (2 1/2) · Grandma Mary · Grandpa YayYay

Daddy ♥ Emmy

Superheroes

Love our new family room decal from Empressive Designs Vinyl Decor

Our early Christmas present:)

Cousins
November 13, 2011

Emily's first French braid (done by Aunt Teresa)

Celebrating Aunt KK's birthday

Superman showing off his muscles

Strong girl

Playing in "God's creation"

Little lady

Fall fun

Emily & baby Hailey
Thanksgiving 2011

Emily checking out her cousin's adorable outfit

Cousins ♥

Tonight I was told specific instructions from my son: "When you wake up in the morning, stay under the covers. DO NOT get out of bed until I'm done making you a picture for your birthday." 


Then my daughter made me feel special: "Daddy loves you, Ethan loves you, and I love you too! We all love mommy!" 


The years keep getting better and better:) I'm really looking forward to my 30s, and even more excited to watch God's plan continue to unfold!

Bargain of the day

I bought the following items today at a local kids consignment sale:

• Children's book
• Dinosaur puzzles (4 pack)
• Dodgers pink mini baseball bat 
• LEGO® starter set for girls
• Little People dollhouse
• Melissa & Doug brownie set
• Sunglasses (2 pairs)
• Boys clothing: long sleeve dress shirt, long sleeve t-shirt, one pair of pants, sweater vest 
• Girls clothing: two dresses, one skirt, two pairs of pants, three long sleeve shirts, two jackets, one pair of pajamas

I spent a grand total of $113.14. Some of the toys will be saved for Christmas. It's always exciting to save money on name-brand, new, and gently-used items for my kids.

9/11: Chargers opening day victory

Ready for the game

Ethan: "At the game, when they were trumpeting I was yelling the entire time for the Chargers."

Excited boy

San Diego Chargers

· Rivers ·

Ethan: "I've been asking daddy for years and years to buy me a soft finger souvenir at Dodger Stadium, and he finally did at the Chargers game!"