Showing some ETSY love, baby!

Okay, so most of you are familiar with EBAY, but have you heard of the competition? As, in no store bought taste here. Grade A, mostly American made, greatness! ETSY is the online protege of EBAY, only better. Like homemade better, baby! I'm getting excited just typing about it! So, here is my gift to you. Everybody, this is ETSY. ETSY, this is everybody. Here are some of my favs, so far:

Bought this awhile back and it was love at first sight! You can buy it from A Window Into Whismy, or one of her other delightful creations!

Loved when the mailman brought me this fabric goodness. Sorry it's the kid in me I had to have it!

You can find this and other yumminess at

Joy's Hope. She also has a lovely blog, also named Joy's Hope.

It's a coffee sleeve/coozie! Check it out @ Red Owl Designs.

I bought an awesome monogrammed one!

How about this perfection at Creative Bee?  Is this not precious!?!?

Umm, amazing. Amen.  I love GeeZee's work!

I definitely have a damask fetish, but is it not adorable!? Krispy Banana is just a precious shop!

Check out this onesie!  I love Hot Mamas Cool Babes!

Such cute bows!  Take a look at Little Bow Head to score some great stocking stuffers!

Now that I made the introduction, go forth and shop with gusto!

shop handmade, 

Gratituesday

God is SO good! Coupons have been such a blessing to our family over the last two years that we have been able to actually put a dent in debt, give more, & argue less. I think the last reason may be my favorite!  Lately I have been blessed beyond measure with coupons, because I know God knows my heart, my desires, and my needs.  He knows my spending patterns and my love language, too!

Along with my regular deals and great buys I have received these coupons (all within the last month):

* $40 1 800 Flower Gift Certificate
* 9 $5 ($45) Hallmark Gift Certificates
* $10 Victoria Secret Gift Certificate
* $20 Children's Place Gift Certificate
* $15 Lane Bryant Gift Certificate, with FREE panty coupon & 40% coupon that both could be used with GC!
* $10 JCPenney Gift Certificate

This are just the ones that made a huge impact on gifts and items we needed!  I also received freebie coupons for items like 4 free Cokes, a free box of Hostess cupcakes, 2 free International Delight Coffee Creamers to name a few!

The amazing part is knowing that God speaks to my heart because he meets a need in my coupon love language!

We purchased a coat last year for Caleb that shortly after been worn a few times was left outside for our dog to destroy.  As a lesson in taking care of our things and the value of money, we made him 'purchase' a new one.  Because Texas weather is ever changing the weather was warm enough to for go the coat and they were no where in sight in the stores.  Knowing I would probably have to purchase a more expensive coat I gave up looking.  This Fall I saw a beautiful wool pea coat at Children's Place with a hood and toggle buttons.  Perfect!  $65...whoa, not perfect.  Long story short I hounded the story waiting for it to go on sale and clenching my CP coupons for dear life!  Well, CP as a rewards program that pays you  to shop.  My Mom LOVES CP and buys most of their gifts their & so I used the points from those receipts to rack up a $20 GC.  I had forgotten about it until it came in the mail and I immediately called the store.  They were out and I wasn't able to use the GC online.  Bummer!  But wait, she offered to call a neighboring store...SCORE!  She called back saying they indeed had one in his size & would have it shipped to their store.  This is not a policy they typically practice, but I think she was tired of me calling!  HA!  So when I went to pick up the coat and used the GC, I paid $4.59 out of pocket!  God is good indeed!

That's not all.  A little TMI, but Momma was in need of a new white bra.  I have a specific style and brand that...ahem, works for me, but is pricy (for our budget).  Again, God in his goodness sent me a Lane Bryant $15 GC that I was able to use a FREE panty coupon & 40% off coupon with!  So I walked out of the store with bra and panty and paid $5.85 for $48.50 worth of merchandise!

And last, but certainly not least I have a set of grandparents that live in New York and it's hard to send them a gift at Christmas due to budget unless we went the GC route.  I was elated to get a $40 1 800 Flowers GC that can be used at any of their online buisness' with several free shipping options!

So coupons may be work, but boy are they worth it!  I am so thankful for God's provision and that he speaks straight to my heart, sometimes through my wallet no less!

Join the GRATITUESDAY blog carnival at Heavenly Homemakers...you'll be grateful you did!

{live} like your dying....

{live} like your dying

Learning to live this every day, week, month, year and lately moment.

Life is fleeting.  Make a memory worth retrieving.

The LORD replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked."

Numbers 14:20

Happy Sunday!

photo corteousy of Jody Landers 

This Sunday is full of joy, but not like most.  

I'm restless and preoccupied.  

Personally, spiritually, emotionally, physically.  

Both justly and unjustly.  

But, I watch this

 

and I am at a...loss. of. words.

If you were moved and want to be a part take a look at how you can impact the nations this Christmas.  

Give the gift of water by being the church.

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42

Thank you  Julie, Erin, Heather M, Marta, Heather G, & Mel! 

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

prayer list

So I have a confession. I have stopped posting on my prayer blog because I thought no one viewed it and prayed with me. SO selfish. Furthermore, the two gals who follow me I know without a doubt pray my requests. Even more important God totally put the blog on my heart and I'm being a self centered brat not to be faithful to do it.

So what got me thinking about it? Well, I have a dry erase board on my fridge that I jot down names/topics of prayer points I wouldn't usually pray for as a reminder to pray. And in a little bit more than a week's time frame I have changed three names I had been praying for to their families, because all three people went to be with Jesus. I'm elated to know these three people are dancing in Heaven, completely whole and healed. I am also devastated for their families. Only the Lord knows the beginning and end of our lives. But, I can't shake the impact prayer provides when we are challenged and obey. I'm certain the outcome for these three lives would remain. But, I'm certain my faith and others could have been set afire and transformed, because I've encountered it first hand.

I'd love for you to join the journey. But, I know now that's not important and my obedience is. I'd love to take prayer requests from you...for you...or others you love. I'd love for you to join me as a follower on that blog to pray for those I love, too. Either way God is gracious and his gentle prodding only instills that he is in control and I am not. And for that I am grateful!

"When Solomon finished offering all this prayer and supplication to the Lord, he arose from before the Lord's altar, where he had knelt with hands stretched toward heaven." 1 Kings 8:54 Amplified

Here is the link to my Prayer Blog, thanks!

Gratituesday

So this may be some what of a shallow post, but I'm trully greatful for my postman

(insert...hey, hey wait a minute Mr. Postman).
I'm pretty sure he has a crush on me because

early last week he dropped this zinger off for me.

I know, big whoop...I love me some Southern Living, but wait!

Hey, hold the phone I know this face on pg. 106!

Yes, folks PW came to my town. Umm, mailbox . Umm, okay she's just in the magazine, but I was SO excited!  Who's Pioneer Women??? WhAtTtT!!!!! Excuse me, please let me introduce 'THE" Pioneer Women, aka Ree Drummond, Aka Mrs. Marlboro Man...

GO CHECK HER OUT!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

I may have to put out a restaining order on the postman,

because he apparently doesn't know I'm married,

on account of this came later in the week.....

Oh. MY. Word.  I'm speechless....and HUNGRY!  The pages were as pretty as the glossy toy ads I drooled over as a kid!  Okay confession... I totally pre-ordered this baby from Amazon.

And it was a Christmas present to myself, but as my family can already attest...this was definitely a gift for the whole family.  I already have flour marks in the pages, which made me tear up a bit. So thank you Mr. Postman & Thank you Mr. Drummond for lending us your amazing wife!

On to some real GRATITUDE!

I love these guys!  I love our fun filled days of being home together, even when we get on each others nerves.  I love that the kids convinced me Easy Bake Oven cooking would taste delicious...it DID not!  I love that we box our Daddy.  For PE.  In our house.  I love that I homeschool.  More and more everyday.  And I love that I no longer have to have a picture of my family on my desk, because I get to stare into their eyes all day long!

Join the GRATITUESDAY blog carnival at Heavenly Homemakers...you'll be grateful you did!

Make Some Art Monday

Okay, not art in the natural sense. But, definitely art for me! To say I was excited about the outcome of this project is an UNDERSTATEMENT!!! I have had my sewing machine for a year and this is the third project I have completed. However, this is the FIRST one I've completed by myself!!!

So without further ado...here is the precious (at least I think so) outfit I made for my niece for Halloween.  (We did purchase the cute pants from Target.)

Candy Corn Girl

And with her equally precious Mommy, my sister Jackie.

So there's my art for Monday.

Now on to my super power...the ultimate craft creation...MY BABIES!

Prince Caspian on Horseback....

with Lucy in tow!

 Linked up to http://chrissiegrace.blogspot.com/ & Chrissie's Make Some Art Sunday!

Happy Monday!

Happy Sunday!

Bella's Day with Daddy

So in my absence during the summer I missed an opportunity to share a sweet memory maker for Bella. Bella turned eight this year and was able to celebrate her birthday with her best friend, Joelle. Randy and Scott, Joelle's Dad, took the birthday girls and Joelle's sister Avery on an overnight stay in Dallas. They rented a cool hotel room, dressed up for a fancy dinner, went swimming, bought candy from a candy shop, and went ice skating! The girls had a blast, but truth be told I think the Dad's may have had more fun.

Daddy Daughter Date

Hamming it up, because that's how we roll!

 Silly girls, ready for some swimming!

Best Friends!

Ready for some Ice Skating!

Daddy, you're SO silly!

I was so thankful for this weekend in so many ways.  I think it is SO important for us to model for our children what a healthy relationship is.  I think it's important to 'date' our children, in this case Daddy's date your daughters.  Hear me out...my theory is we should be the model of an appropriate help mate.  Bella's husband will not be a mirror image of her Daddy.  But, I pray that, what she sees modeled for her will leave a lasting impression of how her husband should love her, care for her, honor her, respect her, and prefer her.  Spending this one on one time with your child places value on them and impacts them in a very unique way.  Bella was more excited when she got home, than when she left & that cemented the importance of this practice in our home.

While Daddy was off with Bella, Caleb and I shared time together, too.  He wanted to go to dinner and a movie the night we had together. We had a pretty fun time ourselves.  As we talked I asked him what he thought was important to look for in a wife.  He shrugged his shoulder's & very innocently says, "Well, I want a wife who is pretty, cleans the house & cooks & stuff."  I nearly choked I laughed so hard!  Out of the mouths of babes!  I guess if I apply my theory I come out on top, being pretty, a good housekeeper, & a good cook.....but, since we all know better, I guess I have some work to do!

Wordless Wednesday...OUR Christmas Card

This post is linked up to 5 Minutes for Moms, Wordless Wednesday posts.

Gratituesday

I had an awesome weekend with my family and want to share all the ways I was GRATEFUL for such sweet times!

I started Friday night off with some sister time, or seester as we call it, with my only sister, Jackie. We were able to sneak away, sans hubby's & kiddos and chilax. We enjoyed great coffee & music at a local coffee shop, Common Grounds. I love this little gem...it's were Randy and I spent many a date night planning our future and love to go there every chance we get.



Saturday was soccer time! I'm coaching Bella's team this year & know diddly squat about soccer. The kids are having a blast, so that's what counts. And, by penalty of...something pretty intimidating...DO NOT ASK ABOUT OUR WIN/LOSS RATIO!

Bella and I got to have some quality time at a local Fall Craft Fair & then lunch, while Caleb played at Grandma's.

And then we...Cates clan...most of us anyway, went to Kaska Family Farms, Saturday night. SO FUN! We played in haystacks, shot corn with a corn gun, went through a corn maze, went on a hay ride, played laughed & created fun memories!

Bella and Caleb

Cousins!

Caleb, Bella and cousin Claire

Group Shot of MOST of us!

Mom and kiddos, who WERE NOT interested in being photographed!

Then we played baseball as a family at my brother, Jason's house. This was the second Sunday we gathered and we liked it enough, so we are planning to play again next Sunday! Growing up we were pretty much forced to play together. With 6 brothers and a sister, I was very lucky for a traveling play date. And although I wasn't always excited about the idea then, I'm loving hanging with with them now! We had an absolute blast!

Jackie sporting a HOT Catcher's get up!

Cousin, William SO OVER this picture with Bella!

Even with all our fun, we still missed Daddy. He was working so hard for our family all day & resting up at night! He is an amazing Daddy & we are SO GRATEFUL for him! We had some fun time with him when we visited our annual fair, earlier this month. We rode some rides, bought some fun stuff from a few booths & dined on scrumptious corn dogs & funnel cake! Woo Hoo!





I'm a pretty darn blessed girl and pretty grateful for it!



This is linked to Heavenly Homemaker....take a look and link up!