So now it has been six years of living in Texas. There [...]]]> If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that I’m a Colorado Girl. In college I married a Texas Boy. Of all the advice I received about marriage, no one mentioned that if you marry a Texan, you will live in Texas.

So now it has been six years of living in Texas. There are so many good things about living here. The cost of living is low. Lots of jobs. Really friendly people. Good schools for the kiddos. I genuinely like it here. But I still have waves of extreme homesickness for the mountains. When we first moved here, I took the advice of a new friend who said she always pretended that she lived on top of the highest mountain and that’s why she couldn’t see any other mountains around. That worked for a while (Thanks, Jenny).

The mind trick is wearing off, though. A few months ago, while I was feeling claustrophobic and uninspired, I decided that there must be something beautiful here and by golly, I’m going to find it.

So, I am on a quest to find the beautiful spots in Texas (after all, the slogan around here is “Keep Texas Beautiful” which implies it is already beautiful, right?!).

First stop: Natural Bridge Caverns.

The caves did not disappoint! My boys loved it. They were amazing. The rock formations were unbelievable. Even Owen loved it. We participated in a one hour tour through the caves and then we walked around the grounds for a while looking at all the blue bonnets.

Luckily my sister and her family live in San Antonio so we spent the weekend with them (which happened to be Easter). She made the most amazingly delicious cheesecake known to man. And Chris made me a tiny Easter basket.

So, good job, Natural Bridge Caverns. We’ll be back.

(photos from my instagram @bookbound)

We’ve been supporting a local farm, Wood Duck Farm, for a few years now by participating in their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

I have vague memories of when I was a child and my mom bought in to [...]]]> Every other Thursday, we pick up our veggies. The box of farm fresh produce smells so good. So. Good.

We’ve been supporting a local farm, Wood Duck Farm, for a few years now by participating in their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

I have vague memories of when I was a child and my mom bought in to some sort of veggie co-op. We ate squash for every meal for weeks. We laugh about it now, but it didn’t seem funny at the time.

I love the CSA program because I am feeding my family local produce. The quality is night and day different from what you can buy at the grocery store. It smells good and tastes even better. My kids are eating veggies they never did before because they actually taste delicious! It’s a miracle.

And look at how beautiful these turnips are.

If you are in the Houston area, I can highly recommend Van and everyone working at Wood Duck Farm. Your life will never be the same! I am spoiled with beautiful, delicious farm food. I cringe when I have to buy produce at the grocery store now — and I reach in for an onion and a cloud of fruit flies disperse… ack!

So, dear Van, thank you. Thank you!

Tomorrow is the big day. Max finished up his valentines for his class today. Rockin’, right? Last year, I drew each one and he colored them. This year, I drew one, scanned it, and then printed them out so he could color them. I’m so glad my kiddos are learning how to show love [...]]]>

Tomorrow is the big day. Max finished up his valentines for his class today. Rockin’, right? Last year, I drew each one and he colored them. This year, I drew one, scanned it, and then printed them out so he could color them. I’m so glad my kiddos are learning how to show love with handmade notes.

Cooper made his a month ago. I really try to reign in my artistic opinions when I’m working with my kids so I don’t over power their ideas. Cooper’s valentines are a good example of this. He ONLY wanted a castle on it. No hearts. No red. No pink. So, who cares if his valentines have no obvious tie to Valentine’s Day — he’s the boss.

On an unrelated note, I recently joined the world of Instagram. My username is “bookbound” if you want to see snippets of my day to day.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Spread some love.

Early in our marriage, [...]]]> I grew up in a home where music was important. We all took piano lessons and other instruments. We sang in choir. We sang together as a family on Sunday nights. Then, I married Chris who also has a love for music. We really hope to pass on our musicality to our children.

Early in our marriage, we were blessed with a free piano. Awesome. Since then, our musical instrument collection has grown.

These are a few of the boys’ current favorite noise makers. I made the egg shakers the other night (filled them with lentils) and the bells were Christmas presents Chris and I put together last December. The rest were purchased.

We keep them all in a basket in our family room. They accompany us while we sing during family night… and most other times of the day. Owen especially loves to carry the egg shakers around the house.

Now, I’m no interior designer (although I love stalking people who are). But I have discovered one thing that makes me so happy.

You can do it too.

Organize the kiddo’s books by color.

ps – We need more books with [...]]]>

Now, I’m no interior designer (although I love stalking people who are). But I have discovered one thing that makes me so happy.

You can do it too.

Organize the kiddo’s books by color.

ps – We need more books with purple spines.

Between my family and Chris’ family, there are 22 people. 9 of those have a birthday in December or January. I find it hard to keep up with honoring the birthdays because it’s in the middle of the holidays (I know, that is lame!). Does [...]]]> (My mother-in-law blowing out her candles at her birthday celebration)

Between my family and Chris’ family, there are 22 people. 9 of those have a birthday in December or January. I find it hard to keep up with honoring the birthdays because it’s in the middle of the holidays (I know, that is lame!). Does anyone else struggle with this? I love my family dearly. And your birthday should be a day that makes you feel awesome. So here’s a little birthday blogging shout out to Mom, Grace, Will, Karina, Nancy, Henry, Justin, Violet, and Karen.

Maybe we can celebrate half birthdays in 2012? Any takers?

If you know me well, you know that I love lists. I make lists for everything (this goes back to my high school year book days where list-making was mandatory). So it may be surprising to know (especially to Melissa–Hi, Melissa) that I don’t make lists at the new year.

Years ago, I found that I was [...]]]>

If you know me well, you know that I love lists. I make lists for everything (this goes back to my high school year book days where list-making was mandatory). So it may be surprising to know (especially to Melissa–Hi, Melissa) that I don’t make lists at the new year.

Years ago, I found that I was making the same lists each year. You know, more gospel study, more exercise, more adventures, etc. Obviously the yearly lists were not working.

So, I decided to go a different route.

Now, I choose a word or a phrase or a scripture to be my theme for the year. (A few years back there was an article about this very thing on Bloom. You can read it here.) I let the word/phrase/scripture guide my choices for the year as they come around. Usually, by the end of the year I have internalized my theme and it’s a part of me. I really have changed. I really have made progress. And that feels awesome.

This year I’m aiming for the essentials.

Here’s the back story. (The back story happens to be personal, unlike the craft tutorials I usually post about around here, but I feel like I want to share.)

A couple weeks before Christmas, I miscarried my little baby bean at 12 weeks. The whole experience included passing out in the ER in the wee hours of the morning, very kind doctors and nurses, heartache for the little one we lost, and a deeper awareness of how precious life is. I still get teary thinking of all the angels (seen and unseen) who came to our rescue when we needed back up. Words can’t express the feelings of gratitude I feel for them.

At the end of the day, I’m glad I’ve had this experience. I better understand other women who have had similar experiences (there are a lot of us!). I realize how amazing Chris is. I care more tenderly for my three healthy, darling boys. My trust in God and the Plan of Salvation has deepened.

The experience has left me with a deeper awareness that some things are essential and some things are just nice to do.

My husband and kiddos: essential.

My relationship with God: essential.

My role as a nurturer: essential.

My connections with my family, friends, and neighbors: essential.

I hope that in 2012 I can keep the essentials in the spotlight–giving them the most time, attention, and loving care.

>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<:>:<

Good reads if you are interested in the essentials, too:

Good, Better, Best by Dallin H. Oaks

Finding Balance by Julie B. Beck (listen to the audio clip)

Here we are a little dazed and exhausted after Christmas Sunday church.

The last two weeks have been jam-packed full of family and holiday spirit. We loved every minute of it. We have an empty house now (kind of lonely — very quiet) so I have lots of time to think [...]]]> Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Here we are a little dazed and exhausted after Christmas Sunday church.

The last two weeks have been jam-packed full of family and holiday spirit. We loved every minute of it. We have an empty house now (kind of lonely — very quiet) so I have lots of time to think about the year ahead… What are my goals? Are my priorities in the right order? Which dreams will come true? I can’t wait to see how it all pans out.

Wishing you the very best in the year ahead!

Monkey glasses, bunny ears, a beard and gloves is almost the same thing as a shirt and tie, right?

Tomorrow, Chris and I are playing a viola [...]]]> As you may or may not know, we go to church each Sunday. This is what happened one day when Chris asked the boys to go get their church duds on:

Monkey glasses, bunny ears, a beard and gloves is almost the same thing as a shirt and tie, right?

Tomorrow, Chris and I are playing a viola and piano duet at church. All the practicing of In a Bleak Midwinter has made it my favorite Christmas song. I especially love the last verse:
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what can I give him: give my heart.

I love Christmas time. I love celebrating the birth of the Savior of the World with my family. Merry Christmas, everyone!