Brave loves posing for pictures, True too, but only if it is me behind the camera, and anyone notice that Soul can now levitate (see second picture from top)? Yeah, not sure where she learned that skill.

We all had light layers on (I had a sweater, but took it off), but it was the first day that winter came back, and hopefully we will be piling on more layers here on out (and I will be motivated to finish crocheting my scarf). I am kinda wanting a poncho like Brave’s cause I wouldn’t mind a cute colorful one to throw on and the last time I wore this shirt, I was very pregnant with Glow (see here). The skirt is a nice classic denim that will definitely last year me many years and seasons to come. A good denim skirt is a must in every wardrobe. I think I have four different kinds with the other three being vintage.

When we have to go somewhere, it is pretty chaotic in our home getting everyone dressed and ready. Each girl has her own idea of what she wants to wear. I know it will only get harder cause they will all have closet wars seeing how close in age they are. But I must say, having 4 girls, close in age, really saves us a bit of money because all the clothes just keep getting passed down. It’s real convenient!

Welcome Paper Coterie. Lots of pretty photo books, calendars, photo canvases, journals, cards and more! All of which could be personalized with a photo of your choice. This past Christmas I was able to order some items from them and gift them to the grandparents (and a few other people). After all, what do grandparents want most of? Pictures of their grandchildren of course! I really loved the way the albums and calendars came out. Judging by the smiles of the grandparents, they loved them too!

Meet Casey Leigh… blogger, mom, fashion lover, cook, and artist. She documents the joys, frustrations and triumphs of her life on a regular basis. She is one busy mama living in Dallas and raising her two children, creating her own art while running an art gallery. I love how honest she is on her blog. That’s my kind of girl! Check out her blog and you will sure to be inspired!

For one Cakies reader, Casey is giving away a $50 credit to put towards ad space, an art print, a necklace or a blog design. You choose! To win, here are some things you can do:

1. Leave a comment telling me about one of your favorite blogs.
2. Blog, tweet, or facebook about this giveaway and leave each separate links here.

The giveaway will end at 8am PST on Thursday, January 19th. Good luck! Many thanks to Casey Leigh!!!

I kept the outfit pretty neutral but added a pop of color with my kelly green bag I got from Anthropologie. After turquoise, kelly green is my second favorite color! It was a steal of a deal when it was the fifty percent off sale and I couldn’t pass it up (I had a gift card after all) and I have always wanted a pretty kelly green leather bag. Of course, I am also in love with my cool, geometric ring from Osnat Har-noy. I am a sucker for chunky rings. Love them!

Do you have any style resolutions?

What I’m wearing… shirt, vintage. jeans, f21. bag, anthro. budapest wedges c/o modcloth. bracelets, handmade by anne potter. ring, osnat har-noy.

I am not sure what’s going on this weekend, but I just want to hang out with my family. I think everyone is finally well, so it will be nice to just kinda chill. Of course, we also get to see our church family on Sunday.

This week’s learned and links…

– Meal planning. Finally starting. Wanna join me? Here is the menu for this week.

– Glow is so giggly and happy and has had more nights of sleeping through the night than not. That is good for this mama.

– After cleaning my closet, I have come to the conclusion, I need more tops. I have tons of dresses and bottoms, but not enough tops. *as ben rolls his eyes*

– Brave has really got some good dance moves. That girl puts on a show for us every night.

– Soul now says, “Mama, I hungry.” “Glow cry.” Talking is coming to her slowly, but it is coming.

– I want the colder weather to come back. Not this summer stuff we are going through.

– Danni’s post and comments were really interesting to read.

– In love with all jewelry from this artist. I got this necklace and love it!

I had one crying and praying out to God moment this week as I was super frustrated and tired, but God still is good! Even in the craziness of the everyday, enjoy it folks. I know one day I will miss all these little kid messes and playing referee. It comes with the package, doesn’t it?! So glad today is Friday though… huzzah!!!

I am not the cook, Ben is, so usually he comes home from work and I ask, “What’s for dinner?” It takes us awhile to figure it out and it really makes us waste a bit of time and we eat too many frozen meals from Trader Joe’s. One of the things we always wanted to get better at is meal planning. This is my attempt. Every thursday, in this space, I will post the following week’s menu and I will also recap the flavors of the meals cooked from that week. This will give us (and you) the weekend to get the needed groceries and be more prepared for family dinners for the coming week. The links I put will be healthy, I am married to a dietitian after all, and will sometimes be new recipes to me, so I can’t guarantee on flavor.

Family meals are important because we all get to sit together and talk about our day, so I want to be more efficient with this time we are given.

Week of 1/16 through 1/20: