The girls have been working on their Christmas wish lists and I’ve been spending time looking things up online (or trying to figure out how to make some of their requests). Treehouse Kid & Craft has always been one of my fave shops for a few years now, and I can always count on that shop to have items I know my girls would love. All things in the shop definitely encourage imagination and creativity. This les coquettes doll is the cutest “baby” I’ve seen in awhile, True would love this easy weaver, and Brave wanted a craft kit like this squirrel kit or superhero mask kit. Soul’s asking for a castle, so this block set or this pop-to-play one would fit the bill (or I’m thinking of making her a large one in the slot style like the cardboard dollhouse). Glow loves blocks and animals, so I think blabla dolls are always adorable or this set of balancing blocks. I also like this Lottie Doll and how she has a childlike body; it’s refreshing from all the princess and Barbie dolls out there. Also, I’m so honored that they have my book, Let’s Sew Together, in stock too!

Kristen, the shop owner, and I have communicated back and forth online for a few years now, and I’ve always been so inspired by her. Besides her online presence, she has a brick and mortar located in Athens, Georgia. Besides being able to shop in person, they also host a lot of creative classes for kids and adults. It really is great to see another woman pursuing her dreams and creating a wonderful space for others to enjoy too!

Have you started your Christmas shopping? I officially started mine last week, and did a little bit more today. I always like to be done before December, so once True and Brave finalize their lists, and Ben and I discuss everything, I hope to get everything squared away (and under the tree) as soon as possible!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

I’m finding out mess stress really brings on my feelings of anxiety (at least for this week), which then shows my desire to control too much.

I like online coat window shopping, but it’s a waste to buy coats when you live in Southern California.

This Gap Kids sweater jacket is cute, and I’m wondering if a XXL would fit me?!

The wreath in the photo above is a project I did for the A Beautiful Mess. You can get full instructions on how to make your own here.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cookie Bars?!! Yes, please! Totally “low-nu,” but maybe I can figure out a way to make it a little bit healthier.

Thankful for a new month. October brought a lot of surprises (good and bad), so excited to see the adventure life has for us this month.

I love this video Frances Chan did with his wife as a promo for their new book. I think it will be my next read.

Have any done any projects from my book, Let’s Sew Together? I would love to see pictures (and share it here) if you have!

It seems most of you enjoyed Ben’s first post here. I would love for him to write more family nutrition related ones in the future, but if there is a specific topic you’d like him to write about (or have questions on), do let us know via comment or email.

I love November because I love birthdays and mine is in a couple days. I told Ben and the girls my birthday starts today, so I have grand plans to do nothing. Seriously, I plan to stay and bed reading a good book and do nothing. That’s all I really want to do! I’ll report on how that goes later, but that’s the goal. Wish me luck!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

Glow likes her haircut so much, she tried to cut more off herself! Thankfully, she didn’t cut too much.

These peanut butter cookies look amazing!

This post titled “When Motherhood Drains Your Happiness” really spoke to my heart.

The weather this week has been amazing! It makes this cooler weather loving gal thankful.

I love the pretty handmade baby clothes by Esther Marquis. I love the pattern on this top.

Ben isn’t a fan of baseball like he is of basketball, but he does love watching the World Series. My dad is a big Giants fan, so that’s who we’re rooting for!

I was craving buffalo wings, so my parents came over and brought me Wingstop. It was my first time trying it. Totally not healthy, but it was a delicious. I think I had one too many wing though, and that oil went straight to my brain and gave me a slight headache. Oye!

One more week until Halloween and my girls are pretty excited! Do you have your costumes ready?

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

Earlier this week, I asked Brave what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said, “I wanted to be a dancer, but I don’t want to dress immodest, so I think I’ll be a scientist.”

It’s been so great having the girls learn Spanish with Ben’s mom via FaceTime.

This blog has been such an encouragement for my weary heart.

Thankful for feeling crappy because it made me realize I need more Jesus.

I’m so happy there is a really good place to get boba milk tea near our home. I’ve been indulging at least once a week.

I ordered these headphones and have been loving them! The girls use them when playing computer learning games, and I use them when listening or watching something in bed.

This wooden drummer set is so cute!

We want to make this painted leaf art.

Don’t forget to check out my recent projects for A Beautiful Mess: Woodland Creatures Felt Masks, Braided Rope Basket,  and Three Easy Halloween Projects!

Enjoy the weekend!!!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

Oh man. Thankful things got done. This week was crazy!

I want to make a sign like this.

My mom is cute. She made an Instagram account to post this birthday video for my sister she did with her co-workers.

Excited for Jenny from Mikasa Su Casa and her hunt for a studio space.

Part of my busy week was helping my friend propose to my other friend. Read the proposal story here.

I’ve been getting tons of spam comments lately. I need to figure out how to prevent it.

How cute is this unicorn headband?! I’m sure the girls would have fun making their own.

The book, Little Fixes, by blogger Disney Powless looks like a very helpful manual in extending the life of children’s clothes.

I want to get this block set for our coffee table. Our girls loves playing with blocks and I think this one would be interesting.

The temperatures went back up to the 100’s this week, so while there a bunch of fall festivals and pumpkin patches popping up, it still doesn’t feel like fall. Oh well.

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

Glow is a funny kid! She’s cracking jokes these days.

I want these fun stairs!

Curious about what I sound like? I’m on a podcast with Jennifer from Craftsanity and we’re chatting about blogging, projects, and my book, Let’s Sew Together. Get the podcast here.

Thankful it’s fall even though it’s been over 100 degrees over here. This weekend is supposed to be cooler, so I hope the cooler weather is here to stay.

Mer Mag’s new book, Playful, looks so perfect for kids! My girls would love those projects.

I think we’ll make an indoor hopscotch with washi tape this weekend.

Brave started reading Nancy Drew books and has begun dressing like her, or what she thinks Nancy dresses like based on details in the books. She still wears her glasses to channel Peter Parker, but she wears a skirt and shirt (not in blue and red), wears a watch, and carries a “handbag” like Nancy Drew.

Every time my sister writes a new blog post about her adventures on World Race, my heart is encouraged and rebuked, and I am brought to tears.

There are few changes going on in our lives. We are excited for them, but nervous at the same time. We are trying to be prayerful about it and the decisions we have to make.

Happy weekend friends!