Sunday, August 31, 2014

Almost TIME!

I'm just wrapping up our Spring and Summer selling season with Scentsy Fragrance & Velata. I had to snag some of my favorite scents before they went away.... and of course, I had to restock my chocolate stash at a 10% discount.

Now we wait until tomorrow.... TOMORROW our Fall & Winter goodies are available! Hooray!

Want to see why I'm so excited?!?


Our new charitable cause warmer: Ribbons of Hope. All proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Chasing Fireflies is our new warmer of the month for September! I know this beauty is going to be well loved by everyone who has one on pre-order (thank you!) and anyone who decides to add it to their home decor. (I kind of want one for every room... but Joel thought that'd be a bit much!) But I do think this one is going out on our back deck... and maybe our fireplace.

Look at the spooky cute little things! So sweet.

These two little snuggle buddies are absolutely adorable. I can't wait to add them to our collection.

Stella the Unicorn & Scout the Dragon

There are so many more amazing new warmers and don't even get me started on the delicious scents available TOMORROW! Squeal!

Now Velata! Dill and Cajun Artisan Rubs.... YUM!

Meltables: confectioners wafers in Vanilla & Chocolate! I might have to try my hand at cake pops again!

The vegetable peeler and bread knife are soon to be a part of our kitchen wares. I can't wait!

I think I might go to bed now so I can hurry up and wake up tomorrow morning to place my order.

This is such an exciting time of year for us with Scentsy Family. Our team is growing and the momentum is rockin'! We are helping launch businesses & having parties constantly around here! I love it!

What's your favorite new product?

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Phone Photography & Editing

Did you know that every night I post on this blog in bed? From my phone....

A few of the people that know this think it's absolutely crazy. It kind of is. But gets the deal...

I have super mega fast lightning thumbs and I can probably type faster on my phone than a computer these days. 

And my phone is the only camera I have so if I want to share photos on here this is the easiest way to edit and add my photos. 

Speaking of editing photos, this is a question I get asked quite often. 

How do I edit my photos? It's so easy! I have a few apps on my phone that I do all of my editing through. 

A Beautiful Mess app & Rhonna Designs I use to add adorable text and trendy doodles to my photos. I also use these apps with different backgrounds to promote my Scentsy & Velata business. Whether I'm making invitations to parties, socials or team meetings or recognition for my team or thank yous for customers, these apps make designing super simple, absolutely personal and fun.  

Obaby app is filled with adorable pregnancy, adoption and all things baby! There are sweet little sayings, doodles, calends dates and so much more! Ido admit that I don't use this one nearly as much as I should. If you're a new mom, expecting or have little babies around, this app is perfect for you! 

The last three on my main page of photography apps are Afterlight, Rhinna Design Magic and VSCOcam. These have incredible filter options. You can use premade filters of almost any tone, color and shade or you can create and save a custom filter and use it to make all your photos a little more personal. I adore the silhouettes featured in Afterlight... and the floral wallpapers make my heart melt too. 

Now that we're sharing app secrets, what is your favorite photo editing apps? Don't have one? Which of these will you most likely try out? I want to see how you use them! 

Most, if not all, of these apps listed do cost. I believe they are worth every penny and more. If you are a business owner and are using these to help market and run your business... Guess what?! You can use them as a business expense! Bonus! 

Ok... Back to dreaming up storage ideas! Did you see the garage and basement before photos?! Oofta! 

Still working on them... Yes, be jealous! *wink*

Basement

Um... Yeah. There are no words. 
Happy Labor Day weekend! 



Thursday, August 28, 2014

A New Beginning...

This was me last week...

Today, no junk food. 

I've been completely unhappy with my health and fitness over the past year. More so in the past couple of months. 

Honestly I think I could blame it on a little bit of depression since the loss of our baby in June... But really, that would be me just excusing it and not placing myself responsible. 

I've been extremely lazy when it comes to taking care of myself. That's just about it... Lazy. 

I know myself and my family are addicted to sugar. I didn't realize it until having to make very conscious decisions all throughout the day on what we were choosing to consume. 

I have a few people in my life who have been transformed because of fitness and choosing to live a more healthy lifestyle. By choosing to eat responsibly. 

Oh another big word... I've been completely irresponsible when it comes to eating healthy and  planning or preparing meals for my family. 

I'm not looking for a change when I look in the mirror. Although I know that will be pleasant bonus in the end. 

What I am wanting to notice a change in is the way I feel. How I feel ultimately influences how I treat other people. I desire to have energy; to not be tired all the time. I want to run with my kids and even go upstairs to my office without being winded. 

I can hear the voices of a few of you that know me well saying "oh yeah, I've heard this song and dance before." 

But that's just it. I can't do this alone.  It has become an internal, spiritual battle in my head and heart for a while. 

I can only do anything, easy or hard, not because of my strength, but because of the strength of The Lord. I have to rely on Him. I have to let Him work a change in my heart and place the desire in me care for my body which was made in His image. 

It's time. I've been seeking. And will continue seeking forever. 

I also know that it's absolutely vital to have an accountability partner(s) along for the journey. I'm grateful for the few I have to cheer me on and put me back on the fence if I start to fall off. 

What about you? Are you an addict like me? Do you want something more for your health? Do you have an accountability partner? 

Here's to a new beginning.... It's going to be hard but it's going to definitely be worth it. 



Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Clutter & Wasted Time

Our Garage (before)
Y'all... It's a MESS! 

We have been so busy the past 4 months that we have dumped, shuffled, grabbed, and dumped again in our garage. 

Honestly, it kind of shows a reflection of what our life is like. Chaotic, messy, out of sorts, overwhelming, and on and on. 
Joel and I are wanting to make big changes in our lives. We have and will continue to pray for what The Lord wants and needs us to do. 

While we wait, we are going to be living differently around here. No more excuses. If we want change, we have to be willing to change. 

First job is underway for our 'Happy Handmade Home' adventure.... Overflowing garage is now about 80% organized. We still have a shelf full of tools and painting supplies that need another night of intentional focus and then we'll go to the drawing board on how exactly this space will serve us best. 

Intentional focus; what a wild idea! It took less than 2 hours to tackle this job which consumed our brains for months because we were constantly dreading going out there and doing something about it. 

Two hours to make this area feel better. Look better. 

This got me thinking. How much time do we waste every single day? If you had to guess what would you say? My guess is probably 4-5 hours out of my day gets wasted. And that's being fairly conservative. Now if I multiply that by seven.... That's over 30 hours wasted each week! That's almost a full time job! 

Year? Whoa!!! 1,560 hours each year! That's disgusting. Eww. 

Try to figure yours out. How much time during the year do you waste?

Television watching?
Social media catch up?
Snoopbooking?
Oversleeping?
Video games or candy crush?
Staring off in la la land?

It's time to be more intentional with our precious time so that we can clear out the clutter and live with an uncluttered mind, heart & home. 

Here's to a Labor Day weekend of decluttering! 

Psst... I'm too embarrassed to show you the garbage pile! Sorry Allied Waste... Please come back next week! There will be more. 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

*Happy Handmade Home*

Squeal! Pretty sure that was the exact sound that come from my mouth about 4 o'clock this afternoon when the FedEx guy delivered this beauty. 
I preordered this book the very first day it was set to go on sale on Amazon

The authors of this book, Elsie Larson & her sister Emma Chapman, are the bloggers & creators of A Beautiful Mess; women's lifestyle company focused on creating happiness every day through a homemade lifestyle. On this blog they share home decor projects, recipes, life... all sorts of adorable!

I've been a long time fan of Elsie since 2006 when I found her blog with the help of my beautiful cousin Leah. I was absolutely smitten with her scrapbooking style & when she came out with her own line, Love, Elsie. I collected everything. 

In May of 2009, I had the opportunity to travel to Missouri, by myself, to hang out with Elsie & a few online friends I had made. It was then, that I realized how much alike we really were. So as a friend from the past, I want to say "I'm so proud of you Elsie!".... "And Emma!" 

I've just started skimming through this book and already am so inspired to make our house finally feel like our home. Joel and I moved our little family into this house 3 years ago tomorrow. If by walking in for the first time, you would think we moved in last month. Nothing on the walls.... no paint (other than our black wall... which I love!)... nothing that really shows off either of our personalities. You would also notice that nothing is super functional for our growing family. Everything is cluttered. Nothing has a permanent home & there is clutter everywhere. Our furniture is old, the television stand is about to fall apart, and our closets are stuffed to the max. It definitely isn't a place that I feel comfortable having people over. I love to entertain but when you're not confident in your space, it makes it difficult to want to do more of it. 

I'm not saying that I'm not grateful for our home.... I truly am. I just feel like we haven't given it the attention and love that it needs to be a warm and welcoming haven for our family, friends & neighbors. I want people to walk in the door and see us in every part of our home. I want people to feel comfortable here. 

I think I had the internal thoughts that everything had to be done right away; like a Trading Spaces if you will. That by piecing it together and doing one step at a time would be wrong to do. 

My friend gave me this book a couple months ago and it truly has changed the way I feel about my house. A great read and absolutely beautiful photos. Another friend is always encouraging me to just go for it. Do something. Piece by piece... make it ours. 

Between those & this new book with the how-tos and tons of inspiration, I'm going to be more intention on turning our house into a cozy, happy home.... style-wise.

I'm absolutely ready for this challenge. This beautiful challenge where I'm sure I'll make a ton of mistakes. I'm positive that it will be hard work & require a lot of time but I'm up to it. I'm excited to transform our little casa. 

I'm going to shoot for a goal of one area in the home each month for the next year. I'll be sharing my ideas, inspirations and projects here. Spry's Handmade Home. It's got a nice ring to it. 

If you ever need any DIY inspiration, check out abeautifulmess.com. You'll love it as much as I do!

Monday, August 25, 2014

Fail Forward

What is success? What does it mean to you? How do you reach it?

I think of these questions often and I get asked about them sometimes too.

Today, I held an open house style Scentsy & Velata party. What does this entail?

Inviting many people via phone, text, facebook and handwritten invitations. Cleaning my office yesterday because it was a disaster (if you've seen it before you know exactly how bad it gets!). Sorting, labeling and pulling everything from the office down to the main floor. Wiping tables down and setting up the display. Making and displaying hostess & guest gifts. A last minute grocery store run to make sure the snacks and goodies to dip in the Velata were just right.

It's almost picture perfect don't you think?

The time came for guests to arrive. Two minutes into the open house, as I was scrambling to make sure everything was finished, my first guest knocked on the door! After a brief catch up, she started sniffing the fragrances that are leaving soon and she got her nose in the new scents that are available beginning September 1st.

As my customer was ready to walk out the door, I asked if she was ready to place her order with me today. She said that she'll order online in September. Her little nose LOVED the fall fragrances!

When she left, the girls and I finished all the details of the day and just kind of sat around. Waiting for more knocks.

Waiting.

And waiting.

The first customer of the day, my friends, was also our last.

What does this tell me? How should this make me feel? What did I do wrong? How can I keep going?

I'll tell you how... and why.

Almost exactly 6 years ago, a similar situation happened. It was my Launch Party for Scentsy Wickless. I was so excited! I had my dear friend and sponsor, Ariell, present just in case I got so overwhelmed with the rush of customers during my open house.

I had done almost every detail mentioned above to make sure that this Launch party for this 'new to me' company was a huge success.

I bet you can guess what happened..... one person showed up. But do you want to know the funny thing? This person wasn't invited! She was our neighbor, 'The Cat Lady', who just happened to knock on the door during the hours of the party, to ask my girls if they would watch her cats for the weekend. She must have felt bad, or saw the desperation in my eyes, but she came in and sniffed her way to a $44 warmer and wax set.

At the end of the night I had a few mixed emotions. I was part embarrassed that I had 'wasted' Ariell's night. I was sad that I now had a counter full of food, prepared that we could barely afford at the time. I felt let down, like my friends didn't care about my new business...or me even.

What did I learn?

I learned that none of those feelings was the truth! (except that we truly were broke!) I learned that there may be days that you decide to party but everyone else is busy. 

This is what has happened since my first Scentsy party until today's open house.

I have grown to be a whole different person than I was 6 years ago. I have met hundreds of new people and have reconnected with many friends from the past. I have learned to get comfortable doing the things that make me most uncomfortable... talking to strangers. I have grown in my confidence to speak to a group to hundreds of people on more than one occasion. I have witnessed other peoples lives change. I have set goals and have met them.... set bigger goals and have seen them finished as well. I have learned to dream bigger and share that with other people. I have seen the heart and soul of our company give more and more. I haven't had to work outside the home in 6 1/2 years. I have learned that consistent effort and discipline each day (some days lots, some days just a little) can change your life.

The one big lesson I have learned during my Scentsy journey.... is NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER QUIT! Always know that:
And that: 


Please take these words of advice as encouragement to you as you try to run a 'successful' home based business. If little ol' me, the girl that struggles with consistency & discipline; the girl who has dipped her toe into many business adventures,... if I can climb my way up to the highest title on our compensation plan with this amazing company.... so can you. It doesn't matter if you're just starting, rejoining, or if you've been around longer than I have. It doesn't matter if you have no clue where to begin or what to do. I know that you can do it. You have an incredible team and sponsor or director who want nothing more than to see you reach your greatest potential. I believe in you.

NEVER GIVE UP. FAIL FORWARD!




Sunday, August 24, 2014

MTDSA meets Jewel Kade

Oh I'm so ecstatic to share with you something very exciting!

Joel and I were introduced to a newly formed non-profit organization that was formed to empower, encourage, and enrich the lives of families, loved ones, and individuals with Down Syndrome. This organization is called Montana Down Syndrome Association, or MTDSA

I've felt in my heart for a long time that I need to be intentional about giving more. This could mean by giving my time, energy, resources or finances. The moment our friend Jessie shared MTDSA with us, Joel and I instantly knew this was the exact thing we were praying for. 


In Montana, for years, there has been very little to no support for families with loved ones who have Down Syndrome. 


Can you imagine not having any support or someone to talk to if you found out your sweet baby had this syndrome? Can you imagine maybe living life as a single parent with a beautiful child who has Down Syndrome and the every day hurdles you have to go through to make sure your child is taken care of  while you work full-time? There are so many situations where families need extra funding for medical or personal reasons that most of us could never imagine. 


But what can we do? How can we do more? How can we give more?


One way that we are going to give more to this beautiful organization is through helping raise aware. You can participate in the Buddy Walk on September 13th and join us for a day of awareness, fun and celebration. 


Another way you can give more to this group that pulls at every heart string of my being is by sponsoring the Buddy Walk or donating directly to MTDSA.


Another little blingy spin, is to shop Jewel Kade!


My sweet cousin Brooke is generously donating her commissions earned through the sales of this online Jewel Kade party to MTDSA! How fun is that?!?

I recently fell in love with this line of jewelry because of it's classy & vintage look that you can personal in countless different ways. My personal favorites are these:






 My sister Jackie just got be this leather personalized cuff that reads "Dream Big".... I love it so much and wear it every day!




Did I mention you can even upload your favorite photo of your kiddos, parents, grandparents, spouse or whoever and make adorable charms?! How precious is that!? They are all two sided so the other side can be another photo if you want.... I've used my favorite quotes from Pinterest to make inspiring necklaces for myself. These are my absolutely favorites!
 One thing I'm sure to order is one of these canvases. Now if I could just choose what it would say. What would it say if you ordered one? Favorite saying? Bible verse? House rules?
 I love these individual charms you can mix and match. The sweetest mothers necklace: birthstones, names, important dates. Sports mom? Show your school spirit and player pride by choosing your colors, sport charm and more.
I appreciate you reading my blog... daily, or weekly, or if this is your first time welcome. I ask that if you are able to do any of the above options, please do. But above all, please pray for these families. That they will feel the love of The Lord everyday.

If you go shopping, please remember to click Add Order to Party - then choose FUNDRAISER: MTDSA.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Mount WashMore

One thing I didn't have to do this past week was laundry. I'm not a huge fan of gathering, sorting, washing, drying and I absolutely dislike putting it away! 

However, these piles represent the people I love and the incredible opportunities we get to spend quality time together. It's an honor to serve my husband and daughters through this everyday, ordinary, mostly boring chore. Imagine how lonely it would be without these piles.

So I'll take on these loads with a joyful heart. I promise to sort and to fold from this day forward. With dirt and with grime, through pee and cracker crumbs,  I will vow to make them smell fresh & remove all the stains. 

I'm publicly promising to finish this job by end of day tomorrow. Even putting them all away. It's a BIG task, folks. Huge. 

Yes... Even the car seat. (Ugh! Does anyone else seriously hate taking apart and putting a car seat cover back on?!)


Warming Up to New Friends

Here's to camping and meeting new friends. CHEERS! 

On Monday when we pulled into our camp site, two gentlemen helped guide Joel into the tight site. There were trees and logs everywhere.... Clearly not a job for this girl. 

With a couple local beers as a thank you, we parted ways and didn't really see these guys for most of the week. Since it was rainy we were all shut inside our little travel homes for a few days in a row. 

Last night, however, when we returned to the campground from exploring Glacier National Park, the weather was beautiful. 

We saw our two helping buddies as soon as we got back and they invited us to go over to their fire a bit later. 

We fed the girls, snuggled them in tight, then grabbed our chairs and walked two sites down to get to know these kind strangers. 

Now I'll be honest here... Meeting new people and striking up the 'getting to know you' questions is super difficult for me. I don't like it at all. It makes me uncomfortable.... Like nervous sick. 

Joel on the otherhand, can talk to anyone, about anything, anywhere we are. That is definitely a strength of his. We are polar opposite but God knew we would be good together. He gives us strengths to help even out the others weaknesses. 

I should say though that once I get to know you, it's super easy for me to chat your ear off while listening with genuine interest. 

We walked over to the site and surprise! They had wives! I was happy to see some females there to keep me company. We got to chatting about the usual.... "Where are you from?" "Kids?" 

The the inevitable question arose "what do you do for work?"

For most people this is an easy question to answer. For me, it's a bit awkward. 

"I'm a stay at home mom who runs a successful Scentsy Family business"

That's how I wanted to say it... But I'm sure it came our more like "well, I'm a mom who homeschools our girls. They keep me really busy. I also work from home selling candles and stuff" 

Why is it so hard to explain what I do to people? I'm so in love with my business and am passionate about it, but when I get put on the spot, it's almost like I get nervous to share. Why do I do that? Do you do that too?

These two gals had different responses after they heard I was a Scentsy consultant. 

Girl 1:
She knew everything about it! She loves the product and could probably name off over 50 fragrances, 20 warmer names and couldn't stop singing the praise of our Laundry by Layers line. It was hilarious! Her eyes just lit up! 

My immediate reaction was "girl, why don't you just sell this stuff already?! I can tell you're passionate about the products and you're excited to share them!" 

Her response..."you know, I should. I don't even have a consultant because every time I buy something I never hear back from the consultants so I always have to search for new people to buy from. And whenever I want to have a party, I can't get anyone to call me back to schedule one"

Girl 2: "Scentsy?! What's that? I've never heard of it"

"Say what?! Girl hold on..."

I went back to our camper, unplugged our warmer on the counter and (gasp!) tossed out the little bit of Fried Ice Cream left warming. After wiping out the old wax, I dug through the drawers and found a half bar of Berries Jubilee. I grabbed a couple catalogs and magnet business cards and put them in a bowl. 
I wasn't bringing the warmer over to show her what Scentsy is.... But to give her the warmer and bar. Scentsy is something I think every person should experience and fall in love with too. Its a product that 'Warms the heart, enlivens the senses and inspires the souls.' It's just something you have to share. 
She was so ecstatic! She immediately grabbed it (after the sweet "are you sure?! You don't need to give this to me" yada yada) and ran into her camper to turn it on. 

We exchanged info so we could keep in touch. It was a night of laughter with our new friends. We stayed awake until 3am! I had a great time! 

Moral of my story: 
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. 
Meet new people to make new friends. 
Be proud of what you do and who you are.
Customer service is everything in this business. Call people back. 
Give to bless others. 
Go to bed earlier when you have a busy toddler! 

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Campfire Conversation

As we were sitting by a dying fire tonight, the only three left by the fire was Alyn, Joel and me. 

Now all I really have to say is 'whoa! That girl can talk!' Just like her dad. 

But what I want to remember are her sweet comments and questions she asked us. 

We talked about leadership. What it means to KNOW what leadership is and how to SHOW leadership to others. 

We talked about the 'golden rule' and why it's important to treat others the way you want to be treated. 

But maybe the most adorable thing we talked about was when she asked this sweet basic question. 

"Mom... Dad, I know this is probably going to be weird since you're my parents..." 

And I'm thinking and praying "oh Lord, please let me have the right words for whatever this sweet innocent 9 year old is going to ask. Please!"

And then she goes on... "I don't think I've ever asked you this before..."

"Oh God, please! Seriously I'm not ready to talk about this! I know we're in nature and all but please Lord, no birds and the bees talks tonight!"

".... But I would like to know..."

"I can't handle this God. Not now. Not yet!"

"What is your favorite color? What's your favorite animal too?"

"Oh my! Seriously!? That's easy!"

Sweating and staring at the fire, I just knew something was going to come out of her mouth and make me super uncomfortable. 

And in reality, this simple question kind of did. I was sad to know that my kids, whom I spend my time with day in and day out, don't know these basic things about me. 

Those exact questions are what you ask when you're trying to get to know someone. It's one of the first things you want to know. 

But why, then, had it taken us 9 years to have this conversation? 

Why don't my offspring, people that I think I know best, know these simple things about me? 

Do I not spend enough time simply talking to them? Getting to know them? Their likes and dislikes? Goals and fears? And vice versa? 

Our little conversation tonight really punched me in the gut.  It's time to start living in the moment with these little people we have around us. They are looking to us to lead the way. They are looking to us to show them the right path. 

I don't want that path to be caught in the crossroads of tasks or lists. I want that bath to lead straight to relationships. 

Getting to know the people you love. Like really getting to know them. 

So to answer her question, "oh sweet girl, I love black and white and everything in between because I think all colors are beautiful in their own way. I really like horses because they seem so mysterious yet graceful and gentle at the same time." 

"Ew! Even poopy green brown?! You love that color too?!"

"Okay, well, maybe not poopy green brown."




Spry Family Planner [Part 1]

On a five day family get away out in the middle of the mountains, when it rains all day, what else do you do?! Plan! 

Okay so honestly, that was part of the agenda for this week. For me to sit down and plan out our fall. Family schedule, travel dates, softball try-outs & practices, weddings, curriculum for homeschool, field trips, bible study, ski weekends, business adventures, Scentsy* & Velata* trainings, parties, calls and daily routines. 

I'm a girl who likes to have a plan. The list above is quite the variety and it probably seems a little much to have to plan it all out.... But this is the only way our family can function. 

A few weeks ago, I put together the beginnings of a 'Spry Family Planner.' I'm not exactly sure how it'll end up but we are just going with it for now. 
First and foremost, it has to be cute & personal! I chose some simple snapshots taken from our daily activities and printed them out. I also printed one of my favorite quotes from Pinterest*. I then secured them down to this black and white striped binder from Target with washi tape! (Best invention ever!... I mean behind cars, computers, fax machines, iPhones, peanut butter... Ummm you get the idea) 
It's super important for us to be able to look at our month in a quick glance. We have so many moving parts for a little family so we need to know who is going where and when. The list to be planned above is just the constant comings and goings. As changes and additions are made throughout the month, they will be put on this adorable 'August' monthly print out from Emily at Jones Design Company*. I've been subscribed to her monthly Paper Works subscription for about a year. I love it! (That's a whole post all on its own). Again, attach it with washi tape, month over month, and because washi tape peels off anything easily, at the end of the year you'll have a mini journal of your family activities! Fun!... Or scary! 
As much as I like to be planful, I do realize that we are not in control of anything. This simple quote, found on Pinterest*, keeps me humble and assured with the fact that if everything doesn't go exactly as planned. Everything is going to be just fine. 

We also needed big photos of our family. Here I have an 8x10 of our crazy life family photo taken by Jessie with 5 Crow Photo* last September. Don't be alarmed, we only held her upside down for about 6.76834 seconds to take this photo. All babies and little Bears were unharmed in the snapping of this shot. 
Oh I just loved this family photo (minus my hair do... Let's get real! What look was I exactly going for? Bon Jove circa 1988?!) from the spring of 2010? 2011? Or was it 2009? Mom, do you remember? Notice the yellow duct tape... Before washi was invented I used tape to make my pages 'cool!' (Wow! Sassy girls!)
One of the most important things that could ever be added to this family binder is truth-filled verses from the Living Word. Every time I open my binder, I see God's promises and read them. They are treasures that I want to remember forever.  I love these scripture cards (also by JDC*)! I also added two print outs of great quotes created on Rhonna Designs App*. I created the upper left one and I think I found the other one via Instagram*.
Almost 6 years ago, a friend from MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) handed me printout of a 'Clover Family Commandments.' Her family was not the Clovers and neither is mine so I'm not sure who to give the credit to but it's not me. I held on to that printout (without losing it!<---- that is a miracle!) for so long and today I finally copied it off and personalized it for our family. 
*Our Home is to be a place of Christ's Love & Peace* ---- oh I pray that every day. <3

As I was handwriting these commandments for our children, it was as if I was staring at all of my sins in a mirror. These are not only a guide for them, but for Joel and I as well. 

When you read them, what do you think? Are these commands that you do follow? Or are you like me and need to ask for help for a softer, kinder heart? Do you put others first before yourself? Do you serve others well without complaining? 

I pray for a transformation of my heart and my tongue. The words that come out of me at times are nasty, ugly. I pray that I will not be idle and am obedient to serve joyfully when called. 

Good news! We can't do it on our own. We're not capable of changing by trying hard enough. But we have a Father who loves us and can change our hearts to be more like Him. I'm thankful for His grace & mercy.... Daily. Actually hourly. Ok seriously... Every moment.  

I'll be sharing more of what I have finished soon. As I add more to the 'Spry Family Planner' I'll share it here too. 

(All * links will be added when I have wifi next week. I can't link from my phone) 

Our day.

Our day.

Wonder. 
Together. 
Restful. 
Adventure. 
Playful. 
Study. 
Still. 
Time-out. (First one for this little bear. No hitting.)
Cowabunga! <-----??? (Carefree?)
Games. 

Through thunderstorms, first time-outs and Joel working through the day, I can't help but be so grateful. 

Grateful for these days. These moments. This view. These people. 

(Still no wifi.... But being unplugged {or almost} is good for my soul)