Weekly Roundup

I've decided to share some of my weekly reads and videos that I find either interesting, funny or thought-provoking. So here it goes:

• This post about discussing our children's sins- what an interesting read and thought-how do you feel about this? 
• This video - seriously... love this series!  TOO FUNNY
• This:

• This video on gamification-- such a neat way to view teaching and how modern students learn

Big Changes

By far, this past year has been the toughest year on our marriage.  

It has been such a wonderful year, but definitely a year that both Wes and I have had our own struggles.  

We have had to deal with some things that honestly, I would have rather done without.  

But then again...

if these situations didn't arise, 

Wes and I wouldn't be able to deal with them and grow in our marriage as we have.  

We have had to learn how to be parents this year. 

We have had to learn how imperfect we both are.

We have had to learn how to use others for accountability. 

We have had to learn to trust God with our future- no matter what the circumstances.  

All in all, this year has been a huge year of growth, both individually and as a couple.  

God has been so good to teach us many lessons this past year, 

we have had to make many changes, 

but I am so thankful for each and every one of these changes. 

Psalm 37:5

Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him, and he will act

Christmas Shopping

This Christmas will be Peyton's first Christmas.
I am so excited, but I am realizing how costly Christmas can get.

I realize that in many cases, Peyton will not even realize what she is opening
(in fact she is more likely to like the wrapping of the gift rather than the gift itself),
But I still want to make this Christmas special for her.

So how am I doing this on a student budget?

1. I have been a crocheting machine these last few months, I have made Peyton many various crochet hats, stuffed animals and a Christmas stocking.  I find these gifts are most likely the gifts that will be treasured in the future as well.  
2. Mom 2 Mom Sales- Often these sales can have many hidden gems.  Since summer, I have been going to various sales and slowly collecting small gifts such as building blocks, clothes, etc. 
3. Buy necessities- We have decided we are going to fill Peyton's stocking with items such as cloth diapers, wipes, food, etc.  These are items that you will have to buy anyway- why not add them to the stocking?
4. SAMKO WAREHOUSE- We checked out this toy warehouse the other day and found many brand new books for $1 each.  They also have discounted toys but I found myself gravitating towards their books.  Books are always great as they don't take up a lot of room in our tiny apartment and they are great for children to be introduced to literacy (being a teacher I love books)
5. Pictures- Though we haven't bought Peyton a lot of photos, in the past I have done my photo related gifts as they are often cheaper and more memorable. 
6. Gift Exchanges- This is a great way to have a good time with friends and/or family yet only have to buy one gift (that often is more thoughtful as more time can be given to think about one gift rather than a bunch of different gifts)

What ways do you save money during the Christmas season?

Making Our Own Traditions

I love this time of year, 

Christmas trees are going up, 

Music is playing, 

and families are starting to partake in their annual Christmas traditions.  

As Wes and I are putting together our first Christmas for Peyton, 

I find myself wondering what traditions I want to do with my family. 

Due to the fact we have not been able to settle down into our own house yet, these traditions may need to be minimized a bit until a house is more realistic for us. 

 But I most definitely plan to have our own little Christmas traditions in our little two-bedroom apartment.  

Traditions like putting up our Christmas tree mid-November, with the Christmas music playing loud and clear. 

Traditions like having a family snow day where we go for a walk and have fun in the beautiful snow all around us. 

Traditions like sending out family Christmas cards to close family and friends, so people are able to see what God has done in our lives the past year. 

Traditions like having a family Christmas movie day (Elf being a most definite part of this day). 

And traditions like visiting our family and friends (I have been so blessed to be able to get together with my high school support group each and every Christmas and cannot wait until we meet again this year and see what we have all been up to)

What traditions do you partake in each year?  

9 Months

Likes:

Songs

Silly faces/noises (when I get home from school I become a face-making dancing machine)

Crackers

Walks (We have been walking to church every week this month)

Cell Phone Toy

Swimming Lessons

Peek-a-Boo

Dislikes:

Long car rides (most of the time she has one good trip and one bad trip)

Getting diaper changed (so hard now that she is on the go!)

Big Moves This Month:

Sleeping through the night! (Hallelujah!)

Crawling like a Champ 

Went to her first High School Football Game with Mommy and Daddy

Talking lots of Baby Talk

Funny Quotes/Memories:

It is so funny to see her reaction to things- she most definitely knows what is going on around her now and her facial expressions are priceless!

Fall Colours

A few weeks ago, we went to a local apple orchard to get our family photos done. 

They were done by Liz Heikoop (a great photographer- awesome with kids!)

 

 

Here are some of the shots:) 

 

Peyton was all smiles until she realized that she could in fact bite into the apple and it was edible.
Then she carried her apple where ever we went

Next time this year she will be walking herself most likely!

She loves her Daddy cuddles

Such a curious little girl!

Basically what we do all day.  
Make sure Peyton isn't getting herself into anything.

I'm really learning the importance of working together in this whole parenting thing. 
I am so lucky I can do this with Wes.