The Change for Change happened....

Do you remember last year when I started the Change for Change project?
I pledged to collect money for The Shine Project Scholarship Fund - dedicated to helping inner city high school students go to college and achieve their dreams.

With help from some of YOU we were able to meet our goal and fill the jar.

I sent our collections to my friend, Ashley, from The Shine Project and then waited patiently to see the faces of the lucky kids awarded.

Well, I was so EXCITED to see the pictures this week!
I wanted to make sure you saw them too.
Click on over to visit Ashley and see the faces of the amazing kids whose lives YOU helped change.Seeing the pictures made me want to reach through the screen and congratulate them myself.

Thank you for helping me help them.
And thank you, Ashley, for letting us be a part of the great work The Shine Project is doing.

Valentine's Day via Instgram

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Preparations...

I'm up to my elbows in cream cheese frosting and melt in your mouth sugar cookies, but I'm almost ready..... 

 

Valentine's Day inspiration...

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Christmas "little things" of 2011

 - Sleeping (I should call it a lack of actual sleeping) under the Christmas Tree with little ones.....a new Wilson tradition

- The smell of homemade gingerbread baking in the oven

- Skype ... the only way I can give Christmas and Holiday kisses to my sister and her family

- a clean, flannel pillowcase

- giving of ourselves 

- watching little boys try to sneak pieces of that homemade gingerbread off our gingerbread house 

- Christmas on Sunday

- having little boys who actually like my homemade gifts

- pumpkin pie with cinnamon roll crust

- Making lots of time to spread Christmas joy and teach my boys about showing love, kindness and appreciation to others in our community during Christmastime....and all the time.

- these little people...

 

they are pretty stinkin' special and I couldn't be more grateful that these miracles are mine.

- and last, but not least....this man.
For trying extra hard this year to physically display his excitement for my benefit.

For finishing a beautiful craft room as part of my Christmas.
For having another Christmas where we buy each other the same gift.
For being my best friend and the best part of my Christmas.

What are YOUR Christmas "little things" of 2011?

Merry Christmas!

snow....or no snow.

It was 60 degrees outside today.
The last time I enjoyed Christmas with NO SNOW was when I was a little girl living in California. 

This holiday with no snow is throwing me off my Christmas game.....if there is such a thing.

But I pulled myself together today and (in my rain boots) bought everything I need to fill this house with the smells of Christmas.

So now, I will be in the world of baking - gingerbread, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, Christmas cookies for Santa, oh....and don't forget the cinnamon rolls....you can't have Christmas morning without cinnamon rolls! 

Well, at least in my house.

Snow or no snow....this is going to be a great Christmas!

Mr. Wilson and I took our little men out and about tonight delivering little Christmas surprises.

It is so much fun to see the surprise and joy you can bring to someone (stranger or friend) just by letting them know you are thinking of them this holiday season.

My green boy put it perfectly when on our way home, he exclaimed...
"We just made their night! Boy, that was so much fun!"

We came home empty handed, with our hearts completely full.

Last minute gifts....

Are you scrambling to finish or find last minute gifts?
Here are a few places I love that have some really great ideas!

MADE

Creature Comforts

Good Housekeeping

Tip Junkie

My weekend ramblings...

• We are sick. +  My sewing machine is still broken. = A few Christmas projects have been taken off the 'to-do' list.
  

• Mr. Wilson split his head open today. Scary. and Gross. Lots of hydrogen peroxide....lots of rags....and maybe some superglue.

•  Our spare bedroom is transforming into a beautiful workspace for me. I'm very excited. I'll have to show it to you when it's all finished.

• I held my studio recital last weekend and I was so pleased with my students and all their hard work. I got to perform as well....made me miss my old performing days.

• Last weekend I ordered something special online for Christmas for one of my best friends and I just got an email yesterday telling me that they cancelled my order. Boo! Thanks to Urban Outfitters for saving me last minute and having the exact something special I wanted AND jumping right on the shipping.
  
  
• Enjoyed a new little crepe place downtown with friends. Who knew that all kinds of food combinations taste divine in a crepe? I didn't know, but now I do.

• Saw Santa repel off the top of a skyscraper with an elf and Rudolf along with a Christmas firework show.
  Surprisingly entertaining.

Only a few more days until Christmas.....what have YOU been doing?

 

We have planned a few more fun acts of service to do before Christmas is here. You are welcome to join us!

1. Buy lunch for the car behind you at the drive-through.

2. Leave a present for the mailman in your mailbox with a note of thanks.

3. Leave a note of thanks on the bathroom stall for the janitor who cleans it.

4. Surprise the employee at the pharmacy who fills your prescription with a note of thanks and a candy-cane.

Christmas Joy...

I've got a 'to-do' list that emulates the 5 inch wide Children's Dictionary sitting on my green boy's lap.

There is so much to do and even more to catch up on.
And I can't seem to keep up.

I decided to start whittling away my Christmas 'to-do' list months and months ago so that I could enjoy the season and not be scrambling around to keep up with the disappearing days of December.

Unfortunately, I'm still feeling increasingly uneasy with each day marked off the advent calendar.

A few days ago, I was running around the house desperately trying to get some things checked off my list when my little blue boy fell apart at the seams. In reality, the ugly meltdown only looked like a great big road block to accomplishing my goals for the day.

Then, with his head buried in the tear soaked carpet, he pointed his chubby finger into the carpet fibers and said "Mommy, here".

I knew in that moment, what he really wanted.
So....I put down my armfuls of cleaning supplies and sat down next to him.
He didn't look up, but I put my hand on his back and just sat with him.
Somehow that was enough.

In that moment, I felt a peace and calm wash over me.

I realized that in-spite of my endless daily lists and constant plans, what was most important was to let go of the schedule and just be. To feel peace and comfort in the moment together.

Those feelings are what this season is really about.

We should be feeling peace and comfort as we approach the day we celebrate the coming of our Savior to this Earth to atone and sacrifice His life for each of us.

In that exact spirit, we have started some new traditions for this little Wilson family. We have begun a seasonal project to shine the light of Christ....the light of love, appreciation, and service into the lives of those among us.

We have started with small things such as these:

- drawing a picture, writing a note of thanks, and leaving homemade cookies for the garbage man
(he LOVED that....and wrote back!)

- carrying candy canes and baggies of cookies with notes of thanks in our bag and giving them to those who serve us and often go unnoticed.
i.e. the gas station attendant, the janitor who cleans the bathroom stalls, the fun ladies at the gym who play with the boys while I work out, the man who fills my up water bottle during spin class, the disabled boy who bags my groceries, the parking garage attendant....etc.
The list goes on and on!


- cooking dinner for a new Mom or just a busy Mom, like myself, who would appreciate a little break.


- buying a couple balloons and handing them to someone who looks like they might need a smile.


- Bringing a plate of cookies and a note of thanks to the firestation


- tape a few quarters on the vending machine or soda machine with a note 


- hold the door for someone

It has been such a joy to serve those around us...in small and simple ways.
It has been an even greater joy to watch my little boys learn about thinking of others, serving others, and loving others...Just as their Savior, Jesus Christ would do.

 Even though we are ALL overloaded with constant lists of things to accomplish....there is a more important reason for the season.
Go spread some Christmas Joy...

a new addition to the family....

This little addition will only be around during the holidays, enjoying sweets and making mischief.

I struggled with the decision to welcome this little guy to the family, but in the end....we decided that our kids will only experience the innocent joy and excitement of Christmas for a short period of time.

We have many traditions and activities that teach the true meaning of Christmas and so for the time being - during the holidays - we will not only welcome the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the truth of His teachings, the light He brought to the world, and His sacrifice on our behalf, but we will also welcome the excitement of a jolly St.Nick and a little elf named "Happy".

how I've been feeling lately through images...

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how have you been feeling?

Pretty Packages...

I've begun wrapping presents today.
None of them look as gorgeous as any of these, but boy....I wish they did.

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"little things" for Thanksgiving Part 3

I love Thanksgiving.
Not for the turkey or pumpkin pie, although enticing and delicious....I love Thanksgiving because it is a day set aside solely to give thanks.
I know we all have so much to be thankful for...even if things in our life aren't perfect.
There is ALWAYS something for which we can (and should) give thanks!

A piano in my home. It is a great blessing to be a professional musician. Music speaks from the soul things we are not capable of expressing with words and I'm so blessed to own my own piano not only for use in my profession, but for my own enjoyment.

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Beauty. I am inspired by beauty. It brings me joy....and beauty can be seen in everything!

Calluses. I know, a weird thing to be thankful for, but it shows hard work, dedication, love, and motivation. All of which are beautiful things!
Dancing. I'm not a very good dancer, but I love the way it feels when my favorite song is on and my body can't help but express joy through movement.

Education. I'm so grateful for a chance to get a great education and I'm grateful for all the people who helped make that happen.

Fall. The color of the leaves. The crunch of them beneath my toes. The crisp, cool air....all of it.
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Garbage trucks, and their drivers. Take a second and imagine life without them.....yeah, they are pretty great. You should sincerely thank one the next time they stop by your house! I have a Thank You note ready on our garbage can for ours tomorrow!

Healing. The ability to heal is incredible! I've watched - and worked terribly hard - as my knee has undergone surgery and 2 months of healing. It is a beautiful miracle to behold.

Illustrations done by my children. Not only can my Green boy draw me beautiful pictures, he can write me love notes which I treasure.

Jokes. I love a good joke. I don't think I'm all that funny or witty so I am really grateful for the people in my life who can make me laugh. Man....I love a good laugh.

Kicks. I'm so grateful for shoes. Have you stopped and thought about how blessed you are to be able to own a pair of shoes to protect your little feet? I have, and I'm sooo grateful.

Littlies. I am head over heels in love with my little miracles and my blue boy and green boy have stolen my heart.
Mr. Wilson. He's the number one boy around here and I am so grateful to be married to my best friend. He lifts me up and inspires me to be better. What an amazing blessing!

Noses. Without my nose I would miss out on so much joy. I mean, there are lots of things I would rather not smell, but the smell of cinnamon, freshly baked cookies, Mr.Wilson's cologne,  pumpkin pie, bonfire, apple cider, and freshly bathed babies brings bliss.

Other people. I am grateful for all the people in my life who encourage, support and love me. They inspire me to try harder, reach for my dreams and have greater love for those around me.

Pets. We love our little black Bella and the place she holds in our family.

Quilts. My angel Mother is a maker of beautiful quilts and not only do they offer warmth and comfort, they are special works of art.

Reading. I am so grateful for the ability to read and the joy that comes from comprehending and learning new things.

Scriptures. I love the truth found within their pages. I love the joy and knowledge that comes from reading them.
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Temples. 

 
Underwear. Well, it's true!

Vacuum. ugh. I really love what a fresh vacuuming job can do for my home.

Walls. Whether it's an apartment, duplex, condo or home....I've always felt so blessed to have a roof over my head and walls to bring me warmth and comfort.

Xyzal. My allergy pills. Soooo grateful for you!

You readers who come to my little space here at 'squeezing it all in'. I'm so grateful for you!

Zesty meals. Yes, I figured out a way to use the letter 'z'.

I hope you have all had a great Thanksgiving Day! 

Remember, we don't have to be grateful one day a year.
We can be searching for our beautiful little blessings everyday.
That's what my search for life's "little things" is all about!

"little things" for Thanksgiving Part II

How are YOU doing with your challenge?

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If you didn't see the challenge....look HERE.
Don't worry, you can start today.
The "little things" I am grateful for today...well, and everyday:

-bright, green grass

-dimples
-egg white omelet with sweet red peppers and spinach

-the color mustard yellow

-a stove and an oven

-a knee, newly operated upon, that can attack a spin bike again

-a tall glass of cold water
-a handwritten letter in the mail

-finishing a project

-finding a hot-wheel race car in the bottom of my date night purse
-a spontaneous night with a friend, being spit upon by Elphaba and Galinda (because we we were in the 7th row center)
-being married for all eternity to my best friend

Go on and take the challenge... write today's list right now.
Just take a minute to acknowledge the "little things" (and big things) in your life that make it beautiful.

Happy Thanksgiving preparation day!

"little things" for Thanksgiving Part I

With Thanksgiving coming in just a few days....I've decided to share with you a couple of my "little things" lists of gratitude.
I hope you have been making yours!

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Here's the "little things" I'm grateful for today:

good dreams

giggles

warm chubby cheeks

chocolate milk

clean carpets

flannel pillowcases

warm shower water

electricity

cinnamon

words of appreciation from Mr.Wilson

surprises

opportunities to serve

creating music

glitter

hot apple cider

hearing one of my best friends voice on the answering machine

I'll be sharing a list with you everyday from now through Thanksgiving day.

I want to challenge you to make a list everyday with me!

It will only take you a minute, but it will help brighten your days.

Take the challenge and I promise you will feel more focused and grateful on our upcoming day of Thanks.

Tuning your eyes and ears to noticing all the beautiful "little things" that make your life marvelous will help you savor YOUR Thanksgiving this year!

What I've been up to....

Lately, time has been troubling me....for lots of reasons.
I know this little "squeezing it all in" place has been shoved down the priority list as a result.

I'm so sorry to be leaving you on the back burner for a little while, but hours everyday have been spent on the computer...designated to the final production of these wedding pictures.

What wedding? you ask...
The wedding I told you about HERE.
It was a beautiful occasion and I had fun creating some special images for a really special couple.

Here are a few of my favorites to share:

I'll be getting back to some more regular posting soon.
Thanks for understanding.
Have a wonderful weekend!

What I love to call mine...

There was cause for a celebration this week as a certain Mr. Somebody turned 2.
I kept myself pretty busy getting a Jeep cake prepared for this little man, but it made it all worth it when he called out "Jeep" with excitement upon his first view of the cake.
(even though it didn't turn out how I planned and I was afraid he wouldn't be able to recognize it.)

 

I get to celebrate my little miracle boys every single day, but when their birthdays roll around there is an extra special amount of love and gratitude in my heart at the privilege I have of being able to love and squeeze them here on this Earth.

Even though his Birthday was a day full of crying and fit throwing - and I was lucky enough to catch the one smile of the day on film - I wouldn't change anything.

These little men have changed me for the better and I'm so happy I get to call them mine.

Candy Coma

Good Morning and welcome to November my lovelies.
I hope you all had some fun on your Hallows Eve...we sure did!

I couldn't wait to get those superhero leggings on my little men and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Here they are in their super glory...
my blue boy as Robin.

my green boy as Batman.

What a pair....

Watching over the night.

You can find the tutorial for their capes HERE.