another new beginning

We are thankful for so many blessings over the last year. Our health, time together, safe travels… I could go on and on. Right now I'm debating doing a post full of resolutions. While I do intend to make some goals for myself and our family, I'm not entirely sure when I/we will get to that… so for now, here's a photo from Christmas Eve of everyone… Nash??? okay, almost everyone looking :)

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year!

"new" benches!

The photos below are severely deceiving. Our entryway *never* looks like this. Currently there is only room on the bench for the dog to lay. There is an infant car seat that needs to be removed from the situation until it's needed. There is a box on the floor to be donated. Shoes, boots, hats, gloves ALL over the place. It's a mess. Literally. BUT the benches are done! many thanks to my sister, Megan, for this. She came over one day, saw I was starting the process of recovering, and said she could do it better and faster and harder. So I let her take them and do them. FYI: I could have done just as good a job, I know it ;)

before (eek!)

and after!

I wouldn't mind painting those legs or touching up the stain job. And I've been bugging my dad about adding a shelf under them to add the 4 baskets (the large ones) I have laying around here (see top photo). and I mighttttt also be thinking of repainting… Dave's going to kill me :|
Baby steps though!

49/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Peyton: thoroughly intrigued with the History channel.
Lia: see above.
Austyn: dad gave it to her.
Tayt: I got nothin.
Nash: we polished off an entire family size bag of Twizzlers in one afternoon. no regrets.
Drew: after nap face.
Meg: daily heart attack. child!

Leave it to me to feel more on track the last few weeks of the year. Christmas gifts are being bought and wrapped. And then unwrapped and rewrapped… culprit: Meg. But I'm feeling slightly on top of things. And I know as soon as I say that, puking will begin. someone will get hurt. snow will fall from the sky and leave me house-ridden for days. BUT I'll risk it. It feels good. Hope everyone is enjoying the preparation of their holiday season!

daily Smith fashion

Austyn (8):
Tunic: Target Circo (no longer available)
Leggings: Target Circo leggings
Heels: Payless similar to these, which I know if I showed her she would fall over dead in love with these

This is a rather old daily Smith fashion (end of April), but I had to include it. Look at that girl missing her front teeth!

eleven and three!

Almost two months ago now, Lia turned eleven. Usually we take the day off and go shopping. Dave and I decided this wasn't the most budget-friendly way to celebrate birthdays (for all seven kids) so instead we took half a day off and went shopping ;) kidding! (kind of)

Lia knew we were going to pick out something for her birthday gift, but she didn't know I had a surprise manicure and pedicure set up for her. I had some gift cards to use up, so after lunch at school I picked her up and off we went. I think she enjoyed her day of pampering!

after the pampering was Target for her small shopping spree ;) Mega wasn't impressed.

then there was the traditional cake and ice cream and gifts to end the night. 

these last two photos pretty much sum up Lia Rae perfectly  :)  I'm sure she'll appreciate these some day...

As if Lia turning eleven wasn't bad enough, Drew went ahead and turned three earlier this week. These kids… they weren't supposed to get so old so fast!

Dave was in charge of the cake, and he and Tayt found the perfect one for her. She was so excited!

complete awe

and then there were gifts! to say this girl likes Minnie Mouse would be an understatement. She's in love!

a big thank you to grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, and good friends for the gifts… the girls couldn't be happier!

48/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Peyton: homework.
Lia: break from electronics?
Austyn: what?
Tayt: also, break from electronics?
Nash: cars. all. day. long.
Drew: hot cocoa for breakfast. every morning.
Meg: blurry but fuzzy.

Since I missed most of October and November photos here on the blog, I'll be doing a quick post with some of those photos… soon  ;)

also, there are only 4 weeks left of the year… what? how?

46/52

"a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013"

Peyton: made some changes regarding electronics in the house.
Lia: joking at dessert time.
Austyn: made some changes regarding electronics in the house ;)
Tayt: ready for school. 
Nash: always hot cocoa immediately upon waking.
Drew: her last play on an electronic for awhile.
Meg: all about giving me ulcers lately. she climbs.

etsy Wednesday

I'm wayyyy behind on my 52 of 2013 project and doing equally as terrible with my etsy posts. Since I've been in the shopping mood since our recent trip to Mall of America, I thought I'd play a teeny tiny bit of catch up with the etsy likes. I could spend meaningless days on etsy, but I would love every second of it!

I'm in *love* with this cutting board! This would be amazing for holiday celebrations :)

Wisconsin cutting board  $48

Just added a pair of boots to my wardrobe while on our MOA trip so I'm excited to find some cute leg warmers.

heart knit boot cuffs  $28

I don't change my jewelry often (or for long before I switch to my originals) but this would be adorable for the few pieces I do have.

oval platter  $42.50

These are just tooooo adorable!

lavender lip balm  $7.73

With Christmas fast approaching, this little guy would look adorable anywhere in the house until the tree is up.

personalized felt owl  $40

I have no idea what I would do with these, but they were too adorable not to share :)

printable matchbox labels  $15

personalized handwriting necklace  $149

so festive!!!

glitter gift tags  $6