'Christmas in July' Week: Freebie Gift Tags

What kind of a 'Christmas in July' blogger would I be if I didn't leave you with any presents?

Now I'm not that talented, but the good people at Eat Drink Chic are, and they have some awesome Christmas gift tag and goodie bag downloads that you can easily print and add to the presents you give to others. And your friends and family will think you are so talented when they see their nicely wrapped gift. Nice trade off, huh!?

Holiday Jumbo Gift Tag

Holiday Mail Stripes Gift Tag

Holiday Reindeer Gift Tag

Holiday Treat Bag

Get to printing because Christmas will be here before you know it!

'Christmas in July' Week: God With Us

So I know it's not actually Christmas-time, but this is something that is good to reflect on all year long: the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

A whole host of verses beautifully illustrate how God the Father used God the Son to complete this awesome and wonderful plan called life. He has created all things and executed all things through the Son, Yeshua, Jesus. Jesus came to earth to save all mankind. God emptied Himself to be our salvation.

It is just amazing to think about how awe inspiring it all is. Each time I open up my bible I am blown away at Him and His glory, at His power and His love. In the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone." He truly has!

'Christmas in July' Week: Ball of yarn ornaments

I know, so random, huh!? Our local christian radio station had an add for the Michael W. Smith Christmas show coming here in December so it got me thinking. Then I started humming some festive Christmas tunes (who doesn't love doing that, even in July!?)

Some time ago while blog surfing I stumbled upon these adorable yarn ball ornaments. So while on the topic of the most wonderful time of the year, I made this little tutorial. You can never be too prepared so why not get a jump start on the holidays? :)



Funny side note; since it is July and not December and we don't have a Christmas tree in our house right now, I had to go outside to take pictures on one of the evergreens at the local park. No wonder the other park goers looked at me funny!

Easy Peasy Pasta Salad

Last week my church women's ministry had a summer fellowship get-together and we were all asked to bring our favorite summer salad and recipe to share. I don't know about you but I dread the thought of coming home from work, with the sun shining only to go inside to cook dinner. By the time you have dinner made, you don't have too much time to enjoy it before you have to get to bed for the next day.

To maximize our time AND still eat some delish food I make this easy veggie pasta salad. Did I mention it is EASY?! It's so easy you don't even need a recipe per se. I usually eye ball it and add more or less ingredients to make it just how I like it but for those of you who need a recipe I have the simple instructions here. Enjoy!

Summer Hiatus

Summer has arrived in Seattle and we are enjoying temperatures up into the 80's and 90's. The hot summer sun gives me such joy and energy. Even after a long hard day at work, I will still want to get into some shorts and a t-shirt to go on a hike, visit the beach, or anything to be outside!

Along with the beautiful weather, summer has brought us a very busy schedule. Between birthdays, weddings and barbecues, our weekends are jam-packed with activities. Which is the reason for my summer hiatus from blogging. There is just too much to do that I don't have time blog about it (or want to miss this awesome weather!)

I will share with you some exciting news we got last week: my genius husband had his article published on a major political news website last week. This is is his first 'published' article! God has blessed his with some serious writing skills and he's been writing for years for his own blog and now he is an genuine published author! YAHOO!!

My Helper

Through whatever I am going through, I am comforted to know that God is always there for me. He is my Helper and my Keeper. In times of joy and distress. What an awesome God we serve. Although He knows we will struggle and screw up all throughout our lives, His love and His grace cover us.


God has, no doubt, been faithful in my life. I am no stranger to trouble or struggle but He has been there to catch me and help me get going again. Praise be to Him who is faithful and whose mercies are new each morning!