Love! Love! Love!

Who doesn't love Pinterest?!?! Seriously! When I was growing up, my mom made EVERY holiday special. We made crafts and decorations for each one. I can even remember making decorations for Presidents Day.

So now that Little Man Payne is at the age where he notices everything and on the verge of walking and talking, I am having this overwhelming desire to do the same in my home as my mother did for my brother and I.

In comes Pinterest! Not sure how my mom did it without Pinterest. I guess she is just that creative. (Actually, she really is just that creative - you should see her card-making skills. She has Hallmark beat!)

This morning while the little guy was down for his nap, I hopped on Pinterest and VOILA! With a link, card stock, twine and scissors I have a Valentine's Day wreath for my front door and Valentine's Day banner over my kitchen window.

The wreath was made with a FREE printable from the talented Kim on Today's Creative Life via Over the Moon.

The banner was made with a FREE printable from yet another very talented Kim at The TomKat Studio via the HGTV Blog. 

Recipe: Crock-Pot Weeknight Chili

Made this recipe from Crock-Pot's Original Slow Cooker recipe book.

Sooooo yummy! It is a hearty chili with just the right amount of kick! The ingredient list is short, so chances are you have all the ingredients on hand at any given time.

I used this recipe for the chili seasoning since I didn't have any store-bought packets in my pantry. 

Gift Idea: Christmas Cash

Every year, my mom's family has our annual Christmas Party with my grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins. Each year, my aunt comes up with a unique gift exchange game. This year I searched and searched Pinterest for gift ideas in our designated price range.

I found a creative way to give cash. This was a huge hit with my twenty-something cousin who ended up with my gift as well as everyone else who wished they had ended up with this gift.

Christmas Came and Went

Bought our first Christmas tree!

Christmas in a nutshell...

Started out slow and relaxing with the purchase of our first real Christmas tree!

Then it all came at me like a high-speed train! The Major's work party, the Rock staff party, annual family White Christmas night, Sound of Music on stage, Bethlehem Walk, house church Christmas movie night, annual Heinly Christmas party and scavenger hunt, annual Stewart family Christmas party, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and CHRISTMAS! Whew!