Heart beats and HomeFront

For those of you who know me as a friend, or maybe "know" me from reading my blog, you are seasoned to the fact that my heart beats for:

intentional conversations

 connecting with moms about this messy, joyful, parenting adventure

 teaching my kiddos about how to love Jesus

 living in community with awesome friends and family ~ life has challenges enough, why do it alone?

anything that has to do with sweets ~ preferably dipped, drizzled, or dunked in chocolate

sand. sunscreen. waves. I've got the beach obsession bad

 a fabulous vintage find 

{yes, I discovered a killer antique store before boarding the plane home from Bend, OR, and yes, my hubby ran through the airport dragging this little gem to our connecting flight, which we almost missed... stay tuned for that story another day!}

Over-arching all of my heartbeat-related passions is this goody! I'm sure you are familiar with my appreciation for this book:

Spiritual Parenting encourages the parents - not the church, to be the primary role in teaching our kids about Jesus. Yes! Finally!

What's even cooler is that TRU, the curriculum branched from Spiritual Parenting, is offered at churches all over the nation, and we happen to be a part of the church that did the beta-testing for the curriculum. Coincidence? Not a chance!

TRU has a monthly magazine, HomeFront, that gives parents super-practical ideas on how to talk with their kids about prayer, worship, and seeing God's Word through storytelling, as well as fun games, recipes, and traditions to do as a family.

You can read more about HomeFront here, as well as download the magazine. The Blessings piece is one of my faves!

And, what's even cooler, is that God in His perfect timing, opened doors for me to write monthly for HomeFront, a magazine my heart definitely beats for! I count it a pure blessing to encourage everyday parents like you and me in The Everyday Parent.
You can read this month's magazine and The Everyday Parent article here:



I hope this resource encourages you. What I love about HomeFront are the practical ideas, the daily ways to discuss Jesus as a family~ after reading it, I feel refreshed and encouraged, instead of overwhelmed and small.

And really, isn't that what all of our hearts beat for?

It's an Orange Circle kinda Friday!

Family Fun Fridays.

We live for them.

It's Bryan's day off, and our day as a family to have adventures.

Some Fridays, we lounge in our pj's and hang out at home. Others, we leave after breakfast, for a day of fun!

I love Fridays.

And today, we went to the Orange Circle, one of our favorite spots ever!

The Orange Fountain featured a giant Santa. Bryan showed Tanner an up-close view of the Jolly Man!

Ty was attempting to pull the huge ornaments off the tree~ not sure what he wanted to do with them, but he was quite determined {my strong-willed lil' munch!}

Lunch destination: The Filling Station {thank you Groupon for offering $30 worth of food, for $15!}

I've learned to never go without a handful of crayons. Entertainment for at least 30 minutes~ perfect distraction while we wait for food, or ride in the car. I keep them in a small bag in my purse.

And Ty enjoys playing with a toy jet. If only you could hear all the boy noises he makes. People were literally laughing at him, while he crashed the jet again and again on the table :)

It was a brisk, chilly day. Perfect for sweaters and hoodies! We walked around the Circle after lunch, browsing the storefronts, cupping a warm cup of Chai, and window shopping. Of course we stopped at Country Roads, my favorite Antique Mall in North Orange County. 

How cute is this? Hanging hand mirrors! Adorable idea in a bathroom. 

I have an old frame that I've been trying to figure out what to do with. When I saw this, I thought, "Yes!" Burlap background is the perfect solution. If you look closely, you can see sparkles on the burlap. I may need to do some investigating and figure out how to do that! So fun!

We drove home, Christmas music singing on the radio, our hearts content, and our tummies full. 

What a wonderful Family Friday!