Easy Toddler Mail-Out

I try to mail pictures to the grandparents often. If something as simple as a few pictures of my kids can make my loved ones happy - then I am going to mail them pictures! 

With the Thanksgiving batch of pictures, instead of including a note card, I let Hudson send a coloring sheet. 

I simply found a printable coloring sheet online that I liked, printed it and let Hudson color away. 

His coloring may just be scribbles these days, but it made for a fun bit of mail for our family. 

It was so fun, in fact, that I plan to do this for other holidays! 

Friday Finds Under Five: Curstomizable Printable

My FFU$5 aren't always going to be thrifted items. And this find is a perfect example. For today's cheap-o item, I thought I would share this fabulous printable that is customizable. You pick the color...you pick the letter...you type the word/name.

It will print beautifully as an 8 x 10.

However, wouldn't it be adorable to make your own set of alphabet flashcards in a 4 x 6 size?

I can just imagine the most adorable photo album - one side of the page showing a custom printable and the opposite side of the page showing a picture of the individual/object. (And yes, I realize I probably should have switched the N and the M so that they were in alphabetical order...oh well).

This is originally intended for nursery decor. But I can easily see it framed in the entry of a home with the family's last name too.

They would be adorable in a classroom as well.

This blog also offers another style for the custom printable that is equally creative. This one will probably find its way into my nursery decorations. It's just the right style.

You could easily print this yourself on your personal printer. Or take it to an office supply store to have it printed inexpensively on cardstock. Or use up some of your free photo prints.

It's easy to even try out a few colors or ideas. You can find this online printable from On to Baby here and here. This site has many other free printables that are cute - check those out here.

However you choose to use this FFU$5, it's adorable. I love that you can easily make this into whatever you need it to be.

Thanks, On to Baby for sharing your creativeness with us!

How would use use this printable? Have you found any great finds lately?

Free Printable and Easy Craft Idea

Rainy Saturdays make me want to bake something, read a good book or watch a long movie. But today it's super sunny. Sunny Saturdays motivate me to spray paint something, organize a closet or do a quick craft project. Sunshine makes me happy. Sunshine gets my creative juices flowing...

While browsing Pinterest, I came across another gal's cute little project. Her tutorial (found here) includes a free printable of Psalm 139:13-14.

Pin found here.

I may just print this wonderful "Subway Art" inspired Bible verse and stick it in a frame I already own. Even attaching flowers to the corner of the frame would be adorable.

What do sunny days inspire you to do? What will you do with this free printable today?

That's My Mom!

Growing up, I have very distinct memories of my mother. I knew that some things would never change -

Download your own "Best Mom" poster here.

Each morning, I knew that I would find her sitting at the kitchen table with her Bible and a cup of coffee.  She showed me that Jesus was important to her. Her kind words and loving spirit showed me that her time with the Lord was more than just s mundane part of her morning routine. It changed her life.  In my mind, all mothers were this way! I wanted to be just like her someday.

Each birthday was a huge celebration - including the birthday tablecloth, cake of choice, lots of cards and lots of little presents. She showed me that I was important to her. I wanted to celebrate my family's birthdays in the same way.

I often saw mom and dad kissing or sitting close on the couch - This showed me they love each other very much. I dreamed that my marriage would look the same to my children someday.

When I was sick, mom was well equipped with juice, medicine, soup and a carbonated beverage. (Even last week when I was sick, my mom told me I should have a "sick stash" of the essentials - always ready in the pantry when the cold strikes).

My Mom loves mail and little gifts- that must be where I get it from. When I left home after high school to travel with a singing team, my mom sent me a piece of mail everyday for the first 6 weeks weeks I was gone. My fellow team members can testify to this. I think they may have been a little jealous. However, they were very glad when her mail item of the day included cookies or treats.

She taught me to always be ready for whatever the Lord may prompt you to do. If He tells you to encourage someone, sit with a girl who is alone at church, take a family a meal, pay for someone's lunch, give a hug, say a prayer - She showed me the importance for trusting the Lord's prompting.

Last night, I didn't end up looking at the mail until late into the evening. After a long day of work and an even longer list of housework, I was feeling a little overwhelmed. There in the pile of mail was a cheerful yellow envelope from my mother. She simply worked her magic of encouragement, telling me how I had encouraged her lately and that she loved me. That simple note made all the difference to me, last night.

She never ceases to amaze me - many people love her and are encouraged by her, but only two people in this world have the distinct privilege of calling her "mom."

Mom, you are the best - Just wanted you to know that I am so proud that you are my mother.