Favorite Things Link-Up--Target Edition

Today I am linking up with Andrea for "Favorite Things Party--Target Edition." 



If you have granite in your house this cleaner is a must!  It smells good and leaves your granite looking shiny and new!  It does not leave a residue like some of the other cleaners I have tried.




This adorable over night bag needs to come home with me!  I mean....it just speaks to me! 

I love me a good maxi skirt!  I love that you can dress it up or down.  I love the Target price!

Loving this swimsuit!  We had a pool built last year and we spend our entire summer poolside which means having cute swimsuit options since that is pretty much my summer wardrobe! 


I am officially addicted to Downy Un-Unstoppables.  It makes laundry smell amazing!  Target always seems to have the best price. 


I also like Target's selection of all things for the home.  This pillow is precious and will look great in the reading nook in our master bedroom! Colors are perfect! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Today I am linking up with Andrea over at her adorable blog Momfessionals to discuss resolutions and goals for 2015.  Mr. Handsome and I went on a date Saturday night to discuss resolutions and goals for the new year for our individual selves, our marriage and our family.  I think he and I need to make that a tradition every year!  OK....so here are my things to work on for 2015.....

1.  Worry Less.  Pray More. 
I am a worrier by nature.  Always have been.  Worry is a thief of joy.  I am  choosing joy!  My prayer life sure hasn't been what it should be either.  Only I am to blame for that.  So now, I am doing something about that, too. 

2.  Just Say No.
I have a tendency to take on too many projects at one time.  I get it all done...but often times at the expense of my husband and children.  I need to start saying no to things.  I also do not need to give reasoning behind the word no.  No means no!

3.  Become More Involved.
Actually, this is an area in which we feel God calling our family of 5.  Matt and I are looking into ways to get our family more involved in our community and church.  We are praying about and researching opportunities.  Not sure what all this will entail, but we are ready and willing to serve. 

4.  The Element of Surprise.
I love surprises.  I love getting them as much as I do giving them! I want to make more of an effort to give more.  It can be something as simple as a card of encouragement sent in the mail, a surprise package delivered and left on a door step or calling a girlfriend up for a Starbucks run and paying for it.  :)

And there you have it.  What are your resolutions and goals for 2015?

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas II

I was not able to include these Christmas decorations in my original Christmas home tour because they weren't out yet!  The tree stand in the play room broke and we ordered a new one which was delivered December 23rd.  Needless to say, I was determined to get that tree up as that is where I display all of the childhood ornaments my mother made for me!  It is one of my favorite trees to decorate!  I love watching my kids play in their play room and reminiscing my own childhood and the anticipation of Christmas! 

Merry Christmas From Our Home To Yours

Aleman/Herndon/Smith/Street/Varnon Christmas

On December 26th my family gathered for our family Christmas.  This was the second year that we decided served appetizers and drinks and plan to continue that tradition!  The food was so delish....it's hard to choose a favorite!  The cousins had a great time playing together and the adults enjoyed conversation!  This year was extra special as it was Olivia's (my niece Ashley's baby) first Christmas!  Olivia is one loved little princess and has won us all over!  We had a great time and I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family and support system!

Keeping busy

In anticipation for Christmas we kept ourselves busy by making a gingerbread house, driving around looking at Christmas lights (wearing Christmas jammies, eating popcorn and drinking hot chocolate) playing games, Legos/Lincoln Logs and enjoy being together!  We also enjoyed wearing our Christmas jammies all day long!

Christmas Eve

Every year we attend our church's Christmas Eve candlelit service.  This year was extra special because some of the youth of our church, which included my daughter, read scriptures.  Madeline did such a great job!  My heart swells with pride when I see my children serving the Lord.  I pray they always have a heart and willingness for service.  My most favorite part of the service is when our candles are lit and we sing "Silent Night."  So moving. 

After service my parents come over for dinner which includes taco soup and all the fixings!  We love taco soup and it's something that I can make before service and just keep in warm in the crockpot so that it is ready to go when we are ready to eat!  This year we ate while watching A Christmas Story (one of my very favorite Christmas movies)!  After dinner and a movie my mother read "The Night Before Christmas" which is a tradition my children love! 

After company leaves we then get ready and snuggled in bed to await Santa's arrival...complete with cookies, milk and carrots for the reindeer!