💕🎶 Probably one of my favorite love songs… “I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman

It was a simple $1 decision. I needed the lotion for Asher and decided to add a few other things so I’d get the member discount. I loved it so much, I converted a few more household items the next month, and told some friends about it. Fast forward over two years, 2400 more people are here with me, and I’m still sharing it because we love it. I don’t sell a thing, but I happily refer people to the store because I love sharing what I’ve found. We had an amazing weekend in Dallas, learning how to pour into other people, and help them reach their own goals too. There’s no hype or fluff here. If you’re looking for flashy, you’ll have to go somewhere else. But if you’re looking for reliable and steady, this is worth checking out. 🌿📦 And hey, it’s stuff you’re already buying somewhere, so getting it here is a big win. 😉

We’re entering a new season with the kiddos, and I’m honestly so excited about it! Fun fact- I spent ten years as a classroom educator, and my Masters Degree is in Education! But I still felt a tiny bit nervous about teaching the kids to read— just wanting to make sure I give them a strong foundation to love books and learning.

While we don’t do a lot of screen time, all screen time is not created equal. 😅 I’ve been SO impressed with the @_readingcom app, and highly recommend it. It’s been so fun watching Raylen learn quickly, thanks to the incredible design of the app. Even Asher gets in on the fun, and loves singing the songs and practicing the games. Lessons are clear, reinforced through review, well-designed, and easy to follow. Raylen gets to practice her listening skills, reading, and even writing in the app, while reviewing the content through fun games. I’m a huge fan of making learning fun, and Reading.com does it! You can check it out here! https://reading.com/vip

#_readingcom

I heard @therealjimbrickman play this probably close to 20 years ago, and just loved it— I listened to A LOT of Jim Brickman during those years. His style is so classic. It’s February, so I’ll play some love songs throughout the month. ❤️🎶 I don’t know how many times I’ve played this— it’s been in my wedding prelude repertoire for years, and it’s still a favorite. The words are so sweet too… Ok, what classic love songs should I play this month? 🎤

This is GENERAL encouragement. I know everyone has unique situations that can make keeping a tidy home a challenge. You may have a hectic work schedule, or a tiny home full of lots of people, tiny kids that seem to undo everything you do (I understand that!), health issues, or other circumstances. I think it’s very possible to make positive steps in the direction of keeping a clean home though. Putting dishes away, putting things where they go instead of piling them on the counters or table, taking ten minutes to clean one area a day… there are TONS of ways to simplify cleaning your home. But it really does matter— research clearly supports the benefits, and so does Scripture. 💙

If you’d like to see the cleaning guide that shares tips and tricks + all the products I use to clean our home, comment CLEAN and I’ll send it to you! 🧼🧹🧺🫧 (I don’t sell this stuff- just sharing what I use and love!)

Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Peanut Butter Layer
* 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp  almond flour
* 3 tbsp powdered monkfruit/erythritol blend 
* pinch of salt
* 2 scoops ProFlex Vanilla Protein Powder
* 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
* 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
* 2 tbsp melted butter (you could just use extra coconut oil if you are dairy free)

Mix the almond flour, monkfruit, salt, and protein powder with a whisk. Add in the vanilla, coconut oil, and melted butter and stir until a dough forms. Spread into a piece of greased parchment paper in a baking dish (I used a 9x13; you could use 8x8 for a thicker bar). Pop this in the freezer for about 10 minutes.

Chocolate Layer:
* 2/3 cup no-sugar chocolate chips
* 1 tbsp coconut oil

Melt in 30 second increments, stirring between, until smooth. Spread onto peanut butter layer. Put back in the freezer for a couple hours. After that, you can leave them in the fridge or on the counter. Enjoy!

I don’t care if my kids ever know who the popular movie stars, cultural celebrities, or pop singers are, but I do hope we raise them with a love for God and His beautiful world. 🌳🪾🌲

We finished Raylen’s first semester of violin lessons with the sweetest recital in our hospital lobby. She got to stand next to her cousin, who has been taking for several years now and just plays beautifully! Raylen has just started learning fingerings, so for this recital, she played on open strings and worked on having good rhythm and bow hold/motion. She loves it, and I love watching her learn! 🎻

I was practicing a fun medley of carols about the angels, and Raylen asked if she could do it with me. So, my little buddy throws in a few notes here and there. :)) “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” is one of my favorite Christmas hymns. The gospel is SO clearly presented throughout all four verses— our sin, the fall of man, the deity of Christ, the message of His love and redemption… it’s all there, beautifully conveyed! I hope you all know the message of grace that starts at the manger (or really starts in the garden of Eden!) and ends with a cross and an empty tomb! What a Saviour!

Y’all ready for the last giveaway? ❤️🎉 Just tag a friend and put a Christmas emoji (or a bunch!) in the comments! Get creative! ❤️While my kids are running around singing “Police Muddy Back” (“Feliz Navidad”😂), I’m thinking up a fun version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” to announce the third giveaway winner, which is @patricknstephanie !! Congrats!!! Your package will be in the mail first of the week! One more giveaway winner will be announced tomorrow!

Congrats, @jls61117! You are the second giveaway winner! Here’s your song. 💕🎶 Ok, for the third one, tag a friend in the comments and wish them the merriest Christmas ever! I’ll pick one comment and send a package to you— this will be the third winner in the “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things” giveaway! Four winners total!

Learned this song today. 😅 I’ve heard it before, but never played it. And wow, is it beautiful! I love the sweet words and melody. Thanks for suggesting it, @rufis14. 🎉🎉

Comment your favorite song! I may play it for the next video tomorrow! 🎄