First Pinterest Projects

Well, I'm officially addicted to Pinterest. I love the ideas regarding DIY, crafts, kid activities, recipes, home decor, parenting advice, etc. I just love it. But I have a little problem with follow through on all these great ideas. So I'm going to try to do a recipe, an activity, and a craft idea each month. I hope that's an attainable goal because I would love to do much more than that, but I do not want to find myself not spending as much time with Cameron or neglecting other responsibilities so I can do Pinterest projects. 

Here are the first ideas/projects.

1. A box or basket with random items your child does not normally play with. I put in a water bottle, bundt cake pan, spatulas, mini muffin pan, ice cream scoop, etc. It semi- worked at stimulating Cameron's mind. But it was a good try. I'm not sure where I saw this idea on Pinterest, but I know it's not my own. 

 2. Cinnamon Rolls from Biscuits - A recipe found on Pinterest from http://stamps4fun.blogspot.com/2011/10/traditions.html

 The recipe was easy and pretty tasty. The syrup added a unique flavor to it, but Daniel, Cameron, and I enjoyed it.

3. I LOVE you because - found on Pinterest via http://thestewartestate.blogspot.com/2011/12/love-message-board-tutorial.html
This picture frame was made by my amazing friend and small group leader, Lesley, for me and other girls in group. I so enjoy getting to share with Daniel just one reason a day that I love him. I have shared specific things like the one posted below or more broad ideas like simply loving him because he is a great man. It means so much to me to get to share and I have the feeling it means a lot to him also, although he would probably not share that with me.
I have thought about redoing this with a bigger frame simply because I am a little wordy sometimes (or most of the time), but we'll see if that happens.

Enjoying The Little Things

Enjoying the Little Things
1. Cameron continuing to eat like a big boy

2. Completing a picture frame (which was a little difficult to find the right pictures to fit and then feeling bad that I had to cut up the picture to use it) which I will cherish forever

3. Why buy toys or other things you think your child needs when the things they enjoy the most are the simplest things like stacking kleenex boxes.

2011 Christmas Blessings

Well this is a little bit late since we're almost 2 full weeks into the 2012 year, but we have our reasons. The week between Christmas and New Year, I got to spend most of it in Winfield which was great and then the day after New Year's until today, either Cameron, Daniel, or I have been sick with some kind of yucky stomach bug (I'll leave the details at that). So here is our Christmas 2011. 

Our Christmas

We started with Christmas Eve dinner of Lasagna at my parent's house which was so tasty and I love getting extra time with my family. But the only picture I took on my camera was the uncooked lasagna ready to go in the oven which does not do the lasagna justice.

But Christmas morning we started fairly early at 8:00AM with our traditional feast of breakfast casseroles, english muffins, bacon, and assorted breakfast beverages (chocolate milk!!!). 

And beautiful Hannah slept through most of it.

Cameron opening some of his presents - Cameron had a little trouble grasping the concept of opening gifts but we'll get there. 

A beautiful snow globe of the nativity scene (that Cameron broke on Dec. 30 - parenting lesson learned) and our family opening gifts

Cameron got great books, Star Wars lunch box, toys including legos, tool set, and cardboard bricks - overwhelmingly blessed by all the gifts

Although Cameron was entertained playing peek-a-boo with grandma around her presents or riding on Uncle David's legs

We eventually turned Toy Story on the iPad in order to watch other family open gifts because Cameron was being a little difficult.

A Family Stone Moment - Erin gave us all framed pictures of Cameron holding Dad's hand at a week old. It was so moving and beautiful and a great way for us to let go and cry and remember Dad.  

We went to church later that morning. Daniel and I stayed with Cameron in the nursery and listened to church from there. And then we back to the farm and enjoyed some sandwiches. Then we got on the road for Cameron's nap to Andover. We took a longer way so Cameron could nap longer, but he woke up as soon as we stopped in Augusta, so that kind of backfired.

The Goldak Christmas

Grandpa and Daniel really enjoy playing with the blocks, while Cameron enjoys knocking them down.

 Family eating while we continue to fill stuffed from our big breakfast and lunch.

 Daniel taught Cameron how to use the banister as a slide - right after this picture we had an injury when Lisa and Cameron bumped heads. 

 Cameron got Buzz Lightyear from grandpa & grandma. He loves it.

 And since the 45 minute nap did not cut it, to keep Cameron happy, Lisa & Cameron watched Toy Story while holding Buzz.

 A very worn out boy

McClung Christmas on Dec. 28

 Cameron's first eggnog - he likes it - this eggnog is so good & homemade.

 He could not get enough.

 More yummy food.

 A fun riding toy that Cameron got from Jim & Mary

So much fun with a gift exchange for the adults and the kids ranging from 0-12 enjoying their gifts. 

 Allison and Hannah being so cute while Cameron shares with Ainsley and Marleigh

So blessed by our great families and the prosperity God has given us - God is so good. We certainly missed and still miss dad but he's still with us because he helped make us who we are. And Dad continues to shape and influence us as we constantly think WWVMD - what would Vic McClung do?