a year of instagrams {instagram book}

I hope you are having a great start to 2013. 

Our last week was spent with family, nearly every day.  I love being able to shut off nearly every other aspect of my life, and just spend a week doing nothing but hanging out.

The busiest thing for me is the food.  I'm in the kitchen a lot during the holidays, mostly by choice, so I'm not complaining at all. It can be a lot of work, and I really do enjoy it at the time.  But then it gets to be Jan. 2, our first day back into a normal routine, and I want nothing to do with the kitchen.  So Pizza Hut will be delivering our dinner tonight.

 

 

I started my first project of the year on New Year's Day.

I spent a lot of the day organizing 2012 pictures and creating a Blurb book of our Instagram pictures.

I think I'll wait to see if a good deal comes along from Blurb.com before I order it.  But it's done at least.

 

 

My goal is to keep my Instagram pictures organized in their own file, instead of mixed in with all my other phone pics.  So I now will have a folder each month for IG pictures only.  Then next year's book will go much faster!  And maybe, just maybe, I'll do the collages throughout the year.

 

I realize that Blurb offers an Instagram book. It connects to your IG account and brings your photos in for you.  It sounded pefect! So I tried it.  There were a few things I didn't like, but maybe I just didn't know how to figure it all out.  #1 - there weren't many layout options, either one large picture on each page - which means my book would be well over 300 pages long, or there was a 2x2 grid.  I really wanted a bigger grid than that, and didn't want this book to be super long like my blog books.  #2.  No matter how I tried to get it to arrange the pictures, my pages started with the end of 2012 and worked backwards.  This annoyed me too. I wanted to look at my book in chronolocial order.  You would think that the "arrange by date, oldest pictures first" would have done the trick, but it didn't. The only option that I could find to fix this was to arrange the pages myself.  But that was going to take forever.

I also started to create my own grids with Photoshop Elements.  I got the grid built, but because I don't have the "convert to frame" tool, my pictures wouldn't just snap into place already sized for each square.  I had to drag each picture down to the size of the square. Again, this was taking forever.

Can someone tell me if a new version of PSE has the "convert to frame" tool, or if my understanding that it only comes with some "designer toolkit" add-on is correct?

Or is there another way to get your photos to snap into place quickly?

 

So I ended up going to PicMonkey.  I created 1 or 2 grids for each month. It went MUCH faster.  The Auto-Fill button was wonderful!

Then I was able to just upload these collages into the BookSmart software where I created my Blurb book.

 There are things that I would change.  I didn't plan out titles for each month.  I couldn't really get each month to have an even number of pictures to fill the grids evenly.  But I got to a point I just wanted to be done with it.  I spent so much time figuring out that best way to even do the book, that I didn't want to go back and re-do all the PicMonkey collages after I realized I would have done them a bit different. 

 

There are so many fun things you can do with your Instagram pictures.  Magnets, stickers, memory boxes - so fun!  This link has a good list of them.

 

Are you on IG?  It's my favorite iPhone app! (I'm abalzer).  And now I'm super excited to have a whole year's worth printed into a book!

christmas day 2012

I didn't take too many pictures on Christmas Day.

 

But the few a got sure do capture our real-life.  :-)

 

 

We always start with stockings and then move on to a yummy pancake breakfast/birthday party for Jesus.

 

Someone wasn't happy about singing "Happy Birthday".  And someone else wasn't happy about taking pictures.

 



 

We always love having my parents join us for Christmas Day, I'm thankful they are willing to make the 5 hour trip every year.

 

 

I have been known to go a bit overboard on the shopping in years past.  And so many of those years after our kids get totally spoiled on Christmas Eve, we go home thinking they would be happy if that was all they got. Kicking myself for my excessiveness.

So this year, in the attempt to simplify, we adopted the "3 gift rule", just as Jesus received 3 gifts from the Wise Men.

It sure made my shopping easier, and when I was done, I was done, whether I saw a good deal on something else, or thought of another good gift idea later or not.

The only thing that was tough was that our kids didn't really have big wishes this year.  They didn't really even give us any ideas.  Until the day before Christmas of course.

That was the first time I heard Mason say anything about wanting a rocket ship lego set.

And Taylor continued her wish of an American Girl doll, but then was pretty satisfied with her Bitty Twin from Nana and Papa (which I knew she would be).

So I had no idea what their reactions would be on Christmas morning, as there wasn't anything that they really wished for waiting on them.

 



 

 But then I was reminded of the true joy that kids get on Christmas and their excitement for just about anything. It was another reminder that simplifying Christmas expectations for myself does not steal the joy of Christmas when our hearts and minds are focused on the right things.

 

My kids taught me a lot this Christmas.  Maybe it was the visit to the nursing home, and the joy they had in singing to so many residents in their rooms.  Maybe it was the evening we spent making "blessing bags" for the homeless shelter and then caroling to them and handing them out.

Maybe it was the conversations that took place in our home this year, and the realization they began to have about other people's needs.

Maybe it was the events in Newtown, CT.

But there was something about this Christmas that was different.

Simpler. More joyful. More about others.

And the words from our oldest that I won't forget...

"I really don't want anything for Christmas, I just am glad we have Jesus."

I don't know how much of those words were just the "sunday school" talk coming out in her, and the knowledge she has about what the right things to say are, or how much was truly from her heart.

But from other things I witnessed from her this year, I am leaning towards believing that she truly truly got it this year.

And just to keep it completely real for you, her words were followed by words from another certain little one who said.

"Not me, I want presents!"

:-)

 



Mason was super pumped about his gift from Mema and Papa.  Especially because it's from the place Papa works.

 

It was a wonderful, pjs all day-game playing-lego building-karaoke machine singing-ham, homemade rolls, garlic mashed potatoes- cozy fire-christmas music playing -facetiming with Aunt Rebekah-kind of day.

 

It's always hard to believe it's all over so fast.

christmas eve 2012

 

Christmas Eve always starts out at the donut shop, for free donuts and Santa.

 

 It was a little chaotic this year dealing with a little one year old who wants to walk all around all by himself, in a super crowded place.

 

Santa didn't get the warmest greetings from our kids.  Taylor tried to coax her brother up there, but there was no luck until AGAIN this year he was told that the only way to get the treat bag was to at least stand by Santa for a picture.  And Gavin wasn't a big fan either, but the treat-bag bribe didn't really work for him.

 



 

 

The rest of the day we always spend at Dave's parents house with all his family.

Christmas brunch. Chili for dinner.  Christmas Eve service. And then presents, and back home to our beds to wake up at home Christmas morning.

 Cousins - ages 11, 9, 8, 7, 6, 6, 4, 1.

Best bunch of kiddos ever.

 

 

Taylor and Mason got a joint gift.  When they opened it together and Mason caught a glimpse of the dolls, he quickly checked the tag to make sure his name was on it.

But once he realize there was a boy doll for him, he was pretty excited.  And quickly named it Collin.

 

Someone was up pretty late and got pretty tired.  He roamed the room and randomly just laid down several times.

 

 

Christmas Day pictures up next.

merry christmas.

 

I pray this Christmas that each and every one of you feel the true peace and joy of knowing the One who left his holy and perfect place to come down and walk the same earth that we walk today.

He was born among animals, and lay in dirty hay. He walked among sinners, and then shed his blood for every single one of them.

All of this...so that we may know him.

 

(photo by Elephant Juice Photography)

 

This world is a weary place.  But let the weary world rejoice.

He came once in a lowly, humble way.  He will come again and take reign.

Forever.

I hope you will stand among Him that day in complete excitement and not in complete regret.

Jesus really is greatest gift ever.

 

Merry Christmas.

Love, the Balzers

 

 

hallelujah tribute

If you're on Facebook, I'm sure you've seen this being shared like crazy.

I've always loved this song.

It is such a beautiful tribute to the ones whose lives were taken at Sandy Hook.

.

(it won't let me embed it, so you'll have the option to watch it in YouTube)

 



"Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where a...re we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around." excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

 

 

Have you heard that you can help show your support by making snowflakes for Sandy Hook?

The Con­necti­cut PTSA is spear­head­ing this won­der­ful way to craft for a cause on behalf of the Sandy Hook PTA: Snowflakes for Sandy Hook!!

 

You can read an article about it here, and it tells you where to mail them. 



My kids don't know about the events of last Friday (other than the little that had to be explained during prayer time when another student brought it up to the class).  So I'll just tell them that we are making them for some kids who are really sad and need to be cheered up when they go back to school in January.  I think we'll try to make 27.

 

Here are some tutorials to help you with your snowflake creations...

Martha Stewart snowflakes

Snowflake curtain

Cupcake Liner Snowflakes

Coffee Filter Snowflakes

 

 

 

a heavy heart this Monday morning

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12

I didn't plan on writing anything about the events from Friday.  There really aren't words.  But in one way, it doesn't feel right to just go on with our normal Monday while so many are hurting in another part of the country.

Parents all over the country dropped a piece of their heart off at school this morning. And I was one of them.  Mine are completely shielded from the events of Friday. But I'm sure some day they will know about it. It will be forever etched in my mind...the year I sent my first to Kindergarten, other children her same age left for school one day and never came home.

I know that there are so many in our world who question God in these times. It's so hard to understand, and I think God knows it's hard for us to understand and doesn't expect us to. But He promises us many things...like his unmeasureable love, his goodness beyond our understanding, and he promises us that we will be rescued. And events like Friday make believers everywhere long even more to be rescued from the evil and pain in this world.
 

I read Luke 2 (from the Jesus Storybook Bible) to my Sunday School class yesterday and one line hit me hard..
"And the darker the night got, the brighter the star would shine"
That bright start above the stable means the same now as it did over 2000 years ago. Jesus is the Light of the World
 

I read this article from Ann Voskamp...she does a good job of helping to explain the sin in this world and where God is when things like the tragedy in Newtown, CT. happen. The comparison of sin and Satan, to a serpent with his head smashed but still lashing and destroying much in it's path...is the perfect comparison.  You know God's already won, right?   Satan's head has already been smashed.  It was smashed that first Christmas, when God's own son was born in a stable.
 And then smashed again when He hung on that tree and then arose 3 days later.  And Satan and all evil that he causes will realize full well that his head is gone when the Lord comes again.  He will lash around angrily until then.  Trying to destroy all in his path. But the victory has already been won.  Have you read the back of the book?  We WIN! (do you know that song?  I know it may be waaaay too southern gospel for some of you, and it's pretty old school, but it's one of my favorites) 

 

I found great comfort in this song this morning, and had to replay it several times.

 

 

 

"You alone can rescue,

You alone can save

You alone can lift us from the grave.

You came down to find us,

led us out of death.

To you alone belongs the highest praise."

 



Without the Christ Child, and that first Christmas, and the story that follows...there is no hope after tragedies like Friday.

 

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

The news is not encouraging in anyway...but these articles definitely are...
David Platt...The Gospel and Newtown
Max Lucado...A Christmas Prayer

 

 



a gift for my readers {free printable wrap around address label}

I can get super stubborn when I'm determined to figure something out.  I was set on designing my own Christmas card this year, and then I decided I wanted to create some wrap-around return address labels as well.  If you figure in my time vs. the amount of money it would cost just to order something already designed, I'm sure it's not worth it.  But I get my mind stuck on the challenge.  I want to be able to create things on my own, even if it takes me a long time.

My Christmas card took F.O.R.E.V.E.R long.  Thank goodness for the hours during craft weekend that I had to devote to it and not feel bad about not getting something else done.

 

I have been super super nervous to get them in the mail.  Hoping so much they would print out all right.  I did a test print at Walmart just to check the sizing and resolution and everything and I felt like if there was anything else wrong with it, I wouldn't know how to fix it anyway. So I called it good.

 

Thankfully the wrap-around labels went much quicker.  But to get even more value from them, and in the spirit of giving, I want to share with you. I know it may be too late for this year if you've already sent your cards.

But they'd even make a great gift for someone.

Or save them for next year.

 

 

 I created the labels in Photoshop Elements.  All you need are the full sheet labels and a printer. I got mine at Walmart.  Then you can download either the Word document or the PSE document and edit them with your address. You should be able to edit the fonts too. 

Then just slice them apart with a paper cutter and stick them on your envelopes.

 

Please forgive me for any glitches.  This is the first printable I've ever done.  Hopefully the downloads all go okay.  If not, I can always just email them to you if you leave a comment with your email or just email me.

 

 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Program Night

These two have been so excited for their Christmas program together.  Even though Mason's preschool doesn't meet at the actual school (they meet at our church), the preschool class still joined the Kindergartners (and the entire elementary) for the program. 

Mason's first program.

 

 

Mason told me the few days before he was a little nervous but still excited.

Taylor was all excitment.  I think she likes to perform.  And she had her Luke 2 scriptures memorized perfectly. So she was ready.

 

 It's a toss up on whether it's more fun to dress up girls or boys.  Maybe it was because it was a first, but it was so much fun helping Mason get dressed up and tuck his shirt in to look just like "the big boys". 

Hope you are enjoying all of your Christmas festivities!