2017 in a Nutshell | Top posts

2017 was an exciting and fun year around here. I didn't blog much about it, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.

Thank you for dropping by from time to time and reading my nonsense, and going through life with me! Get ready for even more mediocre, hilarious, fun, thought provoking posts from me in 2018!

Top 5 posts of 2017:

1. 2018 LDS Mutual Theme Binder Covers

2. Slow and Steady 

3. Family Photos

4. Thanking my Husband of Instagram with Statemans Ties

5. DIY Wood Feature Wall 

I loved participating in Mommy Style Monday posts quite a few times this past year.

Top 3 Mommy Style Monday Posts:

1. Fun things that i hope we get around to doing AKA a bucket list 

2. Cold Weather Momiform 

3. 4 ways to stay connected to your spouse 

Cheers to an exciting new year and looking forward to everything it brings. 

Celebrating the new years in comfort at home in my @myameliajames leggings, with a cold diet dp in my hand and a chorus of coughing and sniffles from my brood. 😂 edit: LOLing cause my hand at the top looks massive next to my head! 😂😂😂😂 . . Can't say the end of 2017 has been super pleasent but the rest of the year was top notch! Happy New Year friends! Have fun celebrating and be safe ❤❤❤❤

A post shared by The Real Airkaka/Erica Jenkins (@airkaka) on Dec 31, 2017 at 2:35pm PST

Create or Not Create, that is the quesiton

I was feeling particularly crafty the other day and I got out some canvases, paint and brushes. Printed off some shapes, cut those out then started painting.

I don't have water color paints, I'm actually not 100% sure whats the difference but I just took regular acrylic paint that I had and watered it down. Worked perfectly to me, but i'm not an expert.

I ended up with a water color state of Arizona, orange like the sunset(if you know the reference then you get 10 virtual high fives), and free handed a little cacti.

Scanned them into the computer, cleaned them up, and I'm happy with how they turned out.

Hugs anyone? 🌵🌵🌵 I attempted more crafting today. Key word, attempt. 🙈 Oh well, I like it! . . . . . . #cactillustrationmagazine #cactalicious #cactilove #cactiofinstagram #succulents #succulentlove

A post shared by Erica Jenkins//Good Job Momma (@airkaka) on May 19, 2017 at 7:27pm PDT

I never know what to do with the things I create. Its obviously fear based because someone, somewhere is better at everything I do, so whats the point in sharing the things I do. I'm trying to get over it, so I though I'd share with you today.


What do you think? Want one?

Traditioooooooooon, tradition!

Oh Christmas traditions.

We don't really have set traditions. Maybe someday we will have something more concrete. We mostly just have things we would like to do, but not a big deal if you don't get to it.

• Put up tree before Thanksgiving and decorate after 
• Visit Santa
• Decorate gingerbread houses
• Visit Mesa Temple lights
• Decorate cookies

• deliver treats to neighbors
• fires in the backyard 
• drinking hot chocolate

The kids and I have enjoyed thinking about and doing simple services with the  Light the World campaign for the LDS Church this year.

I have been over booked and over stressed out the last couple months.  So, I've been trying to keep things fun for my kids but also keep their expectations super low.  I hate to disappoint them with big promises and small deliveries.  We've skipped many parties and activities to just spend time and enjoy each others company.  I know Christmas time is a time for families gatherings, but this year I'm more focused on little family, at home. 

Do you enjoy traditions or do you like to keep it low key?  I'm not a planner in general so the lowest key possible for me, please. 

I'm liking this post up today with Mommy Style Monday ladies. 

Check out what traditions are happening in their homes. 

Kiana // Glitter & Donuts

Madeline // CaseyLand

Cayli // Nightchayde

Britt // My Little Sunshine

Juli // Enjoying the Journey

Chelsea // Naturally Chels

Sue // Sue's News

If you'd like to join in the next Mommy Style Monday head on over to 

Kiana // Glitter & Donuts or Madeline // CaseyLand 

FYI: I also recently wrote a blog post about a winter bucket list for EVMB if you're interested in that. :)