Little Flock

Luke :: 6 years

2011-10-11T11:37:00.008-04:00

Today my Luke turns 6 years old.

I tend to be pretty reminiscent on birthdays.

I walk around the house saying "6 years ago today we were..."

All. Day. Long.

My family puts up with me.

Bless them. :)

Luke was due on September 25th.

He was born on October 11th.

That's right...

over 2 weeks late!

I was in labor for 25 hours.

He was 9 lbs. 15 oz.

23 in. long

When he was born, literally every nurse/doctor in the room said

"Whoa! That is a big baby!"

It was love at first sight for me.

I wanted a boy so badly.

He was perfect.

At 6 years old...

his favorite color is purple.

He just learned to ride his bike without training wheels.

He is reading like a champ.

His favorite things to do are draw and ride his bike.

He is one of the most quick witted people I know.

He's shy around large groups but quickly comes out of his shell.

Loves to gives hugs.

"Luke" means "Bringer of light"

I pray he lives up to this name.

That he brings the true Light to those who live in darkness.

We LOVE you, Luke!

Our family wouldn't be the same without you!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie and Sugar free thoughts

2011-10-10T09:19:00.005-04:00

I did something I never thought I would be able to do. For the past month I have been sugar free! As a whole our family sticks to a whole foods diet but, I have a weakness. At home I mostly use evaporated cane juice (still a form of processed sugar, albeit healthier) but I would occasionally sneak in a candy bar or soda (I can hear the collective gasp of the whole foodies out there now!). I felt like the Lord was really prompting me to do a fast from all processed sugars. I know white sugar is bad for my health and immune system, my energy was depleted, I couldn't lose weight, I suffer from migraines, and I crave sugar at times. I wondered, could all this be from eating white sugar?? So at the beginning of September I embarked on, yet another, 30 day challenge- no processed sugar. (Natural sweeteners were okie dokie in my book)

Today is my last day. I was anticipating this past month to be hard. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I could do it. But to my surprise, it wasn't that bad at all! There were maybe 2 or 3 times where I really wanted something sweet. My biggest temptations though weren't chocolate or baked goods but drinks. Yes, drinks. I wanted a soda, or a pumpkin spiced latte, or that lovely southern staple, sweet tea. To combat this I drank lots of water (which I got kind of tired of!), orange juice, and smoothies.

One of my major cravings this month was pumpkin. It is finally turning to fall weather and I wanted to partake in the muffins, lattes, and cakes with everyone else! So I came up with this pumpkin pie smoothie. I know there are loads of these recipes on the internet but each of them had at least one ingredient I wasn't very happy with. So here is my simple and tasty recipe:

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (about 2 servings)

1 frozen banana

3/4 c. of milk

2 tbsp. honey

1/2 c. pumpkin puree

1/2 t. vanilla

1/4. t. cinnamon (or try pumpkin pie spice!)

a few ice cubes

Blend the banana and milk until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend. Enjoy!

My 2 year old daughter absolutely loved this and it gave me the pumpkin boost I needed to make it these last couple days.

As far as the results of my sugar fast...I'm still pondering. I have lost 5 lbs. but over the past month I have also been biking every day and eating smaller portion sizes. One thing I will say is that my energy level has been WAY up. I no longer get my usual 3 pm slump. Yay! So, I am still pondering whether I want to make this a lifestyle change or maybe just cut back.

Have you tried a sugar free diet? Any thoughts?

Menu Plan Monday

2011-09-26T08:42:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone! I realized last night that I had gotten out of the habit of posting my menu plans. Maybe I'm a bit odd (quite possible!) but I have always loved reading other peoples menu plans, getting new ideas, and new recipes. I also really love menu planning. I usually pick out a couple cookbooks, grab a notebook, pen and ice water and have fun browsing over all the recipes. I own about 3 Mennonite/Amish cookbooks and this week, for some reason, most of my recipes came from those 3 cookbooks. What can I say? They have great recipes!

Breakfast

~Pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting (whole wheat flour, no sugar...I have no guilt.)

~cereal (we go to church over an hour away and so lately I have been buying cereal as a fast Sunday breakfast)

~biscuits with butter and honey/fruit

~eggs/bacon

~pancakes/applesauce

~baked oatmeal/ blueberries

Lunch- I never plan for lunches!

~whatever I throw together!

~leftovers!

Dinner

~Swedish Meatballs/egg noodles/ green beans

~Crockpot spaghetti/salad/homemade french bread

~Navajo Tacos/ Cornbread

~Savory rice/ salad/ homemade bread

~Upside down pizza/ fruit

~Grilled cheese/tomato soup

Thanks for dropping by!

Field Trip :: Habitat for Humanity Global Village

2011-09-22T09:25:00.019-04:00

One thing that is important to John and I is that we teach our children to have a servant's heart. We want to live that out in our community as well as around the world. We want our children to understand that there is a large chunk of the world that doesn't live with the luxuries that we have and as followers of Christ we are to use the gifts He has given us to help others. Since we haven't had the opportunity to go on a family mission trip yet (so excited to do that one day!) we decided to take a short field trip so they could see (somewhat) how others live across the globe.

We have the privilege of living close to the Habitat for Humanity International Headquarters. And they have a global village set up which includes a mock third world village as well as models of all the houses they build in different countries.

They did a fantastic job of making it look realistic.

They also had several signs around that engaged the children to think about what they were seeing.

You could walk in all the buildings and touch, look, and explore.

Then you entered into the habitat houses section. Which they had split up into continents and then countries. After walking through the third world village it was a stark contrast.

At the reception area they handed each of the children a little passport.

In each house there was a stamping station and the children could stamp their passport. My children LOVED this! They would run into each house and search for it. :)

This was one of my favorite houses. So pretty!

Each house had little artifacts that people from that country had sent to be put in the houses. They had Bibles of every language! As well as pictures from various housing projects from that country.

We had a great time.

Speaking of servants heart, check out what this mom decided to do to celebrate her birthday. So inspirational!

What are some ways you and your family serve others? How do you teach your children about other cultures?

Blessings!

Growing...

2011-09-14T13:47:00.004-04:00

I've had a lot on my mind lately.

Being a mom of young children is hard.

Most of the time your exhausted.

You feel as though you are being pulled in 5 different directions at once.

You deal with major tantrums and major messes.

But as my children are growing up...

I am starting get a glimpse as to what it will be like to parent older children.

And I see a whole new set of difficulties.

Answering the tough questions.

Training my children in purity and modesty.

Having to let go and let them be independent.

Just to name a few.

I must admit there have been a few times this week I have felt fear creep in.

What if I do something wrong?

What if I am not a good enough example?

What if I don't put enough emphasis on a certain thing?

And then as I began to pray about all these feeling

God helped me realize a few things.

Am I perfect?

No. But He is.

Will my children be sinless little angles?

No. But through the repentance of our sins we grow closer to Him.

Will I fail?

Many times. But I will choose to live by grace and not perfection.

So, while I know I have a few more years to go, I am feeling God's strength to enter this new chapter of life. I am looking forward to the challenges that will come with it because I know He is walking right along with me.

Blessings.

Fall!

2011-09-07T10:56:00.011-04:00

Things are changing here in south Georgia...

Which is really unusual for our neck of the woods.

I usually don't have to put away my beloved sandals

until the end of October.

So this whole chilly September thing in bizarre.

Not that I'm complaining.

This is my FAVORITE type of weather.

Slightly overcast with a bit of a chill in the air.

*insert contented sigh here*

We celebrated the first day of fall with a family walk.

There was frolicking...

Leaf throwing...

Even a little family acrobats...

I sure do love spending everyday with this bunch.

How are you enjoying fall? Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone? Bonfires? Cozy Socks?

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter "Milkshake"

2011-08-06T12:11:00.002-04:00

The other day I was craving something sweet. I make it a habit not to keep sweets in the house because I may, perhaps, have a problem with self control at times...maybe. But as I spied a couple of bananas on the table I started planning what I could make with them. What I came up with was SO delicious. Here's my recipe:

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter "Milkshake"

2 ripe bananas (or 3 if you want it more banana-y)

2 cups of milk

1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder

2 heaping tablespoons smooth peanut butter

2 squirts of honey (I'm estimating about 2-3 tablespoons?)

4 handfuls of ice (you could omit this if you used frozen bananas)

Place bananas and milk in a blender and blend until smooth. Then add remaining ingredients and blend. Makes about 4 cups.

I may or may not have had this for dinner one night. I don't feel so guilty about it though considering it contains fruit, protein, dairy, and no sugar. At least that is what I tell myself! :)

We will definitely be making these regularly to beat this insane heat wave that is going on!

Enjoy!

Back at it

2011-08-04T09:13:00.007-04:00

It's that time of year again.

Our school books all organized. (How long will that last??)

(Do I detect a bit of a pout in that lip??)

Summer was fun.

But I have to admit, getting back into a routine is nice.

This year I have a 2nd grader, 1st grader, and Preschooler.

So life will be...busy!

Anyone else out there gearing up to start school again? Do you wish summer was just a little longer or are you as eager as I am to get started again?

Country Lovin'

2011-07-29T08:50:00.001-04:00

Have I mentioned how much I love living in the country?

Homemade Tortillas

2011-07-25T10:49:00.010-04:00

I finally decided to jump on the bandwagon and made my own tortillas. We go through a lot of tortillas in this house. A. Lot. I had been seeing recipes all over the internet, hearing how absolutely wonderful they were, and knew they would be cheaper and healthier homemade then store bought. And let me just say, they did not disappoint!

With so many recipes online I wasn't quite sure which on to go with. The recipe I finally decided on had two ingredients that I was really excited about: whole wheat flour and coconut oil. Two years ago we bought a grain mill and have been using freshly ground wheat ever since. WOW! There is a huge difference between freshly ground wheat flour and store bought. Trust me, people. If you use wheat flour a lot you might want to invest in one. I also try to use coconut oil as much as possible because of the nutritional value.

So with Lilly as my helper we were on our way!

I used my kitchen aid to mix up the dough and then shaped them into little balls.

We borrowed a tortilla press from a friend. If you are planning on making them regularly, get one! It made it a breeze. You can tell by Lilly's furrowed brow she was really putting her all into it. :)

We had quite the audience while we worked.

We cooked them for about 30 seconds on each side and

Viola!

Homemade Tortillas! It was pretty hard for us not to eat them right as they came off the griddle. They were delicious! We made about four batches and they were all gone within about a week. Yum! Warmed with butter, made into little pizzas, rolled up with turkey, lettuce, and tomato (and maybe I even spread some peanut butter and chocolate chips on some..) it was all so good.

Here is the recipe I used.

Enjoy!

Simple Woman's Daybook 7/12

2011-07-12T08:19:00.004-04:00

I love participating in The Simple Woman's Daybook. I don't know why I don't participate more often! It gives me a chance to sit down and evaluate what is on my mind and going on in my life. I love reading what other people have written. They range from casual (like mine) to very poetical and deep. Head on over and participate!

Outside my window... is some seriously long grass that needs to be cut.

I am thinking... of grace. How much I need it and how I can extend it more.

I am thankful... for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Can you imagine the Christian walk without it??

From the learning rooms... I am still studying up on photography. My, what a wide topic!

In the kitchen... Amish Friendship Bread.

I am wearing... a purple dress and flip flops.

I am creating... homemade cards to send to love ones.

I am going... to deliver Friendship Bread starters to friends today.

I am wondering... how I can instill more scripture into my children.

I am reading... an article written by a woman about 1 Cor. 11

I am hoping... the grass will somehow cut itself. :)

I am looking forward to... some books I have coming in the next couple days.

I am hearing... the clattering of spoons.

Around the house... laundry, laundry, everywhere!

I am pondering... next years homeschool curriculum.

One of my favorite things... trips to the library with Lilly.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Lilly is getting a tooth pulled tomorrow (yuck!), library trip, grocery store, and enjoying some new books.

Here is a picture I am sharing...

A blog you need to read

2011-07-06T07:00:00.004-04:00

I love reading blogs. I love reading people's ideas, perspectives, and thoughts. I subscribe to cooking blogs, christian blogs, "mommy" blogs, homeschool blogs, decorating blogs, craft blogs, all topics that are near and dear to my heart.

One blog has consistently stuck out to me over and over again, though. The Doorpost Ministries blog has been encouraging, enlightening, entertaining, and uplifting to me in so many ways. I've been a huge fan of their products (which is a whole other blog post! I LOVE their stuff!) for well over a year now and so when I saw, back in March, that they were starting up a new blog you better believe I subscribed right away! Doorpost is a ministry dedicating to helping parents apply scripture in their homes. An area I can always use good advice in! The things I love is that not only is Pam (the main contributor) so encouraging but her advice is practical and totally do-able. You can tell just by reading her blog that she has a passion for godly homes.

So, if you haven't checked out Doorposts of Your House yet, head on over there, browse around and look through all the wonderful ideas and encouraging words she has to share. I am such a huge fan that I have a nice little button on the right side of my blog you can follow to get there.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he shall not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

This verse has been both a burden and a joy to my heart. It makes me realize the great responsibility that I have as a parent but also it reminds me that if I am faithful to teach my children God's truth it will be worth it! God has impressed on my heart that now is the time! My children are young and are looking to my husband and I for direction and guidance. May He give us all the grace and strength to be faithful in our calling as parents.

Blessings!

My favorite muffins

2011-07-04T07:00:00.002-04:00

Okay, technically, I have two muffin recipes that are tied for first in my book. One is Martha Stewart's blueberry muffins. They really are quite divine. Try it if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed. But this is a post about my other favorite muffin recipe...

Several years ago my mom and I were in a little junk store in my home town. They had tons of books at really great prices. Of course, I go right for the cookbooks. You did know I collect cookbooks, didn't you?? That is when I spied a cookbook whose cover was adorned with Amish people, quilts, and good ole country livin' pictures. I thought "This can't be bad!" and picked it up. It was worth my $3. Everything I have cooked out of this book has been delicious! One of the best parts about this muffin recipe is that you can make the batter and then put it in the fridge for up to 6 weeks. It makes breakfast a breeze in the morning. And we all know my obsession with quick and easy breakfasts!

Green Meadows six-week bran muffins

taken from Cooking from Quilt Country

5 cups all purpose flour

5 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons ground allspice

1 15 oz. box bran flakes with raisins (aka Raisin Bran)

3 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 quart buttermilk (I mix 1 part plain yogurt to 3 parts milk)

2 teaspoons vanilla

In a large bowl, mix first 6 ingredients. In a separate bowl beat eggs. Add oil, milk, and vanilla and blend. Pour egg mixture over flour mixture and mi

x well. Transfer batter to a large plastic container (I use a gallon sized pitcher) with a tight fitting lid, and store in the fridge until ready to use.

When ready to bake: do not stir the batter when dipping out to fill muffin tins. (I don't know why. That is just what Ms. Cookbook Lady says!) To bake, preheat oven to 375*. Fill paper lined muffin tins about 1/2 to 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes (or 15, if your oven runs hot like mine). Let sit about 5 minutes before eating.

This makes about 5 dozen muffins and will last about 6 weeks in the fridge.

Simple and delicious!

Zinnias

2011-07-02T07:00:00.005-04:00

Just outside of our small town we have this really amazing produce shop. It is run by one farm and they have pretty much anything you could want there. Watermelon, peas, squash, and of course, peaches (this is Georgia afterall!) and that is only fraction. They sell hand-painted birdhouses, canned and baked good. They even have a little place where you can buy homemade peach ice cream. It's wonderful. One of my favorite things is that every year they plant a huge field just full of zinnia's and sunflowers. You can come and pick your own for only 10 cents a stem.

Well, me and my flower-loving daughter (Lilly- appropriately named) are taking full advantage of this!

One thing that we didn't take into consideration, this field was mud-dy. We were planning to go all the way to the back corner because nobody ever trudges all the way back there. We got about halfway out there and realized our feet were caked with mud.

We decided to get our flowers from where we were and then sat down under one of the pecan trees and tried to de-mud ourselves before we went tromping into the store to pay.

We didn't do too well.

But we got enough flowers to fill up 2 vases and it only cost us...

$1.60!

And, believe it or not, they were used to the mud. :)

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE having fresh flowers in the house?

Day 30 {Self Portrait}

2011-06-30T08:05:00.003-04:00

Well, today is the last day.

Thanks for baring with me everyone.

This challenge has been really fun and has taught me so much.

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Day 29 {Black and White}

2011-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

We are taking care of our friends animals while they are out of town.

Chicks, dogs, and rabbits to be exact.

The children are loving it.

I see chickens in our near future.

Day 28 {Flowers}

2011-06-28T08:03:00.002-04:00

A basket of flowers.

Picked with loving hands.

For their mama.

Day 27 {From a Distance}

2011-06-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

I have to admit that today's challenge was, well...a challenge.

Shooting from a distance is not my normal style.

I'm a "let's fill up the whole frame" kinda girl.

I was stumped.

Nothing a little bike ride can't fix though!

Although I can't help but feel I could have taken or edited this shot better.

It's kind of ...blah.

Any tips?

Day 26 {Close-up}

2011-06-26T19:24:00.002-04:00

I don't like you fire ants!!

Love,

Day 25 {Something Pink}

2011-06-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

My youngest daughter is constantly bring stuffed animals to the table at meal times.

She would get upset when we would try to take them away and so we finally decided that we would just invite her little friends to join us for dinner. :)

Now her stuffed animals have a special place at the table where they get to feast in pleasure.

Day 24 {Animal}

2011-06-24T07:00:00.002-04:00

When you live in the country an outdoor cat(or lots!) is a must.

Meet Maisy.

Our official mouse catcher.

Day 23 {Sunflare}

2011-06-23T08:31:00.002-04:00

Another quick photo taken on a beautiful day!

Day 22 {Hands}

2011-06-22T07:00:00.004-04:00

An afternoon of playing church.

And a sweet, simple prayer offered up at the end.

"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set them in the midst of them,

And said, verily I say unto you,

Except ye be converted, and become as little children,

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall humble as this little child,

the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 18:2-4

Day 21 {Faceless self portrait}

2011-06-21T08:45:00.002-04:00

Confession: This is my

"I just snapped a picture real quick because I have a lot going on today"

picture.

Enjoy! :)

Day 20 {Bokeh}

2011-06-20T07:00:00.003-04:00

I love bokeh photos.

Always have.

Always will.

Day 19 {Something Orange}

2011-06-19T07:00:00.002-04:00

Where I spend a lot of time.

Any guesses?

Day 18 {Your shoes}

2011-06-18T07:00:00.002-04:00

Little girl feet in her mama's shoes.

I love.

Day 17 {Technology}

2011-06-17T07:00:00.001-04:00

I'm not that into technology.

My husband though...that's a different story.

He's fascinated by all the advancements that are being made.

I usually don't get to excited about it all but there was one thing that I thought was pretty neat.

This little guy.

The Square.

It's a pocket sized credit card reader that fits into your iPhone or iPad's audio jack.

We run a small computer repair business and this has been so helpful. Now when a client comes to pick up a computer or John does a house call we can accept credit cards.

Having a garage sale?

Selling something on Craigslist?

Having a bake sale for a fundraiser?

Now you can accept credit cards!

How cool!

Day 16 {Long Exposure}

2011-06-16T07:00:00.006-04:00

When I started this challenge back on the 1st of June, I had no idea what long exposure was or how to do it. Shutter Speed?? Huh? Thankfully, with the help of a good book and Google, it all started to make sense. As I studied I came across long exposure abstract photography. I loved it! I loved how it gave a softness to the photos and almost looks like a watercolor painting. So, here is my attempt. I couldn't decided which I liked better so I am posting them both!

Rainbow Pinwheel (My favorite)

Neon Lights (John's Favorite)

Have you ever tried long exposure abstract photography?

I'd love to see it!

Day 15 {Silhouette}

2011-06-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Doesn't everyone own a chubby cherub dinner bell?

Day 14 {Eyes}

2011-06-14T07:00:00.002-04:00

And behold, two blind men sitting by the wayside, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried out the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

They said to him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

So, Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Matthew 20:30-34

May I live my life with such compassion.

So thankful, I have such a beautiful example as found in my savior, Jesus.

Day 13 {Yourself with 13 Things}

2011-06-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

These are a few of my favorite things!

(starting at top left)

~Children's giggles

~Dates with my hubby

~Hot chocolate w/ Marshmallows

~Bouquets of flowers

~Laundry on a clothesline

~Cherry limeades

~Orange kittens

~Smoky Mountains

~Time in the Word

Day 12 {Sunset}

2011-06-12T08:17:00.003-04:00

Not the prettiest sunset last night.

It was cloudy.

I got eaten up by mosquitoes.

And I lost my lens cap.

Twice.

Who knew taking pictures could be so hard? :)

Day 11 {Something Blue}

2011-06-11T07:00:00.002-04:00

Earlier this year I bought some new bedding for our bed. We had had our old bedding since we were married. It was stained from having lived through 4 babies. It had holes in it. In fact, on several occasions we would get into bed at night only to find one of the children had stuffed some kind of toy down one of the holes and we would spend the next 15 minutes trying to fish it out. We couldn't find a matching sheet set in our collection for anything. Normally, these types of things don't really bother me. But since my kiddos aren't little babies anymore, John and my room has become, well, more our's not everyone's. Moms, you know what I'm saying, right?

I wanted to do something special to mark this big occasion! John could care less about bedding and decorating in general, but he was kind and humored his little wife. He gave me a budget and I set to work! It had to be a good deal, it had to be something that both John and I liked (he actually did have opinions about it once I started showing him stuff), and it had to be comfortable.

All this to say, I'm really pleased with our bedding. It's bright and happy, I love curling up in bed at night, and I was under budget! Yay!

Anyone else out there get excited about new bedding? Or am I alone?? :)

Day 10 {Childhood Memory}

2011-06-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Lilly won a little travel game yesterday at our library's summer reading program. As soon as we started playing it a flood of memories started coming back to me. My dad is from Texas and whenever we would go visit my uncle would break out his version of this game made out of a big wooden square with holes drilled in it and we'd use marbles for the playing pieces. I used to. love. it.

It's been fun playing it with the children. They now love it too!

Someone you love...again

2011-06-09T09:30:00.006-04:00

I wanted to post just a couple more pictures of people I love because I couldn't choose just one! God has blessed me with such an incredible family. I am so thankful each day for all of them. Here are a few favorite photos of my love's from over the past year or so.

Daddy and his helpers.

I love my boys!

I love my girls!

(See what I mean about her growing up too fast..)

Day 9 {Someone you love}

2011-06-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

She's growing up too fast.

Day 8 {A Bad Habit}

2011-06-08T07:00:00.003-04:00

My family mostly sticks to a whole foods diet.

But I have a weakness...

Mainly, I give in when I'm stressed or tired (or any time I set foot in CVS).

I know it's bad for me and I always feel like junk about 1/2 an hour afterwards...

but what a glorious 5 minutes it is while it lasts. :)

Day 7 {Fruit}

2011-06-07T07:00:00.002-04:00

Hi. My name is Amanda. And I love local produce.

Even more than that, I love wild produce.

Come on a little adventure with me as we explore all the wild (mostly) fruit that is within a mile of my house.

Pear tree in my back yard. Baby pears!

The huge fig tree on the east side of our property.

Have you ever had homemade fig newtons?

Hello, Delicious!

Tomatoes from our garden.

Growing all along the side of our road are wild blackberries.

This year they are kind of puney and small since it is so dry here.

But they are still tasty!

And my favorite, favorite of all!

Down the road and around the corner we have a patch of wild plums that grow along a fence line. These are the most delicious little plums I have ever had.

And look at that color!

Gorgeous!

I get so excited when I see these bright pink little guys pop up!

Have I mentioned how much I love living in the country?

Day 6 {From a Low Angle}

2011-06-06T08:35:00.000-04:00

Little feet in the morning.

Day 5 {From a High Angle}

2011-06-05T15:09:00.003-04:00

Technically this isn't really from that high of an angle...but I'm okay with that. :)

Day 4 {Something Green}

2011-06-04T09:40:00.004-04:00

Eagerly anticipating the harvest!

Day 3 {Clouds}

2011-06-03T13:04:00.002-04:00

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Day 2 {What you wore today}

2011-06-02T10:41:00.005-04:00

I've had them for years.

I wear them pretty much every day of my life.

I've worn them mowing the lawn,

bathing my babies,

out in my garden,

washing the dishes,

every. where.

Good thing I live in the south where it is only cold from November to February. :)

Day 1 {Self Portrait}

2011-06-02T09:32:00.003-04:00

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-06-02T09:12:00.007-04:00

For my birthday this year John bought me a new camera. A fancy camera. A SLR camera!!

I had always said once I got an SLR camera I was going to get more serious about learning how to take pictures well. I feel part of that process is to just

...take pictures. Funny enough, I have been doing lots of studying but not much picture taking!

So in an attempt to do that I am going to be participating in White Peach Photography's 30 Day Photo Challenge! For the month of June there will be a different topic for each day.

via

It's not too late to join up! Check it out here!

Day in the life

2011-05-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

I had another really sweet reader email me and say:

"I'd love to hear about a day in the life of your family. How you do things, what you do...you know, things like that! I love to hear how others do things and glean info! :-) "

I have loved when I've seen this on other people's blogs. It's so fun to get a glimpse into someone else's life! So, yesterday I recorded everything I did and snapped a couple pictures throughout my day. I didn't really pay attention to the time or how long certain things took me. I just wrote them out in an order-of-events kind of way. Here's my day:

-I woke up with a headache (ALLERGIES!) so I crawled out of bed and took some medicine.

-John was kind enough to fix breakfast for the children while I waited for my medicine to kick in.

-Got up and dressed

-Got everyone dressed

-Put on a load of laundry

-Picked up the living room

-Sorted clean laundry that had been sitting in baskets for...ahem...awhile.

-Math w/ Lilly (while the boys put away all of the laundry that went into drawers)

-Snack time for the children while I read them their Bible lesson.

-Reading w/ Lilly

-The children put the rest of the laundry on hangers while I fixed lunch.

-lunch

-The children and I went out in the garden to water/weed. (Yes, weeds are overtaking my garden!)

-Language Arts w/ Lilly.

-Science w/ Lilly.

-Social Studies w/ Lilly.

-Reading w/ Luke.

-Snack time for the children while I had about 1/2 hour or so of Mommy time.

-Washed dishes.

-The older children went outside to play. Kate and I read some books together and then she looked at books while I snuck in some time in the Word.

-Picked up around the house.

-Started on dinner.

-At this point in time my allergies were bothering me again so I went to rest for about 20 minutes.

-Washed more dishes with Lilly and Brad.

-Finished dinner preparations.

-Dinner.

-Dinner clean up.

-Enjoyed some family time!

-Read a chapter out of "By the Shores of Silver Lake".

-Got everyone in their jammies.

-Surprised the children with a "Jammie drive". This is something John and his family used to do when he was young. All the children would get into their jammies and then go on a family drive right before bed. I guarantee the children think this is SO fun. They get excited every time!

-Family prayers/put the children to bed.

-Time to myself!

-Sleep.

That's the Washburn's day in a nutshell! For the most part our days look the same. We spend most of our time at home since school work consumes a lot of our day. But we will occasionally make a trip to the library, the park, or run errands. Our time after dinner usually changes every night. Sometimes we need to run errands or someone drops by for a visit. We might have family devotions before bed or John might take the older children on a bike ride. We just enjoy being together as a family!

Time after the children go to bed is usually different every night too. I might catch up on some emails, write a blog post, read a book, John and I might play Scrabble or chat. I usually try to get most of my work done before dinner so that my evening is free, but once in a while I might have some sewing that needs to be done or need to get breakfast ready for the next morning.

I LOVE being a homemaker. I feel absolutely blessed to be able to invest my time in my home/family. Am I perfect at it? No. Do I lose my joy sometimes and feel completely overwhelmed? Yes! There have been many times I have had to apologize to the children for losing my cool or had a mini emotional breakdown because I felt so inadequate. But, by God's good grace, He is seeing me through it! And I am learning day by day how this whole "Keeper at home" thing works!

Blessings!

My journey (LONG POST ALERT!)

2011-05-04T23:12:00.006-04:00

Thank you, everyone, for the emails. I was completely blessed by them. I cannot tell you how much of an encouragement it is to me to know that there are others out there who are on the same road I was/am on. It gives me strength to know I am not alone!

First off, let me just say that I am always open to questions from anyone! Please don't feel like you will offend me by asking about my lifestyle. I love to share about this amazing journey God is taking me on. When I was starting out towards the lifestyle I lead now I would have loved to have someone to ask questions too. So, please, feel free to email me any time!

I had one reader ask me if I wouldn't mind sharing how I got to where I am now. I can't believe I've never thought of writing that out before! Great idea! My story is not one of joyfully embracing God's path for me. Although I wish I could say it was. Mine is a story of rebellion and stubbornness that God was patient enough to put up with.

A little background first, I became a Christian while I was in high school but really started growing in my relationship with Him when I went to college. God led me to an amazing campus ministry and a group of people who encouraged me and taught me so much about God.

The summer between my sophomore and junior year of college was really pivotal in the convictions that I hold now. I was hired to work as a camp counselor at a christian summer camp in the-middle-of-no-where, Alabama. What an amazing summer! First of all it is where I met my husband! (But that is a whole other story) While working at the camp there was a family there that offered to hold weekly Bible studies for any of the counselors that were interested. Those Bible studies turned out to be the meat that this milk-fed child needed! I was challenged to think outside of what others were telling me and my preconceived notions of what a christian was and really dig into the Word and see what it had to say for myself. During that summer I became convicted to cover my head during times of prayer from reading 1 Corinthians 11. My first step into weirdness, as I like to say! When the summer was over I headed back to college. And I have to admit I felt completely at war with myself. I was embarrassed and ashamed of my new conviction that no one else (at least not that I knew of) seemed to share. There were many times I tried to talk myself out of it but not only was I still feeling completely convicted about it...I was actually starting to feel convicted to start covering my head all the time! Oh boy, I really fought that one! But it seemed to me that there were times when I felt I needed to pray but didn't because I didn't have anything to cover my head with. Also, the Bible tells us to "pray without ceasing" and how could I do that without covering all the time? But, as I said I fought it hard. I was not wanting to draw attention to myself in that way.

At the end of my junior year of college my husband and I were married. He was completely supportive of me covering my head. What a blessing! Our next venture into weirdness was choosing not to use birth control, another very unusual thing that made us stick out. And it didn't take long for people to realize that we weren't using birth control because I got pregnant 2 months after we were married. We got a lot of mixed reactions from people about this. Some people didn't care and others thought we were being pretty irresponsible. I still had a year of college left. My husband was working a minimum wage job. But our convictions were so strong there is no way we could go against them. John and I both felt that when we became christians we gave our entire lives to the Lord. We agreed to trust Him with everything. So we felt like this was an area of our life that we needed to give Him control over. Plus, children are a blessing! (psalm 127) We were ready!

As we dug more and more into the Bible our way of life continued to change. We got rid of our T.V., we began listening to only christian music, etc. About 6 months after our daughter was born we received a phone call from the same family who had led our Bible studies back in Alabama. They were moving to Arkansas to attend a Mennonite church there. They invited us to come down and visit them. John went down for a weekend by himself the first time (I was out of town). He called me on his drive home and told me how much he loved it and how this church believed the same way we did and how great he thought it was. When I got back into town we drove down as a family to visit again. (Just to clarify- at this point in time I was not wearing dresses or covering full time yet.) I felt SO awkward on our first visit!! I thought for sure everyone thought I was some kind of heathen who they needed to have pity on. Looking back now, I think I was really at war with myself. In my heart I knew what God was telling me, what He had been trying to tell me for the past year and a half. And so to be around people who were living that way was a big slap in the face. My husband ate it up though. He felt very much at home and within 2 months of us driving down to visit several times he decided we needed to move there.

Now, you can ask anyone who I was good friends with at that time, I was not excited to go. In fact, I was terrified. What was going to happen? Was John going to start dressing like them? What was that going to do to our marriage? Not to mention what if I started dressing like them? What would my family and friends think? Could I handle being stared at all the time? All of these questions were in the back of my mind even though I tried to play the part of the good, submissive wife.

The first two months of living in Arkansas were probably some of the hardest of my life. The church members were great. They made us feel welcome and knew we were seeking answers and were sensitive to that. But a war was raging so strongly inside me that I knew I couldn't avoid God any more. It was time to decide if I was going to obey or disobey, no more running away. The thought of choosing to walk away from God made me sick to my stomach. How could I? But the thought of obeying Him was equally as terrifying to me at the time. I was 22 years old. One year ago I had a completely different life planned out for myself and family. Could I really lay that all down?

One of the ladies gave me an article to read (of course, I can't remember the name of it now but if anyone is interested, let me know and I will try to find it!) about the christian woman's veiling. It was a turning point for me. It explained the scripture and reasoning so well that I told my husband I was going to wear a dress and covering for one week and see how it went. Ladies, that week changed my life. I felt so free and peaceful. I could literally feel the division between me and God healed. And when i say that I don't want anyone to think that I mean it was the dress/headcovering that did it. It was the obedience to his command that healed our division. I had been stubborn and rebellious. I had cared more about what others thought then what God thought. So from that week on I've been wearing head coverings and dresses.

I haven't regretted it. Not one single day. There was a lot of awkwardness at first. Facing my friends and family for the first time, who, while were a little freaked out at first, are all now very supportive. Getting used to the stares. Answering questions that I wasn't really ready to answer yet. But God has been so loving and so kind to me.

Of course there is more to it then just the headcovering and the dresses. Those were the baby steps for us. God has taught us so much since then. But, that issue seems to be the one that most women struggle with in the beginning.

Since then we have moved to Georgia to a new church and continued to grow in knowledge and understanding.

One thing I want to make crystal clear is that wearing a dress and a headcovering is not going to save anyone. Those acts by themselves are just acts. God says, "If you love me, keep my commandments" John 14:15 . It is out of love for Him that I wear these things not because I feel they save my soul. The only things that can do that is the blood of Jesus Christ.

I really hope that this post makes sense and that it is coming out with the tone I intend it to. I have never actually written out my story before so I am kind of thinking as I go! I don't want to come across as judgmental or with a "high and mighty" attitude. I simply want to share my story so that others who might be going through something similar might be encouraged.

If I have said anything in this post that you have questions about please let me know. I am not perfect. And I don't pretend to have things all figured out. God, in His goodness, is constantly teaching me.

If you have read all the way to the end...wow! I'm sorry this post wound up so long. I probably rambled on about a lot of things I didn't need to. But it is hard to know what to share and what not to share!

May God bless you!

Questions welcome!

2011-05-02T20:05:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday everyone!

One of the goals I have for this blog is to be open and transparent. I love to share what is going on in my life. I love to share what the Lord is teaching me and how He is guiding me. I enjoy writing posts about homeschooling and sharing recipes. Those are all things that effect (or is it affect? Someone?) my life daily and that I enjoy doing. But sometimes I get a little stumped as to how to share on a deeper level. When I was a dewy-eyed freshmen in college, I never would have imagined God would lead me where I am today! I am so thankful and am totally amazed at how He has worked in my life!

A couple years ago I wrote a post inviting anyone who had any thoughts or questions for me to ask away! (You can see that here.) I so enjoyed seeing what was on your mind! Like I've said before, we really aren't too exciting most of the time but I also realize that we aren't your typical American family! So I thought I'd give another opportunity for questions. Anything been on your mind lately? :) Most of you who read this blog know me personally and maybe you have me all figured out! But just in case...

I'd love the opportunity to share what the Lord has taught me, how we do things in our family, what it is like to homeschool, or any other topic you might be curious about! Don't be shy now!

You can leave a comment below or feel free to email me at: littleflockblog@gmail.com

Be blessed!

He's a keeper

2011-04-29T08:39:00.006-04:00

I love this little guy.

He loves to go on bike rides with his dad and sister.

He wants to be a carpenter.

He plays harder and gets dirtier than any little boy I know.

Yep, I'll keep him.

I am now officially addicted to....

2011-04-27T22:23:00.005-04:00

Pinterest.com

Have you heard of it? According to their website:

"Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.

People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it.

We know you have great taste in something. Our mission is to make Pinterest the best place for you to share your taste with the world."

I received my invitation (it is in beta mode so you either have to be invited by a current user or sign up to join a waiting list) a couple weeks ago but hadn't had time to mess with it yet....until 2 days ago. I have, literally, spent at least an hour a day on it since! It has already inspired me to plant more flowers, take more pictures, given me tons of craft ideas, and caused me to stay up way past my bed time. It is super addicting. There are so many inspiring ideas out there!

If you are one of those people who have tons of bookmarks saved to your computer or someone who is looking for some inspiration, this website is perfect for you. To read more about it go here.

Are any of you on Pinterest?

To see my pins and boards you can follow me here.

Hope to see you there!

Giveaway winner!

2011-04-25T08:15:00.003-04:00

And the winner of the Capturing Creativity card kit is....

Rachel -"I would say my favorite gift as a child was getting my ears pierced. My parents rule was, once you showed you were responsible enough to clean your ears everyday and to keep your earrings out of reach of little ones, you could get your ears pierced. It was such a great moment for me as a 10yr old!"

Congrats, Rachel! I know your kiddos will have so much fun!

Email me at littleflockblog@gmail.com with your gender preference and address and it will be on it's way!

For those of you who are still interested in purchasing one head on over to Capturing Creativity today! She does special orders and is a joy to work with.

Inspiring Creativity {a giveaway}

2011-04-22T06:00:00.013-04:00

I love fun, unique, creative gifts for children. Add to that encouraging them to write and keep connected with loved ones and I am completely sold.

That is why I love Kerry's store, Cap turing Creativity.

This year for Lilly's birthday I really wanted to get her a card making kit. She loves making cards for people and I just knew it would be something she would really enjoy. I googled...and was really surprised that there wasn't much out there for children. That is why I was so excited to find Capturin g Creativity.

This would be the perfect gift for any children in your life. Son/daughter, grandchildren, nieces/nephews...is your child going to a birthday party any time soon? What a special gift!

Look at that cute paper!

Stickers and Ribbon, oh my!

Tags for a variety of occasions.

And as a special touch, she puts each kit in an adorable little box.

And lest they be forgotten...

She makes boy kits too!

And guess what? You can win one of these kits!
One reader will receive either a boy or girl kit (winner's choice).
Exciting, huh!?

Each kit includes:
- 8 blank white cards and 8 white envelopes
- Plenty of patterned paper for 8 cards
- An assortment of paper flowers or other shapes/embellishments
- Approximately 3 yards of ribbon
- 8 sentiment labels/tags
- Plus a few stickers!
- And it all comes in the colorful handmade box

Head on over to Capturing Creativity right now to see the two kits that are up for grabs.

Giveaway Details:

One card kit

ONE winner will be chosen at random

One entry per person

Giveaway ends Sunday April 24th at midnight (EST)

To enter leave a comment below answering this question:
What was the best gift you received as a child?

Winner will be announced on Monday.

Tell your friends and good luck!

(photos courtesy of Capturing Creativity)

How I spend time with the Lord

2011-04-18T19:09:00.003-04:00

Something I have noticed is that a lot of young moms struggle with how and when to spend time with the Lord. Life gets so busy when you have little ones running around. At the end of the day you are so exhausted you can hardly keep your eyes open! Trust me...I know too well.

I remember when I was in college (pre-children) I'd pack a little bag containing my Bible, cd player (pre-mp3), worship music, water bottle, and snack and would head to the lake. I would literally spend hours just feeding on His Word, worshiping Him through song and enjoying His beautiful creation. It was a such a blessing and I cherish those memories! But, I am in a new season of life. I have had 4 children in 5 years and leisurely times in God's Word just don't happen any more. And can I tell you something? I am okay with that! Do I miss them? Sometimes. Would I love to do it again? Of course! But I have noticed there is a certain amount of guilt that comes when one can't spend 1/2 an hour to an hour totally devoted to God. Why is that? Doesn't God know our circumstances? Didn't He give us these little ones? I remember last year I was reading the book "Passionate Housewifes Desperate for God" by Stacy McDonald and Jennie Chancey. One of the things that I really appreciated and that was a new thought to me was this:

"Spending time in God's Word is crucial, but don't set yourself up for disappointment by expecting a regular time of peacful bliss in prayer and quiet solitude.
I believe that one of the heaviest burdens well-meaning Christians place upon the shoulders of mothers at home is the mandate of "quiet time". "

I have heard a lot of moms say that they just get up before their children in the morning. And I totally applaud you moms that can do that. I am SO glad you have found what works for you and your family! I managed to get up early for a time and I had some sweet, sweet time with the Lord. But I had some problems with that approach, getting up early = grumpy/tired mommy in the afternoon. Or on several occasions, I would get frustrated and upset if the children heard me get up and got up earlier then usual. Either way it didn't turn out the way I had intended it too. And overall it wasn't good for my family. Enter the guilt.

As I thought about the statement above, I realized that never in the Bible does God command us to "spend at least (insert time here), all at the same time, in prayer and Bible study each day". Doesn't God appreciate my little prayers through out the day just as much as a 1/2 an hour prayer fest? Or my reading a bible verse while I'm nursing a baby and then meditating on it for the next couple hours while I work just as much as sitting on the couch alone and quiet doing the same thing? I had placed an unnecessary burden on myself. It is when I started having these thoughts that I changed the way I spent time with the Lord. I now pray little prayers all day long. While I was dishes, fold laundry, give the children a bath, cook dinner. I squeeze in moments of Bible reading in between busy moments. While I am waiting for someone to finish a test, rocking a sick child, waiting for the children to finish their chores so we can do something else. I then have something to meditate on the next couple hours! Also, my children love to hear me pray and read the Bible to them. I love the fact that I am teaching them that prayer can happen any time and not just at a set time during the day.

All this to say, Moms, get rid of the guilt. We need to spend time in prayer and God's Word. It is SO important. But don't feel like if you aren't having your "quiet time" every day, you are somehow failing. God desires us to pray without ceasing! (1 Thes. 5:17) And to mediate on God's Word day and night! (Psalms 1:2) (Not to say those of you who do have regular quiet times don't do this!) Let's keep our focus on loving and serving Him!

Be blessed!

Homemade Vanilla Extract

2011-04-14T09:56:00.008-04:00

Have you ever noticed how ridiculously expensive vanilla extract is?? You could easily pay $7 or $8 for an 8 oz. bottle. And since I bake so much, this adds up really fast. So, I am excited to say that I recently just started my first batch of homemade vanilla! It has been on my "to do" list for well over a year. A major "thank you" to my dad for going and buying me the vodka for the occasion. I just couldn't bring myself to do it! Somehow I thought it might look a bit...odd for a Amishy looking lady to be walking out of a store with a half gallon of vodka. Or is that just me??

What you will need:

- A half gallon jar
- half a gallon of vodka, mine was 1.75 liters, which didn't quite go all the way to the top. So if wanted to you could buy another smaller bottle. (the cheap stuff works just as well.)
- about 40 vanilla beans (I ordered a 1/2 lb. from Olive Nation. Which was a little more than I needed.)
-scissors

To start out cut each vanilla bean down the middle leaving about an inch still connected at the top. I got my 7 year old to help me with this process and it took no time at all.

Please ignore the super wrinkly hands in this picture. John has given me the affectionate nickname of "Gorilla Hands" because well, mayhaps, my hands are a little wrinkly....

Now stuff all those vanilla beans into your jar...

Pour in the vodka.

Slap a lid on it and put it in a dark place (I put mine in a cabinet I hardly use). Leave it there for 4-6 months. Your patience will be rewarded! I have seen some tutorials that say only one month but that is not long enough. It will be a much weaker dose than letting it soak longer. The longer it soaks = a stronger batch. You want to take it out every month or so and give it a good shake. Then place it back in it's spot to stew some more.

Once the six months is up, strain your extract through a coffee filter and colander, bottle it in dark amber bottles, and you've got yourself some vanilla extract!

I'm planning on buying my 8 oz. bottles from Mountain Rose Herbs. And John has told me he'd make me some cute little labels to go on them.

Label these with some personalized labels, tie a ribbon around the top and this would definitely be a really fun gift to give to a hostess or a new neighbor along with some cookies.

So, what do you think? Anyone else going to try it?

Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-04-05T18:52:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...a peanut butter/pinecone bird feeder is dangling on a string.

I am thinking...which craft project to start next.

I am thankful for...the AMAZING ladies who helped me sew my girls dresses today.

From the learning rooms...getting ready to start a study on submission.

From the kitchen...made ham/mushroom/spinach quiche for dinner. Mmm..

I am wearing...a green dress. My most comfy one.

I am creating...dresses. Dresses. Dresses!

I am going...to go to bed as soon as possible. Exhausted!

I am reading...Core Lies by Sarah Mae. My soul needed this.

I am hoping...for an answer that pleases everyone.

I am hearing...my children sharing stories from their day. Love it.

Around the house...my WONDERFUL husband cleaned our very messy kitchen for me today. :)

One of my favorite things...meaningful conversations with someone you wouldn't expect.

A few plans for the rest of the week: finish dresses, grocery shopping, thank you gifts.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Realistic Gummy Worm.
Fun Food or Totally Disgusting?

For more see Simple Woman's Daybook

Hey! Hi! Hello!

2011-03-31T19:27:00.014-04:00

Sorry for the brief disappearing act the past couple weeks. We took a trip to Kansas to visit my family (which was wonderful!) and what was supposed to be a week and a half trip turned into a 3 week trip thanks to a lovely flu bug. We just got back yesterday and we are all trying to get back into the swing of things around here.

I was going to write a post about all the fun we had in Kansas and include lots of fun photos but come to find out...I didn't really take that many photos! Oops.

We did a lot of this:

The children had a blast with their Uncle...many new toys were brought home.

I met up with some of my college friends and their kiddos.

While we were visiting I handed my camera to one of the budding photographers (who may or may not have been 3 years old) and got lots of pictures like this:

On the way home we drove through the Smoky Mountains. Gorgeous!

I'll spare you any pictures from the week of THE FLU. It wasn't pretty.

We came home to our yard looking like this:

Yikes! Hello, grass. Haven't seen you in a while!

On a better note one of our friends plowed up our garden bed while we were gone!

Yay, for pleasant surprises!

We had a great time! Now it's time to get back to business!

My 101 in 1001

2011-03-07T07:00:00.002-05:00

I have a confession to make (yes. another one.). I don't consider myself a very goal oriented person. I make goals for myself and I break them. I always marvel as those people who set some crazy goal for themselves and then actually attain it! What commitment and determination! This is definitely and area of my life that I would like to improve in.

I had seen on a couple of my friends blogs (here and here if you are interested) the 101 in 1001 project. What a fun idea! So the past couple days I have been working on my list. It was no easy task to come up with 101 things. My 65 I was completely clueless as to what else I could put on there. Several of the things on my list are in hopes that if I do it regularly enough it will become habit. I have some fun things and some things that will really challenge me. I am going to share it here as a way of accountability...so keep me accountable ya'll!

The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part).

My Marriage
1. Kiss John in the rain
2. Give John a foot rub once a month
3. Make john's favorite meal once a month
4. Daily pray for John while making the bed
5. Have an "at home" date with John 2x a month for 3 months

My health/happiness
6. Learn to embroider
7. Don't eat fast food for a month
8. Lose 30 pounds
9. Answer the "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind"
10. Give up all sweets for one week
11. Have a bonfire
12. Go to corn maze
13. Buy a camera
14. Go to farmer's market regularly
15. Read 10 new books
16. Drink enough water every day for 1 month
17. Go on a walk 3 times a week for 6 months
18. Take more pictures
19. Learn more about adoption and begin the process
20. Do a cleanse
21. Buy a tea set
22. Try 5 new restaurants
23. Visit a museum i've never been to
24. Learn to change a tire
25. Write at least one book with John and publish it
26. Take a family trip to the ocean
27. Make 10 new crafts I've never made before
28. Go geocaching
29. Identify 100 things that makes me happy
30. Reunite with the "coffetalk girls"
31. Get some chickens

My outreach
32. Donate blood
33. Send a surprise care package to 5 people just for fun
34. Use reusable shopping bags regularly
35. Participate in at least one Craft Hope project
36. Write "Jesus love notes" and leave them in library books
37. Give a heifer international gift
38. Participate in Operation Beautiful
39. Send birthday cards to everyone on my birthday calendar for one year
40. Sponser a child through Compassion

My kitchen
41. Organize my recipes
42. Organize spices
43. Make bread once a month
44. Bake a new recipe once a month
45. Make pickles
46. Learn to can
47. Cook ahead for a month and freeze meals
48. Find a from scratch tomato sauce recipe that I love
49. Make a pie crust from scratch
50. Grow herbs and actually use them
51. Try at least one recipe off of FoodGawker a month
52. Make homemade ice cream

My Family
53. Go camping with the children
54. Take a family photo every 6 months
55. Create a scavenger hunt for the children
56. Make the boys a keepsake item
57. Go out for coffee with my mom when we are visiting
58. Go on a family hike
59. Call my brother at least once a month
60. Have art time with the children, once a week
61. Have a full blown tea party with Lilly
62. Visit my family in Texas
63. Make aprons for the girls
64. Take the children on at least 2 big field trips
65. Have a slumber party with the girls
66. Go on a family picnic (not in the front yard)
67. Do at least one polished cornerstones activity with Lilly weekly

My faith
68. Keep a journal that I write in at least three times a week for a year
69. Memorize Psalms 23
70. Start a devotional...and finish it
71. Pick someone to pray for for a week straight. Repeat.
72. Have family devotions at least 3x a week
73. Pray for the children every day for a month
74. Fast for 24 hours once a month for a year
75. Start a prayer journal for the children
76. Have 30 minutes of personal devotion time every day for a month

My Blog
77. Blog at least once a week
78. Blog a picture a day for 1 month
79. Update blog design
80. Participate in "Simple Woman's Daybook" every week for 3 months
81. Update my 101 things on my blog monthly
82. Finish header for blog
83. Add pictures to blog
84. Learn to do a scratch through

My Home
85. Paint dining room buffet
86. Clean out fridge once a month
87. Decorate my bedroom
88. Create a house cleaning schedule and keep it
89. Get bookshelves for children's books
90. Help John make a farmhouse table for dining room
91. Organize children's clothing that is in storage
92. clean all of the baseboards in the house
93. Clean out van every two weeks
94. Organize linens
95. Clean the kitchen every night before I go to bed for 1 month
96. Pick up my room ( at least a little) every day for 2 months
97. Make bunk beds for the boys

My Pocketbook
98. Save money for buying land
99. Cash in loose change from jar
100. Stick to our budget for 6 months (No going over!)
101. Sell the blue van

There it is! I'm starting today and will end Dec. 3, 2013. Here we go!

Sunday Blessings

2011-03-06T07:54:00.003-05:00

O Lord, Thou has searched me and known me.
Psalms 139:1

Lord Thou Has Searched
-John B. Dykes

Lord, Thou has searched and seen me thro'
Thine eyes commands, with piercing view
My rising and my resting hours,
My heart and flesh with all their powers

My thoughts before they are my own
Are to my God distinctly known
He knows the words I mean to speak,
Ere from my opening lips they break

Within Thy circling power I stand
On every side I find Thy hand
Awake asleep at home abroad
I am surrounded still with God

O may these thought possess my breast
Where'er I rove, where'er I rest
Nor let my weaker passions dare
Consent to sin, for God is there.

Amen.

Unfortunately, we are having to stay home from church today because of illness. But I hope, wherever you are worshiping from today, that you are filled with God's presences and reminded of the fact that God holds us in His hands. May we all have this spirit:

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
-Psalms 139:23,24

Sunday Blessings to you!

Fabric Overload

2011-03-03T16:00:00.006-05:00

(All fabric except for the night gowns...which I haven't bought yet. I'm in denial.)

2 girls
+
8 dresses each
+
2 aprons
+
5 night gowns each
=
One busy Mama

Ladies (and dad), if no one hears from me for a couple weeks...send help.

The Front Yard

2011-02-28T20:58:00.003-05:00

John has been having fun with iMovie. I thought this was pretty cute. Loving this nice weather we've been having and getting to be outside!!

Enjoy!

Crafty Endeavors:: Nesting Dolls

2011-02-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

(Yes. That is laundry and lego's in the background.)

When I was a little girls I had a fascination with Matryoshka Dolls. I remember just loving to play with them. I really wanted to get a set for my children but as I looked around on the internet they were either too expensive or well....just plain gaudy. I wanted a sweet set that my children could hold onto forever. Time went by and I finally forgot about them. As I was checking out some craft websites I stumbled across this post. A little light bulb went off in my head. "Wait a minute," I thought "I can do that!" Only one problem...I am not a painter. Of all the crafts out there, hand painting has got to be the one I fear the most. But, these dolls were so cute, I took a deep breath and made my way to Hobby Lobby. With many encouraging words from my husband and the reassurance from the sales girl that if I messed up I could just wipe it off and start over I purchased a set of nesting dolls for around $6.

It took me about 3 days of painting in small increments to get these done. But I love the way they turned out! I stayed pretty true to the tutorial except I had one extra doll to paint.

And this little girl?

She loves 'em. Which makes this mama's heart smile. :)

Check out Jill's website here and her tutorial to make these fun dolls here!

Love them

2011-02-08T13:45:00.000-05:00

This girl....

...is hilarious.

And don't even get me started on these three...

Sunday Blessings

2011-02-04T11:22:00.002-05:00

We which have believed do enter into rest. - Heb. 4:3

Often Weary and Worn (my favorite hymn)

W.F. Cosner

Often weary and worn on the pathway below,

When the burden is heavy, my heart throbs with woe;

Oh, there comes a sweet whisper to quell every sigh,

"Do not faint 'neath the load, there is rest by and by."

There is rest by and by,

In that beautiful city there is rest by and by;

Where the ransomed shall live with the Saviour on high,

In the beautiful city there is rest by and by.

You will not labor long for the Master below,

When the burden is hear, your free spirit shall go

To the light of His presence in mansions on high,

Where the faithful repose; there is rest by and by.

There is rest by and by,

In that beautiful city there is rest by and by;

Where the ransomed shall live with the Saviour on high,

In the beautiful city there is rest by and by.

Then, dear Saviour, I would not in sadness repine,

Nor would here on a bed of sweet roses recline;

For a country I seek where they nevermore die,

And in Zion my home, there is rest by and by.

There is rest by and by,

In that beautiful city there is rest by and by;

When the ransomed shall live with the Saviour on high,

In the beautiful city there is rest by and by.

May you be encouraged and reminded this Lord's Day that our time here on earth is short. One day all the hardships and difficulties will pass and we will be with Jesus forever!

Sunday Blessings to you!

Make Ahead Breakfast:: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

2011-02-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

I will openly admit that I am not an early riser. As much as I would love to be up at the crack of dawn getting lots of stuff done before the Littles get up...I've tried. And I've failed. Honestly, it isn't that bad getting up with the children. We have a system that works pretty well. The one thing that has given me trouble though, is breakfast. My children are the type who are ready to eat as soon as they get up. In fact the first thing they do when they get up is come knock on our door and say "Mommy? Can I have a banana? I'm huuuuuungry." And since turning over our new leaf a couple years ago it's really important that I either have something ready to go or something I can fix quickly.

Enter: Baked Oatmeal! I have been making this recipe for years now. It was given to me by a Mennonite friend and I have adapted it some over the years to make it a little more healthy. My whole family loves it. There are usually cheers of joy whenever I announce we are having it for breakfast. I usually bake it the night before and then warm it up, covered in foil, for about 15 minutes the next morning. It's easy to make and yummy to eat!

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

1 c. oil (for an extra boost of nutrition use coconut oil)

1 c. sucanat (or brown sugar)

4 eggs

6 c. rolled oats

4 t. baking powder

2 t. salt

2 c. apple juice

3 apples chopped

1-2 t. cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and then pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350* for 40 minutes. Serve warm in a bowl with milk poured over it. Mmmm....

This recipe lasts my family of 6 about 2 days with a little left over. It's also super adaptable. Half it. Double it. Add some ground nutmeg or cloves. Instead of apples use blueberries or strawberries. Or my all time favorite way to eat baked oatmeal...with PEACHES! Oh, yum.

Enjoy!

Work in Progress

2011-01-25T09:57:00.001-05:00

Please excuse the look of my blog right now. I'm in the process of updating the design. I'd love to say that it's going to be quick and easy...but let's face it, I'm a mom of 4. I can't even get through brushing my teeth without someone needing something! And I wouldn't have it any. other. way. :) So, bare with me. The update with happen...eventually.

Be blessed!

Pondering...

2010-12-18T10:44:00.000-05:00

It started earlier this week with this post by Sarah Mae (who is one of my favorite bloggers, btw). Core lies that we don't even know we are believing. Is it possible? Are there lies embedded so deeply within us that we aren't even aware of it? Not only that we aren't aware of but that are affecting our relationship with God and others? Or how we deal with situations?

This topic has been on my mind all week. I've been trying to find some good material to study from but haven't come up with much yet.

Any thoughts on the subject?

Creative Inspiration :: Doilies

2010-12-15T12:28:00.000-05:00

Hello. My name is Amanda. And lately I have been slightly obsessed with....(whispers) doilies. I don't know how this happened. I remember when I was getting married my mom and I had totally different tastes. She was very much into lace, frills, and sparkly things while I was much more plain and simple. But some where along the way my taste started to change and I have been so drawn to pretty lacey things...especially doilies.

I really don't consider myself a very crafty person. But I do like to look and I do appreciate beautiful things in my home that make it a cozy and warm place to live. I also think when giving a gift, it makes it so much more special when it is homemade. I don't spend a lot of time or money on crafts or decor. My rules are it has to be cheap and/or I have to be able to make it myself. The Lord has called us to be good stewards of our time and money and I try to keep that in mind when it comes to all things crafty.

With all that being said I thought I'd share a few pictures of what has been inspiring me lately...and yes, they involve doilies. :)

Sources: Doily Stationary, Doily Clock, Doily Canvas Bag, Pillows, Doily Vase, Tablecloth, Framed Doilies, Table Runner

The table runner is the project that started it all. I love the look. I also bought the tablecloth from K-mart for 50% off. Deal!

What do you think of doilies? Are they just for old ladies or are they making a come back? Would you decorate with them?

Be blessed!
~A

Keeping it Real

2010-12-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

Guess what I am working on today? I realize that I have been missing in action lately. But when your house looks like this...one just can't justify sitting down to blog. Oh wait, that's what I'm doing right now. Hmm...well, scratch that.

My house had gotten out of control. I've been working like a mad woman in the mornings (we do school in the afternoons) to try and clean it up. This is the last room to finish up. And, as you can tell, I have my work cut out for me. Do you other moms ever have the urge to just sweep it all up and throw it away??

I realized yesterday that I have got to get some kind of system established for cleaning. Should I do school 4 days a week and devote one whole day to cleaning? Do I assign one day a week to each room?

Something has to change. When the house is a complete mess I am SO unmotivated to get out of bed in the morning, knowing what is waiting for me!

What kind of system do you use for cleaning and laundry?

Off to wade through toys,
~A

Virtual Field Trip!

2010-11-15T08:40:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd let all you homeschool parents (or teachers) know that Scholastic is hosting a virtual field trip tomorrow at 1:00 ET! Join them (and me!) as they go to Plimoth Plantation and explore what the first Thanksgiving was really like. You do have to pre-register, so if you are interested head on over there today and sign up. Oh, and the best thing? It's free! Hope to "see" you there!

*I am not affiliated in any way with scholastic and they are not paying me to advertise. I just think this sounds like a really neat opportunity!

Day in the Life - Homeschool edition

2010-08-22T19:28:00.000-04:00

Once again I am participating in the Not Back to School Blog Hop over at Heart of the Matter Online. It has been so fun this past month seeing everyone's curriculum/school rooms/ student photos! This week is "Day in the Life" and I can't wait to see what everyone has planned.

Confession: Last year I had a really hard time fitting it all in. Homeschooling. Housework. Cooking mostly from scratch. Laundry. Mothering 4 little children. Oh yah...and being a wife. I realized that I had to get organized somehow. I had heard about the book Managers of Their Homes from several different sources

and so with a hopeful heart I ordered it. I was SO blessed by what and how it shared. It had some amazing suggestions, both practical and spiritual. I would have to say this is a valuable resource for any homeschool family out there. So this past week I sat down and finally made my schedule. It was amazing how everything just came together! Thank you, God!

On a funny side note, after reading the book I had a few questions and so I went to look up the authors contact information. Lo and behold not only were the authors from my hometown but live only 4 blocks from where I grew up! Crazy, small world!

Now, I know some of you (ahem...marie) might cringe to think about putting yourself and your children on a daily schedule. But I think there is something important to note here: It would be an absolute miracle if everybody was on schedule every day! I am not expecting it at all. My schedule is just a general guideline so I know that around (insert time here) I need to be starting (insert task here). I will not (deep breath) freak out if we get behind schedule.

So, without further ado, here is my schedule (for now):

6:00- wake up, dress, straighten room

6:30- a.m. devotion time

7:00- breakfast prep (John will be waking the children up and getting them dressed at this time)

7:30- breakfast

8:00- meal clean up

8:15- kitchen time (this is where I bake for the day or work on whatever needs to be done in the kitchen)

9:15- Phonics with Lilly

10:15- Bible time with boys

10:45- Reading with Luke

11:00- Science with Lilly

11:30- lunch prep

12:00- quick clean

12:15- lunch

12:45- meal clean up

1:00- Language Arts with Lilly

2:00- Preschool with the Boys

3:00- Math with Lilly

4:00- Bible with Lilly

4:30- Social Studies with Lilly

5:00- Reading time with children

5:30- dinner prep

6:00- Dinner

7:00- meal clean up

7:15- Family Devotions

7:45- fold/put away laundry

8:15- children's bed prep/story time

8:30- quick clean

8:45- bed for children

9:00- p.m. devotion time

9:30- computer time/ free time

10:30- bed. sweet bed.

I wasn't completely happy with the way I scheduled things...but I'm not sure why. So this schedule might be subject to change within the first couple weeks of school. I have heard from several people that Kindergarten and First grade are two of the hardest grades to teach because they haven't learned to work independently yet. Since I have 2 this year, I will be one busy mama. Eventually I would like to get to the point where everyone starts at 9:00 in the morning and ends at 3 or 4 in the afternoon. But since everyone has got to work with me right now, that is just not going to happen.

Each child has their own schedule for the day as well. When I am not working with them they are either playing with one of their siblings or having some alone play time. Here is my chart. Aren't all the colors pretty? :) And, yes, I notice there are some gaps. By the time I got all of all of that done I was so tired of working on the schedule that I decided to fill them in later....with something. Ha!

That's my plan for the year! Thanks for checking in!

Blessings,

Mommy Re-hab (My first time!)

2010-08-16T09:24:00.001-04:00

Every Monday, my friend Brooke hosts Bad Mommy Rehab. In a world where it is so easy to compare ourselves to others, to feel guilt, and discouragement this is an opportunity to focus on the positive!

Last night I was having a pretty deep conversation with a friend. Our conversation turned towards the topic of child-training. She was sharing that she came from a family of 6 and that her mom did every ounce of the housework. The children didn't have any chores or were not encouraged to help out. My, how frazzled that mom must have been!!

I am thankful that we are raising our children to have a good work ethic. We are teaching them that we help not because we have to but because we love people and that is what Jesus would want us to do. We are trying to teach them to take the initiative. That if they see something that needs to be done not to just pass it by or wait for someone else to do it but to step in and get the job done. And, of course, we are teaching (trying to!) them to help and serve with a cheerful attitude.

We are hoping to instill a good work ethic that will last their whole life!

Oh be careful little mouth what (and how) you say

2010-08-13T12:38:00.000-04:00

Something I have been working on lately, by God's grace...

It’s not so much what you say

As the manner in which you say it;

It’s not so much the language you use

As the tone in which you convey it;

“Come here!” I sharply said,

And the child cowered and wept.

“Come here,” I said-

He looked and smiled

And straight to my lap he crept.

Words may be mild and fair

And the tone may pierce like a dart;

Words may be soft as the summer air

But the tone may break my heart;

For words come from the mind

Grow by study and art-

But tone leaps from the inner self

Revealing the state of the heart.

Whether you know it or not,

Whether you are mean or care,

Gentleness, kindness, love and hate,

Envy, anger, are there.

Then, would you quarrels avoid

And peace and love rejoice?

Keep anger not only out of your words-

Keep it out of your voice.

Author Unknown

Article posted by Miss Jocelyn @ Training Daughters, Teaching Wives

I made it!!

2010-08-09T09:46:00.000-04:00

I've been nervous for over a week. Why you ask? Early Saturday morning John left on a trip...for 4 days. I was going to be home...alone...with 4 children... 6 and under...for 4 days! Ah! This had never happened before! Granted, I stay home with them every day but John always comes home at night. So if I have had a rather tough day I can say "John, I need some time to myself." and leave. So, I was nervous this weekend I was going to be grumpy and frustrated, the house was going to be a complete disaster, and it was going to be awful for everyone. The thing I was most nervous about? Sunday morning. Oh my! I was SO nervous! I was going to be taking all 4 of my children to church with me, alone! You may not think this is a big deal but, you see, our church isn't like other churches. We don't have children's church or day care. Our children sit with us the whole time. Which I love, but doing it by myself...oh my. Oh, and I forgot to mention that our services are 3 hours long. So, all last week I was nervous about it. John kept assuring me I would be fine. I had little discussions with the children throughout the week about needing to help and being on their best behavior.

And finally Saturday came. I got up early that morning and had an amazing time of prayer. As I was praying the Lord brought to mind Proverbs 31. More specifically the verse that says "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her..." God reminded me that John needs to be able to trust that I can manage things in his absence. This was such a motivation for me! And I am happy to report that this weekend has been wonderful. They were amazing at church on Sunday and we've been having a good time! The house isn't a disaster and, the best news of all, John is coming home a day early! I should have just trusted the Lord in the first place, huh? Lesson learned.

Thanks for checking in!

Teaching Preschoolers

2010-08-05T13:38:00.000-04:00

This will be my third year teaching preschool. One thing I have learned over the past couple years is that each of my children are very different people. Lilly is sweet and motherly, Luke is the strong silent type, Brad is my little go-getter, and Kate wants to be right in the middle of everything. Which such different personalities it is no surprise that each of my children learn differently too. I learned this the hard way when Luke started school. I just naturally assumed I would do the same things I did with Lilly. Only one problem. It didn't work! I couldn't keep his attention. He was bored and as a result never looked forward to school. So, we switched curriculums, got him some workbooks that had more hands on things and, presto! He was coming to me asking to do school!

With all that being said, there are a few basic tips to keep in mind when teaching preschoolers:

1. Activities - Who doesn't love a good craft project? Or a trip outside? Or a scavenger hunt? Children at the preschool age become distracted and bored pretty quickly. Chances are, drilling your preschooler with flashcards isn't going to go very well. They need change and stimulation.

2. Read, read, read - We read all throughout the day at our home. But during our preschool time I try to read at least 1 storybook everyday that goes along with that days lesson. They are learning an you are spending quality time together! Win/Win!

3. Talk to your child - I love sitting down and talking to my children. I am constantly amazed at how much they understand (and how much they misunderstand) about the world around them. They truly are like little sponges. Have some good discussion questions planned for at least a couple times a week.

4. Focus on them - Young children love it when you spend time with them! Instead of giving your child something to do and then leaving to do something else, allow a little time each day ( I have half an hour set aside) to completely focus on your preschooler(s). They'll love it!

This year I am using "Learning your letters, Learn to serve" written by Laura over at Heavenly Homemakers. I just received it yesterday and it looks so fun. I can't wait to get started. It includes thorough lesson plans, games, crafts, recipes, memory verses, Bible story suggestions, vocabulary stimulation and discussion, play, books to read, and so much more...all while encouraging service to God!!

And, no....she's not paying me to say this!

This kit could be great to have, not only for homeschoolers, but for any parent of a preschooler. If you are at all interested in teaching your preschooler this year I would recommend it!

Blessings,

* To see more of Laura's products click the tag on the side bar. I love her stuff!*

Curriculum Week 2010

2010-08-02T08:10:00.000-04:00

Heart of the Matter Online (one of my FAVORITE homeschool websites) is hosting their" Not Back to School Blog Hop" this month....get it...Not back to school...because we homeschool...heh heh. Anyway, this week is curriculum week. There is something about finally offically deciding what curriculum you are going to use. It's a very triumphant feeling. You just have to share!

Lilly-1st grade

Christian Light- 1st grade program

I have also promised Lilly that this year we will do a lot more hands on activities.

Luke-Kindergarten

Christ centered curriculum- K/5 level

Bradley-Preschool

Christian Light- ABC Readiness Series- they have this marked as a kindergarten curriculum. But after looking over the material I thought it was way too easy to be at the kindergarten level. So we use it for preschool. It has looks of coloring/cutting/pasting/etc. Lots to keep active little boys busy!

Learn your Letters, Learn to Serve- I am so excited to try this curriculum. Laura, over at Heavenly Homemakers (another one of my FAVORITE sites and the one who motivates me keep cooking healthy) has come up with this fabulous curriculum that teaches little ones their letters while teaching them to serve others. Go check it out! She's a curriculum genius, I tell ya!

That's what we've got for this year! We will be ordering our books this week and are planning to start school in September. Oh boy....now on to lesson planning and scheduling....

Thanks for checking in!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-07-28T09:11:00.000-04:00

I love the idea of The Simple Woman's Daybook. So, today, I am taking a few sweet moments to focus on the simple beautiful everyday moments.

Outside my window...a gentle breeze is blowing and the pecan grove across the street is swaying with enjoyment.

I am thinking...that I really need to enjoy the little moments more often.

I am thankful for...a wonderful husband and happy children.

From the kitchen...just made Martha Stewart's blueberry muffins for breakfast. They were fantastic! ( I even used white flour...whoa!)

I am wearing...a pink cape dress, black smock, and veil. Pretty much my every day attire.

I am creating...next year's curriculum for 3 of my children.

I am going...to take more time to read to my children today.

I am reading...nothing! I need a new book! Any suggestions?

I am hoping...that today the Lord will answer a question I have been praying about.

I am hearing...the giggles of children as they finish their breakfast.

Around the house...laundry needs to be washed and put away.

One of my favorite things...having a meaningful conversation with a friend.

A few plans for the rest of the week...we have a meeting at church tonight. A friend told me that the biggest Kroger in Georgia is just 20 minutes away or so. Even better it has a HUGE organic section. We'll be checking that out tomorrow. Mowing the lawn (if it doesn't rain). Buying fabric to make Lilly a throw pillow for her bed.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing today... Okay not so much a picture but a video. I saw this this morning and think it looks really interesting:

Segregation from NCFIC on Vimeo.

Thanks for checking in!

Be blessed!

Crafty Endeavors

2010-06-24T12:58:00.001-04:00

I, by no means, claim to be a crafty person. But something has happened to me recently. I am actually enjoying creating things. Maybe it's the fact that my children are growing up. For the first time in 6 years I don't have a baby or am not pregnant. (Does a 15 month old still count as a baby? I'm not sure!)

I've also found myself wanting to create special little keepsakes for the children. Something that they will look at when they are older and say "Aw. My mom made that for me." So, here are my two latest projects for the girls.

I've really been loving the look of embroidery hoop wall art that I've seen here and there. Easy, cheap, and really cute! My only rule of decorating is that if I am going to put it on my wall it has to have some sort of spiritual significance. I want the things we look at every day to lift ours eyes to things above. So I decided to make each hoop for a different fruit of the spirit. My original idea was to use Emily's idea. But I was on the 3rd letter of the 1st of 9 stencils and realized this was NOT going to work. I didn't have the time. So I resorted to free handing with puffy paint. I didn't think it turned out too bad. Actually, I really like it. I used a mixture of leftover fabric from Lilly's quilt and some that I got on clearance from Hobby Lobby.

I saw this next project on Centsational Girl and instantly fell in love with it. What's funny is the very day before I saw it Lilly was asking if she could have some throw pillows for her bed. I knew I had to make this for her. I found a really cute tea towel on etsy for $3 and let Lilly pick out the fabric she wanted from my scraps.

I have a 2 other pillow ideas for her bed that I am working on. After that on to something for the boys. My! Crafting is fun!

Ah-mazing!

2010-06-19T13:27:00.000-04:00

John and I live about 2 hours south of Atlanta. As a homeschool family I feel very blessed to live so close to a place that has so much to offer educationally speaking. When my parents came to visit back in May we met them in Atlanta and they took us all to the Georgia Aquarium. Did you know that it is the biggest aquarium in the world?? It was so amazingly, breathtakingly beautiful! I could not believe all of the different types of sea life they had. SO many I had never even heard of before. If you are ever in the Atlanta area I would highly recommend you check it out (even though it costs a pretty penny). Here's a few pictures from our day, almost all of them taken by Lilly. She's not a bad little photographer for a 6 year old, if I do say so myself.

This was my favorite of the small displays. Simply because the colors (the photos do it no justice) were so beautiful. T

he background was vivid blue and the jellyfish were bright pink. So pretty. It was also so amazing to watch the jellyfish move.

Beautiful!

One Thursday a month they send divers into one of the big tanks to clean it up and they do a little program where the divers have microphones on and the people can ask them questions while they are diving. We happened to be there that day and it was really fun to see the children interact with the diver! Later, while we were eating lunch he walked by on his lunch break and recognized us (we tend to stick out in a crowd!) and stopped and chatted for a while. Another diver stopped by too and gave each of the children a sharks tooth that he had collected from the bottom of a tank that morning. Cool!

Sea horses!

Turtles!

Kate

was fascinated by the lionfish.

They had an underwater tunnel that ended with this HUGE tank. This was by far my favorite part of the aquarium. I think we went through 3 times! I wish you could see the size of some of these fish/sharks. They have whale sharks, which I had never heard of but are apparently the biggest fish in the world. Like, 41 ft. big. Wow! They were really amazing. They also had giant mantas, hammerhead sharks, and so many other species.

I couldn't resist posting this picture. Poor little Kate was quite a trooper. When we set off that morning she was fine but then throughout the day sometime she developed a fever. We kept hoping she would fall asleep but it wasn't until my dad sat with her for a while while the other children played at the playground that she finally did. He doesn't look like he minded too much. :) Grandpa's got the magic touch!

God is truly a beautiful artist!

Blessings,

Every party has a pooper....

2010-05-13T14:17:00.001-04:00

I can't believe I just wrote the word poop...(Marie, I know you are shocked!).

Anyway, I have been in a serious funk lately. Irritable, tired, moody, lethargic. And to make matters worse, I have been throwing myself a real pity party. "Sigh...the house never stays clean." "Sigh...I'm so bored doing the same thing every day." "Sigh...(yes I've been doing a lot of sighing lately)...I'm tired of being at the house all day."

I've started waking up at 6am so I can have some quiet time before the children wake up in the morning. This morning I decided to read a devotional called Tea Leaves. It's a devotional aimed at women that was put out by several missionary wives. I read through several of the devotions and had some time to reflect on them afterwards. That is when the Lord spoke to my heart. "Amanda, look at all the heart ache going on in the world. Orphans, widows, poverty, broken families/homes/marriages. And you are throwing yourself a pity party because you are bored ?? That's selfish!"

Eek. There is that word. Selfish. I couldn't deny it. My selfishness over the past couple days had even creeped into my marriage. I had been upset that John was't taking me out to do things. That he wasn't spending more time with me. That he wasn't giving me a break from the children to do what I wanted. Do you see the reoccurring theme here? I realized that I hadn't even told him that I wanted these things. He was just supposed to know I was struggling. Not to mention he hasn't had the best week at work either!

So, today I started thanking the Lord for things instead of complaining about them:

~My dryer has been broken for about 2 weeks now-Thank you, God, that it's not raining so I can hang our laundry out to dry.

~Bradley got crumbs all over the couch (and I mean all over!)-Thank you, God, for this precious little boy who is so full of life and energy.

~We didn't have much for me to fix for lunch in the house- Thank you, God, for this opportunity to practice my bread baking skills.

~And my biggest "thank you"-Thank you, God, for loving me even in my sin.

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. ~Matthew 20:28

Running the race,

Recipes I'm lovin'

2010-05-06T22:35:00.000-04:00

I'm always on the look out for recipes that are 1. easy 2. healthy 3. cheap and 4. crowd pleasers (and by crowd I mean my children...and if John liked it, that would be okay too!) In the past couple weeks I have gotten two new cookbooks. They are wonderful! Yummy, healthy recipes! Here are 3 of my favorite recipes from the past couple weeks.

The first one comes from Healthy Choices: No sugar. No white flour. No artificial anything. Be still my heart!

Quick Beef and Noodles

1 lb hamburger

1/2 c. chopped onion

8 oz. noodles

4 cups tomato juice

1 cup water

1/2 cup sour cream

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. salt

In a 5 quart kettle brown beef and onion. Add the rest of the ingredients except sour cream and cover. Simmer 15-20 minutes until noodles are tender. Add sour cream and heat again.

Yes....that's it. This recipe reminds me of hamburger helper except SO much better. It's much richer and tastier. I also like the fact that it is a stove top meal so I don't have to turn on my oven during these hot summer days. And, hello! It's so quick and easy!

Another thing that I am always on the look out for are main dishes that are meatless. We only eat meat about 2-3 times a week. So I like to try new vegetarian recipes now and then to add to my collection. These next two are some of my new favorites

This next recipe is from The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters. If you don't know who Alice Waters is, she is the real originator of the food revolution back in the 70's. She believes locally grown, organic food should be available to everyone and has been working hard to see it happen in the school system.

Spaghettini with Oil and Garlic

1 lb. spaghettini (fancy way of saying thin spaghetti)

1/3 cup olive oil

4 garlic cloves, chopped fine

3 parsley branches, leaves chopped

a pinch of hot pepper flakes (optional)

salt

Bring water to a boil in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, heat oil in a heavy pan over medium-low heat. When oil is just warm add remaining ingredients. Cook until garlic is soft, turning off hte heat just as the garlic starts to sizzle. Don't let it brown.

Drain pasta when cooked, reserving some of the cooking water. Add the noodles to the sauce in the pan with a pinch of salt and toss. Taste for seasoning and loosen with some cooking water if needed. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.

We added some halved grape tomatoes just after the garlic went in. Yum! Lilly said this was the best spaghetti she'd ever had. That puts it at the top of the list in my book. And I can't tell you how fast this was...like 15 minutes. You could add some olives or maybe even...ahem...bacon. :)

The last recipe is one I found on allrecipes.com as I was browsing their vegetarian recipes. Now, bare with me because it sounds a little weird but I have made it several times and it is delicious. I'm not going to bother typing it out but I'll give you the link and you can see for yourself!

Addictive Sweet Potato Burritos

Happy Cooking!

Preschool Games

2010-05-02T19:16:00.000-04:00

One thing I have learned from homeschooling is that children get bored with book work. I think there is value in teaching a child to be able to sit still and listen BUT the real fun in homeschooling comes in the games and activities we get to do. So, I thought I'd share some super simple and easy games I like to play with the children that are educational too. These games are very adaptable. You could use this concept with with numbers, letters, or words (to form sentences when they are a little older).

Game #1: Number Scavenger Hunt

Materials:
~Construction Paper
~Scissors
~Markers

You are basically going to make several flashcards. You could get as fancy as you wanted with these things. Some scrapbook paper might be nice and some of those fancy scissors that cut out things with cute little borders. But I, literally, made mine in 5 minutes with a child on each side of me. So excuse the sloppiness. In my 6 years of parenting I have yet to write anything legible. I like to write the number and the number words so that the child(ren) can get familiar with both the number and the word that goes with it. But you could just do the number for younger children or just the number word for older ones. Side note: I would recommend covering these in contact paper so they last longer. As you can see...I haven't got there yet.

Next send your children into the other room and hide the cards in different places. I like to hide a few in easy to find places for the little ones and then a few more difficult places for the older ones.

Then call them back in and let them look for them. I usually let them look with no hints at first and then will give them some hot/cold clues near the end. As they find them they need to put them in numerical order. That's it! Like I said, pretty easy and simple but my children just LOVE this game. They want to play it all the time.

Game #2: Find the Letter (Color or Shape)

Materials:
~Construction Paper
~Scissors
~Markers

This game is so wonderful if you have children of different ages. It can be used for children who are learning letters, shapes and colors all at the same time! I used to play this game when Lilly was 4, Luke was 3 and Brad was 2. Pick out different colors of paper and cut out a different shape from each color. Example: Pink-heart, Blue-circle, Red-square, etc. On each shape write a different letter of the alaphabet. We usually start by teaching the vowels.

Place all the shapes on the table. Now, depending on the age of the child ask them to find a certain characteristic (I guess that is the right word??) of the card. "Lilly. Find the letter Aa." "Luke. Find the blue card" "Brad. Find the star." You get the idea. This is another game that my children just love to play. Once they get a little older you could start incorporating digraphs and small words.

Game #3: Bake a Word (taken from education.com)

Materials:
~Foam Paper
~notebook paper
~scissors
~markers
~bowl
~mixing spoon
~plate

Lilly loves, loves, LOVES this game. My little girl loves to bake and so this is right up her alley.
I tried to find the directions for this game on education.com but couldn't find them. So I hope I explain this clearly!

Take your foam paper and cut enough squares so you have two of each letter of the alphabet. Uhh...so I guess that would be 52. :) Use different colors. Be fun! We made our vowels all white so they would be a little easier to find but do whatever you want. After you've cut them out write your letters on them and put them all in a big mixing bowl.

Next you want to make a "menu" for your little baker. (which is simply a paper with a list of words on it but if you wanted to get really into it you could make a cute little menu on your computer) This all depends on how much your child is reading at this point. We started with simple short vowel words. Cat, Dog, Sit, Hop, Pet, etc. You wouldn't have to, but John even made up some paper money on the computer so we could pay after our purchase. :)

Now comes the fun part! Get your bowl of letters, a mixing spoon or rubber spatula, your menu and a paper plate (a few if others are playing too) and take them to the table. Dress your little baker up in an apron, give her some pot holdres, whatever you can think of. We even made a sign that said "Lilly's Bakery" to hang up!

As the customer, you come up to the table and she hands you the menu and you get to choose your order. "Hi, Lilly. I'd like to order CAT please" Her job is to stir her little bowl and find the letters C-A-T and place them on the plate. Order complete!

I love the flexibility of this game. As the child gets older you can use harder words and eventually make sentences (using words on your foam paper instead of letters).

I hope I explained everything well enough! If there are any questions feel free to ask. I just love doing things with the children that are fun and educational. (especially if they are easy to prepare!) I hope these games give you homeschoolers some ideas and for those of you who don't I hope it will give some ideas for what to do on those rainy days!

Be blessed!
~A

Checking in to say...

2010-04-26T22:52:00.000-04:00

Yes. I've dropped off the face of the earth. :)

Life is busy right now friends. With 4 little ones, homeschooling, sewing, cooking mostly from scratch, laundry for 6, cleaning up and cleaning up (and did I mention cleaning up??) something had to give. And it looks like it's been my blog! I haven't forgot it but it's been put on the back burner. I can't tell you how many times I have said to myself, "Oh! I should blog about that later!" Only for it to get swept under the rug with the the dust...forget you read that. What kind of person would just sweep dust under the rug?...Not me.

I feel so blessed to be called to this job of being a keeper of the home. It's busy and at times overwhelming but I wouldn't want any other job. God has taught me so much through it and it's only been a few years! I can't wait to see what else He has in store. Thanks for checking in!

Blessings,
~A

My Work

2010-03-30T10:02:00.000-04:00

My Work

I have the greatest work in the world;

The job of rocking a baby to sleep,

That of guiding his tottering feet,

A baby's clothes to launder and fold,

A precious life to shape and mold,

A drink to give from a little cup,

At night his toys to gather up,

Hurts to heal and fears to quell,

A baby to keep clean and well,

A stack of diapers to put,

Oh, what a happy worthwhile day!

I am a "Mother."

I have the greatest work in to world;

A husband to encourage when things go wrong,

When he comes from work to greet with a song,

Denims and shirts to wash and mend,

A helping hand, when needed, to lend,

Three times a day is meals to cook,

To strive to be my best to look,

His back to rub at the close of the day,

For his faithfulness to God I pray,

When hubby's in the field I take lemonade,

for all these tasks his love has Paid.

I am a " Wife."

I have the greatest work in the world;

A home to keep happy, clean and bright,

Make things go smooth and strive for the right,

Jams to cook and jellies to make,

Cookies and pies and bread to bake,

Washing, ironing, and sewing to do,

So many tasks, will I ever get through?

Lettuce to wash and peas to pick,

floors to scrub, lost items to seek,

Dishes to wash and windows to shine,

These and many more tasks are mine.

I am a "Homemaker."

Help me, Father, to faithfully work,

Forgive if I unconsciously shirk,

give me the patience and love I pray,

To keep myself in duties way;

With all the hustle that each day brings

May I not neglect the needing things;

Each day to spend time alone with Thee

That Jesus Christ be seen in me.

Thank you for husband, our home, our girls and boys;

Thank you for love which brings me much joy.

Thank you, Lord.

~Mary Lou Burkholder

Thanks go to Joy for sharing this inspirational poem today! I truly love my job!

~A

Love this Girl

2010-03-22T11:55:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share a couple shots from Kate's birthday.....which, yes, I realized was almost a month ago! Better late then never, right??

I love that little girl!

Food for Thought

2010-03-16T09:29:00.000-04:00

Last year, sometime, I was at the library. I was thumbing through the magazines they were giving away and I found a Time magazine which was focused on childhood obesity. Since I tend to be pretty health conscience I picked it up and took it home. A large part of the issue was talking about school lunches and how incredibly unhealthy they are. It gave 3 samples of a normal days lunch for students in a public school and then gave the nutritional break down. Yikes! I was disgusted by the amounts of processed foods that many students today are consuming! My thoughts on the subject were sparked again when my friend Nikki posted this blog post. In which I left way too long of a comment. :)

My children are homeschooled so it isn't like I have to worry about what they are eating when they go to school but it does make me a little upset that schools are okay with feeding their children junk.

I came across a blog today that I find totally fascinating! Fed up with Lunch: The School Lunch Project is a blog by a teacher at a public school who is eating a school lunch every (school) day in 2010 and documenting it. Here is her agenda, if you want to check it out. My first thoughts as I was scrolling through her site was the incredible amount of waste with every single lunch! Back when I was in school we got a tray and they scooped our food onto it for us. But it seems (at least at her school) things all come pre-packaged.

I am encouraged to see a number of schools starting to take notice and trying to do better. If you have a child who is in public school or about to start I would encourage you to check out their food options.

If you have about 20 minutes here is an great TED talk by Jamie Oliver

~A

Yep. He's listening.

2010-02-22T12:31:00.001-05:00

Just in case I ever doubted that God does, indeed, care about the small things going on in my life....

My previous post was me lamenting over my very unorganized craft supplies and today on Heart of the Matter ( a homeschool sight I LOVE) there was this article. Thanks God! I knew you were listening!

~A

And thanks to all of you who left your suggestions too! I think there will be some major re-organizing in my future.

Anybody??

2010-02-20T10:21:00.000-05:00

Keeping the house clean with 4 small children is a job in and of itself. I've had to make peace with the fact that, in this season of life, my house will never be as clean as I would like it to be. But, one thing I have been struggling with lately is how to keep our art supplies picked up. My children love to color, cut, glue,etc. The problem is when all of them want to do it at the same time...it's a mess. Crayons, colored pencils, scissors, glue bottles, markers, Oh my. And, of course, we can't forget paper. Paper everywhere! Things wind up getting broken or lost so when we do need them for school we can't find them. Grr.... So, I'm calling upon the wisdom of those of you out there who have any suggestions.

Any tips on how to organize the supplies? Should I keep them put up out of their reach or let them get into them when they want? Should I watch them at all times while they create (I cringe as I write that....)? Or should I enforce some good old fashioned discipline until they get into the habit of not making the mess in the first place??

So let me break it down for you:

4 children
+ lots of art supplies
________________

HUGE MESS! HELP!

Thanks!
~A

A place to sew

2010-02-15T12:15:00.001-05:00

If you had asked me about 6 years ago if I would enjoy sewing, I probably would have laughed hysterically. I had taken a one sewing class when I was a child, had a mother who loved to sew, but me?? No way. Ah....but times have changed. I now consider it such a joy to be able to sew for myself, my family, and for our needs around the house.

I have been doing a lot of sewing lately. Spring is just around the corner for us south Georgians and Lilly is in desperate need of some dresses (she just keeps growing!). I had a couple ladies over a couple weeks ago and we spent the whole afternoon cutting out fabric for her dresses. I was so incredibly blessed by that. If it took 3 women a whole afternoon to cut out dresses I can't even imagine how long it would have taken me by myself. For the past two weeks I've been using every spare minute to work on her dresses, in hopes I can have them all done by the middle of March.

So, I thought I'd give you a little peek at my sewing spot. Why?? I have no idea. :) Since it's been consuming so much of my free time lately....I just had to blog about it!

This is my table. I wish you could see the details of the table. It becomes a catch all for the household. I see a lighter, one of Lilly's memory games, and a sippy cup. At least once a week I have to go over my table and remove everything that doesn't belong there! There is also 3 half finished dresses, 5 dresses I have cut but have yet to start on, and a whole slew of zippers.

I also keep a stash of these behind my sewing machine (out of plain sight :)) It's my reward for sticking with it!

This is my ridiculously unorganized pile of things I don't use very often. A whole tub of scrap fabric, patterns, batting, and that pile of fabric is my mending pile. I'll get to it....one day.

Here is where I hang the clothes when I'm done. That's 2 dresses and 2 nightgowns Lovely, huh? Normal people would probably go ahead and hang them in the closet but it's not quite warm enough for her to wear them yet and I know they will inevitably wind up on the floor getting stomped on. So, I will keep my dress chandelier just a little longer.

This last picture is my next project after the dresses are complete. I'm going to be making an "I spy" quilt for the children. These are 6 of 100 little squares. They are all different designs. I think they will LOVE it! I'm not quite sure what I am getting myself into. I've never quilted before but am hoping I can figure it out! I'd love to have it done by Bradley's birthday at the end of March but I'm doubting that will happen. It will all depend on when Lilly's dresses are done. And then there is Kate who will need dresses in the near future too....oh my.

So, those are my projects and my little sewing spot. Do you sew? Do you have a sewing spot? I'd love to see it! Any organization tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for checking in!
~A

Tea Party

2010-02-12T14:06:00.001-05:00

I love having daughters. Especially really awesome daughters like the ones I have. :) Sometimes when I think of the responsibility that has been given to me, of raising up these two beautiful girls into godly women....oh my. Am I, at all, qualified for this, Lord?? But:

"If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

I know, together, with the Lord and John by my side they will be amazing young women.

Today Lilly wanted to throw a tea party for her brothers. Since John and I are always trying to teach the children how to serve one another, I thought this was a wonderful idea. So, we got out her tea set, slapped some peanut butter on some Ritz crackers and broke out the Collins Street Bakery Cherry cookies that we received in the mail yesterday (thanks, mom and dad!)

She was quite the hostess, if I do say so myself. The boys were so thrilled with the whole thing.
Not only did Lilly host the tea party but she washed all the dishes afterwards without me even asking!

Did I hit the jackpot for "amazing daughter" or what?
And because I simply cannot blog about the children and leave out little Miss Kate, here's a picture of her. She'll be turning 1 on the 25th.

I can't believe it! (please excuse her runny nose....gotta grab a good picture while you can!)

Check out A Wise Woman Builds Her Home for some inspirational words about raising daughters.

Be blessed,
~A

Menu Plan!

2010-02-07T17:30:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I posted a menu plan. I'm trying several new recipes this week so I thought I'd share and let everyone know how they turn out.

Breakfast
-Giant breakfast cookies
-Banana pancakes (okay....so maybe I add some chocolate chips in there too)
-Apricot Bars
-Eggs in a Nest (or whatever you call it)
-Oatmeal

Lunch
-PB and J roll ups
-leftovers
-Egg Burritos

Dinner
- sweet potato burritos
-Bierocks
-Butternut Squash pasta
-Pizza
-Mexican Layer Dip (we just eat this as a main dish!)
-Spaghetti w/ artichoke hearts and tomatoes

I never really plan what I will serve to go with the main entree. We have lots of veggies in the freezer and I usually whip up some kind of bread. This week I was trying to experiment with more vegetarian recipes since we are trying to cut down our meat intake. That's what we're having!

Does anyone out there have any recipe suggestions?

~A

A BIG thank you to.....

2010-02-03T11:19:00.001-05:00

my dear friend Amy, who back in this post read that I had broke my camera and offered to give me one they weren't using. (Amy, I hope you don't mind that I swiped one of your pictures off of FB!) She's expecting a baby any day now and is still thinking of ways to bless other people! Amazing!

I have so been enjoying being able to take pictures again! Thanks SO much, Amy. It was truly a blessing!

How have you been blessed lately?

~A

See you later, Alligator!

2010-01-26T14:50:00.000-05:00

John and I, normally, aren't the type to make New Year's resolutions. But for some reason, this year, without even telling each other we both made one. Mine, was to be better about sticking to my schedule. (But..ahem...we just won't talk about that.) And John's was to go "No-Poo". And since we share the same shower and he wanted me to make it for him. I decided I'd go "no-poo" as well. Now, he bravely stated on Facebook that he was going "no-poo" with no explanation whatesoever. I...not so much. For well over a year now I have been concerned about bath products. I've heard of the ridiculous things they put in them. I started buying soap at our farmer's market that I knew had no chemicals in it. We bought all natural toothpaste (although, I might try baking soda soon) but I was reluctant to give up my shampoo and conditioner. It's not that I needed perfume-y smelling hair or even that I doubted how well no-poo would work on John. But, I did doubt how well it would work on MY hair. You see, I have A LOT of hair. To the point where any hair stylist who has ever worked on my hair has made the comment "You have a lot of hair!" No joke. Now add to that the fact that I haven't cut it in 5 years and that equals massive amounts of hair. I just wasn't sure how clean it would get and I was really doubtful that it would detangle my hair. But, it's cheaper and healthier so, it couldn't hurt to give it a try. I. was. shocked. It worked so well! I absolutely could not tell the difference in my hair. No, scratch that. I could tell a difference and it was for the better. It's shinier and softer than ever. We are on week two and I am sold! I've used it on all of the children and we've all had the same results. Awesome. So, no more store bought shampoo for me! Just give me some vinegar and baking soda from now on!

To see the method I used (and a great "no-poo explanation) you can go here. The only thing I did different was to add a couple drops of tea tree oil to the baking soda mixture. I also usually make a triple batch of what she does (again...lots of hair!). If you give it a try let me know what you think!

Hope everyone is having a blessed day!

~A

Delighted

2010-01-18T19:52:00.000-05:00

Inspired by Psalm 37:4, 11 ; 40:8

"Delight thyself in the Lord..."
Lord,
I will delight myself in You.
I am delighted with Your boundless supply of love.
I am thrilled with Your patience.
I am glad for the priviledge of being Your daughter.
Your faithfulness reaches the clouds (so high!).
Your righteousness is like the great mountains.
Your judgments are a mighty deep.
I am delighted, Lord,
for the privilege of knowing You
personally.

I am delighted with the abundance of peace.
Peace-release
from friction
between me and another.
Release
from tension,
from burdens,
from physical illness.
Peace with myself
(who and what I am is good because God made me that way).
Peace with my husband
(especially after we've disagreed).
Peace with my child.
Peace with brothers and sisters in the church.
Peace with you through the blood of Jesus.
I am delighted, Lord,
with the abundance of peace You've given me.

I am delighted with doing Your will.
Your will-
a story for my little child
or a time to hold and listen,
a pitcher of tea
for my husband,
a request for help
with sewing a dress,
a drink for a traveler
passing by,
an enforced rest
through illness,
a stubborn vehicle
or one out of gas
or one with a weak battery
or no vehicle.
I am delighted with doing Your will, Lord.
(I'll have to confess, Lord, I haven't always been delighted. But I am willing to be.)

I will delight in Your commandments, Lord.
You ask me
to love,
to forgive,
to persevere,
to grow,
to be kind,
to give,
to rejoice.
Lord, I am delighted with Your commandments.
Aid me, Lord, in doing them.

"...and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
My desire:
to love Thee more deeply
and to love my fellowmen generously,
without prerequisites.
My desire:
a pure heart,
untarnished attitudes,
sincere and upright motives.
My desire, Lord:
a closer, more intimate walk with You.
This, I know, You have promised.
And I am delighted!

Taken from Tea Leaves by Nancy Stutzman

This poem is from my devotional book that I read today. It really resonated with my heart. The Lord has given us SO much to delight in and be thankful for. All to often I come to the end of my day thinking of all the messes I had to clean up and temper tantrums I had to control. But my mind should be on the things above. There is so much to delight in! I am so thankful for the blood of Jesus and for God's amazing love for me, of which I am totally unworthy.

~A

Spring Tease

2010-01-16T09:45:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was such a beautiful day here in south Georgia! The high was around 65 degrees and it was very welcomed and much needed. I hung laundry out on the line, we went on a walk, the children played outside all. after. noon. It was wonderful.

I broke my camera a few weeks ago and so I wasn't able to get any pictures of the children playing outside but it was pretty hilarious. It was like watching two best friends reunite for the first time in a long time. John came home from work and Lilly went running up to him saying "Daddy! Daddy! I'm playing in the mud! The mud!!" and Luke was running around the front yard with arms wide open yelling "MUD! MUD!" They came in totally filthy but they (the boys especially) got to release a lot of their energy outside instead of in the house. Yay! By 7:30 they were all exhausted and slept soundly until almost 8:00 this morning.

So, now that we've had a little tease of spring time I ready for it to come! I can't wait to be able to open up all the windows, hang my laundry outside, and go for walks with the children (all some of my favorite things to do!) Thankfully, in south Georgia, spring-like weather starts around March. I can't wait!

Back Home

2010-01-12T16:49:00.000-05:00

We had a great time in Kansas. It was incredibly healing for my heart to be there. I hadn't realized how much I was missing Kansas and my family until I was there. The trip was bittersweet, though. For those of you who don't know, the week before Christmas my mother was diagnosed with cancer. She started her chemotherapy treamtments the week we were there. I was so glad I could be there but it certainly solidified the fact that this really was happening. Please, pray for her as she continues her battle and also for my dad who is doing an amazing job of supporting her. We all take great comfort in the fact that we serve a God who's plan is much greater than our own.

Despite the difficulties of the trip, we were so happy to see snow! It has been about 6 years since John or I had seen snow and it was our children's first time ever! Can you believe it. They had such a blast playing in it. I also got to see my very best friend, Marie, and her adorable family several times over the week, as well as several other friends. It was great to have a week of just relaxing, visiting, and enjoying family. I thought you'd enjoy some pictures. :)

Hope everyone is having a great new year!

~A

Kansas City here I come!

2009-12-24T18:47:00.000-05:00

I just found out tonight that we will be coming to Kansas on the 2nd! This is a huge answer to prayer. We usually come in the summer but had to cancel our trip this past summer. So it has been a year and a half since we've been back! Yay! While I'm not so much looking forward to the car trip (4 children under 6 on a 16 hour car trip..eek.) I am so excited. :)

Quick update I know! But I had to share!

~A

Struggles

2009-12-05T11:31:00.000-05:00

Patience-

1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like. (ouch!)

2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner. (oh my...sigh)

3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience. (ahhhh!)

Growing up, I always considered myself a pretty patient person. Pretty even tempered and able to get over things easily. Nothing (NOTHING) has tested my patience more than being a mother. Now, don't get me wrong. My children are beautiful, wonderful, absolute blessings from the Lord. And I am thankful for them every. single. day. But, as all parents know, children can be difficult. Many times I find myself expecting them to react to the situation like an adult would. And then I realize, "Wait a minute...that's what these situations are all about!" It is my job to teach them how Jesus would want us to behave. To teach them the difference between good and bad, appropriate and inappropriate, and ultimately sin and righteousness.

So, I'm trying to keep things in perspective. Life can get pretty frustrating sometimes, I'll be honest. But I see the progress we are making in everyday life too. Whenever Lilly offers to let one of her siblings go first. Whenever Bradley willingly tells someone he's sorry for a wrong behavior. When Luke volunteers to wipe off the table after we eat. It's those little moments that make all the frustrations, prayers, and tears worth it.

It's a funny thing too. When you pray for patience the Lord will test you. I don't want my children remembering a mother that lost her temper and threw her own tantrums. But as a godly woman with a meek and gentle spirit. So, bring on the tests! (Did I really just say that?? Uh oh...)

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. ~James 1:3-5

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. ~2 Tim. 2:24-26

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ~James 3:17

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: ~ Romans 5:3-4

So, there are my struggles. But thankfully, for me, there is hope. And His name is Jesus.

Running the race,

~A

One year later

2009-11-14T08:41:00.000-05:00

I realized today that it had been a little over a year since I had made my breakfast vow, which was my commitment to wake up earlier in the morning and prepare breakfast for my family and stop feeding them convinience breakfast items. We had decided that bagged cereal and other processed breakfast foods were 1) too expensive and 2) too full of sugar (or more likely HFCS).

So, how has it been? Not bad at all! On mornings where I wake up a little later than usual I have my quick staples:
~oatmeal
~toast
~smoothies

And on mornings where I have a little extra time....and energy....I have other things I fix:
~pancakes
~scrambled eggs
~waffles

One thing that has been very helpful over this past year is to fix some things ahead of time. I have a baked oatmeal recipe that we all love that can be made the day before and warmed up in the morning and of course we all love breakfast cookies! It has also been really helpful to make baked goods in bulk. Usually if I bake something (muffins, quick breads, even pancakes and waffles) I double the batch and freeze the rest. This has been WONDERFUL for mornings that I've been sick or have been up all night with someone who is sick.

Over the past year I have only bought ceral twice. Once, when I had just had Kate and was recovering from my surgery and the second time when our house was overrun with the flu (me included!), which was just this past week. I knew I was doing pretty well with my commitment when Bradley had no idea what cereal was and kept calling it oatmeal. :)

Is anyone else out there trying to stay away from processed breakfast foods? What are some things that you regularly serve at your house?

Thanks for checking in! We have been busy busy busy around here!

Wish you and yours many blessings!
~A

Good Day?

2009-10-29T09:17:00.000-04:00

John sent me this in an email and said he thought of me when he read it. (click on the image to see it bigger) As soon as I saw it, I burst out laughing! Take away the chair, whip, and TV and add one more child and definitely more laundry and you've got John's coming home scene on an average day. :) (Even down to the wet spot on the couch...gotta love potty training!) Can any other mothers relate??

But, I know there will come a day when the children are grown up and I will look back on these days and realize these are the best days of my life. Thank you God, for my wonderful husband, 4 amazing children, and this opportunity to stay at home. I love my job!