The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Zephaniah 3:17
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Stolen Moments
I hear a strange noise in the garage, and I open the door to discover Joel and Nathan, 4 and 2 - normally striving against eachother - working together, whirling, squealing and bubbling over with laughter on the Sit-n-Spin. Lost in their communal joy, they don't notice me. I sneak upstairs to get my camera, and find the batteries hopelessly dead.
Please Lord, allow me to keep this image in my heart forever. How I love to stumble upon the little, stolen moments of our family that too often go by unnoticed.
Please Lord, allow me to keep this image in my heart forever. How I love to stumble upon the little, stolen moments of our family that too often go by unnoticed.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Getting it all Together!
Little by little, I am getting organized, and my home is consistently cleaner! I am so excited about it! I have always looked over lists and books and other women's examples, trying to find a routine that works best for me in keeping my house clean - not just "on the surface" clean, but actually clean, as in no panicked toilet scrubbings before company comes. I get overwhelmed easily and felt like it was just impossible to be that consistent and develop a good routine.
That was, until Brenda mentioned Motivated Moms and how much she loved it. I had heard about Motivated Moms before, but for some reason didn't think it would work for me. After hearing Brenda's glowing review, I decided to give it a try. Since it was the middle of the year already, the Planner was marked down 50%, so it only cost me $4. $4!! So I figured why not?
I've been using it for 3 straight weeks and let me tell you... I LOVE it! My bathrooms are clean all the time now. My children's nails are clipped on a regular basis instead of when they're in danger of being mistaken for dragons. And I'm declutterring... one small area at a time! And I don't feel like I'm doing any "extra" work. I still do my main things, but also have a block of time set aside for my Motivated Moms list, which never takes very long at all.
Some days its as easy and switching out the handtowels and decluttering a drawer. Other days it's a bit more lengthy, but never so much that I feel overwhelmed. And there are things that in the back of my head I knew needed to be done, but never got the ambition to do them - like dust off light fixtures, or clean off the top of our nightstands.
It works so well for me because I am a list follower. Without a list, I feel lost and don't accomplish much. This is just a daily list, with room to write in my own "to-dos" as well as appointments and dinner plans. So it works perfectly for me!
This is the version I got, and I keep it in my Home Notebook (which is still in progress, but coming along) on my counter. Before bed each night, I go over what the next day holds and also write in anything I need to remember that's not on the list. The next morning, I get up, and my day is ready to go!
Now, of course, this doesn't DO the work for me, so I still have to combat my distractedness and get to work, but having it all there for me to see makes it so much more... motivating! lol! And I don't beat myself up if I miss something here and there... I know it will come back around eventually and I'll just do it then!
Since I love it so much, I decided to go ahead and join their affiliate program. You can actually buy it through me! Just click on the banner below, or on my sidebar. Oh, and if the prices are still listed at $8 (that's the full year price), don't worry, it changes to $4 in your cart. It won't be a wasted $4, I can promise!
That was, until Brenda mentioned Motivated Moms and how much she loved it. I had heard about Motivated Moms before, but for some reason didn't think it would work for me. After hearing Brenda's glowing review, I decided to give it a try. Since it was the middle of the year already, the Planner was marked down 50%, so it only cost me $4. $4!! So I figured why not?
I've been using it for 3 straight weeks and let me tell you... I LOVE it! My bathrooms are clean all the time now. My children's nails are clipped on a regular basis instead of when they're in danger of being mistaken for dragons. And I'm declutterring... one small area at a time! And I don't feel like I'm doing any "extra" work. I still do my main things, but also have a block of time set aside for my Motivated Moms list, which never takes very long at all.
Some days its as easy and switching out the handtowels and decluttering a drawer. Other days it's a bit more lengthy, but never so much that I feel overwhelmed. And there are things that in the back of my head I knew needed to be done, but never got the ambition to do them - like dust off light fixtures, or clean off the top of our nightstands.
It works so well for me because I am a list follower. Without a list, I feel lost and don't accomplish much. This is just a daily list, with room to write in my own "to-dos" as well as appointments and dinner plans. So it works perfectly for me!
This is the version I got, and I keep it in my Home Notebook (which is still in progress, but coming along) on my counter. Before bed each night, I go over what the next day holds and also write in anything I need to remember that's not on the list. The next morning, I get up, and my day is ready to go!
Now, of course, this doesn't DO the work for me, so I still have to combat my distractedness and get to work, but having it all there for me to see makes it so much more... motivating! lol! And I don't beat myself up if I miss something here and there... I know it will come back around eventually and I'll just do it then!
Since I love it so much, I decided to go ahead and join their affiliate program. You can actually buy it through me! Just click on the banner below, or on my sidebar. Oh, and if the prices are still listed at $8 (that's the full year price), don't worry, it changes to $4 in your cart. It won't be a wasted $4, I can promise!
4 Months!
Judah is 4 months old now. Its amazing how time flies (do I say that everytime I mention how old he is?! Its really true, though!) He weighs exactly 16 pounds, and has the most kissable rolls of chubbiness all over, especially his cheeks and little fat wrists! He's such an aware little guy - he is always looking around, observing this world, and sharing his smiles generously with all who spend time with him. We all adore him! Here's some recent pictures of him!
(Don't you love this tie onsie?! LOL! Our dear friend from church Karen made this for him. She's opening an etsy shop soon, and I'll be sure to post about it when she does - her handiwork is beautiful!)
(Don't you love this tie onsie?! LOL! Our dear friend from church Karen made this for him. She's opening an etsy shop soon, and I'll be sure to post about it when she does - her handiwork is beautiful!)
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wanted to Share
I'm a stickler about my monthly "Treasures" posts - I like to only list the good blog posts that were written that month. OK, yes, I'm one of those weird borderline-OCD rule followers that likes things "just so". The Lord is really helping me out of this, however - He's given me 5 children!
Anyway, every once in a while, I run across posts that are older and run into a self-made dilemma of what to do with them. *sigh* I mean, I could just decide to make the "Treasures" all of the good blog posts I discovered that month, hmmm? That's a thought.
I digress. Here is a blog post that I loved but wasn't written this month, so I'm going to go ahead and share it now. Besides, I thought it was so good, I didn't want it getting lost in a list. So, please hop on over and enjoy "I am not the Mother I Wanted to Be" at Books and Bairns. I loved it. Loved it so much I'm considering breaking my own rules just because of it. So that says alot! ;-) Enjoy!
Anyway, every once in a while, I run across posts that are older and run into a self-made dilemma of what to do with them. *sigh* I mean, I could just decide to make the "Treasures" all of the good blog posts I discovered that month, hmmm? That's a thought.
I digress. Here is a blog post that I loved but wasn't written this month, so I'm going to go ahead and share it now. Besides, I thought it was so good, I didn't want it getting lost in a list. So, please hop on over and enjoy "I am not the Mother I Wanted to Be" at Books and Bairns. I loved it. Loved it so much I'm considering breaking my own rules just because of it. So that says alot! ;-) Enjoy!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Hearts Turned Towards Home
Join me as I guest post for my wonderful friend Brianna at Heart(h) Management, who is on baby-leave after welcoming her third son into the world! I'm sharing a bit of my testimony of how the Lord worked to turn my heart toward loving my husband, children, and home!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Nathan's Singing Debut
Just like Joel at this age, Nathan enjoys singing, as well! Here is his first video debut :-)
He will also belt out renditions of "Your Grace is Enough" and "Come Christians, Join to Sing" at random moments, especially while riding in the car. He loves to cut up and dance, too... but that will have to be a video for another time!
He will also belt out renditions of "Your Grace is Enough" and "Come Christians, Join to Sing" at random moments, especially while riding in the car. He loves to cut up and dance, too... but that will have to be a video for another time!
Friday, July 10, 2009
A Small Update
We've had a busy few months, so while I apologize for my lack of posts, I can't promise when or if I'll be able to be more regular. I'm trying to stay productive and too much time on the computer makes that difficult ;-) I do have a few things I have in mind to type up eventually, but for now, a brief update will have to do!
Judah is 3 1/2 months now, and about 16 pounds - up 9 pounds from birth! He's rolling over now, and he has so much fun watching his brothers. I know it will be all too soon before he's up and going with them! Here's a few recent pictures of him sitting with Daddy :-)
The boys ran in the annual SWAT Trot 1K. This has been a tradition for us since Isaac was 3, and this year was Joel's first year! Each of the boys came in 1st in their age groups (5 and under, 6-7, and 8-9). We think its alot of fun, and they do, too! Next year Isaac will be old enough to run in the actual 5K, so he and Michael will be training for that. Running has a history in our family - Michael and I met on the Cross Country Team in College, and my dad ran track and field in his day, and then progressed into triathalons. So its really nice to see that the boys enjoy it as much as we did. Here they are with their 1st place plaques!
And here is Ada's new bed, according to her. Whenever we put Judah in it, she comes to investigate and walks away with an offended air. She's so funny! I think Boston Terriers are absolutely the best. Don't tell Molly, our Lab ;-) We adore her, as well, but there's just something about Bostons that are really neat. Anyone who has ever owned one will probably agree.
Other than that, things are just busy, busy, busy. Trying to accomplish my goals from the summer is definitely requiring discipline and diligence on my part, but things are coming along!
Judah is 3 1/2 months now, and about 16 pounds - up 9 pounds from birth! He's rolling over now, and he has so much fun watching his brothers. I know it will be all too soon before he's up and going with them! Here's a few recent pictures of him sitting with Daddy :-)
The boys ran in the annual SWAT Trot 1K. This has been a tradition for us since Isaac was 3, and this year was Joel's first year! Each of the boys came in 1st in their age groups (5 and under, 6-7, and 8-9). We think its alot of fun, and they do, too! Next year Isaac will be old enough to run in the actual 5K, so he and Michael will be training for that. Running has a history in our family - Michael and I met on the Cross Country Team in College, and my dad ran track and field in his day, and then progressed into triathalons. So its really nice to see that the boys enjoy it as much as we did. Here they are with their 1st place plaques!
And here is Ada's new bed, according to her. Whenever we put Judah in it, she comes to investigate and walks away with an offended air. She's so funny! I think Boston Terriers are absolutely the best. Don't tell Molly, our Lab ;-) We adore her, as well, but there's just something about Bostons that are really neat. Anyone who has ever owned one will probably agree.
Other than that, things are just busy, busy, busy. Trying to accomplish my goals from the summer is definitely requiring discipline and diligence on my part, but things are coming along!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
June's Treasures
So Much for Making Disciples at spunkyhomeschool
Fast-Food Parenting at Adventures in Teething
Sanitizing the Suffering Right Out of our Lives at Making Home
"A Mother's Responsibility" Series at Journey to a Gracious Woman
Behind the Scenes at ~Clothesline Alley~
Thoughts on Birth at Large Family Mothering
"Quiet" Time at Raising Arrows
How Do I View My Children as Blessings in the "Everyday"? at At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2
Biblical Marriage: Does it Only Work if Your Husband is Nice? at Generation Cedar
Homemaking is About People at Passionate Homemaking
Gifts - not Monsters at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
But Alas, I and my Children Turned Out to be Human at Pursuing Titus 2
Been There, Done That: The Seasonal Post on Choosing Curriculum at In the Heart of my Home
I Know Nothing, Part 2 at I Resolve to Know NOTHING
How I Found God's Will in a Sinkfull of Dirty Dishes at ElizabethEsther.com
Heart Beats: The Past Goes Nowhere at Holy Experience (have tissues handy!)
Write it Down at The Parenting Post
The Disciple-Making, World-Changing, Heart-Molding Role of Mother at Making Home (I think this one is my favorite of the month!)
Let Her Celebrate! at Restoring the Years
Choose Your View at Holy Experience
Something God Taught Me at Cherishing My Days
Fast-Food Parenting at Adventures in Teething
Sanitizing the Suffering Right Out of our Lives at Making Home
"A Mother's Responsibility" Series at Journey to a Gracious Woman
Behind the Scenes at ~Clothesline Alley~
Thoughts on Birth at Large Family Mothering
"Quiet" Time at Raising Arrows
How Do I View My Children as Blessings in the "Everyday"? at At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2
Biblical Marriage: Does it Only Work if Your Husband is Nice? at Generation Cedar
Homemaking is About People at Passionate Homemaking
Gifts - not Monsters at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
But Alas, I and my Children Turned Out to be Human at Pursuing Titus 2
Been There, Done That: The Seasonal Post on Choosing Curriculum at In the Heart of my Home
I Know Nothing, Part 2 at I Resolve to Know NOTHING
How I Found God's Will in a Sinkfull of Dirty Dishes at ElizabethEsther.com
Heart Beats: The Past Goes Nowhere at Holy Experience (have tissues handy!)
Write it Down at The Parenting Post
The Disciple-Making, World-Changing, Heart-Molding Role of Mother at Making Home (I think this one is my favorite of the month!)
Let Her Celebrate! at Restoring the Years
Choose Your View at Holy Experience
Something God Taught Me at Cherishing My Days
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Wordless Wednesday - Tomato Plants
From this (far right):
To this!
(Still waiting for actual tomatoes, the flowers have bloomed!)
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