Home...

Mmmm, its so nice to be home. Trips are great and usually fun; but there is something about getting back to your own BED!! After spending the last 3 nights on an air mattress with my 5 yr old while listening to my husband and 2 yr old snoring in the other bed....I am more than ready to sink down on my feather pillows in a pile of thick comforters.

Outside the bedroom window, the air is crisp. And our first SNOW is falling!

Tomorrow will be soon enough to catch up on unpacking and laundry. Maybe set a pot of soup to simmer on the stove while my little family spends the afternoon setting up our Christmas tree.

Words of Thanksgiving

Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Today was a day of reflection and thanksgiving. We got together with my mom, and brothers & sisters, in-laws, neices, nephews, friends, in Illinois to celebrate life & family. This was my first time back home since my Dad passed away. Its been a tough day. But a happy day too. I have been blessed with such an amazing family. I love them dearly. I am thankful to have each one a part of my life.
I hope that you all have had a blessed day...full of thankfullness. God has given us much.

Thanksgiving Poem

When all the leaves are off the boughs,

And nuts and apples gathered in,

And cornstalks waiting for the cows,

And pumpkins safe in barn and bin,

Then Mother says, "My children dear,

The fields are brown, and autumn flies;

Thanksgiving Day is very near,

And we must make thanksgiving pies!

Holiday Traditions for Our Children

"There is no influence so powerful

as that of the mother."
~Sarah Josepha Hall, American Pioneer and Writer

There is no time like the fall to spend time building relationships with our children. To create family traditions and make memories that will last a lifetime.

What an opportunity we have to establish truths in our children!

Spending time together provides a great opportunity for me to sprinkle a little joy, faith, understanding, comfort, and praise on their dear little hearts. Someone once said that "children are like wet cement, whatever impressions you press on their heart will last forever."

God has given me two amazing little miracles! My job is to love them, guide them, protect them, encourage them, cheer for them, comfort them, and give them a sense of belonging so they will grow to be confident, compassionate and happy adults. We can accomplish this throughout the activities of the day, but a child's ears and heart seem to be a little more receptive to our message of love when we give them our undivided attention doing an activity that they enjoy. It's also an important time to listen with our own ears...about the things that are on their mind. It's amazing the things you can learn about your kids over a batch of cookie dough or a paper craft.

Yesterday, we made Turkey Hats. Very simple and easy to make. Family Fun turkey crafts has instructions for this craft as well as many others.

"We can change the world inside our own houses. Take the gift of this moment and make something beautiful of it. Few worthwhile experiences just happen; memories are made on purpose."

~Gloria Gaither

Some of my favorite holiday memories from when I was a child...is the little activities and crafts we made. Not the money spent on decorations or the holiday shows on tv.
Paper chains, posters, puppets, homemade ornaments. The stories my family read together during the fall & winter.

So even now, as a mother, that is what I want to instill in my children. The true meaning of Thanks-living...counting our blessings every day.

Simplicity.

I want my home to be the happiest place on earth for my family.....it's not so much about the "stuff" as it is about the feeling that I try to accomplish. Feelings of love, a sense of belonging, comfort and joy!

As mothers, we get to set the stage for a happy (or unhappy) home life. The things we do today will contribute to our family's memories tomorrow. This quote by Gina Pearson is so thought provoking.... "It's impossible to harvest something you don't plant." If we want to look forward to a bountiful harvest of joyful blessings and thankfulness, lets plant joy, goodness and a festive celebration-of-life in our homes

Our home is a precious heirloom
where our family dwells together.
The meals we prepare,
and the memories we share
decorate our hearts forever.


"Create a memory that you will still be talking about 5 or 10 years from now."~ John Maxwell

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ November 24th, 2008

Outside my window. . .the night is clear and cold. The smell of the neighbors woodsmoke makes me long for a fireplace to snuggle in front of.

I am thinking. . .about the projects around the house that I want to finish up before we leave wednesday evening for Illinois.

From the learning room. . .we are reading stories about fall & thanksgiving. Doing turkey crafts.

I am thankful for. . . God's mercies being new every morning. Each new day to make memories with my family. Each day a fresh start at being a better mother.

From the kitchen. . .lingers the smell of tonight's supper. Little meatloaf muffins, mashed potatoes, and cream cheese corn.

I am wearing. . .jammies & slippers.

I am creating. . .a song playlist to place on my blog. Need to have the perfect "fall" feeling songs.

I am going. . . to freeze pumpkin tomorrow for pies & treats over the winter.

I am reading...All Through the Night, by Davis Bunn. And the Power of Thanksgiving. And my new Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook :)

I am hoping. . . my husband is blessed in the woods tomorrow morning. It's the last day of the season and he has yet to get a deer.

I am hearing. . .my maids hard at work, drying clothes and washing dishes.

Around the house. . .its quiet and very peaceful.

One of my favorite things. . .Hallmark movies...and snow!

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .finish housework projects. MOPS steering team meeting. Catch up ALL laundry, & pack. Celebrate Thanksgiving with my family in Illinois.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing: one of our crafts today. The gleeful pilgrim hunter and a sad, sad, little turkey.

To read other's Daybook entries, please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook to find the list of participants in this week’s The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Thanks for stopping by! Leave me a comment...I would love to hear about your Monday.

Warm Thanksgiving Blessings!

The year has turned its circle,

The seasons come and go.

The harvest all is gathered in

And chilly north winds blow.

Orchards have shared their treasures,

The fields, their yellow grain,

So open wide the doorway- Thanksgiving comes again!

How quickly fall is passing! Here we are with Thanksgiving upon us! In just a few days, the table will be set, with freshly-polished silverware, neatly folded linen napkins, candles glowing.

The savory aromas of roasted turkey and stuffing will be wafting through the room.



The kitchen will be bustling with women-folk, all aproned-up, stirring and sampling. Cranberry relish, pumpkin pie. Kneading the dough for those golden brown rolls. Sharing tips for the best lump-less gravy. Friendly competitiveness. Busy chatter. Loads of laughter. Bonding. Nurturing





Loved ones enter out of the chilly air and into the warmth and aromas, tastes and sounds of Thanksgiving Day. Football games. Children playing pilgrams & indians.

Soon we hear the call "Time to eat! Everyone gather 'round....find your place... let's say grace..."

Oh how I love Thanksgiving! I want to take this week to reflect on Thanksgiving here on my blog. I would love to have you join me! Leave it in my "comments" or post a link to your blog there.

Some ideas that you could share:

-What you are thankful for

-Thanksgiving traditions or memories

-Recipes-Craft Ideas-Decorating ideas

-Your menu

-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures

-poetry

-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!

Monday's Simple Woman Daybook

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ November 10th, 2008

Outside my window. . .today is a cold and dreary day. I long for a fireplace...and a nap.

I am thinking. . .how meloncholy this day has made me. Remembering times with my grandma, I had to make some homemade hot chocolate to drink out of one her old brown mugs.

From the learning room. . .Ashleigh just started addition. She has been begging to jump to that part of her math book and now we're there. Logan loves to read books about shapes. He can point out and name most of them. His sister has been working with him, trying to teach him the "clean up" song...thinking maybe he will start doing his fair share when they pick up toys!

I am thankful for. . . God's mercies being new every morning. Each new day to make memories with my family.

From the kitchen. . .homemade potato soup going in the crockpot. Perfect for this damp, gray, weather. And sniffly noses.

I am wearing. . .the normal - jeans, t-shirt, but I have added socks & warm, fluffy, slippers to my ensemble!!!

I am creating. . .a list of gift ideas to make & find for a certain little boy who will be 2 in a week.

I am going. . . to start a new devotional.

I am reading...Sunset, the latest Karen Kinsgbury. Probably has something to do with my meloncholy mood today. Her books are so realistic. Heart-warming, heart-wrenching, emotional books.

I am hoping. . . we don't get much, if any, snow before Thanksgiving. I want to be able to make the trip home for Thanksgiving.

I am hearing. . .my husband talk on the radio about what he thinks his wife should get him for Christmas! night vision goggles??!

Around the house. . .the dryer is running. Kids are napping. Music is praising.

One of my favorite things. . .weekends with my family. When we're not running to different events...and in different dirrections.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .a better focus & attempt with school; wednesday night church; library storytime; homeschool co-op; Big Daddy Weave concert; start of deer season.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

To read other's Daybook entries, please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook to find the list of participants in this week’s The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Thanks for stopping by! Leave me a comment...I would love to hear about your Monday.

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."- Elizabeth Lawrence

"How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun. At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below,
To wait, like children, for the snow."
- Elsie N. Brady, Leaves

"When the trees their summer splendor

Change to raiment red and gold,

When the summer moon turns mellow,

And the nights are getting cold;

When the squirrels hide their acorns,

And the woodchucks disappear;

Then we know that it is autumn,

Loveliest season of the year."

- Carol L. Riser, Autumn

"How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age. Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child's personality. A child is resentful, negative—or thankful.Thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people."- Sir John Templeton

November is such an exciting month with so much to celebrate. Thanksgiving is right around the corner; and as we spend time with family & friends, we count our many blessings.

What are you most looking forward to?

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ November 3rd, 2008

Outside my window. . .its a dark & starry night.

I am thinking. . .all that lays in the balance for our country tomorrow.

From the learning room. . .schooling has been slow, as far as book-work goes. We'll have plenty to do on cold winter days when we have to stay inside. Right now, Ashleigh wants to just play outside. Logan is picking up on the alphabet song...and learning shapes & some colors.

I am thankful for. . .the right to vote.

From the kitchen. . .homemade italian sub sandwiches...and these yummy caramel rice krispy haystacks my husband made!

I am wearing. . .sweats, t shirt.

I am creating. . .16 flannel receiving blankets for Crisis Preg Center

I am going. . .to an election watch party tomorrow night.

I am reading...am actually in-between books, haven't had time to start a new one!!

I am hoping. . .I can get my kids back into schedule, the 1 hour time change has messed up bed times & then they wake up too early.

I am hearing. . .the David Crowder Band - live in concert - in my living room! (dvd)

Around the house. . .sorting thru closets. Hanging new family pictures.

One of my favorite things. . .when Logan brings me a book and says "story, mommy!". I love how he wants to snuggle in and hear a story over & over.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .VOTE!, set up MOPS, election party, fieldtrip to JumpMania, library storytime, get house ready for ladies book club.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing. . . from our Texas vacation - Ashleigh & Logan helping Daddy show off their first day's catch.


On the boat at sunset.

To read more Daybook entries, please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman to find the list of participants in this week’s The Simple Woman’s Daybook. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day!