Weekends

How is it possibly August already?! CRAZY
We have been relaxed and enjoying a lazy unscheduled summer. I've started working on projects, thinking we had plenty of time....and now suddenly it's crunch time!

Yesterday, we pulled out all the kids toys, toy boxes, under beds, closets, toys hidden in every nook & cranny. Sorted, purged, and rearranged. Ashleigh wanted to get rid of her toy box...and her barbies...and her zhuzhu pets! Is that normal for an almost 8 yr old girl? What do they play with? Surely its not straight to makeup, fashion, and boys?!!! Uhhhh, NO.

So Keira inherited the toy box....(and the zhu zhu pets). We also took down the crib and put her in a toddler bed. Logan is temporarely camping in his sleeping bag on the floor, but only til we get his new frame.

They love their new room. We got rid of a lot of toys. Now they each have a toy box for their stuff, the little table and chairs fir in their room, as well as Keira's baby doll stuff. She slept great in her big girl bed but was up at 6 am, due to a much-needed thunderstorm.

Today...we tackle the study. Oy

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today: Tuesday, July 12th 2011

Outside my window... its another scorching hot day. Temps have been just over 100, with the heat index much higher. Yards are turning brown. Neighbors all trying to keep gardens and flower beds alive. My tomato plants are loving the heat.



I am thinking...up some inside summer activities for the kids this week.

I am thankful for...a God who is so gracious to forgive. Who gently nudges us back on track.



From the learning rooms...summer break. The kids are all signed up for the Library's Summer Reading Program, and have read over 60 books so far. They won certificates for free DQ Blizzards last week. What a treat!



From the kitchen...marinating some chicken breasts to toss on  the grill later for fajita stir-fry. Need to set out another jar for sun tea.



I am wearing...denim shorts, and a black sleeveless blouse.



I am creating...a new website and promotional materials for our local MOPS group. (mothers of preschoolers)


I am going...to head out to pick up Ashleigh and Logan from vbs in an hour. They are both loving it. I am so glad. They were a little apprehensive about going to a new church with new kids in a new town.


I am reading...some christian novel, that has yet to really snag my interest. Guess its going back to the library - unfinshed :(  Its rare that I dont finish a book. But since my "spare" time is so precious, no sense in wasting it.



I am hoping...my brother and his wife get a good showing on their house today. They just put it on the market last week, and we have been praying...its time for them to move closer to us :)


I am hearing...my almost-two yr old, playing with her little toy kitchen and singing to her babydoll while she feeds her.


Around the house...bathrooms waiting to be cleaned, laundry waiting to be folded,....



One of my favorite things...American Classics. Like apple pie & cheese, baseball games, bbq's, and summer road trips.



A few plans for the rest of the week...kids have VBS all week, a homeschool support group meeting Thurs, a Domestically Divine Diva's writing meeting Fri, and maybe a birthday party on Saturday.



Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today: January 25th, 2011



::Outside my window...stands a melting snowman.


::I am thinking...about supper. I know I had a plan, now if I could just remember...


::I am thankful for...my menu plan! It keeps me on track.




:From the learning rooms...dinosaurs, letters, and inventions.

::From the kitchen...I made a rye bread a few days ago. It is so good, especially toasted with coffee in the middle of the afternoon when I need a pick-me-up.

::I am wearing...black pants, black hoodie, and slippers

::I am creating...some new ideas and projects for my other blog Domestically Divine Divas. We've been focusing on "organizing" for the month of January.

::I am going...to re-organize my weekly cleaning schedule. Give the kids a few more chores too.

::I am reading...nothing. Anxious to start a new book. Any ideas?

::I am hoping...that Logan doesn't have strep :( Started out like a cold, but was a long night, and now he has a fever.

::I am hearing...the imaginary crackling of the gas fireplace. The only bad thing about gas...well that and I miss the smell of woodsmoke.

::Around the house...two kids napping, one finishing her lessons; a fresh-made bucket of laundry soap cooling in the kitchen.

::One of my favorite things...card games, and scrabble.

::A few plans for the rest of the week: make a new cleaning plan, school lessons, check out new library and finally get cards, make some homemade girl scout cookies :)

:: Picture thought I am sharing...

Later this week, I'll be sharing:

• that amazing Rye Bread recipe
• How-to organize recipes
• my fave five of the week

My BIG Reveal!

Ok so here it is. The secret project I've been working on forever now. haha

A good friend and I have started another blog! We call it

Domestically Divine Divas - imperfectly surviving motherhood

I wanted to get it established a little better before sharing it with you, and well...that was months ago! We share recipes, menu plans, craft projects, kid projects, parenting articles, devotionals, etc...

Some of our weekly features include:

Mommy Monday

Tasty Tuesday

Thrifty Thursday

Simplify Sunday

I hope that you will check it out....and tell me what you think! We have a spot where you can sign up to "follow us" and also a facebook page. We would LOVE to have you join :) In fact, when we reach 150 facebook followers (which is super-close)we will be doing a GREAT giveaway!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Would you like to linger on the simple things...then join me and many others in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those who are focusing on simplicity...beauty of the everyday moments. @ Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Sept 14th 2010

::Outside my window... is a misty gray day.

::I am thinking...a coupon class that I will be teaching this friday. A little nervous.

::I am thankful for...convenient & fast instant oatmeal packets :)

::From the learning rooms...we are two weeks in to school. Its been mostly smooth :) We are all learning how to work/schedule around Keira and her playtimes & naptimes. I've been able to get more creative with teaching methods. Logan has been catching on to stuff very quickly, even wanting to do more than I've planned, and has learned almost all his letter sounds which I hadnt planned on doing yet!

::From the kitchen...getting ready to start marinating some chicken breasts for supper. Its a new recipe so was anxious to try it tonight....moved it up on the menu plan.

::I am wearing...shorts and a t shirt. Am actually chilly though with the breeze coming in the windows.

::I am creating...a quilt block with Ashleigh. She goes over to my mom's once a week for a sewing lesson. She loves using the sewing machine.

::I am going...to work on my handouts for the coupon class.

::I am reading...over and grading homework.

::I am hoping...Keira naps a little longer this aft.

::I am hearing...happy children! Ashleigh sing while she finsishes her lesson. Logan talking to himself while he builds a racetrack in the living room. Keira, through the baby monitor, playing and giggling in her crib.

::Around the house...dishwasher is running. Washing machine is running. Dryer is running. Now if the vaccum could run its own....and the toilets were self-cleaning.....sigh

::One of my favorite things...the beginning of fall. Apple season. Fresh-pressed apple cider.

::A few plans for the rest of the week: fieldtrip to Moore's Orchard. Coupon class. Church small-group potluck.

::Here is picture for thought I am sharing...what a differance a yr makes:

Keira, exactly 1 yr ago

Keira last night

Friday's faves

A few highlights from this week:

1. Now that Keira is one, her vocabulary has doubled! I get the biggest kick out of hearing her say "look!" or "all done". She's even trying to say "elmo" and "cracker". So little and so sweet.

2. Our mops group started up for the fall last tuesday night. I love MOPS. Its like my own little mommy suport group. Friendships and food, free childcare, and most of all that having a place where its safe to be real, they're all mom's too, and know exactly the issues you are struggling with.

3. Ashleigh (our oldest) turned seven. How time has flown! We had a Fancy Nancy Tea Party, based on the books. Outdoors at the park, it was a gorgeous late summer day. There were seven little girls, all dressed-up in beads and boas and their mommy's high heels :) We decorated picture frames, posed for pics, made glass pendant necklaces, and had a lunch of ham&cheese/rolls, strawberries, and mini cupcakes. Was a day I'll never forget....and I'm sure Ashleigh won't either!

4. Yesterday was 67 degrees....and rainy. I had a pot of potato soup simmering on the stove. Ready for autumn.

5. Marked more off my to-do list :)

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, March 1st, 2010...


Outside my window... its a gray and chilly 40 degrees


I am thinking...I would like to be alone. Just for the afternoon, or an hour, or even 10 minutes would be good!

I am thankful for...knowing God's promises never fail. And that I can hand it all over to Him.

From the learning rooms...the kids just finished up their water color/salt pictures. By sprinkling salt on the wet paint and leaving it to dry overnight, then when you brush the salt off it leaves water spots on the picture. Very cool effect.

Logan's fish

Ashleigh's fish

From the kitchen...comes the smells of last night's reuben sandwiches. Love love love reuben sandwiches. We had corned beef leftover from last sundays dinner. I tried my hand at homemade rye bread...which wasnt very rye-tasting, we were dissapointed in it, but will try and different recipe next time. And Fred made his amazing russian dressing.

I am wearing... jeans & a purple hoodie.

I am creating...this. Not sure what else. I am going to have to pick up sometime today. I just don't feel like it now...major headache today :(

I am reading...and hi-lighting my way through this parenting book. Hoping to discover the how's and why's of strong-willed children!

I am hoping...to do some up-dating and changes to my blog this week.

I am hearing...the dryer running, Logan watching Olivia on tv and Ashleigh singing along to new TobyMac song on the ipod.

Around the house...baby is finally snoozing.

One of my favorite things....my new pink leather Busy Mom's Bible from Zondervan.

A few plans for the rest of the week: MOPS tomorrow night, skyping with my mother-in-law on her birthday wednesday, homeschool co-op class on Thursday, sorting thru baby clothes that are being out-grown way too fast, as well as cleaning house, daily school lessons, and who knows what else pops up.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Keira - six months old already - enjoying the jumparoo.

Go to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ to join the Simple Woman's Daybook.

Mondays Simple Womans Daybook

( http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/)

For Today: Feb 8th 2009

Outside my window...more snow is falling. Big fluffy flakes. Melting fast.

I am thinking...God is good and will see me through this.

I am thankful for... my 5 month old is feeling better.

I am wearing...plaid pj pants, gray t shirt, blue slippers

I am remembering...

I am going...to be dealing with plumbers & contractors in and out of our place this week. Replacing our master bathroom floor and toilet.

I am currently reading...a Women of Faith novel, A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley

I am hoping... to visit the nearby Mennonite community stores. Needing to replenish my spices.

On my mind...a friend who lost her mother-in-law this past weekend.

Noticing that...I dont mind the new look of facebook that everyone seems to be complaining about.

Pondering these words... "Preventive Parenting provides a much more peaceful environment in our homes. It allows us to work on the discipline issues that are really crucial--and to ward off punishment, etc. for situations that can be handled ahead of time, rather than the heat of the moment. As an added bonus, Preventive Parenting teaches our kids how to solve problems, come up with options, get a handle on things before they become too big, etc. as they watch us model these skills for them." http://positiveparenting3-6-5.blogspot.com/

From the kitchen... greasy cheeseburgers, pickles, green beans, potato chips

Around the house... pillow fights...guitar playing...

One of my favorite things...quiet moments.

From my picture journal...Logan tromping thru the snow -

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook - Nov 30th

For today ~ November 30th, 2009

Outside my window...its a clear, cold night. The almost-full moon is shining brightly. And the neighbor's wood smoke is being carried over on the brisk breeze.

I am thinking...about snow and winter. And dreaming for a "real" house, in the country with several fireplaces...and a large veranda with a swing to snuggle on, under a cozy red afghan, while drinking hot cocoa on a cold night like tonight.

I am thankful for....our dear Costa Rican friends who found out today that they will become American citizens in just 90 days! Which is nothing after waiting and trying and waiting some more, for 9 years.

I am wearing...my warm flannel jammies with snowmen on them.

I am remembering...my little Grandma. It's been almost two yrs since she passed on to her forever home. She was a special lady. She loved.

I am going...to make a new country christmas wreath to hang on our front door.

I am reading...Creative Correction - Extraordinary Ideas for Everyday Discipline, by Lisa Whelchel. So far its been good, most of the ideas are a bit on the older side for my little ones. But it has helped ignite a spark in my own mind.

I am hoping... tomorrow is a better day.

On my mind...a lot of STUFF. Frustrations and dissapointments.

From the learning rooms...Logan has been working on motor-skills. Loves working with scissors, which terrifies his poor mother! Ashleigh is sounding out every word she sees now, attempting to read everything. We watched Akeela and the Bee the other night, so she is now fascinated with spelling bees. This morning, my Mom taught her how to properly stand and repeat the word before she spelled each one. Ashleigh loved it.

Noticing that...facebook is messed up again. Wonder why they can't seem to stay on top of it?!

Pondering these words...all's well that ends well. What is that really supposed to mean?! It doesnt make any sense to me.

From the kitchen...leftover turkey & ham from Thanksgiving Dinners. As well as pumpkin & pecan pie :)

Around the house...everyone else has gone to bed. I'm enjoying the solitude. Wishing I could enjoy it longer, but am already having trouble keeping my eyes open.

One of my favorite things...donut store coffee

From my picture journal...my three musketeers in their pj's

Visit the Simple Woman's Daybook to learn how you can share your simple daybook with others too.

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook

For today ~ Monday November 16th, 2009

Outside my window... the fog is thick and the drizzly rain is still coming down. Looks like it should for mid-november in the ozarks. Yucky for all the deer hunters though. Thankful my husband got his 10 point buck today!

I am thinking...about Logan's birthday tomorrow. Amazed he is going to be three already! And baby Keira will be 3 months old tomorrow as well.

I am thankful for....our veteran's. Our freedom. And the re-newed sense of patriotism that seem to be stirring up in our nation.

I am wearing...my new jeans :) Two sizes smaller than I expected to be!!

I am remembering...when Ashleigh was 3 months old...and 3 yrs old. Seem so long ago.

I am going...to finish painting wooden stars for the fall wreaths we are making for tomorrow night's Creative Activity at MOPS.

I am reading...Tommy Tenney's Prayers of a God Chaser

I am hoping... to get this week's menu finished and posted today. As well as, set-up for MOPS, birthday shopping this eve, vaccuming and fold laundry.

On my mind...how can I better prioritize my time to fit in all that needs to be done. So many demands.

From the learning rooms...Ashleigh just started learning about money in Math class. I was showing her the front and back of a penny, when I realized the new pennies are different! They have Abe Lincoln on the back, reading a book.
And Logan's BIG learning adventure this past week has been potty training! I foolishly have had him in pull-ups for the last year. So went straight over to big boy underwear, except for trips out of the house and bedtime. We started last Monday and spent the first few days washing a lot of under-roos and wondering if he would ever get it. But by about day 4 he started understanding. Hooray! Today has been his best day yet.

Noticing that...my house looks overwhelmed :(

Pondering these words...when it rains, it pours.

From the kitchen...Snowman Poop! (aka Oreo Truffles and Red Velvet Truffles)

Around the house...Logan napping...and Ash & Grandma have been secretly making decorations for his b'day tomorrow.

One of my favorite things...sweet baby smiles.

From my picture journal...

A look into my simple life....and others at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook Blog
FOR TODAY...Nov 16th 2009

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook - Oct 19th

A look into my simple life....and others at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook Blog

FOR TODAY...October 19th

Outside my window... a gorgeous sunny autumn day for the kids to play outside! We've had cabin fever with all the chilly rainy days last week.

I am thinking...that Logan is too little to be saying "thats just not cool Mom"

I am thankful for... a freezer full of meat for the winter. Ready to start using some of the soup bones!

I am wearing... my flannel pj pants and a tshirt. Can't believe I admitted that! I will be getting dressed before we go to friend's for supper ;)

I am remembering...to set the tv to record "Castle" and "Diners, Drive Ins & Dives" this evening.

I am going... to try taking some family pictures of the kids tomorrow.

I am reading...Deceived by James Scott Bell

I am hoping... to start a new writing project soon. Been holding off til we became a bit more adjusted with having a baby in the house.

On my mind... the highs & lows of parenting. How difficult it is to teach/train little ones...without focusing all on the negative. Have been having a lot of disciplanary issues, feel like what we've been doing isn't working. Any ideas or suggestions?

From the learning rooms... as Peggy @ Simple Woman's daybook said "outside living". The kids loved beiing outdoors today. I did work on some phonics with Ashleigh while Logan was napping.

Noticing that... honeybees are out en masse today.

Pondering these words... "It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all." - Laura Ingalls Wilder

From the kitchen... kitchen is clean and clear for the day. Heading over to some friends for fajitas tonight.

Around the house... my pumkin pie candle is burning on the counter. A fall breeze is coming in the back screen door. My mom is watching fox news....and baby Keira is cooing. We've finished the cleaning chores and laundry for the day. Enjoying a quiet afternoon.

One of my favorite things...roly poly babies :)

From my picture journal..."chubby cheeks"

Raising the boy

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." Psalm 119:9

Raising this 3 yr old, mischievous, little angel drives me to my knees daily. Causes me to read every christian parenting book known to man...not just once, but twice!

Such challenges, frustrations, and joys I have never know before. Such responsibility.

We are not just raising a little boy, but a mature God-fearing man. I pray that he will grow up to be a man of character, conviction, and commitment.

God tells us that boys/children are a blessing to us, and as we aim them in the right direction, they will go on to bless many others. Just keep reminding yourself of that during the messy, loud years, and enjoy the blessing of boys.

Monday's Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Oct 12th

For today - Oct 12th, 2009 -

Outside my window...its a gray fall day. Neighborhood kids are out of school due to Columbus Day. So even though its chilly, lots of sweatshirts and pink cheeks running around out there, laughing and screaming...enjoying the last few moments of indian summer.

I am thinking...what am I thinking??

I am thankful for...God opening the doors for my mom to move down here. It will be such a nice blessing to have her near instead of 5 hours away.

I am wearing...jeans and a tshirt.

I am remembering...the crunch of falling leaves....smell of wood-fires burning...

I am going...to fix a cup of hot tea.

I am reading...some homeschool blogs.

I am hoping...for a relaxing evening at home tonight. Warm and cozy.

On my mind....that baby Keira is going to wake up and need fed soon.

From the learning rooms...Ashleigh is doing very well with addition. Gets impatient though. She continues to enjoy phonics. We are using the Rod & Staff phonics curriculum. She has started reading some words and even sentences now.

Noticing that...my phone is missing! Was wondering why my husband hadnt called on his way home yet....I must have left it around here somewhere....

Pondering these words...listening to Focus on the Family.

From the kitchen...going to cook up the wild turkey breast that my husband got this past weekend. Along with mashed potatoes, and corn.

Around the house...Logan is helping his Grandma bake biscuits to go along with the batch of pumpkin butter we made this afternoon. The kitchen smells spicy. Just right for fall :)

One of my favorite things...caramel candy corn! My sister introduced me to it last weekend. Love it even more than regular candy corn.

A few plans for the rest of the week....a quiet week at home. Catching up on school work after missing all last week due to flu. A doctor appointment. Homeschool co-op classes one afternoon.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

You might enjoy reading other ladies' daybooks or perhaps you would like to start keeping your own journal... check out Peggy's site: The Simple Woman's Daybook for a list.

How did she get to be so Big?

Ashleigh discovered her first loose tooth this week. It was wobbly and came out later that evening. I dont know how we missed it being loose!

My new Nursing Cover

Here is a picture of the nursing cover I made this week. If you've never seen one before, it's a sort-of apron or cape that you lay across your chest & nursing baby for privacy. The best thing about it, is the awesome strap that you put over your neck, holding the cover in place. Perfect for when that wee one gets big enough to start pulling and tugging on while nursing! The strap is adjustable.
It was very simple to make...and the tutorial I found at Little Birdie Secret's explains it step by step.
I love it and can hardly wait to use it!

What should have been yesterday's Daybook :)

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ January 13th, 2009

Outside my window. . .it looks decievingly warm. We actually had a skiff of snow on the grass this morning.

I am thinking. . . about my day, and how I need to get busy!

From the learning room. . .Ashleigh is really enjoying phonics. She informed me yesterday how much she LOVES school.

From the kitchen. . .we are getting ready to bake a batch of banana bread.

I am wearing. . .sweatshirt & jeans & fuzzy slippers.

I am creating. . .a menu plan for the next week.

I am going. . .to work on updating my blog soon.

I am reading...The Stand-In Groom by Kay Dacus, I think.

I am hoping. . .to get to springfield this week. Need to trade a bunch of books at the used christian bookstore.

I am hearing. . .Logan singing and Ashleigh playing with her magnetic dress-up doll.

Around the house. . .I have laundry to finish...and more laundry to start. Vacuuming to do.

One of my favorite things. . .hearing my children laughing.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .finish cleaning the house. Finish shopping for MOPS creative activity night thats coming up. Write my part in a round robin story for a writing group.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... Logan & Ashleigh's first time at a japanese hibachi grill! They were facinated with the chef's show...and the chopsticks.

My last Daybook entry for 2008

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ Dec 29th, 2008

Outside my window. . .today was an unseasonably spring-like day. People had windows open, were doing yard work even! Kids on Christmas break enjoyed playing out in the sunshine.

I am thinking. . .about the pro-life message in the new Horton Hears a Who movie. Very interesting.

From the learning room. . .still on vacation til next week....but as always, still learning. Ashleigh recieved some Strawberry Shortcake math flashcards from a cousin for christmas. So she has been "playing' with those this week. Logan decided today he wanted to study the pottychair today and wear "big boy potty pants".

From the kitchen. . .spaghetti & meatballs, salad, & breads. Christmas sweets still hanging around...

I am wearing. . .my new warm, fuzzy, fleece jammies! :) From my sweet mother and father-in-law.

I am creating. . .not one teeny tiny thing.

I am going. . .to take down the tree and stuff tomorrow.

I am reading...emails that I got behind in.

I am hoping. . . we get a really nice big snow here, in our town, this winter. I keep seeing pictures of everyone elses snow.


I am hearing. . .children giggling in their beds. My mom visiting with Fred.

Around the house. . .my mom is staying with us this week. Having her here has been such a blessing. Being able to talk and laugh, watch movies together, and share memories of Dad. She also has been helping me clean. Floors are mopped & shiny.

One of my favorite things. . .my husband's new, huganteous, griddle. Hold a ton of bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, etc... we enjoy having breakfast for supper occasionally :)

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .finish cleaning the house. Take down the tree. A new year's eve service at church. Make a resolutions list!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... our little Christmas band. They love their new instruments...and spend hours playing together with them.

As always, thanks for stopping by. If you would like to read of other ladies - check out The Simple Woman's Daybook to find the list of this week's participants.

Have a Happy New Year!!

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~ December 1st, 2008

Outside my window. . .remains a little bit of snow from the weekend. We didn't get alot, but it was so beautiful coming down. Big, fluffy, flakes. Made for the perfect atmosphere for setting up our christmas tree.

I am thinking. . .about how blessed my family is. We have faced many things in our short seven years together...but have come through victorious. Somtimes bearing marks but still trusting in our God, our Strength.

From the learning room. . .Logan is interested in colors this week, so we have been concentrating on those. Ashleigh is showing a sudden interest in old-fashioned lifestyles. It warms my heart to see how it facinates her!

I am thankful for. . . snow!

From the kitchen. . .Fred made his mom's chili recipe this evening. He added a tiny sprinkle of chipotle powder...changes the whole concept of "chili".

I am wearing. . .sweats & tshirt. Longing for a pair of flannel jammies:)

I am creating. . .little tulle gift bags that are dark plum colored and to be tied with gold ribbons. I will place scented wax melts in each one for a MOPS give-away tomorrow night on "our favorite things". Some of the scents I have are: hazelnut coffee, dicken's christmas, fireside, hot apple pie, and pumpkin spice.

I am going. . .to have to clean up the kitchen and dishes before I can go to bed.

I am reading..."Me and My Big Mouth" by Joyce Meyers - for a ladies bible study friday night.

I am hoping. . . my friend can find her way back to true happiness - JESUS. I am hearing. . .the new song player on my blog...don't you just love it?!

Around the house. . .our "old-fashioned" Christmas tree's lights are twinkling. Candles are glowing and the smell of hot apple pie is disguising the dust and clutter that somehow happened over-night.

One of my favorite things. . .the new peppermint oreo cookies!!

A few plans for the rest of the week. . .finishing these giftbags for MOPS tomorrow night; library storytime; wednesday night church; making cinnamon-dough ornaments with Ashleigh; radio station's Christmas party.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

"new boots"

"first snow of the season"

As always, thanks for stopping by. If you would like to sneak a peek into other ladies lives - check out The Simple Woman's Daybook to find the list of this week's participants.

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