Enjoy Your Weekend...

and stay warm!!!

Today I'm...

Realizing that I am still in my pj's and it's noon.

Praying for my husband as he is going for his oral interview for his ordination today. He has studied and prepared for two years to get to this point. Lord, bless his effort and give him a holy confidence.

Really want to go to the pool, but am doing piles of laundry instead. There is no putting it off for another day. I've procrastinated 3 days in a row now.

We woke up this morning to streams of toilet paper in our trees, lamp posts, and even our car was wrapped in toilet paper. Now it's time to get the boys out and up on the ladder to finish the clean up process.

Going to the boys' baseball game tonight. Baseball season is starting to wind down after a very busy schedule. So, rain, please stay away in the days to come so we can get these games in and not have to cram in make-up games. 

Ready to get back into menu-planning and having family dinners.

Wanting to learn how to quilt. 

Seeing progress in an area in my life that I have really struggled with. 

Thankful for yet another beautiful, summer day. 

It's The Little Things...

Like chocolate chip cookies after school.

Holding hands at the dinner table and thanking God for His provision and care.

A good book.

The sound of rain hitting the rooftop and the roll of thunder off in the distance.

Sending the boys off to school with a hug and "I love you".

The morning phone call with my sister.

Having my husband go to the grocery store this morning just so I don't have to go out in the rain.

My daughter's smile.


I'm linking up to Tuesday's Unwrapped with Emily @ Chatting at the Sky.

It's Been Way Too Long...

Other things have been occupying my time and attention this last month so my words have been very few here on my blog. It's been a good month in many ways in spite of the busyness and mundane activities that so often occupy my days. Funny how everyday can be so much of the same, yet so different. I have truly been living the motto of "taking it one day at a time".

This week begins an even more crazy schedule for our family. One word can sum it up... baseball. I absolutely love this time of year because it means a whole lot of time with these guys...

As a family, we have always been very intentional about keeping our schedules and activities at a minimum.We are strong believers in not overcommitting ourselves or our children. It's so easy to get wrapped up in "good" things and lose sight of really what is the "best".  I hope that my children are seeing from our example and decisions of what living a peace-filled and restful life is like. And one that lends itself to being ready when God calls us to serve.

The Lord is stirring some things up in my heart right now too, where again, I am taking it one day at a time. There has been a restlessness in my spirit that I can't quite come to understand yet. I just keep doing what I know to do which is to seek Him and trust Him.

I am so thankful for so much today. For the time spent with family yesterday, conversations with friends, opportunities to be a friend, for the three children that call me "Mom", a husband that I fall in love with more and more everyday, and for a Savior that loves me.

It's The Little Things

I've really missed sitting at my desk with the computer before me and having my fingers type away at the keyboard. It's a time for me to reflect and just write simple words and thoughts of where I am. The Lord never fails to speak tenderly to my heart through my journaling. Right now, I am just trying to stay on top of things here at home. You know the normal everyday stuff... laundry, meal planning, grocery shopping, track practice, raising one pre-teen and two teenagers, making God the first priority in my life, cleaning, staying connected with my husband, and everything else!

Today was a really good day though. Most of all because it truly is sometimes just about the little things that bring so much joy.

Things like...

Having a very much needed time with the Lord this morning. I came away so refreshed and knowing that because of Him, I am a woman who can boldly approach the throne of grace.

It's always a good day when the sun is shining, the birds are chirping with the excitement of Spring, and there is a gentle, warm breeze that blows across my face when I walk outside. And, I wore flip-flops!

Driving in the car with Ben and talking about Heaven.

Opening the mailbox today and finding the box with my new necklace. I was thrilled to find Lynn at Shabby Chic Designs who was able to make a gold necklace for me. It has each of my children's names on it and I love it!!!

I am also welcoming Spring by having a little "sale" in our etsy shop. What woman doesn't love a sale right?

The "HE IS RISEN" banner is now $28 (was $34) and the "SPRING" banner is now $24 (was $30). Both of these prices also include FREE shipping. These banners would make the perfect decoration for any Easter celebration or to simply celebrate that SPRING is almost officially here!

I hope that you too, find joy in all the little things!

Dreaming

It's sunny and 56 degrees here today. I love it!!! It certainly is making me stop and dream about all things Spring...

Fresh cut grass.
Birds chirping in the trees.
Finally being able to wear flip-flops. Which also means some new colors of nail polish.
Tulips and daffodils
Baseball games and track meets.
Watching the curtains blow in the wind because the windows are open.
Puddles
Running outside again.
Reese Peanut Butter Eggs
Picnics
And the reminder that in His time, He does make all things new.


What are your favorite things about Spring?

(The latest banner added to our etsy shop)

Linking up to Made By You Monday at Skip To My Lou

Saturday

I have been somewhat on the mend this week after an outpatient surgery I had last Thursday. While my recovery has been a little longer than I was anticipating, I am finally feel myself again.

Taking it easy has allowed me to sit and sew. And sew. And sew. Just check out our etsy shop!

I have been way behind on my picture project, but am now up to date. Thank goodness. I don't like knowing that I am behind on something. It's the kind of thing I lose sleep over.

I am so looking forward to Spring! I've noticed the sun rising a little earlier and setting a little later. My husband is talking of wearing his flip flips already, but I am insisting he at least wait until all the snow melts.

This Saturday has been one filled with rest, sunshine, 45 degree weather, and some baseball.

More Random Thoughts

In my last random thoughts post, I said that I was attempting to save a little money on our grocery bill. In my attempts to reach that goal, I have been clipping and printing coupons LIKE CRAZY! I had no idea this could be so fun. Thanks to my friend, Carrie, who has inspired me, answered all my coupon questions, and pointed me to some really great blogs. We headed out for the grocery store this morning and between coupons and Kroger plus card savings, we saved $102.80!!!

I reached for my youngest son's hand the other day and realized it was just about the same size as mine.

Steve and I are going to The Pub tonight for an early Valentine's Day date. So excited!!! He will order the fish and chips and I will order the portabella mushroom sandwich with goat cheese. And of course, we will get fried pickles for an appetizer that are out of this world!!!

God showed me an area of temptation/struggle for me this week that I have once and for all given to Him. I  realize that I can't allow my emotions or the way I feel to keep me strong and stand against it. To experience victory in this area, I know that I have to be intentional and determined about where I "set" my mind.

I wonder how many games of airsoft in the snow will be played this weekend. Which also makes me wonder how many times wet clothes will be thrown in the dryer, how many airsoft BB's I will find in the bottom of the dryer, and how many times I will clean up the puddles at the front door.

Have a great weekend!

A Lucky Dog

At the heart of every Westie, lies a hunter. Having three of them, we know this to be true. While I will refrain from giving you past stories of critters that have been hunted down in our backyard, I will share a story in which Anabelle just about met her match.

Every morning begins with my husband letting our dogs outside to do their business. Yesterday morning was a little different than most mornings because my husband had a much earlier start to his day and had already left the house. Before I go on with the story, you have to know how much I tread letting the dogs outside. We don't have a fenced in yard so that means whenever the dogs go out, someone has to go out with them, or stand watch at the window. What should take a brief amount of time in my mind, takes entirely too long. I know they are just dogs and there are things to smell, roll in, and in Henry's case, leave his mark upon. 

Our dogs have for the most part learned to stay within the confines of their own yard. Anabelle is the one that we trust the most because she is timid and easily frightened when put in unfamiliar surroundings. She doesn't like to veer far from home and when walking without her leash down the driveway, she will run like nobody's business back to where she knows she belongs. 

So back to the story... 

I opened the door to let the dogs out and before I know it, Anabelle is running full speed to the back of our property. Remember, Anabelle is very content and happy to stay in her own backyard but not this morning. I'm looking to see what she possibly could be going after because it's not uncommon for different critters and wildlife to make their way through the property. We have groundhogs that reside under the barn, foxes that often make an appearance through the back field and plenty of squirrels. Our other dog, Lily, even decided to go chasing after a deer one morning. Yes, deer that are like 100 times bigger than she will ever be. I suppose when you are a hunter, size doesn't matter. 

As I'm looking, I see a black and white critter make it's way across the back. At first, I really thought it was the cat we often see in the fields behind us. As I am running (with my pajamas and slippers on) and getting closer, I see that it is far from a cat, but instead, a skunk. In my mind, I'm already trying to determine how far am I going to run after this dog and what was it I heard about tomato sauce taking out the skunk's odor?

Westies are bred to chase and hunt varmint, or basically anything that has four legs. They are intelligent and hearty and don't lack confidence. The one thing they don't do well is listen to their people as they are  running (in my pj's and slippers remember) through the yard telling them to stop. 

Yes, at the heart of every Westie is a hunter and nothing can stop them. 

Anabelle made it all the way to the back of our property literally on the tail end of the skunk. The only reason she didn't get sprayed was because apparently skunks can't run and spray at the same time. Good to know. 

As my son, Sam, and I made our way back to the house with Anabelle, we couldn't stop talking about what a lucky dog she was. 

I think that maybe perhaps, she knows how lucky she is too.

Anabelle

A smart dog knows where to catch the rays even in the middle of winter.

Random Thoughts

1. The boys left for school awhile ago and Ben looks so stinkin' cute in his new glasses.  He tells me that I need to stop calling him cute because that's not what a 12-year old wants to hear.

2. I really, really need some warm weather and sunshine.

3. I have been re-evaluating how I plan our dinners and the amount of money we are spending. My goal is to start saving $100+ a month. I love cooking so I still want to be able to fix creative and tasty dinners. I normally plan two weeks of dinners but I 'm wondering if I should start just doing it a week at a time.

4. Last night, our daughter, Jessica wanted some chocolate chip cookies. I love that she still asks me to bake cookies for her. Anyway, I tried a new recipe which is always hard for me because I have this sense of obligation to never stray from the Nestle recipe for chocolate chip cookies. The cookies come out all soft and thick which is exactly how I like them. Secret ingredients... vegetable oil and cream of tartar. Go figure. The bad part about the cookies is that I am currently trying to lose some weight and I totally caved last night and ate three. Darn it.

5. I like the show "24". This is the first season I've watched and I am still trying to figure out the whole time-line thing and how all this stuff that is happening to Jack actually takes place in a 24 hour period. Or something like that. I also like the fact that I sit next to my husband and we watch the show together.

6. With having two sons, ages 12 and 13, I pulled out all the "teen" books we read when our daughter (who will be 19 next week... just not possible!) was this age. Teenagers. They are sweet and vulnerable and so much smarter than what I realize at times.

I think I am going to do...

a little of this today.

Hoping you have a wonderful weekend as well.

My sister met the Pioneer Woman and I. AM. SO. JEALOUS...

To read the story go here.

A New Season...

I haven't been a very faithful or committed blogger these days. For those of you who have continued to read along in spite of my very sporadic posts, thank you. 

As we enter this new season of leaves changing colors, mums, and apple cider, our family is entering a new season in life as well.  I am sure that in the days to come I will be writing a lot about it all. Right now, I am learning to know what it really means to take one day at a time. Strange how a change or new circumstance really does force you to slow down and gain so much perspective. I'm being reminded again that God is faithful, knows my families every need, and that He is holding us close and showing us the way. He is my strength, my joy and the One to be praised for so many things.

I Love Numbers...

Have you noticed numbers seem to be appearing on everything these days? Who would have thought that a number could make something look so pretty?  Numbers to me represent order and there is something so simplistic about them when all lined up.

Pottery Barn

I especially love the number 5. There is something graceful and whimsical about the way that it looks. 

And the number 3 is just plain fun don't you think?

I recently found the coffee mugs at TJMaxx for $4 a mug. Although I wish I had all nine mugs, I will settle for the two. Somehow I just couldn't justify spending almost $40 on mugs no matter how fun it would be to have them all. 

In this month's edition of Country Living there is a whole page set aside for items with numbers on them...

The possibilities of where to place a number really is endless. Everything from burlap bags and pillows to glasses and plates. Or how about choosing your favorite font and framing them up to hang on your wall. I know that all it would take is some stickers or stamps to make some really great things. I must be careful though, otherwise I will end up with numbers everywhere!

Good Night...

I just got the boys tucked in for the night and I am about ready to lay my head upon my pillow as well. Our oldest son could hardly wait to go to bed because for him it means morning will come sooner and he can be off for his first day of school as an 7th grader. The other though is fighting going to bed because it's his first day of middle school and he is feeling somewhat unsure and nervous. The older brother is reassuring him that everything is okay and that 6th graders really don't get stuffed into lockers.

I'm looking forward to this upcoming school year. I'm ready to settle down into a routine again even though for the next couple of months it is going to be busy with Sam running cross country and Ben playing in a fall baseball league. It won't be long before we are sending Jessica off as well and with that I know will come all of us adjusting to her not being here. What I know and believe is that God will again show His faithfulness, provision and care. He is ever so good. Tonight I know that to be true.

Weekend Highlights...

Friday is Steve's day off, so we spent it relaxing, having lunch, and learning how to use my new lens for my camera. Friday night had dinner with some of my best girlfriends. Only a group of best friends can meet at Chili's at 6:30 and stay until almost 12:30.  I don't know what I would do without them. We talked about everything from books to marriages and everything in between.  I am so thankful to have these women in my life to encourage me, challenge me, share life with me, and to tell me that I am having a good hair day. I love you girls!

Saturday was spent at the baseball field as the team took their first loss. The sun was shining, it was warm and I came home with quite a little sunburn. The rest of the day was filled with birthday parties and grilling out at my Mom and Dad's.

Church on Sunday where a group of people participated in doing a cardboard testimony. (If you haven't heard or seen this, go to YouTube). It was AMAZING! 

Came home and took a much needed afternoon nap, watched baseball, had ice cream sundaes for dinner, sat outside and watched the boys play, and talked with Jessica about what God is doing in her life. 

Hope you had a great weekend and that your week is off to a great start!

Back In The Swing Of Things...

After being out of school for two days and then a 2 hour delay this morning, my kids are finally back at school. As many of you know, hurricane Ike made his way through Ohio. For many of my friends, power hadn't been restored until about 8:00 last night. We were so fortunate that we never lost power. Traffic lights are coming back on, gas stations, restaurants and local businesses are re-opening and the city we live in is starting to feel normal again.

It's really been a fun couple of days with kids. We've been able to sleep in a little longer, and have lunch together. The boys cleaned up the yard, and Ben even got to go play 9 holes of golf with his Dad. Surprisingly, there was a golf course about 30 minutes from here that was open.  Sam got to do his most favorite thing in the whole world- visit the Air Force Museum. The only day the museum is ever closed is Christmas.  Jessica enjoyed sleeping in and spending the night with her best friend.  Last night, we went to the high school soccer game. I think everyone was just really glad to be out and have some sense of normalcy.  Sam got to be one of the "ball boys." which was a pretty big deal:)

Today, I am off to run some errands. I will then come home and catch up on a bible study I am working on and perhaps even get a little cleaning in. I hope you have a good one!

Bird Watching...

Isn't it funny how certain things can trigger memories for us? Sometimes these can be good memories that we want to forever hold onto and other times they are memories we will do anything to forget. This morning sitting out on our back porch I had a special memory come to mind.

I was sitting there watching the birds just like someone I knew. My grandfather loved birds. He went to great lengths to make sure there was the right kind of feeders in his backyard for the birds that would come looking for food. He provided them with thistle seed, sunflower seed, and suet. The birds in his backyard were not lacking.

Pa knew every kind of bird that came into his backyard as well. We would sit at their kitchen table and he would point out the cardinals, chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers and finches. And was he ever quick to shoo away those starlings!  As a young girl I was learning the different kinds of birds. Pa would sit in that chair by the door for hours, I'm not exaggerating when I say hours. From the first bird that came in the morning to the last bird to fly away at night. It wasn't uncommon for us to show up for a visit and he would inform us of how many finches or cardinals had already shown up that day. The birds would whistle and sing in the yard and Pa knew exactly what kind of bird it was. We would be in the backyard or be sitting on the deck and he would "talk" to the birds. Pa was so good at mimicking their chirps and whistles that the birds would actually respond to him. It was fun to watch him and know that he could do something as amazing as that, at least I thought it was pretty amazing.

My passion for bird watching isn't quite the same as my grandfather's, but I do enjoy watching the birds. We now live in a place where I can see them and enjoy them. From my kitchen window I look out into our yard and see the feeders which were given to me for Mother's Day this year.  I find myself checking to see if there are any birds out there or standing there for awhile just watching. There is something peaceful about it for me. 

I do get a little excited when the chickadees show up... they are my favorites. My children think I'm weird and tell me I'm acting like an "old lady".  I find it a little amusing however,  that my children are now able to recognize the different kinds of birds that are making their presence in our backyard. One day I'm sure they will benefit from this knowledge.

I'm thankful that a little thing like birds was something that my grandfather could teach me about even though he didn't realize it at the time. I'm thankful he gave me a memory.

Even the sparrow finds a home there, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young-at a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. ~Psalm 84:3