Love,
13 January 2010
12 January 2010
Simple Woman's Day Book
Outside my window... cold and gray and snowy.
I am thinking... Why does Jacob have to tell me everytime he needs to use the bathroom?
From the learning rooms... The boys new favorite story is about Jesus calming the storm. Our children our weird though and now Joshua pretends he is "Thunder" and Jacob is "The Storm." As Rick says...they sound like a cheesy 80's wrestling team.."Thunder and the Storm!"
I am thankful for...new dresses we found at Target.
From the kitchen...ranch dip with crackers (I had a craving, lol) And for dinner, I'm thinking sausage and mashed potato bake.
I am wearing..a green, navy and yellow plaid dress. (new!) and a taupe cardigan
I am reading... um, um, um, reading?
I am hoping... to shake this stinking headache :)
I am creating... um, um, um, creating?
I am praying... I have been really struggling with just feeling exhausted lately, and I am really praying that I can start to feel like myself again.
Around the house... packing away Christmas things and bringing back out the regular decoratives. Laundry, laundry, and laundry.
One of my favorite things...putting together a puzzle while singing hymns.
A few plans for the rest of the week... I really don't have any major plans...just working around the house. Oh, we are moving a bookshelf into the sitting room and planning to make that room more of a study...
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you..
Love,
11 January 2010
Monday Ramblings
My day has started out pleasantly...I am wearing a new dress and at the breakfast table this morning, Jacob said, "Oh you look pretty this morning, Mommy. When I finish my oatmeal I will have to get my camera and take a picture of you." He knows how to make his mommy feel special, lol.
I think we are all in a better mood because we actually were able to get out of the house yesterday! It seems crazy but it was the first time we have been able to get out since before Christmas...We are still not able to get our suburban up our driveway (apparently it is just too steep...and I keep thinking our driveway is about 200 ft but then Rick told me that it's more like 300...Even after the huge blessing of our neighbor getting out there on his ATV and salting it and scraping it, we still can't get up!) so we decided to just walk everyone down the hill. Yesterday was the first day it has been anywhere near warm enough (got up to the mid twenties) to even consider doing that. We went to Target and it was really nice because we found a few dresses and they were even on sale, lol.
Oh the boys are too cute...I'm packing away Christmas decorations, and they asked "Are you going to pack away our Christmas toys (meaning their gifts from this year) until next Christmas?" Makes me want to hug them...I think it's just too cute that they didn't realize that they get to KEEP their gifts!
I had this wonderful thought the other day...if I had all the money in the world and could live anywhere...I would choose to live right here. I just think I live in the most wonderful place. I know, I probably sound silly, what is so great about Missouri, right? I don't know what it is or even why, but I just feel like we are exactly where we are supposed to be. It's a good feeling...
Pax Christi,I had this wonderful thought the other day...if I had all the money in the world and could live anywhere...I would choose to live right here. I just think I live in the most wonderful place. I know, I probably sound silly, what is so great about Missouri, right? I don't know what it is or even why, but I just feel like we are exactly where we are supposed to be. It's a good feeling...
Proverbs 31:18
"She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night."
In the preceding verses we have seen many of the works of the virtuous woman described. From buying fields to planting vineyards, and feeding and clothing family. In this verse we start to see the fruit of her labors. Her merchandise is good. She comes to find how profitable her industry is by the experience resulting from the sale of its product. She sees that her trading is profitable. She is reaping what she sowed by her diligent industry, and she is finding it to be a good harvest. She is reaping the rewards of hard work. She is seeing the results of the labors of her hands. She learns that success results from her labors and she reaps the fruits of hard work.
The second half of this verse describes her as being up late at night. Here was a woman who worked day and night with amazing diligence and fortitude. We already know that she awoke early in the morning, even before the sun came up, and here we see that she also worked late into the night. The godly woman is diligent both day and night, and is able to get the necessary sleep, but not to overindulge.
During the day we normally have our duties and our schedule--things we need to do and places we need to be. Our time is usually well accounted for during the day. But after sunset is usually the part of the day when we have "free time," and it is important to recognize that this time belongs to the Lord. May we be about our Father's business! And then when we finally lie down on our beds, our sleep will be sweet.
With Love,
In the preceding verses we have seen many of the works of the virtuous woman described. From buying fields to planting vineyards, and feeding and clothing family. In this verse we start to see the fruit of her labors. Her merchandise is good. She comes to find how profitable her industry is by the experience resulting from the sale of its product. She sees that her trading is profitable. She is reaping what she sowed by her diligent industry, and she is finding it to be a good harvest. She is reaping the rewards of hard work. She is seeing the results of the labors of her hands. She learns that success results from her labors and she reaps the fruits of hard work.
The second half of this verse describes her as being up late at night. Here was a woman who worked day and night with amazing diligence and fortitude. We already know that she awoke early in the morning, even before the sun came up, and here we see that she also worked late into the night. The godly woman is diligent both day and night, and is able to get the necessary sleep, but not to overindulge.
During the day we normally have our duties and our schedule--things we need to do and places we need to be. Our time is usually well accounted for during the day. But after sunset is usually the part of the day when we have "free time," and it is important to recognize that this time belongs to the Lord. May we be about our Father's business! And then when we finally lie down on our beds, our sleep will be sweet.
With Love,
07 January 2010
Thankful Thursday
I have so much to be thankful for. This is something that I always know but honestly, sometimes I think I take it too lightly.
The other day, I was having a busy day, and not feeling particularly well. I was looking for an easy solution for dinner. As I looked through my freezer, I picked one of several roasts and decided to "just throw it in the crockpot". I didn't think much of it until a friend mentioned something about how nice it would be to have a roast...She mentioned how they were having to stretch their grocery dollars...
I had such a pang of guilt in my stomach. I didn't feel guilty for having the roast, or even that we could eat a roast on a random Monday. What made me feel guilty was my flippant attitude about it. So many people are struggling, and I just "toss" in a roast without a thought for what a blessing it is to have the roast in the first place.
Has painful as it was to see my attitude, it was a wonderful reminder that I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the abundance that we have, but more thankful that even though I don't always see it, it has been there. I'm thankful for my husband, who lovingly provides for us, and thankful for my children who think peanut butter and jelly on my homemade bread is the best lunch in the world.
And...I am thankful for this adorable little guy who is now SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!! Yippee!Love,
06 January 2010
Books!
Normally, my first reaction would be "irritated" at seeing the nice, neat bookshelf turned into a mountain of books on the floor. BUT, sometimes, as a mommy, you just have to look at things in a different light. Sure, they made a mess. Sure, all these nice books are scattered all over my kitchen floor. But, guess what? They are looking at books, AND they are really enjoying looking at books.Even at such a young age, it is so important to foster a love for reading. These early days of looking through books, or listening as they are read to, are nurturing the desire to read.
So, while I detest a mess, I am so happy to see my little ones loving books.
Hugs,My Homemaking Notebook
I debated about whether to post this here or on the Proverbs 31 Homemaking blog...but decided to do both. It's really a "homemaking" thing, but it's also so much a part of what I do every day that it seemed to deserve a place here. So, here we are :)
I had to switch to using a larger notebook with my new system. Fortunately I just happened to have a larger pink notebook laying around, LOL. Now, I will just have to find a use for the pretty cover I had made for my old notebook.
The first divider in my notebook is "Information". (Please excuse the Flyboat in the picture...Joseph dropped it right as I took the picture, LOL) MY first page in this section is a basic information page, similar to that found in most planners. Then I have a page for birthdays and anniversaries, a page for important phone numbers, family medical information (just a quick reference sheet with our doctor's information and such). The last page in this section is a Babysitter's Information sheet. This I have in a sheet protector so that I can just pull the page out and post it if we have a baby sitter. This page has all the information she would need to reach us, our doctor, or a neighbor in an emergency. It also has basic instructions such as bedtime routine, what to do if a time-out is needed for the boys, etc...
The next divider is "Schedules and Routines". Here I keep a copy of our family's schedule, and have any basic routines written down for reference. I like the thought that anyone could pick up my notebook and have a good idea of how to run my home. Especially with having a child with Asperger's Syndrome, and even just having four boys, and homeschooling, things like routines and schedules are a neccisity in getting things done!
I like to also write little words of encouragement on the bottom of my written out routine. I like being able to look back and feel refreshed and inspired. :)
My next divider is "Checklists". In this section I have a Master Cleaning list for things that I like to accomplish. I have a daily list, a weekly list, and a copy of the boys' chore charts.
My next divider is "Cleaning". Here I keep detailed instructions for how I like things done. I also keep instructions for deep cleaning (such as seasonal cleanings...) I also keep things like my favorite homemade cleaning supply recipes.
Next comes "Meal Planning". This might be the most important section as far as my family is concerned, LOL. (you have seen my GIANT sized boys, right?) In this section I keep a copy of our menu.
I also like to keep a list of ideas for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack, and Dessert, which is helpful in future menu planning. I haven't finished putting this one together yet ;).
The next section is "Shopping Lists". In this section I have 12 blank shopping lists (one for each month). As I come across things I need to add to our list I write it here. Then, when it is time to go shopping, I take this list, and imput it the Shopping List Software, so that I can print out a list with a estimated total.
My next divider is "Pantry and Freezer" Inventory. In this section I keep a spreadsheet with the inventory of our pantry and deep freezer. We do quite a bit of bulk shopping, so it is helpful to keep track of what we have in stock.
"Hospitality" is the last divider before my daily planning section. In this section I keep notes on ideas for when we have guests in our home, and that sort of thing. I also have planning sheets for when we are having company, so that I can be prepared for meals, and making sure everyone has what they need to feel right at home.
And now, to the heart of my homemaking notebook...
I made a divider for each month and because I am incredibly cheesy (or just madly in love with my husband, who is in sales, and thinks on the "quarter" system) I used different papers for each quarter, lol.
On the back side of the divider page is a calendar for the month. Here I note important holidays, feast days, and birthdays. In each month's sections, I have a daily planning sheet for each day. Here I write to-do lists, I can jot down a note to myself, or make notes of things I need to add to our grocery list. This section is really the "heart" of my notebook since I use it everyday.
At the beginning of each week I have a sheet where I can write down the basic goals I would like to achieve that week, and also a few enjoyable things I might like to find time for (such as a craft project...)
So there you have it... the crux of how I keep our home in order. I like having it all neatly in one place, right at my fingertips.
You might have noticed that I used quite a bit of pretty papers, and took the time to cut out flowers to embellish the divider pages. I even used scrapbooking papers to make the divider tabs. This might seem a bit frivalous, but I wanted to make my notebook pretty. It is something that I use everyday, and I wanted it to be a "joy" and not "drudgery". So I picked a calligraphy like font, and pretty pink flowers and made the perfect notebook for my liking.
Hugs,
I had to switch to using a larger notebook with my new system. Fortunately I just happened to have a larger pink notebook laying around, LOL. Now, I will just have to find a use for the pretty cover I had made for my old notebook.
The first divider in my notebook is "Information". (Please excuse the Flyboat in the picture...Joseph dropped it right as I took the picture, LOL) MY first page in this section is a basic information page, similar to that found in most planners. Then I have a page for birthdays and anniversaries, a page for important phone numbers, family medical information (just a quick reference sheet with our doctor's information and such). The last page in this section is a Babysitter's Information sheet. This I have in a sheet protector so that I can just pull the page out and post it if we have a baby sitter. This page has all the information she would need to reach us, our doctor, or a neighbor in an emergency. It also has basic instructions such as bedtime routine, what to do if a time-out is needed for the boys, etc...
The next divider is "Schedules and Routines". Here I keep a copy of our family's schedule, and have any basic routines written down for reference. I like the thought that anyone could pick up my notebook and have a good idea of how to run my home. Especially with having a child with Asperger's Syndrome, and even just having four boys, and homeschooling, things like routines and schedules are a neccisity in getting things done!
I like to also write little words of encouragement on the bottom of my written out routine. I like being able to look back and feel refreshed and inspired. :)
My next divider is "Checklists". In this section I have a Master Cleaning list for things that I like to accomplish. I have a daily list, a weekly list, and a copy of the boys' chore charts.
My next divider is "Cleaning". Here I keep detailed instructions for how I like things done. I also keep instructions for deep cleaning (such as seasonal cleanings...) I also keep things like my favorite homemade cleaning supply recipes.
Next comes "Meal Planning". This might be the most important section as far as my family is concerned, LOL. (you have seen my GIANT sized boys, right?) In this section I keep a copy of our menu.
I also like to keep a list of ideas for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack, and Dessert, which is helpful in future menu planning. I haven't finished putting this one together yet ;).
The next section is "Shopping Lists". In this section I have 12 blank shopping lists (one for each month). As I come across things I need to add to our list I write it here. Then, when it is time to go shopping, I take this list, and imput it the Shopping List Software, so that I can print out a list with a estimated total.
My next divider is "Pantry and Freezer" Inventory. In this section I keep a spreadsheet with the inventory of our pantry and deep freezer. We do quite a bit of bulk shopping, so it is helpful to keep track of what we have in stock.
"Hospitality" is the last divider before my daily planning section. In this section I keep notes on ideas for when we have guests in our home, and that sort of thing. I also have planning sheets for when we are having company, so that I can be prepared for meals, and making sure everyone has what they need to feel right at home.
And now, to the heart of my homemaking notebook...
I made a divider for each month and because I am incredibly cheesy (or just madly in love with my husband, who is in sales, and thinks on the "quarter" system) I used different papers for each quarter, lol.
On the back side of the divider page is a calendar for the month. Here I note important holidays, feast days, and birthdays. In each month's sections, I have a daily planning sheet for each day. Here I write to-do lists, I can jot down a note to myself, or make notes of things I need to add to our grocery list. This section is really the "heart" of my notebook since I use it everyday.
At the beginning of each week I have a sheet where I can write down the basic goals I would like to achieve that week, and also a few enjoyable things I might like to find time for (such as a craft project...)
So there you have it... the crux of how I keep our home in order. I like having it all neatly in one place, right at my fingertips.
You might have noticed that I used quite a bit of pretty papers, and took the time to cut out flowers to embellish the divider pages. I even used scrapbooking papers to make the divider tabs. This might seem a bit frivalous, but I wanted to make my notebook pretty. It is something that I use everyday, and I wanted it to be a "joy" and not "drudgery". So I picked a calligraphy like font, and pretty pink flowers and made the perfect notebook for my liking.
Hugs,
05 January 2010
Simple Woman's Day Book
Outside my window... WOW it is cold! And we still have a lot of snow on the ground.
I am thinking... Why is football so frustrating, yet husbands HAVE to watch it.
From the learning rooms... Jacob has been practicing with scissors. He sure loves to make things from paper...he MUST be my son, LOL.
I am thankful for...sleeping through the night!!!!!!!! Yippee!!!!!!
From the kitchen...I have been enjoying getting back in the habit of baking regularly...and the boys are enjoying it, too ;)
I am wearing..a khaki calf length skirt, green sweater with buttons around the neckline as decoration, green argyle knee socks.
I am reading... "Created to Be His Helpmeet". I wasn't sure what to expect with this book...I have heard either great or horrible things about it. People really seem to love or hate it. Personally, I enjoyed the book. I don't think I learned anything new, but I always enjoy hearing other people's personal thoughts on the subject.
I am hoping... that everyone will be feeling better tomorrow.
I am creating... a new homemaking notebook. Oh goodie!
I am praying... Praying for several friends...
Around the house... I'm an organizing machine!
One of my favorite things...that my husband loves that I pay attention to his football team, even though I don't actually like football.
A few plans for the rest of the week... We are snowbound for the time being, lol. There's just too much snow and ice, and really even if there weren't, it is way to cold to take my little ones out. So, we are enjoying our time at home. Been doing tons of organizing, really getting our house in order. Now that Jamie is sleeping better, we have been able to get into a good routine.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you..
Love ,
