Off to get my window box and pots all ready for fall! :)
Oh. And I must mention that I had my first eggnog latte of the season this morning. Mmm!
This morning
Adelia with our pumpkin/gourd harvest.
Off to get my window box and pots all ready for fall! :)
Oh. And I must mention that I had my first eggnog latte of the season this morning. Mmm!
Off to get my window box and pots all ready for fall! :)
Oh. And I must mention that I had my first eggnog latte of the season this morning. Mmm!
Okay, so I was a little attached. For a little too long.
To my White Goose Down pillow, that is. [That's it there, on the bottom.] I'm sure it was a little puffier when I bought it, years ago, and I know I paid a pretty penny for it.
But it's sort of lost it's oomph. I think it's down to about 14 goose feathers.
So I splurged and bought a new pillow tonight. A down alternative pillow.
I laughed when I saw them side by side. Although this new one is so poofy I'm afraid I might wake up with a kink in my neck.
But it was definitely time, dontcha' think?
Followers
I've added a new little section in my sidebar. I'm actually not really sure how it all works, just that I have noticed that a few people were "following" my blog (which I think, in plain language, just means that they read it!), and so I added them to my blog page.
If you want to officially "follow" my blog, feel free to click on the little "Follow this blog" link in the sidebar and your name/profile photo will appear. Note: by doing so, your photo can be clicked on and will link straight to your profile page.
I think this would eventually replace a Blogroll type of list. And I do like the idea of seeing all your faces right there on my sidebar! :)
If you want to officially "follow" my blog, feel free to click on the little "Follow this blog" link in the sidebar and your name/profile photo will appear. Note: by doing so, your photo can be clicked on and will link straight to your profile page.
I think this would eventually replace a Blogroll type of list. And I do like the idea of seeing all your faces right there on my sidebar! :)
Something new
Yesterday we had a great visit with Rebeca and her three children~ they were in the area and joined us for most of the day. It was so nice to sit down and talk face-to-face, and our children played so well together.
This morning we're making a paper chain for Isaac to assist him in counting down the days until his fifth birthday. Only 26 more days... I might cry if I dwell on that much longer so I won't say any more about that.
Then we'll do some school, have lunch, quiet times/naps, and then we get to play with our best buddies this afternoon, and we're all looking forward to that, as it's been several weeks since we've seen them.
Okay, on to the topic of this post. I wanted to share about one of the new things we're beginning this year as a part of our daily routine. More than anything in life, we want our children to love God with their whole hearts. I can see that Ella is figuring out how this faith of ours is more personally a faith of hers. We have had some wonderful conversations lately where I've been able to guide her to "pray about that sin" or "spend some time talking to God about that; ask Him to help you", etc., and she has told me that she's spent time doing that. I've seen the fruit, too, and have been able to commend her for those things.
One of the things we wanted to start with Ella this year is to begin her on a life-long road (Lord willing) of spending individual time with God. I love the idea of starting this early with our children; of making it a habit in their lives from a young age.
I so appreciated Lindafay's recent posts on this subject at her blog Higher Up and Further In. You can read her thoughts on Practical Ways to Cultivate Spirituality in a Child by clicking on the links below:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
I know how desperately I need that time (which I do before any of the kids wake up) before the day begins to right my heart before the Lord, to surrender my authority to Him for the day, to pray specifically about the current areas of struggle I'm having, and to read the Word. Surely we can guide her, even at her six years of age, to begin this practice, too.
I wasn't sure how to begin this with just Ella; what would the boys do while she went off for her morning quiet time? So I decided to gather them together and make it a habit for all of us.
I reminded the kids that in the Bible, it often tells of Jesus going out, in the morning, to a quiet place, to meet with his Father. I shared that mommy needs that time, too; and I thought we should all begin learning to spend that time with God.
So I laid out the ground rules:
*I would set the timer for 20 minutes (not ideal for me but I didn't want to push it with the little ones. The idea is to help them form a habit.)
*I wanted each of them to go find a quiet place, away from each other.
*I encouraged them to do one or more of the following things during their time away:
-Sing a song to God
-Read (or, for the boys, look at) their Bible
-Color a picture of something from the Bible or make a picture for God
-Pray. I specifically encouraged them to ask God to help them with one of the sins they struggle with. And I gave them an example of something I might say to God during that time.
They were thrilled with the idea, and happily set out to have their time with God.
I set the timer and sat with my own Bible and journal, and Adelia beside me.
What I heard the first day:
Ella, reading a Bible story aloud from her Bible. Then singing loudly these songs: Jesus Loves Me, Blessed Be The Name, O, Happy Day. She told me later that she also prayed. And that she made up her own song about "I adore You."
Isaac, singing at the top of his lungs from downstairs in the tent. I couldn't make out what song he was singing but found out later it was "Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum" (aka: The Little Drummer Boy). I also heard him take a potty break and then he appeared at my door, after about 9 minutes, saying he was done. I gently reminded him that the timer would go off when he could be done, and that he should choose something else to do until the timer beeped. He went to find some coloring stuff. He later told me he had also prayed.
Isaias, who colored a picture of God and Satan, and a sword. He had done that and then moved on to playing quietly with some toys beside him. I asked him if he had prayed, and he said no, so I asked him to do so before he began his day.
We have done it several days since then, and if I've forgotten, one of the kids has eagerly reminded me. They look forward to that time. Yesterday morning I sent them each off with an encouragement to pray about one area of sin (that I've witnessed of late) in their lives.
So far, so good. I do think the 20 minutes is a bit long for the boys at this age, so we may tinker with the time (or activities during that time), but it seems perfect for Ella. Plus, it gives me an additional 20 minutes of quiet time at the start of my day! :)
This morning we're making a paper chain for Isaac to assist him in counting down the days until his fifth birthday. Only 26 more days... I might cry if I dwell on that much longer so I won't say any more about that.
Then we'll do some school, have lunch, quiet times/naps, and then we get to play with our best buddies this afternoon, and we're all looking forward to that, as it's been several weeks since we've seen them.
Okay, on to the topic of this post. I wanted to share about one of the new things we're beginning this year as a part of our daily routine. More than anything in life, we want our children to love God with their whole hearts. I can see that Ella is figuring out how this faith of ours is more personally a faith of hers. We have had some wonderful conversations lately where I've been able to guide her to "pray about that sin" or "spend some time talking to God about that; ask Him to help you", etc., and she has told me that she's spent time doing that. I've seen the fruit, too, and have been able to commend her for those things.
One of the things we wanted to start with Ella this year is to begin her on a life-long road (Lord willing) of spending individual time with God. I love the idea of starting this early with our children; of making it a habit in their lives from a young age.
I so appreciated Lindafay's recent posts on this subject at her blog Higher Up and Further In. You can read her thoughts on Practical Ways to Cultivate Spirituality in a Child by clicking on the links below:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
I know how desperately I need that time (which I do before any of the kids wake up) before the day begins to right my heart before the Lord, to surrender my authority to Him for the day, to pray specifically about the current areas of struggle I'm having, and to read the Word. Surely we can guide her, even at her six years of age, to begin this practice, too.
I wasn't sure how to begin this with just Ella; what would the boys do while she went off for her morning quiet time? So I decided to gather them together and make it a habit for all of us.
I reminded the kids that in the Bible, it often tells of Jesus going out, in the morning, to a quiet place, to meet with his Father. I shared that mommy needs that time, too; and I thought we should all begin learning to spend that time with God.
So I laid out the ground rules:
*I would set the timer for 20 minutes (not ideal for me but I didn't want to push it with the little ones. The idea is to help them form a habit.)
*I wanted each of them to go find a quiet place, away from each other.
*I encouraged them to do one or more of the following things during their time away:
-Sing a song to God
-Read (or, for the boys, look at) their Bible
-Color a picture of something from the Bible or make a picture for God
-Pray. I specifically encouraged them to ask God to help them with one of the sins they struggle with. And I gave them an example of something I might say to God during that time.
They were thrilled with the idea, and happily set out to have their time with God.
I set the timer and sat with my own Bible and journal, and Adelia beside me.
What I heard the first day:
Ella, reading a Bible story aloud from her Bible. Then singing loudly these songs: Jesus Loves Me, Blessed Be The Name, O, Happy Day. She told me later that she also prayed. And that she made up her own song about "I adore You."
Isaac, singing at the top of his lungs from downstairs in the tent. I couldn't make out what song he was singing but found out later it was "Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum" (aka: The Little Drummer Boy). I also heard him take a potty break and then he appeared at my door, after about 9 minutes, saying he was done. I gently reminded him that the timer would go off when he could be done, and that he should choose something else to do until the timer beeped. He went to find some coloring stuff. He later told me he had also prayed.
Isaias, who colored a picture of God and Satan, and a sword. He had done that and then moved on to playing quietly with some toys beside him. I asked him if he had prayed, and he said no, so I asked him to do so before he began his day.
We have done it several days since then, and if I've forgotten, one of the kids has eagerly reminded me. They look forward to that time. Yesterday morning I sent them each off with an encouragement to pray about one area of sin (that I've witnessed of late) in their lives.
So far, so good. I do think the 20 minutes is a bit long for the boys at this age, so we may tinker with the time (or activities during that time), but it seems perfect for Ella. Plus, it gives me an additional 20 minutes of quiet time at the start of my day! :)
Ten random things...
I feel like this is such a cheater post, but I haven't had the time lately to sit down and type an entire post on any one topic, but I have lots of thoughts swirling around so here you go:
1. Today I had my 20-week ultrasound. Baby (and belly) are growing, and every evening now I hold Mark's hand over my belly to see if he can feel the baby moving from the outside yet. (Not quite yet, although I'm sure it will be any day.)
2. Adelia is about ready to crawl. I regularly tell her, "Mama is not ready for you to start crawling, sweet girl. So don't even think about it." And then there's Mark, who- every opportunity he gets- gets on the floor on his hands and knees, and tries to teach her how to get that one leg out of the way that keeps holding her back. ~smile~ I know very well why she wants to crawl: she must keep up with those busy brothers and sister of hers.
3. The Steelers play tonight in Monday Night Football, which makes this one of the happiest days of my husbands' year. :)
4. I'm making a Sweet Potato Pie later. I've never before in my life made one of those, but I'm guessing Mark will LOVE it since Sweet Potatoes and Pies are right up there on the top of his favorites list.
5. Isaac is sitting at the floor by my feet, the tub of crayons beside him; peeling the outside papers off the crayons and humming a tune. [He's got a long way to go, but seems to be really enjoying himself.]
6. Adelia is in my arms, here in the rocking chair, fussy; because she woke too early from her nap.
7. We're almost finished reading These Happy Golden Years. I love reading about how Almanzo courted Laura. I told Mark last night that I might literally cry when we finish this series. I mean, I GET that there are other great read-alouds out there, but there's this sentimental part of me that feels it's all downhill from here. :) I'm glad Adelia is so little; that means we'll get to read the series all over again in a few years.
8. The days of hanging our laundry out on the clothesline are over. This past Spring/Summer was the first time I did this consistently, and I loved it.
9. I just ran the dishwasher using homemade dishwasher detergent. I'll let you know how it goes.
10. Oh! I keep forgetting to tell you that Michelle posted on her blog about our recent road trip. Bonus: two of the pictures in that post are of my children. :)
And now I must really get dinner together. And that pie.
Love to you!
1. Today I had my 20-week ultrasound. Baby (and belly) are growing, and every evening now I hold Mark's hand over my belly to see if he can feel the baby moving from the outside yet. (Not quite yet, although I'm sure it will be any day.)
2. Adelia is about ready to crawl. I regularly tell her, "Mama is not ready for you to start crawling, sweet girl. So don't even think about it." And then there's Mark, who- every opportunity he gets- gets on the floor on his hands and knees, and tries to teach her how to get that one leg out of the way that keeps holding her back. ~smile~ I know very well why she wants to crawl: she must keep up with those busy brothers and sister of hers.
3. The Steelers play tonight in Monday Night Football, which makes this one of the happiest days of my husbands' year. :)
4. I'm making a Sweet Potato Pie later. I've never before in my life made one of those, but I'm guessing Mark will LOVE it since Sweet Potatoes and Pies are right up there on the top of his favorites list.
5. Isaac is sitting at the floor by my feet, the tub of crayons beside him; peeling the outside papers off the crayons and humming a tune. [He's got a long way to go, but seems to be really enjoying himself.]
6. Adelia is in my arms, here in the rocking chair, fussy; because she woke too early from her nap.
7. We're almost finished reading These Happy Golden Years. I love reading about how Almanzo courted Laura. I told Mark last night that I might literally cry when we finish this series. I mean, I GET that there are other great read-alouds out there, but there's this sentimental part of me that feels it's all downhill from here. :) I'm glad Adelia is so little; that means we'll get to read the series all over again in a few years.
8. The days of hanging our laundry out on the clothesline are over. This past Spring/Summer was the first time I did this consistently, and I loved it.
9. I just ran the dishwasher using homemade dishwasher detergent. I'll let you know how it goes.
10. Oh! I keep forgetting to tell you that Michelle posted on her blog about our recent road trip. Bonus: two of the pictures in that post are of my children. :)
And now I must really get dinner together. And that pie.
Love to you!
Old photos
I was looking at some older pictures last week, and I thought I'd post a few here so that you can see, too!
These are all from 2005:
[photo]
Aack! Do you see that chubby boy Isaac? A baby. I could literally cry over it. He's growing so fast.
[photo]
Isaac getting dedicated. Chubby Ella there, in the front.
[photo]
At a wedding, just a couple of weeks after Isaias was home.
[photo]
When there were three...
Isaias was so serious when he first came home. Such a cutie, though, isn't he?
[photo]
Isaias, 2006. So handsome.
Alright. That's it for the old photos.
Now- I'm off to get dinner on and then our family is headed to our first Keepers Family Night- where Ella will be presented the pins she's been awarded so far. Very fun.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
These are all from 2005:
[photo]
Aack! Do you see that chubby boy Isaac? A baby. I could literally cry over it. He's growing so fast.
[photo]
Isaac getting dedicated. Chubby Ella there, in the front.
[photo]
At a wedding, just a couple of weeks after Isaias was home.
[photo]
When there were three...
Isaias was so serious when he first came home. Such a cutie, though, isn't he?
[photo]
Isaias, 2006. So handsome.
Alright. That's it for the old photos.
Now- I'm off to get dinner on and then our family is headed to our first Keepers Family Night- where Ella will be presented the pins she's been awarded so far. Very fun.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Montana recap
First off, congratulations to you, Christin (and Jet, and girls!) on the birth of your beautiful Alana Joy!
We're getting back into our routine, here at home. We even have two days of homeschooling under our belt, and we're off to a good start.
Here are a few pictures of my trip to Montana with Michelle.
This is what we saw a lot of:
{photo}
Michelle, coming from Indiana, was literally misty-eyed over scenes like this out the car windows. I didn't really share her emotion over it. It looks barren and dry to me, but then I live in beautiful Washington, which has hills and green trees. And water. And mountains with snow.
We did take a little day trip here, though:
{photo}
and saw this
{photo}
which even I thought was beautiful.
Here we are:
I am so very thankful for all the time I was able to spend with Michelle (who flew from Indiana to Seattle just to make the road trip with me!) I love that girl. (Her only fault is that she lives so stinking far away.) She is a kindred spirit in every way, and I have so much respect for her heart and love for Jesus and her love for Chad and her children. And she's a LOT of fun.
This would be Beth on the big screen, bringing us God's Word in her black and white geometric-print jacket.
{photo}
The conference, during worship:
{photo}
Beth spoke from Isaiah 32:1-8, specifically on the difference between a fool ("nabal") and a noble.
Prior to the weekend, I had prayed several times that God would use that time, and the things Beth spoke, to speak directly to my heart. I prayed that He would open my ears, mind, and heart to absorb whatever it was He had for me. He was so faithful to answer my prayers. The final morning in our hotel I was able to review my notes and journal about all the things He spoke to me. There were several "bullet points" I came away with. [Many of which surround the fact that I am often a fool. :)] Thankfully I serve a mighty God!
We're getting back into our routine, here at home. We even have two days of homeschooling under our belt, and we're off to a good start.
Here are a few pictures of my trip to Montana with Michelle.
This is what we saw a lot of:
{photo}
Michelle, coming from Indiana, was literally misty-eyed over scenes like this out the car windows. I didn't really share her emotion over it. It looks barren and dry to me, but then I live in beautiful Washington, which has hills and green trees. And water. And mountains with snow.
We did take a little day trip here, though:
{photo}
and saw this
{photo}
which even I thought was beautiful.
Here we are:
I am so very thankful for all the time I was able to spend with Michelle (who flew from Indiana to Seattle just to make the road trip with me!) I love that girl. (Her only fault is that she lives so stinking far away.) She is a kindred spirit in every way, and I have so much respect for her heart and love for Jesus and her love for Chad and her children. And she's a LOT of fun.
This would be Beth on the big screen, bringing us God's Word in her black and white geometric-print jacket.
{photo}
The conference, during worship:
{photo}
Beth spoke from Isaiah 32:1-8, specifically on the difference between a fool ("nabal") and a noble.
Prior to the weekend, I had prayed several times that God would use that time, and the things Beth spoke, to speak directly to my heart. I prayed that He would open my ears, mind, and heart to absorb whatever it was He had for me. He was so faithful to answer my prayers. The final morning in our hotel I was able to review my notes and journal about all the things He spoke to me. There were several "bullet points" I came away with. [Many of which surround the fact that I am often a fool. :)] Thankfully I serve a mighty God!
