Simply Called

Today I Give Thanks

2011-08-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

391) the very quiet comforting sound of HOME after many, many weeks of busy
392) friends who drop by for a visit and bring ice cream :)
393) little butterflies and frogs painted on my girls faces...
394) popcorn, butter and salt...the perfect trio
395) new haircut on long brown haired girl...and a special donation to someone in need
396) new friends at cafe...and time spent with long time friends too!
397) wedding...fireworks: a special night with Mitch and Amanda
398) slowing down...what a wonderful thought
399) the graciousness of our Lord and Saviour
400) a family dinner tonight...good food, great conversation and love

A moment of thankfulness

2011-05-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I was thankful for my guys who cut and edged the lawn.....there certainly is something to be said for a fresh cut yard!

This evening I am thankful for my children sharing a basketball game with me.

Tonight I will be thankful for a hot cup of tea, a good book and a comfy chair next to the fireplace.

I am blessed!

A Tuesday List

2011-04-12T13:37:00.001-07:00

381) the smell of bar b que and homemade flour tortillas

382) dinner at friends....time spent chatting

383) NyQuil...for hubby...the coughing, sneezing, runny nose medicine...that works!

384) birthday girl...so many candles!

385) graduations for same girl....dresses to choose, shoes too!

386) books ordered for school next year!

387) laundry done...and put away!

388) the sounds of basketballs bouncing out our window...ya gotta love spring!

389) robins in the grass

390) late night walks with friends...

thankfulness continues....

2011-03-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

371) my hubby painting the basement...love it!!! 372) popcorn and movies for a date night last night 373) great friends who gave us a night off on friday....thank you! 374) my washing machine...fixed by hubby! 375) school supplies that were given to me....so wonderful! 376) little lobster crafts on my fridge....made by blond haired little one 377) holding a little precious bundle for a few moments on Sunday! 378) a clean foyer....just love walking into a de-cluttered foyer! 379) new orchids and tulips from friends! 380) sunshine and spring days!

My plan of attack!

2011-03-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

When asked to tell what the usual signs of spring are most people would respond by talking about the robins chirping or buds on trees, maybe the grass starting to green or the last lonely snowball melting in the front yard. Around our house today we knew that spring had arrived a few days early...and this was the tell tale sign, I looked out my front window and there it was...the mob...about 8 boys were coming up the driveway climbing over the rock wall...with Nerf guns slung over their back. Spring had arrived...the days of sleds being carried to the backyard was once again replaced with high powered Nerf guns and bullets everywhere...and I can once again listen to plans of attack out my kitchen window...aah the sounds of spring! So tomorrow when the temps continue to rise, I will have my own plan of attack....chocolate chip cookies...to feed the mob...

39 years and counting

2011-03-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

Today is my mom and dads 39th anniversary...and I am thankful

360. for two parents that have continually shown me how to love
361. cake at my brothers house...laughter...tears running down our faces...corn syrup
362. peace
363. my dads voice through the phone...my moms hug from close...anniversary miles apart...but hearts close
364. snow days...for mommies!
365. the sears repair man...fixing my washing machine
366. giant snowballs taller than boys
367. driving tests passed
368. babies
369. my husband...my friend and love
370. soft pink sheets...quilts and rugs

My wish is that you too may be thankful for the little things...

Hubby....

2011-03-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

Its not valentines day....or our anniversary....but just a rainy Spring day and yet today as I think about what I am thankful for...my thoughts can't help but wander to how thankful I am for you... my dear wonderful husband. I am proud to be your wife....I love who you are and the strength of character that you possess. You are consistently the same giving, thoughtful man to the stranger on the street or our children, day in and day out. I am thankful that you choose us...everyday.

You choose to be attentive...here...and joyful.

For this I am grateful and I cherish the wonderful memories that we share. I love you!

Book Review: Sabbath

2011-02-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

I was really looking forward to reviewing the new book by Dan B Allender, Sabbath, from the ancient practices series. It seems in the last few years I have been drawn to studying about the Sabbath. I have researched the Saturday verses Sunday opinions and was hoping to gain some new insights into some of these issues. I also am fully aware as a Christian that we are to be keeping the Sabbath and was hoping to find some clear indications on Biblical references for this. I found the book useful in helping the reader to learn that the Sabbath is a time to rest taking pleasure in Gods' creation, but I found this book to be lacking in much depth. I am also concerned with a few of the 'grey area' issues that arise in this book...let's just say that I will not be donating it to my church library. I was given this book for purpose of review by Thomas Nelsons blog review program. I am thankful that I am able to give my honest review. I would give this book 2 stars.

Thankfulness....

2011-02-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

350) I am thankful for my two beautiful daughters...I am having so much fun doing Zumba with both of you! One day I might be able to do the Zumba Shake..lol
351) Watching the children swim in the water...cousins playing and laughing
352) baby born...beautiful little girl
353) snow days...listening as my children hear the news and hearing shouts of joy
354) dear hubby cleaning the garage....fixing the piano bench....
355) prospects of sleeping in...a snow day for mama...
356) listening to the sounds of music filling my house day and night...guitars, drums, piano..
357) protection for my little ones....story to follow
358) cereal storers??? The hotel like cereal dispensers...awesome buy at the Pottery Barn Outlet....it just makes you want to eat cereal in the morning...
359) mom who stays at our house and organizes all of our cupboards while we are gone....All my towels are folded the same way and in neat piles....love it....and my plants are so happy too!!!

Today

2011-01-20T13:24:00.001-08:00

We are on vacation in Texas, and have been having a lovely time. We have played many a Uno Flash game and read lots of books. As a family we are reading Under the Overpass...and I am enjoying the children's perspective as they learn how the unfortunate among us live.

For supper today we are making zuppa tuscana and Caesar salad..and fresh bread! just before supper my hubby and myself are going to go for a massage....talk about luxury!

Vacation is great!

Prayer Request

2011-01-15T23:27:00.001-08:00

It has been raining for four days here in texas on our vacation. Four days....
Sure we have found things to do to pass the time...like swimming in the pool...reading..lots of reading, and zumba and movies in the evening. We have even spent a little time shopping. But we are very anxious to see the sunshine come through the clouds!

Tonight I have been blessed with a fast internet connection...much faster than it has been for awhile. With out betraying my age too much it is reminding me of a time that does not seem that long ago when we had dial up and I would load a page...and then boil the kettle....and then come back to check and then finally as I sat down with my tea...I could check my mail. Good Times!

So this evening after I put the children to bed, I checked my mail...and I could not believe it ...it was so fast...and then I started to get 'caught up' on some of my favorite blogs...and as I was reading I followed a link to this site about a dear woman...and as I was reading my heart broke.
She is a wife, homeschooling mom, and writer and her name is Joanne...and she is fighting for her life...if you are so inclined head over to her site and take a quick peek...the last few posts are from her husband as she had a stroke earlier this week. People all over the U.S. are praying for them...and because of this thing we call the web people all over the world will be praying for her too.

And then I headed over to another site...I had met one of the ladies at Relevant and so I checked out her blog again and she linked to this other blogger who lost every material thing they owned in a house fire the tuesday before Christmas.....again...heart break...praying for the family....

The rain is continuing to pour outside....it is wet and messy - Sometimes life can be too.

The first story I mentioned about has asked everyone to read Ps 27 as this verse is the one that they are praying over Joanne. So I am posting it here...so you too might take a few moments.

Psalm 27
Of David.
1The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,a
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
4One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
5For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
8My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
11Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.
13I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

And though it rains tonight....I am praying that the sun will soon shine!

I am thankful!

2011-01-14T12:37:00.002-08:00

We are enjoying our little vacation away...together in our cozy motor home...lots of laughs and lots of memories!

the list continues...

341) babies born..babies soon to be born...and babies to come...just announced..congrats to my cousins! (looks like my arms will be full...and I might just get my baby fix!)
342) enjoying dinner with family and friends
343) zumba----with my girls...boy do we have fun! (although if people are peering into our motor home windows they probably are getting a good laugh!)
344) my church family...miss you guys so much!
345) my niece who is doing so great...Nana has that effect on me too!!!
346) Christmas presents from grandparents...pottery wheels..punch art...so much fun!
347) old episodes of the Cosby show...watching my little ones dissolve in laughter just like I used too every single Thursday evening...
348) my hubby
349) dinner at my cousins before we left...lots of food, and great conversation! Miss ya!

Making Music

2011-01-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

My family has always been known for making music. My grandfather was an amazing violinist who used to play for the silent movies. He told tales of how his teacher would hold out a huge darning needle at the edge of his elbow, just waiting for him to make too broad of an arm movement. He also told of all the fun he had playing at the fiddling contests. We would watch the glimmer in his eyes as he picked up his instrument as it found its home in his hands. His children all sing and play the piano or the guitar, and we have had many hours of entertainment during my childhood. Many of my cousins play instruments and every time we get together we always get out the instruments and start to sing, and always the favorites are played. We usually call out the next songs...always..'Pool', 'the cookie jar song,' 'goofus,' the lop eared mule', the piano man' and many others.

Tonight while on vacation in Florida we joined in with my mom and dads Thursday night music group. Many of the old time songs were played. We enjoyed a beautiful rendition of a poem titled, The Masters Hand...which talks about how an old violin was going to auction and it was only bringing a small fee, until someone walked up and started to play the violin, sweetly and softly...and as she played the auctioneer continued and the price went up considerably...you see in the masters hand the violin made beautiful music...

and I could not help but remember how quiet my grandfathers violin was the day of his funeral, this was the same instrument that made music and brought all of his grandchildren running into the living room by the piano listening at his feet...feet that tapped out the time. This violin was silent...with nobody to play it.

So tonight as we sat listening to all of the musicians playing...I watched proudly as all four of our children got up and played a song for the crowd. We had a piano player and three on guitars...and I realized that the music that has always been a part of our family gatherings will live on. Most of my cousins children play instruments...we have a young violinist, and many guitar players, some amazing drummers and many beautiful singers in this next generation.

The only difference that I see in this generation is that they do not seem to mind playing in front of people....I asked my little 6 year old how she felt playing in front of the fifty or so people there tonight...and she just shrugged and said, "no problem, I will be playing in front of much more people one day." So I sat and watched and clapped and saw my youngest boy tapping out the rhythm just like my grandpa, and saw the glimmer in my daughters eyes...and new memories were made.

It's been a long time....

2011-01-02T19:22:00.001-08:00

It has been a long time...we have had some health issues in our extended family...and it has consumed most of my thoughts and prayers.

I am thankful that we have been blessed to have many family and friends praying for us in this time. I have been tired and emotionally drained. My eyes have welled up many times over the past month or so, sometimes it takes me by surprise and most of the time I do not even know why, they just do. I am thankful that I have Someone to lean on, Someone that is greater and knows the answers to the questions. I am also thankful for our family, and the close bond we share.

Thank goodness for long distance phone plans....they have provided hours of instant communication when the miles apart are long.

So today I am thankful...we do not have all the answers but we have many things to be thankful for!

331) a day full of friendship and family...just the way I like it best!

332) a sparkling ring-a smiling couple-a brand new adventure just waiting to happen

333) toothless grin and blue eyes sparkling

334) 3 brand new puppies....too cute

335) pizza at my brothers...the fresh make your own not from a box kind!

336) worship service this morning... Pastor Nathans amazing piano during

How Great Thou Art!

my eyes could not help but water...

337) Welcome kisses from one of the most beautiful one year old girls I know!

338) sitting on the couch with my very special niece....I treasured our time together today!

339) enjoying the beautiful pink sunset tonight

340) enjoying the simple things today...thankful for a quiet restful day.

For these things, I give thanks

2010-10-31T19:51:00.000-07:00

321) hot tea made by my dear husband in my favorite double walled glasses
322) braiding my blond haired girls hair after she has a hot soak in the tub
323) books signed by authors and dear friends who bless me with them!
324) cuddling precious Christmas baby and Christmas eve blessing for the evening
325) quiet walks in the woods (with all the children)
326) watching said children try to knock down a huge tree....that had partially fallen...team
work!
327) dear hubby vacuuming after little ones party...thank you..thank you..thank you!
328) 16 cans of silly string...16 children...6 parents...and lots of laughter!
329) six birthday candles...pretty in pink!
330) simply being home

Gifts

2010-09-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today I am thankful for:

311) my wonderful hubby, whose embrace makes my heart melt
312) two extra kiddos for the past few days.....they add sunshine to our home
313) the kiddos mama....special friend she is
314) ladies at the cafe...I love the laughter you guys bring to my Wednesday nights
315) the church family...the after party....I think its the best part!
316) the relevant conference...and my hubby who encouraged my to go
317) getting into a groove with the kids reading lists this week....
318) simple, quiet times...and answers to prayer
319) laughter and joy, may our home be filled with both everyday
320) the car with the tilt...another blessing

Bring the Rain

2010-09-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

The drops are steadily falling against the window pane, and I hear the constant beating of the rain. It is unexpected, the forcast called for a sunny day and yet the water falls. This mirrors how I have been feeling lately, I don't know if it is because I have been reading these posts from Ann these last few weeks, about her trip with Compassion. I have an unexpected restless feeling.

I have been on missions trips, and I too have looked into the eyes of the hurting. My heart has beat love into the broken and I have read the unspoken look of thanksgiving from a mothers eyes. I too have smelled the dirt, which is sometimes how we have described it to others. You can see the pictures, and feel touched, you can hear the stories and be moved to give...but once you smell the dirt of the country, the people of that country never leave your soul.

So this past week I have looked at the pictures and I have read the stories and memories come flooding back. I look at the shingled roofs next door and I remember the steel roof my husband built for the man in the wheel chair down in the squatters village. The trailer that our church donated for a young couple to have a home of their own and a new future. The children playing in the streets with a balloon, a most treasured prize. The memories touch my heart. And my eyes well up. My heart is heavy. Today, I read a post that explains it all...how when you go to the ones in need...you see the heart of God. Upon returning home it is difficult to enjoy the blessings of this first world country and I too struggle with seeing After the Poverty.

And yet after I read this...my heart is encouraged, and I look out the window and see the sun peaking through. In this first world country I begin to remember the youth at the soup kitchen, the cans collected for the food bank and the money given to ones in need. My heart remembers the supper for the migrant workers and yard sales for the people in Mexico. I look around and I see the Son shining through and my heart is again full.

I am thankful for...

2010-09-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for:

301) the blessing of having a mother and father that encouraged and challenged me to be a compassionate young lady, sending me on missions trips, and instilling the values of a Christian heritage...even when it was not popular
302) the most handsome boy in the youth group, believing in me...and choosing ME to be his bride so many years ago
303) the blessing of homeschooling our children...I truly cherish the time I am able to spend with my kids, and I even enjoy math this year
304) gifts from friends, cards and notes...thoughts
305) new babies soon to be--I can not wait to hold little one in my arms
306) busy work schedules coming to an end...I will be thankful for normal
307) monarch butterflies and grandpas that buy butterfly nets and run and catch them with little ones
308) screen porches at camp, and hubby who made it happen
309) eating outdoors, campfire and smores....sharing with friends and family
310) windows being open, and cool night breeze

2010-08-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

291) pink baseball mitt, black top hat and lopsided grin
292) precious new bunnies, cradled in tiny hands
293) the sound of music....daily in our home, hands of all sizes blending the chorus of life
294) history lessons on the swing at camp...
295) bacon and eggs, swimming and swinging, cousins...the stuff memories are made of
296) my husband...the hardworking man you are, today and everyday you bless this family
297) the fun we had at the Amazing Race...thanks for all of the hard work to those who made it happen...you know who you are!
298) roller coasters....long brown haired girls daring grin, and little man designs...they both make me smile
299) our counties bounty...fresh corn on the cob, green peppers, onions, melons, peaches and so much more....
300) the joy habit...this crazy adventure that allows me to take notice of all the little things and for every one thing I write about there is at least ten I notice, the smell of little ones hair freshly washed, the sound of my husband sleeping beside me , the gentle and quiet laugh of oldest son teaching his baby sister how to swim, and the amazing closeness of the children as they play in their cousins pool...these things that I journal just scratch the surface of what I am grateful for...we truly are so blessed!

The List

2010-07-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

281) nail polish and daughters
282) the smell of baby clothes from the dryer (not for me....sigh)
283) laughter from the backyard as boys, boys and more boys play war...hide and seek and tag
284) swimming pool fun
285) planning weekends away...rides, camping and smores
286) flowers on the table
287) blueberry muffins baked by long haired girl...yum
288) simple...quiet...days
289) new Bible...The Voice...I LOVE IT
290) my dear hubby

Today, I am thankful for...

2010-06-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

271) I am thankful for my husband, who has been working hard getting the motor home ready for some summer adventures...
272) wonderful meal cooked by long brown haired girl...yum yum... bacon wrapped cheese stuffed meatloaf, crispy oven baked potatoes...great job!
273) swimming pools and nice neighbors...thanks for letting the kids get cooled off!
274) calculators, with the amount of numbers I have been crunching...
275) mom close by..loving on her grandchildren
276) schoolwork coming to a close...great work guys!
277) birds 'dusting' in the garden...
278) wind chimes in summer
279) campsites with family
280) the sound of music...guitars, piano and drums...I love it!

A time to be thankful

2010-06-06T19:50:00.001-07:00

Today we have much to be thankful for...last night there was some very crazy winds around here. The reports have mentioned tornadoes, and at the very least straight line winds.

I am so thankful that all of our loved ones were safe through out the night, as trees and power lines seemed to be everywhere! We are very thankful for the safety of Nana and Papa as they weathered the storm in their camping trailer....so here starts this weeks list-

261) safety for our loved ones through storms...literal and physical!
262) Christmas baby singing in church with us this morning
263) graduation parties...so proud!
264) play practices for the little ones
265) quiet afternoon, snuggling with hubby
266) math....officially done for this year...
267) brothers family putting on a wonderful dinner for us tonight...yum!
268) white roses for long brown haired girl
269) birthday party for brown eyed girl this week....can't wait!
270) hugs from my adorable young lady....thank you!

As we start our new week....may it be filled with many moments of joy, peace and love. Give the precious people in your life an extra special squeeze today....take time to give thanks to the one who created you......enjoy the possibilities!

so much to be thankful for

2010-05-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

251) campfires, birthdays and family
252) fresh rolls in the oven....Mandy's recipe...yum
253) peace
254) concert with friends...amazing violin
255) reading books that inspire
256) looking forward to church in the morning
257) hardworking husband that spent time doing jobs around the house today
258) going to the movies with my family...and yes that means honorary family too
259) holding little precious bundle of joy today...so sweet
260) poutine and pogos...ice cream at the beach...perfect day

I choose JOY

2010-05-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

241) walking in the 'jungle' watching small children search and find every puddle...and then...JUMP!

242) youth conventions...worship, teaching....memories (thanks for those who took care of my boy!)

243) hubby blessing me with an accountant to do my taxes.....pure joy!

244) warm butter tarts coming out of the oven

245) watching movies late into the evening

246) our town library....a homeschooling dream

247) first tooth lost....beautiful grin.....smile so wide

248) robins, bunnies and foxes....a little bit of wildlife seen over here in our not so rural area!

249) a message of JOY...isn't technology wonderful?

250) my marriage

simple thoughts...

2010-05-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

230) red geraniums, there is something about planting them with two special children...

231) I read a story this week about being joyful in everything...so here goes, I am thankful for the down time I have experienced because of this chest cold....

232) home made pizza tonight

233) cafe night on Wednesdays...lots of laughs, yummy food....and babies!

234) my wonderful and strong builder husband...warming towels in the dryer to wrap around me when I had the chills last night...my heart beats strong for you...thank you!

235) so many books...so little time

236) the sound of belly laughter, I will never get tired of hearing it

237) the weekend...quiet refreshing weekend

238) my mom, you make my heart proud! I love you so very much. Thank you for giving me a privileged childhood...and adulthood...You are the BEST!

239) robins, bunnies, and worms....it makes looking out the window so much fun!

240) family birthday parties this weekend....Happy Birthday brown haired girl!

Can't Stop Counting

2010-05-03T15:14:00.001-07:00

221) bacon, good ol'Canadian Bacon

222) watching an amazing movie with my family...

223) young man of mine, cutting grass for me

224) planting garden with little one, looking at seeds and the wonder of it all

225) precious brown haired girls tears as she says goodbye to special friend, I am thankful because she loves much!

226) pie night at church...the giving of pennies...friends, yummy pies and many laughs

227) family praying one for another

228) dear hubby, tired from work and still pouring hours of work at home...

229) friends who care so much for my children...taking the time out of their day to touch their lives...thank you!

230) sunshine a clean house, and fresh rolls...yum!

Sunshine and Nailpolish

2010-04-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

210) sun streaming through windows...even though they need washing....
211) nail polish carefully applied on long brown haired girls hands and on long blond haired girls carefully choosen rock...a year of yes!
212) two nights in a row...staying home, enjoying rest!
213) twinkle in the eyes of blond haired boy as he roller blades on the driveway
214) an I-can-do-it-attitude in little one, I think I can...I think I can....memories!
215) friends who treat my kids as family...thank you
216) hard working man, strong hands, gentle eyes
217) simple meals filling tummies
218) my kitchen window watching sun rise, my living room window...beautiful sunsets
219) friends who stay up all night, polishing SUV and shopping at Meijers!
220) my church....my home away from home.

Counting...One by One

2010-04-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

201) the gentle cuddle of little one, as we fall asleep
202) the busyness of robins as they make their nests
203) friends turning 40...and the party that accompanies it!
204) reading about friendships, experiencing many
205) hanging clothes on the line...I do not know why, but I love to do this!
206) boy watching puppy...puppy watching boy
207) dandy lions and balance...how both have spoken to me this week.
208) trees bursting forth with new leaves....I love this time of year!
209) family traveling...keeping in touch across the miles...have fun!
210) family weddings, the planning, the joy....memories!

Enjoy your day, and count your blessings....it is contagious!

Spring Fever

2010-04-19T17:29:00.000-07:00

Today the sun was shining and the warm breeze felt wonderful, I love Spring! Everywhere you look there is a new start, fresh growth. Hopefully you too were able to catch spring fever!

191) smiling eyes of carpenter husband, my knight in shining armour

192) little one playing with my hair, making the most beautiful up-do

193) haiku poetry, the counting of beats, listening to my young mans poem

194) chives and onions growing in the garden

195) ladies at the bank...I love living in a small town where everyone knows your name!

196) young boy turned man, hands old enough to learn family trade

197) books for young lady

198) questions and answers the ebb and flow of schooling....did I mention I love having my kids home?

199) my church family, our worship, and yes the cafe couches...I love those couches!

200) fly lady and her daily reminders, my shiny sink

I am at 200 and the counting continues, I am really enjoying this journal. I find the daily joy, the precious value in all these little things, things I might have taken for granted. I am so blessed! Thanks for listening.

Things I am thankful for....

2010-04-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

181) parents home from Florida...nice to have you close again!
182) the sounds of birds singing... one day when I was up doing my devotions early in the morning, when the sun was just beginning to rise I heard the lovely sound of birds singing and I couldn't help but think of the worship song that reminds us of how when morning dawns and evening fades, He inspires songs of praise... now every time I hear birds singing I think of this song! I could just imagine that maybe when God created birds He gave them the desire to sing early in the morning, just to remind us of praising Him.
183) little ones going to bed, and big ones tucking them in.
184) birthday parties, and celebrations!
185) my wonderful dear husband, who works hard everyday so I can stay home and be a caretaker for my family...I am so blessed. Thank you for giving so much for our family.
186) my church family and a special young lady that happens to play the piano, and is an accountant and means alot to our family...
187) little Lilly and getting way to big Eric as they start a new year
188) new dishwasher detergent that actually cleans....small things
189) green grass, and gardens beginning to sprout
190) weekends...books....tea....rest!

and the list continues...

2010-04-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

171) thirteen birthday candles....thirteen wonderful years

172) the sound of the lawnmower...and someone else pushing it!

173) white sparkling pearls...and the one who gave them to me

174) simple quiet evenings....

175) home

176) garden freshly turned over by precious girls

178) the sound of little roller blades on driveway

179) faith

180) big orange slides, giggles, nerf guns....summer fun

For these things today I am thankful and most grateful.

Out of the mouths of Babes

2010-04-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

I just love listening to my children. The other day my youngest son was looking over the pictures that we were going to put on our Easter Tree (kind of like a Christmas Tree but with pictures that tell the Biblical Journey of why we celebrate Easter). I got these beautiful pictures from Holy Experience and as they came upon the garden scene with Adam and Eve, young blond haired boy said to oldest son turned man, "That's disgusting!!!" of course he says this with so much emphasis like only a 9 year old boy could muster. Young man of mine says with a smile in his eyes, "Do you know what? If Adam and Eve did not sin, we ALL would be naked." Then young boy of mine looks up into his big brothers eyes and then with all the innocence of youth he says,

"Phew, thank goodness!"

Feeling

2010-04-07T03:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched someone going through a very difficult season in life? It may be a traumatic time caused by an illness or marital problems, it could be financial or physical. I have noticed that sometimes there is numbness... a quiet, cold, loss of feeling. I guess it might make one seem safe like in a cocoon that you build around yourself wrapping the strands of silk so you can quietly heal. But it is after that healing time when the cocoon opens up, and so does your soul...to begin to feel so that you too can fly. A new time has come, the same person with new wings. As spring is here, I encourage you to allow yourself to feel. Embrace the wind on your face, and the soft grass in your toes. Maybe enjoy a thunderstorm on the porch, to remind you what you too have come through. And remember He is always there for you.

161) warm wind on face
162) soft grass in toes
163) the wrapped arms of a child snugly around my waist
164) the deep rumble of laughter as I tuck little one into bed
165) the pain of the cross
166) the joy of redemption
167) wind whipped hair
168) soft puppy fur, warm little ones heart
169) music in my soul
170) smooth stones, running water...spring

Milestones

2010-03-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

Big-little man with blonde hair, loudly counts out 14 more days till his birthday. Gentle husbands smiling eyes look back and reflect on 40 such days.... and I too wonder how time has flown by....first kisses, first dates, dreaming and waiting. First kicks and fluttering of child with-in. The sounds of first words. You see, I was famous for saying, 'I can't wait for ....., and before I knew it the time had come. The question of who I was to marry, what my children would look like, when would I marry....always looking to the next milestone, the next phase. Its funny how things change. I know that new milestones are coming, they seem to be knocking on the door, only this time I am content to enjoy the present, and yes, I can wait.

151) 40 birthdays for hubby, friends and family to celebrate with
152) quiet mondays
153) conferences in October, I can't wait...oops!
154) the making of our Easter tree
155) the warmth of his hug
156) family dropping in...yummy big breakfast!
157) the calming routine of our schooldays
158) joy unspeakable
159) saran wrapped car.....okay, fess up!
160) nail polished toes

And Joy Springs Forth!

2010-03-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

The numbers inch closer, the thermometer climbs higher and someone calls out....it's 72 degrees(in the sun) and our footsteps get lighter,

the outlook looks brighter and the children break out.

They exit the doors with sweaters instead of coats

for truly there is 'spring' in their step.

Beauty emerges, like bulbs in the vase, fresh, crisp, new.

The streets become alive, with people and pets,

the season is coming... bringing fresh winds and renewal.

It is same with our hearts, as this season draws close,

a time of renewal for all He has done.

He has made fresh, He has made new, and my JOY emerges bright.

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Isaiah 61:11

141) sunshine... barefoot on the driveway... no coat sunshine

142) watching little one with snow white sweater... delicately playing in mud

143) the results of Master Reader on my Master Reader...thank you Hooked on Phonics!

144) the gentle humming of birthday boy this week....

145) homeschooling..the time we have together

146) not even having to write a Honey-do-list....it just mysteriously gets done

147) hugs from little ones

148) microwave popcorn....it just was one of those days!

149) a strong foundation, steady walls and roof of protection...The Map

150) sounds of music from guitar, drums and piano

Finding and Enjoying Rest

2010-02-27T11:54:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks I have been doing a study on 'rest', I guess that phrase in itself is an oxymoron...but those of you who know me, you would know that if I wanted to find out what the Bible says about 'rest' and the purpose for it in our lives...I would have to do a study. So out came the books, The Bible, Strong's Concordance...and lots of Internet linking and I worked and studied and thought and prayed.....about 'rest'. My thoughts went something like this, I know God created a day of rest for a purpose, it is one of His commandments, God desires us to find rest and comfort in Him. All of this does not seem like rocket science, but as I studied I thought back on what a typical week looks like for our family. We spend our week doing many things, all(well most) of which we find much enjoyment in, working, teaching, cooking and cleaning, laundry and bill paying and church activities and responsibilities and the list goes on and on. The weekend comes along and Saturday is our catch up day, cleaning the house, running around...shopping and cleaning(I know I already mentioned this...but we do seem to do a lot of cleaning on Saturdays!) Sunday for our family, is a day we all look forward to. We have been blessed with a wonderful faith community, very much like family to us. We typically spend Sunday mornings going to church, and enjoying worship and teaching. We are blessed to have an amazing children's ministry and three of us are involved in various aspects of teaching in the a.m. and p.m. services. Our older children are involved in our youth program and worship band and love all of the incredible activities that they are able to participate in. My hubby spends many hours doing maintenance at the church during the course of the months, and he also has various responsibilities at the church. All that to say, even though Sunday is our day of worship and a day to gather together corporately, we are very often running from one church activity to another. Throw into the mix a few family birthday parties and sometimes the calander is busier on the weekends than during the week.
So that's when I started to think about 'rest' and how our busy family could experience rest. In our culture and community it almost seems wrong to rest, when people ask you how you have been doing, the general answer is 'busy' ...after all our self worth seems to be wrapped up in our busyness. Many questions went through my mind as I was studying, could I possibly get everything done that needs to be done in the course of the week to take one day out and rest? Does it even matter if we experience 'rest' each week? What constitutes rest? If God requires a day of rest for His people, what does that look like for our family? By this time if you are still reading, you are probably guessing that I am very much a type A personality. With all of these questions in my mind, we thought that as a family we would try out this new day of 'rest' for a few weeks and see what it was like. And I must say that I am loving it! We have been spending Saturdays sleeping in, reading, watching movies, lighting a candle and having tea in glass teacups, playing in the snow, working on motor home(this seems to be fun for my dear hubby), spending time with friends, playing card games, or baking with the girls. We have been putting on our favorite radio station and enjoying this 'mini-vacation' from the rest of the week. Oh, and by the way, it is funny but I am getting all of the work done that needs to be done in the rest of the week. The kids love to have a full day with no schoolwork, and no requests for laundry, and a quiet relaxing atmosphere to enjoy their day. So, as this first month of 'rest' comes to a close, I am very thankful that God encouraged this 'child' to seek rest.

131) smiles of little ones, when there is time to bake, play games
132) the quiet and warmth of home, as snow again falls
133) glass teacups and candles
134) friends and family...late nights at TGIFridays...smothered chicken and laughter
135) french toast and bacon
136) many hands making light work on Friday
137) snow, beautiful packing snow for children to play in
138) home filled with peace
139) nail polish and little fingers
140) rest

By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had Done (Genesis 2:2-3)

Can't stop counting!

2010-02-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

121) doctors care for dad of mine

122) the curve of hubby's gentle smile

123) long blond hair girls thought as daddy leaves for work: Mom I know you love daddy!

when prompted for why, she says....cause you kiss him in public!

124) snow...and homemade hill, affectionately called the 'death-trap'

125) the time I am able to spend home-making

126) 16 comfortable, loving-life-all-the-time-years

127) coupons,coupons,coupons

128) stories about pacskis----or is that pepsi?

129) Canada Olympic Gold wins!!!

130) Sleeping in on Saturdays!

Just a quick post on some random things I am thankful for, a more thought out post to follow shortly!

The Sounds of a Home

2010-02-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

Today I have time to listen, time to reflect on the things I am thankful to hear:

111) white and black keys, memory guided fingers

112) copper tones in windows

113) the ticking of kitchen clock (with four children...it is seldom heard) can quiet be this loud?

114) the silence of snowflakes

115) dear husbands heartbeat, steady...quiet, just like him

116) laughter as they play... together

117) music that lifts the soul

118) knock on door....quick visit from one whose name means same as mine

119) words from ancient book with new telling; Mathew 5.....thoughts on giving (I especially like the Message version of this)

120) sweet nothings.....that mean everything...

What is the sound of a home? What do I want our children to remember as they grow older and eventually make homes of their own? They...the experts..say that certain sights, smells and sounds can bring memories flooding back to us. I am challanged today to make the sounds of our home wonderful pleasant memories. May the sounds of our home be filled with warm encouraging words, laughter...those deep belly laughs inherited from family of mine, tears of joy from some family story re-telling, this is the cadence of sounds I want remembered. The warm conversation of ones that drop in...kitchen table conversation, comfortable sit back and stay-a-while conversation. To be drawn to the melody of our home, this I want. The harmony in discussion of ones whose lives reflect Him. The sound of husband and wife whispering, the safe secure sound of silence when volumes are spoken within a glance. For these things I am thankful....Lord, thank you for teaching me to listen.

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. Psalm 70:4

Home Sweet Home

2010-01-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

For these things I am grateful.... simply joyful at the blessings that the Lord has graced this life with....

101) quiet Saturdays spent reading

102) orchids blooming at window

103) sounds of gentle strum

104) the beauty in the cross

105) phone calls across the miles

106) giggles, deep belly laugh giggles

107) gentle husband of mine

108) water park adventures for special boy

of Ours....thank you special friends!

109) machines that wash away the dirt

110) gift of home on wheels and boys preparing it for adventure

I have reached my first hundred gifts and I'm continuing the counting. I was wondering how it would be, this list of mine...could I possibly find 1000 things to be grateful for? And yet, I find myself continually counting throughout the day, noticing the things I sometimes took for granted. The everyday gifts, the everyday giggles. It seems so soon, but after a month of counting, I don't think I could stop if I wanted to. This Gift list is Contagious!

Gift 104) the beauty in the cross... I was thinking today (DH says this is dangerous!) how beautiful would I be, if it was not for the cross...if it was not for the One who gave me life? If I lived only for Me...would I be a blessing to those to whom I have been trusted with? I have been made beautiful through my relationship with Him. For this I am most thankful.

So I encourage you to write down your list, or quietly name your gifts, and you too will find yourself infected with gratitude!

First 100 Gifts

2010-01-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

As I was writing this list, children were peering over shoulder and reading with emphasis the words I wrote...so if you want, use your imagination and your radio voice to say the list, and if you are like me you too will be smiling.

91) pairs of little hands playing 'Heart and Soul' on the piano
92) same young hands helping younger sister
93) lolling chairs for reading
94) smell of bacon and pancakes through house
95) deep, warm tub
96) family time
97) teaching, learning, loving
98) phone calls from afar
99) bar b que in winter
100) first 100 gifts

The Call

2010-01-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

81) long drives, safe roads
82) family opening up home for us
83) coming together to remember
84) memories of days gone by
85) laughter of such days
86) cousins...more like sisters
87) children being so good on trip
88) Christmas gift baby, staying another night
89) Thoughts of sledding...on a real hill
90) Husband doing dishes so I could get ready

The last few days have been ones of sadness for our family. A dear Aunt of mine has suddenly passed on. This has brought lots of preparations for the coming week. We got The Call, on Sunday morning shortly before we were leaving to worship. My emotions were pretty much in check, for the better part of the morning, preparing for church, and getting ready for Sunday School. As we started to worship, the voices filled the sanctuary, and tears filled my eyes. The chords rose and fell as I let the tears roll down my cheeks. I will miss her; my dad will miss her, the one whose name he mistakenly calls me so very often. I am greeted by many, and special friends ask if I am okay. I explain with few words, mostly just eyes. They know, we hug and move on. As church draws to a close, and we go home, gentle husband of mine tucks me into bed, bringing me bread and drink. He says that I need time, time to reflect and possibly cry. It is then I get The Call, one that means so much. My Mom calls to ask how I am feeling, and tears run down. I nod head as if she can see, she asks if I am okay, I nod and utter yes, quietly, softly. So she begins to talk, knowing that I just need to hear her voice, hear her talk, to make it all okay. It is then that she says something that changes the way I am to look at things. She talks of a lady she knows who has lost a grandchild and daughter in law in last few years. This dear woman said that when she is asked how she possibly manages her grief after losing so much....she states simply that she doesn't borrow grief, she owns only HER grief. It gets too hard you see, when you take on the grief of someone else. In her case it is the grief that she knows that her son is going through, having just lost a child and wife. It gets to be too much if she takes on the grief of others. The Lord gives you the grace to handle your portion of grief. He will be with us and walk with us through our difficult moments, but when we start to focus on what we imagine someone else's grief is, it becomes too much. I later told her that what she said was profound to me....and she hardly remembered saying it. Isn't that the way life is, we never know what may speak to someone or what touches their heart.

Thank you mom, for speaking to me and taking the time to touch My heart.

Best Ever!

2010-01-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

71) the smell of bread baking in oven

72) Florida radio stations...z88.3

73) new mop and pail...really, much easier!

74) sunny days

75) taboule from Costco..love that store

76) hubby's smiling eyes

77) lazy Saturday afternoons
78) design books that inspire
79) wind chimes in window
80) praying family and friends..especially for Aunt Diane

Here is the recipe for the very Best Ever Banana Bread!

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs
2 ripe medium bananas, mashed
1/2 cup veg oil
1/4 cup milk (shh...secret ingredient...add 1 tsp of lemon juice to milk)
1 tsp vanilla

In large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. In another mixing bowl, combine eggs, bananas, oil, milk and vanilla, making sure to take out all of the lumps from the banana (this is where lots of people go wrong....we don't want chunky banana bread after all! ). Add wet ingredients to flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Pour into greased 9x4x3 inch baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees F for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until bread tests done. Cool on wire rack. Yield 1 loaf, recipe does not double well.

Could it really be yes?

2010-01-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

61) Kitchen Aid Mixer
62) the word YES
63) wrapped in blanket lovingly made by Meme
64) yummy homemade soup
65) pink and brown polka-dots
66) angels in the snow
67) books,books,books
68) kisses on nose
69) orchids in bloom
70) warm cozy fire

The first week of the New Year has come to a close. So many posts written about new ideals, new hopes for the year written with such optimism. One such post, talks about the year of Yes, yes to our children, yes possibly even to the mess that this could involve. It is a challenging thought, an intriguing idea, could it possibly work?
Over the years, the children would ask some random idea...could we play with play doe(5 min before dinner) could we finger paint...how about moon sand? Can we take the cushions off the couch..upstairs...(this in itself usually elicited a very quick ..no). When I would say..maybe, eyes would light up, and the thought was that it just might become... yes. Could this be the year of Yes? A whole year of yes? Maybe not all the time, not for everything, I mean I am not so unrealistic to think this new thought of mostly yes, can come so easily. It is not that I haven't said yes. Through out the years, I have been known to say yes to many messes, lots of baking, children's parties and yes, even to moon sand. I would like my Yes' to outweigh the No's, somehow finding a way to say yes. Listening intentionally to the what and the why of the question, instead of writing off the idea because of my time constraints, or my concept of how home should look. Embracing the ideas, the creativity, the fun and enjoying the laughter that is sure to follow.
As I close this post, I realize..Yes, it is possible after all, for it is only Me who needs to say Yes, it is a choice, one that I need to intentionally make, starting right now.

I invite you to listen...

2010-01-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

51) hugs from little one
52) new printer....and fax
53) circle of band on my finger
54) hot sudsy water
55) tim hortons tea cup
56) the wonder of child learning and understanding
57) our library
58) my borrowed Nativity
59) the fresh smell of laundry
60) chocolate

Many times over the last few years, as I was trying to communicate to our children some universal truth, I would come waving papers freshly printed and call to them to come listen, listen to words that would gently guide and maneuver us along this path we call life. I have said it so often, that firstborn boy, now turned man, smiles and says the words..."I know, Mom, I know, this is just how you feel, just what you would say, if only you could say it so eloquently." we laugh at his reenactment, but truth rings in his words.

It may be in her stories of motherhood,

her quest for our Savior, it is just that Truth becomes alive in her interpretation of Scripture, she has a way of uttering the words of my heart cry.

Today, as I read her post,

I smiled quietly to myself....how did she know... for I too,

could not put away the borrowed Nativity,

the Babe captivated me.

I just could not put Him into a box.

I invite you to read...the words I would say, if only I could say them so eloquently

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/01/why-babe-always-stays.html

Winter reflections

2010-01-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

40) gently falling snow
41) date night with my hubby
42) baked oatmeal..reminding of missions trips
43) conferences in October
44) waking up to warm fireplace
45) morning math time with oldest boy
46) sideways wink of youngest son
47) good shopping deals in the states
48) revelation devotions with family
49) laughter
50) pink snowsuits

Baked Oatmeal

1/2 cup veg oil
3 cups oatmeal
2/3 cup white sugar
1 tsp cinnamon (I use Poudre Douce VE)
2 eggs
1tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
sprinkle of brown sugar over top before baking

Mix all ingredients in bowl, put in greased 8x8 baking dish. bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.
Serve warm with cream. Yum Yum!
I first tried this on our Missions Trip to Grenada when I was 16. One large dish was made in the morning, and if you slept in you missed out....great incentive to get out of bed!

Thanksgiving

2010-01-03T17:15:00.000-08:00

31) worship this morning
32) forced air heat
33) gingersnap cookies
34) doctors taking care of family
35) tacos made by friends
36) heat in the seat in the SUV
37) my long brown haired girl's shy blush
38) microfiber tights..they feel better than nylons!
39) kisses in the dark
40) bedtime stories about pigs!

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves, we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with THANKSGIVING, and into his courts with praise: be THANKFUL unto him, and bless his name.
Psalm 100:1-4 (emphasis added)

Just a thought...did anyone else start singing this as a song, in their head, while reading this?

Quiet Saturday Reflections

2010-01-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

21) daddy tucking the children in
22) hermit crabs...yes I'm grateful for the joy they bring
23) my fathers laugh
24) oldest boys gentle spirit
25) tea....can I count it again?
26) fingers through hair
27) orchids in bud
28) sat evening ironing
29) afternoons together
30) BBQ in the cold

and so the list continues....

And the list continues....

2010-01-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

11) taking down Christmas decorations...together
12) hockey on the ice
13) family movie night
14) sleeping in
15) a hot cup of tea or two
16) the scent of new candle
17) artwork on fridge
18) warm boots
19) bubble baths
20) my dishwasher

Thank you Lord for this day, the first day of 2010, a day that was spent enjoying your creation.

A New Year's Hope

2009-12-31T23:19:00.000-08:00

As I begin this journal, I have many thoughts and ideas. I want to create a lasting memory of all the things that I am grateful for. I have been quietly listing these items in my head as the days stream by, but I want to declare the everyday blessings that my Lord has given to me. This list is meant to encourage and uplift my family and friends, I am expecting this New Year of 2010 to be one of gratitude and joy even beyond all others, I am anticipating the laughter....as I begin this list of gratitude, my journey to listing my 1000 gifts....won't you too consider this?
And so I begin...

1) a new year, a new beginning
2) sleeping children, warm in their beds
3) peace
4) being loved, held in strong arms
5) the True Christmas Story
6) my mom and dad
7) giggling of cousins
8) laughter as I try Wii Fit (need I say more?)
9) our faith community
10) sliding on ice pond as a family