Watching and Waiting.....

Advent is here and I just have to recommend this WONDERFUL Advent resource I've found this year. Even if you already have something you're using with your children, I heartily recommend this devotional for YOU.  I'm finding my heart challenged each day as we read.  While you're over there, it might be a good idea to allow yourself some time for clicking around.....really good stuff there.

Happy Birthday Marina!

Lovely Marina, with your arrival at 11:07 p.m. 15 years ago today, everything changed....forever.  And we are so thankful. You, our witty, intellectual girl, are precious to us.....and even more so to your Savior.  You are BELOVED in so many ways.  We love you.  Mom and Dad

Is there such a thing as a 1 1/2 birthday?

I'm grieving.  Our baby is 1 1/2 today.  Where does the time ago?  Wait a minute.  I know exactly where the time goes.  It goes to picking up the path of destruction that "Mr. Hurricane" seems to leave behind where ever he goes.  I've really never seen anything like it - the mess that is.  That's saying a lot from a mom of 5.  You all warned me that boys are different.  I knew you were right......but there's no way I could have imagined the shenanigans of my precious, outlet-licking, table-climing prince.  And there's also no way I could have imagined how MUCH we would all love him.  ;-)

And so that also explains the neglect of this poor blog.  I've got messes to pick up and people to love....lots of both!  I am so blessed!

Unique - A Happy Birthday Story

Thirteen years nine months ago, a young wife and mother lived comfortably in her contented life with her one sweet little princess when she learned that another cherub was on the way.  She loved her happy life with her precious daughter.  That daughter was her greatest joy.  She couldn't imagine being able to love another child as much.

So she began to pray.

She prayed that God would make the babe on the way so unique that it would be easy to love her.  And He did.

She prayed that this child would be very much her own person.  And, oh boy, did He ever!

She prayed that God would fill her heart to overflowing with love for, now, two daughters. And He did.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

This morning,  at the same time that little baby was being born 13 years ago, two hot air balloons drifted over our house just as I stepped outside.........and I thought "of course"!  Of course this special day would begin in such a unique, interesting and exciting way.  That's just what you are sweet Olivia.  

Happy Birthday dear Olivia!

(This post is being published one day late since we were all watching Olivia's relay team win first place at a swim championship on her birthday.  Very fitting, huh?)

Same great blog, fun new look.

After receiving some compelling feedback from some special folks,  I've decided this blog will remain open.  I don't really know what that means since I've obviously taken to posting a lot less.  I guess it means occasional pictures of the prince and funny anecdotes of family life......and very rarely, maybe a little more from my own heart.  We'll just have to see how God leads.  For now though, we've made it a lot more fun to look at and will hopefully be updating the sidebars soon.

Happy summer!

My Simple Woman's Daybook - June 19

Outside my window...

 Sunny and breezy.....beautiful. 

I am thinking...

That it might be time to close down this blog.  It seems maybe it has outlived it's purpose.

I am thankful for...

...an elderly dog that has the courtesy to wake me at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning to inform me she vomited on my bedroom carpet.  >:-(  

(OK, yes, that was sarcastic.)

Towards an education...

.......still chugging along with history.....but very, very lightly.

From the kitchen...

I thought, for a brief time this morning, that my coffee maker was broken.  So I considered doing what any other coffee-loving person would do - driving to McDonald's in my pj's.  But McDonald's coffee really is sort of yucky (and driving to Starbucks would have involved crossing a major highway and changing out of my pj's) so I rigged a way to get one hot cup of manually perked coffee.  
Therefore, see my Favorite Things below.  ;)

I am wearing...

cotton...again

I am creating...

 Lesson plans and curriculum ideas for next year....still.....and also researching some online classes.  

On my iPod...

Reaching Your Child's Heart  - a GREAT talk put out by Simply Charlotte Mason.

I am reading...

You Can't Make Me (But I Can Be Persuaded): Strategies for Bringing Out the Best in Your Strong-Willed Child

Lots, and lots, and LOTS of good stuff in this book!  This may become my new favorite parenting resource.

I am hoping...

For a very blessed Father's Day for my sweetie.

I am praying...

For a gentle heart towards my children.

I am hearing...

A sweet baby boy chewing cinnamon raisin bread and babbling at the dogs.

(Have you ever noticed that when adults - or even older kids for that matter -  chew with their mouths open it's gross but when babies do it, it's adorable?!)

Around the house...

My house is very, very dirty.  There's just nothing more I can say about that.  

One of my favorite things...

Quiet Saturday mornings and fresh, hot coffee....at the same time. 

A few plans for the rest of the week...

 We've battled Strept Throat and goopy noses this week.  It will be nice to have everyone well again.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Six teeth now!

My Simple Woman's Daybook - June 6

Outside my window...

 It's HOT and the pool is beckoning yet again today.  

I am thinking...

That the homes pictured in Southern Living Magazine don't look like they serve as classroom, playground, and haven 24/7 like mine does.  

I am thankful for...

....the many opportunities I'll have this summer to love some difficult-to-love people.

Towards an education...

"Mom, there aren't that many presidents who had good character."
Yep, Sweetie, you got that right.

From the kitchen...

Olivia has nearly mastered a copycat version of Starbuck's Frappaccinos.  My blender is getting a lot of use on these hot June afternoons.

I am wearing...

cotton

I am creating...

Lesson plans and curriculum ideas for next year.  We'll return to the Ancient Civilizations and we'll also have a high schooler!

On my iPod...

Keep Changing the World by Mikeschair

I am reading...

Imitation of Christ and am finding myself SO challenged by it.

I am hoping...

For a quieter week.


I am praying...


For a sweet friend with a bad back.  :(

I am hearing...

Girls trading Silly Bandz.  I'm sure someone somewhere is making a small (or not so small) fortune off these colorful rubber bands!

Around the house...

I conquered laundry mountain (Mr. Neverest) yesterday and that feels good.  

One of my favorite things...

Summer evenings with dinner by the pool.  

A few plans for the rest of the week...

  A homeschool convention and time alone with my honey.  Yep, I said alone.  Brayden was officially weaned last week.  It's very bittersweet indeed.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

I'm glad to see my old prom dresses are good for......ahem........cartwheels!