Friday, January 30, 2009

Our week in pictures

My Sweet Olivia Grace


Shoveling Snow :)


Lego's ready to be made into something.


A shake to go with lunch



Wednesday, January 28, 2009

I had a lot to learn


I think I was around ten the day we ventured over to my Grandpa and Grandma's home for supper with my Dad's family.  This was a special occasion because my Great Aunt and Uncle's were visiting.   How I loved and admired my two Aunts.   We had visited them several years earlier when my family went on a cross country trip.  My Aunt Peggy was from Mississippi and was a true Southern lady. She worked hard in her yard and had gorgeous flower gardens and yet I remember sitting on her lap that day just rubbing her hands, they were so smooth and soft.   My Aunt Norma lived in Tennessee and was a farmer's wife.  They had cows and chickens along with a huge vegetable garden... I saw in her my dream of living on land.  I admired them and was excited to be spending time with them on that afternoon when we all gathered at my Grandparents home.

Towards the end of the day, my Aunt Norma gave my mom a kitchen scrubby that she had made and my Aunt Peggy gave her a kitchen wash cloth.  Sadly, I remember thinking it was the silliest gift to give someone.  Yes they made it, but why would you make something that you could so easily buy?  And why would you give someone something to wash dishes with as a present?  In my foolishness, I just did not understand.

About eight months ago I got the itch to learn how to knit.  My Mom, sister and I headed over to the local JoAnn's and gathered up the needed tools and supplies to begin this adventure.  I was so excited...  to learn an art that the older generations used...  to make things for those I loved.  I had grand ambitions that evening to make all sorts of Christmas presents during our summer break and so I set out to learn quickly. Sadly though, with a newborn, homeschooling and all that goes with running a home I was not able to focus on it fully and I quietly put it away.  Finally this fall I was able to pull it out and began knitting some scarves.  I made one for Faith and then the boys were asking when they would get their own scarf.  I was happy to oblige.  Once I was finished with those I came across the idea of making my own dish clothes.  I made my way back to JoAnn's to grab some more yarn and began the project.  As I sat there, knitting our first kitchen wash cloth, I began to think of what a wonderful just because I love you present this would make.  And then I sadly remembered the scrubby and wash cloth that my Aunts had made my Mom.  At the age of ten, I was so focused on the gift instead of the love that went into the gift.  I missed the art, the time and the love that they were giving.


So, here I sit so many years later, making the same thing.  Yet, this time I realize that it is an art and I know the love that goes into each stitch.  Now I understand the gift that my Aunts were giving to my Mom and I find myself thankful for being able to make something little yet something practical for those I love.  just because gift.  A gift of love.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105


The snow fell peacefully on our Sabbath.  It's amazing how beautiful and peaceful it is...  a welcome addition to our day.  The boys played legos with Daddy quietly in front of the fireplace, the girls slept peacefully and as I sat in front of the fireplace, enjoying the warmth, I read through my journal of quotes and verses that have spoken to me.  These words that I was reading have challenged me and encouraged me.  They had brought life to my soul and again these words are stirring me.

Time for Church came and quickly found us waking a tired girl, grabbing snacks and jackets and jumping into the car for our drive. The sermon that was preached was simple and yet profound.  It didn't challenge my dogma but it did give me a lot to ponder.   I've been mulling it over today, reading the verses over and over again.  I'm thankful for a Church that preaches the Word of God.   I'm thankful for His faithfulness in teaching and training us.   I'm thankful for His Word...  it's brings life and it shows me how to walk.  

The Lord truly is my portion and my cup, the One who makes my lot secure.  (Psalm 116)  

When we seek God through His Word and prayer, we glean wisdom for walking carefully. We obtain guidance for daily decisions. We find peace in the midst of life's whirlwind. We are infused with strength to complete our tasks. Wisdom. Guidance. Peace. Strength.


My prayer this Monday is that my cup will drink its fill and flow forth.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Our week in pictures

I can not believe that Friday is upon us already. 




Laundry.  It seems like we always have laundry to do, 
especially after a trip, but it still seems to be one of my favorite chores.  


The joy of time spent at the park.


We had friends in California who would do a "piggy night".  You could eat any way you wanted but could not use your hands.  Brent's let the kiddos do this before and they loved it so when they asked the other night when we would be doing it again, Brent didn't hesitate to say, "right now".  Oh my!


The heavens declare the glory of God
Psalm 19:1


Flowers from a friend


Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

It's Life


It's an absolutely beautiful day here...  warm air and a bright sun were calling us and we found ourselves outside most of the morning doing school.  Our windows are open, flooding our home with fresh air...  

Lunch time came and it seems like from that point on I could not get a break to breath.  :)  All of the sudden it seemed to become one of those days.   

Lunch for little ones, cookies being made, one mess to clean up after another, helping hubby with a work project and then trying to clean up the kitchen.  A little girl emptying out items from the fridge, little men playing in the dirt coming in for water to make mud, little pieces of mud finding their way into the kitchen, still trying to clean the kitchen, hubby comes home and is ready for lunch...  hands to wash, faces to clean and I find myself still trying to clean up the kitchen and now the floor needs vacuumed and the fridge wiped down, little finger prints now covered the sliding door.

But as I stood there at the kitchen sink, breathing in the fresh air, I realized that it was my choice to let it become one of those days.  Then I was reminded that all of this that is happening here is because our home is full of life.  Life.    

Little lives are being fed and taught.  They are learning to love and cherish their brothers and sisters, to work together, to serve one another.  They are enjoying the beautiful day, drinking in the warmth, putting their hands to work and creating.    

If my home was quiet and always put together then that would be evidence that no one actually lived here.  If our house was always perfect, you would not find people dreaming and loving, working and playing.    

So, even though all this work is making this Momma tired today, I still find myself thankful for the evidence of life within these walls.  Thankful that there are dishes to do, a kitchen to clean, a floor to vacuum and finger prints to clean off the door...  and I'm thankful for the times that I do get interrupted from doing these things by calls from those I love...  "Momma, come see the garage I made for my tractor."  

Yes, a long day but a good day.  A day full of Life and I really don't want it any other way.

And now, our afternoon brings quiet time.  So I'm thinking I'll go grab one of those cookies we made, a good book, a blanket and find my way outside to enjoy some more of this fresh air.




Picture from artposters.com

Monday, January 19, 2009

|Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be |acceptable in          thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my |redeemer.  
Psalm 19:14


All wish to please.  Some please themselves.  Some please men.  
Some seek to please God.  
William Jay


Lord, who or what is it that I am seeking to please today?  Father, I just want it to be You, just You...

A Photo Tag

Katrina tagged me yesterday. It's a picture tag and I had to go to the 4th folder where I store my pictures and post the 4th picture from that folder and then tag four people to do the same.  I was actually pretty curious to see what picture it would be.  :)

Here is the picture. 




It's from a year and a half ago. We spent the afternoon at the lake... we had lunch and the boys tried fishing... we were just relishing in the beauty of all that we were surrounded by.  Sweet memories.


If you decide to do this, let me know!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Our week in pictures

Brent had some work that he needed to do this week up in the mountains and thankfully we were able to tag along. :) It's been so fun to see a new area of Colorado!  


Our view from the condo we are in.


We also have a view of a tubing hill and one of the skiing hills.  
The kiddos have loved watching.


Walking to dinner



Look at those icicles!


Praying your weekend is wonderful!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

It's no secret that I love to read and while it seems like a lot of the books on my list lately seem to be on the heavier, deep thinking level it's always nice when fun but meaningful books find their way onto my reading list.  :) During our Christmas break this year, I was able to spend some time reading A Pocketful Of Pinecones by Karen Andreola.  
It is a fictional story of a family during the 1930's that homeschool's using the Charlotte Mason approach.  It's written in a journal format sharing parts of their daily life, homeschooling journey and how their nature study evolves.    


Pocketful of Pinecones was a light, easy read yet it was chalk full Charlotte Mason quotes and poems on nature.   It's a sweet and gentle story that would encourage any home schooling mom in their journey.   It's one of those stories that just makes you smile. 

It filled my heart with thankfulness and excitement that we are able to walk down this road... 

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

My Mom was so sweet to give me this award.  I usually feel rebellious when it comes to awards and for a couple of minutes I was not going to do anything with it. Then I began to think of you and I really wanted to stop and take this minute to tell you how much I've enjoyed getting to know you and how much I appreciate and love you.  

So here goes...


To accept this award, I must mention who I received the award from and link back to her/him. Then I am to share the following:

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award."

I like best the sentence "Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated." There are so many interesting, creative, encouraging, educational and worthy blogs out there and I haven't even had the time to keep up with all of them!! Those who share their faith and help me grow in mine are a special blessing to me; some I've just started reading and look forward to reading more. Please go check them out too! I would like to pass this award on to the following eight
(umm... is six okay??? ) bloggers at this time:

Anna @ JoyInEveryStep  - We've been friends since Jr. High and although we no longer live close and no longer have the ability to see each other regularly, I love reading her blog and seeing the pictures of her sweet family.

Michele @ MyBrazilianLife - Michele was one of the first people, other then family, to actually leave a comment on here. :)  It's been so fun to get to know her and see what life is like in Brazil.  

Anna @ WhereMyTreasureIs - I've really enjoyed getting to know Anna.  She is so sweet and we have some wonderful conversations!  She has three little ones, they homeschool and they have their own little homestead.  Can you see why I love reading what she writes????

Joy @ SAHMissionary - I love reading what Joy writes...  I think we share the same heart for our roles as a wife, mother and child of the King.  

Elise @ APathMadeStraight - beautifully written... the love and joy she has for her family always shines through.

My Sister, Kim @ JoyfulnessInEveryDay - It's so fun to have my sister be a part of this crazy blogging world.  Even though she is not posting much, it's always fun to read what she writes and of course I love seeing the pictures of my sweet nieces.  


It's completely up to you to decide what you want to do with it! :):):)

Sending my love,
Carrie  

Monday, January 12, 2009

Joy To The World




Two weeks after Christmas still finds one of my little men continually singing Joy To The World.  And I mean continually....  this morning as he sat there singing while he was building with his legos, I found myself thinking... pondering... praying...





Joy To The World
Yes, Joy to the world, my son.  

The Lord Has Come
Our Lord has come.  Our Savior.  My son, grab the words... 
He came for me,  He came for you.  He has come...  

Let Earth Receive Her King
Yes, let us receive him.  O Father, help us, help me, help us to receive You in Your fullness.  

Let every heart prepare Him room
O Lord, let our hearts be fully open...  Come, Come Lord Jesus.  We want You.  All of You.

And Heaven and Nature Sing. And Heaven and Nature Sing
Yes, Lord.  May singing, may joy flow from the depths of our being.  May our lives sing.  Thank you Lord from coming...  Thank you for the singing we see in nature, the singing that is all around us.  All heaven and nature sings...  

And Heaven and Nature Sing... And Heaven and Nature Sing... 

Thursday, January 8, 2009

A week in pictures

I've seen the book A Year Of Mornings: 3191 Miles Apart talked about on the web and have it sitting on my Amazon wish list.  The other night I happened to stumble upon this and while I have not even stopped to read the whole page, I loved the thought of taking a photo a day and seeing your life in a whole new way...  I love to take pictures, especially of those I love and thought this would be a grand endeavor for 2009.  I'm not going to be legalistic about it, sometimes it works and sometimes it will be too hard but the bottom line is that I want to be taking more pictures.  Pictures of everyday life.  Pictures of those I love.  I seem to only pull the camera out of the closet at certain times, instead I now want that to become part of daily life... maybe it will happen daily, even if it is just one picture, or maybe it will happen every other day, or maybe it will just be a ton of pictures taken once a week...  I don't know how it will work out but I do know that I want to be taking more pictures.  

So here they are.  

Pictures from our week.  Pictures from our life.  

The boys playing
:::

chalk waiting to be used
:::

We spent the morning outside painting. 
:::

The simple beauty of cloth diapers drying 
:::

In school we have been reading about birds and so the boys took some 
moving boxs and made a fort for bird watching in the backyard.
:::

We have been enjoying some beautiful weather... crisp coolness mixed with the warmth of a bright sun and it seems to have been calling us outside just about every day this week. 

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Fresh Yumminess...

After searching and searching, testing and trying to no avail, we have finally found a whole wheat bread recipe that we all love!   It was actually a recipe that my mom used when I was a toddler but that has not been used for years.  As autumn came upon us she decided to pull the recipe out and make some fresh bread by hand.  I have since made several loaves in our bread machine, letting it do all the mixing and kneading and then pulling it out to put in a loaf pan and let it bake in our oven...  
:::
Here is the recipe:

1 Cup Water
1 1/2 Tbs Oil
1/2 Tbs Salt
1/4 Cup Honey
2 3/4 Cup Unsifted 100% Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour
1 Tbs. Active Dry Yeast

Place ingredients into bread machine.  When finished shape into load and place in greased bread pan.  Cover with towel and let rise until dough begins to lift the towel.  Allow for 1/3 of the rising to take place during the baking.  Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown.  If using a glass pan, bake at 350 degrees.
::: 

I love the smell of fresh bread floating through our home...  enjoy!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Let Your Living Water Flow



Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Father, Father, Father
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit

Let Your living water flow over my soul.
Let Your Holy Spirit come and take control.
Of every situation that has troubled my mind.
All my cares and burdens on You I do roll.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Father, Father, Father
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit

Give your life to Jesus, let Him fill your soul.
Let Him take you in His arms and make you whole.
If you give your life to Him, He'll set you free.
You can live and reign with Him eternally.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Father, Father, Father
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit

Come now, Holy Spirit, and take full control.
Take me in Your loving arms and make me whole.
Wipe away all doubt and fear and take my pride.
Draw me to Your love and keep me by Your side.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Father, Father, Father
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit


Words and Music by John Watson