Simple Blessings

"What I Hunger for..."

2012-02-09T15:11:00.001-08:00

"I just love the way fresh dough feels under my fingers," my daughter says as she helps me roll out some pie dough. She loves to help me in the kitchen-when the cat doesn't need some cuddles-and she is able to set down her latest Elsie Dinsmore book. Its in that moment when I can almost taste the flaky crust. I am anxious and excited to fill the pie pan and get it in the oven. (I believe there is a pie gene in my soul, because...well...pies are my favorite!) I don't mind the hard work it takes to make a fresh crust or the time I use peeling two bags of apples-----its worth it!

As the pie cooks (Carmel Flat Apple Pie) I busy myself with a task at hand...making our meal list and thinking about what I would like to purchase from a local Amish market. I prayed for wisdom... I asked the Lord to show me what meals would be healthy and in our budget. I hungered to feed my family healthy meals. I desired to keep within our food budget. To me this was hard work---a task I have been struggling at. It was very relaxing to roll out pie dough and peel apples for a hour...I knew the smell of the pie baking and the taste of the flaky crust and juicy filling will be all worth it. But for this I needed strength, motivation, and confidence.

The Lord soon brought a verse to mind....

"and let us not be weary in well doing

for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."

Galatians 6:9

I meditated on those words for a while...this is well doing...this is what I hungered for. I begin to search my heart for other things I hungered for as a mom.

I hungered to spend more time with my kids playing games...

I hungered for patience at bedtime-when my nightly list is calling. To just sit and be still... listening to the hearts of my children.

I hungered for grace. Grace found in a gentle voice as I train my children. Grace to give when they fall, remembering we are all sinners.

The pie is done, it smells amazing.

The meal list is wrote.

...my mind is eternaly focused

...and my heart is ready for the hardwork that lies ahead

...it will be all worth it

To all my blog friends remember:

"and let us not be weary in well doing,

for in due season we will reap if we faint not."

Galatians 6:9

Pressing On,

Dawn

*I am honored to have this post featured today over at my dear friends blog....feel free to take a moment and visit http://www.noblewomen4christ.org and check her her wonderful yogurt recipe!

2012-02-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

"Our Workbox system...."
A few years back a sweet friend of mine Ami (over at:
http://www.walkingbytheway.com/) introduced me to the Sue Patricks workbox
system....(http://www.workboxsystem.com/ )knowing that I was a very relaxed homeschool mom and not much into textbook teaching I was intrigued! This system consisted of a cart and boxes for each child...which were filled with their to-do's and subjects for the day. Having the freedom to fill those with many things pertaining to our school days and embrace the gifts God has given in my style of teaching
was enough to win me over.

Over the last three years the workbox system has taken many forms...(see I am a what-can-I-use-that-I-already-have-so-I-can-save-money type of gal) we have used a giant bookshelf and the plastic shoe boxes (which I seemed to have in abundance for the kids toys, and school supplies and usually found them at dollar sotre), then we converted to three old wooden bookcases so they each would have their own space, and now we use three tall plastic dressers that can be used for crafts or closet organization. I have to confess I did splurge on these but considering I tend to homeschool my children for almost free I considered it a huge investment! .....And it did take me two years to convince myself I should by them :) This seems to be the best system for us.

With the workbox system I found many ideas and ended up creating ours from what I already had. (I even have a friend that uses large manilia envelopes in a file box!) we found a place to keep them for each child. A way to number them so they know what order to go in and a endless list of what to put in the boxes on what days. You can even make a place where the kids take their number off when finished with the box and place it on a done sheet. (A Special Note: Any child from a toddler can have their own workboxes. It is OK to fill them with learning toys and books to read!! A great tip to help you track their learning!)

(Here is what ours looks like)

Each child only has seven boxes and that seems to be plenty for us.

I have numbered each one (which is taped on...I used to have them velcroed and it seemed I would find them in odd places ...My youngest even made up a matching game with them one day on the floor. So for my sanity I decided to use tape!)

There are many possibilities that you could use for your tags. You can find some printables and wonderful ideas over at http://www.homeschoolshare.com/.

Here is a break down of what my kids' drawers look like:

Workbox #1: Bible Box *clip art of a bible

(includes their prayer journal and bible verse card)

Workbox #2: Missions Moment *Clip art of a globe

(includes the picture card of the missionary we are praying for and encouarging. A notebook to write letters to them. And a lapbook based on the country/culture/and people the missionaries are living with.)

Workbox #3: Delight-Directed subject box *Clip art of their interest ex: knitting, art, boats, etc

(includes info on what they are interested in learning about. Whether books, lapbooks, or a hands-on activity. )

Workbox #4: History/Geography *clip art of globe

(includes our family study...which is the Priarie Primer about Little House books. We have a lapbook, activities, and such to go with our lesson plans in the primer. This is one of the only 'textbooks' we follow but love that its mostly hands-on.

Workbox #5 & #6: Math and English *These are what we call "Mailbox Time" boxes. Where mommy works with them one on one. There is a clip art of mommy and a girl or boy plus the math or english clip art.

Workbox#7: Is our fun family unit study box. We love to find fun things to study as a family. We recently did a chocolate study (which was mommy's favorite school day!) Right now the boys are working on "The Year of the Pizza" and my daughter is working on "The year of the Pie" a geography based unit study I made up which consists of studying the different ingredients used, the history of certian Pies and pizzas and each week they make a different pie or pizza recipe. This will be an on-going study. As a new shcool year begins I am trying to add "weekend" unit studies where we pick a unit study/ lapbook and work on it solely on fridays and saturdays.

*I also use clip art tags (with the hope of upgrading to personal photos of the kids) of them paired off because for some boxes we have "Buddy-up" time. Where they work together on what is in that box. This is fun for both me and the kids. It creates in them a chance to make memories together and gives me time to take good pictures....of them working together :)

On top of their workboxes are their reading baskets.

Books they are enjoying reading and can easily grab during

"Quiet Hour"

One of my sons' Delight-Directed box. He wants to learn about Mexico!

My daughters Delight-Directed box...canvas sewing

My youngest sons' Mailbox Time Box...we do phonics together.

And he loves earning a M&M for attentiveness!!

Workboxing can be a wonderful way to bring more joy back into your school days. Feel free to check out the following blogs that I have found encouarging as I skip along my workbox journey!

*And join me tomorrow when I post about our "Schedule"*

http://www.walkingbytheway.com/

(wonderful workbox ideas for preschoolers!)

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/

(LOTS of FREE Lapbooks, Unit studies and WORKBOX ideas and printables!

http://www.amothersjournal.com/

(I just love her ideas!)

http://www.heatherpreckel.blogspot.com/

(don't you just love her pop of color!!)

I hope no matter how you homeschool or where your childs to-do's for the day are placed that you will never grow weary in teaching them new things!

Many Blessings,

Dawn

2012-02-02T13:20:00.001-08:00

***Today I linked up a Nov. post called "A Heart Request Part 1" over at
www.oursimplecountrylife.com feel free to click on my Nov. posts to find this post and if you have some time go on over to my friends blog and check out all the others who posted along with me ;)***

2012-02-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

Our Little School House

As the new year begins the wheels in my "homeschool Mom" brain start to turn.
Throughout fall I jot down new ideas, unit studies and field trips that inspire me.
When Tax season arrives I refine my list and begin a new school year.
I am to some a very out-of-the-box homeschool mom. I strive for memories in ALL
our learning and tend to stray away from textbooks.
I love a "guided" schedule but tend to not be a morning person.
I admire Charlotte Mason and Andrew Pudewa's view on learning.
I am embracing "Delight-Directed" learning and consider Leggo Building a class.
One thing is for sure- you can almost find anyone of my children learning throughout our home.

(above is one of my favorite places to learn in our backyard... becasue after all I find I have
learned so much along the way as I teach my children.)

In this spot History has become our subject of choice. As the kids "Sew" I read the next chapter in our Little House books. (And yes...my youngest is in his pj's...joy #123 of being a homeschool kid-you can go to school in your pj's even if its outside!)

Sometimes school happens in the presence of the home of another. As a birthday gift my daughter got art lessons from dear friends of ours. (If asked she will still tell you this was her favorite birthday present!) I just love learning gifts!!!
On a blizzardy day I found my children had created their own reading corner.

The umbrellas were $2.ooe each at a rummage this summer and I consider that one of my best investments! What child doesn't love laying under "Giant" umbrellas reading their favorite book!

Even the laundry room is a prime place to learn. My oldest son considers this his

favorite place when its reading time.

To see my kids enjoy what they are learning about makes them excited about

learning...and makes mommy a little excited to. My youngest likes to curl up on the

sofa..."Its comfy" he says as he works on one of his maze books.

There are many notes in my school folder on where our learning will go this year and the places I hope it takes us. One thing to remember is that your home-and even your yard-is the best place you can take them as you teach them different things. This tent was made in our yard this afternoon. To most of you is looks like a beauitiful day in the south. But mind you we live in the north! In northern INDIANA. Today it was 56 degrees outside. I love snow, being from the chicago land area, I grew up with much of the fluffy white stuff. But when God blesses us with a unusual warm winter day (or a pretend Spring day as my children call it) I take full advantgae and thank the Lord!

I would like to invite you back to Our Little School House as I explain in more detail how we have make our own curriculam, utilize free resources, manage our workbox system, and make many memories along the way. I hope as you rasie your arrows and teach them along the way you will find many places in your home that can be "special places" of learning.

Pressing On,

Dawn

2012-01-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

"Leaving a Legacy...starting a New Year"

From down the hall I saw her...

she had a smile on her face and sat in her wheel chair like a queen upon a throne.

She was a jewel in our church. A women who feared the Lord and radiated beauty. As I helped her prepare to head to the santuary she gently clasped my hand in hers and smiled. "Bless you" she said in her tender voice. She held on tightly to my hands and seemed so eager to share her wisdom. I confess this was the first time Agnes and I met personally. She sat in the pew across the isle from me. With her bible opened on her lap she was very attentive to every word our pastor spoke. Not distracted by the ones around her or the to-do's for the day. She sat and radiated beauty. There was beauty there in her fraigle body. Beauty in her tender touches. Beauty in her crown of wisdom. Beauty in that silver angel that was clipped to her pink silk blouse. I could feel her boldness as she inched closer to a time of full renewal. Her life full of grace and her heart bursting with the good news. In that moment she passed on a legacy. A legacy to fill my years with the beauty of the scriptures; meekeness, patience, forgiveness, a gentle tone, love for the unbelievers, sheparding my children with grace, and many others. As the closing comments where made I saw her hands fold and eyes close, and wondered... were her prayers full of souls needing the Lord? Were her prayers asking for more time her on this earth or contentment in going home? Did she pray for me?

Before I left that day I embraced dear Agnes Ross. A hug that seemed to give her hope. In her tender soft voice she said, "Oh how I wish I could tell you soo much. There are so many stories I can share of God's faithfullness. " I prayed silently that the Lord would stop time even for a moment. So that I could sit and fill my heart with her wisdom. But even she knew there were little ones waiting for me. I hugged her once more as I heard her whisper I love you dear.

Even though those moments were short I will treasure them always...and anxiously await for the time when I can sit in her presence again and feel her love. The sweet love of our savior.

As this new year begins I think of sweet Agnes. Will this be the year she will be with her King in glory? And as my heart reflects on my year ahead I challenge myself...to fill my heart with character qualities that one day can be a leagacy I can pass on to my children and those who are around me.

2012-01-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

"A precious gift...a gift of a Hope Chest"

This Christmas my daughter recieved a very special gift from my grandmother...
A special trunk filled with all of her sewing supplies.
As I thought about all of those memories, and thinking of all the stories I can pass on from seeeing my grandmother use these over the years... I was caught off guard when my daughter asked me if she could use this as her Hope Chest.
See my daughter has been wanting her own hope chest for a few years now and we have been on the hunt for "the perfect one". My heart jumped with joy! To use her great grandmothers sewing chest to fill with the things she will one day take to her own home thrilled me to pieces!! The next few days were filled with me and her going through all that was inside. Crocheted snowflakes...7 containers of embroidery thread-all organized and labeled....unfinished cross stiching projects....and many patterns. I also found a pair of old antique sewing scissors and her old measuring tapes. It was a trunk filled with many memories that I had stored up in my heart of the years gone by and soon will be filled with many memories from my daughter in the years ahead as she prepares to be a mother and a wife.
It was a gift of Hope. A hope that one day she will move this into her own home and share with her daughters the story of the first day she recieved this gift. It didn't take my daughter long to find some priceless things to lay inside-(will be posting pictures of those very soon)

(My daughter and my grandmother)

2011-12-31T19:04:00.001-08:00

"Finding Joy in My Kitchen"

~Joy by Perspective~

As we traveled through town my heart was heavy with weary and expectations, I piled my burdens upon the ears of husband. He listened carfeully and then quietly pulled out this piece of paper from his coat pocket. He read these words:

"God's provision is about persepctive...

He will bring something along your path today

that will challenge you to see it with a different persepctive."

I heard his words, words of wisdom, words that should of changed the direction of my heart. But at that moment I was full of frustrations. I continued to keep my focus on all the things that were going wrong and it wasn't untill later that day when I remembered those words again. The Lord had it all under control. Every little detail of our school days, every little detail of my kids hearts, and every little detail of our first remodel project.

On that day there wasn't much joy in my kitchen...let alone not enough in my heart.

Jesus- Jesus should be first, his will above my own. His timing above my own

Others- Was I more concerned of the others around me or myself?

Yourself Last- I needed to be on my knees...I had a list, a list that wasn't getting done fast enough. A list that didn't have a eternal soul or a heartbeat-but it my head it was superior.

At that moment I was putting myself first... others, and the Lord last.

I thought of the words my husband spoke and realized I not only needed to see this day through the eyes of the Lord but I had to look at by His perspective. Being compassionate to the needs of others around me, and being patient when his timing even if it was longer than my own.

In our kitchens we can do many things;

~Train our children in manners

~Make memories as we cook together

~Use Hospitality

~Open our hearts as we sit together

~Cook meals that bless others

~Shepherd our children (after all doesn't this happen in every room of our homes?)

~Spend alone time with the Lord (I find this easy as I cook or clean up)

~Bless our husbands

I am sure each one of us can think of a list of many things we do in our kitchens that can bring us JOY. My challenge to you my dear friends is to pass that JOY along. And if you are struggling to find Joy in your kitchen take moment and look at your time spent there through Gods perspective.

...continuing on towards Joy

Dawn

2011-12-30T17:32:00.001-08:00

"Finding Joy in your Kitchens"
...by giving Joy to your husband

Today was full of Joy... laundry getting caught up, housework mostly done, getting time to spend with a new friend at a local tea house, seeing the contentment as the kids play with some of the blessings from Christs' birthday. It was a day of calm, and peacefulness. It was a day when it seemed easy to see the joy and to give the joy to others.

As evening approached my dear husband made a request for a fried chicken dinner. Excitedly I got the ingredients ready-the chicken was already thawed- and planned to have a big meal at our new table (posting pictures soon of our finished remodel). An hour later I found myself leaning over the stove wondering why the oil still wasn't hot enough. The kids were getting hungry...the joy was slipping

I had a choice...I could complain about our stove (which seems to be having problems lately), and let the guilt of another meal going unplanned bother me....or I could find Joy. . I can keep my words few...gentle....and positive.

I stopped for a moment and prayed. "How can I find joy in this Lord?"

And then I heard him whisper-"Find the joy in giving your husband joy." My husband. The one I love dearly and and so blessed to have. Give him the Joy. I could look for joy in fullfilling my husbands request, work as hard as I can to get the oil just right, and guarantee him a wonderful supper (after I gently ask if he was ok with having it a little late).

As wives there are many ways we can give our husband Joy. Does he have a favorite drink? Make sure its available (for me that means keeping the pitchers of tea and lemonade filled) Does he try to help you out, but you seem to find he doesn't quite do it your way? Why not praise him for what he has done and find ways to let certian things go. For me that means not keeping the silverware going the same way. A silly thing I would get so frustrated with, and yet I missed out on seeing his willingness in putting dishes away for me. Does he have a favorite meal or dessert? Try and make it just because. And when things don't go as planned keep the joy in your voice. A womans words and tone can determine the mood of her household and the moods of others around her. Give him Joy with your words.

The kids are all tucked in, their tummys full of leftovers, again. The chicken is almost done. Soon I will see it....Joy! Joy in sitting next to my beloved and enjoying a fried chicken dinner. Joy in knowing its his favorite.

**Join me tomorrow as I post on "Perspective and Joy" the last in this series "Finding Joy in our Kitchens"

Many Blessings
Dawn

"All I Want For Christmas"

2011-11-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

(I am breaking my mini series on finding JOY in our kitchen to add this Christmas wish...and a link to a wonderful friends blog.)

The tree is up. The stockings are hung. The house is decorated, and each kid has a small bin in our room with their name on it. The wishing has begun. Soon traditions will fill our home as we make the treasured family cookie recipe, hang cranberry and popcorn strings on our trees outside, having a big christmas morning breakfest, and "secertly"decorating our table christmas eve night leaving a special gift for each one by their plate to open when its time to eat...

But you see this year is going to be different....a few days ago a sweet family at our church has challenged us (through her blog) to ask a simple question this holiday season..."What if..."

What if.....
~The ornaments on our trees reflect God's Grace in our family?
~We took the time to explain to the kids how they can be the light of the world whenever we see christmas lights?
~We redifined our traditons to reflect MORE of Christ and LESS of the culture?
~What if our holiday traditions and everyday life radiated the love of Christ to all who came in our home or met us as we "walked by the way?"
~What if we became radically in love with the things God loves and use our time, energy, and resources for His kingdom?

What if......

My family and I have many things on our to-do list in the next few weeks and many things on our wish list. Thinking of these questions has helped me evaluate both. There are many things I wish for my kids to focus on this holiday season....things I should focus on as well. Here are just a few from my friends blog....(These are questions I am asking myself)

(you can find the full article over at http://www.growinggraciousguys.blogspot.com/ )

"What if my children love others more than things and learn to start browsing the Compassion and World Vision gift catalogs in November so they can choose what they give on Christmas morning to children in poverty?
(What if my husband and I did this also)
What if the department store catalogs made my children sad rather than greedy?
(What if I stayed away from those and was content with what I have)
What if my husband and I forgo what we would normally do for our children and instead bless others in their names?
(What if our kids were just as excited about THOSE gifts and not sad about the toy they didn't get?)
Pretty sure someone out there is yelling that I'm sucking all the fun out of Christmas. But what is Christmas? The celebration of the Greatest Gift. We've been given freedom, salvation, sonship, power, grace, mercy, justification, redemption, eternity! Our response: give as it has been given to you. "
(What if we didn't care about what others thought and decided to be "Set apart?")

All I want for Christmas this year is redefine normal....redfine my reactions to the simpliest of things like the christmas ornaments, lights, and the crowds. To the more complex things like how many presents do we give each child, what will those gifts be, what kind of gifts to give others.

This year we are starting a few new tradtions-ones that focus on the eternal and the needs of others...and not soo much on the deals, and wish lists. Again I was challenged by my friend..."How do the little and the big things we do around the holidays share our unspoken values to our children?" We are not going to take away all of our holiday traditions but refocus them on Christ. Look at them through the eyes of the Gospel and see if there needs to be any change.

Some of the new changes I am excited about are starting this year are "The Jesse Tree Devotional" which you can find over at Ann Voskamps Blog. (you can find the printables at the end of her devotional here: a http://www.holyexperience.com/free-advent-devotional. And we are going to open up the World Vision Catolog and find some ways we can give. We are also going to have a prayer tree...one that we hang prayer requests on to keep our focus on others' needs this year. This tree is simple to make (using sand, a vase/container,and a few sticks in the yard) and will sit in the middle of our kitchen table. These "new" tradtions I hope to continue on throughout the year, keeping our focus on others' needs as the prayer tree will continue to stay, doing a in depth study on the lineage of Christ (as the Jesse Tree emphasis'), and keeping our eyes on Compassion and World Vision catologs so we can give throughout the year. I am hoping our tradtions will not only add to our holiday season but will continue in our home and hearts throughout the year.

All I want for Christmas this year is to fill my childrens hearts and our home with more ways we can love the things God loves.

I leave you with one more quote from My friend," The goal is not to get rid of all the traditional Christmas practices but to redeem each one in a distinctly Christ-honoring way. "

I pray as you go about your day crossing off your to-do's and looking over your wish list that you will take time to pray and see if maybe, just maybe, God wants you to redeem the season, in a small way, or a big way.

What if......

"Evaluating Tradtions"

2011-11-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

"Finding JOY in your Kitchen"

As I search through a few more ideas on posting in this series I came across this post by a sweet friend of mine and was really moved. I know Christmas is coming very soon and we all will be in our kitchen planning all sorts of holiday foods. (I know our home will soon be filled of the smells of freshly made sugar cookies.) So I propose a challenge to you my readers...as we search to find JOY in our kitchens can we find JOY in giving others the gift of food for their own kitchens? Tomorrow my children and I will look through World Vision's magazine for the first time and I wonder what will move their hearts...they are not restricted by dollar amounts or budgets. Their hearts are so full of pure compassion. If you would like to join me and my dear friend Krista in the search to bring JOY into our homes please visit her blog post here: http://growinggraciousguys.blogspot.com/ under "Evaluating Traditions"

2011-11-25T18:51:00.000-08:00

"A Quiet Heart"
Today my family and I broke a 5 year tradition. A tradition of joining the excitement and choas of the Black Friday lines. As I went about my day, picking up toys, folding laundry, doing dishes and cooking meals I realized.... We are blessed...blessed beyond measure. There are so many things we have to be thankful for. So many things! Each toy out of place, each dirty dish that was once filled with food-hot and warm to our tummies. Each warm sweater I folded and clean Pjs. It seems those pile of dirty dishes and laundry are much to be thankful for. My mind thought of the recent orphans we prayed for as a family and the missionary families hanging on our refrigerator. I wonder what they would say they were thankful for today?
As the thanksgiving holiday rolls past and the Christmas holiday approaches I pray that I can focus, and teach my children how to focus, on being thankful for what we have and finding more ways to give those things in much abundance to others in need. I saw this quote over at http://raisinghomemakers.com and it really summed up my heart. May this be my prayer and yours everyday!

***A Thanksgiving Prayer***
“Lord, we give You thanks for all that You in Your mercy have given us to be and to do and to have. Deliver us, Lord, from all greed to be and to do and to have anything not in accord with Your holy purposes. Teach us to rest quietly in Your promise to supply, recognizing that if we don’t have it we don’t need it. Teach us to desire Your will – nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.”
(Elisabeth Elliot, Keep A Quiet Heart, pg. 126)

"Top 10 ways to bring JOY to doing dishes"

2011-11-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is in less than 24 hours and I am sure there will be many of you spending time over your sink washing the dishes used by your family and friends. Among the many things we can be thankful for and find joy in...one can be those moments that we spend bent over a pile of soapy suds.
Here are my TOP TEN ways you can add JOY to washing dishes....
10. Find books on tape or conference cds to listen to as you do dishes. One of my favorites, and I have been guilty of listening to this over and over, is "Victoria Botkin's Curriculam Advice". A great place you can find good resources to listen to is http://www.visionforum.com

9. Consider those moments an appointment with God...a divine appointment of sorts. I know I will be in front of the sink at least three times a day maybe more. Considering this a place where God is waiting for me brings a little excitement to my day. I can use this time to praise him. For every dish I pick up I thank him for one more thing.

8. "You home is the first place your children can learn to serve God. Teach them how to service it will JOY" This I will admit is where I need work. Doing dishes is another place where you can trian your children in mastering a responsibility. This takes patience, a gentle tone, and careful instructions. Teaching your daughters (or even your sons) to serve others with joy is a priceless gift we can give our children. It is a gift they will use when they are married with their spouse and a gift they will use to train the next generations.

7. Find a old mason jar or vase or a pretty cup and splurge on a bouquet of flowers. In season you can pick these in your own garden, out of season a big bouquet of wild flowers costs about 5.00 and it usually can fill 5 mason jars. These with an asprin in the water can last up to 2 weeks! Such a great way to stop and smell the roses (or flowers)everytime you do dishes!

6. Ok so this may be one I use more than I should but it helps! Buy your favorite candy or cookie and "reward"yourself with a cup of tea or coffee and your favorite treat after a days work.

5. Use this as a picture moment...have the children help you and get your camera ready. Don't worry about the soapy suds that will be all over or the dishes that aren't quite clean but see how many pictures you can take of those little hands working hard. This is something you will look back on after many years and smile! (Don't forget to have towels on hand!)

4. Hang up a scripture or quote you are meditating on above your sink and use this time to focus on those words and how you can apply it to your day. I have a small picture frame I painted with chalkboard paint to keep my scriptures or a good quote on.

3. Just because this little area of your home is where you find one of the dirtiest jobs doesn't mean it can't be beauitiful. Try and find simple ways to add beauty to your dish area. You can hang a mini clothesline with small clothespins to hang pictures of friends and family.
You can also hang herbs you are drying out above your sink. Such a great aroma this can add to your day!

2. Find a spot close to your sink to add a fresh potted plant or grow potted herbs. Not only will this give you a chance to create something beauitiful, but by seeing this "grow" you can pray for each one of your children or grand children as they "Grow" in Christ.

1. The number one way I use to bring joy to my time of washing dishes is to use it as a prayer closet. Below is a list of "Kitchen Prayers" you can hang up in your kitchen by your sink and pray through as you doing dishes. Before you know it, you will be conversing with the Lord throughout your day and experienceing great JOY in your everyday tasks.

"Kitchen Prayers"
(As you wash the following dishes lift up certain requests to the Lord)
~Cups: Pray for God to give you a thirst everyday for his word. Pray for unsaved family and friends.
~Silverware: Pray that whoever uses these will Honor the Lord in all their hands find to do. Pray for God to show you ways to be hospitable
~Plates: Pray for the health of those you know who are sick. Ask God to give you the wisdom to make healthy chocies as you feed your family.
~Bowls: Thank God for each one of your children by name (gradchildren, etc). Pray for their needs and praise Him for their strengths. Pray for orphans.
~Baking dishes: Pray for your relatives. Pray for their needs and prasie God for the ones He has put in your life.
~Mixing Utensils: Pray for Missionaries. Pray for their needs and ask God to show you how you can be a light in the lives of those you interact with. Even if it is only the Meijer cashier!

I hope you can find a few ways that can bring JOY to your dishwashing time. I would love to hear if you try any of these!

Stay tuned in this series on "How we can bring Joy back to our Kitchens" for my next post on "How to Bless your husband in your kitchen"

Many Thanksgiving wishes from my family to yours!
Dawn

2011-11-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

"Finding JOY in our Kitchens"

~25 Ways to bring Joy to Washing Dishes~
Whether you have a small house or a quiver full of many, washing dishes is one task that has to be done frequently. It is something that we CAN take great Joy in! As christians is it a high calling to serve our family. A ministry of sorts to teach our children how to serve one another with love. Unfortuantly this is one of those daily tasks that can drain us and cause us to feel overwhelmed very quickly. Here are 25 different ways you can try that might bring a little joy to those times you are over your kitchen sink...
25. Have a special apron just for doing dishes
24. Buy a special towel to hang for your hands after working hard
23. Find a special candle and light nearby while you do dishes
22. Do you seem to have too many of certain dishes? Find a way to donate them
21. Buy special tea cups & saucers for friends to take home when they come by and join you for tea.
20. Find special plates to give homemade cookies on...attach a note for the receiver to keep that plate or to pass along to someone else.
19. Save on the amount of tubberware and use Mason Jars instead to store dry goods
18. Keep just enough utensils to store in a wide mouth Mason Jar on the counter
17. Use seran wrap to cover platters & holiday dishes before putting food on ...no need to wash those they were safe and clean under the seran wrap!
16. Use parchament paper on cookie sheets and baking pans when baking
15. Use foil under a broil pan to catch the grease when baking bacon
14. Find a good spot for a CD player, play your favorite music while doing dishes
13. Have each child have their own cup for the day and find a special spot on your counter with their name so they know exactly where to put it when meals are done
12. Use a bottle brush for washing cups
11. Buy a special lotion and have it waiting for you by the dishsoap to soften your hands after a big load

**Stay tuned for my TOP TEN ways to bring JOY to Washing Dishes**

~If you have any ideas on how to bring joy to your dish washing time feel free to leave a comment!

Blessings to you as you clean your sink fulls this week!!
Dawn

"Christian Books"

2011-11-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

"A Wish List..."
The time has come where our family gathers around the Vision Forum Catolog and excitedly circles their wish list. We find all sorts of wonderful family focused christian books, toys, and resources. If you need some more christmas ideas that are biblical based and fun for all ages check Vision Forum's website at;
http://www.visionforum.com/

Many blessings on your shopping days!
Dawn

2011-11-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

"Bringing Joy to your Kitchen"
Its a loud day already here in our home. The skys are dark and the cold rain has been falling since wee hours in the morning. My children are still in their pj's and having a blast! Soon...very soon we will start our daily schedule and move into our school work. But I can hold out for a few more minutes...hearing their giggles I know they are in the middle of making memories together. Memories that they will remember and share with eachother over the years to come. Memories of the boys being super heros and rescuing (my daughter) the maiden in distress. Memories of "the wiggle worm" chasing them and tickling the other wiggle worms out of the one they caught. Memories of seeing the homemade capes they got for christmas last year flying through the house.
One area of our home I am working on making more memories is the kitchen. A place where currently we have no kitchen table (as we are working on making one) and very few counters. This room is where, more times than most, I am rushing (due to my lack of preperation) to make a meal before it gets too late. This is the place where we find the messiest of messes and sometimes the room I need the most patience in.
Today in my kitchen I am chosing JOY! Joy is something I teach the kids often...and its easy to explain how they should put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. But its oh so much harder to remember that when I am in the kitchen with six little hands and six little feet (add 8 more if you count the dog and the cat chasing eachother) all wanting to take part. If I put Jesus first I should be focusing on the eternal ones around me and letting them help as we find ways to bless others with the food we make. If I put others second I shouldn't be so quick to shoo them off from under feet so I can get it done faster and with less mess. If I am putting myself last I will not be selfish when it comes to my time in the kitchen.
Joy is intentional. You have to be intentional about adding that to your recipes, and mixing it in to your meal plans. You have to make it a point to remind myself that soon those little ones will no longer be little and their footprints of flour will not fill my floor. So for the next week or so I will be posting about different ways I have found Joy in my kitchen, and I hope it challenges you to look for Joy also.
Looking for Joy,
Dawn

2011-11-21T15:52:00.001-08:00

I have found myself scratching my head after one more schedule failure. It seems it all looks so good on paper and yet seems just beyond my reach. Our school days are filled with many memories, alot of delight directed learning and no so many textbooks. We seem to live and school in everyroom of our home. Its a style of schooling I take great joy in! With a new scehdule up on our cupboard I am reminded to focus on the little things in my school days. The little things that seem to be on the fly. Those moments where you break from workbooks and make a Civil War tent over your clothesline or using a red jump rope attach to a tree limb for a bear trap like Laura Ingles did many years ago. Its those little things that I will want to remember many years from now when all the writing boards are empty and the workboxes left unfilled. Its those memories that I want to fill my kids' hearts with. Because one day those little things will be the big things to them as they look back on their school days.

2011-11-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

"A Heart Request Part 2"

My heart request was sent out to a sweet friend of mine, Robin.

(Dated August 1,2011)
Dear Robin,
This evening I find myself sitting back and trying to breathe. A deep relaxing breathe. One that comes slow and causes me to quiet my soul and opens my eyes to the wonder of the Lord all around me. With little boys running all around, chores needing to be done and dinner needing to be made I pushed on. I prayed. Silently I prayed. As I hurried about from one thing to the next I thought of Sara Mae's latest post on her blog...and I wondered. I know I have leaned on you for prayer before in the past-and my heart has been so greatful to know you were always there for me! I have gleaned soo much wisdom from your life and have found strength in knowing there is someone else out there striving after similar biblical principles. My night is coming to a close and the house it getting quieter...except for the boy who seems to be getting wilder as bedtime inches closer. There will be peace...a few minutes of quietness...very soon...so I can breathe. As I thought more on Sara Mae's words I wondered...would you be willing to come alongside me and mentor me? Please take time and pray about this. I only want God's will. Instead of a prayer request I am asking if you lift up a heart request. I am praying that God will give me a oppurtunity to find a mentor. One that can met with me and lift me up spirtually. One that will pray for my children...by name. And challenge me to be a Godly wife. I have found lots of strength in books, and blogs but I personally need a physical pillar to go to. A place to escape to and regain my strength. I would really appreciate your prayers in the quest to seek the Lord's will in the season of my life. Thank you already for I know you will pray.

I prayed whether to post this whole email but have been asked recently how to do I ask someone to mentor me...I hope my words will bring you closer to finding that joy the Lord can give through the wisdom of a Titus 2 women by your side.
Many Blessings
Dawn

2011-11-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

"A Heart Request Part 1"
I have recently recieved the greatest blessing in all of my mothering years. A blessing that is the foundation of my faith and one that encourages me onward toward biblical womanhood. At times I wondered why I waited so long to find this blessing, it seems such a priceless gift. And yet here I am excited to enocurage you, my readers to look for and discover the true joy, peace, and comfort that comes from this blessing.

My blessing secert....a wonderful woman of God who has agreed to come alongside me and carry my burdens of mothering to the foot of the cross, to enoucarge me in different ways on how to bless my husband, and to teach me Godly wisdom on how to care for my home. It has been a little while since my heart was burdened so. I found it hard at times to breathe and stay focused. I would get overwhelmed and feel like I am drowning in a pool of whatever seemed choas for the day. My prayers were urgent, my tears were many, and some days I felt like giving up.

Then one day I read my dear friend SarahMae's blog and begun the petiton to the Lord to bring someone into my life and lift me up. (you can view her post here:) http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/ "Calling ALL Older Women" A few days later I sent out a heart request....

*Please check out "A Heart Request part 2" in my Nov. posts*

(Today I have linked this post over at http://www.oursimplecountrylife.com/ please stop on by and check out the others who posted lots of wonderful blogs too!)

2011-11-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

It's the season of Giving Thanks...
would love to hear
what you are thankful for!

Educating the WholeHearted Child -- A Giveaway for the Best Book Ever!

2011-06-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

<i>Educating the WholeHearted Child</i> -- A Giveaway for the Best Book Ever!

Walking by the way...

2011-01-23T17:13:00.000-08:00

It seems this week has been full of many distractions. Distractions that seem to knock me off course from our school schedule and turn everything else upside down. You now the laundry baskets that seem to never be empty, the sink full of dishes, and the piles of school work still left undone. The art of learning to look past these and just move on has not been my strong suit, and so once again another week has ended and not much seems to have been done.

As I turn to the Lord for stength I am reminded of a verse....

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day shall be in your heart: and thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thy liest down, and when thou riseth up."

~Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Sometimes the mountains of laundry, and dishes that never seem to clean themselves overwhelm me and take my focus off of the spiritual training I need to be doing in the hearts of my children. This is the true "To Do" list of every mother who is training little ones for the Lord. When we allow the earthly things to distract us we lose our focus, and everything else seems to go upside down.

It is time to turn my eyes back on my spritiual "to-do" list and trust God will provide me with the strength to get everything else done.

So Much More...

2011-01-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

This year I am excited to read the Botkin sisters book "So Much More". A book that may to some seem trivial and a bit old fashioned or even legalistic. But to me has been a treasure. One full of wisdom and encouragement. One that has given me hope. You see this is my little girl, the only girl God has blessed me with, and I want so much more for her that I in my human nature can offer. I am a mom who is saved only saved by grace. A mom which falls more often then I seem to suceed. A mom that is passionate about homemaking, serving my husband and getting into God's word. Just the right mom God had in mind for this little girl. I want a visionary daughter, one who doesn't just survive or bend to the demands or suggestions of friends and family but one who thrives in biblical womanhood.

"Who can find a virtous woman? For her price is far above rubies..."

Proverbs 31:10

Simply Blest,

Dawn

2010-11-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

I think I may have just found my niche...with this blog that is. Sorry about all the chopped up posts I finally figured out how to post more than one picture ona post. Promise it will get better :)
Dawn

2010-11-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

Our Study on Japan....

Sam tasting Green Tea

Everyone :)

Our Japan food!

2010-11-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

Cookie dough+carrot cookie cutter+Green & Orange icing=

CARROT COOKIES

I think this says it all....MESSES=MEMORIES!!!

Sam making Carrot cookies as we end

his Carrot lapbook.

2010-11-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Sam's "C is for Carrot Seed" Lapbook....

2010-11-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

Pictures of our school days this year....

Sam doing his C Lapbook.

Stop on over at my friends Ami's blog for some great ideas for preschoolers including "Read to me ABC's" http://www.walkingbytheway.com/blog

This has been such a lifesaver for us and I am so surprised how much my little guy learns! (and we make many memories along the way!)

2010-11-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

One of the many projects I did this summer was make a craft/sewing table out of this....

keep coming back to see the finished product in my posts on decorating!!

2010-11-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

As the cool wind blows, I am reminded of the coming winter. And the little toes in our home that will be getting cold. So we pulled out the box of slippers and soon found many were too small or just plan wore out. Here is one determined boy who wants to fit into his favorite slippers. Needless to say new slippers will be soon added to our family :)

Field Trips

2010-11-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

This summer we took a field trip to the bowling alley. This was my children's first time. My youngest Sam was so exciteed to get "bowling shoes" I just love this picture!

"Sometimes the little things are big things in the eyes of a child."

2010-11-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

It has been such a long while since I had the time to sit and catch you up. Our year has been full of many new things. The kids have been doing lots of school, we have been adjusting to a new church family, and I have been starting up my own home business. I hope you can sit back and relax, grab a cup of tea or a piece of pie and join me as I share what God is doing here in our home. School pictures first then I will introduce you to "Simply Rustic". By the way if you are a mother and can't sit down for longer than 5 minutes I will totally understand :) take your time and don't hesitate to look back.
Blessings,
Dawn

2010-01-10T19:30:00.000-08:00

She is now a Japanesse Princess

2010-01-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

Mayumi's mom brought Sarah her very own kimono from japan!!! WOW
Thank you Jeanie :)

2010-01-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

One of the most wonderful things my daughter did this summer was meet a new friend...

Mayumi and her sister Sophie. They live in Japan. And now she and I (as her teacher) are learning lots about Japan. I love this picture :)

2010-01-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

Sarah and Sam and the RED hunt is finished!

Last year we continued to do this with a few more colors,

such a neat way to get the older kids involved and

help them learn their colors & shapes :)

2010-01-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

I love this book! A yardsale find this

summer and has so many neat

pages of colors for

young preschoolers !!!!

2010-01-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

Red...Red...Everywhere!

2010-01-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

Sarah and Sam going on Color hunt throughout

the house....color of the week...RED!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

As we tried out some creative ways to spell out words I gave Adam some toothpicks....The first word he sounded out and wanted to spell?....His favorite buddy Jake :)

2010-01-10T17:57:00.000-08:00

Sarah and Adam both working on the alphabet noodles :)

2010-01-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

Sarah this last year practiced her writing and reading skills, she was picking out words from a tub of alphabet noodles (which I got for $.50) Another workbox :)

2010-01-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

He is soo proud! :)

2010-01-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

Sam learned his colors so fast by doing lots of hands on sorting in his workboxes and by using "Preschool Activities in a Bag" I got from a preschool swap. (This was also in the "Five Little monkey study")

2010-01-10T17:46:00.000-08:00

"Buddy-Up"

This year as we introduced our new workbox system I made "Buddy-Up" boxes, ones that they did with a buddy...here is Sarah helping Sam with his colors

2010-01-10T17:44:00.000-08:00

Then he got to play doctor to his stuffed monkeys...

2010-01-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

Sam and his Monkeys!

(I still have not figured out how to put 2 pictures on one post...)

2010-01-09T19:47:00.001-08:00

Samuel, our youngest begin his hands on journey in FIAR this year...he LOVED starting the workbox system and making Lapbooks...here he is finding monkeys in beans as we rowed..."Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed"...Oh I had him use twizzers to pick the monkeys up :)

2010-01-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

"A Year In Review"

Welcome to: In the Shadow of the Cross Academy!!!

It has been a long struggle to get this Blog updated with our school activities and so to help me play catch up I am going to post a bunch of pictures and school posts we have done over the past year...alot to take in I know....but I still have so much I want to share with you and this would help me cross more than one thing off my month long list :)!!!

Enjoy your journey into our home :)

2010-01-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

A New Year...A New Word

This year I have made only a few resolutions...like have a friend of mine teach me how to knit, get our fence up, and maybe find a good used sewing machine so I can start making Sarah dresses and add sewing to our school days. But the one I am working on daily is "Gentleness". A friend of mine decided to pick one word/character quality to work one each year and I thought that was such a really good idea.I teach my kids a new quality every month in schol why not let the Lord be my teacher and school with them....so I choose gentleness.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
Ephesians 4:29
This verse spoke to me as I was teaching it to my children. How often do I correct with a tone that would tear them down instead of building them up in discipline? Do I take time to stop and listen to them, or even stop what I am doing and bend down eye-to-eye when I am correcting them? I want them to be careful in how they help encourage eachother to do what is right, instead of always telling me who is doing wrong. Am I so quick to jump when there has been a rule broken, that I am when they are doing what is right? God has shown me it isn't just the words I choose, but the way I say things, the expressions on my face and even if I am looking at them that can show gentleness. I would encourage you if you do not have a New year's resolution or would like one that can draw you closer to the Lord pray about a fruit of the spirit, or character quality you would like to add in your heart. Here are a few steps I am taking to help me in this area:
Step 1: I am letting those close to me know so they could help me and pray for me when I am struggling..and yes that even includes my children & husband!
Step 2: I am finding a verse a month to hang up throughout the house to memorize along the line of Gentleness.
Step 3: I am also hanging up anything that the Lord speaks to me about in various areas of my home to keep me on track.

Goodluck this year and may you grow closer and closer to the Lord everyday!!

Dawn

2010-01-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 2:9

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived...what God has prepared for those who love Him."

~This is only a touch of God's creation...a picture to ponder the wonderous works of The Hand of God

(in our backyard)

2010-01-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

This world is temporary...one day we will exchange our mounds of snow for streets of gold!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

2010-01-09T16:37:00.000-08:00

"A Snow Angel"

It is a simple thing, one that probably every child has done, and yet every time it seems like you are covered in magic. A simple snow angel. One clothed in pure white and surrounded by chill. Every one forms the body of one of our children and leaves them with the feeling of winter magic as they turn around and see it for the first time.

I wonder, will heaven be like that. Will we be in awe at the sight of an angel for the first time? Will we feel the Holy Spirit as it fills us with the presence of the Lord Almighty? I can't wait! Untill then I will enjoy making angels here on earth, and look up into the heavens, praising God for His creation.

Simply in Awe!!!

Dawn

2010-01-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

All of our Ice ornaments ready to go outside! :)

2010-01-09T15:53:00.000-08:00

Sarah's favorite food to add to our nature ornaments was purple Kale....it does look very healthy :)

2010-01-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

Sam's favorite was the apples....he was so excited, and told daddy as soon as he saw him "we are feeding the animals outside daddy!" I just love this age!!!

2010-01-09T15:08:00.000-08:00

Adam's favorite thing to put in there was popcorn....he loved how they slowly got wet and fell to the bottom...

2010-01-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

"Feeding the Birds"

As a homeschool project we decided to make Ice ornamaents for our willow tree...filled with bunches of yummy stuff for the birds and critters the kids love watching. We just filled our shallow tuberware containers and muffin tins with water, added bits and pieces of food, and thick twine to hang with. Then I set them outside and let them freeze! I saw this done once with acrons, and wintery items found outside but I thought a lesson on how to feed God's creation in winter would be neat. (and a good way to clean out my produce that was almost going bad :)!) They loved it and can't wait to hang them up on the tree out front tomorrow.

2009-12-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

"Indy Jones"

(named after none other than Indiana Jones)

2009-12-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

"Izzy Grace"

(about 2 months old)

2009-12-08T19:29:00.000-08:00

"Last Winter"

Last December I started getting the baby bug...and so I convinced my husband to give me twins...puppies that is!!! These are brother and sister that we got free from a friend. They are now 1 and quit a handful....by hey I aksed for it.

2009-11-22T22:27:00.000-08:00

"I'm pretty sure I am not a morning person!!!"
I took this picture at our local petting zoo this summer...it made me laugh when I came across it tonight. I am sure this is what I will look like in the morning if I don't head to bed really soon :).
I don't think blogging untill 2 in the morning is a good idea...but hey I had energy...I couldn't just let it go to waste :~)!!!
Good Night Blog,

2009-11-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

Another day "Raising Wild Things"

2009-11-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

A "Simple Blessing" in the journey of Motherhood!

2009-11-22T21:42:00.000-08:00

This is my little Monkey!! He is the sweetest little ball of energy. His favorite thing to do is read and learn more things in school, he seems to be the one that always wants to learn more. He looks up to his big brother and is always asking him questions about Jesus. He loves to pray for other people and adores babies. His favorite food is pepporoni! My prayer for him is that he can grow up to be such a tender father and husband, learning to grow more in the Lord everyday. I pray he never stops giving his mommy hugs and kisses, (you can tell he is my baby!!!). His nonstop bundle of energy can do soo much for the Lord and I pray for wisdom as I creatively learn how to keep him engaged in our homeschool family. Lord thank you soo much for my little man. Help me to do all I can to keep his eyes focused on you. Thank you Lord for all the silly, crazy, little things he does everyday...may I never forget how much of a blessing he is...

2009-11-22T21:29:00.000-08:00

This is my little princess.....from the day she was born I knew God inteneded for her to be "handled with care". She loves her puppies and to be right next to mommy. Her favorite thing to do is color and study Japan in school. She has to have everything just right, a place for everything, and everything in it's place. She has such a love for the Lord and a tender heart for those in need...especially orphans. She still continues to pray for a sister...

My prayer for her is that she will grow up knowing how beauitiful and of value she is to the Lord. I pray that I will use God's wisdom in showing her how to be the best mom, and wife, and friend through my example.

Lord I pray that will help me to learn to be more patient and kind/gentle as I train her to become the women of God you want her to be. Lord she is your princess...a princess of the King...and I know you know exactly what she needs even when I don't. Please keep my eyes open to her needs and help me to always be there! Thank you Lord for this little princess!!!

2009-11-22T21:09:00.000-08:00

" A Man of God in Trianing"

This is my first little guy...he loves to serve other people and trys to be the first to open the door for the ladies at church. He loves to pray for those who are sick and likes talking to his Nanny! Yesterday he said, "Thank you mommy for all of my little stuffed beanie guys," before I could answer he asked in a very soft sweet voice,"do you know why I like having so many?" I said "why?" and he responed..."so that I can tell them how good God is and practice telling them about Jesus so I can tell real people about Jesus when I get older."

My prayer for him is that he will grow strong in the Lord everyday and that he will be a strong husband, father, and man of God as he gets older.

Thank you Lord for my little wild guy help me to be the mom he needs and give me wisdom in training him in the shadow of the cross!!!

2009-11-22T20:48:00.000-08:00

"A Simple Day"

There are many things that I find myself stressing over lately....
~am I teaching the kids enough?
~are they learning to value God and his word?
~Did I spend enough time with each one of my three children eachday?
~Have I slowed down enough to hear God?
~Am I being the parent, mother, and wife God wants me to be?

It seems to be so easy for me to list many things I need to work on or areas that I constantly worry about, and yet why do I find it soo hard to keep reminding myself of God's promises? It has been a very simple day for me...one which I dropped ALL of my "worries" at the foot of the cross, turned around, and walked away!!! (it seemed harder not to look back). I went through my day soaking up all of the little blessings my kids had to show me.

~A simple lesson in sharing and kindness was achieved by all three of my kids as they played for most of the afternoon TOGETHER with NO yes I said NO bickering. Even though I know this may not happen again for a long time I sat back and enjoyed watching them just be together.
~My three year old learned that organe juice actually comes form organes as he helped me squeeze some for dinner...he was so excited to make it-but did not like it :(
~My princess learned that mommy can hug her whenever she wants as she stop to hug me alot throughout this afternoon.
~I learned the value in a open ear and a little girls desire to tell me everything! Even though I was trying to get dishes done I prayed that when she is 16 she would want to talk to me as much as she did today!!! ( I honestly think my mom's prayers for having one just like me was answered in this area with my little girl, I still like to talk :)!)
~The shock on my son face was priceless when I put my (very much clean) hands in the pot of strawberries to "squish" them for my newest batch of Jam...he thought that was soo funny!!!

It was simple day full of many simple things...simple things that showed me how beauitful it is to be a mom!

A Simple Mom,
Dawn

2009-11-13T07:49:00.000-08:00

"A Simple Step"

When my children were young I would eagerly await that first "simple step". The step when no one is holding on to their little fingers and they begin to get their balance. The step that would make my heart flutter. It was the begining to my little baby turning into a toddler. It has been a few years now since my last one took his first step and as much as I miss those years I am glad he did it. Many days as I look into his eyes (as I wipe his sticky face once again) I wish I could go back to those days...and yet I remember all the joys I have had since he learned to walk.

Teaching a young one to walk is such a neat parallel to my journey to getting this blog going. I thought, "Oh such a wonderful idea!" so I jumped right in, lost my balance,and fell. It took many days/hours trying out my "balance". And many months looking for my footing. It may appear to you that my footing is nearly there...but I am still stumbling in this computer world.

It seems to have been months since I first thought of starting my own blog. I thought how wonderful it would be...untill I realize that it wasn't just one simple step. See I am not much of a computer bee I would rather journal in a book or scrapbook everything my children do. As I visit my friends and their blogs I realize how much of a blessing and encouragement they have been to me in the most crazy parts of my day.... I was inspried!!! Could God use me to help enoucrage others in their walk as a mother, women of God, and homeschool mom?

So here I am...the kids are playing quietly, for the moment at least, and I am trying my hardest to figure this all out. I have loads of pictures and tons of journal entrys to add I hope to add in the coming weeks...since this has been on my "to-do" since last spring I have been getting ready. I hope you will continue to visit my blog whenever you get a chance, and I pray that the God can use these entrys to bless you in a special way!

Simply Me!

Dawn