Monday Meanderings

Bible Study
book of Isaiah

Memory Verse
1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

Husband Encouragement
* make him cookies

Train Them Up
* continue working on kids' chores-- start reviewing them in the morning so they'll (hopefully) remember to do them on their own throughout the day
* make cookies. I'm not up for making from scratch this time, so we'll do some ready-to-put-on-the-tray kind so the kids can mostly do it all by themselves! instead of me always telling them no, no, no to one thing or another.
* Bible verse: Luke 6:30-31 "Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Absolutely MUST Do
*Plan MOPS activities and send out postcards.
* Get ornaments for our MOPS exchange.
* Set up van appointment.
* Mail package.
* Put together Christmas photo cards before the FREE deal expires the end of TODAY! We never could get another family photo done so I'm just going with one we've already got.

Zone(s)
1. Bathrooms.
2. Put ALL the laundry away. Ever since I started folding laundry on the guest bed instead of on our bed (because Kevin was sleeping in there for so long during outage), I've gotten into the bad habit of never getting everything putting all away.
3. Suitcases cleaned out and put away from our Thanksgiving weekend home.

Menu - trying for easy stuff as I'm still battling a horrible cold, but also trying to pick things I know Hannah likes because she's been really picky lately!

Monday - we have to run out to pick up Kevin's truck before he leaves for work, and while we're up there we need to get our weekly groceries. We'll probably be walking in the door barely in time for dinner. so I'll just get a couple lunchables for the kids and make a sandwich for myself.
Tuesday - chicken and rice soup (can style)
Wednesday - green eggs and ham, toast, fruit
Thursday - dad's spaghetti, garlic bread
Friday - cheesy spinach and artichoke dip (we have tortilla chips leftover from last week), fruit salad, smokies
Saturday - broccoli and four cheese calzones (finishing the ricotta from last week), peaches
Sunday - frozen pizza

FUN THINGS!
* Put up Christmas decorations! Kevin works nights for 3 days this week and then he has 4 days off over next weekend, so it'll be a perfect time to put up our tree and lights outside!
* Because Kevin's days off are actually over the weekend again, he can come to church with us! It's been months since he's been to our church and seen our friends! I don't know how he can stand it!

Join me with your weekly plans! Have a blessed week!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Today I am especially thankful for family and for living close enough we can spend holidays together now! I am thankful for so many good friends. I am thankful for my bloggy friends, because you too are a very real presence in my life! I am thankful for our church and mostly importantly a life in Christ through salvation! HAPPY THANKSGIVING, FRIENDS!

Be Thankful: Nov. 25

Today I am thankful for my new sister-in-law Holly. It was just this time last year that I first got to meet her, and now she is just a great blessing to our family! Not only is she perfect for my brother Paul, but she's a great friend and wonderful sister! I'm so thankful for how God works in our lives, bringing people together every day!

Be Thankful: Nov. 24

I am thankful for...

* waking up to the smell of coffee
* porch swings
* lazy rainy days
* hot tea
* good novels and snuggly blankets
* waffles smothered in peanut butter and syrup (healthy, I know)
* beautiful golden sunsets

What are you thankful for??

Thanksgiving Craft

Eli actually did this a couple weeks ago as the kids' craft at MOPS. He glued it together but didn't really color it. So we finished it at home and mailed it off to Grandma to enjoy! I got the craft idea HERE. Isn't it cute?
The same day at MOPS I had the kids make this thankful tree (with leaves I'd already made and used for an activity the previous month). I wrote on each leaf something a toddler would be thankful for, put all the leaves inside a wrapped shoe box (wrapped so the lid and bottom are wrapped separately), and each child got to pull out a leaf and stick it to the tree. I hear the kids really enjoyed this activity, and since I'm the leader I got to bring it home and it's colorfully decorating our home!

Be Thankful: Nov. 23

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and earth together under one head, even Christ.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:3-14

I've been feeling a little guilty the last few days for all the material things I'm thankful for, like I'm cheating and just giving easy answers. It's easy to be thankful for the good things in life. But this, THIS is what really matters!

God chose us to be holy and blameless in his sight.
He has freely given us grace.
I am blessed to have heard the Gospel.
He has redeemed us and forgiven us and saved us from an eternity in hell.
We are guaranteed eternal life with Jesus.

What more can we be thankful for?

Kids' Responsibility Chart

Instead of going back to the kids' chore chart we used quite awhile ago, with tasks on it that all still required my assistance, last week I decided to revise it. I picked five things I think Eli can and should do all by himself throughout the day and [key] without me asking. The 5 tasks I put on his list:

1. Sippy cup - put it in the fridge when he's done with it
2. Shoes - take them off and put them on our shoe shelf as soon as we come inside from something
3. Bed - at least attempt to make bed (we're still practicing how to do this)
4. Dishes - take plate/bowl to kitchen sink after meals
5. Laundry - put clothes down the laundry shoot after we get dressed for the day

At the end of the day I evaluate how he did throughout the day with each task. If several times I had to remind him to do it but he did do it, then he gets just a regular sticker. If he did it most times on his own, then he gets a gold star. And if he didn't do it at all, then he obviously gets no sticker for that task. At the end of the week we count up his gold stars, and he gets a small treat based on how many stars he got. I originally was shooting for 10, (as it is in the picture above), but I think I'm going to change that to just getting a treat equivalent to what he earned. Today he got one M&M for the 10 stars he earned last week. (and we only started on Wednesday) Closer to 15 stars would be something a little bit bigger like maybe a tootsie roll. ALL stars would be fantastic like an ice cream for goodness sakes! That would be amazing! But anyway, you get the idea.

When I re-printed the chart for this week I renamed it "Eli's Responsibility Chart" instead of "chore chart". And while I was at it, I printed one for Hannah too because at the end-of-the day evaluations last week, she'd want to be a part of the stickers and chart too. So for her chart, I took off the "make bed" task but otherwise left it the same as Eli's. She's younger so if she regularly does the tasks at all when I ask her to, she'll earn her stickers at the end of the day. I'm not quite sure what I want my expectations to be for her just yet, so we'll figure it out as we go along.

But so far, it seems to working very well for Eli! He's been awesome at putting his cup in the fridge when he's done, putting his shoes away when we come home, and taking his plate to the kitchen after meals! And it's soooo nice not to have to search for his cup when it's time to get him something to drink, shoes don't become a clutter bug, and he's becoming a regular part of dinner clean-up. He's very good about doing things when we ask him to, so the key to all of this is that he learns to do it on his own and take responsibility for his own clean-up. I think this will be excellent help in preparation for new baby to come, and I'm excited to see how it continues to go, with both children!

What about you? Do you have anything like this with your own children? Any tips or ideas to share?

Monday Meanderings

Bible Study
word study on blessings

Memory Verse
"I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high." Psalm 7:17

Husband Encouragement
* Write a thankful letter to my husband.

Train Them Up
* continue working on kids' chores
* Thanksgiving activities!

Absolutely MUST Do
* Mail out a package
* Return library movie before leaving town this week for the holiday
* Make the first seasonal batch of caramel popcorn so I can bring some home with us this week. (not really a MUST do but something I really want to remember!)

Zone
Playroom. We don't have a LOT of toys to rotate much, but some of the smaller misc toys could definitely get rotated out. So I'm working on that.

Menu -

Monday - chili, pears
Tuesday - enchilada dip, Italian pasta salad, sandwiches
Wednesday - pizza

FUN THINGS!
* We're going HOME for the holidays! Kevin has Thursday - Sunday off, like a normal person for once! And he said he might be able to work longer days on Monday and Tuesday and then not have to go in Wednesday, so that would be extra fun!
* While home we're going to help Kevin's family set up all their Christmas decorations, complete with Christmas music and everything. It's hard for them to get around, so now that we've moved back we try to help out and make it into a fun day for them!

Join me with your weekly plans!

Be Thankful: Nov. 22

One of my favorite hymns, very appropriate for this week and for always...

Count Your Blessings
Johnson Oatman, Jr.

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings - name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings - name them one by one;
Count your blessings - see what God hath done;
Count your blessings - name them one by one;
Count your many blessings - see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

Count your blessings - name them one by one;
Count your blessings - see what God hath done;
Count your blessings - name them one by one;
Count your many blessings - see what God hath done.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings - money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

Count your blessings - name them one by one;
Count your blessings - see what God hath done;
Count your blessings - name them one by one;
Count your many blessings - see what God hath done.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged - God is over all;
Count your many blessings - angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Count your blessings - name them one by one;
Count your blessings - see what God hath done;
Count your blessings - name them one by one;
Count your many blessings - see what God hath done.

I am thankful for my two beautiful little blessings that are looking at books side by side right now. I am thankful for my wonderful husband who is hard at work right now. I am thankful that this yucky cold I have this week won't last forever. I am thankful for lego-built car washes, trains made out of folding chairs, and play dough spaghetti. I am thankful for a child calling for Mommy. I am thankful for couch snuggles. I am thankful for happy playtime. I am thankful for warm meals. I am thankful for electricity and computers and Internet. I am thankful for friends. I am thankful for productivity. I am thankful for days I'm in jammies all day. I am thankful for yummy, sweet cappuccino. I am thankful for clean laundry. I am thankful for clothes to wash. I am thankful for safe water to drink and warm water to wash in. I am thankful for music. I am thankful for baby kicks. I am thankful for sunsets. I am thankful for love. I am thankful for salvation. I am thankful that all that matters most in life will last forever.

What are you thankful for today?? Do share!

Be Thankful: Nov. 21

Right this moment...

* I am thankful for new friends.
* I am thankful for church family.
* I am thankful for the movie the kids are watching right now. We've been learning all about elephants this week and reading books about Dumbo, so now they're watching the movie about him. It's just fun to watch them get excited about the things we're learning about!
* I am thankful this yucky cold won't last forever.
* I am thankful for jammie pants.
* I am thankful for yummy smelling perfume.
* I am thankful for my wonderful children. They always surprise me.
* I am thankful for the new life of Nora Katherine who we got to celebrate at a baby shower this morning. She's precious and makes me even more anxious to meet our sweet little boy in 10ish weeks!
* I am thankful for an easy dinner we're having tonight. (omelets)
* I am thankful for creating new habits in my children and hoping it sticks! (more on this next week)
* I am thankful for our friend Craig who has been giving Kevin rides to work and letting him borrow his truck while Kevin's is in the shop.
* I am thankful for my hard-working husband and am anxious for him to get home in an hour.

What are you thankful for right this moment??

"I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:1-2

Elephants everything!

Our week of elephant-themed school lessons are up over at our school blog, so check it out! Here's a sneak preview of our activities...

Be Thankful: Nov. 20

Today as I'm a bit worn down from a cold I am thankful that we as a family do not lead a busy lifestyle. During this season in our lives we don't have a lot of commitments or extra curriculars or anything that fills up our schedules. We're mostly just home, training up our children, and Kevin's at work providing for the family. So when an afternoon nap is much needed, that's still very possible, and when I need to turn in early for the night (like tonight probably! which is hard for me to do since I'm a night person) that too is easily possible. And I'm thankful for the freedom we still have to be flexible and just chill. Because I know that someday as the children get older, we'll start getting busier and busier with AWANA or music lessons or soccer or dance or who knows what. So for now, I am thankful for this. Good night.

Be Thankful: Nov. 19

I am thankful for the lessons I learned from Kevin working those 2.5 months of straight night shift....

* I was reminded how much I appreciate all that Kevin does around the house and how important a man is to running a home.
* I was reminded how much I love just being with my man. We may not be romantic, but it's us, and I love that.
* I learned how wonderful four days off in a row are! And to think that that's a regular part of his shift rotation!
* I was reminded how much of a blessing it is to share meals together as a family.

Today I am also thankful for...

* A good baby appointment today. Everything checked out right on track. It's a great blessing for my body to to handle pregnancies so well.
* Kevin majorly cleaning out the van of our little mouse traces. I'm good at finding places to put things away, and he's great at deep cleaning, so together we make a good team. And now our van smells wonderful!
* A nice afternoon to play outside for awhile!
* Sweet sweet ladies fellowship at church tonight!

Be Thankful: Nov. 18

Today I am thankful for...
* A productive morning and lazy afternoon.
* Cozy pants instead of uncomfortable preggie jeans.
* A warm cup of hot chocolate.
* Afternoon snuggles with my baby boy.
* Pizza Hut lunch buffet.
* A warm house.
* Fluffy outside kittens who do catch mice for us.
* Our sweet little family.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be Thankful: Nov. 17

Today I am thankful for....
* breakfast out as a family this morning followed by errands and grocery shopping. I just love being out and doing things together as a family, even if it's just getting groceries.
* an afternoon nap, even though I didn't get anything done on my to-do list today!
* the joy of watching the kids tromp around the house in their "new" snow boots.
* Kevin being home. Ahhh... it's just. so. nice.

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20

What are you thankful for today??

Be Thankful: Nov. 16

"I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:7-11

Monday Meanderings

Bible Study
Continue praise word study

Memory Verse
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20

Husband Encouragement
* Just spending time with him! He has FOUR DAYS off this week! FINALLY!!!
* Cook some of his favorite meals, seeing that he really hasn't sat down to many home-cooked meals for quite some time now.

Train Them Up
* Kids' chores. We need to get back to this.

Absolutely MUST Do
* Send mail out.
* Pay bills.

Zone(s)
Kitchen counter. It's out. of. control. In that I'm trying to find a solution to cleaning tools that usually just lay all around the sink (ie bottle brush, the little drain cups, etc)

I also really need to clean upstairs (once Kevin is done sleeping up there during the day!!). With the installation of our windows last week we now have a thick layer of dust all over everything, and we need to vacuum for any broken glass that might be up there. Kevin got half the rooms done last week, but I haven't had time to finish! Still need to do master bedroom, guest bedroom, and bathroom.

Menu - Kevin's truck will be in the shop until the middle of next week (hit a deer yesterday morning), so I'm going to plan the meals for next week too since it's a short week and Kevin will be using the van to get to work.

Monday - hot dogs, Suddenly Salad (Kevin's favorite), apples
Tuesday - spinach and cheese enchiladas (already have the cheese and ricotta), fruit cocktail
Wednesday - chicken broccoli lo mein, orange
Thursday - toasted Italian sandwiches (have pepperoni to use up)
Friday - ham and cheese omelets, peaches
Saturday - something
Sunday - potluck after church! taking veggie pasta salad and enchilada dip

Monday - chili, pears
Tuesday - fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn
Wednesday - pizza

FUN THINGS!
* Kevin's FOUR DAYS OFF and switch back to days!! Woohoo! That's enough for me!
* Baby appointment Thursday morning.
* Women's ministry fellowship Thursday night.
* Baby shower at the church Saturday morning for a friend who just had their new baby girl!


Join me with your weekly plans! Have a great week, sweet friends!

Be Thankful: Nov. 15

"Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting; yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Today I am thankful...
* Kevin wasn't hurt from hitting a deer on his way home from work this morning. I am thankful his friend Craig was with him when it happened and they were able to get help. I am thankful that Kevin will have the next four days off so we won't really need his truck anyway, while we can hopefully get it repaired quickly.
* I am thankful we've made it through Kevin's looooong weeks of night shift. This is the last night!

What are you thankful for today??

Be Thankful: Nov. 14

I am thankful for today's shopping day out with several other of the MOPS moms! We had so much fun, had a lot of time to chat and get to know each other better, and got a good break from the regular duties of mommyhood. I am thankful for the new friends I'm still beginning to get to know. I am thankful for my mom driving down to watch the kids today and I'm thankful for the fact that we live close enough to do that at all. I am thankful the kids did so well while I was gone. And I am thankful I could return to see them again. I am thankful.

Be Thankful: Nov. 13

Things I am thankful for today:

* The library. What a great resource of FREE books!
* Fresh haircuts. On my husband.
* Quiet evenings.
* The kids actually ate their meals really well today!
* Deliciously soft cookies.
* Wonderfully-smelling, freshly-bathed children.

What are you thankful for right this moment??

Answer me this: This is the year!

Alrighty, friends, I really want your input on this one... Christmas is coming and with that comes Santa. We don't do Santa at our house, but Eli's old enough this year and already asking questions, I need to explain who Santa is. He's been seeing decorations/pictures of him around the stores and asking "Is that Jesus? Who is that?" I casually answer that it's Santa and then change the subject. I want him to know a) where the idea of Santa Claus came from, b) that he's no longer real, and c) that many people like to believe that he's real. And then we continue on with what Christmas is really about--celebrating the birth of Jesus. I want him to know the truth but not walk around blowing the cover to other kids! Of course this is something Kevin and I will have to sit down and discuss, but I thought I'd see if you had any advice to share! How do you explain Santa to your kids?

Be Thankful: Nov. 12

This week I am thankful for some quality time with the kids. The last two days we've had workers here installing the new windows in our upstairs. Kevin's been sleeping in the basement, and the kids and I just hang out in the living room, play room, and office. Can't do errands, can't do chores, can't go outside, so I've really had some good time to just hang out and play with the kids. Not the WHOLE time but at least I was more focused on them instead of flitting around the house doing this and that and dragging the kids with me all over town. It's been kind of nice just doing puzzles, playing games, reading, making cookies, and working on school time. And while they have TV time or blanket time I've had a lot of time to do some Bible reading, today with a word study on praise. TONS of great verses I came across there and will continue tomorrow! It's just been a good, calm couple of days, so much so that I just might have to set at least one day like this every week!

I am also super thankful to my wonderful husband for some house projects he's been working on the last two days during his nights off. We're still not done, but he did a lot of cleaning in the basement (so he could sleep down there) and in the process had a lot of mice to deal with too. So I am VERY thankful for that work! And he also fixed our kitchen sink pipes. They were leaking underneath and smelling HORRIBLE because of bits of food that would get in there with it. I couldn't even open the cupboard for a new trash bag without getting a big whiff of nastiness. So I'm so thankful he got that tackled last night! Men are such a vital part of running a home, I can't imagine doing any of this on my own! Thanks, hun!

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1-2

Be Thankful: Nov. 11

I am thankful for our soldiers, of the past and the present. Those who we were willing to make sacrifices to serve our country, leaving behind family and friends, leaving the comforts of home, and committing to our nation. It's hard to comprehend life without safety and freedom because most of us don't know any life otherwise. And for that I am thankful!

And I am thankful for our Mighty Protector because HE rules over ALL the nations! Thanks be to God!

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care." Psalm 95:1-7

Be Thankful: Nov. 10

I am thankful for surprises. Kevin went off to work tonight as usual but a couple hours later came back home! I guess the schedule changed this afternoon and he didn't know it. So he gets a surprise night off tonight, and tomorrow was already his scheduled day off, so we get two nights with daddy! Yay! It was especially helpful tonight because I was really working hard to get upstairs cleaned and ready for the window people to come tomorrow, and having Kevin home to help out helped a ton! Not to mention we got to hang out tonight! I've missed having company in the evenings!

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 118:24-29

Be Thankful: Nov. 9

I am thankful for miracles. It appears that today God delivered a miracle to baby Stellan! He had SVT (high heart rate) in the womb and has continued to have troubles with SVT out of the womb. He's been in and out of the hospital the last 8 months and just today had another surgery on his heart in attempt to fix his pathways. The doctors tried this same surgery 6 months ago (or so) and it was not successful, but this time it was! Praise God! Stellan just had his first birthday last week, and now what a gift this is!

God works miracles all the time, and we don't always know it. Sometimes they're big, and sometimes they're small, like money coming in at just the right time so you can pay a bill, or finding your wedding ring, or running late just to find out you just missed an accident you yourself could have been in, or a timely scripture verse or call from a friend.

God knows every step of what will happen in our lives. He's the great Author. And I'm thankful for all the ways He works in our lives.


"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100


Join us in thankfulness over at Karla's Korner.

Monday Meanderings

Bible Study
joy and thankfulness word studies

Memory Verse
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7

Husband Encouragement
Kevin gets home about 6:30am every morning and many days makes us a hot breakfast. But one day this week I will get up and make him a breakfast before he heads off to sleepyville. I'm gonna make cranberry scones! Yumm!

Train Them Up
* Kind words even when I walk away. Does it ever seem that your kids fight more as soon as you walk away to go do something? That's what it's been like here lately, and it drives me NUTS. You literally can't step away for ONE MINUTE before being needed again! So we're going to work on this and I may need to set up some practice scenes for this, but we'll see how it goes.

Absolutely MUST Do
* Call bank.
* Get Moppet craft ready and purchase snack.
* Our new windows are coming Wednesday and Thursday! so I need to move a few things out of the way.
* Wrap our box for Operation Christmas Child.

Zone
Playroom. It's just been extra messy in there lately and I think there are a few things that can come out of there.

Menu

Monday - simplified bierochs (see below),
Tuesday - ham and white sauce, peaches
Wednesday - lasagna casserole (using the remainder of the bieroch sausage), salad
Thursday - margarita pizza
Friday - chicken and rice casserole (never made this last week)
Saturday - frozen enchilada dinner
Sunday - hot dogs, carrots, apple

My simplified version is to just put the meat mixture (ground sausage + sauerkrat + mustard) into pita bread instead of doing up the roll dough. It's sooo much faster and equally good! And we already have pita bread leftover from last week.

FUN THINGS!
* MOPS meeting Tuesday morning!
* We're getting all new upstairs windows Wednesday and Thursday, and while it will complicate life a bit for Kevin's sleep and the kids' nap, it'll be very exciting to get that done!
* Possibly a MOPS moms day out shopping on Saturday.


Join in on the meandering fun! Have a great week, friends!

Be Thankful: Nov. 8

I am thankful for our church family and all that comes from that. Fellowship, friendship, encouragement, spiritual growth, prayer, support, guidance, instruction, worship. In moving to a small town I was worried we wouldn't find a good church for us, but God led us right to where He wanted us, because right now I'm feeling very blessed with our new family!


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2

Maternity Pics

I've been wanting to get some belly pics for awhile now, but no one's here to take a picture of me. And for some reason using the timer on my camera only focused on the background cuz no one's in the picture and then when I pop in the frame I'm just an out-of-focus blur. But Kevin was so kind to help me find my tiny camera remote the other day (it was in the camera bag! ha!), so today, already being done up for church, finally gave it a try. I looked fat and ugly in any standing pics and it was crazy windy, so I opted to try laying down, but it was awkward trying to find ways to lay--what to do with my arms, how to angle my head, and of course how to get a good angle of the belly--all the while going back and forth to the camera to see how they were turning out. Oh the joys, but this is what I got!

28 weeks pregnant

not trying to look dead in this one! more like ready for a nap!my favorite one from the day, I think

Be Thankful: Nov. 7

Today I am thankful for birthdays. We just got back from a friend's birthday party for two of her kids, and I love the opportunity to celebrate life and simply say I'm thankful for you! Not that we can't do that every day, but it's good to just make some days special. It doesn't have to be a big shindig by any means, but personally I don't like when people just let these things go by unnoticed as if it doesn't matter. Rejoice and celebrate! Every person is a great blessing!

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:15-16


Join us in thanksgiving over at Karla's Korner!

Be Thankful: Nov. 6

Today I am thankful for the new friends that we are making here. It's hard to believe we've been here for almost a year now, and I feel like we're settling pretty well. It's just so fun to be able to call up a friend and say, "Hey, we're going to the park this morning. Wanna meet us there?" and to then enjoy a morning of friendly conversation! What a blessing!

"I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17

Dinosaur Lessons

Week 4 of our "school" lessons are up! The theme for the week was dinosaurs, so go check out our school blog for some ideas! It was a super simple week this time, but we did make our own fossils! So go see and remember to scroll down to see the days in order!

Be Thankful: Nov. 5

Today I was reminded to be thankful for Kevin's job, especially in today's economy. And I really am! As straining as these last couple months have been on our family with Kevin working constant overtime, we are thankful for the extra money it provides, especially to help pay for the new windows we're having put on the house next week. Talk about a big expense! But so necessary before winter hits!

I am also especially thankful for good health! A lot's going around these days, and fortunately we've remained sick-free, and just in general we are hardly ever ever sick, and for that I am sooo grateful!


"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30

Be Thankful: Nov. 4

I am thankful for God's word that strengthens us and guides us through our every day--our every trial and our every joy and everything in between!

I am thankful for an all-knowing God. He knows our every need even before we do! and He is faithful to provide.

I am thankful for the hope we have in Christ. Everything we endure on earth is nothing compared to the joy we will have in Heaven!

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7

~*~

Join others in thankfulness over at Karla's Korner! Be blessed!

Prayer for Mothers.

I posted last night about the disappointment I'm feeling right now regarding Kevin's work schedule. And then this morning I "happened" to spot on our book shelf this little prayer book for mothers by Jack Countryman. I honestly don't remember when I received it or where/who it came from or if I've ever looked at it before, but today it was a perfect timing. Amazing how God does that, huh? =)

Here is what I read for "Disappointment":

"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." - Romans 5:3-5

Life is unfortunately full of disappointments. But You, Lord, have given me a hope that never changes and a love that will never fade away. Speak to my heart and give me the ability overcome the struggles that are a part of life. Help me to look beyond my own circumstances and see Your purpose for me. I thank You for the challenges of life that help me walk closer to You. Amen.

Amen to THAT!

Endurance.

I am bummed.

The outage that was supposed to be over on Thursday for Kevin has been delayed a few days, cutting into the 6 days off he was supposed to have next week. Instead he works 2 nights in the middle of that break, so he won't be able to switch back to days at all. Meaning Kevin will still be on nights until the 15th. *sigh*

I am just so tired of this. Tired of him being on this opposite life from me and the kids. I want him to come to church with us, be awake when we're awake, sleep next to me at night, help out around the house, be around to watch the kids every once in awhile, go with us to weddings, birthday parties, and potlucks . He's been missing out on sooo much I can hardly take another day of it! And knowing that he has to work Christmas day this year just makes me feel even more lousy. We have family coming in back home, so the kids and I definitely want to be there and stay around for awhile. But poor Kevin will have to head back for work. Yuck.

It's harder to kind of see your husband than it is to not see him at all. You know? If someone's away, you settle into that. But this in and out, opposite schedule business is driving me crazy!

Anyway, before I go to bed just feeling crummy, I'm trying to find something to lift me up a bit. Just a little reminder of the greater life...

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:9-14

Hoping for a better day tomorrow... Good night!

Be Thankful: Nov. 3

5 Things I'm thankful for today:

1. My children. As much as they've been driving me NUTS lately, I still love and appreciate them soooo incredibly much! I can't imagine life without one of them!
2. I saw a mouse run by me IN the van while I was driving yesterday! We set a trap today and I'm sooo thankful it has been caught! Eeek! There's something about being so confined in a moving vehicle and being strapped to a seat that makes me seriously scared of seeing the mouse! So glad it's taken care of!
3. Paper plates. Enough said.
4. Simple joys. Lately it's been seeing combines, spotting the moon (especially the beautiful FULL moon last night!), and eating cookies!
5. Learning opportunities. Having just finished doing a school project with the kids a few minutes ago, I'm so thankful they have the ability to be educated. There are so many other children in other countries that do not have that same freedom. We sure are blessed!

Read others' thanksgiving posts over at Karla's Korner!

Be Thankful: Nov. 2

I'm going to try to do this every day this month....

5 Things I'm thankful for today:
1. A fun little pizza picnic with daddy today.
2. A good day with the kids.
3. Productive cleaning day.
4. A walk. Even if it was just in my living room.
5. Quiet evenings.

What are you thankful for right this moment?

"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30

Monday Meanderings

Bible Study
I've got an "assignment" to look up a bunch of words about being a good wife.

Memory Verse
"[Your beauty] should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:4

Husband Encouragement
* pizza tonight. Kevin requested it, so I've hopefully adjusted the kids' and my eating schedule enough so we can eat a super early dinner before Daddy leaves for work at 5pm.
* find something quiet for the kids to play with when Kevin wakes up in the afternoon. I've been feeling bad about that lately. The kids are in the middle of their day and loud and rowdy and Kevin's wake up right into that, and I can imagine how unpleasant that probably is. They don't particularly do well when I just tell them to be quiet, because they're excited that daddy is up, so I'll try to find something I know will interest them and keep them occupied for a little bit while Kevin wakes up.

Train Them Up
* memory verse: "Be joyful always." 1 Thessalonians 5:16
* as a parent, practice self-control and watch my tone of voice. Speak to my children respectfully. ie, don't use angry tone of voice when telling my son not to be angry.

MUST Do
* send out MOPS postcards
* take milk jugs to recycling. all THREE of big bins are full!

Personal Goals
* I did my walking video once already this morning, so my goal is to do it one more day this week. More is better though! But seeing as I didn't follow through at all last week, I'm sticking with realistic for this week.
* Keep track of how much water I drink. I'm not very good about staying hydrated!

Zone
Living room. Keep it clean and retidy, even if it's 3x a day that we do a pick-up. Vacuum twice in a day if needed, but keep it clean. (We have a snuggle couch blanket that I've recently washed and now it's fuzzing all over the rug pretty bad) Take a day to actually move couches (if I can) and vacuum behind them. Go through mail items that are laying all over. And put ALL toys away.

Menu Plan

Monday - pizza (Kevin's request)
Tuesday - brats, oven roasted potatoes, oranges
Wednesday - hot chicken casserole, peaches
Thursday - taco casserole, pineapple
Friday - either home visiting family or we'll go out
Saturday - at Grandma's
Sunday - at Grandma's

FUN THINGS!
* Thursday night is Kevin's last night of outage shift! (well, tentatively. it is still subject to change) He'll then get just a little bit of sleep and Friday or Saturday we're heading home to visit with Kevin's family since they haven't seen the kids since Eli's birthday back in July!! Considering we're just 2.5 hrs away, that's a long time for no visit!


Join me with YOUR meaderings! And thanks always for stopping by!

My Mission Statement for the Home.

I'm now into the second half of the book Created to Be His Help Meet, and it focuses on Titus 2:3-5 and woman's domain over the home. A favorite passage:

"When a woman soberly considers the needs, time schedule, and resources of her home, then she will be a more efficient help meet. This planning will eliminate tension and help set a peaceful mood. It is the simple things in life that can break down a marriage and bring out a bitter divorce. But on the positive side, it is the simpler planning of life's activities that can bring health, prosperity, peace, and happiness to a sound marraige and produce gratifying family relationships. Men (and children) appreciate good meals, a clean house, and an atmosphere of peace--a refuge from the stress of life." (147-8)

Reading this reminded me so much of what I've come up with as my personal mission statement (Day 3's challenge of the 31 Days to Clean challenge) When writing my statement I adapted a quote that's always stuck with me from reading The Power of a Praying Wife in the first year of our marriage. So here is my personal mission statement for how I want to keep our home:

I strive to see that the heart of my home is a peaceful sanctuary--a source of contentment, acceptance, rejuvenation, nurturing, rest, and love for my family--while at the same time remaining a place of instruction, comfort, and joy.

It seems like a lot to tackle especially with two, soon to be three, little ones in the house. But I do feel it is so important, so I'm going to work to keep this atmosphere my goal. And most of all, that starts with my attitude.

"A wise woman doesn't let little things stir her spirit to agitation. With a quiet and meek spirit, she seeks to make all things better." (153)

This of course comes from one of my favorite Bible verses, "[Your beauty] should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:4 That sounds so beautiful and sweet, but is so, so, so hard to DO!!

So with all that in mind, this is my focus for the week:
* to be productive with my time and work hard to really tidy up all the way and follow my cleaning schedule (this means maybe posting it so I actually SEE it every day!)
* to have a good attitude
* to not get upset over the little things, allowing it to "stir my spirit to agitation"
* to spend time in the word and in prayer every day (even if it's just a little bit) so I can keep my peace and focus

And with that, I must sign off and get to work!