Old Fashioned Warmth

I, for some reason, love "old-fashioned!" I don't know if it is my search for something more simple and pure, or just nastalgic, but I enjoy learning how to do things like "the good ol' days." I know people functioned and lived just fine before all our modern inventions, so once in a while, usually motivated by saving money : ), I will make a simple list. This time: staying warm!

It's silly, but fun! A few ways to warm up without turning up the thermostat!
1) Put on a sweater and slippers (how often am I cold because I want to wear short sleaves and bare feet in January?)
2) Drink a hot beverage! My personal favorite is tea. Kiely likes coffee in the morning and occasionally we'll treat ourselves to hot chocolate!!! MMM, cozy and functional!
3) Grab a blanket or shawl. Again, that old-fashioned and nastalgia thing, but I enjoy doing things around the house in a wrap.
4) Use a hot water bottle to warm up your toes or the sheets before getting into bed. This is one of my latest favorites and only takes about 2minutes to fill with tap water. Love it!

Okay...any other ideas! Pass them along!

New Years Again?!!

I will admit I am not one to make New Years Resolutions...but sometimes it can be a good time to reflect on and perhaps offer a jumping off point for something new. And this year I so happen to be in the mood. So, borrowing from Lindsey's sentiments from last year, I'm going to pick a word!

REFRESH
1) to restore strength and animation to
2) to freshen up
3)to restore or maintain by renewing supply

My days can be hectic and overwhelming sometimes and I often wonder if I did anything right at all. However, one of my goals for motherhood is that I don't merely "Survive" these years of diapers and temper tantrums and messes...but that I can walk (or run-when needed : ) through them with joy and thankfulness and perhaps even a flare for adventure!!!

So in order to do that I feel the need to step back and re-evaluate my inventory....anything that is not used, needed or loved-HAS TO GO! Items as well as activities. However, the items are bit easier for me, so I am going to start there. Over the next month I am going to scour my house, rooms, cupboards, drawers, closets, storage...anything extra is gonna go right into a big tote that will be dropped off at Goodwill. Never to be missed again!!!

I function better in a clean house and I spend way too much time keeping it clean...so I'm hoping to eliminate the extra items that never seem to have a place or just add to the clutter.

And lastly I'm going to REFRESH my motives for motherhood. What do I really want my children to learn and am I doing what God designed me to do??? These I'll have to ponder for a while...but as far as the decluttering, I'm off!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

A Family Photo

What's That???

We were chatting after church on Sunday before our Bible study and Gabriel (our explorer), valiantly made his way up to our church's baptismal and while standing on the edge yells,
"Daddy, is that a swimmin' pool?"
(Kiely) Uhhh, Gabe, no! Wait! (It was full from that morning)
After Kiely gets to Gabriel and directs him back away from the tub, Gabriel asks again, "Daddy, is that swimmin' pool?"
(Kiely) "No, it's a baptismal!"
(Gabe) "It's a bathtub?!"
(Kiely) "Well, it's for when people get baptized!"
(Gabe) "Ohhhh! For bath-tizing!"
(Kiely-giving in) "Uhh, sure" : )

I'm Thankful for Brooms And Brushes

I heard my Mom say as she scrubbed today,

"I'm thankful for brushes and brooms,

I'm glad to clean my cozy house

That's filled with cheerful rooms."

I heard my Mom say at the washing machine,

"I'm thankful for dirty clothes.

I'm glad that I have a healthy child

Who can play each day he grows."

I heard my Mom say at the sink tonight,

"I'm thankful for dirty dishes.

I'm glad we filled our plates with food

Instead of empty wishes.:

I heard Mom say in her prayers tonight,

"I'm thankful for problems today.

If life never got a little bit rough,

I might forget to pray."

~V. Gilbert Beers

"Precious Moments"

Aaahhh. Brothers

A Few of My Favorite Things....

These are a few of my favorite things...not necessarily anything that holds super significance, just simple pleasures that make me smile : )

honey-nut cheerios as a finger food (crunchy and yummy!!!)
mud puddles and rubber boots
the sound of a fog horn...even in the middle of the night
pumpkin smelling candles (mmm-ahhh)
homemade chai tea...with honey and cream
big fuzzy slippers
new earings
chubby babies
paper muffin cups and parchment paper (no sticking...and less cleaning-Perfect!)
scarfs
ballroom dancing (Kiely and I have been taking classes....soooo fun)
naked baby bottoms
porch swings
pregnant mommies
baking pies or other goodies...and the way my house smells (so delicious)
really stormy, rainy days
rollerblades
super hero capes (dun-da-duuuuunnnn)
long, dark, eyelashes
my kids playing pretend....

Sooo, what are some of your daily "SIMPLE PLEASURES"??? Do share!!!