Slice of Life Monday, Number 8

Hello.  I hope you've had a nice weekend.  I started this meme for myself as a way to keep track of some things that are going on around here.

~Things I hope to do this week~

Always number one... keep clutter at bay. I need to keep looking for things to purge. I finally feel as if I am making progress. As I look around myself, I see mainly things that we love or need. This is my goal. I think I need to purge some clothing this week, but that's it.

Visit my grandparents before the week is out. Grandpa was sick last week and this week my oldest seems to be getting a cold, so I am not sure this will happen. 

Keep my focus on our lessons despite the busy days.

Work on my visual homemaking journal. 

~Not Set in Stone Menu~

Monday: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Tuesday: Chili and Cornbread
Wednesday: Picnic with Daddy before AWANA

Thursday: Roasted Chicken, vegetables

Friday: Pizza and Salad

Saturday: Pot Roast with Vegetables 

Sunday: Leftovers



~What I am reading~

Power of a Woman's Words by Sharon Jaynes, Chapter 13 &14.  (The end of the study.)

Finish memorizing 1Corinthians 13, on verse 13.

Proverbs, chapter a day with my children.

In the morning, Psalms, 7 week reading plan.


~Things I am thankful for~

(Ongoing list updated each week.)
A husband who comes home every evening and remains engaged.

Just enough.

Healthy children.
A warm home.
A great family weekend.
God's awesome creation. (Lake Michigan comes to mind.)

Parents who bless me.
Sunshine on a cool fall morning.
Yellow gold leaves.

Opportunities to serve others.

Unusually warmer days for November.

Good books from the library.


~What we are learning together~
We started a biography of D.L. Moody. How I am inspired by biographies!  We will also continue to read through Proverbs, one chapter a day. We will be learning hymns and singing other favorites. My oldest will continue reading Around the World in 80 Days. He will also spend some time working on a map of the journey. I want my daughter to begin reading Elsie Dinsmore, book one. I've been looking forward to her being old enough to enjoy this series of books. I am thankful that our library carries some of them.  We will also be reading some poetry from Robert Frost.  For fun, we started reading 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. 

~A Prayer Request or Two~

Still praying for the attitude of my heart to be in-line with God's will, that I'd not grumble so much. (God is enough!)  Oh my goodness, this is going to be a life long struggle, I fear! 

Praising God's provision day by day.

Praying for my mom's healing and for the clothes she needs for this winter. With her nerve condition, it is hard to wear clothes. I am praying she will find a fabric that doesn't irritate her nerve endings.

Praising God for our good health and asking for it to continue. Protection from illness this winter.  My oldest seems to have a cold coming on.  I pray it doesn't spread. 

Praying for attitudes of my children. Oldest would bare fruit of his confession of faith. Middle would obey without grumbling, resist her flesh. Youngest would not be puffed up from frequent praise.

~Picture I am sharing~

I took this a couple years ago at an art musuem we enjoy visiting. 

Oreck Halo Review & Giveaway!!!

Oreck Halo Review & Giveaway!!! Here's my chance! I mean your chance to win a fantastic vacuum cleaner. We have an aging Oreck and I'd love to get a newer one that would filter alergens. Pop over and tell Kristie why you would like to win this vacuum.
~Jenn

Made From Scratch

Good day to you!  Had to share this wonderful read with you.  Made From Scratch by Jenna Woginrich  just may change your life.  (At least it has changed the way I am thinking about my life.)

I've always thought that I wanted to be a farmer.  I spent two of my younger years on a farm raising cows, chickens, pigs, rabbits, soy beans and corn.  Those were great times!  I was in the 5th and 6th grade.  My parents were still together.  My sister was alive.  We had 20 acres and a little, tiny two bedroom house.  What more could we want? 

My, I have such sweet memories of those days.  I learned to halter break my calves and lead them on walks down the deserted roads.  I tried to save a new baby pig from its ultimate fate when its mother stepped on him. Little Football, I called him.  I watched my cat have litter after litter.  I watched my cat barf up a mouse!  I played house in the haystack, in the garage, on the front porch with Barbie.  I swung on my tire swing.  I enjoyed meals outside on a table made at the prison.  We planted an evergreen tree that is still there. (The house and buildings are gone.)  We went to sugar-maple festivals and joined 4H and Girl Scouts.  We were rescued from a night at school by a neighbor who came to get us in his tractor during a bad snowstorm!  Those were two packed years of my formative times. 


I think that I have romanticized these cherished years to the point that every time I pick up a book, fiction or non, that is about farm life, I start to pine for something I do not have.  I am always searching for a way back to my life before the pain of divorce and sorrow entered.  Anyway, Miss Woginrich, I thank you for writing your book and inspiring others to go after their dreams. 

What is so inspiring is that Miss Wonginrich does not wait for life to come to her.  She knows what she wants and she goes after it.  She is purposeful, diligent and motivated!  She may have to work a day job, but that does not stop her from living her dream and encouraging others. 

I am inspired by her example to do the same.  But first I need to determine what I really want.  What do I really want?  I already have so much, not in material blessings, perhaps, but I have a totally devoted husband, three awesome kids, and the sweetest kitty on earth!  Not to mention the love of extended family and friends.  I am a blessed woman, indeed! 

In March, we will have a golden opportunity to move yet again.  We need to be so careful and choose wisely.  Do we want to rent a little farm?  Do we want to be in town?  Those are huge questions going through my mind right now.  Both situations would be very suitable for the stage of life we are in right now.  Reading this book has helped me to see more clearly what I want.  I can see my dream house so clearly, although, it may not include livestock just now.  I really want to continue to have our weekends free to explore and go camping, so animals are not really a good fit for now.  But that doesn't mean they would not be in the future.   

I found this picture that might give you an idea of what I am after.   

I so love porches, and this house has two, what a house!  We certainly won't find this type of house to rent in our price range, but you have to shoot for something when you are dreaming, right? I will be looking for a house with at least a small porch, a yard to grow some food in, and a big tree to hang a swing from. 

Sorry that I've not said much about the details of Made From Scratch.  If you are curious, you can get a feel of the book from the author's blog at Cold Antler Farm.  If you hurry, she is giving away a hand-crank radio if you leave her a comment telling how you told someone about her blog. 

Blessings,

Jenn

Slice of Life Monday (Week 7)

I've just been too busy getting our week off to a good start, that posting this meme on Monday has been too difficult the last two weeks.

~Things I hope to do this week~
Keep clutter at bay. I need to keep looking for things to purge. I finally feel as if I am making progress. As I look around myself, I see mainly things that we love or need. This is my goal. I think I need to purge some clothing this week, but that's it.

Visit my grandparents before the week is out. With tomorrow being Veteran's Day, I'd like to go and honor Grandpa, who served in WWII.

Keep my focus on our lessons despite the busy days.

Help youngest son with his thank you notes. He has done 4. My goal is to have him do 2 a day this week.


~Not Set in Stone Menu~

Monday: Homemade Marinara and Meatballs

Tuesday: Homemade Chicken and Noodles

Wednesday: Picnic with Daddy before AWANA

Thursday: Meatloaf, Potatoes, Green beans

Friday: Pizza and Salad

Saturday: Pot Roast with Vegetables, Homemade Rolls

Sunday: Leftovers

~What I am reading~
Power of a Woman's Words by Sharon Jaynes, Chapter 12. This week we are studying how silence is so important.

Memorizing 1Corinthians 13, on verse 12. (12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

Made From Scratch by Jenna Woginrich (I hope to post about this book this week.  Excellent!)

Proverbs, chapter a day with my children.

In the morning, Psalms, 7 week reading plan.


~Things I am thankful for~
(Ongoing list updated each week.)

A husband who comes home every evening and remains engaged.

Just enough.

Healthy children.

A warm home.

A great family weekend.

God's awesome creation. (Lake Michigan comes to mind.)

Parents who bless me.

Sunshine on a cool fall morning.

Yellow gold leaves.

Opportunities to serve others.

Unusually warmer days for November.

Good books from the library.


~What we are learning together~

We are continuing to spend our time reading more about Exodus, finishing up some historical fiction (Tirzah)this week. We started a biography of D.L. Moody. We are finishing Star of Light by Patricia St. John. We will continue to read through Proverbs, one chapter a day. We will be singing hymns and other favorites. We will keep our timeline and maps of the Fertile Crescent updated. We will also add a page to our history notebooks. My oldest will continue reading Around the World in 80 Days. He will also spend some time working on a map of the journey. My daughter will begin reading Elsie Dinsmore, book one. I've been looking forward to her being old enough to enjoy this series of books. I am thankful that our library carries some of them.

~A Prayer Request or Two~

Still praying for the attitude of my heart to be in-line with God's will, that I'd not grumble so much. (God is enough!)

Praising God's provision day by day, especially for my parents. Praying for more orders for their business.

Praying for my mom's healing and for the clothes she needs for this winter. With her nerve condition, it is hard to wear clothes. I am praying she will find a fabric that doesn't irritate her nerve endings.

Praising God for our good health and asking for it to continue. Protection from illness this winter.

Praying for attitudes of my children. Oldest would bare fruit of his confession of faith. Middle would obey without grumbling, resist her flesh. Youngest would not be puffed up from frequent praise.




~Picture I am sharing~
I saw this yesterday at another blog I read frequently. It so sums up my feelings about this blog! But I am not giving up over here.  (Thank you, JoAnn for your loyalty.)  By the way, the picture origniates at Dispair.com.  You should go check it out.  You'll get a good laugh! 

Happy Weekend

Simple Reading

"I imagined a simple kitchen, a farm sink full of soapy water, a view from the window that would lift my heart, and time enough just to stand there, fingers softening into wrinkles, slowly swirling a sponge across a china plate." 
~Discover how chores become therapy in Katrina Kenison's memoir, The Gift of an Ordinary Day.

Slice of Life Monday: Number 6

~Things I hope to do this week~
Get the laundry under control again after a weekend of neglect.

Keep clutter at bay. I need to keep looking for things to purge.

Visit my grandparents before the week is out.

Keep my focus on our lessons despite the busy days.

Help youngest son with his thank you notes. 


~Not Set in Stone Menu~

Monday: BBQ chicken, green salad, homemade bread

Tuesday: Cheeseburger Soup, salad and homemade bread

Wednesday: Picnic with Daddy before AWANA

Thursday: Grilled hamburgers, veggies with cheese sauce

Friday: Pasta bake, salad and garlic bread

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Rotisserie chicken, potatoes and salad


~What I am reading~
Power of a Woman's Words by Sharon Jaynes, Chapter 11, Power of  Practice.  This book study is almost over.  I have really enjoyed learning in a group setting. 

Memorizing 1Corinthians 13

Proverbs, chapter a day with my children

In the morning, Psalms 7 week reading plan.


~Things I am thankful for~
(Ongoing list updated each week.)

A husband who comes home every evening and remains engaged.

Just enough.

Healthy children. (Healing for my youngest and protection for the rest of us.)

A warm home.

A great family weekend.

God's awesome creation. (Lake Michigan comes to mind.)

Parents who bless me.

Sunshine on a cool fall morning. 

Yellow gold leaves. 


~What we are learning together~

We are continuing to spend our time reading more about life in Ancient Egypt, reading some historical fiction. We will continue to read Tirzah, which is about a Hebrew slave girl who lived during the time of Exodus. We will continue to read through Proverbs, one chapter a day. We will be singing hymns and other favorites. We will finish reading Star of Light. We will be listening to Vivaldi. We will update our timeline and maps of the Fertile Crescent. We will also add a page to our history notebooks. My oldest will continue reading Around the World in 80 Days. He will also spend some time working on a map of the journey. We will be learning about serving others:  taking a meal to a church family, visiting elderly in a nursing home, and babysitting for a friend.  These are golden opportunities to learn about putting others' needs first. 


~A Prayer Request or Two~

Still praying for my tone of voice, especially when I give directions to my children. (Proverbs 31:26) I have vowed to ask for forgivness anyone that I offend, as soon as it happens. Also praying for the attitude of my heart to be in-line with God's will.

Praising God's provision day by day, especially for my parents. Pray for more orders for their business.

Praying for my mom's healing and for the clothes she needs for this winter.  With her nerve condition, it is hard to wear clothes.  I am praying she will find a fabric that doesn't irritate her nerve endings. 

Praising God for our good health and asking for it to continue. Protection from illness this winter. 

Praying for attitudes of my chilren. Oldest would bare fruit of his confession of faith. Middle would obey without grumbling. Youngest would not be puffed up from frequent praise.

~Picture I am sharing~

It's that time of the year again!