Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Valley of Vision Prayer




 I have loved this prayer lately...
Gracious Lord,
Thy name is Love, 
in love receive my prayer?
My sins are more than the wide sea's sand,
but where sin abounds there is grace more abundant.
Look to the cross of thy beloved Son,
and view the preciousness of His atoning blood;
Listen to the never failing intercession,
and whisper to my heart, "Thy sins are forgiven,
be of good cheer, lie down in peace."
Grace cataracts from heaven and flows for ever
and mercy never wearies from bestowing benefits.
Grant me more and more to prize the privilege of prayer,
to come to thee as a sin-soiled sinner,
to find pardon in thee,
to converse with thee;
to know thee in prayer as
the path in which my feet tread,
the latch upon the door of my lips,
the light that shines through my eyes, 
the music of my ears,
the marrow of my understanding,
the strength of my will,
the power of my affliction,
the sweetness of my memory.
May the matters of my prayers always be wise, humble, submissive, 
obedient, scriptural,Christ-like.
Give me unwavering faith that supplications are never in vain, 
that if I seem to not obtain my petitions,
I shall have larger, richer answers, 
surpassing all that I ask or think.
Unsought, Thou hast given me the greatest gift,
the person of thy Son,
and in Him, thou wilt give me all I need.
(The Valley Of Vision)






Friday, October 26, 2012

How I learned to K.I.S.S





Then I learned to K.I.S.S. I shared my feelings with a friend and fellow homeschooler who was just as busy as me, but somehow managed achieve the in-achievable. Her advice? She told me I needed to K.I.S.S., or rather, I need to keep it simple, silly.

Pick something simple and achievable and do it.

This has turned out to be the best advice and much goodness has come out of embracing the keep it simple attitude.

Kids don’t need elaborate plans to have fun, learn or make memories. 

They are learning all the time!....it’s good enough. If it was fun and cozy and together, that memory will grow into the festival you had hoped it would be.
Since I’ve pulled off the pressure to go big I’ve noticed something. It’s actually easy to experience.
milly

I only had to slow down, keep it simple and pay attention to notice. So....

Even though Milly is usually "too old" for the preschool co-op, she has taken on this roll of helper.  She loves to take care of the littles and doesn't even need to be asked.  She we all went to have a fun day at Pumpkin Valley Farm!

AUD and IZZ (besties)
reffie, roo, lan & west

climbing on the fence to see cows eating pumpkins!

only half the group






 









Sunday, October 14, 2012

My Baby turns into a 3yr pirate!

Happy Birthday Andrew
You have been a perfect addition to our family, you make us laugh and challenge us everyday.  

My precious little boy..
You are 3 Years Old today...You are the most loving of little boys...I love the way that you are willing to play house with not just one but two sisters! Always pretending to be either the dad or the baby....Such brotherly love! :)I love that you you truly love to help out your Mama... It amazes me that you are big enough to vacuum up all the crumbs under the table all by yourself, and  wash the dining room table (even if it means crawling on top of the table to do so) each day with very little assistance ...You truly have a servants heart...I love how when you're happy about something you show your delight with your WHOLE body (you jump and clap and let out your contagious belly laugh)...I love your "rad moves", and the way that you feel so free to bust out your moves whenever you hear music, no matter if we are at home or in the grocery store...I love the way that you cherish God's Word in your heart... Do you know how I know this is true?... Because I hear you practicing those verses via song with your sisters Me's going to be a peacemaker, not a trouble maker. Me's going to share my toys.."Buddy I am so proud of you... I am proud to call you my son...A most Happy Birthday to you little buddy!!!! I sure do love you!!!

Here's some of the highlights from the party you planned.... 





















Tuesday, October 2, 2012

One day, I hope my Kids remember.....



One day, I hope my kids remember:
- that they were loved
- that they were wanted and chosen
- that Mommy and Daddy worked hard to offer them an incredible childhood
- that we made sacrifices so they could have the chance to blossom in their own time
- that we failed (often) to be ideal parents, but that in our failings we asked for forgiveness (often)
- that Mommy wishes she could be perfect, but knows you need to see the need for grace as well
- that they have a mission and purpose in this world
- that God loves them and will guide and direct them in life
- that He gave them each other as eternal friends
- that our family is unique and precious
- that Mommy and Daddy will always be rooting for them, praying for them, and cheering for them to dream big, be faithful in the small, and relish being who they are

“I sustain myself with the love of family.”
~  Maya Angelou