Thankful Thursday

I am counting my blessings for: Friends

*My dear friend, Kelly, who selflessly listens when I need to talk to someone. She is a true friend, indeed. I was blessed to get to meet her and her dear family in real life, this past February.

*Church friends who rejoiced with us when our precious baby was born.

*My dear online friends, who encourage and inspire me to be a godly woman.

*My children, who bring me much joy!

*The blessing of my dear husband, who is my very best friend. I am so blessed to be married to such a noble, giving, and loving man.

Visit Iris for more Thankful Thursdays.

Thank you, Shelby!
I received a lovely surprise in my mailbox today, a gift from Shelby. She sent Anastasia Rose a copy of God's Wisdom for Little Girls: Virtues and Fun from Proverbs 31. It is such a beautiful and inspiring book; it is a true blessing to us! I often see Proverbs 31 materials only directed towards grown women. To own a book that encourages young girls to live as a godly maiden, now, is simply wonderful. Thank you Shelby, for your abundant kindness. This book will be treasured for many years!

Wordless Wednesday
No one ever told me that this is how boys nap! For more Wordless Wednesdays, visit Tiany.

Works For Me Wednesday
I am a big fan of getting a variety of books, movies, and audio books at my local library. What I am not fond of is walking up and down the library aisles with three very vocal children in tow. So I have found a way to get what I want at the library, without spending a large quantity of time there. I found my county's library website, and I request any materials that I want to check out. This is all free in my county, though I know some locations charge a slight fee. I am notified by e-mail as to when these materials will be waiting for me. This way, I can glean what I want, in my county, online, rather than having to visit each library. I have all of the materials sent to one library, where I can just run in the door quickly, check out, and leave. (Before anyone can even think of causing a ruckus.) If I cannot find what I am looking for online, I can always ask a librarian, and she should be able to find it in another county or state. If she still cannot find it, she will often order it, if I provide her with title, author, and isbn number. What a wonderful way to get the homeschooling/pro-family books into easy reach for parents! For more Works for me Wednesday ideas, visit Shannon.

Menu Plan Monday and Monday Meanderings

Menu Plan Monday
Monday-August 27- Kielbasa Casserole
Tuesday- August 28- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Wednesday-August 29- We are Cooking for extended family (toasted sandwiches, pasta salad, organic chips)
Thursday- August 30- Spaghetti, Bread, and Salad
Friday- August 31- Pizza
Saturday- September 1- Beef Nachos
Sunday- September 2- Lasagna, Bread, Salad

For more menu plans, visit Laura.

Monday Meanderings

1.Bible Study- Read three chapters from Ezekiel every day.Make praying for hubby more of a priority. Pray particularly for pure hearts for Lily, Stevie, and Anastasia. Pray for those on prayer list.

2.Must Do- Sort through some of the clothes that Lily has outgrown and put away in a tub.
Try to find an affordable shelf to store some homeschool materials in the kitchen.

3.Zone- Work on Cleaning Kitchen. Cook and freeze chicken. Learn how to make biscuits.

4. Train them Up- Practice more of what I have learned at the Raising Godly Tomatoes website. Namely, make disciplining them immediately, more of a priority. Keep the littles with me more throughout the day and include them more in what I am doing, and play more with them. (Tie those heartstrings.)

5.Menu - Weekly menu is above. Try to have healthy snacks ready for the children to grab out of fridge.
For more Monday meanderings, visit Tiany.

From my Reading

"God heals, and the doctor takes the fee." -Benjamin Franklin

"Ninety three percent of women have their babies with doctors and 99 percent of births in America take place in the hospital. And yet the World Health Organization (WHO) states that the 'preferred location for most births is outside the hospital, either at home or in a birthing center, and that out-of-hospital birth should be implemented and maintained as the basic standard for all midwifery education and training programs.'" -Catherine Taylor in Giving Birth

"Precede all your labors with earnest, diligent prayer. Do not rest on the number of tracts you have given because a million tracts may not lead to the conversion of a single soul. Yet, a blessing beyond calculation may result from a single tract. Expect everything to come from the blessing of the Lord and nothing at all from your own exertions." - George Muller

"On rare occasions, and for no special reason he could think of, he imagined he was sitting by the fire in the study, in the company of a companionable wife. He would be reading, and she would be sitting across from him in the wing chair. In this idyll, he could not see her face, but he knew it had a girlish sweetness, and she was always knitting. Knitting, he thought, was a comfort to the soul. It was regular. It was repetitious. And, in the end, it amounted to something." -At Home in Mitford

As you can see, I have been enjoying a variety of books! Blessings!

Finally...a Family Picture!

Wordless Wednesday

***************************************************************************
Last night, I had my six week check up at my midwife's office. I am doing well and Anastasia is 10.6 pounds now. I tend to worry a bit, since she spits up quite a bit at times, but she is gaining weight very well. My midwife was just hugging her and it is so obvious how much she truly cares. She lovingly waited during my labor to let my sweet baby come out, rather than rushing things. She wanted the very best for us, and I will always be grateful for her patience, her joy, and her genuine love of the natural birthing process.I feel so blessed.

Little Miss Bright Eyes and Monday Musings


Tomorrow, my precious youngest daughter, Anastasia, will be 6 weeks old! She is so very sweet and cuddly and I am constantly in awe of this third treasure from the Lord. It is amazing how such a tiny bundle can bring such joy! Everyone keeps telling me how she is growing so fast, but it is hard for me to notice, since I am always with her. But when I look at her newborn pictures, I am astounded at how fast my baby is growing up. Watching my sweeties grow up is always so bittersweet for me. It is a constant reminder that I need to seek the Lord's strength in raising these children for His glory.
Raising our children according to God's ways isn't very easy or obvious, sometimes. This past Saturday, I was challenged to truly be a mother of integrity. We were driving to my in-law's house to pick up my sister-in-law, as we were heading to the beach for the day. All of a sudden, it sounded like something big was hitting our car, and it sounded like a gun of some sort was being shot, rapidly. I was frustrated and said, "How could someone do this?" I was quite mad to say the least, as I assumed that some teens were hiding in the woods, shooting some pellets at our vehicle with an air soft gun. Then we noticed a few small dents in the vehicle and that the front tire had been shot out, or we had run over something that put a hole in it. I felt very convicted by the Lord when I realized that I was speaking angrily about the people who had done this, and my children were listening. I think the most convicting thing was that the day before, I had just read to them the passage in Matthew, where it says to pray for those who are your enemies, to forgive and to bless them.One of the greatest blessings of children is the fact that we want to be better people when God sends them to us. We want to change and to always be godly people. We notice our weaknesses so much more when there are precious, innocent ears listening hanging on our every word. My three blessings were the reason that I wanted to be better and to lead them to Christ in this situation. I talked to Lily and I told her that we should pray for them. Well, unfortunately, some of my bad attitude about the situation had already started to rub off on her. She said, "No." So I tried to relay to her how I was wrong by being angry with the people who had done this, and how we need to listen to what Jesus said. I hope that some of what I was trying to teach her truly affected her. We are so privileged to have children to rear in the ways of the Lord. They are a wonderful reminder to me to look at the big picture, and not to get caught up in the frustrating details. It is such a challenge that the only way that my children will be godly is if we are godly examples.This is just one more reason that I need to often be at the feet of Jesus, begging for His Wisdom and grace. Blessings, dear friends.

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." -Matthew 5:43-48

Show and Tell Friday
On this lovely Show and Tell Friday, I wanted to share with you my ruby ring, which my dear hubby recently gave me. It is hard to see the exact coloration of the rubies in the picture, but they are truly gorgeous. He bought this ring for me in honor of our daughter's birth, since she was born last month. My dear hubby also said that he was so proud of me for giving birth naturally and he wanted to give me something special in honor of it. I also treasure the symbolism of rubies, for it reminds me of my goal as I aspire to be a Proverbs 31 lady. As Proverbs 31:10 states, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." For more Show and Tell Fridays, visit Kelli's Blog.

What a Testimony!
I was recently led to a blog by Rebecca, which was really inspirational. It is the blog of a mother of six precious blessings, who is simply incredible. This post really spoke to my heart. I pray that it is a blessing to you as well.Her husband was an incredible Christian witness to a man who was robbing them. In a moment where anything could have happened, he courageously risked it all to share Christ with another. May God fill all of His children with that kind of a passion to witness to the lost. Blessings!

Works for me Wednesday
One really handy tool for studying the Word of God on your computer is a free program called E-Sword. With this program, you can read a bible passage in Greek or Hebrew, and utilize concordances, dictionaries, maps, charts. I am sure that once you use this program, it will become a resource that you do not want to be without. For more Works for me Wednesday ideas, visit Shannon.

A Movie Trailer about the Dangerous Tenets of Feminism

One quote I liked best in this film, regarding modesty, was from Stacy MacDonald,
"If a woman wears maternity clothes, she shouldn't be surprised when people think she is pregnant...So if a woman dresses like she is loose, she should not be surprised if that is what people think of her character." As members of the Body of Christ, we ought to delight in dressing as His Bride!

Please pray for the dear Morris family, who are going through the process of losing their unborn baby.Cindy Morris asks for prayers that she is able to go through this process naturally.

Mama's Little Darling

Bachelor of Arts with an Emphasis in Homemaking?
I found this article really fascinating about how Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is offering a degree for ladies only, in Humanities, with a concentration on homemaking. The major would have an emphasis in learning how to sew, proper meal preparation, the value of a child, and the biblical roles of family. Some people seem to be in a bit of an uproar about it, stating that it is insulting to women to have such a major. Personally, I feel that the best situation is for women to learn these domestic skills from their mothers or other Titus 2 women. Sometimes, this is not always possible, and for those ladies who are going to go to college, I feel it is nice that they have an alternative to the regular college majors. I think it is wonderful that a man can study for the ministry, and a woman can learn more about her God-given role as wife, mother, and homemaker. Rather than only having career-driven majors, I am glad that women have a domestic choice. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Blessings!

I am so excited that a dear blogger friend is going to be hosting a bible study on The Power of Motherhood, an excellent study manual, written by Nancy Campbell. This book has been such a comfort to me, and it has literally changed my life. Every page scripturally echoes the importance of our sacred role as mothers.There is a special website, dedicated just for the study of this manual, here. If you are interested in ordering the book, it can be found here.Now, I tend to be very frugal about what I purchase, but this is one book I am quite grateful to have spent the money on. I learn something new everytime I pick it up! I heartily recommend this book to every mother; we could all use some encouragement to carry on our sacred duties. I look forward to learning with you in this wonderful study. Blessings!

An Excerpt from The Power of Motherhood:
"Hebrews 11:7 says, "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."
For 100 years, Noah did the same thing- hammered, nailed, and kept on building his ark. He did not have time to do all the things that everyone else was doing. He just kept on slogging and being faithful, doing the same thing for all of those years- but in doing so, he condemned the world. He changed the world because he stuck with the job he was given to do! While others did their own thing, Noah gave his life to his family building his ark. He was ridiculed and persecuted, but he was the only one who saved his family! Isn't it amazing that our daily faithfulness in the home will have its impact on earth and also for eternity? It can change the world!"

Frugal Friday
Vista Print is an amazing place to get a variety of personalized items such as business cards, t-shirts, stationary, invitations, and rubber stamps.With this coupon, you can save 25% off of their already affordable prices. For more frugal Friday ideas, visit, Crystal's website.

4 Weeks!


Yesterday, sweet little Anastasia Rose turned 4 weeks, already! She is such a darling babydoll! She is awake so much more than when she was a newborn. We are treasuring all of her smiles. She does so many things that remind us of Lily, when she was a baby. Anastasia loves staring at the ceiling fan. She can be quite upset, but she will often stop crying when she sees a fan. She is also very passionate about eating; she is quite a determined girl, who knows what she wants. Lily and Stevie love helping her when I change her diaper or give her a bath. I am just so proud of their abundant love that they show towards her. She is a true blessing to all of us.

Getting the Birth Certificate
Yesterday, Stephen, Anastasia, and I went to the health department to submit our information to be able to get a birth certificate. I am so grateful that the lady who is in charge of this process, was so nice to us. I was mentally bracing myself for some sort of lecture or reprimand for birthing at home. But when we walked in her door, she said, "Oh, you must be a homebirth." (with a sincere smile) She was very sweet and professional in every way. My husband asked her if there were many homebirths in this county and she said, "Oh yes." I am so grateful that God enabled this whole process to go very smoothly, as I know that some places are more difficult than others, to obtain a birth certificate. Another blessing was that the lady was just about to leave on vacation for two weeks, and we got there just in the nick of time. It is so nice to be able to tie up all of these loose ends. Blessings!

A Blessed Thought
"O mothers of young children, I bow before you in reverence. Your work is most holy. You are fashioning the destinies of immortal souls. The powers folded up in the little ones you hushed to sleep in your bosoms last night are powers that shall exist for ever. You are preparing them for their immortal destiny and influence. Be faithful. Take up your sacred burden reverently. Be sure that your heart is pure and your life is sweet and clean. The Persian apologue says that the lump of clay was fragrant because it had lain on a rose. Let your life be as the rose, and then your child as it lies upon your bosom will absorb the fragrance. If there is no sweetness in the rose the clay will not be perfumed." -J.R.Miller in Homemaking pg. 108

Graphic is from allposters, entitled Small Comforts

Edifying Christ-centered Music
I love listening to godly music, especially while I do my household tasks. It really helps me to stay focused on God. I have really enjoyed the beautiful Christian music at this link. I really love the serene music performed by the Bob Jones Symphony.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because He trusteth in Thee." -Isaiah 26:3

Bonnet Tip to: Mrs.Wilt, for sharing the link for this lovely music!
Image Courtesy of allposters.com entitled Royal Garden

Weekend Pictures and Menu Plan Monday
We had so much fun taking the children to the aquarium near the beach.


Monday- August 6th- Lasagna, Bread, and Salad

Tuesday-August 7th- Chicken Cacciatore

Wednesday- August 8th- off- dinner with extended family

Thursday- August 9th- Beef Burritos

Friday- August 10th- Homemade Pepperoni Pizza and Monkey Bread

Saturday-August 11th-Breakfast for Dinner or Leftovers

Sunday-August 12th- Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwiches

For more menu plans, visit Laura.

Celebrities who Homebirth
Recently, I had a comment on my blog about celebrities who homebirthed, so in my curiosity, I just had to google it. I was amazed to see how many were willing to birth at home, without pain medication. Some of these famous people include John Travolta and Kelly Preston, Cindy Crawford (she had 2 homebirths), Demi Moore, and a plethora of others. You can check out this interesting information here. It also includes a list of famous people from history who were born at home. Many of these celebrities did not just homebirth to escape from the media, but because they really understand the process of birthing. It is so refreshing to hear of people educating themselves about birth, rather than simply signing up for an elective cesarean.

Congratulations, Duggar Family!
Baby Duggar #17, Jennifer Danielle Duggar, arrived this morning. For a sweet family picture, click here. Every time they have a baby, the press is simply astounded that they want more children. They have already stated that they want all of the children that God sends them. They set a wonderful example of joy in bearing the blessings He sends.

Too Funny!
Hey, I would have been quite content with the bloomers! They look cozy!

I've Got Some Explaining to Do....
This past Sunday, after our worship service, a 4 year old, blonde girl came running up to my 2 1/2 year old, Stevie.She very boldly told him that she wanted to marry him, someday. Lily did not see this happen, and I told her about it, the next day. She looked very sad, and said, "She cannot marry Stevie!" I asked Lily why not, and she said, "Because I am going to marry Stevie." I tried talking to her for quite some time about the fact that she needed to marry a different man when she got older. For some strange reason, it did not seem to sink in.Children are just so funny, sometimes.

Welcome to our homeschool. It is our conviction, according to Deuteronomy 6, that we as parents are to diligently teach our children, especially to train them to heed the instruction of the Lord. We "homeschool" our children from the womb. We are blessed with Lily, who is 4, Stephen, who is 2, and Anastasia, who is 3 weeks old. We are taking a bit of a "formal" break from homeschooling right now, but we try to continue learning, at all times. We try to start out the day with Bible time. Either I read to the children straight from the Bible, or I read to them from this children's version. It is such a desire of my heart that my children learn and live what the Bible teaches. We also sing songs and recite Bible memory verses. We do this first, as it is most important, in our priorities.
Since Lily and Stevie are so young, I try to focus on teaching them reading and math.Lily and Stevie enjoying practicing their handwriting. Usually, I mainly work with Lily on this, but just by being in the same room with us, Stevie has learned so much. I am simply amazed.Even though he is only 2, he often writes a letter, and tells me the sound it makes.Lily does a great job too; since January, she has learned how to write every letter, and she can tell me the sound it makes.We like to learn best by reading many books on many different topics. Lily and Stevie absorb so much, this way! I also try to always read to them at least one book, at a time, which is above their reading level. We enjoyed reading The Little House on the Prairie.
These are some of the materials that the children and I use in our homeschool. Sometimes, phonics workbooks are a bit tedious for Lily, so for those days, we do something different. For example, we might grab a tub of chalk and write words on the driveway. Lily loves doing that, and she has no idea that we are learning.They love learning math by counting beads, beans, playing with an abacus, etc.. We love Charlotte Mason's learning style, so we try to take many nature walks. I load the children in the double stroller, and we gather any outdoor treasures that we can find. We sometimes use them to make crafts.
Shown above are some resources that I own, that I am looking forward to using with my littles, once they get to be a bit older.The Mystery of History is an amazing chronological, biblical view of world history. I have such a desire for my children to have hearts for learning about the whole world, and a desire to win souls for Christ, everywhere.

Thank you so much for taking a peek into our homeschool. Our children are our true delights on earth. Thank you so much, Tiany, for hosting this homeschool open house!