Vim and Vigor

A summer reading challenge for my teen daughters

 

( My second eldest daughter, is pictured above.)

This summer, I decided to put out a fun challenge for my daughters. During their free time...which they do have...between youth work trips, vacation with the family, volunteering at our local vacation bible school, working as junior servants at a local camp, not to mention time with friends! It sounds like every minute of their summer is taken up. However, they do have plenty of free time, to just be themselves.

For those of you who may be curious, I have 3 daughters. Two of which are teenagers, (turning 17 and 16 this summer), and one daughter who is just 5. My two boys are young as well.

So, onto the challenge.

I thought it would be fun to come up with a list of books for reading this summer, (and yes, I told them I'd pay them for completion of the challenge ;) These books are at times, challenging, entertaining and inspiring. Most of them I have read, though some came recommended by good friends. Of course, there are so many good books out there, it was hard to narrow it down! 

They have to have read 12 of these books by the end of the summer....which brings us to one a week...(I am saying the challenge is roughly 12 weeks from June through August. One of my teens is a voracious reader, and one could take it or leave it. (Hence the money reward!) Some weeks they will be so busy, no reading will get done at all, I'm sure. But, other weeks there will be plenty of leisure and reading time. I hope your daughters, (or you!), might enjoy and grow from some of the books listed......

1. Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

2. Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss

3. Any 3 missionary stories you haven't read yet, from YWAM publishers (Example of one.)

4. See number 3.

5. See Number 3.

6. Let me be a woman Elisabeth Elliot

                                        -- or --

     Passion and Purity

7.  A young woman after God's own heart by Elizabeth George 

8. I kissed dating goodbye by Joshua Harris

9. A young woman's guide to making the right choices by Elizabeth George

10. Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy

11. Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges

12. The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

13. Joni: An unforgettable story by Joni Eareckson Tada

14. Life without limits: Inspiration for a ridiculously good life by Nic Vujicic

15. A long walk to water: A true story by Linda Sue Park

 

 

:: Spring ::

A treat for the birds (and us)

Weather that we "hoped" would be below the freezing mark, encouraged the making of this with my Katie. She loves to touch anything and everything, so hands on projects like this suit her well. I saved a bit of the greenery from our Christmas tree, as I've had this in mind for a week or so. 

There really were very few berries to be found, but I think we did claim enough to make it stand out a little. And, Katie getting to use a knife, (even if it was a butterknife!)~ well, let's say that makes her feel very grown up.

Of course, getting a taste of the juicy oranges really was a treat. We stopped for a snack mid-project. Even a few of the other children had to beg for some orange from us, as they really were perfect. 

Of course, after we hung it on the branch when it was all done, the sun was shining brightly.

Drip-drip. Uh, oh. 

Yes, the beauty was gone in a matter of a couple of hours.

The memory of our time together, will last for always.

My inspiration for this craft, was found in this wonderful book by Amanda Blake Soule.

A birthday and a recipe

My baby has now turned 2. As my hands  have been busy mixing and stirring....he has been busy sleeping away the afternoon in the arms of his daddy.

As I busily prepare his birthday cake, I can't help but let my mind wander over and about the last couple of years.

So very much happens, that if you dare to blink, the first two years have already gone by. Learning how to talk, walk, and get along with his sisters and brother. His siblings are his biggest cheerleaders, rejoicing in all his new accomplishments.

Not a day goes by as of late, when I don't hear someone say, "Mom, did you hear what he did? He can say 'milk' now! Wow!" And, the other day his big brother came up to me and told me how proud he was that his little brother had learned how to really play trucks now, and not just mess up his playing or throw them around. 

A little daily celebration happens when you have a two year old in the house.

He loves playing trucks....he points his little hand out the window when his daddy's home...and says "dat daddy's vroom-vroom", speaking of his semi, so very proudly. Growing more independent by the day, I noticed how he got his own velcro "work boots" on yesterday without any help from mama.

He knows what he does and doesn't like...of this he will let you know. You can be sure a shrill scream will be coming from those little lungs if he disagrees about something! Oh, but there is so much more good than bad!

 ~dimpled hands

 ~soft, white swedish skin

~blue eyes with the longest lashes

~laying with him on the bed before naptime holding a book in the air and reading together

-snuggles with his "banket", as he calls it

My ears will be quite lonesome when there are no longer any truck noises being made by little mouths while I am baking in the kitchen.

 

 And, to celebrate this special milestone? A simple cake....truly a coffee cake style recipe, that is neither too sweet or too dry. Just right for little hands.

A Simple Birthday Cake

 Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar (we like organic cane juice crystals)

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla (homemade, if you have some)

 

Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

1/4 tsp. almond extract

3-5 tsp. milk (add more to get the consistency you like)

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar (or cane juice crystals), baking powder, and salt. Using pastry blender or fork, cut in butter. Add milk, eggs and vanilla. Stir well. Pour batter into greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 35 minutes. Blend icing ingredients, and drizzle over warm cake.

Changed from original recipe, found here.

In this time

 

 

Ran outdoors quickly before my morning shower to capture this one.

 This fall has been such a flurry of activity and business like none other. Among other things...it was my two eldest girls first time playing volleyball. It was a travelling team where parents do the driving..(welcome to homeschooling sports teams....ahem). Also, we had the sudden stillbirth of our son, Thomas at 21 weeks gestation. We also moved locally. Just to name a few. Whew, that exhausts me a bit glancing back.

Truly, though, I feel quite at peace where we are at the moment. Volleyball is done until next year. (And, shouldn't all parents get a medal for getting through a sprort's season, too?) We are healing and nesting. 

My youngest wearing his "peh-boy" boots

After such a very, very full season, I feel as though I can take time to breathe. It truly is amazing, what time away from your daily routine does for your outlook upon it. I have just been able to truly feel as though our daily rhythm, is...well, back into rhythm this week. Many weeks have passed since I have felt this way.

My eldest son learning a new skill, with dad leading the way

I am absolutely revelling in this slower time. Taking time to watch my youngest play. Resting.Taking the time to play with them. Settling down at the kitchen table, and watching the sun rise, while reading my bible. Observing a new skill being learned. Resting. Oh, how I am loving it. Did I mention taking the time to rest?

 After reading One Thousand Gifts,....I have become much more aware of all I have to be thankful for. No matter the circumstances, be the schedule heavy or light. There is blessings abound.

And, when my schedule suddenly feels burdensome again...as it does seem to happen in cycles.... A time of business, a time where we are home more, and returning again to the busy....If I can just keep this view. If I can ask the Lord to grant me His eyes, to see all that He has given. Then, even the crazy times can be times of thankfulness, mindfulness and rest. In this time, too, Lord. Help me to see the good you have given.

 

 

 

~ Brothers ~

 

Brothers Are Forever

Brothers share a special bond,
Like blood, brotherhood,
It’s thicker than water.
Friends may come and go,
And relationships may drift apart,
But brothers are forever.
Though the sun may rise in the east,
And set in the west,
We will still be brothers.
Though the seasons may change,
Spring, summer, fall and winter;
We will still be brothers.
What God has ordained,
No man can change,
Brothers are forever.

© Alex Romero
Source: Brothers, Brother Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/brothers#ixzz1wpZW0gsJ
www.FamilyFriendPoems.com

The pups

 We have now had these 9 sweet pups in our lives for 4 weeks. The kids have been very much involved in this process right from the birth. What an experience, to have all the children snuggled in close...bodies laying in the straw....waiting and watching.  Not too close, yet close enough to feel a part of it all.

What a miracle it truly is, the birth of new young.....life.

And, after witnessing such an event, daddy turns to us all and questioned us. "How can anyone deny there is a God, after witnessing this?".....we answer with only a nod. We are still busy with thoughts of these wriggly little bodies, nursing from their mama.

Dreaming future thoughts of wiggling tails, chasing balls, and what we just had the priviledge to witness filling our minds....

 

 And, yes, these 9 pups have brought a bit more busyness to our days. Days that were very much "full" already.  Quiet is something that does not happen very much around here. But, then again, there will be a season for that, too.

 

Right now:

:: Let me embrace the noise, the chaos, the creativity of young minds.

:: Let me be the type of mom who says "yes" more than no

:: Let me take the time to laugh at the spills, smile at the childlike mistakes, and remember how many of my own I make in a day

:: Let me focus on the sounds of laughter as the kids romp with the pups, and the squeals of delight in something new they saw a puppy doing...rather than the piddles and mess that comes with them.

:: God, let me be a momma who loves with your kind of love....unconditional and everlasting....

 

 

Serving together...

 

Our 4 year old is the same as many others, I have a feeling.  She loves to play dress-up, pretend she's a professional ballerina, and she's pretty sure she wants to be a mermaid when she grows up.  As my 4th child to hit the age of 4, I have learned to enjoy this intense age.

Some of my young children have  seen a need someone has, and are quick to help.  Others of mine, have not even noticed when someone else has a need, for they are in their own little world.  However, no matter the age, we all are somewhat selfish, aren't we? 

However, the age of 4 seems to be an age when their little world revolves around themselves.  They are feeling out this big world, and how they fit into it.  When they see something they like, they want it to be their own. When they are hungry they want to eat.....now!  And, make it something they like! 

When my daughter had been showing me this type of behavior recently, it broke my heart.  Impatience, not being thankful when given things, and some other behaviors I was not happy to see displayed.

As I was having my morning quiet time the other day, I poured out my heart to the Lord, asking for His wisdom regarding my daughter's heart. "What can I do, Lord, to show her the joy of serving others?"  During that prayer time, a thought came to my mind, and I feel it was directly from God.  He told me to come alongside her daily.  Take her under my wing, and serve others together.

Where has this taken us?  We've "suprised" her biggest sister while she was in the shower, by making her bed up quickly. She's also made our bed with me, to show daddy as well.  Also, we've prayed together for different people.  One night in particular, we were praying together for daddy, and the most beautiful words came out of her mouth.  It truly brought tears to my eyes.

Our latest way to serve others, has been for us to buddy up and make lunch for everyone together.  There are six of us here at lunchtime, and if daddy is home, that is seven (7!) lunches for hands to put together. 

She places her little chefs hat on her head, and I set up a little station for her to work at.  Yesterday was egg salad sandwiches, which was very messy, but lots of fun to put together with her. We laughed and laughed together as we served her brothers and sisters. 

In the last month, since implementing this, I have seen profound changes in my little girls heart and attitude.  God is changing her heart through her actions.  She accepts taking turns without throwing fits as before, she apologizes quickly when having done wrong (which did NOT happen before without much prompting on my part), and she things of others on her own much more now.

Tonight, as she had a friend over to play, I watched her gladly share a special treat that she had received.  She was quick to share all that she had, and played what her friend wanted to play (unlike before when she was always the boss of what to play!) I don't say any of this to brag on my child, (who still has a long way to grow....like her mama does as well.)  But, I say this to encourage you to bring to the Lord any problem you see with your child. 

Lay them at His feet, and watch what He does.  It's amazing to watch God at work in our children.

Blessings,

Joy~

{I am linked up over at The Modest Mom}

Decorating your holiday home, and serving others with a budget in mind.

We have opened our door to quite a few people over the past few days, and with the holidays coming I wanted to make our home carry the spirit of that, and be welcoming at the same time.  Also, my goal was to use what I had on hand as much as possible, so as to have guests in our home without using money we need for gifts and such.

In the photograph above, I used a hand-me-down quilt my hubby's grandmother made to lay over a vintage sewing machine table. On top of the quilt I placed a vintage church, (you know the ones with the little light bulb in them), that was used in my childhood home, as well as a little empty jar.  The tree was given to me by a friend as a surprise gift last year, after we had their family over for dinner.  It was left on my porch, and I have loved it ever since.

On the tree, to make it look snowy, I just took a couple of cotton balls, and spread them thin around the tree.  Also, I found a piece of white fabric that was wrinkled and had frayed sides.  I folded the edges in around the tree as a skirt, and noone will ever know it's not perfect.

These little trees were so fun to make, and were just cut from old sweaters I had on hand, and felted.  (Washed in hot water, and put into hot dryer.)  The pattern for the circles can be found here. They made some inexpensive, and simple to make centerpieces for the table.

I went tramping out in the cold on a hike with my little guy to pick up some sticks for these stars.  The weather was a bit wet, so I left them to dry for a half-day in our mudroom.  Then, I broke them into similar sized pieces, before having my eldest daughter lay them in a star shape, while I did the hot gluing.  We then looped a ribbon, (some wide some skinny) around the middle and actually taped with a small piece of clear packing tape to the inside of the window frames. 

This cute little hanging "Merry Christmas" banner was found and printed from here.  Quick and simple, and not much work.  Just a bit of cutting, and your done! They also have one that says "Believe", but I needed to take up space on our large wall.

Our home was one of the stops in a teen girl's birthday progressive dinner...we provided this wonerful tasting soup, and an activity.  We had a spa themed activity and did epsom salt/essential oil foot soaks, bentonite clay masks, and of course....nail painting. 

Also, today, the men and children of our church gathered here for lunch and fellowship, while us ladies and teen girls went out to lunch.  What a refreshing time to be without the little ones for a bit.  I love being a mother, and miss them when I'm away, but it was nice to sit in a restaurant and not have to cut up anyone's food....or get up and walk a fussy baby around!

I hope you have come away with a sense that you can decorate your home, and make it welcoming to others, without having to spend a pretty penny.  I encourage you to take the time, to love others and show your children the joy of serving others in your home.  It is said that it is more blessed to give than receive, but it seems that when we do give....we are given an abundance of joy. 

Blessings on you and your family,

Joy~

 {This post is a part of The great holiday barn hop and Works for me Wednesday}

::A year in pictures; Our babe turns one ::

 

 



 













You turn one today, my son.

What a gift God has given to us, in you.

In the wee hours of the morning, I prayed Psalm 33 over your life.

We all love you dearly, our little man.