Use what you have!

We're in the process of trying to spruce up a few things around here. Our girls need some clothing storage that is in good shape. We hang most of their clothes, so they don't need tons of space. Mostly, somewhere to out Jammie's, undies, etc.

I had a few pieces that were in sad shape... So today we repurposed them. I used chalk paint, in white. I distressed the pieces, and then finished them with soft wax. They have bunkbeds that are distressed, too. I plan on doing most of their furniture like this.

If your interested in how I did this, check out "chalk paint" on google. There's no prep, and it covers almost any surface!

Here are my before and after pictures. My girls really like it!

Going To and Fro

A few days ago, I was pulling a shirt over his little head. Words of direction were spoke. "Here, put your arm in"...."Benjamin, put your legs in, hurry.... Stop bouncing.... Put your leg in.... Now, it's time to go.."

He looked up at me, in all the sweet, kinda silly, honesty, that's in my 5 year old, and asked "Mama, why are we always late?"

You know, I can't recall where we were going? Maybe, it was just outside to play, I honestly don't remember. I DO remember feeling sure that I get too hurried.

That one got me. It spoke volumes. I need to slow down. Even when the circumstances around me are hurried. I need to be calm. I need to be an example of steadfastness. Not hasty in my goings.

I have found a good gauge to use to see where my heart is. Can I talk to Jesus right now? Am I prayerful in my heart? Or am I too busy with the cares of the world to attend to eternal things? Like teaching Benjamin to love, to attend to important things, heavenly things, the hearts that are around him, relationships...and not rushing to and fro.

One thing I've been aware of is that this hurried mentality can sneak in when our time is out of place. If we spend too much time on devices, on leisure, or even too much time working.

Lord, help me to serve you and keep all areas of my life in balance. To love people, and not ideas, or things. Show me Lord, anything that's out of place in my life. I want to love you above all, and to love my neighbors as myself.

Family Encouragement Weekend (FEW) 2013

We spent last weekend at the FEW Conference in Marble, NC. Our family was blessed beyond measure. We appreciate all the effort that is out into this conference. Here are some of the families that host...

http://theneelyteam.com/
http://staddonfamily.com/
http://thewilkesteam.com/

We not only were blessed by the conference, but we enjoyed time as a family, too. We take our camper when we go somewhere like this. We usually stay a few extra days, and make it a mini vacation.

We were so excited to see snow flurries!! Not only did it flurry, it snowed the whole weekend. We don't see much snow in Georgia, so that's pretty neat for us!

These pictures are at the campground we were parked at. We didn't get many conference pictures. So this is just us, enjoying our weekend! You can see a little snow, if you look close. Brashton is in his Ikea high chair, which I love! I'll try to write more about that later. Benjamin is holding a snowball. He kept it in the freezer later that day, so he could bring it home.

Precious Morning Gifts

I wake up to the piano singing hymns, to the Glory of our Saviour, by the hand of my son. His fingers dance across the keys, bringing sweet praise into our home.

I wake up to him kissing my face. Lips so soft, gentle scratches brush across my chin. I love it when he skips his morning shave for me. Whispered prayers escape his lips. Praise, help, gratitude.... There's no making our way, no joy overflowing, without Him.

I wake up to precious little hands reaching for Mama... Soft cries of wanting, warm comfort in the dark early hours. Skin to skin is soothing, a memory I'll hold forever. Mamas heart is full of love. Overflowing.

I wake up to prepare. My hands run through the cold hard grains. What a journey this life is....Then they become powder soft, turned and turned, baked a golden brown. Now, to nourish all the little bodies with their goodness. Life is good. We're blessed.

Blessed Music!

It is such a joy to serve The Lord with music and song. For years I prayed that my children would have the opportunity to learn music. My four oldest play piano. They are all gifted with an ear, and a measure of talent. Praise The Lord! My Baylen has a special gift. He plays with out effort. His fingers dance across the keys... It makes my heart sing to hear them all.

As we were getting dressed for the recital I had to remember that we were out of hair spray! I very often like the girls long tresses up high in beautiful curls. This time, Marendy was dressed casual and her style was easy to accomplish. Madison was dressed formal. We twisted her locks and gathered them together. It was beautiful!!

Madison dress is the American Girl brand. I was able to get this for $5 shipped from ThredUp! What a blessing. Marendy a Gymboree sweater was a $4 find, new with tags, at our local Goodwill. I love a quality bargain!

My oldest looks so grown in these pictures! Brady I'm so proud of you! Your a man now. It's bittersweet for your Mama.

I hope you enjoy our pictures from recital day!

Money Saving Mom

I have been an avid reader of Crystal's blog for a few years now. I'm very excited to read her new book about a more disciplined life. We could all use more discipline, right?

Check out her new book here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1451646208/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?redirect=true&%3BlinkCode=as2&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&%3Bcreative=399373&%3BcreativeASIN=1451646208&%3Btag=monsavmom-20&%3Bcamp=217145

Healthy Eating

This past year has been one of many changes in our home. There have been trials, struggles, joys, and victories. God is good in all things, though! He gives me strength, he's patient as he teaches me every day to be more like Christ. One of the things that has been a blessing to us is beginning to eat more natural. We now grind our own wheat, and bake our own bread. I can tell a big difference in my body when I'm eating fresh milled grain products. My blood sugar stays more stable, I loose weight, have more energy, and stay full longer. I see benefits like this in my children as well. Although the health benefits are wonderful, I love the time we spend together in the kitchen!

This was one of our first loaves of bread. The girls made a tiny loaf for their dolls.