Being a Comforter to my Family

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Being a mom has been one of the biggest blessings I can ever ask for. I find so much joy and happiness being a mom and caregiver of my family. But being a mom has also been one of the hardest things as well. 

When our son was 2 he had to have his tonsils and adenoids taken out. Its a common procedure that lots of children go through including myself when I was small. 

On the day of surgery my husband and I took our son Owen to the hospital early in the morning after our daughters had gotten on the school bus. When we arrived at the hospital we we're met by the best nurses who we're comforting and pleasant. The room we we're taken to was dressed with a "cowboy" pillow case and a cute little stuffed animal for Owen to feel special. 

He was given some oral medication to help calm his nerves and help him to feel less anxious. Little did we know it would make him the funniest little boy we had ever seen, giggling like crazy and making us all smile. After the nurse took him back for surgery we waited for the surgery to be done and then met him back in his room 45 minutes later.  I knew he wouldn't feel well when he woke up but I was unprepared for how angry and mad he would be coming out of the sedation. 

Parenting seems so similar to how Owen went from extreme happiness and joy before surgery to pure frustration, confusion and anger after surgery. I sat by my son's side in both circumstances to provide comfort and love just like God sits beside us through life's ups and downs. 

And in that, I take comfort! 

Father God, I choose today to quiet myself so that I can hear your little promptings. Show me ways I can bless others, including my children, through doing their laundry, fixing their meals, cleaning up after them and reminding them to bathe and do their chores. Instead of feeling unappreciated, may I feel the sense of being a blessing and comforter to those I love. 

-Amen

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A Season for Everything

We have had snow on the ground for weeks now. Its beautiful and brings moisture yet leaves me so cold and seems so bare out. 

A few days ago the kids got home from school and wanted to sled on our snow pile mountain. As I walked past the backdoor God stopped me and I felt an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness!

The smiles that I saw we're of true happiness and joy. Laughter and giggles filled the stillness of our driveway, and I was brought to tears. You see, I had been so focused on how bitterly cold it was and how it made me feel that I missed out on how truly beautiful this season is. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says this... 

"There is a time for everything,    and a season for every activity under the heavens:" 

A TIME for EVERYTHING and a SEASON for every activity under the heavens! Don't let the "coldness" of the season stop you from finding time, an open heart and joy in enjoying the activities that are right in front of you. 

Be present. 

Embrace the moment that your in right now in your life.

For this is the season and the specific time in your life that God created you for. 

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5 Touches to Create a Welcoming Home

As I read my devotional this morning these words stuck out to me...

"Help me to create a peaceful, restful, safe, welcoming home."

As my husband, children and guests come in and out of our home I want them to feel all of these things and there are simple things that I do to help to encourage this kind of home environment. 

5 Touches to Create a Welcoming Home

1. A tidy home is more than having the dishes done and the floor vacuumed. Its the process of having things in their place and clean - so when others, in particular my family, come into our home they feel like they can find a place to sit and just be. 

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2. Smell good! A home that smells good is so inviting to me. This might be a seasonal scent, one of my favorite essential oil combos in the diffuser or cookies in the oven - either way the aroma of my home makes me feel different ways. 

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3. Front door Love. Having something pretty at the entrance of our home is one of my favorites! I want everyone that enters our doors to feel welcomed and thought of. I feel like that starts at the entrance. There are simple things you can add like a wreath, chalkboard sign or vinyl "Welcome" that really give an extra touch. 

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4. Eat! Our senses play such a roll in how we react and fee. One of those senses is that of taste. I keep quick and easy treats close by that I can have out in minuets if a guest pops by. Candy corn this time of year is in my cupboard and I often bake bread and have it sitting close by to cut and have out. 

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5. You! Some of the most welcoming experiences are those that when I pull up to someones door they meet me with a smile and a warm hug that makes me feel at peace and like I'm supposed to be there. 

Blessings my friends! May you be able to bless those who enter into your home. They may be your children, spouse, friends, family or those you are just now meeting - but may they be welcomed and feel loved as they enter your doors! 

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For the Love of Dogs

Look at these faces! How can you not love them?! 

This sweet girl is now six months old and has been apart of our family for three months. She is just joy and happiness and makes me giggle.

 

Our Lucy is 9 years old! She is regal and noisy and such a protector of our home and family. With her age her hips bother her, we give her these little treats daily that help her to move better. You can find them by clicking HERE, I swear by them.  

#HappyNationalDogDay my friends!

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Fair

A week ago today our babies were showing their calves. 

So much time was spent this summer on working with animals to get them ready to take to town. All four of our kids showed this year.

So proud of my babies and the time and effort we put in throughout the year to make last week enjoyable. 

With that being said, Im glad we are a few animals short as far as chores go. Cheers to a new season!

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First Day of School 2016

 

My Loves are growing up! 

Yesterday was their first day of school for the 2016-2017 school year. 

They each make my heart SO full, its so bitter sweet watching them head out the door but I know this season will be a good one of our lives. Its all about growth and change, or so I'm telling myself.

 

With my house a bit more quiet for the past two days, I'm finding I have a lot more time to create and that brings me a different kind of joy. So here's to the days ahead of us all and the blessings about to unfold! 

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Dance... And do it often!

This amazing husband of mine and I dance often. Not always in formal wear and in front of a crowd but in our kitchen. One of the best birthday gifts I've ever received was a radio that fits under the counter in the kitchen. Its on way more than our t.v. 

I love that our kids like to dance! 

Its such a mood booster, changes the atmosphere, makes your body feel good and is one of those things you have to smile at. 

 

Dance often my babies! Fill your heart with happiness as you spin in circles and giggle at the sight of fake microphones and air drums.

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{SNOW}

 This past weekend we had a little skiff of snow. Just enough for a little sledding behind the buggie :)

Compared to today's forecast this looks so minimal but we all had such a fun day.

Hope you all are staying warm in this blizzard that we're having here in Nebraska!

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20 Things I want My Girls to Always Know

 As my girls have grown my heart has been overfilled with love, lessons learned and thankfulness. As we are venturing into pre-teen years I have no fears and worries, but beyond these I want my girls always to feel and know they are loved, along with a few other things.

1. You are a gift and should be treated as such.
2. I'm so Thankful God chose me to be your Mom.
3. You are to talented to be afraid to reach for your hearts desires.
4. Without you are family would NOT be complete. 
5. Respect yourself.
6. Dress like a princess, with grace and dignity.
7. Always show kindness.
8. SMILE! 
9. Never be afraid to do what you know is right.
10. I'll never forget holding you as a baby and how you have changed me.
11. You've made me cry as I have made you, but I will always forgive you.
12. Your laughter makes me so joyful and it should be heard by everyone!
13. Dream big.
14. Don't be afraid of hard work. 
15. Love your sisters (and little brother) fiercely.
16. If you feel afraid pray and then come to me and I will always help you.
17. You may be one day bigger than me but you will always be my baby.
18. Grades are important but not as important as the effort and work you put behind what you do. Do Your Best!
19. Sing often, it lifts the heart.
20. You are one of the few who truly knows the sound of my heart and how strongly it beats to love, protect, provide, laugh with and hold you tight. 

My sweet, beautiful girls - never lose your sparks, laughter, gifts, memories, scars, heart for God, knowledge of right and wrong and family bonds, for these are what make you, YOU.

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Untraditional Pumpkins

 

Halloween is just weeks away! 

It's such a fun silly holiday. I love the warmth of colors during this season too. 

Here are some super fun untraditional pumpkin ideas that I am loving.  

(All of these pictures are from Pinterest. Who doesn't love that site?!).

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