After Much Wrangling…

I’m finally connected!!!

Three trips into town and two calls to my internet provider later, I finally can get on-line.  But, ya know it was sort of nice not having the internet hogging my time.  I’m a weak soul, when it comes to blog land.  It’s something I’m constantly working on.  Blogging can be a really good thing for me and a really bad thing, too.  It has helped me put my thoughts, feelings and words into writing.  It has helped me to dig deeper and go farther.  It has pushed me to improve not only my writing, but myself. However, if I’m not careful it eats up my day.  The time I should be focusing on my children gets squandered away if I’m not careful.

Having this time off showed me a few things.  I really need to find the balance.

 

On another note…

 

When I did get back on-line I was surprised to find that I has won this.

With this…

 

Let me tell you, I was excited! If I hadn’t been sitting at the library, I probably would have whooped and hollered!  But, since it is an established quiet place, I held my peace!  I just had to share. This is the first photo contest I have ever won. It gave my little ol’ heart a boost of confidence and I just had to share this with all of you.

 

Well, I think I have jibber-jabbered enough for the moment, I’ll be SLOWLY making my way around to each of you my friends.

Pacing, pacing, pacing myself! :)

This Day….

Mixing, adding, stirring, flour coats my hands and the smaller set helping me.  Kneading is a favorite activity, right along with the rolling.  And who can resist spreading on the butter and heaping on the brown sugar and cinnamon. The extra effort  is worth the hugs and smiles when a pan of hot, fresh Cinnamon rolls is placed on the table.  And since this is my story, I can amaze even myself by whipping of a batch of fluffy pancakes, a side of bacon, a batch of scrambled eggs and a pot of fragrant coffee.

With tummies full and sugar energy flowing through everyone’s veins, we head to the woods for a nature hike.  With my camera on the ready, we wind through all the curves, uphill and downhill, finding secret hide-a-ways and forest treasures.  God’s gifts.  I capture a touches of God and precious memories on film.

 

When everyone gets pleasantly tired and fresh-air-famished, we find the perfect open patch of grass, spread our blanket and enjoy a perfect picnic of deli meat and vege stacked sandwiches, warm apples picked from the apple tree in the fence row, and fresh squeezed lemonade.  As our tummies fill we lay back and watch the lazy summer clouds float across the clear blue sky.  Out in the quiet, we feel God fill our hearts and souls.  We see His handy work.  We feel His glory.  We are warmed by His nearness.

While the day is still young, we head back home, my husband hands me a peppermint mocha latte that he magically has on hand.  He sets me down in the over stuffed chair, covers me with my favorite cozy blanket, my Bible, a book and an assortment of candy bars.  He mysteriously herds the children out the door to a destination unnamed.  I’m left with only the ticking of the clock for accompaniment.  After devouring my latte, multiple ounces of chocolate, and having read for awhile, with perfect understanding (due to the lack of disruption), I head to over to the computer. 

Oh, how I love to write!  A passion for sure. Blogging is the perfect outlet for expanding and growing my desire to be a better writer. I spend an hour or two just typing away, letting my creative juices flow.  Memories, struggles, triumphs recorded.

As my family tumbles through the door all arms and legs in motion.  I am reminded of how passionate I feel for them.  They are everything that defines love.   They are hugs and kisses, giggles and sunshine, fresh breeze and bright colors.  They are mine.  God’s gifts. 

A roast and vegetables that I thoughtfully had placed in the crock pot earlier that morning and a hot loaf of bread satisfies the hunger call.  Since there are a few more hours left in this blissfully, picture perfect day, we settle down to a pile of classic videos, Pollyanna, The Swiss Family Robinson and Anne of Green Gables.  What could be better?

A perfect day filled with the Lord, family, writing, photography, flavored coffee, and chocolate.  Showing me that my highest calling is to be a missionary.  Maybe not a missionary across the sea, but a missionary in my own small world. To live my life in such a manner that it is saturated with the love of Jesus.  Flowing out and over, shining for my family and those who pass through my life to see.  Living a life that God is leading, full of love, teaching, molding, listening, hugging, and growing.  With children or without that is my calling, to cast a light around me so that others can hear, see, taste the Gospel of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.

 

 

Thanks Amanda for making me think!  This post came about when Amanda tagged me to answer the following questions.

1.)  What is your favorite meal to fix for your family that you enjoy and they enjoy?
2.)  If you had a free day with your husband and children and all work was done what would you spend the day doing?
3.)  If you had a free day by yourself and your family was taken care of, what would spend the day doing?
4.)  Why did you start blogging?
5.)  Do you have a TV and if so what good family movies do you recommend?
6.)  Tell me three things you are passionate about.
7.)  If God had not called you to be a wife and a mother what do you think he would have called you to do?

 

Even though this day didn’t actually happen…..it could! :) 

Unintentional Break

 

Living in the country has its perks and a few detractors.

Such as having no phone service for 10 days.

No phone. No internet.

GASP!

NO BLOGGING!

A couple years ago our neighbors dug up and severed our phone line with a backhoe. Now whenever it rains significant amounts, as it has for the past week, we loose the ability to use our phone.

When we try to use the phone we get a loud buzzing and crackling which makes you temporarily loose all your hearing abilities.

We called the phone company each work day for 7 days.  Each time we got the same song and dance…it would be fixed within 24 hours.

Yesterday, 10 days into this fiasco, the phone repairman finally came.  We personally know the guy and he said it was the first time he had gotten any order for fixing our line. 

ARGGGH! Frustrating.

After the phone was fixed I tried to get on the internet, but each time I got a pop-up telling me my access was denied. 

SIGH! Oh well.

Today I finally got it all straightened around.

I’m up and running.

This unintentional break once again showed me what a time hog the internet can be. The first few days I was really antsy about not having the internet, but as time progressed I began to realize how much I was accomplishing with my computer turned off.

I need balance in this area of my life.

Less computer time and more living is what is the order of the day. Basic uninterrupted daily living. 

Simplicity at its finest.

Boundaries

Recently, in this post, I talked about how I was going to intentionally reduce the amount of time I spent blogging.  Jamie from Six Bricks High asked me if I wouldn’t mind sharing the ways in which I plan to limit my time spent on the computer.
One of the biggest ways I have cut my computer time is to make the weekends computer free with the exception of when I need to post a book review(which I write up during the week but then publish on Saturdays).  I had found that I was wasting my Saturdays and Sunday afternoons reading blogs and not just the blogs I regularly visit!  I was finding all sorts of great blogs out there, but in the process I was letting it consume all of my time.
Another way that I have reduced the amount of time spent on the computer is by staying off the internet in the mornings.  I allow myself to publish any new comments on my posts and to check my Email, but nothing more.  Last week I bent my own rules and allowed myself to read a blog post or two from some of my favorites in the morning, but it just led to me wanting to read one more, just one more(yeah, right!). So, this week I am sticking to the boundaries that I have set for my morning. 
The sad part is that I was beginning to neglect the teaching I needed to do with my younger two boys.  Both need me to guide them through their morning work.  Both need help with reading certain portions.  Both need help with their math, at times.
They need me and I need to be right there with them!
It is hard to admit, but I was really letting them down.  They would ask for help and I would say, “just let me finish reading this” or “hold on I am leaving this lady a comment”.  Now I park my rear at the table with them!  I am focusing on them and their needs as their teacher and momma, instead of getting sucked into blog world.  I love teaching. I always have and this week I am going to renew that joy.
So, here are my boundaries in list form:
LIMITS

• No blogging in the morning
• No blogging on weekends
• No blogging in the evenings

Allowed

• Blogging for one hour during lunch break
• Blogging for one hour in the afternoons after school is finished (Two hours a day sounds like a lot, but since I have dial-up I do house work while I’m waiting for pages to load, so I’m not spending a total of 2 hours on the computer.)

This is the plan anyway! We’ll see if it works! I may have to tweak things a little, but I plan on sticking to this as closely as possible. I’m not sure, yet, if these restrictions will apply to my writing. I do use some of this time for writing, but  as of right now, I'm not ready to drastically limit my writing.  I usually have the computer on with my Windows Live Writer page minimized in the tray, that way if a good thought pops into my head I can write it down and hopefully turn it into a post at a later date.  It is sort of like my notebook or ideas!

What are some of the ways that you limit your blogging time?

Missing You!

I just can't stay away! You know, I really, really tried.  But I'm missing all of my friends way too much. I have come to rely on blogging for my socialization.  I crave the connection with other moms. I need it.  Without these friendships I would be a sappy, lonely, lost and confused soul.  Okay, well maybe not lost, but definitely sappy and lonely and a little less knowledgable.

So, I'm back!

Just to let you know, I am still trying to find some balance with my computer time. If you don't get a comment from me on every post please understand...I may be hoeing down the infernal weeds in my garden or standing over the steaming canner or feeding the ever hungry hooligans or taking my daughter potty (again) or taking a day at the lake or taking a road trip or visiting my sister or doing an art project or MAYBE I'll be sitting in the shade with a glass of lemonade glancing up at my children as they run through the sprinkler and I read a "can't put down" good book.

SIMPLIFY

 

Sublime summer

Ice cream

Moon beams

Peaceful afternoons

Late nights

Intense heat

Fireflies

Youthful energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am trying to soak up every moment of these beautiful summer days. So, I will be taking a little break from blogging.  I know I will miss reading each of your blogs, but I need to take time to refocus. I feel that I have been spending too much time in front of the computer and not enough time with my children. 

I'll meet back up with you on down the road~ take care!

Awarded

 

Thank you Kristilea for this lovely award. Thank you for thinking of me. I truly appreciate it!

 

Since this award is all about honesty... here goes, my sincerely honest self...

~I'm addicted to coffee. It gets me up and going in the mornings. Truthfully, it gives me the oomph I need to get out of bed. Sad, but true!

~I am a homebody. I am happiest when I am at home. I don't like to get out and about a whole lot. 

~Big cities intimidate me! I like to visit and am in awe when I am there.  It is a big adventure! Yet, somehow I feel out of place.  I am so happy to get home to my quiet, country home.

~I love to feed the birds. So much so, that I raise meal worms to give them and I make my own suet!

~I am shy.  I struggle in social situations, where I don't know people.  And sometimes, I even struggle when I do know people. My brain seems to freeze and I can't even begin to think of anything to say. Which compounds the problem and I just get more embarrassed.  I would much rather be at home curled up with a good book or reading blogs! I guess that's one of the things that attracted me to my husband. He can talk to anyone and make them feel at ease.

~I love teaching. I am so glad I have the opportunity to teach my children at home, most days! (I'm supposed to be honest, remember!)  And maybe, when they are grown, I will get to teach in a classroom again.

I pass this award on to...

Marisa@ Small Moments Captured

Wilma@ Little Toes and Cheerios

Amy@ The Kings Table

Dawn@ P.S. He Loves You

Martha@ Fly Away Birdie

What's Up?

My, oh my, I have been slacking on my blogging lately. I'm having a hard time keeping up with everyone's posts. Goodness, I can't seem to even find time to post on my own blog! I'm trying desperately to keep caught up on my reading because I don't want to miss out on what is happening with all of you, but if you feel by any chance that I have been neglecting you, I apologize, I really do.  Let me see if I can explain why I've been a slacker in the blog world.

Here's the rundown... 

 

Gardening~ I've been doing a lot of it lately! We finally got all of the garden planted, except for a few more rows of corn that need to go in.  Plus I've been working in my flowers gardens almost daily. I'm trying to get some annual flower seeds in the ground so that I will have lots of glorious color come mid-summer.

 

 

Softball~ My boys don't play Little League, so for the past two summers, my friend and I have organized a 6 week Christian  Children's Softball League. Its a laid back affair.  No practices, just Monday night Softball games.  My friend's husband brings his portable grill and we roast up hot dogs and chow down while cheering on our children. I don't know who has more fun the kids or the parents, who are gifted with 2 hours worth of social time!

 

 

4-H~ It's that time of year again...FAIR! As administrative leader of our group, I am still learning the ins and outs.  Since it is only my 2nd year, it takes me a bit more time than someone who knows what they are doing. Sometimes I feel very clueless! I have spent a bit of time the past couple of weeks organizing a club meeting and working on paperwork for the fair.  Nothing strenuous, but I like to make sure I have all my ducks in a row!

Lack of creativity~ The creative writing portion of my brain is on hiatus. I cannot seem to come up with anything clever, inspirational or outstanding. My life here is pretty simple and the normal day to day doesn't seem to provide any fodder!

Bone tired~ After laying in bed 24/7 for 2 1/2  months I am finding   that I get worn out really easy.  By the afternoon, on most days, I feel like I need a nap and all the muscles in my back seem to be protesting that they can't hold me upright much longer.  But, I'm gaining and making improvement, for that I am grateful.

S-L-O-W Internet connection~ This dial-up is torturing me. It is taking considerable time for the blogs to come up, then if I want to comment I have to wait some more. FRUSTRATING! I guess it is one of the negatives of living in such a rural place.

Life~ You know all that stuff like, doctors appointments, grocery shopping, house cleaning, feeding of the hungry hordes, piano lessons, and keeping my little animals from bickering constantly now that they are on summer break.

 

Well there you have it, my life in a list!

I've Found My Niche' and A Giveaway

On February 11th, I celebrated my first full year of blogging. There wasn't a band, balloons, speeches or hundreds of blog friends with me to celebrate! But, I did have a tremendous sense of accomplishment, so I did my own little victory dance! My kids looked at me like I had lost the other half of my mind.

I never would have imagined when I first started putting my thoughts on this blog, how much blogging would me to me.

This is my niche'. This is my place.  A place where I can write what is on my heart.  Or share just my normal non-exciting day to day events.  This is where I can have a few minutes of "me" time.  I love being a stay-at-home-homeschooling-mom, but it can be very isolating, especially in our very rural area. There are times when I just yearn for a connection with other moms.  Blogging helps me reach out of my little sphere and brings other moms into my life and heart.

Blogging has brought me closer to the Lord.  I have read so many godly women's blogs and they have inspired me to spend more time in the Bible. To pray more. To seek God's will for my life.  All things I had been doing before, but not with the intensity that I am seeking them now.

Here in this place I have made so many wonderful friends.  Most I will probably never see face to face, but that doesn't matter.  We are connected through our hearts.  So, as a way to say thank you to all the friends I have made this year and any new ones that I may make in the year to come, I have gotten together a little giveaway.

All of these items were handmade by little ol' me. Nothing fancy. But made for you with my hands and heart. Leave me a comment, the winner will get a crocheted dishcloth, a crocheted baby cloth for messy hands, face or to use in the bathtub, a set of 8 blank note cards with nature pictures taken by me or my sister, and finally a set of 6 flower refrigerator magnets.

I will choose a random winner on Friday at 10:00 pm (EST).  So leave me lots and lots of comments.  I want to hear from all of you!

At The Well- "Grand Opening"

At The Well is kicking off its "Grand Opening". The new site will be featuring articles/devotionals based on the Titus 2 woman (to which I will be contributing). It will be a gathering place for women to learn more about loving their husband and their children, keeping their homes, and living their lives so that they may please the Lord.

Join in on the giveaways on February 2nd. You can get a jump start now by heading to the Well today. You will be able to enter your name 3 times now and then one more time on the 2nd.

Here is what you could win...

A brand new blog facelift valued at over $50
donated by Doodlebug Designs
A custom blog card (or mom card, if you don’t blog) design, valued at $30. You’ll receive a high quality .jpg, .png or .pdf file – you can do the printing yourself or have them printed online or locally – the options are endless. Print only as many as you need!
The file is yours to keep.
donated by Simply Amusing Designs
"Fill 'Em Up!" ... a "cookbook" for parents to use with kids which includes a devotional/Bible study that goes along with each recipe.
donated by Heavenly Homemakers
A signed copy of the book "The Devil in Your Garden"
donated by Natalie Witcher from I AM (not)
A digital scrapbook download package
donated by The Digital Scrapbook Place
A $25 Starbucks gift certificate
donated by At the Well

So, what do you think? Would you like to win one of these? Go check out At the Well!

Giveaway Recognition

Awhile back I won two giveaways in one week! I was flyin' high, because they were both great prizes.  Since I was blessed with wonderful gifts, I decided I should give a little recognition to the ladies who made my day.

1. Heidi from Moms, Ministry and More gave away a $25 gift certificate to any online store.  I chose Christian Book Distributors.  I was able to purchase 3 books that I have wanted to read.  Thanks so much Heidi!
2. Kristen from We Are THAT Family had a mom business called 4 Princess Bows donate $25 of their products.  This is what I got...

I got these cute bows and awesome headband/bow combination for Lauren. On that same site I found this pretty bracelet for me! I had a great time choosing pretties for myself and Lauren! If you get a chance go check out this mom business.

Angela's Birthday Bash

Today Angela at Becoming Me is doing a giveaway for her birthday.  She contacted me a while back and asked if I would like to give away a set of my crocheted dishcloths.  Of course, I jumped right on that opportunity! I could definitely use the free advertising.  Plus I have come to treasure the wisdom and honesty in Angela's blog.  She is a wonderful writer.  Go visit, you won't be sorry!

 

 

Here are the dishcloths I will be giving to the winner of today's giveaway. Maybe it will be you! To get two chances to win leave me a comment and then go to Angela's and leave her a comment.

Awarded

Stephanie at Simple Midwest Mom and "Wilma" at Little Toes and Cheerios sent this award my way. It acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values every day. Thanks Stephanie for choosing me!

I started reading Stephanie's blog about a month ago. I have enjoyed reading her perspective on being a mom, wife and just life in general. I enjoy making new blogging friends and I'm glad to call Stephanie one of them.

The rules are to send this award to 15 other bloggers. Well, since I just sent out an award recently I decided I better just leave this as an open call. If you read my blog and would like to use this award on yours, just consider yourself awarded, because I think you are all great!

Impatience- I'm Back

This weekend spent without a computer was good thing in disguise. I tackled some cleaning projects that needed to be addressed. I de-cobwebbed (I know not a word) my basement and scrubbed the bug ick off the windows down there. Then I vacuumed part of the floor and basement steps. Plus, being the ogre I am, I cruelly forced my children to clean up their playroom (also in the basement), which was littered with Legos in the oddest places. I am now the proud owner of a sparkling clean basement, except for the three boxes of Legos that somehow got spread all across the floor as soon as I turned my back!

When I tired of all the cleaning, I worked on some items that I am selling on my Etsy shop. (This is an unabashed advertisement.) It you get the time check out my shop. I am putting more items on every couple of days and hopefully my sisters will be adding some too.

Even with all this to keep me occupied, I just couldn't handle it any longer! I highjacked the computer my sister and her husband gave the boys to play games on. Thankfully it still had internet explorer on it and I was able to set up an internet connection.

Now, the boys weren't too happy about me requisitioning their computer, but I'm the mommy and it just had to be done! So, I have been lurking these past few days reading all of your posts. This computer moves pretty slow, but I just wander off and do other jobs around the house until a page loads. Hopefully, I will be back in business with my computer this afternoon.

Awarded

Heidi from Moms, Ministry and More has given me this wonderful award. Heidi has an amazing blog full of humor, overseas knowledge (like things such as squatty potties) and Godly wisdom. Head on over there, you'll find some great insight.

With this award comes a meme. It is by no means a small one. The original plan calls for a listing of seven items under each heading. (So if you decide to play along you can either list 7 things under each heading or cheat like I'm going to do!) Well, ladies, I'm just a simple girl, really. I don't have that much to say about myself, so I'm going to make it easier on myself and you. Like Heidi, I will be listing one fact about myself under each topic. That way I won't be losing my readers half way through this post (hopefully)!

1. What I Did Before: I graduated with a BA in Elementary Ed. and taught pre-school for a year. A couple of months into it I realized I'd made a mistake. My heart was with my precious baby boy. I taught the rest of the year, loved the children I taught, but then called it quits. I needed to be home.

2. What I Do Now? I am putting my education to good use! Teaching my four children is showing me that college didn't prepare me all that well! It's a new and challenging experience everyday and I'm lovin' it.

3. What I'd Like To Do? Get away for a few days. No laundry, no dishes, no cooking, I just want to relax, relax, relax!

4. What Attracts Me To My Husband? Oh where do I start! His humor, His dark hair and chocolate brown eyes, his deep dimples, his willingness to work hard to support our family, and his wonderful hugs that make me feel so loved and safe.

5. Favorite Food: Um- I can't pick just one. So I will list a few.

• Homemade bread
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Anything Pasta
• COFFEE- one of the basic food groups, right?
• Soups- comfort food at its finest.

6. What I Say Most Often: That's Crazy!

7. Pick Seven Other Bloggers: Okay, here goes, I choose.....

Jamie at Rose Cottage. I have been reading Jamie's Blog for 9 months now. We share the love of homeschooling, nature and picture taking. Jamie's blog is full of beautiful pictures,wonderful insight and inspirational thoughts.

Amy at The Kings Table. Amy's blog is light-hearted and full of fun. She posts some really interesting items that she finds on the internet. Her posts always make me smile!

Amy at Little Toes and Cheerios. Amy is full of honesty and sincerity. She keeps me laughing with all the adorable posts about her daughter and mommyhood.

Marisa at Small Moments Captured. This is my beautiful sister's blog. She is one of the most creative people I know. Let's just say she is very artistically inclined! She is very busy with my niece and nephews and I know she doesn't get to post as often as she wishes, but when she does post her thoughts are always beautifully expressed.

Angela at Becoming Me. I just recently found Angela's blog, but it has touched my heart deeply. She writes beautifully with emotion and strength. Her posts always give me something to ponder and learn.

Jackie at Our Moments, Our Memories. Jackie has some of the most amazing posts. She is a wonderful writer and is able to write so that you can see right to her heart. She has a wonderful sense of humor and you can feel her joy in what she writes.

Kristen at We Are THAT Family. If you want to laugh this is the place. Nobody can leave Kristen's blog without chuckling. She takes every day life and turns it into comic relief. Plus you get the added bonus of the wisdom she imparts about the many different aspects of parenting.

If you get a chance, check out these blogs and leave them a some love with a comment or two!

Have a great weekend!

Feeling the Love

Thank you for the touching comments you left on my Friday post. It was wonderful to hear that I am not alone.  Sometimes as a SAHM and homeschooling mom it is so easy to feel isolated.  However, what a blessing blogging has brought me.  I have so many new friends, who are also going through the throes and beauties of mommy-hood.  What a special community of ladies we have- lifting each other up, offering advice and sending out a whole lot of love over the lines. You are all a blessing to me. I thank you for lifting me up with your beautiful thoughts, virtual hugs, steaming cups of virtual coffee and  for the Chocolate Chip Cookie, Jackie virtually sent my way!

I've Been Tagged

Amy from Little Toes and Cheerios has tagged me with a meme in which I am to tell 5 things I have learned from blogging.

Well lets see......

1. Its a great way for me to journal about my children and all the happenings here in our country abode. 

2. I am enjoying this way more than I ever thought I would.  I have even had to cut back as I have found myself spending way to much time in front of the computer!

3. I have gained many wonderful friends and I look forward to reading about what is going on in their lives on a daily basis.  It is helping me to broaden my thinking and I learn so much from all of you.

4. I can figure out how to read computer lingo!  It has taken some serious reading and trial and error, but I have slowly been able to make changes to my blog all by my little own self!  This is huge for me since computers tend to confuse my simple mind easily.

5. Blogging has helped me to strengthen my relationship with Christ.  I am in God's word more and writing about what I read is giving the Bible deeper meaning.

Okay- I am supposed to tag 5 other people, but many of the blogs I would choose Amy has already tagged.  So, if you would like to join in feel free to use this meme as a post.

I'm Back

After a much needed break, I am back in the blogging realm!  My break was two-fold: 1) Our family went on vacation and 2) I needed to re-prioritize and take some time away from the lure of blogging!  This was only done successfully because there was no hook up for a computer where we stayed!

We had a wonderful vacation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  I will be posting some more about it in the days to come. For now I will leave you with a picture I took of one of my favorite places to visit in the U.P.

Pictured Rocks

The beauty of this place never gets old to me!

Blogging Break

I will be taking a blogging break this next week. Oh, it will be so hard! But, it needs to be done! So, my blog will be silent for a whole week. Hmmm- this is not going to be easy on me! I will miss reading all of your blogs, but I will catch up with each of you in a week. Okay? Have a great week.

God Bless-

Jenn

Blogger Friend School

Blogger Friend School is a meme I am planning on taking part this year. It is a group of homeschool moms who post answers on their blog to a weekly biblical based assignments. The purpose of this meme is to uplift one another and strengthen each others faith. Right now they are having a great nature homeschool package giveaway. Go check it out!