1000 gifts Monday

1. wiggling my toes against flannel sheets
2. the AMAZING story of Redemption
3. the truths proclaimed in the old hymns
4. the generations of Christ's followers in our family
5 the soul-quenching Word of God
6. orange pumpkins against the browns of fall
7. the peacefulness of sleeping children
8. the cacophony of awake, active children
9. samples of insulin
10. helpers in the kitchen
11. praise music that encourages my soul
12. freshly-bathed, sweet-smelling children
13. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
14. spaghetti squash (naturally gluten-free!)
15. cool, crisp fall mornings
16. the patter of little footsteps on the kitchen floor
17. billows of steam coming from the dryer vent
18. great, inspiring heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer
19. a new, big refrigerator - Free!
20. a new trailer that is the perfect size

More Fun Ideas

I have such fun dreaming up fun ideas. I often don't have time to do half of them, but it is always fun to dream! I hope to have some fun projects with the kids for Christmas presents. I found some great ideas on this fun blog.

Also, over at Joyfulmomofmany, Susan had some great ideas, too.

Be inspired and get busy!

Just think, if people can be this fun and creative, how much more God is!! Take time to see His creativity, too!

To Him be ALL praise,
Susan

Kids Chore Charts

I had a little time to look around in Blogtown tonight and I came across these cute, FREE kid's chore charts. They turned out really well and I am looking forward to showing the kids. We don't use chore charts too often, but they are fun for awhile. I also thought they would be adaptable for any kind of chart...school subjects, memory verses, etc. Thought you might enjoy them, too.

Click here for the link!



Trying to do things in an orderly way!
Susan

Fancy dinner parties...

The carriages were arriving with the beautiful young ladies in their party attire. They were greeted at the door by the maid and attendants who carefully lay their bags in the bedrooms. The table would be set with china, silver and candlelight. A five course meal would be served with new forks for every course...

...a 12 year old girl's idea of a fun birthday!




And fun, it was!




Happy birthday, dear, beautiful, sweet Allison!!
How we love you!

An Attitude of Gratitude

My dear friends,
One of my new favorite places on the web is Holy Experience. Check out the bottom of my blog for the button. She talks about the power of journaling in our time with the Lord. I have always enjoyed this practice, but I am inspired by this!

This blog is amazing and has been an incredible challenge and source of encouragement to me. This lady is an author!! She is an artist with words, but also has a strong love for our Savior. The "1000 gifts" is the challenge for you! Please join me in this journaling, scrapbook journey to thankfulness! What an attitude of gratitude it will build and encourage in our hearts. Not to say, what an example for our children, grand children, neices and nephews when they see us looking for the simple joys and gifts God gives us everyday.



I am thankful for each of you!

"Therefore let us encourage one another and build each other up just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thess. 5:11

Susan

More Love to Thee

We sang this wonderful hymn today in church. It is written by one of my favorite authors! She wrote Stepping Heavenward I recommend it!
My prayer...


More Love to Thee, O Christ

Text: Elizabeth P. Prentiss, 1818-1878
Music: William H. Doane, 1832-1915
Tune: MORE LOVE TO THEE, Meter: 64.64.66.44


1. More love to thee, O Christ, more love to thee!
Hear thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to thee;
more love to thee, more love to thee!

2. Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
now thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to thee;
more love to thee, more love to thee!

3. Let sorrow do its work, come grief and pain;
sweet are thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
when they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to thee;
more love to thee, more love to thee!

4. Then shall my latest breath whisper thy praise;
this be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
this still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to thee;
more love to thee, more love to thee!

KIDS! Growing like weeds around here...

Can wild flowers possibly be considered weeds to some people? Yes! Can children possibly be considered weeds, too? (unwanted bothers) Yes! But through God's faithfulness, He has helped us be open and excited about the amount of children in our family. They are not weeds, but beautiful flowers of His creation. He does give good blessings! As they grow and mature, it only becomes more of a blessing to see who they are becoming. And I have to say, it has been such fun to have babies with big kids to hug and love on them. We thank God for His fruitfulness.

A new Blog

I have enjoyed my blog so much this year and the friends that I have made. But I decided to try a new blog on blogspot. It has been easy and fun. Now I can link to my other blog. Looking forward to playing with new looks and features!

Susan