Category Archives: Blessings

Happy Harvest!

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ApplePickers

As we begin the new month of October, I’m thankful for the change of season…and hopefully a change in the weather.  Here in Southern California we are in need of water!  Every year around this time my family has a tradition of heading out to Julian for apple and pear picking.  We also look forward to spending this time with friends, as we have gone with the same two families for the past 3 years!  This year, we thought we were going early in the season, only to find that there weren’t too many apples to pick.  Our warm spring may have caused the fruit to ripen early.  Truthfully, it isn’t all about the apples or the pears, it’s about the experience and the time spent together.  

SillyDaddy

Our favorite orchards to pick are Apple Starr Orchard and O’Dell’s Organic Orchard.  Both of these orchards are organic and within walking distance of each other.  O’Dell’s also has chickens and goats, which is always a real hit with the kids.

AppleBoy

AppleGirl

HappyGirl

HappyBoy

We wish you and your family a happy harvest, with many sweet memories, because it truly is about the welcoming of a new season and the Lord’s faithfulness and mercy!

“And while the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22

JulianPieCo

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Blessings!

Happy New (School) Year!

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FirstDayofSchool2014With a new school year beginning, I feel that it’s truly my “New Year.”  Not January 1st, but the day after Labor Day.  On Labor Day we celebrate the end of summer, and gear up for another year of school, activities, and new routines.  We reassess our previous year, recommit to the new year, make small changes, and resolve to do better, be more organized, or take on more/less.  As I see my children growing and learning each year, I am thankful to be a large part in this portion of their life.  And I admit, it is tempting to wonder what my life would be like if I wasn’t a homeschooling mom…I mean, I did have a taste when my oldest was attending private school.  But, I had two other kiddos with me at home.  Still, I fully believe and know this is what I need to do; it is the place the Lord has led and confirmed.  I trust His will and obey, for He is good and His promises endure forever.  I have been blessed with a now 5th Grader, 3rd Grader, and Kindergartener.

My 5th Grader is growing into a young lady.  She loves volleyball, playing the piano, reading, and learning about bugs/insects.  She is a wonderful big sister and a great help to me.  I look forward to being her Classical Conversations Master Class Tutor, and serving in her Sunday School class at church.  I pray that we get to spend some quality time together as she transitions into the middle school years.

5thGrade2014

My 3rd Grader is hard working and full of energy.  She loves gymnastics, playing the violin, roller blading, and art.  She is as creative as she is active.  Her joyful relaxed spirit draws both her brother and sister close, making her an amazing big and little sister.  I look forward to seeing her grow in confidence this year without me as her Classical Conversations Journeymen Tutor (she had me for 2 years).  I pray that she knows where her strength comes from and continues to be brave in all her endeavors.

3rdGrade2014

My Kindergartener is eager and full of excitement.  He loves Legos, music/dancing, riding his scooter, art, and playing Go Fish.  He is looking forward to learning to read and playing soccer this year.  He is a sweet little brother, and enjoys spending time with his sisters.  I am continuously amazed at how fast he is growing, and pray that he takes on new challenges with enthusiasm and a teachable spirit.

Kinder2014

To an amazing school year! 

Joshua 1:9  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 

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Blessings!

Happy Father’s Day

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FathersDay2014

I am blessed to call this godly man my husband.  He loves his family; cherishes, protects, supports, and gives his all.  I love how he loves our kids, for he savors every moment with them.   He is our HERO.

Happy Father’s Day to my man and my dad.  I love you both dearly!

“We’re called to sacrifice for our families.  We’re called to be the men our wives and children need and the heroes God wants us to be”  – Jim Daly, The Good Dad

Help Make a Change with Allie Rae

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AllieRae

I found this wonderful company through a fellow blogger, snippetswithalex, and had to share!  Introducing, Allie Rae, a footwear company with the heart to bless by developing sustainable communities in Honduras – teaching skills, creating jobs, and providing hope.

Please join me in supporting their cause…just take a look at this video to see their story and vision.

Not only do these sandals have a classic and stylish look, they offer the comfort many flat sandals are lacking.  Allie Rae sandals are hand-crafted with premium materials, utilizing patent pending comfort technology.

AllieRaeSandals

 

They are seeking the support of at least 10,000 people to donate $10 or more.  Will you please consider?  Would you like one of these sandals?  Pledge with me and spread the word!  They only have 9 days left to reach their goal!

To pledge click >> Here

Share with me by commenting below which style you’d like to wear!  Me, I’m stuck between the black one and the bronze with white!

 

The “IF” Movement

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IF

This evening I attended my very first IF: Table gathering!  It was a blessed time among beautiful women filled with the love of Christ.  If you haven’t heard of the IF, allow me the humble privilege to introduce you to this divine online community.

Who are they?  “We exist to gather, equip and unleash the next generation of women to live out their purpose.”

From what I experienced firsthand at an IF:Table,  the Holy Spirit is leading and stirring the hearts of women to live the lives God created them to live!

Not only am I inspired to begin hosting an IF:Table.  I am moved to participate in the IF:Equip.  On Monday the 5th we will begin in the Book of Acts.

AnnouncingActs

 All you need to do is grab your bible, a pen, and a journal!

Will you join me and other women in this movement?

IFEquip

 

Mother and Daughter Date Night

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I had promised my sweet oldest daughter that we would spend a dedicated evening together.  So what did this tween want to do?  Get a pedicure!  She was thrilled that we were doing this together, and I delighted in her huge smile the entire time of pampering.

Mother and Daughter Toes

She is growing up so fast; we are already wearing the same shoe size.  Time sure flies by, and I treasure each blessing of a moment!

BeautifulGirlhood

During dinner we read together Beautiful Girlhood by Karen Andreola and discussed the related chapter questions found in The Companion Guide to Beautiful Girlhood by Shelley Noonan and Kimberly Zach.  This was my favorite time of the evening when we shared with each other our dreams for our future, and the dreams that I had when I was her age.  It was a blessing that I found these used books at a local homeschool curriculum sale for a total of $7.oo, as the results are priceless!

An Unexpected Blessing

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April222014

 

As part of our morning, the kids and I pray together for the Lord’s guidance in our daily priorities.  With this being the first week back to school after break, the momentum is slow to get back into routine.  In fact, we knew that some of our friends had this week off for Easter Break.  Because we homeschool, our schedule can be somewhat flexible.  Well…wouldn’t you know, that morning I receive a text from a dear friend from college who is camping at a nearby beach with her family.  She graciously invites us to join.  As I struggled with the thoughts of whether or not to put off school, I remembered the blessing of spending quality time with friends.  I knew that if we decided to go, we would have to make up our work the remainder of the week.  Would it be worth it?  Absolutely!  Hence, the above picture of the two of us.  Our kids had a blessed time together as well, and we enjoyed the beauty and wonder of our surroundings.

April222014a