Happy Mother’s Day

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Adorned with Blessings

MothersDay2015

I hope all the moms had a wonderful Mother’s Day yesterday! It was a blessed weekend of family, friends, and celebrating the moms in my life who share in this journey of motherhood. I have to say that this Mother’s Day has been my best ever! Not just because of what we did or what gifts were given, but as my children get older, as I grow in maturity and fill out this divine role, I have a greater appreciation in the beauty of being called “Mom” or “Mommy”. I’m discovering that as I spend more time being intentional, playing, teaching, talking, engaging, being myself, and loving even despite my sin and theirs…I’m revealing the transformation that Christ is doing in me, and allowing the heart of Christ to grow in my children, forming in them the utmost creation they are designed to be. Isn’t this our calling as moms? The Lord has truly used this role to speak to my heart and ultimately get my attention to seek Him, be more like Him, and to follow His will for my life. I’ve learned more about who I am and who I want to be as I continue to raise my kids and partner with my husband. So, this Mother’s Day I’m encouraged by not how much my children appreciate me, or how much my husband values me, which I am so very grateful and blessed, but I also long to continue to grow through this role, through the seasons of my life, embrace the current, pray in seeking joy through the challenges and allowing my marriage to also strengthen as I follow the Lord to love because it is Him who certainly knows me and always loves me. Moms, I say this again…I truly hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day! Know that you are invaluable, not only to your children, but to your family, to your community and to our next generation. I celebrate with you!!

“Mothers, I came to believe, were God’s finest idea for how such a righteous legacy would be passed on in each generation.” Sally Clarkson, Own Your Life

“Her children rise up and call her blessed..” Proverbs 31:28

SistersMothersDay2015 Started my weekend celebrating motherhood with 2 of my favorite Moms, my sisters!!

MothersDayRoadTrip After church, I just wanted to adventure with the family. So we went wherever “Jeepy” took us; a mini-road trip!

SucculentInspiration

Succulents

MothersDaySucculents First stop was this adorable Succulent Cafe, where I got my Mother’s Day souvenir. Now to look for the perfect container!

MothersDayPier

Our next destination was the beach, which drew us in with it’s coastal breeze and thoughts of sand in our toes, seashells to bring home, and sand dollars to be found.

Blessed

MothersDayBlessings

I am so blessed to have a loving husband who appreciates me and honors the role of motherhood. The greatest gift he gave me this Mother’s Day was time to celebrate, not just one day but the entire weekend. To be with other moms, get pampered, and relish in enjoying my time without agenda. I love him so very much! Looking forward to celebrating him next month for Father’s Day!!

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Blessings!

#ownyourlifebook – Sally Clarkson

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Adorned with Blessings

I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions, and if you remember from a previous post that I consider the day after Labor Day my “new year”, but I don’t shy away from reflecting, renewing, and re-examining where I currently am in life. Especially when I’m struggling to get back into routine from a wonderful Christmas Break, I appreciate the encouragement and inspiration to be purposeful in my living!

Which brings me to the timely manner in which my Mom Heart group is beginning our next book study by Sally Clarkson, Own Your Life. This book, as many of Sally’s books, is a form of mentorship to me. In reading the wisdom so carefully worded for moms like me, Sally has led me to hear God’s voice and put into action the convictions placed on my heart. In just the first few pages of reading, I am compelled to share the impact it has already made for me in 2015.

If you are following along with me on Instagram, you may already know that my word for 2015 is BALANCE and the reasoning behind it. So in keeping with this vision, and receiving affirmation in reading this book, I am driven to seek the Lord fervently in guiding my priorities.

I will own my life by leaving my priorities to God, trusting and following His lead to reveal the intent of my time…and then actually doing it! It will be Him who sets my time/schedule for what is intended; praying that I have the self-control to follow through.

After 4 years of reading books by Sally Clarkson and attending the Mom Heart Conferences, I can confidently encourage you to pick up Own Your Life and visit her blog at http://www.sallyclarkson.com. Be inspired to #ownyourlife and share how you will in the comments below. Let’s lift each other up in prayer as we all seek our best in 2015!!

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Blessings!

Happy New Year – 2015

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Adorned with Blessings

Wishing you a wonderful New Year full of God’s blessings! May you rejoice in all that is revealed through Him in the beauty of our everyday!!

As we closed 2014, I reflected on Paul’s exhortations in 2 Corinthians 13:11 “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Peace.Comfort.Love

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Blessings!

Smith Ranch – An American Revolution Adventure

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Adorned with Blessings

This morning we had Hasty Pudding for breakfast! Why do you ask? It was the influence of a wonderful field trip we experienced this past Wednesday.

I just love it when we can apply what we are learning to a hands-on experience. Our recent field trip to Smith Ranch was perfect for what we are studying this year in Cycle 3 of Classical Conversations.

We were greeted by Mr. & Mrs. Smith and their son. They gave an overview of the Revolutionary time, with instructions for the children in responding respectfully to directions, “Yes, Sir.” The group was assigned to a Company. We were Company A…and the flag bearer was selected to lead us to each historical station. My daughter was elated to be picked! She sure was glad to be wearing her costume that day.

The first stop, musket training.

Next, learning how to make George Washington’s favorite breakfast: Hasty Pudding

Recipe: 1 part Corn Meal to 4 parts boiling water (add salt, butter, and honey to taste)

All the children really enjoyed this and asked for seconds! My kids couldn’t wait to make it on their own at home.

The next stop was crossing the frozen Allegheny River

We then raised the flag at Fort Daniel Boone

We discussed the Declaration of Independence, and then signed our own family documents declaring our freedom using quill and ink.

After breaking for lunch, we rode the “Franklin Express”

Where we saw this flying, and learned the brief history behind this flag.

We served on the USS “Patriot” and learned about the ship’s cannon

The children then danced the Virginia Reel

The dancing quickly ended because we had to defend and recapture Fort Daniel Boone! As a result, there were wounded soldiers to bandage.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip and a great experience for everyone! Our History and Faith go hand in hand, and appreciate the heritage of our great Nation!! I would highly recommend visiting, and hope to go back for another American History Adventure!

Thank you Smith Ranch!!

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Blessings!

Pumpkin Traditions

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Adorned with Blessings

Every October the family visits a local Pumpkin Patch. The kids look forward to the corn maze, hay ride, and picking out their pumpkin to carve! Just another family tradition that I hope our kids will never tire of, and eventually carry on with their own families one day.

When we are ready to carve, we read The Pumpkin Patch Parable. The kids enjoy every step, especially taking out the “gooey” and creating the pumpkin faces for the light to shine through. Not to forget to mention, the delicious pumpkin seeds to snack on afterward!

We hope that you had a wonderful month of October with your families! And we look forward to a thankful November as we reflect on all that we are grateful for; blessings big and small!

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Blessings!

Manicure Monday

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Adorned with Blessings

Jamberry Nails Sweet Symphony and Metallic Gold Pinstripe

A little feminine feel for this week’s Jamicure. It compliments my favorite bangle beautifully!

I found @wrennjewelry on Instagram, and fell in love with all her pieces. What I just love about this one of a kind bracelet is the little crystallized heart at the center! Each geode is unique and beautiful in its own natural way; a beautiful picture of how God created each one of us!

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14

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Blessings!

Happy New (School) Year!

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Adorned with Blessings

With a new school year beginning, I feel that it’s truly my “New Year.” Not January 1^st, 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 5^th Grader, 3^rd Grader, and Kindergartener.

My 5^th 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.

My 3^rd 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.

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.

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!

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