Grace is blessed by God

Heart For Home Thursday~ Just Smile!

2012-02-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

Is it really Thursday again? I find that hard to believe. We've been battling sickness here for a solid two weeks so I guess time has flown by even more than usual.

Today we have been busy doing school and visiting with Grammie so here I am with the day almost over and I seriously have NOTHING to write about.

When I think about home today, I'm not inspired or challenged. I don't feel discouraged. I don't feel ambitious. I don't feel overwhelmed or overly excited. Today when I think about home, I just smile. I am surrounded by a million reasons to smile.

So today I'll just share a few of the reasons I have to smile. Today, I pray that you'll find the reasons in your home to smile about. And may your smile be one of the reasons your family smiles about your home too!

Heart For Home Thursday~ Speaking of Hearts...

2012-02-02T16:10:00.000-08:00

Did anyone else around here notice that it's February?!?! If you've been around here much, you know that I love February. One of the biggest reasons being, I love Valentine's Day.

It's interesting isn't it? You either love it or you hate it. I've been told it has to do with whether you actually have a valentine of not, but I've seen that theory proved wrong. My dear sister-in-law has a cousin who is one of the sweetest girls I've ever met. She blogged last Valentine's Day about why she loves the day even though she is very single and plans on remaining so for quite awhile. It dripped with wisdom beyond her years.

I've heard many married friends say, "We celebrate our love every day so I don't really care about Valentine's Day." To each his own I guess! For me however, I get giddy just thinking about a specific day just to dwell on the precious gift of love God has given to us as a couple.

This year, my girls and I decided that one day was not quite enough time to get in our full celebration. Decorations are already coming out and gears are spinning as I look for ways to show my husband how much I love him and how thankful I am to be married to him.

This is also a priceless time to teach my daughters God's love for us, God's design for marriage, the joy of sharing true love and the beauty of waiting for God's plan to bring it about in each of their own lives. Even though this holiday isn't really "about them" they say it is one of their favorites.

If you come to our house these days, you will see hearts. Lots and lots of hearts. I encourage you, no matter how much you "daily celebrate your love", to appreciate the beautiful gift God has given us and truly find a way to show how thankful we are for the gift of love.

These Days....

2012-02-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

These days, everyone is sick.

These days, it's runny noses non-stop.

These days, Mommy feels like nothing gets done.

These days, my babies just want to be held.

These days, I get to kiss feverish heads all day long.

These days, a day doing "nothing" feels like priceless work.

These days, there is nowhere in the world I would rather be.

Heart For Home Thursday~ A Borrowed Idea

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

The newest change in our family was borrowed directly from my friend, Ginger. She blogged here about their Hymn Study time. Not only was her daughter sooooooo adorable, I loved the idea of easily teaching beautiful hymns to my children.

My girls LOVE to sing, so I didn't have to twist their arms to get them to be excited about our new plan. We picked our first hymn on Monday. Victory In Jesus was what we chose. We found a video on youtube that had lyrics so every morning before we start school we gather around the computer and sing our hearts out!

Today was just day three and already my girls have been walking all over the house singing most of the song. I'm so excited to see how this will take off!

By the way, even my non-readers are catching on super quick! Give it a try! Those old hymns are so beautiful and packed full of spiritual truths.

My Beautiful Two Year Old

2012-01-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Ella,
Last week was your second birthday. We had the first snow of the year the weekend before so with all that excitement, your birthday sort of crept up on us. You said you wanted berry coffee cake so that's what we had. It took you most of the morning for it to sink in that this was YOUR birthday! When I put you down for your nap you starting calling me and telling me over and over "Birt-day! Birt-day!". I then had to convince you that even birthday girls needed to take naps which changed your cries of joy to sobbing, "Birt-dayyyyyy. Birt-dayyyyyy."

After your nap you got to help Mommy make your pink birthday cake.

And of course, I let you lick the beater!

You were one popular girl that day! You got calls from great-grandparents, grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and even your sweet cousin Talia who all by herself said, "Happy. Birt. Day. Ella.". You were so excited to talk to her!

That night you opened your presents that Daddy had gone in the snow to get for you. You have played endlessly with your "Big Ball".

And you adore you OWN baby doll that you promptly named "Ellie" after your baby cousin.

Then it was finally time for birthday cake! You loved having us sing to you and you were a pro at blowing out your candles. Of course your sisters were as excited as you were!

Everyone who came to our house that whole week heard all about how it was your "Birt-day" and how you were "fee". It took days of practicing, but now you usually remember that you are really two.

On Sunday we had a party for you at Grandma and Boppa's house. Sadly, you woke up from your nap with a pretty high fever. You were still so excited to go to your party!

You thanked everyone for you presents so sweetly and were very free with your hugs and kisses (let's hope no one else gets sick!).

You had such a good attitude all day, even though it was so obvious that you just didn't feel good.

Another cake, another song, more candles and more candle licking! Now that got you excited!

Mommy and your sisters had made a "surprise" cake that we thought you would enjoy. Your sisters were dying to tell people about it, but they all kept their secret very well!

Surprise!!! A rainbow cake! You loved the colors, especially the orange.

It's hard to imagine a sweeter or more adorable two year old!

Some people call the two's "terrible", but Daddy and Mommy think it's one of the most wonderful ages ever. You are so full of wonder and your bright mind is exploding with discoveries. We love to hear you talking more and more every day. Every word you say delights us.

You are such a treasure to us, sweet Ella Joy. A true treasure from God. We thank Him for you every day! I love you!!!
Love, Mommy

Where I've Been....

2012-01-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

It's just been one of those weeks. My life is usually pretty low key. I stay home with my girls. I home school, blog and everything else that happens in a day. I do my best to maintain relationships with the incredible people God has placed in my life.

This week it seems that everything has happen at once though. Friends are starting relationships, friends are grieving and one of my dearest friends in the whole world is moving away.

(Theresa and I at her wedding four years ago)

Theresa and I have been friends since the 4th grade and while life has taken us in two different directions so far, never has it separated the bond we have with each other. She is so precious to me and even though her move across the states hopefully wont be long term, it breaks my heart to be parted from her. I'm so thankful however, that this will be just another journey that proves that our love for each other will never fade.

I'm so blessed by the precious relationships God has blessed me with. There are some weeks however, that they take my TIME. And therefore, my blog doesn't receive my time. Thanks to those of you who are still stop by here. You are such an encouragement to me!

Seven Months

2012-01-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

As hard as it is to believe, our sweet Esther is growing up right in front of our eyes. Her gorgeous smile and bright eyes already communicate such love for those around her.

This has been a big month for Esther as she is now rolling all over the place and almost sitting on her own. She also has now cut through her first two teeth. She is still not sleeping well at night, but I am hoping that that will change soon!

She's our little doll. And we ADORE her!!!

Snow!!!!!

2012-01-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

I know. I know. Another snow post. But this is our first snow of the year and we all LOVE snow!!!!!!! When the girls woke up this morning and saw the snow, it was as if it was Christmas morning all over again. I have to admit, I was right there with them!

Ready to go!!!!!!!

Baby's first snow!

Auntie Anna was here, and that always makes everything better!

Daddy and his work crew with "Frosty". (Where they get their creative name ideas I'll never know!)

With my beloved husband. Makes my heart skip a beat!

Have a beautiful and blessed winter day, wherever you may be!

Heart For Home Thursday~ Be sure to clean the hoses!!!

2012-01-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

I admit, this may seem a bit random. But it struck a chord with me so maybe it will encourage one of you too!

I have a reoccurring problem around here. Over and over I find myself coming to my husband and saying, "The vacuum just doesn't work as well as it used to. I can't get the hose to have good suction." And he always responds with, "Is it full? Did you clean out the hose?".

I always feel like I have. I've always looked down it a few times, poking my fingers down to see if I can reach any trapped junk. But every. single. time. He pulls it apart. Actually cleans it and it works like a charm.

Lately my dear oldest daughter has been experimenting with some less than wonderful attitudes. I don't like it. But instead of dealing with the problem, I tend to just let it bother me. I nag her about being joyful. Being respectful. Being thoughtful. Being diligent. Instead of really working on the issue, I try a quick fix just to get on with the day.

As I was cleaning out my vacuum hose, feeling so good about actually fixing the problem, it struck me that same thing was needed in my relationship with my daughter as well. Not a quick fix. A heart to heart. An actually "cleaning out" of the garbage that was clogging up her attitude and our relationship.

Now, I'm not implying that working on a relationship is as simple as cleaning out a vacuum hose. But it was a reminder to me, to not half-heartily try and train my child. Or build our relationship. Often it takes taking the the time.

There are so many areas I need to apply this principle to. And hopefully the Lord will continue to challenge me in this area. Take the time. Do the work that is needed to make things run the way they are supposed to!

Mmmmmm

2012-01-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

Don't be afraid to try something new! This was my experiment for the night and Mmmmmmmmmm! Home run!!!

I tend to be very narrow minded in my cooking ventures, but sometimes an experiment pays off!!!

There's a new kid on the block......

2012-01-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

..... And we think she's pretty FANTASTIC!!!!

Heart For Home Thursday~ My Man

2012-01-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to write about this morning. I had a few ideas swirling around. But as I did my regular "morning reads" one thing kept pounding me from every side. How am I doing in helping my husband be everything he can be?

And yes, this has everything to do with a heart for home. Everything. God made marriage the absolute center of the home.

Once again, the success or failure of our position as the wife begins in the heart. But it CANNOT stay there! I have never had trouble respecting my husband. In fact I can say without flinching that I respect him more than any one I know. It's what I love the most about him. And we all know (and if you don't know, learn it!!!) that men need respect. I thought I had that one in the bag! It came as quite a surprise to me several years into our marriage that my husband didn't always feel respected! OOFH! That felt like a punch in the gut. How could I feel such amazing respect for him and yet he didn't feel it, in fact sometimes he felt disrespected by me!

After I emerged from my self-pity party, I started to actually look at the problem. I asked questions, respectfully and not defensively and little by little began to understand better what communicates respect to MY husband. I still have a long ways to go! But it felt good to know I was gaining a better understanding of my man and was learning how to better serve him.

So number one, respecting your man starts in the heart. Focus on the good, have a thankful heart, forgive always, appreciate the amazing gifts the Lord has blessed him with. Number two, communicate your respect TO HIM, not just with words but in ways that he knows you absolutely respect him.

Number three, and perhaps the most difficult one to do consistently, share your heart with those around you. Stand up for your man. And not only your man, but husbands in general. That may sound goofy, but men are truly under attack. This world NEEDS real women who are willing to stand up to the worldview which makes a mockery manhood and believe what God says.

I read an article this morning by Fawn from The Happy Wives Club. In it she wrote,

"What if, in every corner of the world, there were women like me? Women who were proud of their marriage and didn't boast or brag about it to others but simply didn't hide it. In conversations when other women were male bashing, rather than shrinking back and remaining silent, spoke up about the beauty of men and the blessings of our differences.

What if one million women, around the world, decided they were going to change the conversation within their inner circles? They wouldn't disregard the challenges many of their girlfriends are having but would simply take the time to show the other side."

So that's my challenge to myself. And to you. Let's speak up more. Let's refrain from jumping in or stirring up disrespectful attitudes towards our men. Let's do all that we can to build them up (Do I really need to address the difference between "building up" and "puffing up"? I will if I have to!). Let's make sure our hearts, our actions and our words are honoring to the Lord and honoring to our husband's!

One More Reason You're Not Seeing Me Much........

2012-01-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

I've been pretty busy playing.

With my new toy.

Yes, my husband blows my mind!!!!!!

Baby's First Christmas

2011-12-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

To be honest, I'm being lazy around here! Christmas has been wonderful, and our celebrations get to continue for the rest of the week. I'm not going crazy, I'm simply loving life. As a result, I'm going to take a week off from my Heart For Home Thursday tomorrow. Probably. Unless inspiration hits me at three o'clock in the morning.

While waiting for me to post, I thought you might enjoy some pictures of my sweet Christmas baby! I love her!!!!

Have a WONDERFUL week!!!

Heart For Home Thursday~ To Worship

2011-12-22T03:21:00.000-08:00

It's 3:00 in the morning. I just fed my sweet little baby, changed her as she stretched and kicked in her half awake state. Her eyes open and catch mine. Even in the dark I can see her eyes smiling. My heart melts.

In this moment I pray, "Lord, teach me to worship YOU, in all circumstances, at all times, in every way." It is one thing to find joy in the blessings of life. It is another thing to worship the One who holds all things in His hands.

So Lord, as I kiss those sweet, sour lips, let it call me to worship.

As I play with my nieces and bask in time spent with my dear sister-in-law, let it call me to worship.

As I wash my dishes, make my bed, sweep my floor, let it call me to worship.

As my heart fills with wonder at the lights, the presents, the joy of the season, let it call me to worship.

As I pray for my dear friend, who's arms are empty while they wait to be filled, let her example of worshipping you call me to worship.

As I pray for my friend who's arms are empty after saying good-bye to her precious little one, let her example of worshipping you call me to worship.

As I live today with my arms and my heart filled to the brim, let it call me to worship, not for my earthly blessings, but for the eternal blessing of a loving, gracious and sacrificial Father, who sent His own Son as a baby to be the sacrifice for me.

I think it's easy, while being thankful for the Lord's blessings, to slip into worshipping the blessings instead of the Maker. With this beautiful season as a reminder, let us not forget who really deserves ALL of the worship!

Six Months

2011-12-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

I know I am woefully late in posting Esther's monthly picture since it is the twenty-first and she was born on the third. But here she is! Better late than never!

Esther seems very content to just stay a baby. She's not crawling, or sitting or even rolling yet. If she was my first I know I would be inpatient for every milestone. But she's my fifth, and I'm enjoying my baby!

She still is a rather horrible sleeper, but she is such a darling I don't even mind. She is a joy. Joy. Joy. Joy. We are all totally in love with her.

I know say this all of the time, but I have to say it again because it is soooooo true. Every baby that enters our home, multiplies our love many times over. We're not spread thin by our children. We are encouraged, energized and overwhelmed with love. Tiny little Esther makes every day just that much more wonderful!

Heart For Home Thursday~ FINALLY Soup #7~ Baked Potato Soup

2011-12-15T17:22:00.000-08:00

It may have taken a LONG time, but Mmmmmmmm, this ones a FAVORITE!!!

8 baked potatoes
1/4 cup butter
1 large onion
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. chicken bouillon
2 cups hot water
Milk
Cooked, crumbled bacon
Grated cheese

It's best if the potatoes can be baked ahead of time and then cooled, peeled and cubed. The bacon too should be cooked ahead of time. Now I've made this soup MANY times at the last minute, throwing the potatoes in the microwave and then burning my fingers as I try to peel them. It works. It's just not preferable.

Melt butter in a pot. Add chopped onions and saute until tender. Mix together flour, basil, salt and pepper then dump into butter and onions. Whisk together and then slowly pour in hot water with the bouillon mixed in. Bring to a boil while whisking. Reduce heat and stir in the cooked potatoes. Add milk until you reach the desires consistency (pretty thick !).

Top with Bacon, cheese and sour cream. I usually mix the bacon into the entire pot, that way if there are leftovers, it is all mixed together!

Everyone loves this soup. At least everyone says they do. I've given this recipe out more than any other recipe ever!

I hope you all have had a wonderful week. It's been a little up and down for me, but it's always good for me to get back here and be reminded that I truly am blessed. And you all are a great blessing to me!

Well........

2011-12-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

It's true. I skipped "Heart For Home Thursday". And it wasn't totally an accidant.

Yesterday was pretty busy. The morning was spent baking, and then we girls all loaded up to take Daddy his lunch in town and to go shopping. If you've never tried it, going shopping with five little girls is quite the adventure. I love it! But it is SUPER slow. Five car seats to buckle, unbuckle, buckle, then unbuckle again. You walk slowly through the store and take twice as long to make any decisions because there are just a few interruptions along the way. But it really is fun.

After coming home, we unloaded the van and then got ready to go to Auntie Anna's basketball game.

Wooohoooo!!! We bring the cheering squad! The team may have lost, but Anna did GREAT!!!

We got home for a late dinner, and then it was my time to blog.

But then it hit me. My heart really was for my home. It really was for my FAMILY. At that moment it really wasn't for my blog. So I hope you will all forgive me! I am still going to post that last soup recipe and I will resume with my usual "Heart For Home Thursday" posts next week, but I'm not going to feel any guilt this week! Thanks for the love!

If you won.......

2011-12-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

First of all, I'm sorry about the delay in posting my final soup recipe! The last picture is still on my husband's phone so it will be posted as soon as possible!

Second, if you won one of my rapid fire giveaways and I have NOT contacted you, please e-mail me your address at davidkingsgirl@gmail.com so I can get your item sent out as soon as possible.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Soup #6~ Cheesy Ham

2011-12-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

A friend brought me this soup after I had just had Bethany. I fell in love with it instantly. A few months later I stumbled across the recipe and I've been enjoying it ever since!

Start with 2 cups sliced carrots, 2 cups chopped potatoes, 1 cup chopped celery and 1 chopped onion. Cover them with water and boil until tender. (If I have chicken bouillon on hand I usually add a tsp. while boiling, but it's not required.).

Ladle 1/3 of the cooked vegetables and broth into the blender ( cooling beforehand would be ideal, but I never take the time to do that! If using hot liquid, BE CAREFUL!!!).

Cover and puree until smooth.

Add pureed mixture to the rest of the soup (I know it looks strange, but it's going to taste great!).

After mixing these vegetable components together, add 1 cup grated cheddar cheese and 1 cup diced ham. Season to taste with salt and pepper (wait until AFTER the cheese has melted though as it adds it's own saltiness!).

Mmmmm! This is my idea of the perfect chilly afternoon bowl!

Soup #5~ Corn Chowder

2011-12-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

(This is for you Charlene M.!) I grew up eating this soup. Often. Probably because it it soooooo easy to make, the ingredient list is super short and because none of us ever got tired of it. It always sounds good!

First, dice up some peeled potatoes (I do about 1potato per person that will be eating). Boil them until they are tender and then drain off the water. Add 1 qt. frozen corn (last time I added 2 qt. which made it EXTRA "corny" but I liked it that way!). Add 5-8 pieces cooked bacon, crumbled or cut into tiny pieces. Now simply add milk to the desired consistency, warm and season with salt and pepper.

(I have started adding a couple tablespoons of butter or a dash of whipping cream to give it an extra richness, but it is not crucial!)

My stomach is growling!!! All my girls love this soup too (and apparently friends who come and visit!).

Soup #4~ Taco Soup

2011-12-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

I love this soup. It's simple. It's quick. It can be made way ahead. Leftovers are as good as the first time around.

2 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes (I prefer "petite diced")
1 14 oz. can tomato sauce
1 qt. bag frozen corn
1 lb. browned ground beef
1 chopped onion
2 cups water
1 envelope taco seasoning
salt to taste
(If you are a normal person, you would probably add kidney beans too.)

Put everything in a pot and cook until onions are tender (or keep in the crock pot all day, or simmer on the stove for HOURS! You can't really hurt this one!).

Top with tortilla chips, cheese and sour cream.

Okay. I confess. I took the picture and then added more sour cream. I like it best when it's good and creamy!

This soup is AMAZING with fresh baked bread!!!

Final Rapid Fire!!!

2011-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Last giveaway right here! If you are the first one to leave a comment then this necklace is yours!

Thanks so much for participating in my Rapid Fire week! I had sooooo much fun and wish it didn't have to end.

Soup #3~ Campfire Stew

2011-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was introduced to this way of making stew when I started going camping with my in-laws. After a full day of camping this ALWAYS hits the spot. I came home from our last camping trip so in love with this stew that I decided to make it at home too.

Now, I'm almost embarrassed to tell what I did in the making of this soup. Something completely unheard of in the Willamette Valley. I BOUGHT zucchini!

For me it is the part of the soup and I just couldn't do without it!

In a pot add 1lb. cooked ground beef, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onions, chopped zucchini, 14 oz can of tomato sauce and as much water as needed to cover everything. Now, when cooked over a campfire it takes on a delicious smokey flavor so when I make this at home I give the pot a few splashes of liquid smoke. Bring to a boil and simmer until everything is tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Mmmmmm! Lip smackin' good!

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2011-12-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

One Peppermint Candy Lip Balm........

Ready. Set. GO!!! If you leave the first comment this is yours!!!!

Auntie Brag Time!!!

2011-12-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

I really really really love my life. Being a wife and a mommy is more than I could ever dream of. Then just when I thought things couldn't get any better, God made me an auntie too!

There is something so unbelievably fun and joy filled about having such a special role in these precious little one's lives.

Jonathan, Laura, Talia and Eliana came to stay with us last weekend so we all drank up our time with them. The girls are growing sweeter and more precious everyday. Talia knows all of our names now so that makes us all feel especially loved!

Talia and Ella are only two and a half months apart, and already they are turning into great little buddies!

And of course we are pretty crazy about this little man too! We can't believe our little Caleb boy is almost a year old!!!!

Two nieces, one nephew and more to come!!!!!!

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2011-12-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

One sample size of the Arnica Muscle Salve......

Be the first one to comment and I'll send this to you to sooth your sore muscles!

Soup #2~ Beef Stew

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is one of those " It can't get any easier" soups that just always hit the spot. My mom would make this when I was growing up, and I love it as much today as I did then.

I start with a thawed package of stew meat (about 1 pound). I trim off the large pieces of fat and cut the meat into bite size pieces. I put it in a pot of water and simmer for H O U R S!!! The longer the better! Watch your water level periodically and add more as needed. After the meat is falling apart and tender, add chopped carrots, potatoes and onions. After the veggies ahve cooked, mix about 1/4 cup flour with some water until you have a thick mixture, then slowly add it to the boiling stew, stiring as you pour. If it's not thick enough, mix some more flour and water and add more slowly. If it's too thick, just add a little water. Once it's the right thickness, season liberally with salt and pepper.

That's it! YUM!!!!!!!

(Yes, I eat soup while my husband cleans his gun!)

Hope you enjoy!

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2011-12-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

One eight serving sample of Peaceful Moments Tea~

Be the first one to comment and you could be drinking this in a couple of days!

Heart For Home Thursday~ A Week of Soups!

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

I know you've heard it probably a hundred times from me, but I LOVE SOUP!!!! Now that it's cold and chilly outside, we're eating soup here TONS!!!

I thought it would be fun to share just a few of my favorites over the next week. Now, I'm no gourmet here. I'm not even a Pioneer Woman. But these are some of my easy favorites that are practical for a big family and ones that all my children enjoy too!

I'll start out with one of my VERY favorites!

Hamburger Chowder

This recipe came from my mother-in-law. I didn't try it until last year, but now it is a favorite of all of us. Even my sisters get excited when there are leftovers in my fridge! I'm a known "tweaker" of recipes, but I've only changed this one slightly.

1 lb. ground beef

4 medium carrots~ sliced

1 large cup onions~chopped

2 cups celery~ chopped

1 small cabbage~ chopped

1 can diced tomatoes

5 cups water

3 beef bouillon cubes

1/2 cup uncooked rice

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 bay leaf

Brown the ground beef. Put all of the ingredients in a pot. Bring it to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Make sure veggies and rice are cooked, remove bay leaf and ENJOY!!! I recommend starting with a small bowl. cause you'll want seconds. And maybe thirds.

Mmmmm! Makes me hungry!!!!!! This is one of those soups you just want to EAT!!!

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2011-11-30T23:00:00.000-08:00

One Purple Peony hair clip.......

Wait. You're the first one to comment? Then this belongs to you!

(Remember, all of these rapid fire giveaways can be purchased at http://www.gracenotes.biz/ for $5 or LESS!)

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2011-11-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

One of these large laundry bags (perfect for socks, reusable nursing pads or any other small items that go through the wash).........

Remember, this is rapid fire fun! If you are the first one to leave a comment then this is yours!

Freedom

2011-11-30T10:53:00.000-08:00

Our family has attended the same church our entire married lives. David has gone there since he moved to the area when he was three. My family attended there before I was born, until my dad started a small church in our home town, then when that church closed we went back to our home church. The body of believers there truly are family and we are tremendously blessed to be able to worship together with them. Both of our families attend there, as well as my grandparents which makes four generations often in one pew.

I could go on forever about things I love about our church, like how the beautiful women who used to babysit me and even my dad now get to hold and be a part of my children's lives, but the thing that I am most thankful for these days is the heart of our pastor and his commitment to preach the word of God.

He has been teaching through Galatians these last few weeks and it has been challenging me daily as I think over what he has been drawing out. Mostly, the whole concept of freedom.

Over and over we have been encouraged to watch out for the two enemies of freedom. Legalism and Lawlessness.

Galatians 5:1~ It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:13b~ only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

I think these hit home especially hard for me as I can see them both regularly creeping up in my life. Legalism is a direct affront to the grace of God. Galatians 2:21~....if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died needlessly". There is absolutely nothing we can do to make ourselves righteous before the Holy God. Any attempt to do so makes us guilty of attempting to water down the all sufficient sacrifice of Christ. How I dress, speak, eat, live does not make me any more worthy of salvation then anyone else.

But then we swing to lawlessness. We see it all the time. We see it because we DO it! Because I am free in Christ, does that mean I can do anything I want? Listen to whatever music I choose, watch that tv show I know promotes sinfulness, dress in whatever fashion I choose? I guess that depends on your view of freedom.

Galatians 2:20~ I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

The truth is, there is no "free zone". Anytime we choose to live how "we want to live" because "we're free to do whatever we want", we choose to be slaves to sin. When I choose to live for Christ, my choices reflect my love for Him. I choose to dress, speak and live in a certain way, not because I'm bound by law, but because I'm in love with my Savior and I can't bear breaking His heart. How I wish that was true of me every moment of every day!

Obviously these play a role in our big, life changing decisions, but how do we allow them to shape our every day lives? First of all, it looks VERY different for different people. It shows up in little areas we not have even considered. I found that the main reason I was holding onto not getting my ears pierced was some warped sense of legalism and pride, something I wanted no part of. Focus on looking at your own life.

Please encourage me as you can to not run in either incorrect direction, but to joyfully rest in the grace of God and to live a life of love. I'll try and encourage the same in you!

.....

2011-11-29T15:46:00.000-08:00

These beautiful earrings.......

Leave the first comment and these are yours!!!

.....

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

One All Better Butter......

Are you the first one to comment? Then this belongs to you!!!

Friday Fun!!!

2011-11-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

While it's true that most of my days are spent quite happily at home with my wonderful girls, occasionally I find my inner wild side and have a day that surprises even me!

Last Friday my sweet sisters arranged for my mom to watch my girls so we could all go Black Friday shopping. I had never been before and I wasn't quite sure what I was jumping into. But ready or not, Rachel, Anna, exchange sister Jana, friend Tessa, Esther and I headed to the mall at 6:00 on Black Friday. Turns out, 6:00 is actually amazingly tame on Black Friday. Seems we missed the "stay up all night" die hards, and beat the "let's sleep in and then go to the mall" crowd. It was great!

We may look like fun and games, but we're really rather serious.

Esther was a fabulous little shopper and all the extra arms were wonderful!

It really was a day of firsts for me.

Yep. Got my ears pierced for the very first time. It was premeditated though! Now you can all buy me earrings for Christmas, although I wont be able to wear them for 6-8 weeks. Bummer!

There are really only a few times and places my crazies come out. Mostly girl parties at the Thomas' house and late nights with my sisters. Now added to that list, Black Friday shopping with the nearest and dearest!

.....

2011-11-27T23:30:00.000-08:00

Peppermint Lip Butter.....

Be the first one to leave a comment and it's yours!

.....

2011-11-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

First come first serve!!!

One sample of Mint Harmonies (8 servings). Just be the first one to leave a comment!

Rapid Fire Fun!!!!!!!

2011-11-25T05:38:00.000-08:00

I've been sooooo excited about this week!!! It's going to be my week of "Rapid Fire Stocking Stuffers!". Here's how it is going to work. Between now and next Saturday, I'm going to post several small giveaways at random times. The person who is the first one to comment on that post, wins! Got it?

See the post with no comments, COMMENT and it's yours!!!!! But check back often, because you never know when another giveaway might pop up! The great thing about this series of giveaways is that even if you never win, all of these items can be found at http://gracenotes.biz/ for $5 or sometimes much, much less. Perfect for stocking stuffers or small gifts!
The first rapid fire giveaway is for a set of these Winter Wonder Mini-cards w/ envelopes.

Be the first to leave a comment and their yours!!!!!

(One individual cannot win more than twice!)

Heart For Home Thursday~ Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Psalm 95 1-7

O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord,

Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,

Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God

And a great King above all gods,

In whose hands are the depths of the earth,

The peaks of the mountains are His also.

The sea is His, for it was He who made it,

And His hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us worship and bow down,

Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For He is our God,

And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! No matter what our earthly circumstances, let us never fail to remember that we are more than abundantly blessed. We serve a great and mighty God, who loves us, died to redeem us, and who is coming back to take us to Him. Every day we live in an outpouring of His indescribable grace on our lives. Praise the Lord!!!!

Today......

2011-11-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

Today..... I'm realizing that Saturdays were not the best days to plan on changing out my giveaways. I think I've missed every single one! Last week's winner was...... MARSHA!!!! Please e-mail me at davidkingsgirl@gmail.com and I will send you your Candy Cane Sugar Scrub.

Today..... I'm deciding to wait until next Friday to start my final giveaway (it's going to be TONS of fun so when you're making leftover turkey sandwiches, make sure you drop by and check it out!!!)

Today..... I'm enjoying my beautiful Bethany and remembering five years ago when she was born. In fact, right now I'm still wrapped up in a blanket and my pj's, getting ready to pull the coffee cake out of the oven for our pajama tea party birthday breakfast/brunch.

My birthday girl!!!

Today..... drink some tea, smile, paint some toes, give loads of snuggles, or whatever else you can think of to enjoy this amazing life God has blessed you with. Remember to be thankful for the incredible grace poured out on lives through Jesus!

Heart For Home Thursday~ The Great Stain Fighting War!!!

2011-11-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for commercials. We don't have TV hooked up, but back during the '06 Olympics, we pulled out our bunny ears and watched. By the end of that season I couldn't believe how brainwashed I had become. Suddenly I knew which shampoo I had to try because the of the silk like hair of the woman in the Pantene commercial (regardless of how Pantene has ALWAYS left my hair in the past!). That new lotion I knew would instantly transform my dull skin, and that miracle stain remover would transform my laundry forever.

I like to think I've grown in wisdom slightly since then, (although I wouldn't trust myself too much!), but it's good for me sometimes to buckle down and figure out WHAT REALLY WORKS!!! I decided to start with my stain removers. I've soaked, sprayed and rubbed through the years but always with doubt of which would work better, so I decided to put it to a final test.

Obviously this is not an exhaustive list, it just covers what I happened to have on hand (plus one borrowed from my mom). I started with six contestants......

And two formidable foes....

Tomato Sauce........

and grass stains!!!

Numbers 3-6 I treated by spraying or rubbing in, while numbers 1 and 2 soaked for 30 minutes.

While I would love to say the results were simple and clear, I would be lying. (The results also did not photograph well so bear with me!).

The grass stains varied from no stain left at all......

To hardly noticing it had been washed.

Cleanest to dirtiest it went~

Shout

PreSpot

OxiClean Gel Stick

Fels Naptha

Borax

Washing Soda

The tomato sauce differences were not as stark. They all faded significantly, but some still clearly showed a stain, while others faded almost entirely. I inverted these photos because it helped them show up better!

Here is the clean one with no stain left.....

The order for the best tomato sauce cleaner went~

PreSpot

OxiClean Gel stick

Washing Soda

Borax

Fels Naptha

Shout

Overall, I think I would stick with PreSpot which is a natural and non-toxic cleaner. I'm definitely NOT soaking for grass stains as that did not work at all. And I guess I'll have stop trusting Shout for my food stains. Maybe this study wasn't completely conclusive, but I will feel more confidant in my stain fighting choices from here on out!

Don't forget!!! Boiling water for berry stains and jello. Cold water for blood!!!

This Week's Giveaway!

2011-11-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

This week's giveaway would make a perfect gift for just about anyone, or of course you are more than welcome to keep it for yourself and simply enjoy! This week I am giving away an 8oz. Candy Cane sugar scrub (that's the big one!). Not only does this stuff smell delicious, it is actually good for your skin and leaves it unbelievably soft and luxurious.

We're going to shake it up a little this week. To enter simply~

1. Leave a comment letting me know you are a follower of my blog.

2. Leave a comment letting me know what you favorite $5 or LESS item on our website is.

3. Make a donation of any size to help the Ochs Family bring Elvira home. Leave a comment simply saying "Elvira" (not donation information). (5 entries)

The Ochs family is in Russia RIGHT NOW visiting Elvira (I'm just so jazzed!).

I will draw a winner next Saturday!!! Spread the word!

Oops!!!

2011-11-13T18:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry! It's been a crazy weekend and somehow I missed drawing my winner and setting up the new giveaway yesterday. I'll be posting about this week's giveaway tomorrow so be sure to check back, but for now, the winner of their choice of tea and an Organic Reusable tea bag is......... Sarah S. !!!!!

Congrats Sarah! Please e-mail me at davidkingsgirl@gmail.com and let me know which tea and tea bag you would like!

See y'all tomorrow!!!!

My Boppa, My Hero

2011-11-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

My Boppa is a hero. A real life hero. He was a navigator in World War Two. He fought for our freedoms. He put his life on the line to serve his country. God protected him in miraculous ways. But his heroic journey didn't end there.

My Boppa is a hero every day. He gives his life to love his family and those he is around. He is one of the most generous people I know. He never sees a need without stepping in. At ninety years old, he cares about every detail of all of our lives. Making us smile is what he does best, and what he does all of the time. His arms are always ready to be filled rocking a crying baby, or reading to a little girl, or making someone's favorite dish (and all of our favorite dishes come from him!). He faithfully pours out his love on his beautiful wife of fifty-nine years. He faithfully pours out his love on each of his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren (in fact we're down right SPOILED!!!).

My Boppa is my hero. And I love him with all my heart!

Heart For Home Thursday~ The Big Three!

2011-11-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

There are three things we talk about in our home daily. As in every, single, day. They are our big three. In school, in play, in work, in fun, in service in any area, these three make any situation enjoyable and doable. Without them any situation easily feels overwhelming and frustrating. These things are.....

Love~ Not just affection. Choosing to do what is best for one another. Choosing to see the good. Laying aside our own desires for someone else. Obedience is also included in this one. Just as God tell us that love for Him means obeying His commands, as a parent, my girls show me their love by choosing to willingly obey.

Diligence~ Any job can be handled. Any job can seem like a bear. The difference is diligence. Even the most daunting of tasks can be steadily chipped away at with some intentional diligence. My girls are always so excited when they see their diligence pay off.

Joyfulness~ Joy takes any situation in life and makes it just a bit better. A day sprinkled with joy is bearable. A day where everyone is determined to have joy is delightful! Encourage your family to apply joy to every circumstance.

These are our big three. First for ME. Then for my children. We all remind each other regularly and when we succeed with these, the difference is clear. What are your big three? What things turn the outcome of your day?

Five Months

2011-11-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

I know, right?! Five months?!?! Esther is our little spoon full of sugar. Life is busy around here. Mornings are full of Mommy trying to help three little girls with school, while keeping one wild child out of trouble. Everyone is busy doing what they are supposed to do. Then enters Esther. The whole world stops. BECAUSE WE JUST CAN'T RESIST HER!!! There is a reason she naps during school. Every smile, every squeak, every goofy face, we all have to stop and admire and gush over her!

She's sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, but she's got a goofy side too!

I could go on and on, but there is only so long I can look at pictures of her before I have to stop what I'm doing and go kiss her!!!

Two winners and a giveaway!!!

2011-11-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Since we've been sick again this weekend, I thought I would kind of throw everything together here in one giant post.

First order of business, don't forget that everyone who comments on any of my Heart For Home Thursday posts are automatically entered into a monthly drawing. October's winner is....... Dearhoneybee. This month she will win $6 as well towards any jewelry purchase on our site, gracenotes.biz .

The winner of the other $6 jewelry giveaway is........ Theresa S.

If you could both e-mail me at davidkingsgirl@gmail.com I'll give you the info concerning your prize!

This week I'm continuing my "Gift Idea Giveaway". ( Week 2 of 4 if you're wondering!) This week I'm focusing on our tea products.

Our Organic Reusable Teabags are our #1 top sellers on our site. If you enjoy loose teas, these are a must have! They are so cute too!

We also carry four different tea flavors.....

Lavender Lemongrass is 100% Organic. This light tea is calming and refreshing.

Peaceful Moments is made to be soothing and relaxing. The mix of Chamomile, Spearmint and lemongrass blends together for a very comforting taste.

Mint Harmonies is a simple mint medley. If you enjoy mint tea, you will LOVE this one!

Vanilla Rooibos is also 100% Organic. This rich and satisfying tea is DELICIOUS! I love mine with a little milk and sugar. Completely caffeine free, it's hard to believe this is not only one of those "bad" teas, it's actually good for you!

Can't decide which one to try? We have our tea sampler to help you out! It comes with two reusable tea bags and a sample pack of each flavor.

This week I'm giving away a full size tea (42 servings!) plus one reusable tea bag. Same entry rules apply as before!

1. Leave a comment here telling me what tea flavor sounds the best to you on gracenotes.biz

2. Like gracenotes on facebook (or let me know that you already do)

3. Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries!)

Please leave separate comments for each thing you do!

Can't wait to see who this week's winner will be!

Heart For Home Thursday~ Leaf Garland

2011-11-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned I love Fall? Maybe I have. Today my girls and I have making and putting up our favorite fall decoration. We look forward to making the garland because it is fun, cheap ( okay, mom likes that part!), and PRETTY!

First send out your little leaf gatherers!

Have them look for different shapes and colors, not ripped and not too crispy dry.

Dry them in a book for a couple of days.

Of course they are pretty just like this, but come on, we have a houseful of girls! Glitter always wins!

Mom does the glue at this house,

Just rub a thin coat all around with your finger.

The girlies did the glitter (while Ella sat with Daddy. She wasn't quite ready for this project!).....

Collecting the leftover glitter along the way.

So pretty! Now they just need to dry for a couple of hours.

To hang them, a little raffia and hot glue does the trick great!

I'll love looking at this for the next month! (Only to be removed for CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!)

Total cost for the glitter, raffia and hot glue I figured came out at about 10 cents. Total. Being generous!

What are your favorite Fall Decorations?

Thinking About Christmas Yet? (Plus Giveaway!)

2011-10-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love, love giving gifts! If I could do a giveaway everyday here I would. Christmas time gets me especially excited as it gives me the opportunity to give gifts to my nearest and dearest. As much as I love giving gifts, I'm usually scrambling at the last minute to come up with that perfect gift. This year however, I am remarkably ahead of the game.

It struck me that maybe some of you were thinking of Christmas already too and I wanted to throw out just a couple of fun ideas from our website. (I'll be giving a list of stocking stuffers here before too long!)

Today I'm just sticking with jewelry.....

These sets are all from $11.00- $18.00,

But this week I am giving away $6 towards any set of jewelry.

To enter simply.....

1. Leave a comment here telling me what your favorite jewelry set is on gracenotes.biz

2. Like gracenotes on facebook (or let me know that you already do)

3. Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries!)

Please leave separate comments for each thing you do!

Next Saturday a winner will be drawn, and a new giveaway will be revealed!

Heart For Home Thursday~ Let Them In!

2011-10-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's time to confess. Contrary to everything I say, everything I encourage and everything I strive to be, deep, deep down I am really just a Kitchen Snob. While I really want my daughters to learn to be in the kitchen, preparing food, cooking, baking, learning from me, most of the time I just want to do "my thing".

The other night I was making biscuits for our dinner and was feeling a little rushed. Bethany (my most likely girl to be found in the kitchen) climbed up on her stool and asked if she could put the cut out biscuits on the tray for me. "Not this time." I answered quickly. All I could see was squished biscuits. You know, those biscuits that were pinched a little too much on their way to the tray. Horror of horrors! I couldn't let that happen.

Thankfully, a small bit of sanity got a hold of me quickly. WHO CARES ABOUT SQUISHED BISCUITS?!? Bethany did the job beautifully without any mistakes. But even if she hadn't, it wouldn't have mattered.

This scenario happens way more than I care to admit. But it robs all of us from learning and growing from one another. My girls actually know how to do many things in the kitchen very well. For the most part they really are helpful now. But they never would have gotten here had I not let them try when they were not helpful!

Yesterday I was feeling convicted and decided to take the plunge. We had all afternoon so I got out our blueberry muffin recipe and told them to make it. On their own. All I did was work the oven. I made applesauce on the other counter while they worked away. I didn't have high hopes that all would go smoothly, but the only times I had to step in were to help with some fractions and to encourage closer reading when the pulled out baking soda instead of baking powder.

YUM!!!

Teaching children to cook is so rewarding in sooo many ways. I know this to my toes. But as much as we my "believe" it, we can't forget to actually let them in! They'll surprise you!

Rejoice With Me

2011-10-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

I started my blog in June of 2008. Some of you have been here from the beginning. Sometimes I cringe to think of the things I shared with you, what you might think of me or how crazy you must think I am. But I have to say, you have always been so supportive and full of encouragement.

In light of that, I knew that you would love to rejoice with me as this past weekend made me weep and dance with joy!

First, there is something you may not know about me. ( Though if you've spent too much time around me in the real world, you probably do!) While I always had a childlike desire, when I was pregnant with Ella Joy the Lord placed a load like ten tons of bricks on my heart. This load was called ADOPTION.

The reason I've put off this post for sooooo long, is because I could go on about it f o r e v e r. (If you have specific questions for me, please ask. For now I'll try and keep this "short"!) Just wrangle me into a conversation about adoption (which wont be too hard!) and I'll probably be weeping in no time! But here is what made my weekend so incredible.

Two stories~

1. You may remember me writing last year around this time about my friend Susanna and her beautiful daughter Verity who was born with Down Syndrome. Verity was their tenth child and I'm sure "more than they could handle" in the eyes of some. But these people LOVE the Lord, and trust in His strength and not their own. As a result, when they felt the Lord calling them towards a special needs adoption, they were obedient. Beautiful Katerina in nine years old and has down syndrome, but if you get a chance, just look. It will break you heart. Katerina with her Mama. Susanna has gone to see her, and their family has been waiting and waiting to bring her home.

2. One day as I was reading Susanna's blog, she directed us to http://reecesrainbow.org/ which lists children with special needs who are up for adoption. I was looking through the children, praying, when a little girl's face stopped me in my tracks. It made me weep instantly. She looked like my baby. Not only did she look like my baby and have the same pajamas, her birthday was only two months apart from her's. Her name was Elvira. That was one of the toughest weeks of my life. I cried morning, noon and night. I just wanted her in my arms. I wanted to wipe those tears from her eyes. Every time I looked at my Ella, I felt like she was missing a twin. As time passed however, it became unmistakeably clear that the answer was a resounding NO. My heart slowly began to change to longing for God to bring Elvira's right mommy to her SOON!

All of my girls and I prayed for Katie and Elvira. every. single. prayer time.

Then came Saturday. I hadn't really been on the computer much for awhile, so first I decided to check up on Susanna and Katie. The first thing I saw when I arrived at her blog were the words, "She is not an orphan, she is our daughter." Their adoption is finalized and they are picking her up the middle of next month.

After clearing those tears, I decided to check up on Elvira on the waiting children's list. I couldn't find her. My heart leapt as I searched frantically and then I burst into tears again when I found her here; Elvira for the Ochs Family.

My heart is simply overflowing with joy and praise to the Lord! Thank you for rejoicing with me and please continue to keep these families and these precious little girls in your prayers!

John 14:18~ "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

Susanna's Blog
Elvira's Family's Blog

Heart For Home Thursday~ It's Their Home Too!

2011-10-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I try and do a "check up" on my family. By "Now and then" I mean "Not as often as I would like". My check up consists of just asking some simple questions to my girls or my husband or both. It's important for me to remember that they live here too! This is their home.

Today the question was simply, "What do you love about our home?". It was fun and interesting to hear their little minds working as coming up with things they like about it. For example, Lydia thinks it's good that we don't have too many sweets or candy in our house, just "some". Bethany likes how Daddy and Mommy love each other. Havilah likes working with Mommy.
It'd easy to get into a groove and it's refreshing to look with a new perspective. Take a little time this week to pick the brain of your family. What needs changing? What needs done more often? What does your family LOVE about your home?

(Here's a few things I love about my home!)

Eight Years Ago......

2011-10-18T23:40:00.000-07:00

Eight years ago today. He was twenty. I was seventeen. He told me we were going hunting. We weren't. But I believed him. We drove. We hiked. We found a beautiful waterfall. We found a set picnic lunch with flowers. I thought we were crashing someone else's beautiful lunch. Then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I cried. I said yes. He put a ring on my finger.

Today, I'm more in love than I can say. Eight years ago feels like eighty years ago. But it also feels like yesterday.

Heart For Home Thursday~ On Friday

2011-10-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's Friday. Our Internet was turned off for most of yesterday and by the time it came back on I was getting ready for a special aunt and uncle to come visit. So here is a big "I'M SORRY" from me!!!! Since I had several requests for the Sour Cream Pear Pie recipe that was on the agenda for this week. Unfortunately, I lost the recipe. Again. I've already called my mom twice this week for it, but she is out of town this morning, so willing as she may be to give it to me for the third time in one week, she is unable to do so at this time. It will be coming soon so hold on to those last few pears sitting around!

While we're waiting, I thought I would point you over to Like a Warm Cup of Coffee. They are doing a "Get Dressed" challenge. I love Sarah Mae! She is the author of the 31 Days to Clean e-book and just a wonderful woman who loves the Lord and her family.

To some people this might sound funny. A "get dressed" challenge? But hey, it speaks to me! You may not know this about me, but deep down I'm a genuine frump. I try to hide it. But in reality, most days I'm dashing to the bathroom to put on my make-up and brush my hair right before my husband steps in the door.

Obviously, our outward appearance should not take center stage in our priorities, but at the same time, we want to honor the Lord and our husbands in ALL that we do, including how we dress and how we take care of our bodies.

I'm excited about this challenge! If you want to join just jump over here!

Four Months!!!

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Esther is four months old now.

We COULD NOT get the fingers out of her mouth! I think she's teething. She is also d r o o l i n g everywhere! I've never really had a drooler before so it's kind of funny! This girl breaks all the molds. Chubby cheeks. Hair, but no dimples. Drool. Terrible sleeper. But at the same time she is just the same as the others. Adores Daddy more than anyone in the world. Ticklish. Very ticklish. Bright blue eyes. Smells sweetly of sour milk. And has mommy COMPLETELY smitten.

September's Winner!

2011-10-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Back in September we added a fun little something to our gracenotes store. My mom has come up with these adorably cute little note card sets that I'm completely in love with. They are just the right size to write a quick word of encouragement or affection. Stick them in a lunch box, under a pillow, in some one's book or Bible or just laying on a desk.

There are all different styles. Each set comes with nine mini cards.

Remember, everyone who comments on any of my "Heart For Home Thursday" posts are automatically entered into a monthly drawing. This month's winner is...... AMBER!!! She will have her choice of any mini note card set. Please e-mail me at davidkingsgirl@gmail.com.

If you didn't win, dash over to http://gracenotes.biz/ to get your own set!

Kitchen Day (Part2)

2011-10-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well, the Kitchen Day wasn't quite as productive as I would have hoped. I got the bread baked.....

Made the sour cream pear pie..... YUM!!!

Made corn chowder.....

And got a beautiful sister to make the biscuits.......

They were super yummy too!

I tried to make pear butter, but it was a total flop. Anyone have a good Pear Butter recipe? The gravy was made and enjoyed the next morning. The chicken didn't get cooked because we decided to go on a date last night and the dry ingredients didn't get mixed.

Some kitchen days don't go exactly as planned, but it still feels good to get in there and focus on providing food for my family.

Heart For Home Thursday~ Kitchen Day (Part 1)

2011-10-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

Today is "Kitchen Day". Usually my Kitchen Day is Friday, but because of unusual circumstances that I wont take the time for, this week it is on Thursday. Kitchen Day is the day I focus on getting ahead in my baking and meal planning for the next week. I know some amazing moms who do Kitchen Days once a month and get ALL of their month's baking done on that one day. I'm nowhere near that yet.

I simply look at my weeks menu (or make one first so I can look at it) and make a list of everything I can get done ahead of time. Today we're not tackling too much. Our list for the day looks like this~

Bake bread
Make corn chowder and put it in the crock pot for dinner
Make Sour Cream Pear Pie
Make pear butter
Bake biscuits for dinner and for breakfast tomorrow
Make gravy for breakfast tomorrow
Cook chicken for soup tomorrow night
Mix dry ingredients for pancakes
Mix dry ingredients for coffee cake

But before I start, I have a hard fast rule that I stick too. The kitchen MUST be clean before I start ANYTHING!!! It is too easy to start a batch of bread, make more mess and then I'm too swamped to keep going.

Last night I made the poor decision to not clean the kitchen. Bad idea. As a result, this is what greeted me this morning. (Look! It's dark outside! I'm really getting up earlier!)

As much as I wanted to dive right into my baking projects, I buckled down and did the work. It felt good too!

Tomorrow, I'll update and see how much I actually got done.

If you do a kitchen day today or tomorrow and let me know what you accomplished, I'll enter you three times into my monthly giveaway!

King Family Update~ Bethany

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Bethany is just two months away from turning five. She is still our bright bubbly and hilarious little girl with a strong emotional side. You will usually find her laughing out loud at her sisters, her aunts or uncles or herself. She makes friends everywhere we go and loves to meet new people.

Bethany is very good at figuring things out and loves to learn how things work. She also taught herself to read this last Spring and reads almost anything now. Her mind is a mystery to me. She is so much like her daddy that I often just sit back and marvel.

Bethany adds great spice to the middle of our family. When asked what her favorite things are she said, "Zebras, princesses and candy.".

We are so thankful for our precious Bethany and can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for this amazing girl!

King Family Update~ Havilah

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Havilah Kathryn is three and a half and grows sweeter and more beautiful daily. It is so hard to believe that this is the little girl that put us through the ringer when she was younger. Today, she is simply delightful.

Right now she is in that special place as "the middle child". She carries it off gracefully too! She is excellent at loving and getting along with her older sisters while caring for her little sisters with a tender heart.

Havilah has a beautiful love for life. She is gradually warming up to people and is not only good at making friends, but at keeping them too. When asked what her favorite things in the world are she said, " My books. And my crayons. Because then I can draw!".

Our sweet baby girl is blossoming into such a beautiful little girl and she takes our breath away every day!

Heart For Home Thursday~ My Favorite........ Way To Pack!

2011-09-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

Well, since today is full of packing up and getting ready to head all over the place, I though I would share my favorite way to pack for a "large" family. Our family still doesn't strike me as large, but when I realize I'm packing for six girls for four nights, it can be a little daunting.

After too many trips of realizing that I packed seven shirts for Bethany and only two for Havilah, I knew I had to come up with a better system. Now I use the "Bag For a Day" system (as I call it!).

For this upcoming trip, the older girls and Esther are coming with us, while the middle girls are going to spend a fun weekend with their grandparents. So in one plastic grocery bag (I know! I'm so "un-green"!) I put one day's clothes for Lydia, Bethany and Esther, including socks, underwear, onesies etc..

I tie it up and label what day it is for......

Then I repeat the process for each day, making a separate bag for pajamas and one bag for "extra" clothes. With two headed for the beach and one potty training, there were a few more extra clothes than usual.

Here they all are, ready to be packed!

All three girl's clothes fit nicely into one back pack, ready to be pulled out each day, complete with every thing needed. The other two will have their own bag. This makes dressing for the day on a trip sooooooo much easier. It eliminates the last minute decision making because everyone knows what they are going to wear for the day. I also feel better for those I'm leaving my children with as their sizes are so close to each other it can be confusing what clothes go to each girl.

Have fun packing!

King Family Update~ Ella

2011-09-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well if Esther is sugar and spice and everything nice, Ella Joy is wiggles and squiggles and a whole bunch of giggles. At 20 months she is more full of mischief then any bitty 22 lb. girl I've ever seen.

Our "Joy Bug" keeps us smiling and laughing all day long. She also provides us with our daily dose of exercise as we keep running all day to try and keep her out of trouble.

Ella knows no strangers, and loves her family deeply. She's simply fun, fun, fun and our lives are so rich with her in our family.

King Family Update~ Esther

2011-09-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

Heading into a new school year always feels like an actual new year, so I thought it was time for a good 'ole family update. I decided to start with the youngest this time!

Miss Esther is growing up faster than I can believe. She will be four months next week and I just can't figure out where the time is going. While it feels like she was just born, it also is so hard to imagine what life was like before she was a part of our family.

These days she is full of smiles, giggles and wondrous fascination for the world around her.

She loves Mommy and her sisters but like all true King girls in this family, Daddy is the absolute favorite. Everything he does is amazing, hilarious and magnificent to Esther. He can do no wrong in her book (except maybe sneeze loudly while holding her!).

She is the definition of "Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice". We are all just completely smitten by her!

Heart for Home Thursday~ One of those weeks!

2011-09-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

Yep. It's been one of "Those" weeks. We stay relatively healthy around here, which is a tremendous blessing, but every year or so we are hit. Hard. And germs don't like to stay to themselves in this family. We just love each other too much for that!

Sooooo, since today has been full of caring for my extremely sick husband and making sure my girls are quiet enough to not disturb him, I thought I would simply direct your attention to some of my past recipes that are still some of my favorites ever. Enjoy!!!

Scones and Lemon Curd
Olive and Artichoke Bread
Homemade Bagels

P.S. Let me know how they turned out, how you liked them, your own additions etc.. Don't forget, everyone who comments on each Heart For Home Thursday posts are entered into a monthly drawing!

Happy FALL!!!

2011-09-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

Remember back when I said I had favorites? Well I wasn't kidding! And my favorite, FAVORITE, FAVORITE season of all is Fall. Call it "Autumn" if you will. It makes no difference to me. Not many things thrill me to my toes like the thought of Fall.

Here are my favorite things about Fall~

Soup

Candles

Blankets

Rain

Wood stoves with fires

Tea

Home schooling

Snuggling

Socks

Crisp air

Brown, green and orange all together

Long sleeves

Smells like cinnamon, cloves, pumpkin etc.

I could go on, but I won't. Pretty much anything that has to do with Fall, I love. Thank you, Thank you Lord for Fall!!!

Heart For Home Thursday~ My Favorite.... Way to Clean Glass

2011-09-16T02:03:00.000-07:00

(Whew! I barely made this one. I thought about it all last night and then as I was applying my "husband's about ready to come home" makeup it hit me that I had forgotten to write!!! Thank you for your patience!)

Window washing was always my most dreaded chore. Give me a vacuum or a pile of laundry but please, please don't make me wash the windows! I tried every window cleaner ever made and used everything from squeegees to newspaper. -S-T-R-E-A-K-S- There was no way to avoid them! So, of course, as every good cleaning story ends, I asked my mother. She gave me the simplest, streak free solution that I've used ever since.

Here is our fingerprinted TV.

Here is our miracle cast of characters. Two rags, one bowl of warm water and a squirt of dish soap. Mix just a dash of soap in a little warm water. With one rag, dip it in the water (just a little) and wipe off the dirty surface.

Then take your second rag and dry it off squeaky clean, wiping away any smudges as you go. Just rub, rub, rub and before you know it it will be sparkling! If any smears remain, just wipe it good with your dry cloth.

Ahhh, much better!

I use this for ALL my glass cleaning, including mirrors

Heart for Home Thursday~ Reaping Smiles

2011-09-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Last night after I put the big girls to bed, I crashed for just a moment on my bed with Esther. After just a moment she did something that broke my heart. She smiled. A beautiful, sweet, loving smile. What hit me like a ton of bricks was the fact that I hadn't seen that smile all day. And as I thought back over my day, I couldn't really remember many smiles at all, from me or my girls.

You see yesterday was a canning day. I felt pressure to finish up our peaches before we go pick blackberries this morning and have to do more jam. Our TOWERING laundry pile glared at me all day. And Ella. Ella is going through a very trying stage. She has taken "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" verse and applied it diligently to her life. Unfortunately her hands seem to find the sugar bag, the glitter, the snacks on the microwave or substances that have caused me to call poison control twice in one week.

With all this pressure of everything I "had" to get done, combined with little ones seeming to undo everything I accomplished, I was one flustered mama. I was short tempered. I was busy. It was just kind of a grumpy day all around. That's why Esther's sweet little smile revealed how ugly things had got.

While praying desperately for the Lord's grace and wisdom, this is my plan of attack for the day.

1. Meditating on the "I'm Stressed" Psalm.

"My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern my heart with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with it's mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore."

Resting in the arms of Jesus is right where I want to be. Nothing going on around me is worth stressing out or forgetting that my gracious Father has me right where He wants me.

2. Identifying my "pressures".

There's pressure to get the peaches done, the laundry done, dishes washed, shelves to organize, meals to plan AND execute, socks to sort, a bedroom to shovel out, plus be out the door on time with five little girls with sparkling faces, combed hair and shoes. Let's not forget shoes like last time.

This is my immediate, top priority list for just today (not including jam making and clean up). The ingredient I have to throw out of this mix is the all consuming perfection.

Perfection turns these tasks into overwhelming weights. They are so heavy that my body literally feels like it's being squashed by them. Throw perfection out of the mix and suddenly the fog is lifted. The tasks remain to be handled and completed in a diligent manner, but the heaviness is removed. Today I will probably get the dishes done, make dinner, make jam, do a couple of loads of laundry, and hopefully remember shoes. And I will feel at peace. Tomorrow maybe we will tackle the shelves or the bedroom. If I am remembering Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men." , then I will know I am doing what needs to be done in a manner that honors the Lord.

3. Surrender the anger.

I think most people who know me would not think of me as an angry person. But I assure you, I struggle with it with the best of you. I hate it. I realize how destructive and fruitless it is. But still it returns. So when I say "surrender the anger" it is a daily thing, not a one time thing. My goal this fall is to memorize and meditate on these crucial verses that paint such an accurate picture of anger.

" A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control"~ Proverbs 29:11

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it's fruit"~ Proverbs 18:21

"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."~ Proverbs 17:27

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."~ Proverbs 15:1

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."~ Proverbs 12:18

I can not tell you how many times I have reprimanded my daughters for how they speak to their sisters while knowing in my heart that they sound just like me. Please pray for me in this battle!

4. Smile, Sing, Speak words of joy and truth.

When things get frazzled here, the first thing to go is my smile. Today I'm going to SMILE!!!

And I'm going to SING!!! Singing with your children is a great cure-all. Just simple songs like "He's got the Whole World in His Hands", "My God is so Great", or "I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy".

And I'm going to speak words of joy and truth. No child gets tired of hearing "I love you" if it is spoken from the heart. My girls thrive on praise like sunshine, and everyone likes to hear how much they mean to someone.

I really didn't intend for this to be a confessional, but I also couldn't find it in my heart to write some great recipe, when I knew I had some growing to do! May we all seek to rest in the Lord and to make our hearts right so that we can better serve our families and our homes!

Glad to be left out!

2011-09-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

Today's the day!!! This morning my facebook erupted with joyful proclamations of how much this long awaited day means to so many mothers out there. Now their lives can begin. Freedom has arrived!

I tried to think for a moment what it would be like if I was sending my oldest two away on a school bus this morning. I didn't try very long.

Today, I'm glad to be "missing out". While others may be having their "day of days" I'm perfectly happy right where I am!

CLEARANCE!!!

2011-09-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Do you get as excited as I do when you hear that word? There's just something so irresistible about it. Well there is definitely something to get excited about now! We are discontinuing our "Oh Sew Lovely" line at gracenotes.biz so it is all on clearance!

All of our adorable skirts are for sale for $9.50 each.

Our jumpers range from $10.00 to $11.50

Clutches and bags from $4.75 to $11.75

Spread the word!!! http://gracenotes.biz/

Three Months Old!!!

2011-09-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

Days are flying by.......

and with every passing day I'm amazed to find....

I only love her more!!!

August's Winner!

2011-09-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your encouragement with my Heart For Home Thursdays. As promised, I've drawn a winner from all of your who posted on my August posts and the winner is......... RachelKD!!! This month's prize is a $5 gift card to Amazon. Please e-mail me at davidkingsgirl@gmail.com.

Oh, and to answer your question about the baking soda in the iced tea. I was told that it cuts back the bitter taste that is common with black tea. It seems to help so I do it!

Heart For Home Thursday~ Little Helpers

2011-09-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

I know we've all heard it before, but I'm going to say it again. Teach you children to help around the house! There are many negative views when it comes to training your children to work. It's not about getting a free ride as a mom or turning our children into our slaves. It's about training our children in diligence, perseverance, responsibility and hard work.

Two years ago we made the "great switch". We moved all of our eat on dishes to the bottom cupboard and put our pans and mixing bowls in the top cupboards. It seemed so strange to me, but it has worked fabulously for our family. The girls are now completely responsible for emptying the dishwasher and setting the table. They thrive on the responsibility and receive much deserved praise for their service to their family.

What are some of your favorite ways to get your little ones involved in your daily chores?

My Family

2011-08-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

This is my family.

That dashingly handsome man is my husband, my best friend, my lover, my hero and the best kisser in all the world. Those five little faces that I just want to grab and smooch are my babies, and I get to grab and smooch them all day long.

Sometimes I can hardly believe it myself and I just have to take a moment to say "THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE PLANS!!!".

Enjoy today. Take time to be thankful for how the Lord has worked in your life!

Heart For Home Thursday~ Sunshine

2011-08-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

I am really a fall lover. Hardly anything gets me more excited than the thought of fall. But even I have to admit, there is something so refreshing and uplifting about the beautiful sunshine dumping down on us. Nothing lifts the soul like waking up to the sun streaming in my window. It's beautiful. It's peaceful. It's warming. It's comforting yet inspiring at the same time.

I've been reading through a book my mom gave me when I got married, (one that she read before she was married!). In the book it talks about being the "sunshine of your home". That always stands out to me because most of the time I feel very different from sunshine. I feel more like the rain cloud or the fog or the thunder shower. But I want to be that woman! I want to be the sunshine of my home! So where do I start?

If you've been around me long you'll probably know what I'm going to say, because I find this to be the greatest "cure all" for my heart attitude. Thankfulness. Oh what a transforming thing it is! It literally annihilates the grumpies with a picture of how great and loving my God is, and how amazingly good He is to me. Thankfulness changes my whole world, and with God's help I find myself glowing with love for those around me. I'm thankful for the spilled rice crispies because of the busy little hands that made the mess , for the husband who will be late every night this week because he's working hard for me and comes home with a kiss, for the many pairs of shoes which are ALL too small because little feet are growing just like they should, and for a hungry little babe who wakes me up in the night because how many woman would love to have a little babe who would wake them up in the night.

Our homes need sunshine. They thrive on sunshine. When we "shine" for our family then we are beautiful. We are peaceful. We are warming. And we are comforting yet inspiring. Let's be that for our families! Let's not let life's little details rob us of the joy of shining brightly!

More on Love (Part 3)

2011-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

There is a common weakness I've witnessed among families who strive for high standards (of which I hope I am one). It glares out quite often and sometimes clouds out all the "good choices" with it putrid stench. I've seen it in myself. I've seen it in my children. I've seen it in those around me. Do you know what I'm talking about? It's that ugly, ugly thing called PRIDE.

We somehow forget that every blessing we receive, including the ability to make wise choices, is ALL only Gods grace. It amazes me how easy it is to feel "better" than someone else when I should be on my face in view of my unworthiness.

Pride is in direct opposition to love. While pride is completely inward focused, love looks out to others and places their highest good above our own desires. As I raise my girls, this is one of the most critical things I want them to grasp. And while they will have to deal with their own prideful hearts before the Lord, I play a great part in how I teach them to think.

Every day we are presented with questions by our children. "Mommy, why didn't he get a spanking?", "Mommy, why don't we go to school like our neighbor does?", Mommy, why do they believe in Santa Clause?", "Mommy, why does she have a baby if she's not married?". And then we have the choice. The choice to instill a spirit of love or a spirit of pride.

Make sure that these conversations are not led to push our own agendas. Every one of these conversations provide a precious opportunity to teach some truth about God. For example, pride says, " Well, Honey, public school is a bad place and we would never choose to send you there because we love you. Some parents just don't care about their children. Kids who go to public school act very badly and so we don't want you to be around them." (I've heard this conversation before.) Love says, "As parents we want to make the best choice for you that we can. God has given us the responsibility to be YOUR parents and we believe He wants us to be responsible for your training. The public schools have rules that don't honor God so we need to be sure that we are very loving to our neighbor so that she can see Jesus in us." This conversation is obviously miles longer, but the focus needs to be on God's heart, not our own righteousness.

As we train our young children to serve the Lord, one obvious thing we need to train them in is service. Beware, BEWARE, BEWARE of raising "spotlight servants". Those who are eager and ravenous to serve when in return they will receive praise and admiration, but when the glory has disappeared, so have they.

Cultivate love. Cheesy as it may sound, love really is the answer! It's what Jesus commanded us with utmost importance. Love Him. Love others. The ugly head of pride is squashed when love takes over. Be very vigilant, and pray for my vigilance as we seek to build a heart of love in our children.

More on Love (Part 2)

2011-08-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is more of a "Let's Do It!" post! As a mom, I know that I feel love for my children and I show them love everyday in all the time I spend cooking, cleaning up after them, wiping their noses etc.. I'm pretty good at saying "I love you" all the time. Oh, and kissing. My children are kissed. Much. But other than that, it is easy to become very complacent in truly expressing love to my children in ways that convinces them beyond a shadow of a doubt that they truly are LOVED!!!

One great place for starting out is to try and pin point different areas that really communicate love to each of your children. I'm sure most of you have heard of "The Five Love Languages" by now, but if not, check it out. It was a really mind opening thing to me to see how differently we all feel loved. Here is a handy little test you can try on your kids. http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/personal-profiles/children/

Here's an example~ I can hug and kiss Lydia all day long, but when I write her a note of encouragement, she comes ALIVE. You just watch her face light up. With Bethany, you can tell her how wonderful she is until you're blue in the face, but take the time to actually DO something with her and her whole world changes.

Make sure you take the time to get to know your children and how they best receive love. It's not always super straight forward, and sometimes it feels like it's changing daily. But when you hit it on the head it feels so good that your love is being communicated effectively!

There are sooooo many ways to express love to our children! A new thing in our home has come with Lydia and Bethany learning how to read. They now have their own "mailboxes" (empty desk drawers) where we can all leave notes of encouragement for them. They LOVE this! Find special ways to spend time with them. Come up with little presents (which also provide great lessons in thankfulness). Play the "Who loves _____?" where everyone claps wildly for the named person. Make a point to express love daily, through simple or extravagant means.

This morning I tried a little experiment with my older girls just to get to know them better. We all sat at the table with paper and I gave them different scenarios like, "My favorite part of the day is...", "When Mommy is angry I...", Mommy makes me feel loved when..." and things like that. It was precious and sobering to see their answers.

Our children are little people, on the road to being young adults. We are the only mothers they have (That's thought that still makes me shiver!) and that is such a influential and irreplaceable role! What a privilege. So let's do it! Let's take the time to show them our love.

More on Love (Part 1)

2011-08-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

So, after posting about love last Thursday, it has really, REALLY been on my heart. As I've been digesting all these thoughts, I thought I would share here some of the different areas the Lord has been challenging me in loving my children.

I think our culture has such a skewed view of what it really means to love our children. I was privy to a conversation not long ago that wasn't too different from this.

Person #1, "I just can't figure out how to love my children and not go completely insane. Sometimes I just have to shut them out to be able to do anything for myself!" Person #2, " I know what you mean. I can't read a book, be on the computer or even make a phone call without my child constantly needing me. Bedtime is outrages! She needs me to sing, dance, and practically stand on my head for her to lay still. And then she needs water, the bathroom and another song and dance!". " Yeah, I want to love my kids, but then I end up going crazy! I have no life any more. Whenever I do what I want to do, I feel like such a monster mom." "I feel so bad for saying 'I can't wait until she's grown' but I can't wait until she's grown! I can't figure out how to love her and still love myself."

Sad. Sad. Sad. Sad. Our erroneous view of what it means to love our children leads to such a messed up life! I think the first thing we have to give incredibly careful thought to is what does it truly mean to love our children.

My favorite definition of love is, unselfishly choosing for someone else's highest good. Is it the highest good for my daughter to think that her selfish desires need to be met before anything else? Is it for her highest good to teach her that her happiness is the most important thing? Is it for her highest good to raise her in an atmosphere that totally ill-equips her for looking outside of herself and seeking what the Lord wants for her. I whole-heartedly say no.

Now don't get me wrong. It is also NOT loving to be a selfish parent, who puts our own desires and whims ahead all others. It is so easy to slip into the mindset of pushing our children aside as we pursue our own interests and desires. And I'm not talking about putting them in full time day care so I can become a ballerina, I'm talking about snapping at them for interrupting me while exercising, or for ignoring their "exciting news" because I want to read my book.

Be very careful of both extremes. Children can't think that they are the center of the universe. They also can't think that Mommy's book, bath, movie, phone call, ice cream, blogging time, dishes are more important than they are. The answer? They must be taught.

They must be taught that the things that other people do have importance. That at times they must exercise patience, or respond correctly to an answer they don't agree with. That is rude to interrupt unnecessarily. ( Come up with a polite way for them to get your attention discretely without causing a huge interruption).

They must also be taught that Mommy loves them unconditionally. That she delights in their joys and mourns over their sorrows. That they are precious to her, because she speaks to them and treats them in a way that shows that they are precious.

Think very carefully about the "love" that you are showing to your children. When true love that honors the Lord is prevalent in the home, it is a beautiful thing. When our selfish love, or our children's selfishness becomes the driving spirit, we end up in disaster. This is one of those areas that we need to carefully keep watch over, and pray for the Lord's wisdom and mercy! Let's keep careful watch over our homes!

Heart For Home Thursday~ With Love

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

I probably should have started here last week. Because the more I live life I am more and more convinced that nothing, no NOTHING is of value without love. I know this is not a suprise or anything new. Remember 1 Corinthians 13? It lays it all out pretty clearly and with much more authority than I have. I still felt that I needed to cover this as I start out on this Heart For Home venture.

Love has the ability to radically change my whole world. When my own selfishness is controlling my thought life, everything from an ill-timed haircut, a baby covered in lunch head to toe, or silly song being sung over and over and over is enough to drive me batty and to make me feel sooooo sorry for myself. When my focus is on loving those around me though, everything is different. Suddenly cutting my husband's hair is a priviledge, cleaning Spaghetti O's out of my child's hair is a fun bubble bath and the sweet singing voice is a delight, or at least entertaining!

God's love for us is the most compelling and life-changing example that we have to follow. He who gave everything, when we had absolutely nothing to give back. And the wonderful thing about loving like that is that the rewards that follow are truly beautiful. Life is abundant and rich. Our homes are running over with joy. But it is soooooo easy to loose focus!

I've been reading the Duggar's new book and in it was included this poem. No author was included so I'm not sure who wrote it, but a few chunks of it really grabbed my heart and made me realize how my priorities have been slipping.

LOVE

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in it's place, but have not love- I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative acheivements, but have not love- my children learn of cleanliness, not godliness.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.

Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.

Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.

Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love is present through trials.

Love reprinmands, reproves, and is responsive.

As a mother there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is... LOVE.

Somehow, it's the times when I am most focused on ordering my home, having meals well planned and promptly and simply keeping my home running smoothly and effectively that I forget my focus of love and slip into selfish, easily angered attitudes. As we look into ways to turn our hearts to our homes, let's encourage each other to keep the heart of love in what ever we do!

Fair Fun!!!

2011-08-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

It has been a pretty crazy summer for the daddy around here, so it was a very special day when we all packed into our maxed out mini van and headed for the county fair this past weekend! A whole day with Daddy is about the best thing any of us girls around here can imagine!

One of the biggest treats of the day was getting to smooch on my absolutely, unbelievably A D O R A B L E nephew. We all ADORE Caleb!

The fair is extra special when we get to share it with some of our favorite people!

Havi petting the "calf" (otherwise known as a baby goat!).

Nothing in the world is as good as hanging out with Daddy!

Although Boppa comes in pretty close!

And Grandma too!

Getting faces painted by Auntie Rachel

The tractors are always a huge hit!

Thank you Lord for such a wonderful day!!!

Heart For Home Thursday~ Something Cold!

2011-08-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

(Whew! I barely made this one! Here I go and say "I will post every Thursday" and I almost miss the first one! I really have an excuse this time though. Yesterday, our computer took a shocking turn for the worse and has fallen into some sort of coma. Praying that it is resolved soon and doesn't need to be replaced! Thankfully, my parents live just down the road so I'm posting from there!)

Summer is finally here in Oregon (I think) and with summer comes the ever constant issue of wanting something cold to drink.

David comes in from a long, hot day of work and I say, "Can I make you some iced tea? It will be ready in four hours." Somehow it's just not quite right. So my goal this summer was to always have something cold and ready to offer my hard working man. It also is so fun to have something ready to offer anyone who enters my home.

Here are a few of this summer's favorites!

Iced Coffee~ Got the idea from Pioneer Woman and simplified! All I do is put one cup coffee grounds in a pitcher, fill with cold water and let sit for at least eight hours. Then I strain it through my tea strainer (or you could use cheesecloth. I don't own cheesecloth. Please feel sorry for me. Or just think I'm strange.), and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. At least that's what Pioneer Woman said. Ours has never lasted that long! When we're ready for a drink I just pour it over ice, add a little (or a lot) creamer and we're ready to roll. This is SUPER yummy! Just as good as anything I've ever spent four dollars on at a coffee shop!

Raspberry Lemonade~ Put one cup sugar, one cup lemon juice (or maybe a little less) in a pitcher. Blend 1/2 cup raspberries (or strawberries, but then you would have to change the title to Strawberry Lemonade) with enough water to cover them. I use my Bullet Blender that my husband got me for Christmas (big smile!), but a blender would work just as good. Add the raspberry puree to the pitcher, fill with water and stir. This will make a pretty strong batch, but I like it that way! If isn't strong enough, add more lemon juice. If it's too strong, add more water! (I love recipes like this!).

Iced Tea~ Very basic I know, but this hits the spot like nothing else on a hot day! I know there are a million different ways to make iced tea, but this is how I like it. Fill a heat safe pitcher with boiling water. (What is a heat safe pitcher? One that doesn't crack or melt when you pour in the boiling water.) Add three tea bags, 2/3 cup sugar and just a tiny pinch of baking soda. Let cool for about an hour, then cool completely in the refrigerator. Serve over ice. This is pretty sweet, but guess what! I like it that way!

I love trying out different kinds of iced tea. Some of my new favorites are Mint Harmonies and Lavender Lemongrass from our gracenotes teas. I even like these without sugar, if you can believe it!

Planning ahead and keeping something ready and cold in the refrigerator has made me feel so much more equipped to practice unexpected hospitality as well as prepared for any sweaty husband or rosy cheeked little munchkins. We usually have two pitchers ready for different options because as Havilah says' "Caffeine makes you WILD!".

Enjoy these last few summer days!

Two Months!!!

2011-08-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

My baby is two months old. Two months is always a hard one for me because my theory is that our big shifts come in twos. We count how old they are by days for awhile. Three days old. Eight days old. Twelve days old. Until we get to two weeks. Then they are two weeks old. Three and a half weeks old. Seven weeks old. Until we get to two months. Now she's two months. Almost two and a half months. And I'll count in months until two years. When she sill no longer be twenty-three months old, but TWO YEARS old!

It makes me a little sad to already be at the month stage, but every day with my darling is so delightful that I really can't be sad!

Esther is a doll. We girls are unable to contain our squeals of pure joy every time we see her. Daddy keeps his composure pretty well, but that sweet smile he gives her speaks volumes. At 11 lb. 12 oz at two months she is our first baby to actually border on chubbiness. I think it's delicious!

I already can not begin to imagine life without my sweet Esther. Everyday I thank the Lord, sometimes in tears, for giving us "just another girl". Esther is a treasure!

Summer Savings!!!

2011-08-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to make sure you've heard about our summer sale going on at http://www.gracenotes.biz/ . For the month of August, if you spend $10.00 you can get any item for 1/2 off. And it doesn't have to be smaller than your original purchase. Take advantage of this to try out one of our more expensive items. (The only item not included in this sale is the diaper bags.)

Tea in the summer? All of our teas make delicious Iced Tea!!! Give it a try!

I love our flowers! There are so many different styles and with their non-slip pads they actually stay in place!

Beautiful cards for $1 or less!

Jewelry is the easiest way to add change to your favorite wardrobe!

And don't forget our babynotes line! With my own little one, I am literally using these products every single day.

Have fun shopping and saving!

Someday

2011-08-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Grace,

Remember when You put your ballet clothes away dreaming of someday when you might have a little girl who would dance and twirl?

"Someday" was today.

Heart For Home Thursdays!!!

2011-08-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

I love Thursdays! Three reasons immediately come to mind.
1. It is no longer Wednesday (Wednesdays and me have a bad track record.).
2. The garbage truck comes and we once again have an empty garbage can.
3. There are two more days to refocus and gear up for a delightful weekend.

So in celebration of this wonderful day, I am starting "Heart For Home Thursdays"!

These posts may include anything from a recipe, a cleaning technique, a thought or attitude about the home or anything else I try to squash into the "home" catagory. I'm excited about this for two reasons. I love my home. And I'm excited for anything that keeps me focused, challenged and inspired in this area. I also love my blog and staying connected with all of you. Hopefully this will keep me more consistent.

Now here's the real kicker! At the end of each month I'm going to have a small giveaway for anyone who commented on any of the Heart For Home posts that month. Emphasis on small here. No Kitchen Aids or Nikon cameras headed your way. Sorry.

Have a BEAUTIFUL day!!!

Don't Forget!!!

2011-08-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is my reminder to me~ Don't forget to be thankful today. Just don't. Without thankfulness God's amazing gifts to us slip past unnoticed. With thankfulness the world's worries and trials shrink and fade. Here's a quick ten.

I'm thankful~

1. That I live in Oregon, where everything outside my window is green and gorgeous.
2. For a husband who listens, learns and loves unconditionally.
3. For the blessing of free cherries.
4. For babies who fall asleep in random places (like on the floor next to me!).
5. For new sheets that feel super luxurious.
6. For new windows that open.
7. For silly songs little girls sing.
8. For disposable wipes, which make the world (and our desk) a less sticky place.
9. For a God who always forgives. Completely.
10. For new mornings with new mercies.

How about you? What are you thankful for?

What a week!

2011-07-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

Oh what a week it has been! It is once again camp week and David left last Monday for a full week of high school camp. He happens to be about the best cabin leader in the whole world, so even though I HATE being away from him, I'm so blessed to see each year how the Lord uses him. This year we girls had a new adventure. Our house of six girls was joined by THREE MORE girls!!!

My beautiful sister-in-law, Laura, and her two adorable daughters, Talia and Eliana, came and stayed with us while her husband also went to camp. To my utter disgust, I took NO PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!! I apologize profusely, but alas, there's not much I can do now!

Our time together was priceless. The girls had completely warmed up to each other the previous weekend on the camping trip, so they played together beautifully. Talia and Ella (who are two months apart) were so hilarious together. Talia loves to laugh and Ella loves to entertain, so they were quite the pair!

The more time I spent with Laura, the more I realized that I have never met anyone as much like me as she is. We have soooooooo much in common. We thoroughly enjoyed our Mexican food and Dutch Puff. It was so wonderful to have someone there to have a fabulous time with, and yet someone who could totally relate to how much I wanted time to fly so I could be with my husband again. Laura is truly like a sister and it is unbelievable to think that she has only been in my life less than four years.

Thursday we were able to go up to camp and visit our men. It was a WONDERFUL day! Ooooooh, sooooo good to kiss my man again! We had a tremendous time together, didn't run out of gas, and didn't get eaten by a cougar when we closed in the chickens for our brother-in-law. ( Night+ chickens= real love for a brother-in-law!!!)

Laura and the girls left yesterday to go visit her parents and we miss them tons! Today we've been busy little bees getting the house ready for Daddy to come home TOMORROW!!! This week has been so much fun, but I can't wait for life to get back to normal!

(Since this post was completely void of pictures, I thought I would throw this one in just to give you a smile. It gives me a smile!)

King Family Campout!!!

2011-07-27T00:56:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was our King family camp out. For those of you who don't know us, David is the second of nine children. Nine children who are growing up, getting married, going to college, going to seminary, having babies, working etc.. It is growing increasingly difficult to wrangle us all into one place, but this weekend it was actually achieved!

It was such a blessing to spend that quality time with the family and the Lord blessed our trip so abundantly. Everything from the camp sites to the weather to my husband coming back alive from a killer bike ride was perfectly planned by the Lord.

Dough Boy lessons from Daddy!

The girls were fabulous campers! Yes, all seven of us slept in one tent, but they did terrific.

It is such a precious thing to be surrounded by people who not only love each other, but who all love the Lord as well.

This trip was the perfect opportunity for the girls to really get to know their precious cousin Talia too. Talia quickly warmed up to these crazy cousins and before long the were all having a grand old time together. It was so precious to watch Talia and Ella (who are only 2 1/2 months apart) cracking up at each other!

While it felt like I could camp forever while we were there, I am reminded how thankful I am for flushing toilets and warm showers! God is so good!

Olive and Artichoke Bread

2011-07-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

The story goes like this~ One day in my abundant free time, I was watching some Australian Master Chef on YouTube. ( I love Australian shows! Not only are there the accents, but the people seem so much sweeter and kinder to each other!). During one the challenges they had to bake loads and loads of bread. One of which was called an "olive loaf". "Hmmm," I thought, "That sounds pretty fabulous. What sounds even more fabulous though, would be an olive and artichoke heart bread!". So I set out to make this masterpiece. I was successful. At least I think I was considering the first loaf was consumed solely by me in a 24 hour period.

The best part about this life changing bread is that all you need is a bowl, a baking sheet, two hands and six ingredients.

Start with mixing 1 and 1/2 cups warm water, 3/4 Tbl. yeast, 2 tsp. salt and 3 and 1/4 cups flour in a big mixing bowl. Don't bother with a spoon. Just get your hands in there and goosh away! (You may recognize this recipe from my pizza post. I use it for every thing because it is completely wonderful!)

Now all you need is one jar of marinated artichoke hearts and one can of olives. Chop up the entire jar of artichokes and most of the can of olives. You could slice of the whole can, but there are always empty little fingers around here who need a small sampling!

Dump them in the dough and mix all together.

Cover and let rise for two hours.

It will look all gorgeous and bubbly like this.

Carefully dump it (with much flour) onto a greased pan and shape however you like. Be careful not to squish out all the bubbly goodness!

Bake for about 25 min. at 400 degrees.

Mmmmm! I really, really love this bread! Hope you enjoy!

Beware!!!

2011-07-19T04:28:00.000-07:00

I've been bit. Or is it bitten? It's four o'clock in the morning and to be quite honest, my brain is not functioning enough to care too desperately. I'm sorry if I've just scarred you forever.

However it has bit, bitten, bited me, Blogger's Block has attacked with full force. Characteristics of Blogger's Block at first glance look very similar to just plain old busyness or laziness, or even lack of creativity. It's much more than that though.

I think about blogging every day. Every time I sit at the computer I think about my poor neglected blog with much remorse. But there is nothing there. I lay in bed ready to fall asleep each night and try and think of something to write. But there is nothing there. I spend my days as usual. Doing. Thinking. Being. But there is nothing there. A friend even tells me to my face to blog more which is the greatest incentive of all! But still there is nothing there!!!

Tonight as I lay (or is it lie? Oh pity my poor sleeping brain!) in bed after Esther's 3:00 feeding (why does she always wake up at 3:00? If we go to bed at 9:00 or 12:00, there she is at 3:00 read to eat!) I was left thinking again. Thinking of something to blog about. Thinking. Thinking. Thinking. I began to twitch. Scary but true. I decided to just do it. So here I am, probably scaring you much more than if I had just stayed in bed! BUT, when you wake up in the morning, there will be a fresh new post from me. So there Blogger's Block!

I'm beginning to feel that I will regret this deranged post in the morning. I'm hoping you wont hold this against me forever. As always, any thought on things to write on are most welcome. Just knowing you are there is the first step to recovery. Together we will beat this Blogger's Block and say farewell to this desperate middle of the night ramblings forever!

One Month

2011-07-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'm in love. Madly.

I know I sound like a broken record, but really, what is more incredible than a brand new life? Add in that she is as sweet and adorable as I could ever imagine. Yep. In love.

A Good Problem

2011-07-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

I ran into a problem yesterday that literally left me in tears. Happy tears. My friend Alysun came by to drop off the photos she had taken soon after Esther was born. (If you are local and want beautiful pictures for an amazing price, check out Alysun at http://www.alysunpetersphoto.com/ ) I figured that since I had new pictures I should update my blog pictures and descriptions since it still said David and I had been married for five years and Ella was a newborn.

Here was my trouble. As I tried to think of what to write about my girls, it went something like this~

"Lydia is the most wonderful girl I could ever imagine. She is the sunshine of our home." "Bethany is also the most wonderful girl I could ever imagine. Come to think of it, so is Havilah. And of course Ella Joy. Esther? Yeah, most wonderful baby I could EVER imagine. And sunshine? When I think of sunshine I think of Havi. And Esther. And Bethany. And obviously Ella Joy."

You see my dilemma? If there was too much of a good thing, I would have it. There are times that I simply can't believe how abundantly blessed I am. Times that I feel like I can truly grasp just a glimpse of how good God is. The tears just come.

My girls are incredibly individual and unique. So much that it blows me away. But they are all so amazing I can't even begin to describe it.

Sometimes I feel like there is no way to truly convince people that we are NOT disappointed to have all girls. We say it all the time but people just don't really believe it. When I look at these faces though, I can't fathom how someone could think I would wish I had someone else instead. I think God's plans are pretty fantastic.

Life is not as pristine as it looks in these photos. As I'm writing this Ella came out of bed stripped of everything. But she came down in the arms of her big sister who was laughing hysterically at her. Remember to really see your children today. Enjoy them. Not for what they do, but for who the Lord made them to be. Be blessed! I know I am!

Last Chance!

2011-06-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to say anything, BUT I JUST HAVE TO!!!! Today is the last day to take advantage of our introductory prices on our babynotes products. I had to make sure you knew because suddenly I can't imagine my life without these products and this is such a great chance to try them out at a great discount.

If you're just not sure what to try, these are my recommendations!

The swaddlers. I use mine every single day. My life before these swaddlers was very bleak. No blanket I owned was the correct size and so my days were filled with constant re-tucking. Now, pure bliss. It is big enough without being ridiculously bulky. I use the flannel, single cotton and double layer cotton and they all work fabulously! Now, they start as low as $8!!!

These reusable nursing pads are made with hemp and bamboo for an ultra absorbent, ULTRA comfortable use. They last me all night long! Now~ $3.50 a pair (Flannel is $2.50!)

Last but not least, our babynotes gift set is the perfect place to start to try out some all natural yet wonderfully practical products on your baby, or as a lovely gift. We use our organic baby powder every changing, every day. Ella has struggled with rashes all her life and this helps her better than anything else we've tried. The salve is wonderful as well and it's gel like consistency goes on smoothly and easily. The bath tea is fabulously luxurious as well as completely organic. The terry cloth bag that comes with the set is the perfect way to give baby a gentle and cleansing bath.

The set is on sale now for~ $7.50 or you can buy the products individually.

Okay, I'm done. Those are my personal favorites, although something else may catch your eye. I hope you see this in time to catch these great prices! http://gracenotes.biz/

I should have.....

2011-06-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

I should have planned better for my future.

Gone to college.

Dated different guys.

Experienced being self-sufficient.

Not gotten married so young.

Worked to make more money.

Waited to have children.

Spaced my children.

Stopped having children.

And many more things. At least this is what I'm told. Often. If not in blunt words, in furrowed brows or quizzical looks. It's not always easy to feel like such an odd person. Sometimes it seems like it would be easier to have done what I was "supposed" to do.

But then again, if I had......

I wouldn't have been woken up this morning by my six year old who was ready to read her Bible and drink tea with me.

I wouldn't be able to kiss my husband knowing he's the only man I've ever kissed, held hands with or loved.

I wouldn't have laughter and total fulfillment. every. single. day.

I wouldn't have the total joy of watching my five beautiful daughters completely delighting in each other and totally adoring and being adored by their incredible daddy.

I wouldn't have been here with my four year old yesterday as she came to me with joy and said, "I'm ready to ask Jesus into my heart!".

I would never trade what I've gained for what I've lost. My life looks like a disappointment to some. I see it as a complete gift from the Lord.

Babies on the Brain!

2011-06-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure you can understand, we've had babies on the brain around here. And when I say "around here" that includes not only me, but Grandma and aunties too! It's no wonder then, that with all this anticipation we've been in the experimenting room once again and are finally ready to announce our new gracenotes line~ Babynotes. This line is devoted to, you guessed it, BABIES!!!

It has been so much fun playing with an assortment of different things, trying to once again to come up with affordable and yet quality products that we hope you love as much as we do!

I'm in love with the swaddling blankets! It is so hard to find a blanket that is actually big enough to effectively swaddle a baby, but these soft and snuggy blankets work wonderfully!

Complete swaddling instruction are posted on the website .

Our Organic baby powder is used daily here and has drastically helped with Ella's rash problems. The Soothing Salve is great for any skin problems but is soft and gentle enough for even the tiniest little one.

And ready for a bit of luxury for baby (or yourself!)? Our Organic Bath Tea releases the calming and cleansing properties of rose petals, lavender and chamomile for a delightful and all natural bath. We also have it with oatmeal for an even more silky and soft feeling!

Through the month of June we are offering all of our babynotes products at fabulous introduction rates! Don't miss this opportunity to try it out for yourself or give a special gift to a precious new little one!

http://gracenotes.biz/