Quiet Time, Part 1
- At July 26, 2011
- By gracefullmom
- In Family
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“My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him.” -Psalm 62:1-2
Everyone knows little kids need naps. Some people even recognize the benefits of siestas for big people! But rest alone does not a happy home make!
Quiet time at our house is more than rest for our bodies. Yes, we each find a solitary place to relax or sleep… but it’s also when the children listen to the Word & learn to rest in Him.
How can we train our children to relish both types of quiet? Read on…
My quiet place
- At July 20, 2011
- By gracefullmom
- In Family
- 1
Every mamma needs a quiet place.Our bedroom is my sanctuary. Last night, I curled up in my King Louis chair and read an entire book! There are no toys here (well, at least none permanently here!). Sometimes you can see more laundry than bed or floor, but my goal is to make this space a respite for my hubby and me. ~clean, clutter-free and peaceful~
I wish I would’ve known Susanna Wesley- her quiet place was in the midst of life. What an example! When she needed some time with the Lord, her ten children (nineteen born to her!) recognized and respected – the apron tossed over her head was a clear signal.
Mom had a literal prayer closet for years- she would go in, shut the door and pray. As I got older, she’d sit at her desk with Bible, notebook and pen… I’m grateful for her example.
While the door to my room remains open to any pressing needs, I train the children to respect my quiet place. I relax in my chair to read God’s Word – with only a few interruptions most mornings. Time in prayer is never quiet but at least my many needs are apparent as I pray! It points to my biggest need- that while everything is busy or messy or loud, I should exude love, peace and joy because the Lord is my strength. ~Psalm 62:1-2~
ONE, beautiful baby!
- At July 9, 2011
- By gracefullmom
- In Family
- 1
You know what I’m going to say- but bear with me… I cannot believe our baby girl is one year old already! {You know you’ve said it too!}
We celebrated with lots of Daddy time (and lots of time in arms for this teething baby girl) and concluded with a delicious Carrot Pineapple Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Yum. She l.o.v.e.d. hers!! And she loved sharing with her brother, too!
Even though Lauren is usually our Cupcake Queen, she just had the treat of baking 60 WICKED awesome cupcakes for our friend Arden (I’ll post about those another time). So Timothy had a turn in the kitchen baking Clara’s delish Bday cupcakes!
After presents & the Birthday song, we enjoyed our newest tradition: we tucked everyone else in bed and let the Birthday Girl stay up late for some special Mamma & Daddy time! We played with Clara’s new baby, read Jan Brett’s On Noah’s Ark and laughed as little Clara walked back and forth doling out her sweet little kisses to me & her Daddy.
It was a sweet ending to a sweet birthday for ONE sweet baby girl! Happy Birthday, little Clara.
Make time for FUN!
- At June 28, 2011
- By gracefullmom
- In Family
- 1
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I am so serious.
I love to smile and laugh, but my default mode is “get it done and move on to the next thing”. I guess that sinful focus on to-do’s instead of relationships is affectionately referred to as task-oriented.
Since I’m wired that way, I have to be really intentional about having fun with my children. I could definitely spend the whole day accomplishing tasks and miss out on the privilege I have as a homeschooling mamma to develop relationships with my littles… to truly get to know them.
Enter the glasses.
I bought them in the $1 bin and we took them to the zoo. Everyone took turns wearing them because, well we don’t already get enough looks as a family of 8. {hahaha}
It was fun! We laughed and posed and made some silly memories… and didn’t see every exhibit. {pat pat pat on the back!} Now I’m brainstorming my next way to lighten up… how do you make time for fun?
One Proud Mamma
- At June 24, 2011
- By gracefullmom
- In Family
- 1
Be still, my Mamma’s heart… Benjamin went with Mr. Seth & Dad today to buy his first guitar!
He’s been saving up for a while and waiting patiently until he had the money and the time with our expert consultant. When he got home, Mr. Eric taught him a couple of chords and leant him a book. And with that, he’s on his way!
Clara thought he was doing a mighty fine job. She clapped for him from Daddy’s lap (everybody loves a captive audience) and then fell asleep to her brother’s strums. My little man… {happy sigh}
When Mamma’s Sick…
- At April 26, 2011
- By gracefullmom
- In Family
- 1
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When Mamma is sick, all kinds of things happen.
Note the shorts and undies in the bread machine. They’re Andrew’s. Enough said. 
A Happy {sick} Day
- At April 25, 2011
- By gracefullmom
- In Family
- 0
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What makes a sick day a happy {sick} day?
1~ No more fever for Mamma. 98.4 baby, yeah!
2~ My new, funky, fun Birthday Turtle. My sis got it for me and it makes me smile.
3~ Gorgeous weather. Breezy enough to enjoy being outside under the shade of the crepe myrtle, beside my funky turtle.
4~ A snuggly, warm baby who wants to nurse and snuggle a lot but is well enough to still play and be happy!
5~ A baby book (thanks, Jadi & Aunt Terrie!) for Clara and time to make it perfect.
6~ A hubby who cares for me (us) so well, makes yummy food, keeps the house running so I can rest.
7~ Time to read magazines Mamma gave me months ago and learn about gardening in the state I love.
8~ A nice phone chat with that same, sweet Mamma.
9~ Friends who pick up my sick-slack without a thought.
10~ The ding-dong of my doorbell and the blessing of a happy neighbor delivering freshly picked strawberries with a gorgeous smile.
Today was a happy {sick} day!!
I’m so grateful for the Lord’s kindness in these ways and so many more…
Favorite Things… baby gifts!
- At February 18, 2011
- By gracefullmom
- In Family
- 0
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Since I hate “dust collectors”, you won’t find me buying statues or even many picture frames… I go for practical. Here are my Top 5 favorite baby gifts to give… or receive!
1) Teething Feeder
It’s a funny name, but they are great! You put some food inside and baby can enjoy the yummy real food without choking. Sassy makes one with a cover for portability and at just under $5, they’re affordable.
2) A perfectly soft, beautifully special Blankie
Soft ones that are silky on one side are favorites at our house. Comfy cotton blankets are snuggly, too. Ben’s was turquoise with deer on it, Clara’s has a monkey head and is super-soft, the other kiddos had the soft/silky combination ones. Georgia Anne still snuggles her “Bahee” every nap & bedtime. It’s nice to have a special snuggle buddy that doesn’t wiggle or kick!
Favorite Things… Board Books!
- At February 12, 2011
- By gracefullmom
- In Family
- 0
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cked witch in it, which was almost a deal breaker, but since Robin Hood is shooting at her we overlooked Her Naughtiness. That one’s by Janet & Allen Ahlberg. More favorite board books include Mr Brown can Moo by Dr Seuss, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Sandra Boynton’s hilarious But Not the Hippopotamus. Oh! Good Night, Gorilla is a great wordless book (find the red balloon in each illustration!). Of course the “touch and feel” books are enjoyed by children of all ages… Lauren, at 9, still loves to touch the sticky pads of the frog in the animal book.
Anyone Read This Book?
- At January 24, 2011
- By gracefullmom
- In Family
- 0
I just read a review of Large Family Logistics over on Raising Olives. She’s plugging the book- says it’s changed the way they do life in a lot of ways… I’m curious. Skeptical. Interested. Looking for a miracle!
