November already and the days are cooler, live is still busy and the days are getting shorter. Yes, its fall once again. Often times I think where has time gone but its right here. Day in and day out, moment by moment life goes on. I've spent a lot of time on Pinterest...my own little escape. My virtual world of crafting, decorating, learning and sharing. I enjoy Facebook because it easily allows one to stay connected with friends and family at any hour of the day. But what have I come to realize in this technology filled world? How disconnected we are with one another. Sure we share, we comment and we know the basics but are we really invested?
Funny how my life seems to go but can I say God has a way of getting my attention. When I'm merrily going about, getting things done, rushing through life thinking I'm in control, he has a way of giving me time to think. Time to reflect. Time to meditate on what is truly important in life. I lie here sidelined again. Down for the count recovering from yet another medical obstacle in my life but today I am thankful.
I am thankful that I have a God who loves me and calls me his child. I am thankful that I have a loving husband by my side and two beautiful children whom are a gift from my heavenly Father. I am thankful for my parents and that I still get to enjoy their company. I am thankful for my sister and brothers and all the extended family we are fortunate to have. I am thankful for faithful friends and an active church body that lives for Christ Jesus.
Yes, it is fall once again. And yes, there is much to be thankful for! Is life perfect? No, we live in a fallen world but if our focus changes from ourselves and our circumstances and we realize the importance of relationships. We can all find something or shall I say someone to be thankful for. The Lord God is our rock and foundation. He gives good gifts to his children. My pray is that you take a moment from the busyness of life, from your virtual world and open your eyes to the blessings around you. Share a cup of coffee, enjoy a conversation, give a simple smile or hold someones hand. Embrace the gift of relationship!
Enjoy your November and Give Thanks!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Really?...
January already! Life has been busy with kids, work and health issues but a New Year and a New Start is my motto. I knew things would be a slow start. Getting in the habit of blogging and managing my time but what I realized most in this process is just how unorganized I am. The good news is I've had a lot of time to think, research and come up with a plan. Now to execute!
So where to begin. This past summer I participated in an online Bible Study and the book was "I Use To Be So Organized" by Glynnis Whitwer. You can check out her book on Proverbs31.org or visit her blog at glynniswhitwer.com. As a matter of fact she is kicking off a 15 day clutter free challenge for the new year. I will definitely be checking that out.
One thing I learned is what worked in the past will not necessarily work today. Boy isn't that the truth! Schedules, needs and priorities change as a family grows. The other thing I have realized is that clutter does create chaos. I have first hand experience at this. Funny thing is I was so disgusted at my house one day that I took pictures of the clutter aka chaos and realized just how bad things had become. You would think I would learn from my mistakes but guess again. We get a busy week and sure enough by Wednesday we have little to no clean dishes, school work, mail, newspapers and clothes are tossed about the house in what literally looks like a hurricane passed through. By Friday, I wish the house would blow up! Only to spend the weekend cleaning and start all over again. Life cannot continue as such...PERIOD!
So, I did what any wife, mother, daughter, employee and volunteer would do. I quit! Yep, threw my hands up, had my little pity party and decided I needed a plan. Baby steps are in order for me. I do not accept change well. I run to and fro and lets just say LIFE does get in my way. BUT No Longer Will I Accept That As An EXCUSE!
Like most people the new year started and I bought the calendar, planner and printed my organizational pages from all the pins I had made over the holidays. I was ready to go on January 1st....or so I thought. Yep here we are closing in on the end of the month and that calender has yet to be hung, those planning pages have yet to be organized and filled out. The Home Management Binder I was going to create has yet to be created and sure enough...it looks like a bomb went off!
Seriously, its not that bad :) I have begun making changes and I will continue to make changes and become more organized this year. For one thing I went back to the basics and pulled out my Flylady book. I had read this when the kids were toddlers and yes I literally started with shinning my sink. If you want to learn more about that, hop on over the the Flylay's site at flylady.net. So, for nearly a week I've had a mostly clean kitchen and we've established an after dinner routine. The kids rooms are mostly clean and I have made a huge dent in that mountain of a laundry pile. I even have a weekly menu posted on the refrigerator. Yep, I am changing and yes it does take time and practice but in the end it will all be worth it. Will I ever be June Cleaver...definitely NOT but my family is loved and taken care of and the other stuff will come.
God is good, faithful, loving and yes he is teaching me to trust him one day at a time. He is my strength and my comfort. I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). The Lord is teaching me to love who he has made me to be and yes learn to love my family by taking care of my home.
Have A Fantastic Start To Your Week!
Donna
So where to begin. This past summer I participated in an online Bible Study and the book was "I Use To Be So Organized" by Glynnis Whitwer. You can check out her book on Proverbs31.org or visit her blog at glynniswhitwer.com. As a matter of fact she is kicking off a 15 day clutter free challenge for the new year. I will definitely be checking that out.
One thing I learned is what worked in the past will not necessarily work today. Boy isn't that the truth! Schedules, needs and priorities change as a family grows. The other thing I have realized is that clutter does create chaos. I have first hand experience at this. Funny thing is I was so disgusted at my house one day that I took pictures of the clutter aka chaos and realized just how bad things had become. You would think I would learn from my mistakes but guess again. We get a busy week and sure enough by Wednesday we have little to no clean dishes, school work, mail, newspapers and clothes are tossed about the house in what literally looks like a hurricane passed through. By Friday, I wish the house would blow up! Only to spend the weekend cleaning and start all over again. Life cannot continue as such...PERIOD!
So, I did what any wife, mother, daughter, employee and volunteer would do. I quit! Yep, threw my hands up, had my little pity party and decided I needed a plan. Baby steps are in order for me. I do not accept change well. I run to and fro and lets just say LIFE does get in my way. BUT No Longer Will I Accept That As An EXCUSE!
Like most people the new year started and I bought the calendar, planner and printed my organizational pages from all the pins I had made over the holidays. I was ready to go on January 1st....or so I thought. Yep here we are closing in on the end of the month and that calender has yet to be hung, those planning pages have yet to be organized and filled out. The Home Management Binder I was going to create has yet to be created and sure enough...it looks like a bomb went off!
Seriously, its not that bad :) I have begun making changes and I will continue to make changes and become more organized this year. For one thing I went back to the basics and pulled out my Flylady book. I had read this when the kids were toddlers and yes I literally started with shinning my sink. If you want to learn more about that, hop on over the the Flylay's site at flylady.net. So, for nearly a week I've had a mostly clean kitchen and we've established an after dinner routine. The kids rooms are mostly clean and I have made a huge dent in that mountain of a laundry pile. I even have a weekly menu posted on the refrigerator. Yep, I am changing and yes it does take time and practice but in the end it will all be worth it. Will I ever be June Cleaver...definitely NOT but my family is loved and taken care of and the other stuff will come.
God is good, faithful, loving and yes he is teaching me to trust him one day at a time. He is my strength and my comfort. I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). The Lord is teaching me to love who he has made me to be and yes learn to love my family by taking care of my home.
Have A Fantastic Start To Your Week!
Donna
Monday, October 15, 2012
Fall Makes Me Crave Chili....
Fall Troop Camp, October 2012
Wow has it really been nearly a month since I've posted. Things here were in high Girl Scout mode as I took my troop on their first camping adventure. It was a success and a great time had by all! Troop Leader Donna even survived the hike just 7 weeks after having knee surgery. Here is my awesome crew at the Archery Range. I am so proud of my girls jumping in and wanting to help and try new things.
It was the perfect Fall Weekend!
Speaking of Fall.... One of my favorite meals is Crockpot Chili and have I got a recipe to share with you. I orginally got this from Kraft Foods quarterly magazine and I've been making it for years. I've adapted it a bit over time, as most of us do with a beloved recipe. I even won 2nd place in a Chili Cookoff at church one year. The great thing was, I was the only one with corn in my chili....well the following year at least five people added corn. It really is the perfect complement. You can link to the Kraft Foods recipe from here http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/slow-cooker-hearty-beef-chili-111270.aspx for the original recipe. Below is my adaptation.
Here are the ingredients...
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 can (16 oz.) dark red kidney beans, rinsed
1 can (16 oz.) light red kidney beans, rinsed
1 can (16 oz.) black beans, rinsed
2 cans (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5oz.) petite diced tomatoes or 1 jar (16 oz.) of Mild Salsa
1 cup frozen corn
2 tbsp chili powder
Brown ground beef, sautee in onion and garlic, drain. Add meat mixture to crockpot, add in canned indegrents. Stir in chili powder and frozen corn. Cook on high for 4 -5 hours or low for 5-6 hours. Serve topped with mild cheddar shredded cheese and oyster crackers. Enjoy!
Looking for a meatless alternative. I have sauteed the onion and garlic with my diced tomatoes, then just follow the rest of the cooking directions. Makes for a great vegetarian option.
I am so excited! This what's cooking in my crockpot right now. House smells YUMMY! Can't wait for my dear hubby to get home so we can enjoy one of our all time fall favorites.
Have a blessed day!
Donna
Friday, September 14, 2012
Cold, Wet, Rainy, Craft......
Today in Ohio we are having a lovely Fall day with cooler weather (a welcome change from yesterday's 80's) and a light rain. My first inclination is to take a nap. And its no wonder, the kids haven't gotten home from school yet, my dear husband is still at the office and the house is quiet. Too quiet....considering the dog and cats are sprawled out and sleeping here and there. But as hard as I tried I just couldn't do it. I have a to do list a mile long which I'm sure many of you can relate to but I keep thinking of pumpkins, leaves and fall. Fall is my favorite season after all!
So what better way to spend a rainy fall afternoon than making a card or two. So with tape runner in hand I looked about my craft room and got to work. I am in this punch art phase as of late. A great way to make quick cute cards. Hope you enjoy today's creations.
Pumpkin Card
Pumpkins made from oval and circle punches, stamp used as background is Stampin' Up! Stampin' Wheel Acorns and phrase is from Stampin! Up! Loads of Love Accessories.
Leaves from Cricut Cartridge Doodlecharms, boarder is scallop punch.
Sunflower Card
Stamp used for sunflower is Stampin' Up! Give Thanks and phrase is from Inkadinkado.
Hope you enjoyed today's Fall Cards!
Donna
So what better way to spend a rainy fall afternoon than making a card or two. So with tape runner in hand I looked about my craft room and got to work. I am in this punch art phase as of late. A great way to make quick cute cards. Hope you enjoy today's creations.
Pumpkin Card
Fall Leaves Card
Sunflower Card
Hope you enjoyed today's Fall Cards!
Donna
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Getting Started.....
As the seasons change our schedules and priorities do to. The kids have gone back to school for many of us. As Mom's we start to tackle some of those projects we've put on the back burner while we enjoyed those summer days watching our children play, grow and prepare for the new school year with anxious excitement. And so Fall brings about this change for me as well. A time to start my blog and share the things I love most. For me those include crafting, decorating and family. Life is short and we need to capture those "Hints of Happiness" that surround us.
On this blog I will share crafts, decorating and organizing ideas along with recipes and family stories, pictures and activities. If someone would ask me to describe my style I would have to say a mix of Traditional, French Country and Cottage. My goal is to bring a smile to the faces of those around me. I love to make things for others and I always want our friends and family to feel welcome and comfortable.
I hope you'll stop by and join me as I journey through life capturing and sharing what I see, make and learn. Hopefully you'll find something useful or creative to make your life a little happier :)
Donna
On this blog I will share crafts, decorating and organizing ideas along with recipes and family stories, pictures and activities. If someone would ask me to describe my style I would have to say a mix of Traditional, French Country and Cottage. My goal is to bring a smile to the faces of those around me. I love to make things for others and I always want our friends and family to feel welcome and comfortable.
I want to end today by sharing this plaque I picked up on our family vacation to Holland, Michigan a couple of years ago. It is the last thing I see before I go to bed and the first thing I see when I wake up. I hope you are encouraged by these words.
Donna
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