Quick, Yummy, Easy

Pumpkin ravioli, brown butter sauce, toasted pecans over a bed of sweet lettuce. 

I think you need to have this in your 30 min or less recipe box. :)

Journaling...today

As I sit here with a late summer thunderstorm brewing outside my window and a glass of tea in my hand I get the chance in the quiet of the house to reflect.  And I can't remember the last time I had this type of moment.  It's needed.  It's been a while to have the chores done, the music softly playing, my heart thankful, glad for community around us at every turn, family close by with every phone call and grateful for this quiet moment all by 8:10pm.

The last few months have be wonderful, hard, challenging, prayer-filled and held with open hands.  We've worked through unemployment (which is still a bit of a question, but we have a direction to go), sleepless nights that don't include a newborn, but a seven and a almost five year old-when do they sleep through the night :) ?   We've thoroughly enjoyed the cooler beautiful summer weather.  We've been to KS, the beach and have the apple orchard to look forward to...oh and hopefully KS again to see some new littles!  We have fought fear and still do about the unknown.  We have grasped unto truth and our faithful God and we have not been left alone.

Currently, we have jumped into a new season of home school which is a good refinement for both the kids and us.

We have learned and are ever learning about who we are, the depths of our sin and the grace of our God. It's been another season of seeking and resting, of playing and working, of singing and being silent. He's good.  Our God is good. Pressing on, seeking His peace, and keeping our eyes upward are phrases that I tell myself regularly. And "You can start over at anytime with a better attitude".

We've spent more time together as a family then we have in a long time, which. we. love.  It's been wonderful for our hearts.  We've slowed down and ponded what priorities we want to live by and be known by.  We have taken lots of prayer walks, adventure hikes, sold things we don't use or need, done devotions and prayed out loud with the kids numerous time, all of which we hold tightly as blessings.

We have simply rested on some days, putting down the vest of being perfect and simply just being who and what the Lord created us to be, learning to like and know who we are...Learning to live within our story.  We are asking the kids to continue on the adventure of our family life and we are so thankful to do it with family, friends and each other.

Thankful. Thankful. Thankful.

Switching subjects...
And if you are wanting some good read these are the ones on our nightstand, our ottoman and in our bags.  We've read all of some and some of all.  We'd recommend each of them.  And if you happen to pick one up to read, let me know your thoughts.  I'll have some coffee with you over email letters or by phone or actually face to face.  :)  Oh and I do have a fiction one on my list next and cannot wait to dive in...Francine Rivers, Bridge to Haven.

Daring Greatly, by Brene Brown

-A call to wholehearted living

The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith

-Ideas about home, decorating and being content

Playing God by Andy Crouch

-so good on understanding power

No More Perfect Kids  by Jill Savage & Kathy Koch

-thanks Mom for sending this my way!

-just starting this, but good for my heart to see my kids again for who God is creating them to be

What's Best Next by Matt Perman

-I've liked what Justin has read out loud, but he's reading most of this one...

A Few Favorites Right Now

The Green River Ordinance Band-Love the Songs, "Resting Hour" & "Dancing Shoes".

This Cheese from Trader Joe's-deliciously sharp and yet smooth at the same time.

This phone service from Republic Wireless.

If you don't know about them, you SHOULD check them out.  I've been beyond pleased with my monthly service and phone.

For those of you that believe in preventive medicine, add a medical message to your list of must do's.  

I am getting these for my headaches and have been amazed at the benefits. Though a regular spa message is good, a medical message will offer more help and try to get to the base of your struggles.

Seven Generations Medical Message in Cary with Donna has been great for me!

Three of Justin's favorite right now are:
These Lounge pants from Land's End.

And this Cardigan from Brooks Brothers

And this Magazine

Katie's Favorite Activity-

I believe she would sleep in the tire swing at school if she could.  :)

Favorite food?  Salami or Charcuterie Board

Owen's Favorite Activity-

Playing with his cars or outside.

Favorite food? Coconut Milk Greek Style Yogurt

18 Things I Will Not Regret Doing With My Kids

Justin sent me this article to read and it was encouraging to my heart to live intentional, simple and with grace. After all the nights might be long, but the weeks and years fly by! 

18 Things I Will Not Regret Doing With My Kids by Tim Challies

I Found This Thought Worthy...

Taken from Kevin DeYoung, on The Gospel Coalition

"Advice for Raising Godly Children"

Ten pithy sayings from John Witherspoon, Scottish Presbyterian pastor, President of Princeton (1768-1794), and signer of the Declaration of Independence, on parental authority and child rearing:

1. The best exercise in the world for children is to let them romp and jump about, as soon as they are able, according to their own fancy.

2. A parent that has once obtained and knows how to preserve authority will do more by a look of displeasure, than another by the most passionate words and even blows. It holds universally in families and schools, and even the greater bodies of men, the army and navy, that those who keep the strictest discipline give the fewest strokes.

3. There is not a more disgusting sight than the impotent rage of a parent who has no authority.

4. I have heard some parents often say that they cannot correct their children unless they are angry; to whom I have usually answered, then you ought not to correct them at all.

5. Nothing can be more weak and foolish, or more destructive of authority, than when children are noisy and in an ill humor, to give them or promise them something to appease them.

6. Let it always be seen that you are more displeased at sin than at folly.

7. Nothing is more destructive of authority than frequent disputes and chiding upon small matters. This is often more irksome to children than parents are aware of.

8. I am fully persuaded that the plainest and shortest road to real politeness of carriage, and the most amiable sort of hospitality is to think of others just as a Christian ought, and to express these thoughts with modesty and candor.

9. Many parents are much more ready to tell their children such or such a thing is mean, and not like a gentleman, than to warn them that they will incur the displeasure of their Maker.

10. It is a very nice thing in religion to know the real connection between, and the proper mixture of, spirit [i.e., matters of the heart] and form [i.e., disciplines like family worship and church attendance]. The form without the spirit is good for nothing; but on the other hand, the spirit without the form never yet existed.

All quotes are taken from Witherspoon’s Letters on the Education of Children, and On Marriage.

Desperate

A New Book Post!

I have this heart desire to live life with other women, to be around what the Bible describes as the Titus 2 Woman, being taught and trained by those that are older and then hopefully getting the chance to do that with ladies younger then me.  Though many of my friends are here, others are not around Raleigh. But books are a great way to connect near and far and glean from one another, insert Desperate.

Desperate is about lots of things within Motherhood, but a few things that caught my attention:

 their call to tune out all the voices that mothers hear and ask Jesus to hear His voice alone. Spend time with Him in his word.  Pray over everything and be desperate for him, He Does Hear You!  Don't do this rewarding yet difficult work alone.  And have the freedom to be who God made you to be and not to fit your family into another mold.  

"Hold fast, put away unnecessary guilt, and pursue ideals, and you will find the blessings He always wanted you to have." ~Sally Clarkson pg 166

"Remember the consequences of mothering well are truly great.  You have this opportunity to ingrain love, righteousness, and faith into the very depths of your children's souls.  Such potential influence is in your hands.  God's Spirit will give wind to your wings and He will bless you as you embrace these ideals for His glory." ~Sally Clarkson pg 118

What better way to get the conversation rolling about motherhood then this book Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson!  I have posted about books in the past and each one of those has challenged me, refreshed me, refined my walk with Jesus and given me some of these Titus 2 moments within.  

And I'd like to do that for you too, if you would like.  I'd love to buy this book for you and 

send it to you.

Just leave a comment and on it way it will be. :)

For those that read our blog, thanks.  Thanks for living life with us, even it is via photos and writings on The Hime Times.  

Hugs!

Happy Easter - Made Alive in Christ

Because the resurrection changed everything; we rejoice in the finished work of Christ and celebrate the promise and hope of a love that reconciles forever! Rejoicing...

A Valentines Party Hosted by Katie

Please come to our Valentines Day P A R T Y!

Katie prayed and planned this party for about six straight weeks and it was really fun!

Thank you to every single kiddo that attended, we hope you felt loved and that you got lots of hugs!

Oh so much energy and excitment!

Say cheese!

Annie Lou, Ansley, Katie, Noah, Owen, Catie Beth, Evy, Rieka, Luck, Jo, Lydia, Brice

give us a silly face!

First we read, Papa's Pastries by Charles Toscano.  Such a good book!!! It is worth buying and keeping it for your grandkids.  It does a fantastic job telling how we reap what we sow...of teaching how kindness wins and that God always provides.  Check it out here.

We then made heart banners that listed how we were going to love our family/friends the upcoming weekend.

 Annie Lou and Catie Beth!

 Way to go, Jo!

 Ansley, you are beautiful!

Rieka, are you loving that cookie or what!

The boys take sprinkles very seriously.

 I love Noah's shirt filled with stickers...

-and-

Hey cutie pie, little Chloe-do you see her? She is peeking out of the corner. :)

 Evy, I think pink looks good on you!

 Proud of the pink icing gracing their lips-Katie, Lydia and Jo!

We also played, "Don't Eat Pete", which was hilarious!  Check it out if you've never played it and add it to your family game night! 

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Great Job Katie, I think everyone had a very fun time!!!

*Ps, Many thanks to Kristen B for letting me borrow her Valentines banner and kids table!

A Few Favorites Right Now

A Few Favorites Right Now!

Snofrisk Cheese-bought this at Whole Foods and it is light and creamy. yummmo!

I have never thought to oven cooked bacon, but it is another thing I am loving right now.

Our Oreck Vacuum.  It. Is. Worth. It.  

My favorite part is that I can 'sweep' our wooden floors and carpets all at one time!

This blanket we got for Christmas from Pottery Barn. Warm, cozy and perfect for reading a good book!

I received this from Justin for Christmas-love it!  Euphoria by Calvin Klein

So, we don't live in the Northwest, but we do have lots of kids consignment sales. I am going through the kids clothes to sell the ones they have outgrown.  And my favorite part?  Getting the clothes out of the house!  :)

I have been pondering this verse in our study of Philippians.  

2:5

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

I am really enjoying this music.  Listen to at least the first 1.5 minutes.  Give it a try! :)

How about you, any favorites??

The Power of Vulnerability

Having watched this with Justin, it produced a very helpful conversation about a variety of ideas that Brene presents in her talk. And so I wanted to share it with you and hear your thoughts. Would love to read whatever you would like to share...I'll share more about our conversation sometime soon!! 

Perhaps, when I'm feeling vulnerable :).   

SING.

When it is hardest — that is when you sing the loudest. The devil flees at a hymn.”

Simple truth that I want to tuck away in my heart, but also pull out everyday.

This post reminded me again of WORSHIP.

May we be people that sing and sing loudly.

Ever Fought with a Pomegranate?

These fruits are full of wonderful, filled with nutrients, but I have always had the hardest time deseeding them.  I have tried multiple methods since we taught The Odyssey in my classroom and Persephone eats a pomegranate.  We recently bought one and I was putting off deseeding it.  But here is a super way to beat those seeds out!  Here's how to win the battle!  Click here for the link.

Now go and buy one-we add ours to our smoothie.  :)

It's Not What You Think...

This article was good for me to remember and I am thankful to Lindsey for pointing me to Nesting Place blog!  

Here is a snipet of her article, "It's Not What You Think", writing about where to make mistakes and what holds us back from creating a "beautiful, meaningful home on purpose".

What if we looked at our home as not only a training ground for our children to learn how to be responsible adults but also as a training ground of sorts for ourselves?  What if we decided there was a safe place in this world to make mistakes, play, take a risk and be who it is we want to be?  Wouldn’t the natural place for that to start be in the comfort of home?

Because if we cannot dare to be our true selves and make mistakes in our home, how can we ever expect anyone else to let their guard down while they are there?  And isn’t that the true purpose of a home?  It’s there to serve us and others, it’s a place of connection, a place of rest.  But we don’t always take full advantage of its true purpose and instead we become a slave to our home.

You've Got Your Hands Full...

I snagged this from my friend Joy. It was a real encouragement to me this morning!  May you live well the Gospel to your children or others today-knowing that is is about Him and not us.

----------

… of good things!

I think Rachel Jankovic best articulates this encouragement and challenge. I have taken the liberty to post her helpful article below. I hope you will enjoy reading her words as much as I have!

A few years ago, when I just had four children and when the oldest was still three, I loaded them all up to go on a walk. After the final sippy cup had found a place and we were ready to go, my two-year-old turned to me and said, “Wow! You have your hands full!”

She could have just as well said, “Don’t you know what causes that?” or “Are they all yours?!”

Everywhere you go, people want to talk about your children. Why you shouldn’t have had them, how you could have prevented them, and why they would never do what you have done. They want to make sure you know that you won’t be smiling anymore when they are teenagers. All this at the grocery store, in line, while your children listen.

A ROCK-BOTTOM JOB?

The truth is that years ago, before this generation of mothers was even born, our society decided where children rank in the list of important things. When abortion was legalized, we wrote it into law.

Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get. In fact, children rate below your desire to sit around and pick your toes, if that is what you want to do. Below everything. Children are the last thing you should ever spend your time doing.

If you grew up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood, to think like a free Christian woman about your life, your children. How much have we listened to partial truths and half lies? Do we believe that we want children because there is some biological urge, or the phantom “baby itch”? Are we really in this because of cute little clothes and photo opportunities? Is motherhood a rock-bottom job for those who can’t do more, or those who are satisfied with drudgery? If so, what were we thinking?

IT’S NOT A HOBBY

Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.

Christian mothers carry their children in hostile territory. When you are in public with them, you are standing with, and defending, the objects of cultural dislike. You are publicly testifying that you value what God values, and that you refuse to value what the world values. You stand with the defenseless and in front of the needy. You represent everything that our culture hates, because you represent laying down your life for another—and laying down your life for another represents the gospel.

Our culture is simply afraid of death. Laying down your own life, in any way, is terrifying. Strangely, it is that fear that drives the abortion industry: fear that your dreams will die, that your future will die, that your freedom will die—and trying to escape that death by running into the arms of death.

RUN TO THE CROSS

But a Christian should have a different paradigm. We should run to to the cross. To death. So lay down your hopes. Lay down your future. Lay down your petty annoyances. Lay down your desire to be recognized. Lay down your fussiness at your children. Lay down your perfectly clean house. Lay down your grievances about the life you are living. Lay down the imaginary life you could have had by yourself. Let it go.

Death to yourself is not the end of the story. We, of all people, ought to know what follows death. The Christian life is resurrection life, life that cannot be contained by death, the kind of life that is only possible when you have been to the cross and back.

The Bible is clear about the value of children. Jesus loved them, and we are commanded to love them, to bring them up in the nurture of the Lord. We are to imitate God and take pleasure in our children.

THE QUESTION IS HOW

The question here is not whether you are representing the gospel, it is how you are representing it. Have you given your life to your children resentfully? Do you tally every thing you do for them like a loan shark tallies debts? Or do you give them life the way God gave it to us—freely?

It isn’t enough to pretend. You might fool a few people. That person in line at the store might believe you when you plaster on a fake smile, but your children won’t. They know exactly where they stand with you. They know the things that you rate above them. They know everything you resent and hold against them. They know that you faked a cheerful answer to that lady, only to whisper threats or bark at them in the car.

Children know the difference between a mother who is saving face to a stranger and a mother who defends their life and their worth with her smile, her love, and her absolute loyalty.

HANDS FULL OF GOOD THINGS

When my little girl told me, “Your hands are full!” I was so thankful that she already knew what my answer would be. It was the same one that I always gave: “Yes they are—full of good things!”

Live the gospel in the things that no one sees. Sacrifice for your children in places that only they will know about. Put their value ahead of yours. Grow them up in the clean air of gospel living. Your testimony to the gospel in the little details of your life is more valuable to them than you can imagine. If you tell them the gospel, but live to yourself, they will never believe it. Give your life for theirs every day, joyfully. Lay down pettiness. Lay down fussiness. Lay down resentment about the dishes, about the laundry, about how no one knows how hard you work.

Stop clinging to yourself and cling to the cross. There is more joy and more life and more laughter on the other side of death than you can possibly carry alone.

Article taken from Desiring God. 

Hospitality

"Don’t ever underestimate the power of your living room as a launching pad for new life and hope and ministry and mission!" -John Piper

For those of you that desire to live well for the King and His Kingdom, check out this article.  It is well written and rich in thought.

2 Recommendations

If you want great Books on CD then buy these and I think you will LOVE them...you and the kids!  They have been awesome. We haven't listened to much else except these in the car.  Owen and Katie have both enjoyed this immensely! Thanks Bee for telling me about them!

They are from Radio Theatre of Focus on the Family.  I found Amazon has them the cheapest.  

Easy Peasy Delicious Peanut Butter Cookies (adapted from Paula Deen)

1 cup peanut butter-(I used one that was only Peanut Butter and salt)

1/2 cup sugar (I used granulated honey)

1 t. baking soda

1 t. vanilla

1 egg

(optional-mix or press on top, chocolate chips into them)

Hand mix these all together

Make into golf ball size balls on ungreased pan

Criss Cross them with a fork for that traditional peanut butter design

bake for 10-12 minutes at 350

allow to cool for 5 or so minutes

Makes approx 12 cookies

Happy Eating! 

French Kids Eat Everything

This book posted on 100 Days of Real Food sounds like a good read.  Anyone else want to read it with me?  I love seeing how other cultures view food, how it shapes our table, and how it shapes us as people!

on Breathing...

Justin sent me this blog post.  It was really good.  Take a moment and read it. Really, you should. 

I am thankful for a husband that points me towards good thinking.  

I am sure you will agree it is 5 needed reminders on breathing in a breathless world.

This one was really good...

2. don’t confuse the urgent with the important

Urgent is bossy. Important is patient. Checking your email will not make it better. In fact, on the day when I’m grasping to be productive, checking my email makes it worse. A lot worse. Email feels urgent, but it is rarely important. Urgent things come in from outside and hop up and down on the ground of our souls, shaking us up until we engage with them. Important things rise up from the convictions of our spirit and line the path of our lives with intention, purpose, focus, and heart. I need to know the difference. My family begs me to know the difference.

and this one...

5. lift up your eyes

One useless day does not have to mean writer’s block for months on end or failure to meet a goal forever. It does not mean you are on the wrong track or chose the wrong profession or are hopelessly lazy. One useless day is simply that: one day. We usually see what we look for, so if you look for the gift in that day, if you dare to set aside your own compulsions, you might see this hilarious uselessness as a felt reminder of your own smallness. And oh, the blessed relief of my smallness! And so be small, and lift up your eyes to see where your help comes from.

Emily blogs from NC so that makes it an even better post to read. :)

Friday Night

Stadium lights.  Friday night football. ADPI dances parties. Swimming in the pond. Driving with the windows down with the music blaring loudly...

Just one memory to share with our kids this raining Friday night.

:)

Handmade Beautiful Gifts!

 My brother, Tommy, has been working with wood and other furniture for a few years now and has his own line.  He sells the ManTable which has taken off well, especially in nurseries for baby bottles or within the Senior Citizen population.  The Man Table was originally designed for the man that wanted a refrigerator in his sports room, but with the woman in mind because the design conceals it well as a side table!  He is also working on another end table with multiple uses as well-to be released soon.  Then there are these beautiful pieces of work.  His hand made cutting boards.  He makes each one by hand with beautiful exotic woods to give each piece an unique look with the colors popping throughout the design.  He has a few different styles and sizes.  They are great for a cutting board, displaying cheese, chocolates...I am hoping to get one soon!  I will post the website soon.

Tommy, I am proud of your work and all that you have accomplished in the last few years!  And Julie, I know you stand behind his work too and he couldn't do it without your help and encouragement!  

:) PS-How soon before you have these pieces in boutiques down here in Raleigh??!!