Finishing out January

So, how was your January? For us, it went quite fast!

But, it may not go fast enough for these Robins...they're a bit early and are probably quite cold!

Friday nights are our Family Nights...this was our homemade pizza from last Friday night. Yum!

Yes, we finally finished our Risk game...Brad beat me by one point!

This is me getting dive bombed by a stinkbug while we were playing...maybe that's why I lost?  :)

My section of the board...

We had some very rainy days in January. Here is Bri braving the elements to put mail in the box...

(she's wearing her dad's raincoat)

This is what Chippy does on a rainy day...or ANY day! :)

Brad made a terrarium for his horticulture class...I think it looks great!

Bri has been working on her quillow--it's really pretty!

And then there's today...we are blessed with lovely SNOW!

What a nice way to finish out January!

January

Now is here --

A fine new start

For a whole new year.

The snow comes down

In the dark of night.

When we awake

The world is white.

In January

When there's snow,

We get our sleds

And away we go.

Great Giveaway for Daughters (and their Moms!)

Last Minute January Giveaway

Hurry on over to Remembrance Press for their wonderful Giveaway of the 2009 Spring Edition of The Girlhood Home Companion (Make It Lovely Issue) and the Mother/Daughter workshop cd’s that go with them.

So go on over and get your name in (you don't need a blog!) just comment!

Rainy Day Thoughts...

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Psalm 19:1

Today is a lovely, but rainy day here in our area.
I actually like rainy days at home. :)

I was just thinking today that God is in control of everything...even the rain!

For yet seven days, and I {God} will cause it to rain upon the earth ...Gen. 7:4

That I {God} will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.  Deuteronomy 11:14

I was thinking about how the rain nourishes the earth, and supplies our water...
How, in sending the rain, God is caring for our needs!

So, don't despair of the rainy days--see God's tlc in it. :)

Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.
Lev. 26:4

George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Way

George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Way—

Narrated by Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr.

Release Date: Starting February 1st we will begin shipping all George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Way orders. Check back on this product page in the coming weeks for video clips, an interview with the narrator and much more, as we eagerly anticipate the release of this exciting new film!

His journey was extraordinary: though born a slave, by the end of his life, presidents and corporate titans valued his friendship. Millions of Americans benefited from his innovations. His scientific genius is legendary, but less known is his remarkable path to greatness, defined by a life-long passion for serving others. George Washington Carver blazed trails in his personal and professional lives.

This stimulating documentary beautifully traces the valiant life of Carver, chronicling his improbable odyssey from slavery to becoming a household name. George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Way is narrated by Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr. and includes the perspectives of noted historians Peter Burchard, John Perry, George Grant, and many others.

Please click on my Franklin Springs affiliate button on the right to order--thanks so much!

Miscellaneous...

How are things at your house? Have you been enjoying sunny weather as we have?

We haven't had anything earth shattering happen...but here are some pics of this 'n that happening here...

Chippy enjoys schoolwork...I'm not so sure about his partner? :)

It was warm enough to have the windows open...& now Muffy has Spring fever!

We had our old van towed away...bye bye!

Bri made an herbal infusion w/Calendula

I also got my snowman stuff out...I found both of these adorable pics at Goodwill for $3

I love this couple (even w/her broken nose) sorry for the blurry pic!

I have 2 of these :)

This little guy holds our family picture

I even have these tiny snowmen hanging from my lamp...

The one on the round ball was brought to me by a friend--from China!

Below you can see our snowflakes on the windows...

Below, Chippy has gotten Spring fever, and rolled in something!

Bri is bathing him.

I made Blueberry Crumb Cake

Totally off topic...I got this Tupperware salad spinner off ebay and love it!

More school...

We've been enjoying lots of cozy fires, and Brad took some pics of it...

Hope your January is a profitable and enjoyable one!

Enjoy your weekend!

Grammy's Day...

I never realize how behind I am on posts...until someone downloads the pictures off the camera!

Anyway, after Christmas, Phil's family gets together and has a special Christmas dinner for Grammy (Phil's Mom) So, here are some highlights from her special day!

Danny helps Grammy open her present!

Chef Adam is in charge of the kitchen (he did a great job!)

I think Grammy had a nice day!

Here she is with several of her Grands. :)

A Blessing...

Sunday we had the privilege of driving to Hershey, PA to share in the 2nd anniversary service of Temple Bible Church with our sweet friends.

After the wonderful church service, we enjoyed a delicious fellowship meal with them.

We were so happy that Mommom came with us!

Pastor Hawes speaking to his congregation.

Briana and Brad had the privilege of doing chalk art.

Above is Bri doing the chalk art,

 I couldn't photograph Brad preaching as it was too dark.

Here are Briana and Brad with our dear friends. What a blessing these friends, and their church, are to us!

We pray that God continues to bless this flock for many years to come!

Keep It Up! Some Encouragement...

Did you make any New Year's Resolutions?

We don't really call them that at my house...

we just call them GOALS.

We all need to have them--if we don't shoot at anything--we can't hit anything!

Some stats I read today:

45% of people make one or more resolution

Those who set resolutions are 10X more likely to attain a goal vs. those who don't

75% keep their resolve past the first week

46% keep their resolve past the first six months

We are using January as a time to regroup in our home. We are trying to refocus on godly things...and get rid of distractions.

We are trying to memorize more scripture (the above helps w/that!)

And so, just a little encouragement today, to stick with it.

Live your life on purpose--and with purpose--for the Lord!

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Phil. 3:14

January Homemaking Tips

I was thinking last night (yes, can be dangerous!) :) and decided to make a post out of it about

homemaking tips for the month of January.

Not housecleaning persay...but homemaking!

I've had several conversations with ladies who have said that January is a tough month (particularly here in the Northeast where it can be snowy, or just cloudy).

Now, this doesn't bother me too much personally, as I love all the seasons!

But, it does affect those that I care about!

So...some little thoughts and ideas for January...

Warm up your rooms by lighting candles (this gives a double benefit! Sight, and aroma!)

Make a big pot of homemade soup

Set some quilts/throws out on the back of the sofa or chairs for cuddling

Surprise everyone with hot chocolate and popcorn in the evening--then read aloud to the family!

Play beautiful Christian music--I particularly like instrumental

Sing together too after your devotions--I love this!

Bake cookies for no reason

Or homemade bread!

If you have littles still at home--let them make a "fort" in the living room w/sheets and blankets

(My sister and I used to do this--we loved it!  Then my own kids loved it too!)

Take a minute to write some notes to the elderly, or shut ins that you know
(this is great for littles too! Have them draw pictures to include!)

If you don't know any elderly--just take them to the nursing home.

Bake something for your neighbor

Enjoy yourself this January as you're cozy in your nest!