Summer Reading List

The title says "Summer Reading List"...but let's be honest, I started all of these (see picture) books months and months ago. In fact, I'm not even sure when I started some of them. Oops.

If you need some good book ideas here's a bit about why I like them...

The Bible: I would hope you know what the Bible is about. But whether you haven't read it yet or you have a Christian Studies degree, you can always learn and grow from reading it! I'm reading through Romans right now.

Anne of Green Gables: quite possibly my favorite book. The author describes her characters so well you would think they are real people with real idiosyncrasies (<-- my big word for the day *takes bow*). It's a great mix of sweet, funny, and encouraging. The sequels are very good as well. I loved listening to them in the car.

Allegiant: the final book in the Divergent series. I personally liked the first of the 3 the best. This one has a lot of twists - which make it fun, but also confusing. 

Table Life: hosting at your house without worrying it has to be perfect. Explains we need to just show Jesus's love through gathering.

The Daniel Plan: getting healthier for not only your sake, but for God's glory. This book has simple, straightforward ideas and recipes that help you on the road to being healthier.

1984: I've gotten 3 pages into it and then decided I really should finish my other books first. 

The Treasure Principle: helping you understand giving to God's kingdom.

My goal for August is to put down my iPad and read more!

Who's with me??

What's on your summer reading list? I'd love to hear about them!

Activities for the Little Ones

Andrew finished his first Library summer reading "list" today! We got a free book bag and board book! I found it really helpful to have the page to look at for more ideas of what to do together. It's harder for me since there's a lot he isn't old enough for (DUPLOS, trains, etc. etc.) so having ideas at my fingertips was great to keep the day going.

I decided since there are a lot of young moms out there, a print out of simple ideas might help you too.

I wanted to upload the chart I made up...but, it's not working. Hopefully the link will!

Free print out! Activities for Little Ones

Don't clip your nails in church...

A Few Church Do's and Don'ts

AKA Becky's Soapbox*

*Don't mind her if you disagree. Just move on to a blog post you like. ;)

1) Don't clip your nails in church. Now, to be completely fair, I didn't actually see the culprit. However, if I said to you, "the sound of clipping your nails" you would know what I'm talking about...and I'm very certain it was that sound and not a 3ring binder with 10 clips... It's pretty distracting, please don't do that in church.

2) Moms, use the nursery! It's not easy to leave your child in someone else's care...but it's never going to be. I'm trying to train myself now to leave Andrew in safe places, so it will be little bit easier later (Like a week of camp where anything could happen?? Oh boy.). Also, YOU need the service. A good message, prayer, and some singing can do a world of good for the human soul. (And of course pick up a pager for a little more security ..and try to remember to turn it on...)

3) Dads, be encouraging to your wives to leave the child in the nursery. It's so hard to drop off the little one and not feel sad or guilty. Especially if your child is going through separation anxiety. Lovingly remind them that the nursery workers are expecting children to have a hard time sometimes and they will take good care of your child.

4) Wear at least a level or 2 nicer outfit than you would going to the park. It's a catch22: churches  want to include everyone so they backdown on the "dress requirement"...But then, people start dressing in whatever they want and become very lax and don't take church seriously. We NEED to take church seriously!

5) Bring a Bible you can write in and don't just use your Bible phone app (preaching to myself now- my iPhone can be waaaay too tempting to just "quick check this or that"). My brother found a really great Bible called The Journal Bible. What a fabulous way to take notes! You will be able to use those notes again and it will be interesting to see how other sermons fit later.

6) Allow yourself to cry in church. Yesterday I was reminded again how amazingly faithful God has been in my life. The church I was in was the same one I had been dedicated in, had piano recitals in, was in Psalty the Singing Songbook musicals, Christmas Programs, V.B.S., handbells, shared mission trip stories in, listened to sermons, went to funerals of special people, had school chapel in, got married in, and now bring Andrew to. God has brought me through the sad times, the difficult times, and has lead my life into some amazingly happy times. These thoughts kept swirling in my head as I was there singing with my family sitting in the pew with me and my church family around me. So I let some tears fall. It felt so healing.

 God is interested in your heart, so don't be afraid to show it to Him.

Even if it's emotional.

Me and my brother Brian (7-27-14)

*Please don't mind the bad hair day. It was fine after I fixed it. Then as soon as I got in the car to go to church, it went limp. Good times.

Wedding (7-3-11)

Home is Where the Heart is...

They say, "Home is where the heart is." But what happens when you have a Husband heart & Baby heart in IA; a Mum, Dad and brother heart in MN; and more hearts in CO?? Not to mention extended family hearts and close friend hearts (add CA, MI, IL, MO, FL, & Spain to the list!).

You learn new things. You appreciate new things. (And you work hard to keep up relationships!)

It was such a mix moving away from MN to marry. Of course it was worth it; but still, uprooting a whole life in one metro area is never going to be easy. And as a Minnesotan, I didn't think Iowa had that much to offer... I can't speak for all Minnesotans, but for the most part, we think Iowa is a-l-l corn. Like row after row after row. I never pictured lakes, hills, or more cities than 2 or 3.

I'm pleasantly surprised.

It's just a state away, but life is different when you change churches, change jobs, change who you hang out with.

My dad asked me, "So what have you found that is different in Iowa?" I realized the whole "sports scene" is different. In Minnesota you cheer for Minnesota teams: Twins, The Wild, The Gophers, etc. In Iowa you cheer for either the Hawkeyes or Iowa State football teams (of course they have other sports they watch, but then they just cheer for whoever they have some kind of ties with). Something as simple as sports is just a little different here.

Twins Game with my Dad

It all makes me really appreciate missionaries that. much. more. While my *amazing* Minnesotan accent might be a touch different than Iowans, missionaries have a whole other language to learn. While I had to find a new grocery store, they have to figure out new foods and products. While I say goodbye to my parents about once-twice a month (It has become less often now that they come to stay in Iowa to see Andrew.), they say goodbye for a year or more each time. So thankful they pick up their cross and follow Jesus to new locations.

Hearts in different places is never easy. It's never what you want (unless it's a great place to visit ;). I'm so thankful those hearts are kind and loving and work to keep a relationship with me.

If home is where the heart is...
I have a lot of homes.


P.S. I still like MN's State Fair butter princess better than IA's State Fair butter cow.  So many differences to get used to.  ;)

Super Stacy + Etsy = Fabulous

OK, it's time to brag on a friend. You probably have heard me say, "Stacy, the friend who bakes amazing cupcakes...also the one who did Andrew's dedication cake...and the one who stenciled our wall...". And usually by the time I say "cupcakes" the other person chimes in with, "Oh yeah! She's the one who baked so-and-so's cake." People know Stacy. If you don't, you need to, and that is why I am posting about her. Well, actually, I'm posting so you can see her products on Etsy. So adorable. And so my style!

Take a look!

All you need is card stock, a printer, and frames... And POOF! Artwork!

Land of Mae - Homemade Goods from the Heartland

All her work is so precise and well made/done. She also has necklaces on her Etsy shop. I ordered the gray and love it! 

Here's the wall she stenciled for us:

There is NO WAY it would look that amazing if I had done it!! Thank goodness for talented friends! And really you can't get much better than a friend who bakes AND does craft/art pieces!! After giving birth she came with treats! I'm pretty sure I ate waaaaay more than Anthony did. But hey, I was the one who gave birth. :)

Go check out her products! They are fabulous!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/landofmae

Get Things Done Day!

I'm holding up my end of the deal! I have another idea for you. I read this idea in a magazine about a year ago (or 3 years ago? Who remembers when they actually read an article?), in Real Simple magazine (pretty sure it was that one...or Better Homes and Gardens?). A lady kept putting off and putting off random little errands and mini house projects (like changing a light bulb, filling in a few wood cracks, etc.). How many of us put off things like that? I sure do! So, the lady decided to make running errands and those pesky house jobs into a fun day. 
   Do you know how to make errands actually fun?? 
                          Is it possible??
                                YES! Here's how...

1. Pick a day that you have a couple hours.
2. Pick a friend <--- Clearly the fun part!
3. Write a list of where to go.

4. Figure out a route that will make sense (times open, not going back and forth across town, etc.).

5. Prep for the next day: load up the car, check for coupons or deals (dry cleaners can be pricy!).

6. Get your buddy and have fun! Caribou first, lunch in-between errands, maybe a cupcake later??...ok... for sure a cupcake later!

*HUGE* Bonus for moms: you and the friend can take turns running in to the locations/ staying in the car so you don't have to do the 10 step process of getting your baby/kid in and out of the carseat and cart each time!

Now I'm actually LOOKING FORWARD to running errands! 

Next I will have to plan a "Mini House Project Day"...

How about you? What would you like to get done?

So Much Talent!

As I am on Pinterest I have found some amazing blogs! Boy do they inspire me! I have talked about "Kate from The Small Things Blog" so much that I feel like we are friends. (I wish!!) You know what I have noticed through reading different blogs? That so many of the bloggers with the amazing ideas, creativity, organized homes, cute little families, are also Christian women! I don't think it's a coincidence. I think it speaks to the heart and character of God. He made us to not only want a "better" life, but to share it with others.    

I have just started on this little blogging journey, but I hope to inspire others. And I hope that inspiration points to God for He is the one giving all the ideas and hope to better our lives. 

 Here's a few that you need to check out:

The Small Things Blog  - Fantastic hair tutorials, makeup ideas and products, and a little about her personal life with her son, cats, and traveling.

The Lauren Elizabeth - Kate's sister! She shares outfit ideas, makeup tips, and loves cats too... I don't know why.

The House of Smiths - Shelley blogs about house organization and house projects.

320 Sycamore Blog - Melissa has a range of house projects to activities with her family.

Enjoy some good reading!!

Beauty Tips

As I was thinking about what to blog about this morning, I realized that I recently got my Birchbox in the mail and could explain it and then -bonus- add a favorite hair tip at the end!

First Birchbox (in no way am I getting compensated for this post...However, when this blog is famous, maybe they will want to thank me...Or if YOU decide to get a subscription, mention my name and I believe we both get points!): It's a monthly beauty product subscription. If you are like me, you desire to be "in the know" about trends and new products, but it's hard to keep up!! I enjoy my Birchbox because it's a fairly inexpensive (I used birthday money) way to try out lots of new/up-in-coming/tried-and-true products. Also, when you find a product you love and would like the regular size, Birchbox.com has a store (their website also has fun how-to videos, "magazine," and much more) you can order from. Their e-mails send lots of great deals for their online store. In addition,  you can earn points through writing reviews about products, buying products, and recruiting friends to buy subscriptions (*cough* go get one and add my name *cough*) which equals $$ you can save on their store! Lastly, I've become MUCH more aware of the junk companies put in beauty products. Birchbox has done a great job of finding "ingredient-conscoius" products.  

Have you gotten a subscription box before? 

Do you have any questions?

Now for one of my favorite little tips! Do you hate fly-away hairs? I do! And it seems like I have them right in front ...about everyday. So annoying! How do you get them to stay down you ask? Well, I'm glad you did! All you need is Clear Eyebrow Gel! Like this one: anastasia.net

Comb your fly-aways down using the eyebrow gel and they'll stay put! 

Categories to write in a Baby Journal

Oh Boy! My little guy is now inch-worming! Plus rolling. Plus reaching. Plus grabbing. Plus...you get the idea. He's on the move and everywhere and touching everything he isn't supposed to! 8mo. is a little on the crazy side! But I would rather him learning, than sitting like a blob.  Must keep things in prospective! 

I can't believe how fast these months go! I've been writing in a journal week-by-week, but I forget to add so many things! I look back and think, "Wait! He hasn't done ____ in so long! When did he stop?" So, if I were to write in a journal again I would have categories. Categories would make thinking through his development/week/abilities so much easier. 

Here is what I would include...



Week ___

• First time...
• 
  
• Can now..
• 
  
• Likes...
• 
  
• Dislikes...
• 
  
• Says these sounds...
• 
  
• Favorite memory...
• 
  
• Kept busy this week with...
• 
  

Do you have a Baby Book/Journal?

What do you like to write in it?

Shiloh

   
    As we drove by what we fondly called "Monopoly Land" (gorgeous two story houses in a cute little neighborhood), I had a longing in me for a house that we could have more than one other couple over for dinner, a house that you wouldn't feel like you were falling down the stairs as soon as you walked in the front door, a house that would have a "kids" bathroom and one for us. As we drove out of the neighborhood I prayed, "Lord, save a house or a lot for us. I'm willing to wait on Your timing, but just save a place for us." 

    That became my prayer for two years. Whenever we drove by "Monopoly Land" or I was frustrated at an inconvenience at our own home, I prayed. I had such a peace in my heart that God was not only listening, but actively answering me. 

   All of a sudden the timing was right to sell our house, and not only move into a bigger house, but build our Dream House (read- Dream House we could afford) ! All the little and big details were falling into place faster than we could have imagined! Plan to build, pick one of the last lots close to in-laws (free baby-sitting!!), clear out our clutter and build a new deck to sell our house, house sold in 3 days, in-laws move into our house while their house was being finished, move into in-laws new house while ours was being finished, then finally the big move happened! 

   As we were sitting on our bed (at the old house) one night in the middle of planning our new house, I asked, "What will be the street name for our new house?" "I think Shiloh" Hubby said. "Oh, bummer! I like our street Linden. It sounded so pretty to me!... I want to find out what it means. Maybe there is a good meaning to help me like the name." Did a quick search on a baby name site. 

And this is what it said:
     
           Shiloh: Hebrew for "His gift"

Let's Start This Thing!

OK. It's time to pick up my fingers and type. 

I've been wanting to blog for about a year now, but keep giving excuses... and more excuses. Namely that I'm not great with writing (does ANYONE know ALL the proper uses of commas???)... but it's not going to stop me from at least trying. 

My heart NEEDS something new. A new little adventure. So, let's start here.

I'm an Ideas Girl. I LOVE to brainstorm, start things, help people with new anythings. So this blog will probably be full of odds and ends: teaching tips, mother's woes, what I've learned from others/ Scripture, and give ideas from all areas of life.

I hope it grows me. Reflecting and brainstorming usually does. 
I hope it helps you! Reading extremely insightful posts will undoubtedly help you. un-doubt-ed-ly.

I have the need to end this post with a picture of myself. However, almost every picture of me is with someone else...and really, there aren't very many pictures of me lately because the iPhone's storage is going to *someone* else (my little man). Here's a resent one...

Fun in a prism sculpture: