A Priceless Gift

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Doesn't this verse just make you excited?  A Son was given to us -- to redeem us from our sins and to set us free.  Not for anything we do or don't do, there isn't anything we could do to redeem ourselves.  God, in His mercy and love towards us, sent us a priceless gift, the gift of a Son. 

When a baby is born it is a time of rejoicing, a time of thankfulness that God would bless a family with a new little one to hold, love, cherish, and raise to serve Him.  A priceless gift, a treasure worth more than anything this world could offer. 

As I ponder the wonderfulness of Jesus' birth, I get excited.  Excited that God made a way for us to be with Him in heaven for eternity.  And I just feel so unworthy to receive such a gift, but my worth isn't measured in my eyes.  God made me worthy by loving me enough to want to be with me forever.  And I feel like all of heaven opened up and the angels are singing and there is a bright blue sky and I just feel the warmth of God envelope me in a big hug as I feel His love and acceptance. 


May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
 
~Irish blessing 

One Thousand Gifts

11.  My daughter Chelsea who just turned 17 on Tuesday.  I cannot even express in words how much she means to me.  My right hand when I need it, my "personal photographer" when I can't take the pictures I want to, she cooks a lot of our meals, took care of all of us when we had the Swine Flu last month, and on and on.  Chel...I love you so much!!

12.  That each day is a fresh start.

13.  A 2 year old who keeps me in prayer throughout the day.  A more challenging little guy I've never had.  Thankfully God hears me throughout the day and gives so much grace.

14.  Friends who have picked up and dropped my older two off at church while my car is being worked on.

15.  Safety from the Lord in my fender bender.  I shudder to think what could have happened.

16.  Big brown eyes trusting me for everything.

17.  My parents who both mean so much to me.

18.  A God who loves me in spite of my many short comings.

19.  My husband who faithfully goes to work every day despite the fact that he has a really yucky job.

20.  E-mails from friends far away.

21.  Children who were baptized in September.  Jacob and Becky shared their special day together.  Our church camp is where they were baptized followed by a pot luck afterwards.  How sweet it is to see my children following the One who loves them the most.

For more gifts, please click on the button on my side bar.  It will take you to Ann's quiet place.

It's Great to be Two

Aaron turned 2 on Sunday.  He was thrilled to open his own gifts and blow out his own candles.  He stuck a few fingers in the icing and smiled, then laughed as we all watched him.  Two is such a fun age for little ones.  I just want to remember each day, what it feels like to hold him, his sticky kisses, chubby toddler hands, how he says "bye" to me as he goes downstairs to play with Matthew, and how he loves to cuddle and nurse.

I love how he concentrates so much on opening his gift.  My husband said he always wants to remember the look Aaron gives as he's concentrating.  So cute!

The cake tasted really good.  Chelsea made and decorated it.  She loves to decorate cakes and is really good at it.

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I am just so thankful for Aaron.  I didn't think I'd ever be blessed with anymore babies after I had Matthew, and for 6 years I wasn't able to conceive.  Imagine my surprise when I found out a new little one was going to join our family!  Life is such a blessing.

It was a very hard pregnancy for me, filled with many doubts and fears.  I was afraid to do anything for fear I would lose the baby I had prayed for years to conceive.  I ended up on bed rest in my 7th month after I pulled a muscle in my back.  I was nervous, high strung and lacked faith through it all.  Aaron was born by c-section after many hours of labor.  He was transverse and despite our best efforts, he just wouldn't turn.  My worst fear had come true.  Me, a home-birthing, natural labor believer had a c-section.  It was very hard to recover from, mostly because of my lack of faith that ALL things work together for good to those who love the Lord.  All things, even c-sections.  And you know, I finally came to the point of not caring how he was born, just that he was here, and he was my special gift from God.

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Aaron through the past two years:

Happy Birthday my littlest love!

Daybook~

FOR TODAY...

November 30




Outside my window...

a blustery day spent inside, all warm and cozy




I am thinking...

about our Christmas photo cards we'll be sending out soon.  This is my first year sending out photo cards.




I am thankful for...

being able to stay home with my kiddos. 




I am wearing...

a navy blue skirt with a striped shirt.  And my Smartwool socks, of course.  I live in a drafty, old farmhouse.  :-)




I am remembering...

Christmas from my childhood.  How magical it all seemed, how wonderful to the senses.  The lights, the taste of good food, the smell of pine, the reminder of a little babe sent to save the world.  How wonderful salvation's message is to my lips, to my heart, to my very soul.




I am going...

nowhere today.  I have to take my car in to get fixed tomorrow.  More on that at the bottom of this post.



I am reading...

some magazines, a few children's books...I need to get started on something new.  :-)





I am hoping...

to get my car fixed this week. 



On my mind...

The fun we all had at Thanksgiving.  The games we played, the good food, the just being a family day we all shared.



From the learning rooms...

Matthew's moving up in math, and we have a few weeks of doing the minimum in school work so we can enjoy this glorious season.



Noticing that...

I need to finish deep-cleaning the downstairs.  Then onto the bedrooms up stairs.



Pondering these words...

"What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow." Martin Luther



From the kitchen...

grilled cheese, jalapeno poppers, just snack-y type foods.  We have one of these nights every so often.



Around the house...

I need to finish decorating for Christmas.  We thought we lost our ornaments, but they were in the basement for some reason.  We were all so happy to have found them.  We always reminisce as we put them up.  The story of our family is there in those ornaments...the reminder of times past, and the hope of days to come.

One of my favorite things~

Chubby toddler hands.  So sweet and little for only a short time.  I'm trying to kiss them as much as I can!


From my picture journal...
 

 
 
I was in a minor fender-bender last week.  Jacob and I were out getting some last minute items for Thanksgiving, picking up Chelsea's glasses, and were going to browse around a thrift store, when I hit a pole.  The entrance to this thrift store is very tiny, and it has a pole about a third of the way into the opening.  I thought I gave myself enough clearance...but I didn't.  We take the Suburban in tomorrow to get fixed. 
 
To read more daybook entries, visit Peggy.

Multitude Monday~

I've long been a reader at Ann's wonderful, thought-provoking blog.  Such spiritual food is found at her quiet spot.  So, I decided to join her Multitude Mondays and maybe alternate with the Simple Woman posts I've been doing.

1000 Gifts

1. Time with my husband when all the kiddos were asleep.  Laughing, talking and just enjoying each other's company.

2. Kids who love to read.

3. A toddler who says "bapples" for apples. *so cute*

4. Sunny days with puffy, white clouds.

5.  An older daughter (she has her own blog) who decided to do all the dishes over the weekend.

6.  A book written by my younger daughter, Becky.

7.  Hugs from my 14 y.o. son Jacob.

8.  Laughing at my 8 y.o. (Matt) as he plays with the 2 y.o. Aaron.

9.  The Lord's gentle conviction in some areas of my life.

10.  Looking at some old pictures of my children when they were younger.

Won't you join?  Go here to see other gratitude journals.

~The Simple Woman's Daybook~

For Today... November 9. 






Outside my window... overcast and unseasonably warm.  A nice November day!





I am thinking... about a big shopping trip later this week.  Chel and I sat down and wrote out a master list this afternoon.



I am thankful for...kids who love to play together.  Becky had Aaron in an empty laundry basket and was pulling him around the house.  He was a little king and she was a horse.  These are things to treasure, my friends.





From the learning rooms...Only a 2 1/2 weeks until Thanksgiving, so we're trying to pack in a lot of learning.  We'll take the week of Thanksgiving off to cook and to have fun together.





From the kitchen...Beef stew and homemade buttermilk biscuits for dinner.





I am wearing...a jumper with a white t-shirt.  Warm slippers on my feet. ;0)





I am creating...what I hope is a love of learning in my children as we do school together. 






I am remembering...several people that have medical issues and need prayer.  Some from my area and some from the internet.  What a privilege it is to come together in prayer for the brethren.





I am going...to the library for a few books and movies.





I am reading...The Mother at Home by John Abbott.





I am hoping...to get together a few ideas for the next 2 birthdays coming up.  My baby will be 2 and my oldest will be 17.





I am hearing...Chelsea practice scales on the piano.  Lessons tomorrow.





Around the house...Laundry, laundry, laundry.  It never ends....




One of my favorite things...My family all together.  I know that those days will end soon, but I'm enjoying them while they're still here.




A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Piano lessons, our big once-a-month shopping trip, then home again, home again jiggity-jog.  :0)





Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My sweet 1 year old boy eating a "bapple" outside.  I had forgotten how sweet this age was.  I'm thankful the Lord gave Aaron to us so we could remember the joys that being a toddler can bring.  :0)



visit Peggy for more Daybook entries.

An Important Year

Today my youngest daughter turns 12.  We have a tradition where we take the birthday child out to dinner, so we went to Bob Evans.  It was so nice to just sit and talk with Becky...to know what she's thinking, what's important to her, etc.  Sometimes in the rush of life, things can get overlooked.  But not yesterday!  It was just us, relaxing over a nice meal, and talking.  I find that kids are more in-tune with life around us than we give them credit for.  Becky talked about life being like a book that we wrote on  every day.  I love how she already gets that and how important that will be for her in her life as she matures and grows up.  We talked about favorite books, about the day she was born and how special that day was.  About how she has enriched our lives just by being her wonderful self.  I thought about how very blessed I am to have her in my life.  There are so many wonderful things to think about in the coming years for my sweet girl, but today we will just concentrate on celebrating how she has richly blessed our family starting the day she was born.

Here she is with one of her best pals.  Aaron shares the month of November with her as his birthday month.  He'll be 2 shortly after Thanksgiving.

~The Simple Woman's Daybook~

For Today... November 3.  We'll vote later today.


Outside my window... the sun has greeted me and said a friendly hello.


I am thinking... about the book of Isaiah.  I found a neat study about Isaiah that will help me when I read it.

I am thankful for...my health.  We had the flu last week with both Jacob and I needing treatment at Urgent Care.


From the learning rooms...we're starting school back up after our break last week.  It's time to start our Thanksgiving studies. 


From the kitchen...fish, parsley potatoes, crusty french bread and salad tonight. 


I am wearing...pajamas right now.


I am creating...I have an apron I still need to finish.


I am remembering...happy times in our other house.  Jacob was going through some photos when Matthew was little.  Such good times we had there.


I am going...to piano lessons in the afternoon.  I also need to stop by the butcher shop and the Amish bulk food store for flour and a few other things.


I am reading...I actually just finished a book yesterday.  Not sure what I'll start now.


I am hoping...to get the house cleaned today.  It doesn't take much for the house to get messy and last week we didn't get a lot done.


I am hearing...the boys talking, Aaron running around my room, music on the computer.


Around the house...I'm hoping to get outside to pick up a few things.  Our neighbor's dog was in the trash again...


One of my favorite things...God's Word.  My ever-present strength in times of trouble, it changes me, renews me and cuts through me.  With gentle changes taking place that bring me closer to Him.  I can't imagine life without Him.


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...A library trip tomorrow, then home for the rest of the week. 


Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Please see Peggy for more daybook entries.

Amish Women~

I recently read a book about Amish women titled  "Amish Women Lives and Stories" by Louise Stoltzfus.  It was a bit different in that it centered on several women and showed their likes, dislikes, heartaches, blessings, etc.  I really like one quote from their pastor:

In the warm, lilting, singsong cadence of Amish preachers, he spoke about personal responsibility in the church.  At one point, Esther says, he paused to ask the question, "Who has the most important role in the church?  The deacon?  The minister?  The bishop?"

Turning to face the side of the room where most of the women were seated, he proclaimed, "No, it is not the deacon, the minister, or the bishop; it is the mothers with babies on their laps who have the most important task in our church."  A hush fell over the already quiet room.

Mothers with babies on their laps snuggled them a bit closer.

Fathers nodded their heads ever so slightly.

Grandmothers dabbed at their eyes with handkerchiefs.

It was a special blessing to hear a church leader give colloquial voice, during what is usually a formal presentation, to this fundamental truth of Amish faith and understanding.  The family is central.  To be a mother is a high and holy calling.

Home is a place of life and hope.

A place to nurture and hold children.

A place to ensure posterity and success.

Perhaps it is the often quoted proverb from the writings of David, the psalmist, which best describes how most Amish feel about family life: "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is the Lord's reward.  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  Happy is the one who has his quiver full of them." 

picture from allposters.com

~The Simple Woman's Daybook~

FOR TODAY...October 12th




Outside my window... another rainy day to stay cozied up inside



I am thinking... about the Ladies Meeting I'm co-hosting tomorrow


I am thankful for... my many helpers (my kiddos) that help me get so many things done throughout my day



I am wearing... a tan nursing dress with socks and my wool slippers


I am remembering... my family so far away ~ my Dad and his recent birthday



I am going... to clean my bathroom and change my sheets today



I am reading...a book about the Amish


I am hoping... to finish the book of Isaiah this week



On my mind...I'm thankful this week will be much more relaxed.  Last week was quite busy.



From the learning rooms... trying to get caught up from our busy week


Noticing that...my kids are growing up so quickly.  My littlest love will be 2 next month.




Pondering these words... "What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow."  Martin Luther








From the kitchen...Roast chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and veggies




Around the house...We need to get the yard ready for winter and I need to finish going through the bins in the garage




One of my favorite things~ all of my dear children at home.  I'm realizing that as my children get older these days where we are all together is growing shorter.  One day they will be married and have their own families.  I want to enjoy the days we do have.  I love this time in my life.



From my picture journal...

For more Daybook entries please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman

FOR TODAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2009

Outside My Window...

A grey and rainy day.  Perfect for making soup and homemade bread for dinner.

I am thinking...

About our big day tomorrow.  Becky and a friend are gioing to Build-A-Bear.  This is part of an early birthday gift for Becky.

I am thankful for...

So many things. 

God's Word to us

His daily grace and unfailing mercy in my life

My wonderful, supportive husband.

My children who bless me every day with their love and laughter.

From the learning rooms...

Today starts our second week of school.  The kids are so excited. The smell of new crayons, chub pencils, new binders and books.  It all says back-to-school for our family.

From the kitchen...

Cheeseburger Soup, Corn, homemade bread and a dessert for dinner.

I am wearing...

A tiered skirt with a grey t-shirt.  No shoes.  :-)

I am creating...

A new blog.  To record the memories and to let my family know what we are doing.

I am going...

Nowhere today.  Yesterday was busy with church and choir practice.  Chelsea is the new church pianist for the choir.  This is a double blessing.  We get to hear her practice the music which is so beautiful.  :-)

I am reading...

My Bible (I am in Proverbs and Isaiah)

A few magazines

Around the Wicket Gate by Charles Spurgeon

A literature book with Chelsea

A school book with Matthew

I am hoping...

For a good week of school.  This is a big year for Chelsea, so she must stay on schedule to get everything done.  Only two more years until she graduates! 

I am hearing...

A song by Yiruma on the computer.

Around the house...

Dishes and laundry are piled up.  It always happens that way after Sunday.

One of my favorite things...

Sleeping toddlers!  :-)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Tomorrow is our big Build-A-Bear trip, but then we will be at home for the rest of the week.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is a picture of my husband's great-grandparents.

Please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook for more Daybook entries.

A New Home

I am starting this new blog mainly to keep my family up-to-date on my life. We all live pretty far apart and this will be a place where they can visit me and my family.

A little about me. :-) My name is Karen and I'm happily married with 5 children. I live in the midwest after growing up on the West Coast. I love it here! The four seasons are so delightful and special in their own ways.

More later. :-)

~Karen