Pinterest Finds...

Raise your hand if you love Pinterest? I do! I do! What I love most about it, is that when you need an idea, you can get it immediately. If your feeling uninspired, you can quickly get inspired. Each week I am going to start sharing a few of my favorite pins for the week! So here ya go....

Great Mirror

Great Quote

HomeMade Icepacks using Dawn

Becoming......

Becoming a mom---- This is my first blog post regarding this topic and (oh-wow) where shall I even begin. In an attempt to read as many "parenting" books as possible throughout my pregnancy, I have come to the conclusion that regardless of what I read, I just won't know until I experience it all! However, I do believe that the best thing I can do now is to prepare my heart for motherhood by strengthening my daily walk with God and pray for wisdom as I do become a mom. This weekend I thought I would jot down, what I believe to be, important aspects of motherhood. Here is my list: Availability, Involvement, Teaching, Training, Discipline,Nurture, Modeling Integrity, and Memory Making. These are just a few as the list is never-ending! Each week I am going to focus on a different aspect and do my best to zone in on the details of each. So this week is Availability. The key verse I attached to this was Deuteronomy 6:6-7--- These commandments that I give you today are to be on your heart. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

This verse teaches me that I have the responsibility of impressing the Word each and every day into my children's hearts. All I can do now though is get my heart in shape, so I can help shape another. One book that my mom recently got for me is called Checklist for Life: For Moms. It is packed with little bits of wisdom to share with your kids. I love it and can't wait to use it one day (once I get all the diapering, eating, and sleeping down). Be Blessed!

Sundays Devotion

This weekend I have been reading a great deal about Mary (as in Jesus' mom). She fascinates me. What a woman she must have been. I took some time to write down words that came to mind when thinking of her character... words like-- holy, humble, simple, servant, trusting, and faithful came to mind. However, I think the word "sacrifice" should be attached to Mary's name. Her whole life seemed to be one of sacrifice. Mary's character shines as she accepted the responsibility of a virgin birth and being an eye witness during His death. In Luke 1:49, she proclaims that The Mighty One has done great things for me; and Holy is His name. These powerful words struck me! What if I woke up daily and said these words. What if my attitude throughout the day reflected these words. What if? Isn't this what God desires most? Mary may have been meek and mild, but she sure did have a lot of courage. Hoping to find a bit of her sacrifice and courage this week. Be blessed.

Vanessa Carlton-- Album Review

Hello blogworld. I decided to today it was time to jump back on my blog and start posting again! Sooooo..... This afternoon I spent a little time on I-Tunes looking for new albums that are coming out soon. I stumbled across Vanessa Carlton's new album Rabbits on the Run. I previewed each song and loved every song on the album (This rarely happens). I really liked the songs, Carousel, Hear the Bells, and Get Good. I have her first album and still listen to it, even if it is nearly 8 years old. This album seems so different in comparison to her others. I love it when artists try new things and don't stay stuck in a music box. She talks a lot about how nature inspired her throughout the making of this album. She spent time traveling to places she has never been and broke free from her own label so she could create the album she believed in. If you're interested listen to the youtube videos below to hear her story about the making of this album and the four elements that make up Rabbits on the Run. Below that is her song Carousel. A children's choir sings along with her and it is gorgeous! Enjoy Friends!

Philippians 4:8

The house is quiet now. My husband is sleeping. The fan blows cool air. Storms have passed for now. Everything is quiet... except my mind and my heart.

I began my quiet evening by browsing on Ann Voskamp's website, A Holy Experience. Her words stir me. Her word are unique and always reach parts of me that have been tamped down from day to day life.I started reading one of her blogs about teaching children to be grateful. At dinner, her kids write down things they are thankful for on sticky notes. She posts them on the window in their house and they stay up as a reminder of God's goodness. She went on to discuss that being grateful is more important than math and history. This is what she quoted....

"Because what will the math really matter if they are bitter? If the house is immaculate — but my attitude a mess? If they can count — but they don’t know how to count all things as joy? If we get the lists done, but have lost happiness in Him? How can any grammar skill outweigh the fact they don’t know the language of grace and thanks? What good will it be if they can recite all the major British battles — but they don’t know to see beauty? What am I teaching our children if I’m not living simply, quietly this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8). Focusing on what is beautiful, good, true –isn’t this the truest education?"

As a teacher, I would have to agree with Mrs. Voskamp.

Finding Inspiration

I have been a bad blogger. May 9th was my last post and I must admit that I have truly missed my daily blogging. The end of the school year is to blame. I decided today that enough was enough and that I needed to stop using that as my excuse. So, here's my unofficial comeback to my blog!

I thought I would tell you all about my NEW FAVORITE website that my friend Ginni told me about. It is called Craft Gawker. The URL is http://craftgawker.com. This site is a pool of inspiration, and gives you that "kid in a candy shop" feeling--- if you like DIY projects! Here are a few projects I think look desirable.

Crocheted Rocks

Repurposing old materials to make a key holder

Doily Envelopes

Overalls (Now I can't sew, but I may need to learn to make these)

and I saved my favorite find for last..... Bird Nest Necklaces. This WILL be made!

Now it's your turn! You got search and find inspiration. Please let me know what you find!

Have Fun!

The Voice Within

I read an incredible quote tonight from one of THE best books on Leadership, The Leadership Challenge, by Kouzes and Posner. I read that when we make statements with our lives that are consistent with our heart, that gives voice to what we really feel is important. How true this is. To me this means: Words Matter! All this began to remind me of all the roads I've traveled throughout life (especially in my later twenties) and how those roads have brought new words to my life. I pray I can continue to stay true to what my heart believes and listen to wise voices along the way-- Voices of truth and Reason.

Thought I would attach a song by Christina Aguilera, The Voice Within! Enjoy!

Tonight's blog was short and sweet! More to come this week.

Roasted Tomato and Thyme Soup

I absolutely LOVE the way Sophie Dahl talks about her cooking. She believes that cooking should be an adventure. I agree fully! This recipe she is preparing, Roasted Tomato and Thyme Soup looks absolutely 100% scrumptious! She also makes twice baked potatoes with chives! My mouth seriously watered as I watched her cook! I really want to be her friend, or at least hang out with her for a bit! I know the video is a bit lengthy, but every minute is so inspiring... at least for this girl!

Enjoy friends!

Bless This Nest

I fell in love with this sweet picture! Definitely a must-d0!

It is well....

Every single sin....

every hurt that we’ve cause another person,
every selfish act, every regret…

… was paid for by Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. Every one of us is very much loved, treasured and wanted by God. I’m looking forward to celebrating that this weekend. Have a wonderful Easter!

Noticing

Today, on the blog http://www.kindovermatter.com, I read about the Art of Noticing. Here is a piece from the blog:

When was the last time you noticed your life? Not the tasks and the to-do lists and the stack of dishes in the sink. Well, those too actually. But beyond that. When did you last notice how you feel after a meal? How your lover sounds asleep besides you? What your children do when they think you are not looking? How your lungs feel when you first step outdoors?

Life moves fast. Everyone says so. So fast that we spend it before we notice that it’s gone. Like a bowl of m-n-m’s that sit beside you while you watch a movie. You look up, and they’re gone.
What if you could slow things down with something as simple as noticing? What if you realized that you needed rest before you collapsed? What if you didn’t feel like your kids were “growing up too fast?” What if you had time to savor your one precious, sacred life?

After reading this, I felt challenged to think about what I had noticed so far today.... Here is my list (I heart lists, btw)

1. I noticed the weather when I stepped outside.

2. I noticed love and joy as my 2nd grade students read their poems on stage today.

3. I noticed rudeness.

4. I noticed a hug a child gave me.

5. I noticed God calming me down when I was frustrated over a situation.

6. I noticed the wind blowing my flag nearly off its stand.

7. I noticed a baby bird.

8. I noticed the stillness of my home.

As the night unfolds, I await and am interested to find other noticings!

Be Blessed!

andrea

Choice Words

I am reading a (teacher) book called, Choice Words By Peter Johnston. In this book, I am learning about how seriously the language teachers use in the classroom plays out in the development of our children's histories. The words we use everyday, teach them about who they are and what they will become. Our words shape the choices they make and how they learn. To me--- THIS IS HUGE!!! The language I use daily is THE most powerful tool I have. Stepping away from this thought makes me think, "Wow, what and honor." and it also makes me say, "Wow, that is pretty scary."

This book has caused these ideas concerning literacy to shift into my personal life as well--- relationally, emotionally, and spiritually. Relationally, as a wife, friend, daughter, sister, coworker...etc.. my words can uplift and encourage or demean and discourage. Emotionally, the words I say about myself can make or break my day. Spiritually, I can choose to let my language serve our creator or take away from his glory. Vygotsky said,“Children grow into the intellectual life around them.” Therefore, it’s our job, as educators, to try to employ phrases that will increase our students’ sense of identity, knowing and agency. As adults, we are still growing into our lives, and therefore it is still our job to increase everyone's sense of identity, knowing, and agency!

I will leave you with one of my favorite songs by Nichole Nordeman, called Legacy. We can choose our words, our footsteps, and the legacy we will leave for our children.

From Where I'm Standing

From Where I'm Standing.....This is the title of one of my favorite songs. A song from the movie, I'm Reed Fish. This song has been one of my favs for awhile now. For some reason it always puts me into a reflective mode.

From where I'm standing reminds me of the perspectives we all share and how unique they are based on our journey's through life.

Where are you standing right now? What are the things you notice?

I started thinking not only about my perspective, but about God's. Does he see me the same way I see me? Of course not. His eyes catch my every move. His ears catch every sound and my every thought. I pray this week to be aware of God's presence and to try and get a glimpse of his perspective.

Enjoy the song and your week friends!

A Home for my Books

I'll admit it. I think I am a bit of a book addict. Always have been. I started my love of books in 1st grade when my teacher began a contest to see who could read the most books. My mom was a teacher, and I begged her to bring home books every night! Sure enough, by the end of 1st grade, I had read well over 2,000 books. I consider this is good addiction. Nothing that requires therapy or medication.... just time and a cozy chair. I like having a variety of books stationed in different parts of my house. Now some people like having one book going at a time. (My husband) Here are a few of the books I am currently reading that can be found throughout my home.

Living Room Book

This book is in my living room and has already provided me with non-stop laughter. The story is set a small town in the south and the main character wants to leave her little town and find greater things. The Dairy Queen is where she and her sister meet to plan their future, while eating dilly bars. My father in law gave me this book after her read it.

Living Room Books Cont.

These books spend their time in my living room, resting on our glass coffee table. These are great books to pick up and inspire thoughts and ideas as well as interest a guest while visiting.

These are two gardening books that traveled from my grandmother's shelves in West Virginia. I am hoping they will provide Daniel and I new gardening tips as we anticipate what will come of our garden this year. Tomatoes, spinach, and peppers... oh my!

Kitchen Book

While shopping in downtown Charleston, Daniel and I found this book in Williams and Sonoma. We started flipping though it and kept saying, "Oh, that looks good." After little thought, we decided that this would be our Charleston souvenir! Each page makes you want to spend more time in the kitchen enjoying food!

Before Bedtime Books

I have been reading Tracey Hogg's Baby Whisperer book. It is interesting and has lots of neat ideas.

Morning Books

This is my basket of books that I keep in my cozy corner. I read these books during my morning devotion time. This basket houses, The Power of a Praying Wife, Mark for Everyone, My Solo Devotion, My Bible, The Incredible Christian, 1000 Gifts, the Art of Loving God, and Live to Make a Difference.

As I think about my love for books, I think about Mrs. Eishenhaur, Mrs. Hartenbach, Mrs. Alleman, Mrs. Miller, and Mrs. Blake. My K-4th grade teachers that left a lasting impression on my life as a reader, instilling a love that has grown since I was a child.

It all started with a teacher and it never ends. I love teachers and am thankful to be one!

Be Blessed Friends!

Young House Love Inspiration

One of theeeee best blogs can be found at younghouselove.com . This blog is written by a husband and wife, John and Sherry Petersik. They devote much of their time to renovating older homes. I love to watch their ideas become projects and projects become masterpieces. They are so funny and offer so much advice on how to be a DIY(er). A few weeks ago, I read about a project they were doing in their living room. They wanted to add color behind their couch with eight frames they had purchased from Ikea. However, they wanted the cost to be low, but the outcome to be beautiful. While contemplating art that could be framed, they considered the idea of putting scrapbook paper in the frames, until they could decide on something they liked. After a trip to Michaels and $5.88 later.... this was born...

This was the picture. The picture that had me sold. The picture that my husband and I agreed would give us inspiration to create our own 8 frame art.

Saturday provided the perfect opportunity to get our frames hung, since the rain kept us captive inside.

First, Daniel took my butcher paper, rolled it out, and traced around the outline of the frame. This would give us a good visual to figure out the placement of our collage. (We got this idea from Young House Love). Then, I placed them on the wall by eyeballing where I thought they looked good.

Next, I called in the husband again. He checked my placement with his handy dandy level and sure enough, I was pretty close, but slightly off. He adjusted my mistakes and began hammering. He is so good with perfect measurement (me... not so much).

After careful thought and careful precision measurement by my awesome husband, as well as sanding and repainting where scratches were made, we were ready to hang our work. We pulled the paper from the wall and put up our art in its place. This was the final result.

We were both pleased as the spring colors changed the feel in our home. I love the way they all compliment each other! What project are you working on? Please tell me about it! In the meantime, I can't wait to see Spring reveal itself.... as our days get longer, weather gets warmer (excluding the past few days) and yards liven up with beautiful flowers. Be Blessed by the beauty God gives us!