Simple Living, Living Simply

Simplicity is the property, condition or quality of being simple. It often denotes beauty, purity , and clarity. Simple things are ususally easier to explain and understand than complicated ones. (as defined on wikipedia.org)

I have been thinking a lot lately about simplicity and the benefits of a simple life. Like the definition states, simplicity is living a life of beauty, purity, and clarity. I would add that this is only possible through Christ. I am saved by grace through Jesus. My sins are forgiven and I have hope in my salvation alone. I am blessed to be a child of God and He has blessed me with a precious family. I am learning to serve my Father by serving my family.

I have a tendency to be a distracted, overwhelmed person; but my desire is to be focused and purposeful. The only way to do this is to daily focus on bible reading and on the Lord. I am learning to fully trust in His plan for my life and follow His commands. I have much to learn. The world wants to make me believe that happiness is anything but simplicity. The world values everything but simplicity....especially for women, we are told that we "need" so many things to be beautiful and complete. I would say just the opposite. The less stuff the better, emotionally, physically, materialistically. We only need more when it concerns God's plan for our life.

My simple prayer for today....Lord, help me die to self, so I may serve you better.

Menu Plan Monday

Elizabeth modeling her crazy hair-do!

My niece Elizabeth is with us this week, so our menu is kid's choice and very kid friendly!

Monday-

B-Honey Nut Cheerios, bananas

L-Beans or chicken and rice soup with cornbread

D-Tacos

Tuesday

B-chocolate chip waffles, grapes

L-grilled cheese, carrots with ranch dressing

D-grilled chicken, fettucinin alfredo, peas

Wednesday-

B-cereal, bananas

L-PBJ, cheese nips

D-spaghetti, garlic bread

Thursday-

B-whole wheat chocolate chip muffins, grapes

L-macaroni and cheese

D-pizza, watermelon

Friday-

B-waffles

L-grilled cheese,cucumbers, apples

D-omelets, leftovers

snacks-popcorn, brownies, fruit, sliced veggies, popsicles, chocolate chip ice cream

Read more menus at orgjunkie.com.

My Favorite Things....Baby Edition

This is a must have! The Clean Shopper is a quilted fabric cover that covers the seat of a shopping cart. The picture is from their web site. I bought mine on ebay for half of what they sell for new. I actually have two. Usually Wendy or Lily want to ride in the cart too. Even if they don't use it in the front seat we will fold the cover in half and they sit on it in the back of the cart. I love being able to protect the baby from all the germs on the cart handle. It works well on the tiny carts at CVS and the giant carts at Sam's and everything in between.

I was in Walmart recently and there was a toddler in a cart with two binkies, one in her mouth and one in her hand. She was cute as a button, and we watched her rub the binkie in her hand back and forth over the cart handle, then proceed to switch it out with the one in her mouth and start all over again. I literally got chills and felt a little sick! And because this is the kind of thing my children would do I have a cover for the cart! You can also use it over the wooden high chairs in restaurants. Like I said, a must have.

Share in more favorite things at Fiddledeedee!

I want one of these...

I came across a great give away at The "Cent"sible Sawyer. Blueberry Moon is giving away this adorable wipes case. It is a fabric covered plastic wipes case for the diaper bag. How cute! If I had one of these, it would surely be on of my favorite things.

I also think this set of burp cloths and matching baby blanket is just so sweet. I love the coordinating fabrics! The prices on these hand made beautiful baby things are GREAT! Head on over to Blueberry Moon and see for yourself.

Read more about the give away here!

What we've been doing....

We have been working hard and playing hard. Here's a little of what we've been up to, my style. more pictures than words...

Jacob turned 15! Happy Birthday...we love you!
Ro-Ro is working on her culinary skills!
We watched lots of baseball...which made for fun evenings at the ball field! Samuel's team won their district and had a good showing in the state tournament. We were very proud of him.
A beautiful rainbow after a storm before a ball game....
Our favorite time of day is first thing in the morning. We go outside to play and have a little Bible time before it gets hot.

Summer school piano lessons....

We continue a half day version of home school so we can do fun things like slip and slide after lunch!

We've been organizing, gardening, visiting the library every couple of days for movies and books, bike riding, and playing with friends!One last picture, my cutie nephew, Jackson!

My Favorite Things...Baby Edition

This is one of the prettiest favorites I have for Rose. I bought this Gap diaper bag on ebay over two years ago for Lily when we decided to use cloth diapers part time. I needed a bigger bag and this one fit the need. It's a great bag with lots of space!
I really like the leather buckles and fringe around the side pockets.
There is a nice zippered middle pocket and lots small pockets on either side of the middle section for all the baby necessities that we have to tote around. Here is a list of things that are always in my bag...

1. extra clothes
2. a receiving blanket to use as a nursing cover
3. a cloth diaper for drool, or spills
4. desitin
5. the cute little duckie you see in the next picture. It holds roll of disposable bags for stinky diapers or wet clothes. You can buy these at Target and the rolls of bags are replaceable. This makes a great little shower gift.
6. diapers and wipes of course!
7. a jacket or sweater

Rose approves! Visit Sarah's blog, Fiddledeedee to share in favorite things!
Anna-Kate took this sweet picture of Rose this week:)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday
B-oatmeal with rasberries
L-peanut butter with banana sandwiches
D-tostadas
home made peanut butter kiss cookies-recipe from William Sonoma Kid's Baking Cookbook This book has simple delicious recipes and is full of beautiful pictures!

Tuesday
B-Smoothies, bagels with cream cheese
L-Tuna salad sandwiches with lettuce and swiss
D-Grilled chicken with squash and zucchini over pasta

Wednesday
B-eggs and toast
L-cheese pizza
D-lasagna, broccoli salad, bread (make a second lasagna for Saturday)

Thursday-
B-cereal with blueberries, toast with peanut butter
L-leftovers
D-Jacob's 15th birthday, he asked for....
deer steaks, cole slaw, corn on the cob
cake and ice cream!

Friday
B-banana muffins
L-salad, pb&j
D-out

Saturday
B-cereal, english muffins
L-early dinner-lasagna, peas, bread

Read more menus at orgjunkie.com!