Making A Home And Family

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Jan 2012

Sunday Inspiration & Happy New Year

What is more inspiring than a clean slate? Even if January 1st is just an arbitrary number in the whole scheme of things, I really find it so motivating to wake up thinking I can start fresh and start over.

On the Winter Solstice, I made a bundle with written things I wanted to let go of from 2011. I wrapped it up in a little towel and I threw it into the bonfire. I was ready to release 2011, so I have been anticipating the new year. I have a few resolutions that I have come up with while working through the Goddess Workbook and Planner. Some are little events like pamper myself with a pedicure or run a 5K. Some are bigger adventures like planting, harvesting, and storing my garden goods. And some are more of a personal quest like cook really good REAL food – learning to use more herbs and spices.

Here are a few inspirational links to share. Maybe they will get you motivated to usher in the new year too.

*60 Ways to Make Life Simple

*Foods and Herbs w/Antibiotic Properties (fight that cold/flu)

*How to Make a New Years Time Capsule

*Organizing the home (by week)

*Books I’m reading that are rocking my world: Rhythm of the Family and You Can Farm

What’s inspiring you? What are your resolutions for the new year?

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Dec 2011

This Moment

Jennie

Inspired by Soule Mama.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Category: Moments Leave a Comment

Dec 2011

Holiday Reset Challenge

Jennie

I’m taking a challenge this Christmas. A challenge to break free and be more present. A challenge to disconnect to reconnect.

It all started here. Check it out and see what you think.

I have felt frazzled lately, and to use a label, a little ADHD in regards to technology. I jump from phone to computer from this app to that one. My brain moves fast and I get overwhelmed by things that aren’t even really important. I create more work for me. I just want to back off, and I needed this challenge to push me.

During my time away (Thursday night to Wednesday afternoon), I will check my email in the morning and “surf” only at night while nursing AJ to sleep. I can focus on family, gatherings, and working in my 2012 Goddess Workbook preparing and dreaming of the new year.

Are you in?!

Category: Goals, Holidays Leave a Comment

Dec 2011

Simple Christmas

Jennie

This holiday season, we are simplifying. It’s a little bit out of need to stay sane, to save some cash, but really it’s to ENJOY the season and teach our children what it’s really all about. It’s about being kind and giving to others from the heart and being with the ones we love. With that focus, I have done a few things differently this year.

::I bought all my purchased gifts online. I don’t like going to a packed mall to shop because people are rude and makes me angry in the season where I shouldn’t hold that feeling. It was so much easier just to shop while the kids napped rather than taking them out and causing stress for all of us. I understand the sentiment of buying local, but my focus wasn’t there this year.

::We didn’t purchase any fancy decorations. Val and I made decorations together and we really enjoyed our time together making salt dough ornaments and chain garland. It’s so cool to look around and see our work making beauty in our home.

::We cut a tree from our own property instead of going to a tree lot. We definitely plan on planting more trees and replenishing, so I don’t feel guilty getting a real tree. Val and I have plans to put it back outside after we have used it and decorate it with edible things for the birds. Maybe some peanut butter covered pinecones dipped in bird seed and strings of popcorn.

::We will be baking for some of our gifts using zucchini from our garden and eggs from our chickens. Who doesn’t love desserts made from real food and lots of love?

::As usual, Val will be gifting some of her crafts too. There’s beauty, creativity, and so much joy in her paint strokes.

HOW ARE YOU SIMPLIFYING THIS YEAR TO FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS MOST TO YOU?

What really kicked off my thoughtfulness of this topic was The Organic Sister’s coaching calls related to the holiday season and how to thrive through it all. For only a few more days, you can treat yourself to the holiday thriving kit or a mindfulness meditation too. Go grab it for yourself. You and your family deserve for you to be calm, mindful, and thriving this year

Category: Holidays Leave a Comment

Dec 2011

Glitter

Jennie

I remember student teaching vividly and knowing there were two types of teachers. Ones that love glitter and ones that do not.

I had a teacher I worked with leave the room during intensives because she couldn’t handle our messy learning. It included glitter. Lots and lots of glitter. I love glitter!

So does Val!

Category: Holidays, homeschool Leave a Comment

Dec 2011

Sunday Inspiration

Jennie

I am surrounded by inspiration this Sunday morning.

::Next to me, my daughter is painting her salt dough ornaments and explaining to me how she’s decorating and why she’s decorating the way she is.

::The lights and smells of the Christmas tree fill up the living room.

::My littlest is in my lap exploring the world around him.

::The coffee is brewing a lovely candy cane aroma.

::The floors show how inspired we were to decorate the tree then go visit friends and family instead of tidying up.

Here are some links to inspire you ~

::Aging as an honor

::Exhale

::Let it Go

Category: Inspiration Leave a Comment

Nov 2011

Thirty Days of Thankfulness -Day 25

Jennie

I am thankful that these last few days I have been too busy living to post.

We traveled for my 6 week post-partum check up with a clean bill of health. Yesterday we spent our day baking pies and eating big meals with our families.

I hope to finish out my thankful posts for the month, but I will be focusing on family. This has been a great exercise in being aware how thankful I am and using that when I’m feeling down. It sure helps!

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Nov 2011

Thirty Days of Thankfulness – Day 22

Jennie

I really enjoy getting special things in the mail – even better if it comes on the big brown truck.

Yesterday before nap time, UPS pulled in and left a little package on my porch. I assumed it was something I had ordered for the kids for Christmas. I waited until nap time to open it, so I could hide it away without Val seeing it. To my surprise – it was for ME. I had ordered Zenschooling, but kind of forgot about it. Hello Mommy Brain!

I am thankful for yesterday’s mail and the few minutes of quiet reading time that came afterwards.

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Nov 2011

Thirty Days of Thankfulness – Day 21

Jennie

It’s my brother’s birthday today, and I’m thankful for him in my life.
He’s a busy guy – husband, dad, son, brother, hard worker, hunter, fisher, hobby farmer, he’s always doing.
He came by my house the other night after hunting and sat around to talk. He played with the kids and the puppy. It was such a nice time to connect because it’s usually far and few between with his schedule.
I’m grateful for my brother and I’m thankful for the times I get to spend with him.

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Nov 2011

Thirty Days of Thankfulness – Day 20

Jennie

I am so thankful that I had an evening out. James and I took AJ and went to dinner with another couple last. They treated us to wine, which I gladly accepted. It was yummy and it was so nice to enjoy a dinner, at a table (mine is hubby’s office right now), have a conversation, and I didn’t have to cook or clean up.
After dinner was even better because we met up with a big group to see Breaking Dawn. How fun! I haven’t been to a GOOD movie in the theater in almost 3 years!!! Edward Cullen was a good way to break that streak.
So thankful for a great evening!

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