Mama Kay

Oh how I have been enjoying Ann’s book. I’m trying really hard to savor it and apply it instead of reading hastily through it. I’m back on working daily on my list of gifts although I haven’t been posting them all here.

444. We have a piano once again!

445. 1potato’s love of playing the piano

446. Listening to the songs from The Sound of Music—played by 1potato;)

447. Ann V’s book: a thousand gifts

448. Joy is possible!

449. Giving Thanks changes me & there is hope…

450. Phone calls from my sister—any time of day.

451. Awesome friends—who even help move pianos!

452. Generous friends who gave us the piano.

453. Chicks on order!

454. Planning the garden

455.  Preparing for our trip to see friends & family in AZ

211. Tulips blooming in our front yard

212. Perfect weather for 3potato’s birthday party at the park

213. Wonderful visit from my in-laws

214. Packets of potential in the form of seeds

215. Long talks with my dad on the phone

216. A sweet husband

217.  My Father’s World curriculum

218. 4potato’s love of  “school time”

219. Yummy golden potatoes wrapped in a red skin roasted in olive oil with a little sea salt

220.  children enjoying playing outside nearly every day

FOR TODAY…

Outside my window… It’s snowing

I am thinking… how do I get our rhythms/routines back on track

I am thankful for… my husband’s new job

I am wearing… a paisley green shirt, denim skirt & grey cashmere sweater

I am remembering…my dear friend who gave me the sweater

I am currently reading…Crazy Love

I am hoping… we can figure out a new home for us before our lease is up

On my mind… menu planning

Noticing that…the house is still messy but it’s getting  better

Pondering these words…

“This is the year of Instead. It rolls off my tongue a little easier every day, and his friend, Yes, has been popping her head in more often, too. The key is to say the word first, quickly, then pause to think about how to make it happen. The children will help you, their hearts pounding a little faster when they realize their request is now a strong possibility. ” ( http://mamahooper.blogspot.com/2010/01/year-of-instead.html )

From the kitchen… Lentil Soup

Around the house… Kids Playing Hide & Seek

One of my favorite things~  Holding a sleeping baby

131. Draw to Learn with Psalms

132. Friends to celebrate Passover with even with a bunch of little kids

133. 3potato—celebrating 5 years

134. It’s the 6th of May & we haven’t turned on our a/c yet!

135. Bible Trivia Game—- fun for our whole family

136. 3potato’s helpful spirit

137. Our “Yes, Mama jars” when they work

138. Cheesecake made with love

139. Preparing for our 1st camping trip of the season this weekend

140. Beautiful weather

A new year is just beginning and I have such high hopes for this new year! Here’s my list:

1. Seek the LORD more. Consistently read my Bible every day and take captive each thought for the LORD.

2. Learn to show dh respect in a way that communicates my love for him.

3. Keep a cleaner home. My first step for this is to keep my kitchen counter cleared off. This is a big Hot Spot for me and I am determined to win the war against clutter on this spot.

4. Be a thermostat instead of a thermomentor in our home.

5. Assist dh is acheiving our dream of a small house/big yard. We want to sell our current house and buy a house in “the country” but still close enough to town for dh to easily commute to work.

Last week my husband and I both celebrated our birthdays. In searching for ways to celebrate our birthdays I found that there are quite a few places that will feed you for free just because it is your birthday! All you have to do is sign up for their clubs on their websites.

My husband enjoyed a Free Sundae at Fuddrucker’s by just showing them his I.D. and telling them it was his birthday.

I received a coupon from Sweet Tomatoes for a Free Meal with the purchase of another adult meal and 2 drinks. (My good friend and I enjoyed a leisurely and delicious lunch together!)

My dh and I both received a free burger (with our printed out coupons) and sundaes when we took our family to Red Robin. Kids receive a free kid’s meal for their birthdays.

We also signed up for Cold Stone Creamery’s Birthday Club. For your birthday you get a Love It Sized Creation. I haven’t gotten to enjoy that coupon just yet but hopefully I’ll be able to do so this weekend.

Maybe this list will help you celebrate your birthday next time!

I took this quiz and thought it was fun! My score was 117: 129-90 Mmm! Love that whole-grain crunch! What’s yours?

“I suppose when we wake on January 1 the world will look the same. But there is a reminder of the Resurrection at the start of each new year, each new decade. That’s why I also like sunrises, Mondays, and new seasons. God seems to be saying, “With me you can always start afresh.”—Ada Lum

On Sunday, our preacher gave a sermon on “Re-New Year” He talked about how we can never stay the same. That we are always changing but wouldn’t it be better if we changed on purpose? He spoke of how renewal comes from God and had us read together these wonderful verses:

Lamentations 5:21

Psalms 51:10

Isaiah 40:31

Habbakuk 3:2

Romans 12:2

2 Corinthians 4:16

Colossians 3:9

Titus 3:5

How I need a renewal in my life but not one that comes from my own actions but one that comes from the one true source! I love Mondays, new seasons, and new years! I need to start afresh. How about you?

81. My Grandpa whose love for Jesus is evident to all he encounters
82. My Grandma’s playful spirit
83. Chances to visit them in Montana—I pray we will get another chance soon
84. Charles C. Coffin’s book The Story of Liberty
85. Those who went before us to make way for our liberty
86. God’s hand in history
87. Men like Luther, Wycliff and so many others who worked so hard to make the way easier for us
88. Our natural food co-op & the opportunity to come together and purchase good food for our families
89. Our CSA farmer who works so hard to grow good food for us
90. Fresh eggs straight from the farm—I never knew yolks could be so bright & orange instead of pale yellow

71. Our Church Home
72. The Song: How Great the Father’s Love for Us
73. The Song: Magnificat
74. Instant Messengers ability to bridge the gap from Costa Rica to Arizona
75. Heart Felt Hugs
76. Our American Heritage
77. The American Heritage Festival
78. people who study history in such a detailed way as to be able to show us what life used to look like
79. beautiful little porcelin dolls for $2.50 each
80. R.C. essential oil—another cold thwarted