Newest Member of the family

  This month our son and his wife welcomed their first child to their family.

A beautiful baby boy.

Welcome to the family sweetheart.

You are so loved.

 

Meaning of his name from his parents:

First name || Exodus

• The departure of the Israelites from Egypt. God was leading them then,

He is still leading us today and always.

• God's unconditional promises

• The Lord will fight for you

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 

‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ 

And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, 

‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,

 you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’ ”

Matthew 18:1-3

A Snowy Daybook

 For Today, February 21, 2022

Looking out my window... currently it is overcast and windy. We are expecting a snowstorm over the next two days and while I'm ready for warmer weather I love a good snowstorm!  It will be nice to see our dirty black snow all covered white again.  We had a windstorm last week and a lot of the topsoil from the field blew in and covered all of our snow.

I am thinking... about the message from church yesterday on being careful and diligent to keep increasing and adding to our faith.  The mark of a transformed life is continual growth and fruit. 2 Peter 1:5-11

I am praying for... My dear friend and spiritual mama who has cancer.  There has been cognitive loss and our relationship is changing.  I am grieving the loss but am so thankful to God for all the years of friendship with her, many Bible study and prayer times.

I am thankful for... God's protection over my son and other drivers this last week when he and the car in front of him hit black ice.  Both cars ended up in the ditch.  I am praising God that there were no injuries and a good Samaritan pulled both cars out of the ditch.  I am also grateful to God for my husband's oral surgery and healing going well.

One of my favorite things... my granddaughter's smile and her one little dimple.

I am creating... a crocheted baby blanket for my great niece who is due in March with her first.  

My daughter in love and granddaughter also came over this last week and we worked on a new to me crochet project.  A reusable grocery bag made from plastic grocery bags that we cut and loop tied together.  We didn't get very far but we had fun and of course I had to give Cookie the hook.  It will be fun to teach her how to crochet when she is older.  I love the focused look on her face and her little tongue sticking out. ☺  Our church hosts a monthly "Scrap and Craft" event and this was one of the projects I brought along.  I didn't get very far though.  My progress and the rolled ball represents 21 bags.  I think I'm going to need A LOT of bags.  *smile*

I am wearing... Cozy comfy lounge clothes.  I'm not planning to leave the house during this snowstorm.

I am reading... In the Bible I am in the book of Deuteronomy.  I am also reading John 18 for this week's women's Bible study.  I am slowly making my way through Dark Clouds Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegrop.

I am listening to... these beautiful instrumental hymns throughout the day.

I am hoping... 

In the kitchen... I'll be prepping food this week for our "I Love You Day" celebration.  On the menu is spaghetti, garlic knots, salad and a cake. My daughter will bring a vegetable of some sort to add to the meal and others are brining snacks and drinks.  My mom is bringing a dessert salad.

Looking forward to... a phone visit with a friend across the country.

A moment from my day...

In My Home ~ Week 3

 

Greetings!  I pray this finds you an yours doing well and enjoying this last week of May!  I love the idea of shelves on the kitchen wall as seen in the above picture.  I have a similar layout but have upper cabinets so no room for shelves.  I do have a window right above my kitchen sink though and from it I can look out across our yard to the newly planted fields.  This year we are surrounded by corn.  From my window I can also see my bird feeders and if I look out to the right I can see our basketball hoop and beyond that in the yard is the jungle gym and sandbox and trampoline.  My boys are all bigger now so the jungle gym and sandbox are not used as much as in the past.  In the years to come though I can enjoying seeing grandchildren out there playing.  What a wonderful thought!

Birthday Week Daybook

 Outside my window...  A beautiful early fall day.  Yes, technically fall doesn't begin until Sept. 22 but for me, fall begins on September 1st.  The leaves on a couple of the trees in our yard are beginning to turn yellow.  The field corn and soybeans in the fields around our house will be ready for harvest soon.

I am thinking...  School planning.  We are behind schedule for school by about 3 weeks due to our family going through Covid.

I am thankful...  Another year of life.  I turned 50 years old yesterday!  I am thankful for healing/health.  Covid hit each of us a little differently.  I ended up with some pneumonia and had the longest recovery.

In the kitchen...  No cooking for me today.  It's my birthday and we went out for lunch after church.  Supper will be left overs from the week.

I am wearing...  Jean capri's and a tye-dye shirt.  Bare feet.  😄

I am creating...  I've been knitting dishcloths.  This coming weekend we have Scrap and Craft for the ladies at our church.  I am planning to bring my pictures from the last year to get them sorted and into an album.

I am going...  Shopping with my daughter later today.

I am wondering...  If I should take a nap before shopping.  

I am reading...  In Genesis and Romans in my Bible.  I am reading a book called Women Who Risk.

I am looking forward to... Lunch with my parents, sister and brother this week.

Around the house/yard...  I spent the day mowing the yard yesterday.  It took about 4 hours.  There are weeks to be pulled and some trees need to be trimmed.  I am working on new weekly home-keeping routines. 

A favorite Scripture for today...  Psalm 9:9-10

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,

    a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 And those who know your name put their trust in you,
    for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

One of my favorite things...  Seeing my grandchildren!  Since the last time I updated this blog, a third grandchild was born.  Miss Ella is 4 months old now and so sweet.

A Year of Blessings

Two years have passed since I was last active on this blog and a lot has happened.  Some amazingly wonderful things and some very humbling health concerns for me and devastating hard losses of loved ones.  Through it all we have grown in our love for one another and in our faith in God's sovereignty.  We are learning to continually give thanks and to look to our good and gracious God for wisdom and guidance in all things.  💛

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  
1 Thessalonians 5:18

It would be too hard at this point to go back and try to chronicle in detail all that has happened, so I'll just pick up where we are right now.  It is my desire to begin to post updates for our family in the coming year, but there are no guarantees as to the regularity of them.  😀

Here is our most recent family photo ~

Scott and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary this year. We've been together for 31 years though.  ❤  We took a 3 day trip to Duluth in November.  We don't often get away so it was special to have a few days with just the two of us.

Our daughter moved closer to us with her two boys.  Nana and Papa enjoy having them closer and being able to be a more regular part of their lives.  Warren turned 3 in September and Owen turned 2 in November.

 

Our first son Jonathan married his bride Mikayla in June of this year.

Second son, Christopher graduated from high school this Spring.

Andrew, our youngest turned 16 and is growing in height at amazing speeds this last year!

God's blessings to each of you as we close out 2018 and move into 2019.  We are abundantly blessed and my prayer is that each of will continue to seek the Lord in all things.  

Joyfully His,

Theresa

QUOTE of the day: 

 "There are lots of cars out today but no gorillas."

~Warren, 3 years old one day this last week when we were driving back to Nana's house.  He was watching all the traffic on the road.  I sure wish I knew the context of his sentence.  Nana was glad there weren't any gorillas on the road either. 😀

Photo credit for professional pictures goes to my sister, Amanda from Amanda Petersen Photography.  

Christmas Eve Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Monday, December 24th, 2018

❤💚 Merry Christmas from our family to yours!  ❤💚

 

Outside my window...  It's a beautiful day, sunny/partly sunny with a high temp of 27.  There are only a few patches of snow around our place after the warmer temps over the last week.  We hit 41 two days last week and upper 30's as well which resulted in a lot of snow melt.

I am thinking...  About our extended family Christmas gathering later today.

I am thankful...  For good traveling weather for the holiday weekend and to be with all of our family.

In the kitchen...  No cooking here today.  My brother is making a 30 pound roast and mashed potatoes.  Mom is making dinner rolls and scalloped corn.  Later in the day we'll have lots of snacks and Christmas cookies.

I am wearing...  A denim jean skirt, a navy snowman sweater from Christopher & Banks and an antler headband decked out with blinking Christmas lights.  😄

I am creating...  Nothing on the hook or needles right now.  I just finished a messy bun or ponytail hat for my niece and a large afghan for my sister in law.

I am going...  Home to Sleepy Eye, MN to my parent's house.

I am wondering...  If everyone will enjoy our family game time.  We are playing bingo this year.  Everyone has been collecting small white elephant type gifts from around their house to contribute to the prize bin.  My sister is also brining a new game this year called Scribble Head.

I am reading...  I have a few books going right now.  I'm re-reading The Imitation of Christ a little each night before bed on my Kindle.  In the mornings I am reading through Genesis and a book called, A Woman for God's Glory. 

I am looking forward to... 4 days away at my hermitage in a few weeks.

Around the house...  It's the day before Christmas... lots of boxes, bins, wrapping paper around.  😉  

A favorite Scripture for today...  "And this is the testimony; God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son."  1 John 5:11 ~ We included this scripture on our Christmas picture this year.

One of my favorite things...  Hearing my grandsons say, "Love you, Nana." 💙💙  I don't think that will ever get old.  These two little darlings have been the best thing in my life these last 3 years.  They bring so much joy to all of us.  

A few plans for the rest of the week:  No Plans!  Woo Hoo!!!  

Have a lovely Christmas week

Daybook for August 8th

Outside My Window:  Bright sun, whispy white clouds floating by.

Listening to:  Silence.  Absolute silence... for now.  Soon my husband will be back from Menards and the whir of the chainsaw and hammers will commence as the last sections of our old log home are taken out and new walls and windows are framed in.

Clothing Myself in:  Capris, green shirt, bare feed and naked face.

Creating by Hand:  This week I'm continuing to crochet on a wedding afghan for a precious girl and her fellow who are going to be married next month.

What I'm Reading:  On my Kindle... each nigght before bed I am reading a small selection for Amish Knitting Circle:  Smicksburg Tales 2.  I finished the first set last week.  It is such an endearing and encouraging series.  It is a lovely way to end the day.  Bible... I started the book of Ezra this morning.

Memorizing:  I am currently working on memorizing the sermon on the Mount.  Today I am working on verse 25 of chapter 5.

Learning lessons in:  Being present, being still and casting my cares on Him.

Keeping House:  I'm doing my best to remain calm in the chaos that is our life during house rennovation season.  :)  Currently boxes, bins, piles and furniture are everywhere along with a heavy layer of dust.

To be Fit and Happy:  Andrew and I went swimming over the weekend with my sister, cousin and their children.  My mom and two aunts also joined us for the day.  Swimming is such an easy and fun way to exercise.  I even did the water slide a few times.  Loved that but didn't care much for climbing all those stairs.

Giving Thanks:  Our grandson, almost 11 months is beginning to walk!  I can hardly believe that we are approaching his first birthday next month.  This precious boy has brought so much joy to his nanny, papa and uncles.

Planning for the Week Ahead:  Andrew and I were supposed to be on our way to Wyoming early this morning but late last week our plans unexpectedly changed.  I was looking forward to spending time with one of my dearest friends who I haven't seen in 3 years and escaping out of the house during all of the work.  All that to say, we have no plans for the week but I'm sure I'll think up a few adventures to replace our canceled trip.

Spring Hello

Wow!  It's been quite a long time since I've been actively blogging.  I really do desire to get back to it in some form or other.

My little grandson will be 8 months old this week and he brings so much joy into our lives.  He doesn't have any teeth yet and isn't crawling either but I'm sure those things will be coming soon.  His smile melts my heart and I wonder how our life felt so normal and full before he arrived.  His Nanny, Papa Scott and uncles loves him so much.

  

  

In November we will welcome our 2nd grandchild into our lives.  I am so excited!!!!

In January of this year I joined a weight-loss Bible study called First Place for Health.  I have really been enjoying the studies and have lost a total of 32.7 pounds since starting.  My clothes are fitting better and I am feeling so much better too.  I still have quite a bit more to lose but I am not concerned with how long it will take.  Our Bible study group took a break from the First Place 4 Health studies in April and began a book called Taste for Truth which focuses on renewing our minds and allowing God to transform us as we abide in Him and renew our minds to His truth.  This book has been so foundational and about the only thing I haven't liked is how fast paced it moves.  There is so much good information, powerful questions and Scripture in it that I wish I had a bit more time to meditate on it.  I plan to go back through the book later this summer.

The boys are looking forward to summer and being outside.  Andrew will be participating in coach pitch baseball through the summer rec program and we got family passes to an amusement park.  Lots of fun for the boys and walking for mom.  :)  

I'm working on setting some goals in different areas of my life.  I came across another blogger who did this and I really liked these little mini goals and the accountability of sharing them.  Look for that post sometime next week.  Until then, God bless you.

Winter Wonderland

It's happened again!

 

 

Although we had a trace of snow last week our first measurable snow of the season came yesterday and in our home that means COOKIES!  Each year on the first snow of the new season we bring our snowman cookie jar out of storage and fill it to the brim with my mom's recipe for sugar cookies.  You can find the recipe for the cookies in the link above. 

 

 

 

Andrew was pretty excited about the snow and truth be told, out of all my children he is the only one.  :-)  I think it is beautiful and enjoy the snow as long as it is not so bitter cold out.  It was actually very pleasant temp. wise so I asked forced the older boys out to indulge Andrew's winter wishes to have a snowball fight.  He even tried to get mom!

 

 

 

A November Daybook

 

Daybook for November 30, 2015

 

Outside my window...  A very overcast day with snow gently falling, blanketing everything in white.  Mr. Cardinal stands as a bright contrast to all the white.  I'm sure Mrs. Cardinal is around as well.  She tends to hang back a bit though.

I am thinking...  that I am very glad I taught my boys how to do their own laundry.  :)

I am thankful... that my husband strung Christmas lights around the house this weekend.  They look so pretty at night.  If I had my way the entire house and every tree would be covered in lights and the yard decked out with all sorts of decorations.  My husband, bless his Arizona heart, does not like winter and so I am thankful to have 1 single strand of lights around the house. 

I am wearing... Jeans, a pale pink camisole with a hot pink sweater and matching pink socks.

I am hearing... my youngest complain about writing in cursive.  ;)

I am wondering... if I should attempt a nap this afternoon or work on my afghan.

I am creating... an afghan for a Christmas gift.  It is a lacey ripple design done in a boysenberry color.

I am going... to enjoy having gifts arrive by UPS this year rather than shopping in crowded stores.  I am trying, as much as possible, to keep my anxiety level down and the peace of the season in abundance.  A stressful Christmas season robs so much joy from me and my family.

I am reading...  little snippets here and there from various books, nothing cover to cover at the moment.

I am praying... for my daughter this week as she returns to work.

I am remembering... not much lately.  ;)  Ufda!  My memory is NOT what it used to be.  :)

I am hoping... to wrap some presents tonight.

On my mind... My little grandson.  He's a good thing to have on my mind.  :)  Goodness do I adore him and love being a Nana!  He has been smiling and talking to us so much.  It just blesses me so much.  I've been writing Scripture prayers and personal prayers for him in a little book to give to him someday.  <3

From the learning rooms... We began a Christmas Unit Study this week and switched to a different math program. 

I am learning...  that I need more quiet. 

I am looking forward to... seeing my grandson this week. 

From the kitchen... Sugar cookies!  We have a tradition in our family that on the first measurable snow of the winter season pull our snowman cookie jar out of storage and fill it with sugar cookies.

Around the house... Monday is laundry day.  I have two loads processing today and will need to fold and put them away.  Floors were vacuumed, swept and mopped early this morning.  The Christmas tree is up but not yet decorated.  We will most likely save that until next weekend.

One of my favorite things... seeing the joy on my nephews face when I presented him with his new winter hat.  He LOVES everything tractor or (coo coo) as he calls them.  It was so fun to crochet this for him knowing that he would be thrilled with it.

   

A few plans for the rest of the week...  babysitting for my grandson, some more online shopping, lots of crocheting and working on my cookie baking list for the month.

A picture I'm sharing...

 

 

This post is linked with Peggy at The Simple Woman's Blog

In My Home ~ Week 2

 

** Christopher had his very first job interview last Monday.  Andrew and I brought along our school to do in the car while he was on his interview.  He has applied at a few different places in hopes of finding a summer job.  Unfortunately he did not get the job and the job search continues.

**  On Wednesday Christopher took his written permit test and passed!  I let him drive to the Dairy Queen afterwards for a celebratory Blizzard.

** We are transitioning to our summer school schedule this month.  Last week was our last 5 day week.  This week we move to 3 days a week and will continue with this schedule through the summer with a few weeks off here and there for break and vacation.  We’ll be schooling Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with Monday and Friday’s off to extend our weekends.  We’ll continue with this schedule until sometime in August when we switch back to a full week schedule.

** I’ve completed 2 full weeks of the Protective Diet and am feeling very good.  Still no headaches, the weight is still coming off and I am well satisfied with the meals.  Visit www.protectivediet.com to learn more.

** My daughter had an ultrasound last Tuesday and our first grandchild is a _______!  We don’t know yet! {GROAN}  Samantha and Jarrett decided to have a BaBy-Q gender reveal party.  As much as I want to know now, I know they are enjoying having this little secret to themselves.  We’ll be have a BBQ potluck on the 30^th with both sides of the family and friends.  On their invitation it says,  “A bun in the oven and burgers on the grill.”  Cute!

**  We went up to see Samantha on Friday.  I brought up lunch for everyone and then Scott and I went into the cities to do a quick shopping trip at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s before coming back and picking up Samantha’s old vehicle which we purchased to either fix and sell or fix and give to Christopher.

**  My lower back has been bothering me since Friday.  I'm not sure what I did.  The only thing I can think is that it might have been from my jumping on my rebounder on Thursday.  Thankfully it is not debilitating.  If I sit for long periods it is hard to get up and sore for a bit after I'm up but after walking around for a bit it seems to improve.  I'm still able to get around and get things done except for bending so other family members have been bending to load the dishwasher for me.

 

**  On Saturday my sweetie and I had a quick date.  We went to town to look at refrigerators.  We are looking for a larger side by side.  I found one I like but we are only looking at this point.  After the appliance shopping Scott and I stopped by the Animal Humane Society.  We both loved an older red Labrador named Max.  He was the only one not barking.  Such a sweetie, didn't jump up, let you pet and touch all over his body without him minding.  He was what they called a Velcro dog.  {smile} Once you stopped petting he was there to nudge your hand back into petting him again.  We would have given him a wonderful home to live out his last few years but unfortunately it didn't work out because we have cats and a smaller dog and the staff did not think it was a good match.  Sorry, Max.

**  I stayed home from church yesterday because the chairs are uncomfortable and already a strain on my lower back.  Although I was feeling quite a bit better I didn’t want to hinder the healing that was taking place.  I worked in the kitchen prepping some of my food for the week.  I made French Onion dip, Sloppy Jerrys, Creamy Macaroni salad, burger buns and homemade yogurt. 

I hope you've had a wonderful week as well.  God bless you.

~Theresa

Daybook ~ March 30th edition

For Today... March 30, 2015

 

Outside my window...  All of the snow from last week, except a stray patch or two has melted! It is supposed to be close to 50 today (yay) but it is overcast.


I am hearing... lots of birds out back.  There seems to be a large flock of Eastern Starlings who are passing through.

 

I am thinking... about how wonderful it is to open your home for hospitality.  I LOVE being able to share a meal, fellowship and encouragement with others.  I especially love to hear how God is working and leading others.  Sharing those testimonies is such an encouragement to me in my faith and to my children.

  

I am thankful...

*for the chance to sleep in a bit this morning.
*warm coffee and cream each morning
*my hard-working husband <3
*friendships

 

I am wearing...  a jean skirt, white tank top with a deep purple zip up sweatshirt and my tennis shoes.

I am creating...  The afghan that I started a few weeks ago is still a work in progress but I've set it aside this week to work on a few knitted dishcloths.

 

I am going... to celebrate a friends birthday this week.

I am wondering... if we will really get our first thunderstorm of the year on Wednesday as has been predicted.

I am reading...  I am reading and studying the book of Philippians.   I am reading Living Virtuously and also picked up the first book in the Mitford series at the library this week.  I don't usually read or have much time for fiction other than read alouds to the kids but I thought I would give it a whirl.  ;)

I am praying for...

 

* the salvation of loved ones.

* the Tippetts family

*  healing for many
*Discernment for my husband in regards to a job offer
*New friends who are packing to move in the next few weeks
*My grandbaby.  <3

 

  In my kitchen...  Left overs for supper tonight.  :)

 

 

 

In the homeschool room...  Back to our normal school schedule this week.  Christopher enjoyed his time with his dad in the truck last week.  He just needs to catch up with his math lessons by doubling up this week.

Andrew and I started our Space unit study last week and are enjoying it.  

Next week we'll be going to see the play, King Arthur. 

 

 

A graphic to share... 

A Quote I'm Sharing... 

~ Mrs. Dunwoody's Guide to Living Beautifully ~

* Realize that each new day is a gift from God. Treat it as such.

* Focus on life's blessings, as this is continuously uplifting, and affects who you are as a person.

*Develop a keen appreciation for the little luxuries in your daily life ~ the smell of coffee, the bird's singing, etc. Pay attention to your life.

* Create a home you love to live in.

* Spend some time outdoors. Nature heals and replenishes the soul.

*Do something kind for someone at least every week; aim for every day.

*Everything in life is a choice. Realize that as you live your life, each moment you are either adding to or taking from the quality of your life.

*Strive to become the best version of yourself.

*To awaken mentally and become passionate about something, find the thing that moves your heart and stirs your soul. {Jesus!}

*Create something, whether it is a family, a meal, a painting, or a daydream.

*Never stop learning, through books, people, travel, and experiences.

*Listen to and enjoy another's company often.

*Focus on your love of beauty.

*Treat yourself well. Use the fine china for your cup of tea.

*Cultivate gratitude in all things and circumstances. Search for the good in all.

*Speak only kind words.

*Laugh every day.

*Give continual thanks and praise to your Creator, and ask Him to guide your heart and soul.

 

 

 

A peek into one of my days...  Almost every date includes a trip to Menards.  :)  I don't mind though.  I'll follow this man anywhere. <3

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite things... listening to others who can play piano and praying that someday I might be able to play as well.  :)

 

 
 

****************************

 

This post is linked at The Simple Woman's Daybook for March