Keeping the Clutter Out: Maintaining Clutter-Free Spaces

Most of the time, it seems like I am the only one committed to keeping our home clutter-free. The rest of the family doesn't like clutter (well, most of them don't), but it doesn't bother them to the point of going out of their way to put things away. I realized early on that I would have to make things easy to put away or I would be doing it alone.

Here are a few systems (besides what I mentioned yesterday) that help us to keep things in reasonable order--most of the time:

1. Dishes in drawers
Yes, clothes and sheets aren't the only things that go in drawers in our household. If I give a child the job of emptying the dishwasher or setting the table, I have to put the dishes where they can reach them. All three of my older children can reach everything they need to set the table and can unload and put away all those dishes as well.

2. Hooks for towels
I used to have towel rods in the bathroom for the kids to hang their towels on when they were done. (Yes, we reuse towels or I would be washing 6-8 towels a day which is an extra load a day. No, we do not reuse washcloths. Or underwear. Just wanted to be clear on that. :-) They didn't get hung up very often or if they did, I usually found them later in a heap on the floor. So I now have four hooks in the bathroom. The kids usually get them on there (well, my 5-month-old still needs a little help) which makes the bathroom look much better. Not "Better Homes and Gardens" better but "Functional" better.

3. An "as you" shelf
I liked reading Katie Hooper books as a kid. I don't think they are around anymore, but my daughter enjoys reading my old books. In one of the books, Katie's family made an "as you" shelf at the bottom of their steps for things to carry upstairs "as you go up". We have a shelf at the bottom of our steps already, so we have implemented this. If I find something out of place downstairs, I put it there and whomever it belongs to takes it up when they go.

Those are just a few ways we keep the clutter to a reasonable minimum---most of the time.

How about you? How do you keep clutter out?

To see how two others do it, visit Joanna @ The LaVans and Krista @ Borrowed Time Blogging.

Fitting It All In: Storage in Small Spaces

Note: I apologize for not showing actual pictures of our home to make it "real", but I didn't have a good enough camera to use (i.e. that I can understand). I should be getting one soon, so hang on for better pictures!

As we have added children to our two-bedroom dwelling, our key storage problems have quickly become toys and clothing.

Toys
As much as I'd like to tell grandparents to tone it down at Christmas time and birthdays, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't listen, so I haven't bothered. With four children, if each set of grandparents gives each child three toys (like the wise men did Baby Jesus), I would have 24 toys to put away after the holidays. Of course, my kids' grandparents like to do more than that, plus the kids get gifts from their uncles and aunts. You can imagine the creativity needed after the holidays are over when all four children share one bedroom which is also their playroom!

Here are a few ideas I've implemented:

Mine aren't this cute, but this is the same type from IKEA.

1. Under bed storage
I purchased 3 under-the-bed storage units, removed the lids (kids never put them back on) and stored one type of thing in each. Currently, one holds dress up clothes and weapons (I have three boys!), another holds doll and Build-a-Bear clothes, and the third holds big cars and trucks. These bins usually look a mess, but no one sees them under the bed.

I keep three baskets under the crib as well. One holds baby toys, the other holds board books safe for babies and my crayon-happy two-year-old to look at without supervision, and a third holds sports equipment like balls, baseball mitts and jump ropes (thankfully my kids are still young enough that we don't have skateboards!).

2. Open shelving instead of toy boxes
Toy boxes seem like they invite dumping. After all, the kids have to find what they're looking for, right? I've found that they also play more with toys they can see. So, I cleared off the big bookshelf in the kids' room and put their favorite toys on it. The top shelf is reserved for the "big kid" things that little brothers can't play with. The bottom shelf is for my two-year-old's favorite things.

3. Rotating toys
We were especially overrun with stuffed animals. I told the kids to pick their favorite three to sleep with (they each narrowed it down to 10--no joke!), then we put the rest in a big mesh bag in the basement. Every once in awhile, we switch them out. I've done the same with toys they've tired of but may be used later by a younger sibling.

4. "Hiding" their books
For a book-loving, type A personality mother, my children's bookshelves were a constant irritation. I would carefully line up their books on shelves and survey my work proudly. "Look, here are all the Curious George books and here are all the Disney books..." They were never too impressed, and when I came back after a good reading session, the shelves bore no resemblance to my careful organization.

Now, I've hidden my daughter's book shelf with the "chapter" and "educational" books inside the closet. It is probably a mess, but I can't see it. The others I put in a cabinet in the hallway that has a latch that is difficult for little hands to open. I think you see where I'm going with that!

Clothing
Our home has limited closet space because back when it was built (circa 1920), people didn't have as much "stuff". (Hmmm...) The closets are also barely wide enough to hang a hanger. I have one small closet for four kids in the bedroom/playroom and one smaller closet in the bedroom my husband and I share. This is my less-than-perfect-but-works-pretty-well solution:

Again, mine aren't this cute, but this is one from IKEA.

1. Use dressers
I have three dressers in my bedroom. Yes, it's a little tight, but it is essential. All laundry that needs to be folded is brought up to my room. I (or my daughter, the designated laundry person right now) fold it and put it away right there. One dresser has five drawers--one for each of us (except baby). This is for underwear, pajamas, socks and play clothes. Each child can dress him or herself out of his drawer on days we are at home. I keep the clothes for going out in other places which I'll get to in a moment. The baby has his own little dresser, although I may consolidate this in the near future. The other dresser is for my husband's things, sheets and blankets and accessories like ties, belts, etc.



2. Hang by outfits
I try to put an entire outfit on one hanger to conserve space and to make it easier to grab and dress. For pants or skirts that go with more than one top, I will just put them next to each other.

3. Keep little used clothes somewhere else
We only use our dress clothes once a week on Sunday, so I put them on a hanging rod in the basement near my laundry area. This may sound a bit obsessive, but it's actually saved me a lot of time and effort. I have our church clothes color-coordinated and have an outfit for each of us grouped together. I just grab the group that's in the front of the closet--an outfit for each of us and take upstairs for us to wear to church that Sunday. When they are washed and ready to put away, I put that group in the back of the closet so that I can remember what we wore last. It has saved looking for an outfit at the last minute on Sunday morning and the added bonus is that we are ready for family photos (should we ever decide to take one!).

For other articles on this subject visit Borrowed Time Blogging and The LaVans.

A Look Inside: Spiritual Spring Cleaning

I believe it was Kay Arthur who first introduced me to the idea of our homes being reflective of our eternal home in Heaven. I remember surveying my baskets of unfolded laundry and my "hot spots" (as FlyLady calls them) which just seem to attract clutter and thinking, "Uh oh!" My limited understanding of Revelation tells me that Heaven is at least three things:

1. A place of beauty and order
2. A place where everyone wants to be
3. A place where Jesus reigns

In reality, these are the three things I want my home here on Earth to be. Although I don't subscribe to the world's spirituality when it comes to cleaning my home, I think there is a sense in which all we do must bring glory to God.

Before we can declutter our small spaces or even larger ones, we must be sure we are doing it for the right reasons. Here are some questions I have begun asking myself when it comes to the home with which the Lord has blessed me:

• Am I cleaning to make myself look like a competent housekeeper or to unselfishly serve my family?
• Am I keeping this clutter because of fear or selfishness?
• Are my actions and attitudes such that my family and others enjoy being here?
• Is Jesus the Ruler of this home? Would He be able to find a clean chair to sit in? Would He be comfortable with the entertainment, conversation, music, art and reading material I bring into my home?

These are just a few of the questions we could ask as we prepare our hearts to be clutter-free so we can do the same to our homes. 

For more on this subject, visit Joanna @ The LaVans and Krista @ Borrowed Time Blogging.

Family Living in Small Spaces...Finally

Remember the series I promised you here. You don't? Well, I don't blame you. I didn't forget it, but it's been on my back burner for awhile. I decided to change it up a little bit and get help from two wonderful ladies that also happen to blog. Let me introduce them:

 Krista blogs over at Blogging on Borrowed Time and is mommy to two preschool-aged children whom she plans to homeschool. She recently taught a class on organization at a retreat and generously shared her notes with me. I thought they were so good, we brainstormed about doing this as a blog hop type thing. She'll be sharing about her small spaces with small people this week on her blog.

When I think of organization, decorating or cleaning; I inevitably think of my talented baby sister, Joanna. She is married to a pastor and keeps their parsonage beautifully decorated and company ready while maintaining a busy travel schedule and leading four Vacation Bible Schools a year. She entertains often and holds a monthly women's Bible study as well as helping out with teaching children at church and playing the piano every service. She'll be sharing about keeping her house clutter free with lots of things to store and no basement this week at her blog The LaVans.

We'll be talking about the following three topics this week, from our three different perspectives:

A Look Inside: Spiritual Spring Cleaning
Fitting It All In: Storage in Small Spaces
Keeping the Clutter Out: Maintaining Clutter-Free Spaces

We'd love to have you add your ideas to the comment sections on all of our blogs! We know that creativity knows no bounds when a woman is trying to find solutions for her family and home. So jump into the conversation and share and maybe even get a few new tips to try.  

Christian Homekeeper's Journal: Unity

This week’s Homekeeper’s Journal is about Homemaking and …..Unity

In my kitchen this week … I am planning on trying a few new recipes like these English Muffins and these Whole Wheat Tortillas. I'm also intrigued by this microwave jam.

In my household plans this week …. to do a monthly grocery shop again and to get the house ready to put in my new laminate flooring.

My off-the-cuff definition of Unity is …. having the same purpose or goal even if methods and opinions differ.

The opposite of Unity … fighting, arguing, being divided.

Unity in my home ….. means that we all recognize that our goal is to please the Lord and go about it in our different ways. This means we love each other and work as a team to that end.

Unity in my Church … means pretty much the same thing as unity in the home although it is much broader because more families and individuals are involved.

Between a husband and wife, Unity …. does not mean we have the same opinions, hobbies or even--at times---methods. It does mean that we are a team that cannot be divided nor diverted from our purpose of serving the Lord and raising our family for Him.

For more journal entries, visit The Christian Homekeeper.

Of Splinters and Scars

She writhes on the bed with tears in her eyes. "I can't do it! Oh, it hurts! Owww.....no! no! no!" I move a bit closer and she curls into a ball in hysterics. My daughter has a splinter; and no, I haven't touched it yet. This scene has replayed itself in several of my children over the years. Not only when one of them has a splinter. Oh no....putting in eye drops can elicit the same reactions. One child exhibits this behavior when the doctor asks him to step on the scale. (Not that I can't relate!) I admit that my nurturing side needs help and these situations require a lot of patience from me.

I'm glad He has the patience, though. I come to Him and complain of an issue in my life that is bothering me and He gently points out the solution. I cry. I beg. I plead. Yet I won't let Him touch me. It's too scary...it might hurt. 

Once when my daughter was quite small, the splinter particularly painful and her obstinance particularly large; my husband found the perfect solution. He sneaked in while she was asleep and pulled it out quickly without her knowledge.

That's usually what it takes for Him to work. He waits until I lay back and rest in Him, then I allow Him to work on the fine tuning of my life. The tweezers pull at the skin of my comfort and occasionally a safety pin pokes through to the nerve of my carefully laid habits and plans. I wince yet I rest, knowing that in His great wisdom He will do what is best for me. 

"Daddy, just what will happen if it doesn't come out?" This time it's my inquisitive, detail-oriented son. "Well, it may get infected and we'll have to take you to the doctor and he may have to cut off your foot." They laugh. My husband loudly, my son hesitantly. Of course, Daddy is teasing---he thinks. He reluctantly holds up his big toe.

I look to my Father. "What will happen if this habit remains?" No teasing. The issue is serious. With love in His eyes, He tells me, "If you continue on this road, engaging in this habit, it may infect you. It may lead you to sin." "Then what?" We look together at the deep scars of His hands. "I've paid too much for that," He whispers. 

I reach out my smarting flesh and allow Him to work. My scars will never be as deep as His.

What to Do When Quiet Isn't Happening

I've talked alot about different seasons of life, and in the last few months, I think I've turned yet another corner. If you've read my blog for very long, you know how I love that quiet hour in the morning with the Lord, but now I'm too tired to get up super early because of being up so much at night with the baby. I also really loved my afternoon quiet time, but the baby's afternoon nap is still at erratic times and my two-year-old naturally isn't as quiet awake as he is sleeping (he doesn't nap anymore). Plus there are some necessary extra activities I now have.

Anyway, quiet around our house is greatly limited now. I could let it stress me, and sometimes, I admit, I do. However, there are a few lessons I'm learning that I'm trying to grow into. Maybe they'll help you, too (or maybe you have a few more to add).

1. Keep a quiet heart. In the midst of outward noise, it is possible to be quiet inside. Part of this is being obedient. If I know I have allowed the noise to make me stress, there is a nagging feeling inside that I have been too harsh and impatient with my kids. I think another name for it is conscience. If I live in obedience to the Lord, I can have quiet in my heart regardless of the mayhem of a busy household.

Photo credit

2. Be content. Another part of this is contentment. I have heard many mothers say (and have probably been guilty of it myself) that they can't wait to "get away from the kids". I've also heard older parents complain because their kids don't come around enough. Surely we can be content with the season we are in and appreciate the fact that another season is coming but this one is fleeting and needs to be enjoyed.

3. Do what you can. I love to picture Susanna Wesley, mother of many; including John and Charles, famous preachers and hymn writers. Historians say when she needed time to pray alone, she would put her apron over her head and her kids would know to leave her alone. I have employed various "aprons". This is where creativity comes in. I sometimes let an older child play with a younger child. Or I'll pop my little ones into the bathtub and read my Bible (or a magazine) nearby. I'll feed the baby and catch up on "computer time". Snatch a few minutes here or there instead of waiting for large time blocks which probably won't come.


4. Keep perspective. I can't imagine my husband whining to his boss about not having enough quiet time. He not only works in a noisy shop, but he has people around him constantly with which he has to interact. I have several teacher friends and daycare worker friends that keep groups of 20 and 30 children occupied for large blocks of time. They don't get much chance to kick off their shoes with a cold drink. The same could be said for virtually any occupation. Why are we tempted to act like our children are the problem when maybe we just need to realize what comes with our particular job?

Photo credit

5. Appreciate life. I can't imagine Hannah of the Bible complaining about the lack of quiet once she held little Samuel (and later others) in her arms. I've seen mothers who waited long for their children and some who never got to be mothers at all but desperately wanted to. I've known mothers who had their children taken from them in death. Their quiet is as deafening as the noise of my house is--yet theirs is also accompanied by pain. Let's allow every ear-splitting yell and endless conversation to remind us that vibrant life is present with us. I like to think of it as abundant life.

Math and Music

No, this isn't a homeschool post. This is about my learning....not my kids (or is it kids'... or maybe kid's...no, I don't think that qualifies since I have 4....hmmm). ANYWAY....

Math...
It is commonly known in my family that I take after my dad (who is a pastor). We are both "word" people and math is "not our thing". It's not that we can't do it. It's just that it doesn't come as easily to us as it does to others. Nevertheless, like it or not, I have been adding (oh the puns possible in this post!) a lot of math to my life lately. Here are a few recent examples:

1. How many hours has it been since this baby ate? Correct answer: Answers will vary. 
2. How many times have I been awakened tonight? Correct answer: Too many. 
3. How many times have I applied the baby's prescription eczema cream today? Correct answer: 2 (I hope!)
4. How many times have I given the baby's medicine today? Correct answer: See number 3.
5. How many drinks have I poured for my two-year-old today? Correct answer: See number 2.  
6. How many therapy activities has my son done today? Correct answer: 120 minutes divided by the number of activities which is between 6 and 8 (yes, it confuses me, too!)
7. How many science lessons am I behind with my daughter? Correct answer: 1, after cramming 3 in today
8. How many hours until my husband gets home? Correct answer: See number 5.
9. How many times have I exercised this week? Correct answer: Umm...where are the multiple choices?

Hey! I'm getting better than I used to be. This list is meant to be humorous. It is in no way a complaint of my duties, because truth be told I love my job 110% of the time. (Oops!)

Music...
I love songs declaring the truth of Scripture and that I believe it. Here are a few songs that have touched me recently. At least one of them is just part of the song, but a powerful part.

We Believe
No Apology
Statement of Faith

Whatsoever He Sayeth Unto You

I am speechless. Really. Although I have two series and 1 devotional post in the works, I really don't know what to write today. Actually, I was supposed to post yesterday but didn't post until today because I was waiting on inspiration. I finally got it--I think.

Maybe I've said enough. So often I am guilty of "ever learning" and not really applying. A recent example is reading health articles while chomping on cookies. Oops! Maybe you are at that place today. God has spoken to you through preachers, books, music and perhaps even bloggers (I sure hope He speaks through mine!). Yet you keep reading.

Today is the day for doing. Has God spoken about an area that needs diligence in your marriage or parenting? How about your love and care for your home? Does your personal life---your time, your clothing, your entertainment---need a makeover from Him? Is there a ministry to your family or others that He is laying upon your heart (one that doesn't interfere with his first priorities for you)?

I challenge you to go and DO that one thing today. Not through your own power and determination, however. I know and you know how quickly we fall on our faces when we try that. I'd love to sit with each one of you individually and personally pray for you today. Since I can't do that, I would like to pray with you now.

Dear Father,

We love You and thank You for the many gifts You've bestowed upon us such as salvation and family and friends. We thank You for Your Word and how it speaks to us practically right where we are. Today I pray that You will speak again Your will to each heart that is reading today. Give each one the strength and power to do that thing that You are asking of her. Remind us that Your Word says, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengtheneth me." Walk beside us today and let your Presence be keenly felt as we go about the myriad duties of our day.

In the Precious Name of Your Son, Jesus,
Amen


If you feel you can share, I'd love to hear about how it goes today as you do "whatsoever he sayeth unto you"!

Cultivating a Harmonious Marriage

Today marks the 14th anniversary of the day my husband and I met. I'm so glad God brought us together!

After seven years of piano lessons, I began to enjoy playing the piano and I have enjoyed it ever since. There a few basic things I've learned along the way about playing the piano that I believe also relate to harmony in a marriage.

1. Practice makes (just about) perfect. When I would shirk my practicing duty as a kid, I'd get to my piano lesson and find I had a lot to do over for another week. There wasn't any progress. The next week was spent practicing the songs I should have already perfected.

Marriage is a little bit different. We can't just decide not to practice in marriage. We are always practicing something. We may be practicing harsh words, nagging tones or cold indifference. Or we can put our efforts toward progress and growth in our marriages by practicing overlooking faults, gentle tones and affection. This will move us toward a marriage of sweet harmony or a marriage of ugly dissonance.

2. Know when to lift your foot from the sustain pedal. I've heard many pianists play and I've heard a few mistakes (besides my own!). Hearing a pianist make a mistake once in a while is just part of life. Both playing the piano and marriage have an element of humanity which means there will not be complete perfection at all times. (Note: By mistake, I mean mistake, not intentional sin.) However, when I hear a pianist play a discord and then keep the sustain pedal down, it particularly grates on my nerves because everyone around will hear the mistake and be distracted from the beautiful music.

Maybe it's a disagreement we just don't want to let go. Or an annoying habit he has of which we feel he needs to be constantly reminded. If we make mistakes in our marriages, we must be prepared to correct them and move on quickly so the beautiful music won't be interrupted.

3. Follow the leader. I grew up in a denomination that always had a piano and organ playing for the song service. In fact, we still have at least the piano playing every service. We are very traditional in the sense that we still have one song leader who leads the congregation in hymns and praise choruses. There have been a few church services in my lifetime where I have heard the song leader leading at one tempo, the pianist playing at another and the organist playing a third with a very confused congregation trying to decide which one to follow! There is not beautiful harmony until everyone follows the leader at the same tempo.

This is not a popular idea, but I believe that a God-centered marriage must have a leader and everyone else in the family must follow him in order to operate in harmony. A Godly husband sets the tempo and the rest of the family joins in to make beautiful music to the Savior, which in turn is heard by the world around us.

Just a few thoughts that came to me on my piano bench.

Christian Homekeeper's Journal: Service

This week’s Homekeeper’s Journal is about Service. Its probably easy for women to understand service. Women learn to serve when they are young and being married and having children teach her even more about service. I’ve never heard a sermon where women were exhorted to go and serve… they already do. A lot of things can happen to our service through the years. We can work on perfecting it of course. Or we can become jaded and serve out of habit and duty rather than the joy of serving.
(Note: The previous paragraph is copied from the christianhomekeeper.org site---it is not my words.)

In my kitchen this week …. I've been trying a few healthier recipes. For the most part they are going over well. I also rearranged some lower drawers so the kids can set my table totally without my help.

Service is/is not something that is on my mind very much because … Service is on my mind, though probably not as much as it should be. When I see my service to my husband and children and others as service directly to Christ, it really changes my perspective!


There are times when my service seems ….. less than joyful. I want the Holy Spirit to help me cultivate more joy in my life and in my service to others.

I know I serve others when I …..put their needs and desires ahead of my own.

My service to others is most like Jesus when ….it is gentle and humble with no agenda but love.

I'm Away From My Desk...

I am honored to have been invited to join the staff of The Healthy Moms Magazine primarily as a faith writer although you know how well I stick to one subject! :-) You can meet me over there for today's devotional post:

Serving the God of the Future

Blessings and Joy,
Jennifer

Four Tips for New Moms

Here are few tongue-in-cheek tips for new moms which I am reminded of by my own recent experience:

1. Newborns don't last long. A friend told me how she met a first-time dad-to-be who confidently affirmed that he was ready for this baby--he had stocked up with 10 packages of newborn diapers. Uh oh! Hope his store has a return policy. I love those snuggly, velvety-cheeked little bundles, but before you blink your sleep-deprived eyes, you will find out your newborn is a full-fledged baby.


2. Babies make their own schedule. I was so proud that my first three babies were sleeping through the night by 3 months. When my fourth began sleeping a seven hour stretch at 2 months, I smiled confidently to myself that it was coming---a full night's sleep was within reach. He is now almost five months and has decided to change that. I am awakened every 3-4 hours to feed him and several times in between just to soothe him back to sleep. So much for my well-laid plans!


3. Excitement wanes quickly. The first weeks are like a honeymoon. Everyone wants to hold the baby. After all, he's so sweet and cuddly and does nothing but sleep (until those wee morning hours when no one volunteers--except maybe a dedicated grandparent). Aunts and uncles beg for their turn and older siblings fight over who gets to hold the baby next. This lasts until maybe the third week of the baby's life. Then, the baby screams while you're in the shower or otherwise occupied and you scream, "Will someone please hold the baby?" Of course, no one hears you or, apparently, the baby.

4. This moment is the best. Don't wait for the time they are out of diapers or in school or driving by themselves or out of the house. You will have missed so much. At least that's what they tell me....and I'm starting to understand.

Links and Learning

Some links worth reading I've found around the web this week:

On Spiritual Life:
Serving Others or Self?

On Parenting:
First Time Obedience, Really? (Thanks to Courtney for the tip!)
When Am I Going To Miss This?

On Homekeeping:
Simplify Your Laundry Routine

On Marriage (particularly to an unsaved spouse):
Winning Him Without Words Giveaway

On Homeschooling:
The Pros and Cons of Having Your Own Schoolroom

Now for the learning:
I am aspiring to be the Little Red Hen. Well, not exactly. I "harvested" some wheat berries from the grocery store---"all by myself". (Yes, my frugal friends...the bag was expensive but much cheaper than 50 pound bags of wheat berries that I won't use. I figured I should try it out on a smaller batch that cost me less.) I came home, excited. (Yes, a bag of wheat berries excites me more than a new pair of shoes....what can I say? I'm a bit weird.) No one wanted to help, but that was o.k. because I was having fun "doing it all by myself". I poured those cute little berries into my Vitamix, pushed a few buttons and had fresh, whole grain flour in 1 minute. How easy is that? I then put it into my bread machine and a few hours later, I had a lovely, whole grain loaf of bread. All the steps were so easy, that I decided to let everyone eat it although I did it "all by myself". We all liked it...in fact a bit too much. I, for one, ate too much over the course of the day, so I think my next learning project will be soaking, for my tummy's sake.

What have you done lately "all by yourself"?

300th Post!

Yes, this is my official 300th post on this blog.  I thought of giving you 300 random things about me, but that would probably be boring. I thought of giving 300 things to be thankful for, but that would take a while. Actually, 300 of anything would take a while. So, I'm going to cut it down to 30---kind of fitting to celebrate thirty years, huh? Here are three lists of 30 that you might find interesting:


Thirty Shaping Influences of My Life

1. My pastor dad---always genuine and consistent with God's Word.
2. My mom---always there, always committed to spurring us on to excellence.
3. My brother---taught me to think "out of the box" and gives comic relief when needed.
4. My sister---always knows how to fix things or at least listen if she can't.
5. My grandmothers.
6. My grandfathers---both of them had a devotion to work that I admired.
7. My husband---his love has given me more than I ever imagined and he always encourages me in each endeavor I take.
8. My parents-in-love---they raised my husband to be the great man he is and have accepted me as their own daughter.
9. My siblings-in-love---I just took them as my own when I married their brother.
10. The Proverbs 31 woman who took my mother under her wing as a young mother and treated me as her own granddaughter.
11. The teacher that told us "I'm going to teach you to think"---and did.
12. The young lady whose songs inspired me to love the Lord and sing to His glory when I got older.
13. The young lady that took me under her wing and reinforced the Biblical principles my parents had taught me when I was a young teenager.
14. The friend who stuck with me (and still does) no matter how we disagree and no matter what she has heard. We are "kindred spirits".
15. The teacher without which I would have never made it through Algebra and influenced me in so many ways and still remains invaluable in my homeschooling journey.
16. The evangelist's wife who took time to encourage me as a young girl to follow God's call.
17. The older preacher who encouraged me in my marriage to God's man for me when others thought I was "wasting my life" by marrying young.
18. The young man who thoroughly enjoyed playing the piano and inspired me to love it, too, even after years of "have to" lessons.
19. The teacher who drilled into our heads "Read your Bibles!". Her words still echo in my head when I don't "feel" like having devotions. (They also echo when my child is reciting multiplication tables--but I'm not sure that's really a shaping influence.)
20. The group of ladies who taught me that submission is freedom not bondage and mothering is pure joy when done God's way.
21. The writings of Anne Ortlund on discipline.
22. The writings of Linda Dillow on marriage.
23. The writings of Don Aslett on home management and productivity.
24. The writings of Tedd Tripp on parenting.
25. My former school teacher who encouraged me by telling me I'd be great at homeschooling. (Not that I am, but it gave me, in part, the motivation I needed.)
26. The example of Michelle Duggar on mothering with joy.
27. My piano and choir teacher who always encouraged me to be my best.
28. The piano teacher who most inspired my teaching style. I hear echos of her voice in mine when talking with students.
29. My four children---perhaps they have done the most to shape me more into who God wants me to be.
30. A friend who was "iron sharpening iron" and got me thinking about my health and that of my children.


Thirty Blogs I Read
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
anneelliott.com
Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Christian HomeKeeper™ Network
Generation Cedar
Hallee The Homemaker
Healthy Moms
Heavenly Homemakers
Holy Experience
iDreamOfClean
Kitchen Stewardship
Making Home
Nourishing Heart & Home
Ordinary Inspirations for the everyday Wife, Mommy, and Homemaker

Organizing Your Way

Passionate Homemaking

Positive Parenting 365 

Raising Arrows 

Raising Homemakers

Raising Olives

She Looketh Well... 

Simple Homeschool

simple mom

Simple Organized Living

Small Notebook 

Steady Mom

The Happy Housewife

The Morris Tribe

The Legacy of Home

Women Living Well Blog

Thirty Favorites at Our Table

BREAKFAST:

Baked Oatmeal

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Biscuits and Gravy

Eggs, Bacon, and Toast

French Breakfast Puffs

French Toast

Fritattas

Homemade Pancakes

Waffles

Yummy Granola

LUNCH:

Chicken Quesadillas

Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

English Muffin Pizzas

PBJ Sandwiches

Tuna Salad

Quick Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
 

DINNER:

Beef Stroganoff

Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Chicken Enchiladas

Garlic Lime Chicken

Hamburgers

Homemade Pizza

Italian Chicken over Rice or Noodles

Pot Roast

Oven Roasted Chicken 

Pepperoni Pizza Chili

Spaghetti w/Red and White Sauces

Spiral Pasta w/Bacon and Spinach

Sweet 'n' Sour Meatballs

Taco Salad

Thanks for reading my totally random 300th post!

With Joy,
Jennifer