Journey Through Motherhood

May. 11, 2008

Encouraging Sunday #8: Happy Mother's Day

Mother is the sweetest word
that one could ever say:
It speaks of love and tenderness,
and quiet beauty
day by day.

"It is upon the mothers of the present
that the future of the world depends,
in even a greater degree than upon the fathers,
because it is the mothers
who have sole direction of the children's early,
most impressible years.
This is why we hear so frequently
of great men who have had good mothers
-that is, mothers who brought up their children themselves,
and did not make over their gravest duty to indifferent persons."
Charlotte Mason Home Education

Mothering is a 'high calling', valued and treasured by God. He sees the unseen sacrifice of devoting your life to your family.
I hope you're able to spend your day surrounded with those who appreciate and love you.
God Loves You Too!

"He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young"
Isaiah 40:11

Ewe and Twin Lambs on Sheep Farm, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand

Have a Blessed Mother's Day!

May. 9, 2008

1000 Gifts

#6. my children's laughter as they bounce on the trampoline

#7. life within me, I've been pregnant 7 times and I still marvel at this miracle

#8. children all quietly reading in the afternoon(this is just as precious as their laughter!)

#9. "Dolly Mixtures", a tiny English 'sweet' from a store called Marks & Spencer, this confection(pictured below) has memories attached to it

# 10. yellow flowers, handpicked by Hubby, because he thought of me
(they were handpicked from an abandoned garden of an abandoned house, slated for demolition, where friends of ours used to dwell)

Click on the graphic at the top to read what this is about.

May. 8, 2008

Pregnancy Update

We have movement!
Albeit, ever so slightly, and only when I'm still for a long time, like when I'm laying down to go to sleep or driving.
I actually felt it last week(around 17 1/2- 18 weeks) but sometimes those first few flutters are hard to distinguish.

I am now 19 weeks along, almost half way!!
The first half always goes by so fast!
I am definitely showing, although I only measured 14cm at my last Dr visit. It all falls forward when you stand up!
I also did not gain any weight during the last month! Huh? It must all be going to the baby!
I feel my worst in the evenings, my feet get sore, and sometimes it feels like I'm 6 months along already.

Next week I go for an ultrasound. I always love that! Not the full bladder part, just seeing the baby's shape and seeing it move.
Has anyone ever had one of those 3D ultrasounds done? There is a clinic close by that offers them.

My latest craving: soft serve ice-cream. Am I satisfying this craving? Not as often as I'd like!

May. 7, 2008

Our Weekend

This is a monthly meme hosted by Graceful Girlhood.

Last Friday was supposed to be the first mother/daughter event. It just so happened for us, that Hubby and my two older sons were already going away on a campout. So already, Chickadee and I had a whole weekend together! Well, that's not exactly true. We also had my 3yr old son and 1 yr old dd with us. So it wasn't exactly one on one time, but we still had fun.

On Friday night we went out for dinner(a rare treat with having 5 kids!). On Saturday we went to the pet store and bought some new fish. In the afternoons, when little Magpie was sleeping, we scrapbooked together. On Saturday night we had friends over(mother and daughter also) for pizza and then we watched Black Beauty(A bit sad in places, but an excellent read!). On Sunday morning Chickadee made cookies.

And then the 'men' came home.
So even though it wasn't just the two of us, I tried to include all of the things that would make it special for her, like scrapbooking, a special friend, horses and baking.

The next event will be on June 6, although we will have to re-schedule ours as already there are plans for that day.
If you want to read what this is all about, go here.
She also had themes for each month, but you don't have to use them.

May you find beauty in your day today!

May. 5, 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside My Window...gray and cloudy,

I am thinking...that it was a year ago that we found out we had to move and then God, in His marvelous way, blessed us with a house!

I am thankful for...my house! Because I know this is the house God meant for us to have.

From the kitchen...maybe I'll bake this afternoon, if we get our schoolwork done.

I am wearing...my snowman pajamas.

I am creating...a red knitted square, my dd is learning to knit and since I haven't done any knitting since I was 12, I'm refreshing my memory.

I am going...nowhere today, Monday is my 'stay-at-home' day. I might pop out to the library tonight to pick up a movie I reserved("Persuasion" by Jane Austen).

I am reading...Country Living magazine, May 2008 issue.

I am hoping...that the fish we just bought, live a long and happy life!

I am hearing...my kids finishing breakfast in the kitchen.

Around the house...I have piles of smoky laundry, results of a Father/Son campout this past weekend!

One of my favorite things...an uninterrupted cup of tea.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:to finish the piles of smoky laundry, to finish organizing our utility room(I started in March and it's been sitting, unfinished since!)

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is the tree in the neighbour's yard across the street. As we don't have any trees planted in our front yard(yet!), it's giving me something pretty to look at right now from my living room window.

For more of these posts, visit The Simple Woman.

May. 4, 2008

Encouraging Sunday #7

Children of the heavenly King,
As we journey let us sing;
Sing our Savior's worthy praise,
Glorious in His works and ways.
John Cennick

Praise the Lord today, for something He has done in your life.
Have a wonderful Sunday!

May. 3, 2008

Two Give-Aways

Head on over to SchoolinRhome's
blog to enter a Mother's Day give-away. Just leave her a comment telling her why you're happy to be a mom and the drawing is next Friday.

Also, if you want to nominate a special mom that you know of,
The Heart of the Matter
is hosting a give-away too. Just remember that this give-away is not for yourself, but for you to nominate another mom, especially one who deserves a special blessing.

May. 1, 2008

One Thousand Gifts

Over a year ago, Ann of Holy Experience
began a list of gifts on her blog.
The list contained small, everyday things that can easily be taken for granted or not even noticed at all. Her purpose was to notice them, simple blessings, and be thankful.
Others have now begun to make their own list. I have decided to do the same. You can go here to read how it all began.
I will attempt to post about 5(unless I'm inspired otherwise) 'gifts' every week, and since today is the 1st of May, I though I'd start today!

1. to cuddle my precious baby girl when she wakes from her nap, all warm and rosy-cheeked!

2. a husband who is willing to work to provide for his family, this is not to be taken for granted!

3. a husband who buys me 'treats'(below), a favourite read with a cup of tea,

4. chubby hands that bring me the first of the dandelion crop, an offering of love.

5. sugar pink blossoms, that tell me of His love for me!

Blessings to you today!

Apr. 30, 2008

Mothers & Daughters

I'm going to start, yet another new meme, but this one is only once a month.
It's called "Mothers & Daughters" and you can check it out here Graceful Girlhood.

I have two daughters(so far!) and I do spend time with them, but it's not always intentional. My oldest is 10. About to embark on becoming a woman and yet still very much a little girl. I don't know what the teen years will throw at us(hopefully not so much as if she was in public school!), but I want to be there for her and be her confidant.
I have, after all, been through all those years and many memories are still fresh in my mind.

Lord, help me share what I know and give me wisdom along the way. May my little girl be more prepared for 'real life' than I was!

My first official post will be next week as the first Mother & Daughter get together is this weekend.

Let me know if you decide to join!
Blessings!

Apr. 29, 2008

Chocolate Chip Scones

I'd really like to bake more. I used to(before I had so many babies!) and I truly enjoy it. I get satisfaction from baking, more so than cooking. So, as part of my desire to create a warm atmosphere in my home(and to feed my hungry boys!), I'm going to(try to) post a recipe of what I've baked each week.

This weeks recipe is: Chocolate Chip Scones

1 cup orange juice
1 egg
3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
grated peel of one orange
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1 egg white
sugar to sprinkle

Preheat oven to 400F. Mix orange juice and egg together and let sit while mixing dry ingredients. In separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in orange peel and chocolate chips. Add wet ingredients, stir and gently knead. Divide into two balls, flatten(3/4 inch) and brush with egg white and sprinkle with sugar. Cut each ball into eight wedges. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

*You can also substitute dried cranberries, raisins or currants for the choc. chips. If you do, soak them in the egg mixture at the beginning. You could also try a mixture of half white chocolate chips and dried cranberries! The possibilities are endless!!

Hubby says these are one of the best baked items I've ever made!!

Let me know if you try them! It sure makes the house smell good!

ps. I was out of mini choc. chips and so I made these with regular ones.

Apr. 28, 2008

Outside My Window...a gentle Spring rain

I am thinking...about things that need to be done around the house this Summer before the baby comes.

I am thankful for...newly planted flowers that I can see from my window.

From the kitchen...I need to make bread, and maybe some muffins.

I am wearing...black, maternity sport pants, a pink T-shirt and a blue hoodie.

I am creating...(hopefully)a warm atmosphere for my family.

I am going...nowhere, today. I like days where I'm home all day.

I am reading...the grocery flyer, I will need to go out eventually!

I am hoping...my children have good attitudes and get their schoolwork done.

I am hearing...birds chirping outside, and my toddlers at play.

Around the house...tasks await!

One of my favorite things...planting flowers and watching them grow.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:a Dr's appointment, a trip to the library, helping my son with his reading,

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

For more of these posts visit: The Simple Woman

Apr. 27, 2008

Encouraging Sunday #6

Maggie and Her Mother

Life is made up ,
not of great sacrifices or duties,
But of little things,
in which
Smiles and Kindness
and small obligations,
given habitually,
are what win and preserve
The Heart.
Sir Humphrey Day

Wishing you a blessed Sunday!

Apr. 26, 2008

The Hidden Art of Homemaking

Growing up, Saturday morning always meant work around the house. My mom would make a big breakfast, usually pancakes and then everybody would get busy with things for the day.
I have tried to keep this going in our family, although the 'big breakfast' has been lacking lately.
I was busily going about my housework this morning, with the worship music loud(Brian Doerksen) to accompany me, and I was reminded of this book that I just finished this week:

Sorry about the microscopic graphic, but if you don't recognize the cover, it is The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer.

I really appreciated what the author had to say in this book!
She explained everything in such a way, that it was almost freeing!

Homemaking is so much more than just keeping the house tidy.
I truly believe that God has put in the heart of every woman, the ability to take a house and make it a home.

When I was a newly married housewife, we did not have much, but I put great energy into making our little place homey.
I remember having a strong desire given to me by God, to 'set up house'.
Now that we've been blessed with our own house, indeed, that desire is still there.

What this book helped me realize is that it's OK to be creative, because we were made that way, and to use our talents in our home, because that is a ministry!
We should our God given talents, in our homes, with our family, to create an atmosphere of hospitality, warmth and welcome.

Copper Pots by Deborah Chabrian

Copper Pots

This was kind of a big realization for me, because it is so easy to be vain!
I have been in beautifully decorated homes and come home to my own feeling rather unsatisfied. I know that is wrong, and that's another post.
But what's the point of having a lovely home if it's just for show?

I also realized that being creative doesn't just stop at making ones home cozy and warm. The whole atmosphere and environment that we create in how we act, dress, make meals is so important to our families.

I must confess that my meals have been lacking in both creativity and planning, especially since the birth of our 5th baby.
And I have not done much baking lately either, but these are things I want to change, for the betterment of my family and in obedience to my God-given desire. I want my home atmosphere to reflect Him.

Girl Sewing in an Interior by Carl Holsoe

Girl Sewing in an Interior by Carl Holsoe

Girl Sewing in an Interior

Whatever you do, do your work heartily,
as for the Lord rather than for men.
Colossians 3:23

Apr. 24, 2008

This is rather neat!

Here's a fun thing to do.(If there
is absolutely nothing else that you
could do, or if you are unwinding
at the end of your day, like me.)

I'm a visual person and so I liked
clicking on the pictures.

I was also amazed at how accurate
my personality description was at
the website.

Let me know if you give it a try!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Apr. 22, 2008

Artwork

I love the artwork of children!
It is so free and expressive.
I sometimes wish I could be more like that!

Today I'm sharing some the recent masterpieces created around here.

The above drawing is by Skylark, he's almost 4yrs.
I love this one because the 'body/head' with long skinny legs on the left, is me(ha ha!) and the other 'being' in my 'body/head' is(not my nose, but) the "baby in my tummy".
Children are so precious!

Chickadee drew this one(above). She received a sketchbook for Christmas and has been busy filling it. All those blank pages!!
She drew the grapes looking at a picture in a book and the banana was drawn "from her head".

And my other two sons asked to do this History project.
They drew their own coat of arms.
Apparently the dragon(top one) is not finished...oops.

Thanks for stopping by here today!

Apr. 21, 2008

A New Meme

I'm trying a new meme this week.
I found it at The Simple Woman.
I shall see how it goes.

Outside My Window...Cool, but sunny, not as warm as April should be, but I heard the birds this morning!

I am thinking...of all the things I need to do today!

I am thankful for...my children, I just read a sad, but moving blog...I won't share the details, but it made me feel so blessed!

From the kitchen...I'm actually not sure, but we have left over homemade chicken noodle soup!

I am wearing...(sheepishly...)my PJ's

I am creating...a decorated journal, which I'll post about at a later date.

I am going...to the grocery store(we're out of diapers!) and tonight to a homeschool support group meeting.

I am reading...3 different homeschool curriculum catalogues.

I am hoping...I have enough energy to get everything done today.

I am hearing...mostly silence

Around the house...things are a little cluttered at the moment, but we did alot of work around the place over the weekend.

One of my favorite things...the 'chatter' of my sweet baby girl(20months old).

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:to organize a meal plan, get income tax finished, sew badges on son's shirt...

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Nursery

Apr. 20, 2008

Encouraging Sunday #5

Mother's Love

There is no higher height to which
humanity can attain
than that occupied by a devoted,
heaven-inspired,
praying mother.

Have a Blessed Sunday!

Apr. 17, 2008

I have reached the 16 week mark of my pregnancy!
I always sigh a sigh of relief when I get this far because five years ago I had a miscarriage at 15 weeks. I know there are still risks at any stage. Being over 35(yep, I am!) puts me in a higher risk category as well.

Anyhow, my baby is approximately 4 1/2 inches long and apparently has grown some fingernails! I've been showing the kids pictures on the internet so they can see exactly how big the baby is.
I've also had a few dizzy spells lately. Maybe I need more iron.
Tell me if you've had this odd pregnancy symptom:
When I lay down to go to sleep at night, my stomach starts to send up these gurgling noises. They're kind of like a noisy, gurgling burp that travel up into my throat and I have no control over them!!

My tummy is definitely beginning to bulge, at least I still have one pair of jeans I can fit into. I am entering that awkward stage of not fitting normal clothes, but too small to fill out maternity wear.
Thankfully, maternity clothes designers have started to make things that fit at all stages and even after pregnancy.

I have been re-reading Susan Schaeffer Macaulay's book, For the Children's Sake.(I'm re-reading it to give a book review at our support group meeting.)

This is one of my most favourite books on children etc.
It was the first book I bought and read when we began homeschooling. Now I always recommend to new homeschool moms when they ask what to read.
It made me cry when I first read it. The author had put into words how I already felt about children and how they should be raised and taught. I just never knew it until I read this book and I was so encouraged that others felt the same way.
Even if you don't follow the Charlotte Mason method of teaching, I still highly recommend reading it!

Another update on the little boy who fell. He is at home and doing fine(Thank the Lord!), besides being tired and a little wobbly at times. He is still on seizure meds for another week and needs to be watched closely 'just in case'.

Thanks for stopping by!
I've been adding a few new things to my blog and playing around with my new look.
Enjoy!

Apr. 15, 2008

Update

Just to give you an update, the little boy(mentioned below) is now conscious and they're taking him off the seizure medication. Thanks for your continued prayers!

Apr. 14, 2008

A New Look!!

I'm so excited!
Yes, you are at the right blog! As you have noticed, "Journey Through Motherhood" has a new look!
Blue is my favourite colour, and daisies are my favourite flower. I hope you like it!

Thank-you so much to Janne, of Janne's Jabberwocky
for the design!
She did a great job and I really like it!

Now I can use other font colours! The yellow background was a little limiting!
I need to change my Cbox colour too, as it clashes!

Just another note, if you happen to stop by here today;
An urgent prayer request for a homeschool family in our support group. Their little boy(almost 5) fell 13ft onto concrete yesterday(at a ski hill). He is unconscious and having seizures. Please pray for the family and that there would be no brain or spinal damage.
Thank-you so much.

Subscribe to: Journey through Motherhood

About Me

My Nature Study Blog

Recent Posts

Chat

Archives

Categories

Our Flock

Waiting to Meet...

On My Nightstand

Family Read-Aloud

We Homeschool Using:

Music That's Moving Me

A Little More About Me