Relocating

Hi, guys!  I just wanted you to know that I will no longer be updating this blog.  Instead, I've created a new blog about our family's journey into homeschooling, which is what will be taking up the bulk of my time.  If you want to stay up-to-date with that, you can follow us here: http://stepintohomeschool.blogspot.com/

May God bless you as you strive to follow Him!

Just Because

I love sincerity. I do. There's just something about a person spontaneously telling you something, just because that's what they were feeling at the time. Sometimes it's a secret, something that a friend has been holding onto for too long, and just needed to unburden themselves. Sometimes it's a compliment, and usually these come at a time when you need it most! Other times it may be a criticism. But, no matter the end result, when someone tells you something sincerely, it makes an impact.

More than all of this, I love the actions that come with these sincere emotions.  When Max runs in with a flower from the backyard because when he saw it, he knew I couldn't live without it. Or the random notes and cards that find themselves in my Bible or purse that have wonderful pictures drawn and sweet thoughts lettered on the page. Or when my Dad calls to chat because he was thinking of me at that moment.  Or when Seth comes home with multi-colored daisies on a random day of the week just because he wanted me to know he was thinking of me.  I love it when my Mom calls to speak to one of the kids because she's gone long enough without talking to them. I love to receive smiles, hugs, and kisses from my children just because they love me.

More often than not, in the society we live in, spontaneity gets lost in the shuffle.  We call people just to ask a favor. We buy flowers or gifts because, on that day of the year, it is expected. We send thank-you cards for gifts, invitations for showers, and holiday cards at specific times of the year. Where is the sincerity in this?  Where is the emotion tied to that action? Don't we just do them because that's what we've been taught by society?

I think we could all benefit from a little less structure, and a little more sincerity.  Send cards to tell people you appreciate them. Call your parents or grandparents just to chat. Sit down in the backyard and look for shapes in the clouds with your children. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. Most importantly, share the Gospel!  It is by far the most valuable give we can give!

Because tomorrow may never come, use every moment that you have today.

Project: Spring Clean and Declutter!

After an extremely busy beginning to Spring (spring break trip, family visits, closet updating, etc.), I've dedicated two whole weeks to clean and declutter our home. We are a family of two parents and three children, ages 7, 5, and 20 months. So, yes, we have a lot of clutter! Seth and I have been reading blogs about minimalism, and trying to get up the courage to take on the big project of our home...and the time is finally here.

Today is Thursday, April 22 (Earth day, appropriately enough), and I've gotten off to a good start this week. In three days, I've cleaned and organized the coat closet, living room, dining room, and both of our bathrooms and closets. Although it is nice to have them clean and organized once again, the biggest accomplishment is what I've removed from those rooms. I've filled three trash bags with items that are either not used, out of date, or irrelevant to our family. I've also filled 5 boxes with items to go into our upcoming family garage sale.

For the remainder of this week, I hope to make the same impact on the kitchen and master bedroom. Next week will be dedicated to the children's rooms, play room, and laundry room. Seth will take on the office. My goal is to be finished by the end of next week.

Although this project is very tiring and time-consuming, it is one that we hope will prove to be life-changing for our family. We also hope that the resulting changes we make in our way of life will make our transition into homeschooling our children one that will just build upon the foundation we are laying out now.

Please keep our family in your prayers if you happen to think of us...we've got quite a few changes taking place, and need the Lord's guidance in all of them.

Have a great day!

Hot New Author: Maya Jo Anderson

Yes, Maya has decided she is now an author. She loves reading, and is now reading well past the fourth grade level. So, she has decided she wants to write a book of short stories. We are really encouraging her, and has just completed her eighth entry! She was writing a story on the computer in Clay County as Seth and I were packing up all our stuff to head back home. She had to hurry the ending, but it's a pretty good one! Here it is:

Once upon a time there was a pretty butterfly who lived in the woods. She lived happily there. But one day a moth came and did not like the butterfly. So the moth thought that he was smarter then the butterfly. But the buttrefly already new his plan. So the butterfly thought that she would make a war with the moth. So the next morning the butterfly went to the moth,s house. The moth agreed to war and the butterfly won and moth was never seen again. THE END

I'll be sure to send you the link once her book is published. :D