Rainy days and the little things

Aren't Legos the grandest things?? Imaginations can build houses and hangers and cars and motor homes. Trailers and towers. Creativity flows and I feel like a rich queen to have a whole tub  of them ( many of which were found at a flee market.)

 #jackpotfind

I find myself being nastougic and savoring the little things a little more these days. I know it's all only " stuff", but I have pared down my "stuff" to pretty much that which brings me joy, what I really like, or what means something to me for a certain reason. Soon I will dismantle this house we have made memories in and have made ours the last 9 years. This rainy day I took pictures of a few of my favorite corners. 

I know your "supposed " to store your good silverware in a fancy chest, but I don't like all things traditional. Isn't the little yellow teapot holding my forks so cute? 

Brewing kombucha. ..

And this little motto was given to me by a dear friend soon after she knew we are leaving. I love this verse!!!

Grace... this word and these verses applying to Grace will go with me. I know I will need these promises for His sufficient grace during the hard and lonely times. And the goodbyes that are coming. 

Gifts....

I am thankful for......

A flight with my Papa

A brand new nephew.....

A picnic with friends. ...

Five happy, healthy children....

Fun family times.....

Double date nights...

And much much more. 

My life is simply blessed. 

I treasure the moments. The memories. The gifts. 

On wanting less....

One of my favorite reads in the also months has been  Joshua Becker. Although I am not a minimilist per say, I have purged and cleaned out and downsized like never before, and I don't see myself returning to a consumer lifestyle anytime soon.
It's freeing.
It's satisfying.
It  saves a lot of money.

And what I gave been most surprised at? How through this whole journey of budgeting and minimizing, I feel myself more content.

I feel myself changing:
I can go shopping and come home with very little. What I did buy, I usually really like. I think about purchases more,  and make wiser decisions. Thus, I have less regrets, less stuff, and save money.

I don't have to have everything now.
     Buying now usually means I pay more, where if I wait I may find it second hand for less or find it wasn't the need I thought it was.

My spaces are easier to maintain and clean.
   Over and over I read about how less stuff means mess to clean around = easier house to clean. It's also much easier to maintain a clutter free house most of every day. 
A personal example at our house: several months ago the girls and I went through their dolls and accessories and toys. We eliminated a large garbage bag full of stuff.
They haven't missed it since and they seem to play with what less they have just as much. 
Less toys =happier, more creative children.
Now I haven't only read it, I know it.
For us as parents:
We used to have a big roll top desk that mainly just stored " stuff". Recently we cleaned it out , sold it , and downsized to another chest of drawers to hold some essentials.
We have more space, less stuff and less furniture. And guess what..  we haven't missed the big desk at all, and, we are more forced to put things away vs hide them under that cover.

Joshua Becker said :"
Having less is great,
wanting less is better"

I totally agree. contentment helps me to not have to keep up with someone else. It helps me enjoy what I away ready have, & helps me to be more creative.

I'm sure God isn't finished with me, but I am thankful for the journey.

Then there came a time.....

For many a Friday night this young lady would wonder what it would be like to have a " normal" Friday night.  For over a decade our " normal " was having the Mr away til after 8:30 pm, and still go back to work on Saturday.
Counting blessings can elevate an wining spirit, but it can be a challenge, these nights alone,   especially with 5 Littles.

For the first time since I and he became WE, Jess is an employee. And tonight, he had off. No responsibilities to the store.

So we headed into the local train station for a picnic supper.

With grape chicken salad ...

  

This lovely couple.....

Happy little girls.....

Our all-out boy.....

And all of us!

#blessedandgrateful

Angel babe....

My dear niece, Shalom.
How I miss you,  sweet babe. I hardly even knew yiu, but you were so much a part of your mommy and aunties conversations and dreams. Some days I weep... hardly grasping the reality that you really are gone.
And yet, free.
I picture you touring heaven, wildly excited over some pretty flower, or giggling with grandma.  I see you looking into Jesus face when we are sad about you not being here, an asking Him to keep us faithful so one day this circle will not be broken.
You were so beautiful. So so pretty! !! But your body was so sick. Now you are whole! You make heaven and healing feel so real. I can't wait to see you again. And to pick you up and hold you close. I never got to do that here, and that makes me sad.
But one day, one day! We will all be together.
Maranatha...

Happy birthday Zoey!

You came into our life, and our hearts fell deeply in love with you. What a gift you are to our family!! Your name means LIFE and truely, you live up to that.

You have taught us that there is oil of joy for mourning, beauty for ashes and that redemption sometimes comes in small steps, but that EVERY STEP forward is a gift. 

You remind me of a butterfly.. fluttering among flowers. Your smile  makes my heart well in thankfulness when you spill over into giggles. 

You work so hard in school, and your consistent dream of being a teacher allows me to see a special part of your heart. 

God has great things in mind for you, precious. His plan for you is perfect. 

Beautiful. 

Full of redemption. 

You are a gift and we are honored to be 

the recipients.  

Happy 10th!!

11 years....and counting

We celebrate 11 years.... not perfect years of bliss, but years of learning and growing and loving more. Loving through the hard, the fun, the mundane,  days of joy and days of  sadness.  Our journey is so blessed, and I am thrilled to be here. No matter where God takes us, I hope it's many more miles TOGETHER.