School Picture

Jaiden's school did pictures back in fall. We got them in January and I forgot to share them with you. I know school pictures aren't usually the greatest, but these are about the cutest things I have ever laid my eyes on! I can't get enough of this precious boy!



I'm so proud of this kid!

Sunday Morning

We've had a cold, rainy, and foggy weekend. Clean house, fire going, books read, and movies watched.







This morning I made coffee and cinnamon french toast, cooked in coconut oil, topped with fresh blueberries and pecans, drizzled with a bit of honey.



We ate and read our Bible together. I am now in sweats; about to start a pot of chili.

I hope you all have a lovely Sunday.

Norway Outdoor Preschool

Have you seen this video? While searching for ideas an motivation on getting and continuing nature study through the winter (WAY too hard for me since I hate being cold) I came across this video about Noraway's outdoor schools. If you have 20 minutes, watch it. Amazing!

On the Bookshelf and Favorite Links

For the past few days I have been reading Bonhoeffer, by Eric Metaxes. If you like to read, learn, and need a book to read, read it.

It has captured me in such a way, it's incredibly hard to get my words together to even explain my thoughts!

Since I just started, I will start by saying that his family life has been such an inspiration to me. You can tell how much his parents valued children. From the way they let them explore and collect animals, to pouring water over a tennis court to make a place to ice skate, you could feel how loved they were. When Dietrich was young, he would be gentle and protective to his sister, and I think that how he was raised played a big part in how he lived. His thoughts and letters throughout the book are so thought provoking, I have to take it in small doses and let them sink in. What a man of God!

Source: google.com via Jeana on Pinterest

I have SO many other book that I'm hoping to read soon, but have vowed not to start another until I'm done with Bonhoeffer *smile* I'll give you a sneak peek at what I'll be adding to my bookshelf.

Source: Uploaded by user via Jeana on Pinterest

Source: goodreads.com via Jeana on Pinterest

Source: amazon.com via Jeana on Pinterest

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Ok, changing gears a little bit here, but I'd like to share some of my favorite things.

One thing I'm working on is dressing nicer and more feminine. I LOVE dresses, but haven't bought any in so long. I guess staying at home so much has made me feel a bit frumpy, but I'm not going to use that as an excuse to be lazy anymore! I feel so much better when I take care of myself, and I know my hubby sure does appreciate it ;) I am currently revamping my wardrobe as we have some extra money, and I found this dress that I think is so pretty and feminine. I ordered it and can't wait to wear it! Do you wear dresses much? Where is your favorite places to buy them?

Source: bodenusa.com via Jeana on Pinterest

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And, this. Just to make you chuckle. have a great weekend my friends.

Source: nickmom.com via Jeana on Pinterest

Daring to Count

JOY

Remembering the blessing of every day. Continuing this journey.

446. time. time to spend with Him, with family, with others
447. the snow covered lawn
448. a cozy fire to warm up to
449. a big pot of chili welcoming my husband home on a cold evening
450. Bonhoeffer. this book is touching me in such a way!
451. "As long as we let the word be our armor, we can look confidently to the future." Bonhoeffer
452. true friendship
453. a fellowship that just wants to meet with God and to be His hands
454. a girl in Jaiden's class. we were told "she just woke up and took off." dismissed from the autism unit.
455. laughing with my husband
456. watching an almost 4 year old with cowboy hat and stick horse, yelling "yee-haw!"
457. watching my boy and husband play a game together
458. daffodils peeking up out of the cold dirt
459.boys making Valentines
460. this song:

Family Movie Night

It has been a while since I did a post about family movies. We took a HUGE tv break for about 4-6 months, so we are slowly getting back to our family movie nights, but this time around we won't focus on movies...just family nights. One night we may watch a movie, one night we will play games, one night maybe go on a hike, or out for ice cream etc. I'll keep you updated on those.

However, last week we rented Dolphin Tale. Have you seen it? I have to admit, I wasn't that excited to watch it, but ended up loving it more than I ever thought I would.

It was a wonderful movie based on a true story about a dolphin that hurt its tale and ended up losing her tale. A boy who was lonely found out he could help the dolphin in her recovery. Their bond and how they both healed was beautiful to watch. I even loved the idea (added to the movie) that her disability gave great courage to people all over the country struggling with their own disabilities.

It was a wonderful family film!

Around Here

Man, I can't seem to keep up with this year at all! What on earth is happening?! We have gotten back into a routine. It feels nice to be cooking and teaching the boys more consistently these days.

We have been working very hard on reading, and I'll tell you what...he is doing SO much better. I mean, he is ENJOYING it. Yay!

We left a little treat in the mailbox for our mailman. (Part of our being mindful of others challenge)



These are old pictures, but I wanted to include our snowflake art project we did a few weeks ago...this is the closest we've gotten to snow this winter.

I let him do his ABC's







I love when the table is full of art supplies.



After being busy for the past few weeks, I was thrilled to make my "to do" list today. It included laundry, school, read the Bible, pilates, turn music up loud, and have a beautiful day.

That's MY kind of list. *smile*

Oh and I made strawberry fudge for my friend for her birthday. I *may* have had a small bite or six....uh yum. Had. No. Willpower.