Summer

P and J posing for their mom after school ended! 

It is hard to believe that the kids start back to school in just four weeks!  (My husband is shouting the hallelujahs!)  For me the summer has flown by.  The kids went to their grandparents for three weeks and now we are headed to camps for the next two.  Although my summer has gone differently than I thought it would, I wouldn't change it for the world.  Their faces here say it all!  They are happy and that is all that matters!

Our New Favorite Thing

Thing 1 checking out the spot!

Thing 2 getting her hook baited...

My favorite smell in the whole world...Honeysuckle

Our new favorite spot

The almost full moon

Greatest Family Night yet!

Officership and Living Simply: Can it be done?

For the last year, I have read and researched about living a simple life.  The idea of cutting out clutter, living a healthier lifestyle, and  less stuff in general appeals greatly to me.  I spent about a month last year going through each room in our house and getting rid of anything that hadn't been used in a year.  In almost every room in my house at this point, I could pack it up in 5 boxes or less.  (Moving 5 times in 10 years does that to someone!)  As an officer our schedules are often crazy.  We don't always have time to even "put our feet up" let alone do what it takes to live simple, because lets face it, it takes work!  But I am tired of being lazy, I want to live intentionally.  I want my kids to enjoy the beauty of this planet!  I want my kids to live lives that are worthy of the Lord.  I want to serve the Lord without distraction.

So here is my Simply Living Bucket List.  Things that I want to do to cut down waste in my house, things that waste our time, or things that waste our bodies.

Healthy Living
Eating Natural foods, less processed (cereals, pastries, chips, etc.)
Buying Local
Plant our own Garden
Better Breakfasts
Exercising

House Beautiful
Continue going through house (there are still closets and the kids rooms that need to be sorted)
Weekly cleanings

Green Living
Recycling
Composting

Gift Giving
Handmade or buying local

Spiritual Living
Studying the Bible More (we just recently finished reading the Bible in a year together, and hope to incorporate another reading plan this year.)
Continue Devotions at the Dinner Table

No Distractions
Less TV/Computer time

Renewing our Mind
Reading both for education and pleasure

Replenishing Family Relationships
Family Nights (fishing, movie nights, etc.)  These things don't cost much at all

Ministry
Authentic Missional Ministry
Equipping our congregation move toward God and service to others.
Using Our resources wisely.
Decluttering storage rooms.

I am sure this will change from time to time.  I know there will be months, like Christmas that will be harder than other times, but I truly believe that God is calling us as a family to be good stewards of what He has given us, and wants us to not be distracted by the world around us.  I believe that this can definitely work as an officer, but I just have to live intentionally.  Self-discipline and Self-control will play a big role in this. 

Have any of you though about simple living and how it can work when we are leading a ministry.

Blessings,

Salliemom

2012 Goals

I like to make goals for the new year, sometimes I make them, sometimes I don't...but I love making lists so here goes.
Things for the kids
~Read more... last year we red Charlotte's Web and they absolutely loved it.
~Play together more...Family Game Night with board games or Active video games with the Wii or      Kinect
~Integrate God's Word more in their lives...I have found a few good books to help with our family devotions. And We hope to allow them to serve more in our ministry.
Being a Good Wife
~Listening more
~Not reacting so much out of anger
~Being a better help mate
Being a Better Officer
~Get organized
~Better communication
~Visit more

What's on my mind...

1.  We have been blessed with two HIGH energy kids and with that causes distractions during the school day.  Both P and J have been diagnosed with ADHD.  With this diagnosis comes many decisions about medication, behavior modification, and education plans.  Most states now allow for an Individualized Education Plan for children that have challenges at school.  This is also known as an IEP. 

We are having a hard time with the school even recognizing that there is a problem, even though they have officially been diagnosed.  If a child's grades are not failing, often times the child will be denied an IEP, even if they are causing other problems in class, or having a difficulty socializing with the kids.  I am wondering if anyone else is having or has had this issue.  I want to make sure that I am doing all that I can for my kids.  I am just incredibly frustrated with the process. 

2.  The kids are back in school.  Maybe normalcy will return somewhat now that we can get back into a routine. Thankfully, I have my momAgenda to keep me organized :).   It's my favorite splurge every year!  I did try to electronically keep my calendar for a while, but there is just something about keeping everything written down. 

3.  Julia's Birthday Party is coming up soon.  This is the first time we are going to have one where we actually invite more than a few friends.   We are going to have it at the gym where she takes gymnastics.  She is more than excited!  :)

4.  I am leaving for Israel in 26 days.  Yes, the Holy Land.  I get more excited by the minute. 

5.  God is doing amazing things in our church.  I sense a spirit of unity and I am so thankful for it.

6.  We have many hurting families in our church...I continue to pray for healing.

7.  My family...my dad's health is failing.  My sister is recovering from a serious injury.  My step-mom is having to take care of so many things. 

Traditions: Family Game Night

Last night we spent two hours together playing Monopoly...one of our gifts from us to us!

It was a lot of fun and I think it may actually help our kids learn a thing or two!

In the end, Daddy was the clear winner.  Philip has already called for a rematch!  Stay tuned...

A New Year...maybe more writing...again...

Many of my friends and family have gotten on to me the last few months for not sending pictures of the kids.  A blog sounds like the easiest way to share our stories and so yet again, I will try my hand at this.  Even if it is just a sentence, my friends and family will know what is happening...along with the rest of the world.   I am not calling this a New Year's Resolution...Its not quite New Year's anyway and I don't want to jinx it! 
But I will try harder. 

Just so you know I am serious about it.  Here are some pictures from Christmas.

Fake Smiles!

Here is how P--- really thought of taking pictures...

Be looking for more things in 2012...maybe even a little before!

Blessings!