Family Musings

Banner courtesy of  Dearie Designs I'm not much of a party person. I'm awful at planning menus and creating awesome decorations. Just ask the last friend who was on the receiving end of my baby shower planning. She was a good sport about it, but really, she deserved better. Now, I have a chance to redeem myself. But without the need for cute Pinterest inspired decorations and gourmet food. Which is totally my style! Photo Courtesy of Emily Rose Portraits My friends, Craig and Karissa, are in the process of adding two children to their family through adoption. In fact, they just found out today that they finally have a date to go and pick up the two little boys who have been in their hearts for nearly a year. You can catch up with their adoption journey at this link from Karissa's blog, The Acting Mom . Photo Courtesy of  Emily Rose Portraits Since it is an international adoption of two boys who are not newborns, the traditional baby shower is not really an o...

Ten days ago I thought I was stepping out on a limb when I shared my thoughts about mothering and God's sovereignty . After some Christians gave me odd looks when I explained it to them, I really posted it not knowing if I was right. I mean, I thought I was right, but when someone I respected was among the head tilters, I did have my doubts. Shortly after writing and posting my thoughts, my doubts were quickly assuaged by your comments, both here, on Facebook, and in private communication. I truly have some of the most encouraging friends a woman could ask for. Then today, upon waking from a lovely, summer nap, my friend Angela asked if I had seen the most recent Desiring God blog post . I hadn't so I clicked right over... And wouldn't you know it? John Knight had written about the very same topic, affirming what I had written less than 2 weeks ago. Sure, he did it better, but it was so incredibly affirming to read the words of such a great Christian leader echoing my...

I love finding new places to do cool things in my chosen town. And as active as I am in my community and as much as my husband likes to tell people I'm the "stay at home mom who never stays at home," I still find new places to explore with my kids and friends all the time. My most recent discovery is a produce stand called Indian Summer Farms . Obviously though, it is more than just a produce stand. I organized a play date there for my MOPS group and for $5 per kid, we had a great time! Here's a peek at what it included: Feeding the animals in the petting area. Mary had NO fear and walked right up to the goats with her bread. She might have even been a little too bold at moments for this momma! Hanging out in a unusual play area that included a wider variety of toys in an outside area than I ever expected. There are also two swinging tires that the oldest kids really enjoyed. Gave one of the moms a pretty good work out trying to get the swings higher and f...

I have so many things to be thankful for and have spent the last few weeks listing them on the Family Musings Facebook page. And as I've been known to do in the past, I want to record those status updates here so they will have a better chance of surviving the years. (1) I'm thankful for my amazing friends who support me in many ways. (2) MOPS at Kathleen Baptist Church (3) My beautiful family ! ‎(4) The food in my pantry and refrigerator. Our family has plenty of nutritious choices and will not go hungry. ‎(5) I was thankful for beautiful Fall weather for our family's mini vacation .  (6) I was thankful for a husband who let me take a vacation with the family, instead of asking me to do everything I normally do [dishes, laundry, cooking, cleaning] somewhere else. (7) Today I am thankful for the reminder of how much I love  Zumba Fitness and the opportunity to host a House Party this month. ‎(8) Today I am thankful that my girls love books. We ...

A good friend of mine was guilted into throwing a fun, pumpkin decorating, candy-necklace making, yummy snack eating Fall Party. We were on the lucky end of a 5 year old convincing her pregnant momma that this might be the last chance for a play date before the newest member of their family arrives in about a month. It was also a costume swap, which coincided with National Costume Swap Day. Who even knew such a day existed? Charlotte enjoyed everything about the day - crafts, friends, food, and fresh air. I think the weather was perfect for an out door play date like this one. Mary had a good time too. It was one of her first being let loose with a lot of craft supplies. And I think this is the dirtiest she has ever been. Check out those "little dixie" feet! Our friends,  the Dearies . Other friends, like Brittany of A Flower In The Rain , were there, but not pictured because apparently, I didn't make sure I took some of everyone. And the lovely ...

 There is a baby shower gift that I love to give. It is something every mom needs, even if she doesn't know it. It is Devotional Diapers. These little diapers give moms of babies a brief chance during their day to reflect on the Word of God and, hopefully, experience a moment of peace amidst all the feedings, dirty diapers, and spit ups. Not only do Devotional Diapers make a great gift, they are easy to give. I don't remember how many baskets of these I've given to moms at baby showers. Once, I even shipped a basket half-way across the country to a mom who I knew needed some peace in her day. To make these, all you have to do is print out mailing labels with Bible verses on them. I chose verses that relate to being a mother or parent as well as verses about love and service (because we all know that changing 7 diapers a day is a true service to the littlest member of our family). I do have duplicates on this list and that's okay with me. Then, you just stick ...

It's true... when the details of daily life increase, the journaling and recording of that life decreases. Summer is racing past me with out me having taken the time to note as much of the fun things we've done as a family as I would have liked. I know we are making great memories each week and at least want to mark a few moments of this jam-packed summer! There have been impromptu field trips to new candy shops in town... Hospital visits to see my mom (who is staying with my brother now and working on the recovery process)... Fun sparkler parties with sweet friends... Playing in the pool with cousins... One on one time for Mommy with each of the girls... Mary and Mommy at Explorations V Children's Museum together... Charlotte and Mommy watching fireworks in a parking lot on our way home... Late nights trying to find out who hit the gate in my neighborhood (a fun treat reserved for the HOA president, moi!) Welcoming Daddy home from...

I think it is important to spend one on one time with each of my girls. It is a chance to focus on them and not be distracted by siblings needs or wants. Recently, I was able to take Charlotte to another stage show ( we saw Annie a year or so ago), thanks to some tickets we were given by a friend with connections. On this night, Charlotte and I went to see Max & Ruby Live with several friends and she had a great time. And it might have been her first date. But shhh... don't tell her dad! Aren't they cute walking and holding hands? Waiting for our tickets at Will Call resulted in some funny outtakes.  I have no idea why she is making that face! Charlotte loves being grown up and handing things to adults. Like the tickets. And do you think Jesse is excited? Since the tickets were free, I splurged on a small popcorn.  "Is anyone coming? Do I have to share?" "Ahhhh... it's all mine!" "Hmmm.... smell that buttery goodness!" Amy ...