Coffee for Breakfast

A goal I've had for a while is to create a space within my home to truly relax and take a break. I've attempted this at various times in various ways to no avail. Maybe the reason for my unsuccessful attempts was simply the fact of having five children who were homeschooled. This fact can make alone time and space challenging. Of course we had daily rest periods, but a true space of relaxation was not my reality. Through a lot of self discovery and contemplation, I've accepted the fact that I am a true introvert. I love people. Especially my people. I'm the happiest mama in the world when I have the opportunity to have all of my children under one roof. Since they are grown, or almost grown, this is becoming a rare treat. On the other hand though, I've discovered that large groups of people, or a lot of activity exhausts me. For my extroverted counterparts, the above mentioned may energize you. I'm not that person. Activity that involves a lot of other people,...

After this evening when I take Aubree to Courtney's house, I will be spending the week alone. Of course my husband will be home in the evenings after work, but all of my girls will be at church camp. What oh what will I do? I'm going to spend half the day tomorrow cleaning house. Then, I will be off to the RV to enjoy the rest of the week! I'm not going to plan my time. I'm just going to spend my days doing whatever I feel like. There may be a little reading, a little sunbathing, movie watching, and who knows! I've been looking forward to this for a few weeks. I'm sure I will miss my kids. I just hope they have a blast at camp, I have a few relaxing days, and some wonderful evenings spent with my honey!

I'm looking forward to this evening! We are having a ladies meeting at our church. I love this time of fellowship. We are starting a new study by Lisa Bevere. (Nuture) I am going with great anticipation and expecting God to do great things. This is just the refreshment I need!

I am reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I knew I would be reading it as soon as I located it. I have never seen such a strong reaction to a book as this. I first heard about this book a few weeks ago. I don't know how I missed out on such a great writer for so long. I guess it would be because I read so much nonfiction . The funny thing about this book is that I keep encountering people who have already read it. They All have loved it and most will say it is the best book they have ever read. I'm about halfway through already and I just started a couple of days ago. This one of those I-can't-put-this-book-down kind of books. I should be finished in a day or two. I already plan to re-read this book. I'm not sure I have ever planned on a second reading during the first. It is THAT good. So, even though I'm not finished, I am highly recommending this book if you are looking for a great read. Just make sure you have time in your schedule. You will start reading...

Thought I would post a few links. This is my list of blogs that I have been reading lately. When creativity is running low I can always find some inspiration. This site has some wonderful ideas. I especially like that she uses mostly thrifted items. I also love her ideas for photos. Another recent find is this. Love her creativity. This site truly "inspires" me. Yes, I would love to copy several of her ideas, but her blog has helped me to create some of my own. (in my mind!) One last blog that inspires me is this! Yes, I know this has nothing to do with the usual creativity I post. This is creativity on a completely different level. I read this blog and start to believe I could do this. I am inspired!

I had a very rare occurence tonight. I had the house all to myself for several hours. My husband took over basketball duty tonight. I normally can't stand missing my girls' games, but I needed to get caught up on a few things. Besides, we have overlapping tournaments this weekend (in two different states)! I don't think I'll have basketball withdrawals! ;) I don't guess I accomplished all I would have liked to tonight, but it was wonderful. The house is cozy and QUIET. Thank You Jesus for some much needed PEACE. I did manage to make a gift for Aubree. I found a cute tutorial HeRe. I will post pics of mine tomorrow. I hope to squeeze in a few more Silent Nights during the Christmas holidays. I still have several projects in the works.

As I was browsing a few blogs I enjoy last night, I came across an idea that inspired me to my core. We who homeschool do it for a variety of reasons. Some for religious convictions, shelter from ideas that we don't agree with, children with giftedness or learning disabilites that can be better served in a home environment, or too many others to list. Some of us homeschool for a combination of reasons. However, one common thread I have observed is a homeschooling parent's desire to learn. We love to learn and want to instill a love for learning in our children. So when I came across Bev's plan last night on her blog, I was completely caught off guard by the emotions stirred within me. I guess I have been on a journey of sorts lately. I am in the process of rediscovering who God created me to be. Sometimes we moms get a little lost in the shuffle of helping our families in discovering who they are meant to be. I discovered that you can literally wake up one morning, look in ...

Yay! The pumpkin spice latte is back! I went through the drive- through at Starbucks today to get a much needed triple. I was very happy to see my favorite fall beverage back on the menu. Now, I know I can make it through the long days. Lol

I found this on a blog I was reading. I thought it was great. Here is a link ... 45 Rules to Live By 1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. 3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone… 4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch. 5. Pay off your credit cards every month. 6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone. 8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it. 9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. 11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present. 12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry. 13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it. 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God n...

I spent yesterday cleaning so we could enjoy a nice relaxing weekend. So far, my plan in working. I have had a nice day to do nothing more than daydream. I need days like today to declutter my mind. The creative side of my brain justs functions better that way. I've been sorting through my stash of fabrics trying out new combinations. I have picked out some vintage pillowcases to make myself a new bag. I have also created (in my mind) new outfits for my girls. I have some steaks marinating for my husband to grill for dinner tonight. Yeah, I like lazy days like today.

I love the early morning time. I love to sneak out of bed, start my coffee brewing, and open a good book. Most of this time is spent outdoors on my back patio. I treasure this quiet time alone with the Lord, and with myself. As homeschooling moms we have to find life's little pleasures and savour them. Time with our families is most precious, but we have to remember to take moments of refreshment for ourselves. I believe this quiet time enables me to be a better wife and mom.