I Never Left The Building

I had an incredible day.

A great day.

A fabulous day.

I witnessed so much from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and I never left the building.

A church.

One little church in the middle of the country.

You can't make up days like today.  

They just happen.

You can't plan for them.

You can't program them into your laptop or phone.

They just grab you up and encompass

 you into something you never want to let go of.

I listened to God's Word.

I worshiped with others.

I said the Apostle's Creed.

 I held my husband's hand while in the pew.

I was forgiven.

I held my 5 year old on my lap in the pew.

I sang, even if it was off key.

I filled my belly with a smorgasbord of food and ate too many desserts.

I laughed with friends.

I forgot the cups and forks, but it was OK!

I held a baby girl that has a super fabulous smile.

I witnessed people coming together and bringing joy to not only one family 

but many that reside many miles away.

I celebrated an upcoming birth of a friend's child.

I rejoiced when fundraising dollars were tallied.

I got excited over packages of diapers.... LOTS of diapers!

I took photos, read scripture, and felt the love of so many people in

 one room you could have burst.

(or at least I could have)

My evening ended with me hearing the giggles of a daughter and daddy playing outside.

It just doesn't get any better than days like today.

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie

Read the post about the baby shower & fundraiser here!

Selfies & Insecurities

As I scrolled down my Facebook newsfeed this morning, someone had shared this video.

I'm not really into Selfies much, but I figured I'd take a gander!

I'm glad I did.

Take a look.

I'm a Mother that struggles with her body image, 

her mental image,

 and just basically her image at times.

So in this video when it talked about Mother's body images 

and how they express it in front of their daughters, it hit home.

Pang of guilt.

Mother guilt.

You know, the pesky visitor that hits us just when we don't want it to!

With my two older daughters, I was very vocal about my body insecurities.

I still do on occasion, but I try very hard not to with PV or the older girls now.

Someone pointed out to me one day, the reality
of how my vocal expressions of myself affected my daughters.

When my middle daughter was a teenager, "L" ,

which was a co-worker  and friend pointed out to me 

that I speak too often about this particular subject.
In front of my children.
It hit me hard, it made me feel that guilt,
but it was also a wakeup call.  

I didn't change overnight, but I am much better than I used to be.

I still have the insecurities, I just don't voice them in front of my children.

The damage I did, I see it on occasion  with my older children that are adults.

Am I terrible Mother.

No.

Could I have done better.

Yes.

Can I tell my story to others to help them.

Yes.

That's my hope.

To inspire you, the way I have been inspired.

Know this, beautiful or flawed it doesn't matter.

Those children before you, embrace you for who you are.

Keep the words at bay, talk with a close friend about your insecurities.

Tell the child that beauty comes from within.

I'm a work in progress.

I invite you to come with me on this journey.
A journey to bring the beauty of others to the
forefront of the daily life we lead!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie

UNFILTERED! 

Off the track alittle here for a moment.....

Although some people feel it is wrong for DOVE to 

use female insecurities to promote their products 

I do not.  I guess I look at it this way.

They are bringing awareness to those Mothers/Parents that express openly negitive comments and if they give a wake up call to one of them, then it was worth the tons of money they spent on the advertising.  There are ALOT worse advertisements out there for products we use. 

Also I love their Cucumber Melon bar soap, I use it daily! :)

Recalling the Good Times

One morning this week,  I was getting ready for the day, and began my thought process.  This is when I usually make my "lists" , which include anything from groceries, to do's, blog post items, meal planning, etc.  

Today I was feeling alittle beside myself and decided, how about I 

recall good times to help me get to feeling chipper?

So I did.  I started recalling times that brought me joy or happiness.

I'd like to share some with you.   I'm sure the reason this one came to mind first, is because some ladies at our church, myself included are hosting a baby shower/fund raiser for  the friend.  

Here goes.....

I delivered a loaf of bread to her house, and her husband answered the door.  She’d been away on a Haiti mission.  To this point in our relationship we weren't super close, just warming up to the friendship department I'd say.

She came strolling up to the door, large smile on her face, and arms already extending. She hugged me.  It was a good down to your bones, oh how happy I am to see you kinda hug. Although I had brought my friend 

her a favorite kind of bread, 

I was the one that received so much in less than 5 minutes.  

I can feel the hug right now! :)

This is where I think we truly became connected as friends. 

This is a treasure for my "memory feeling box".

Walking across the stage to get my diploma from High School. It felt like such a huge accomplishment for me, after becoming a Mother at such a young age.

Hugs from my Dad.

Making my middle daughter's quilt with my Mother. 

We tied it in my backyard in the sunshine.

Walking down the aisle to marry Milton.

Having my 2^nd born call for marriage or cooking advice.

Watching my husband meet his daughter for the first time.

Seeing a red head on the first day of my freshman year in a new 

school that looked almost as scared as I.  

Later to become my best friend.

Watching my 1^st born deliver her 1^st born.

My first mission trip with a youth group and great co-leader to Kansas City.  It was hard, it was wonderful, it was perfect, yet not so perfect.  I can still see the block of houses we worked on and the children playing in the streets with our youth the last day we were there.  That was one of THE best choices I ever made, going on that trip.

Hearing my youngest daughter tell me, "GOD/JESUS loves you" each morning on 

her way out the car to school.  

I could share more, but right now, I'm challenging you to open your memory feeling box. Take out a couple memories that fill your heart with warmth, 

bring a smile to your face, and peace in your soul.  

Relish them.  Just bask in them for awhile.  Let the other things go to the side.

How's that feel?  

I'm guessing kinda lovely.  Let's practice this often shall we?

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie

Gratitudes from a Day at Home

Giving the 5 year old a list of "to do's" and she didn't bulk (too much).

Listening to her belt out with much dramatic flair the lyrics of "Let It Go" from the movie Frozen while carrying the tablet to each room while cleaning. Then she switches to alittle Jason Aldean music, I have NO clue where she gets her music choices or

 how she knows where to to input the correct emotion on each song.  

(Ok fine.... I do, yes we are hairbrush microphone singers and we can admit!)

Hence, it's only 9:00 am and I already have had a few laughs and a warmed heart today from this little gal.  SO glad God chose ME to be her Mommy!

Technology so I can assist my clients even when I'm not in the office.

Cuddles, book reading, and games with little girls.

Daddy's who find lost basketballs, from the Kansas wind and tolerate the dramatic flair

 that comes from his daughter when at first unable to find it!

The opportunities given to me through my job, my faith, my family, friends, and 

those I don't even know that well.

Thank you's from my oldest child, although her life has taken a hard hit this week.

A fellow church member and school worker telling me how kind my daughter is.

Breakfast food for supper, especially when I didn't have to make it! 

Thank you to the LLL (Men of our church) for providing supper tonight!

I truly appreciate each of these gifts and many more!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie

CHICKEN + MUD = ISSUE

It was a lovely day out today for January.  

The sun was shining, it was jacket weather, and so the Chirps were free to roam the farm yard.  

Our ladies enjoy wondering around, and they enjoy hanging out with the cattle.

Unfortunately tonight when PV and Milton 

went over to collect eggs and put the chickens away in the coop they found this.

PV's words were "This isn't going to be good"!

Yes that is a chicken stuck in the mud manure of a cattle pen!

See how PV and Grandpa are in the background!

(smart people)

Even the cattle are steering clear!

Yep, Milton got dirty to save the chicken!

All is well and they washed the little lady off and put her in the coop!

That's about it for the excitement at our farm today!

What exciting thing happened to you today??? 

Care to share!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie

Our chicks are treated like royalty! :)
This one that was stuck in the mud got a
trip to the "garage spa" to get cleaned up !
Photographs by 5 year old! :)

Warm water bath and blow dry! 

:) 

Gotta love my husband for doing this!

ES had her 3rd Birthday!

The best part of my weekend was this.  

I am so happy I caught this shot!

Happy 3rd birthday to our Little E!  

Why He Does It

This morning, as I sat in the somewhat quiet moments before anyone was awake in our home,  I looked up to see out the window an 85 year old man backing the feed wagon up to the silage pit.  Although there was a brisk wind, and it was still only 40 degrees out, he then proceeded to unhitch the feed wagon from the tractor.  Climb back into the tractor and fill the feed wagon with silage. Then he will get back out of the tractor and re-hitch the feed wagon.

And do it again tonight and tomorrow and the next day, twice a day.

To feed the 200 head of livestock. 

Whether it's 40, 65, or 0 degrees out, 

this man is still doing this every morning and evening. 

Alot of people, including myself at times, will think or say 

"why is this 85 year old man still farming"? 

(In my mind this is what I heard.)

Because it makes him happy.

Isn't that what is important?

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie

Cookbooks as Gifts!

I recently posted on our Facebook page that I received 3 cookbooks over the holidays.  I'm pretty excited as I love to read cookbooks, and of course make new recipes! The poor entertaining kitchen has lacked in the past months, I think it's actually missing me! haha

The first one is "The Amish Cooks Baking Book".  My oldest daughter gave it to me for Christmas.  I've read about half of it and I have always been interested and envious of the Amish way of life.  The simplicity of it.  The recipes are pretty basic but look delish!  I am considering committing myself to one new item from this cookbook per month this year.  It's still out for debate, as you can tell from this post how my life currently is gearing up for more commitment elsewhere! 

The second cookbook is one that I actually WON over the holidays!  The Gathering Friends  "A Year of Holidays At Home".  I have already finished going through it and it has some absolutely beautiful table settings.  If only I had an endless amount of money and time I'd throw gatherings for all to come and enjoy!  (Wasn't it me that just wrote I am envious of the Amish lifestyle?  Now you see the struggle that lies in me between my mind and heart!! :)

The third cookbook was a gift but I was able to pick it out myself.  I had received a gift card for my birthday and after reviewing a few cookbooks I chose "The Smitten Kitchen" by Deb Perelman.  She has a blog as well, but her cookbook reviews were really good and I've started following her blog.  You can find it here.

I almost ordered this cookbook, I'm still considering it   I'd like to go to a bookstore and peruse through it first though!  

I use Pinterest and blogs alot as well, but there is just something about reading through a cookbook.  It brings me calmness and excitement at the same time, to dream of creating some wonderful food to share with others.  

If I have my way, you will see some blog posts from each of these cookbooks in the future!  We have our annual couples gathering here in February, so I need to begin planning it!  Perhaps something from these cookbooks will be created!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie

Just Be

Honestly today has been rough for me.  

So rough that it was one of those crawl back in bed, pull the covers up over my head, 

the world is against me kinda days.

 I won't bore you with all the details, I will just jump to the following.

This afternoon I had finished doing some out of the office work and stopped to get a hot chocolate.  Yes I treated myself, a massage was on the top of my list, but once again I talked myself out of it.  The hot chocolate (although over priced) was cheaper and delish. 

The calorie packed punch I needed.

Or so I thought.

I get back in my vehicle to go back to my office, look up, and this is what I see.

I am not kidding you.

It really was.

I struggle so very much with this.

Just Be (ing).

I'm not going to write anything else.

Let's just ponder this shall we.

Thanks for stopping by.
Julie

Christmas in the Country Gift Exchange

You are familiar with the Christmas in the Country gift exchange due to me writing this post.  Well it's time to reveal the lovely gifts I received!

Jessy & Chris @ WestEastern sent me some fabulous gifts! I was very excited when I pulled into my driveway & saw a box sitting by my garage!  :)  I was done with Christmas shopping so I knew it wasn't something I ordered.

When I opened it, this is what I found!  The note on the metal Christmas tin said I could enjoy these before Christmas! :)

And oh I did!  I am not sure I ever mentioned it in my blog or not, but the yummy goodies inside the tin were Chocolate caramels.  I LOVE CARAMELS!  They were delish!  I did share maybe one or two with the hubs.

On Christmas day I opened this lovely card and a beautiful piece of art by Chris.  It's truly a piece of art.  I love it!

Thank you so much to my Christmas in the Country partner and I hope their 2014 is a blessed event!  Their website is great and I advise you all to go check out their adventures!

Thanks for stopping by!
Julie



P.S.  My partner that I sent a gift to is Judi @ FARMnWife!