Tuesday, January 26, 2010

A Special Day



Happy Birthday, Carsyn!

May this year be your best yet. Love you, young man!


Finishing off the day playing Rook with the rest of guys.

Monday, January 25, 2010

What to Do On a Cold Winter Day

What to do when you're stormed in ... ?

Some of the winter fun our family has been enjoying:
Puzzling, singing harmony, playing instruments, sledding, Legos, flip-track, playing Rook, read a book ... and more.







- storm or no storm, life goes on as normal here!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Helping Haiti

Just another reminder, for us ... and for you.


Just because the pain in Haiti is not over, in fact as these early days progress there is likely new difficulties they face each day.

So, we continue to pray for Haiti -- as individuals, and as a family. Prayer is so powerful. I've been reminded again that it is something that I can do as I continue to minister to the daily and immediate needs of my own family. Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing ... as the Spirit brings someone, something or a national disaster like Haiti to my mind ... I can take that moment to pray!


Financial Gifts:

Our local church set up a fund through which we could give a financial gift of love to our brothers and sisters in Haiti through MCC. The goal of MCC or Mennonite Central Committee is "Relief, development and peace in the name of Christ".

There are many other relief organizations giving to the need in Haiti. Many are listed here by fellow bloggers.

Raising Godly Young Men

The Lord seems to be leading me to parenting resources lately ... I do need His grace on this journey. I am so thankful that we do not need to do this most important job alone, but that He gently leads us along ...

I haven't read the following book, but it looks like something I'd like to read. There is opportunity to win it, so I'm sharing this with you now.



If you go here, you can enter a giveaway to win the book mentioned above.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Smooth and Easy Days ?


Those of you that are homeschooling parents may appreciate this free download. Then again, you probably don't need to be homeschooling to benefit from what Charlote Mason has to say.
You may want to download this free ebook on how to develop good habits in your home in order to create "smooth and easy days".

Thanks Crystal!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Parenting with Purpose

A few days ago I found a parenting book online. From what I've read so far, it looks really helpful. Besides growing tomatoes is what we do here on our Family Farm @ Klasse Woods!

And, yes, by God's grace, we're committed to raising "Godly tomatoes" ... it is our eternal mission in life -- and who can't use a little help and encouragement along the way? If you'd like some, see what Elizabeth Krueger has to say.

Before I had children, I knew all the answers ... now I have children - and I'm finding that I always have more to learn!




Would you like to read it? This is the author's home page.

It can also be ordered as a print book here.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Birthday Baby

Our baby turned one today. She got a baby of her own to mother ... and that she does! Here she is checking the baby bottle -- making sure it is not too hot?? Smile!



Faith Mattaya has brought sunshine and joy into our home!

This new baby doll is very large, but to her it must seem more real because she sure plays with it constantly -- different than with her other dolls. Actually, I wasn't going to get her a doll this year yet because she already has quite a few that others have gifted her with etc. Actually, I wanted to go shopping for a doll and buy a doll for her(having never had the need/opportunity to buy dolls before, lol)!
BUT I really was going to wait until another year ... then I saw how very much Faith Mattaya enjoyed the baby doll that Rebekah let her play with when we visited a couple weeks ago. Thanks Rebekah! What a blessing you shared with us!

Happy Birthday, Little One!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Everyone Can Help Haiti



Their need is so great. We have so much.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."


We can give. Here's how: Crystal of MoneySavingMom has organized a means through which bloggers can unite to challenge one another to give to those in need in Haiti.

Who would have thought that a simple click could "make money". This information age is simply amazing! It behooves us to do good:

And you can join in by clicking to give!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Wonderful Warm Weather

Good for sledding...



Going for a walk with Daddy ... and checking all the animals!



And the older guys were working in the woodlot!

Above zero temps in mid-January following last weeks frigid temps sure is a treat!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Catching Up

Some photos from Faith Mattaya's first Christmas ...




Sorry about the lack of posts lately, Christmas celebrations, flu bugs, colds & coughs, family vacation to Saskatchewan and now getting back into the swing of things here at home again -- all of those things seem to have curbed the flow of creative ideas.