I love you, like you are my own

Andrew and Aiden

My nephews but I love them like they are mine.

Andrew, our gentle giant, turned eleven last week.He has not had it easy in this life. A boy that had to grow up too fast.

Multiple surgeries before he could read or ride a bike, but look at him today.

Healthy and strong.

His favorite things are baseball and skateboarding

(skater boy reminds me of another precious Andrew ;).

A boy that until recently was unable to express his feelings and affections.

What a breakthrough Jesus has made in his life.

One year of Christian homeschooling and all the love and affection he needs.

Today, as I was leaving his house, he runs outside while I'm backing up. Waving to get my attention. "Wait Aunt Brandi, you forgot something" he says. He walks up to my window and leans in for a hug and whispers in my ear "I love you Aunt Brandi."

MY CUP RUNNETH OVER.

I couldn't hold back the alligator tears as I drove away. You see, Andrew has NEVER showed me affection without my having to wrestle him for it. I know he loves me, but like I said, difficulty with the emotional stuff.

Jesus is working in this boys heart.

Precious Aiden!!

Total opposite of his bubba.

Love and sugars are never ending. I never get enough!

One year old today!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Skater boy!! Not to cool to carry his cousin Gracie's bike.

His tough ball player look. Preparing for the big leagues!

Becoming a big brother changed his heart.

What a difference a year can make.

My love,

aunt brandi

local artist

Have you seen her work?? It is very good.I just love her use of color.

She also does walls, desks,

and floors. :)

It's a beautiful life!

Their Here!! The West Ladies are here.

Well, not really but the DVD series of the West ladies are here.
My very own copy of Hannah, CeCe, Vicki, and Jasmine.

If you have never heard of this mother and her daughters and their DVD series called Homestead Blessings, you are really missing out.
At least I think so. ;)

They are old fashioned in every thing they make and do.
(I love everything old fashioned).
They live and farm in Amish country in the hills of Tennessee.

Last week, Vision Forum ran a sale on the entire collection of Homestead Blessings.
I have been waiting to own this series for a very long time.
A while back, I got my hands on a copy of the bread making DVD and it was love at first sight.
They really are a blessing, and I am thankful to have my very own.

I have much to learn...

The series covers:

The Art of...
Dairy delights, bread making, canning, herbs, cooking, candle making,
soap making, gardening, and sewing

These are a perfect addition for our homeschooling library,
or for a family that loves to learn as we work.
(Secretly) I know my husband anticipated some of these DVDs. He is really looking forward to learning how to can our harvest.

Well, I waited until chores where done before I sit down to watch.
I'm off to make myself a cup of coffee and start watching.
Thing is I can't decide which one first.
Probably, soap making because my soap didn't do so well.

Many blessings from this homestead to yours.

A Lovely Day

Today, is one of those days. The weather is lovely, the temperature is just right for opening the windows and airing out the house. There is a cool breeze that blows through my house. I have lots of windows on all sides. We planned it that way when we built because I knew the breeze would be wonderful on a day like today.

My dear husband is out playing in a charity golf tournament for the first part of the day and then playing volleyball this afternoon. My day is a little less athletic but equally pleasing to me. I plan to just enjoy my family today.

Tie on my favorite apron, put a load in the wash, bake some cookies with my precious Grace. This afternoon, I'm hoping to work some on a quilt I am quilting for my daughter (I will show it when it's done). The roses need trimming, the romaine lettuce is ready for harvesting, and weeds need pulling from the garden.

Marinating pork chops for the grill this evening and a fresh salad straight from my garden. Sounds tasty!!

My idea of a perfect day!!

Be blessed my friends!

~Brandi

Finding Joy in a Normal Day...

Can you find it in your day?? Sometimes, it is something so simple, others would not bother to notice. I have many simple pleasures that bring me so much joy.

That first cup of morning coffee. It has to be good coffee and in my favorite mug.

My favorite girlie apron. I love wearing an apron as I go about my day around the home.

A tidy comfortable home.

A few quiet moments on my front porch. Ceiling fans running, glass of iced tea, and my Bible. This is one of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy the day. Spending time with God in the Word and in prayer. Absolute fulfillment!

Clean sheets that smell of sunshine. I use a dryer but I sometimes take them out just before they are completely dry, and hang them on the porch.

Laughter of my children. Especially, if I am the source of their laughter. I don't mind getting silly!

Witnessing my son finally "get it" in his school work. Sometimes he has to really practice to gain understanding of something. Like spelling, but when he "gets it" he is so proud. His confidence is boosted and it is an amazing moment for a home schooling mom.

Waking up to my sweet precious three year old alarm clock. She usually climbs up and over me to snuggle in between her daddy and I. Then proceeds to say the funniest things. This morning it was "come to papa." I don't know where she gets her sayings but they are sometimes hilarious.

Do you take the time to savor the day? Maybe it's just a moment? Maybe it is just waking up to each new day. Do try to find the silver lining in this life?

Because..

This is your life!

He is Risen!!!

Even during all the fun activities...

Let us not forget WHO and WHAT we celebrate.He went to the cross at Calvary.

His blood He shed for me.

By His blood we are Forgiven.

The King of Kings!
We love You Savior.

Bunny face cupcakes
for Gracie bug's Easter party ;)

Mothers of Daughters

I pose a question to the mother's of daughters. Do we as mothers, encourage our daughters to become mothers and keepers of the home? Do you make it a regular topic in your home? That it is a good thing to want to be a mother, wife, and keeper of the home. Will she grow up knowing that there is a distinct biblical role for the life of a woman and a man?

Have our own gender roles been blurred by years of feminist brainwashing? Speaking from the heart of a woman that refused to take her husband's name on their wedding day(sad, I know), I can now see how brainwashed I used to be. I'm afraid this generation (not all) are so far removed from the Creator's design for the natural order of things.

It starts early in life. When children are asked, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Is a little girl given the freedom to say "a mommy." Or will she be corrected, "No honey, besides that, what do you want to BE?" Because by societies standards, to be a good wife and mother, is simply not an achievement.

As a girl, nearing the end of her high school education, she will be pushed to go straight into four more years of university education. After all, she must obtain a career or be deemed unsuccessful (by the world's standards). If she is a product of government schooling, she will hear it, all her school age years (I did). I wish someone would have told me earlier in life, that God created a woman to be a helpmate to her husband. This really would have saved me many years of floundering through college, jobs, and pretty much life in general. If only I had seen the BIG picture more clearly.

Having lived through those years, I am now able to appreciate these years with so much gratitude for life. I am quick to play dolls and mommy with my daughter. I make sure to slip in references to when she is a mommy someday. I want her to know early, that being a good wife and mother, is the greatest life fulfillment for a woman.

I have so many thoughts in regards to the pitfall of the feminist movement. I think most of the fall of society and the disconnect of family can be traced back to the root of a feminist lie. To be continued...