Try This One on For Size

Saw this on someones facebook status today......

 

The difference between a smart man and a wise man is that a smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows whether or not to say it. ~Frank M. Garafola

 

And that shall be one of my prayers, that I may learn to be a smart and wise woman, speaking only when I am supposed to and learning to be quiet the rest of the time.

New Years Goals

It's the middle of February and I really, seriously have an issue with making a New Years Resolution. I am especially bothered by the commercialism that is involved with it all. So you'll never find me writing or discussing some sort of resolution at the beginning of any year.

What I do find fun, is the thought process of challenging myself to something and seeing a change. I also love the thought of starting fresh, with some sort of a clean slate.

A couple bloggers have set a challenge for each month of the year. Their challenges are small and simple things that they can do to make changes either in their finances, meal planning, housework, etc.

That sounded fun to me. So I decided to set a monthly challenge, something simple and easy to try and accomplish.

January - I successfully tackled bread making. This may be an easy one for some of you but it wasn't for me. However its February and I am still making our own bread! I love it!

February - I've challenged myself to make $50.00. It's a little financially rough for us, as I am sure it is for most of you too. My husband and I have made a very firm decision that I will not work out of the home, we will homeschool, and he will be the main bread winner. We cut corners in every aspect of our life.... most of the time joyfully. However, I've been feeling the urge to help out somehow. So this month I've sold coupons on Ebay and a few things on craigslist. I'm almost there in my challenge and hope that I will do more then that in the future!

March - sew, sew, sew. The sewing machine is up and plugged in. All my material is finally sitting under the table, but have I done anything yet??? Nope and it's time to get back on the horse.

April - garden! I've been reading (in all my spare time) about gardening. I've gardened in the past, but this year my goal is to garden veggies with a purpose for preserving them (mostly freezing) for the fall and winter. While I have this goal set for April, I'm already planning, reading, thinking, and getting excited.

That is all I've got so far. I love the idea of challenging myself to something small each month. What about you? Do have any small challenges or changes you are making to your life?

Amish Country

For those of you who live outside of the state, I just want to tell you, I really do live in PA Dutch Country!

The other day, my mother in law and I decided to run out on few errands. Now she does live 20 miles away from me. But, I had a hankering to run to the local Amish store near her. The older boys stayed back with their pappy, while my mil and I loaded the Si-guy into the van and headed out.

As I was waiting for my mil at our first stop, I watched as an Amish man came trotting in with his horse and buggy. Once he hooked his horse up at the post, he pulled out a blanket and nicely covered his horse, keeping him warm. I watched from afar, loving the simplicity of their life.



Pic courtesy of morguefile.com

Image URL:

http://mrg.bz/u8NkYS

Image URL:

http://mrg.bz/u8NkYS



On our way to our next stop, I commented on how you can literally feel a peace in the air as you drive through Amish country. A purple handmade quilt hung outside while buggies were parked in home driveways. We arrived at the Amish store, a place that is locally famous for getting bulk foods and cheese. The young woman who checked me out, was gentle in spirit and kept sneaking a peek at my youngest. Finally as we paid our bill, she pulled out a basket and offered him a lollipop.

Back into the car, we drove further on, stopping at a butcher shop for fresh cut meats. Standing in line, I watched as a butcher stepped through a door, I sneaked a peek at the cow hanging in the back. I've certainly grown up, as this didn't bother me in the least.



Pic courtesy of Morgeufile.com

Image URL:

http://mrg.bz/LJngk6

Image URL:

http://mrg.bz/LJngk6



On our way back, we pulled into the local hometown farmers market. I love this place. They are always cheerful and have the most delicious and fresh fruits and veggies. I completed my food shopping there, as I gathered apples, strawberries, cucumbers, and so much more. Their prices were amazing! The lady behind the counter chuckled at Simon as he threw a fit over the apples. With much laughter she told us the apple he wanted was on the house, please give it to him!

Such an interesting area to live around. 20 minutes from me and I'm in the suburban area where there is a Wegmans, Giant, Target, and plenty more to shop at. 20 miles from me, I can hop in the car and appreciate an Amish store, a butcher shop, and a local farmers market.

Respite

photo courtesy of Morguefile.com

Image URL:

http://mrg.bz/Aht0Xs

Image URL:

http://mrg.bz/Aht0Xs

We all have our stories, our daily busyness, our family's way of doing things. Our home currently includes homeschooling, a rotating work shift, renovations, amidst 3 boys. For me, I appreciate a good respite.

I find peace and quiet in many ways. Time to myself at night when the kiddos are in bed and my husband is working late can be one way. A cup of tea and time to write really brings me some joy. However, since my move back to PA one of the biggest and sweetest ways I have found a respite is by spending time at my in laws.

I wish I could explain just how much I appreciate my in laws. They live out in the countryside, where it is quiet and calm. Around their house are trees that are older then all of us combined. Hanging by windows, off trees, and near the porch are birdhouses, feeders, bells, and suet.

When the kids come, they run off and play in the woods or sled down a hill or two. They make paper airplanes, eat their fare share of junk food, and laugh heartily. When its bedtime, the kiddos will curl up in one of the bedrooms fully spoiled, with satisfied smiles on their faces. They've just spent some quality time with their special Pappy and Grandma.

I love walking into their home, I feel like levels of stress fall off at the doorstep. I laugh more easily, I sip good coffee, I watch HGTV and appreciate the natural surroundings. My mother in law dotes over all of my children, while my father in law can answer any fix it question out there (these days, we tend to have a TON of them).

Generally within the hour of our arrival, my brother in law comes driving up the lane in his big truck. He and his wife come in, they get down on my boys level, talking with them, laughing with them and just plain loving them. If I am lucky, I'll pester him with questions about my impending garden or one of our house projects. Usually he shakes his head at me and gives me his view on it all.

This is where I find rest. This is where I find a break from daily life. I never leave empty handed or disappointed. Instead, I leave with unending thankfulness and a true lesson in how I want to be when I am a grandparent someday.

Giveaway, Fav Mag, Saving Moolah

First stop what you are doing and sign up for my giveaway! Peeps, lets get real here, hospitality is the way to genuinely love people, right where they are at! I want to help you in that adventure. Go here, read my post and sign up. There are 3 separate ways that you can enter.

Second, I have a favorite magazine and today its on the cheap. I am a huge fan of ReadyMade. This magazine is simple and gives you great inspiration on how to make things out of what you have. There are not many mags out there that I would pay money for. But this is one, I am willing to spend a little change on. Today you can get a subscription for $2.99. For the record, I am not getting any sort of payment or recognition or whatever for this. I genuinely LOVE  this mag. Use coupon code READY at checkout and get this mag. You will not be disappointed.

Oh and at some point, which can't be now because I have to homeschool my children and answer my husband on a renovation project (gosh, said like Napoleon) I am going to brag about my Target trip yesterday in which I literally gave one woman a run down on how to use coupons and save crazy money. Even the kids were giggling at me!

Now go sign up for my giveaway!