Simple Pleasures . . .

I’ve been thinking about how much joy can come from the simple things in life. Things that pertain to family, nature, and just life in general. They usually aren’t expensive, but are worth so very, very much. I like to think of these as – and I solidly believe that they are – blessings from a loving Father, sent to delight us and, many times, to teach us about Himself.

Here are a few of the simple pleasures that I am enjoying in my life ~

~ Bedtime stories every night with my littles.

~ The changing of the seasons.

~ An afternoon on the front porch with a cool drink and my notebooks, drinking in the beauty of tall green trees, pretty flowers, and watching my little ones play.

~ Baking goodies for my family.

~ Conversations with my teenagers.

~ Beautiful pictures in magazines – cutting them out and decorating my journal with them.

~ Lighting a seasonal candle while I’m cooking or relaxing at night.

~ Hearing a sweet “I love you” from one of my kids.

~ Harvesting anything from the garden.

~ Stroking a kitty’s soft fur.

~ Sewing on a quilt and enjoying the beautiful fabrics.

~ Small town friendliness.

~ Fresh clean laundry.

~ Stopping by the Sno-cone stand on a hot summer day.

~ Seeing my husband pulling into the driveway.

~ A good book.

~ Popcorn with a late night movie.

~ Occasionally taking the slow, windey, country road rather than the highway.

~ Watching my children grow and learn.

~ Seeing the Lord working in my heart, growing me.

I begin to think that I could probably go on and on. Thank you, Lord, for all of your special gifts to us!

What simple pleasures are you enjoying?

Blessings,
Nancy

The Simple Woman’s Daybook ~ August 23

Here is my Daybook entry for today ~

Outside my window. . .105 degrees today – about like its been for the last month and 1/2. My garden is all parched and dried up. I am soooo ready for cooler weather.
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I am thinking. . .about clutter. . . how much I don’t like it.
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From the learning room. . .squeezing the last bit out of summer before we start formal lessons ~ on the calendar for soon after Labor Day.
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I am thankful for. . .the deep, deep love of God as He is always caring for me, providing for me, and growing me.
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From the kitchen. . .Hot Chicken Salad Casserole, applesauce and tossed salad for dinner tonight.
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I am wearing. . .yellow t-shirt and denim capris.
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I am creating. . .more visual peace for myself as we work on cleaning out several “overgrown” clutter areas this week.
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I am going. . .for a swim after dinner – it’s been way to hot to swim in the afternoons, so we’ve been going out and enjoying wonderful evening swims most nights, staying out until it gets dark and the stars come out.
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I am reading. . .“Homeschool SuperMom…Not!” (subtitle: When Grace Meets Homeschooling) by Susan Kemmerer. I just received this in the mail and have read only the first two chapters, but can tell that this is going to be one of my favorites. It is hitting me right where I am and is full of practical advice as well as wonderful Biblical truth.
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I am hoping. . .need I say it again? . . . I am hoping that Fall will arrive very soon!
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I am hearing. . .the shower running upstairs, a dog eating her dinner, air conditioner running, and – oh yes! the beeper on the oven calling me to come take our dinner out of the oven.
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Around the house. . .laundry being worked through, two giant stacks of library books, several cleaning out projects underway, and a family waiting patiently for dinner.
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One of my favorite things. . .my new quilt block charm bracelet, with only July and August charms so far, but which will have a different charm for each month by next year at this time. (No, I’m not sewing them!! They are jewelry quilt blocks!)
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A few plans for the rest of the week. . .cleaning out, swimming, sewing (if I can get to it!), and a birthday celebration for my dear Mom!
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Here is a picture thought I am sharing. . .

Macey enjoying an afternoon snooze

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Thanks to Peggy at The Simple Woman’s Daybook for this wonderful meme. Visit Peggy to find the August list of participants in The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Have a wonderful evening!

Blessings,
Nancy

Well . . .

. . . I haven’t actually been fishing, but I have been gone, as you might have noticed. And I have no excuses to make, sorry, but I just have been enjoying my summer and that has left little time for blogging. What have we been doing? Well, the short list includes:

~ Summer Theme Days

~ Going to the movies

~ 4th of July Celebrations

~ Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a

~ Sleepovers with friends

~ An evening at the Ballpark

~ Birthday Celebrations

~ VBS at church

The long list would include library trips, reading, horseback lessons, ice skating, and lots and lots of swimming.

I have begun to feel the pull of Fall; however, (maybe these 106 degree temps have something to do with it) and am feeling the desire to think about plans, routines, and back to school. This hopefully will put me back into the blogging mode, as well! I have much to share and will return asap to get started on that!

Hope you’re having a good day – and staying cool wherever you are!

Blessings,
Nancy