Our Family - March 2010
Spring is here and the weather outside has been truly delightful! I love those first sprouts of warmer days, spring walks with flowers blossoming around you, thoughts of summer, and true gratefulness at the beauty around me. I have been blessed this month to celebrate our son’s first birthday, have some spring family photos done (thanks to my wonderful sister, Christa), and continue to adjust to cultivating more of a simplicity and intentionality in my homemaking.
I did have another bout of insomnia this month, but the Lord is again graciously carrying me through this trial and helping me work through my emotions and struggles. My husband has been so supportive and encouraging.
Aaron is thriving at his new job and loves the corporate environment! His job has provided stability in our finances more so than we have ever experienced. Direct deposit is a wonderful gift. With this blessing, we are purposefully paying off the remainder of business debt that had accumulated and get into a purposeful savings plan. We love Mint for our financial tracking…it’s free!
The kiddos are doing very well. They love routine more than I ever realized. Since we are limited to one car for the time being, we are staying home a lot more. We established a good morning and evening routine. Taking a daily walk (along as the weather proves endurable) with the kids helps refresh our spirits and get us tired for good naps. Karis and I have a quality learning time together each morning now, doing a focused learning activity, reading, baking, or simply giggling over tea. I love it! I have learned the importance of scheduling in these times together or they get forgotten. I am blessed with two lovely children that love to smile!
Titus & Karis
Welcome Contributors!
I am excited to announce that I am welcoming three new monthly blog contributors to join me here at Passionate Homemaking! Please welcome Vina, Kat & Ann – three amazing inspired women! They all equally have a passion to encourage women in all things natural, simple and mission-mindedness. I am thrilled to have them join my team. Please check out our new contributor page which includes their bio’s and personal blogs.
New Blog Design!
Another exciting event in process is the redesigning of our blog! Yes, it has been a long time in coming, and we hope to launch the new site by May 1st. I am simply thrilled!
Relevant 2010 here we come!
I stumbled upon the Relevant Conference 2010 this past week and just fell in love with the vision and theme of this conference. It is all about purposeful, intentional, real blogging. I love the mission statement:
The Relevant Conference exists to offer a place of face to face interaction with Christian women bloggers who want to be relevant in the larger blog and social media world. Our goal is to go beyond the surface into intentional blogging and real life living. We support women turning their hearts toward home and using their blogs to bless their families while also engaging the world for the glory of God. Relevant is a one-of-a-kind conference that seeks to engage women by teaching blogging techniques and social media skill while also urging and encouraging women to live fully integrated lives with their faith and family.
I immediately felt like the Lord wanted me to attend this conference. My husband was supportive and in one day, the Lord provided my airline ticket and registration! Paula’s Bread is assisting me with sponsorship, and they provide safe kitchen appliances for your kitchen (including Bosch, Nutrimill and other stainless steel gadgets). Please check them out!
My amazing hubby and I!
March Book Reviews
Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood by Jamie Martin – a short and sweet read (I read it in one day!) with creative ideas to organize your life, create memories, and build a learning environment in your home. I love her idea of a learning board and memory books. Such a sweet mama!
The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions – the best book I have read to date on this topic! This would be an excellent companion guide to carry your through a birth, as it is easy to navigate to find different ideas for labor positions, what to do in various situations, etc. Thorough resource!
Sacred Influence: How God Uses Wives to Shape the Souls of Their Husbands by Gary Thomas – I gave a more thorough review of this book last month, but I did complete it and cannot say enough as to how valuable this book has been for our marriage. Gary lays it out there before you from a man’s perspective, giving you a peek into the man’s brain, and I was blown away. I discussed each chapter with my husband through the process of reading it and dialoged extensively. At every point, my husband heartily agreed with this man! If you want to strengthen, protect, and grow your marriage…then you must read this book!
Dancing with My Father: How God Leads Us into a Life of Grace and Joy by Sally Clarkson – Sally is one of my favorite authors on the topic of missional motherhood. Her book, The Mission of Motherhood: Touching Your Child’s Heart for Eternity, is on my annual book reading list. Dancing with My Father is her newest release and it focuses on the topic of cultivating joy in the weariness of life. It mainly shares her own personal stories, but there is valuable studies at the end of each chapter for you to personally search the Scriptures more thoroughly. If you are struggling to remain joyful as a wife and mother, please read this book (along with Choosing Gratitude)!
Many blessings upon you all! May you have a glorious Easter weekend, enjoying the beauty of our Savior’s resurrection!
Hi Lindsay! This is only a year late (!) but I just wanted to say thanks so much for your kind words about Steady Days. I never knew you had mentioned it until today someone told me that your blog is how they found out about my book.
Can’t wait to hear about your upcoming Compassion trip–what an amazing group you guys have heading out!
Blessings,
Jamie
Your new weblog is so different from a few months ago. Sadly for me I miss that intimate touch of yours. I'll be checking in from time to time, but not my earnest desire to read your posts have fizzled.
Hi, Christy- Could it be that the easiest solution would be getting a routine and reliable daily schedule, rather than letting the kids be so unpredictable and leaving you to scramble “fitting stuff in”? I know that some people find the idea of scheduling their kids naps & feedings to be offensive, so I say this cautiously, and TOTALLY trying to help instead of offend! But have you considered doing that? Putting the baby on a flexible routine (like always trying to do a FULL feeding, then some awake time, and then a good nap…repeat) can really help them learn to sleep through the night on their own. My daughter went through phases of reverting to waking up at night (sickness, travel, etc), but it was pretty painless to teach her sleep through the night. She's now 6 mos old and I'm starting to feel less sleep-deprived. I expect that from here on out her nights will get longer and more reliable. Anyway, that's one thing. But it all starts with a routine. My friend who just had her second baby said the most important thing she's learned is to put the baby down for a nap at the same time as her toddler at least once every afternoon. When you have the baby taking full feedings (no snacking), it's much easier to do that. And once you've got them on a FLEXIBLE routine (usually about a 3 hour cycle) it's easier to manipulate it so both kids are sleepy at the same time. That is HUGELY helpful for you, to allow you to best steward your time and also to feel less exhausted! You are the parent, and you know what is best for your kids– what foods are good for them, what they need to wear, what toys they have or don't have. Same thing with naps.
–your sister in Christ Christina… if you want to dialog more feel free to contact me!! =D
Your family pictures are great.You have a beautiful family.
Such wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing!
I took your recommendation to read Sacred Influence. I'm about halfway through now, and I must say, I think it is such a great book. Thank you for recommending it! I hope many more will read it.
Stunning photos! And thanks for yet another inspiring post!
I logged on today to get the deoderant recipe again as my last batch is nearly out and relised I havnt read your blog since before christmas, I loved it before but I love it even more now. New stuff to read and look forward too. Thankyou lindsay in all the information to help me live a simpler natural life. Slowly we are getting there. I go no poo, my hubby and children use Dr bronners baby castile soap, your deoderant recipe, coconut oil as moisturiser, cloth mama pads, Weleda toothpaste. The last on my list is to change my facepowder, but am waiting till this one runs out as I cant just afford to throw things out. I need to takle our kitchen cupboards as they are full of plastic but its a slow process and we are well on the road to living a natural life, thanks again. Louise
I love reading your monthly updates. You have a beautiful family. Thanks so much for sharing all that you do.
Really enjoyed this post and all the pictures
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Your photos reflect love and joy!
beautiful pictures! and thank you for the wonderful book list! I cant wait to get readin'
Random question, just wondering what happened to your blogroll ?
It’s funny that you ask. I honestly get this question every month when I list my book reviews. I read a lot at night before bed. I think the key is to just get into the habit of it. Donald Whitney gives the challenge to just start by reading one page each day. You inevitably read more. Add it to the daily schedule. Its okay to read when your kids are awake. Have a structured play time for them (playdough, drawing, etc) and you kick up your legs and read a chapter. Everyone finds time for what they prioritize. I could not stay encouraged and refreshed in my mothering and homemaking without reading regularly. Read quickly is another tip I have benefited from. I sometimes read during the kids nap, but that time is mainly for blogging, so night time is my main reading time. I hope that helps!
These pictures are taken by my sister who is more of a professional photographer. The key for good pictures first and foremost is simply having a good camera. I don't know all the settings myself, but we have a Canon XTI, which makes taking good pictures pretty easy on the automatic or portrait setting. That's where I hang out most of the time. You might want to check out google for ideas on improving your photography skills. I have learned the more you take, the better you get at it as well. Make sure to have good lightening, never center your object (off-setting is always a plus), and try to stay away from the flash unless it is completely necessary. Those are things I know.
Blessings!
Wonderful pictures! I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I found your blog about two weeks ago and have been reading the archives.
I love the picture of you and your husband! It’s good to see that being wonderfully in love is not just for newly engaged or married couples. It’s obvious you two are not just co-parents, but madly-in-love spouses, and with two beautiful kids to boot! That has to equal harmony in your home.
Lovely to read about what God has been doing in your life this month! Wonderful pictures! I look forward to hearing from your new contributors, especially Ann.
Hi, weird question here… I woul dlove to be able to take such nice pictures as the ones you take for your family. I love the whole “Monthly update/review” idea. My problem is that I know nothing about photography and would love to take better pictures. Do you want to blog about this or simply comment back on what settings your camera is on. I know no photography terminology so you’ll have to use simple terms here, lol. We just have a regular small digital 8.0 type of camera. Any tips would be greastly appreciated.
Thanks a bunch
Cassandra
Thank you so much for mentioning Mint! The link didn’t work, but I was able to Google it. We just signed up and I already love it! Your little ones are adorable – I enjoy your monthly updates.
I just stumbled across your blog after seeing a comment you made on twitter about Relevant. I am going to be at the conference as well, and hope to have the chance to meet you!! I love your blog and you have a beautiful family!! Have a wonderful Easter weekend!
Rachel
I echo Christy, how do you find the time. I have a three month old and an almost two year old and some days I feel I hardly have time to do the normal day to day things. I love your blog, thank you for keeping it real…everyday struggles and joys. Have so much fun at your conference!
Have a lovely time at the conference. I am checking out some of the blogs of the guest speakers and they are wonderful!
You have a very beautiful family.
I love these updates! I especially love those beautiful pics, the one of you and your hubby is BEAUTIFUL!
Thanks for the book recs, too!
Sarah M
Absolutely beautiful family photos! You are an inspiration.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Beautiful pictures! Happy Easter!
Lindsay,
I always appreciate your book reviews. I have a long list of books I really want to read, but struggle to find the time to do so! My 2 kids are the same spread as yours, just about 3 months younger. My question for you is, how do you find the time to read? When during the day do you do it? I also wrestle with insomnia. And neither of my kids sleep through the night, so I’m often up 1-5 times at night. And they don’t nap consistently at the same time either. Would love some practical tips on how to fit this into my life! Thanks.
It’s funny that you ask. I honestly get this question every month when I list my book reviews. I read a lot at night before bed. I think the key is to just get into the habit of it. Donald Whitney gives the challenge to just start by reading one page each day. You inevitably read more. Add it to the daily schedule. Its okay to read when your kids are awake. Have a structured play time for them (playdough, drawing, etc) and you kick up your legs and read a chapter. Everyone finds time for what they prioritize. I could not stay encouraged and refreshed in my mothering and homemaking without reading regularly. Read quickly is another tip I have benefited from. I sometimes read during the kids nap, but that time is mainly for blogging, so night time is my main reading time. I hope that helps!
Great pictures! You look so beautiful!
The pictures are wonderful! Praise God for blessing your family!!!
Lindsay, i love these pictures of your family…what a blessing family is! Thanks for everything you post here…glorifying God! Happy Easter
The pictures are just lovely! Loving your hair curly. Glad to see God’s blessings on you this month!
Lindsay I always love reading your monthly updates on your family. You are such and inspiring woman. I am considering doing a family scrapbook similiar to what you do….with pictures, and a monthly report. I love this idea. Thank you for sharing every month.
Your family is beautiful. Thank you for your blog. I’ve been slowly changing my family’s diet for about 5 years now and recently started a blog of my own. Initially, it was a diet blog but I’ve felt inspired to downplay the weight-loss emphasis and really focus on health and whole foods. Your blog has helped me so much. I read Nourishing Traditions about 6 years ago and after throwing away most of the contents of my cupboards and deciding to adopt that lifestyle, I learned that I had no tools in my arsenal for accomplishing that task! We went back to old ways but slowly (baby steps) have come back to that philosophy. Because of your blog, and blogs of others, I finally feel like I CAN do this.
These photos are absolutely beautiful! Blessings to you and your lovely family.
Beautiful pictures! Your family looks wonderful! I hope you have a great time at your conference and learn a lot!