Hello friends! I thought I’d give you a quick update from over the past few weeks! I don’t have many pictures for you today, but I’ll just write about what’s been going on these days. :)

For Daddy’s birthday on earlier this month, I made a cake with layers of chocolate cheesecake, chocolate cake, white cheesecake, chocolate mousse, white swirl, and chocolate buttercream frosting. It’s my favorite cake…ever. Would anyone be interested in the recipe? I’ll just warn you ahead of time that there’s not a speck of health in it, but that’s okay for a birthday cake! :) Hee-hee.

School is going well! Two weeks ago I finished the first quarter of the semester. It ended with a long round of unit exams. I also took the ACT that same week, which was tough. I was VERY glad to get those things behind me, after which I enjoyed a nice little break. My school load is demanding, but not too terribly hard, and I am enjoying my classes very much. I’m also looking forward to spring break in the a few weeks!

Wesley and I were inspired by a friend to start watching Dr. Who! And though it’s taken a few episodes to get into, I have found myself enjoying them and even *trying* to mimic a British accent. :) I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I’m a Whovian yet, but it’s been a fun thing to do together.

Last week we got freezing rain, which coated absolutely everything, including the roads, with ice. On Thursday everyone stayed home because of the icy weather. It was a very pleasant, cozy day, despite the slushy mess outside. Since then we have gotten almost every form of precipitation (sleet, rain, snow, etc.). Missouri weather is so strange!

Austin and Jonathan competed at another speech tournament over the weekend (the same one I posted about last year). They did very well, each placing among the top finalists and winning a few trophies. We were all so proud of them. :)

One last thing…we’re having a photography contest at God’s World Photography this week! The theme for this month’s contest is animals. This contest is open to anyone, so if you have a picture you’d like to enter, head on over and check it out! :)

So there’s a little update….we have had some busy/stressful days over the past few weeks, but God’s new mercies abound, and His goodness in every aspect of my life never ceases to amaze me. I am reminded many times each day that mine is a life truly blessed.

Have a joy-filled and God-honoring week!

Hello everyone! During a walk in our woods one day, I was inspired to write down a few things I’ve learned from growing up with brothers. I love where God has put me in our family: right between an older and two younger brothers. I can’t imagine my life without one of my siblings. But of course we have our share of hard times. I am far from the perfect sister and I never will be. So as you read this, know that I am working on each of these things in my own life. As one writer put it, “my finger points back at me as I write”. Quite true for me as well! :)

Remember, if you have brothers, they are some of God’s greatest blessings in your life! They truly are. Don’t wait until they’re all grown up to have a good relationship with them. Brothers grow up so quickly. Often I’ll look over at one or more of them and think, “wow. Can he really have grown up that fast!?!” Treasure the time you have with each one of them. So with that in mind, here are some specific ways you can be a blessing to your brothers:

Bless them with good food. You’ve probably heard the quote “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”. And though it’s funny, it does make a point! In a family with growing boys, food doesn’t last very long! :) So take that opportunity to bless your family with meals and special treats. Plan with your mom to surprise them with a favorite meal or dessert. They will really appreciate you for it.

Ask for their opinions. It’s amazing how much feedback you’ll get from your brothers when asking for their opinion on something! :) Try doing it with a new article of clothing. I remember going thrift shopping while Wesley pushed the cart for me. I’d pull shirts from the rack and ask his opinion on different tops: “you like this one?”, “how ’bout this one?”. It was fun to see his response, and it really helped me make some decisions!

Be mindful of modesty. It’s especially important to think about modesty when there are a bunch of guys in your family. If you have a shirt with a lower neckline, make sure to layer something under it. Place your hand over the front of your shirt when bending down to pick something up. Just be extra mindful about things like that.

Laugh and be goofy. I couldn’t help including the picture above, and yes, I do believe there are times to be silly and goof around together! :D My brothers make me laugh like no one else. It’s such a great way to bond and make hilariously fun memories.

Teach younger ones/help with school subjects. This is not limited to younger brothers only. Try it with any of your younger siblings! Last year Mom asked me to teach geography to Austin and Jonathan. I agreed, rather reluctantly at first, but I was amazed at how much fun we had! I will always treasure the fun memories and laughs we had together that semester.

Encourage them. As sisters we have a huge opportunity to encourage our brothers. Huge! I need to take more advantage of this. Listen to them when they want to show you their creations, forts, and buildings. Ask them about their work, school, or whatever else is going on in their lives. There are countless opportunities to “build them up” during the day. Really try not to nag them, though it may be tempting at times. It doesn’t accomplish anything anyway. If you need to point out something to your brother or ask him to do something, do it lovingly and gently.

Ask how you can pray for them. Talk with your brothers about things they need prayer on and ask them to pray for you in areas that you’re struggling in. This will often turn in to meaningful conversations you wouldn’t otherwise have.

Treat them like young men. Remember that each of your brothers is a growing young man, and you want to treat him like one. Avoid “patronizing” younger brothers in a superior kind of way, even if your intention is kind. They will someday be leaders and heads of their own families. Try to encourage them often in responsibility, leadership, and manliness.

There are few things sweeter and more precious than a strong brother/sister relationship. Sadly it’s becoming an increasingly a rare thing these days. But if you do pursue your brothers and strive for a good relationship, over time, you will gain their confidence and trust and they will gain yours. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do, and the relationships you build with your brothers now will continue to bless you in the years to come.

I was driving home from school with Wesley one evening last week. As we talked about our day, I watched as the pink sunset gently faded into the darkness of the night. The silhouette of trees and barns against the sky was a beautiful picture to behold. It gave me a recurring thought – one that I’ve wanted to blog about for a while:

Just that the best things in life are almost always free. Not fancy. Simple.

I want to more frequently “stop and smell the roses” along the path of life. As a dear friend told me a while ago, “there is always something to smile about”; always something to delight in. Not that there aren’t times to hurry and accomplish things quickly. But even in the midst of the busiest lifestyle we can still take a moment to look around and enjoy the simple delights of everyday life.

When I think of the simple things in my life that bring me joy, I think of…..

Waking up to birds singing

A bright, cheery smile

A long walk outside, being surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation

Snuggling up on a cold winter night with my family to watch a movie

A cup of steaming java

That wonderful, sweaty, tired feeling I get after a workout

Buzzing around the house on a cleaning spree

A slice of bread, fresh from the oven

The tiny fingers and toes of a newborn baby

The delicious breeze that comes from an open window on a lovely day

Smelling the fragrance of a flower

A sweet, juicy orange

Laughter

Coming home at the end of a long day

The peace of stillness and quiet

Uplifting conversation

The gentle hum of our tea kettle

The cozy, woodsy smell of our log stove

Soft quilted pillows

A freshly baked chocolate-cherry scone

Gentle music in a quiet moment of the day

Hugs

Observing a plant grow from week to week 

Pretty kitchen towels and curtains

Sitting around the dinner table with my family.

Now what are some simple things you delight in? I’d love to hear them! :) Let’s take a moment from time to time to look for and enjoy them.