My Heart's at Home

I love to read. My bookshelves are crammed with an odd mix of history, parenting, frugality, inspirational, biblical study, hospitality, and fiction writings. Books are so much better than movies to me. I am always disappointed by a movie if I have already read the book. I love to get lost in a story. I want to share one of my more recent reads. This book has done more to affect my parenting strategy than all of the other books I have read on the subject combined. I intend to present it with all baby gifts in the future. It is that good.

Jill Savage's goal is to show moms that motherhood is a profession. "You can do amazing things within four walls when your heart's at home." She has a ministry website located here.

As a mom it can be easy to lose yourself in the mundane and forget to cherish the moments. What a job we have, to prepare these impressionable little hearts and minds for life on their own. What we do will affect their lives as well as their children and the children's children. We are the ones who guide the trajectory for their future. What a heritage God has given us! I know I'm not going to get it all right, but I want to be intentional in my role as a parent. I never want to fall into the trap of just going through the motions.

If you are interested in purchasing Jill's book, which I highly recommend, it is available at Amazon for a very reasonable price.

Southern Roots Run Deep

I was born and raised in South Carolina. So was my dad, and his dad, and his dad, and his dad. My Great-Great Grandfather is buried about 5 miles from my parent's home. I am the first in my family in several generations to live outside of that small town. My Southern roots run deep. I love my heritage. I have lived away from the South for 10 of the 15 years that I have been married...but I will always be a Southern girl.

My husband and I have been living in Maryland for almost 5 years now. We love this area! Despite being a few miles south of the Mason-Dixon line, it is not the South (I don't care what the natives say!) But, this is our home. The Maryland countryside is some of the most lovely I've seen. There is an unbelievably eclectic mix of people here. The number of heart languages spoken within a 25 mile radius of my home is astounding. There are people from all walks of life. My neighbors are farmers, teachers, doctors, politicians, surveyors, contractors, and governments employees. It is an easy drive to more landmarks of historical significance than I can count. We love to visit Gettysburg and Harper's Ferry for a family day out.

We have two precious boys. The oldest is a fourth grader, the youngest is in preschool. We are also on the journey to adopt a daughter from China, who is already in our hearts although we have not yet seen her face. I am learning more and more each day what a joy it is to be a mom. I am learning about the things that really are important. I am finding out more about myself, some things that are good and many that need improvement.

Faith is a huge part of our lives. God has blessed our family immeasurably. The greatest gift that He has given us is the sacrifice of His Son. Our purpose is to bring glory to Him in all things. I get off track often, but He is patient to correct me and bring me back to focus. I do not believe in religion, that will get you nowhere. But, being in a relationship? Now there is something that matters!

I am also learning new ways to be frugal. Many years ago a friend informed me that her husband had said that I could pinch a penny until Abe Lincoln screamed. If he could only see me now! I actually get a charge when I use so many coupons at the grocery store that the manager has to come out and approve my purchase. Who needs drugs when you can get a rush like that for free?

I like to cook, read and run. I am a novice cake decorator. I enjoy infusing bits of Southern tradition and hospitality into my life here. And honestly, I just love sharing new ideas that I've come across. So, this blog will be a conglomeration of things that I just want to share: recipes, bargains, thoughts on adoption, matters of faith, tips on how to save a buck...

So, join me on the journey. And please, share with me what you have learned as well. Most of my posts are not likely to be earth-shattering. But, life is rarely dull just south of the Mason-Dixon ;)