Motherhood is a Calling (And Where Your Children Rank) @ Desiring God "Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for."

Bittersweet Song of September @ Boston.com  LOVED this article!! "It does. It gets better and better. Parenting is filled with bests and a million happy tears. But it’s filled with lumps in your throat, too, and yearning for what was because even as you’re snapping pictures and head over heels in love with the moment that is, a part of you misses the moments that are not anymore."

How to Stay Married for 25 Years@ Smockity Frocks "Remember that feelings ebb and flow. Commitment lasts."

Motherhood is Application @ Desiring God was truly something that I needed to read today This summer was filled with days that went nothing like I would have planned them. Far too many hospital stays, doctor visits, sickness at home. I know I was frazzled far too many times, that I spoke shortly or sharply when I was frustrated at the lack of order in my home because I lacked the time to order it. {sigh}. Thank-you Lord for forgiveness and fresh starts to try again!

37 Ways to Ruin Your Kid Before Age Three @ Rediscovering Domesticity

Information Station @ Chapters is such a cool idea. I emailed this post to DH to see if we could make one. Um, it was a no-go for us (boo!} but maybe it would work for you?

How to Tie A Dress Bow @ The Finer Things in Life was a huge help to me. I’m almost 5 years into being the mom of a little girl who always wears dresses and I hadn’t figured this out yet. My bows never look like they do in the stores!! Thank you for sharing, Amy!

Congratulations, You Married Mr. Right @ At The Well "See, marriage isn’t about getting to be the princess in the fairy tale who lives happily ever after with Prince Charming. It’s about glorifying God."

Organized Through Labels @ eBabble was entertaining to read since my DH wrote it.

A Helpful Guide to Owning Fewer Toys @ Organizing Your Way

Training Children: Life Work @ Generation Cedar says "What we want to do with our children is not merely to control them and keep them in order, but to implant true principles deep in their hearts which shall rule their whole lives; to shape their character from within into Christlike beauty, and to make of them noble men and women, strong for battle and for duty." Wow! What a responsibility!

Do you have an interesting link to share?

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Jenn is wife to one, mother of three and above all, a humble servant seeking to honor the Lord with her life. Interesting Links December 2011 Edition is a post from Beautiful Calling.

Well, anticipating our new arrival in May, knowing that our “old arrival” is still in diapers, I entered a few giveaways in hopes of boosting my stash.

Mama B is having quite the “fluff’ giveaway; head on over and enter!

• Flip, BumGenius & Thirsty’s Duo ends May 8th
• Petunia Pickle Bottom Giveaway ends May 7th
• Win 3 BumGenius4.0 Diapers May 3rd
• Oh Katy Cloth Diaper ends April 26th
• Rumparoos and BumGenius Giveaway ends April 28th
• Bitty Bottoms diaper giveaway ends April 26th
• Pure Modern Baby ends April 25th
• FuzziBunz ends April 21st
• Baby Bottoms Boutique ends May 10th

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Jenn is wife to one, mother of three and above all, a humble servant seeking to honor the Lord with her life. Cloth Diaper Giveaway Links is a post from Beautiful Calling.

Parenting on our Knees @ At the Well was a great reminder. I enjoy reading parenting-how-to books and am always looking for new ideas. But really, God provided all the instruction that we truly need in His Word and His real desire is for me to find the wisdom I need on my knees!

But I Don’t Feel Gentle @ (In)courage made me wince as I read it. Ouch. Far too often, especially when I am tired, busy, sick , sore- I’m not gentle. If there is anything at all in life I need to handle gently, it’s these little ones entrusted to me by Him!

30 Ways to Make Today a Good Day @ Marc and Angel Hack Life is something you should go read now. Pick even just one thing and go do it!

Make Your Bed to the Glory of God @ Raising Homemakers

How To Be a More Patient Mom in Just 24 Hours @ Inspired to Action reminded me that sometimes multitasking has consequences!

Sonshiny @ Rejoicing the Heart started out with “Why is it that I feel like I will never live down the things that I have done?” I immediately knew I had to read this post. You see, my teenage years were very tough {my own fault} and rife with poor choices. Sometimes, I battle with my past; letting me forgive myself.

Spring Get Crafty @ Red Ted Art’s Blog had some really, really neat crafts for spring. Many are too old for my littles but they’re pretty neat!

Choose the Better Things @ Raising Homemakers is very much a reminder to myself. I could easily spend the day {every day} cleaning my home. I need to make sure I am choosing the better things!

Creating a Handmade Home @ Simple Mom had some interesting thoughts about buying less but loving what you’ve bought, items having a story and being more quality. While I love the dollar store for some things, I have to think about my money saying “yes” to that company and their procedures/policies.

Have you written or read a great/interesting post lately?

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Jenn is wife to one, mother of three and above all, a humble servant seeking to honor the Lord with her life. Interesting Links March 2011 Edition is a post from Beautiful Calling.

It’s funny. Some months I don’t get a lot of reading in and then others I do. Lots of interesting links this month. I hope you find at least one that piques your interest!

Don’t Even Try to Be Productive @ Steady Mom – A MUST READ THIS WINTER!

Is my child learning enough? @ Simply Charlotte Mason was a great reminder. I love the statement, "the goal is to educate the whole person; to shape the child’s character, habits, will, and mind in order to make him the best person he can be." I would add in there to teach my little ones to know and love God first but in either case it remains the same, facts and academics are not my first priority for my little ones!

How to Balance Structure and Flexibility in Your Life as Mom @ Life as Mom was written by Jamie, one of my favorite bloggers. Embracing your season is such a huge key to balance isn’t it?

The Truth: Lora Lynn’s Homeschool Day in the Life @ Simple Homeschool made me laugh, inspired me, encouraged me and left me in awe. May I always put training littles above teaching them academics.

What a new baby needs @ Rachel & John was a great list and the comments had additional ideas!

When Good Enough is Good Enough @ Productivity Your Way was an excellent reminder. My children will be more blessed with good enough (and time left over for stories) than a perfect home. This is so true in many areas of life right now for me!

Prepare Your Kids Early for a Successful Launch Later @ Simple Mom had some simple, yet important ideas for preparing our children. Easy things like allowing the littles to choose their own Pj’s at night are preparing them for success later. It really is the little things, isn’t it?

Most importantly, we as wives need to guard our own hearts regarding contentment. It’s too easy to become bogged down with the weight of the world when we think about things that are in "tomorrow" (college costs, retirement, how are we going to pay our heating bill this winter, and so on), while missing out on the blessings of serving the Lord, being a helper to our husbands, and mother to our children in the here and now. We can’t control the future, and our anxiety isn’t going to make the situation better…it’s only going to sap today of its joy and strength.

Mean Girls @ At The Well

Things I Love @ A High and Nobel Calling

I want to homeschool but don’t want the responsibility @ Simple Homeschool – whether or not you’re homeschooling, I thought it was an interesting read. At times, I panic about taking on the responsibility of their education when really, it’s inevitable!

What NOT to Regret @ Clover Lane

Home Made Car Air Freshener @ Little House in the Suburbs

How to Cut Boys Hair Like a Pro (2 parts) @ Heavenly Homemakers – I need to learn this! {Now’s a good time since he’s little and oblivious!}

No More Tears; An Unfair Request @ Not Just Cute had some really great points and reminders. If you have littles, take a minute to read this post!!

Do you have a “must read” this month, either your own or one your read? Please Share!

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Jenn is wife to one, mother of three and above all, a humble servant seeking to honor the Lord with her life. Interesting Links: February 2011 Edition is a post from Beautiful Calling.

Carnival Toss @ Every Day Discoveries looks like such a fun, frugal and easy way to pass a chilly afternoon!

Cloth Diapering Basics @ Amy’s Finer Things is a great post if you’re interested in cloth diapering. Donielle and Kelly did a fantastic job in putting the the videos together. Very informative. If you have cloth diapering questions about the types, how to wash etc. you’ll want to check this out!

Better late than Early @ Excellence in Education was certainly an interesting read. I’m definitely attracted to the idea of readiness and progressing at the child’s pace. I also think that society has too much pressure on academics at an early age.

How to Make a Professional Looking Email Signature @ Simply Stacie may not be helpful if you’re not a blogger but I was thrilled to read about it and set it up right away. Easy and fast!

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Jenn is wife to one, mother of three and above all, a humble servant seeking to honor the Lord with her life. Interesting Links January 2011 Edition is a post from Beautiful Calling.

The Love with which we Perform @ (in)courage was a lovely reminder; one that I needed as a wife/mother/homemaker and maybe you do too?

My Husband’s Helper @ Generation Cedar was short, sweet and to the point about how simple my role is as wife!

It Really Is Just Easier to Be Who You Are @ The Happiness Project interviewed Tsh of Simple Mom. I enjoyed reading this and if you’re a fan of Tsh, you may too.

The Obsenity of a New Era @ Apple Cheeks Blog told me something I never knew; you are supposed to properly dispose of fecal matter before tossing a disposable diaper into the garbage. Now I use mostly cloth, though for Sunday School and a few other occasions, we do use a disposable.

Parenting in Love @ Generation Cedar is a reminder I need at this time. I find myself more impatient that I usually am, and thus, I’m not sure I’m I know I am not always parenting in love.

Being a Wife and Mother is Enough @ Generation Cedar had some interesting thoughts and a reassurance that our family is our ministry. That’s not to say that we can’t be involved in other things but we also can rejoice in “just” fulfilling our roles as wife and mother, especially in the days with littles.

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Jenn is wife to one, mother of three and above all, a humble servant seeking to honor the Lord with her life. Interesting Links December 2010 Edition is a post from Beautiful Calling.

Why I do what I do..@ Amy Loves echoes my thoughts so well.; about motherhood and about blogging.

Dandelions and Mothers @ Generation Cedar made me a little weepy as I think of my sweet tots heading out into the world without me but it is so important to have long-term vision. Lord, help me to prepare them the way you would have me to so they are ready!

When you wish you had a do-over for Today @ Gypsy Mama because I think we’ve all been there in some way or another!

Exposing them to the "Real World" or Creating a New One? @ Generation Cedar had me thinking all sorts of things as I read it. So often I hear about "preparing them for the real world" as a reason to expose them to all sorts of things. What phooey I think!

“You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.”— C.S. Lewis

Money Talk and Mom Bloggers Get Paid were interesting reads. I’m still a fairly small blog (though I did pass 200 feedburner subscribers a while back and thought that was exciting!) Anyway, since I am still small; this isn’t much of an issue for me. I do reviews for things that interest me and carefully choose which reviews I accept. Since I only accept the ones that are for products I am interested in, want and can use, I’m content to consider the review product compensation enough. That being said, reviews really are a lot of work!

Paula’s Archives had an interesting discussion on Homeschooling a 3 or 4 Year old. I found it really helpful as I identify what our goals are for this coming year and what we want to focus on.

We All Married the Wrong Person @ Marriage Gems was a rather interesting read.

Will This House Get Cleaned Before the Kids Graduate @ Simple Homeschool had a photo with the statement, "A clean house is a sign of a wasted life." I like that. Not because I like a messy house or that I have one {all the time anyway} but rather because it shouldn’t be my priority. Oh, how I need to be reminded of this often.

Gracefully Married @ (In)Courage reminded me of a wonderful article I’d read somewhere about how "I love you anyway" is much more powerful than "I love you because…"

Let Your Child’s Schooling Release Her Education @ Simple Mom said several things that really spoke to me and whether or not you homeschool, I encourage you to read it!

• no matter where your child goes to school, you are still responsible for their education.
• Mark Twain’s quote “I have never let my schooling interrupt my education.”

Fall Busy-ness: Can do Versus Should Do @ Life as Mom pointed out that, "when I forget about the guilt-trip and just try to do what’s within my reach, I feel better, my family is well served, and I actually produce more."

7 Steps to Raising a Teen who Who Won’t Date Too Young @ To Love, Honor and Vacuum had some great ideas. My littles (2, 3) are obviously really young but this is something to start thinking about now; what kinds of goals we will have down the road.

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Jenn is wife to one, mother of three and above all, a humble servant seeking to honor the Lord with her life. Interesting Links October 2010 Edition is a post from Beautiful Calling.

 

As sure as I look out my window and see autumn smiling back at me, I know well how the seasons visit and depart all too soon. However, if you really stop and get to know them and breathe deep in… they can be such polite guests- arriving on time, and, always knowing when to leave.                                                                        Baby Steph (read the rest here)

The PIE Approach to Handling Emotions @ Simple Kids is something I am going to try. Lately Chloe and John seem to be having trouble expressing themselves and their emotions.

The Only Thing I Know @ Gypsy Mama touched my heart, as does most of her writing. I bet your heart echoes her eloquent sentiment as well!

No More Tears…an Unfair Request @ Not Just Cute was like it was written for me. I often tell my littles, "no fussing" and need to recognize that sometimes it’s OK.

Be a Kind, Detached Policeman @ Simple Mom was just what I needed to read. While the idea is something I have aspired to for a while and this post really helps to make the idea more concrete for me and put a name to it. Go read it!

How to Take Your Own School Photos @ Simple Home School was exciting for me because I’ve been wondering about photo collages! I look forward to trying it out!

These Are the Good Old Days @ Not a Bow in Sight was something I appreciated reading because sometimes I forget to remember that!

A Blessingway @ Naturally Knocked Up was beautiful to read. Imagine having that beautiful prayer lifted up towards God on your behalf. What a beautiful tradition; one that we should start anew!

Productivity & Quality Down Time: The Go Hand in Hand @ Simple Mom was written just for me. That little “voice” is an area I struggle with!

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Jenn is wife to one, mother of three and above all, a humble servant seeking to honor the Lord with her life. Interesting Links September 2010 Edition is a post from Beautiful Calling.

Photo by Dezz

"The happiest people don’t have the best of every thing; they make the best of everything!"

I don’t know who the author of this statement is but it was in an anonymous card I received from my mom this month. Challenging isn’t it?

Parenting is No Part Time Job @ Generation Cedar is something that I highly recommend you stop by and read!!

Turning @ (in)courage was beautiful, eloquent and inspiring. "Twirling is beautiful. It’s freeing. Just the sound of the word brings a smile. Twirling doesn’t change who you are, I think it releases you to be open to anything."

Creating Post-Vacation Peace for Your Children @ Simple Mom

15 Favorite Preschool and Kindergarten Resources @ Money Saving Mom was a full of encouragement and great reminders for moms of all stages. Crystal was the blogger behind Biblical Womanhood, the first blog I ever read. "If there was one thing I’d say to start with, it would be teaching your children obedience, character and God’s Word…and Realize that no mom — however put together she might look — is anywhere near perfect."

Chatting with Lisa Whelchel (About Marriage) @ Heavenly Homemakers had this statement, "I’m only truly being his help meet if I am helping him become a better man of God." I’m not sure why but this really hit home for me. I want to be the wife that God wants me to be to my spouse but by allowing him to be selfish or oblivious, I’m really robbing him of the opportunity to bless me and become more Christ-like. Being a biblically submissive wife is not necessarily being a martyr and keeping quiet but more about communicating our needs and concerns in a respectful way.  Balance is the key here as with everything isn’t it?

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Jenn is wife to one, mother of three and above all, a humble servant seeking to honor the Lord with her life. Interesting Links: July 2010 is a post from Beautiful Calling.

Source

Well this week will be quiet around here. The littles and I are camping for the entire week. No access to internet, emails, phones…just a tent, nature, lots of great books and some amazing opportunities for adventures and memory-making!

I saved some great links I read in June to share with while I was gone. Have a read; I know you’ll be blessed.

Mom Guilt @ Simple Mom was just what I needed to read after returning from vacation and facing a to-do list a mile long.

Keeping the Little in Little Girl @ Raising Homemakers had some great ideas as did the comment section. Little girls seem to grow up more quickly these days and I think that is a shame. Girls or boys; childhood is so fleeting, let’s help them enjoy it as long as possible.

How to Make Things Harder and Do Nothing @ Simple Notebook spoke to me fore sure. I don’t know how often I battle with wanting to finish a job fully, completely and perfectly when I would be better off just doing what I can and actually accomplishing something!

Am I Sexy Enough? @ (in)courage had a lovely post. Yes, womanhood, wifehood, motherhood are all beautiful, fulfilling and God-honoring callings!

I’m Dreaming of Mommy Bloggers @ Steady Mom isn’t just about mommy bloggers but women in general. Comparrison is something that most of us struggle with from time to time; forgetting that we are just what God made us to be. I’m the best wife and mother…for my husband and children. You’re the best for your own

When Jesus Isn’t Enough @ We are THAT Family brought tears to my eyes and a sadness to my heart, for if I am honest, often Jesus isn’t enough in my life…

How Busy Are You Really? @ Scribbit “Instead of busy-ness being a sign of disorganization, the inability to prioritize, a tendency to take too much on and a misuse of our most valuable resource (i.e. time) busy-ness has come to be honored as a sign of prestige…I don’t admire people who run about from one task to the next with little time in between for humanity but we’ve been brainwashed to think that they’re productive and efficient…” Wow, how often have I uttered, “busy” in response to the simple question of how are you? This is a must read!

Martyr is Not Spelled Mom @ Inspired Mom was a wonderful reminder that ‘the more we sacrifice the better mom we are’ is not actually true. I loved this, “Your job is to pass out torches from what burns inside and makes you come alive”

Don’t forget to enter these great giveaways before they end!

Pocket Disc Giveaway (Can & USA 7/31)

UV Skinz Giveaway (Can & USA 7/24)

And just a little reminder; random comments are sometimes held for moderation. If your comment isn’t showing up, I’ll publish it when I return

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Jenn is wife to one, mother of three and above all, a humble servant seeking to honor the Lord with her life. Interesting Links: June Edition 2010 is a post from Beautiful Calling.