Beauty in the Small Things

Our challenge this week for the Make Your Home a Haven series at The Homespun Heart was to add beauty to our homes.  This was quite simple as I had just returned from Trader Joe's with two beautiful and inexpensive bouquets of spring flowers.

I had also just put out some of my spring decor:

 

I got to thinking about what truly makes a home beautiful.  My definition of beauty is probably very different from yours.There are so many TV shows, magazines and blogs dedicated to "beautiful homes."  Don't get me wrong - I watch them and read them in search of inspiration but I do not let them define what makes my home beautiful.  You see, by modern standards, my home is incredibly small for 6 people.  I am okay with that.   Our furniture is old and quite worn out from the abuse of four children and many pets through the years.  I am okay with that.  The things I use to decorate with are very inexpensive.  I am okay with that.  Our house is lived in  . . . it is quite used.  I am okay with that.  So, when thinking about the beauty in our home, I decided carry my camera thoughout the day to capture what I see as beauiful.  You may or may not agree, but I am okay with that :) 

My children had the day off and they built a fort, played with their dolls and made crafts in the living room.  Do not get me wrong - I shudder when they start to pull everything out at once but they had FUN today.  They barely argued for several hours and I was able to happily cook and bake for them. That is beauty in my home.

Later in the morning, we went out to play and enjoy the beautiful weather.  I found my 3 year old proudly  picking flowers  . . . in her pink cowboy boots.  That is beauty in my home.

The beds were made today. The rest of the room may have been messy but there is something about a made bed that makes things right.   (And I am sure some will notice that the bedspread does not coordinate with the wall colors.  I am okay with that.)  That is beauty in my home.

When someone shows appreciation for something I did for them like making some yummy granola .  That is beauty in my home.

Homemade birdfeeeders.  That is beauty in my home.

My beautiful and favorite rosary beads at my bedside.  That is beauty in my home.

Being forunate enough to be surrounded by good literature and people who appreciate it.  That is beauty in my home.

Photographs and memories  . . . and lots of them.   That is beauty in my home.

And a few reminders of those incredibly special people who passed before us.  That is is beauty in my home.

I am thankful for having the opportunity to reflect on my abundant blessings today.  I am so grateful that I took the time to appreciate the beauty in this day . . . the day was calm and I was intentional.  Where did you find beauty in your home today?

Don't forget to join Heavenly Homemakers every Tuesday for Gratituesday and count your blessings!

Gratituesday

While I try to count my blessings every single day, it is especially nice to focus on all that I am thankful for throughout this holiday season.

I have been a little stressed lately thinking about our finances. But every time I send a bill or look at our checking account, I am reminded of the times where we had almost no money. Early in our marriage, we had a period of unemployment. It was a struggle getting food on the table. But I am thankful for that time. We are where we are because of that time. We work even harder now because we remember where we were.

So, for the tough times, I am grateful!

Gratituesday

I had a rough day today. I took my "petite" toddler to the pediatrician today for a weight check and found out we should have "further testing." I was notified by our credit card company that our interest rate was jumping through roof despite the fact that we ALWAYS pay on time. We had a bill that we paid in a timely fashion returned because we accidentally put our own address in the envelope window . . . which cost us a big late fee. The kids were antsy and a little crabby in the afternoon . . . and the evening. I have have a dentist appointment tomorrow . . . and I scheduled my three year old's FIRST dentist appointment . . . at the same time.

Day is almost over but I am still GRATEFUL. I may not be able to articulate what I am grateful for at the moment but at I am GRATEFUL!

Gratituesday - Beautiful Warm Days and Ice Cream

This week I am so grateful for the beautiful, sunny 70 degree weather we have been experiencing in Western Pennsylvania. As winter is knocking at our door, I really appreciate a few days of perfect weather!

This weekend, we took advantage of the warm temperatures and got the remainder of our yard work done. As a treat, we took the kids to our favorite ice cream parlor:
How could that not put a smile on your face :)!

November Gratitude Challenge

I have so many things to be grateful for! Here are a few things that have been on my mind and in my heart lately:

1. My healthy family.
2. My husband's job affording me the privilege to stay home with my children.
3. Good, no, really good friends.
4. Always having just enough. Not too much and not too little.
5. The love of my husband and children even when I am not a great wife and mother.
6. And as I sit here writing this - sleeping babies and the rare sound of silence!

What are you grateful for this week?