Welcome Fall!

My porch seems to be a relatively safe place for decor...

 Fall... When I think of this beautiful season, my mind envisions steaming cups of Apple Cider, crackling campfires, hay rides, pumpkins, and scenery bursting with color ... I LOVE fall!  I used to decorate pretty extensively in my house for my favorite season.  However, since a precious little girl was sent to our Home, I've taken a different approach to my decorating style.  Oh I still decorate... but things get placed on a higher level than before. (Although recently I'm discovering that approach may not be working out quite as well as I thought... hmmm... maybe I can just place my decor on top of the fridge?) Oh how much excitement children bring to a home!! 

I think I'd rather have her over decorations any day...

  So, due to my lack of  fall decorations INSIDE my house... my wonderful sister-in-law bailed me out and allowed me to photograph her lovely home for this post.  I have noticed that one of the popular items used for indoor fall decor (as well as outside sometimes) is a lantern.  It is a wonderful way to add warmth and light to your decorations without having an open flame.

 Table centerpieces have also gone by the wayside at my house lately... seems the challenge of climbing the chairs to get onto the table top has been conquered quite well by a certain little lady in our house.  Thus, we go to Aunt Elizabeth's house once again for help in this area.  She artistically placed various items to create a lovely centerpiece.  I particularly love the use of the wooden words.  A nice reminder of the truly important things in life.

I believe, that among other things, the way you decorate reflects the stage of life you are in right now.  For me right now that means less decorations and more toys and books.  However, for you that may mean lovely pieces scattered artfully around your Home.  We all are at different stages of life, and we all have different tastes.  Wherever you are right now on that scale, enjoy it.  I have learned that time passes too quickly, and too often we fail to enjoy the season we are currently in.  So if your a Mama right now wishing you could have your "pretties" back out... just wait...that day will come, and you'll miss these days I guarantee it.... For those of you who HAVE your "pretties" out... you don't know what excitement your missing!! :0)  But enjoy it...

Happy Fall!!

Joanna LaVan

Starting out with a Shine!

Here we are in a BRAND NEW YEAR already! Can you believe it's already 2013?!  It certainly is hard for me to wrap my mind around that at times... A lot of people are making their "New Year's Resolutions" and planning to do all kinds of "new" and wonderful things with this new year.  That is maybe OK in it's place, but I'm going to help us focus on a way that we can start our new year off with a shine and a sparkle!  "How?" You may ask... well, what else can make you feel ready to face your new year with confidence and hope than to start it off with a sparkling clean house?! :0)  I know... I almost HEARD that groan through the Internet connection... but before you run away...let me give you the BEST organized list I have EVER seen to help you get your house into tip-top shape for the new year.  I'm planning to use it myself and I thought I would share it with you to help you get a good start to your year as well.

Just click on this link to get started! The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking

Before you get discouraged, don't think you have to tackle this WHOLE list all in one day... that WOULD be an insurmountable task!  Just take one room at a time and work at that list until it's finished, then move on to the next room.  I'll tell you right up front- that's what I'm certainly planning to do!! With a very busy and active almost 9 month old crawling around exploring our house these days I don't have a lot of extra time on my hands-and I'm sure you don't either!  So let's just take one room at a time and set a goal of when we would like to get it all accomplished.  By setting a goal for completion you keep yourself from procrastinating too much... I'm sure you NEVER have that problem, but I do! :0)

So... are you ready?  I know you can do it!! Go tackle that house of yours and remember.... ONE room at a time! :0)

Joanna LaVan

Home Work

My husband and I hold several Vacation Bible Schools throughout the summer, and are saddened by what we are discovering.  Children are no longer being taught in the Home about the Bible and all it holds.  Parents are relying on the Church to teach and train their children in the "way they should go".  However, that is NOT what God had in mind.  He wanted them to be taught first and foremost in the four walls of YOUR Home.  With the steady decline of overall Bible knowledge (specifically doctrine), I'm beginning to draw the conclusion that the problem HAS to be found in our Homes...

Whatever happened to the idea of a family Altar?  I'm not talking about setting up a pulpit and a wooden bench in your living room.  I am referring to time spent as a FAMILY reading and studying God's Word-discovering what HE values; what HE requires of us as His children; what kind of things please HIM... It's not a hardship to please Jesus.  In fact, it's an absolute JOY!  We need to teach our children that in our HOMES and not rely on our Churches to do so.  I am NOT reflecting on our Churches in this post.  Many of us attend good, doctrinally sound Churches.  But friends, it is NOT their job to teach and train our children!  God has given US as PARENTS that job.  The best way we can do that is to be REAL ourselves, and to live by example before them.  THEN what we teach them about God's Word can take root.  If we aren't living it ourselves on a daily basis, why do we think our children will turn out to be godly saints?

We have a HUGE responsibility as parents to teach our children IN THE HOME what it means to be a Christian and a true follower of Jesus Christ.  I would like to challenge us today to begin (if your not already) to teach and train our children what we believe, and why we believe it.  Perhaps that will require you to do some studying and soul searching yourself; but there will be no greater reward than when we all get to Heaven and hear our Savior say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant..."

The Hub of the Wheel

Mother's Day is this Sunday, as I'm sure we are all aware.  When I think of the Home, I can't really imagine it being the place it is supposed to be without that amazing woman we all call "Mom" being the center of it all.  A Mom is like the center of a wheel- the hub that holds everything else together.  Maybe you don't like being compared to a tire; However, I still think it is a fitting analogy for the point I am trying to get across, so bear with me... :0) 

Growing up, I can remember only one time when my mom was truly sick and unable to take care of us kids.  However, I remember it so well, because NOTHING seemed to go right when mom wasn't there or able to do her usual duties... I specifically recall trying to get ready to go to school that morning.  My mom had the flu, so was in bed and unable to do my hair like she usually did.  My dad, being the wonderful man that he is, was doing his best to get us kids ready for our day and to school on time.  When it came time for my hair to be done... I was desperate!  I had not yet mastered (uh, and STILL haven't, but I manage...) the art of doing my own hair.  So, dad said he'd give it a whirl...and what a WHIRL it was when he got done with it! :0)  Needless to say...I guess I'm ASHAMED to say...my poor ailing mother had to get out of bed and  come and do my hair.

Now, that is a silly illustration that really doesn't describe a "life and death" type of situation, I know... but... I think you can see even from a simple thing like that, that you're NEEDED mom!  As I have just recently joined the wonderful world of "mommy-dom" myself; I realize that there are days that as a mom, you feel like your needed a little too much, and too often... :0)  However, being a mommy is one of the most important jobs (I feel THE most important) that anyone could ever have... Yes, you're on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Yes, you pretty much forfeit any hope of a good nights sleep.  No, you don't have a lot of "Me" time. Yes, you do have a HUGE responsibility...BUT with an ETERNAL reward. 

As a mom, you are responsible for teaching, training, and preparing your child (children) for Heaven.  That is really your sole purpose.  Yes, you have other things to teach them as well that are just part of life; but God has given you that little soul to guide to Heaven.  What is more important than that?!  So next time you're feeling like you really haven't accomplished anything big in life...that your JUST a mom... remember, God has entrusted to you a Soul that He will give you the Grace, strength and wisdom you need in order to get it to Heaven.  THAT is what being a mommy is all about! 

I am thankful for my godly mom, and how she took the time to teach, train, and prepare us for Heaven.  Now as an adult it is my turn to train my daughter.  What a huge responsibility a mom has, but what HUGE benefits!  Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!

Joanna

What Does Flexibility Look Like?

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In the discussion about routines vs. schedules, most work-at-home and stay-at-home moms agree that flexibility is key. No matter what sort of plan you set for your day, make sure it is flexible since life with kids is a little less than 100% predictable. I wholeheartedly agree! However, what exactly does that mean?

Sometimes, I may set aside household chores to read aloud to a child. That's flexibility. Other times, I may leave dishes in the sink and sit on the couch with a book. That, at least for me, borders on laziness.

A toddler throws a tantrum during a math lesson with my 4th grader, so I send her to practice piano while I deal with the disciplinary action. That's flexibility. Or I may skip math altogether and go to the park. That, at least on some days, teaches my child that fun comes before work when it should be the other way around.

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A friend calls me with a genuine need so I postpone school and chores for the day to come to her aid. That's flexibility. However, chatting for an hour on the phone about nothing when I should be doing laundry results in no clean clothes for my family. That's not good, no matter how you look at it!

Just because I have the freedom to make my own schedule and set my own rules as a mom not employed outside the home does not mean that I should just let every day "happen". That's not flexibility at all. It's a good recipe for chaos!

When I "change up" the routine for whatever reason, I try to answer these questions in my mind:

1.  Am I making a conscious decision as to what is best for our family or am I just reacting to a perceived "emergency"?
2.  Am I making this change in order to make people in my life a priority or will this change affect my family or my children's training negatively?
3. In the light of eternity, what is more important: this change or sticking to the original plan?

Does that sound a little too analytical? Whether not you run through my checklist before heading out to the park, I hope you realize that every choice we make as mothers (working or stay-at-home) affects our families profoundly for eternity. This is just the dress rehearsal for the biggest production of our lives. Eternal life that is.

House or Home?

In the past, I have posted several times on ways to clean and keep your home organized.  While I believe that is an important thing to do, I have recently (since the birth of my baby girl) begun to look at things a little differently...

My priorities have begun to change.  As I sat in my recliner chair with my baby in my arms and a basket of laundry waiting to be folded sitting next to me on the floor, a thought came to me...  The laundry could wait; but I would never be able to re-live that exact moment with my baby girl over again.  She will grow up and change in the blink of an eye; but there will ALWAYS  be laundry waiting to be folded.  The same goes for the dirty dishes, clutter, floors needing to be swept and mopped...Now, I'm not saying that we can just let our houses fall down around our ears while we sit cozily in our chairs holding our children in our laps.  But...what I AM saying is this- we need to get our priorities straight when it comes to our Homes.  There is A LOT more to caring for our Homes than just keeping them clean and tidy.  Our FIRT priority must be to the PEOPLE within those four walls.

Our children need our undivided, loving, and caring attention.  They won't really care or even notice if the kitchen floor is swept and mopped every day; but they WILL notice if they are essentially non-existent to mommy an daddy.  They need parents that are "present" in their lives.  That's what makes our houses HOMES.

There is nothing wrong with keeping a neat and tidy house.  If you can pull that off and still give your family all the attention and love they need, then my hats off to you! :0)  But as for me and my house (at least at this stage of my life) we won't sweat the small stuff. :0)

In an age where the idea of the "Home" is almost non-existent, let's determine to be ever mindful of it and keep our priorities straight!

Joanna

Guest Post: When Life Doesn't Go As Planned

My day began at 2:30 a.m. My husband was sick and we were both awake because of his coughing.
Eventually he got up and I fell back asleep. He came back to bed at 3:30 a.m. We fell asleep. Our alarm went off at 6:10 a.m. Since we'd been up quite a bit and my husband was still not feeling good, we didn't get up until 7:00 a.m. By then, our boys were awake and ready to start their day.

After I got my husband out the door for work, I tried to have a quiet start to my morning, by drinking a cup of coffee and getting some work done on my computer while the boys played quietly in their room. My boys would have none of that. They were ready to get up…ready to eat breakfast…and cranky.

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Before I had even started on breakfast, I was close to tears. I was tired. The day seemed overwhelming. I didn't have the energy or desire to be a loving mom. I couldn't wait for day to be over.

Once I had breakfast on the table, I grabbed my Bible and sat down while my boys ate their breakfast. In between the interruptions that come with being a mother of two young boys, I read Proverbs 16:24.

"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones."

I was humbled. God didn't have a big to-do list for me to accomplish. In fact, the to-do list was entirely of my own making and none of it had to be done that day. My focus needed to be on my words. I had the power to encourage and build up my sons during a rough day or discourage and berate them for not letting mommy rest. When I saw my day through the perspective of this verse, I realized that the day wasn't as overwhelming as I had thought.

Sure, I would still try to get some things marked off my to-do list. But that wasn't the day's top priority. My top priority was to invest in my children.

So we had our morning Bible time and we went over our memory verses…multiple times, because Drew wanted to. I watched Drew run and fall down (a favorite activity of little boys…not sure why it's fun :-)) as I did the dishes. While I read my book, I sat near the boys, who were playing with their cars.

When I slowed down, re-evaluated my day and sought to spend the day giving my children "sweetness and health" through my words, my day turned around. I was no longer overwhelmed. I knew I was right where God wanted me to be…tired, sick husband, cranky children and all.

Carrie has been married to her best friend (Tim) for five years. She is the mother of two boys, Drew (4) and Carter (2). She enjoys her job as a wife, mother, and homemaker; her passion is to encourage other women in their walks with God. She blogs at www.wholesomewomanhood.com.

Guest Post: Four Tips To Improve Your Listening Skills

Since March is International Listening Awareness Month (you didn't know that?), author Karen Jordan has submitted a helpful post for us women. These tips will be great for your marriage and parenting as well as your relationship with other women. Karen appears due to my connection with Kathy Carlton Willis Communications, a ministry to connect Christian authors with Christian readers.

Four Tips To Improve Your Listening Skills

By Karen Jordan

 “Are you listening to me?” Has someone ever asked you that question? Or maybe that thought pierced your heart and mind, as you felt the sting of someone else ignoring or rejecting you?

Consider these four ways to improve your listening skills.

1. Resolve to be quick to listen. Many times, people who come to us for help, just need for us to listen. James 1:19 offers this advice, "Understand this … You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry" (NLT).   
2.  Decide to be available. Jesus gives us an example of a wise counselor who made Himself available to listen. “The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught” (Matt. 6:30).  
3.  Desire a discerning heart. Not only does Jesus listen, He discerned the needs of others. When His disciples came to Him after their ministry tour, Jesus observes their need for solitude and rest: “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (ibid.).   
4.  Choose to be quiet. Jesus also taught His disciples the importance of being quiet. In Matthew 11:15, Jesus asks his disciples, "Are you listening to me? Really listening? (MSG)  

At times our failure to listen before responding can provoke a negative, emotional response from our loved ones or friends, who may need our help. In fact, Proverbs 18:13 warns us, "Answering before listening is both stupid and rude" (MSG).

What can we offer others with our response, after we listen to their needs?

• Grace, not criticism or judgment. Romans 2:4 reminds us, "Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (NLT)

• Companionship. We must encourage others to be dependent upon Jesus, not co-dependent upon us. Jesus promised His followers, "I'll be with you … day after day after day, right up to the end of this age" (Matt. 28:20 MSG). 

So, the next time someone comes to you for help, I hope you ask yourself this question first: “Are you listening … Really listening?” (Matt. 11:15)

Karen Jordan is best known for telling the stories that matter most. She has multiple writing credits and trains other writers as well. Contact her for speaking events, writing assignments, and interviews at kj@karenjordan.net or visit www.karenjordan.net.

The Lazy Way to Do Laundry

Laundry....some people hate it, some people actually like it. I'm somewhere in between. I get upset when I can't get a stubborn stain out, and I sometimes have trouble keeping up with the clothing of six people. However, for the most part I like to see neatly folded clothing in drawers and don't mind the process of getting it there.

No, this is not my laundry room! I only wish mine were that neat!

I have greatly simplified our laundry routine over the years. Some of you might call me lazy. Maybe I am, but I take the Bible literally when it says my life is "more than raiment". I don't want to spend hours caring for clothing. I have children to love on, train and educate and a husband with which I hope to grow old.

I have a small laundry basket in my bathroom. Everyone puts their dirty clothes in it (or around it) when they get their baths. Every morning, my son takes the basket downstairs to the laundry room, and my daughter starts the first load. My daughter or I switch it at some point. When it is finished, I fold it and put it in a basket, then carry it upstairs to distribute to the dressers and closets.

I don't sort unless it is something that I'm afraid will run. I do try to treat stains myself since my daughter doesn't think to check those usually. If I have a load that needs bleached, I obviously only put whites in! :-)

Since we rest from laundry on Sundays, we usually have a few loads on Monday. We wash sheets and towels on Friday so there are a few extra loads then, too. That's pretty much it. See how lazy I am?


Jessica shares how laundry operates in her house at It's the Little Things. And rumor has it that Joanna has been so busy in the laundry room herself that she didn't get a chance to emerge long enough to post about it.

How do you do laundry at your house?

Dressing Your Table

One of the things I enjoy most when getting ready to have company for dinner, is decorating the table. It's not to make them feel uncomfortable, it's just something I enjoy doing! However, I realize that's not everyone's forte... I am certainly NOT an expert in this area, but I thought maybe I would share a few of my table settings that I have done (and actually found pictures of!) to jump start your own ideas!

This table setting is one of my favorites since it matches the decor of my kitchen. I just used white plates and bowls to brighten and offset the red napkins. I used a simple folded fan to fold the napkins and tucked the bottom of the fan into red and silver napkin rings. My centerpiece was simple, useful and practical for this setting...matching cherry salt and pepper shakers and butter dish!
This setting was a little more along the lines of simple elegance. I used a lace tablecloth for the "background". The napkins were folded fan style but tied in the center with a blue ribbon (they make WONDERFUL napkin rings) and placed in the center of the plate. I also added heart shaped votive candle holders at each place setting for a special touch. The centerpiece was put together by starting with a small stand crystal dish, adding a glass candle holder and candle in the center, and surrounding with flowers to match. Very simple, and from things around the house--no need to spend a lot of money on an expensive centerpiece!

This is a close up of one of the place settings from above...

I LOVE fall...so this table was extra fun for me. I started with my rust colored fall tablecloth. The plates (which you can't see in the picture) are fall colors with a different word on each (Blessing, Abundance, Family, Grateful) to add a special touch. The napkins are again folded fan style with a fall leaf napkin ring in the center. The centerpiece is a fall leaf garland interspersed with small (fake) gourds and pumpkins, and a festive fall scented candle in the center.
I'm sure you have even better ideas than these to share about making your table beautiful, so feel free to add suggestions in the comment box below!

Minister's Delight

If you are like me, there are times when you are having company over and you need a tasty dessert recipe, but don't want to buy a bunch of ingredients to make one. Well, here is an easy solution to your problem! This recipe was named, "Minister's Delight" because a Missouri pastor's wife would fix it each Sunday (probably because she never knew how many she might have for dinner, AND it only has 4 ingredients!).

Ingredients:

1 (21 oz) can of fruit pie filling of your choice
1 yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup chopped walnuts (I don't like them, so I leave them out)

Place pie filling in a 1-1/2 qt. slow cooker. Combine dry cake mix and butter (mixture will be crumbly); sprinkle over filling. Sprinkle with walnuts if desired. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Serve in bowls.

It tastes just like a cobbler; and it is wonderful with a little ice cream or cool whip on top!

Enjoy!

Scaling Down

Recently I have been doing A LOT of downsizing, and getting rid of things. We have made many trips to Goodwill and some to the dump in the process (much to my husbands chagrin!). However, with a little one on the way, and a house that is... less than huge, it is just necessary! As I was thinking on what to write about this week, I figured this would be as good a topic as any! If you are one of those rare individuals that doesn't have any "extra" stuff lying around your house, you can just disregard this post! :0)

What's the best way to go about "downsizing" your STUFF? Well, I don't know if this is necessarily the BEST way, but it has seemed to work for me... First of all, you might want to just start in one room to keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed! As you sort through the drawers, closet, under the bed, behind shelves (don't smirk, you might be surprised at what you find behind there!) ask yourself this question, "Have I used this (or even been aware I OWN this item) in the past year?". If the answer is no, then maybe it's just time to part with that little dust collector. The other thing to keep in mind as you're doing this little chore, is to NOT BECOME SENTIMENTAL!! Once you start remembering all those warm and fuzzy memories (that really aren't that warm and fuzzy anymore), you will end up in the same boat you were to start with and still have a houseful of STUFF. I tend to hold on to things because "I'm going to sell them later..." or "give them to so-in-so"... or "let my little child play with my old teddy bear"... on and on it goes. Get in the mind set of getting your home "stuff free", and it will be MUCH easier to part with all those little things.

Here's another way to keep up with all the stuff that gets brought into your home. We just came through Christmas, and we all know that we end up bringing home double the stuff to put away into our already overflowing houses. Try this tip... for every new item brought in, get rid of one. Sounds simple right? Well... maybe not, but it will save you a TON of grief (and space) later on!

Doing this exercise frequently (every couple months or so) might keep you from getting discouraged with the idea and forfeiting it altogether. Remember, you will be so much happier when you and your family actually have the space to LIVE in your home, that you won't miss all those little cluttery things.

Go get started on scaling down your home today! :0)

What is the Focus of your Home this Christmas?

As we near Christmas, my thoughts turned to the reason for the Season. So many times in the world we live in, the focus is so out of kilter. The stores blare "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", they advertise dancing Santas, they push the big gifts, and overall they draw our attention away from the true meaning of Christmas. It's all around us and if we're not careful, we can get caught up in it too.

However, we have to decide where the focus of our home is going to be this Season. Recently, I had a lady tell me that when her children were growing up, they always made it a point to tell them about how Santa brings them their presents, and encouraged them to ask Santa for the things they wanted. One year, the older children "broke the news" to the younger ones that there really wasn't a Santa Claus. She looked me right in the face, as serious as can be, and told me how the older ones had to be punished that year because they "no longer believed". Sad isn't it? I wonder what would happen in our homes if parents put as much emphasis on believing in the TRUE reason for Christmas as they do the FAKE? I believe that our children deserve the real thing and not this cheap imitation. Children catch on to things much faster than we think, and what does that teach them when they discover that mommy and daddy have been lying to them all these years?

Not too long ago, one of the children in our van ministry asked that very thing. He said, "If the Bible tells us 'Thou Shalt Not Lie', then how's come all these parents lie and tell their kids there's a Santa Claus when there really isn't? Good question isn't it? Do we want our homes to be a place where truth abounds? Or are we going to follow the flow around us and spout the lies?

Jesus came as a baby in a lowly manger; to grow up and live as we do; to face the things that we face; and to die on a rugged cross to pay the price for our sins. It is because HE CAME that we have hope. It is because HE CAME that we have forgiveness of our sins. It is because HE CAME that we can have Eternal life. Then why settle for the cheap version?

This Christmas, let's make JESUS the focus of our homes.

De-Cluttering Your Living Space

Last week we went over ways to de-clutter your Kitchen workspace to get you ready for all of that Holiday baking. This week we are going to move on to your living spaces, (such as your Living Room, Den, Foyer etc) in order to get you ready for all that company that you're going to have over during the Holidays!

If you are like me, you have one space that has consistently become your "dump spot". Everything you are currently working on, your mail, and any other miscellaneous "stuff" gets plopped into a pile at this spot and it is constantly a cluttered mess. Every time company comes, you have to hurry and shove that stack into a cupboard or pile it on your bed until they leave, right? Yeah, I know...I've been there, done that. Well, since for most of us that pile isn't going to just gracefully "go away", how can we make it less of an eye sore?

Kath Younger wrote an article in the "breathe" magazine for the November-December issue about de-cluttering your home. In that article, she gave an interesting solution to this very problem. Since most of us can't just simply get rid of that clutter, she says to just make it look nice. How can you make that huge stack of papers look nice?! Well, she suggests placing a nice basket, bin, hook or container of some kind in that spot to contain the mess. The kind of container you use will obviously depend on what kind of clutter your dealing with. For me, my biggest clutter problem is my papers and notebooks I stack on the chair by the door or on the counter. I would probably just need a pretty basket or bin to contain my clutter. But if your problem is the winter outer wear that is piled in a heap by the front door, maybe installing some hooks on the wall for the coats and scarves would work, with a bin for shoes and boots. For some of you with small children around the house, your clutter might be the toys and books that get left out after your child is finished playing with them. Perhaps for you, a simple toy box or colorful bin would be the simple solution to your clutter.

Whatever your clutter problem is, find the solution that works for you and get it under control before that "perfect" relative comes for a visit! :0) No, seriously, getting your clutter under control will help you to face the Holiday company with less (notice I said LESS) stress and more confidence. Why not start today?

De-Cluttering Your Home Room by Room

Awhile back I did an overview (or gave a few tips) on cleaning; but I came across an article that was broken down into living space sections to help you de-clutter each space individually. I thought it might be helpful if we did that here with Christmas and the New Year coming up. The New year seems to always present a fresh start to everyone, and having our homes de-cluttered for the new year would certainly help all of us towards that goal!

Since we're approaching Christmas, and a lot of us are putting our kitchens to use with all of that extra baking, I thought we might start with that space first. Not all of these ideas are original with me, but I found them helpful, so I'm passing them on to you!

• Minimize What You Have: Have extra dishes or cookware lying around that NEVER get used? Why not donate them or give them to someone who WILL put them to good use? That way, there is more space for the items you actually do use!
• Locate Elsewhere: Seasonal dishes or pans that you only use once a year can be stored in the basement, garage or attic where they will be kept safe, but out of your way until you need them.
• Eenie, Meenie, Miney Moe: Keep the utensils and gadgets that you ACTUALLY use and get rid of the rest. Chances are, you'll never need 10 spatulas all at once!
• Purge Regularly: Don't let leftovers, bottles of old sauce, or liquids mold in your refrigerator. Either put them to use, or pitch them in the trash on a regular basis to avoid a moldy mess.
• Consolidate: Why have two bottles of the same cleaner, that are both half full? Combine the extra "like" cleaners to avoid having a full cupboard of half-used bottles.

Hope this gets you off to a good start in de-cluttering that kitchen! Now, get off the computer and get to it! :0)

Also, here is a link to a blog about this very subject that I thought I would share with you! Moms the Word



Joanna LaVan is a child of the King, wife to her incredible husband, adoring aunt "Nana" to her four favorite little people, and Pastor's wife to their Church people in Virginia. Her desire is to share with the world the wonderful reality of sins forgiven. In her spare time she enjoys Kayaking, reading, occasional scrapbooking, cleaning, blogging, and spending time with her wonderful family. She blogs about her life's happenings, and passions at www.lukeandjoannalavan.blogspot.com .

Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake

Everybody has their favorite dessert. Mine happens to be anything Chocolate, Cheesecakes, Pies, Cookies...Ok, so I just like DESSERTS! But this recipe is one of my favorite Cheesecake recipes to make. I usually end up making it every Thanksgiving for our family. I thought I would share it with you with all of the Holiday baking that is going on this time of year! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Image from Betty Crocker Recipes

Crust

2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs (about 32)

1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Cheesecake

4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:
Heat oven to 300°F. Grease 9-inch springform pan with shortening or cooking spray. Wrap foil around pan to catch drips. In small bowl, mix cookie crumbs and butter. Press crumb mixture in bottom and 1 inch up side of pan. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool 5 minutes.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed just until smooth and creamy; do not overbeat. On low speed, gradually beat in sugar. On low speed, beat in eggs, one at a time, just until blended. Spoon 3 cups of the cream cheese mixture into pan; spread evenly.

Stir pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg into remaining cream cheese mixture; mix with wire whisk until smooth. Spoon over mixture in pan. Bake 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes or until edges are set but center of cheesecake still jiggles slightly when moved.

Turn oven off; open oven door at least 4 inches. Leave cheesecake in oven 30 minutes longer. Remove from oven; place on cooling rack. Without releasing side of pan, run knife around edge of pan to loosen cheesecake. Cool in pan on cooling rack 30 minutes. Cover loosely; refrigerate at least 6 hours but no longer than 24 hours.

Run knife around edge of pan to loosen cheesecake again; carefully remove side of pan. Place cheesecake on serving plate. Store cheesecake covered in refrigerator.

Happy Baking!

Joanna LaVan is a child of the King, wife to her incredible husband, adoring aunt "nana" to her four favorite little people, and Pastor's wife to their Church people in Virginia. Her desire is to share with the world the wonderful reality of sins forgiven. In her spare time she enjoys Kayaking, reading, occasional scrapbooking, cleaning, blogging, and spending time with her wonderful family. She blogs about her life's happenings, and passions at www.lukeandjoannalavan.blogspot.com .

Being Thankful for Our Homes

As I was preparing for this Post, my mind went back to my childhood and the home that I grew up in. There, I was taught principles and values that have, and will continue to, shape the direction of my life. The words of this song aptly describe my childhood home life: "We grew up hearing the stories about Jesus, Learning all about His death upon the Cross. We knew how much He loved us, by all the things you taught us, saying prayers beside our bed at night. We grew up hearing the stories about Jesus, and we're here in this Church because of you. We want our child to know Him, to love and adore Him. We want our child to know your Jesus too."

Our home was centered around Jesus. Everything we said and did was passed by His inspection first. As a result, we learned to love, respect and cherish Him as our parents did. Now, as we have established our own homes, and have begun our own families, those are the values and principles we want to pass on to our children.

My home (childhood and present), is a place to be thankful for. The values, principles, memories and love shared there cannot be taken for granted.

How about you? Is your home a place to be thankful for?



Joanna LaVan is a child of the King, wife to her incredible husband, adoring aunt "Nana" to her four favorite little people, and Pastor's wife to their Church people in Virginia. Her desire is to share with the world the wonderful reality of sins forgiven. In her spare time she enjoys Kayaking, reading, occasional scrapbooking, cleaning, blogging, and spending time with her wonderful family. She blogs about her life's happenings, and passions at www.lukeandjoannalavan.blogspot.com .

Decorating for the Season

Since Fall is coming to a close, and we are heading into the Winter Season and the beautiful holiday of Christmas soon; I thought I would use this post to share with you the Fall decorations that I use in my home. I am not one to spend a lot of money on my decorations, so most of the ones that I use have been given to me. I also like to use diverse decorations that can be used in several different ways. I change the way I decorate for each season almost every year, even though I still use most of the same decorations!











I would love to hear how you keep your seasonal decorations "new" each year without buying a whole new set of decorations!



Joanna LaVan is a child of the King, wife to her incredible husband, adoring aunt "Nana" to her four favorite little people, and Pastor's wife to their Church people in Virginia. Her desire is to share with the world the wonderful reality of sins forgiven. In her spare time she enjoys Kayaking, reading, occasional scrapbooking, cleaning, blogging, and spending time with her wonderful family. She blogs about her life's happenings, and passions at www.lukeandjoannalavan.blogspot.com .

Truly Grateful

In America, we have just about anything we could ever want or need.  From the time we are born, most of us have so many "things" we can't possibly NEED or even USE them all!  Most of us don't really know what its like to wonder where our next meal will come from.  Simply put, were spoiled.

How does this effect us in our homes?  By having everything at our fingertips we have forgotten to be truly thankful and grateful for the things we have.  We take for granted the blessings that we have.  We adults are just used to having the latest gadget or technology and consequently the children in the home follow suit.

I'm not suggesting that having the latest thing is wrong; however, what I am saying is that we need to remember to stop once in awhile and be truly grateful for all the blessings that God has sent our way.  Its so hard sometimes to see them when were so caught up in aquiring the next new thing.

This month, let's make a conscious effort to be thankful and grateful for the blessings that we have.  It will make our homes a new place to be!



Joanna LaVan is a child of the King, wife to her incredible husband, adoring aunt "nana" to her four favorite little people, and pastor's wife to their church people in Virginia. She blogs about her life and happenings at lukeandjoannalavan.blogspot.com.

Investing in Your Home

Since I am currently on vacation this week, my thoughts naturally turned to that subject for this weeks post. But "What do vacations have to do with our homes?", you may ask... Well, I feel they have a great deal to do with our homes. Remember, when we use that term, we aren't just talking about the structure called a HOUSE that you and your family live in. When we talk about our HOME we are referring really to what you have cultivated and created within those four walls and without. In other words...your family. It is of upmost importance that families take the time to just be together. Vacations are designed as a time for families to spend time together, right? Growing up, our family didn't always have the funds or time to take a "real" vacation. However, you don't necessarily have to travel to some far off exotic place in order to have vacation! Stay-cations are becoming more popular recently. If you are not able to go away for vacation, take the time to check out your local attractions and sights. You may be surprised at all the fun things there are to do in your area!

The most IMPORTANT thing, is taking the time out of your busy schedule to REALLY concentrate on a bonding time with your family. We get so busy going about our everyday lives that we fail to really enjoy those people under our own roof. Take the time to invest in your home today. There's no greater thing of value.

Joanna LaVan is a child of the King, wife to her incredible husband, adoring aunt "nana" to her four favorite little people, and pastor's wife to their church people in Virginia. She blogs about her life and happenings at lukeandjoannalavan.blogspot.com.