I HEART these!!! My February FAVORITES!

Happy LOVE month! And even though that little groundhog saw his shadow and we will have 6 more weeks of winter (at least!) I have found some AWESOME things for you to enjoy!

1. Jesus. My number 1 man...always. if you have never taken the time to build a relationship with Him...this is YOUR chance! He is the BEST Valentine you could ask for. He loves you when you are messy,and raw, and hurting, and happy. True love. TRUE.

2. Sharpie Pens. WHY has it taken me so long to find and adore these pens? They are perfection.

3. My kiddos. I know, I know...you can't have them...but I just really really love them. Motherhood is HARD and exhausting and happy and fun at the same time. Love on your kids, girls. LOVE on them as much as you can. They will thank you for it when they are older. I promise you that.

4. Moleskin notebooks. All of them. I am using a Moleskin calendar for all of my "out of the house" activities, and LOVE it's portability. I also love that each week has the "day grid" but also a FULL blank page for notes. AND....for someone who is ALWAYS writing something down...I just love it to infinity!
My current journal  (I burn through  about  1 per month) is the Moleskin grid paper kind. It's a nifty spin on regular writing lines. Loving it!

5. KLOVE radio.
It's no secret that I LOVE me some Christian Contemporary Music. Well...a game changer occurred this past summer and KLOVE began broadcasting on a local signal that I could receive at HOME! I have loved KLOVE on road trips etc. and I love it even MORE now that I can listen to it all day long! Want to take the 30 day challenge? Listen to nothing but Christian music for 30 days and see how much it impacts your life! www.klove.com

6.Nonnie Blankies. Again...you can't get one. But they are our favorite snuggle friend during this chilly season. My mom made all of the kids a blanket for Christmas last year, as well as my sister and I.  We LOVE these blankets. It's as if my Mama sewed a bit of her heart right into them. My boys say that "Nonnie is hugging them" when they curl up with their blankie.

7. Kindle Fire HDX.
Again, no secret that I am anti-apple. [the electronics NOT the fruit!!! Phew]
So, when I was in the market for a tablet- to use for homeschooling  tasks, music, video and reading- I did a TON of research. The reviews pointed to Amazon.
I am obsessed with all things Amazon. (Duh, where else can you avoid going out into the frozen tundra to get dishwasher soap and have it delivered to your doorstep 24 hours later? YUP...just did that) So....Amazon Kindle Fire HDX it was! And it is every single bit as brilliant as all of the reviews said it would be. I am in love. ♡

8. JAMBERRY NAILS!
I have always had a nail polish obsession. I have blogged about many of my "favorite" nail products. Don't get me wrong, I DO love all of the previous mentioned products, BUT...Jamberry is a GAME CHANGER. NO chemicals in them, on them or when taking them off. A bazillion  designs. Safe, easy, fun. 1 sheet of nails gets you  FOUR mani/pedis!!! $15 for FOUR!?!...I will take that ANY day! AND When you buy 3 you get one FREE....always. LOVE.
www.daniteeple.jamberry.com

9. Jen Hatmaker.
Period.
Talk about a woman completely  WRECKED for Jesus. Jen has been writing Christian books for a while now. She has been making her rounds on the speaker circuit, and recently filmed an HGTV special- highliting the renovation of her new home alongside her Pastor husband Brandon. One of Jens books that has REALLY impacted the way I "do life" is
INTERRUPTED . Jen  released an updated version of the book a few months back and I recommend reading it to ANYONE who wants to deepen their relationship with the Lord, and live a more intentional life.
www.jenhatmaker.com

10.  Pen and Paper
We live in a digital world. There is no way around it. However, the physical act of putting pen to paper is one that is therapeutic in a way that goes MUCH deeper than "You just don't like change".
Here are some stats:

• writing things down, pen to paper, aids in brain development  and cognitive processing
• it actually slows you down. ..which is GOOD FOR YOU. We live in such a GO GO GO world, that it is "expected" of you to always be moving. Writing things long hand vs typing slows you down in a way that will make you think and process your thoughts.
• limits distractions! Just now...as I am typing this, I got a beep for facebook, a beep for Instagram a beep for email and and text message. Turn off your electronics and curl up with your journal. You never know what you  could create!
• CREATIVITY. Goodness...creativity is my favorite personal attribute. It is my favorite trait of my children...my favorite aspect of education, that I am able to preserve by homeschooling them. When nothing is distracting your focus...you CAN delve into the depths of your imagination and BE CREATIVE.

That's it for this month, my friends. Take some time to enjoy LOVING yourself. You will be amazed by how much easier it is to love on everyone else...when you love yourself.

{beBlessed} and have a GREAT day!
♡

Feliz Navidad! Let GENEROSITY abound!

Hello ya'll and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I am refreshed and full of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon our family.
God is so good and He always provides.

After a season of thankfulness for all that we have, it only makes sense to turn our hearts towards GIVING and blessing OTHERS.

The boys put together shoes boxes for Operation Christmas Child and it was such a JOY to take each of them shopping for their child. Their little hearts wanted to share all of their favorite things with a child somewhere in the world, who may be getting gifts for Christmas for the first time ever! Can you even process that? The football, books and silly putty that my babies put in a Rubbermaid box- will be the FIRST GIFTS EVER for 3 little boys somewhere in the world!
So, it got me thinking. What can I give to the people who have truly blessed me?
Over the past year, I have been blessed with little trinkets and books and bibles and subscriptions and... awesomness! I have listed these things in my favorite things list each month, and I think it is time to pay it forward a bit.
SO...I have decided to do a Christmas giveaway and contest all rolled into one!

Here is the scoop!:
1. Read my December Favorite Things blog post.
2. If you do not already follow the blog- become a follower.
3. In the COMMENTS under the December Favorite Things BLOG POST, tell me:
     1. Which favorite thing you think that you would like best. (Choose between numbers 1-10 only)
     2. Why do you think you would like it best?
     3. Your email address (I will not spam you,  this is just to contact you if you ste chosen!)
4. Share the link to the December Favorite Things blog post to a social media site. Either Facebook or Instagram and hash tag #thefarmeranddanielle

***if you are randomly chosen as the "winner", You will receive the item that you mentioned in your comment AND a Veggie Tales Nativity Playset to either give your own children or to bless another!***

You must enter prior to Monday, December 8th to ensure delivery before Christmas! 
Stay tuned for the list to go LIVE tonight!!!

{BeBlessed} and have a GREAT day!

Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles...

NOVEMBER!
WOW!
These are a few of my Favorite Things!
1. The end of a bountiful harvest

2. My husband- it is so nice to have him back "home"!

3. My babies
4. Our parents
5. My church family. It isn't easy to make a church move. It is, actually,  REALLY hard. But, we have been welcomed with open arms. Thank YOU LCF!
6. Date night., It has been 100 days since our last date night!
7. A date night at home with Italian dried sausage, cheese and chicken wing dip.

8. Motorcycles
9. The Chronological Life Application Study Bible with all of its awesome maps and time lines and photos...Jackson LOVES it as much as I do!
10. Gratitude Journal from 'I Love it All' shop on etsy  www.iloveitall.etsy.com

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11. My Young Living Essential Oils. Always my favorite, , always necessary.  (Member #1401485)

12. Soda Stream
13. Homeschooling my boys

14. Cranberries
15. Cold nights
16. My fire place
17. My home
18. The Little things
19. My dog

20. Christmas trees
21. Twinkle lights
22. Old Navy Rockstar jeans
23. Converse All Stars
24. Leggings
25. Sweaters
26. Pumpkin...anything. muffins, cookies,  pies
27. Treasuring Christ- When Your Hands Are Full.
28. Crazy Love by, Francis Chan
29. Food Network Magazine
30. Hedua Magazine
31. The start of Musical season
32. Naptime Diaries- advent calendar and journal
33. Calligraphy pens
34. ThriveMoms- the friends that I have made who live forever away, but I know that we are kindred hearts in the way we live,  love our Lord and our families and want to live each days with purpose.
35. BLESSINGS
I have so many. In my goal to live a more authentic life, I am finding that I am using, wanting, needing less of the "worldly" things and enjoying...downright THRIVING off of the things that I can experience- with my kids, my husband- my friends, our families... our Lord gave us all we need to live this life...I think I may have finally started to do it the right way.

Wild Geese that Fly with the Moon on their Wings...

Happy October 1st!

Without further ado...here are my OCTOBER favorite things! 

Orange  goodness I love this color
Pumpkin Spice is there ANYTHING that tastes better than pumpkin spice?
Candy Corn why not ingest artificially colored blobs of pure sugar?
My Philip's birthday! What a celebration it is each year.  I ADORE all of my children, but this birth story has a bit of a twist. Look for a future post. ;-)

Apples in abundance
calm  it is SO nice when all of the tourists go away.
crisp night air
mudlove These bracelets are so awesome.  I have been wearing my "act justly" bracelet for a bout a year now, It looks as good as it did the day I got it AND they have a bunch of new workds, verses and customization options.  Check them out! www.mudlove.com

Very Best Supply Company hi-lighting pencils- I use them for everything, but they are SUPER great for Bible hi-lighting.

tall boots...need I say more?
Giant Gorgeous Mums
Costumes...the countdown has begun.


Thieves oil blend fight the flu the NATURAL WAY! (YoungLiving #1401485)
dark nail polish...YEAH DADDY!

Community:  I can not express the importance of this word.  Of this concept. we were created to live and thrive together.  There is no greater joy than participating and building a community of and for Christ.

Converse: always have been and always will be a Chuck Taylor fashionista

Thrive Moms-  Warrior retreat 11/8/14-  it's free.  Register now.  www.thrivemoms.com
Check out the marketplace on the website as well!

The Story of Marriage by John and Lisa Bevere I had the PLEASURE of meeting Lisa at a Women of Faith event last month.  She is one fierce Mama and her testimony is just as intense.  This book, written by her AND her husband takes a new and improved approach to creating, maintaining and sustaining a Good, Biblical and Happy marriage. get it. read it. love it.
LOGOS Bible software i am obsessed. seriously- OB-SESSED. {donations accepted so that I can purchase my OWN access to this amazing program  :-)  }

Guilty Television  Do I need to elaborate?  With October comes the season premiers of just about...EVERYTHING. I don't watch much television, but when I do...it's good stuff. Am I willing to admit WHAT I watch?  nope! :-)

Farm Bureau I can not advocate enough for this amazing organization.  Our county annual meeting is at the end of this month. If  you are a member and live in Wayne County, PLEASE join us on October 25th.  If you are not a member...JOIN. (email me for details)

Cider

Papermate inkjoy pens  I LOVE fun colored pens.

Xyron Sticker maker ya'll this thing is riDICULOUS!

Erin Condren Planner NO ONE has come close to the amazement of the EC planner.  I am on my 4th one! I can't believe that I have FINALLY found an organization system that #1-works, and #2- I haven't gotten bored of!


fall decorations

$5 couches YES, you read that correctly. Long story short:  put a reserve on your stuff if  you don't want the auctioneer to sell it for 5 bucks! (Cute baby is worth WAY more!)

Coconut Nectar This is a new sweetener option for me.  All natural- a bit sweeter than honey, thinner than honey - more like the texture of maple syrup.  I have used it on pancakes, on oatmeal, in tea and whenmaking granola bars.
Tazo decaf chai latte in a box
"meet me at Starbucks" movie  go to youtube, search "meet me at Starbucks", watch it, love it.
apple pie  need I say more?
Starbucks soy Chai tea latte with 2 pumps of pumpkin spice 2 pumps of vanilla order it just like this.  you WILL thank me.


{beBlessed} and have a GREAT month!

Cream Colored Ponies and Crisp Apple Streudle..

September favorite things

I am sure that you all will pick up on a couple common themes this month. We are going through a bit of transition.  But…it is glorious, and new and we have embraced it. Whether we like it or not…we are thrust in the face of change every 3 months or so (Well…in Rochester, NY it is often 6 months or so…J ) Happy Fall.

Cooler weather   (HA! )

Women of Faith- Best conference YET!

Patsy Clairmont- Not only is this little bundle of fire an inspiration to myself and millions of women all over the world…I finally got to meet her!!!

Let’s All Be Brave  by, Annie F. Downs-  Get it. Read it. Love it.

God’s Grace

God’s Mercy

Joyce Meyer 365 Devotionals.  There are MANY to choose from.  I am currently working through ‘Love Out Loud’  If you have the YouVersion Bible app- you can choose from all of her devotionals  for FREE on your phone!

My nieces and a GLORIOUS weekend of little girl love.

Veggie Tales. Need I say more?

The Best Yes  by, Lysa Terkheurst- Get it. Read it. Love it.  If you want to join the study I am leading….send me a message.

Papermate Flair pens. Is there ANY other writing utensil?

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel -  Just when I thought that getting my own light to do my own gel nails was enough…good ol’ Sally launches a new product. No light. 2 coats. Stays for 2 weeks AND comes off with regular ol’ nail polish remover!  No soaking in acetone! No scraping!  Just a goold ol’ cottom ball.  EPIC. Game changer.

Forgiveness

Labor Day

Harvest

Apples! (it’s early, but they are looking BEAUTIFUL)

Farmers Markets

My gift of creativity.  Thanks, God.

The Bible

My Faith in God’s Word and teaching

Change

The realization that I don’t NEED to fit a mold. -  I lived years 1-18 “needing” to fit a mold. “needing” to fit in. “needing” to be popular.  “needing” the approval of others. Then, I lived years 19-30 LIVING. I didn’t care what other people thought of me.  I didn’t care that my parents probably wouldn’t “approve” of my “look” or how I chose to live my life. 

THEN, I turned 30- I had the Dude. My body changed.  My career changed. My friends changed. My EVERYTHING changed. And, know what….my THOUGHTS changed. Back to my OLD way of wanting approval from any and all outside sources.  A few weeks ago, though, when I REALLY hunkered down and went to battle with my brain, I declared freedom from the “outside”. I have 3 little hearts to raise in one image alone. Jesus’. How could I do that authentically while I was striving to live in the image of society?  The good Lord gave me all that I need to live a happy life. I am going to be ME.  Different. Special. Creative. Glorious. Loving. Devoted. Mama. ME. Amen.

GraceYingling Jewelry on Etsy

Coco and Juan on Etsy

Sarah Clemens Clothing on Etsy

Beauty Batik Boutique

New Beginnings

Lisa Bevere-  I listened to her speak at W of F and am still thinking about her message.

Christine Caine- Again, listened to her speak and her message has not only resonated daily, it encouraged me…and my family…to follow God’s call and make a change that we were scared to make.

Muppets Most Wanted- pure awesomeness.

Mom’s Night Out-  best movie I have seen in years.  I laughed…A LOT.  I cried…A LOT. I LOVED it.

Sulferzyme-  Young Living has supplements too!  Member  number 1401485

Community- not just in the neighborhood sense. A REAL community. [CHALLENGE: look up the definition and write out what you want community mean to you.]

Leggings

Tall boots. -  soon.  I have faith.

My dad. His birthday is on the 21^st.  Wish him happy birthday…and happy retirement. J

The stars

Friendly faces

New friends

Old friends

My 3 boys. – such joy…such deep, pure, palpable J-O-Y.

My husband. My partner. My Love. 

Brown paper packages, tied up with strings...AUGUST FAVORITE THINGS!!!

August Favorite things!

1.        My Mom! (Happy Birthday!)

2.       My niece Lillian! (Happy Birthday!)

3.       Bubba cups- seriously this cup is amazing. 34 oz. at a time and the straw (you can get extras) is washable and durable and perfect for smoothie sipping!

4.       Pink pens

5.       Summer storms

6.       VACATION

7.       Dave Ramsey.  This man has changed our lives.

8.       Kristin Schmucker. I have never met Kristin, but our online interactions have been genuine, real, truthful and special.  I have been blessed to have “found” her and you could be too!  www.kristinschmucker.com  she speaks truth and makes pretty things to go along with it!

9.       Forgiveness

10.   Grace

11.   Rest

12.   YOUNG LIVING! I know that I have my YLEO on every one of my lists, but seriously people,  the longer I use these amazing gifts from God, the more I see and FEEL the difference they are making in my life.  (www.youngliving.com   I am distributor # 1401485)

13.   God’s promise

14.   School supplies! (Home schooling is simply the greatest!)

15.   Smelly markers

16.   Chart paper

17.   “Prah-jecks” (spoken with the BEST 4 years old vernacular possible)

18.   Singing babies

19.   The Lego Movie. (seriously, it is entertaining.  I was a skeptic.  Like, HOW could an ENTIRE movie be about little block head people and their removable arms?  WATCH it…Everything is AWESOME!)

20.   Beautiful  fruit growing on these trees.

21.   Garden Fresh veggies

22.   SMOOTHIES

23.   MY HUSBAND! (Happy Birthday!)

24.   Women of Faith! (If ya’ll have never been to a WofF conference…YOU HAVE MISSED OUT! This is the weekend that I look forward to ALL YEAR! You will feel ALIVE, EXCITED, REJUVINATED and LOVED…plus this year, Natalie Grant, Matthew West, Sheila Walsh, Patsy Clairmont, Lisa Harper and MORE will be HERE, in Rochester, NY, to share their hearts with YOU!!! Ticket’s are still available, contact me if you would like the contact info of our amazing event coordinator)

25.   The Bible

26.   My supportive, loving friends

27.   My family. Not just the 5 of us…but my extended family. I love you all so much and we don’t see each other enough and when we do…it is TRULY special.

28.   Road trips

29.   The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! (Seriously, ya’ll, let’s love on OUR country again. We may not agree with the politics and people enforcing them, but THIS COUNTRY IS OURS…WE can initiate the CHANGE!)

30.   Hampton Inn beds

31.   Yellow Gold (yes…I’m back to that again.)

32.   HEDUA ( a GREAT spot for Home Educators to “meet” up, learn from, share with and subscribe to their awesome magazine)

33.   The Well-Planned Day planner.  ( I LOVE this concept! I use the lesson planner and blog planner. They are my catch all for organizing EVERYTHING. If I had found this book while still teaching public school…I would have used it for my plans…it is THAT good.)

34.   Dressing your Truth ( I have always been pretty savvy in my personal presentation choices.  Consistently wearing “on-trend” outfits and fashionable accessories, make-up and hair styles. HOWEVER, since leaving the “professional” world and not having to “dress up” anymore, I have been more comfortable “experimenting” with my style. I came across a blog post by Carol Tuttle and explored further to find her “Dressing Your Truth” program. Lo and Behold…the “comfortable-experimental” style I had been going with…really was MY TRUTH. No wonder I feel uncomfortable and out of place when I try to present myself as being “professional and put together”…I am not representing MY truth. This program has taught me so much about perception, comfort and knowing MYSELF.)

35.   Kate Monroe. (Kate is a beautiful soul. A beautiful woman. A breathtaking photographer and a lover of the Lord. She is real. She is inspiring. www.katemonroe.com)

36.   Adoption. (some of you know how much my heart yearns to become a Mama to another child. Please pray for us, pray for a birth Mama to think of us, Pray for guidance and truth as we walk this rocky path)

37.   The Eye Doctor. (I am going next week. I had a HUGE realization, as we were driving across the country…I think I may need to wear my glasses all the time. And…whoa…I think I may need a different prescription.  I couldn’t read the road signs until I was right up next to them.  I think my days of awesome , huge vintage Hollywood sunglasses are over. )

38.   Fashionscents.( I can wear my YLEO with beautiful jewelry! www.fashionscents.com)

39.   John Deere.(well, not really. But my little boys sure do love John Deere.  We visited the John Deere Pavillion and store in Moline, Illinois. The boys had a FABULOUS time. I made a new friend. [the store manager who happens to be a former New Yorker] and can now order DIRECT for a fraction of the price! Amen, right?)

40.   Vacation Bible School (we did things a bit differently this year and spent a jam packed FULL weekend learning about David and Esther. The weekend wasn’t JUST for the kids.  I feel refreshed and renewed in my faithfulness.)

41.   Fluorescent Colored Pencils. (you read that correctly. They are awesome. They are perfect for Bible writing and they are ALL MINE. [no munchkin sharing of these])

42.   Weekly Bible study. (Necessary. Scheduled. Time with other Christians to discuss the word.  I HIGHLY recommend finding a weekly study in your area.)

43.   My daily bible study time. (Oh, how I LOVE my time in the word.)

44.   {beBlessed} Women’s Ministry ( this ministry is my baby…and it is GROWING. My heart is listening to God, and He is telling it to keep offering His word to women. You can find {beBlessed} on Facebook and if you are interested in attending a {beBlessed} event, you can comment here, email me or send me a message via facebook.)

45.   John Holt (I am reading a book written by John 33 years ago regarding the education system and the gift a parent can give a child via homeschooling. It AMAZES me how SPOT ON this man was…so many years ago!  Teach Your Own:  The John Holt Book of Homeschooling)

46.   The book of Ruth ( every time I read this book, I find something new, special or different that applies to my life)

47.   Younique Mascara (this stuff is RIDICULOUS!  3D fiber lashes. Natural. AMAZING)

48.   Pocket charts (it has been a long time since I have used pocket charts in my classroom. It was time to resurrect them. And I love it.)

49.   Smiles from a stranger (have you ever received a real, genuine smile from a stranger? I’m not talking about the forced smile, or social pleasantry, I mean a REAL smile.  One that is intended to make you feel GOOD, to show love for the human race and to let you know that, “Hey, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, we should love each other.”  THAT is a smile I like to receive.

50.   My Great Aunt Edith (small but mighty is the best way to describe this little bundle of fire. She is 94 years young, and last weekend had as many of her family members possible, present to celebrate her and the life she truly LIVES. She “gets it” folks. Love the Lord, Love your family, keep both of them closer to you than anything else, and you will TRULY. BE. HAPPY.)

{{beBlessed} and have a GREAT day...and weekend!!!

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Do you wanna build a snowman?

As some of you may know- on the 1st of each month, I post a list of my 50 "favorite things".

Now- when I first started doing this (even on my old blog) I could come up with oodles and oodles of "things". Lately, though,  I have been having a REALLY tough time coming up with 50. It's not that I don't like 50 things. ..because who doesn't yearn for the fineries in life? But my goal is to be as authentic and real as possible and the "things" that I am loving on, like really loving on....aren't  tangible, material goods. They are people, places, experiences and thoughts (blogs).
At first I was like," whoa, I can't just list people's names!" "Oprah gives her favorite things away...how could I gift a PERSON?"
And then,  it hit me...I have plum darn grown up. Hmm.

Stay tuned tomorrow for my August list!
{BeBlessed} and have a GREAT night.

Wild Geese that Fly with the Moon on their Wings...

It's June 1st -and that means FAVORITE THINGS TIME! I really could have kept going and going and going...but here are my top 50. Excuse the crazy numbering.  I have NO idea why they are doing this. ENJOY!

June Favorite things!

1    1.  Sushi

2.       Sunshine

3.       Bright colors

4.       Lamentations 3: 22-23

5.       Dick and Jane books

6.       Colorful pens

7.       Green grass

8.       New growth

9.       Sleep

10.   Acupuncture

11.   Disney Princesses

12.   Walt Disney World

13.   Lazy rivers

14.   Peepers

15.   Warm days

16.   Cools nights

17.   Young Living Essential Oils

18.   Painting

19.   Fun notebooks

20.   Filofax

21.   My pool

22.   Listening to my kids read

23.   Naps

24.   Home school

25.   Washi taple

26.   My pool

27.   Chinese herbs

28.   Prayer

29.   Contact paper

30.   Sharpies

31.   Little baby apples

32.   Crocs

33.   Baby giggles

34.   Sand boxes

35.   Road trips

36.   My dog

37.   My cat

38.   My pool….do we see a trend?

39.   Free things

40.   Etsy

41.   The Thrive Mom’s Community

42.   Insta

43.   Butterflies

44.   Flip Flops

45.   Sleeping with the windows open

46.   My 90 year old Aunt and all of her awesomeness

47.   My nieces and how happy they make my boys

48.   John Frieda no Frizz hair products…this stuff is NO JOKE

49.   My pool

50.   Sunsets over the bay

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{{beBlessed} and have a GREAT day!

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