Destination: Sanctification

100th Post!!!

2008-12-07T23:00:00.002-06:00

It only took me three and a half years!! Good Grief!

I will now list (and in no particular order) most of the reasons I have not posted for the last two months:

*As recently as today, Dan was bitten last Friday by an evil spider (apparently Brown Recluse, but we can't be sure) that left a wicked mark (as in hideous). He went to the doc - on - the - block yesterday where he received a whoppin' big shot of antibiotics along with a prescription for the same at a high dosage. Poor buddy feels like he has the flu. Needless to say, he is going to the real doctor's tomorrow. *please pray that there is no permanent damage*

*Measuring children, knowing that the days are numbered that they will be able to look up to me.

*Tori got braces!!

*Visiting my friend in the country, meeting all of her sweet animals including lamas!

*Eating breakfast with my best friend at The Original Pancake House. Then we went Christmas shopping. Lovely.

*Rode the Dart Rail to Mockingbird Station to enjoy "Ladies' Night Out". Dinner and lots of laughter at Margarita Ranch.

*Attacking clutter in my home and redistributing the wealth to Good Will.

*Began Face Book two months ago. Totally hooked. Maybe that would explain my absence?

*Lots and lots of school projects and such.

*Volunteering weekly at my church, working on stage sets - highlight of my last few weeks!

*Playing dominoes with friends and family until way late and laughing so hard it hurt.

*Standing in line at 4:30AM @ Bass Pro Shop for great deals. Totally worth it when I managed to get the very last ball cap/LED hat lamp/knife combo. I love the feel of conquest and victory.

*Feeding four lovely, rambunctious lambs during Thanksgiving vacation. (Pictured above.)

*Eating at Toby Keith's Bar and Grill and driving by his house. I even saw where his mom lives.

*Volunteering at the kids' school. My specialty is serving hot lunch and sweeping floors.

*We went to a Parenting Conference at the Marriott in October. It had a great view on the fifth floor, enjoyed room service, and learned more about the teenage years. The "What's-His-Name" comedian was not very funny. That is my only complaint.

*Went to a Training Day at our church and totally loved learning more about the Book of James and the Life of Joseph.

*Found out that I am going to be an Aunt a second time. Yeah! Welcome, Sweet Judah!

*Learning how to raise "Free Range Kids". Google it.

*Found out that two of my friends are writing books. One wants to put one of my poems in her book, and the other made me one of her characters and now calls my Sydney!

*Decided to limit the gift giving for our kids to two gifts each. That is really hard to stick to.

*Found that some critter is munching on the last of our cucumbers. I feel okay about encouraging the local wildlife. It is driving our puppy crazy, though. His territory has been invaded.

*We joined the Texins Archery Club. We have spent a lot of time with the kids taking lessons there. We love it, they love it - it is great to have something to do together outside!

*Full filling my Handmade Pledge for Christmas gifts. Need I say more.

*Finally finished and shipped "The Swap Box" to my kind and patient friend. Totally loved receiving her swap box just in time for my birthday.

*Oh, and we got a great deal on a new digital camera. We had fun with consumer reports and shopping around and finding THE best deal.

*Wylie Opry - WoW! Hey, who knew that Loretta Lynn was at Billy Bob's this last weekend?

*We have had a couple of really great extended family birthday celebration get togethers. Love those!

*Making our yearly visit to The National Cowboy Museum. Did you know that John Wayne's nick name was "Duke"? His real first name was Marion, not John.

*I have not kept up with any one's blog, including my own, obviously. I will spend some dedicated time catching up with my favorite blogs over the Christmas vacation. Promise.

*We are so thankful for the growth we have seen in our family, for the good health that we have been blessed with and are happy to finding ways to serve others!

What? You want to see some pictures? Okay, let's see if Blogger is willing to cooperate.

Well, bummer. I only got one picture to load. I'll try again later.

Good night, friends.

2008-10-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

Word Cloud Fun!

2008-10-04T21:09:00.002-05:00

Create your own at Wordle. I'd love to see ya'll give it a try.

Welcome, Autumn

2008-09-22T14:48:00.005-05:00

Did you know that there are only two days out of the year where day and night are of equal length? There's something special about that. So, after reading "The Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays & Everydays" by Meg Cox we have a plan to make it a tradition to make some sort of appropriate fall decoration for the dinner table and make a dessert with apples. This evening we will cut out a few leaves from a variety of colored paper to make a center piece. Dessert will be something a kin to a pie/dumpling/cobbler deal. I'll post the recipe if it turns out nicely. Otherwise, I would like to wish every one a happy new season that celebrates cool air, school fundraisers, chili cook offs, and my favorite - - school supplies!

Cowboy Camp Supper

2008-09-08T20:37:00.005-05:00

A. K. A. Hungry Jack as stated by the original recipe umteen years ago when I first made it as a bride.

Our cowboy-in-residence loves anything cowboy related. Whilst helping in the kitchen to prepare said dish - he didn't feel that the name "Hungry Jack" really conveyed the essence of this hearty meal. And so, I asked him what would he rename it if he could. With only a very small pause for thought, my eight-year-old son duly dubbed it "Cowboy Camp Supper". And so I am happy to share this delightful recipe with you! *Feel free to call it what ever you want to.*

Here's what you'll need to rustle up:

* 1 lb. lean ground beef (93/7)

* Best Texas-sized sweet onion you can find

* 52 ounce can of Ranch Style Beans

* Kraft Original BBQ Sauce (use a bit over half the bottle)

* Brown sugar (light, dark - whatever you have) about 1/2 cup packed

* Buttermilk biscuits (from scratch, a can, or frozen) 6, 8, or 12

* Grated cheese (calls for sharp cheddar, mild works too or Mexi mix)

You are going to need a big pot. Dice the onion very large, not tiny - chunks of onion. Brown the meat and onion at the same time. The meat is lean enough that draining is not necessary. Add in the beans, then the bbq sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well and let simmer. It may look soupy at first, but as it simmers uncovered it will thicken up a bit. Stir occasionally so it doesn't stick to the bottom. Bake your biscuits. Serve this way: Cut biscuit down the middle and lay on plate or bowl, sprinkle cheese, ladle meat/bean mix over this and then sprinkle some more cheese. Enjoy! Can't you just see a big pot of this next to the chuck wagon with a bunch of cowboys scraping their plates. My little cowboy does.

*Since this does make so much, I serve the left over biscuits with breakfast in the morning and then reheat and serve left over meat/bean mix over toasted bread for lunch.* Yummy!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Susie!

2008-08-30T20:15:00.006-05:00

She had a large summer bag for a purse, perfectly applied lipstick, and a purple cast on her foot - that was my first memory of Aunt Susie. After being introduced by her nephew (who became my husband), she sauntered right up next to me and said, "She doesn't look so tough to me." A very memorable and totally unexpected response after an introduction!

After dinner today, we went as a family to go to her grave site. In honor of her birthday today, I picked out some happy, yellow daisies to place in the vase. As the children explored the nearby surroundings with my husband, I stood gazing at her name and was overcome with a flood of memories. She was one of, if not the most, influential woman in my life. I learned more by watching her than anything else.

She taught me what I needed to know about keeping house, attending to my husband and then our children. She taught me about meal planning, shopping on a budget and even sewing. She demonstrated the most gracious hospitality and was not easily flustered or upset by much. She was able to handle most everything with smile. I appreciated how she always gave me a nudge in the right direction by her wonderful "suggestions". It was magical the way she was able to do what I call the sandwich conversation: Say something positive, make your suggestion/reprimand, and then more comments on the positive side. Let me tell you, this works wonders when I use this method while talking with my kids! She was sincere and concerned without being a hovering or controlling person.

Since this is a blog and not a book, I will try to keep this cursory. It has been fives years now that she has been gone. I have come to the final stage of grief, which is acceptance. How I have missed the love that she showered into all of our lives though! Around Aunt Susie,I would never know what to expect next. If she was on a trip to Canada or Paris or Mexico - we might receive post cards or envelopes filled with correspondence on the hotel letterhead indicating where she was and what they were up to. She always brought back sweet, little gifts, nothing extravagant (she was a thrifty shopper) but it expressed her love - in which we were delighted about, even if it was lotion from the hotel in Paris! (But the chocolate was the best!)

She is the reason I had such a beautiful wedding. She was there when I had both of my babies, at the ready to help me through it all. She was there when I was sick in the hospital or helping to find the right speech therapist for my daughter. I miss our telephone conversations and seeing her sing in church. I miss sitting around the table watching her laugh and talk.

Our lives will never be the same. Because she loved God, she was able to love others so well. Who could ask for a better example of a godly woman? I am so blessed and so glad for the time I had with her. I wish I had paid more attention, but the lessons I did learn from her will not be easily forgotten and will hopefully be passed on to the next generation.

". . . beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness". (Isaiah 61:3)

Cup O' Love

2008-08-25T09:01:00.006-05:00

I did a little "house cleaning" on my computer - you know, with the new school year and all. So, dummy-me, I cleared out my temporary files and kept right on clearing, including my cookies. Good grief, that is a mistake I won't be making again any time soon.

Anyhoo, I didn't have time to get it all figured out until this morning. I think I have all the kinks worked out. So, now that I am able to post. . . I have some thanking to do.

Now, I have seen this award, "A Perfect Blend of Friendship", floating around various blogs. I was so excited to see that Tracie sent it my way. Thank you for your kind words and for thinking of me. A hot cup of comfort is just as sweet and savory as a special friendship. It makes me feel so rich. I have truly enjoyed getting to know her better over the last year and am so glad she made the leap into blogland! Thank you, Tracie!

I love to pop over to Louise's blog - always full of charm, beauty, and surprises. She also gets really neat awards. And now I get to pass one on to her! She is a kindred spirit who enjoys the bliss of life in lovely England. Louise has left such kind and thoughtful comments on both of my blogs - pretty special after seeing how long her blog roll is.

Going Green. . .

2008-08-19T07:15:00.005-05:00

We got around to being more serious about recycling this summer. I am talking about focused effort here, folks. It all started at the beginning of the school year, when we began putting our paper in a designated bin by the computer desk instead of the trash. We felt good about taking it to the special yellow and green dumpster where it would be recycled and help fund our school.

Wow, I thought, what else can we recycle? I was always hung up on the idea that you would need a good amount of space in order to recycle correctly (i.e. sort). I don't have room for three or four bins. I live in a smallish house (no garage) where storage is at a premium. But then I noticed the red recycling bins in the neighborhood, everything went into one bin and then dumped all together into one truck. No sorting necessary. Number one excuse eliminated. Cool. Now why didn't I notice that sooner?

FYI: This was the best example I could find. Mine is actually red and I don't live in Houston.

Yeah, so - in went the milk jugs, water bottles, soup cans, peanut butter jars, jelly jars (we still consume our fair share of PB&J around here), yogurt containers, etc. Long story short: I ended up trading our tall trash can in the kitchen with our much shorter, smaller "recycle can" that was neatly kept in the pantry. I put stick notes on the trash can lids as reminders of the switch, it was all rather confusing. Are you confused? So was I. Outside, our little red recycle bin was literally over flowing while the big 'ol green trash can on wheels had only two small bags after a week (hardly worth the effort to schlep it to the curb). I am going to have to call the city and ask for another red recycle bin! (they only pick up recycling every other week)

Then, I began thinking about all of the plastic bags we come home with after grocery shopping. I knew of one place around the corner that would take the used bags to recycle, but when I got there I found out that they no longer did that. After a little research, I found out that it actually costs more to recycle a plastic bag then it does to make a new one. WHAT?! On top of the fact that it takes away from the beauty of nature and is a real hazard and threat to animals.

So, I sewed a fabric grocery bag and gathered a few other cloth bags I had around the house before my next grocery trip. For the first time (I was a bit nervous) I told the person at the register I didn't want to use the plastic bags. However, after a couple of trips, I noticed that it was not easy trying to get groceries into floppy bags. So. . .the next trip, I asked for paper. May I just say that Target has the best brown paper bags with handles but, to be fair Braum's bags are a very close second. This has worked beautifully! After the groceries are put away, I carefully refold and store the paper bags until next time. I don't have to use plastic and it is easier for the person to bag the groceries. If the paper bags get worn out or torn - I can simply put them in the recycle bin! Viola!

Arte Y Pico Award

2008-08-02T13:57:00.004-05:00

I want to thank Tracie at All About Whatever for sharing this very special and beautiful award with me. Let's see if I can follow the rules for this award, I need to:

1) Pick five blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) The award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte Y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award -- which is here.

So without any more delay, I happily present this award to the following bloggers:

*Rhonda Jean at down to earth **inspiring others to live a simple life, changing her life from consumer to conserver - I love how she encourages the feeling of community on her blog.

*Tangee at A Sparkly Messy Life**her blog is all about loving life, being adventurous in crafting and creating. I admire her sense of style.

*Roxi at Roxi Designs**she finds her bliss in creating and designing with an assortment of mediums. Recently she tried (very successfully, I should add) her hand at hosting a lovely summer swap. This is one talented lady.

*Rae at Made by Rae**sewing loveliness. . .I have thoroughly enjoyed her Summer Topathon. She shares her patterns and very useful and artistic sewing ideas, that I find delightful!

*Cathy Jean at Home Sweet Home, Noble **sewing aprons, cooking up yummy recipes, protecting her garden from naughty rabbits or enjoying good brisket without beans . . . I am always happy to see what she is up to. Her blog is just as lovely and inviting as her beautiful porch.

I would like to thank all of these ladies for the beauty and inspiration you add to your viewers lives. Thank you for sharing such loveliness!

7 more Things About Me

2008-07-31T15:03:00.004-05:00

Tracie kindly invited me to list 7 Things About Me (important or not)! Let me know if you decide to play along. For some reason, these types of activities are challenging for me. But here are...

7 Things About Me:

1. I am a hopeless romantic - Seven Romantic Movie Favs - I have more, I just limited my list:

*Somewhere in Time
*Always
*Forget Paris
*Moulin Rouge
*Phantom of the Opera
*You've Got Mail
*Stranger Than Fiction

2. I paid $600 for my first car as a Senior. It was a '81 two door Toyota Tercel. I found this image on Wiki - It would take more effort than it is worth to find a picture of my own. It was a 4 speed standard with 62 hp and a finicky carburetor. It had no contraption for A/C - so, during the Texas summers I had my own eco-friendly version: Two windows rolled down and wet hair! It never failed - my hair was dry by the time I got to where I was going. Now my sweet little car was not white, no - I'd say it was more of a rusty color a bit more toward the orange-y/brownish shades. I lived far from my high school, so I got up and got to school really early a.) I loved having first pick on parking *it was a big school* but, b.) My poor car stuck out like a sore thumb among the Mercedes, Jags, and BMWs. And so, it was not-so-affectionately named by my fellow class mates: "The Turd Mobile" Whatever!

3. The violin is my favorite instrument. I had lessons the last semester of my sixth grade year and then that was it. *sigh*

4. My mother found my first gray hair at the ripe,old age of 12. Without asking or hesitating, she pulled it out. Good grief, that hurt! As the years added up, so did the percentage of my gray hair to brown. So now as a thirty something, I am almost completely gray. I color my hair every six weeks or so. I think I'll stop coloring it when I become a grand mother - Look out Paula Deen!!!!

5. I heart Target! I shop there every week. Sometimes I go to Wal-Mart just to remind myself why I shop at Target. If you looked in my pantry it would resemble the shelves there, plenty of Market Pantry and Archer Farms. Don't get me started on their clearance - Love it!! If I was just a tad more extroverted and eccentric, I would have started this blog about Target.

6. I never follow recipes. I do a little of this or add a bit of that - it almost always turns out fine. The down side is that it makes it hard to share recipes. After a friend had her new baby, I was on the list to bring a meal. I did my standard of Quiche, Rosemary Potatoes, Spring Salad, French bread, and sliced up Strawberries and Bananas for dessert. She wanted the recipes for the quiche and potatoes but I couldn't give it to her because I had never written it down. Bless her heart, she came over (after a few weeks) and we had "cooking class" in my kitchen as I showed her how I made it. We had so much fun trying to measure everything while she wrote on her notepad!

7. Traditionally, I only listen to country music during the summer months. Also, I confess, I listen to Christmas music most of July (I've been singing Christmas songs during this post). Oh, come on - I can't be the only one!

First Thought: That's Just Wrong!!!

2008-07-22T22:30:00.005-05:00

Look at what a trip to the Half Price Bookstore will get you!

First - I was amused by the cover, . . .then - curious about what was inside. . . soon - shockingly appalled. . .slowly, intrigued by the history, comments and recipes . . . impressed by the outstanding creativity . . .and - finally, absolutely hooked!

My daughter, when asked, can remember having a Twinkie all of three times in her eleven years. So, I would be the most unlikely mother to come home with such a book!

It looks like so much fun and I love making happy memories in the kitchen with my kiddos, so - guess what we had for dessert tonight?!

Yep, one recipe down and 49 more to go.

Fantastic Strawberry Shortcake! and I mean WoW!!! It. Was. Good. I stress the was . . . because it's gone!

The other treasures we found and came home with:

Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing vs. 17

"Ourselves" by Charlotte Mason

"Eldorado" Vol. II by Bayard Taylor

"Freshwater Fishing Tips: 300 Tips for Catching More and Bigger Fish"

"Beginning Target Archery" by Ferris L Bavousett

City Girl's BBQ Brisket . . .

2008-07-18T15:26:00.004-05:00

...because, I don't have a smoker.

Generally, I get my brisket at Sam's. Pick one that isn't all trimmed, you'll want one that has the fat on top to keep the meat moist during cook time. Follow these directions:

-preheat oven to 300
-wash meat
-smear w/ olive oil and place (with fat on top) in 9x13 pan
-place in oven for one hour, uncovered
-place foil over meat and turn down the temp to 170
-cook all night or start at 8 am and cook all day
-add small amount of water if needed

When the meat is done cooking, let it cool off a bit and then refrigerate. After completely cool, place the meat on a cutting board, and trim off whatever fat is remaining on top and discard. This is a good time to slice the brisket with a very sharp knife. Slice up a couple of onions and saute in broth of the meat, add BBQ sauce or other seasoning to taste. Spread sauteed onions with broth in bottom of pan/oven proof dish and then place brisket slices on top. Cover with foil and put in fridge. When ready to serve, reheat in oven at 350 for 30 minutes. Serve with lots of BBQ sauce.

This is what I do if I am going to serve a crowd or want to make one family meal for Sunday and then have left overs for later in the week. Buy brisket on Friday, cook over night. Take it out Saturday morning, cool, refrigerate. Saturday afternoon - slice and saute, return to fridge. Sunday after church put in oven while I fix the rest of the meal - Delish! FYI - see this post for what to do with left overs.

My Soul Desire

2008-07-15T21:12:00.003-05:00

Lord, when you placed your hands upon me

I knew that I would never be the same

For in that moment I became your servant

And since that day, I only have one aim

Chorus:

My soul desire is to be used

An empty vessel longing to be filled by You

My soul desire is to serve You Lord

To do your perfect will

To work each day and build

Your Kingdom, this is my soul desire.

Lord, I do not seek to claim the glory

I only wish to be under your control

For I know that you alone are worthy

And it's You who placed this longing in my soul

(repeat chorus)

The project for the weekend a few weeks ago was repainting the dining room. My husband loves music and was inspired by this project to get our old collection of cassette tapes down from the closet. From the treasure box, we sang and painted to the tunes of They Might Be Giants (my tape), Micheal W. Smith's Big Picture (we both had this), as well as tapes we had mixed. Down at the bottom of said box, I saw something pink and blue. It was my So Glad I Know tape by Deniece Williams, a tape that I have not listened to in probably more than twelve years. What a blast from the past. I popped the tape in and was amazed that I still knew all the words to all the songs. My family made funny faces at me because they have never been exposed to my version of gospel singing - I make every effort to sing like Deniece but I fall into the "making a joyful noise" category. I was so glad to enjoy these songs, it brought healing and comfort to sing again. I hope you enjoy listening to this very special song.

Story Time

2008-07-11T21:05:00.003-05:00

It doesn't seem like all that long ago, but according to the calendar it is just shy of being a decade. Yikes! My daughter Tori was about 2 1/2 years old and I was expecting with my son. My time with her was very precious as we all anticipated the arrival of Nate in just a couple of months. So, one of my favorite things to do with her was taking her to the lap sit story and music time at our local library. It was customary to bring your little ones fed, bathed, and in their jammies. I loved seeing all the little people in their various P.J.s singing "Apples and Bananas" and reading Sheep in a Jeep!

Now at that stage of life, my husband worked the third shift and we had only one car. It really worked out fine for us. I did my errands during the day, leaving the house quiet for him to sleep. Well, on this particular night -after going to the lap sit - I noticed that the gas gage was on empty. I thought I would be helpful and take a few minutes to get gas on the way home so my husband wouldn't have to bother with it. It would have been only a few minutes if I had the cash on hand, which of course I didn't. No problem, right? Well. . .That meant having to drive to the bank to get cash from the drive through ATM (this is during the dark ages when we had no credit card/debit privileges). Anyhoo . . . oh well, what's a few more minutes and a couple more miles? (A night mare!!)

Tori was still singing happily in the back seat as I pulled up to the ATM. So far, so good. No sweat. Punch the buttons, grab the cash and the card. Then the unthinkable happened. Somewhere between grabbing the card and getting it into the car, I fumbled it and it dropped (like it was lead) onto the concrete! GREAT. Almost out of gas, kid ready for bed and me 7 months pregnant - Good Grief. Okay, deep breath. Did I tell you that there was a line? Yeah, and then there was honking. I felt paralyzed. Okay, think it through. I decided to let the card stay where it was until I could pull forward and actually get out of the car to go retrieve it. I put the car in first gear and began moving, just to hear it make a weird puttering sound as it ran out of its last drop of gas. Fortunately, I had just enough momentum to coast out of the way of the other cars.

Sweet Tori, still singing in the back seat clueless as to the dilemma that I had gotten us into! I sat a moment to gather my wits and watch the line of cars dwindle so I could make a b-line to retrieve my card. I checked the trunk and to my relief found a little red plastic gas "can" complete with yellow nozzle. I put the can on the trunk and mustered every bit of my confidence as I explained to Tori that we would need to take a walk. At which time, she reminded me that she could not. She was in her pajamas.

Just then a someone pulled up beside us, saying she could not help but notice my little red can and could I use a ride. Thank you Lord for this angel of mercy! She was a nice mommy-type with a child car seat in the back complete with an assortment of all the plastic Happy Meal toys you could imagine on the floor. I accepted her offer, grabbed the can, buckled Tori up and sat in the back with her so she wouldn't be frightened. She wasn't frightened in the least. Tori told the lady all about the sheep and sang her the song all the way to the gas station. Within minutes, we were back at our car. The sweet woman wouldn't accept my offer of a few dollars and but gave Tori a glow in the dark yo-yo! After many thank yous and waving good-bye, we were back in business. I had had enough and decided to go home, give my husband the gas money and let him take care of the rest of it.

I just asked my husband a moment ago if he recalled that night I ran out of gas, apparently I did not tell him...

4th BBQ Frito Pie Fun

2008-07-03T15:14:00.003-05:00

This month's theme for The Recipe Box Swap is BBQ - Sides and Main Dishes!

Frito Pie

assemble in the following order:

Chopped Romaine
Corn chips "Fritos"
Warmed up BBQ Beans
If you have any left over brisket, this is the perfect meal to use it for (chop it up). Otherwise, Shredded Beef in BBQ will work just fine. *Saute sliced onions in beef broth and then add to the beef makes it very savory.*
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Top with warmed up BBQ Sauce

Music to Grill by: High School Musical 2 Nonstop Party Mix - I get so jazzed when I listen to it!

Six Unimportant Things About Me

2008-07-01T10:28:00.008-05:00

Rosezilla has asked me to play along. I'm game! Post a comment if you choose to play!

Okay, Six Unimportant Things About Me, Hmmmm. . .

#1 - In High School Youth Group, I ended up being the only girl with fifty other guys to play Paint Ball. All my girlfriends who were suppose to go baled out. I already paid - so, stubborn me - I went. They invented a new game of "Shoot the Girl" and I had plenty of evidence on my sore backside. However I must say that I have excellent aim and disturbed a few egos when they were out because they got shot by the girl!

#2 - My sense of humor was developed by faithfully watching The Muppet Show and Hee-Haw, as well as The Barbara Mandrell Show in my formative years. For those who know me - this should be an "Ah-Ha, Now I Understand" moment.

#3 - My nose sweats every time I have mustard.

Nothing else just, my nose.

#4 - I had to do a paper in high school on a famous person I admired. I chose Lucille Ball. Along with the paper, I decided to do a pencil drawing of her. My classmates liked it so much they encouraged me to enter it into a contest. All the entries were hung up in the lunch room. Before the entries were judged, my drawing of Lucy had been stolen from right off the wall! I decided to take it as a complement, my artwork was the only one taken.

#5 - Green leaves, Blue Sky, White Clouds, and Golden Sunshine - All of my favorite colors. I love sitting outside, soaking up the beauty of life in my garden, a good cup of coffee, and the singing birds - My Happy Place.

#6 - I love going to baseball games, but football is my all time favorite sport to watch and play!

Granola Magnolia

2008-06-25T21:34:00.003-05:00

If you want to play, consider yourself tagged, too.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car), Dinker Tercel

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie), Dream Cooler Oreo

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name), K-Sch (lame, I know).

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal), Blue Raccoon

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born), Susan Calimesa

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first), Sch-Ka

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink), "The Yellow Espresso"

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers), Russell Davis

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy), Vanilla Pixie Stix

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ), Mabel Eugene

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter), Reese Reno

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower), Autumn Sweet Pea

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Kiwi Skirtie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree), Granola Magnolia

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”), "The Cooking Cool Breeze Tour"

A Little Blue

2008-06-25T11:53:00.004-05:00

This has been my pool side activity this week. It will be my journal cover.

One of my favorite pitchers - inside is the "Candy Stash"!

A few of my favorite things that make my kitchen a happy place.

I found this plate in downtown McKinney at one of my favorite stores, The Little Red Hen.

This is my coffee mill.

It has been temporarily displaced since we are in the middle of painting the dining room and kitchen. I fell in love with it the first instant that I saw it. I used my birthday money the first year (7 years ago) we moved into our home. I found it at Weir's Country Store.

Here is my Blue Bonus Picture! A sampling of beauty, find more at the 2008 Garden Tour !

Growing Garden

2008-06-25T10:18:00.005-05:00

I looked out my window last evening just the sun was setting. The golden rays illuminating the garden made it look so magical - I ran to get my camera to capture the beauty. Evidently, I missed most of the magic. But I have these pictures to share none the less.Here is our small crop of corn. We are behind schedule because I had to wait for the back yard to get full sun. The corn was planted the first of May. My kids love watching the cornsilk tassles grow.

Here are the Beanie's! They are just beginning to bud.

And the lettuce.

A Bit More Red

2008-06-12T23:24:00.003-05:00

Well, my camera decided to revive momentarily today and I quickly downloaded my pics from last week - before it decided to die again. (Let me just say that I am thankful that it didn't have any really, precious, unreproducible pics dying with it!) I've been eyeballing the cameras at Sam's more closely lately - I need reliability! So, this is the last of my red to share.

On the walls in my kitchen.

A bit of a closer view.

A set of three glass, decoupaged plates from France.

Below, my shiny percolator, a variety of vintage ruby glass ware, and a new batch of "just-roasted-that-day" coffee beans in a lovely. red bag.

"I Saw Red" Friday

2008-06-06T10:40:00.007-05:00

A 'Tip O' My Hat' for my dear friend at Rosezilla!

I have enjoyed seeing every one's red treasures this week. Although I love the color RED, it is not something that I have accumulated a lot of. However, I will share what I do have.

****Well, not as much as I hoped - I think my camera just bit the dust - it won't turn on. bummer. I'll have to use pics from my reserves.*****

Now, look closely and you will see a small collection of red glasses. I had taken great pictures of them this morning. . . but I am not getting any cooperation from my camera right now.

So. . .Can you see them?

Okay, that's it from the reserves. But I was saving the best for last. Up next is art work from when I was in seventh grade. I looked at it and thought, "What was I thinking?" I can remember thinking I was pretty cool for coming up with this original idea for a color wheel. Here's red for you...

Speaking of Red - What a great surprise!

This is my first ever blog award! It is given by my dear friend Tracie at Rosezilla!

Such amazing timing too as I was looking for more red things for this post. Ahhhhh, so lovely! Be sure to go visit her site - I love how she shares love and insight and beauty from her life.

So as the Spirit of Sharing continues, I would like to share this award with:
1. Randi at i have to say. . .
- I appreciate her organization and creativity as well as her hosting the Recipe Swap Box!
2. Tina at Needles n' Notions
- She has only been blogging for short time - but WoW - I am so glad that she has. Her quilts are fabulous, I really enjoy her sharing Dear Jane Wednesdays.

Breakfast Dinner Anyone?

2008-06-05T13:35:00.003-05:00

Because of our family's schedule, the one meal I could never do "big" was breakfast. . . until I figured - Why not have breakfast for dinner?!!

It is one of the best nights of the week because everyone joins in on helping to make it. It is always a variation on the same theme, but always delicious.

Our Favorite Banana Muffin Recipe

(this doubles really well - great if you want to freeze them)

*3/4 cup flour *1/2 cup sugar *1/2 teaspoon baking soda *pinch of salt *1 egg, room temperature

*2 medium-sized ripe bananas, mashed *1/4 cup oil or 1/2 stick melted butter *1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 400F and get muffin tins ready with liners (grease if you don't use liners).

2. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

3. Mix mashed bananas, egg, oil/butter, and vanilla together with a wooden/plastic spoon. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

4. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake for 19 minutes or golden on top!

Heads Up!

2008-06-04T16:20:00.003-05:00

The Recipe Box Swap

Get your recipes ready! I have mine.

In fact, my kids and I tried it out this morning for breakfast!

I bet you can guess what it might be.

Hint: Lovely with tea or a latte.

The Importance of Being. . .

2008-05-29T23:10:00.002-05:00

Unimportant

Not exactly what you were expecting, was it? I bet you were thinking Ernest, right?

Well, I am going to try to express my thought with out getting too preachy. Not only that, but just this thought in itself flies in the face of what it means to be a citizen of the free world, doesn't it? Ultimately, it goes against human nature altogether. Ahhh, this is where I started catching on. The importance of being unimportant.... Cue the sappy music:

Story time: I was in a beautiful store (it will remain unnamed) in a quaint old down town. The structure itself was red brick and about a century old, the store was a trendy boutique with many beautiful wares and accoutrements. I was simply amazed at the sights, aromas and the beautiful melody wafting around my head. As I carried on a conversation with the proprietor, she told me of her journey from one career to another to where she was now: a very successful entrepreneur. She told of her fine line of soaps, lotions, and candles that were contracted and scheduled to be packaged and sold hot off the conveyor belt.

I have to confess to feeling a wee bit of envy. Okay - I was seriously fighting off the ugly, green jealousy monster in me. Her phone rings, she answers it and speaks in a merry tone. I busy myself, nosing about the jewelry and dishware. Soon I noticed that she was speaking in more of a hushed tone. Oddly enough, I was still within earshot and heard her part of the conversation. Apparently, it was her husband and he was calling with a request: could she please go by and pick up their dog from the vet's. There was no way he could do it, there was no way she could do it. Her reasons: 1.) she was the only one there to watch the store which did not close for two more hours, 2.) So n' So is expecting her to drop off such and so chair after the store does close, and 3.) Miss Such and Such is meeting with her about a contract. On top of all of that, she has her second grade son in tow, recently retrieved from school. (I have to say, her son and my son got along famously).

As I listened, (not meaning too - it was a smallish store) I did take note that her soft and sweet tone morphed into a testy, defensive one. Upon the conclusion of this conversation, she turned syrupy sweet when asked a question by another patron. Within moments, her little boy ran up to her and tried getting her attention. When he did, he explained that something had scared him. Before all the words had left his lips, she said that he was a big boy and needed to handle it himself. She said that whatever it was, he would have to be the one to deal with it. She said all of this with out even looking at him. She talked at him somewhat over her shoulder as she repaired a display. My admiration of her position declined rapidly.

I am still amazed at her talent and creativity and I think she is a beautiful person with a unique and wonderful personality. It was her self imposed position of importance I no longer envy. The look of disappointment on her little boy's face was very sobering.

I have recently been "regrouping". Doing the things in my home I did not have time or patience for during the school year. Aunt Susie called this "digging out". I have already made one trip to the paper recycling bin and am about ready to make another. As I flipped through one of my "To Do" Spirals I came across something I jotted down in the midst of my busy-ness.

My position as a wife and mother are the most
important roles I will ever play.
If I fail here, then I will have failed at
my life's work and will have missed
God's perfect plan.

Bottom line: Because I choose not to be in positions of importance outside my home, I am better able to fulfill the roles I do have which are the most important. Because I serve my husband and kids now, I hope they will be able to better serve others in their lives.

im·por·tant [adjective] :

1: marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence : valuable in content or relationship

2: giving evidence of a feeling of self-importance

3: urgent

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T22:08:00.003-05:00

"Mother" by Donna Lewis

Lyrics

And I can hear you calling my name

Your healing hands smooth away the pain

And I can hear you whispering it’ll be alright

You’ll stay until the night breaks into day

(chorus)

You are my light in the dark

You stand beside me

You take my hand show the way

You’re here to guide me

You give me the strength that I need

You give me shelter

You gave me life, you give me love

You are my mother

And when you hear me calling your name (I hear your voice)

You touch me with your chosen words

Everlasting faith everlasting love is the greatest gift you have

Believing, understanding me

My Child's Prose

2008-05-01T22:19:00.002-05:00

Spring Things

2008-04-29T11:55:00.004-05:00

~School picnic at the park to celebrate the end of three days worth of testing

~Antique scavenger hunt for kids in lovely downtown McKinney

~Pb&J lunch with chocolate cake for dessert at The Pantry (I had salad)

~Bike rides around the pond playing secret agents (I walked)

~Planting beans and carrots in the backyard garden in our new
Square Foot Garden

~Swimming and sliding at the indoor pool at the gym

~Spending time at our favorite library pouring over books

on insects, crafts, and dinosaurs

~Finishing needle work projects for end of the year gifts

~Yearly well child check-ups, shots and the traditional
"make-you-feel-better-after-a-shot" smoothies

~Sunday afternoon naps on the couch

~Fishing lessons at the local pond, the sheer delight of actually catching a fish,

and the not so delightful task of taking it off the hook and throwing it back

~Doing service as worship instead of going to service for worship

~Playing croquet in the green, freshly cut grass while waiting on dinner

~Watching the doughnut process at the local Krispy Kreme.

~Enjoying a "stolen moment" on the patio,

watching the new, green leaves on the trees rustle in the

breeze in front of a bright, baby blue sky. Sipping a hot cup of tea

while nestled in my cozy chair and reading the newest copy of

Victoria - which to my delight happens to be all about the beauty and

versatility of blue and white!

Inspiration...To Do The Next Thing

2008-04-23T17:41:00.004-05:00

A poem quoted by Elisabeth Elliot:

Do The Next Thing

"At an old English parsonage down by the sea,
there came in the twilight a message to me.
Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven that,
as it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
And all through the hours the quiet words ring,
like a low inspiration, 'Do the next thing.'

Many a questioning, many a fear,
many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrow, child of the King,
trust that with Jesus, do the next thing.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer,
do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,
leave all resultings, do the next thing.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
working or suffering be thy demeanor,
in His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
the light of His countenance, be thy psalm.
Do the next thing."

Wild Strawberries

2008-04-16T20:50:00.003-05:00

Are Wild Strawberries really wild?

Will they scratch an adult, will they snap at a child?

Should you pet them, or let them run free where they roam?

Could they ever relax in a steam-heated home?

Can they be trained not to growl at the guests?

Will a litterbox work or would they leave a mess?

Can we make them a Cowberry, herding the cows,

Or maybe a Muleberry, pulling the plows,

Or maybe a Huntberry chasing the grouse,

Or maybe a Watchberry guarding the house,

And though they may curl up at your feet oh so sweetly,

Can you ever feel that you trust them completely?

Or should we make a pet out of something less scary,

Like the Domestic Prune or the Imported Cherry,

Anyhow, you've been warned and I will not be blamed

If your Wild Strawberry cannot be tamed.

Wild Strawberries by Shel Silverstein

If My Thoughts Were. . .

2008-04-04T14:50:00.002-05:00

Musical Notes,

they would sound like this.

This is Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini:

And how about you, what music do you hear in your thoughts?

Sprouts, Anyone?

2008-03-30T20:49:00.004-05:00

So, driving around town at sunset (still one of my very fav-or-right things to do) I saw a happy little sign that said "SPROUT'S". I was pleased as punch and made a bee line to see the new store under construction - oh, what joy to find that Sprout's will be opening within a reasonable driving distance. They have fabulous produce at great prices. I inhale deeply and sigh at the mere thought of their divine watermelon and juicy cantaloupe. Central Market is great, but not so great for the bank account. Sprout's prices are truly sublime!

Bummer, I just checked out their website --------- It won't open until MID-summer!!! (deep cleansing breath) Learning to be patient definitely adds to sanctification.

Did you know that they have DOUBLE AD DAYS?! On Wednesdays, you can benefit from the old week's ad and the new week's ad (it is better than double dipping). Needless to say, plan on going early to find a parking spot otherwise bring a book to read while you stand in line for check out. As for me, I stay plenty entertained by an eight year old little boy who is crazy about knock-knock jokes.

*Knock-Knock ------*Who's there? ------*Alaska ------*Alaska, who? -----

*Alaska one more time, will you please take us to the park to play?

Yes dear, we will go feed the ducks and let you practice skateboarding tomorrow after school.

*Update: After dropping the kids off at school, I felt compelled to drive all the way over to Sprout's yesterday - the strawberries alone would be worth the trip. It was just as heavenly as I remembered it was. I was floored by the variety, price and quality of meat, poultry and produce. It was worth every red cent spent and the gas to get there! "Looks like meat is back on the menu!" (extra points if you can tell me which movie that line is from) I am finally going to be able to make a recipe I have longed to make after watching Lidia on PBS because pork roast and onions were on sale. It is such a feeling of richness to me to have fresh, quality and affordable goodness to feed my family. I told my little girl that I was going to Sprouts at breakfast. . . .5..4..3..2.. "Mom, will you please get my favorite granola from there?" Right on cue. I laughed out loud, I knew she would ask for it. She was so delighted to have her favorite granola with yogurt this morning. I wonder how many American kids beg for granola and yogurt and jump up and down after knowing pears will be for dessert. Sad to say that I was not able to get the Strawberries - they were totally out - the table was bear! Thank goodness for Rain Checks and a good reason to go back next week!

*Knock-Knock-----*Who's there?----*Hawaii.-----*Hawaii, who? -----
*Hawaii (read: how we) love good food!!!!

Oh, and we did go to the park to feed the ducks - but it was so windy they had to flap around and fly to eat the pieces blowing away. My boy is sporting a band-aid - a badge of honor after his skateboarding efforts. We all laughed to see how well a tree was flying an abandoned kite caught in it's branches.

What Time of Day Are You?

2008-03-26T14:41:00.003-05:00

You Are Sunrise

"You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary.

You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward.

Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts.

All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be. "

-I guess I would agree with that.

Now, your turn.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Oatmeal, All Dressed Up

2008-03-15T11:44:00.002-05:00

I am just going to assume that everyone knows the wonderful health benefits of a good ol' bowl of oatmeal. I am not talking about the instant stuff - that is basically useless - as well as anything labeled oatmeal that comes in a single serve packet - worse than useless. I want to share with you a wonderful recipe for yummy, satisfying oatmeal - it borders on gourmet.

Since I don't really measure much - you'll have to eye ball it based on how many servings you make. It is worth making even for one person. Okay - grab a pot!

What you are going to need:

*pot

*spoon

*parring knife

*grater

*water

*milk

*stone ground oatmeal (old fashioned)

*butter

*pinch of salt (I prefer sea salt -fine)

*a big Washington Apple or a couple

of Pink Lady Apples
*cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

*brown sugar

*good apetite

Grab a small to medium sized pot and fill the bottom of it with water, at least an inch - add an inch more (or so) for every additional serving. Next pour in some milk - don't be too shy with it but not equal to the water amount. Next add a dollop of butter and a pinch of salt.

Here comes the tricky part: Start on medium heat - you are going to add the oatmeal now - Remember this: you want the oatmeal in BEFORE it heats up. Probably totally opposite from what you've done your whole life! We don't want it to boil at all. You might want to put the oatmeal in and then turn the heat on - it is important because this is what changes the entire texture of oatmeal as you know it.

Okay. Adding the oatmeal - not too little, not too much. I shake mine right out of the box into the middle of the pot until the little mound just clears the top of the liquid. Better to err of the side of having less than adding too much. You'll get the hang of it after you've tried it a couple times. Now stir. While you wait, you can peel your apple(s). More stirring, if it starts to bubble turn down the heat. You'll keep doing this process until it is on low. Stir, bubble, turn it down. Bubble, stir, turn it down. Bubble, stir, turn it down.

Now is a good time to sprinkle in a bit of spice. Your oatmeal should be wonderfully creamy by now. If it is acting really sticky, pour in a bit more milk. Creamy, not sticky or soupy.

Okay, grate your apple. Hold it like you are going to eat it, keeping your fingers clear and then grate until all you have left is the core - watch out, don't grate it down to the seeds! Stir in the grated apples. Have your bowl(s), brown sugar and extra milk on hand. If you want the apples to be crisp, serve very soon after adding them. If that doesn't matter, keep it on low and serve when you are ready.

I would love to hear from anyone who tries this - let me know how it goes and what you think. Any questions?

Book Montage I

2008-03-12T10:36:00.007-05:00

Montage

2008-03-06T23:09:00.005-06:00

Presidents Day

2008-02-20T12:29:00.003-06:00

Bulletproof

Excerpt from the Book: Under God
By: Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait
Bethany / 2004

The French and Indian War: Account of a British Officer JULY 9, 1755

The American Indian chief looked scornfully at the soldiers on the field before him. How foolish it was to fight as they did, forming their perfect battle lines out in the open, standing shoulder to shoulder in their bright red uniforms. The British soldiers -- trained for European warfare -- did not break rank, even when braves fired at them from under the safe cover of the forest. The slaughter at the Monongahela River continued for two hours. By then 1,000 of 1,459 British soldiers were killed or wounded, while only 30 of the French and Indian warriors firing at them were injured. Not only were the soldiers foolish, but their officers were just as bad. Riding on horseback, fully exposed above the men on the ground, they made perfect targets. One by one, the chief's marksmen shot the mounted British officers until only one remained.

"Quick, let your aim be certain and he dies," the chief commanded. The warriors -- a mix of Ottawa, Huron, and Chippewa tribesmen -- leveled their rifles at the last officer on horseback. Round after round was aimed at this one man. Twice the officer's horse was shot out from under him. Twice he grabbed a horse left idle when a fellow officer had been shot down. Ten, twelve, thirteen rounds were fired by the sharpshooters. Still, the officer remained unhurt. The native warriors stared at him in disbelief. Their rifles seldom missed their mark.

The chief suddenly realized that a mighty power must be shielding this man. "Stop firing!" he commanded. "This one is under the special protection of the Great Spirit.” A brave standing nearby added, "I had seventeen clear shots at him . . . and after all could not bring him to the ground. This man was not born to be killed by a bullet."

As the firing slowed, the lieutenant colonel gathered the remaining troops and led the retreat to safety. That evening, as the last of the wounded were being cared for, the officer noticed an odd tear in his coat. It was a bullet hole! He rolled up his sleeve and looked at his arm directly under the hole. There was no mark on his skin. Amazed, he took off his coat and found three more holes where bullets had passed through his coat but stopped before they reached his body.

Nine days after the battle, having heard a rumor of his own death, the young lieutenant colonel wrote his brother to confirm that he was still very much alive. "As I have heard since my arrival at this place, a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first and of assuring you that I have not as yet composed the latter. But by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!"

The battle on the Monongahela, part of the French and Indian War, was fought on July 9, 1755, near Fort Duquesne, now the city of Pittsburgh. The twenty-three-year-old officer went on to become the commander in chief of the Continental Army and the first president of the United States. In all the years that followed in his long career, this man, George Washington, was never once wounded in battle. Fifteen years later, in 1770, George Washington returned to the same Pennsylvania woods. A respected Indian chief, having heard that Washington was in the area, traveled a long way to meet with him. He sat down with Washington, and face-to-face over a council fire, the chief told Washington the following: I am a chief and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes and to the far Blue Mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man's blood mixed with the streams of our forests that I first beheld this chief.I called to my young men and said, "Mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe -- he hath an Indian's wisdom and his warriors fight as we do—himself alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies." Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss -- 'twas all invain, a power mightier far than we shielded you. Seeing you were under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased to fire at you. I am old and shall soon be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of the shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speaking the voice of prophecy:

Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man, and guides his destinies -- he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle.

* * *

This story of God's divine protection and of Washington's open gratitude could be found in many school textbooks until the 1930s. Now few Americans have read it. Washington often recalled this dramatic event that helped shape his character and confirm God's call on his life.

"Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you." Psalm 91:7 NLT

Excerpt from the Book: Under God
By: Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait
Bethany / 2004 / in association with Wallbuilders.com
Incredible sale price! To order this book for only $3.99 (Regular price $16.99) please visit: http://www.HeartTouchers.com/Under_God

It's V-Day!

2008-02-14T11:59:00.004-06:00

There is one thing that I am quite dedicated to : Hand made Valentines! All of the parties at school are tomorrow, so we are still putting the finishing touches on them - I'll share pictures of those later. But until then, I have been saving these for today's post. Enjoy!

"It's Not Personal, It's Business"

2008-02-08T09:16:00.000-06:00

Morgan Weistling ~ one of the most talented living American artists. I love to visit his site every now and again. I was first introduced to his work at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in OK.

I have a few folders in my favorites list, it is just like a goodie bag to me. I never know what delightful stuff I might find. Categories: Sewing Blogs, Happy Crafty, Baking Goodies, and Green Living. It takes a while to go through the list so it is a lovely cycle of discovery. So I want to share a few with you.

*Who knew they actually could build a house of straw? Those little piggies were on to something ~ dreamy! And while you are at it be sure to have one of these handy for baking.

*Take a moment to see where this woman lives with her family ~ she creates beauty and is surrounded by it ~ Blossom Hill Cottons.

*Here is another lady that just amazes me with her sense of style ~ Allyson Hill. More:

~ Super Eggplant ~ Wee Wonderful ~ The Small Object (I love these little trees)~

*For those who have too much time on their hands and need something to do: Craftzine

*This is a lady after my own heart (when cooking that is) ~ I laughed so hard after reading her blog ~ You have to read about her "Dough - NOTS".

*Are we still having fun?! Take a look at this "Dinky Doggie". Brandy is the world's smallest dog.

Ready for the real scoop? I have a new love in my life. Any one who knows me even at acquaintance level knows how I feel about a hot cup of something, just about anything. Coffee, Tea, Soup, Hot Chocolate....oooo, I love me a good cup of ice cream ~ it totally counts if it is in a cup! So I was quite intrigued to read about this guy's affection for his GE percolator(s). Read the comments if you have the time ~ one poor girl didn't even know about the existence of percolators. Ready to Java Jive? I was after reading it, so. . . . .

Guess what I found on E-Bay?

It was love at first sight. It started at around $10.00 and had 5 hours to go. I've been to E-Bay plenty of times over the years, but have never bid and won anything ~ until yesterday. Take a look if you want and see what happened ~ here you can see the time and bidding. Okay, so yeah, I spent more on it than I intended ~ but it is the principle of the matter that matters, not to mention the amazing adrenalin rush and my kids shouting in the back ground, "Don't let her win, bid again Mom!!" Man, I thought I had it in the bag for the last hour because the other lady backed off. I think I gave her ample time to pursue the pretty blue and white percolator. In fact, if she had bid just once more during that last hour, I would have been gracious and let her have it. But the fact that she pounced on it ~~out bidding me in the last few minutes takes the matter to a different level. True it was a shrewd move on her part ~ but I am no pansy, "Let's go to the mattresses!!" I shouted and out bid her with 6 seconds to spare. Victorious, Triumphant, I WON!! Of course, in this case the winner really loses....a wad of cash!! Whew, E -Bay initiation is now over and I have won my treasure. No plastic in it, all metal - should last forever. My kids will finish growing up listening to the delightful sounds that only a percolator can make. I have already cleaned, dried and put to rest my Black and Decker drip coffee maker ~ Woo - Hooo!!! Let's here it for more counter space. Love it!!!!

Paper Dolls

2008-02-04T10:06:00.001-06:00

Who remembers playing with paper dolls? I once received a brand new magazine sized book of paper dolls. It kept me busy for hours. Cutting them out with scissors trumped punching them out due to the fact that it was more likely to tear along the perforated lines. That paper doll book was my first introduction to the "Victorian Era". I have been entranced by it ever since. When my little girl was sick last year one of her kind Aunts sent a card with a few paper dolls - we delighted in the delicate art work! It kept her mind off of being sick for a while, what a wonderful gift to receive! I have been looking high and low to find paper doll Valentine cards to be given out at school but have been unable to locate any. The search continues. . .

******Update: I promised pictures of the finished products, if nothing else I can reference this for next year. We had fun working together cutting and pasting and planing. Here are the results:

Need to Laugh? Check This Out

2008-01-26T15:24:00.000-06:00

This one is even better:

Just because:

The Quintessential Joie de Vivre?

2008-01-11T07:17:00.000-06:00

Well....a happy ending, of course!

Although I will still always hold to the fact that Hollywood can't hold a candle to my imagination when I read a book, I would have to say that my hat is off to the BBC when it comes to this interpretation of "Jane Eyre". I had a terrible migraine on Sunday that I just could not psyche myself out of and ended up medicated on the couch with pillows piled on top of my head to keep out the light and noise. After emerging (thanks to a couple of Excedrin Migraine finally kicking in) from the tunnel of Migrainville and the kids sleepily tucked in for the night, I enjoyed a lovely, hot cup of tea and the second half of one of the most well told stories that I have seen in quite a while.

The makers of the film portrayed Jane played by Ruth Wilson languishing in the moors after leaving Thornfield in a very dream like state, so it was hard for the audience to determine if what she was experiencing was real or imagined. I was pleased with the way they allowed the audience to see her stoic English bravery while in public, but in private as her mind lingers over the memories of her time with Rochester played by Toby Stephens, her raw emotion is so well conveyed that one forgets that one is a spectator and feels overwhelmed with compassion when Jane is shown in the barren, gloomy room... crying... alone. The audience is not privy to whether or not Jane ever remembers her true identity, and I believe that they want the audience to have the underlying idea that she would prefer to be called by a different name because in essence her dreams of what her life was to be died on the moors. After she woke up and recovered her health, Jane seems etermined to live out the rest of her existence as well as she could with a shattered heart and she preferred to be anonymous in that way. I will share one of my favorite lines that Jane says as she is talking over a possible marriage to her distant cousin St John Rivers who is cold, hard-hearted and quite repressed (the polar opposite of the warm, passionate and insightful Rochester). She says that people shouldn't get married just for the sake of getting married, but for love. He inquires what she knows of love and this is her profound response: "I've always known myself. Even since I was little, I have known myself. Rochester was the first one to really recognize me." What a beautiful expression of what love between two people can be.

Okay, enough of that, I am not a movie critic by any means - I just love to see the literary elements shine through in works of art that transcend time, space, and cultural. Still, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed and was quite satisfied with the ending. You know, they never did explain in the movie why Rochester ended up blind (among many other things)...I guess for any of you who are curious, you could read the book "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte to find out!
It is by far one of my favorite novels.

Outstanding Production!

Jane Eyre (BBC 2006)

Hooked on Yarn!

2008-01-05T22:14:00.000-06:00

Aaahhhh, yes we are hooked on latch hook! After all the festivities have come to an end, it is time to begin new projects. One has literally been waiting on the shelf for a couple of weeks now. My DD who at the lovely age of 10 has now been introduced to this favorite American past time. She is absolutely thrilled about her first four rows.....she was ready to stay up all night just to see how far she could get - we just started after the dinner dishes were put away. It seemed daunting to her at first, but after some instruction from yours truly and a few encouraging words she was off to a good start. The more she did, the more she loved it! She said it was so much better than knitting - it wasn't as tiring. I really hope her enthusiasm doesn't wane, it is just so precious to see her face light up with the delight as she surveys the diligent work of her hands.

I'll give you a sneak peek at what she is working on. This is what the end product will be:

A Few of My Favorite Things

2008-01-03T11:43:00.001-06:00

Our happy Christmas Tree. I love the lights!

"Look, Mom! Now we don't have to buy a nativity. We made our own and we can play with it!"

One of Tori's favorite things: Tea sets!

One of Nate's favorite things: Cars! This is his most "grown-up" RC Jeep.

If it all looks a little lame, it was because I was so sick during Christmas this year. I missed out on a lot because of it. It has been a long time (12 years to be exact) since I was sick during Christmas. I usually tackle Christmas time and all its various activities with lots of gusto and planning. One of my most favorite times of the year came just after Thanksgiving. My Aunt Susie would invite me over to "Plan Out" what we would do during Christmas week. We would have our hot cups of tea, pens and note books in hand and sit right by the fire with an assortment of cook books and such. We would look over the calendar and figure out who was coming when and where they were staying. We would talk about various dinners and where they would be held. Traditions grew from this ~ something that I have always looked forward to with pleasure and delight. Christmas Eve would call for big pots of chili in varying degrees with all the fixin's of sour cream, cheese, onions and then my specialty: homemade corn bread. It is a fabulous meal for a big crowd. We usually all dash out of the house after said meal to attend Christmas Eve service. I savor and relish such times where family works together and then worships together.

I finally got better and was well enough to accept a wonderful invitation to celebrate New Year's Eve with some friends. The children and I were quite excited to see our friends from church and meet new ones. The hostess said that she was serving chili and I (with gusto once more) asked if I could bring my home made corn bread to add to the meal. So with my two favorite helpers, we got busy in the kitchen

We had a wonderful time! It was a comforting feeling of community. We knew no one except the host and hostess but we were comfortable because of the common bond we have in all knowing Christ. All the children were friendly and played well together. All the adults were cheerful, helpful and accepting. The women talked about the wonders of dishwashers, exchanged recipes, and discussed the usefulness of short centerpieces. The men discussed football, house construction, and the miseries of choosing tile. We had great music in the background: Christafari, Strunz and Farah and other happy holiday music.

One of the highlights was playing a wonderful vintage game: Skittles.

Christmas Long Ago

2007-12-13T19:48:00.000-06:00

A Christmas Poem
by Jo Geis

Frosty days and ice-still nights,

Fir trees trimmed with tiny lights,
Sound of sleigh bells in the snow,
That was Christmas long ago.

Tykes on sleds and shouts of glee,
Icy-window filigree,
Sugarplums and candle glow,
Part of Christmas long ago.

Footsteps stealthy on the stairs,
Sweet-voiced carols in the air,
Stocking hanging in a row,
Tell of Christmas long ago.

Starry nights so still and blue,
Good friends calling out to you,
Life, in fact, will always slow...
To dream of Christmas long ago.

The Window Opens

2007-12-11T21:24:00.000-06:00

A Question for a Minister

2007-11-22T15:24:00.000-06:00

Is Thanksgiving a religious or civil holiday?

Things to be thankful for . . .

In America, it is how we recognize it. It started as a celebration of the first harvest of crops by the Pilgrims in 1621. In 1863, President Lincoln set a date. In 1941, Congress passed a resolution that set the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day to thank God for His provision.

386 years ago, two men sat as opposite ends of a long table loaded with food: Chief Massasoit at one end and Captain Miles Standish at the other end. The horrible winter of 1620-21 had passed with many deaths. With the help of the Indians, crops were planted and harvested, and the Pilgrims survived. They recognized that they needed each other and showed appreciation to God for what He had done for them. These three days were a special time of friendship for the people of two very different groups. They set an example for us to follow.

Thanksgiving Season...turkey, ham and trimmings...family get-togethers, football, and a whole lot of things. It is a time of celebration and thanks to God for what we have as well as some difficult times we're going through.

There are some things that I am thankful for:
For the taxes I pay on purchases - it means I have some money.
For the utility bill - it means I have electricity.
For the pile of laundry - it means I have some clothes.
For the dirty dishes - it means I have had something to eat.
For the person that sings off key at church - it means I can hear.
For the alarm that goes off - it means I am alive!
I am most thankful for my family and friends, my church, my
Country and most of all for my God that made it all possible. . .
good or not so good.

Religious or civil? To some it is neither, to some it is a day off, to some it is getting ready for Friday shopping, to some it may be a very lonely day, but to me...it is both. It is a religious day to honor my gracious Lord and a civil holiday to remember what others have done to give me freedom to celebrate it the way I want to. Share this Thanksgiving Day with some friends or family and enjoy it!
John Fleming/Retired Baptist Pastor

A Letter From Our Pastor

2007-11-21T08:17:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share the following letter with ya'll:

November 21, 2007

Dear Watermark Family:

Two words sum up my feelings and motivations in writing you this week.

Pitiful
Grateful

One word is inspired by a particular aspect of my leadership…the other word expresses my thoughts as they turn to you. If you aren’t immediately sure which word is which, you are well on your way to solving the riddle of which word was chosen for me.

I am saddened to realize how long it has been since I have written my friends in the Watermark faith community to encourage you and personally remind you how much I am motivated by your love for God and others. There is no excuse for the gap…it’s just pitiful.

Meanwhile, I get to constantly see the Spirit of God at work in so many of you. I see you serving the needy; mourning with those who mourn; comforting the hurting and meeting their physical, spiritual and emotional needs. I see you discipling others, confessing sin, sharing your story of grace and yielding to the Spirit. I see you greeting others, listening to each other, caring for children, loving students, forsaking sin and embracing God’s Word. I read your insights on the "Journey", and I watch you use your gifts to further the Kingdom and make provision for the ‘next 100’ who will meet the Savior and grow in intimacy with Him here. I see you renew people’s confidence in ‘church.’ I watch the Spirit glorify the Son through your repentance, your obedience and your passion for eternal things.

I am grateful to the Lord for you. Press on. Excel still more. Do not grow weary. Hate evil. Love good. Establish justice at the gate. Walk humbly with your God. As you do, you will never be pitiful, and all who observe you will see your good works and glorify your Father, the King, who is in Heaven….and He too will be grateful.

Thank you Lord for my friends at Watermark. Thank you for the things your grace and Spirit are doing mightily in and through them. Make me a better Pastor for your people. Allow my words to encourage them and spur them on to love and good deeds. Keep us all encouraging each other day after day, as long as it is called today lest any of us become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Increase your way among us. Grow our appetite for all that is good, all that is of Jesus. Thank you Lord for your grace in Christ and for the goodness of His body of which I am a part.

Philippians 1:3-6,

Todd

It is awesome to be lead by a fellow believer who struggles with filling in all the gaps just as I do. It is awesome to be able to see stuff for what it is and encourage each other on towards growth. Awesome.

Cup O' Comfort

2007-11-17T20:05:00.000-06:00

My favs: Hot Chocolate, Chai Tea, Coffee (in its many various forms) and Hot Tea.

Obviously not all at the same time of course! It depends on the time of year, mood, circumstance, and/or company. I began drinking coffee when I was in high school. Senior year. I had a long, early drive and I drank it purely for the caffeine effect - other than that I didn't care much for the stuff. I had a cup on the way to school every morning along with my tortilla for breakfast. I had hot chocolate only at Christmas time growing up. I was not all that impressed with Swiss Miss.

I remember a long time ago hanging out at my Aunt Susie's house and watching her make a cup of hot tea. Mug + water + milk + tea bag and into the microwave. After retrieving the hot steaming mug, she bobbed the tea bag up and down and then daintily discarded it. Imagine my face: nose wrinkled up and scrunched with a puckered frown of disgust and disapproval. Blithely, she scooped up the sugar with her spoon and stirred it into the tea with that familiar tink, tink sound. Know what she said to my sour little face: "Don't knock it until you have tried it Sweetie!" So she made me drink it. I have been hooked ever since! It soon became our tradition. It was table talk time over tea between the two of us for years. Thus, it is a cup o' comfort to me. It is something that I have cultivated with my kids through the years. We have had lots of fun having friends over for tea. And I do it right - scones, jam, and all! Sweet, Sweet.

I remember this one time that Nate was sick. I was holding him on the couch when he was lulled into a Tylenol induced sleep sitting on my lap, his head on my shoulder. Sweet Tori (very motherly I need to add) asked if I would like to have a cup of tea while he slept. Not being in the position to make it myself, I acquiesced to her kind invitation. She had never made a cup of tea all on her own before. I was amazed at her confidence and pride in her self appointed task. I will never forget the pleasure on her face as she proudly handed her weary mother a splendid cup of tea. As you can see, I find it a supreme expression of love.

Funny Friday

2007-11-16T16:35:00.000-06:00

Warning: Do not eat or drink while watching the following clip. <:0)

Speaking of "Cheesy" Check This Out!

2007-11-15T18:37:00.000-06:00

Blushing About Cheese Grits?

2007-11-15T10:16:00.000-06:00

I know a dear friend who loves to make grits. Not just grits, mind you, but cheese grits. (I've always referred to grits as Popcorn Soup. That is after all what it is essentially! )There is something so warm and comforting in a hot bowl of grits. A comfort food that soothes the soul and gives comfort to a weary heart. I love to share...I would love to share a bowl of soothing goodness with someone who is in need of comfort and love. Isn't that what preparing food should be all about? An expression of love, hope, peace, hominy....no, no.... I mean harmony! It should bring laughter, cheer, memories, traditions, and security among people who love each other. That is why is is called culture. It takes time, intention, and energy. It creates an environment for friends and family to share life together. It can even spark romance!

Bliss

2007-11-14T16:10:00.000-06:00

Oh, the bliss of it! I can remember many years back being on vacation and stopping into a Starbucks adjacent to a book store. We were on a road trip and I had inadvertently forgotten the book I was to bring to read for the trip. I was encouraged to find a magazine to read along the way. How absurd - "I don't read magazines." I thought magazines were for teens or Hollywood wanna-bes that had a second grade reading level and a high tolerance for commercialism. When I realized that was my only option, my eyes scanned the aisle lined with such an assortment of magazines someone could easily fall into sensory overload, my gaze landed on one of the most beautiful bunch of flowers on the front of a certain magazine: Victoria Magazine! After that I was hooked. It became my tradition to treat myself to a Victoria mag every now and then but especially on vacations. Then came the time after moving into our first new house a few years ago that I decided that I should be like a real housewife and subscribe to a magazine. I really looked forward each month to receiving the new issue. It would be sacrilegious to throw one away - I have them all neatly collected and filed. It is a good thing too, because after about a year of blissfully receiving said mag in the mail it abruptly was replaced with Better Homes and Gardens. I had a cursory note detailing the demise of Victoria magazine, how it wasn't as suitable in the present market as it was twenty years ago and stated BHG would be a fine replacement. Well, good grief I had paid for four years worth for Victoria and ended up with (gag) BHG. I tried to make the best of it but ended up at garage sales and libraries buying up old copies of Victoria and treasured every one. It was great to have a stack to devour if I was in bed sick, or taking a leisurely bubble bath (that in itself is luxury) or lend them out to friends.

Some time last year I looked online to see if there was a group of ladies like me waiting with bated breath to see if Victoria would ever come back. I wanted to see if there were like minded women who gathered on line to share in a "Victorian" blissful way. It just so happened that I was starting a small business when I came upon the Bliss Guild which was originally associated with the mag. It took a few essays and answering a bunch of questions before being accepted, but then I was in! It is a wonderful community of inspiring, courageous and successful entrepreneurial women that gave me great advice on my blissful adventure of sewing.

I was so pleased to find once again in my mail box the newest copy of Victoria Bliss Magazine. I was so happy I jumped up and down like an over excited little girl. Deep sigh - aahh, like an old familiar friend come to visit and hopefully here to stay. Another something that does indeed make my heart go pitter-pat. I do love so much having surprises to look forward to. I'm sure I could have conveyed all of this in about three sentences, but I really enjoyed expressing my thoughts in more detail.

"When the Saints"

2007-11-14T11:52:00.000-06:00

Before you do anything else, if you do nothing else - click on this link and listen to this tremendous song by Sara Groves "When the Saints". Now, download the lyrics and read while you listen.

We spent our weekend learning so much about the civil war at the Old City Park this past Saturday, Veteran's Day weekend. Veteran's Day is unlike Memorial Day in that it is to honor all the people willing to lay down their lives in order to ensure the safety and quality of another. I only learned the designation and difference this past weekend. Yes, we hold those who did lose their lives due to such an effort in high esteem, but we need to be thankful for those who chose to put themselves on the line and honor their willingness and then celebrate their lives. Whether or not one agrees with war, that kind of sacrifice is worthy of respect.

That's My King!

2007-11-13T10:09:00.000-06:00

Learning to Tell Myself the Truth

2007-11-12T18:27:00.000-06:00

So far this book has been worth every penny. I found this at my local Christian book store just last week. It is a six week workbook that should help my outlook on life dramatically. If I had a friend that needed guidance and advice, I would with out a doubt recommend going through this workbook before any major life changing decisions were made. This book is mainly focused on "Self-Talk" which is essentially the background "music" or "noise" in our minds. Aunt Susie used to call them the tapes that played in my head, that I heard the voices of the past and needed to replace them with the truth of God's words instead. Now I have a great tool to do exactly that. It has come to my attention that I have been such a people pleaser that the personality that God has given me is lost in the translation of me trying to be a peace maker. According to Todd Wagner I have not been a peace maker but rather a peace faker. Well, Sugars, that definitely is not honoring God in my life. So I have a lot of work ahead of me - but - thank the Lord just more beautiful evidence of His sanctifying work in my life. Progress is already being made in this transition of not just thinking "positive" but thinking the Truth. Really, really renewing my mind according to God's word (not my mother's).

Here is a little excerpt:

"As a Christian, you are not in this alone. A relationship with Jesus Christ supplies daily power for making needed changes. God works with you powerfully, but you make the changes. How? By replacing inadequate, inaccurate, mistaken beliefs, and the sinful and maladaptive thoughts and behaviour they cause, with truth and the Christlike behaviour it generates. By living your Christian faith and making the most of the enormous power of truth, you can reach new levels of freedom from spiritual numbness, emotional anguish, and behavioural paralysis. This workbook provides the tools, you provide the willingness, and God provides the power to change."

Too Funny

2007-11-10T07:14:00.000-06:00

Yesterday after school, I took the kids with me to run a few errands. We needed supplies of various sundries and accoutrements for sewing crafts (shhh, Christmas is around the corner, you know) and a gathering of goodies. The first stop was to secure the needed items for smores, naturally I thought Big Lots would have it all - alas they did not. We did not turn away empty handed - oh, no sugars - I was still able to feel like an accomplished shopper after our time spent there.

(Aside: I usually abhor blogs that try to turn every day events that are at best mediocre into some scripted and edited first edition best seller blog. Probably why I haven't blogged much.

But, what the heck - that's life. No reason I should haven't a chance to blog with the best of them.)

Okay, so Nate loves his new $3 black sweat pants, Tori found some Cold Duck Sparkling Cider (it looks like pretty fancy stuff) to celebrate Thanksgiving with for the kids, and I walked out with a big pouch of .... Original Big League Chew! So there the kids and I were huddled outside the shopping mall strip, I was eager to share my wealth of bubble gum with them. Now that Nate's teeth have finally grown in it is time for him to learn to blow a bubble. So I tell them this is a very special moment. I love the sound of the pouch tearing. And you have to tear carefully so you can roll it up just right to save the left overs for later without it drying out. I open the pouch and tell the kids to smell the rich aroma of bubble gum. . . "this is the smell of my childhood." Intoxicating - and silly.

So our next stop is the fabric store and we are all smacking our big wads of gum like a bunch of hicks. 80 cents worth of fun is really priceless. After searching and gathering the items on my list I go to stand in line. Tori and I continue to admire what we see around us as we wait for our turn to check out. Then comes this woman with a thick New York accent talking and laughing with someone on her phone. I find the accent alone totally intriguing, but her laughter was really rather contagious - here Tori and I stand giving each other knowing looks (in a good way) and smile. A few moments later Tori was off to visit with a friend and my turn was up. I shuffle forward and plop my assortment on the counter. In the mean time I have had no other choice but to eaves drop on the conversation behind me. A loud announcement is made over the intercom, apparently the New York Lady's friend inquires about where she is and she says, " I'm at Hancock's. pause. No, I'm not in handcuffs. I said I am at Hancock's! Why would I be talking to you if I was in handcuffs?" I found this extremely hilarious and could not help myself from laughing out loud! She laughed, I laughed - she had to hang up she was laughing so hard. I told her I was going to blog about it and she laughed even harder.

Getting Things Done

2007-11-09T16:13:00.000-06:00

Oh, yes it will be a busy weekend.

Plans:

Friday night - scour the neighborhood for twigs and sticks to burn in the back yard chiminea where by we will sit in the twilight roasting marshmallows and making smores. We will use our imaginations and pretend we are by a river, camping somewhere beautiful.

Saturday - We will be at Old City Park participating in the scouting event "Civil War on the Home Front". Yes, we will be brown bagging and totally enjoying the sights and sounds of the bygone era. The most exciting part will be an actually battle re-enactment. We just rented Wishbone's edition of The Red Badge of Courage from the library last Friday. I'm not sure Nate will get to sleep tonight with all the sugar and excitement!

Sunday - Family Party and Parade. Pizza party and "tykes and bikes" parade to the park afterward. It is a great time of year to enjoy playing outside with our cousins.

Distant Thoughts

2007-11-09T09:40:00.000-06:00

Standing still. Looking around. Remembering. Getting lost in thoughts and memories - then waking back up to reality and having it take your breath away. It is like dreaming. There are times that I dream at night of dear ones I have loved. It feels like just one of our usual visits, it gives me a satisfying, yummy feeling inside, then I wake up. . . Back to reality and feeling a bit lonely. I tend to stop and stare out my window these days, lulled by the brilliance and warmth of the autumn sun in my hair and on my face. Close my eyes and remember when. Remember when I would run home after school, completely change as if it were new day because it is game day. Football. Friday Nights. In high school, it was all about seeing and being seen. I can still feel the excitement and anticipation. Bright lights, cool breeze, brassy instruments, cameras flashing and the sound of helmets clashing! Love it! Miss it.

Stress Doesn't Equal Success

2007-11-08T09:52:00.001-06:00

So, evidently I have been doing this all wrong. I thought I was just doing the "get it done" mom thing when in fact I am just creating a sour environment to live in.

For as long as I can remember, stress has been my main motivation in life with a heaping helping of fear to go along with it. Can I get an amen? Okay, so I get things done, but it isn't right to sour stomachs in the process. So here, thank the Lord, is more evidence of His sanctifying grace showing up in my daily life. Okay, here comes the story.

We were running late for school yesterday morning. It was actually cold, okay 40 something is declared cold in Texas! So the little boy comes down the stairs with his sister's knitted cap with the silver sparkly pom pom on top, a scarf, and his two mittens on (sans a coat). I look down at his feet with no shoes or socks and we should be on the road 5 minutes ago! "Son, I am glad you knew where all your warm things were, but socks and shoes are the most important right now. Please go get them on quickly." (Usual response - "What are you thinking? There is no blizzard out there! You've wasted time with non essentials. I am walking out the door in two minutes, with or without your shoes. Now hurry!") Back in the kitchen finishing up the lunches, I call up in a sweet mommy voice yet again for the one minute warning. Tori, bless her heart, looks at me with astonishment and says, "Mom, you are so calm this morining. I have never seen you so calm when we are really late." Now, 1.) I love how honest kids can be and 2.) Doing things God's way does make a noticeable difference. I took that opportunity to explain to Tori how God was working in my life to really trust Him and not live in stress and fear. Worrying, yelling, threatening life and limb really doesn't get us to school any faster - it just causes a sour taste in every one's mouth and teaches kids to dread just about everything.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this.

Charcoal - Sometimes It Is Easier to See in Black and White

2007-11-07T10:38:00.000-06:00

Once a very long time ago, a friend of mine that I studied with frequently was the last of a huge military family. He was number eleven and despite having so many siblings, he was the only child in the home. His mother was a precious woman of many talents. I don't know the full story, but her marriage ended and she was destined to raise her last son alone. I thought she was a beautiful lady and enjoyed her hospitality during our hours of study, but I enjoyed staring a her art work the most. She had it hanging on the walls of the stair way. There is a contest called "On Your Own Time" that exhibits the art work of professionals in various competing corporations. Her art work had won her quite a few ribbons and honors in that competition and others I can't recall. She worked mainly with charcoal, thus my introduction to this fascinating medium.

At any rate, at some point she challenged me to give it a try. Her charcoal artwork focused mainly on faces. Old, rugged cowboys. Old, grumpy grandpas. She had a little green post card in her hand of an old, wrinkly man with a turban from Greece. She was going to draw him next but wanted me to have a go at it. I was dumb founded by her confidence in me. My artistic training amounts to one year of it in the 8Th grade. So she gave me the post card and a list of supplies to get at the craft store. I went and made black and white copies of the post card blown up in varying degrees as well as darkest to lightest. Who knows how many hours I spent on my "Greek Man"! I have a permanent crick in my neck from talking on the phone with friends in the evenings while working on my Greek man. I worked on it in the evenings all summer. I am right handed so I worked left to right. I just copied what I saw - I thoroughly enjoyed every exhilarating, frustrating, and satisfying moment of that endeavour. In doing so, I was able to gain confidence in my abilities artistically and go on to other projects in my life. I don't have much to show, because I generally give what I do away or it gets torn down once VBS is over. Oh well. I was asked to do a portrait in charcoal as a birthday gift for a woman who was celebrating 95 years! She was an honest to goodness flapper in the roaring twenties. I was honored and delighted. I labored long and hard on that project. I was given one picture of this woman when she was in her twenties. It was once black and white, but then someone had "colorized" it. When presented with the portrait, the woman was so gracious and sweet about it and I was feeling rather proud. After a time, the sweet woman said that it was a wonderful portrait, but it looked more like her sister than her. Inquisitive, I asked why that was. She said because her sister was the brunette, she was platinum blond! Aaaaaaaahhhh!

Yes, this is leading somewhere and I do have a point to all this rabble. I have been rather restless these last couple of months. I think some of it is due to the fact that I have had no creative outlet. I haven't been sewing, I haven't been cooking or baking, I haven't done any knitting or embroidery. I tried to make a rocket stove but that flopped. So, the other night I went to the craft store to get some tissue paper for gifts, etc. For years I greedily eyeballed the aisles with easels, sketch books, paint brushes, etc. and for years I have walked on by knowing full well that a mother has no business making such a mess. Well, sugars, not the other night. As part of my birthday present, I was encouraged to find all the supplies I needed to restart my artistic endeavours with charcoal! I picked out a great table top easel, my beloved orange charcoal pencils and other necessary sundries. The pictures above I think are worth a try just to get warmed up. I started last night on the butterfly. After all that fun, I realized I had forgotten to get the tissue paper. Oh well, guess I'll have to go back to the craft store. WOO-HOO!! :0)

Pick Blue

2007-10-24T16:32:00.000-05:00

Pick Blue

The other Sunday morning I went to find my first grade boy who had been in his Sunday School class while I was attending church service. I enjoy this time because he is usually very excited to tell me about the story, what games were played, etc. On this occasion I could tell as soon as I looked at him something was unusual. After picking him up, saying our thank yous to the teachers, and then walking about 10 paces in silence I had to know what was going on. Holding his hand, I looked down at my son and asked him to share with me about his morning. The most he could muster as his little lip quivered was, "I didn't pick blue and didn't get the candy." Now, my little boy is not fond of sweets. He will pick grapes over skittles any day of the week. So I instinctively knew that it wasn't really about the candy but something deeper. He expressed feelings of being "wronged" and I suggested we go back to the teachers to discuss it. This in itself was a new venture for me who usually runs from confrontation - but I want to teach my kids health. It is healthy to resolve conflict not ignore or run from it. So we turned tail and headed back to the first grade room.

Come to find out it was a hard lesson taught and a hard lesson learned, indeed. It was explained to me as I listened intently to the discussion between my little man (I felt that he was handling the situation like a man) and his teacher. It seems that every one of the leaders from the get go told the kids "pick blue" "blue is the color you want" "blue is the right answer" all through the lesson and even during the game. Okay simple enough. Until game time. Each kid was given four turns to choose. Key word: Choose. The child could choose a blue card or a red card. Here's the kicker. If the child chose the blue card, he got one cheerio. If the child chose the red card, he got one M&M or skittle or a star burst. The leaders went on saying "Pick blue" every time and still letting the kids know they had to be the one to choose between blue or red. Nate, sweet boy, picked blue three times. Peer pressure got him in the end. Why have a cheerio when you could have CANDY!? Poor boy. Out of the hundreds of kids only a handful chose to pick blue all four times. They are the ones who got a WHOLE bag of M&M's or Skittles or Star bursts. They were the obedient, the diligent, they chose right the whole time despite everyone else. Nate was so close and so devastated. He felt it deep inside. As the kids have been growing up we have this thing we say. I say the first half and then they complete it: "Wrong is wrong - even if everybody is doing it. Right is right - even if no body is doing it." Easy to say, hard to do. But he knew, he knew at that moment the meaning of those words that were so familiar to his ears but not his heart.

God tells us all through the bible and all through our lives: "Pick Blue"! And yet we get to choose, because red is always there: sin. It is easy, intensely satisfying, and does not ask for delayed gratification. And yet, in the end we will be empty handed. I have been able to use this powerful illustration in my own life and in the continued instruction of my kids.

Case in point.

"Nate, going to get donuts before church and making us late is choosing red. Going to church, not being late and making a plan to get donuts later is choosing blue. What should we choose, Nate?"

"Blue"

"Why?"

"Because it is right."

"Good. Nate, how do we show God that we believe Him and trust Him?"

"Obey"

"Very good. We obey."

Go Blue.

Describe "Friend"

2007-06-02T08:48:00.000-05:00

On the left we have Percy Penguin and on the right is Fluffy Puppy. If Puppy looks a bit more aged than Percy, it is because he has had more than an extra three years of love on him.

Fluffy Puppy has been with my 10 year old daughter since day one. Obviously Fluffy Puppy isn't fluffy ~ I really can't remember how his name came about. Puppy is held together with lots of love and plenty of thread. On many occasions I have had to reassemble his tail, nose, ears and eyes. He has been a faithful friend that has brought comfort and security into a sweet little girl's life.

Percy has been with my 7 year old son from day one. Want to know how I came up with Percy? It was the name of my academic advisor in college - a most amusing little man. Percy has been on plenty of adventures parachuting off the bunk beds, tobogganing down the stairs on a cardboard sled, and bravely participated in target practice on the top of the couch.

I'll never forget one special Christmas when I was a tiny girl receiving a brand new Miss Piggy Doll with golden braids of yarn. It is one of very few things I still have from child hood. My husband still has "skrill" ~ his name for squirrel (girls were "grills"), you would never know by looking at it - it's tail was loved off a long, long time ago.

What is it about these pieces of fabric and stuffing when sewing together makes us bond to them from infancy? Is this common to man kind only in the last century? I really wonder if any one has undertaken this part of human psychology into consideration for a study. One thing I know for sure is that what they provide is priceless and they are completely irreplaceable. What a great way to describe friends!

It's been so long, I can't catch up - I'll just jump in right here

2007-03-23T22:20:00.000-05:00

"Belle of the Ball" Tori went to a benefit concert at the Meyerson with friends.

This is the best bow I have ever tied, I had to take a picture. It doesn't get much better than that.

Handmade "Merry Christmas" Teachers Gifts, etc. It was a great team effort.

Nate-Boy's fabulous Ginger Bread House creation!

It actually got cold here in Texas! We had to break out the mittens and scarves.

Making Nate's Derby car for the race. It had to be just like "The King" in cars. Here he is at the race showing us he placed third. He loves being in the cub scouts. We are proud of our tiger cub.

Sunshine + sidewalk + kids + chalk = Sidewalk Chalk Picture Fun! It didn't take long to warm up.

Well, it has come to the point where I am out of time and patience, big reasons why I have not blogged in ages. I wish I could recover time the way I can recover a post. My quest to being a happy homemaker has been seriously sidetracked, if not derailed in the last couple months. I am getting back on track and am currently on recovery mode. Next time I will post about a few of my favorite things.

Orange Man?

2006-12-15T09:51:00.000-06:00

A nice neighbor of ours brought us half a box of clementines. What a sweet treat! It was a cold day and the kids and I were making our usual trip back home after the usual pick after school. Usual question: Are ya'll ready for a snack, what would you like? Oranges, please and tea. Yes my kids love tea. They have grown up with it. So it takes a few minutes to make tea and peel the smallish oranges. As I peel the oranges the kids stand around like little bees around honey. They smell the wonderful citrus aroma and swoon with delight. I give Nate the first unpeeled, juicy gem of an orange. He holds it carefully and sits at his place at the table. Eager to start he asks if he can begin eating. I ask him to be polite, be patient, and wait for the ladies before beginning. As I continue with the rest of the tea and orange preparations, my little man does wait patiently. I come around the corner to see a bright, proud smile on his face and then his question: do you like my orange man? I could not help but laugh, not because I thought he was silly but because once again I am amazed at his creative musings. It would never enter my mind to do such a thing! Let's hear it for imagination - something that happens sans too much TV and video games. What a wonderful expression of enjoying life and being patient at the same time. (I hope person A and person S are happy I posted something.);0)

THE BIG 3-0! Wow I'm 30!

2006-11-02T09:09:00.000-06:00

It was a happy, happy birthday yesterday. I loved getting the phone calls through the day and opening cards that came through the mail.
My DH gave me a beautiful bunch of pink roses and a cheesy card. I love the good, funny kind of cheesy. He took us to my favorite (well, one of them) restaurant for dinner. It was very pleasant. I love being 30-something.

Happy 10th

2006-10-26T08:01:00.000-05:00

Ten years ago today, my beloved and I began our journey together in this life. What a blessed sanctifying experience it has been! Domesticity and submission were quite a shocking jolt for me, but I am now truly embracing that which I thought was demeaning. I take joy in the roll that I have been given as a wife and then as a mother. I delight in knowing that whilst tidying my house I can glorify my Father in Heaven and bless not only my family, but those who come to visit us as well. This attitude is a far cry from where I began ten years ago. I rejoice in seeing the mighty work that God has done in making me a new creation and allowing my mind to be renewed and conformed to His word. This is the evidence of my salvation, the reassurance I need, knowing that my faith is not blind nor in vain.

When I began this blog, I promised to tell the story behind the title Destination: Sanctification. I in no way grew up in a traditional christian home. When Dan and I were dating I attended his church - a Presbyterian church at that! It was not much time before we were married in said Presbyterian church. What a sweet ceremony and lovely reception. A wedding dinner was planned for the evening, in which I think all of the groom's men were involved with some tom foolery associated with our "get away" car. It involved shoe polish, shaving cream, Oreo cookies, and ribbon. I remember vividly reading on the hood of our car Destination: Sanctification. Truly, I had never read or heard that word before. Here I was a new bride and I wondered to myself, "What does that mean?" I chuckle now as I think about it. It was meant as a joke, but it has seemed to me more prophetic than anything. That phrase has haunted my mind over the years, it has become familiar, and now I find security in it. It is the story of my life.

A Leaky Boat Will Still Float

2006-09-08T09:01:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking about church, the people, as a whole and as individuals.
The Bible instructs us to not give up meeting together in worship with the saints.
It also commands that we practice hospitality ~ usually referred to as fellowship.
Is there any such thing as a perfect church? Nope ~ not going to find it. Picture this: Church is like a leaky boat navigating the sinful waters of the world. The shark infested waters await hungrily to devour a falling saint.

Why is it leaky? Because it is not perfect. But, you know ~ A Leaky Boat Still Floats! What do we have to do to keep it floating ~Bail water like your life really depended on it. Yes, that yucky, sinful, worldly water has a tendency to creep into the boat(church). If it were only one person bailing water the boat would surely sink. That is why we all need to be in the boat bailing water (fighting sin and its effects) because our lives DO depend on it. It is sad to see some hapless person fed up with bailing(fighting sin) and choose to just jump in the water (not attending church).

We are not meant as Christians to go it alone. Look in the Bible, in Genesis when the world was still perfect and the relationship between Adam and God was unbroken. Everything God had done up to that point was proclaimed "Good". Notice how in all of this perfection, God proclaims that is NOT GOOD for man to be alone. Hello? We are created for relationship, relationship with God and others. Now that the world is full of sin, it is truly hard work cultivating relationships in the world and even in the church. But it is GOOD WORK that God has given us.

It takes all of us! So let's pull up our sleeves, grab a bucket and bail that water together. Creating, nurturing, and sustaining relationships is what is needed to keep us in the boat and out of the shark infested waters. Even if the sharks don't get you, you will surely drown alone. Let's not make anyone walk the plank(judgement)either, Love covers over a multitude of sin! Instead let's throw out life saving floatation devices and reel in(evangelism)those who are thrashing about in the deathly waters. In the boat(salvation)they get their bucket and bail like there is no tomorrow. Because you know, we are not promised tomorrow. So I ask you now, where's your bucket? A leaky boat will still float, but it will surely sink if no one is bailing.

Shop's Open

2006-09-06T16:06:00.000-05:00

That's right Folks . . . step right up and be the first to see! SewAnyway introduces the Bread Blanket -- tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your boss ... all your Christmas shopping can be done in just a few clicks. The "Shop Around the Blog" is one click away. Come see at SewAnyway

Wee Bunny

2006-08-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

Sunday, July 23, 2006
Wee Bunny
Thank you, Wee Wonderfuls for letting us have the Wee Bunny Pattern to have fun with. I did make a few changes and I am pleased with the end product of our efforts. I made the bottom out of felt as well as the the little bunny tail. I changed the shape of the bunny ears so they would frame her face and be a bit floppy. The ears just had to be floppy. Okay here it the finish bunny.This project was my dd first intro to sewing. She did well at cutting out the templates and cloth for a leftie. (It is rather challenging with right handed scissors. Does anyone have info on where I could fine left handed fabric shears?) DD says the only thing this bunny is lacking is a nice ribbon around her neck. I agree. As they say, we'll keep you posted.

2006-07-30T14:26:00.000-05:00

2006-07-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

"To be a housewife is a difficult, a wrenching, sometimes an ungrateful job if it is looked on only as a job. Regarded as a profession, it is the noblest as it is the most ancient of the catalogue. Let none persuade us differently or the world is lost indeed."

~ Phyllis McGinley

A True Woman - Reflecting Redemption

2006-07-28T11:06:00.000-05:00

This beautiful lady is my Sweet Aunt Susie.
Susan Dishman ran the race that was set before her and impacted an untold number of lives all the while. I am so thankful that I was one of those lives. She was the best example of a Godly woman, wife, mother, aunt, and friend. She fought the good Fight of the Faith, her strength was found in her total trust and reliance on God. It was three years ago today that she received her place in Glory and lost her fight with ovarian cancer.

She blessed my life to such an extent, I didn't know how I would learn to exist with out Aunt Susie.

Sometimes I forget, I actually forget that she isn't here.

At times, you may have heard me quip, "Aunt Susie always said . . . " Well, I would like to share a few bits of wisdom from her:

*Trying to get something done and it may not be coming out just right: Aunt Susie would surely say, "Close enough."

*Trying to get a cranky, running on fumes, and dangerously close to melt down kid(s) into bed:
"Better go to sleep or I'll get a rock and rock you to sleep" Then she'd laugh.

*Trying to explain to someone that maybe the decision they are about to make isn't the best:
"Well, they are going to do what they are going to." Meaning you can't make others understand, no matter how much you'd like for them to.

*You see a baby tighten fists, close eyes, and start to pucker up:
"Are you starting to tune up?" Meaning there is going to be a fit and it is going to be loud. Then she would liesurely hand the baby back to the respective parent. Laughing, of course.

*This is my all time favorite, and if you know me well, you've probably heard it:
"God is sovereign and has known about me and this cancer since before the foundations of the earth. I will always trust and believe that His Plan is Perfect. I don't have to understand it."

Here is a story that I heard shortly after her death. It gave me comfort in my grief.

Malachi 3:3 Refiner and Purifier of Silver

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up.

He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

I Am His Child

2006-07-24T05:56:00.000-05:00

a hymn written by Anna L. Waring in 1850:

Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
And the changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see;
I ask Thee for a present mind,
Intent on pleasing Thee.

I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child
And guided where I go.

Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoever estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate .

Back by Popular Demand! (just kidding)

2006-07-23T18:35:00.000-05:00

Hello, dear reader, it has been a while and I am so sorry for neglecting my blog. I have a very good reason, I have been totally enjoying my summer which doesn't really include sitting at the computer very often. Hey, people are lucky if I actually email them!

So, what have we been up to?! Well, we recently went up north to OK-LA-HO-MA. Oklahoma City to be exact. We went to see family and to visit the Cowboy Museum. It was a great trip.
My dd is really happy when she has a craft to work on, so I encouraged her to make a present for our very special Cousin Myra and so this is what she came up with from a little of this and that from my scrap booking scraps (up to the left there).

I was so impressed with the Cowboy Museum. It was impressive and inspiring. I was introduced to my new favorite artist, Morgan Weistling. (WoW! Momentous occasion ya'll that <- that was my first link, I finally figured it out!!!)

Just recently we had an adventure downtown. It was Free Fare Day on the Dart Rail. My kids
love to ride the train and you can't beat free! On our adventure we rode the trolley, scoped out
the Museum of Art, and had a lovely lunch at Chipotle looking out the window watching the all the trolleys go by. We went for a walk on the old brick sidewalk, shaded by the trees, looking at the sweet townhouses and store fronts. I thought it was charming and a great memory for us to treasure. Funny enough, on the train ride home, a man introduced himself and said that he was a reporter for The Dallas Morning News. He interviewed us on our day - it being the Free Fare Day as the motivation for our downtown adventure. He said we should be looking for the story in the next day's paper -yeah, right! It was still an interesting thing to have happen.

Okay, so here is something else that we worked on recently.

It began with a conversation over breakfast about energy, what it is and where it comes from. So we went over the usual - wind, water, lightning, and the sun. "The sun?" says dd. Yes, I said and told her how people take energy from the sun(light) to run calculators, refridgerators(sp?), and ovens. I told her that it was specifically developed for people who relied mainly on firewood for their cooking. Fuel for the fire was scarce and some women would walk for miles just to gather enough sticks to try to cook one meal. She was completely intrigued. So we did research on the web

about Solar Stoves and Ovens. It took us a couple of

hours and quite a few attempts to design our own solar stove. What we came up with looked similar to this ->

We have successfully used the hot water from the solar stove to make tea, to saute onions, and cook beans. It was an educational endeavor that left me thankful and even a bit ashamed of the waste we have in this country when so many others do without the very basic necessities of life.

And last of all, I would like to inform you that I have a new blog that will be devoted to sewing. That is what has been my major preoccupation over the last couple of weeks. So if you are interested come and see what we have been up to at SewAnyway.blogspot.com.

My, My - How Time Does Fly!

2006-06-16T15:32:00.000-05:00

Does the picture of this room make you think of anything? Do you have memories of a room like this? Do you wish you had a room that looked like this? I sure do! It is bright, cozy, inviting, and most of all unique. It is not matchy- matchy.

A house should reflect the personalities that reside therein, and when it does, then it becomes a home. Remember the women of history who took the care of hearth and home seriously? The pioneers, whose amazing determination that I admire, could take a hole in the ground and make it into a home because she made it so. So I am wondering what is my excuse?! I am still processing the whole "Keeper of the Home" paradigm. It is time for me to put it into practice - working with my hands.

Try This

2006-05-22T08:45:00.000-05:00

Try this...
Someone who thought I had nothing better to do sent this to me, so of course I had to try it.

Make sure no one is watching you or they might think you've lost your mind.

How Smart Is Your Right Foot?This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. You will keep trying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot. But you can't!!!

1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with it.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand..Your foot will change direction!!!

I told you so... And there is nothing you can do about it!

Profound and Simple

2006-05-08T12:31:00.000-05:00

"We have now a National character to establish, and it is of the utmost importance to stamp favorable impressions upon it; let justice be then one of its characteristics, and gratitude another."-George Washington, April 4, 1783

Inspiration for my Soul

2006-05-05T09:21:00.000-05:00

THE VALUE OF THINGS.- There is no better test of a woman's wisdom or folly than her estimate of the comparative value of the different objects of human pursuit. The wise woman values reputation, but she would not sacrifice health for its attainment; she does not despise riches, but she would not give up honor, conscience, or charity to procure them; she admires beauty, but she does not set it above virtue; she loves amusement, but she does not neglect business for its enjoyment.
Goodey’s Lady’s Book 1850

"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (Titus 2:4-5)

Spring Cleaning

2006-04-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

Needless to say, I have had plenty of time to do plenty of things having been without internet for the last two months. One of which was some good spring cleaning around my house. I have been through cupboards, closets, files, bookcases, cabinets, shelves . . . I had three piles 1. Keep, 2. Throw away, and 3. Give away. Sweet and Simple.

It was difficult for me to cull through the books and decide what would stay and what would go. My books are like old friends to me in which it is hard to say good bye. Some I didn't get a chance to say good bye to, when I have gone to look for a book in particular and am not able to find it, I usually come to realize that it was loaned to some one and never returned. Sad, Sad. One such book is Pioneer Women. I did research for a report in Sociology class in college on that subject. I loved the book so much I had to buy it, but alas it is gone.

I regularly attend a Discipleship Group at church. We usually meet in the Fellowship Hall, but at times when it is otherwise occupied by a bigger group, we have to meet in the library. It is so hard for me to stay focused on our study when I am so distracted by the beautiful shelves full of books. Last Thursday in particular, we all were gathered in the library. A friend was sharing a story, I had a steady gaze and listened intently. When in my weakness, my eyes shifted to the shelves behind her. Then it happened, right there on the shelf was the beloved book I had longed for: Pioneer Women. I really did try to keep my composer so as not to draw attention to myself and away from the my friend's story. But my friend was caught off guard by observing my (over) reaction to seeing the book. She asked me what was the matter and I apologized and said nothing but urged her to continue what she was saying. She couldn't remember where she left off, she looked at me and said she had to know what it was that caused such a reaction. When I explained to her my surprise in seeing the book, I couldn't help my excitement. I explained a bit about the stories of the women on the Kansas Frontier and how those stories were wonderfully preserved in that beautiful book. Of course, I highly recommended it. I love windows into history, especially in the form of a good book.

If I could be a flower . . .

2006-02-28T12:40:00.000-06:00

This is the last day of February and I realized I did nothing on my blog for Happy Valentine's Day!

I have nothing brilliant to say - I just wanted to share this perfect pink poesy with anyone who might stop in. I have had it as my wallpaper this month. It is the essence of Valentine's Day to me.

I am beginning to think I am the only one who reads my blog, and I think,
"What is the point?"
I started this blog almost a year ago. This time last year I was recovering from a stay at the hospital due to kidney infection. It took awhile to get better and I had more couch time than I could wish for! I was entertained by visiting other friends' blogs and was inspired. What fun it has been, even if it is to just look back to fond memories and to see some of this life and remember the journey. The one constant in this life you can count on is change.

My Kind of Funny

2006-02-21T12:28:00.000-06:00

You Are the Swedish Chef

"Bork! Bork! Bork!"Your happy and energetic - with borderline manic tendencies.No one really gets you. And frankly, you don't even get you.But, you sure can whip up a great chocolate mousse

http://www.blogthings.com/themuppetpersonalitytest/"

Muppet Personality Test

Who's surprised?! What did you think I would be Miss Piggy? Maybe I am really somewhere in between Miss Piggy and the Swedish Chef!

I grew up watching the Muppet Show - Knowing that has helped my hubby to understand my unique sense of humor (rather dry and slap stick). Here is a great site for a rainy day blast from the past: http://muppets.go.com/main.html, it is permanently bookmarked under favorites!

How to Avoid Breakdowns

2006-02-16T13:34:00.000-06:00

As I continue to embrace all things domestic, I have decided to start up sewing. My dear, sweet Aunt Susie was a Domestic Queen! She majored in Home Economics and was a leader by example in all things involving relationships and home. I was blessed to know her and in doing so she has left a lasting impression on my life. You see this sewing machine, it is Aunt Susie's sewing machine. Her husband graciously allowed her to buy it not long after their marriage and considered it a good investment. This machine is circa 1973. She sewed her maternity clothes, baby clothes, countless aprons for a fundraiser, and endless yards of curtains, and at the end of all things, for herself - sweet, little hats to hide her lack of hair from chemo treatments. Many years ago, I remember Aunt Susie teaching me to sew. On this very machine, I sewed my maternity clothes, baby clothes, odd little bread warming cloths, blankets, cowboy vests and even a few curtains.

My sweet Aunt Susie lost her battle with ovarian cancer late July 2003. She left a lasting legacy with me in many avenues of life which I cherish. Aunt Susie's sewing machine was lovingly handed down to me and I count it as a most treasured possession on this earth. I have only used it on a handful of occasions over the last couple years because it was in need of a "tune-up" and I did not want to cause damage. As a kind gift, my mother-in-law (Aunt Susie's sister) offered to have it cleaned.

I expressed to the people at the shop that this machine had a large amount of sentimental value. They took good care of it and reassured me that it was a good machine. It was great to hear some of the other sewing ladies ooooh and aaaah over this machine's age and admire the good fortune I had in inheriting it. So now my sweet machine is back in my arms complete with a new light bulb (been a few years - wait, I don't remember the light ever being on!), photocopied owners manual, and new all purpose sewing foot. I'm good to go. First thing I'll make is a cover to keep out nasty dust bunnies. Then curtains . . . Lovely curtains! Thank you Sweet Aunt Susie!

Think on these things

2006-02-05T16:39:00.000-06:00

As I am busy about my work in the house, I have plenty of time to think. I have been accustomed to "stinkin' thinkin'" when it comes to house work. I have thought, "What a drag, it is so mundane, monotonous, unending, menial work."
I have recently come across the verse that says, so whether in eating or drinking or whatever you do, do to the glory of God. I guess my way of thinking is not glorifying to Him, and that really does make my efforts worthless. So now I am taking an Attitude of gratitude. Wait! Before you get to laughing too hard - it is biblical! It is glorifying to Him when I am thankful for His goodness in my life. I am thankful that I have the privilege to even be at home, that I have the health and strength to manage my home, and that I can do my work to His glory.

Ring in the New Year 2006

2006-01-01T18:01:00.000-06:00

Well, not only is Christmas past us but also another year. Just when I get accustomed to writing the right year on my checks, it changes!
I am looking forward to this new year and have already listed out my goals, some of which are:
* read at least 20 books
* start an herb garden
* make curtains for all the windows
* exercise every week
* get started on Christmas earlier
I am looking forward to getting back into the routine of life. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and like to see progress, much of this happens for me when I stick to routines. I feel a bit lost with out sweet routines.

2005-12-05T13:34:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas, Ya'll!!

Well, Thanksgiving is behind us and we are forging on toward the merriment of Christmas. It is beginning to feel a lot more like Christmas since it is colder in Texas - at least for a few days. Just last Saturday it was 89 and sunny and then the very next day it was in the low 30's. Summer one day and winter the next.

What is on your list of things to do before Christmas? before the new year? before tomorrow?

I need to bake, sew, iron, shop, clean. . . the list is endless.
I am looking forward to worshipping on Christmas Sunday, I think it is the proper place to be at such a festive time. I hope you, dear reader, will reflect on what is most important from an eternal perspective.

Dreaming . . .

2005-11-15T12:47:00.000-06:00

Do you ever let your mind wonder off to think of a place to live that you would find ideal? I did today. I would love to live in a place where they actually have all four seasons. A place where kids can go play with other kids outside without worry about being run over or taken. How about a place where people treat other people like neighbors instead of competitors?
http://www.findyourspot.com/
When you have a few minutes to dream, go to this site - it's amazing!
Even though I may never end up at any of the beautiful places that were found, it is comforting to know that there are real places to dream about.
P.S. Funny that none of the results turned up anything in Texas!!!

It's a Funny Thing. . .

2005-11-11T13:40:00.000-06:00

My goal is not to post once a quarter. I would love to post more often, but isn't is strange that the "regular" posting stopped the same time school started!

When I was younger I spoke to a man as we admired the beauty of Fall. He said that it was a tradition in his family to catch a falling leaf and thus declare fall had indeed begun. I was outside this morning taking my little puppy for some "outside" time when I wistfully looked at the sunshine, birds, blue sky . . . and whoosh, the wind blew and down came a cascade of falling leaves. In euphoria I gracefully extended my hand expecting to grasp the leaf . . . and it was anything but graceful! The leaf went this way and that way, I lunged and almost jerked the stuffing out of my puppy. All that just to see the silly leaf gingerly light upon the grass.

Sweetness

2005-08-22T14:05:00.000-05:00

I just love Suzy's Zoo! I have every since I was young and so have have a great time finding ways to decorated my kids' rooms with it. I would use this colorful art work through out my whole house if I could get away with it. This is the online store you can visit: http://www.snumplewogs.com/

Soup Anyone?

2005-08-13T23:15:00.000-05:00

Well, no wonder I didn't feel well. I finally went to the doctor . . . and the doctor said: Go to bed, you have pneumonia! So that has been the spot to find me this past week. I can't stay that still for that long - so as soon as I start to feel a bit better I get up and get going, then I find myself flat out again on the couch. Oh, pooh - this is not how I pictured the end of summer. Soup's on!

Double rainbow

2005-07-21T18:53:00.000-05:00

double rainbow

This is very similar to what I saw about a week ago in Colorado in the middle of a Thunderstorm. I was stunned looking at a rainbow more vivid and long lasting than any other I had seen in my life, when someone walked by and said, "Did you see those rainbows?" Rainbows? Then I saw it, WoW! A double rainbow, the work of God's had took my breath away.

I was reminded in a very real way that God keeps His promises. I know that no matter how dark it is, light and color shine through ever brighter despite the darkness.

Home, Sweet Home

2005-07-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

I just spent a week in Colorado. I was surrounded by God's Glory in the Rocky Mountains. I saw beauty all around me and wondered at the majesty of His creation.

I am so glad for the safe trip and happy memories of being at camp with 8 teen age girls and one lovely friend who is patient and full of wisdom and wit.

I missed my family so much it hurt, by the end of the week I was truly homesick. I had such a splendid warm welcome home from my dear husband and kids. The house was perfect, there were beautiful Gerber daisies and other happy flowers to greet me as well as a home made "Welcome Home" banner that will never see a trash can as long as I live. So much love was put into that work of art. My dear Husband was so thoughtful to have one of my favorite movies "The Scarlet Pimpernel" with Jane Seymour and Ian what's his name from "Lord of the Ring's"! What a treat!

all american girl

2005-07-05T20:29:00.000-05:00

all american girl

Essence of America -

Holding a sweet chubby baby was a highlight in my day on the 4th of July! I loved the smells, sounds and sights that the 4th of July - hot dogs on the grill, the laughter of kids being thrown into the pool, and with out a doubt fabulous fire works!

In fact, my dear husband got up extra early to hitch a ride with a friend to Lubbock, Texas to set up a fire works show. He gave me a call just to let my know all went well and he still had eye brows!

What a lovely time of being reminded of fond memories and a time of making memories!

mothersewing

2005-05-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

mothersewing
Originally uploaded by Novellaus.

Working Hands

2005-05-26T11:57:00.000-05:00

I always thought work was a curse, but in recent days I feel my mind is being renewed to think of work from a different perspective. In Genesis, man is cursed to toil and sweat for his bread. To me it seems now that the things we work hardest at in this life are often the most satisfying and memorable. Could it be that God our Father designed it this way for His children?

A very good friend of mine told me a while back, "When you have to make a choice about something or need to make a decision one way or the other, it is most probable that the hardest thing to do is the right thing to do." I have found this statement to be quite accurate.

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. ~ 1 these. 4:11-12

I enjoy being in the middle of excitement and fun, I love trying to "fix" other people's problems, and I am most definitely not inclined to work, unless I can make good money doing it along with a lot of recognition and appreciation. After some conviction, reflection, and repentance: I am determined to live as this verse advises. I want to spend some time meditating on each of the directives here as it pertains to my life presently.

2005-05-25T18:10:00.000-05:00

Quiet Time

Leading a Quiet Life

2005-05-19T22:05:00.000-05:00

My aim in this Life: Lead a quiet life, mind my own business, and work with my hands.

Note to reader: Content of this blog my appear boring!

Next time I blog I will tell the tale behind the title.

Destination: Sanctification

100th Post!!!

Word Cloud Fun!

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Cup O' Love

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Arte Y Pico Award

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Granola Magnolia

A Little Blue

Growing Garden

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"I Saw Red" Friday

Breakfast Dinner Anyone?

Heads Up!

The Importance of Being. . .

Happy Mother's Day!

My Child's Prose

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Oatmeal, All Dressed Up

Book Montage I

Montage

Presidents Day

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"It's Not Personal, It's Business"

Paper Dolls

Need to Laugh? Check This Out

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Hooked on Yarn!

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The Window Opens

A Question for a Minister

A Letter From Our Pastor

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Speaking of "Cheesy" Check This Out!

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Bliss

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That's My King!

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Too Funny

Getting Things Done

Distant Thoughts

Stress Doesn't Equal Success

Charcoal - Sometimes It Is Easier to See in Black and White

Pick Blue

Describe "Friend"

It's been so long, I can't catch up - I'll just jump in right here

Orange Man?

THE BIG 3-0! Wow I'm 30!

Happy 10th

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Shop's Open

Wee Bunny

A True Woman - Reflecting Redemption

I Am His Child

Back by Popular Demand! (just kidding)

My, My - How Time Does Fly!

Try This

Profound and Simple

Inspiration for my Soul

Spring Cleaning

If I could be a flower . . .

My Kind of Funny

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