As We Walk

My Studio

2012-01-27T12:50:00.001-05:00

This is a time I wish I'd taken up photography seriously. I'd love to edit these pics so they look uber-professional and dreamy. But reality is all I have the skill for. Oh well.

This month I worked really hard to turn our Kidz Kave (hang out room) into the Studio (art studio). Hubby painted and moved furniture in. I worked at bringing in things I had around the house to create a space that brings a smile to my face. I have a few things I'll be adding and changing, but it's about 3/4 of the way done.

This is where I keep all my supplies. I ordered really pretty seashell themed papers to replace the funky bright papers. That will make a big difference. I like my mess to be behind closed doors. I wish you could see my cute little birdcage on top of the hatboxes. So charming.

I love my little sewing organizer. I bought the wooden box from my favorite consignment shop and covered over the painted flowers with that cute ribbon (I got from the same place) that says "Life's a Beach." I think I want to hang something I've actually sewn over the whole table. Guess I should get sewing :)

This is the new Kidz Korner. I used a plant stand to organize all their papers, markers, canvases, etc. It's a fun place for them to go to get all their goodies. I realized after I snapped the pic that my favorite part--the white wooden carousel we store all the colored pencils and markers--was missing. It's being used by these cute kids making some awesome paper cities. I'll post about that later.

This is our cute little paint wall. I might eventually replace the paints with artwork we create. But for now, it's fun to see all the bright colors! The magnet board below the paints is temporarily bare. I have a feeling all the bare spots in the room will be filled soon enough.

This is a fun way to display my ribbons. I'd say I buy most of my ribbon either for Valentine's Day or for my girls, hence all the pink. I'm excited to see the messages the children plan to leave us for inspiration.

This is one thing I love love love. I'm sorry I can't photograph better. I got a frame I love from Goodwill and replace the glass with galvanized metal. Then I put all my embellishments, buttons, sequins, etc. in clear condiment containers from the local restaurant supply store and hot glued magnets on the back. I can see all those little things I've been saving for year, but not using because they were a mess in a drawer. The silver platters above are held up with DiscHangers and are from the dollar store. Cheap but cute.

This is my very favorite part of the room. I haven't decided if I'll leave her white or start embellishing her with all sorts of doodads. That could be really fun! She's on the wall I want to put my favorite inspiration pieces, and things I create. I will see this wall as I sit and create.

My boys have asked for me to not make things so "pretty." I gently reminded them that this is "my" room for this season, and I am sharing it with them. TeeHee.

The next room we'll tackle is my hubby's new model train room. It used to be a playroom.

Enlightening or Embarassing?

2011-12-12T21:27:00.001-05:00

Why not keep going with a good thing?

10. My dog is the Candy Cane Caper. Our 13 year old husky has apparently developed an affinity for the striped goodness. That means there can be NONE wrapped up under the Christmas tree lest he sniff them out and tear into them.

9. Bubble wrap is still the best Christmas gift. Every year I remember this--after I've spent untold amounts of money on the things it comes wrapped around. (Yes, I ended my sentence with a preposition. What's scarier is that I called myself out on it. Maybe it's time to get some work!)

8. For the first time in my life I love drug reps. I was recently diagnosed with allergy induced asthma and came away with some costly samples. Keep on, time-hoggers.

7. Fast food is the enemy. No matter if it's from Taco Bell or the local pizza place, it's nasty, provides no nutrition, and makes my muffin top bigger. Time to cook large amounts of food and freeze.

6. I am a terrible mother. My children asked me if I would color with them, and I pushed them off to write this blog post nobody will even read. Really?! I have a need...a need for...words. Not as exciting when it doesn't rhyme :(

5. Boys' dress shoes are rare and priceless. They will wear these shoes for caroling, Christmas, to celebrate the first Saturday of the year, when the sun shines past 5pm, for Easter, until their toes pop out the end, because at these prices I will force myself to learn how to make them into sandals.

4. I own a hair crimper. And I nearly used it tonight. On my 11 year old daughter. I used to use one on my 11 year old self. I am officially old. I should have gotten the hint when they started playing "my music" in elevators at JC Penney.

3. I like getting away with girlfriends. Soul Restoration 2 inspired me to do something I've always wanted to do, so I planned a girls' getaway. It. was. so. fun. I got some bad news while I was away, but my friends wrapped me in love. They are the awsomest!

2. 40 is going to be a good year. I learned so many things during 39 that I can finally live in the freedom I know is mine. Thank you Jesus!

1. It's important to love extravagantly while I have the chance. Because someday the chance will be taken from me.

Growing Forever

2011-11-28T12:40:00.004-05:00

Source

My daughter heard:

Whatever you will be in life,
you will be by the time you're 18.

You will never be more than that.

Of course that's not what was said,

but it is what she heard.

Only seven more years to get it right.

Pressure.

Nothing new for decades.

Tears.

We laid on our stomachs on my bed.

Time for a growing-up girl chat

about filtering what we hear

and from whom we hear it

and in what context.

Time to share

TRUTH.

Sure I grew up to the age of 18.

I grew bones, hair, brain power.

I grew in knowledge and experience.

I even grew in character and love.

But if I'm honest

[and I try to be]

I've grown the most

in the past eleven years.

Since she was born.

Since I became a mother.

Since my heart filled up with love

and set me on a journey far above rooftops.

TRUTH:

We never stop growing.

He who began a good work in us

will be faithful to complete it.

He constantly molds us into His image,

full of grace and mercy,

loving us far beyond what even

our earthly hearts can comprehend.

No, sweet child,

you will not be all you were meant to be

by the time you are eighteen years old.

You will be all you were meant to be

when He completes you.

Another Top Ten?

2011-11-01T18:46:00.000-04:00

Really, do I think I'm David Letterman? Or is that Jay Leno? Can you tell I don't watch the late-night shows? Well, every now and then I sneak in a SNL. But I usually can't make it past the opening monologue.

...sigh...

10. I am a hermit. A high introvert. Seriously high. I am surrounded by extroverts. All my friends know the ins and outs of each others' lives, and I'm stranded on this little island, watching what tidbits I can see from afar. I want to be involved. But in a feast-or-famine manner, I deplete myself in "friendship binges." Help!

9. I am gearing up to start Soul Restoration 2 with Melody Ross. The rest of the online class is finishing up right now, but I ran into some unexpected delays (see above); so I'm getting ready to dive in. First I need to set up my craft room. At least unearth the table. So....ahem...I'll be starting Soul Restoration in December 2013. (teehee)

8. I'm loving my Bible study. It's on words, based on the book of James and it's pretty powerful stuff. Let's just say my husband is very, very thankful I've been invited to participate.

7. I am fed up with my gut. My muffin top. I know it's time to cut back on the junk food when I get golf-ball sized fat deposits on the inside of my knees. Blech! I'm having a mental block that says, "Come on, girl. You still have room in those new pants you bought because you outgrew your old ones." True. But not inspiring. All I need to do is get up and bike in the mornings like I used to, and "just say no" to treats. I'm a treat-a-holic. For true.

6. My identity is not directly tied to my size. I keep reminding myself. (see above)

5. I am completely, totally, awesomely stoked for a girls' retreat coming up. Eight of us are sneaking away for a few days to a beautiful 1928 era cabin a little north of us. I've got twinkle lights and roaring fireplaces on my mind. It'll be just in time for frost and early Christmas. Yay!

4. We've moved Thanksgiving. To Saturday so my sister and her family can join us. If you come from a family that takes tradition very seriously, like I do, you know that's BIG news. I wonder if we'll end up doing something completely hip and untraditional. Could be kind of fun!

3. I'm letting things go. That's code for "Don't look too closely if you come to visit, because the other guests are really dust bunnies dressed for company." Between schooling at home, adding in extracurriculars, Bible studies, occasional playdates (see #1), and some time with my husband, I've simply run out of time. Ignoring housework seems to carry the least serious consequences. Time will tell.

2. I'd like to write fiction. There. I said it. Out loud. In public. (Thank God nobody reads this blog!) I love poetry, and I have somewhat of a handle on non-fiction when I get serious about it. After all, I paid a lot of money to get my degree in Professional Writing and Publications. But I've always been afraid of writing novels. Maybe I'll start with short stories. I know they're technically harder because you have to weave so much into a short piece. Still...maybe Soul Restoration 2 will help me get started.

1. I am almost 40. Another out-loud admission. Not so exciting as writing fiction. But I'm thinking of how I'd like to celebrate next spring. Maybe a 40 things list...things I'd like to do or try. Or maybe singling out the 40 people who've most influenced me in my life to thank them. THAT would be fun! Ideas, people, ideas!!

You are a spectacular audience. Nary a cough in the midst of my tirades. I look forward to my next top ten list. It's a little bit cleansing, as self-help-pitiful as that sounds.

Breathe. Remember.

2011-09-18T20:55:00.000-04:00

Breathe in.

He is my strength.

Breathe out.

He is my peace.

Honestly, that's what I'm having to do lately. Seems like we went from whirlwind vacation to hurricane to one marvelous day of school to death in the family to two weeks of catch-up, not so great schooling. I feel like I'm shoving about 80 hours worth of work into each day. Our house is a wreck. And don't even remind me I have to get up into the attic to exchange clothes for the season. That will just do me in.

I had to go shopping today. Poor me, right? I lost twenty pounds last year, so I gave away most of my clothes. Ten of those pounds found me again. Dang, they must have built-in GPS! So I have nothing that fits me. My little sister came to rescue me at JC Penney, to keep me from cyring a river in the dressing room. It was fun. After I bought some clothes, I ate a highly fattening meal and drank an empty-calorie beer. Whoops.

I've spent the evening packing for an educational field trip four hours from home, My hubby told the children he'd put up the car dvd player, but mean home school mommy nixed that idea. They're going to have to listen to books on tape and read tons of history books. Oh, I'm mean!

I could keep rambling, but instead I'm going to read a half hour of "I Don't Know How She Does It,," because that chick is way more stressed and busy than I am. I don't know, kind of makes me feel better. Sad, I know.

it is well

2011-08-29T14:43:00.000-04:00

I can assuredly say none of my grandchildren will be named Irene. She cut into the last week of television priveleges my children have until next summer. She is not very popular in our house.

All in all, we're very blessed as far as the weather anomalies over the past week. We missed the east coast earthquake--the sand in NC didn't rumble too much. We did pack up and leave the beach early when we were boarded up for Hurrican Irene. Something about the nailing into the house freaked me out and we packed up and left in an hour.

We're showering at my sister's house today (and the kids are getting in some tv) because we have no power. It went out Saturday night just after we finished Soul Surfer. My hubby spoke with our county councilman today and he said we're not on the schedule to be worked on for a WEEK.

Is it a catastrophe? No. Really, the only thing we're missing is a frig and hot showers. We can drive the 30 mins. here to shower. And maybe even visit her mall which houses a Build A Bear. My kids are itching to get there. We can eat non-heated things for breakfast and lunch, and maybe we'll get invitations for dinners. (We have one for tonight.) Or we can try grilling. Our grill has a side burner for steaming veggies.

We are truly blessed. Truly. Nobody's hurt. We're having fun. We have amazing friends and family. But I'm still battling a feeling of...not sure how to describe it. Loss, maybe? Disconcertment. Displacement. I'm not sure. But that's why I will sing "It is well with my soul."

Melting

2011-08-11T11:21:00.003-04:00

Last December, I wrote this post, Thawing Out,

when I was just finally beginning to awaken to life

after a long, hard spell.

Today I can say I'm just a little sliver of ice

floating around in a tall glass of cool water.

What a splendid place to be!

This morning I read a post on home schooling and got a nostalgic,

"I remember when life was like that," feeling deep in my heart.

Melt.

I'm inspired to put together our art room.

I even dreamed about it last night.

My Ikea catalog is dog-eared with possibilities.

Drip.

I rearranged two twin beds and rearranged dressers for my girls.

This weekend I'm going to help them put up their wall decorations.

Splash.

I'm almost back...

though I think of Sara Groves' words:

But the places that used to fit me

Cannot hold the things I've learned

I'm glad they can't.

I'm excited to find new places.

Scared, but excited.

Isn't that what living is--dangerous and fulfilling?
I'm right where I need to be...
and I'm feeling it.

top ten ramblings

2011-08-05T09:49:00.000-04:00

So much rambling around in my mind.

So many little arguments

trying to hold themselves up

against Christ in my mind (2 Cor. 10:5).

10. Clean Car

Do I mind, I mean really mind, sitting in junk day in day out?

Spilled milkshakes, thousands of fingerprints that spell out "Help me!" or "Wash me."

The notion that a whole nest of rats could live in my car alone quite content with the menu.

Do I mind?

9. Home School Organization

Each time I've nailed down exactly what and how we'll do this fall, something major changes.

A whole co-op moves its day.

I find I need to add in an entire subject.

I change units.

While everyone is posting on facebook about finally having their hs years lined up,

my year is still not nailed down.

Ugh.

8. Clean House

The "pile" on the kitchen counter has grown.

It is now too large for the counter and sits in the corner of my dining room.

A huge eyesore, like a wart on an otherwise generally tidy area.

Something about it being there gives my all-or-nothing personality permission to let the rest go. Should I just toss it all without going through it?

Not smart, but would make the rest of the upstairs cleaner.

7. Enough Time for Everybody Dear to Me

I want to see you!

I want you to come to my house and sit with me over a cup of tea,

laughing, crying, however we're moved.

But this seriously high introvert can't seem to find any energy these days.

It's not that I don't love you. In fact, I think of you all the time.

But when I have a free day on the calendar, I usually pencil in

Solitude.

6. Exercise

My body needs it. My mind needs it.

It only takes 20 mins. on the bike

in front of the t.v. for Pete's sake!

There is no excuse except for laziness.

I must, must, must model its importance to my children.

I must fit back into my jeans in the fall--

I gave away my bigger sizes last year.

5. Vacation

Every year I say "This year I will look like a bombshell on the beach."

Too bad my belly looks like it was hit with shrapnel.

That's what birthing four kids will do to you.

And...I've decided...

I don't want to cook on vacation.

At all.

Easy to say, hard to do

when there will be 10 hungry folks every day.

This will be one interesting vacation.

4. Budget

My nemesis.

I say I'll stick with it, but then something I just "have to have" comes up.

Some nonsense like eggs or milk. Trivial, really..

So I cry over my budget every two weeks,

then feel terrible for not being grateful for the awesome job my hubby has

that pays for so many of what the rest of the world would call "luxuries,"

like central air conditioning.

3. Body

I want to love this body.

I read a quote that said

"Love your body because you can't care for something you hate."

So true.

For the first time in my life, when I look in the mirror, I actually think "pretty."

I don't think it has anything to do with youth or firmness,

but with wisdom and softened edges.

In my mind I love my curves.

But once I step away from the mirror, the accusing voices start:

"Did you miss those 20 extra pounds of FAT?!

"Are you stinking blind? You jiggle, girlfriend!

"Pretty? Ha!" [Insert evil laugh.]

~sigh~

2. Career

I posted that I was jealous...a wee bit jealous...

that many of my friends are starting new chapters in their lives--

going back to work after a decade of being home with children.

Don't get me wrong.

I do NOT want to go get a job.

I seriously abhor the idea of time clocks and schedules.

I do not want to wait on people in retail

or bring other people food in restaurants.

I would, however, like a

vision for my writing career

It's what I was made for.

1. Spirit

Right.

My emotions do not determine

my place in Christ.

My identity is not controlled

by raging peri-menopausal hormones.

No matter how I feel when I wake up,

God does not love me more when I am "on."

He loves me because He loves me because He loves me.

Period.

So this brings me back to 2 Corinthians 10:5

...Putting an end to reasonings,

and every high thing which is lifted up

against the knowledge of God,

and causing every thought

to come under the authority of Christ...

That means putting everything in its rightful place,

under the feet of Jesus.

Putting the whining, questioning, bellyaching,

the insecurity, accusations, pride,

the hormones, moods and mind-racing

under His feet so He can crush them.

That means

taking every single thought captive to

the One who overcame all thoughts

with Victory over sin and death.

A Whirlwind Summer

2011-08-01T11:41:00.000-04:00

This summer has been...well...unique.

Seems each summer I try something new.

This year I let everyone try multiple activities and camps.

That means we were running, running, running.

I'm a hermit. I don't run. I live on s...l...o...w... speed.

We all learned a little bit about ourselves:

Brea loves dance and thinks gymnastics might be a good move for her.

Brian likes tennis...in the shade. He does not like to be hot and sweaty.

Brooke loves to sing and act, and is on track to become a junior counselor at arts camp.

Brad loves basketball, and works really, really hard to get better and better at it.

I much prefer our school-year schedule,

when we have lots of fun family time and dinners together

So...

We're taking "off" in August.

Not like we're-not-doing-anything "off,"

but we're-gearing-up-for-getting-back into a manageable rhythm "off."

We still have plenty of fun scheduled with family and friends.

We're just not running, running, running.

Lord, lead us into the rhythm you have set for our family.

Allow me to hear what You have to say to me,

and then let us proceed according to Your direction.

Camp Week

2011-07-04T08:49:00.001-04:00

This year ALL FOUR children were at CAMP at the SAME TIME.

I didn't know what to do with myself.

I thought maybe I should be constructive and industrious and CLEAN the house.

That idea lasted about half a second.

I laid on my SWING

(sans children)

and worked my way through a NOVEL or two.

I had a fabulous DAY-LONG DATE with my hubby.

We ate a fabulous GOURMET BREAKFAST at Miss Shirley's.

I had Coconut Creme Stuffed French toast.

BLISS

Hubby had Surf and Turf Omelette.

UM...YUM

We went out on a SPEEDBOAT TOUR of our city's harbor afterward.

That was a lot of FUN!

We also ate this perfectly yummy soft-serve-ice-cream-tasting banana

at ANNIE'S BANANIES in the Light Street Pavilion.

I visited my favorite consignment BOUTIQUE, The Shabby Button in Kingsville.

I had LUNCH WITH A FRIEND at my all-time favorite lunch spot, Open Door Cafe.

I'm already working out how much MONEY we need to SAVE each month

so we can afford to send the kids to CAMP NEXT YEAR.

To be 5 again...

2011-07-02T12:37:00.001-04:00

It would be lovely to be five again...

to wear a cowgirl hat and a cheshire grin with confidence

to dress for your first ballet class

to get Shirley Temple curls and sing "Animal Crackers in My Soup"

to fit perfectly up against Mama's neck

to watch Dad cut a hole in the roof in absolute wonder

to swing with your eyes closed,

totally trusting your girlfriend who loves to play Cowgirl Sisters with you

to still fit in a grocery cart

to play dress up with your favorite doggie

to play Mama

to a canteloupe!

Oh, the glory of being five!

mistaken for patience

2011-06-23T10:04:00.002-04:00

I've fooled myself into thinking that patience is not flipping off the punk who cut me and my minivan off in traffic. Or that patience is being kind to the receptionist who forgot she put me on hold, but didn't apologize.

But real patience--oh, I'm learning--cuts deep. It stings. It burns. It is not rewarding in the short-run, and the short-run might last an earthly lifetime.

Real patience for me is telling my kids for the 38th time in one day that we do not speak to others "like that," without speaking, myself, "like that."

Real patience for me is not waking up resentful every morning that my beautiful dress and sparkly high heels sit dusty in my closet after a year of asking my husband to take me on a "fancy" date.

Real patience for me is continuing to call a relative who wants more from me than I can give, and not letting their slander root bitterness in my heart.

Real patience for me is allowing a friend who always lets me down to keep offering herself to me, knowing she will again disappoint me--because she has not yet been completed in Christ.

Real patience for me is living close to people who can offer no neighborly warmth, and not spending every waking moment trying to mend the situation or find a new home.

I am so thankful Jesus was patient with Paul. Paul maligned Him, yet Jesus was patient with him. Paul hurt those Jesus gave His very life for, yet Jesus was patient with his incompleteness, his ignorance, his spite and vindictiveness.

I think I'm finally beginning to understand why some translations of the Bible use the word "long suffering" in place of patience.

Getting our Hands Dirty

2011-06-20T13:11:00.002-04:00

It's gorgeous outside--sunny, breezy and in the high 70's/low 80's.

Perfect weather for a little gardening.

This is our first little tomato.

These are the flower boxes the boys built and planted.

Because I am Flower-Killer, the only flower I got this year

was a gift from a good friend for my birthday.

Thanks, Hol!

This year we moved my lavender--

it was taking up most of one of our raised veggie beds.

Still, the bees have found it. Phew!

We took advantage of the wet cement outside

to make lasting hand impressions.

Awesome!

We've been enjoying the breeze through the house.

So much better than central air.

I think our little friends are enjoying the weather, too.

This is the THIRD year that families of robins have used the SAME nest!

I'll never take down another nest, knowing they don't mind sharing.

And speaking of things flying...

We've been blowing our share of bubbles...

Perfect summer fun!

Here's a photo of us on our first official Maryland Park Quest.

We're on the way to TEN! Go Team Stone Harbor!!

So, what kind of summer fun do you have planned?

summer fun: silly photo booth

2011-06-15T20:56:00.000-04:00

The kids bought foam core board and poster board at the dollar store,

put together some fun frames,

and signs,

moustaches

and kissy lips,

and dragged out a few props from the playroom

to create this

totally

fun

photo

booth.

And just because I'm faithful to all two of my regular readers,

I'll throw in a little extra shot my facebook friends didn't get:

Yep, that's me trying to do my Rocky thing.

I know, didn't work so well.

Maybe next time I'll try a moustache!

I love finding a good idea on another blog...

2011-06-08T21:14:00.000-04:00

Okay, so this is THE cutest, cutest, cutest WREATH!

Just so you know, I think it's absolutely ADORABLE!

This is where I got my inspiration. (Thanks, Roeshel!)

And this is what I did to my long wall hall recently.

Let me say it's been long in coming,

and worth every moment I waited for it.

Boy, that photo just doesn't do it justice at all.

In fact, it makes me kind of reticent to post it here.

But if you visit (and I hope you will),

I just know you'll love it, too!

This is where the inspiration came from.

If it weren't for Mrs. Smith, I wouldn't have had the guts

to take out the mats and blow up the photos.

They really pop without the matting!

Done with crazy! Putting on Our Hats

2011-06-02T08:54:00.002-04:00

Monday we're going BACK. Back to routine. Back to normalcy. Back to work. (Yippee!) I guess one day of craziness is enough for me. I'm feeling sufficiently motivated to get back to reality.

I've come up with our summer "routine," and am re-instituting last year's summer chore method.

source

We're putting on our hats!

The Chef
This child (I still need to find a cheap kids’ chef hat…maybe Ikea?) gets to help choose the week’s meals, shop with me, and prepare dinners (which coincidentally relieves them of setting or clearing the table because if you cook you get out of those). She keeps the kitchen clean (and the nearby living and dining rooms since they’re all together). If she does a particularly excellent job, she gets to go out for a treat with mom or dad.

The Caretaker
I didn’t want to give such power by calling this the Third Parent, but this child does things similar to what only Mom and Dad can do (thus he dons an Ironbirds ballcap). He feeds and waters the dog, cleans the bathroom, and sorts the laundry. Sounds like a terrible role, right? Only this one gets to help walk the dog and stay up late one night during the week. Doesn’t matter how scummy the toilets are, they’re worth staying up late.

The Social Planner
Oh yeah, get out the plastic fruit covered hat! This child keeps the family room (where we take guests) and play room (where we keep the boxed fun) neat and tidy. She also plans family night, organizes dinner games, chooses our playdate for the week, and sets the dinner table. For a job well-done, she is invited to play a game ALONE (you know what a treat that is if you have four children) with mom or dad. This is, inevitably, the coveted position. Sometimes the kids have to beg for their hat back from me.

The Steward
This child, after donning the official gardening hat (okay, I don’t make the boys wear it), gets to help with all the “green” chores. He empties the compost bin, puts the recycling in plastic bags, takes out the trash, and water the gardens. (He also sets the dinner table–how that fits in, I’m not sure, but we needed someone to do it.) In celebration for a job well done, he gets a walk with mom or dad (which leaves zero carbon footprint).

I'm Thinking I Might be a Little Crazy...

2011-06-01T09:16:00.000-04:00

source

I swore off summer break several years ago. It didn't work for our family. Really, we don't follow the public school system's schedule in any other way, so why take a summer break? Ahem. Well, that wasn't the main reason. If I'm honest (which I try to be), it was to quell sibling arguing. My kids fight like...well, don't make me use a tired cliche...when they're not occupied. (Notice I didn't say "entertained." I refuse to entertain my children.) But I don't mind occupying their hands and minds. And in our world, that sounds a lot like "school."

So here we are, a week and a half post-review, and I still haven't started back to school yet. Instead, I'm luxuriating (is that even a word?) in my lazy mornings and second cups of coffee. I'm allowing my children to eat cake (it will run out eventually) and watch Gnomeo and Juliet in the mornings. (Well, at least this morning.) And maybe you love me for that! Maybe I'm your hero because I give you permission to let everything go for a little while.

But in the back of my mind is this annoying, scraping kind of voice telling me if I know what's good for us, I'll get the high-fiber cereal and schoolbooks back out. And I'll even exercise every morning. And, honestly, I wonder how long I can ignore this voice? Is it just there because I'm a first-born. I mean, are all you second and third-born moms out there wondering how on earth I can feel so guilty so quickly? Maybe it's my mom's fault--because don't life's troubles always come back to Mom? (I'm totally joking, in case you're a friend of my mother and are dialing her up right now.)

So, my only conclusion is that I think I might be going a little crazy. Crazy to reinstate summer break. Crazy to give sugar at breakfast time. Crazy to even take up coffee since I almost made it to 40 without it. Crazy posting this in a public venue. Crazy to admit I hear voices. Crazy to hit "Publish" and head off for another cup of coffee and cake...

It's My Birthday!

2011-05-31T10:12:00.000-04:00


source

I'm not supposed to toot my own horn, but...

TODAY'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!

I love birthdays.

They are a special time to celebrate what GOD has done~

and He has redeemed this lost life.

He has brought me from darkness into light

in His own way.

His own timing.

Thank You, God, for one more year of blessing!

There's a Wedding Today!

2011-05-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

My baby sissy

is in Key West right now

tying the knot with a great guy we've come to love.

Enjoy the wonder of the day, you two!

Silly Boy!

2011-05-26T06:00:00.002-04:00

He sat silently eating his breakfast

while his daddy and I played cards at the other end of the table.

He was so patient, waiting for us to notice.

My little comedian has some serious self-control.

And a killer smile...chewed-up-food and all.

I'm so grateful God gave us Brian!

The Summer Fun Begins!

2011-05-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

I love waking up in the morning and pulling on a pair of shorts...

without having to check weather.com first!

We started our summer fun with some chalk fun.

Coloring in our outlines was fun.

Allowing my five year old to outline me was...

nerve-wracking!

Snuggling up together on a warm day was the best part.

Being silly together was a close-second.

Now that I've completely lost respect for me, I'll say au'revoir.

Til the next warm day...

A Prayer for Summer

2011-05-24T11:22:00.000-04:00

source

We usually school through summer.

But

need.

break.

source

Maybe just a short one.

Like today.

Maybe tomorrow.

Okay, maybe this whole week.

But I need some direction, Lord.

Show me what You have planned for us to do.

Help me let go...

source

of expectations

and plans

and charts

and to-do lists.

Your Word says You came up with plans for me

before the foundations of the earth.

(Ephesians 2:10)

For me.

For my family.

What do you have on tap?

source

What do you have in store?

What's on Your agenda for us?

'Cause you know what I want to do.

source

And you know what I feel compelled to do.

And you know what makes me feel accomplished.

But break me out of the bonds of self.

Push me into Your pool of connection and LOVE.

Open my heart to You

and Your desires.

Plan my summer for me, Lord,

One experience at a time.

My Look-a-Like

2011-05-24T10:43:00.000-04:00

Brooke and I entered a local Mother-Daughter Look-a-Like contest.

We didn't win. But we sure had fun.

After finding matching outfits in our closets,

we had dinner together

and eagerly waited for the judging to begin.

I was so proud of Brooke--

she told a joke to the entire audience when it was time to introduce ourselves.

This kid has no fear. Is she a future thespian?

This is a First!

2011-05-23T14:39:00.000-04:00

I'm excited about my home school review in a few hours!

source

That's BIG!

I mean s.e.r.i.o.u.s.l.y BBIIGG!!

I can't think of one single time in the past seven years

that I haven't been a huge nervous wreck

about end of the year home school review.

Here's what's different this year:

I have a new reviewer. I LOVED my former reviewer, but she moved away. I'm excited because my new reviewer uses KONOS, too! Wahoo!
I've already filed beginning and middle of year work samples for each subject into a binder for each child, leaving only a few miscellaneous items and final samples to be filed. Awesome!
I am older and wiser, and more confident. I know, I know, silly. But I mean it. It's only taken me SEVEN years to get to the point of confidence in what I've done with my kids all year. I'm going to enjoy this (sure to be short) season totally.

I'm taking the next two and a half hours to sit in the sun, drink something cold and yummy, and read a novel. Maybe I'll even squirt on a little coconut lime spray to usher in summer.

credit

See you soon, Sherri, sunglasses and all!

Brad's 9th Birthday

2011-05-17T19:36:00.001-04:00

My oldest son had a big birthday recently...9!

This is how he woke up that special morning.

We started a new tradition I read about on a blog (wish I could remember which one).

I hung 9 balloons, each filled with $1.

But I made up my own rules: no using your hands to pop them.

He was pretty smart. He got his siblings to hold them while he popped them.

Pretty smart, eh?

After all the popping, he partook (is that a word?) in his annual box of sugar cereal.

It's a really cool tradition a handyman passed along to us--

each child gets a box of sugar cereal on his birthday morning to eat and share.

He chose Cookie Crisp.

Yum for the sharing part!

He was so excited to read all his cards.

So were the other children.

(I couldn't resist adding that one. There are a dozen similar to it.)

This is how he wanted to spend his special day--riding bikes at the local state park.

Of course, being as musical as he is, he had to give a little to his paper jamz guitar.

He asked for the four layer All American Chocolate Cake from Costco.

(I'm so glad he did. It's super-yummy.)

It was a pretty cool day.

This is the exact moment he turned nine.

Awesome, eh?

That's because he's one AWESOME kid!

Happy 9th Birthday, Bradley!

Restoration

2011-05-04T13:19:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I went on a retreat with women from my church.

What a wonderful way to rejuvenate and restore after a long, hard year.

My daughters sent me away with these wonderful tokens of their love.

I made sure to put them out in my room to remind me

of one of the reasons I drew away for restoration.

A few of us left early to stop by some quaint shops in a nearby small town.

This is my shopping buddy. Boy, does she know her Vera Bradley.

As wonderful as it was to reconnect with friends

and sit at the feet of our local radio diva Tracy Tiernan for worship and teaching,

I needed a little time alone. So I went for a walk

on the beautiful grounds of Sandy Cove.

I literally bumped into these soft, fragrant pine bushes.

And I noticed something.

Pine cones don't start out hard.

I guess I'd never thought about the birth of pine cones before.

But when I stumbled upon these beautiful crimson creations,

I was mesmerized. I wanted to squeeze their little hearts.

Eventually they turn to these things we recognize

as pine cones and collect to decorate with during the fall.

I have to say I've been inspired to learn more about the life cycle of a pine cone.

And I promise I won't go all philosophical on you,

but I know there's some sort of illustration there about how God grows us...

One night I snuck out to the restroom during the teaching

and happened upon this phenomenal sight:

It touched my heart so deeply, I had to sneak back in to get my camera.

Just look at that setting sun reflecting on the still water.

And that tree, full-of-life, smack dab in the middle of it all.

I feel another illustration coming on...

So often we go away on retreat and have

what we call, "Mountaintop Experiences,"

and have a far fall back into "normal life."

Yet that's not what happened to me this particular weekend.

Because the next morning I woke up to my own beautiful sight:

I send a thank-you from my heart to everyone

who made this weekend such a time of life and love for me.

My New Throw Pillows

2011-04-28T18:43:00.001-04:00

Our couch throw pillows are gross.

(Which is why they've been shoved under our couches for two years.)

They are stained and ripped and just plain icky!

I just can't stomach spending money cleaning or replacing them

when I could spend that money on a weekend here with my girlfriends:

(Guess where I'll be chillaxin' this weekend?)

That's why I sifted through my linen closet

to find this pair of $15 Ikea curtains I knew I'd bought.

I washed them on hot and dried them on high heat to prevent any future shrinking.

I cut them up into pieces with my fabric shears, pinned them together,

and whipped up six bright white cotton pillow covers.

I found clip art I liked online to match our home decor,

enlarged it in my photo editing program, printed and cut them out.

I lightly traced them onto the new pillow cases with a regular pencil.

Before I got out my new bottles of Tulip Soft Fabric Paint and began filling in the outlines.

I placed pieces of poster board (and plastic place mats)

inside the cases to prevent bleeding-through.

I painted on the lusciousness of starfish and clam shells all afternoon

in fun "retro" colors and ended up with this little piece of heaven for my living room:

Are they not stinking adorable?!

My favorite is that little crab in the middle.

Well, and the sea horse.

And, seriously, chck out that star fish.

But we can't leave the sand dollar behind--

he's precious in his own way.

I can't wait til hubby gets home so I can show him the fabulousness.

I have to temper my excitement.

Really, how excited can one man get...

about throw pillows?

If you come visit, choose your favorite and cuddle on up on the couch with me.

You know I always have a tea kettle on,

and I allow feet on my cushions.

My original inspiration for covering my pillows comes from Lemon Tree Creations.
Check out the awesome stencilled pillows they made here.

Sharing Our Days

2011-04-28T16:46:00.001-04:00

A fellow home school mom re-inspired me to blog our daily fun this week.

So, here's a little giggle for you:

The best part is she wore them during our whole Costco shopping trip. The employees and other customers just ate up her cuteness.

(Don't you just love my new template? I got it for $5! That's my kind of price.)

Making Moolah

2011-04-26T10:46:00.000-04:00

photo credit

Receiving the Moolah

To "allowance" or not to "allowance?" That is the question. Do I give the children an allowance for performing "work?" Or just because they are a part of the family? Or both? There are certainly arguments for and against all-around.

Long story short (and lots of considerations later), I opted to give my children allowances simply because they are a part of our family. They also have daily work around the house they do just because they are a part of the family.

Doling out the Moolah

When our children were very young, we gave them each 5 quarters per week:

First quarter to God
One quarter to long-term savings (first car)
We matched that quarter (like an investment)
One quarter to spend any which way they chose
One quarter to buy others' gifts (birthday, Christmas, etc.)

It really was a good system. The only thing is, quarters only go so far. So now that they're older, quarters just aren't enough. But if we switch to dollars, that's a chunk of change each month.

Adjusting the Moolah

Last summer I decided the children would wait until age ten to begin receiving an allowance. That meant my pocketbook could afford a higher wage because only one of my children is of "allowance" age. However, there was a major drawback--three of my children weren't getting an opportunity to learn to manage money. Not good.

So, recently I switched to a new model. I give each child three dollars a week:

First dollar to give to God
One dollar to save
One to spend

This fits into our budget fairly well, while giving the children a chance to learn how to handle money.

Keeping the Moolah

We made up these free (I had the cardstock on hand) holders for their allowances. They keep them in their schoolwork boxes so they don't get lost. (We've lost many full wallets over the years.)

(this is Brea's)

Spending the Moolah

The children have chosen different ways to give their money to God. They have opted to put it in the offering basket at church, buy things to donate to a mission in New York City, and help out friends in need.

They differ in their goals for saving. Brooke is saving for college and a yellow VW Beetle; Brad is saving for college and a Mustang (car, that is); Brian is saving for a car and college; and Brea is saving for college, which she says is where you "do school stuff."

They are saving up a little spending money for an upcoming trip to FAO Schwartz in New York City. And for our yearly beach vacation. But their favorite way to spend money is on weekly treats at the Amish Market near our home. I love watching them choose out carefully what is the best deal. I'm so glad I put allowances back on the radar for all of them.

In case you're wondering, I do give occasional extra money for out-of-the-ordinary chores and work. For instance, if my oldest really keeps an eye on the younger ones, I slide a few dollars her way. The best part is watching her (without any instruction) applying the "give, save, spend" method to even those extra dollars. That's what I was hoping for.

He Is Risen!

2011-04-23T23:37:00.000-04:00

He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. --Matthew 28:6a

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Watercolors in the Spring

2011-04-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun in my watercolors class I wanted to share the excitement with my children.

So we brought out our watercolors and brushes and paper and got to creating.

Brooke drew and painted this beautiful, vibrant flower.

Brad chose to draw a tiger on the plains.

Brian painted this marvelous puppy.

And Brea painted this adorable kitty cat. Love the colors!

I love these kinds of days!

Spring: I Love You Baby!

2011-04-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

Something about

SPRING

makes my heart sing!

Apparently, it does the same thing to my children.

And they have a particularly artistic interest in her, even using her mud to paint...

THEMSELVES!!

Oh yes, this was a day of exploration!

A day I was very grateful for indoor plumbing and manufactured soap.

A day full of life and hope and fun, the best stuff of life.

I Love Looking Back

2011-04-21T10:40:00.000-04:00

When I went searching for Easter ideas on my old blog, I found so many precious gems there--and not just about Easter. As I paged through my entries, I stumbled up on picture after picture of my sweet little ones growing up. Melted my heart. So I'm inspired to blog a little more about everyday life. That might not be so interesting to you; sorry about that. But where available, I'll try to include tutorials and other suggestions.

Here's a shot from a recent reading from Travels of the Zephyr. The children learned about the Native Americans of Oklahoma and built their own tepee from household items. Precious!

Holy Week Celebrations!

2011-04-19T10:19:00.000-04:00

From the archives:

What shall we do this week to usher in Easter? How can we keep our hearts fixed upon Him during this time of candy and bunnies?

Here's a list of things we've done in the past to celebrate Holy Week. (Click on the title for the link to the original post.) Happy reading!

Create Mary Jars

Usher Him in with palms

Create an Easter Tree

Read Legend of the Sand Dollar

Send some Easter cards

Acknowledge your own nails...

Cook up some Resurrection Rolls

And just for fun...

Play around with eggs

Play around some more

Our Easter Reading list Part One

Part Two

Westward Ho!

2011-04-12T17:29:00.000-04:00

This semester's music class theme was the Wild West.

They played their recorders and sang

and danced to some catchy western tunes.

They were so stinking cute!

(Can you believe their music teacher lives in Illinois and teaches in Maryland?

Long story, but she's fantastic!)

We're so glad we joined in the music fun.
I hope we're able to do it again next school year.

A Little Bit of Art

2011-04-08T07:58:00.000-04:00

Last night I learned how to salt watercolors. Here's my first piece.

I can't take credit for the actual drawing. But boy did I have fun mixing up a few watercolors. Thanks to the Friends of the Library who made the class available and, best of all, FREE.

Easter Archives: Basket Fillers

2011-04-06T12:49:00.000-04:00

From Easter 2008:

One year, when the children were very young, I put tiny strips of paper into eggs in their baskets, which read “Jesus loves Brad,” and “Brian is special to Jesus.” They have asked us to read them over and over again over the past few years.

Last year I made Scripture tags with specific Scriptures for each of them. I hope these become as well-worn over the years.

In addition to the Scriptures, I also slip into each basket a mug (for tea with Mommy), some form of light (a plastic lantern this year) since Jesus is the light of the world, a prayer journal, and a handful of sweets.

This year (2011) I'm going to swap the mugs for a bag or box of their favorite hot beverage. We are abundantly blessed with mugs. TeeHee.

You Shouldn't Have...But I'm Glad You Did!

2011-04-01T03:00:00.000-04:00

The doorbell rang and I got three treats at once:

A package containing the cookbook I won at Sugarfoot Designs left in the door;

a big smile from a very special friend; and

this yummy caramel apple and cherry pie she brought me!

Oh, what a glorious day!!

What's a Girl to Do?

2011-03-31T11:54:00.000-04:00

To color, or not to color. That is the question.

I have two gray streaks, one on each side of my face.

(My almost-40 face sitting on my almost-40 neck. Egads!)

So what options do I have?

I tried a $10 box mix last spring, but didn't like the natural highlights it covered up in my hair.

Not to mention the gray showed up the very next day. What a waste of time and money.

I could go gray gracefully. I could be brave and laugh in the face of societal standards.

I could admit it's all vanity and accept who I am in Christ.

That would be the holy route.

I could remember that earthly treasures fade (like hair color)
and instead store up treasures in Heaven.

I could use the $100+ I'd pay at a salon to instead sponsor a child

who doesn't have enough nutrition to grow a full head of any color hair.

That would be noble, too.

And good.

And hard.

I'll admit it. I'm vain. When I look good, I feel good.

But I'm asking myself, at what cost?

To my soul?

Does it have to be one or the other?

Beauty or charity?

I only have one checkbook, one source of income.

It just might be.

So don't judge me if you see me trying to pull my hair up all sorts of crazy

trying to hide the gray

while I try to sort this thing out.

I'm open to suggestions...

Finally, a Little Purty

2011-03-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

I haven't decorated this year like I usually do. I just haven't had the desire or the energy. Winter does that to me sometimes. But today I forced myself down into the storage room to find our springies, like this cozy pink teapot and teacups.

This is the top of my computer cabinet in the kitchen. So cute! I just love that picture of the children watching for sprouts. Precious!

And did you see those sweet little figurines? My mom got those for the kids last year. Truly adorable!

Check out those coffee filter blooms in the Voss water bottle. I just couldn't throw it away--or even recycle it. It's such a great height. And, yes, the tulips are real. And I plan to keep refilling the vase as they expire. That's my spring gift to myself!

A couple weeks from now we'll clear this shelf off to make room for Easter baskets. My hubby bought each child a Longaberger Easter basket from the year he was born. I just love telling that story. Really, how many men do you know who think of things like that? He's a keeper!

Now I'm off to put away all the things I took off in order to create space. I'll pull them out again in May for summer. Can't wait!

Fiddling with my Food

2011-03-29T07:52:00.000-04:00

I am bent on coming up with a meal-scheduling tactic that works for our family. I don't do too well with others' methods, cute as they can be and practical as they seem. No, I seem to have to reinvent the wheel in order to have peace in some things.

This weekend I came up with a system that I think will work for us.

I wrote down all our main dish, side dish and misc. favorite dinner foods on magnets.

Then I chose the ones we'll use this week

and arranged them on a pretty magnet board on the side of the frig. (Yes, the frig is magnetic, but I just fell in love with this square!)

The goal is to choose the menu for the week and post it. I also put a little paper on the side for jotting down things we need from the market.

It's pretty, functional, and easy to use. It could be a winner in our house! Love when that happens.

Setting Boundaries

2011-03-28T09:30:00.000-04:00

We school year-round. It just works for our family. Hence, the need for a little (and quite adorable, I must say) "reminder" for neighborhood kids (whom we love to play with) who are out on spring break or summer vacation.

I ordered a kit from Makia Creations to help out with our little situation.

Isn't it awesome?

We hung the sign on a magnet just about their height. Now they can ring to their hearts' content...when it says "now." (Let's just hope the littlest one can read.)

I heart Makia Creations. They put together kits that make crafting simple, quick, and downright pretty. I put this together in about 15 minutes, using a video tutorial on their web site. I love that all the materials are purchased, cut, and ready for assembly. (Check out their web site for more kits.) Oh, and the best part? There's a little surprise in your delivery.

Note: Last night an adult friend stopped by, saw the sign and didn't ring the bell. Hmm...I put it at kids' height. Oops! Any ideas on how to remedy that?

Sabbath Sweetness: Changes in Plans

2011-03-27T16:01:00.000-04:00

Today was sweet. Despite the weekend-ful of vomiting from various unnamed members of our family.

We did a lot of this:

Some of this:

And even this:

Good news--everyone has been vomit-free for 24 hours now, which means we're permitted to rejoin civilization tomorrow. WooHoo!

Sabbath Sweetness: Memories

2011-03-20T16:31:00.000-04:00

Here are a few photos from this year's Daddy Daughter Dance at church. The girls and my hubby just love this night out.

Oh, so sweet!

This year while the girls were out with Daddy, the boys ventured out with Mama.

We went to a campfire program on the full moon. It was pretty fun, and right on the water. (There's always water when Mama's involved.)

We love these children so, so very much and hope they remember all these good times in their hearts and minds. They are truly treasures from God.

Used to Be's

2011-03-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

photo credit

I used to be thin I used to be blonde I used to be cute I used to be creative

I used to be wealthy I used to be intelligent I used to be a working professional

I used to be fun I used to be wanted I used to be needed I used to be cute

I used to be outgoing I used to be outspoken I used to be a leader

photo credit

Then I was wiped clean

Really, truly clean

I was made new


photo credit

Now I am found Now I am brought back from death

Now I am loved Now I am redeemed Now I am lovely

Now I am full of life Now I am joyous Now I am humbled

Now I am beautiful Now I am blessed Now I am worthy

Now I am full of His confidence Now I am made new


photo credit If anyone is in Christ she is a new creation!

Mardi Gras Our Way

2011-03-09T08:14:00.000-05:00

We learned about Carnival (known as Mardi Gras in the U.S.) in a home school workshop at the library last week.

The boys learned about Belgium's celebration and built a float to represent its main celebration points.

Brooke worked with a few other girls learning about Brazil and building a float.

It was pretty cool to learn about something I'd always heard of but didn't really know much about.

It got tricky when I had to really bring the explanation down to their level, with application to their lives. It went something like this:

"People celebrate the arrival of spring by doing things like throwing parades and drinking lots of wine, and even honoring idols like Bacchus. Then, 40 days before Easter, they decide to stop celebrating and "clean up" their behavior for Easter.

It's not wrong to celebrate a new season--God created seasons. And it's not wrong to set aside a time to focus intently on our relationship with God. What is wrong is thinking we can dishonor God and then hide the mess. Think back to the Garden of Eden--did that work for Adam and Eve?

No matter what we do, we are to respond to God's love by honoring Him. We can celebrate spring, and we can celebrate upcoming Easter--in ways that bring glory to Him."

I think they understood. I hope they did, because we had dinner at a little New Orleans style restaurant where the walls were lined with photos of the parades ("Mommy, what is that lady wearing?") and little medallions honoring Bacchus. Hmm...maybe next Fat Tuesday we have pancakes.

More than Enough: Soul Restoration

2011-03-03T14:47:00.000-05:00

Welcome to folks stopping by from Shelley's blog, Renaissance Wyoming on the Soul Restoration blog hop. (For a complete list of all the blogs on the hop, visit Judy at Be Present Be Real.)

I've been talking smack about how far to go with things, telling you not-so-much is best a lot of the time. I've been preaching not going overboard on things that don't really matter all that much. But there are certain things that just won't survive in "just enough."

Redemption Beauty Joy Love

The things my soul needs, it needs in abundance. My frig can handle a little dirt. My soul needs its corners swept and its wood polished.

This January I didn't even have the strength to lift the polishing rag. Seriously. I was depleted. Beyond repair. Done. Out. Down for the count. Disqualified from the race. Over the hill. Beyond help. [Insert your own defeatism cliche here.] I just couldn't figure out how I was ever going to unfreeze and get on with life.

2010 had felt like a disaster. Between home schooling my four children, holding down the fort while my husband traveled the country half the year, and taking in his sick, elderly aunt, I lost myself. Oh, not in the psychological mumbo-jumbo way, but in reality--I lost my brown hair to the gray monster; I lost weight to stress; I lost eyesight to age; and I lost my sense of peace. Most alarming, I lost my creativity! [I feel closest to God and who He made me to be when I am creating. Yet here I was looking at my craft supplies thinking I should donate them all to charity because these hands weren't ever going to work right again, let alone this mind.]

I stumbled up on Melody Ross' Soul Restoration online class. Oh, class is such a dirty word for it. No, it was fully an

Experience Freedom Expansion Thawing

Melody shared her own story of thawing out and being stuck through inspiring, artful, thought-provoking, encouraging videos. All I had to do was sit and listen at the feet of someone who understood where I was without ever having met me. Indeed, she knew what I needed.

Though she only ever mentioned "God" once in the entire 7 weeks (she used the title TruthTeller instead), she spoke the Lord's truths more clearly and with more compassion than many a religious soul. She understood the nooks and crannies of living out faith in the darkest of corners, and she shared it with me. She shined her light into my shadows and reminded me there is a thing called hope. I have a future and God has plans for me that I can't even imagine!


My Beautiful Mess

This is my beautiful mess. A mess Melody helped me to create. She not only gave me a shopping list, she took a camera to the craft store with her to show me exactly what she meant. She recorded videos of herself using all the supplies. And guess what? I could do what she did! It was so easy and full of heart, not difficult processes. In this little corner of my family room I learned to love and live again. My soul remembered how to create.

With each video, Melody includes an art project. [Hold on! Before you run off scared, know it's a simple form of art therapy. You don't ever need to have created so much as a hand-written card before you get started on the freedom journey.] I used color and texture to say things words just wouldn't touch. I created a timeline of my life that showed me just how many precious periods I've had in life and how inconceivably long they really lasted. I took the bitter edge off my memories when I met them face to face and called them what they were--simply bits on the timeline of eternity.

Oh, I hope I'm not sounding too artsy fartsy, or philosophical. Truth is, I listened to some wise words and then worked out my interpretation and application of them with crayons and glue. Bigger truth is, God reminded me who I am, and He allowed me to create again, just as He creates.

If you can identify with my story, if you need to thaw, to be unstuck, to move out of what stymies your soul, please, join Melody for Soul Restoration 1 online, where she'll help you Find Your Truth. It begins April 5, runs six weeks, and costs a mere $99. It is so worth the money--trust me. Give yourself some new life this spring.

As for me, I'm looking forward to Soul Restoration 2, which begins in June. In the meantime I've got some creating to do. I'm working on canvas for the first time in my life!

Bliss Reward Restoration Eternity

Now, to continue with the hop you'll need to go see Karen at Written By Angels.

Just Enough : In the Bedroom

2011-02-23T10:59:00.000-05:00

Now don't get ahead of yourself; I'm talking design here. Painting.

Nearly nine years ago we moved into a home painted Shrimp Bisque. Yes, it's as bad as it sounds. It has taken us nearly a decade to put the soup to rest in the master bedroom. We opted for the new shade of Malted Milk. (What is it with food names?)

So why the ~~not-so-~~sudden move to paint? Two reasons:

I told hubby there's no way we could paint a room together with both of us surviving. He took it as a challenge.
We're taking a class on marriage at church and had the homework assignment to plan a date that was meaningful to us.

I had a plan. He had a plan. Both our plans were best. Both were worst. But we both did what needed done--spoke kindly, and yielded to the other. Mutual submission. Me with my mouth, he with his brain.

Now it's not perfect. I think his dresser is cluttered;

he thinks my two frames are a bit much.

And the teddy bears? They're a fun thing for us...a story for another time.

But here's the main deal: we did Just Enough. We still need new window treatments, and to refinish the top of my dresser, We could use some help with arranging

and decluttering. Maybe Clean House. But we survived and we're happy with the color.

So what do you need to tackle with the Just Enough philosophy?

This Week's Menu

2011-02-21T20:18:00.000-05:00

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I did fill in my menu for the week, and I shopped for it tonight. There's a few inches of snow coming, so the entire neighborhood was vying for space in the aisles of the grocery store, but I made it home in time to put in a batch of blueberry scones for tomorrow morning. MmmMmmMmm...if they make it to morning.

So just in case you're stuck for ideas, I thought I'd throw up our dinner menu for this week.

Monday
leftover fried chicken
mac and cheese

Tuesday
roasted salmon and potatoes
steamed asparagus
salad

Wednesday
creamy pepperoni ziti
steamed broccoli
garlic bread
salad

Thursday
Mary's pork chops
mashed potatoes
garlic green beans

Friday

spaghetti and meatballs

garlic bread
salad

Saturday

lime and old bay chicken

roasted squash and zucchini
roasted potato wedges

Sunday
split pea and ham soup
Joy's beer bread
salad

Taking My Own Advice

2011-02-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

After spending hours and hours trying to come up with a really hip, happenin' way to display our family's weekly menus, I finally just created a quick template in Publisher. It's not fancy or particularly crafty, but it will do. [Remember my Just Enough post?] I'm going to laminate it, throw it up on the frig, and write on it with dry erase markers. Simple and just enough.

Just Enough > All Or Nothing

2011-02-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

This. is. my. pantry.

It is a hot mess. I know. It needs a major overhaul.

I don't have 8 (or, more likely, 38!) consecutive hours to tackle it.

So what will I do?

I will do what I did with my frig this morning.

Just Enough.

Just enough to organize it. Just enough to make it accessible and neat. Just enough to be functional and somewhat aesthetically pleasing.

I will not worry that every part of it is not perfect. I can ignore the parts I chose not to tackle today.

I will ignore the evil perfectionist voice that says, "Ditch the playground and spend the entire afternoon completely deep-cleaning every little crack and crevice."

I will ignore the voice that says erasing every little speck of dirt will somehow make me feel better.

I will also ignore the voice that says, "Forget about it! Don't even touch it because you'll never get to it all."

I will ignore the All or Nothing voice.

I will listen to the Just Enough voice.

note: This philosophy must not be applied to every area of life. There are times when Just Enough is not nearly enough!

What's In Your Brownies?

2011-02-16T09:44:00.000-05:00

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I don't know if you've noticed, but my little widget that shows the titles in my book basket has changed. It had at least five titles last week; now it's down to two. I find that I'm becoming particularly choosy about the books I am willing to read.

I don't mind hard points, drama, or things that really make me think. I don't even mind a little of the "world's" ideas, even though I often don't agree with them. But I simply cannot read a book based totally on things that make my heart feel shameful or afraid anymore.

I cannot stomach books that include all forms of darkness and despair, as I once did. I had nightmares last week because I was reading a collection of short stories in which the men (in nearly every single story) cheated on their wives as easily as they swished mouthwash. I even pulled a review of one book I read (and liked) recently because I realized it could cause others to have nightmares.

I have not sworn off secular fiction. On the contrary, I am drawn to it because it is often written superbly. But I am further away from completing my local library's reading program because I simply will not sacrifice my spiritual health in its pursuit.

This weekend my pastor told a story about a boy who wanted to see a movie that had just a "little bit" of bad in it. To make a point about how a "little bit" can poison the whole thing, the father baked this boy brownies that contained just a "little bit" of dog poo. I realized that for the previous two weeks I had been refusing to eat dog poo--even just a smidgen.

Goodness, how do you end a post like this? I am grateful God has given me a love for reading, and shown me what is good and beneficial. And I'm thankful for books that create hope and tell stories full of redemption and reconciliation. Happy reading.

Prayer = LOVE

2011-02-14T15:31:00.000-05:00

My prayer partner is cute, just barely 30, funny, and (except for 17 years and male genes) a carbon copy of my husband. So when I shared with her his recent puzzling behavior, she had an immediate answer--HE'S NOT FEELING THE LOVE.

So I say, "I'll run out and pick him up a little GIFT, something to help him feel the love." ('Cause that's what a person fluent in the love language of gifts does in this circumstance.)

Nope, not gonna work. My sweet little beanpole, pretty-as-a-picture friend says I need to speak his love languages...ACTS of SERVICE.

BooHiss. Acts of service are BIG TIME BLECH. Serious style-crampers. Acts of service require sacrifice, and, often, grime and DIRT. The likes of laundry and dishes and walking the stinky dog. Can't I hire someone to do this? Oh please oh please oh please?

By now my gentle, loving prayer partner is about to smack the living gift-of-WHINING out of me.

I listen. After all, there's a reason I chose to pray with her every week. She's just ~~a wee bit~~ BIG WHOLE LOT OF WISE. She gets that way from reading the Scriptures and then LIVING THEM OUT.

I surf the internet for ideas ('cause I'm so tech savvy I don't even know how to open a book anymore) and find this great little COUPON BOOKLET made out of a deck of cards. I modify it some--because really, does a 46 year old man want little red and white polka-dotted ribbons hanging from something?--and voila, a way to speak his love language.

Now I know you want to know if I really came through. Did I really write things on there that will speak to his heart? Yes. Through gritted teeth and with reluctant hands, I wrote out 52 WEEKLY GIFTS, meaning for an entire week I'll do such things as...

Walk the dog (I hate, hate, hate walking and that mutt drives me nuts!)
Wash the dishes (I will miss waking up to an empty sink every morning)
Clean out and wash his car (How can I be serious?!)
Scratch his back (which is worse than a hundred fingernails on a chalkboard, but his favorite thing in the world)
Oh, and you'll love this one: it says JUST KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT. (I have it on authority that your husband would love that coupon as well.)

The true test will come when he tries to redeem one of these blessed cards. I'm sure I'll be on the phone to my prayer partner, asking her to pray the Holy Spirit will SHUT UP MY MOUTH and give me a SERVANT'S HEART. But I know--she's got my back.

In a few weeks, I can tell you about the rest of our Valentine's Day celebrations. But a few things have to make it through the kiln first. Literally. (hint hint)

A Little Love Gift

2011-02-14T12:35:00.000-05:00

Brooke's love language is GIFTS. Just like her mama. So the other night when I found a white box that just cried out for some bling, I whipped her up a little sumpin-sumpin. (Oh, should 38 year old mothers really say that?)

(I'm going to have to learn to use my camera to its fullest if I'm going to keep sharing my crafts with you. But for now, this will have to do:)

(Okay, so now I have my next project...figuring out how to make little photos run across, not down, a blogger page.)

I can tell you she jumped across the couch onto me, hugging me the tightest she has in a long, long time. And she did it twice more! I was so happy I spent the 30 minutes it took to really reach her heart. It was a happy moment.

Rolling Around in My Mind

2011-02-11T21:01:00.000-05:00

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I've been thinking about so many things I don't even know where to start a post. So I thought I'd give you my top ten thoughts:

10. I really need to stock the fridge with healthy foods. I'm getting a wee bit crabby lately because I'm forgetting to eat, and then I'm grabbing junk. Not a pretty picture.

9. I got my Makia Creations kits in the mail and I can't wait to get started on this adorable sign and this sweet magnet board.

8. I must, must, must exercise. I can feel my jeans snugging up and my mood sliding down. Mornings aren't the best time anymore, so I need to experiment and find a time that works into our lifestyle.

7. I have to remind myself that every year February is the month when I wonder if we'll survive the home school year. I have to work in some fun so we don't succumb to the stir-crazies.

6. I want to paint my bedroom. We've lived here almost nine years and our master is still painted the powdery shade of peach called Shrimp Bisque. Yes, it's as bad as it sounds!

5. I am so incredibly grateful for my online art therapy class, Soul Restoration. It's been so healing for me. I think I'll move on to part 2.

4. I am only one book away from completing the adult reading program through our county's library system. When I'm finished they'll give me a cool mug with a crab on it for drinking my morning tea.

3. I feel better when my windows are clean. I'm more likely to look out them and notice really awesome things--like a huge hawk in the oak tree out back this afternoon. What an amazing flight!

2. I'm glad I bought this blog design. I'm more excited about coming here to write.

1. I'm making my hubby something so special for Valentine's Day that he'll love it more than potato chips. And coffee. I can't wait to show you!

From His Mouth to My Ears...

2011-02-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

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¹²Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper].

¹³Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].

¹⁴And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].

¹⁵And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

¹⁶Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.

¹⁷And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.

--Colossians 3:12-17

What Do I Know?

2011-02-06T21:03:00.000-05:00

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There was a time I had an answer for everything:

avoiding home school burnout
child rearing and discipline
keeping a schedule
being a good friend
finding the best deals
choosing the best shade of make up for your complexion.

You get the idea. I was perfectly...umm...obnoxious! I was only trying to be helpful. Honestly. But mostly I was annoying.

This past year was full of so many challenges I lost sight of all answers. I didn't have any of my own; I couldn't hear or understand others' answers; I even had a hard time believing in the answers that came from God Himself.

Which brings me to this little blog. I don't think I have all the answers anymore. Seriously, I don't. But I do think it could be fun to share some of the things I get into in life. I can tell you a little about what I'm learning, you can tell me a little about what you're learning, and we can walk this path of life together.

What do you say? Will you join me?

Hymn of the Week: How Firm a Foundation

2011-02-06T17:10:00.000-05:00

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Every Monday we choose a new hymn, read a story about its composer, and sing it throughout the week. I'll admit that sometimes I get glassy-eyed or gloss over certain words and phrases when we're singing, but not this week. This week's hymn was incredibly soothing to my soul.

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation , you saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent word!

What more can He say then to you He has said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed; for I am your God, and will still give you aid;

I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call you to go, the rivers of sorrow will not overflow;

For I will be with you, your troubles to bless, and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply; the flame shall not hurt you; I only design your dross to consumer and your gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake, I'll never, no never, no never forsake.

Lots of Effort...Hope it Pays Off

2011-02-02T17:51:00.000-05:00

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This is not the first time I've bought a pair of chic running shoes to encourage myself to exercise.

But I'm not talking about adidas here, I'm talking about wordpress, typepad and blogger. I've spent countless hours over the past 3 years to try to appease my own blog ego. I've changed platforms, considered spending hundreds of dollars on designs, and thought about taking things professional.

What to do, what to do...

For now, I'm happy to have a place to come and be "normal." Really, normal. Last year I lost so much of myself, I'm enjoying just getting back to writing. And this cute $5 template is just the thing to help me feel at home here.

I hope you find yourself comfortable here, and will take a look around when I get more content. For now, you can peek at the pages to get to know me a little better.

See you SOON!

A New Year, A New Space

2011-02-02T16:09:00.000-05:00

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The prettier a place, the more likely I am to visit. That's why I've moved my blog over here, where I can add pretty backgrounds and play with fonts.

Here is a photo of two of my pretties: