A Perfect Week

Well, so much for my goal of posting more regularly. Just as I was getting off to a good start, my computer went down and now I have sporadic access...Soon, I hope, things will be back to normal and I'll have pictures and regular posting again.

That said, last week was so very nearly perfect and full to the top with amazing blessings that I think words without pictures will be OK today. Here's a list of all the things that came our way...(and I'm probably forgetting some)...

Bags and bags of clothes and shoes in my size, many still with tags. Things I needed!

Lovely papercrafting gifts from my husband

A swing set for the kids--with a fort and slide

A see-saw for the kids (from a different person)

Information about where to obtain raw goat's milk locally, as well infor about local honey, organic apple cider vinegar, and real olive oil. WOOHOO!!!

Lunch with a friend at Copeland's.

A supper date with Billy to celebrate our 9th anniversary at Outback, redeeming a gift card from Christmas

Free babysitting for said date

A trailer full of compost for the garden we're planting

A library book sale...We got around 200 children's books for 75 cents and inch

And I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

I'm not so much thrilled with the physical gifts themselves (although I'm full of gratitude for them), but more amazed at the love of my heavenly Father Who pours His blessings out on me. What an amazing week.

One Who Has Friends Must Show Herself Friendly

You cannot receive affection unless you will also give it. You cannot find others to love you, unless you also will love them. Love is only to be obtained by giving love in return. It is important to cultivate a cheerful and obliging disposition. You cannot be happy without it.

I have sometimes heard a girl say, "I know that I am very unpopular at school." Now this is a plain confession that she is very disobliging and unamiable in her disposition.

If your companions do not love you, it is your own fault. They cannot help loving you if you will be kind and friendly.

~The Original McGuffey's Eclectic Third Reader, 1837

Growing Things

We're planning a garden this year and I'm excited. I grew up gardening. We've had a garden on and off, but having 3 spring babies over 5 years, my gardening involvement was limited.

Still, I couldn't wait for us to finish making garden beds. We had a few herbs growing experimentally in a little strip outside the front door. I threw a packet of lettuce seed out between the herbs and watered them a time or two.

It came up and it's growing day by day. My kids love to give me the lettuce report. I had to stop them from pulling up--and eating--all my baby lettuces.

There's something about growing veggies themselves that makes kids want to eat them. This morning we read about the Garden of Eden and I asked them to describe their ideal gardens.

Elizabeth (8): "My garden would have a silver and golden wall all around it and lots of flowers inside, with a secret gate. There would be a pink sparkly mail box and a castle in the middle."

Silas (5): "I don't know."

Sarah (3): "My garden would have a pink sparkly couch in the middle. And carrots and celery. When the rabbits came to eat the carrots, I would shoot them with a BB gun! And there would be a fort around the outside to keep bugs and rabbits out."

A side note: My computer's on the blink, so posting may be light for a few days!

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Each Monday Peggy hosts The Simple Woman's Daybook. I decided to participate this week.

For Today...December 22

Outside my window...it's gray and chilly. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 70's though!

I am thinking... how glad I am that I mixed and froze cookie dough next week for stress-free baking this week!

From the learning rooms...free reading this week since we are on Christmas break.

I am thankful for...my sweet husband and precious children who have gone Christmas shopping for me. :)

From the kitchen... pie crust for sweet potato pies. Fajitas for supper. Christmas cookies!

I am wearing... fave Keen shoes.

I am reading... Nourishing Traditions.

I am hoping... to get all my Christmas prep done in time for a peaceful holiday.

I am creating... a fruit of the Spirit quilt for my oldest girl, a little blue purse for my middle girl, and a secret gift for my son.

I am hearing... Baby fussing on my lap...she is so sleepy.

Around the house... laundry, holiday cleaning for a tidy Christmas, wrapping gifts.

One of my favorite things... quilts handmade by Grandma.

A few plans for the rest of the week... cooking.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

If You're Here for A Day in My Life...

Scroll down past the Christmas meme. It's here, just a bit buried! Welcome, Little Jenny Wren readers!

A Day in My Life--December

On Sunday mornings I usually get up early and get myself ready about an hour before the kids get up. This makes our Sundays go so much more smoothly, since we attend the early service at 8:30. However, Sarah (my 3 year old) was up several times last night complaining of a sore throat, and sure enough, she is sick this morning. So I changed out of my church clothes and into jeans in preparation for a day at home.

After I fed the children, I put some turkey bones on to boil. I'm a huge fan of the Nourishing Traditions way of eating, and I've found homemade soup from bone broth very comforting and healing when we're sick. My kids look forward to it too. I made this little bouquet garni to add flavor. The rosemary is from my tiny herb bed, and the bay is from an elderly friend's huge bay tree. He gave me a six-foot branch and told me it's the most fragrant variety of bay.

Then I spent some time reading my Bible. I've been mulling over Psalm 119, which is a long treatise on God's Law. This verse (37) jumped out at me: "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things." As a busy mom of 4 small children, time management is my greatest challenge. It's a struggle to know where to devote my limited energies because there are so many worthy things calling for my attention. I need God's help to know which things are "worthless" and which things deserve a second look.

This question was especially on my mind this morning as I spent a few minutes reading blogs. I find these journals of the wonderful things people do so inspiring, but at the same time I must understand that I can't do it all. So when I have a few minutes to read for inspiration, where should I go? Blogs about crafting, frugality and simplicity, homemaking, homeschooling, health, cooking, gardening??? Should I read for pleasure or simply for information? I wonder.

The kids and I had a little church/Sunday School time here at home. I plunked out a few songs on the piano (and plunk is right--Elizabeth says, "Mama, you need some more practice!") and Silas strummed his guitar and we make a joyful noise. Elizabeth read us the creation story and we talked about things God made and their Proverb from church Wednesday night. Then we prayed and they watched Veggie Tales. (OK, so Veggie Tales isn't part of the church thing--that's simple entertainment.)

Through the rest of the morning I rearranged the dining room, did laundry and cleaned, and finished the soup, as well as staying in touch with a couple friends via facebook. My sick baby didn't want to stay in the living room alone, so she brought a beanbag chair and the basket of Christmas books to the kitchen where I was.

Then Billy came home and we ate together before I tackled the pile of dishes on the counter. The afternoon was filled with mundane little things. One included the collapse of my cookbook book case. It's been wobbly for awhile, but it finally fell apart altogether. I guess I'll have to find a new place for my books, or get a new little book case.

Before I knew it it was time for Billy and the older kids to go to our church school's Christmas musical, leaving me with the little ones.

I plan to keep working on the house this evening, so it's tidy for a new week. There's bread in the machine and Sarah is watching Spot. Later, I'll feed everybody a light supper and we'll all head to bed.

Hope you all had a lovely Sunday!

Read more "A Day in My Life" posts at Little Jenny Wren!

Seven Random Things

1. Well, I was on a roll when we went on vacation and I got sick. Yes, simultaneously.

Billy's also recovering, I'm still hacking, and the kids are snotty, so life is in the slow lane. Grace isn't complaining, but she's been up a lot at night and I'm a zombie. Billy ordered me to drink tea and watch TV today (awwww...sweet...), and I'm loosely interpreting that to mean clean the bedroom so I don' t want to cry/have a panic attack/throw up every time I peek in the door and blog. My brain is working in a very low gear, but those are two things I can't mess up too badly, I guess.

2. It's satsuma season again. I love those little easy-to-peel mandarins. So do my kids. We went through half a five-gallon bucket (from a friend's tree) in about 2 days.

3. I love my new Ergo! Wearing baby is so much more comfortable than any other carrier I've used, and she's much happier too.

4. For those of you who know my sister or used to read her blog, she has a new baby boy. This makes boy #3 and he is such a cutie! I was sufficiently recovered to see him on Thanksgiving day (two days after his home birth), but I didn't get too close and I certainly didn't hold him. Didn't want to take chances. I enjoyed him from afar, though.

5. I organized my pantry. That's another thing that was just about giving me panic attacks. Considering the frequent disarray of various areas of our home, I'm sure my husband doesn't believe me when I say disorganized messes make me physically ill. They just paralyze me, which is why they stay the way they do. I feel so happy every time I look into that orderly pantry!

6. I got pantry organizers in a most unorthodox way. Our freezer died (probably from power surges during Hurricane Gustav) and we had to get a new one. The wire baskets from the old freezer were perfect for the pantry shelves.

7. I've come up with a non-food reward for myself when I'm working through a really big job. I don't have time to sit down and read blogs like I used to, so I treat myself to a crafty or homey blog when I've finished a work milestone. Just one. Then on to the next chunk of work.

It suppose it's silly, but I get to read the blogs I love, my work gets done (somewhat), and it's noncaloric. I've lost 10 pounds in the last couple months, so I guess it's working.

Blue Autumn Sky

Photo by Elizabeth, age 7

Windows of New Orleans

We went to New Orleans a few weeks ago.

I've only been there a few times, although Billy went a lot when he was in school.

I love the building colors.

I'd love to incorporate them into my home.

I think a New Orleans style house would be beautiful, if it wasn't too stereotypical.

French vintage beauty.

(Photos by my husband)

I *Heart* Bargains

Funky shoes.

$5.00 on clearance.

The pink ones are Keds.

The brown ones were $40 before they went on sale.

I've wanted to buy some cute lightweight shoes for a long time. But I knew they wouldn't last long, so I couldn't even really justify $15 at Wal-Mart. It seemed a little ridiculous.

Isn't it amazing how God cares for the silliest little details of life?

Stunningly Accurate

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

This stinkin' two question test is astonishing. This describes me very closely. Probably the biggest thing that's not me is the part about not knowing what I want. I have to mull it over for awhile, but once I make a decision, I stick to it. I don't think I'm overly sensitive unless I'm very tired, but others might disagree. However, I won't open the floor for discussion on that one. *wink* This was fun.

Voting

Well, I typically try to keep this blog a "safe" place from potentially controversial subjects like politics. In fact, I left the days of political activism behind long ago, and I haven't had much interest in politics for years...Until this election. It's been a fascinating one. And since presidential elections don't happen every day, I'm breaking my political silence just for a moment.

As long as I have the freedom and right to vote, I plan to exercise that freedom. My philosophy is pretty simple. I vote for the person whose values and beliefs most closely align with mine.

This year that person is John McCain. I'm not voting for him because I think he'll necessarily be an exceptional president if elected. I put my hope in God, not in politicians. However, I do believe that a person of strong moral principles will be a better leader in all areas than one whose values stand in opposition to Christian moral beliefs. I have always admired McCain's war record, and I'm a fan of Sarah Palin, because of her strong faith and conservative values.

I've heard smart and sophisticated conservatives say that they are bowing out of this election because they don't see any great change that would come out of a McCain win and that Obama is exactly what we deserve. I guess I don't understand that kind of pessimism. Perhaps it sounds as though I'm speaking in platitudes here, but like I said, I'm simple. There are two choices, and I choose the one I believe is the better of the two.

Finding My Way

It's amazing how quickly things return to "normal." On the other hand, it's amazing how long it takes to find one's rhythm again after a natural disaster like a hurricane.

The area is being cleaned up and repaired as quickly as can be expected, thanks to a well-planned infrastructure and the dedicated work of many volunteers bringing help and relief supplies. Electricity is back (except for some of those whose homes were flooded or destroyed with the water from Ike...a double whammy), and most of the stores are open that will be re-opening--which is nearly all. The mountains of fallen trees that lined both sides of our street have been picked up. People go about their daily lives as normal, for the most part. This was our first rodeo, so it's amazing to see recovery happen. People who have lived here all their lives have stories to tell of many storms they've weathered. I told Billy, it's no wonder some of them begin to feel that they're bulletproof.

We're finally establishing a groove after our homeschool year got off to a rocky start. We had school even while we were evacuated, but it's hard to give it 100% when things aren't normal. I feel fortunate though--local schools were closed for weeks.

I've worked out something of a routine...a flexible schedule of sorts. We hurry with morning chores and start school shortly after Billy leaves for work. I get Elizabeth started and when she's able to work alone I work with the middle ones on phonics, math, and other pre-K and Kindergarten skills. We work hard and try to finish the most intensive part of our work by noon. That (theoretically) frees the afternoon for housework, as well as tea parties and other such fun. Fall is here! Time for tea!

I find that Elizabeth, especially, thrives on routine. It feels good to know what to expect, what's going to happen next. I think it's particularly helpful after a month of limbo.

This has been far more boring than I intended. Now that we're functioning at something more like normal, I hope to resurrect this blog and write lots more often. I love to write here...It's the only real hobby I indulge right now, except for the every-so-often crafting. See you around!

A Day in My Life-August

This month I'm joining Little Jenny Wren's "Day in My Life." A bit late, but still...


Billy was out of town for the night and I'm sick, so we slept in this morning till almost 8. I woke with Sarah, my darling 3-year-old, snuggled in my bed and Baby Grace's blue eyes peeking at me over the edge of the co-sleeper. What a great way to start the morning!

Otherwise, my whole morning felt off-kilter since I felt so bad that I pretty much just fell into bed last night without making usual preparations for the next day. No one had clothes laid out, I didn't know what to fix for breakfast, and everything seemed to take twice as long as usual.

Finally everyone was clothed, beds were made, and Elizabeth had practiced her piano. I made old-fashioned oatmeal. My kids love this with cane syrup, which is sort of like Molasses. Mmmm...I love it too.


Normally Elizabeth starts her school work after breakfast, but it's rained a lot lately and the kids haven't been able to spend much time outside, so I let them play this morning. It's a beautiful day. We'll do lessons later, when it's too hot to be outside. Elizabeth showed me the "spear" she made, she says for spearing flounder. A friend told her how they used to spear flounder at night, and it has captured her imagination.

While they played outside, I began my housework. I felt flustered and scattered and realized that I hadn't yet spent time with God this morning. I've been hanging out in Proverbs 31, which tells about the ideal wife. I think I needed the encouragement and inspiration of this hard-working lady. I usually feel completely overwhelmed by all there is to do to run a household, homeschool, maintain friendships, and reach out to others, as well as keeping a strong marriage with my sweet husband. I know I don't need to be superwoman, but there is a way to get it all done, somehow.

In addition to housecleaning and nursing sweet baby, I washed a few of my "hand wash only" skirts, and hung them out to dry. I do "big" laundry every other day, and special things like this in between.






I made a quick batch of cookies and fed the kids lunch. Afterward I put the littles down for quiet time, cleaned the kitchen and did school work with Elizabeth. And snuggled and fed the baby. So sweet.



Late afternoon: I tidied the bedroom area of the house and worked on preparations for our coming homeschool year while the kids played outside.

I had promised Elizabeth pancakes for supper, but I really didn't have the time to make them, so I asked her if she wanted to. Of course my little cook said yes. She was so proud and I made sure that I praised her efforts. Let's just say that I'll give a little more assistance next time.

Billy got home as I was bathing the kids. It was so good to have him home, even after just one night. After we put the kids to bed we visited for a little while and watched the last episode of 24: Season 5 and then we turned in ourselves.

And obviously I didn't get this posted last night. So here it is this morning!

When You Are Three

Who cares if shoes are too big...

Or if they are on the wrong feet...

As long they are pink!!!

I Haven't Stopped Blogging, Really

Life has been crazy. Four babies, guests once to several times each week, a time-consuming new writing project, washer and dryer on the blink, etc. etc. I've had a lot on my plate. I so enjoy the creativity of having a "fun blog"--in fact, this is really the only thing I do consistently for fun. But lately it's had to take a back seat. I hope to streamline my blogging so it takes less time and I can do it more often.

Important Things You Should Know

Also known as, News From Here For Friends and Family Members Who Care About the Mundane Details of My Life.

We're schooling year round this year due to time we had to take off for moving and a new baby. I didn't take much time off when Grace was born, but we missed a few days and just focused on the most important subjects. I'm taking off this week to plan the next couple of months. I want it to be a really productive summer in terms of academics, brushing up on our weak spots and finishing whatever we haven't gotten done yet. Silas is also more than ready to learn to read, and in fact chastised me just yesterday because he isn't reading yet. ("Mama, you haven't taught me to read yet! You said you were going to teach me to read!" Um, yeah, we talked about that last week...) Pretty amazing for a kid who could have cared less till a few months ago. Elizabeth has plowed ahead in a few subjects and finished several books, like reading and math, so we will be able to focus more intensively on her areas of struggle. The goal is for a strong start this fall. I'll have a 3rd grader, a kindergardener, and a preschooler this year. WOW!!! I can't believe it.

Grace singlehandedly created 2 loads of laundry in the past 12 hours. She is more talented than any of my other children have been in this regard, and trust me, that is saying a lot. I'm doing 20+ loads a week right now. Part of it is just that she has a sensitive little tummy. I have to be careful what I eat, but more than that I have to carefully watch that I keep foremilk/hindmilk in balance and that I don't stuff her too full. I am all about following baby's feeding cues, but if Grace eats too much it's not pretty. However, she is growing at an astounding rate and she's all rolls and chubby cheeks, so she is certainly getting enough. She'll be moving from newborn clothes to 3-6 month size this week.

Billy and I are sick with sinus infections. Although we live in a warm, wet, moldy climate, it probably has more to do with too much sugar and too many late nights watching multiple episodes of 24 taking care of a new baby.

I finally fit into my fat jeans this morning. You know, it is a little disheartening to have a baby and then not even be able to wear your fat clothes. I still have a goodly ways to go, but at least the weight is starting to come off. Time to break out the confetti and cake celery! I've come a long way from my first pregnancy when I prayed daily (no joke) , "God, please don't let me get fat." I'm no longer obsessed with being skinny. But it would be nice to be at that ideal size for reasons of pure vanity.

Ice Cream

I scream

You scream

We all scream

For ice cream!

Down the Rabbit Hole

Have you ever had a day that just felt like it came from Bizzare-o Land? That was my yesterday. Everything from kids stuffing flowers in their ears to accidentally dumping ice water on the 4-week-old, to dreaming up new ways to aggravate each other that I wouldn't have thought of if I lived to be 100. Today I'm happy for new beginnings!