Maidin Monday wk 4

 This Maid has been very busy so today she stopped and reflected by she was so busy… and she stopped to smell the roses…

 

 

 

 

 And admire God’s gift to the desert…

 

 And the little things we take for granted…

 

Modesty Quote~

 In Hubby’s recent readings of Patrick O’Brian’s books (Master and Commander, Far side of the World, Etc)  He stubbled across this quote which we thought to share with our readers.

 

Not far into the second book of the Aubrey/Maturin novels by Patrick O’Brian, Stephen Maturin becomes acquainted with a young widow named Diana Villiers, who lives with her aunt and three cousins in the vicinity of the residence that Captain Aubrey and Stephen Maturin occupy. At a ball given by Diana’s aunt, Mrs. Williams, Stephen and Diana are engaged in a conversation, a portion of which revolves around Diana’s forceful comments:

“…You must know that married men are the worst enemies women can have…They offer what they call friendship or some stuff of that kind - the name don’t matter - and all they want in return for this great favour is your heart, your life, your future, your - I will not be coarse, but you know very well what I mean. There is no friendship in men….Listen, Maturin, I speak openly to you, because I like you; I like you very much, and I believe you have a kindness for me - you are almost the only man I have met in England I can treat as a friend - trust as a friend.”

“You have my friendship, sure,” said Stephen heavily. After a long pause he said with a fair attempt at lightness, “You are not altogether just. You look as desirable as you can - that dress, particularly the bosom of that dress, would inflame Saint Anthony, as you know very well. It is unjust to provoke a man and then to complain he is a satyr if the provocation succeeds…”

“Do you tell me I am provocative?” cried Diana.

“Certainly I do. That is exactly what I am saying. But I do not suppose you know how much you make men suffer. In any case, you are arguing from the particular to the general: you have met some men who wish to take advantage of you, and you go too far. Not all French waiters have red hair.” ………

~Post Captain By Patrick O’Brian page 50-51 ~

Typed out by David.

Sodbusters tuesday- Wk 3

 

It’s Tuesday!  I am actually still just watering the garden away and plucking here and there. It would be foolish to plant anything right now so it’s been a lot of weeding going on around here.   But yesterday I did spot this-

  Our first Cantelope!!!!!!!!! But then this morning Emma brought me the darling thing… It’s only the size of a small baseball.  Way to early to pick.  I was terribly dissapointed but I couldn’t stay too upset for long because she gave the biggest grin like,  “I helped you out Mommy! Its the size of a tomato! I know its the wrong color but hey aren’t they all suppose to be that big?”

Sniff. Smile.  Children are such a blessing you know that?

So, this weeks gardening post is how you should teach your children the difference between a cantelope and a tomatoe… even when your cantelope (volunteer) is growing in your tomato pot.  It’s still confusing for them.

Very late and a apology…

So sorry I haven’t kept up. This weekend was our declutter sale. Also known as a yard sale.  We were successful in the fact that we no longer have boxes and boxes of STUFF. But it mostly went to Goodwill.  Seems as if everyone is out of town right now.   But that’s ok.  We are still decluttering (if you can believe that!) and I have hardly a chance to sit down and write this.  The only reason I am on my computer is that I am listing some of the books and knicknacks.  Golly, how does one accumilate SO much stuff in a matter of 2 years!!!!!!!!!!!!

All the more reason to go Amish.

Blog contest and some changes coming!

 I am going to try something for the month of August but I’ll start Monday since I like starting fresh on Mondays after a Day of Worship with our Lord.

So here is the thing; I am going to have certain days for specific things, for example;
A friend and I (Beccastoggs.com) are going to have Maidin’ Monday.  We have a challenge every monday to get our butlers (or in the case our maidin’s) kicked into gear for some of the things that need to be done, ie vaccuming, deep cleaning and whatnot.  Tuesdays maybe I’ll have it dedicated to gardening. And so on. 

I am very excited about this because A) I am hoping it’ll help me be more consistent with my blog, bring new readers in, teach what I know to those that want to learn about certian things, and so forth.

Now where does the blog contest come in? Well! AT the end of August I am hoping that people will comment on if they liked the blog, what they learned or didn’t learn, what they didn’t like, if they will come more because of that, basically GIVE FEEDBACK!!! Yay! Winner will recieve something, I have a whole month to come up with something extrodinary GREAT! Maybe I’ll choose seven winners. One for each day.  So share this blog with your friends and increase you chances of winning. Tell me who recommend you, and if you recommended anyone.  I love feedback.

So, I am off for the weekend. And I’ll see you all Monday!

 

Wash on Monday
Iron on Tuesday
Mend on Wednesday
Churn on Thursday
Clean on Friday
Bake on Saturday
Rest on Sunday

Healthy eating habits~

 My Sister-in-law sent this to me and I thought it might be well to share with those that are trying to eat healthy.  Some of it I could follow, some of it I don’t agree on but as a whole its an excellent chart.

Food Combining Chart

 

Source can be found here;
http://www.alderbrooke.com/images/chart.jpg

What a notion!

 I am surrounded by fabric, lace, elastic, thread, and scraps everywhere.  It’s not suppose to be in such a disarray.  Why is it? I am not exactly sure.  I have a tendency to get everything spic and span and then the week after it be a total dissaster again.  It drives me nuts, bonkers, and every other term of frustration.  I do still manage to stay on top of sewing one item daily. Yesterday it was 4 items.  Slowly but surely my fabric stash is depleting.  It’s so sad to see some of my favorites go.  Knowing I’ll probably never use them again.  I haven’t learned as my mother has, that pretty fabrics still tend to come into season so its ok to use up your fabric.  There is always more.  Solomon should have met a seamstress.. “To the making of fabrics… there is no end”.

Why on earth am I blogging about this? Cause I am motivating myself to have a clean and organized home someday…soon! I am now 20 weeks along.  The time is racing by for this little one to come join us.  I still would like to get my fabric stash to 1/4 of what it is now. Atleast.  Ohhh boy. That’s a lot of work.  I have been a very good girl and have not bought any of Walmart’s recent fabrics… which are to die for.  

But I wonder, what does everyone have in their home that they are dying to clean out or reduce?  Is it books? Clothes? clutter?  Spend 10 minutes a day just sorting and it will begin to diminish.  It is amazing to think of the stuff we are so blessed with that we never use. 

Lets enjoy our time here on earth but remember not to hored stuff that we can’t take with us.

Sunday Snapshots

 The grass withers, the flower fades but the word of our Lord shall stand forever…
Isaiah 40:8

 Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

All pictures are copyrighted by owner of this blog. All right reserved. Thank you.

The Book Room…

 Here is just one room that is just for books.  Each room in our house has a bookcase of some sort but this is the actual study…

 View from the doorway…

Looking towards the doorway…

 

Think we can read it all in a lifetime?

A time to build up…

 I’ll tear down in my next blog entry but before I do that I decided to post something how I would love to share MY american dream.  We all heard what the american dream is, whatever you don’t have.  So here we go… I would have…

Chickens! I have always longed for chickens…

 David and I have talked about having 1 dozen.  Why so many? Well we would use atleast 4 eggs a day.  Then there is my in-laws to concider, my parents, and a few extra to sell (eggs I mean) $$ to help with the chicken feed.  I already have a few of them named, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Mrs. Bennett 

Then of course we would have the goats…
And no names like Sugar, buttermilk, and that, NO NO, we must have, Cheesecake, and cream cheese.

Then I must give hubby his horse. 

Then we will move on to the farm land… and idea herb garden PATCH (not the complete thing mind you.. )

  Patch of garden…

And then, the front porch, to sit and talk in the evening over a glass of lemonade.  To watch the children play as you sit and do a bit of needlework…

I am not even going to begin on the inside… It’s what’s on the outside that counts right?

Great is Thy faithfulness~

 

I have been like a dry well in my spiritual life recently.  I have been extra focused on the daily living and the coming baby that much has been neglected.  Many have said that when you first turn your day over to God, He will give you the time you need to acomplish the important tasks.  I dare not say taht I have not found this to be true but it still seems like there is more acomplished when I set aside that time only for the brief 5 minutes before bed.  However, the sweet communication between a Friend so near and dear begins to fade like the day.  Each task still comes up anew each day and my life seems less meaningful.  I question my vocation, I question my purpose in life, I question life itself.  Where is God?  He has not left me… I have left Him.  Does a bride leave her groom at the alter?

The road is long and weary.  I cannot deny this fact.  But God has not promised a sweet meadow and cushioned feet.  Christian had fallen into that snare in Pilgrims Progress.  The wonderful meadow proved to be death to all that enjoyed it. The snare of being too content, to well satisfied, but not satisfied. 

So, I trudge along, knowing that I should get up earlier, make more time for Him that has given me all time, and my life.  But the old same old story comes, You get up and see something out of place and put it away and then your whole day is filled with cleaning up messes and wiping dirty faces and counters. 

I sing hymns to keep me going through the day.  But I remember how much more meaningful those hymns meant when I would think of a particular one after reading a chapter in the Bible, or a devotion.  Quite often I find myself humming, “One Thing’s Needful, Lord this Treasure”.    I can hear that gentle rebuke, Martha, Martha. 

So is what I am doing so unecessary? So pitiful? So unworthy of my attention?  Not at all! Or as Paul said, God forbid! We are called to do this! We are called to scrub the dishes, wipe the faces, vaccum the carpets, do the errands, etc.  But when it becomes a question of, “Why”? Or “Is there any purpose in life?” It is time to dust the cover of the tear stained, blood stained Bible and repent. 

It is during these times that I remember,
Down the pilgrim road I have tread;
Forgetting my constant companion,
I knelt and said,
“God why hast Thou forsaken me?”

A peirced hand was on my shoulder
A voice I knew too well said to me;
“My friend,  since when dist thy heart turn colder,
Or when did you forget who died for thee?”

“Tis not that I have left thee,
But the cares of the present time has thrust itself forth
But thou in thy worries hast forgotten Me,
And forgotten the Pilgrim course.”

Oh what faithful wounds from a Friend,
The reminder of Truth and constancy,
Our fellowship is now amend.
and blissful life for eternity.

I may have forgotten His constancy but He has always been there.  I have taken His presence for granted.  I cling to the old rugged cross wherein is inscribed,
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteousness to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Baby Carrier contest!

http://www.alongfortheride.biz/contest-s/49.htm

This looks so neat and I had to share!!!!!!!!! Be sure to enter before July 31, 2008.

Good luck to you mama’s out there!

Terms of sale

 I hate to do this but now, I feel compelled to do so. 

I have received many, many, many comments on how my prices are kind of high or that it would be a better bargain if the stated price included shipping.  By this, I mean that they expect shipping to be included in the already stated price rather than increasing the stated price to cover the cost of shipping so that the price shown was the total price.  This is impossible and here is why;

We all know that shipping costs are high and we all want to be good stewards of the money God has entrusted to us but there comes a time when it’s good to see the other side of an issue

The following will give you an idea of who is getting the better deal in regards to my sewing and what I sell:

The fabric for a child’s basic jumper costs at minimum, $6-$8.  This is for the more inexpensive fabric I use.  Most of the time its closer to $10-$12 and, of course, can be even more.  Right now, I am selling the jumpers at $10 each (sometimes more if the fabric is on the more expensive side) which means that for about 3-4 hours work I am asking $2-$4 labor.  In other words, my “earnings” on a child’s jumper is approximately .75 per hour. 

A “Sale” Dress” is listed at $15.  It’s costing me about $10 in fabric and often more.   That looks like I’m now making approximately $5 labor at this point but wait.  I have to buy notions like zippers, buttons, lace and whatnot.  So it basically ends up being less than $4 labor charge.   Again, I make approximately .75 per hour. 

I cannot ship these items for less than 3-4 dollars as a general rule.  If I pay shipping on these I would end up paying you to for the privilege of selling them.

With so many people irate about the “sweatshop labor” of Chinese workers and the pittance they’re paid, and with the attacks on Wal-Mart for selling these products, I wonder that people can expect me to do the same? 

Again, I ask, who is getting the better bargain?

If you go to a sale at Landsend.com and find a dress you like, but it’s too expensive with shipping, you don’t attack the company for not selling it with free shipping included. It would be considerate to show cottage businesses the same courtesy

 Upon request I am adding the links to the clothing, these are updated frequently.

~ The sale items ~

~ Etsy ~

 

 

Snapshots for Saturday

I am choosing a few snapshots that I took yesterday since Saturdays are so busy for me.  Enjoy!

This was our lunch.  We had chicken salad with fresh spinach, pears, and carrots.  Emma had prunes and plain yogurt. David enjoyed his Alqualine water and I did some Raspberry tea.

This is what I dubbed David’s bookshelf although there are some of “my” books on it.  The bottom shelf consists of Louis L Amour and Zane Grey books and some picturesque books like Countryside Virginia, all about Horses and pictures, Archery, how to be a cowboy, how to tan hides, guy stuff . The top shelf holds various books.  Our classic, Reader’s Digest series.  Picked up at thrift stores and yard sales for a $1 or less.  There are two books that I really enjoy as picture books, one is Bill Coleman’s Amish pictures, and the other is a bday gift from hubby titled, “Historic Scotland” (Home of my ancestors). He has a Germany book or 3 (His ancestors) and there are some English Literature books as well.  This bookshelf sits in the livingroom for visitors to browse.  We live such a dull life that visitors often look for something to do while visiting.

This is actually a doll Mumsie gave me so I could sell it on ebay.  But when it was brought home Emma loved it so much that we dubbed it her first birthday gift (if I never finish her sweater I started ;))

See what I mean? She loves the thing.  It’s even bigger than her! I don’t think we are going to have any trouble with her and the new little one on the way.

 

 

 

Blog Meme for 2 weeks…

 Life is good when…

1.  You can enjoy a fresh early morning walk
2.  A sweet note dropped in the mail to remind you, you are thought of
3.  You are given the chance to bless someone.
4.  Your daughters smiles at you.
5. Your husband brings you chocolate.

 

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Close your eyes.  Take a deep breath, and then type the first five things you think of when you think of summer

1.  Harvesting tomatoes
2. Cool water, swimming season
3. Vacation time.  Getting to see family and friends and recieving family and friends
4.  New fly swatters
5. Lemonade.

Happy Father’s Day

 My Dearest one, 
This will be quite a long post.  I recommend reading it either tonight or tomorrow morning before Church. 

I want to start this part 1 out by listing 50 things I love about you, as appose to 10 things I hate about you.  (the movie dear )
 

1.  I love your Christian attitude and heart.
2. I love the memories we share and the smile that comes to your eyes
3. I love the way you smile when you come home from work.
4. I love to watch you cuddle with Emma
5. I love to hear you play the piano, even when you stumble. 
6. I love the emphasis you make on family devotions
7. I love the fact that you continue to pray for meals even when we are rushed for time.
8. I love when you look words up in the dictionary.  I know it sounds like I tease you to death about it, and I do but you just wouldn’t be you without doing it.
9. I love the way you choose to dress and the way you make sure your hair is always combed.
10. I love the way you work hard (but I wouldn’t mind it if you took a few breaks now and then )
11. I love your dreams about gardening and living on a farm
12. I love the way you gently correct me
13. I love the fact that I wake up and you are tucked away in your study reading God’s word or writting down thoughts.
14. I love the way you honor both sets of your parents
15. I love the way you take care of things and teach me to be a good stewart of the things God has given us.
16. I love the way you read the Psalms to Emma
17. I love the way you laugh over Jerry Lewis
18. I love the way you ponder over things
19. I love the way you are more anxious to read a story then sit infront of the TV
20. I love the way you like to see our house run.
21. I love the way you say,  “we need to talk”
22. I love it when you cook
23. I love you when you let me sleep in even though it means you’ll be making your own lunch and breakfast on workdays because I am just exhausted.
24. I love how you very little complain.
25. i love your encouraging notes I find
26. I love your eagerness to find toads and lizards
27. I love the way you be neighborly without being a doormat
28. I love how you stand up for what is right and just
29. I love the sort of books you read and when you want to share what you are learning with me
30. I love you, body, mind and soul
31. I love your admiration of fine and good women, noble and true
32. I love the way you learn from the patriarchs
33. I love the fact that I can usually just come and talk to you.
34. I love the way you search for healthy alternitives
35. I love the way you support my sewing but remind me of the priorities
36. I love the way you write your letters
37. I love the fact that you take time to write me
38. I love the fact that you don’t rush into decisions
39. I love to watch you shave.
40. I love your quietness
41. I love your pet names for Emma
42.  I love it when you call me, Hopin’
43. I love your gentleness and giving spirit
44. I love the fact that you do things even when you don’t want too
45. I love it that we debate but walk away smiling at each other
46. I love it that you are the provider and protector of our family
47. I love the way you firmly but lovingly disclipine our child
48. I love watching you with Emma on any occasion, the father pride just beems from your face
49. I love your old fashion gentlmaness about you but most of all…
50. I love you, with every breadth, depth and hight.. if God chose, I shall but love thee better after death.

 

Because i know how much you love this poem;

Tell me not, Sweet, I am unkind
For, from the nunnery
Of thy chaste breast, and quiet mind,
To war and arms I fly.

True, a new mistress now I chase,
The first foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith- embrace
A sword, a horse, a shield.

Yet this unconstancy is such
As you too shall adore;
For, I could not love thee, Dear, so much,
Loved I not honour more.

Since we have been living more frugaly lately and since you “made” me promise not to use our cash to get you something, Euphemia and I came up with a scheme and it was quite enjoyable.

What we first did was count all the change in the house.  It added up to something like $1.60? Euphemia then pick-pocketed all the change from your pocket and even managed a dollar bill.  What a clever lil 8 month girl she is.  We then took all the empty bottles and can’s to the recycling center.  That gave us $5.80 there.  We now had about $9 and some change.  We then took that infamous picture the other day of your socks…

Emma took it into her head to find those perfect pair of wool socks that you love so much.  Cotton just won’t do and since I have not learned the technique of knitting with four needles (how daunting that sounds!) we decided that it was much cheaper and better for the poor widow woman, that stayed up all night knitting these specially for you, if we purchased them.  Oh wait, that would have been a few decades ago… never mind, we went to the small shop around the corner.

Emma picked these out for you…

 I am not sure which she is more happy about… the left over change at her feet or the fact that you have some socks, or the fact I pulled out the camera… but whatever the reason.. we love you!

Happy Father’s Day to the bestest husband and father in the world!

Your darlings…

 

Tuesday’s TLC

 Do you remmeber all the lettuce we had? It all went to seed. Well, some,  most of it was eaten by what hubby calls white flies.  I guess they suck the juice out of the lettuce til it dies.  Anyway, it was my job to cut the stalks of the lettuce that was going to seed so hubby could compost it.   He grabbed the camera.  I nervously chopped all that lettuce.  I say nervously becuase there were two, read that, 2! yellow jackets buzzing around and I know that they are mean critters.  I was also very sad.  All that lettuce we couldn’t use.

That white scarf on my head.  We dubbed that my head-covering.  I wear dresses/skirts 90% of the time.  When my neck it out very badly and I haven’t been able to see the chiropracter I cannot put my hair up or back without a severe headache following.  So I resort to those hankies.  Hair is out of my face and I am happy.  But people often mistake the dress and the kercheif as a headcovering.  Now I see no reason to correct them unless they ask. After all, it is covering my head.  But then I am often asked, “Do you believe it’s biblical to cover your head?”  I can point out the verse in Corinthians about a woman’s hair being her covering.  But I do confess that the idea of a “real” headcovering has always been intriguing to me.  I like the idea of a daily, minutly reminder of whose authority I am under.  But I confess.  I am a bit cautious of my looks and do not think I could brave the “looks” and stares I could/would get from wearing one (as if just plain wearing dresses doesn’t do it. lol)   I wear dresses/skirts mainly because i like them.  I feel very feminine in them.  They are much cooler than pants. But I do own a few pairs of pants.  But my sister in law has a way of wearing shorts, capri’s,  pants, short dresses and always looks so feminine.  I have tried to imitate her wardrobe but it doesn’t have the same effect on me. 

Do you know what this is? Can you guess?

It’s not rasberries.  Still guessing????

….?

It’s homegrown beets and zuccini blended up.  Emma enjoyed it very much as did hubby.  Since I was doing a cleanse that day and had eaten fruit and veggies mainly all day, more was just not appealing.  Her diaper was much more colorful this morning.   

Today is tuesday.  I shall be very busy sewing, taking care of the house and etc.
It is not even 8am and i have managed a good 1/2 hour walk.  Special breakfast (eggs AND muffins), getting babygirl fed, got hubby’s lunch, took laundry down, had devotion time.  The day is looking bright.  Top of the morning to you.

 

Blog Meme for HK

This was actually suppose to be posted last week but life has a way of creeping by you, ya know?

So this week’s question was;
Name three people who had a personal (as in person to person) influence in your life and what that influece was. 

This one is NOT going to be easy to write.  Everyone to a certain degree makes some sort of influence in your life. 

I would have to first say my Mother.  She impacted me daily on her giving spirit, the times I would accidently walk in her quiet time and see her on the bed reading her worn Bible that she had since highschool (?).  I remember the days when she would read to us from Elsie Dinsmore and while I really disliked Elsie I always wanted to read stories to MY children just like Mumsie did one day.   When the years flew by other traits came out from my mother that I wanted to posess.  Her biblical way of handling issues.  The way she would agonize over a difficult decision because was it the best for her family? Was this what God wanted?  They way she was a submissive wife.  How she would chide me for not speaking respectfully of my Daddy.  And so much more.   As children we would always say,  “I’m never going to be as harsh as Mommy! I’m going to be better!”  But how little we knew of the parenting that takes so much out of us.  My mother has a meek and quiet spirit but she knows her Bible well.  I can always go to her for a biblical question even when I don’t put the question right because she just hand’s out scripture.  It’s comforting.

My other influence would probably be my Mother-in-Law.  I have never ever ever heard one bad thing about my mother-in-law.  I have never heard her bad mouth anyone.  Her love for her family is a sweet devotion but she does not hang so tight to them all.  She does not mind handing out advice… Take it or leave it, it’s up to you.   She has a way of frugality but you would never ever know.  She is such a hard worker.  Over 65 and still works from sun up to sun down.  A retired school teacher (a sweet one) that never retired, just exchanged her priorities.  She bakes, garden’s,  helps her husband (pastor), clean a very large home, and still find’s time to visit those who are less fortunate about having family visitors.  She is my influence as a Prov. 31 woman.  No doubt.

The third influence is a hard one.  I am not surrounded by those who love to visit me, nor do I seek out company.  I would have to say the third person that influenced my life that I know would be my SIL, Sharine.   As her husband went through boughts of depression as well she can understand the ”trouble, sorrows we’ve seen”.  She can offer biblical advice and she is sooo active in making sure that the community recieves the gospel of Christ.  Actually, her father’s story is a wonderful tale that I would love to share someday…  Her love for her husband is so evident while her devotion and time for her children is always there.  She has such well mannered children that talk so easily to us grown ups.  And if I may be so biased, I know that they love their Aunt Challice.  Humble pie inserted and eaten.  What she has influenced me most would probably be her devotion to God that spills over into her family. 

So I have a spiritual influence, a Prov. 31 influence, and a Christian (ie. spread God’s word to those) influence. 

 

Pansy~ For thoughts

 No, no pictures of pansies, but they are my favorite flower.  I recieved a lovely what I call, “Thought packages” in the mail friday.  Since it was the weekend I didn’t get to do much on the computer but I want to share what was in my “Thought package”.  Thank you dear friend. You know who you are.

Seeds! And to bring comfort on a rainy day (when you can’t be out in your garden) Chocolate.  And not just any chocolate, STARBUCKS! Chocolate. YUMMY! How sweet and thoughtful those dear to us are.  Not because of what they do for us but because of who they are. 

 

Books and Movies

This weeks question for our Blog Meme was,

What book would you like to see made into a movie?  Describe the cast and if possible, why you chose them.

This is a difficult one as I know my mother did my first choice but the more I thought about it I came up with,

Camellia By Ginny Aiken

The story is about a pregnant widow who runs a boarding house.  The youngest of three and her little “Mutley” get wound up in a mystery with the new town Dr. a budhist in desperate need of reformation.

My cast would be;
Camellia - Katherine Heigl
Dr. Stephen - Anthony Howell  Matthew McConaughey
Sophie- Kali Rocha  How on earth did I geta  young girl for her??? Umm… Mia Dillon? (Gods and Generals)
Willie- Michael Gambon  James Earl Jones
Myrna- Sophie Thomson
Magnolia- Bridgette Wilson
Lark - Nicole Kidman
Wiggon the policeman-
Louella- Julie Andrews or Helen Mirren
Girl Student- Emmy Rossum (cause I like her ;))

ETA- see what happens when you only watch British movies???

To be or not to be

As we went for our morning stroll this morning, we hitted out a bit earlier than usual.  The last few days the early mornings have been gorgeous while later on the wind picks up and its just nasty.  So while we got our fresh air and tissues wadded up (for those that suffer with allergies) we enjoyed the scenic views.  We don’t live on a well to do street,  but we are surrounded with more ritzy homes.  The grass IS green on the other side.   So we decided to go and enjoy the view.  It is almost 8am now.  People are leaving for work.  What struck me so was the fact that most would smile as their car would pass us.  But what was more fascinating to watch was the faces and ages of the women.     Most of the younger women between the ages of 18 and 30 were talking on their cell phones and would give a quick smile to the baby.  The women from say 35-50 had more of a wishful face on them.  Now this is just general statistics.  It was not that way with EVERY person we passed.  Some were concentrating on make-up, radio, time, etc to even notice us. 

I have to admit it,  there is just something more appealing about needing to keep up with personal appearance, snazzy clothes, cool cell phones, fancy cars, and a fresh cup of coffee every day.  Heck, I’ve tried but I can find nothing appealing or novelty in scrubbing toilets,  changing messy diapers (especially that), or making a bed.    But I love staying home and taking care of my baby.  I love having a garden to tend.   I love doing dishes (could care less about the rest of the kitchen though),  I love the smell of a good dinner.  I love a happy husband coming home and just smiling.

The novelty of everything new and exciting soon wears off,  no matter what you are doing.  We, sahm/w’s are accused of not being able to be happy or satisfied, or fulfilled, yet we cannot dare say anything negative about the women that choosed to work.  It’s all about choice.  What we choose will affect us in some way.  Whether it be something small or something much more significant. 

I will not always be around, my work will not always be here for me, but the children I raise will live for many more years.  What a thought that gives me.  What am I going to teach them?

Oh no! More books?

So, we where we live is also a military base (mom don’t check grammar there). We have/had two libraries, the base library and the town library.  The base library closed and donated all it’s books to the town library.  The town library had no storage room for it all so they hosted a LARGE booksale.  Everything was CHEAP! YAY!  So hubby and I went.  The first weekend (last week) they had half a dance studio arrayed with books while the other half was huge Home Depot boxes of books not even sorted.  This was day 1.  We hit a gold mine!  I found a lot of Eleanor Stratton Porter (Girl of the Limberlost, Freckles, Etc). books, Hubby was in heaven with his political, biographical, dictionary finds. I found some biographies that I will enjoy too!   Anyway, back to this booksale; Its three day weekend for ask long as it takes to get rid of the books.  Heck, we and the librarians thought that would be months.  However,  we arrived today, our second weekend. Friday.  The boxes were very few, the books were depleated and we could see a large dent had been made.  Maybe by Sunday it will all be taken care of.  Why am I blogging about this?  Because I love a good book find! 

Some of my treasures include;
Early works of Jane Austen
The story of the Von Trapp Family by Maria Trapp
Biography of Florence Nightengale
Janette Oke
Grace Livingston Hill
and so so so much more.  I think we will need a new bookshelf that’s how many books between hubby and I we purchased.  Now, for the great part?  Maybe $200 worth of books for about $30?  Can you say, DAROOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Wanna know my secret find? Dare I admit it?  What shall it do to my reputation??
I found a case file on….Jack the Ripper.  Ladies don’t faint.  Men don’t grab your swords.  He is not my hero.  But this man shows “evidence” that it was not one man but three.  It peaked my interest.   I will probably read it and pass it along or sell it.  Definetly not one I want my girlie to pick up by accident. 

I also found a book that has been “recently discovered” about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (who can tell me who that is?) about two case files he tried to solve.  I say tried cause I haven’t read the book yet.

So, did you find this entry as fun as I had writting it?

The purpose of Starbucks

Besides lettting us go broke…. here it is summed up in You’ve Got Mail; 

 

The Myth of Me time- got a few minutes?

Highly HIGHLY recommend reading this blog;

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Raisingarrows/432782/?#c852326

Doll Dresses were a hit!

Neice liked em so much! I don’t have a picture of her opening them cause I was 4 hours away at home but I personally got a call about them. The purple one is her favorite.

Daily surroundings

I am daily surrounded by so many things that it is easy for me to think nothing of them.  So I am curious as I mentally take in everything I see every morning and wonder what significance it has on my life.  I know very silly sounding but it is interesting to think about.

I saw the alarm clock this morning. Of course I groaned and wanted to pound a hammer into the silly old thing. Then I realized, it wasn’t the alarm clock but a beautiful winchester time clock in the living room.  David of course bounced out of bed and began the day.  I on the other stepped on the ant and went back to sleep (Provers 6:6-8).   Later on of course I regretted the decision. I was so full and needed pumping.  In search of relief I pushed the warm toasty covers away and went to fulfill my mission.  Once mission was acomplished I had to feed Piglet, or Emma.   Then there was breakfast to be had.  For some reason we need to eat.  It occured to me at this point that I went through daily routine without thinking.  Here I had the opportunity to pump for two other babies as well and feed my own dear Euphemia.  I had a chance to talk to her and I read instead.   I love getting my reading done while I nurse.  I had a breakfast to prepare.  We had food!  What a thought especially when there are websites for you to play to give one grain of rice to a starving family.  And not only did we have food but I made extra food to share at church today after communion.  No it wouldnt be a grand affair but the children would enjoy the snickerdoodle cookies and the adults the cheese and crackers.  

There is a song (rather childish one) that sings about the Bible;
The B-I-B-L-E yes that’s the book for me.
I stand upon the Word of God, The B-I-B-L-E, BIBLE!
How often I take the Words therein for granted.  I mean, we are surrounded by the Living Word everyday.  It is nothing to us.  We are not physically persecuted for seeing the Words or hearing them being taught.  Can we really imagine what it must be like to be imprisoned for even being a Christian?

With such thoughts as these I head of to our place of Worship.  God curb my thoughts towards Thee.

A White New Year

I didnt get the white Christmas I prayed for. But God showed me that beauty can be found any day.

A Glorious Sunrise

 

Snow!

To strive for excellence or to be in a rush

That is the question.  How confusing one might say, I agree. Let me explain what I mean.

 I strive for excellence in my sewing.  I mean, if someone is going to pay me good money I would love for them to get their money’s worth.  Lately though it seems like I am doing just the oposite.  If I take my time, do things correctly, I end up with a total mess on my hands. On the other hand if I rush to make something I end up with a perfectly good outfit. WHAT?

For Example; Just before Piglet was born I had a large order.  I botched it. I worked for a couple weeks everyday to do the order. I thought for a while I just rushed through it, I am begining to think otherwise.  In my journal I wrote my “progress” during the last few weeks of pg and the sewing that needed ot be done. I did take my time and try to do things right and professional.  The result was disaterous. Sigh.

Example 2: My neices came into town day after Christmas. I wanted to make them some dresses for Christmas. I whipped out 2 dress complete with sashes in about 4-5 hours.  They were some of the best ones I ever did.  *sob*.

 This doesnt just happen in the area of sewing.  My total life is like this.  If I try to be a good Christian then I fail. I work on faithfully reading my bible, take time to smell the roses, etc. but the spiritual life becomes chaotic. However, when the days are so busy taht I dont take time to meditate on Scripture or read, etc. then I seem to walk closer to God.  Why is that? Is it because I allow Him to work through me?

 I am so frustrated right now that I had to put down some of my thoughts.  If you have read this far… you are very brave.