A Snow Day

 

 

 

School was cancelled one day just before Christmas.  The boys ran out of ways to occupy themselves so I stepped in to help.  I had been stashing cans, cartons and boxes for a while for just such an occasion and it was time to pull them out.  I threw them out of the cupboard right to the middle of the floor which they got a kick out of.   "What is mom DOING?!"  After adding some essential supplies like masking tape, packing tape, scissors, wrapping paper and markers their imaginations took off.

Bud's imagination exercises took place on the computer.  He loves Spore, which allows him to create creatures, planets, universes, communities and the like.  We have to be careful, though.  He can get lost in Spore land for hours!

Games and movie days are other favorite ways for us to spend snow days.  What are some of yours?

Simplicities for October

I realize the month is almost gone, but maybe you can still take advantage of some of these ideas.  Maybe some of them you have already done and can reflect on the joy they brought to you and your family.  Either way, here's to a simple October!

* Plan an outing to a pumpkin patch.  Buy several pumpkins so you can carve, paint and otherwise decorate til your heart's content!  How about buying some little ones to turn into pies?  I cooked several last fall and had baggies of fresh pumpkin in my freezer through the summer. 

* Creat a seasonal table.  And it doesn't have to be the one you eat at!  Maybe use your piano or your mantel or a bookcase.  Angie over at Echoes of Laughter does a BEAUTIFUL job with seasonal decorating.  I get lots of ideas from her.  Thanks Angie!

* Try this fun idea for preserving fall leaves like they did in Victorian times:

                Trim branches from trees when the leaves have just turned and are at their best, before they start to dry.  Split the stems of the branches about 3 inches up from the bottom; stand them in a bucket of warm water for several hours.  If any leaves start to curl, pick them off.  Prepare a solution of glycerine and water by mixing one part glycerine with two parts water.  Glycerine can be found at pharmacies.  Bring the solution to a boil, gently simmer for 10 minutes and then let it cool completely.  Cut the bottom of your stems at a  very sharp angle and smash them with a hammer (wouldn't the kiddos love this part?)  Stand the stems up in the solution and store it in a cool, dark place until all the solution has been absorbed.  About a week to 10 days.  When you first notice tiny beads of glycerine beginning to form on the leaves, they are done!   Take them out of the solution, wipe them down with a damp paper towel and dry thoroughly.  The leaves will stay beautiful and bright for several seasons.  I think this one will have to wait til next season at our house.  Something to look forward to!

 

* Plant bulbs to show off next spring.  Tulips, crocus, daffodils.  How beautiful it will be!

* Mull cider and /or wine on the weekends.  Invite friends to enjoy it with you.  Our family enjoyed this on the first day of Autumn along with some gingerbread cookies.

 

So!

 

Before we get caught up in planning Thanksgiving dinner and all the other events in November, let's remember to enjoy October to its fullest.

 

 



A Few Crafts

 

Here is our Family Fall Tree that we made since last posting.  We had such a nice time together.  I found some good music on Pandora we all could enjoy and we scratched pretty designs in our leaves all evening.  Great memories were made and possibly a new tradition was started!

Today's project was inspired by this:

The bookshelf in JoJo and Mouse's room was in need of a little, um, straightening.  Seems no matter how we try to organize it, it always looks like this in a matter of days.  I thought about the beauty of baskets and wondered if that would help.  Then I thought about how much moolah I've already spent this month and decided I needed to get creative.  I searched through my own cardboard boxes and decided on a granola bar box.




                                     


I taped the ends back together, cut off the top and the cut out a piece from the front.  Then I searched through my papers so I could cover it.  I pulled out my pack of superhero paper, knowing it would be loved by the boyos!

 

Here's the finished product.  Now to get it into their room.

 



                                                                      
 I think it's cute!  And the boys will think it's cool.  Here are the shelves after I resorted everything.  More boxes/baskets are needed and more sorting needs to be done (do we still need "Goodnight Little Rabbit?")  but this is a start.  They can pull out a box/basket and when they are done the whole thing goes back on the shelf.  I just hope they remember to put the books in it...




What have you been crafting?

First day of Autumn

I love fall.  The cooling off from a hot summer, the smells of harvest and of the earth being tilled, the tastes of delicious soups, breads and other oven baked goodness...it's all so wonderful!

We spent our first day of Autumn out of doors, doing yard work.  The boys didn't even seem to mind helping out.  I think we were all ready for some manual labor in the cool autumn air.

A little trimming followed by a lot of clean up.

 

 

Even our good ol' girl enjoyed the nice day.  At 13 years old, she was almost puppy-like!


I picked up this craft at Hobby Lobby the other day.  You scratch the black off to reveal pretty fall colors...

AND I've got gingersnap cookie dough in the fridge!  So later this evening we'll have an autumn party with leaf shaped cookies and apple cider.  We'll work on our craft and hang the finished products from a small trimmed branch I rescued from the yard.  I'll stick it in a pitcher or vase and we can enjoy it as fall decoration in our home.

I'll say it again.  I love fall!  Don't you?

Marching Band

It's football season!  Or more accurately spoken in our house...it's marching band season!

Our highschool had its first home game on the new football field last weekend.  All last season, the team had to borrow the field of another school for home games because our field was being redone.  And a lot of the school was getting remodeled.  So, first game on the new field!  It was a big deal, needless to say.  Very fun to watch.  Louisville Lions are in purple and gold.

 

 

 

But the highlight of the evening for this Mama was halftime!  Bring on the marching band!

 

Jr. High band (which is the one Bud plays in) got to join the Highschool band for this big event.  They played America the Beautiful.

 

 

 

 

Can you spot Bud?  Here, let me point him out for you...

 

 

Best darn trumpeter I ever did hear!

 

 

A very favorite scrapbook sticker I have says this:

 

                     "Hey!  What's the football team doing on the band field?"             LOVE IT!

 

By the way, the team did great.  We won the game although I don't remember the score.  I know.  How sad.  I took the two little ones home just into the third quarter.  Does that get me a pardon for not knowing the final score?  I really do enjoy watching football and am looking forward to the Homecoming game.  The Jr High band plays again! 

 

 



4th of July...

Old Traditions and Some New

I've never done much as far as decorating for the little celebratory days, like the 4th.  I decided to give it a try.  A bit of my "quick, let's throw something together, boys, because tomorrow's the day" decor.

Found the subway art on pinterest.   The white chimneys are from Gold Canyon.  The red glass is something from mom.  Sadly, I don't remember the story.  Mom, if you are reading, please refresh my memory! 

The star-studded candle holder is from Gold Canyon, too (it's called the Changing Seasons candle holder, just in case you're interested).  The other things were quickly made in my craft room and throw-togethers.  Maybe next year I'll get the cloth ironed.  Maybe not...

The back patio this year is a mess.  So many things I wanted to do with it and it just didn't happen. I did manage to fill a couple of pots with patriotic colors, thanks to the help of JoJo and Mouse.  We planted these before Memorial Day.  And they haven't died yet due to the heat!  Although they did get pretty close to it once or twice.  I think I could hear their sighs of relief and thank-you when I drowned them with water from the hose.  Just before turning it on the boys!

A favorite turtle from my mom.  He look so cute sitting with the potted plants.  I love the simple grin on his face.

Hubby will grill steak tonight for supper.  I just got it in its marinade.  What a delicious marinade it is!  A good friend shared it with me years ago and we've been enjoying it on chicken and steak ever since.  Also on the menu: a mix of salad greens, some of which will be from my garden (!); baked beans; french herb bread from the bread machine.  The phrase "as American as apple pie" popped into my head this morning.  So I thought it would be appropriate to bake an apple pie to enjoy as well.  I decided this would become a new tradition for our family.  Any tradition that fills the tummys of my guys is a good tradition!

Hubs and the Boyos just returned from their second visit to the local firework stand in as many days.  That is an old tradition.  Every year they stock up on noise makers and they giggle and run and attempt to blow up unwanted toys.  I enjoy the fun they have.  As a kid I remember having snaps and black snakes once in a while.  Sparklers were a yearly tradition, as I think they are for everyone.  But actually setting off firecrackers was something my brother and I never did as kids.  Maybe it was not permitted in our neighborhood.  That's a possibility!  I do remember seeing big nighttime displays with family or friends.  At least they seemed big.  Everything seems big when you're a kid, though, doesn't it?  Whatever the tradition, it's always fun.

We talked around the lunch table today about celebrating the 4th.  The little boys did not know that our country is the only one to celebrate the 4th of July.  What a good teaching opportunity!  They found it kind of cool.  Happy Birthday to the US of A!

The Shoeless Lizards

Hubs and I saw a new band a couple of weeks ago called the Shoeless Lizards.  (spellings vary)

We got a discout at the door.  Didn't even have a cover charge.

The band consisted of three members, all brothers.  The instruments were 2 guitars and a set of drums, all made of cardboard.  The venue was our living room.  This up and coming band even had an opening act, JoJo "Funny Man" Sollberger.  He told jokes and, most of the time, they were funny!

The band rewrote David Bowie's hit "Dancing with Myself" as "I Can't Find My Shoes."  It was inspiring!  You can enjoy your life even when you can't find those shoes!

Now they have star fever.

Ordination of a Godly man

Ten years ago Hubs was ordained into the Holy Ministry.  God's continued blessings on you and on His work you do, my love.

Annoint them prophets, men who are intent

To be Your witnesses in word and deed,

Their hearts aflame, their lips made eloquent,

Their eyes awake to every human need.

Anoint them priests, strong intercessors they,

For pardon and for love and hope and peace,

That, through their pleading, guilty sinners may

Find Jesus' mercy and from sin release.

Anoint them kings, yes, kingly kings, O Lord.

Anoint them with the Spirit of Your Son.

Theirs not a jeweled crown, a blood-stained sword;

Theirs, by sweet love, for Christ a kingdom won.

Make them apostles, heralds of Your cross;

Forth let them go to tell the world of grace.

Inspired by You, may they count all but loss

And stand at last with joy before Your face.

LSB 682

Discovering a Treasure

"I am better at making a home than keeping a house." 

I've decided this should be the mantra by which I live.  I think it's a terrific goal, especially for my season of life.  I want my boyos to have a home.  One that is full of memories, happy times, lessons learned, hardships fought and overcome together.  Housekeeping is not, nor has it ever been, my strong suit.  And right now it is BEYOND frustrating to keep the house looking presentable.  As Mouse has now learned to say... at the appropriate times... with a grin on his face, "What?  We're boys!!"  Yes.  Yes, you are.  So, I want to focus on being a homemaker and not a housekeeper.  Please, if you plan on visiting me, know that you will be walking into a home that is less than perfect.  At least by my standards.  If you are the kind of person who can keep your home clean, than more power to you!  I congratulate you.  I tip my hat to you.  Quite seriously!!!  And if I were to enter your home, I'm sure I would envy you and your orderly home significantly.  Oh I love an orderly, quiet, peaceful home.  Remember, I am an introvert.  Quiet.  Calm.  Nice reading atmosphere.  Those are the things that help me rejuvenate.  I just can't seem to get it to be a reality in my home!  So.  I have my room where I retreat to read, write and craft.  How spoiled am I?  The rest of the house....yeah.  The rest of the house.  Oh my, do I digress.  Let's get back on track, shall we?

A home maker.  A maker of the home.  An instigator of celebrations.  A preserver of memories.  A provider of stability.  So many different thoughts come to mind.  There is something new in every day, yet something predictable and familiar with the passing of the seasons, both in the church year and outside our door.  I want to honor those changes, those opportunities for celebration.  I want to acknowledge both the present and the future.  I want to remember the past.  I want to teach my boys to do the same.

I have met some incredible women who do that already in their homes.  I have been listening, reading, taking notes, making plans.  And I have learned, at long last, to make the changes gradually.  I cannot do it all right out of the starting gate.  I will pick and choose the fun we add to our lives.  I will start with this summer.  I've been storing ideas for Summer Camp, my style.  Basically I have been gathering ideas for crafts, activities, field trips, family projects, and even fun recipes that we can do together through out the summer.  One of my resources has been this treasure:

 Mrs. Sharp's Traditions: Reviving Victorian Family Celebrations of Comfort & Joy 

This book is wonderful!  I found it on the shelf at the library one day.  The title made me smile and I knew I had to bring it home.  Mrs. Sharp is a fictional victorian character who is full of advice and lessons in how to - in my words - "make a home".  She takes the reader through the year and the seasons, retelling stories of the celebrations and traditions of victorian times.  Did you know in victorian times it was considered the "in thing" to be at home with your children?  There were books and magazines devoted to helping the lady of the house, and the mother of the children.  The American Woman's Home, written in 1869 by Catherine Beecher, called the woman's role "as sacred and important as any ordained to man."  Godey's Lady's Book,  written in 1860,  considered Mother as "the Light of the Home."  Isn't that beautiful? 

Something specific that I had been looking for is what the author, Sarah Ban Breathnach, calls "Ceremonials for Common Days."  She says, "In this frazzled age of overscheduling, eating alone, and non-traditional child care, every family needs to create its own ceremonials for common days."  Sarah is very sensitive to the fact that we do not live in victorian times.  Things have changed and many mothers work outside the home.  She does a good job guiding mothers to little things that can be worked in to any schedule and at all times of the year.  She challenges us, as well, to be Queen of our own home and stake a claim in some family time now and again.  Even if it is just as simple as enjoying breakfast together.

As "Mrs. Sharp" takes us through the calendar, talking with the reader about Irish Soda Bread and ice cream socials, she also includes a wonderful poem for each month.  Here is the one for June:

The robins and blackbirds awoke me at dawn

Out in the wet orchard, beyond the green lawn,

For there they were holding a grand jubilee,

And no one had wakened to hear it but me.

The sweet honeysuckles were sprinkled with dew;

There were hundreds of spider-webs wet with it too,

And pussy-cat, out by the lilacs, I saw

Was stopping and shaking the drops from her paw.

I dressed in the silence as still as a mouse,

And groped down the stairway and out of the house.

There, dim in the dawning, the garden paths lay,

Where yesterday evening we shouted at play.

By the borders of box-wood, and under the trees

There was nothing astir but the birds and the bees.

And if all the world had been made just for me,

I thought, what a wonderful thing it would be.

 - K.Pyle



HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN...

...jiggity, jig!

Hubby is home, Hubby. Is. Home!  Did we dance a jig?  Just about.

Our week has been filled with stories of Africa and letting Daddy nap to recover from his jet lag.  The 8 hour time difference takes its toll.

Our original plan had been to spend some quality family time at a nearby campground for the first several days he was home.  We lasted a whole 3 hours before the tornade threats started.  Boooo!  We decided better safe than sorry, packed up the camper as quickly as we could and headed home.  We did enjoy quiet days at home, but it's not the same as enjoying them in the outdoors.  Ah well, what can you do.  We are just glad to have him home!

A Homecoming

From my emotions to God's Grace

My Hubs is back state side now.  I'm so relieved!  I got an email from him over the weekend that he was awaiting  a flight to Amsterdam.  My reaction was not one of joy at his final homecoming, but of shock that he was coming home so soon.  Does that sound backwards?  I think so.  Joy should be the first reaction.  Joy should be the only reaction.  Why the shock?  Because I didnt' expect him to start his trek homeward until today.  I waited for the joy to come but it didn't.  What followed was anger.  Anger because he would be home, in our country, by Sunday.  But not home with me until Wednesday.  Something in that equation did not settle right with me.  I was quite furious, actually.  And that is embarrassing to say, but I say it anyway because writing helps me to sort out the whys and wherefores of myself.  Furious, yes, because his parents and his sister will be the ones to share his first days home. 

I have learned that anger is a secondary emotion.  This means that there is some other feeling from which anger grows.  When I feel angry I usually find myself doing a little self-evaluation.  What's causing this anger?  What is the "real deal" here?  I think this time it's obvious.  Although I didn't acknowledge it right away.  It's jealousy, pure and simple.  Hubs is with someone else and not with me.  Not with his boyos.  Not at home.  He is safe.  And I am so very thankful for that.  He is with family, where he will be loved and cared for.  And I am so very thankful for that.  But I am jealous.

So today I pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the safe return of Hubs and his father.  And as I do so, the grace of God works within me to ease the jealousy out of me.  I still miss him.  I still long for him to be here and not there.  But he's home!  And one more plane ride from now (a safe one, I pray), he'll be in our home.

French Press Fridays

I sit here in the quiet, windows open, breezes blowing in, sipping my lovely sample of Gevalia coffee that came in the mail yesterday.  Why is it that getting free coffee in the mail causes me to do a happy dance??  Anyway, no french press.  Not today.  At least, not yet.  I started my blog time this morning trying to figure out why my link-up of a couple of days ago is NOT WORKING!  Grrrr....  Very frustrating.  But....I'll have you know.... I solved the problem!  Hurray for me!


Now, onward, to my grandmother's teacup collection.  Here is part of it.  Her tea service is in front.

A pretty white teapot with creamer and sugar bowl.  The larger white covered dish is probably for holding goodies.  And if you look to the far right of the teapot, you'll see more of the mess I mentioned earlier.  Just ignore it.  I usually do.  Here's the rest of grandma's collection

.

A much nicer display.  I really want to rework the organization and displayability (new word) of these shelves, but that's a project - and a post - for another day.  Each one of these teacups is different.  Each has it's own beautiful flower and unique shape.  Here are a couple of my favorites.

Isn't this one beautiful?  The inside of it shimmers iridescently like the inside of a seashell.  Such fun to drink from.  The shape of the handle and the scallops on the saucer are so unique.

With its pale pink color and delicate flower on the inside of the cup, I have to call this one precious.

Such beautiful, delicate blue flowers on this cup.  Violets maybe?  If they aren't, they sure are a close look-alike.

My only regret as far as these beautiful teacups go, is that I never got to use them with my Grandma.  I don't know why.  Sitting down to tea was not something she did, I guess.  But I was so touched when I learned that she wanted me to have them.  My mom has always been one to make use of the old antique, collectible type things.  So I follow her example and I use these cups.  I have shared a pot of tea with dear friends and it was so fun!  Another time, a friend and I shared tea and treats with her daughter.  The three of us drank with our pinkies in the air, trying our best to sound like English ladies.  It was wonderful. 

Putting Grandma's tea set to use for special, memory making days is so much better than letting it collect dust on the shelf (which it does!), only to be there for display.  I remember her every time I look at the cups.  But I remember her more deeply when I use them.

Salute to Single Moms

Yesterday was Mother's Day.  It was a good day.  I talked with my mom and enjoyed the outdoors with my boyos.  We had a special outing the day before to the art museum which had a temporary exhibit on Egypt.  Mummies!  Perfect for a mother's day outing with 3 boys, don't you think? 

But later in the day I got to thinking about my hubby who has been absent from us for the past week.  He's in Africa doing some work with his dad.  They are repairing the roof on a girl's dormitory and possibly other repairs, too.  I'm sure it's been quite an experience so far and will continue to provide some incredible memories for Hubby and his dad.  But this post isn't about him.  It's a selfish one, about me.  And our boys.  We miss him.  We've never been apart from him for this long.  And we still have a week and a half to go.  And on this mother's day, I couldn't help but think about mother's who are constantly without their counterpart, maybe because of death or divorce.  My heart goes out to them.

How do they do it?  How do they provide the constant attention that kids need?  How do they stay strong in the constant role of disciplinarian?  How do they continually break up needless fights without joining the fight themselves?  How do they answer the constant questions day after day?  How do they make decisions without thier spouse's input?

Here are the things I miss saying because my Hubs isn't around:

"Go ask your dad."

"After the kitchen is clean, I am DONE for the night."

"Ask your dad when he gets home."

"Talk with your dad about that."

"Can you put them to bed tonight?"

"I will send your dad up to say goodnight when he gets home."

"What did your dad say?"

"Dad might know the answer to that one."

"Do I need to get your father?!"

I raise my glass, and several prayers, to all of you single mom's out there!  God bless you.

A Fun Day

Today was Fun Day at the Boyos' school.  Some schools might call it Field Day.  It's the same thing.  Lots of runnin' and funnin' out in the sun and fresh air.  In years past, the kids have competed for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place ribbons and such.  The school has also made use of the track and all the space around it.  This year, however, plans were forced to change.  And, if I do say so myself, they changed for the better.  Improvements and additions have been happening to our school the past year and a half, and that includes the track and all fields.  So the elementary Fun Day was relocated to parking lots, the playground and the street in front of the school.  Oh, some of us parents complained.  We fretted about parking and the inconvenience of a two block length of street closing for the day.  But it was so fun!  Truly a FUN day!  The kids had a blast.



Busy playground



What I appreciated most about the forced change was the doing away with the competition aspect.  This year the kids did not compete for first place; no ribbons of different colors were handed out.  The focus was entirely on FUN.  The games were things like Shoe Kick, Tricycle Races, Water Balloon Toss, Scooter Races, Obstacle Course and of course the Dashes.  The kids were just having FUN!  I chatted with the school counselor a while about the change.  Some parents phoned in, very upset that Junior would not be getting a ribbon this year.  She had no sympathy for them, at least not in relating the story to me.  "There is so much competition on that end," she said, motioning to the highschool end of the building.  "They don't need it here." 

I agreed with her.  I mean, really...how often do our kids just get to be KIDS?  How often, in today's society, do they get to have FUN?  With no restrictions, no judgements, no tips on how to "improve their game"?  Today was all about good, ol' fashioned fun. 

Even the teachers got in on the fun!

French Press Friday

I feel most obligated to post something on Fridays, now that I've given the day it's own special title.  Although today, there is nothing french press-y about it.  So much has happened the past couple of weeks that I don't feel I've had time to breathe, much less write.  Trying times for this introvert.  Happy, celebratory times, though, too.  And that's a good thing.  A very good thing.

I attended the EVE conference for pastors' wives two weekends ago.  I think it was our 7th year...?  Not too sure about that.  But the numbers keep growing and the wonderful topics just keep coming.  I do so wish we could extend it a bit, from one night to two.  But that's a hard thing to do for some of the women.  Most of them, maybe.  Lots of littles at home.  It's encouraging, though, to hear from more and more members at church how they, too, wish it were a little longer....for my sake...for the sake of the other wives.  These members know how much we give, and sacrifice, for the sake of our husbands' ministries.  They like knowing that we, the wives, are being cared for and fed, too.  It is encouraging.

And then last weekend, my oldest....my baby....my firstborn....my companion through the seminary years....was confirmed!  I teared up during the service when he, with the other confirmands, answered the questions himself that were answered for him at his baptism. 

"Do you renounce the devil?"
"Yes, I renounce him."

Do you renounce all his works?"
"Yes, I renounce them."

"Do you renounce all his ways?"
"Yes, I renounce them."

"Do you believe in God the Father Almighty...in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord...in the Holy Spirit?"
"Yes, I believe..."

Proud Mama.  Proud Daddy.  Proud family.  If I could, I'd add a picture right now.  But that will come.  (A stop at Best Buy for some computer gadget is on my to-do list today.  Then I can transfer pics more easily...)

We celebrated with a house full of family and friends.  What a wonderful time it was!  Bud enjoyed all the attention, I think.  No, I KNOW he enjoyed it!  And the gifts that come with the event, of course.  Such a showering of love and well-wishes for him.  A strong demonstration for him of those that love him. 

I just enjoyed watching  him.  Taking pics.  Trying to preserve this day, these memories.  Another First for my oldest, my baby. 

Happy Easter

Thought my poor blog needed a little cheering up. 

Happy Easter all!

Mouse and JoJo watch the magic happen, as if they'd never seen it before.

Our eggs soak in the pretty colors the way I like to soak up the warm sunshine in the spring.  I love to sit on the back patio and feel the warmth of it penetrate every sun deprived pore in my body...ahhhhh!

 Bud is our scientist.  He wanted to know what would happen if he drew on the egg with a sharpie marker first, then dunked it.  Mr. Egg looks pretty happy in his green bath!

 

Silly string in the Easter basket makes for a good time!  Messy, but what boy doesn't love a mess.

And last, but not least, here's my pretty Easter table.

The tulips are from my yard.  They stand in a bottle that once held Starbuck's iced coffee.  I have tealights sitting in cups on top of purple grass.  The china dishes are my mother's.  I love a pretty table.  I don't know if the men in my house appreciate it as much as I do, but I know they love me for the efforts I make in turning our house into a home.