Beautiful Day

Once in a while a day comes along when the sun shines brightly, but not too brightly, and the little birds sing happily, flowers bloom, butterflies flutter gently by, and all is right with the world.

Yesterday was one of those days.

Sweet Pea was just as cute as could be, her chubby little 10 month legs crawling, stretching, and scooting throughout the house; her smile so big, showing off her new molar she's getting (poor baby!); and her new trick of shaking her head when you say almost anything to her.  As a result, we think up all kinds of questions where the answer is "No."  Could we ever forget about P?  Is there any baby cuter than P?  LOVE her!

I got to go shopping and hang out with H & R (two remaining children at home), and got to talk on the phone with college son, and hear him laugh and joke with his brother.  Happy medicine for any momma's heart.

I spent some time outside with Sweet P after H and I covered our little garden area with netting to prevent birdies from eating all our tender sprouts.  We sat on the lawn, she crawled around a bit until the grass was too much for her little legs, then she came back to me to stand up against.  She gave me kisses - leaned toward me and smacked her lips - told me all kinds of stories, ma-ma-ma-ba-da-da-ba-ma, and held on to my dangly earrings - until she held a little to firmly and I would tell her no, be gentle.  It was wonderful.  Really looking forward to having grandchildren!

R and I went out front with Sweet P and the dogs later in the afternoon so I could weed (yucky goats' head clover) the lawn while we waited for P's Mama to arrive.  P was all over the place.  Grass, cement, it didn't matter.  Certainly not a fussy baby who can be contained within the borders of a blanket laid on the lawn!

Then with some time alone, R and I decided to stamp.  Got out our supplies from the boxes where they are still packed, looked on Pinterest for some inspiration, and then got creative!  Ended up stamping until nearly midnight - with a small break to make dinner for husband - and got almost four sets of cards made/finished.  It was so much fun!

And the verses I read this morning complete the day perfectly:

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:;

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

 I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; 

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me

 in the presence of mine enemies: 

thou anointest my head with oil; 

my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: 

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23

Grandma

The baby on Daddy's lap

Graduation photo

A momma with two little ones

Proud momma with her family

Retired and enjoying life

Iconic last photo of Grandma on the farm.  Everyone in the family knows and loves this photo.

Five years ago today I said my final goodbye to my Grandma.  My last Grandma.  Held her hand, kissed her cheek, told her that I loved her one last time. But she was already gone.

My cousin and I had been staying at her side after a severe stroke left her paralyzed and her wish to die naturally meant that we had only a few days.  So many emotions.  The children and I had been camping out at my mother's for several days when I finally had to go home and take care of some business.  Twelve hours before I had planned on making the trip back, I got the phone call that she was going.  It is a three hour trip. Chances were not good that I would make it in time.  But I tried.  I was too late.

After the rest of the family had left, it was down to my cousin and I and Grandma once again.  We shared memories and waited for the funeral home to come.  We waited and watched while they did their job.  And then it was just quiet again.

The funeral would be several days away, so it was back home for us.  Laundry and school and planning and phone calls.  At her funeral, the children and I sang an old hymn Sweetly Resting.  I think Grandma would have liked it.  She was a very quiet woman, just as her parents were.  I think that quietness skipped her children and landed squarely on me.  But she was always there, always busy and doing and creating and tending.  Loving in the way that was most comfortable to her.

(I originally posted Sweetly Resting exactly one year before my Grandma passed away - a fact I didn't realize until several days after her funeral.)

Life in the Flesh

The past four Sunday evening services at church have been spent going through the study "Living the Exchange".

Tonight's message from our Pastor was so FULL of cleansing truth.

Life in the Flesh:

When we give in to sin it becomes easier to give in next time and harder to do what is right.  Why?

Mt. 26:41  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, 

but the flesh is weak.

Rom. 8:3  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, 

God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, 

and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.

Is God unable to hear us or save us?  What is the problem?

Is. 59:1-2  Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save;

neither his ear heavy that is cannot hear:  

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, 

and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

What causes the Lord to not hear us?

Ps. 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

 We rebel in one area of our lives and expect the other areas to run smoothly.  

The World:

1 John 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, 

and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, 

is not of the Father, but is of the world.

What does God call it when we try to maintain our relationship with the flesh?

James 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world 

is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Rom. 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: 

for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

1 Cor. 6:13-17  Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them.  Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord: and the Lord for the body.  And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.  Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?  shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of an harlot?  God forbid.  What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.  But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.  

Rom. 8:13  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: 

but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

We can be separated from God - still have our salvation but no relationship because of sin in our life.

Lust of the Eyes - Materialism

Does the Bible say being rich is wrong?

1 Tim. 6:9-10  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, 

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, 

they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many arrows.

Who are we to avoid?

1 Cor. 5:11  But now I have written unto you not to keep company, 

if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, 

or a railer, of a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

Eph. 5:3  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, 

let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.

1 John speaks repeatedly regarding habitual sin in our lives = an unbeliever

Lust of the eyes includes living outside of our means and not being content with the things that we have.

Pride of Life

can include cutting down others to make yourself look/feel better, refusing to forgive

What does the Bible say on bitterness/unforgiveness?

Heb.  12:15-16  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;  Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 

Romans 1-3 teaches that the flesh is wicked

Romans 4-5 teaches of justification through Christ

Romans 6,8 speak of sanctification (continued salvation), becoming holy, sanctified, is dependent upon the work of Christ in our lives

Romans 7 a a reminder of the war between the flesh and the spirit

Jn. 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 

Rom. 7:18-24   For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 

Does any good thing reside in the flesh?  NO!
Can the flesh help me do what is right?  NO!
Can the flesh be profitable for sanctification?  NO! 

Rom. 8:5  For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Rom. 7:25  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Can we be saved through works?

Tit. 3:5   Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Are we going to continue working through the flesh?

Gal. 3:3  Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 

Carnal = Not subject to God's law = Death

What about the man who depends on himself?

Jer. 17:5  Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

What happens to works done in the flesh?

1 Cor. 3:11-15  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 

What of Bible teaching done in the flesh? 

2 Cor. 3:6  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 

Anything not done in the Lord is what?

Rom. 14:23b  for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Why would the Lord leave us in these frail human bodies?

2 Cor. 4:7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

A Real Egg

This photo is not color enhanced.

Sometimes I am taken aback (really! ;-) by how ORANGE many of our egg yolks are. Our girls eat a fairly natural diet; in addition to their organic feed they get scratch grains, veggies and garden trimmings, bugs, snails, and even grass and my flowers when they escape from their yard.

It's hard to find an egg from the store with that kind of color.

All About Attitude

I can't think of a good introduction sentence for this post.

And that is pretty typical of the way my life has been going lately.  Ever since we were finished with our work at the Fair, and my mothers party, I still have not felt settled or peaceful.   Our days have been filled with cleaning and chores yet my home is still out of control, clutter-wise.    But that's really just part of the reason.  My biggest issue has been dealing with attitude, namely a wrong attitude,  and I'm most sorry to say that it's my own. 

I've had lots of ideas for posts and pictures to share, cleaning projects and some decorating, family announcements and vacation plans, but knowing that my heart is not right towards my duties at home I didn't feel I should continue blogging as if all was well.  My focus and my heart need to be on my home and the people in it. 

I had the thought in my head today that all would be well once I am able to get control of this feeling, this attitude.   But almost as soon as that thought entered my head, the next thought was that that's my problem.  I have tried to take control and I will not have peace until I am able to give up control.  Give up control to the one who is truly in control - my Father in heaven.

I'm in a deep personal "valley", so to speak, and am looking forward to climbing and feeling the sunshine on my face and in my heart once more.
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Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having you loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.      Ephesians 6:10-17

This post originally published @ HenandChicks.typepad.com

Blog, Blogs, Bloggers, Blogging

Yesterday was a fairly busy day - just having fun with the children and then went monster grocery shopping -- you know, the kind where you are out of EVERYTHING like flour and sugar and yeast and syrup and peanut butter and buttermilk and oatmeal and carrots and onions and potatoes and cilantro and . . . well, you get the picture.

Today is going to be pretty much the same. School with the children before lunch, and after lunch go pick up Angel at school two cities to the west of us and then drive to his IEP which is one city to the southeast of us. Not really as big of a deal as it sounds - since all of these cities could fit inside of my hometown in the valley with plenty of room left over. ;-) Then it will be time to get home and get dinner ready. I've actually made a menu plan for the coming week and got everything I needed on our shopping trip yesterday. Last night was Thai Coconut Chicken Soup and tonight is one of husbands favorites, Steak & Mushroom Pie.

Since I've not been sewing/crafting lately (except for Granddaughter's dresses and a cute poncho for daughter - and as soon as I finish the poncho fringe I'll picture and post!) I thought I would list the blogs that I enjoy reading and catching up with. Some I just do a quick check, others I delve into the archives to get every bit of goodness! So, in no particular order of importance, may I present

The Blogs I Regularly Read:

• A Dress A Day
• A Path Made Straight
• Isms
• Ann Kroeker
• Baby Bees
• Things Go Moo In The Night . . .
• Country Diary of a Twenty First Century Lady
• Homemaking Homesteader
• Homeliving Helper
• I Have To Say . . .
• Kidding Around
• My Home Sweet Home
• One Thing
• Random Contemplations
• Smockity Frocks

If there's one you haven't seen before, then check it out! They either have beautiful photos, great writing, something to make you smile or all of the above!

Have a blessed day in the LORD!

May Day: A Lesson

The weather is beautiful and I am lured by all of the beautiful pictures of May flowers and May baskets and want to join in celebration, but . . . . .

I must test all things. As innocent as it all may seem, there is usually something underneath that bears revealing.

May Day, like so very many of our holiday celebrations, has its roots in pagan rituals and (without naming them) is something still celebrated by those continuing to practice those ways.

May Day is also a holiday celebrated in Socialist and Communist countries as International Workers' Day or Labour Day, a day of military parades or street protests, depending upon the country.

So yes, while it may seem very innocent and sweet to make a paper May Day basket and fill it with candy and flowers for friends, there is a bigger picture that I do not want to associate with in any way.

Let no man decieve you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. . . . . See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming the time because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:6-11, 15-17

We MUST walk with our eyes open and train our children to look beyond the surface to the root of all things, whether it be of this world or the Kingdom of God. We are commanded to test all things, to have nothing to do with the fruits of darkness, to love not the world, to follow that which is good. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore, wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

False Prophets: Yesterday and Today

Ezekiel 13: 1-16

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.

They have seen vanity and lying, divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD. And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter: Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.

Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it? Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.

So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it; to wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.

Get Real Monday: The Outfit

When Randi announced the subject of this weeks Get Real, I didn't think I would participate. I'd have to dig through the garage to find my old photo album and then scan whatever photos I found - and the new scanner husband bought last year still hasn't made nice with me.

But as I was doing my Bible reading this morning, it occured to me that I could participate and there was an outfit that I would be ashamed of being caught in. Actually, a few of them.

I would like to never been seen dressed in:

• Impatience. The one that says "I'm busy" or "What do you want?" in that really ugly tone of voice, not only getting rid of the disturbance, but crushing the tender spirit in the process.
• Selfishness/Frustration. This one is all too common, unfortunately. Selfishness puts my desires and present wants above anything else and Frustration is its closest companion when those wants are interrupted or interferred with.
• Harshness. This is the harsh or grievous word that stirs up anger; the opposite of the "soft answer (that) turneth away wrath." Proverbs 15:1
• A Critical and Complaining spirit. I can so easily find fault and pick at each little detail that was/is not done properly, why can I not just as easily praise and find those things that were done well? I know that when I am dressed like this I certainly am NOT being obedient to the word of God. "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights of the world; Holding forth the word of life;" Philippians 2:14-16

I pray that I may always be clothed in "a word fitly spoken" (Pr. 25:11), and in "Charity (love) (that) suffereth long, and is kind; (that) envieth not; (that) vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (that) doth not behave itself unseemly, (that) seeketh not her own, (that) is not easily provoked, (that) thinketh no evil; (that) rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (that) beareth all things, (that) believeth all things, (that) hopeth all things and endureth all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Above all, may I be clothed in wisdom and understanding, which begins with the fear of the LORD.

Conservatorship

The dictionary says that a conservator is "one who conserves or preserves from injury, violation, or infraction; protector. One who is responsible for the person and property of an incompetent." Wikipedia says that a conservator is "someone appointed by a court to manage the affairs or estate of a person who is deemed incapable due to reasons such as age or mental limitations."

A week from today I will go to court hoping that the judge will grant me Conservatorship over my oldest son, my angel. It's been a more emotional road than I thought it would be.

From the beginning I was his mother, he was my son, and I made all decisions concerning everything - that's that way it is and as his mother, that's the way it will always be, right? I was in La-La-Land. Nobody told me any different and so I kept believing that this was reality. Well, I was awakened one perfectly normal spring day last year. Nothing earth shattering. Nothing dramatic. Just a simple annual IEP. (Individualized Education Plan) All was going along as usual, each person presenting their report of my son and the areas they felt should be worked on for the year ahead. Then it came time to sign. A simple thing really. Just sign on the line, acknowledging that I, his mother, am in agreement with the IEP. Then it happened. The Director, a very sweet woman whom I had sat across from at every IEP for the past seven years, all of a sudden halts midway while handing me the pen. "Do you have Conservatorship of him?" "Umm . . . no," I answer with a puzzled look on my face. "Oh, then we'll need him to sign it." HUH?? They want my son to sign a legally binding document? My son, who although 19 at the time, has the mental capabilities of a 15 month old? You've got to be kidding me. Well, they weren't. So a pen is placed in his hand which he promptly tries to drop because he is tactile defensive. His arm is moved toward the paper, which is difficult because of his unexplainable, incredible strength. A mark is made. A mark which is now somehow proof that my son has given his legal consent and agreement to whatever happens to be written on these papers that he neither cares nothing for, nor can possibly understand. I was allowed to sign as a courtesy.

I had heard of conservatorship before, but only vaguely and usually as something adult children seek for their aging parents. Well, please believe that I went home and searched all over the internet to find out about Conservancies and Conservatorship. What I found and read made me even more upset. Appearantly, the usual time to start the process of a Conservatorship is when the child in question is 16-17 years old. This way all advance paperwork can be done and upon turning 18 the only thing left to do is simply go before the Judge for approval. If no Conservatorship is sought, and the disabled child/adult is a client of the Regional Center (for our state, this is the agency that oversees all disabled children and makes sure that they have whatever equipment or services are needed) then the Regional Center, by default, becomes the Conservator. My son has been a client of the Regional Center for over 18 years -- WHY has no one ever told me about this?

Long story a little shorter, I found an attorney who does nothing but Conservatorships for the disabled and after a short interview and a large check, the process of gaining Conservatorship over my son was begun. As I mentioned in My Angel, the process has not been hard, just emotionally draining.

First I had to deal with and get over what I saw as the stupidity of needing to prove that my son needed protecting. The state, California, presumes that anyone reaching the age of 18 years, regardless of a handicapping condition, is capable of exercising the rights of an adult. So, I need to go before a judge with evidence of my sons' inability to care for himself.

Another thing that caught me off guard were the reports on my son. Some reports, like the medical report from his doctor and the IEP from school, were full of all the technical lingo that is supposed to describe my son. Others, like the report from the Regional Center, brought me to tears because it affirmed everything I have done in mothering my special son and because of its recommendation that I be granted Conservatorship in every area: to decide his residence, to have access to all papers and records that concern him, to make all legal decisions for him, the right to decide if he may marry (a moot point, but one to have nonetheless), the right to authorize or withhold medical treatment, the right to control whom he comes in contact with, and to decide where and how he shall be educated. On the other hand, I realized that my tears were tears of frustration as well. If, as the report states, I am so very involved in his life and they recognize that all the decisions I've made have been in his best interest, then WHY do we need to go through all of this? My struggle is largely an internal one.

Will I feel differently next week? If/When I am granted Conservatorship, will it all be water under the bridge? Maybe. But I certainly know that once again my eyes have been opened to something that they never saw before - something I had never thought about. (Placing him in a care home was another experience that opened my eyes, but I'm not ready to share all of that yet.) I know that I am not as innocent anymore, not as trusting. I can no longer trust the institutions that are there to support my son or the people in those institutions to tell me what I need to know. I can no longer trust that I'm well-informed in all the issues that may involve or concern my son. Now, all things will be heard with a grain of salt until I can verify it for myself.

I have come out of La-La-Land.

In a way that is good, but in another way I think it is terribly sad.

Blogging and Life

I'm thinking today about blogging and what it means to me, how it fits into my life, and how I think about the lovely blogs that I read for ideas, encouragement, and a smile.

A blog that I visit regularly, actually one of the first blogs I ever read when I discovered the "World of Blogs" and also the one that inspired me to start blogging, has had a bit of ugliness visit it recently. Not in the way you might think, either. It came in the guise of some regular visitors and commenters, the ones who coo and fawn over all the lovelies and praise the encouragement. It came from feeling as if they 'know' this particular blogging lady, from expectations they apparently have of her, possibly from a lack in their own lives, and maybe feeling as if she owes them something, too.

What could cause all of this? Something as simple as having a life outside of blogging and enjoying it! She took a break from blogging to tend to family needs, then was back for little bit, and as often happens, got caught up in daily life and enjoying her little ones and caring for her home and husband - a life that had nothing to do with the computer. Imagine! Upset by her absence, a few visitors took the opportunity to use her "chat box" and proceeded to use words such as rude and inconsiderate in describing this gentle lady whom only the week before they were praising and blessing. What is even sadder is that these are women who profess to be believers in Jesus Christ.

So how do we view blogs? Is it just fun? Something to do? A way to connect with others while caring for home and family? Or are there blogs that we expect certain things from? A post every day? One that usually is funny and today's post isn't? Or a blog that makes us think has suddenly put up something trivial? How do we get to the point of feeling like the blogger needs to inform us of every action and absence? How do we get to the point of feeling like the blogger needs to check with us before she goes off and lives her life? What do we expect from the blogs we read?

Protecting Our Children's Hearts

If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and desire His best for your family, then I would encourage you to click the link and read an excellent post about protecting our children's hearts & minds.

Protecting Our Children's Hearts by Country Diary Of A Twenty First Century Lady

A few excellent excerpts:

It is a dangerous thing to cave in to what others think and we must be on guard of our own personal pressures that we allow in or catering to our children's whims and whines. How many times parents have paid the price for giving in, even on a small scale to these emotions.

Many times the very thing their children think they need is the cause for future stumbling and destruction to their lives

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Your child was given just for you to parent and not someone else. God places within your heart what He knows is best for your particular situation. No one else will understand like the Lord what is in the heart of your child. He gave you to be the parent to this particular one, not someone else who wasn't given the same instructions. What may seem overprotective to an outsider may be just what was needed to help your child overcome a weak area in their lives. Trust God, believe in His word and let the world teach their own children.

I hope you are challenged and blessed.

What NOT to Wear

Exploring a favorite, but seldom visited site, and I found this gem.

"What Not To Wear" from Creative Ladies Ministry from a link at Welcome Home.

Are you well dressed?

Hello, My Name is . . . . .

. . . . Denise, and I'm a pattern-a-holic.

I don't mean to be, really. I don't know what comes over me. I can look through all the pattern books and see nothing I really want -- but then let those same patterns go on sale for $0.99 or $1.99 and suddenly I don't have enough paper to keep track of my want list!

And it's not like I don't have a variety of patterns, either. Because I've got it all. From Men's shirts and pajamas, to costume patterns I used to make capes for the boys, to every imaginable type of dress for daughter - except for anything with zippers! I don't do zippers. We just don't get along. I've tried a few times since my dismal failure 18 or so years ago, but it just hasn't worked out between the two of us. Although now even a zipper on a pattern can't stop me since I've figured out how to convert zipper patterns to ones that button!! I have all types of animal, apron, bag, organizer, and puppet patterns, not that I've ever made a puppet, but they're cute and one day I might want to, right? You DO see, don't you? I haven't made a dress for myself for a few years, but does that stop me from buying patterns still? Not on your life! Some day the perfect combination of fabric + pattern + mood will strike and BAM! I'll have another dress. But how can I do that if I don't have just that right pattern I saw 5 years ago?

That's my other reason for collecting patterns - and a good one, too. Did you know they don't care if a pattern is your favorite or not. When they want to, they can just stop making it. No notification, no warning. One day you blissfully walk into the fabric store determined to finally buy that pattern you've been looking at for so long and make something from it - or even worse, it's your most used pattern and you need a new one or a bigger size - only to discover that it is no longer in the pattern book. Not in the drawer. It's been Discontinued!

So, back to my pattern gathering. My newest weakness, problem, brilliant idea is to buy the desired pattern in multiple sizes so that I am prepared for any possibility. You can see how this expands my list expotentially.

At this particular time, I won't go into the patterns I've bought on-line through specialty shops and e-Bay, and I certainly won't mention garage sales! (A memorable one is a box of about 50 patterns for $5.00!)

What do I do with all these patterns? There's the problem of storage. I don't have "A Spot", so they are in this box here and that bag there, patterns I'm currently using and patterns that are in line (that have fabric & notions already purchased and ready to go) - which also means that there are times I buy a duplicate pattern because I forgot I have it already. You know, if you like it once, it is sure to catch your eye again!

Is there hope for me? Am I alone? Will I ever recover? Or should I just give in and relish, delight and dream of all the things I can make "One Day"?

p.s. This isn't all of the patterns I own. Just the ones I could get out without too much trouble. ;-)

Bowls

I never really thought much about bowls until I read an excellent posting a few years ago by Lady Lydia at LAF titled "The Mixing Bowl." If you have not read it, I would highly encourage you to do so.

I love the picture she paints of the woman of the house standing with her apron on, holding the mixing bowl firmly with one hand and arm, stirring vigorously with her other, all the while watching over the affairs and doings of her home. There is such grace and nostalgia in a simple apron, a mixing bowl and a wooden spoon. A gentleness that pulling the mixer out of the cupboard will never be able to match.

I have my own favorite bowls now, each with it's own story and purpose.

This is my Grandmother's bowl. This is also my largest bowl which is used for the BIG things like making bread, holding a family-size serving of noodles, or for mixing up a big batch of Refrigerator Bran Muffins which will last us for a week of breakfasts. It is a heavy ceramic bowl and I love using it because it brings back thoughts of a Grandmother whom I never really got to know, yet wish I had. Bittersweet - I understand what that means now.

This one is a two-quart batter bowl that I bought several years ago from Pampered Chef. This is invaluable to me for a quick batch of muffins or pancakes in the morning or for brownies in the evening . It's even been known to handle some tuna salad for lunch! It also has a lid and is great for storing leftover soups. I couldn't be without this or his little sister, the one-quart batter bowl.

This little bowl is not for mixing - it is simply pretty and I love serving things in it on the table. It has held chips, scrambled eggs, salads, and vegetables. I didn't buy this bowl, it was actually left at the house we bought. It was left in the garage, underneath some shelves with planting containers. I guess at one time it held a potted plant and was then forgotten. But it caught my eye as soon as I saw it. I took it in the house and scrubbed it clean. Now it is a little bright spot in my cupboard or on the table!

This cheery bowl was found on the bottom shelf at Goodwill. I love all things chicken and so this immediately caught my eye! It is a bit chipped around the top, but it is useful just the same. This is the bowl that sits out on my stovetop - not only decorative but practical, too. Whenever I am cooking and need a quick place to put something, this is the bowl. It holds cooked onions for me while I finish cooking the meat, and it keeps the fajitas or taco meat warm while I heat the tortillas in the skillet. This is my little everything bowl and I'm so glad I found it!

These bowls will be a part of my children's memories - of mom in the kitchen, of the special treats that were baked for them, the stories that each bowl holds, of 'home.'

What memories in the making are in your kitchen? What are your everyday treasures that will last forever in the minds of your children? I hope you have a few, or if not that you'll get some soon.

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

Marbles

Am I losing mine? I don't think so . . . at least I hope I'm not.

However, I've had it up to Here! (note: see me reaching way up in the air while standing on my tippie-toes) with marbles, and Legos, and stray Playmobile pieces, and (insert name of any micro toy here that comes with a million pieces)!

Now mind you, I'm not against marbles. I actually enjoy getting down on the floor and playing a game of marbles with the children, and I love when they get out their Klutz Marbles book and try something new!

What gets me is everytime I sweep or vacuum, or open the door to the bedroom, or {{shudder}} clean under the couch cushions, I find marbles. They are everywhere and they seem to multiply. Really I don't know what's worse, the marbles or the dog hair that insidiously winds it's way into the carpet so that I literally have to bend over in front of the vacuum and pull them out one by one by one! (We have a lovely dark blue floral carpet under our dining table - unfortunately we have two white dogs who love to lay there!)

There are times I want to dump all of the marbles into the garbage can and never see another one again! But, thankfully, the LORD stops me and whispers into my ear about how fleeting time is and how very soon all the marbles will be truly gone and the house quiet. Yes, thank you, Father. You are right.

So, on goes the apron with the pockets to collect those marbles one more time.

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

Homemaking Meme

Okay - I'm a bit simple. I had to Google what "meme" meant. I knew what it was just from seeing it around, but I had to know what it really means. In my owns words, it's just a little question/answer fun that gets copied and passed around and answered and passed and so on and so forth.

Great! Now that we're all clear on that, I'll complete this fun little homemaking meme!

Aprons – Y/N? If Y, what does your favorite look like?
YES! Aprons are wonderful and I wear mine frequently! The one I wear the most (and I need to make a new one because it is showing signs of wear) is a simple button at the back of the neck and tie in back kind with full coverage in front - because I'm a very messy cook, just ask my children!

Baking – Favorite thing to bake
Cakes! Or melt-in-your-mouth biscuits!

Clothesline – Y/N?
No :-( But we have plans for one if husband approves!

Donuts – Have you ever made them?
Nope.

Every day – One homemaking thing you do every day
Clean the kitchen.

Freezer – Do you have a separate deep freeze?
Yes, a great big chest freezer that we inherited from my mom when she downsized.

Garbage Disposal – Y/N?
Yes.

Handbook – What is your favorite homemaking resource?
Homemaking in the sense of cleaning? Getting out spots and the like? Then it would be my Mom or the internet. Homemaking in the sense of decorating, what colors go with what, making our house a "Home"? Then it would have to be our wonderful public library and again the internet.



Ironing – Love it or hate it? Or hate it but love the results?
I really dread it but husband has to have a clean, pressed shirt everyday and daughter's dresses (and some of mine) just wouldn't be any good without it. It's definitely "don't care for it but love the results."

Junk drawer – Y/N? Where is it?
No, I don't have room for one!

Kitchen – Color and decorating scheme
This is only temporary because I have painting on my mind but . . . my kitchen is white with lace cafe curtains at the three large windows which look out into the backyard. Oak cabinets with white and blue floral pulls, cream tile, Pergo floor and chickens on every spare surface, along with some teacups and saucers that I inherited from my Grandmas.

Love – What is your favorite part of homemaking?
When I'm done cleaning the house, no more laundry, everything in it's place.

Mop – Y/N?
No.

Nylons – Wash by hand or in the washing machine?
By hand.

Oven – Do you use the window or open the oven to check?
My oven doesn't have a window - but it wouldn't matter anyway, I'd still have to open the door and see it for my own eyes!

Pizza – What do you put on yours?
Anything and everything except for artichoke hearts and anchovies!

Quiet – What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
Sit down and read our little local paper, watch the birds or check e-mails.

Recipe card box – Y/N? What does it look like?
Yes, a Gold Medal antiqu-ey type box, stuffed full.

Style of house – What style is your house?
Small Suburban Modern ;-)

Tablecloths and napkins – Y/N?
Yes, but only on special days.

Under the kitchen sink – Organized or toxic wasteland?
Semi-organized, but would love to have a few baskets under there just to keep things in their own place!

Vacuum – How many times per week?
With our two little dogs, we HAVE to vacuum at least three times a week, sometimes more.

Wash – How many loads of laundry do you do per week?
Between 7 and 12

X’s – Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off?
No, I have a general Routine outline that I go by but I'm not relly the cross it off the list kind of person unless it has to do with schoolwork - but we won't go there.

Yard – Y/N? Who does what?
Yes, the children and I do it all.

Zzz’s – What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed?
Making sure my kitchen is all rinsed off and wiped down and ready for tomorrow.

Now, how about you?

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)

After the Rain

We've had rain for the past few days.



It's nice to keep busy inside with reading and sewing projects. And Dear Daughter LOVES the rain. She gathers her coat and umbrella along with her big brothers' boots and just walks and splashes and plays outside until I make her come in. It's a really sweet picture, the kind you want to remember. And fortunately for her, our backyard has a low spot. A heavy or consistent rain will create a puddle that lasts for days. It's a little piece of heaven for her. ;-)



But it's also wonderful to see the sun shining again. The sky is sooooooo blue today and the clouds so beautifully white and frothy. You can't help but smile when you look up at it.

Now I just need the self-discipline to finish those projects that were started while it was raining . . . .

(Originally published @ henandchicks.typepad.com)