Ever have a day where it nearly pains you to smile? It seems like tedious work-just for your mouth to curve heavenward? Where your shoulders slump from an invisible weight, bearing down on you? Today seems to be one of those days for me. I awoke at 3:45 and no amount of convincing lured my brain to slumber once again. For me, that is case in point right there!
Sometimes showering refreshes in more ways than one. Especially in the solitude of pre-dawn. (The only escape from the imminent knocking and giggles from a girl on the other side of the door who must always remind me of her presence.)
The feel of the cold wall on my face and the heat beating upon my back. It is rhythmic, if you take time to notice. As I stood there, yielding to its calm, my mind asked the questions on my heart.
Of course I know our course eternally. And spiritually. What God's plan is for our lives as a whole. We are to serve Him, to love Him, to yield to Him, and for this we will be honored. Given mercy and blessings in abundance. We will bask in His presence for the rest of eternity, knowing that our Heavenly Father is proud of us. "Well done Good and Faithful servant." He will say to all those that have lived for Him. In obedience-yes and dispite disobedience.
But what of our lives on this world? What of the 'simple' plan of our mortal beings? Where are we to be? What are we to do? Who are we to love? WHAT are we to love? So much waiting. For answers. For revelation. I am such an impatient person. I wish the answers could be right in front of me so that I could work towards a goal.
I know not why I am writing these things here. Surely, not one of you need added cares. Perhaps it is only to admit that this wonderful little blog can not fully convey the full gammut of our lives. Each one of us has a wonderful life if only grasped. Yet each life is not free from burden. Would it be a lie to blog only the happiest of things? Life is not always happy giggles and pleasure filled days; though surely and thankfully-that is mostly what this home consists of. As much as I would like it to be at times, there is a reason that it is not.
These low points, times of questioning, tiredness of heart are for us to endure so that we might revel in the gloriousness of life when it is glorious. To feel lighted when our burdens our lifted. To be awestruck when our prayers are answered. For we would not understand the freedom we have, unless first we are caged.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. "
~Romans 5:1-6
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Paint Swirls
When she first made this swirly pattern on her brush, I took a picture of it and made such a fuss over it that Corynn diligently worked to make more and more swirled patterns from brush to paper puddle. With each new combination, she insisted I take a picture. I won't bore you with redundant paint puddles but one just screamed to be blogged.
One is never enough...
I have figured out a good-all-around way to 'display' Corynn's artwork without becoming drowned. I am going to use these as wrapping paper! :-)
Then things go BUMP in the night!
Who is this darling little creature? The fateful day has come when our bunny FooFoo made his escape from his hutch. Surprisingly though, he must love us because he stays around the house and will hop right over for an ear scratch. (he has been loose since we visited New York a few weeks back! He comes out at dusk and hops about, in green grass heaven. And would you believe, he and Dutchess (our lab pup) are fast friends. I am anxiously awaiting a snappage of that proof-but it will come some time. We are thinking they might even 'shack up' this winter in Dutchie's coop!
A kiss Goodnight
and he is off to find find mole's house where they will sit and drink sassafras tea and eat carrot cake.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Screech Owl
Andy Panda has discovered his voice....and how to make it screech. Much to the demise of his Mama's ears.
Dried floral Day
Well, I got a few wreaths done yesterday. This wreath I intended to just be a mix of yellows and purples. But alas, when I was hot gluing the yellow roses on, all the petals kept coming off. So, I had to take from my entire selection of dried flowers. I like it though. The 'greenery' is all dried herbs, so it gives off a delicious scent as well.
Heart Wreath
I am trying to have several non-holiday wreaths available. Since I had extra dried flowers, I decided to go for this heart. With the vast variety of eccentric dried stems, I think this is a good mix of traditional and contemperary.
Contemporary Christmas
It is always a bit of a challenge trying to cover the entire spectrum of styles and decorative tastes, but when making stuff for a craft show-you have to mirror your inventory off of several different styles.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Great Expectations...and some needed advice
All sorts of deadlines are floating around my brain this morning. 13 days until my craft show and 18 days until Thanksgiving. Which means LOTS of to-do lists and lots of busy, busy naptimes ahead.
On my craft show:
*Painting: I have lots of painting to do. I think I am going to stick with slates, baskets and wine bottles. Ornaments are typically my biggest seller, but the lady I am in cahoots with ONLY is selling ornaments, and I certainly don’t want us to be competing.
*Florals: I have about six florals to work on. Large wreaths, swags and a few smaller ones as well. I have a fair amount of dried flowers hanging on my rack so I will probably do one or two strictly of dried flowers and use the rest to intersperse with silks. Working with florals is one of my FAVORITE craft show activities-I could do this all day every day. IF it were not so expensive to do. I always have a hard time giving them up, too.
*Sewing: This category I will get to if I get to it. One of those extra projects by the very miraculous possibility that I finish EVERYTHING else on my to-do list. I have a new fleece to make buntings with. If I get ANY sewing done, it MUST be this. Blues and turquoises frame the bright yellow rubber duckies. Cute as can be. I also may make a few pillowcase dolls. If I can find the doll forms.
*Etc.: I found a lovely candle craft that I may try my hand at as well. I LOVE it!
*Business: I have to print off some new business cards since I can’t be reached in Candor anymore! And of course, the typical pricing and packaging.
On THANKSGIVING:
This is going to be the first year ever that we are all alone for Thanksgiving. I was feeling pretty forlorn about it all, so I decided to invite a family from church. They were unemployed and so couldn’t afford it, and I was sad not to have anyone to share it with. So we both win. Besides, I absolutely LOVE their family.
Now, I am trying to decide how to make this Thanksgiving memorable for our family and to establish our own traditions. How do you all make your Thanksgiving special? I would love to hear your input. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! Oh-and some more advice is needed-about the turkey. Any foolproof suggestions? We are having five adults, two older children and of course-mine. How large a turkey will I need? Thanks in advance for your helpful advice…I sure do need it.
I am thinking elegant yet informal. Right now I am pouring over all the possible books and magazines I can think of, in hopes of finding some elegant but simple dishes to prepare-IN ADVANCE! And some ideas to make the setting enjoyable.
As for me-these are some ideas I have been thinking about to make the day less hectic and MORE enjoyable.
*I am going to make place setting cards for everyone so I don’t have to tell everyone where to sit at the last minute. I think I will write names on a leaf with a gold pen. Maybe. Or maybe figure something out with the MANY acorns EVERYWHERE here!
*I am going to set the table the night before. I did this once and it worked heavenly. No rushing about.
*My mashed potatoes I am going to make in the morning and put in the crockpot to stay warm. There is nothing like making mashed potatoes minutes before the dinner and leaving the kitchen a mess-any possibly your shirt!
*I will have hors d’voirs so that our guests will not be STARVING if the meal is not ready exactly when I thought it would be.
*I plan to have a variety of games available so that after dinner, we can have some fun!
*For beverages: I have an antique beverage warmer that I will fill with mulled cider or hot cocoa. Matt will surely bring out some of his hard cider. I will have a pitcher of water with lemon wedges and of course, some wine and sparkling grape juice. Remember my obsession with glasses? Well-Thanksgiving sounds like a great opportunity to make use of the monogrammed ones I received as a Christmas gift once. I *think* I have enough large ones for water and small ones for wine.
I am sure as time progresses, I will come up with some more ideas but that is what I have planned for now.
Some books I have been looking through are:
Styling for Entertaining by Susie Coelho
The Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook by (duh) Beverly Lewis
Country Decorating through the Seasons: Deborah Morrell and Gloria Nicol (I REALLY love this book.)
Autumn by Susan Branch (This is a part of MY collection and I am so pleased it is. I love this book.)
Betty Crocker’s Best Bread Machine Cookbook
Oh-and everything Martha Stewart that I can get my hands on. I just love her ideas.
In conclusion…
Two words for you… EXPECT PICTURES!
Naturally....
On my craft show:
*Painting: I have lots of painting to do. I think I am going to stick with slates, baskets and wine bottles. Ornaments are typically my biggest seller, but the lady I am in cahoots with ONLY is selling ornaments, and I certainly don’t want us to be competing.
*Florals: I have about six florals to work on. Large wreaths, swags and a few smaller ones as well. I have a fair amount of dried flowers hanging on my rack so I will probably do one or two strictly of dried flowers and use the rest to intersperse with silks. Working with florals is one of my FAVORITE craft show activities-I could do this all day every day. IF it were not so expensive to do. I always have a hard time giving them up, too.
*Sewing: This category I will get to if I get to it. One of those extra projects by the very miraculous possibility that I finish EVERYTHING else on my to-do list. I have a new fleece to make buntings with. If I get ANY sewing done, it MUST be this. Blues and turquoises frame the bright yellow rubber duckies. Cute as can be. I also may make a few pillowcase dolls. If I can find the doll forms.
*Etc.: I found a lovely candle craft that I may try my hand at as well. I LOVE it!
*Business: I have to print off some new business cards since I can’t be reached in Candor anymore! And of course, the typical pricing and packaging.
On THANKSGIVING:
This is going to be the first year ever that we are all alone for Thanksgiving. I was feeling pretty forlorn about it all, so I decided to invite a family from church. They were unemployed and so couldn’t afford it, and I was sad not to have anyone to share it with. So we both win. Besides, I absolutely LOVE their family.
Now, I am trying to decide how to make this Thanksgiving memorable for our family and to establish our own traditions. How do you all make your Thanksgiving special? I would love to hear your input. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! Oh-and some more advice is needed-about the turkey. Any foolproof suggestions? We are having five adults, two older children and of course-mine. How large a turkey will I need? Thanks in advance for your helpful advice…I sure do need it.
I am thinking elegant yet informal. Right now I am pouring over all the possible books and magazines I can think of, in hopes of finding some elegant but simple dishes to prepare-IN ADVANCE! And some ideas to make the setting enjoyable.
As for me-these are some ideas I have been thinking about to make the day less hectic and MORE enjoyable.
*I am going to make place setting cards for everyone so I don’t have to tell everyone where to sit at the last minute. I think I will write names on a leaf with a gold pen. Maybe. Or maybe figure something out with the MANY acorns EVERYWHERE here!
*I am going to set the table the night before. I did this once and it worked heavenly. No rushing about.
*My mashed potatoes I am going to make in the morning and put in the crockpot to stay warm. There is nothing like making mashed potatoes minutes before the dinner and leaving the kitchen a mess-any possibly your shirt!
*I will have hors d’voirs so that our guests will not be STARVING if the meal is not ready exactly when I thought it would be.
*I plan to have a variety of games available so that after dinner, we can have some fun!
*For beverages: I have an antique beverage warmer that I will fill with mulled cider or hot cocoa. Matt will surely bring out some of his hard cider. I will have a pitcher of water with lemon wedges and of course, some wine and sparkling grape juice. Remember my obsession with glasses? Well-Thanksgiving sounds like a great opportunity to make use of the monogrammed ones I received as a Christmas gift once. I *think* I have enough large ones for water and small ones for wine.
I am sure as time progresses, I will come up with some more ideas but that is what I have planned for now.
Some books I have been looking through are:
Styling for Entertaining by Susie Coelho
The Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook by (duh) Beverly Lewis
Country Decorating through the Seasons: Deborah Morrell and Gloria Nicol (I REALLY love this book.)
Autumn by Susan Branch (This is a part of MY collection and I am so pleased it is. I love this book.)
Betty Crocker’s Best Bread Machine Cookbook
Oh-and everything Martha Stewart that I can get my hands on. I just love her ideas.
In conclusion…
Two words for you… EXPECT PICTURES!
Naturally....
Friday, November 03, 2006
This is for you, QMPS
The ONLY way to use this mug is for rich chocolatey cocoa topped with CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM. DELICIOUS! Fill er up!
Stupor Duper
After a few days of being in a stupor, I am finally on the go-train. Today I brought in the patio furniture-and put it in our KITCHEN! Minus the umbrella of course. It is working fantabulously. You see, when Matt comes home for lunch with his dirty farm clothes, he never wants to sit on the REAL furniture. So he sits at my desk in the kitchen and I sit on the floor. Bah humbug. No longer though! I am very excited about the change! In order to fit it in, I had to move the white 'island' out. After a bit of experimenting, I came up with the idea of creating a little ensemble in the dining room. I like the looks of it. Now for all the OTHER rooms of the house! :-)
Yesterday I went shopping-and discovered tremendous savings on costumes. 80% off! I bought a TON- one for Andrew for next year, two adorable pumpkin ones for this year (I know I know-it's late...) and several more girlie ones. I am going to find and decorate a trunk and fill it with the costumes and give it to Corynn for Christmas. She is going to LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Hurray! I always get so excited when I think of something she will enjoy.
Yesterday, I finally took my Panda to the doctor and got him caught up. Much to the relief of both mothers. He had never been to the doctor since birth. Anyway-just like I already knew, he is doing very well and healthy as ever. You know what though? The doctor actually said I am doing an excellent job and should keep doing as I am. Really, I have NEVER experienced that before. Doctors always seem to want to appear like we NEED them by offering advice or changing things up. I really REALLY like this guy! Andrew weighs 18lbs 13 oz. and is 28 inches long. He got his first set of immunizations and he LAUGHED through them. Can you BELIEVE it? Either he is really tough or really dumb. hehehe DEFINATELY tough! ;-)
That is about all for me. I am trying desperately to get the house all caught up so I can focus on increasing inventory for my upcoming craft show. Never a dull moment for sure.
Yesterday I went shopping-and discovered tremendous savings on costumes. 80% off! I bought a TON- one for Andrew for next year, two adorable pumpkin ones for this year (I know I know-it's late...) and several more girlie ones. I am going to find and decorate a trunk and fill it with the costumes and give it to Corynn for Christmas. She is going to LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Hurray! I always get so excited when I think of something she will enjoy.
Yesterday, I finally took my Panda to the doctor and got him caught up. Much to the relief of both mothers. He had never been to the doctor since birth. Anyway-just like I already knew, he is doing very well and healthy as ever. You know what though? The doctor actually said I am doing an excellent job and should keep doing as I am. Really, I have NEVER experienced that before. Doctors always seem to want to appear like we NEED them by offering advice or changing things up. I really REALLY like this guy! Andrew weighs 18lbs 13 oz. and is 28 inches long. He got his first set of immunizations and he LAUGHED through them. Can you BELIEVE it? Either he is really tough or really dumb. hehehe DEFINATELY tough! ;-)
That is about all for me. I am trying desperately to get the house all caught up so I can focus on increasing inventory for my upcoming craft show. Never a dull moment for sure.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Scripture Within
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My Opa and Oma always stressed the importance of memorizing scriptures and writing God's words on your heart and in your mind. Perhaps it is because they lived through a time when having the Bible just lying about was life-threatening. Opa always used to say, people can not take from you what is within.
I thought it only fitting for Corynn to honor them at their anniversary party by reciting a memory verse. I tried video taping it at the party but the background noise was FAR too loud...so here she is at home. The verses she is reciting are...
"Hear my son, and receive my sayings, and your years of life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom, I have led thee in right paths." Proverbs 4: 10-11
(By the way: She did well but she said them only to Oma and Opa and not in front of EVERYONE. I think that doing it in front of EVERYONE might have freaked her out! I was very proud of her!)
'Trinn' Anecdote
Well-last night was the biggest, bestest Autumn Festival ever. Of course, it wasn't CALLED that-because to be called a Halloween Party may be anti-Christian. hehehe I think that is so funny. But regardless of the name, it was a blast. I only regret not bringing my camera. I totally downplayed it in my mind. The church who hosted it was HUGE. One of the biggest I have seen. Membership numbers at 500!!! Wow. And they must have spent a TON of money to host this thing.
There were about 150 kids in attendance. And you know what was SOOO funny? All the three-five year old girls were in princess constumes!!! It was a RIOT!! Games and prizes galore, a HUGE bouncy (that could bounce 10 -15 kids at a time!), face painting, polaroid pictures, a band, and free food. Made fresh Kettle Corn, baked goods, chips and pretzels, lemonade and hotdogs, marshmellows roasted over the bonfire; all for free! Oh, and lest we forget-the HALLWAY OF TREATS need mentioning. Boxes and BOXES of treats lightened with each handful put in bags. Corynn got a LOT of candy!
As I type this, Corynn is sitting beside me 'organizing' her candy. Counting it, sorting it and matching duplicates, and making tootsie roll families-the bitty ones being the children the big fat one the Papa and the longer one the Mama. I wonder if I could count this as homeschooling?!?!
Anyway-all this candy talk leads me to Corynn's very first made-forever-through-writing clever conversation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Corynn: "Mama, can I just LOOK at my candy. I just want to see it-I won't open any."
Mama: "Sure Corynn, as long as you don't open them."
She grabs her bags and sits down to sort. A few minutes pass...
Corynn: "Mama, can my MOUTH see the candy?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There were about 150 kids in attendance. And you know what was SOOO funny? All the three-five year old girls were in princess constumes!!! It was a RIOT!! Games and prizes galore, a HUGE bouncy (that could bounce 10 -15 kids at a time!), face painting, polaroid pictures, a band, and free food. Made fresh Kettle Corn, baked goods, chips and pretzels, lemonade and hotdogs, marshmellows roasted over the bonfire; all for free! Oh, and lest we forget-the HALLWAY OF TREATS need mentioning. Boxes and BOXES of treats lightened with each handful put in bags. Corynn got a LOT of candy!
As I type this, Corynn is sitting beside me 'organizing' her candy. Counting it, sorting it and matching duplicates, and making tootsie roll families-the bitty ones being the children the big fat one the Papa and the longer one the Mama. I wonder if I could count this as homeschooling?!?!
Anyway-all this candy talk leads me to Corynn's very first made-forever-through-writing clever conversation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Corynn: "Mama, can I just LOOK at my candy. I just want to see it-I won't open any."
Mama: "Sure Corynn, as long as you don't open them."
She grabs her bags and sits down to sort. A few minutes pass...
Corynn: "Mama, can my MOUTH see the candy?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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