Four Years Apart

When she was born he would hold her hand for hours. He sang to her and brought her Matchbox cars to hold, but never would I have thought that these two would be as close as they are. Yes, they do fight. Daily. But if one of them is gone for a day or an overnight, the other is lost until they return. May it always be so.

Work Day

It was a busy day from sun-up to sun-down. Soil tilling, grass mowing, construction, painting, weeding, planting, watering, cooking and baking. Everyone had several tasks to attend to, and everyone worked cheerfully. Nicely done!

Blue Skies...

and sunshine lead to long days outside, and the first sun-kissed skin of the year.

To Build a Fire

We live in a home with an electric heat pump. Those of you whom have them know what I'm talking about when I say that we are never warm in the winter. Never mind that we keep the thermostat set at 62 F. We decided to install a ventless propane log fireplace, not only to supplement the heat pump, but to give us heat in the event of a power outage. On February 5th, the corner of our dining room was empty.

And then the framing started. We're big do-it-yourself-ers here. You learn by doing, and believe me, we've learned. Sometimes that means doing things more than once, but it's all a part of the process.

Not only do we benefit from these projects, but our children do, too. I'm thankful that Verne and I both had parents that did the same. I learned an immense amount just from having to stand at the ready to hand my dad tools or hold a flashlight.

Some of the children enjoy these projects more than others. Collin is ready to help as soon as he hears about the project. He's a great help, really. He and I figured out how many rocks we would need to face the fireplace, and we were right on. This is such a great way to demonstrate the practical aspect of math! Autumn is a huge help, too, and doesn't mind getting her hands dirty.

Framing took one weekend. When your walls aren't perfectly square it creates problems.

The next weekend after all of the framing was up, Verne installed metal lath, and then placed a scratch coat of cement over that. I didn't get pictures that night. I was tired, and went to bed while he stayed up all night to finish.

You might remember that I woke up to this.

Truth be told, I thought it was beautiful, and hated to cover it up.

Verne rested most of the day since the scratch coat had to dry for 24 hours, and then we started again the next evening. Time to hang the rocks! We had never done anything like this before, but did tons of research before we started. We were amazed when the stone actually stuck to the wall.

This turned into an all night party. Verne, Collin, Autumn, and I laid out the patterns of rocks, and took turns buttering and placing them on the wall. It was fun! We sang, we danced, we snacked, and got entirely goofy.

We couldn't believe how pretty it looked, and that we had actually done this ourselves. Abigail was a big help, too. We finished around noon, having been up all night. There was cement dust everywhere. She, single-handedly, cleaned up, while the rest of us went to bed. I was so thankful to wake up five hours later to a perfectly clean house, with the table set prettily for supper. Never underestimate the power of a young person! Oh, how we praised her, and she beamed!

Next, came the grout. Who knew that it would be so much like cake decorating? Turns out I was very good at this, and so I ended up being the one to complete the job. I wasn't strong enough to squeeze a contractor's grout bag, so I ended up using disposable Wilton cake decorating bags, and they worked beautifully. While I'm happy with the way it turned out, it was a job I didn't enjoy. We tinted the grout, and I think I was allergic to the dye. My hands felt like they were on fire even though I wore gloves. I'm glad that's done!

Verne and I had visited a local Mennonite man about making a mantel. We told him exactly what we wanted, and he explained that he was very busy and probably wouldn't get to it for about 8 weeks. He thought the mantel would be $300. I was shocked, and encouraged Verne to try building it himself. I knew he could do it, and I knew that he wouldn't take 8 weeks.

We bought the lumber last weekend, and Verne got all of the pieces cut. He fastened them together and sanded everything smooth. Over the weekend, he primed and painted everything. Total cost? $110.

And last night, he hung it up.

Start to finish, we did it all. (Tonight he gets to put the baseboard back on!)

Hanging On

Some days it seems like that's all I'm doing. Today is one of those days.

I'm choosing to be thankful for:

my adoring husband

my loving children

leftovers in the fridge

clean laundry

a (relatively) warm home

my sweet Daisy and her constant love of cuddling

and the brightness that comes with the freshly fallen snow.

It always feels better to look on the bright side.

They're Watching and Learning

My husband makes sure that I feel loved and cherished each and every day. There doesn't need to be a special occasion before he surprises me, or tells me he loves me. He takes such joy in providing for me, and making me happy. Two days and a night alone with him are such a blessing. Antiquing, dining, and holding hands with no interruptions in our conversations are a dream come true.

The way he treats me affects our children. They watch and learn, and bless me, too. A clean home and a homemade chicken potpie followed by gingerbread with Chantilly cream were waiting for us when we arrived home. But the voices yelling, "Mom!", and the arms around my neck as I exited the car were the best.

Beauty to be Found

Mushrooms

Collin, Abigail, and I lingered in the park after the morning piano lessons and soaked up the sunshine and balmy temperatures. We know there aren't many of these beautiful autumn days left. We felt like we were short-changed this summer by cool, wet weather, and sadly, autumn seems to have taken the same pattern. The leaves looked like they were going to be glorious, but after a week of non-stop rain, the trees just look depressed, their drab clothes falling to ground without splendor.

There is still beauty to be found, but it must be searched out. It is hidden in the secret places. A ladybug on a wild chive. A woolly worm on a stone wall. Sunlight dancing on the iridescent feathers of a duck. If you look hard enough, you will find it.

He calls them all by name

photo by Collin

Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing.

Isaiah 40:26

My Nest

photo by Abigail

It seems my senses have been awakened with the spring. I'm noticing colors in the trees and flowers like I've never seen them before. It almost looks like autumn with the tones of gold and red hanging on the branches, the leaves not fully out. The pollen is covering everything like fairy dust, and I don't recall it ever being this thick. 

My emotions have been awakened as well. One minute I'm laughing, and the next I feel like crying. There are so many changes taking place, and it's all happening so quickly that I often feel dizzy. 

When my children were small my husband worked very long hours. With three children that were three and under, I had to set rules. They were taught to obey at an early age, and there was no room for compromise. You listen to Mom the first time she addresses you. There is no backtalk. No jumping on furniture. Pick up after yourself, etc. I wanted for my children to be happy and have fun, but I could have easily lost the battle if I caved. I was also very diligent about naps and an early bedtime. 7 PM. Even in the summer. For years my children talked about what torture that was, and how they used to sit in their windows, watching the other children on the street riding their bikes and doing cartwheels down the sidewalk. I feared inside that, maybe it was mean and torturous, but I was exhausted by 7 PM, and so I stuck to it. 

I tried to make each day an adventure. We made tents from sheets and afghans. I painted their faces. We made up plays and songs. We wrote poetry. We painted and played with Playdoh. We played outside for hours on end. We picked flowers, and went on hikes. We walked all over town and took in the sights. We had tea parties, and camped in the living room. Though I was fun, I feared that all they would remember was the strictness. For years, it seemed that was all they remembered. I cringed each time I heard them reminiscing, and it broke my heart. Didn't they remember all of the fun, too? 

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many daughters have done well, 

But you exceed them all."

Proverbs 31:28-29

As it turns out, they did remember the fun. Without me having to remind them. As my children get older, they start reminiscing about different things. "Mom, do you remember when we ...?"

And to Jon, "Mom was the best! She would always ..."

And I feel blessed. Blessed because God has entrusted me with these four beautiful lives. Blessed because my husband has always supported me in my efforts to be the best wife and mommy that I could be. Blessed because even when  I  couldn't see it, the fruit was growing. Silently. Slowly. But growing just the same. 

Mac graduates and heads off to college in a few short months. He works four evenings a week, and will take on more hours over the summer. I know that God's preparing me for when he's not here on a daily, or even weekly basis. He's smart, and funny, and easy to be around. And he blesses me with his boyish giggle that hasn't changed since he was two! He blesses me by grabbing his guitar and singing to me, happy to play my requests. He blesses me by sharing his day with me, and looking for my approval. He blesses me by calling me Mommy-O, and by making me laugh. 

Autumn is graduating and getting married. She'll be living 40 minutes north of me. I won't be seeing her on a daily basis either, but the LORD is cementing our hearts together. While I'll always be her mother, our relationship has slowly changed over the past year. Next to Verne, Autumn is my closest friend. We can finish one another's sentences, and have similar goals for our lives. She blesses me by being unique. She blesses me by being submissive. She blesses me by taking charge, but being kind and loving rather than a dictator. She blesses me each time she sweeps a floor or does a load of laundry. She blesses me with her quiet strength.  

Collin is finishing his freshman year. He's diligent to rise each morning and begin his day by completing tasks that no one ever has to remind him of. He's a go getter. I never have to ask him twice, and he never complains. He loves to be outside, and he loves to help his dad whether they're mowing grass or fixing the car. He blesses me with his no nonsense approach to things. He sees what needs done, and he does it. He blesses me by calling me when I'm at the store just to make sure I'm okay, and to see when I'll be returning. He blesses me by making dinner or dessert, and cleaning up the kitchen as he goes. He blesses me when he comes alongside me and shares my load. And he blesses me with his bear hugs (complete with growl!) and kisses. 

Abigail is the baby of the nest, and though I've more time left with her than the rest, it's flying by. Perhaps I'm more aware because of the older children, but she's aware, too. When she was just five years old she climbed onto my knee and said, "We need to cherish this because we can't do this forever." Indeed. Abigail blesses me with her tender touch each time I have a headache. She fixes me a cold, wet washcloth, and gently kisses my forehead before placing the soothing cloth to my brow. She blesses me by holding my hand, and wanting to be by my side every possible moment. She blesses me by her tender spirit and the way she cares for everyone around her, longing to make each day special in some little way. 

Grandma has been living with my parents for three weeks now. I've called her several times, and she's doing well. My mom has more success getting her involved with things. They play games together in the evenings. Grandma will go shopping, and sit outside while my mom weeds. And yesterday, Grandma called me. I was thrilled. She asked all about the children, and filled me in on each of my aunts, uncles, and cousins just like she did when she was here. 

I feel very blessed to have had her here for the three years that we did, and I'm at peace. 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, 

says the LORD, 

thoughts of peace and not of evil, 

to give you a future and a hope. 

Jeremiah 29:11

Even when I'm unsure about where I'm going, about how things will work out, God knows. And His plan is so much better than mine! 

Storms

Tree Branches Covered in Icicles

I woke to the sound of freezing rain hitting the windows, and when I opened my eyes, I thought it was much earlier than it was. My husband had left for work, but came back home due to the icy roads. He climbed back into the bed, and pulled me close. When I finally climbed out of bed, it was 9:45.

Verne scrambled to get dressed, and took Abigail to her piano lesson for me. I was spoiled. Again.

I wish it would storm more often!

Little Things

It was a lively scene as we sat around the table Saturday evening. A family prayer, laughter, and good food. Good food cooked by Verne. We had lazed around for most of the afternoon, working on a puzzle, and enjoying one another's company. I didn't feel like cooking, and Verne popped up and volunteered.

I've noticed little things lately. Little things that are actually big things, to me.

I sweep the house, and my husband grabs a cookie, dropping crumbs as he goes. I give him "the look", and insist that he get a plate to eat over.

He cleans and sweeps his van, and I bring my crochet along for the ride. I leave snips of yarn by my seat, and he never says a word.

As we ate heartily, and complimented Verne on his cooking, he looked so pleased. We were having such a good time, and we laughed so hard that I had to leave the table. And while I was in the bathroom, recovering from the laughter, the laughter turned to tears. Tears of joy. It was then that I dropped to my knees and thanked the Lord for my family, for providing for us so well, for bringing us together.

A Rare Jewel

Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude. ~E.P. Powell

Reality Check

How many times have you read someone's blog only to think that their life must be perfect? They have a beautiful home that's always clean and orderly. Each meal is a culinary delight and is served upon a freshly pressed tablecloth. Laundry is always done, ironed, and neatly put away. Children always have neat hair, and adorable outfits. No one ever raises their voice or loses their temper.

We get sucked into these illusions, and can easily become dissatisfied with our own lives. If only my home looked like hers.... If my husband just did that.... If my children would just....

It doesn't just happen in blogland, either. We can be sidetracked just as easily by television shows, books, or real life friends.


Real life isn't always peachy keen, though. For anyone.

I've not been feeling well since September.

My home has been dirtier than normal.

Laundry gets done and folded, but then it sits. It sits on a large counter in the laundry room until I feel like I can't take it anymore and yell at everyone to put it away.

Ironing sits, too. In a big pile on top of the dryer. Waiting. Oh sure, Autumn and I attempt to make a dent in the pile every other day or so. We get about 10 pieces done, and then something else beckons us.

And meals are definitely not always gourmet. Yesterday, it was an entire day of find something to make you happy and get your belly full. Some chose a simple sandwich of peanut butter and jelly. Some chose to heat leftovers. Some ate crackers and cheese, and some ate Ramen noodles. Everyone ate cookies. Too many cookies.

This morning, Verne and I attempted to take my van to a man that was interested in buying it. Cheap. $250. And you know what? I say attempted because it totally broke down on the side of the road, and it's still sitting there. That $250 was going to buy a few Christmas gifts. So, do we spend $100 towing it there?

Last week we got a bit of snow. I looked outside to discover my children who are old enough to know better having a snowball fight in flip flops. Snow was covering their feet. Yes, I yelled. And now, they are coughing.

Life isn't perfect. For me, or anyone else.

But on a brighter note, we are in a warm home. (Well, warm is relative, isn't it? We have the furnace thermometer set to 67 F.)

We have plenty to eat, and even cookies!

We aren't afraid to show affection or say "I love you." I feel warm arms around my neck several times each day!

We enjoy God's Word around the supper table each night, and we know that we are His.

Hmmmm.... BIG reality check.




Edited to Add: Verne was able to borrow a tow chain, and he and Mac got the van to the man who was still willing to buy it. (Somethings do turn out well! Praise God!)

Happy Veteran's Day!

I found it quite paradoxical that my home schooled boy was invited to two public schools today to take part in flag ceremonies honoring the veterans that have served our country. You should have seen the look on the face of the woman sitting behind the office desk when I told her that Collin was home schooled after she asked what school he attended. Priceless, I tell you.


I remember going to the Veteran's Day parade several times while I was in high school. I traveled with the band because I was in charge of lighting my friend Sherry's batons on fire. It was fun. (The parade, not lighting the batons on fire.) After all, I got out of school for most of the day. As an adult, I can appreciate the significance of the holiday more fully than I could back then. I took in the faces of the men whom were honored today, and I felt joy in my heart. Joy because men have fought for my freedom. Joy because I can home school my children instead of sending them to a public facility. Joy because we are free to worship our heavenly father. Joy because I feel safe in my home when we turn in each night.

To those of you whom have served or are still serving, thank you.

Deal of the Day

Our grocery bill has been skyrocketing each week, and I've been careful to stick to a list because of it. This morning after piano, Abigail and I ran to Kroger for just a few items. Usually I choose Wal*mart because my dollar seems to stretch farther there. While we were walking the aisles, looking only for what was on our list, I noticed a small sign on an end cap. Kroger brand oatmeal was listed as 2/$1! I told Abigail we would get a few and take them to the register. If the price wasn't wrong, we'd get more.

We did get more. Twenty-six boxes in all. For $13! This isn't advertised in this week's circular, so you may want to make a stop in to your local Kroger and check for yourself.

Autumn Beauty

It's still far too warm here to seem like mid-October with temperatures in the 80's. The dry summer has made the autumn foliage much less vibrant the most years.

But there's still beauty to behold if one looks closely.

Especially when a chat with my neighbor Pauline revealed that she accepted the Lord as her savior and was baptized on Sunday.

Suddenly, there was beauty everywhere!

Refreshment

Despite the fact that I have unfortunately been given the lot of a lifelong, chronic headache sufferer, I'm feeling refreshed today.

Perhaps it's because I had a girls' day out with a good friend on Saturday. We took the entire day to ourselves for a drive through the winding country roads, visiting quilt shops, a cozy cafe, and a bulk food store where I purchased some dried lavender buds among other things. Jen and I were able to talk about crafting, homeschooling and theology. Good conversations! Today I took about a half cup of those buds, and added them to a sock full of rice. I threw the entire thing into the microwave for a minute, laid it over my forehead and eyes, and went to sleep. I woke feeling better than I have in quite some time.

Perhaps it's because not only did we attend Sunday school and worship on Sunday, but a much needed evening study as well. It's good to be about the Lord's things on His day.

Perhaps it's because my dear husband reminds me to rest when I'm not feeling well.

Perhaps it's because Autumn made a quick supper of tuna fish sandwiches and pickled beets for us to enjoy together as a family before we head out for a busy evening of bicycle rides and orchestra practice.

Whatever the reasons, I'm thankful for this day.

Eagle Project

Many of you know that both of our boys are involved in Boy Scouting. They are both at the rank of Life Scout, which means they don't have very far to go before they finish. The next, and last rank that they will earn is Eagle Scout.


This past weekend, Mac completed part of his Eagle project. It's been in the works for months, and isn't finished quite yet. He put on a 5k race to raise money to purchase supplies for the local Christian homeless shelter. We expected to raise between $500 and $700. Mac had 91 registered participants, and raised $1705. Now we need a shopping list!



I can't tell you how overwhelmed we were as a family. What a blessing!

Scenes from Resurrection Sunday

After our morning worship service, we headed home to find a table that had already been set. I had a few more preparations to do in the kitchen for our meal, and then we sat down to a time of sweet fellowship.

I love it when everyone lingers over the meal, talking and laughing. It's the best part of the day. Thankfully, we all sit down together most evenings. Our meals always end with Verne reading a chapter of Scripture to us.






Glossy black olives and deviled eggs are favorites of everyone. I miss the days when the children would place an olive on each finger. They're all growing up.

Thanks to Verne's mom, I have lots of pretty platters, including an egg plate to serve on!




Today's menu:
Baked Ham
Scalloped Potatoes
Carrots and Cauliflower
Pear Salad
Deviled Eggs
Black Olives
Pull Apart Biscuit Ring
Orange Punch
Lemon Fluff



Verne's Aunt Debbie brought this biscuit ring to every family get together. Since we left Pennsylvania nearly 10 years ago, I have missed it. I called her last night to get the recipe. One bite, and all of the memories of gathering at Grandma's house came flooding back. Verne was thrilled!




Cheers! Non alcoholic orange punch. So easy, and so tasty!







Pear Salad topped with a cherry. Mmmmm... a favorite from my childhood!





A real feast!









I had the children clear the table and put the food away. I washed all of the dishes, by hand, wiped counters, and cleaned the stove up.

Mac helped me out by singing to me as I worked. We sang a few songs together. This always makes the workload seem lighter.

As soon as the counters were clear enough, Abigail and Collin broke out their candy boxes and began trading. I love to hear the "deals" that they make.

Autumn dried the dishes and put them away.





After a few hours and a nap, we broke out the Lemon Fluff. I think I'm ready for another nap!


I hope that each of you had a blessed day!