From the house

We have all been quietly submitting to the seasonal flu. Mounds of soiled bedding and towels. Piles of books. Horseopoly. Observing the changing creation. And of course, rest. So not much to speak of in our neck of the woods. Just enjoying the quiet snowfall....from the house.

One wants out. The other wants in. Go figure.

Merry Christmas...

A change of plans again

I came down with a migraine last night and was up until 6 a.m. I had to reschedule our breakfast quiche with my dad. Bummed. I guess I just need some rest and relaxation. I love you dad.

He is Ever with Me

I am quite reflective today. No, not shiny. Just deep in thought. About life. Burdens. Responsibilities. People who matter most.

My little Benjamin is anemic. He was quite sick last week. We are driving around back and forth to doctor's appointments and blood draws (three so far), no answers as of yet. He is handling it with courage. My sweetie has been gone for most of the season working overtime, and getting little recovery before he is back at it again. Although we have managed to enjoy a few crafts, many of the traditions that I do with my children each year for Thanksgiving and Advent have been passed by. Watching the days come and go have been frustrating to say the least, and I slowly came to the acceptance that this year would have to be different. Hard for me to let go. And hard for my family to watch it I am sure.

However......My kids are smiling and singing loudly. My husband is lovingly working hard for us. And My Lord and God, He is ever here with me.

Isa 41:10 Do not fear; for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will make you strong; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.

Thank you Lord, that you never change. You are always the same. Yesturday, today, and forever.

Finally 6!!

This little mechanical mind has always kept me on my toes.

Full of smiles. A lot of heart. Boundless energy. Thoughtful prayers. A true love of serving.

It was pure torture counting the days til his birthday. It just couldn't come quick enough.

Happy Birthday, Clayton. You make me proud.

I can't wait to see all that God will do in you.

Big Boy

Sam received a much needed haircut the other day. I began with scissors, but a 20 month old will only sit for so long (like maybe 2 seconds). So, out came the clippers for the first time on his virgin head. Curls were gone, and we were covered in hair. Now he is a big boy.

Must be time for potty training....

25 Things You May Not Know About Me

1. I love being outside.
2. When I was little, I chipped my front tooth on a tether ball pole.
3. I have played soccer most all of my life.
4. My favorite color is green.
5. My dog weighs more than I do.
6. I should have been born in a small rural village in Europe with cobblestone streets and fresh markets. Surrounded by generations of smiles.
7. I couldn't figure out what the big thing was with chocolate and women until I was pregnant with my fourth child.
8. I love vintage and french decor and clothing.
9. I am very patriotic and I cry at the drop of a hat in gratefulness for the sacrifices made for our freedom.
10. I have a very hard working husband who NEVER complains and is good at everything he does.
11. I miss sleep and it misses me.
12. My weakness...homemade bread with lots of butter, real butter.
13. I get extremely frustrated while playing Wii tennis.
14. I live next door to my grandparents and love it.
15. A good book is a close friend to me.
16. I learned to ride a 2-wheeler when I was 5 yrs old and I refused to let anyone help me. I was going to do it on my own no matter how many fits I threw. (I had to keep up with the neighborhood boys)
17. I like to sweep my floors not vacuum.
18. The one thing that always needs cleaning in my house is the back slider door.
19. I have a strong conscience. I can't even drive the wrong way in a parking lot without feeling guilty.
20. I love old hymns and the stories of the people behind them, Bebo Norman, and I love Amos Lee. My favorite artists are those with heavy soul, acoustic, romance, and heart.
21. Fun shoes, great jeans.
22. Would love to live self-sufficient some day.
23. Something I admire most in others is a grateful heart.
24. God created peonies for me.
25. I pray to live more compassionate to those around me, more tender to my sweetie, more sacrificially to my children, and more surrendered to my Lord.

A New Song

I was just reading my evening devotion and shutting down the computer for the night. I thought I might share a word. This makes me think of Psalm 103.

“O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.”
- Psa_107:8

If we complained less, and praised more, we should be happier, and God would be more glorified. Let us daily praise God for common mercies-common as we frequently call them, and yet so priceless, that when deprived of them we are ready to perish. Let us bless God for the eyes with which we behold the sun, for the health and strength to walk abroad, for the bread we eat, for the raiment we wear. Let us praise him that we are not cast out among the hopeless, or confined amongst the guilty; let us thank him for liberty, for friends, for family associations and comforts; let us praise him, in fact, for everything which we receive from his bounteous hand, for we deserve little, and yet are most plenteously endowed. But, beloved, the sweetest and the loudest note in our songs of praise should be of redeeming love. God’s redeeming acts towards his chosen are for ever the favourite themes of their praise. If we know what redemption means, let us not withhold our sonnets of thanksgiving. We have been redeemed from the power of our corruptions, uplifted from the depth of sin in which we were naturally plunged. We have been led to the cross of Christ-our shackles of guilt have been broken off; we are no longer slaves, but children of the living God, and can antedate the period when we shall be presented before the throne without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Even now by faith we wave the palm-branch and wrap ourselves about with the fair linen which is to be our everlasting array, and shall we not unceasingly give thanks to the Lord our Redeemer? Child of God, canst thou be silent? Awake, awake, ye inheritors of glory, and lead your captivity captive, as ye cry with David, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”

Let the new month begin with new songs.