A fallish Friday

The kiddos worked diligently on their schoolwork today. I played at the sewing machine! My cousin Sara inspires me to play with color...lots of color. I loved her leaf garland and made a couple today! I also made a couple gifts.

I was feeling crafty...and played with the different stitches.  Who wants to use a straight stitch when you can have a stitch that looks like bird tracks?  I'm sure there is an official term for that stitch...I do not claim to be sewing literate.  I know what a seam ripper is to be sure!

I have so many fun fabrics to use...and I had some felt stuck in my drawer.  This garland hangs in our schoolroom with the little lights.

My kitchen window needed something fun to frame the view.  I'm kicking around another project for this window...I just don't know if I am brave enough yet.  We'll see!

It was a cool 65 degrees in our house all day.  We kept a window open for fresh air and wore sweatshirts and socks.  This afternoon after school, Alisa baked chocolate chip muffins for dessert tonight.

Warm oven spreading chocolatey scents all over the house!

The guys worked outside this afternoon and did another guy thing after supper.  "At least it will be just the girls in the house!" said Ashlynn. Then the girls got a taste of what Moms do when everyone leaves...Teddy ran through the kitchen to get his jacket...and left a trail of mud clumps from his boots.  Alisa swept up "his mess" and then they turned into little Cinderellas!  Alisa swept, mopped, and shook rugs.  Ashlynn vacuumed the house and even the edges in the family room "because there were clumps of dust".  I lit the candles and finished the dishes.  Wow!  I didn't even have to ask!

A fall Friday night at home...with a sweet treat...a hint of smoke from the fire...twinkly lights...encouraging music...family...yummy supper...candles glowing 

all enjoyed in a cleaned up house!   Thanks to my girls!

"How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days."

Surprises in the cupboard!

During the early morning news program, I watched Sylvia whip up this recipe for apples...or whatever else you like to dip!  I looked in my cupboard and guess what...I had these odds and ends!  Normally, I do not stock butterscotch chips or sweetened condensed milk!  They are just not on the top of my normal grocery list, but if you happen to have them in your pantry...we highly recommend it!

I'm not the only one who thinks like this!

There are seasons in our life where we need to cut out certain activities temporarily, so as not to crowd out the two most important jobs we have as wives and mothers...tending our hearts (soul) and caring for our family.  So often, we crowd out these two priorities with less insignificant activities and events while we pat ourselves on the back as we look at all we have accomplished or checked off our "to do" list.  About the time I think, "I can do that.  I should do this.", God directs my thinking and reading toward His purpose and plan for my life...first as His daughter, next as a wife, then as a mother, and finally as a servant to others. 

Proverbs 22:3-5

Proverbs 31:25-31

If I am snapping at my husband and children, if I am too busy to stop and read God's Word, if my house is in constant disarray, if I spend hours on the computer or t.v., if I go through the drive-thru several times a week, if I constantly complain about being tired, if I find my joy in the pats on the back, if...

I am not obeying God's Word.  It is that plain and simple. 

God allows us to make our own choices, but He never intended for us to choose to crowd Him or our family out of the life with which He has blessed us.  He didn't call me to be "Superwoman"!  He called me to be His daughter, Ted's wife, and Ashlynn, Alisa, and Teddy's mother!  Anything else...that He gives me to do...is an added blessing!  How about sitting back and waiting for God to bring those extra blessings, rather than forcing something that God didn't have in store for you in the first place?  Something will have to give and then fall apart...it shouldn't be our relationship with our Lord or our family that suffers first.  It is something to think and pray about on a daily basis. 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“God never places us in any position in which we cannot grow. We may fancy that He does. We may fear we are so impeded by fretting about petty cares that we are gaining nothing; but when we are not sending any branches upward, we may be sending roots downward. Perhaps in the time of our humiliation, when everything seems a failure, we are making the best kind of progress.”  Elizabeth Prentiss

The beautiful trees of the autumn season cannot shed their beautiful leaves from their sturdy branches without strong roots!

It hath been said...

"I bought us a treat for later while I was out!" confided Ted.
"Son, you do not pick your nose when doing dishes!" admonished Mom.
"Why do I have to take a shower again?" whined Ashlynn.
"Mom, you really do look better in your glasses." Alisa observed.
"But...now...I don't get that little hour break...all by myself in the middle of the day in the middle of the week!" I whined. 
"Lock yourself in the bathroom for an hour!" Ted said.
"All this work is just stupid!" exclaimed Teddy.  "Maybe...but it will keep you from being stupid!" I countered.
"Whhhhhyyyy?  Just whhhyyyyy?" I reacted.  Ted chuckled, "Just because."

A candle brings a coziness to our home this morning!

As I lit one of the candles this morning, I remembered a verse I read in Psalms 18:28

"For thou wilt light my candle:  the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness."

I continued reading the rest of the chapter...then went back to the top of the chapter...

and decided it was time for a Bible study...while still in my slippers...

Warming up a cool, rainy day with...

some cooked apples with a hint of cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar...

wrapped in a tortilla shell...

slathered with more butter and cinnamon sugar! 

Baked at 350 till golden (you want the tortilla to be crunchy!)

Let them cool for a little bit..."or you will burn your tongue!"

Top off with a pot of homemade vegetable-beef soup for supper...

"But, Mom, I said chicken soup with noodles.  That is what I meant when I said soup." whined Teddy.

Oi!

Maybe homemade biscuits will stop his fussing...because supper is what it is!

God's Protection on a Sunday

Little turns on little knobs...can have great big consequences!

Thankfully, the Lord in His sovereignty protected us yesterday as we spent the morning in His house.  We don't know how it happened...the flip of the purse, sweater, or Bible case...but one of the knobs was turned on to 2 the entire 3 hours.  We arrived home from church with plans to start dinner, but were greeted with the smell of gas and a little white dog who was stretching as he met us at the door.  Ted ordered everyone out as he turned the knob off and quickly opened windows and doors.  We loaded Chevy into the van with his cage, left the house open, and went out for dinner!  As we backed down the driveway, we explained to the children what God just did for us...and breathed a shaky sigh of relief.  Two bedroom windows had been left open for fresh air...and that is what we believe kept our little, fuzzy white dog alive...among other dangerous possibilities.  How many times a day do we skip by the stove?  How many time do pockets get caught on knobs of drawers and knobs on stoves?  How many times do we not even realize the dangers that are all around us?  We know that God knows! 

And He protected our family...and our home...from a very dangerous situation.

When I am tempted to doubt His working in our lives...my life...

there are moments that point once again to His mercy, love, and grace!

Now...there are three children who check the knobs...before we skip out on our merry way.

"Mom, why do you go to the retreat? What do you do there?" my girls asked.

I go to spend time with other ladies from our church and several other churches.  I made sure to introduce myself to several people.  I met and remember eight different ladies...that I hope to see next year!  Grandma and Aunt Jenn were my traveling companions, decorating helpers, and roomies.

I go because Camp Joy is a beautiful place to just "Be still and quiet" as a Mom and wife! 

The food and lodging are wonderful.  The staff is such a blessing.

I go to hear the challenges from God's Word and be refreshed as a group of ladies sing together. 

I get goosebumps every time!

Our speakers were Miriam Marriott and Myra Wright...sisters! 

Friday night they sang together...Rock of Ages...beautiful.

Our sessions included...Mucked Up Shoes (with the mire of sin), Wedding Shoes (Jesus Paid It All and someday...He will come for us!), Work Boots (are not just for stomping), My Favorite Shoes (contentment and joy in being a woman), and Slippers (keeping our heart with all diligence).  These two ladies shared their testimonies and their love for the Lord.  They had us laughing and crying.

Miriam told us after knocking something over, "I am fun to watch."  Yes, she was...but more important was the sheer joy that bubbled out of her.  What a blessing!

During one of the sessions, they had a question and answer time.  How sweet to listen to these sisters share what God has done and continues to do in their lives!  How silly sisters can be!  I sat and missed my sister terribly!  So many likenesses in our upbringing, testimonies, serving, and growing.  How thankful I am for the family God placed me in and the relationships that we still enjoy! 

I go because I need to just get away sometimes and be reminded that other sisters in Christ are walking down the same paths.  There is sweet fellowship and encouragement!

Mom's Weekend Off!

I always leave a special treat of some sort to let my family know I love them!  And then...I bolt out the door!

Especially for a weekend at Camp Joy for the Ladies Retreat!

Soul (or Sole...ha, ha, ha) Sisters...In Slippers or Stilettoes

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The centerpieces were a hit and I couldn't have done it without Sara's shoe collection!  She could have made a profit...several ladies asked if the shoes were for sale!  The favors were fancy glasses with a chocolate rose.  I loved the pop of color from the tissue paper!

Each table was different.  For the craft this year, we learned how to etch glass!  Super simple...and so fun to personalize our glass.  Some ladies had the cutest ideas...to keep or to give as gifts.

We had lots of time to sit and visit after getting everything set up.  There was a fire in the fireplace and the smell of fall in the air. 

Our room looked out at the lake.

There are so many beautiful places all around the camp.  They are always working and improving something!  Everything looks so nice and is so clean.

The food is just out of this world!  The coffee toffee iced drink from the snack shop was YUMMY!  Each lady brings a snack to share...so there were two eight foot tables full of every treat imaginable for our Friday night fireside time and all the in-between times!  My bowl of cashew carmelcorn...gone.  And to the lady who brought a box of Coconut M&Ms..."Thank you!"  Those are a must try!

The flower gardens are just beautiful.

Saturday lunch...baked potatoes with various toppings!  Little bread bowls for soup or chili too...but I just couldn't eat that much...I had had that coffee toffee drink...whoops!  The food at Camp Joy is always delicious!

When I got home...Ted had supper planned.  I wasn't hungry, but I ate...he made some yummy burgers on the grill while I visited with everyone and answered countless questions.

These times away make all of us grateful for one another! 

God is good to me!

"Mom, you haven't made this in forever!"

My little wannabe helper every time it was time to stir the carmel corn.  I was talking to him the whole time..."Don't jump.  Stay back.  It is very hot."  He kept cocking his head as if he was weighing how bad the hot would actually be.

My special weekend treat...with cashews!  Mmmm, I love fall and I love ladies retreat!

Fun with colors...and a stamp!

"There is always one fact more in every man's case about which we know nothing."

Thoughts from O. Chambers this morning as I wander through Romans 2...

"I have never met the man I could despair of after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God."

So often we use what we think we know as a measuring rod for other people...

and we have forgotten what lies in our heart, mind, and soul.

But God hasn't forgotten.

And I am so thankful I only have to answer to Him...

because He has extended His grace to me.

Do I extend that same grace to others?

Happy Autumn Eve Day!

Tomorrow is the first day of autumn. It is making its grand entrance in small ways..."sneaking in on us"!  I've noticed!  The cooler temps, the spicy and cinnamony smell everywhere, earlier darkness, needed sweaters and sweatshirts, changing colors...

We've decorated the inside of our home with cozy touches.

Brach's candy corn is the best candy corn to mix with fall M&Ms.

Autumn swirls through the air...and our food!  Just a little fall color swirled into our pancakes this morning.

Cozy days spent in the school/craft room making all sorts of things. 

As I wandered through a favorite store that smelled of cinnamon brooms, I saw this sign and had to stop a moment...and then I laughed out loud.  I read it several times...I guess in shock that it was for sale. 

See the spelling mistake?

As we finished our night talking and praying as a family, I was reminded of this sign. 

The world focuses on happiness and it is a warped focus at best. 

I am thankful that the Lord gives us a deep abiding joy when doors are closed...

slammed shut or bolted shut...for our good and His glory. 

I can find blessings in every situation...if I just look.

 True peace and joy come when I focus on God's working...and sometimes...

it takes awhile...just like the changing of the seasons. 

"Mom, can we sing a song this morning?" asked Ashlynn.

All That I Need
by Ron Hamilton
When I look around at all this world offers,

I begin to crave the things that I see.

I must keep my eyes on Jesus my Savior.

He has promised Heavenly treasure to me.

All that I need is my faith in Jesus.


All that I need is my home above.


All that I need is my Father's Mercy.


All that I need is my Savior's love.

All the pretty toys shine brightly around me.

All the pretty houses glisten and gleam.

Riches seem to offer peace and contentment.

That is just a lie, it's only a dream.

All that I need is my faith in Jesus.


All that I need is my home above.


All that I need is my Father's Mercy.


All that I need is my Savior's love.

As we finished our devotional time with this song, I said to our children, "We have all that we need.  We don't need anything else!  As God's children, we have all those things!"  Ashlynn added, "And yet He still keeps giving and giving...our house, our clothes, our..."  What a wonderful reminder for us this morning!
I am so glad she asked if we could sing a song this morning...I needed that!

Playing with shoes...

I found some plates and awful tennis shoes at Salvation Army yesterday.  Ted helped me make my funny lady stand upright...she needs her final touches.  I have my part ready...and I love seeing it all come together as we begin on Friday evening.  To make it even better...it is going to be cool weather!  I can smell the lake and leaves now...mmmm!

The girls asked me if I could walk in Aunt Sara's high-heels.  I giggled...then laughed out loud.

Uh...NO!  I could not...I prefer my slippers, tennis shoes, and slip-ons...down where it is safe.

Everything is pulled together and packed up...ready to decorate the weekend.

I did it!

There are some neat crafting blogs that I visit.  Skiptomylou is one of them.

The tutorial said it was "easy and could be done in 20 minutes"!  A tote bag with long handles...made to my liking...and a zippered bag to match.

Savoring the simple things this Monday morning...

as the raindrops are falling.  I am thankful for the cozy home God has provided for us.  It is a place of comfort...a place to rest and find healing.  Ashlynn is still sick and will cuddle up in the chair to do her schoolwork for as long as her head and eyes will allow her.  I am thankful that God has me in a place where I can minister to my husband and our children's needs.  I am thankful to be able to just simply stay put today.