ramblings

A few random thoughts today....

:: last week the whole family experienced some level of the first cold/flu of the season.  We were to start back to school, but days filled with fevers simply led us to take all things slowly--back on track this week!

:: my January goals are also dragging though I've gathered up items to list for sale.  

:: the blog is undergoing some changes this week, so if I'm not around much, no worries!  If all goes well, the design and content will be tweaked a little--exciting!

:: a few tea party napkins started last summer in need of finishing (a certain little girl would be most happy).  They've found their way into my 'to create' pile.

Whatever the week has brought you so far, I hope it's been good!

   

   

ramblings

time in the Big Apple

Christmas break has included some serious down time for this Mama {a much appreciated gift of time from my spouse!}....

So I journeyed upstate a bit to visit my sister in the big city of New York, taking in some rest and relaxation and the sites of bustling life in a metropolitan area.  

~ cooped up for a morning in her apartment, I enjoyed the treats this gracious sibling of mine provided!

~ hot tea and good books, a great combination

~ perusing through her many cookbooks!

 ~ naturally there were many options of international food, Peruvian and Cuban were our cuisines of choice.

A relaxing set of days!


   
      
  

time in the Big Apple

right now

8:00 p.m. Monday eve

I’m supposed to be packing for a trip away for several days :: off to another big city to explore the sites, including days at my parent’s home where I plan to fully enjoy the fact that I don’t have to cook!

But, packing isn’t happening…willing my clothes (and the rest of the family’s) to simply just jump into bags.  Wouldn’t that be nice?

Instead, I’m thinking about ~

:: purchasing an ice cream maker soon since there are so many issues with dairy in our home and the substitutes are a bit expensive.  my girls have promised to be in charge; hmmm…we’ll see.

:: making a felt playhouse for the boys’ Christmas present~ this idea has me very excited at the moment, but really, that excitement needs to last several more weeks before I actually say ‘yes’!

:: I was thinking of making these orange cup cinnamon rolls for the first day of school, but we’ve already had that.   So, maybe when we return, we’ll have them for the 11th day?

:: I’m reminding myself again of a healthy perspective on lamenting (versus complaining)

:: also reading again through the daily seven for household management ~ simple & good!

 

Okay, right now…I DO have to pack up a few items!!  Especially the hat I’m knitting (as seen in the header) and the camera.  All else?  Well, I hope they find their way into our bags…..

right now

giveaway!

Want to win the most elite of dehydrator's?  Visit Stephanie's site, Keeper of the Home  for information. Ends next week, so hurry!

giveaway!

after the weekend

It’s been busy around these parts…time spent planning and such for a women’s retreat our church hosted this weekend, and what turned out to be a super wonderful experience! :: I’ll be reflecting for days to come.

But when all is said and done on such a project, I usually spend a day or two ‘roaming’, with  no particular agenda in mind.  Yesterday’s rainy weather was perfect for~

                                        

:: stepping back into time.  The Young Victoria was released last week and it was placed into my Netflix account to be delivered this weekend (in time for my retreat after The Retreat!).  It’s okay, but the made-for-TV Victoria & Albert from 2001 was much, much better!

:: dreaming of strawberry season and wanting to make a version of these parfaits

:: admiring this square foot garden~beautiful!

:: making plans to host a shrimp boil early this summer…and maybe later in the summer as well!  Yum.

Most of all, there was lots of hot tea, conversations with my spouse & best friend (the same person!) and listening to children’s adventures while I was away for the day. 

Fullness…

after the weekend

seven things about me

Tracey over at In Word Adorning gave me a blog award (thanks!!) and asks that I list seven things about me, so here goes~

:: I am wordy. I really TRY to say it, write it, share it all in a smaller amount of words, but it just doesn’t work that way. This post will probably get longer as you read.

:: I LOVE to read. Love, love, love to read and therefore I own a ton of books, but not as many as I would like. When my children move on, their rooms will be converted into mini libraries (joke….I think.)

:: I am super passionate about several things, but mostly about children—my own and those around the globe. The care of, the education of (whatever form that is in) and the raising of these gifts from God. I hope to always be an advocate for children in some way.

:: I sometimes dream about being a doula. Or a midwife, but that’s too much responsibility.

:: I am the type of girl who will bust out laughing in the middle of dead silence at something that happened yesterday. Or last year.

:: I am an introvert and at times rather shy. I definitely enjoy being around people & having fun, but feel most refreshed having spent time alone.

:: I could be happy living in the big city or on a large farm—really. Both are appealing in various ways. I know—I’m confused.

Okay! I’ll pass this on to anyone who wants to participate!

seven things about me

relief for a nation

May I encourage a gift to help with the relief in Haiti if your family has the means to do so? 

Today my heart is overwhelmingly burdened for the children :: the many, many children who already suffered in this nation and who now have less hope than before.  I pray & cry out for~

the orphanages that have been offset in their mission of providing safety and a place of refuge. 

the little ones who cannot find their parents

children whose bellies will not be filled today, tonight or anytime soon

for the masses of innocent ones who are scared…so scared, and who do not understand

Oh Lord, be near. 

January 13, 2010 :: the presidential palace in the capital of Haiti, where my grandfather worked in his lifetime

relief for a nation

happy belated

New year that is.  Yes, it’s seven days into twenty-ten, but happy new year anyway.  I hope you’re off to a better start than I am!

Oh, don’t worry it’s really not that bad.  I’m just off to a really slow beginning, trying to accept that vacation mode is over.  I’m not quite there yet, though I need to be—see my dilemma?  In the back of my mind are the wonderful days surrounding the holidays; days where we slept in, roamed around in pajamas until mid-afternoon (seriously), played games, had little to no structure and overall had a blast!  The last two weeks were relaxing.  Being home and soaking in the comforts of all that represents was true bliss.

And now?

Now I need to get moving and fast!  So yesterday, I decided to check some fresh cookbooks out the library.

                                                photo by salt & chocolate

What?  Cookbooks have nothing to do with getting organized and doing my work?  Well, you’re most likely right…but they were the motivation needed.  Knowing I wouldn’t sit to browse through those books until some projects were completed, my plan worked perfectly.  The boys’ room is decluttered, laundry is being washed, meals have been thought through and I’ve actually cracked open the lesson planner to find out exactly what we’re supposed to be doing for homeschooling in January.  Oh, I still really need to get ‘in the zone’…really.  But at least it’s fun along the way.

So, happy belated new year!

happy belated

around the web

Sooo….instead of working on lesson plans for the next day,

or writing down ideas for a health and wellness day our church is hosting next month,

or returning emails,

or doing anything last night that required that I think! ~ I instead chose to wander through some beauty and goodness around the web.  It’s a most relaxing activity (especially with a cup of hot tea in hand).  Go ahead, try it.

:: I seriously want to own this journal just for the cover and also because the paper is completely captivating (I love paper). There’s room in my house for this pillow, so sweet.

:: after our six-year old went into a tic-tac-toe frenzy this summer, I was very happy to come across an idea that will save us a bit of paper.  I’m thinking of it as a Christmas gift, but not sure it can wait until then.  Um, well..first I need to make it.

:: when we’re finished with our acorns on the nature table, we’ll take the tops off and make these!  a cute way to preserve a bit of autumn.

:: note to self ~ use the last bit of summer squash and turn them into ribbon candy; a special way to serve this veggie when company is over :: or just because.

:: as soon as I find the next gorgeous sunset, and I have my camera with tripod ready, and my 3-yr old is being still enough…we’ll try for a shot just like this one.  but that just may never happen.

:: colorful butters and homemade biscuits!  the photo alone makes me hungry. any kind of bread is my weakness ~ I completely blame it on my French heritage.

Alright, enough.  I did eventually finish up school plans and return a few emails.  Replenished my cup of tea and called it a night ~ it was enjoyable while it lasted!

 

photo~a bit of beauty on our table to welcome Autumn

around the web

a bit of this and that

:: baby should be here soon—in the next week, and it feels that the days are crawling by. we only make plans on a day by day basis, trying to pass the time. soon!

:: need a boost about how truly awesome God is? watch the ‘awe factor of God’ video at this website and then listen to a song about how indescribable He is! our family was inspired to praise—the heavens declare the glory of this God!

:: after having some most enjoyable times with my children, my husband & I went out last evening for some alone moments. wow, I forget how great it is to eat dinner without the need to serve seconds to anyone, calm sibling squabbles, or teach manners to little ones. sitting by the river, feeling peace-filled & content…very nice.

:: I’ve updated the ‘enjoying’ section of my sidebar…totally random, but worth noting I guess.

hoping that your week is full of activities that bring joy to your spirit!

a bit of this and that

the best five cents

I have ever spent at a yard sale! for the cup, not the blueberries :)

the best five cents

surrender

okay, I completely & totally surrender to life all around me right now and take a bit of pause from blog land!

here’s an update~

:: my health is great overall, contractions have kept at bay—but tests did just reveal that gestational diabetes is now a part of this pregnancy journey at 31 weeks. I am bummed since watching carbs & sugars was already a part of my routine; just now will be even more so. I’ve already started re-adjusting meals & menus to fit this new reality.

:: THE LIST (things to do before baby arrives) has dwindled down to almost nothing, and I am grateful. de-cluttering top to bottom, spring cleaning and rearranging rooms have all taken place. the garage & shed need attention, but umm…that’s my hubby’s area! we’ve added to the pile of needs for the babe—blankets, clothing, car seat—the essentials are here.

:: this past weekend and the weekend before was full of family reunions on both sides, a birthday party for my father and lots of laughs as I caught up with relatives not seen for a while. much enjoyment, but both were out of town so we pack & unpack quickly.

:: only to re-pack this week as our family joins our church family for a camping weekend! oh, camping. you & I have an odd relationship do we not? it’s a low cost vacation break and this annual event is fun! if I just didn’t have to pack the whole house and kitchen sink up before Thursday {alright, that is a major exaggeration…but still}.

:: and I have to pick a few fresh strawberries right? I think that is going to get scratched off fairly quickly from this week’s priorities. *sigh*, we’ll see.

so, I slip away from this space for some time to focus on the tasks at hand. be back soon enough!

surrender

sound bites

a potpourri of funnies this week~

on the home front...
:: our 6-yr old told me yestereday "I don't think I should get married Mom." After I questioned her as to why she had that thought, her answer? "I don't think I could push a baby out!!"

:: I often comment to our toddler son, age 3, on how he is growing up and my affirmation of this. This week, he came up to my rounding belly, patted it and with a huge smile, sent some love my way~"You are growing SO big Mommy! I am very proud of you!"

:: this week was the celebration of our wedding anniversary. The night before, our oldest daughter excitedly asked me of any plans for the next day. At that moment, her brother accidentally spilled food on the floor and as I began to clean it up, my comment~ "Sweetheart, I'll probably be doing exactly what you see me doing right now." {okay, we were able to go out for a bit & enjoy some quiet}.


among our community....
:: at our homeschool co-op this week another Mom lamented about how she was struggling with various aspects of schooling & her children. When asked what she thought the main issue was, her comment~ "Somehow I thought just because I was homeschooled that it would be easier to homeschool my own children!!"


So, have you taken time to laugh this week, to enjoy the humor in the midst of the demands of life? It's really always there, seek it out and enjoy!

sound bites

right now

appreciating...

142. dear friends and a fabulous church family :: they uplift, encourage & give hope!

143. my children, especially the older two girls who have helped so much around this household while I've been sick.

144. along with the help of their father, my husband :: for whom there are not enough words of thanks or praise. the last several weeks have been a stretch & he has mastered them well.



thinking about...

:: cooking again! the meals we've received have been wonderful and very helpful, but I miss being in the kitchen. I've dreamt up soooo many menu plans and can't wait to try them out! Realistically, I'll have to wait a few more weeks as I'm still not great on my feet for long periods of time.

:: living more simply. and doing it on my own terms {excellent post by the way, check it out}. I've had a lot of time recently to think on this topic :: it has so many definitions and expectations attached to it sometimes that this was getting frustrating. But, I'm learning to define what 'simple living' means to me and our family; and taking one step at a time. More on that another day.

:: baby items! I have this stubborn habit of giving everything away when each of my children turn two. Please don't ask me why, I don't know! Obviously, we're not done with infants (though I often think we are), but it just seems right to allow others to be blessed with needed items instead of storing them forever. Oh, wait....not everything :: we do keep the crib & changing table, though a few months before this baby made an appearance I promised them to a friend. She graciously said I could keep them after I shared our news {smile!}. Babies don't need a lot, but I'm thinking one of these would be nice this time around. We'll see.



enjoying...

145. the blog award {on my sidebar} from Katrina! Thanks so much, how fun and special. I'll need to think of passing it on.

146. being able to read again without nausea. That's never happened in a pregnancy of mine, but until this week, I couldn't read for more than a minute or two without feeling really sick. Anyone know why? I haven't come up with any answers yet, but grateful it's passing.

147. Him. My Comforter and close Friend :: Jesus, the One and Only. I have spent time rejoicing in the new life we're anticipating, then lament over the unrelenting sickness, and then back to joy. And He has been so gracious to me. Thank you, my friend. Thank you.

right now

random

I'm feeling random and a bit scattered this morning, as has been pretty much my week. I think it was the Thanksgiving holiday, enjoying time with Nana (grandma) who came to visit for several days, birthday celebrations and just other that has the last two weeks turned upside down. We need to get back on track with our schooling as my children currently believe we're on an eternal break! But, it has been a very fun two weeks as well.

Let's see....

:: I've updated the sidebar lists of books we're enjoying!

:: I've been cooking up a storm {southern terminology} this week freezing meals so that the rest of the month feels lighter--casseroles, enchiladas, quiche are a few--yum! Today I'll make some soups and breads.

:: sometime today I plan to sit and enjoy a cup of tea in my favorite mug.

:: laundry needs to be caught up, but I'm really not looking forward to that as it's my least favorite chore. I'd rather be cooking!

:: though my weekend has several plans already--a baby shower, cantata practice at church & a performance Sunday--I will squeeze in quiet moments around it all. Somehow!

hopefully, you will enjoy some peace in this season as well. a peace-filled weekend to you....

random

blogging thoughts

I was in a recent conversation with some women about blogging, which has had me thinking about why I come here to jot down thoughts and record life.

First, let me say that I didn't understand the blog world before :: why would you want to journal to the world?--and seriously, why are we taking pictures of a plate of food or children's antics or a corner of our homes? What is so fascinating about all of that!?

I was more perplexed than judgemental. Intrigued to say the least.

So I began like many other bloggers--to share pictures of my children with family far away. Grandparents, aunts, and other relatives enjoyed the insight to our daily life and connections were strengthened. But then something strange began to happen--an almost metamorphosis kind of experience--

I was liking this blogging world.

In fact, I was soon taking pictures of random items around our home and of the events that touched our lives to share in this online space. I was becoming one of them! And it has been a wonderful & rewarding experience. Here's why~

:: I'm a scrapbooker, but do not have hours a day to put together albums. I wait for the all day scrapping events with friends that are just too few and far between. That said, it's been fulfilling to record our lives here on the blog at a much faster rate {and with more information} than I would have placed in an album anyway! Voila--scrapbook guilt vanished!

:: I enjoy the creative process. Writing, pondering what to write, taking photos to share, learning hotmail & trying new layouts, etc. It's all good.

:: I've met some incredible like-minded women! Yes, I did first think it odd, this online connection & friendship so to speak. But in my everyday life, I don't know many pastor's wives who homeschool and those who would understand the dynamics of that life. Or other Christian African-American homeschoolers...or women who understand this inner need of mine to create, create, create---but now I do, how cool is that!?

But this journal is only a snippet of my life, a snapshot. Reading here will help you to know me more, but it's not the full picture. Just what I choose to share. It's very sad, and a bit unnerving, when I read comments on other blogs blaming women for trying to be super perfect, super Mom, or holier-than-thou elitist. That is certainly not my intent here in this space. I am broken, human and my dishes and laundry do not always get done on time.

But this is also my 'happy place'---where I come to record joy, fullness, and goodness. It's a reminder to me that I am doing some things right and of the truly wonderful life that we enjoy, even with its challenges {which yes, I sometimes do journal about}. This blogging experience has grown much gratitude in my heart. It's not meant to compare or contrast with anyone else, so please don't take it that way! Agreed?

And yes, I have to pull myself away from the computer at times to do my work! The blogsphere is endless and enticing, and there is only so much time in my day for this pursuit. Like right now.....

....um, yeah....it's time to go. See ya!

blogging thoughts

eek!

The December issue of Martha Stewart Living just arrived to my home and the cover alone has me wanting to go straight to the kitchen to start baking. This magazine subscription was a great gift and while I don't attempt too much, holiday creating is usually a fun pursuit. I will definitely be cooking and making some of the crafts.

But first, I have a women's retreat this weekend to finish packing up for :: and details to attend to for that and for home. It will be exciting to be away with these great ladies from our church!--our time together is always such fun and inspiring as well. The theme I planned for this year is 'Peace, Power and a Pillow' based on the account of Jesus calming the storm.

I won't say much more because there are some readers {and lurkers!} who I'll be with this weekend. So, I'll post a little next week.

Oh, I hope I can wait until Saturday to look at that magazine.....


{stop & notice beauty this weekend :: and give gratitude for it :: enjoy}

eek!

let's talk music, part 2

My own personal thoughts are that children should spend several years enjoying music, being exposed to a variety and when and if the spark strikes, to take on more formal music lessons. From my experience, don't rush it and start too early unless there is a strong interest.

When the child is ready {or you're ready to prod him forward!}, here are some thoughts on finding a match:

Traits of a Great Music Teacher:

:: your child will like him!

:: he will make clear what methods used and why

:: she will encourage regular practice

:: she will encourage your child to play music they like as well as other styles

:: he will give an opportunity for the children to display their efforts at a recital or some other format

:: for beginners, he will encourage the parent to sit in the lesson or may record the lesson for the parent to review at home.

:: she will give opportunity for the students to hear her play

I loved my piano and violin teachers! The same Japenese woman instructed me in violin from age 9 until age 17--she had a significant impact on my childhood years, wouldn't you think? It was at her home that I first ate octopus.

I did not know it was octopus.
She told me it tasted like chicken. Why do people always say that!?

It was also the last time I tried octopus.

But, anyway...back to musical thoughts! I appreciated her so much :: and our piano teacher as well. So when seeking out an instructor for your children--consider personality as well. They may be the best or the cheapest or whatever...but if your child doesn't click with him, it could ruin their appetite for music lessons for good.

Not worth it!

let's talk music, part 2

election day travels

For a visit to my in-laws!

Actually, my husband has a conference to speak at about 1/2 hr away from his parents. So, we're heading up further north and will leave the cherubs with them while we spend a few days surrounded by adult conversation, thought-provoking focus on education and uninterrupted meals! I do enjoy my children's company and I'm looking forward to allowing my in-laws to enjoy their company as well {grin, grin}.

And to be completely honest, their grandparents are quite happy to have me out of the picture :: a little more freedom for them as they love on & spoil a bit their 4 out of 5 grandchildren. I'm okay with that.

Happy Election Day! Consider a study on civics, government or presidents for your older ones:

The book D is for Democracy is excellent & covers many topics such as the election process, the constitution, the 3 branches of government, etc. A free study guide on this book can be found here.

Allow your child to vote today in the National Mock Election for Kids!
Track results tonight with this worksheet.

Compare & contrast some elements of the first inaugural address by Washington with the upcoming one this January. Use a Venn diagram to record observations. Use the same diagram to compare & contrast political parties.

Make your own election lapbook.

Browse and explore these sites: Ben's Guide to the US Government, Congress for Kids

Most importantly, share how God can direct the heart of a leader, any leader of a nation, for His purposes. Even difficult and obstinate ones such as the Pharaoh of Moses' day; and the ones who desired to do His will such as King Josiah or King David. So, we can trust in God more than we trust in man.

There are many more ideas and links out in cyber world I'm sure :: enjoy your week, I'll be back in this space this weekend.

election day travels

just a thought...

"When it snows, she has no fear

for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet."

Proverbs 31:21

No snow here yet, but this morning is quite chilly! While I know many will still have balmy weather for a while, this verse popped in my head as we preprare to head out to the library & classes. It speaks of being prepared. Hmmn...

{I hope for a joy-filled weekend for all}

just a thought...