On a Monday

'You get a feeling when you look back on life that that’s all God wants from us, to live inside a body He made and enjoy the story and bond with Him through the experience.'--from A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller

Sorting through homeschool materials today, our first day being the day after Labor Day. That was the habit I grew used to in college, and that's what we hold to now. Just seems more appropriate to start when the first small sniff of Fall is in the air.

And the weather couldn't be any more delightful. The temperatures in the 60s at night and in the low/middle 80s during the day. The windows were up yesterday, and hopefully can remain that way today.

I was able to be a hermit yesterday, and putter along and rest. That's the way Sundays ought to be. We're way too busy (the world in general) and quiet is good. Read more of 'The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie' by Alan Bradley, but decided I couldn't finish it just now, so passed it onto a son. Good book. I'm thinking it might be the next book made into a movie...sort of Lemony Snicket-esque, if you know what I mean. And it's not that it's purposefully depressing (in an amusing way) like Snicket, far from it, but the story has a vintage feel and the children are more mature than the ordinary, run-of-the-mill kid around town. The main character is an 11 year old girl, Flavia, very cool. Will check it out at the library again when it goes off the seven-day list. I need more time!

So instead of reading ALL the time, will organize today and clean the house. I bought 2 dozen brown eggs at the grocery the other day (sale at 99 cents/dozen), but already had over a dozen white ones at home. Guess what's for dinner! With biscuits. That'll be easy. Plus the house needs major dusting---and while the weather has been wonderful, we could do with some rain. This dry weather, plus having windows open, nevermind having 4 dogs and 10 people traipsing through the rooms---has contributed to a very dusty house.

Off to drink my tea and think about it. Oddly enough, the house still sleeps. Must take advantage of it.

Herbal gardening

Harvested some echinacea this afternoon, plus some chocolate mint to dry for Winter teas. The echinacea did poorly in the garden this Summer, but the mint looks healthy. With our off again, on again rains the plants did tolerably well, but some things suffered.

I just told my husband that there are few things I enjoy doing more than writing and/or working with my herbs. It's not the weeding, or poking around outside either...it's more the hanging up to dry, and putting things up in my vitamin cabinet. Makes me feel faintly mystical. And partly it's the connection with my ancestors. I just love that.

One of my German maternal grandfathers, way back when, was an herbal doctor. I'm talking WAY back when, like in the 1700s in North Carolina. There's a story that he helped heal someone who'd been scalped. Likely there are more mundane tales about what he did, but that's the one I find repeated in family papers. Not sure of the turn-out of that situation, but it makes for a good story. Plus, my dad's mother was big into herbs and passed her Nicholas Culpeper herbalist book down to me. Now, that's a treasure. The fact that we inherit urges and talents from ancestors bodes well with me. 'Course I'm talking about the good traits. Not touching on the iffy ones. ;) As to the herbs, doesn't hurt that there's a good dose of Chickasaw Indian sprinkled around in my genes.

Off now to putter and think about things. Daisy my Pug sits against my feet, so all is well with the world.

Saturday's thinking

Back from church this evening after a quiet day. I'd gotten up with the dogs at 7am (much better than the old habit of 5:30am), fed them, puttered around doing much of nothing and went back to bed to read at near 9am. Fell asleep again, after reading a few pages, and stayed that way until 12:30. Can you believe that?

Must be I've been overtired. Hard to catch up. Just wish I felt rested inside. I'm burdened with stuff, nothing overwhelming but plain living. Had gotten into the routine of enjoying our peaceful Sundays, but one of our older sons enjoys going to a different church on Sunday mornings and since he doesn't drive yet (though is old enough---just not very motivated to want it badly enough), one of us takes him and picks him up. First born is good about filling in with that job. And while I should be proud that this other son is willing to go with us on Saturday nights and still attend a different church, sometimes I just want everyone to sit still.

Having eight kids can be a bit of a challenge, even to a seasoned mother like me. In the old days it was easier. Young mothers might look forward to their children driving and making decisions, and I thought that way at one time too. The thing is, the pressure is different now. When they're younger, you can boss them and control most everything they come in contact with. I don't have that option anymore.

So, sometimes I need everyone at home and safe. Just settles my soul, I guess.

Beautiful...

Thanks to Dana for the link. :)

Civil Dis*bedience

Husband told me about the 2010 C*nsus that's going to be required next year, and it's got me to wondering what's really necessary. You can load a PDF file of the document (about 70-80 pages or so) to see what questions were asked 'way back when' and what's new. (I'm not providing a link, not wanting to be tracked, but it's easy to locate in a search engine.) The latest refer to health insur*nce issues and that sort of thing. Oh, and how many times an individual has been married. Now THAT'S important. But if you consider what's been asked in past surveys, you can see that it's a very intrusive piece of stuff. Period.

I don't even remember filling one out 10 years ago, and even more so, don't remember anyone knocking on our door telling us to fill out the form. 'Course I've been raising babies forever, so distraction *is* my middle name.

From what I've learned, a person does need to supply names, ages, and the number of folks who live in a dwelling. Beyond that, it's up to you. Least that's what I'm reading. You can be fined a maximum of a hundred bucks for not answering, and 500 for false information.

In the records of the olden days, they included very basic information. And if you read up on this online, you'll find stories that make the document sound oh, so harmless. Like it's held confidentially, and nobody will take advantage of what they're learning about you. And, yes, I'm being sarcastic.

Educate yourself. Read up on the c*nsus, and make up your own mind. The sad thing about many Americans, and maybe people in general, is their tendency to be sheep. We still have a need to think that those in authority over us have our best interests at heart. Think again. Me? I'm gonna walk carefully.

Deep breaths

Still feeling relief about a decision I made and acted on yesterday. Truly I hadn't realized how weighed-down I'd been about a particular relationship. One of my idiosyncrasies has been my ability to listen to folks share without end. Doesn't matter what they talk about, I listen. The problem has been that once you make that your chief drawing card in a so-called friendship, then abuses follow. Least that's been my experience.

My husband has fussed at me for years about this. Kindly, though. He's been concerned with my frustrated expression when, once again, the friendship isn't equal. I'm the sounding board, but the reverse doesn't follow. Listeners are rarely talkers, but my goodness, we still have something to say!

Just feels like a cool breeze has passed through my life. Uncluttering is good in all forms. It's like I took the mental trash out, and the space left is a treat. Must keep this in mind.

The novice crochet chick

Got out for a bit, and dropped in Michael's to look at crochet yarn. Right inside the door, they had a display of Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn (dishcloth yumminess), and at 79 cents a piece (clearance--regularly $1.79), I got greedy and picked up seven of them. And the funny thing is, I never got past that display. Got the ones I wanted and checked out. Didn't even darken the store further back. Now that's self control!

This stuff is addictive. If I never progress in my crocheting any further, I have enjoyed making these small dishcloths. With the yarn being varigated, the surprise is in the end result. Like life, really. You never know how things will be until the last hurrah.

Now, must rest and read my book, the Elizabeth Buchan one. So enjoying it.

Relief

I feel so good just now, after following up on a bothersome situation. I know that's poor information, and not giving anyone any clear idea as to what I'm referring. But so often, I make too many excuses and try to save too many hurt feelings. Mine end up getting twisted out of shape. Make a habit of that, and it's way hard to do otherwise.

Suffice it to say that after listening to my heart about a particular issue, I acted on it, and the way I feel now is a wonderful thing.

Errands and such

Spent just over an hour, this morning, running around and getting things done. Post office to mail some photos to my in-laws, Blockbust*r to return movies, library to return overdue ones and pick up more, then grocery store to get a few things. Funny how much a person can get done in a short amount of time, when distractions are at a minimum.

The book stash includes:

• The Lazarus Trap by T. Davis Bunn
  
• Remembering and The Memory of Old Jack by Wendell Berry
• Still Life by A. S. Byatt (had read her Possession before, but not any others---there's a Gwyneth P*ltrow movie that's about that title---enjoyed watching that one twice)
  
• The Return Journey by Maeve Binchy
• Wives Behaving Badly by Elizabeth Buchan (she always makes me laugh, appropriately or not)
• Cedar Cove Cookbook by Debbie Macomber (such a pretty cover...this cookbook looks nice and cozy)

Will decide this afternoon, after browsing the stack, which gets first dibs.

As for more domestic pursuits: Put a small roast in the crock pot overnight, and it was done this morning. Broke it up and put it in the fridge, then cut up potatoes and carrots and put them in the broth in the pot. They're cooking on low. Figured that after nap, would make a gravy to put on the whole mixture for dinner. Baking powder biscuits to dish it over. I'm talking about yum!

After a couple of days doing extra housework (caulking and painting) decided that this would be my slow day. That's the main reason I got all of the nonsense of running around done early. Now, I can putter around and settle. Now will go off to make a good example of myself.

(new header image was a freebie from Indygo Junction for my filling out a questionnaire---so pretty!)

A fresh, new day

Hoping to get a couple of things done today, that didn't get finished yesterday. Was able to put primer on the porch window that I'd re-caulked a few weeks ago (obviously I'm not in a hurry), and touched up the trim paint in the bathroom we painted pink awhile back (see, again, no rush). Plan on caulking another window, and finishing up the bathroom details. We'll see. ;)

I was on the telephone way too much yesterday, and if you know me in person, you know for a fact that chatting on the phone is one of my least favorite past-times. Makes me crazy! Sometimes necessary, but not on my list of first loves.

Anyway, it's another wonderfully cool morning. That sort of gives a person an extra lift to accomplish things. Will be off now to think about stuff.

Nathan Coulter

Tried to read Wendell Berry's book, Nathan Coulter, but just can't get into it. There's some stuff the boys do (Nathan as a child) and the adults too that just bothers me. Reminds me of my grandfather putting a spider and a honey bee into a covered jar to watch them fight. Mean-ness, is what I call it. Not my thing. Call me an old city girl, but I can't abide cruelty, even in books. Even pretend.

I was wanting something light, and that's not what I got.

Maybe go to the library tomorrow to search out something else. Not a clue as to what I'll end up with. That's part of the fun. :)

Books and stuff

At around 1am, this morning, I finished Wendell Berry's Fidelity. Yeah, went to bed early, planning on getting to sleep at a decent time. Ha. Read until the book was done, but glad that I did. The only thing is that it got my head to moving. So many thoughts and I just couldn't settle. But this was all in a good way--I'm not complaining. (Sara, didn't you say that Hannah Coulter kept you up? I get it now!) Bonnie and Dotsie...are you proud of me? ;)

Anyway, the final plan today is still up in the air. But some stuff is in the works:

• Mixed a double batch of Ranger Cookie dough last night, and hope to bake them and share them with a couple of neighbors. Not sure when that'll happen.
  
• Veggie soup for dinner, with those yeast rolls that didn't get made last night.
  
• Washing the second load now, first one sitting in the basket for the boys to hang outside.
• Need a couple of things from the store, but maybe the drugstore will do for today.
• And will dig in my library stash for another Wendell Berry to read. I so loved Fidelity, and was amazed at the whole thing...can't describe adequately how much it meant to me. I cried, laughed and just sat there. He reminds me a bit of Marilynne Robinson---there's something very American and comforting about both of them.
  
• Must go now. Glad I was able to sleep until 7am (dogs were agreeable), and have a jump on the day. It's cool and beautiful out there. Must enjoy it.
  

A slow Sunday

Sitting on the front porch, enjoying the hour's-worth of battery power my laptop will afford. Little girls chattering at the bottom of the steps, ignoring their father's warning of having to go back inside if they don't hush.

My Weather Pixie says the temperature is right at 79F. now, and it's a totally delightful day. Began a bit rocky with me waking up at 6am with a dizzy head. 'Course it could've been because I'd only been asleep for 4 hours. Or maybe it was my first thought of having neglected taking my iron for a few days. So, after letting the dogs in and out, I sat in misery on the sofa after taking my iron and eating a bowl of cereal. Let's just say that what followed involved me having to eat a second breakfast later on. Afterwards, went back to bed with a cold cloth against my neck and slept wonderfully. (Glad we'd gone to church last night, so that this morning wasn't a busy one, and I could indulge myself.)

Now, I'm taking it easy, so enjoying the Wendell Berry book, Fidelity, that's showing up on my sidebar today. What a gift. Reminds me of my grandparents in so many ways. They lived in a small town, had close ties with friends and family and had lives that were simpler, and maybe a bit more rich, though they might not have thought so.

The rest of the day looks restful as well. Chicken sandwiches on homemade yeast rolls for dinner, along with some slaw that I'll mix up later (the secret to really great slaw is balsamic vinegar, I think). One son is making something dessert-wise with some canned apples (I can hear him knocking around the dishes in the kitchen), and the washer chugs along beside him.

A good day.

Week's end

Have felt pretty good all day. Sometimes my brain and body seem to be on an even keel---my chemicals are all balanced and a new jumper to wear helps for sure. And with the main parts of the house clean (that has lots to do with my mental health), I'm satisfied.

Took one son with me to the grocery after lunchtime and it wasn't crowded (oddly enough) and I was grateful. Now I can sort of lay back and enjoy the rest of the weekend. Least that's the plan.

Time to turn off my brain and go finish the Anne Tyler that I've been reading. The windows are up, the temperatures overnight will be in the 60s and all is well. Least I think so.

Chick flick time

Gary and I just finished watching this movie and we enjoyed it so much. Silliness. But I have one question...do folks in Minnesota *really* talk like that? They're comparable to Southerners in their cuteness, if it's true. They talk sort of like my in-laws, who are from Michigan, but more so. Lots more.

Oh, and kudos to my husband for picking it out. Last movie was a guy film. It was my turn for something girlie, and he did gooooooooooood, with absolutely no help at all. ;)

Friday morning

For anyone in the house who asked me what I was planning for today, I told them I was STAYING AT HOME, with little possibility of a change in that idea. Every day this week, I've had either errands to run, or places to go. Today is the day to stay here, putter to my heart's content, tidy where tidying needs to happen, vacuum, dust, re-arrange, read, and nap. I think I'm due.

That feeling I had earlier in the week of feeling out of sorts with the house has continued, and it's time to deal with it. When we finish dinner at night, I have a habit of lighting a tea light (vanilla or cranberry) on the stove and a candle on the cabinet in the living room. When I don't do that because of a heavy layer of dust and clutter ranging around, I feel unsettled. Routines are good. And the ones that cause the house to look tidy and cared for rank up high for me.

Dinner is deep-dish pizza, and already asked Gary if we could maybe rent a movie for tonight. A good way to end the week. It's been pretty cool for him, anyway. A woman he's done work for before needs a bid for a couple of pieces of custom furniture. Work has been steady for him the entire Summer. God remains to be good. Not that I'd forgotten. He is faithful---me, not so much, but working on it. A mother gets distracted.

Stuff

Trip to museum yesterday was wonderful, and I'm not sure who had more fun---me or the kids. That's saying something. We went to the planetarium there too, and had never done that. The only downside was the evolutionary position of the program. Didn't know we were made from stardust, did you? Huh! I told my mom about their angle on creation, and she said it was unfortunate that kids these days learn that as being truth. She mentioned that she was glad I'd not had that problem, but I had to dash her rose-colored thoughts, because I remember even in junior high being confused at the creation/evolution stories. Knew God was Creator, but the other stuff....not so much. Dinosaurs were a big puzzle to me then. My mom was a bit hurt, I think, to hear from me that I never remember this being a topic of discussion at home. Well. It wasn't!

Homeschooling has taught me as much as our children. Good thing, eh?

Now I'm just sitting here with Pugs. All children are gone except one son, and he's quietly writing in his room.

Got the new book to review for Thomas Nelson, The [expanded] Bible. The UPS guy just dropped it at the door. The thing is, I have to agree to read all books I review, so this'll be good for me. My kids and husband put me to shame. Gary finished reading the Bible through not too long ago, and as he closed it on Revelation, said something to the effect that he'd just start on Genesis the following day. Over and over, he does this. A couple of the kids do likewise, and think nothing of it. Me, I'm such a novel-addict, that Scripture reading doesn't take as a high priority as it should. Sad, but true. Guess this book will inspire me. Just hope it's a reliable version. :)

Wednesday's mindset

Husband sold his camera on Cr@ig's list, so we went out to spend some money last night. He was hoping to find what he wanted in a simpler camera at T@rget, but didn't. Instead, we spent a bit of time in 'lock-down' there since a pretty rough thunderstorm blew through. The employees shuffled all of the customers into the storeroom and we spent some time just listening to the rain and wind. Got me to wondering how we'd all fare if a real tragedy hit. You never who you'll be stuck with. Wish I'd been able to watch the storm, though. The sky was totally black (before sundown) to the East and looked wonderful. I do love me a good rainstorm.

Anyhow, as is my husband's habit---he had me pick out something for myself (two jumpers) and he got Barbies for the little girls and a Lego set for youngest boy. The other kids all make their own money, so the three littlest often might feel left out. Shoot, not with Gary as their dad. He's the fun one. Me, I'm the practical, day-to-day person, but he livens everything up! Good thing too.

He teases me. The shop is empty of work just now since he just finished the two jobs he's been busy with. My mind says there'll never be another paycheck, so must hoard and fret. He just twinkles his eyes at me and says not to worry. He's got an appointment with someone today about a bed to re-do. My faith....so stinky at times.

So, to distract myself, will devote some time to PLAY today. The kids and I are going to the museum, and I need to get myself in a silly mood. I'm way too responsible for my own good. Slap, slap, slap. Must whip myself into shape. :)

Needing a place to hide

Feeling mentally 'out of touch' (if that makes any sense) and I'm not sure how to cure it. Yesterday, I told our oldest daughter that I just felt----well, 'out of touch with the house' was how I put it. Seems I keep getting either sidetracked or ambushed or something like that. There are things I want to do around here, before we start back with school, and the interruptions are driving me nuts.

One darned interruption is fatigue. My heart is willing but my body is weak---you get the drift. I had plans to do stuff after we got home from the grocery store yesterday, but it was so hot outside that my plans just fell by the wayside. Maybe it's the reality of my body finally showing the wear and tear of having so many children. Do you think? If I were of a more practical mindset, maybe that would be where my head wanders. Or maybe I am practical and in denial at the same time. Denial makes pretty good sense just now.

What I really want (I think) is to have some time to just settle in for a day. As it is, the kids and I will go do our volunteer cleaning stint at the church this morning. I don't have a problem with that 90 minute stretch of time, but what's funny is that after we get home we just sit. Another woman there commented on how she doesn't do any housework after cleaning at the church, since she's already given it her all. I get that. Ninety minutes of consistent labor will tax a person's abilities. Plus, as I said, it's HOT.

Tomorrow I have plans to take the kids to a local museum since we have free passes that expire on the 25th. Best do it, hmm? And on Thursday, they go spend time at my mom's. Most of them. I want to stay home, cancel all plans and say nuts to the world. Somebody give me permission, will ya? I seem to need it.

I realize I'm just rattled. Needing alone time and a stretch of minutes without the bother of being asked questions. I know what the problem is. Summer doesn't hold the connotation for me of what the world talks about. It's more of the same, only without schoolwork messing up the works.

And, no, not wanting any cheese. This isn't a whine so much as a bite of reality.

Books and homemaking

So, I picked up the books that had been transferred for me at a local branch library---sweetness. Four by Wendell Berry (but they don't have Hannah Coulter), a couple by Carrie Brown I'd not read, and a Dorothy Cannell. The prize might be The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe, though.

A review said, "in 2005 it was Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian; in 2006 it was Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale. This summer, The Physick Book is magic." I inhaled both of those books, also with incredibly beautiful covers, so will give this one a shot as well.

Now will settle in for the afternoon. Oldest daughter is making enchiladas later on, so my job is done. I grocery shopped. Surely that earns me consistent Brownie points. Will tidy up a bit, hang out one more load of laundry and hope it dries before dark. The tropical storm (Claudette) is supposed to bring rain sometime overnight or in the morning, and that sounds good to me. Rain would be very welcome. It is interesting to me when we have rain from anything that happens in the Gulf. The air is a bit more edgy. Just a curious fact.

Off now to push around the vacuum and straighten the house. Just had to re-wash that last load, too. I hate it when the washer is set to a small load, and I do a large one. Here we go again!

Sunday afternoon thanks :)

Thanks to everyone for the sweet comments regarding the new kitchen floor. You know, I hesitate to mention too much about how bad the vinyl had gotten, not wanting it to be a reflection on our money situation. The fact remains, however, that a one-income family in today's world is oftentimes thought an oddity. And we've chosen a self-employed lifestyle, and it's not been easy, but for us, it's been the right thing.

Will say, though, that this floor was made up of leftover wood from the shop. The only cost was my husband's and sons' labor and the price of the Danish oil to finish it. So much for a pricey floor, hmmm?

I do want to add that as a family with eight children, I never want to come across as being a know-it-all. Too many prolific women who you run across online seem to want to be the answer to what other mothers need. No thanks! Give me the women who are struggling and making do anytime.

Just wingin' it here.

Done!

The finished kitchen floor, with Violet my Pug in the shot, this time.

In the background is the old vinyl, in what's the mudroom, I guess you could call it. We'll do that in something more water-resistant when funds allow. As it is now....I couldn't be happier. (the before-floor is 4 posts down this page)

Friday

Well, thankfully moolah will make its way to my husband's hot little hand today, so groceries will be had. (I truly love grocery shopping when I have ample funds.) The Lord hasn't deserted us yet, and one of my friends made the comment that God must want to remind us to totally rely on Him. Absolutely true and I forget that, sometimes wanting the comfort of being able to SEE humans fulfill their promises. The thing is, people aren't very dependable. But that's a whole 'nother story.

Anyway, Gary's plan is to begin laying the wood flooring in the kitchen, and probably start on that late today.

Must go empty the fridge of gnarly stuff, and wipe it down. It gets moved first with the stove and dryer. Have to clean up behind them (yuck!), then the guys will take up the trim strips. Must remember to number the trim so's it can go back where it started. I'm going to take photos of the whole process, for my own enjoyment. My main job will be to ferry dogs inside and out, and marvel with the least ones over how interesting the appliances look in the middle of the living room floor. ;)

Our kitchen is small, and we're not doing the part the puppies sleep in (will tile that later), so I'm betting this will run faster than I first imagined. We'll see.

Wish we had a good movie to watch later on.....

End of Thursday

Been sorta blogalicious today. Can't seem to quiet the thoughts in my head, and am driven to type them out. Just got off of the library website, and put several Wendell Berry's and Carrie Brown's on hold. When we get PAID (laughing hysterically), will order Hannah Coulter by Berry online. It's been recommended by several to me (thanks Bonnie, Dotsie and Sara!).

Now enjoying a bit of silence while cornbread and biscuits bake. The house gets full of static when my husband comes home (there's a quote about that in a book I've read here lately), and while I tend to be 'not a talker', to have such energy blow through the door every evening---well, some peace thrown in from time to time seems necessary.

So, now the break's over. Will check the oven and give the potato soup a stir. Might bake a cake after dinner. I'm thinking chocolate. ;)

Scattered thoughts

• Spending a wonderfully quiet and pokey sort of day at home. Only the three oldest boys are here---computering, reading, and one just left to go visit his substitute grandfather, who's a close neighbor.
  
• The temperatures are in the 80's, I cracked the kitchen window open and the dogs are all asleep. Bliss.
• Daisy the Pug sits underneath my feet, and keeps nudging me when I move. My buddy.
  
• Just finished a 3 Musketeers bar one son bought for me. Well, I asked for one and he got me a double pack. Snacks for later!
• And....just finished for the second time Carrie Brown's Lamb in Love. I totally love this book, a gentle love story. Makes me feel so restful both during the reading of it and afterward. Wish I could begin it again right away. Did that with the movie Moonstruck years back. Watched the video by myself and re-ran that thing and watched it a second time.
• Must now go get into my library stash and find the next book. There's always one more.
  

The before kitchen floor

Kitchen floor now...just to give me a starting point. Not sure when we'll tackle putting down the wood flooring (Gary's cutting pieces even today), no hurry, but sure will be neat when it's done. That's Daisy my Pug, looking adorable.

The area behind Daisy is what used to be the breakfast room, and it opens to our bedroom (the former garage) and the backyard. We've outgrown that space to eat, so it serves as the spot the puppies sleep at night. Covers are back there, on the floor, and you can see them if you squint.

The cabinets are original to the house, as is the linoleum countertop. The house is 60 years old, so is in a fixer-upper state, pretty much, all the time. I do love the blue countertops though. Many of our neighbors have replaced theirs, but I find it charming.

Changing my focus

I'm realizing that my attitude needs adjusting when I focus too keenly on things I cannot change. Woke up all angry about the situation last night with Gary's customer, but can't tote that frustration around with me all day.

There is stuff for dinner, though I'm not taking on tomorrow's feeding frenzy yet. These kids do eat a lot. It sometimes boils down to just doing today, or the current hour, or not even the whole 24 hours. Not easy, but necessary.

With us now waiting on two clients to pay balances, we're in a position to trust God even more. Gary says that this must be happening for some reason, though we don't know what that reason is. To be honest, though, I'd rather be expecting payment than for the opposite to be true---to not have any monies due from anyone. Now that's hard for sure.

So, while the majority of the kids spend the day at my mom's, I think I'll putter at home. Just worked with my little jade plant. I overwatered it lately, and some of it got wiggly. Broke off the good part and will re-pot it in a few days, after it hardens off. Just needing the comfort of homey routines---the things that need to happen and tend to settle my mind. There is certainly rest in that. Will see how that works.

(photo of jade plant not my own...I wish!)

Just makes me wonder...

Hard to get into a reasonable mood when I'm still feeling the sting of something that happened today. Flabbergasts me when clients of my husband either forget their checkbooks when they arrive to pick up finished work OR, in the case of this evening, say they've run out of checks.

As I've said before...."we're just livin' on love here."

Haven't folks heard the verse about the workman being worthy of his hire? The thing is, my husband bends over backwards to please his customers. To find them being indifferent is totally aggravating. Do we not also have bills to pay?

My change purse still echoes.

Anyone care to guess how many times my husband has finished a job, and a customer has come to pick up the item only to find that they've forgotten their checkbook? Truly it's amazing to realize how often that actually happens. Today took the cake. They're set up to deliver after dinner and the woman called a couple of hours beforehand saying they'd run out of checks. Ordered them yesterday. Will Gary still deliver?

How convenient. Yeah, we're livin' on love, just as I've said before.

I can gripe here. Gary can't fuss at his website, but I can vent galore.

Mid-week's doings

Went to sleep at around 1am, with the intention of waking up in time to watch the racing bikes whiz down the street. They usually pass on Wednesday mornings just before 6am. Daisy the Pug woke me up at 5:49--what timing, eh? Well, went to look out several times before 6 and just after, but no bikers. Nuts. Every time I've seen them (always by accident) I get a little rush.

Guess some things are better unintentional!??! Yeah, if I'd 'not' been looking for them, I would've. There's probably some deep spiritual metaphor connected to this situation, but I'm too tired to look for it.

Must go back to bed in a minute. Nothing pressing, so can afford to indulge my urge/need to rest.

The day spreads out in front of me, and looks to be mild and regular. The older boys have work to do at a neighbor's, cleaning out their backyard. Oldest daughter is off work today, so the house will be full of all the kids going in and out. No plans for anyone except Gary who has a console table to deliver after dinner. Now, that's encouraging as my change purse has developed an echo. Only other really neat news is that he's been able to scavenge leftover wood in his shop and is cutting pieces for our kitchen floor. Presently it's got strategically-placed rugs on it, covering up tears and holes in the vinyl. Wood floor. Imagine that, and free to boot. We've just got to figure out HOW to do it! Ah, there's the rub. We're such sophomores in life. Just winging it, most days. God has to have an incredible sense of humor to have given the pair of us eight kids to raise. We really don't have a clue. ;)

The Noticer

I just finished reading The Noticer by Andy Andrews as a blogging book reviewer for the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and kept having the impression that I'd read it before. After looking through a list of books I'd finished in the past months, came to realize that this book is very much like one of his previous books---The Lost Choice. It was a bit disturbing to find myself reading passages that I knew were familiar, bits about George Washington Carver, to be exact.

To give Mr. Andrews credit, though, the book is entertaining. The personal stories given would likely fit many readers lives. Most folks would be able to identify with the individuals he highlights involving personal struggles and such, but after a bit, I got tired of the stories. I was waiting for the twist. No twist.

This is a good read, and an inspiring one for those who haven't read Mr. Andrews other books. But taken with the rest, it's a bit of a re-run.

Outside

OK, just read the weather news. More rain on the way. I get that, and hope it comes true. But what floors me is that the temperature is to be 94F, with a heat index of 114F. You gotta be kidding me.

I quit.
******

Update: What an exaggeration. The temperature hasn't gone above the high 80's with the heat index about 10 degrees more. Should've known. Those weather guys are such emotional sorts. Hint at a crisis and they go a bit nuts. I can deal with 99 degrees. Brother!

Until June

Making plans to adopt the lead singer. I wish. ;)

Laminin---I love this...

Salvation

Am in the midst of witnessing the salvation of a friend, and finding the process awe-inspiring. Oldest daughter and I visited her in the hospital today, recovering from something (too complicated to go into), and was amazed at how the conversation gravitated to the Lord.

She's at the edge of giving it up, and I'm anxious to see what He has planned for her.

Very distracting.

Told daughter we need to stay prayed up, because the evil one has his claws set to grab. Exhausted but so thrilled. Got to stay on our toes, now and after she lets go. I'm thinking she's in for the ride of her life. Peace and Grace are such wonderful things.

The weekend

Woke up all angsty--there's a minor fret, but nothing insurmountable. The sort of bother that makes me want to turn off my head for the weekend. As it is, my poor rash-ridden hands are driving me nuts, and I'm running the sleeves of my sweater between my fingers to scratch them. Arrgh! Not sure if the wedding rings will last the weekend with my irritating rash coming back. EVERYtime I get upset, here it comes. So maddening.

A recipe for a quiet weekend, for sure. Just need to put my attention on other things.

On the up-side, there's a Pug sitting on my feet, and that's always a pleasant state of affairs. Will make a cup of tea in a minute. Maybe pick up my beginner level crocheting and work on another dish cloth that's in-the-works. Think about re-arranging the living room furniture. Make out the weekend's grocery list and be thankful for the funds to buy yummies. And just take deep breaths and rejoice over a sweet husband and all of our children---the eight of them still under our roof.

Lots to be grateful for, and that in itself should draw my attention where it should be.

Books and movies

You know, a person takes a risk when they talk about books and movies. I spoke out against Julie and Julia last night, saying that I'd not be seeing it with our daughter. The thing is, I really want to see it. But I have this part of me that wrestles with what's appropriate for a Christian to do and what's not right. Sometimes I just don't know. There are popular movies I've really enjoyed...full of swearing and other worldly stuff. Still, I consider them good entertainment. But, when I look at things in the light of what I'm trying to teach our children, the worldly aspect of life seems to rear its head and I end up just hanging mine.

The commercials push the Julia movie as wonderful and it looks grand. The colors, clothes, humor all look appealing. But the language is definitely a problem and some other issues do rear their heads.

To buck what's popular is always hard. I don't judge anyone who wants to see this or any other movie that's out there. But my husband and I have tried to follow a new rule to not rent R-rated movies, esp. when it's regarding language. The thing is, the PG-13 rating has become almost R-like in its permissiveness. What the rating system says is appropriate for a 13 year old with a parent is rarely what I'd approve of.

Sheesh.

Might as well hang myself the rest of the way. The two books I mentioned yesterday....the Revolutionary Road, in particular---I'll have to pass on it too. The guy has a great talent for writing, but man, is it depressing. (I'm reminded of Catcher in the Rye that I read in high school. Weighty and hard to swallow. ) And again, I'm not too awfully keen on reading of the Lord's name being taken in vain. Yes, some of the books I've recommended on the sidebar have some profanity, etc., in them so I'm not holding myself as this great example of perfect character, but it is a shame when what the world calls entertainment has to be tainted with foul language and situations that cause me to blush.

Christians are supposed to be different and stand out. Seems that it rarely pans out that way. We're sorta wishy-washy, and I'm just as uninspiring as the next guy. Interesting, huh?

Book lust

Edit post: Won't be seeing the movie, Julie and Julia, with daughter tomorrow night afterall. This review says it all. Don't want to be embarrassed with my girl, you see? The language is a bit over the top---least I think so.

Finished the first story in Mr. Bedford and His Muses by Gail Godwin---actually, it's the title piece. Looking forward to the rest of it....I love short stories anyhow (but I repeat myself). She mentions two books being read by one of the characters: Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates and A Long and Happy Life by Reynolds Price. The library branch with the Yates available is on the way to my mom's, so will grab that before nabbing the kids. Like I need another book to read!?!??! Talk about addiction.

Truth is, if I don't have a new book to read, I'll re-read just about anything.

Sometimes I think I've already read all the good stuff at our libraries. Arrogant? Well, sure. ;) But thankfully, I still find more to entertain myself with.

Thursday's stuff

Ah, today most of the kids will go to my mom's for lunch and then for the afternoon. Nice. Not all will go, though. I'll have minor company with one son. The boys have a pretty lucrative business---house-sitting. Seems we're a neighborhood of single folks with pets. So the boys feed animals, check the houses and at the end of the weeks, they end up with a tidy sum. This work came about all by itself, too. 'Course we've lived in this house long enough (19 years) and know most everybody around our house and behind it as well. Helps that the same boys cut folks' yards too. Anyway, one boy will stay home to do noontime duty at one house they're responsible for. That works, especially since he's such good company. Pretty cool to be able to say that about a 15 year old son!

Me? I'll run to the health food store after dropping off the kids---needing a stronger iron to take. Feeling way too rundown, so this should do the trick. Then to the regular grocery for something for dinner. Hoping for inspiration to hit before then. ;)

(listening to the song listed right below this post while I'm writing---so pretty---a great way to begin the day)

The kids asked what I'd be doing *exciting* today while they're gone. Exciting? Not always in my job description (but could be!), but when I told them what I just told you, adding that I'd grab something for lunch and then come home to read---well, they all got that. A quiet house and a good book go a long way to supply contentment. Am seriously enjoying my Gail Godwin marathon of reading besides. The Mr. Bedford book of hers is so appealing. Can't wait!

Leeland and Brandon Heath

Planning on a restful day

Hung clothes out late last night, not wanting to run the dryer with it so hot outside. When I do that in the Summer, they end up dry by around 10am. So, 10:30pm found me wandering around in the backyard, looking at the moon for hints as to whether it'd rain. Seems I've lost my touch in reading hints in nature as to the state of in-coming weather, because.....

It did begin raining sometime before sun up. Thundered too. Sounded so cozy while I was in bed. Had in the back of my mind, though, the thought of the sagging clothelines. :)

But what's so great is that this morning the air is wonderfully cool and refreshing. This after a heat index yesterday of around 104 or so. It was HOT. Even in the house, seemed we couldn't cool down. Supposedly, today it's going to be a repeat of the day before, but I can enjoy now while it's overcast and delightful. Just wish I could cram the entire day into the next hour---least so's we could take advantage of the weather part.

Will take the rest of the day as it comes. Don't have to leave the house for anything, which is a nice change. No errands that I can't send the older ones out for. Leftovers for dinner. Books to read. Puttering to be enjoyed. That's all I need.

My Monday, so far

Thinking that if I can convince my family that it's a good idea to wash laundry at 6am or so, I'll be able to get a jump on the day. What do you think? OK, it was a rhetorical question. Don't answer. But I do have a yearning on Mondays to have a list to accomplish. Not so much what anyone else expects of me, but the other way around. What I want to do. Sometimes I get in a rut of thinking I have 'to do' in order to be worthy. Sort of legalistic, aren't I? Or maybe just foolish.

Today includes taking a son to the hardware store for a mower part. Buying milk and lettuce. Salmon croquettes and salad for dinner. Yum. And the ever-present cleaning the house.

I need to begin caulking the outside windows, like I hinted at several weeks ago. Will be dry weather for the next few days, so it'd be opportune. We'll see. Still not inspired to tackle that job. Painting the china cabinet in the kitchen light pink is as industrious as I've felt lately. And even that was a tiny bit of an effort.

Must make time to browse my new Romantic Homes magazine. Have been letting it sit here, just tempting me. The September issue just came out. Girlie loveliness.

Now, must go. Am using my laptop on the battery, so's not to sit here overlong. On with my scrambled thoughts..........

(painting by deborah chabrian)

Beautiful

"It had been his first meal since Rose's death: a veal stew with tiny pearl onions and pink peppercorns; a half-dozen corn muffins, studded with a confetti of hot peppers in pink and green. There were sausages, brown and glistening, in an earthenware jar. A faceted glass bottle held wine. He ate two pieces of the chocolate cake, dense and rich and flavored with coffee, and then he pushed back from the table, his hands over his middle, tears running down his face.

This was Rose's cooking, yet with something slightly altered about it--some herb he did not recognize in the sausages, rum in the cake. But he had known, even as he raised the lid of the basket, that its contents would restore to him the flavor and essence of sustenance, the pleasure of Rose's table, which had made him, throughout his marriage, nearly faint with gratitude. He had known that the meal to follow would be good--he could smell it, and if he could smell it, he knew, he could taste it."--from Rose's Garden by Carrie Brown

August first

I need to acquire a holiday sort of mentality. The reality is that we won't be leaving home to do vacation-sorts-of-things for the rest of the Summer-time period, but that's no surprise, since we hadn't planned to. School starts for us during the first week of September, so we have one more month of play, or what rates as play. I want to do some more work in the house, which for me, isn't really work. The joke in our house is that when I have extra money, I much rather spend it on homey touches than clothes for myself. Go figure.

And I find that when I'm reading, I'm taken in by situations where folks do indulgent things. Doesn't have to be much, but I find it incredibly appealing---the idea of fun. Doesn't have to be much---just reading about someone doing something simply for the joy of it. I love that. Just don't seem to have much skill anymore in following through. It's an effort because I can find excuses to do needful things over pleasurable ones. I'm a work in progress, that's for sure.

Anyway, enjoying the path the weekend is taking. We stayed in from church this evening. I'm not the only one who's a bit weary. Oldest daughter and I went out to lunch and then on to the library. Brought back a stack, and started one that I think I've read before, Rose's Garden by Carrie Brown. Enchanting. Puts me in a restful frame of mind. And rented a movie at the library too---Brief Encounter, which I've seen before as well. An old black and white, perfect for a quiet rainy sort of weekend.

Now I need to get dinner ready. Tuna fish sandwiches, baked beans I'll dress up a bit and maybe some slaw. Depends on whether I want to ruin my knuckles with the old hand-held grater. Rest. A slow weekend. It's time for that and sounds so wonderful. Now off to enjoy more of it.