Last day before first day

The weather is totally dishy today. There's a strong breeze, temperatures in the upper 60's and the sun seems to be showing itself after a cloudy morning. But according to the map, rain's on its way. Still, we've got some windows open and the house is beginning to smell fresh after having it closed up with the heat on for the past few weeks. I'll take it as it comes. It'll be a bit cooler tomorrow and through the rest of the weekend, but today's fine.

Hoping to get the bedsheets washed and hung out before it storms. And plan on making a batch or two of scones---a hankering I've got today. And, Hoppin' John for our New Year's Eve dinner. If I can whip up some cornbread to go with it, I'll be one happy camper.

Now will putter.

Are we having fun yet?

I think I need a break. Sure, the kids have been out of school, but am sorta at the weepy stage and feel ready to crumble. This non-stop illness that the kids have passed around has worn me to the bone. But thankfully neither Gary or I have caught it. So, think I'll turn off my head and enjoy the next few days and avoid any more confrontation.

One of the boys got a bit mumbly with me in regards to him *not* going back to work yet. My idea. His brother will cover for him, and willingly, but this sick son who's very responsible and honorably so, still has too rough a cough to work today. I admire his work ethic, but appreciate him doing what I say even more.

As the saying goes...'parenting isn't for the faint of heart'. Amen.

Mid-week

My goodness, a busy afternoon, filled with taking a son to work, the grocery store, library and a couple of other stops. Can't complain, though, since I stayed in bed 'til after noon. That's not happened in ages and ages. Must have been that I was just plain worn out. I did initially wake up at 5:30am (not from the dogs making noise, though) and stayed awake until they needed to go out at just before 7am. Used my time relatively wisely with reading the Daily Office for the morning. Those Robert Benson books I've been inhaling have been so wonderful for encouraging a regular prayer time. Very soothing to my spirit, if you know what I mean. Puts God in a more respectful place in my thinking as well. Seems to me that Protestants are sometimes all about making God cozy, and I have always gotten a bit het up when folks call him Daddy (no offense for anyone here who does that, it's just not my thing---my mom practices that as well). Just seems too laid back and puts God into a human role that appears to be inappropriate. But that's just what I think. But then, my mindset isn't for everyone.

Besides my mental/spiritual quests---one more child was felled by the sickness here, but he slept most of it off. He woke up just now after going to bed after work (he worked until 11pm) last night. Sleep and drugs did the trick, it seems, and I'm grateful for that.

Middle daughter is getting a slight headache which the precursor of this sickness, but maybe she can fight it off. Time will tell. I went out the drugstore/healthfood stores and bought marshmallow and slippery elm capsules, and a mullein-based tea along with some echinacea. Two of them are fighting a cough that's annoying and want to control that before it gets any worse.

That's my world. You're welcome to it, but then again, it's not for everyone. :)

A quiet (yet messy) Tuesday afternoon

The living room is a jumble of worn-out cardboard boxes half-filled with Christmas decorations, along with unfolded clothes and pug covers. It's a mess. And the whole house (to a large extent) is cluttered and looking a bit chubby. These are the days when I have to shake my head to get it to set on straight. Fortunately, however, nothing's hanging fire (which is a saying that came out of my mouth the other day causing Gary to say that he'd never heard that phrase---huh! In my southern world it refers to something that's not in desperate need of happening) and I can take my time in setting things to rights.

Disarray. A reality but one that makes my insides sad. I do love order, but being a packrat to some extent, makes that a challenge. Plus, G.'s making me a new bookshelf for beside the bed and that area of the bedroom will have to look worse before it gets any better. Change is messy, that's for sure.

Now must rest. Nap-time passes all too quickly.

Late Monday

All kids are better, and surprisingly enough, everyone didn't get sick. Well, I find that amazing. Anyway, have ingredients to make spaghetti tomorrow (and it'll last 2 days), and will putter around a bit. There's NOwhere I have to go (well, will take one boy to work, but that's minor), and just need the mundane-ness of moving around the house and not being in a hurry or distracted. Having sick ones makes me feel a bit wired, so hopefully tomorrow can be day one in a series of slow days, especially since we don't start back with schoolwork until a week from today. Besides, the temperatures are gradually rising, and we supposed to hit 60-65 degrees by Friday. Sounds dishy to me.

Sunday afternoon

The least one made signs of catching the flu-ish thing that's in our house, but only played around with a cough before the sun came up this morning. She's quieter than usual today, but for a slender little girl, is surprisingly tough. I've said this before, and I'll say it again: the children of ours who've not been inundated with vaccinations are healthier than those of ours who were always up-to-date on shots. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Just sayin'.

Anyway, am tucked into bed as is my habit on a cold afternoon. My nose is cold, as are my hands, but will alternate tucking them under the covers when I'm through typing. But not my nose.

Life is getting back to normal today, and quickly too. The three older boys have to work (and a shame on a Sunday, and hard since two of them aren't completely well yet), but the rest of us are staying cozy at home. It's COLD outside. Had some snow last night, but just enough to tuck into the cracks outside. Still, it was pretty falling after dark. The 3 girls are in bed together watching 'Pride and Prejudice'---all tucked up and youngest son is playing on the computer while fourth son is sick in bed. All accounted for in one way or another.

Thinking more on New Year plans. At this place in the calendar, it's a pleasing occupation to think about, with none of the pressure. I like that! Now will go watch 'Brief Encounter' online. Love this movie.

Take care and stay warm.

The afters

There's something so appealing about the *after Christmas* feeling. Fresh new starts and all. Seems that as soon as the table is cleaned from our big Christmas dinner in the evening on Christmas night, and the presents are gradually put away, that I feel a lightening in my heart. I'm ready to toss out and freshen up.

'Course with this flu-like virus still taking hold in our house (2 healing and 2 in different spots of illness), there's not a hurry to do a winter cleaning. That'll have to wait until everyone is well. But, I can begin to figure out things in my own mind, and decide what needs to go and what must stay.

And as to resolutions---I'm not so good at keeping them. Maybe I'll just focus on short-term changes---ones that have more likelihood of being fulfilled. We'll see.

Merry Christmas

(painting is of 'christmas tea shoppe' by linda stocks)

Christmas Eve Eve

Well, so far so good. Only two of the children are sick, but oddly enough, their symptoms vary a bit. I'm a bit concerned with third son who came home sick from work last night. He's been asleep almost all the time since he crashed into bed last night. Gave him some medicine at lunchtime, and only because he had to be woken up to call in sick to work, so someone could cover for him. He said his feet and ankles are achy, along with his eyes. That sounds flu-ish to me, but we'll see. Can't do much about it but wait and keep things relatively clean in the house, you know?

Seems we've had sickness at Christmas before, but can't remember. It does slow the pace and I'm fine with that. We could all do with a bit of quiet and peaceable-ness at our home. We tend to go hither and yon and I don't mind this sick-house routine. Takes away the wild emotions that the kids run away with at Christmas...not that I want to deny them some excitement, but I rather like this.

'Course if I was mad about having company in and lots of activity, I'd feel cheated, but since I'm not that sort of person...well, you know. I'm content.

Mixed up the gingerbread man dough before I got settled here in bed. The little girls will help me make the cookies after nap. Navy beans are simmering for bean/ham soup for dinner. Those honey-baked hams don't last but a minute in our house, but there's enough for the soup.

Now will leave you with a $5 video rental at Amazon when you link your Amazon account to your Twitter.

Christmas Eve Eve Eve

Am tucked into bed while the scalloped potatoes bake in the oven. Got home from a grocery shop with 4th son (he was a huge help), and am pooped after so much activity. We had four stops to make---nothing major, but the dollar store, drugstore and library in addition to the grocery. Too much, especially considering the traffic. But I'm tickled at the honey-baked ham that we were given---a yearly gift from the oldest girl's boss/husband's workshop landlady (same person!). With the potatoes, that's dinner. Will whittle it down for bean and ham soup tomorrow. Oh, and our neighbor across the street gave us a frozen turkey today. I'm thinking that it was a possible sacrifice from them, and that makes it doubly sweet.

Now am playing Ludovico Einaudi's 'Una Mattina' repeatedly and finally relaxing. Such beautiful notes on that CD.

The rest of the week should be pretty low-key. Oldest daughter had to stay in from work today. She's got a frustrating headache, cough and slight temperature. We're trying to keep the other ones out of her face, but with a small house, you know how that goes.

Like most folks I want to focus on a peaceful weekend. Not sure if we'll do anything special, but have possible plans to see Narnia at the theatre at some time soon. With the girl sick, that's up in the air, but that's okay. It'll happen one way or another. And since it's just us for Christmas dinner on Saturday, we can do things at our own pace. Always nice.

Take care.

{update at 10:50pm...third son came home from his restaurant job sick, same thing oldest daughter has---we'll see how this thing flies}

And it's only Tuesday

Yesterday was one of those odd days, and I can't really tell you why. Let's just say that I'm glad it's today now. Got my copy of Robert Benson's 'BETWEEN THE DREAMING AND THE COMING TRUE: The Road Home to God' in the mail late yesterday afternoon (our mail comes at the tail-end of our mail lady's route, and sweetly, her husband turns up before dark and follows her in her mail truck while she finishes up). I read it after dinner and right before going to sleep. Finished it, and let me say, he writes good stuff. Just what I need to hear at this place in my life. The one I intend to get next is, 'DIGGING IN : Tending to Life in Your Own Backyard'.

With 3 of his books now nesting in my head, I feel more settled about some things. Nothing major, but he writes in such an honest way. I'll admit that this year has been hard. And it's not been, so much, things within my immediate family, but outer things that have hit me square between the eyes. Thankfully, Gary's work has been steady----steadier would be nicer, but that's out of my realm of control. I'm not God, remember?

Anyway, I'm ready to let go of some grief that's been hounding me. Realized that with the death of my oldest friend, Dana, last December, I've felt the sadness of her illness and death on a regular basis. And like in the olden days, how folks would wear black for a year afterward, I'm hoping I can throw off the mental black I've been wearing as well. 'Course I wear a lot of black as well, but that's me being a fashion statement, not necessarily demonstrating my mourning.

So, today is a new day, and is a bit warm to boot. Temperatures in the low sixties today (where'd that come from?), but overcast, so if you look out the window at the yard, you *think* it's chilly, but it's not. Oldest daughter even turned off the heater in the house before she went to work. It's that nice here.

And this might be the only day this week I can stay home all day. Need to find some more tiny things for stockings, but that's it. Well, need to shop for Christmas dinner, but that can wait as well. Chicken pot pie for dinner here, and that's easy, so will just putter around the house. Down-time sounds mighty appealing just now.

Beautimous

Listening to some music Gary bought tonight, this one by Ludivico Einaudi--the album called 'Una Mattina'. The third song is making me squirm, it's so pretty. You can preview it here. It's called 'Resta con me'.

Where he finds this stuff, I haven't a clue. But glad he does.

Me?

Snuggled in bed with a cup of hot Lady Grey, a couple of Christmas cookies and 'The House in Paris' by Elizabeth Bowen. And just doing today. That's all.

Weekend

And some days it's time to simplify. Feeling a bit over-cluttered, and the journal here seemed to need a bit of a tidy. LOVED the other template, but wanting to dust and clear out a bit.

Will tweak a bit more, and maybe, just maybe will leave it for awhile (wild laughter heard in the background).

Eight days

Most folks my age (51) who I know, don't have children in the single digit ages. The least one is 8 and she and her other similarly aged siblings (12 and 14) are being rotten in a Christmas-like fashion today. Every time the phone rings they key up their voices, and it's all I can do to hear myself talk. Fortunately the phone's not ringing overmuch. And considering that the other children (17, 19, 21, 23 and 25) have a little more self-control, it's not too wild around here. But who cares, really? It's Christmas!

Lots of excitement with the big day being only a week away. Same at most other homes with kids, here being no exception! I'll make plans to take them to the dollar store soon to shop for *their person*. The kids exchange names and it's a big deal to pick out things, even on a shoestring. Always fun. And we have this huge stocking that they put their gifts in, but somehow, that's gone missing along with our ceramic Santas. Not sure how that happens, but considering the condition of our attic, I shouldn't be too surprised.

As for now, I'm drinking a cup of Lady Grey and thinking about stuff. Figuring out how to not get frazzled (have done well so far) and truly enjoy the Season. It's all in managing the frantic moods that sweep over me. You know what I mean.

Enjoy your day! Think I might have to dig out 'Prancer' to watch. Time for a Sam Elliott fix. And, yes, I do have the dialogue memorized. :)

'Another Year' trailer

I so want to see this when it comes out in the U.S. Just the way married folks look at one another gives me a stir.

Books again :)

Have read so much lately that, last night, I hit my saturation point.  Finished Robert Benson's 'Living Prayer' and it was so rich that my brain couldn't absorb any more.  Tried to key down with Elizabeth Goudge's 'Christmas Book', but instead felt like I'd eaten a heavy meal.  Don't get me wrong---Benson is very easy to read, but I kept making notes of some wonderful comments he made and it was just very filling.

More fool me---picked of Phyllis Tickle's 'The Shaping of a Life' at the library today, via Bonnie's suggestion, and will stare at it on the coffee table for awhile before I crack the cover.  Yeah, we'll see how long that lasts.  Me with a new library book is like any addict tempted with whatever is their particular vice.  It's pathetic.

Will go tidy the place a bit before I rest.  Will hold the book as my reward for a job well-done, you know.

From the shop today

Finished and delivered today....cherry veneers, and hand-turned drawer pulls and feet. This is the same client out in the country who had Gary make a grandfather clock case for her. A wonderful person to work for, no doubt. She's absolutely delightful...wish you could meet her. :)

Ho, ho, ho

On a chilly day

Drizzly today, and I was really hankering for a clear day. If you look at the weather map, there aren't any clouds about, so the picture is really misleading. Some sun would be nice.

Looking forward to getting back home after errands this afternoon, and I've not even left yet. Have had to make a habit of picking up my mom's groceries at mid-week, and while I'd like to appear as a blessing of a daughter who's entirely self-sacrificing, I'll admit that it's not always easy to add one more grocery store trip to the week. I am glad to be able to help her, though. She certainly doesn't need to be out in this chill and damp.

But anyway, on the upside, the books I got at the library yesterday are promising. Another Robert Benson called 'Living Prayer' which I began last night, Phyllis Tickle's 'The Divine Hours' for Summertime (the library doesn't have the other seasons of these books), and several novels by Elizabeth Bowen who I've not got any experience of reading, but who was mentioned on another blog.

As to the Mrs. Tickle book---with me exploring the ritual of praying the hours, as it's talked about it Robert Benson's book 'In Constant Prayer' which I reviewed the other day, I was curious as to how other folks do it. Not sure if Mrs. Tickle and I are on the same page, so to speak, with her being a pro-emergent movement follower, and me not being one. Still, I'm interested in how she sets up the book and the practice of the prayer liturgy. We'll see.

So, the day flows before me and this might be the only quiet space allowed to me. Last night, Gary and I watched 'Nanny McPhee Returns' which was a treat. Oldest daughter had rented some movies and we got to see that one first. So cute. Hopefully, if I can lasso my husband into a chair with the heating pad and blankets again, his aching back will heal even more. That's the plan, and with quiche for dinner, it all sounds very cozy to me.

Well, enjoy your day and remember to make some time.

Around the house

Resting for a few minutes with a new pile of library books. Then must push the vacuum cleaner around the living room. Truly, it's been so cold I've not wanted to clean, but the dust and stuff we kicked up with putting up the Christmas tree over the weekend has to be attended to. The fuzz and all that's blowing around the living room/dining room floors really is pitiful. Hope no neighbors plan on knocking on the door until I get it taken care of.

And with our Christmas shopping being lighter than in times past, I can happily say that I've done about all I intend on doing. Like many folks, this holiday came upon me quicker than in years past, and I'm hard pressed to feel elfish enough. Still, the least one (and all the rest of 'em) are so excited, that there's plenty of joy to spill over on me, I guess. Middle daughter made a double batch of sugar cookies this afternoon and looked shell-shocked when I came in the door from running second son to work. She'd rolled out more dough than she could mentally handle and probably sucked up too much sugar as well. A good dose of salt would probably taste good about now. Even when you don't snack on all the rewards of baking, just smelling them too long is a bit overwhelming.

Well, must go now. The temptation of reading must be overcome in favor of tidying the house. Gary messed up his back in some odd way yesterday when he helped a neighbor jump off her car (that sentence can sound odd if you read it in more than one way), and he's not sure how he hurt it. Thought maybe being so tense with the cold had something to do with it. After I clean, I'll make him a cozy spot to stretch out on the sofa with the heating pad. Shoot, life's tough enough without having to deal with pain, you know? Personally, I think he's been working too hard and it caught up with him. Sometimes you're forced to stop when otherwise you wouldn't. But the truth is, he's still not able to stop....more joys of self-employment. Oh well, still there's plenty to be thankful for, and my dishy husband is just one of them!

Remember to take time to enjoy the evening.

A cold Monday night

All huddled up in the bed, which is an exercise in futility if warmth is the object.  Our bedroom (former garage) isn't heated, but the water bed is.  :)  Keep having to alternate putting my hands under the covers (or my backside---you figure it out).  And am drinking some of Gary's coffee.  I'm *that* cold.  And being that I'm not a coffee drinker, I have to be pretty desperate!  He's always got a pot brewing, and tea just takes too long sometimes.  My pink kettle gets enough of a workout as it is.  I've used black electrical tape on the handle many times---but it's still working.

And just ordered another Robert Benson online, this one being called 'Between the Dreaming and the Coming True:  The Road Home to God'.  I think he mentions on his website that this is his favorite book that he's written, if I'm not mistaken.  Have his book, 'Living Prayer', on hold at the library, so maybe it'll be in before the end of the week.  Seems I'm absorbing this guy's books in short order.  He's just such a gentle writer, and so regular.  I've gotten to tired of arrogance in Christian writers, or folks who call themselves Christians.  As I was telling a girlfriend the other day, humility seems hard to come by anymore.

Must go now and see if the water's boiling for the pasta.  Spaghetti sauce is in the crock pot and it smells pretty yummy, and strangely enough, the crock pot is a pretty good heat source.  Yeah, our heater's working in the house, but with temperatures dipping into the teens at night, I'll take heat wherever I can get it.  I know I have plenty of company as well, excepting for the west coast, it's darn cold!

'In Constant Prayer' by Robert Benson

Robert Benson's book 'In Constant Prayer' is simply wonderful. It's a book written for folks like me who are interested in fixed-hour prayer yet don't know where to begin. But it's not necessarily a how-to book. It's a gently-written volume that explains the importance of praying the hours, and the resources listed at the back of the book are plentiful enough to satisfy anyone who's curious. It's really more of step one on the process, explaining what praying the hours is meant to signify, and pointing the reader in the direction they need to take for step number two, which would be actually participating in the daily office on a personal level, and not in a church-wide setting.

For those of us without a background in Episcopal or Catholic rituals, Benson's writing strikes a chord. He's so down-to-earth and easy to understand and is far from arrogant. And I will say that this book came into my life at exactly the right time. I've searched for a book that talks to me, a person uneducated in terms of the daily office, but one who's sincerely yearned for someone to talk on my level. 'In Constant Prayer' has been the answer for that need. Can I give it more than five stars (the limit) in my retail rating, please?

(this book was provided free to review from thomas nelson/booksneeze)

'Chazown' by Craig Groeschel

Craig Groeschel's book called 'Chazown' is about finding your 'sweet spot'---enabling you to cut through the baggage and to grow into the person the Lord created you to be.

I found the book to be intriguing at the onset, and went to the website and filled out the little sticky notes that are cleverly supplied as a visual to work alongside the book. Speaking of which, the site online is very detailed and well put together and is a helpful tool in case the reader doesn't want to organize a workbook and their own supply of notes.

But unfortunately, after the initial reading of the book and using the site I found the subject matter to lag. Yet while the author is very enthusiastic about his topic, I found his aggressive way of writing a bit over the top.

Also, and don't mean to be too picky, but the chapters are set up in such a way that leads the reader to believe that if they follow the steps fully, then they can expect success. This covers job-related issues, physical fitness and finally financial woes. But I've found in my own life that sometimes the Lord doesn't work that way. Life isn't always easy, as a matter of fact, most times it's downright hard, and He allows us to fail in order to get our attention. At least that's my experience.

This book can be a help in showing a person the direction they need to go, yes, but shouldn't be used exclusively. We're not meant to have all of the answers, which in turn causes us to lean on God more completely. It seems that this book implies that we can have our lives all neat and tidy and organized in a planned way. I just don't think it works that way.

(this book was supplied free for me to review from waterbrook/multnomah publishing company)

More about pugs

After looking at this adorable photo online (not our pugs!), I was reminded of our own pugs, which we got 3 years ago this month.  That will forever be, hands down, the best Christmas present ever.  The kids say it every year since then---a splendid Christmas.  And being that it was on the heels of the death of my close neighbor from ALS, it was doubly sweet.  A darling gift of pugs.

Anyway, after I saw the photo above, I got to looking at pugs online.  My goodness.  Breeders in our state are asking an average of $1,500.00/puppy.  Can you imagine?  Well, they're registered, etc., but still.  Amazing.  Ours came from a rescue situation and were, I think $60 a piece.  And ours are pedigreed as well, but with the rescue, we don't have papers to prove that, but who cares, right? Bottom photo is of ours shortly after we'd gotten both (on different days), December 2007. And they were just 5-1/2 weeks old. Also, for anyone interested---it's Violet on the left, and Daisy on the right.



Must go hug my pugs now.  Still the most wonderful of dogs---and while I'd never have picked this breed if I'd been picking being that I had no knowledge of pugs at all, the Lord always knows best.  We'd asked Him for help in getting a puppy, and we got two.  So cool.

(top photo courtesy of ihasahotdog.com)

My Friday

Didn't have to drop the boys off at work, so am all snuggled up in my bed. Schoolwork has been gone over, the clothes are all washed and I don't have to get out until later to buy groceries (a small trip) for the weekend. And tomorrow's good with oldest daughter and I having our yearly Christmas jaunt to a small town to the east of here. Hoping to see a Christmas parade in the bargain.

Figured I'd turn away from the news until the holidays have passed. I've had my fill of the Congress, and since I've written my letters and griped enough (receiving sometimes canned, trite responses), figure with prayer added, I've done my part. Not much else I can do except be anxious, but at Christmas-time, that's a convoluted way to be, don't you think?

So, during the next two weeks, will focus on the Season. Besides, tomorrow night we'll put up our tree and figure out what lights to string outside. Guess that'll suit us just fine without inviting strife into our home, eh?

Oh, and by the way, we rented 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice', the new Nicolas Cage movie and most of us watched it last night, at least the ones who weren't at work. We all enjoyed it so much, from age 8 on up. A real treat---just wanted to add that.

Married life

I need a couple of slow days. But being that I'm married to my total opposite---a high energy, always moving sort of man, well---the chance of having a slow-down is pretty much not on the horizon, unless I fit it into the sunlit hours while he's at the shop. I could sit in one place all day, reading and just being silent. But as soon as the man-of-the-house walks in the door before dinner-time, the atmosphere changes. The party is on.

It's probably good that we're together. Let me correct that. It IS good that we're a couple. I slow him down and he keeps me from atrophying. He needs a wife who's a homebody and domestic (though sadly not an expert in that field), and I need a man who's got a thread of the forbidden in his personality. I do like the bad boys. Always have. It's curious how opposites attract, but in my estimation, those are the happiest marriages. The unexpected ones, and the ones we always enjoy watching.

Just something I'm thinking about as I sit here waiting for the next thing. Funny, one of Gary's favorite lines is, "Okay, now what?" That, pretty much, says it all. And, you know what? I wouldn't change a thing.

Here we go again...

Boneheads. 'Scuse me, but that's what the majority of the folks in Washington remind me of. Well, now the House of Representatives is considering sneaking the S.510 (Food Modernization nonsense) onto another bill, thinking that we're a pack of idiots and won't notice. Please read this, and contact your Reps. if you've a mind to.

C.S. Lewis

'If you look upon ham and eggs and lust, you have already committed breakfast in your heart'~C.S. Lewis

(happily found at cslewisdaily on twitter)

Who's in charge?!!

Seems the Senate made a big boo-boo when they voted to pass the S.510 bill. They jumped the gun, so to speak. Read here to get the update. It's good news, but we've still got to put the pressure on. There's tons of mis-information passing around about this situation, so if you're at all interested, please pressure Congress to vote against it. The House will have to address it first, then the Senate. You'd think the wiseguys up in Washington would've known that, wouldn't you? Huh.

Now you know what really pushes my buttons, don't you? Freedom. Plain and simple.

A fresh, new Monday

'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.'~Philippians 4:16

Words my husband brought to mind yesterday when we got all het up about the topic in my previous post. We'll little hotheads in this house...and obviously I married the right person, in that respect. Anyway, he said that we need to remember Who is really in control, no matter what the folks in DC think they're going to pull.

So today will let the Lord run the world, and I'll do my tiny bit part. My mom's 82nd birthday is today and we'll drop off a present at some point. The girls are going to make her a card. I have glitter! And will wash mountains of clothes and encourage the kids to hang them out for me. It's darn cold, so using the clothesline is a hilarious undertaking, but one that's necessary. Least it'll get above freezing so they'll sorta dry.

Must get in the Christmas spirit now. Could use more sleep, but will have to settle for a nap. In the meantime, there's stuff to do. Enjoy!

Furious

Please read the linked article here about the Senate's passage of a bill that involves the FDA further in our food supply. Ultimately the goal is to totally control anything grown, putting even homegrown things (including food and herbs) under the authority of the Feds. To write your Representatives and encourage them to vote against this bill (S. 510), please use this link.

“If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.”~Thomas Jefferson

And lest any of you think I exaggerate. Bet not.

Late Saturday/early Sunday

The day began with lots of wind but mild temperatures, and the kids spent much of their time outside using the swing Gary rigged up in our old Oak in the backyard. Temps. in the sixties and wonderful. Then, as the day wore on, we've reached the thirties now. Fortunately the house hasn't absorbed the cold air, so the heater's not been turned on quite yet. We're trying to be careful with the utility bills, more than ever, so are being stingy with the heat. You understand, I'm sure.

I'm waiting up for second and third sons to get home from the restaurant where they both work. Late night for them. Usually they're back by now. And second son is helping out with settiing up Communion in the morning for early service at his church, so he'll be tired!

The house isn't asleep yet, though, except for the little girls. They gave it up a few hours ago. Their afternoon was busy making a first double batch of Christmas cookies that they shared with 2 neighbors---one being a favorite across the street who's recovering from a summer spent in chemo. and radiation. She had a bout of throat cancer and is doing wonderfully. Just got the go-ahead to eat things *like* sugar cookies, so the girls' timing with their baking was spot on.

Tomorrow will be spent staying in and resting for most of us. Some boys have to work, but that can't be helped. For me, the day will be quiet and hopefully uneventful. This has been one of those weeks when I've felt as I've been running non-stop. Have a couple of books to read, one for review, and with groceries in the house, should be a peaceful day. Hope yours is as well.

Quotable

Something I read in a book this past week keeps ringing in my ears and it's so simple. A woman is asked about a quote she mentions:

'The true meaning of life is to plant trees whose shade you never expect to sit under. Or something like that.'

I considered it a moment. 'Wow, did you just make that up?'

She shook her head. 'I'm not that profound. Just heard it once or twice and it stuck with me.'

The part I've highlighted in bold letters is wonderful. With so much reading being full of fuss and bother, it's refreshing to hear someone who embraces humility. I just love it.

And, you know, many folks aren't satisfied to be, what the world calls, ordinary. We want to stand out and be popular. To be looked up to and admired. After reading that book (which I enjoyed very much), I got to thinking and really, raising kids is a proud profession and being the wife of a contented husband is worthy as well. I don't have to publish a book, create a masterpiece or be in the public eye. And I think lots of us on the Internet are just full of ourselves sometimes. Me included. I only need to do my job here at home and that's good enough, 'cause you see---I'm not that profound. :)

~from 'Crossing Oceans' by Gina Holmes

Week's end

Considering I was flat broke early yesterday, yet also considering that the poverty didn't last all day---it was a treat to order a book online last night. This one was 'The Heart of England' a Victoria magazine book that came out several years ago. I've been looking for an affordable copy for ages, and happily found one for a buck last night, with shipping only $2.95. Amazing, yes?

I need something to look forward to, especially since one of our big dogs, Opal the shepherd, decided to whine for about an hour and a half, wanting to go out in the middle of the night. Well, honestly, is it reasonable to want to play outside at 4am? I think not. Needless to say, she stays out ALL day today (is usually in and out), and the kids are under orders to wear her out. Some of us need our sleep, even if it's not the dog.

Off to drink Lady Grey tea which is my new treat. Have gone off aspartame for good since it was making me feel sick to my stomach. Not good. Have to admit to being pretty addicted to Coke Zero. With stevia as a sweetener in my tea, I figure I'm being more kind to myself. Those artificial sweeteners can be sorta scary.

And my apologies if the comments aren't always working here. There are some Wordpress bugs that pop up from time to time....and had to remove the Tumblr widget since it kept acting wonky. I think when Tumblr is over limit at their site, then any links tend to wig out. Sorry to have to remove that since it was fun to see the variety of photos that would show in my sidebar. Oh well.

Take care, everyone.

Just today

For those of you who take in regular paychecks, maybe you'll be more interested in passing over this post. It's not a grumble, either, but proof of God's care.

It's no secret that my husband is self-employed and that his paychecks fluctuate without any set plan. He builds/repairs furniture and folks pay when he's done. It's as simple as that. But while he doesn't have a regular retail shop, he does have working space behind an antique shop (not owned by us), which has been lucrative for both the owner of that place, and for us as well. She requires no rent. Very generous and special of her.

But when the paychecks become a bit few and far between, I have been known to frequently vent on my blog about how frustrating I find that situation. Sometimes I hate it. Sometimes I'm patient about it, but always I struggle against it.

Issue two: My Suburban has problems. If I don't have enough gas in the tank (at least 1/4 full all the time), then the check engine light comes on and the transmission doesn't switch into third gear. Yes, the fluids are correct, but with over 230 K miles on the truck, it does have its own peculiarities. And, no, this doesn't make any sense at all. So, I've been low on funds, but with having to take the boys to work each day, have also had to keep an eagle eye on the gas. Even considering that the boys help pay for gas, still, it's not my favorite thing in the world to accept money from them, though I do.

Had a chat with the Lord this morning, complaining about how tight life fits just now, and how stressed I am about it. Shared with Him about how I couldn't ask for anything more from the kids, and would even hesitate if they gifted me any cash.

Fast forward. Took them to my mom's and the truck acted up once, letting me know that I'd have to figure out a way to put more gas in it. Got to my mother's house, and she had a $20 bill waiting for me. I got all teary-eyed, and told her we were waiting for a client to come back in town and pick up some tables that Gary'd repaired, and she said that the Lord was aware of that too. See, she'd been given some money unexpectedly from a neighbor whose house she'd watched recently, and passed a bit of it onto me. She does that sometimes and vice-versa. But for this time, I was blessed.

What I love about this situation is first, how quickly I'm pacified. Twenty bucks makes me smile. Secondly, how the Lord allows us to rant and rave and still He blesses. As second son told me the other day---God isn't so taken with our performance, but with our faithfulness. As my mom calls it, our stick-to-it-ive-ness. For that, I'm grateful, because many times I'm one sorry excuse for a Christian.

It ain't easy, but right this very minute is just fine. Oh, and btw, the folks picked up their tables too. But frankly that was beside the point. I was dandy after the twenty!

Wonderful song

Am listening to this repeatedly. So pretty. :)

A re-whine

Used to, Mondays were my favorite day of the week. Now, not so much. The pressure begins again, and the responsibilities with schoolwork and tending to the dailies slaps me in the face. I think I'm in a rut.

Get prepared...here comes the whine.

Have gotten un-used-to being thankful. And have allowed myself to wallow a bit in self-pity, though I really have no honest excuse for that. The kids are great and my husband is wonderful as well. I think I'm just exhausted. My sleep is interrupted almost every morning *too* early, and I feel like a slug. The sparkle is missing, and that frustrates me. I want my twinkle back.

Little by little, I want to bring something----not sure what, into my days that causes me to sit up a bit straighter. Just little happies. Honestly, with all of these kids, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Sadly, the things you read by women with lots of kids tends to lean toward how well-organized they are and how jolly their households are. I think those women are lying.

Plus, it's easy to get into a mindset of feeling unappreciated. I was mumbling to myself the other night (within hearing distance of a couple of my housemates) and said that I worked so hard at getting as much squeezed out every penny as possible, and that nobody seemed to notice. The gratitude seems to be missing. My husband teased me back, trying to lighten the mood, when actually I wanted a pat on the back. He's tired too. He's working hard, getting little appreciation in the way of clients, and is a tad frustrated as well.

Funny how what we need and what we get aren't always the same thing. Well, it'd be unrealistic for things to fall into place that easily, wouldn't it? And while it'd be nice to get human pats-on-the-back more often, I need to be satisfied when that doesn't happen, I guess.

Patting myself on the back (and trying to think of something to lighten my husband's mood).

After Thanksgiving

Tucked up in bed with my laptop after taking the majority of my offspring over to my mom's. She said here last night at dinner that the kids always visit with her a day or two after Thanksgiving, but our memories are so sorry, none of us could remember. Well, considering that my mom's 81 and we're trying to cherish her more, we'll do whatever makes her happy. So, they're there and I'm here!

Glad that oldest son is home now as well. You hear all the time about the folks who want to shop in the middle of the night after Thanksgiving, and he's one of those who has to man the store while folks do just that. He had to be at work at 3am, and worked until noon today. Came home hungry, hankering for the piece of chocolate chess pie he'd not eaten last night. Sadly, the least one found it in fridge, asked me about it, and since I was clueless, she ate it. Oops. Not the first time that's happened.

And she said the funniest thing the other day. We were talking about a poem youngest son had read for school, and elk were the main topic of it. The younger ones got to wondering what elk looked like and I brought up deer, following up with telling them that we'd had elk meat before.

The least one misunderstood and said, "When did we have elf meat?" All said with a shocked look on her face.

Not much more I can add to that, is there?

Mothering

Am forever amazed at what sorts of things the kids throw at me---figuratively speaking, of course. One son is attracted to the worldly side of life, and is straining at the bit to be more *out there*. Seems to me, he'll have plenty of out there time when he moves away (no time in the near future), so he's got to continue to live under the law here, until then. Still, it gets a bit tiresome. He knows how we do things.

What's to learn?

We've sheltered our kids, and I make no excuse to that. They're decent folks and they've not been hit with lots of the peer pressure that my husband and I had to deal with. Sure, there are folks who say we're not giving them a chance to experience life, but I defer to my first sentences about how we do things here. They can be wild and crazy when they move out. To turn a blind eye to that behavior and allow it while they're under our roof would be a bit foolish in my mind.

Why am I talking about this? I have no idea. Just a mild vent about how 24 hour/day parenting is. Not so much complaining either, but just wish there was more down-time, you know?

Pre-holiday thoughts

Read an advertisement from a local drugstore, saying something about there still *being time* to do something or another before Christmas. Can't believe we're already being encouraged to hurry. I don't wanna! I really, and I mean really want this next month to be sweet and not overdone. My husband reminds me that I say that every year, only to do the same old thing repeatedly.

It gets to where I dread Christmas. Partly it's the attitude that's so prevalent to be busy and spend lots. It's not really a quiet and cozy holiday anymore. Folks are fussy and this time of year lacks that Dickensian sort of flavor. Hard to get a mindset of simplicity and peace. And I'm not sure how to actually do that. The reality of eight kids smacks me in the face, and it's a tad overwhelming. And I'm not talking about greed, either. It's just the volume of stuff that needs doing...or maybe all of it doesn't need doing, eh?

I'm reminded of last Christmas, when my oldest friend, Dana, passed away---and that was on the seventh of December. I wasn't in a mood to decorate or hang lights out on the porch, but the kids got around to it, and that in itself was very special.

Just simple things. Little expense and sweetness. That sounds awfully good about now.

Books and stuff

Think I'll continue my news fast a bit more. Peeked at the headlines earlier today, and they got me so worked up, had to leave the sites. Just don't figure it's advantageous for me to read stuff I can't do anything about---things that seem out of control.

So will putter around the and read more of a book I downloaded for free the other night (a brief give-away from Tyndale), called 'Almost Heaven' by Chris Fabry, a very unassuming author. This book is just magical, and reminds me of Leif Enger's 'Peace like a River'. Both books are touched with pain, but tell the story of what life's really like in such an endearing way.

With my mind racing at times, it's good to read a book that doesn't overdo the drama, but speaks of a life that's ordinary, and dear to God's heart. Makes the mundane seem all the more special.

Besides, it's good to be home just now. Have you noticed that the holiday traffic has already begun? Was out with two of the boys, this afternoon, and there were folks everywhere. Give me home EVERYtime, and I mean it!

Sunday

About to watch some more of Elizabeth Gaskell's 'North and South' on YouTube, then will think about making some yeast rolls for dinner. Think being the operative word. We'll see what actually happens.

The weather is totally wonderful today. It's breezy and warm. The windows are up here and there and we can air out the house from this cold that's swept through the kids. They're all better now, and anxious for Thanksgiving.

Just a restful day, and that's a blessing indeed.

And so it goes...

Am putting myself on a news fast for the weekend (and maybe drifting into next week). The world's gone a tad mad, and I'm not mentally equipped to listen to all of the nonsense, so will turn off my brain for awhile. Besides, just plain living holds enough drama without dragging in everybody else's, right?

For the most part, the house still sleeps. Oldest daughter is up and about ready to leave for her Saturday job at a cute shop near her weekday job. She's been blessed that way. Has never had to look for work, but at both places where she helps out, was asked by the owners before she even began job-hunting.

The rest of the kids are still asleep, and I don't really want to wake up anyone. No need, really. It's Saturday and the boys who work don't have to go in until later on. The least one was teary-eyed before she got to sleep last night...restless...but hopefully will be a bit better today.

Now, if I can just get my mind in a settled place, that would be a treat. Maybe I'll take a nap!

An even quieter Friday

OK, I lied. It's not always so great when the kids are sick. 'Course, as they get older, they're a bit more mature when illness strikes, but still---it does make me tired. No helpers, you know? And yeah, I still enjoy a sympathetic ear from time to time. Now is one of those times.

Two more with sore throats today, so the grand total of sick or recovering children is five (one recovering/four sick). I figure we're more than halfway there.

Just feeling weary, both mentally and physically. Could do with someone fussing over me, because the anxiety (though mild) of watching over these kids is wearing. And sometimes doesn't the parent want mothering as well? I think we all know the answer to that question. A definite resounding *yes*.

A quiet Thursday

Two of the kids have caught second son's cold (who's already recovered), and are hold up in their beds. One is a bit irritated about it, and the other one is weepy. Funny how differently they react to something so simple. But honestly, I'm a parent who doesn't dread the kids getting mildly sick. It slows the house down just enough so that we all get rested. And I showed incredible wisdom on renting 'A Christmas Carole' with Jim Carrey in it. Will watch that today and maybe bake something tea-party-worthy as well.

The world's been spinning a bit too quickly to suit me and don't even get me started on the current news that's out there. My goodness. I'll just duck my head in the sand a day or two until the madness settles a bit. Besides I'm so enjoying my new library book, 'The Distant Hours'. Total dishy-ness.

Take care, sweet ones.

Prettiness

Just found (quite serendipitously...is that a word? if not, it should be) a new online magazine called Gifted Magazine. Was linked at Porridge, which used to be Simple Sparrow.

I used to follow Simple Sparrow years ago, and seems as if she used to talk about not being online on Fridays. Not sure if that was her (such a sweet blog, then and now) site, but think so. Anyway, I got to thinking this morning of how I need to organize my time more---and not be so off the cuff about what I do. More intentional, you know? And maybe making a day where I discipline myself to be away from this machine would be a good thing.

Thinking about it.

Funny how an Internet trail can be so here and there. I was just trying to find Simple Sparrow (love her new name, btw...Porridge is so cute), and found a new magazine to browse as well. Check out Porridge's Etsy shop as well---linked at her blog. Her photos and her daughter's handwork are wonderful.

A slow day

It's raining again...a glorious day, and I'm tucked in bed for a few minutes before getting up for real. Oldest daughter took care of dog duty this morning, so I was able to actually sleep in. Am achy, so must've relaxed beyond what's normal and my body must've said, "ahhhh!" There's been tension tucked up in there somewhere, and guess it got out during the night, eh?

Oldest son gave Gary some cash last week, for us to go to dinner (this was more of his birthday goodness). Not quite sure what we'll do, but G. said that tonight was the night. Considering picking up some Chinese take-out and bringing it home. We've been watching Stargate movies on iTunes (he got an iTunes giftcard for his birthday as well), so might watch the last one while we stuff ourselves. Or might eat out. G. mentioned that since I rarely get out anyhow, that we might do that instead. Whatever...it'll be a nice change (must work into an excited mood, since I sound a bit too mild in talking about a date night).

For now though, will get it in gear and put in a third load of wash while I teach these kids something. Needless to say, won't be drying anything outside today. But it's cozy inside, even though we're only turning on the heater occasionally. Not quite ready to have the utility bill soar just yet. Besides, a house full of 4 dogs and assorted children does warm up all by itself, you know?

Remember to take time today.

Mental stuff

Mostly, I think I'm overstimulated. Woke up this morning at 5:30am with the big dogs clambering to get let out. At five-thirty? You've got to be kidding. I fussed at them, and had to shove Opal, the shepherd, back onto her covers. She was a bit put out. Then they renewed their annoying behavior at 6:15am. A little better, but still...

When I got up for good, brought my hot tea and raisin bread back to bed for some more quiet. The kids were making noise by then, and except for the least one, they're pretty good about respecting the closed door. I had about half an hour of alone-time.

Used to, Mondays were my favorite day of the week. Now I tend to look at it as the beginning of more work. I've GOT to change this attitude. Life begins to be more of a burden than a joy, and that can't be good. For me, am downloading the last lessons in the art class I've been taking online. The hard part? Making time to actually do the work.

Time for a mental vacation, I'm thinking.

My view about opting out...

Please pray for a friend of mine (don't want to share her first name since I'm not sure her proper name is out there in the public eye just now) whose husband, Michael Roberts, is the pilot who opted-out of the full body scan and pat down at the Memphis airport last month. He really was instrumental in the movement of opposing the TSA's new procedures.

Now, mind, all of the folks I've shared this with aren't on the same side of the fence as we are. We completely stand behind Michael, and what he's speaking out against.

The way I look at it, we're turning even more into sheep and will do whatever the authority figures are requiring. And I ask you, is that even right? Something to consider as they attempt to recondition more of us all the time.

Today

Can't do the colors justice, esp. in the first photo. The burning bushes are SO intense, but my camera seems to wash the richness of the reds down a bit. Still, they're pretty stunning!

Saturday's delights

Raining.

I could stop writing just there, since I'm such a sucker for a rainy day. Perfection. Oldest son says that these sorts of days are only worthwhile for depressed people, anyway. Silly boy.

Got up at 6am with the dogs, and it wasn't raining yet. The burning bushes out front, though....my goodness. The sky was yellow and the light coming through the bushes was amazing. They're huge anyway (must post photo), and when it gets to this time of year, they cast a pink light into the kitchen. I don't think we'll get any wind this weekend---don't want them to drop their leaves yet, so I ought to be able to take some pictures tomorrow.

About to make a grocery list and then stop off at the library for a book on hold as well. A totally relaxing and delicious day. Oh, and middle daughter is making cinnamon rolls for tomorrow's breakfast---a triple batch! The Kitchen Aid will be moaning for sure.

Take care.

The book project

Working on the book that I mentioned to you a few weeks ago. Had to can the idea of doing the Nanowrimo to write it since the idea of hurrying sort of defeats the purpose of writing it in the first place. The mindset is one of slowing down and savoring our work at home. If I scribble it down as an exercise in quantity over quality, then I miss the point, you know?

And also, I began the book on the computer, but find that it's more restful to write it in my notebooks---in pen. I noodle more and feel more relaxed. If I type on the keyboard, I'm more of a mind to feel rushed. Go figure.

Must go now (and I'm not in a hurry!). The kids and I are about to tackle this disjointed house and hopefully will end the day with a clean one. As a quote for today (not that there is one everyday), read this gem:

'I have often said that the sole cause of man’s unhappiness is that he does not know how to stay quietly in his room.'~Blaise Pascal

Enjoy your day.

What about Friday?

Thinking tomorrow will be a cleaning day. I need the grounding of a weekend that's settled in a tidy house. I've got some more pine straw to put down, and with the weather so ultra-dishy, I'm figuring it'll be a perfect day to have the windows up and scrub the house to death. Well, it sounds pretty darn good to me.

Oh, and re-watched 'Howard's End' this afternoon while the kids were at my mom's and SO enjoyed it. Those old Merchant-Ivory films are my favorites. Just wish that there were more of them that I've not seen. As it is, seems we've rented them all.

Blessings

Thankful that the Lord knows what our limits are (pushing us to a point that's not always pleasant), but He's always there at the end of that tunnel. Folks paid today, I was able to buy a couple of birthday presents this afternoon, and the pressure lifts a bit.

Figure it's important for me to be open and honest about the self-employed life. I'd be lying if I was always chipper about it, and I definitely don't give that impression.

For those of you who prayed, thank you so much.

Now. Exhale.

WhatEVER

Feeling that I'm not passing the test of endurance just now. A bit overwrought and needing some intervention on the Lord's part. Not wanting to sound disrespectful, but when several customers owe money and we end up depending on the kids in the meantime---well, that just stinks. At least they're willing, though. And the thing is---I've shared with the kids about how hard it is to ask for their help and they just look at me with that look (you know the one!), but this time the look says that we're family and we help one another out. They are sweet, I'll admit.

Plus it's Gary's 55th birthday today, and he's been so down, he could use a pick-me-up as well.

Think I'll try to get some focus today. Life is just a tad prickly, and I need to look up rather than at my clogs. 'Course it's been LOTS worse before. Shoot, at least there's work, but not having the blessing of payment really puts a different spin on the everyday.

New ways with manna

I'll tell you---blogging at a new site with a new screen view sure does feel odd. Had gotten so that Blogger felt comfortable, but it's good to be stimulated in a new way, I guess. Life does get to feeling full of ruts that have to be jumped over. I like new stuff!

And am still thinking about a lunch Gary and I went to on Friday---this with a customer who lives out in the country, about 20 minutes from his shop. He was making a delivery---well, giving them a guitar stand he'd made to say thank you for being such dishy customers. And in an interesting twist, they're wildly wealthy (way out of our comfort zone of income), and are just wonderful people besides. What was going to be the two of us making the drive and a quick drop-off, turned into a baked chicken lunch. Gary wanted me to see their house (they're the ones who ordered the grandfather clock case he'd finished recently), so I was geared up to hop out of the truck, breeze through the house and go back home. When he called the lady of the house on Friday morning, she said that we just had to eat lunch with them. I loved it. And she sent us home with a pan of brownies, and a quart container of raspberry jam for everybody else in our house.

Now to get into a birthday mindset. Gary has his day tomorrow, and will wait to see who pays us before I go shopping. Back to manna living in our house, not that I like it, but it's the way of it. I'll admit to being a bit testy, but still open to how the Lord nudges folks. Still, we're having to be slow pay on a bill of our own, and it does put things in their proper perspective. Life's a bit pinchy for lots of folks, and we have plenty of company. But thankfully, in the midst of all of this, there's work in the shop and the above-mentioned lady has a bureau she's wanting. It'll all work out. Always does.

My virtual moving day

Find me here now :)   (see how empty the room looks up above...I'm moving!)  Funny, I used to move my blog every so often, and haven't done it in AGES.  Change can be good.

Glenn Beck's newest book

Just finished Glenn Beck's book, The Overton Window, and while he does cover some valid aspects of what's going on, I was VERY worried after finishing it. Just too much food for thought, I guess. He's a talented writer, though. It's well-researched, but maybe too realistic? Made me want to install a wood stove and learn survivalist techniques. I've got a lot to learn. :)

Then afterward, picked up a new book called Blood Harvest by S. J. Bolton. So far so good...but we know that that means. It's great at this point, but could change at any minute! (update...got to a disturbing part regarding children and I had to put it down).

Must go. Time to chill.

Drama, and not mine

Am finding it hard to be overly compassionate with our across-the-street neighbors who always have an uproar brewing.  As I looked out the front window yesterday (had heard someone yelling and  was wondering what was going on) I saw the 20-something daughter of our neighbor's son (neither live with our neighbor, but visit often) take a hand tiller out of her grandmother's backyard---the ones on a pole like a shovel, and bash it into her dad's new-ish pick-up, crushing his windshield.  Twice.  Is this normal behavior?  We got to counting and there have been 4 incidences at that corner in the last 6 weeks.  And, yes, someone called the police (not me) and the dad ended up handcuffed, though not arrested.

Can't figure out what goes on in people's lives that allows for such drama.  And I think violence is so startling, especially when you're watching it first hand.  The really creepy part is realizing, though, that if this daughter will damage her own father's truck, what would she do to a stranger's?

Folks do walk around with such pain.  I need to pray more about this, but have to deal with the disgust as well.  Not easy.

Drama, and not mine

Am finding it hard to be overly compassionate with our across-the-street neighbors who always have an uproar brewing.  As I looked out the front window yesterday (had heard someone yelling and  was wondering what was going on) I saw the 20-something daughter of our neighbor's son (neither live with our neighbor, but visit often) take a hand tiller out of her grandmother's backyard---the ones on a pole like a shovel, and bash it into her dad's new-ish pick-up, crushing his windshield.  Twice.  Is this normal behavior?  We got to counting and there have been 4 incidences at that corner in the last 6 weeks.  And, yes, someone called the police (not me) and the dad ended up handcuffed, though not arrested.

Can't figure out what goes on in people's lives that allows for such drama.  And I think violence is so startling, especially when you're watching it first hand.  The really creepy part is realizing, though, that if this daughter will damage her own father's truck, what would she do to a stranger's?

Folks do walk around with such pain.  I need to pray more about this, but have to deal with the disgust as well.  Not easy.

'Amy Inspired' by Bethany Pierce

Bethany Pierce's newest book, Amy Inspired, is wonderful, and is beautifully presented as well.  I loved it.  The main character, Amy Gallagher, is flawed and very human.  And Pierce develops her personality in a very engaging manner.

Amy Gallagher is a college English instructor who's still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up.  Well, specifically she wants to be a published author, but keeps getting rejection notices in the mail which in turn messes with her already shaky self-esteem.  She's a compulsive list maker, and is accused by her roommate of being overly cautious about living her life to its fullest.

Amy's stuck.

What follows in the story are her complicated, yet appealing relationships which are so rich and inviting to read about.  I was so pleased with this book and went from laughter to tears as I read it.  But rather than gush much more, I'll stop now.  You know what they say about how a joke isn't funny if someone repeatedly tells you ahead of time how hilarious it is?  Same here.  Read the book and judge for yourselves.  But for me, I'll enjoy waiting for Pierce's next work of fiction.  Bravo! 

(i received this book for free to review for bethany house publishers)

'Heaven is for Real' by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

In a tiny nutshell, Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent's book, Heaven is for Real, is the story of Todd's then four-year-old son, Colton, and his illness with a burst appendix which involved him having a death/near death experience.   The little boy talks about Heaven and in such detail that you can't help but be intrigued.

I'm sure there are folks who will pooh-pooh the book calling it frivolous, and maybe books about near death happenings have been a bit over-marketed in recent years.  But the thing about this book is that it's very sincerely written, and it is totally believable.  The writing is excellent, never trite, and I found it easy to fall in love with the Burpo family. 

We tend to want to put God and Heaven into a box that matches our understanding, making things all neat and tidy.  Who am I to question what this family so obviously went through?  And to be honest, I put the book down with a greater sympathy for those who claim to have seen what God has in store for His believers. 

(i received this book free to review from booksneeze/thomas nelson publishers)

Just thinking

Partly it's the pace everyone seems to be living these days.  I don't remember folks being in such a rush when I was a kid.  We did have to actually wait for stuff.  Packages took their time getting to the house, we'd have to wait until someone got home before we could call them, and cooking food took a bit longer.

At the grocery store yesterday, as I was putting things on the counter for the clerk to scan, I asked him if he ever got tired of having to rush.  He grinned at me in his twenty-something way and said he loved it.  Said he couldn't do anything slowly, and besides, they have a counter of some kind that tallies how quickly they scan each customer.  He said he was number one in getting each person through quickly, and he was proud of it.  He brought up the fact for him that it was a daily challenge that he enjoyed.

So while I whizzed at getting things on the counter, he pushed them over the scanner as quickly as possible.  And, no, there wasn't another customer behind me at that time.  Hurrying really wasn't necessary, but with the store making it a policy with the clerks, guess we all had to zoom through the process.

And it's everywhere.  You can buy frozen meals that look and taste like you spent hours and hours on them.  Send an email; it's faster than regular mail.  And my own children rush through conversations like someone's holding them for ransom.  Obviously, it's contagious.  

But I ask you, really...what are we in such a hurry for? 

Two wonderful links

See Amy's newest online magazine at Inspire Co.  Total cuteness. :)  And as a complete switch, please read this short story at Stuck in a Book.  My goodness.

Snippets of the afternoon

All snugged into bed with the children doing whatever it is they do.  Three of them are at work, second son is off today but is on his laptop.  Post-birthday girl is baking a cake and the least one is hanging over her watching.  Other sons are finishing up schoolwork.

Had a couple of errands to run after taking third son to work this afternoon.  Found myself feeling a bit overdone, so really felt the need to climb into bed (all dressed, of course!), and get cozy.  It's deliciously rainy outside---the storm seems to have settled in nicely on top of us.  A perfect day in my mind.

Easy dinner of spaghetti sauce in a jar and frozen veggies as a side.  With fun preparations playing in my head for oldest daughter's 23rd birthday on Thursday, all is well.  With this dishy weather, what could be wrong?

Now must rest.  Whatever got into me yesterday isn't gone yet, but with nothing hanging over my head, that's fine as well.  Going to read some more of Edith Wharton's Bunner Sisters (on my Kindle), which is an excellent story.  My first Wharton.  Imagine that. :)

A necessary slow down

Have had to come to a full stop today, after waking up with a dizzy head (what my mom's always called feeling swimmy-headed).  Not sure what that was all about, but it was hard to manage when I kept swaying to the right.  Went back to bed and feel much better now.  I'm thinking I've been carrying some extra stress lately, and with the boys working 'til around midnight over the weekend (which involves getting their dinners ready after they come home and listening to their stories)---put it all together and you get some head noise in return.

But it's funny how a rest day makes things feel so much better.  Oldest daughter and second son (who are off work today) have run my errands for me.  Sold a couple of books on Ama*zon and they'll mail that package and get some dinner for us to fix later on.

Deep sighs.  Can't make myself feel more energetic by doing much, so will (finally) get dressed and move around a bit, not that I'll get much accomplished, but that's not the name of the game today, is it?  At least I'm not running into things anymore. :) 

Saturday night

Chillin' and downloading a BigFish game online.  Sixty minutes for free, and that's all fine by me.  Gary bought another one, and he's playing on his laptop with the 3 youngest.  They're hanging all over the sofa, where he's lying down with the heating pad squished against his back, and the least one has her lap full of pugs. 

Tomorrow is middle daughter's 12th birthday, so after church, she's the star.  She'll call her pen pal on the telephone in the afternoon (which is as good as a special present!), and dinner's tortilla soup with chocolate cake for dessert.  

Just family stuff, but all is cozy.

Not sure why I'm sharing all of this, but I do enjoy hearing the ordinary things that folks do.  I find it very comforting and settling.  No worries, just plain living, you know?

Just back from going to McDonald's with the 3 girls.  It was an early birthday lunch for middle daughter who turns 12 on Halloween Day.  Then a trip to Target for Barbies---realizing that going to that store is a huge mistake on Saturday. 

Groceries bought, house needing a bit of a tidy, and me needing a rest-time. 

Birthday-ing this weekend with middle daughter turning 12 on Sunday.  Went to the grocery store and bought her dinner fixings (tortilla soup and chocolate cake ingredients), and oldest daughter and I will take the two little girls out for lunch at McD.'s tomorrow. 

Just family stuff and not much else.

Slightly dizzy this morning, so I made an egg on toast. Took my iron and will just cool it a bit today. Sometimes this is just what happens. It's chilly in the house, besides, and while I'm not of a mind to turn on the heat yet, will just cozy up in a chair with pugs for heat.

Middle daughter turns 12 on Sunday, so need to plan the shopping this weekend for her dinner and all. Have already bought her most important present, a Fashionista Ken, and he's called Hottie, which I think is a laugh. Like the hat, though. :)

Glad I got part of the house tidied up yesterday.  With the kids at my mom's it was nice to clean and talk to myself.  Needed to do that.  As for today, there's navy bean soup for dinner and maybe something to bake to warm up the house.  Not much else going except for taking two of the boys to work.  I think I can handle that.

Gonna take it slow.  Oldest daughter told me on the phone from work that the only thing I have to do is figure out what movie for us to rent this evening.  Simple pleasures.  The best kind.

Needing quiet

Kids lunching and doing schoolwork at my mom's, plus helping her around the house (mopping, dusting, vacuuming).  I'm now at home with dogs, Violet the pug in my lap, with the afternoon ahead of me.  Honestly I've felt like a pole in the middle of a room being hit repeatedly with those bumper cars.  The cars being driven by my noisy children and neighbors.  Man.

And it's interesting...I made a comment to our oldest daughter about how fast some of these kids talk.  She says it's because everyone's trying to fit a word in edgewise, so to speak, so they have to talk quickly so as to be heard.  Drives me nuts.  I feel like someone turned up the speed in the room. 

Even my mom asked me today if they always talk at once.  I said that she either has the option to tune into one conversation, or to just mentally turn all of it off.  I choose Plan B. :) 

Think I'll putter around the house, and maybe re-arrange things a bit.  That's always settling to my overworked brain. 

Book lust

Must've read about The Season of Second Chances by Diane Meier (which may or may not be a winner) at a blog recently (even before I saw it mentioned this morning), because when I went to the library's site online, it pulled up when I began typing in the search box.  Apparently they recently got it in.   Just called to reserve it and was told by the librarian that they had a lovely copy to put back for me.  Such a book lover type of comment. :)  Have Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking Vol. 1 on hold as well.  Oh, happy day.

I think my excitement level just shoots up when there's a new book dangling in front of me---or even if one's just out of my reach.  And my side of the bed looks sort of pathetic with the piles of books staring me in the face.  It really is an addiction. 

Read The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman last night, and couldn't recall if I'd read it before.  After finishing it, I know I'd have remembered it.  My goodness, good stuff.

A wonderful day

Rainy, soggy, with the front yard full of our sweet neighbor's pretty tulip poplar leaves.  Windows up here and there, where they won't take in too much of the drips, and children behaving nicely.  Trying to think of something cozy for dinner, and am enjoying all of this with a settled mind.  Truly the rain is so good for my mental health.  With a dry, dry summer behind us, this is ultra-dishy.

It was sort of scary windy last night, though.  The gusts were way up there, but not sure what that exactly means.  Had a hard time getting to sleep and it was likely near 2am before I could rest.  As I told some friends, with our old Oak in the backyard, I get sort of antsy when we have much wind.  All is well, though.  No limbs down and just plain old good rain.

Now it's time to bake. :)

The book idea

So, I've been bellyaching about the need for a book about housekeeping, but with a spiritual spin to it.  That's putting what I've been looking for in a pretty basic category, but it's what I want.  My goal is to attempt to write it myself.  Ha.  We'll see how this flies.  I'm already signed up for the NaNoWriMo writing challenge for the month of November, and hopefully that'll get me to quit just thinking about writing it, and actually get on with it.  Fourth son (who's 17) also writes, and has already finished a novel to send out (and he bought me a new Mead notebook today as well, as encouragement---they're my favorite!).  He's on the hunt for an agent and turns out, is my greatest fan---outside of Gary.  They both push me to write, and I get busy doing necessary, yet mundane things (that's what I'm talking about).  Maybe my focus can be better since I'm admitting my goal to you all.  You think?

That said, there are two books out there that I really love, those being: 

• The Pace of a Hen by Josephine Moffett Benton
• The Quotodian Mysteries (Laundry, Liturgy and Women's Work) by Kathleen Norris

They're similar to what I want, but I have something slightly different in mind.  Maybe as I jot down ideas, it'll come to me.  Maybe I'll know it when I see it.  But at least I'll try.

And as Gary's uncle who passed away on Saturday morning said a few days previous to the weekend---"if you'd just pray me through"---I'll say the same. And if you could say 'atta girl' from time to time, I'd appreciate that as well. :)

It's raining! :)

A slow day

Jingling money in my pocket for the weekend's groceries.  For those of you who are self-employed, the dinners get creative when the client is slow to pay, don't they?  But frankly, with the larger bills of the month already paid, this isn't a biggie.  We always eat, though sometimes the meals are a bit more rustic and odd than I prefer. :)  But I'm tooting an old horn. You've heard this before, and will probably hear it again.

And planning on spreading some pine straw that Gary and oldest daughter grabbed from a nearby house.  A perfect mulch.  I need to get it on the flower beds because my head's throbbing a tiny bit and I hope it's in anticipation of the rain that's forecast in a day or two.  Some of us get that way when the barometer drops.  The only advantage of this particular headache is thinking ahead to a storm. 

Will putter around with outdoor stuff and settle down to read for a bit...this time it's Laurie Colwin's Family Happiness, which I read years ago.  It's an easy book to get into and that suits my mood.  Nothing hard...my brain can't handle any heavy thinking just now.  With Gary working so hard this week, it's transferred over to me being tired as well.  Go figure.  The magic of being married and sharing burdens, eh?

Friday morning at home

Just finished cleaning the kitchen---wiping down the cabinets and counters with diluted tea tree oil (smells pretty dishy), opening the window over the sink a bit wider, dusting the pictures that hang on the walls, doing about five loads of clothes in the washer, and the eternal cleaning-up-after-the-dogs sort of tidying.  Son #4 bathed the pugs, so now they smell better.  There's something about pugs and while they're not stinky dogs, they do get a bit musty when they've not had a bath in awhile.  Well honestly, who doesn't?!!

Next on the list is a good dusting and vacuuming of the living/dining rooms and the kids are supposedly doing their rooms.  Housework is holding sway over schoolwork at this moment and we're calling it domestic science (thanks for the idea a bit ago, Bonnie).  I do like the house to be clean for the weekend, since all cleaning up seems to fall apart once Saturday comes.  

All housework to be followed by movie night with Gary and we'll eat apple pie.  Glad I hijacked his possible plans of working a bit late.  He rarely does stay longer on the weekends, but he wants to get paid, so work late he must.  Now to get the client/designer to pony up.

Enjoy your day!

(painting from currier and ives)

Laurie Colwin's legacy

Just finished reading Laurie Colwin's book, Home Cooking, while lying down in bed and eating a bowl of cream of wheat with the bedroom window open.  Perfection in both the book and all the other stuff that was going on.  The only downside was the thought in the back of my head in remembering that she died 4 years after this book was written, plus the fact that she left an 8 year old daughter behind.  Kept doing the mental math of her age then (48) and my age now (51).  She died unexpectedly.  Just kept me sober while I was reading, which was quite a task since some of the book is laugh out loud funny.

Some things just don't make sense, do they?

Must live in the present.  There's time enough to vacuum the house tomorrow, teach the kids, drive 2 boys to work and make a seasoned rice and pinto beans dish for dinner.  If I had some yeast in the house, would make Colwin's bread.  As it is, I have 2 cans of pie apples, so will make two steusel-topped pies for after dinner.  I need a bribe to get Gary to come home early from work.  He's been staying late to finish two jobs, and needs forcing to quit early, you know?

Take care.

'The Twelfth Imam' by Joel C. Rosenberg

Joel C. Rosenberg's newest book, The Twelfth Imam, is just as engrossing as his other Middle Eastern-themed books.  His characters are believable and the pace is consistent through the whole book.  

From the back cover:  "As David [Shirazi] begins to infiltrate Iranian government circles, news spreads throughout the region of a mysterious cleric claiming to be the Islamic messiah known as he Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam.  News of his miracles, healings, signs, and wonders spread like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war."

My only concern is that Rosenberg has a gift/knack for being mildly prophetic.  Many times his books foretell events that actually happen, or come close to happening.  Very chilling, and considering the prophetic topnotes of this story, I hope this book doesn't come true.  To tell more would be giving it all away. :)

Oh, and by the ending it appears that there's more to come.  Good news for Rosenberg fans.

(this book was provided free to review by tyndale house)

A Sunny Wednesday

Just got back from taking the majority (6 of them) of the kids to the library.  My favorite part is getting home, seeing them wolf down their lunches, and then looking around the house at all of them with their heads stuck in books.  I do love that.  The washer chugs along, clothes are hanging out in the sunshine, the dogs nap in various spots, and all is quiet.  Good stuff.

And I'm so enjoying Laurie Colwin's Home Cooking that arrived in the mail yesterday.  I paid pocket change for it over at Ama*zon, and surprisingly, it's a first edition.  Robert Farrar Capon's The Supper of the Lamb was engaging as well, but I like Home Cooking more.  She's very approachable in her writing, and her humor and ability to cook with make-do utensils endears her to my heart.  I'm not a gadget hound either, so her book appeals to my oftentimes slapdash way of doing things.

Deep breaths.  Feeling a tad anxious and I need to relax.  Be thankful for this day and focus on that.  No real worries, and even if there are some issues that prick my calm, surely if the Lord allows certain things into my life, then it's alright.  He's God and I'm not.  Remember that (talking to self).

Naptime.

(painting is lady in a garden by victor gabriel gilbert)