My Daisy in the snow

Last day of January

The sun is out, so today it's a better day. The ice is melting and the trees are constantly dripping. Pretty, but I won't be sorry to see it go. I long for Spring.

The only dark part of the day is that we now have the three youngest (13, 11 and seven years old) and the oldest son (24) down with the stomach virus. Might as well get it over with, you know? They fell, one after another, earlier this morning...but I think it's the last leg for youngest son. He had it earlier in the week, and I think he just got back to eating normal food too fast. I'll bet his stomach was rebelling at the pizza they ate last night. Chicken soup for him tonight...if even that.

Man, I'm tired. I realize I'm better, but the fatigue sure is wearing. I got online last night, just for a bit, and couldn't stay focused. Then oldest daughter gave me a magazine to read, and partly because of the food ads I couldn't read it (haha), but even that wore me out. Seems this'll take awhile to recover from, hmmm?

Not that there's anything pressing. Tomorrow, while my husband's at work, the kids who drive can run errands, and I can putter at my own pace. I'm very thankful we homeschool during times like this...sure makes life a bit easier. The only downside is that even though a person can lose weight with a stomach virus, it's never quite enough or from the right location, you know? My face looks a tiny bit thinner, but, well, that's all I'll say about that. :)

And last but certainly not least...thanks for the well-wishes. You make me smile.

Bed-ridden

Since this blog has turned into a medical menagerie of sorts, figured I'd share that the stomach virus hit me after midnight. Yuck. I've not had anything like that since we had only one or two kids. Have avoided it. Didn't help that with the below-freezing temperatures and wind, that while I was busy losing my dinner, I had to hear the background sounds of ice falling out of the trees. Double yuck.

Just now took a hot bath since my joints and muscles were fussing at me, and feel more relaxed. Reminds me of that first hot bath you have after giving birth. Wonderful, but draining at the same time.

Honestly? I think I've been so overdone for so many weeks, and this is my body's way of recovering. I do think that illness has its place, hard though it might be, but sometimes especially for a mother, it's the only way we'll stop.

Finally, thanks for your sweet comments. I've met the most wonderful women through blogging, and I so appreciate every word. Truly.

Exhale

Thanks for the prayers...everybody's home. My favorite thing in the world. :)

Weather stuff

I couldn't like today's weather any less than I already do. Sleet, freezing rain---though those two things seem the same to me. Snow supposedly later on. The clicker, though, is that our oldest son is at work, as is my husband and daughter. Makes me squirm. I HATE icy weather. Hate it. Would love it if everyone was safe under our roof for the day.

We live in a neighborhood full of old trees, mostly oaks and this ice just weighs down the branches. When we just had five kids, and shortly after the death of my father (the stresses were likely related), we had an ice storm overnight and the next morning, the noise of those branches breaking and falling to the ground was mind-numbing. And while my husband says I tend to exaggeration at times (though I doubt him on that little bit of personal information---you should hear him go off about things!), having the power out for almost 2 weeks and dealing with a newborn really was a fretful situation.

So, I figure I'll get the house really clean as my adrenaline pumps non-stop. I'll watch the mailbox and truck glaze over and think of my loved ones who have to drive home in it. Prayers for their safety much appreciated. Not sure when husband/daughter will get off work, but thankfully they rode together. Son gets off at 4pm. Thanks! :)

At the infirmary

Was intending on taking the kids (who aren't at work) to my mom's for lunch/the afternoon and having the bulk of the day to myself. It's been several weeks since I've had ME time at home. Most times, since then, I've had one or two here either sick or off work. They did go last week, but I'm thinking somebody was home then...(scratching head). Ah yes, oldest daughter was recovering from the stomach bug. Do germs stay around that long? Well, youngest son came into the living room, this morning, telling me he'd been throwing up during the night. First thought was the entire can of Pringle*s chips he gobbled up yesterday. He paid for 'em, so he ate 'em! Not sure what to think now since he got sick again after I had him drink a few sips of Coke. I'm thinking it's not the chips.

::sigh::

I'll still get out. Have library books to return, and movies to slip into Redbox. Will grab some Chinese somewhere and eat in the truck. Began re-reading Lisa Samson's 'Quaker Summer', which is an excellent book. Will take that with me. Then back home to putter and rest.

Can't complain. Life is good, even with all its bumps along the way.

Old stuff

Have spent a lovely few minutes looking at decorating/antiquey sorts of blogs and am inspired. :) Am especially intrigued by a particular photo I saw of an old toy that was set in front of a pair of turquoise doors that were chipped and badly in need of fresh paint. But, you know? That's the way it was supposed to be. Puts me of a mind to not be so obsessed with our badly scuffed woodwork. Should I not fret over it? Huh. Maybe so. Or at least, not make a big deal of it.

Food for thought.

Our house is sort of old....60 years....is that old enough to be charming, I wonder? There's a fine line between the clever highlighting of age and plain old worn out, you know?

My husband is all the time distressing furniture for customers. But is it okay for trim and interior doors? I'm not convinced. Talk to me. I do love me some glossy white trim paint, though.

Mid-week

It's a beautiful day and I *think* I got enough sleep. So far, so good. Lots going on in the field of romance in our house with two children going to sleep with sugar plums dancing in their heads.

Now then. I'm going to try to take this day as it comes, and not go searching for worries. I just read a book that had the funniest quote. One character talked about his mom being a constant worrier, and always looking for one more thing to fret over. He said she was even afraid he'd fall out of his school desk onto his pencil. I thought that was hilarious, but too closely aligned with my own foolish mindset. My husband says I spend way too much time thinking of what *could* happen. He could be right. OK, he is right!

Now will go have some quiet. The house is getting in gear, and I'm not ready to talk to anyone yet. Have had a wonderful time, though, teaching these kids some drawing techniques in 'How to Draw on the Right Side of Your Brain'. It is excellent. Our copy came from the library, but I'd sure consider buying one to own.

Must be off.

A good Tuesday

With a life full of humdrum illness lately, it's been easy to put God on the back burner, so to speak. My excuse is lame...busyness ain't good enough, you know? So had some sweet quiet time, this morning, and got my heart back in sync with His. Patient is what He is. Always waiting and always ready. Not the same as me, a person who is so easily distracted by simple chores and never-ending cleaning.

Glad I'm a person who believes in having a personal relationship with the Lord. Life would be awful hard if I had a shallow or surface sort of relationship with my Father. As it is, I am certainly blessed.

I want to be in His face, without having to get into deep hot water in order for Him to get my attention. Need to be there all the time.

Just this side of angst

Just idle thoughts here. Facing a new week, thinking about how it'll play out, wondering if the client who's promised a deposit will follow through, curious as to how much pacing the floor our Lab. will do before she actually lies down, hearing the birds outside and grateful for the sunshine, working out in my head what we'll do for school today, and finally---praying that my joy stays intact and that I'll fully appreciate the blessings that are sitting in front of me on a daily basis.

Truth is, I get so tired, and stay that way, and unfortunately that colors the way I look at life. Good sleep is so incredibly important and when I'm not rested, everything---and I mean everything looks different. 'Course that's true of everyone. I'm not an isolated case, but it just feels like it. It's all about me, don't you know?!! ;)

I want to throw things when the dogs go on a licking spree, going from each other to the floors. Lick, lick, lick. These Pugs, who I adore, are licking machines, and that's about the only negative about them. I can live with it, but it does annoy me to have to listen to it first thing in the morning.

And the boys are eating everything in sight. It's no joke how much teenagers and those in their early twenties eat. My goodness. If it wasn't for peanut butter and frozen pizza, they'd starve. I'll admit to getting tickled, though, at our youngest son who's 13. He'll go in the kitchen and peer into the fridge, walk away empty-handed and return in about 10 minutes and do exactly the same thing. Guess he's thinking something will magically appear in there?!!

The repetitiveness of the days get to me, but I'll get over it. As I said, rest helps.

Deep breaths, and one thing at a time. I need to chill. And isn't the photo above glorious? I just gravitated to the greens in it, loved it as soon as I found it online at a free photo site I visit. Wonderful!

E. Gaskell

Just finished watching Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South (well, not all of it, but all of episode 4). LOVED it! :)

Huh.

Well, turns out middle daughter (she's 11) was awake much of the night, or let's say she was restless, and now has 102 temperature. Not sure if it's the stomach bug coming to call, or not. She says she's queasy, but doesn't have any other symptoms.

Life at the health clinic, eh? Man.

They say that you build up immunities when you're sick. We should be chock full for when next Fall arrives, don't you think? Short of the flu and strep, we've covered about every other illness. Or a goodly amount. And I'm getting a bit philosophical about it as well. When a child comes to me with flushed cheeks and complains of aches and pains, I just pull out the thermometer and give a big sigh. None of it is life-threatening, just a bit irritating, since we just want a well house.

Need new bottle of Pine-Sol.

Growing pains

My brain's in a bit of a tizzy. The thing is (and I talked to my husband about this after dinner), I miss my oldest daughter. She's so caught up with this boyfriend of hers (still courting), and she's not the same person, though I'd not expect her to be. His name comes up in every conversation. Every one. Fortunately I like him (!), or it'd be doubly hard. She's over the moon (and I probably was too over my husband---well, still am) and that's all well and good, but still, I miss the way things used to be. I knew how to be with that.

Guess I'm growing up too.

And I really don't want to be the center of her attention all of the time. That's not right and isn't the way it should be. But things with this young man have flown so quickly, and it's caught me off-guard. Me, the person who's so cautious and wary about making decisions. The one who's not impulsive at all. I'm having struggles.

And, as an added feature---the little girls (eleven and seven) are more clingy to me since their older sister is focused on this new relationship to her beau. The least one has chosen me as her new best friend. Huh, I don't even see it. The Lord has filled in the spot with my youngest, but really, no one person can fill in for another one, you know?

It's hard, especially since we all still live together. What one goes through, the rest tend to live in the wake. Makes me edgy and I'm needing to put my feelings somewhere. Grateful for a husband who'll let me cry and talk. Things are good, but just different. I just need some time, I'm thinking.

Winding up the week

It's nearly 8am and the house still sleeps. Figure I'll leave everyone alone, and I know they'll all wake up eventually. Truth is, nobody was sick overnight, so hoping/praying that the stomach virus our oldest daughter suffered from yesterday is contained. We did tend to be a bit generous with the Pine-Sol wipe downs.

It *is* a lovely day besides. The rain seems to be leaving and I can see the sun. The clouds are breaking up and the temperature would remind you of Spring-time. The weather online tells me it'll rain some more, but I'm not convinced with that information considering how wonderful the day looks right now. Very refreshing. I did enjoy the thunder and rain the past two evenings, though.

Now to take a breath and take the day as it comes. This changed school schedule I've incorporated has gradually settled my nerves. Realizing I don't have to conquer the world on a daily basis. That in itself is a revelation.

And the beat goes on...

Just got back from a library trip with five of my offspring. One son is healing from an earache and didn't go, along with oldest daughter who has a day off today, and had to stay home because she has the unspeakable-----a stomach virus. Now, you'd think we'd had just about enough of a variety of illness in this house, wouldn't you? We've avoided the evil flu (but have specialized in about 3 viruses), and the stomach bug, and all this since the beginning of November.

Darn.

Oh well. Might as well be philosophical about it. Will put the young ones to bed tonight with heave-worthy pans/pots and make sure the path to the bathroom is clear. Just in case. Hopefully this is one of those 24hour things, and we can get on with life.

But I forgot. This *is* life!

Thinking about stuff

Thinking how willingly I go into a *work-a-day* mentality. Soon as I get up (well, after my tea), I get it in gear with putting the laundry in the washer and then I automatically think about the kids' schoolwork. The pressure's on. And the thing is, I do this to myself. After homeschooling for about 17 years, without a break, I'm thinking it's time to shake up the routine a bit. Now, not to say that work is a bad thing, but for me, to be so consumed with how much I can accomplish and to beat myself up mentally if I don't---well, that *is* a bad thing. 'Course the reality of having 8 children who all still live at home is a factor, but I think that even that can be overcome with some playful thinking. And, no, my children won't become idiots if we do our schoolwork differently for awhile. Or will they?!? ;)

Have loved the past 2 weeks or so of having serious art classes for my offspring (repeating myself). To be able to shirk my fear of math (aka avoid it) and actually enjoy teaching has been a lark.

So, here it is. The least one is playing Barbies, middle daughter is making a dress for one of her own Barbies, assorted boys are in their rooms doing whatever it is boys do in their rooms, another son is doing yard work for pay, oldest daughter is at work with my husband (she's shop-girl for the antique store out there---owned by someone else) and oldest son is about to leave for his job. Soon as I finish writing here (and dump Violet the Pug out of my lap), we'll do our artwork. Yay us!

We're not lazy, but weary of routines that aren't fun.

And I've thought before that Americans are a bit too pre-occupied with accomplishments---forgetting how to goof off, we're so busy trying to get ahead. Well, nuts to that!

Time to change some attitude, yes?

A sunny Monday morning

Some days just seem to feel smoother than others, and this is one of them. It's not that anything has changed or happened, but I feel content. That's huge. I tend to be a bit anxious and prickly, having a hard time relaxing and enjoying life. Guess that's why I stress (I should avoid that word!) my need for peace and quiet.

I'm going to accept today for what it is and relax into it, I think. Art with the kids this morning and then whatever they want to work on. Trying to not overdo, and enjoy my time. Got out my own drawing supplies last night, and have doodled. I'm going to attempt some botanical drawings since they're a favorite of mine. My wonderful friend, Molly, gave me a gift of a painting class with her Saturday night and it teased my need to draw. We'll see how that goes. ;)

Anyhow, on other fronts---still have a couple of ailing kids---earaches and a bit more coughing. Am hoping to whip them into shape so we can go the library on Wednesday. Husband is fine (mighty fine, I might add!) and he's got work in the shop and one piece completed that should be delivered to the client this week. Always so thankful when more work comes in on the heels of a finished job. There's not much left over at the end of a pay period, but just enough and I'm deeply grateful for that.

Must go now.

(photo of an etagere my husband built recently---like the one ready for delivery...note the curved legs...so pretty)

The Swan Thieves

I'm totally enjoying Elizabeth Kostova's newest book, The Swan Thieves. (she wrote The Historian awhile back, also wonderful) Anyway, she includes so many domestic lines in the book---totally charming.

"I have a moment now and then---as I peel an orange and take it from kitchen counter and table---when I feel almost a pang of contentment, perhaps at that raw color."

"...making me a meal."

"Neither speaks but they are united by the peace of women at their tasks."

"The house was deeply peaceful."

"I was thinking of taking a break and having some lemonade."

"I went to get a cup of black tea with cream."

So enchanting.

Another book update

So, as of this writing (dinnertime on Friday), we have six folks participating in the All the Way to Heaven book pilgrimage. The names are (drumroll, please) Aneta, Bonnie, Diane, Kim, AJ and Leann (in the order of your comments). Aneta's in Canada and rest of you are in the States.

If you're all still good with it, I'll pack up the book to be shipped out next week---Aneta will be first, and being that she's the farthest away, it makes sense that she gets it first (I need your email and mailing address, please!).

Figure I can just email you guys where to mail next as the book travels. That saves your privacy if you don't want your address *out there*, you know?

Last call if anyone wants to play. Will wrap it up later on tonight.

A book pilgrimage....update

For those of you who want to participate in the book pilgrimage, I'll accept names until Friday evening. And since more than one of you wants to play (yay!), I'll just make a list of who you are and plan a mailing list that goes in a logical route. (was considering letting you just mail to your own friends, but think it's more fair if we make a list here and go from there, you know?) As of this post, there are five of you. Just need seven more to make it to December. If there are fewer of you all than that, you'll just get longer to read it!

And honestly, I don't care where you live. We'll make it work to mail, if you want to participate badly enough. No biggie. Least that's the way I look at it. If anyone has a problem with mailing out of the country, just say so and I'll organize the list with that in mind. I do understand that financial issues even affect our mailing habits.

Looking forward to this!

Comfort Living

So, I got a Border's gift card for Christmas and Gary and I went there, last night, so I could spend it. Nah. Nothing jumped out at me except 3 different Pug calendars, but I resisted each one. ;)

Came home and found the book, Comfort Living, listed at Alison's Brocante Home site. Loved what I read about it and even more, it just made me feel good. Did a web search on it and found a neat blog site (one new to me) where the site owner is having a give-a-way of the book and a journal that goes along with it.

Please visit Bless Their Hearts Mom's site and be intrigued and enter to win the books. Cool place to be! And if you enter, I hope you don't win! (sorry, had to say it!!!)

A book pilgrimage

I keep talking about/thinking about Elizabeth Sherrill's book (mentioned below) and have decided to send my copy on a trip. Thought it'd be fun to send it to a person who reads this blog, and then on a month-by-month basis, have it sent further along on its way. By December, I'd like to have my copy returned to me, and then I can highlight and share what folks have said about it.

Would love for you to actually underline in it, dog-ear the pages and put in notes. I've already turned down a couple of pages---before I actually got my pen out and wrote in it. Figured I'd initial what I marked and everyone else can do the same. I'll put in a note with my comments, and some paper to be written on as well. If I can find some sticky labels, we can use the same packaging and just fasten on a new label before mailing. That keeps costs down if the readers on down the line don't have to buy labeling.

The book looks pretty pristine on the outside now, but I don't expect it to be in that condition by December. I say, read it in the tub, mark important passages, take it on vacation, and enjoy it. Use it!

So for now, go to the website I mentioned below (the post with the book's picture), and see what you think. If more than one person is interested, I'll put the names in a hat and draw one---totally praying for the Lord to lead me to the right *first* person. And, I'll have a list of interested folks (if there's more than one), if any of you are at a loss on who to send it to next after you've read it.

What I'm thinking is that we can learn from one another, and if several of us are taken with the same phrases and chapters, it certainly says something about who we are and want to be. :)

Fun?

from 'All the Way to Heaven'

There's a story in Elizabeth Sherrill's book, All the Way to Heaven, where she refers to her struggle with being a loner. She felt that it was a negative in her personality held against the light of her husband's out-going nature. She couldn't seem to resolve that it was okay to be that way. Here's a quote from the book that hit home with me. I totally get where she's coming from.

Why did I need to be by myself when I could have a great time with others and give them pleasure too? "I've tried and tried to change, but I can't seem to."

"And why, " asked Joe (a pastor friend), "do you want to change?"

Well, because...wasn't it obvious? "It's not loving! Look at John (her husband). Look at you."

"But we're looking at you, Tib. Do you think when God created you, he meant to make someone else?

Joe had known me for many years, he reminded me. "I observed long ago that solitude is as necessary for you, Tib, as food and drink. Why not thank God for feeding you in this way?"
The withdrawing, the closed door that I'd struggled against all my life, was...okay? God-given, in fact? It was one of those heaven-tinged moments when in the mirror of someone else's eyes we catch sight of a better self than we knew.

I was in fact, Joe insisted, a profound lover of people---"in your way, not John's or mine." Me? Whose self-image was of a standoffish person---I cared deeply for others?

My whole growing-up life was tinged with my mom, even in her well-meaning way, trying to get me to be more involved with people. My mother, the person who enjoys being with others much more than I do, wanted me to do the same. It was so hard, though, to live up to her enthusiasm. It wasn't until I got married and had many children before I realized that that's just not me! Pure relief. Even my husband will try to encourage me to do things---says that it'll get easier. It doesn't. Now he's understanding my personality better as well. So, for those reasons, the above excerpt makes such sense to me.

All the Way to Heaven

Reading this now, Elizabeth Sherrill's autobiographical treasure called All the Way to Heaven. A treat, for sure. Click *this* in first sentence for a site with weekly installments. Haven't checked to see how much of the actual book is posted, but it's sure enjoyable and encouraging.

RED in concert

RED's coming to town the day after my birthday....and at the church we regularly visit. Shiver me timbers. (btw, this is my favorite all-time music video...and yes, I've played this here before)

Reading Elizabeth Sherrill's newest book, All the Way to Heaven, and so loving it. So wonderful.

My Contemplative Pug

While I realize that dog breeds are NOT supposed to be capitalized, those with Pugs will agree that this particular breed *deserves* a capital letter at the beginning. :) Here Violet and I sit...(watching videos at Masterpiece Theatre's website about 'Return to Cranford' which comes on tonight)

A good ending to the week

I've definitely learned something during the past week. Because I've been sick in addition to the kids, I've had to re-do what we get accomplished with school, and have had to lower my personal expectations as well. The habit for the past 5 days has been for me to get up with the dogs, check on the kids and see them medicated and then take myself back to bed for an hour or so. And get this---no guilt.

After turning my focus away from coughs, fevers, sore throats and all that illness entails, I can honestly say that it's all been good. Course I'm saying this after a restful afternoon, and am able to think straight. Rest is a great healer. The past couple of hours I've been sitting in the living room, holding Daisy in my lap. Just sitting. And talking to the kids and Gary. No busy work or fiddling. As I said, just sitting.

Back to the homeschooling stuff....the only schoolwork we got done this past week revolved around artwork. Dragged out my college art history books, and actually used them. I'd become so undone with algebra, geometry, and other more difficult classes that I'd forgotten how to have fun. It had been so long since I'd actually enjoyed teaching these kids. But it figures. I've been teaching classes that aren't my strengths. Now we're back to the things that make sense to me. :)

Blessings in odd spots. Even in a sick house.

One more thing...

Seems I've been stressed enough for awhile. After I got up this morning, Violet the Pug began hacking and choking like Daisy the Pug had done a few days before Christmas. Daisy ended up being taken to the animal emergency clinic after 1am back then, and two hundred dollars later, we brought her back home. Shades of that situation flashed before my eyes while I listened to the other Pug cough.

My sensible son woke up to her noises and kept me company in the living room---us handing her off, and trying to keep Daisy out of her face. I found a vet in the Yellow Pages that was nearby and made an appointment for 11:30am. We haven't had a regular vet after a couple of disturbing situations with former dogs and that particular vet's tendency to over-charge and falter over diagnosing our pets. We had to go somewhere new.

So, here it was, about an hour before we needed to leave and Daisy begins to cough a bit too. NO! We just did this. I called the vet and asked if we could bring both dogs. No problem.

This was the best vet visit of my life. Such sweet folks, only about 2 minutes from the house, and no over-charging. The doctor was very calm and patient---taking time to explain things to me, and he didn't over-medicate which is what appeared to happen at the emergency clinic. But, what do I know? An added bonus is that we don't have to separate the puppies from one another, but will keep the big dogs apart from them.

Calm people. That's what I need to surround myself with more often. I get so anxious, and my husband says I'll make an issue out of a situation even if there's not one to make. I tend to get so worked up. I think I just run on such a low battery, needing sleep and that causes me to get nervous. A rest deficit. So thankful that this didn't end up to be a negative situation. But the idea of another sick individual in the house, on top of this endless virus that's made us humans housebound PLUS the notion of a high vet bill just got the best of me. Talk about adrenal overload. Sheesh. But maybe it'd drive any average person a bit nuts.

OK now. Gonna go to the grocery with my honey pie in a bit. I truly love buying groceries. Just makes me feel secure. Maybe it'll do the trick to settle my wired-up nerves. Do you think?

Btw, the diagnosis in both puppies was tracheitis/tracheobronchitis aka kennel cough. Not generally vaccinated against unless the dog will be with other pups. Note to self: have them vaccinated against this after healed up.

(daisy in photo wearing the hat you gave me, molly!)

A cold Friday evening

Loved Mrs. Miniver. Loved it! Finished it last night and am now pouting because I've got nothing half as charming to read. Well, considering that it was hidden in the shelves, gathering dust for who knows how long, maybe there's something else neat hidden from me.

More quotes from it:

'It seemed to her sometimes that the most important thing about marriage was not a home or children or a remedy against sin, but simply there always being an eye to catch.'

'She was tired to the marrow of her mind and heart, let alone her bones and eardrums: and nothing in the world seemed more desirable than a long wet afternoon at a country vicarage with a rather boring aunt.'

If any of you (besides Bonnie who's already ordered a copy) can grab it, then do. Mine is a 1942, but the original is 1940. The later edition has updates from the author. Btw, Amazon has tons of copies available. Good prices too.

Glad my day has passed quietly. The least one's temperature shot up to 103F. after dinner last night and I slept lightly, hoping she'd stay asleep. She did, and her sister (who's 11) slept in as well. Today they kept quiet and were so good. And to my joy as well...all of my chickens will be home tomorrow. Kids off work, husband staying home and all of us here recovering and being lazy. What more could I possibly need? Now oldest daughter is baking chocolate chip cookies, husband is helping one son set up the wireless on his laptop, middle daughter is asleep, least one is cuddling Daisy, and everyone is just chattering. Me, I'm listening to Sara Groves' newest CD Fireflies and Friends. God is good.

This morning

Mrs. Miniver

Reading Mrs. Miniver by Jan Struther and it's pure magic. I'd seen the movie with Greer Garson years ago, and had forgotten that a copy of the book was tucked in one of our bookshelves. A friend emailed me, before Christmas, saying that she'd found a copy of the book and wondered if I'd like her to send it to me. That comment sent me to the shelves, and there it was--a wonderful 1942 library copy. I'd ordered it long ago (before Amazon became so famous) from another homeschool mom and had gotten it and many other books in a lot sale. A treasure!

Reminds me of my copy of I Capture the Castle, which came from a local library used book sale. I grabbed it because of the author's name, left it on the shelf for several years as well, and once I read it, pronounced it a favorite. Same here with Mrs. Miniver. So delightful. I've not finished it yet, but will leave you with a sweet quote.

'There were the sounds of movement in the house; they were within measurable distance of the blessed chink of early morning tea.'--page 48

This is Your Brain in Love

This is Your Brain in Love by Dr. Earl Henslin is excellent. And while I'm familiar with books that talk about the four personality types---both the introvert and extrovert, Dr. Henslin goes a step further and writes about more specifics. From brain scans, it's apparent that there really is a difference in how the brains of individuals look, and those facts help in deciding what behaviors need changing and if supplements or dietary tweaking needs to happen.

The book includes quizzes to help the reader find their own particular 'love style' and that of their spouse. The questions are right on target and the solutions to problem areas make perfect sense. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's married and is seeking to understand either their mate, or themselves. It's been my experience with friends and family members, though, that often problems arise within their relationship, and everyone just accepts that fact. This book says that you have an alternative. If you want to either save a marriage or enrich it, this book is a wonderful resource.

But besides all of the above, Dr. Henslin is a wonderful writer. I'd like to see him try his hand at fiction. :)

I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's blogger book review program and more information can be found at their website.

Mildly better

Spent the afternoon all cozied up under my bathrobe in the comfy chair, with Pugs on my lap. Part of the reason I put the robe on top of me was to invite the puppies to crawl up there...not that they needed any encouragement. Least one was beside me on the sofa with her bed pillow and comforter. She's hanging onto a 100 or so temperature, so I'm dosing her with acetaminophen, echinacea and cold drinks. Looking forward to her looking better tomorrow. Her eyes are droopy---you know what I mean---and I miss her perkiness. Still, it's good for both of us to sit still for hours at a time and rest.

Not sure why I'm talking about all of this, but figure hearing what we're doing helps other women who have sick little ones. I worry when fevers linger, but realize in my heart that it's just her body's way of fighting this nonsense. You'd think that with over 20 years of mothering under my belt I'd be used to it, wouldn't you?

::sigh::

Since the first of November, we've had few lengthy periods of wellness. I think we're due, yes? I know my immune system is shot to pieces, but sure don't like this hamster's wheel of illness that's taken hold. Maybe we're soon to be out of it. Sure hope so.

Brrr

So cold my jaws hurt from clenching my teeth against the shivers. Man.

Remember, I'm in the South. We don't do the teens or single digits in weather temperatures. And my head hurts from the tension too. (what a whiner, eh?)

Thoughts on idleness

Am being held hostage by this darned cough and the need to blow my nose. You'd think that eventually I'd be well. Truth is, I was for about a day and a half last week. Huh. Must've let my guard down.

Here's something that's interesting, though. Oldest daughter was off work yesterday and made the observation that the whole house was quieter and felt more relaxed since I sat through most of it, and the kids were a bit more laid back as a result of my inactivity. Husband agreed when I shared with him. Conclusion: if the mom sits on her tush and reads magazines, the kids are more agreeable. Not sure what to make of that situation, but it is food for thought. Gary said that when I'm running around, doing my cleaning routine and all, that the children get worked up and chatter overmuch. He voted in favor of me resting more, since he's not too keen on wired-up children.

'Course the state of the house might put paid to the practice of my idleness before too long. The clothes do have to be washed/dried/hung-out, garbage has to be taken out, dinners have to be cooked and the vacuum does have to be pushed about. Maybe I need to rethink how much energy I put into these jobs (though my helpers work hard too), and honestly pay more heed to resting.

Must be the Lord has a lesson for me in all of this sickness stuff, do you think? And what's that quote....something about how things will have to be repeated before the truth of a situation hits home? Now, that's a stunning thought. Shoot, best learn it quick-like, or I'll be coughing all winter! ;)

Pug snores

Have had a self-imposed quiet day with this annoying cold/sinus thing that refuses to leave. I was sitting in the chair with both Pugs, this afternoon, and had to share Violet's cozy snoring. :)

Saturday's news

One of my so-called resolutions (if you want to call it that) is to take life a bit more lightly. I've tended to be a news addict, and with the slant the media take, it's easy to get overwhelmed fast. The thing is, used to (pre-Internet) I rarely read the newspaper, and have always regularly voted even with my previous tendency to NOT read too much junk, but this glut of information I've been feeding myself has been a negative influence on me.

So, out with the old, so to speak.

I'll let the Lord take care of the things I can't manage and will spend more time on what really matters. And today that means using Pine-Sol on all flat surfaces, washing furniture throws, vacuuming and all-around tidying up. Company for dinner!

Family in town and oldest daughter's beau over as well. This boyfriend business is new to this house, so excitement abounds when he comes to visit. Btw, they're following a courting pattern for their relationship which includes them not being alone together for any length of time (they see one another at church and Sunday School when we're not there, but that's it), and all visiting is with the family in whole or part. And old-fashioned way of doing things, but honestly, it's almost more the kids doing than ours. Daughter has initiated it, and we're all appreciating it. And it's so God's doing in how these two lovebirds relate to one another. The beau is totally on the same page regarding courtship as our daughter. So refreshing, let me tell you. Just wish the grandmothers on this side of the family could understand it. So far, they're sort of scratching their heads. (and for those of you who think we're a bit odd...stick around...this courtship business could get even more interesting!)

So be it. We rattled their cages with the homeschooling as well. :)

Off to tuck in a brief nap before getting the day really underway. Cheers.