About the header

The photo on my header was taken by our oldest daughter when she visited relatives in Nashville last summer. The site was the Parthenon, one of the coolest places to visit there. She spied the young man sitting on the steps and then walking away, and what's so neat is the way the photo ended up. I cropped the electric pole to the right, making the picture more rectangular, but wasn't aware at first of how significant that cropping would be.

One of my friends online (who shall go nameless!) saw it as I did...after I put it up several months ago. You can see a wide path that leads to the left (not meaning to be political there), and the cross to the right, but a bit harder to reach with no visible path. And the young man shambles forward, but the onlooker doesn't quite know which way he'll go.

Seems metaphorical, and actually perfect for the title of my blog here. 'Course with my record of changing headers like a person changes clothes, not sure how long it'll be up, but it really does work best if you're trying for a message.

Neat, huh?

Saturday evening

With us having a busy week, it was decided that we'd not go to church this evening. I just had a huge feeling of wanting the family all together under one roof. Nice. So while everyone settles in for the night, I eat a tiny cake the girls made. The layer cake they made for everyone to share was pink inside (food coloring is a delightful simple pleasure), and the tiny one they made me is blue. Really blue. Not sure what color my teeth will be afterward. :)

Some might go to church in the morning, but not sure who will. Some of the older ones are making plans, but not sure if I can get the younger ones' clothes together at this late time. We'll see.

Anyway, enjoying the *one day at a time* living that seems to be necessary. I've called it Manna Living before, and that title is apt. God supplies just enough to keep us on our knees and wanting more of Him. And I'm guessing that's a good place to be.

(photo from stock exchange)

Friday afternoon

Had some stress this week and it's put me in front of the Father's face once again. Seems to be necessary from time to time. But............am seeing prayers answered in front of me as well. Oldest son was supposed to be working the 10pm-5am shift next week as he did this week, but found out today that he doesn't have to (happy dance). Have to admit to sharing with my mom about this yesterday, and we all prayed. Love it when that happens.

And as to the stress, all is well. Dancing again.

Now to spend a lovely weekend with our family. Going to re-watch 'Julie and Julia', a free Redbox rental, and who knows what else will happen. Open to joy! :)

Pretty :)

A still from a new movie, 'The Edge of Love', about Dylan Thomas (and his women, supposedly). Love this photo. Just love it.

(this was found at flickr via tumblr)

Political rant

Promised myself when I moved my blog here from WordPress that I'd keep a low profile and not get feisty. Well, the rules change today. I read that Senator McCain wants to allow the Feds more control over dietary supplements. And being that I keep a well-stocked cabinet with various herbs/supplements and teas for healing and general health, this just sticks in my craw big time. Personally speaking, I don't need politicians babysitting me and telling me what I can or cannot buy. Give me a big fat break. Yeah, try to pass that nonsensical healthcare bill and then tell me I can't use supplements. Huh.

Please take a minute to read this article, and if you feel led, follow the link at the bottom of it and send a note to your Congressmen. I would appreciate it.

Things to remember

So, the least one (who's seven) had obviously cleaned off her bed today, and I asked where all of her animals were. She said that she put them all into a big plastic bag.....(pause)....and she said she tore a big (holding her hands in a circle pattern) hole in it so that they could breathe. I love that.

This is the same child who takes her stuffed bear, Russel, into the bathroom with her when she wakes up in the morning, and sets him on the bench facing away from her so that he can't watch her go to the bathroom.

Totally cute.

All the Way to Heaven---on the way to Stop Two

Aneta's left a book review for Elizabeth Sherrill's 'All the Way to Heaven' on her site. Love reading about her impressions of it--that means so much to me. And now it will be shortly on the way to Diane. :)

Books and stuff

'I know that the best thing that we can always do is enjoy life.'~Ecclesiastes 3:12

Heard oldest son get in the door at around 5:30am this morning, and I stayed in a sleep-free zone for another hour before getting up with the big dogs. Once I'm awake, I'm awake! The Pugs are still asleep in the chair, cozy beggars that they are. And, thankfully, I'm feeling good (no, not sick, but perennially sleep-deprived). Might need a morning nap, but all is well.

Got the taxes done yesterday (husband had provided the figures), and was pleasantly surprised. And, yes, having lots of kids and being self-employed does add up to a pleasant experience in a financial way come April 15th. To have them done early, though, is extra special.

Anyway, today is library day and the kids and I are looking forward to that. It tends to be a spur of the moment thing that we do, but to plan ahead and have it to anticipate for days in advance is fun. I have my list of books to get, namely a couple by Elizabeth Taylor (not the actress). She wrote 'Mrs. Palfry at the Claremont', which is a low-key movie with Joan Plowright. I'm reading Barbara Pym's 'A Few Green Leaves' now, and I'm thinking the Taylor's are a bit on the same level. I do love English novels, and am so addicted, I have to limit myself sometimes, but not often, mind you.

So, that's my day. An enjoyable one, I'm thinking. It's cold out, and breezy, so a pile of books this afternoon and a snuggle in bed to look forward to is just the ticket. No worries!

My sunny Tuesday

'A change is as good as a rest.'

Spent yesterday at Molly's, which was much needed. Getting away, visiting, eating a good lunch she'd picked up at Panera (almost as good as Molly's cooking!) and just having girl time. We joked about places she asked if I'd been to, and I responded that of course I'd not been there because I never get out. Even in my own head, it gets ridiculous. This girlfriend is a true blessing, not just with her cheerful talk, but with her friendship. So thankful we found one another after so many years of being apart---but I guess if you meet a person in seventh grade, the connection stays true.

Going to get my act together with schoolwork again today. We're caught up after being sick, or in my head we are, and we have some artwork to look at this morning. I shared my new schedule of going heavy on the drawing, study of architecture and painting and taking a break from the school basics with a family member. Their response was to immediately ask about history, math and the other subjects that we've set to the side temporarily. All of a sudden, I felt guilty. Realized it just yesterday when it seemed that the teaching part of the schooling had gotten to be a drag again.

I was listening to the wrong voice. This person was being concerned, but I figure if I've been at it this long, then I honestly do have a handle on things.

Yeah, that darn guilt rearing its ugly head.

Literally, going back to the drawing board. I sure enjoy teaching more now that we've tweaked the schedule a bit. The kids do their *basic subject* work on their own for now, and together we're into the study of art. All of their drawing skills are improving, even our 16 year old son who writes like a dream, but gets all buggy-eyed when it's time to draw.

Now to enjoy a home day...it's sunny outside (for now) and I'm intending to enjoy it.

(photo of the tea cabinet my husband made awhile back....stuffed full!)

Sleep? Who needs sleep?

Oldest son has a new work schedule for this week, well, until Thursday, that requires him to work from 10pm 'til 5am. Isn't that wretched? He just finished the first night of these hours. And, being the mother that I am, was awake and making a bathroom run at 5:19am, just minutes before he pulled up into the driveway. Such is a mother's love. That homing in quality is amazing to me. I was able to pray him home the rest of the way (takes him about 25-30 minutes to get here from the store), and was so grateful to hear him unlock the door and come into the house.

On the downside, the dogs thought it was a jolly time to make noise, greet the son and do their morning routines. I ignored them until just after 6am, then took care of their nonsense. By the way, it's dark at 6 o'clock.

And I am *not* happy about this. Forget the new work hours. I'm talking about the dogs! I foresee that the new *oh goody, it's time to go outside and eat breakfast* routine will continue on into the rest of the week. Grrrrr.

Must search out some humor in the situation, but haven't found any so far. Doesn't help that the kids went through 2 gallons of milk, this weekend, in a 24 hour period, so that I have to make a trip to the drugstore before they all get up.

Man, I'm cranky. But, the thing is, five hours of sleep just isn't enough!

(photo not our dog....thankfully)

Tumblr

Have had more fun at tumblr (and linked on my sidebar to my pages) with collecting photos to browse through. Very inspiring and uplifting. Especially when I look up at a mess here---it helps to see order elsewhere. It's sort of like an online magazine, thumbing through pictures others have uploaded, just for the sharing.

One caution, though, since some users have a need to be critical, even to the point of being aggressive with other tumblrs---asking why they always upload only certain types of pictures, etc. Folks can be stinkers and sometimes they get ugly. Shoot, I just enjoy the ability to tag photos that I enjoy. The funny thing is that as I look through the ones I've added to my pages, there's a distinct pattern. I tend to gravitate toward more muted colors and if there's a teacup or kitchen photo, I'm on it!

Lovely stuff.

Definitely worth a look-see. And since it's free, and pretty much user-friendly, what's to lose? It's taken me some time to figure all of it out, but with some effort, it's been a delight.

My Friday night

• listening to Rascal Flatts
• enjoyed putting up the current header---a fairy house!
• trusting, trusting, trusting just for now
• trying to let go bit by bit
• having a tough time prying my fingers from situations
• taking deep breaths
• admitting to myself that life is very, very good
• our kids are wonderful, just needing consistent guidance
• going to read more of my library book later (Barbara Pym's 'A Glass of Blessings'
• looking forward to church tomorrow evening
• glad all my chickens are home
  
• loving this husband of mine (all mine)
• just doing this minute, and not a second over
  
• that is all.....
  

Friday afternoon

From a couple of sources (one being the book I bought yesterday), I've heard recommendations for Dorothy Canfield's book called 'The Home-maker'. Found it on Google books, but not sure if it's the entire book. Almost seems like it'd have to be complete considering that over 300 pages are loaded there. Anyway, not sure if I can read it because it brings home too sharply the angst of homemaking, or as I call it, homemaking on the dark side (begin haunting music). Like this quote of the main character talking to her friend on the telephone, the dots representing the friend's words:

"How can I go out and rest more? You know what there is to do. Somebody's got to do it."
. . . . .

"Yes, I know that's what the doctor keeps telling me. I'd just like to have him spend a day in my place and see how he thinks I could manage. Nobody understands. People talk as though I work the way I do just to amuse myself. What else can I do? It's all got to be done, hasn't it?"

I didn't get much further, but that sort of set the pace of the book for me. Supposedly it's highly recommended. Hmmm. Will have to think about it. It's not in the library here, and I'm not of a mind to order it online. Will read it in fits and starts at the link, mostly likely. The thing is, some days I just feel zingy and this is one of them. Not sure what sets it off, but there you have it.

Really, I should read books that lift me up rather than drag me down. Sort of how a woman with marriage troubles should avoid talking to girlfriends with similar complaints. Exaggeration is more than likely to rear its head.

Need to turn off my frets and chill. Think I'll go re-arrange the living room. That always works to cheer me.

Birthday photos :)

(both taken by sweet oldest daughter)

The day after...

Ah, the birthday is past, and I have to admit, was a sweet one. My children and husband took care of me and got me the two things I most wanted (among other things) and that was a new mouse for my computer (the new one is, of course, pink!) and a new bottle of Mrs. Meyer's lavender cleaner...the concentrate. Love the stuff. Spraying down the counters in the kitchen is a joy when the scent afterward is lavender. Plus, I tend to stick an Renuzit Simply Vanilla air freshener in a corner of the kitchen, so that the heater blows on it. So much fun to get whiffs of comforting scents while walking through a room.

Another perk was an additional gift card to a local bookstore to add to one I got at Christmas. Have got my eye on Jane Brocket's book, 'The Gentle Art of Domesticity' and hope to pick that up today. Finally have the money to do so---gift cards are such a treat! The store I'm going to has one copy, and I looked through it when I was there (without enough money) last week. Had to wipe the drool off of my mouth while I thumbed through it. Loveliness indeed. Read many, many reviews on it yesterday, and came to the conclusion that I need to decide for myself. I think I really want it!

Besides birthday shopping today, will cover schoolwork with the kids, this morning, and then they'll have lunch at my mom's. I'll come back home and take deep breaths. Too much weighing on my mind just now and need some space to process it. I realize that the Lord doesn't intend on me taking on more than what's in front of me, so will keep my plate partially empty.

And finally, love to my sweet friends here who overwhelmed me with birthday greetings. My gluttonous manner of sharing my birthday awarded me with abundant well-wishes. I feel full. :)

Fifty-one

So, is it considered gloating if you tell folks it's your birthday ON your birthday? I think not, or if so, I've created a new rule that says it's fine to share your day with everyone in sight (or on site, as the case may be!).

Happy Birthday to me.

Need to get some groceries in the house for my birthday dinner. Husband said he'd go with me last night to get stuff, but I put the kibosh on that. We were just so tired. So later on this morning will get fixings for a Chinese dish that's in the crock pot cookbook...Hot and Spicy Chicken or something like that. It's yummy. And the least one wants to make my cake (with assistance from a sibling), and I told her to make whatever *she* wanted. The end result will be pink, no doubt, and probably strawberry. Husband frowned at that, but I figure if she's that excited about it, she ought to make herself happy in the bargain. Plus, she's so doggone cute.

Well, must be off. I think I'll go read while the house wakes up. Have a good one...I intend to! Doesn't hurt that the high temperature today is supposed to be in the upper forties, and it's sunny. That's a gift in itself. :)

(not my photo, but nabbed from an old blogger template)

Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado

Max Lucado's book, 'Facing Your Giants', is very encouraging, and one I've needed to read. Everyone has monsters in their closets of some sort, things that pressure and attempt to control them. Lucado uses the story of David in the Old Testament to show the reader how to deal with and overcome their own personal struggles. He doesn't paint a picture of ease, but tells how oftentimes the believer will give up when trying to put things behind them. In poetic language, he shares stories of others who have battled their giants and how the Lord has provided solutions and escape.

David's a great example. He failed miserable and repeatedly, but still, God held him up as an example to all of us. And not just an example of forgiveness, but proof of how fallible we humans can be. Even when we're disappointing the Lord, He is loving us through it. I find great comfort in that.

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

Morning Pugs

Monday morning

A fresh new week. Have been glad to have some quiet this morning before everyone (except dogs) stir and make noise. The weekend was full, and while it was all good, still----I do enjoy the time when the house sleeps.

Lots continuing to go on in 2 of our childrens' love lives. Makes me tired! Too much emotion and anxiousness, and I got to bed last night feeling sort of dishrag-like. Their enthusiasm reminds me of a litter of puppies, so excited and feeling like they've literally got the world by the tail. I remember those days, but my recollection of some it has faded. I turn 51 this week, so maybe I need a refresher course in spontaneity and silliness.

Did enjoy church yesterday morning, though. Our 20 year old son goes to a different church than the rest of us, though he rides with us when we go---which sadly hasn't been since Christmas Eve services since we've been continually sick in this house since then. Good stuff at his church. More spontaneous than the mega church we regularly visit. And, you know, sometimes at church you can just tell that the Lord's present. That was yesterday. Draining as well, but also, in a good way.

My brain is full, so will spend the day with washing the clothes that are piled in the dirty clothes basket in the hall closet. The pile is literally about 4-1/2 feet tall, and that's a bit awe-inspiring. Boggles the mind. Thought I was keeping up, but obviously not!

Praying for grace to meet the day and the abilitiy to listen when the kids need to share. Enjoy yours.

Oh, btw, we had more snow last night. Roads are clear but, my goodness, the yard looks pretty!

Valentine's Eve

These shots were taken without a flash, with just the sun on a cloudy day lighting the rooms...but you get the idea. ;)

Valentine's Eve-Eve

I love Valentine's Day. Second only to Thanksgiving. Glad I've already got treats for the kids and my husband. It's not much, but a little sweet-sweet as I like to call it. Have strung heart lights and garland, and just need to tweak one of the outside wreaths. With the sickness that had us captive, I'd not finished putting the ribbons on the wreath on the porch-side of the house. And with the hot pink doors, it's more of a challenge to fiddle with. Not much easily matches a pink door. :)

Company on Sunday, with the daughter's beau and another son's hopeful beau-to-be all for a visit. Romance is in the air whether I like it or not! And it's not that I'm a curmudgeon, but more slow in my thinking. I don't do anything spontaneously, but our children seem to have inherited their dad's need for speed, and there's something about folks liking to be paired up. I really never was until I met my husband, and at 23 years old, I was past the age most folks were romancing for the first time.

Oh well.

Gonna do my part anyway. Will whip up a double batch of heart cookies (Dotsie, you inspired me!), and have sprinkles and food coloring for them. I do love me some Valentine's cookies. Will tidy the house, read a bit and with potato soup for dinner, the evening is pretty easy.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Silliness

Have to share the new cell phone ringtone that I downloaded last night. Wasn't sure how to load it on my phone, but one son did it...Bluetooth. Anyway, here it is. Total cuteness. I guarantee you'll love it. ;)

Looking forward to the day. Library books to return and hoping the ones on hold have arrived from another branch to the one nearby. One is 'A Glass of Blessings' by Barbara Pym (recommended by Alison at Brocante Home), and the other is 'The Dollmaker' by Harriette Arnow that I saw at Naomi's reading list at her journal.

Oldest daughter's beau might come by with his little half-brother. He's under a year old, so it''ll be fun to have a wee one to hold and look at for awhile. Won't mind seeing the beau either (waggling my cigar at you Groucho-style!). He is a sweetie. I'll admit, though, to having to adjust my head to boyfriend-ness being part of the family now. But I'm working on it.

Trying to get my head into a playful mood as well. I so often put on my responsibility hat way too early in the day. Why do I do that? That old saying about 'all work and no play makes Jane a dull girl' or something like that, should be tattooed onto the back of my hand. I mean, really. I'm so caught up on getting things done, that I totally miss out on the joys. (record droning on repeatedly)

Even oldest daughter got to laughing at me yesterday morning about that same thing. She was telling me about something she'd seen on t.v. about some fishermen catching squid, and how they talked about cooking them and how great the squid were---her enthusiasm in telling it equaled the kick these fishermen got out of their job and eating their catch. I made an inane remark about it, and I quote, "and they're having so much fun!" She just got to laughing, repeating what I'd said. I'm rolling my eyes, realizing how goofy that it sounded.

See, folks are enjoying life, even their work and I seem to miss the mark somehow. Least I have a sense of humor about it.

Stuff

Realized yesterday that I needed to get my teeth into something. That's a habit my husband has no trouble with....he'll have a *something* that inspires him and will tackle it until, either he has it solved, or he's bought whatever it is he's got his eye on. For him now it's a Harley-Davidson. He's not had a motorcycle in years, and it was before I came into the picture that he owned one. His current passion is to search the online ads for a used bike. That's keeping him happy.

I tend to be reactive. I react when other folks in my life initiate. Maybe it's a mothering hazard. Even online, I tend to whiz through my reading/writing because I know that within a few minutes somebody's going to ask me a question. Then my brain will have to pause, and then I oftentimes have difficulty getting back to my business.

So, the plan is to dig out a cross-stitch project (there are many pouting in various plastic bags), or to begin writing a story. Or using the watercolors I bought before getting sick. I just need something for *me*, you know?

And as to my day, the lady did come in and pay up, and we do have groceries in the house. Not proud of my pitiful lack of faith, but so grateful that God is long on patience with me. I require lots. ;)

Focus

I can be such an Israelite. The old-time sort, not present-day. God blesses, I gripe. I ask for dinner, a son or daughter provides. I complain about needing more toilet paper, and find the change to make it happen.

Whine, whine, whine.

This is the season to wait, yet again, for a client to pay up. She was supposed to be in the shop on Friday, even making the comment that it was payday. Did she show up? Silly me, to believe that she would. My husband called her on Saturday afternoon, asking her if she'd be in on *that* day. Oh my goodness, she says, my daughter needed me to be at her house. Says she'll be there on Monday (yesterday) or today.

My attitude stinks. About out of clothes soap, the kitchen cupboards are sadly bare, and as I said....I can be such an Israelite. I doubt God because people disappoint me. I get angry at this lady for making the light-hearted comment about Friday being her payday, wishing she'd understand that it's within her power to make it *our* payday as well.

Sometimes I can almost feel the Lord shaking His head at me, willing me to trust and it seems I'm having a hard time learning that lesson. Keeps repeating itself, you know?

What I need to remember is to trust God, and not put folks in the position to solve my problems. Yes, people need to follow through when they say they're going to do something, but I've learned when it concerns parting with their money, hesitation follows. But you know what *really* gets me? Is that I know in my heart that I'll be happy as a clam when this lady shows up and pays up. For her to have that hold on my emotions and the ability to control my mood drives me nuts.

Need to keep my focus not on the problem, but on God's face. Man, that seems to be a tough one for me. But I need to learn it.

SNOW!

OK, this is totally unexpected. It wasn't in the weather forecast last night, or anything. Reminds me of my childhood when you'd wake up to a snowy day (very rarely) and would get to stay home and play.

Heard waking up noises about 1/2 an hour ago, and got up to see who was stirring. Oldest son was getting ready to go out the door for work. I was scratching my head, trying to remember when he was supposed to leave, and he laughed and asks if I've looked out the window yet.

We've already got a few inches on the ground, and it's still coming down. And while this will likely be our only snow for the Winter season, we will enjoy it. The kids will have fits when they get up.

School today? I highly doubt it!

There's glitter everywhere. The little girls made home-made Valentines last night and today, and the trail is spread out over the whole house. Fortunately glitter is a happy thing, and who can get upset seeing it strewn over every flat surface? Not me. And honestly, it doesn't really vacuum up, but rather blows into the vacuum bag and out again. Kinda cute. As for our plastic table cloth (from Target and cheap), well, it might not last the week.

Book recommendations

Just finished reading 'The Man Who Loved Books Too Much' by Allison Hoover Bartlett. So good. It's about a guy who steals valuable books, only to make excuses for himself to the extent of not feeling that he's guilty of any crimes. Even after serving prison time, he declares himself innocent. This is a true story (and one that's recent), and is full of rare book info. and story after story about book sellers/collectors. Interestingly enough, the writer of the book finds herself in the precarious position, while researching it, of having sometimes more inside information than the authorities. A great read for anyone who's a sucker for a good book, and obviously that would be me.

Made me wonder if I have a problem myself, especially considering I've read 3 books in the last week. Addictions. A funny thing. ;)

Btw, the other two I inhaled were 'Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire' by Jim Cymbala and 'Same Kind of Different as Me' by Ken Hall and Denver Moore. Gulp!

A quiet Saturday

Husband's at work, those children who have jobs are off today. Not much going on, but that's all good. Kids puttering and eating light. Me still in my jammies and not in a hurry to change my appearance. The day is overcast and cold and that sort of slows down everyone.

Hoping this is a sign of good days ahead. Wellness. A slower pace as a norm after being *made* to put the brakes on with everyone sick.

A lesson learned. I can't do it all, and surprisingly enough, the important things have gotten done even with a hospital ward atmosphere around the house.

Gonna go putter, read and tidy a bit. Need to get in tune with the house again. I've missed it. :)

And thanks for the out-pouring of anniversary greetings. Y'all are pure sweetness!

27th

Happy Anniversary to us! And though Gary won't see this (he doesn't get into my online business), I have to say that God has blessed me abundantly with this husband. And mushiness aside, he really is a perfect fit for me. :) Fell for him the first I laid eyes on him, and haven't veered from those feelings yet.

All the Way to Heaven journey...pt. 1

Well, Aneta received the Elizabeth Sherrill book (all the way in Canada), and so begins the traveling of my book. So neat to see the photo of the box after she opened it. I love this! :)

Almost there, but not quite

Not out of the woods, yet. The least one, who was sick on Sunday with the stomach virus, spiked a 103 temp. at noon yesterday and we're still working on it. Keeps going up and down, up and down. I'm thinking that with her being so slender and all that she's just not got lots to fight with. And making her drink lots of water proves to be an effort. She's good about it, but doesn't initiate, if you know what I mean. Popsicles, it is! Middle daughter had a hard time after dinner as well, not being quite ready to eat real food.

My goodness.

One son is down, as well, but just seems to be suffering from extreme fatigue. Least he passed by the throwing up part.

Isn't this lovely?!?!!

Besides all of this nonsense, it IS a wonderful day outside. A drizzly, cold rain and a cozy, warm house to stay in. I'll raise the window shades and pull back the curtains later on. Take in some light into the rooms, and just be quiet. Recovery is still taking lots of time, for me, but seeing that I've go nowhere else to go, why complain?

But you know what I miss? Baking. And while we're fixing dinner for the crowd, not much is getting eaten. Must freeze some things. But still. Would love to have the energy and where-with-all to bake a cake. I realize that those who are well, and have stayed that way, would enjoy a sweet, but maybe later...

Same Kind of Different as Me

Just finished reading the book, 'Same Kind of Different as Me', from Dotsie and Bonnie's book club (which is to review the book soon). Only thing I'll say is that it's a life-changing book. Well, if it doesn't break your heart and cause you to think twice about your faith, then maybe it's not so life-changing. Shoot, even to the level of thinking how you continue to live your life. It's priceless.

My illness these past few days---God's opportunity for filling me up with Him.

Glad I'm feeling better, though, with the ability to wash bedding, do some dishes and all-around look more normal for the kids. It's hard for them to see their mama have to go to the bed so often, after being exhausted by even the smallest chores. But, I'm so thankful that this is a minor hiccup. Everyone's much better, and my husband and two of our sons have missed it completely. Now to focus on our home and family, but to keep the things I've learned these past few days tucked close to my heart. My dad used to say that, as children, we were always different after being ill. Guess that can be said to be the truth with adults as well, can't it?

Church

Have been reading Jim Cymbala's book 'Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire' recording the history of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church and am amazed myself. I tend to limit God, putting Him in a box of a size I can manage. Ready to take the lid off.

Now as a disclaimer, I know next to nothing about this church, and I'm sure issues have surfaced like they do everywhere. But listen to the choir sing. They *are* amazing.

Cake

I have this thing for pretty cakes, with fancy white bakery cakes being my absolute favorite. And what I'm going to share with you is totally wonderful cake-ness. I found this Flickr account through the neatest person I follow on Blogger. We're not chums, but I do enjoy her writing and photos.

Honestly, am trying to be quiet here in bed on my laptop. My nerves are shot with being sick and all. I'm weepy and jittery and can't stand up to do anything worthwhile for more than 10-15 minutes. Did a sink full of dishes this morning, only to have to quit before I was quite done. Hard, hard, hard to have to keep resting.

But the cake photos *did* help my mood. Such pretties.

Nora Ephron has a book out called 'I Feel Bad about My Neck', and I totally get that title today. Wearing the highest reaching turtleneck I could drag out of the drawer, since that's the main place I lost weight with this illness.

Sheesh.