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!