A couple of weeks ago, our boy had a birthday. Eleven! Another year's worth of reasons to be so very proud of him. Ever a fan of Robin and his merry men, Peter received his own bow and arrow set this year. We have still yet to obtain the hay bales and set up a shooting range outside. Still trying to figure out the logistics on that one ...
So while he waits, he had a band of his own merry men over to the local
archery range for a shootin' party. Targets and balloons were obliterated
and once Pops brought out the life-sized poster of the wart-hog, the
arrows really started flying.
For celebration, Peter chose a smattering of donuts instead of birthday cake. Brilliant! A real crowd-pleaser and mom pleaser as well. Doesn't get much easier than ordering up 3 dozen donuts!
And Peter, in his ever-gracious way, allowed his wee-lass of a sister to partake on several rounds. (She was shockingly good. Just look at that stance!)
It is a happy thing, indeed, to celebrate one another. Peter, it is our joy to celebrate you.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Operation Healthy Snack
Almost.
Monday, February 6, 2012
A Stack of New Towels and Happy Thoughts
Tomorrow we celebrate our anniversary. Fourteen years. And if we count those sweet courting days, we mark 20 years together. Twenty! What a unique joy to already have so much history with each other.
After some frank discussions about the state of our bath linens, we decided it was truly time for some new towels! Bath towels that are fourteen years old, ripped, frayed, and dingy as all get-out? Mmmhmm. New white towels are a celebratory luxury indeed.
With a twinkle and a smirk, Pops told me he feels like a king using these new towels. And I love that about him.
Friday, February 3, 2012
No Greater Joy
The Sunday before last, my children chose to be baptized. Oh happy, happy day.
Little Jane was the one who led the way. She's been asking to be baptized for several months now. What do you say when your 6 year-old begs you to be baptized? Yes! You say yes!
On the eve of her baptism, Peter and Lucette decided now was them time for them, too. And the three of them shared the day together. A shared memory made of declaring who their life belonged to. What a gift for us all.
Pops did the "dunking" as Jane labeled it. And before he did so, he read the verse we chose for each of them when they were just babes in arms:
Peter -
"Speak Lord, for your servant is listening" 1 Samuel 3:10
Lucette -
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights" James 1:17
Jane -
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" Matthew 5:8
And the verse on my heart that day?
Little Jane was the one who led the way. She's been asking to be baptized for several months now. What do you say when your 6 year-old begs you to be baptized? Yes! You say yes!
On the eve of her baptism, Peter and Lucette decided now was them time for them, too. And the three of them shared the day together. A shared memory made of declaring who their life belonged to. What a gift for us all.
Pops did the "dunking" as Jane labeled it. And before he did so, he read the verse we chose for each of them when they were just babes in arms:
Peter -
"Speak Lord, for your servant is listening" 1 Samuel 3:10
Lucette -
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights" James 1:17
Jane -
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" Matthew 5:8
And the verse on my heart that day?
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth"
3 John 1:4
Monday, January 30, 2012
Eyes of a Dove
Did you know that when doves mate, they mate for life? Once committed, they don't ever go looking again ... ever. And their eyes? They only look straight forward. They have no peripheral vision. They only have eyes for what is right before them.
I spent some time at a women's retreat this weekend. We worked through the Song of Solomon as seen as an allegory between Christ and His bride. Between Christ and us. I was far, far, more touched by the study than I ever expected to be.
He speaks in relationship to us. He calls us beloved. He calls us beautiful. He tells us our eyes are like doves. He knows the real us and He still tells us this.
Not distracted by all that is in the periphery. Not wavering in commitment. And beautiful to Him. This is who I want to be. This is who He sees me as. This is a choice for me to believe.
God is so good. The rains come and the rains ... they do go. Winter passes away and there is an ushering in of springtime. And the doves are heard in the land. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God.
Rejoice with me. God has ended a long season of rain in my life. And more than ever, I claim eyes of a dove. I choose to have eyes of a dove. Praise God.
I spent some time at a women's retreat this weekend. We worked through the Song of Solomon as seen as an allegory between Christ and His bride. Between Christ and us. I was far, far, more touched by the study than I ever expected to be.
He speaks in relationship to us. He calls us beloved. He calls us beautiful. He tells us our eyes are like doves. He knows the real us and He still tells us this.
Not distracted by all that is in the periphery. Not wavering in commitment. And beautiful to Him. This is who I want to be. This is who He sees me as. This is a choice for me to believe.
God is so good. The rains come and the rains ... they do go. Winter passes away and there is an ushering in of springtime. And the doves are heard in the land. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God.
Rejoice with me. God has ended a long season of rain in my life. And more than ever, I claim eyes of a dove. I choose to have eyes of a dove. Praise God.
"See! The winter is past, the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land."
Song of Songs 2:11-12
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
A Good Use for a Common Thing
Need to set that orchid stem straight? Pull out one of the chopsticks that your father-in-law brought back from Japan and a plain ol' bread-bag tie. Voila!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Busy Days
I just can't get up any gumption to post, as of late. The days have been so, so busy. Lots of good that God has placed in front of us, just needing to scale back and focus on using my time on that which is most important. Ever have that feeling?
Taking an on & off approach for a bit. Hugs.
Taking an on & off approach for a bit. Hugs.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Shazaam! Simple Solutions To Common Conundrums
Happy New Year! While I've never been one for radical resolutions, I do love the fresh-start feel to January.
Perhaps that is why I so enjoyed this post on this blog. While I have known how to fold a mean fitted-sheet for years (thank you, Mom), I never even considered most of these brilliant solutions to common conundrums.
Read through and tell me which are your favorites!
.
Why didn’t I think of that?! We guarrantee you’ll be uttering those
words more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas
that solve everyday problems … some you never knew you had! (Above: hull
strawberries easily using a straw).
.
.
Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.
.
.
Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40 (also works on walls).
.
.
Stop cut apples browning in your child’s lunch box by securing with a rubber band.
.
.
Overhaul your linen cupboard – store bedlinen sets inside one of
their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles
for a match.
.
.
Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone / iPod in a bowl – the concave shape amplifies the music.
.
.
Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.
.
.
Add this item to your beach bag. Baby powder gets sand off your skin easily – who knew?!
.
.
Attach a velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys.
.
.
Look up! Use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the floor.
.
.
Gotcha! Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a stocking over the vacuum hose.
.
.
Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into a box lid.
.
.
For those who can’t stand the scrunching and bunching: how to perfectly fold a fitted sheet.
.
.
Forever losing your bathroom essentials? Use magnetic strips to store
bobby pins (and tweezers and clippers) behind a vanity door
.
.
A tip for holiday packing. Store shoes inside shower caps to stop
dirty soles rubbing on your clothes. And you can find them in just about
every hotel!
.
.
A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy. Magnets hold the plastic cups down to make them tip-resistant.
.
.
Bread tags make the perfect-sized cord labels.
.
.
Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones – so much more fun and easier for kids to eat. Definitely doing this!
.
.
Microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper bag. Much healthier and cheaper than the packet stuff.
.
.
Perhaps that is why I so enjoyed this post on this blog. While I have known how to fold a mean fitted-sheet for years (thank you, Mom), I never even considered most of these brilliant solutions to common conundrums.
Read through and tell me which are your favorites!
.
Via: amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com
Why didn’t I think of that?! We guarrantee you’ll be uttering those
words more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas
that solve everyday problems … some you never knew you had! (Above: hull
strawberries easily using a straw)..
.
Via: apartmenttherapy.com
Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes..
.
Via: unplggd.com
Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40 (also works on walls)..
.
Via: athomewithrealfood.blogspot.com
Stop cut apples browning in your child’s lunch box by securing with a rubber band..
.
Via: marthastewart.com
Overhaul your linen cupboard – store bedlinen sets inside one of
their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles
for a match..
.
Via: realsimple.com
Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone / iPod in a bowl – the concave shape amplifies the music..
.
Via: savvyhousekeeping.com
Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags..
.
Via: iheartnaptime.net
Add this item to your beach bag. Baby powder gets sand off your skin easily – who knew?!.
.
Via: realsimple.com
Attach a velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys..
.
Via: flickr.com
Look up! Use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the floor..
.
Via: instructables.com
Gotcha! Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a stocking over the vacuum hose..
.
Via: realsimple.com
Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into a box lid..
.
Via: stephmodo.com
For those who can’t stand the scrunching and bunching: how to perfectly fold a fitted sheet..
.
Via: sprwmn.blogspot.com
Forever losing your bathroom essentials? Use magnetic strips to store
bobby pins (and tweezers and clippers) behind a vanity door.
.
Via: realsimple.com
A tip for holiday packing. Store shoes inside shower caps to stop
dirty soles rubbing on your clothes. And you can find them in just about
every hotel!.
.
Via: familyfun.go.com
A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy. Magnets hold the plastic cups down to make them tip-resistant..
.
Via: unplggd.com
Bread tags make the perfect-sized cord labels..
.
Via: kiboomu.com
Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones – so much more fun and easier for kids to eat. Definitely doing this!.
.
Via: squawkfox.com
Microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper bag. Much healthier and cheaper than the packet stuff..
.
Via: jengrantmorris.blogspot.com
Brilliant space-saver: install a tension rod to hang your spray bottles. Genius!
.
.
Via: 9gag.com
Win friends at breakfast with this heart-shaped egg tutorial. Aww shucks!
.
.
Via: wilton.com
Turn your muffin pan upside down, bake cookie-dough over the top and voila – you have cookie bowls for fruit or ice-cream. Click here for recipe.
.
.
Via: realsimple.com
Freeze Aloe Vera in ice-cube trays for soothing sunburn relief.
.
.
Via: lifehacker.com.au
Gutter garden: Create a window-box veggie patch using guttering.
.
.
Via: re-nest.com
Use egg cartons to separate and store your Christmas decorations.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Treasures Abound
Christmas Eve baking, music listening, excited bouncing, and pinecone glittering. Treasures abound.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth
and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store
up for yourselves treasures in heaven ...
For where your treasure
is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
Friday, December 23, 2011
Clean-It-Out Day
In expectation of all the Christmas extravaganzas, today has been "clean-it-out" day. Boxes from Amazon shipments and scraps from wrapping have all been isolated and pitched with verve.
And while we're at it ... the children were enlisted into service as well. Since they are undoubtedly getting new goodies, it is time to cull out the old. Empty bins and shelves in the closet? This is a good thing. Kids are remarkably willing to clean when it involves making room for anticipated treasures.
A kid tip? Collect 3 empty bags. A big ol' garbage bag in the hall for trash (there will be lots ... why is this always so??) and two other bags for each kid (paper grocery bags work great). One for giveaways and one for "I don't know what to do with this so I'll ask mom."
Is the house now a picture of tidy perfection? Of course not! But it's better than before we started and that is a great thing.
And while we're at it ... the children were enlisted into service as well. Since they are undoubtedly getting new goodies, it is time to cull out the old. Empty bins and shelves in the closet? This is a good thing. Kids are remarkably willing to clean when it involves making room for anticipated treasures.
A kid tip? Collect 3 empty bags. A big ol' garbage bag in the hall for trash (there will be lots ... why is this always so??) and two other bags for each kid (paper grocery bags work great). One for giveaways and one for "I don't know what to do with this so I'll ask mom."
Is the house now a picture of tidy perfection? Of course not! But it's better than before we started and that is a great thing.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Operation Smile, Chocolate Style
I've begun to feel challenged, lately, to find more opportunities to smile with my neighbors. A quick wave as I drive by or a chat at the mailbox are easy to do. But in the wintertime, when we are all clustered indoors, we see each other very little and it's too blasted cold outside to really visit on the sidewalk over recycling bins.
But yet, I've had this nudge. Reach out. More. Keep it simple. Show you care. Bring a smile.
I can do this.
So this year we mixed up a ridiculously easy hot chocolate recipe that slaps together faster than a bejeweled Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye musical number. (Have you seen "Sisters"?? Watch the ladies first and then watch those boys. One of my favorite old-timey movie scenes ever).
Once made, we spooned into containers, wrapped in string and tied on a little note. The girls and I delivered small tubs of hot chocolate mix to our frosty and hermited cul-de-sac. And you know what we got? A lot of smiles.
We pray for opportunities to show His love, right? Here's a nice, simple, chocolately one that's a sure-fire winner.
• Pass-It-On Hot Chocolate Mix •
8 c. powdered sugar (1 c. more if you like it on the sweeter side)
4 c. cocoa
10 c. powdered milk (or one 8qt. box)
4 t. salt
8 t. cornstarch
a couple good shakes of cayenne pepper
Mix all together, spoon into air-tight containers or baggies. 2-3 T per mug of hot water or milk.
**Takes me two batches to make up enough to pass out to neighbors and friends.
But yet, I've had this nudge. Reach out. More. Keep it simple. Show you care. Bring a smile.
I can do this.
So this year we mixed up a ridiculously easy hot chocolate recipe that slaps together faster than a bejeweled Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye musical number. (Have you seen "Sisters"?? Watch the ladies first and then watch those boys. One of my favorite old-timey movie scenes ever).
Once made, we spooned into containers, wrapped in string and tied on a little note. The girls and I delivered small tubs of hot chocolate mix to our frosty and hermited cul-de-sac. And you know what we got? A lot of smiles.
We pray for opportunities to show His love, right? Here's a nice, simple, chocolately one that's a sure-fire winner.
• Pass-It-On Hot Chocolate Mix •
8 c. powdered sugar (1 c. more if you like it on the sweeter side)
4 c. cocoa
10 c. powdered milk (or one 8qt. box)
4 t. salt
8 t. cornstarch
a couple good shakes of cayenne pepper
Mix all together, spoon into air-tight containers or baggies. 2-3 T per mug of hot water or milk.
**Takes me two batches to make up enough to pass out to neighbors and friends.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Skipping Rocks and A Mama's Heart
At first, while rummaging his closet, I thought I had just been negligent. How can he have grown out of all of his long-sleeve shirts? What has this poor boy been wearing these last months?
But then later, while watching him skip rocks with more skill than I'll ever muster, I realized ...
... he's just growing so quickly. My mama-heart is both wistful and joyous all at once.
But then later, while watching him skip rocks with more skill than I'll ever muster, I realized ...
... he's just growing so quickly. My mama-heart is both wistful and joyous all at once.
Friday, December 16, 2011
A Christmas Thank-You Gift
Personalized pencils for teachers along with a little festive zippy pouch (made from a vintage table-cloth and red ticking!). Affordable, practical ... and still awfully cute.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
On the Tree and Throughout the House
We don't really collect nutcrackers, but we seem to have amassed a number of them throughout the house. Kids are so drawn to them, aren't they? Both a bit human and a bit imagination.
And if they are "working" nutcrackers, beware of fingers. We have a six year-old loose in the house who will attempt to crack yours in the big red fellow's mouth if you aren't on your guard.
And if they are "working" nutcrackers, beware of fingers. We have a six year-old loose in the house who will attempt to crack yours in the big red fellow's mouth if you aren't on your guard.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Advent in the Heart and Home
I'm guest-posting over on GraceLaced, authored by my friend, Ruth. She is a fellow busy-mama who does wonders in her home and with her kids ... and isn't afraid to expose the less than shiny parts of life. I love people like that.
Here is the post:
Merry Christmas, friends! It was with great joy that I accepted Ruth's request to share with you, some of our favorite advent-season traditions. Over time and through much trial and error, I have realized that any traditions we have grown to love have been ultimately rooted to two things: Expectations and Simplicity.
Expectations can be a killer. It can drain joy and smiles and leave behind a colander full of disappointment.
It has been my experience that deciding ahead of time what will become a treasured moment ... doesn't always fly. Turns out, people don't like to be bossed into special moments. And believe me. I've tried. Sweet traditions seem to evolve on their own accord. Yes, they often require a little effort or forethought, but they may or may not "stick." Initially, they are best offered up without expectation.
In thinking of what traditions, specifically, have meaning for us, I realized I couldn't ask that of myself, but must ask the children what their favorite traditions are. My husband and I have offered up all sorts of Christmas season experiences over the years, but in general, their response is the deciding factor in what "sticks" and what doesn't. Here is what they said they loved:
Advent Readings
All three of my children agreed on these three as their favorite traditions. It's not the activities, really, it's the intent and the togetherness. It's what has emerged as special to our family.
So how to figure out what works for your family? It may be different than what works for ours.
However, next to managing healthy expectations, advocating Simplicity will bless any family. If it's complicated, someone is going to get stressed out or bored. Totally not the point, right?
Here are some tips I like to refer to as "Operation Holiday Simplicity":
1. Pray that the Lord would show you how to navigate this season in a way that would bring Him glory and honor.
2. Say "yes" to down time! Just because you have a day free doesn't mean you should fill it up with holiday plans. Be willing to let fun opportunities pass by so you can fully appreciate those that you purposefully choose. Added bonus? You're making room for spontaneous jigsaw puzzle sessions or Christmas stories by the fire.
3. Do it if it is fun. Only if it is fun. Christmas cards? Only if you enjoy the process and won't groan at the postage. Of course we all love to receive them, but nobody will think less of you if you don't send them. Baking cookies? Bring me a plate if you spent a glorious day making them. But if you dread the making, the chilling, the rolling, the cutting, the frosting ... just make some hot chocolate and everyone is still happy.
4. Find simple, sustainable traditions that bring Christ into your home. We all have our favorites that work for us, but our family is learning to slow the daily pace down enough so we can truly set the focus where we want it to be and simply enjoy the season.
5. Let go of the expectations and just enjoy. This means being willing to bag the most brilliant idea if it isn't working for the family. This is a biggie for me. I'm prone to over-planning which can really be a drag for everyone else. Appreciating the days for how they offer themselves up is a skill I'd really love to make habit.

Truly, this is the season for expectations. But in all the treasured moments we find, may we remember our true joy does not come from that which we create. Let us hold loosely to our own expectations, and simply take on The Expectation of Christ. He is coming ... and in Him, our expectations will be met in full.
Here is the post:
Merry Christmas, friends! It was with great joy that I accepted Ruth's request to share with you, some of our favorite advent-season traditions. Over time and through much trial and error, I have realized that any traditions we have grown to love have been ultimately rooted to two things: Expectations and Simplicity.
Expectations can be a killer. It can drain joy and smiles and leave behind a colander full of disappointment.
It has been my experience that deciding ahead of time what will become a treasured moment ... doesn't always fly. Turns out, people don't like to be bossed into special moments. And believe me. I've tried. Sweet traditions seem to evolve on their own accord. Yes, they often require a little effort or forethought, but they may or may not "stick." Initially, they are best offered up without expectation.
In thinking of what traditions, specifically, have meaning for us, I realized I couldn't ask that of myself, but must ask the children what their favorite traditions are. My husband and I have offered up all sorts of Christmas season experiences over the years, but in general, their response is the deciding factor in what "sticks" and what doesn't. Here is what they said they loved:
Cozy
Cozy to them meant candles and Christmas CDs, twinkling Christmas trees, and stockings hung. Baking cookies,
reading books, piecing puzzles, and watching old movies. It meant time
together. Atmosphere. All of the little stuff that added together
becomes tradition and memories. Not complicated. Not even specific. Just Cozy. Your cozy may look different than our cozy. Don't try to measure up or compare. What you are already doing is enough and it's special.
Advent Readings
For the last four years we have read one of the books from Arnold Ytreeide's
series. We light
the advent candles and cuddle in for a good nightly read. The stories
are exciting, they reinforce God's plan for His people, and they remind
us of who Christ is for each of us.
Each Sunday of advent we replace the evening meal that we normally would
have with one made of rice and beans. This is to serve as
reminder to us of all of those in this world that would be grateful for
such a simple meal. You'd think the kids would grumble but I'm always
surprised by their enthusiasm.
The money saved by making this our
meal is represented by a dollar bill placed above the plate of each
person. This gets tucked into our "Blessings Jar" along with any other
donated funds from chores or savings. We choose some person or group
that we know could use the gift and send it to them after Christmas.
It's simple and not a huge amount of money, but a very real way to show
the children how they can show love in Christ's name.
All three of my children agreed on these three as their favorite traditions. It's not the activities, really, it's the intent and the togetherness. It's what has emerged as special to our family.
So how to figure out what works for your family? It may be different than what works for ours.
However, next to managing healthy expectations, advocating Simplicity will bless any family. If it's complicated, someone is going to get stressed out or bored. Totally not the point, right?
Here are some tips I like to refer to as "Operation Holiday Simplicity":
1. Pray that the Lord would show you how to navigate this season in a way that would bring Him glory and honor.
2. Say "yes" to down time! Just because you have a day free doesn't mean you should fill it up with holiday plans. Be willing to let fun opportunities pass by so you can fully appreciate those that you purposefully choose. Added bonus? You're making room for spontaneous jigsaw puzzle sessions or Christmas stories by the fire.
3. Do it if it is fun. Only if it is fun. Christmas cards? Only if you enjoy the process and won't groan at the postage. Of course we all love to receive them, but nobody will think less of you if you don't send them. Baking cookies? Bring me a plate if you spent a glorious day making them. But if you dread the making, the chilling, the rolling, the cutting, the frosting ... just make some hot chocolate and everyone is still happy.
4. Find simple, sustainable traditions that bring Christ into your home. We all have our favorites that work for us, but our family is learning to slow the daily pace down enough so we can truly set the focus where we want it to be and simply enjoy the season.
5. Let go of the expectations and just enjoy. This means being willing to bag the most brilliant idea if it isn't working for the family. This is a biggie for me. I'm prone to over-planning which can really be a drag for everyone else. Appreciating the days for how they offer themselves up is a skill I'd really love to make habit.

Truly, this is the season for expectations. But in all the treasured moments we find, may we remember our true joy does not come from that which we create. Let us hold loosely to our own expectations, and simply take on The Expectation of Christ. He is coming ... and in Him, our expectations will be met in full.
“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The
Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem!"
Luke 2:10-11
Friday, December 9, 2011
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