Oh, Dishcloth ... I Love You

I have a thing for dish towels. And aprons. Well, lip balm and old dishes too. Okay, I have a thing for lots of stuff, but dishcloths are such a fun splurge. They never cost too much (I found these at 40 percent off!) and look so snappy in my kitchen. Somehow a pretty dish towel, even if showing signs of wear, makes kitchen chores significantly more enjoyable.

Now, I do have some requirements. Without a doubt, I prefer cotton towels. They do their job without complaint and handle the washing machine nicely. I do not care for those stiff, shiny dishcloths that seem to have a personal objection to actually absorbing moisture and simply smear water about. And what about the textured towels that get washed once then shrivel up into a curly, unfold-able mess? Humph. Just give me a pretty, flat cotton cloth, thank you very much.

Additionally, I find dishcloth purchases to be very forgiving to my moods. Sometimes I snag a new one while delightedly shopping with a friend. And sometimes when I'm in a really ratty mood, I set off for some cotton therapy. There has been more than one occasion that I've stomped about the house looking for my keys and shoes when Pops will ask: "Where are you going? Out to buy a new rag?" I'm telling you, it works. You'll come back with a new little friend and a greatly improved disposition.

I Am Learning

I've been learning about the value of life. Inside most of us, a feeling moves that new life is precious; meant to be protected. But sometimes do we grow apathetic in our perspective of old? What about life that wasn't planned or doesn't have the appearance of perfection? Do we apply value in varying degrees?

Do we forget that it is the old growth that supports the development of the new? Underneath the vibrancy and freshness of a new bud is strength and maturity -- that which has developed under the requirement of time. And how about new life that begins with the knowledge it is fragile or unexpected. Do we continue our reverence of creation?

We had our last appointment with the pediatric cardiologist today. Jane's heart is whole. My heart is full. Her life is in front of her. God is good.

Little Leah is adored. Her body struggles. Her family seeks. God is good.

Great Mother perseveres. She demonstrates faith. Her hope is in Him. God is good.

What joy it is to know we are all on purpose. Each day has been ordained. There is much to this life that I don't understand, but this much I do believe: Somehow, in God's sovereignty, He is good.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
(Psalm 139:13-16)

The Excitement is Building

We had a great meeting today for those of us headed to Honduras in July. Acquaintances were made between our team and Eric and Gloria, the individuals who will serve as our leaders while in the region.

This was wonderful for many reasons. Many questions were answered, suggestions made, and a sense of togetherness began to form. Also, because they encouraged us in our desire to stay a little longer in the country on our own! We had wanted to bump around the country for a few more days (while the rest of the group heads back to the States) but were not sure what logistic and safety issues we needed to be cognizant of. With some tips from them and a promise of retaining their cell phone number in case of emergency ... I think we might do it!

Top item on the potential agenda? To see the Mayan ruins of Copan. Oh, Peter will be in heaven!

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Apple Blossoms

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With their brother off cavorting with a friend, the girls and I set out to explore spring. These apple blossoms and a few fist fulls of green-budded twigs were our favorite finds.

Shiver Me Timbers

Now that it is winter no longer and the promise of warmer days are here ... I've finally managed to make this wool hat I had been planning on. I'm not always known for my timing. Or my knitting, for that matter.

I had found a basic pattern for a chunky beanie that was supposed to take an hour. Turns out not quite an hour, more like feature-film length. Definitely possible to complete during a good long foreign film.


I used a skein of Cascade, Magnum in charcoal wool with size 15 circular needles. Whoa! Big needles for big yarn! You get about two stitches in just an inch. (It also appears one skein will make both a large and small size!)

Here's the skinny on the chubby hat:

• Cast on 48 stitches (44 for kid size)
• Knit in garter stitch for 6 (3) rows
• Knit in stockinette stitch until piece measures 7 (6) inches
• Decrease by two stitches until only 6 stitches remain
• Cut yarn and run through remaining stitches
• Weave ends on the inside

**Note we are a melon-headed family. Drop piece measurement a half-inch or so if your cranium is more typically proportionate.

I must report that Pops thinks like I look like I'm ready for a long day at the docks. He mocks me with various jigs and yo-ho-ho tunes when I wear this. Hmmm ... I think I should make a matching set. He can be my deck hand.

Magnolias at Noon

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A Friendly Morning

Yesterday, we had friends stop by for the morning. They brought yummy treats of their own and I had baked up a double batch of "cheater" scones. (Cheater, because they aren't real scones but are so easy and tasty ... who cares!!)

While the kiddos played, we amused ourselves with the treats, a pot of coffee, and discussions of hand crafts. She has become tad obsessed with her embroidery lately, and I don't blame her! She does a magnificent job. And I'm not just saying that because she gave me one of her birdie potato-sack towels (Yipee!).

It's mornings like this that I think being a stay-at-home mom is a pretty good gig.

•Fluffy Cheater Scones•

Combine:
2 c. flour
1/3 c. sugar
2 t. baking powder
.5 t. baking soda
.25 t. salt

Cut in:
3 T butter

Add:
1 c. yogurt (plain or vanilla--I've used sour cream in a pinch)
.25 c. milk or orange juice
zest of 1 orange

Stir very little and spread/pat into a 9" circle on buttered cookie sheet. Sprinkle with white or brown sugar, if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for 16-19 minutes. Cool slightly and cut into wedges.

*This recipe doubles easily!

We've Plumb Run Out

Lucette, while perusing a Greek cookbook in search of ideas for dinner:

Well, we don't have any octopus, so that's out ...

Almost Time

Pretty soon I'll be an auntie, to which I am quite excited. I just finished this little baby blanket in eager anticipation. Perfect size, I think, to be a cozy car-seat blanket or a quick cover-up for those feedings on the go.

Since Baby R. has yet to reveal it's pink or blueness, I thought this rich teal would be a lovely choice. A delightful combination of modern and classic, just like the mama-to-be. The yarn is a natural wool and so incredibly soft. I did a single-crochet stitch with a few rounds about the perimeter. Then, a quick scallop edging and a (removable) cream ribbon to finish it off.

I found particular joy in working this project because I made myself stop fretting about little imperfections here or there. I don't have much parenting wisdom, but I am learning to let go of my idea of perfection and just enjoy. This is a very good thing indeed, when traveling the road of parenthood.

Hola, Amigo!

A new message from Honduras arrived today! Here is a rough translation from Spanish to English:

Always thank you for your letter and thank you for visiting us, we are waiting with great entuciasmo. we are always in the care of the smile of the brothers and we are cleaning your teeth to one another as mutual aid, there are always things I can not do it myself and can not do for yourself and draw reciduos tartar from the teeth when it is formed and that is what we do while evangelizing. we want a good smile for everyone.

Sepillos hope to bring toothpaste and floss as needed.

Always pray for you.

Ambrocio

Ambrocio seems to explain that they use teeth cleaning and dental health as a way to evangelize and share Christ's love. They are looking forward to toothpaste and floss as well as our smiling faces, when we come! I can't wait to bring it to them.