Finally Home

When alarmed by the fury of the restless sea,
Towering waves before you roll,
At the end of doubt and peril is eternity,
Though fear and conflict seize your soul

Just think of stepping on shore, and finding it heaven
Of touching a hand, and finding it God's
Of breathing new air, and finding it celestial
Of waking up in Glory, and finding it "Home"

One month....

One month ago today, we got the call... At 4:48 this afternoon, Aunt Nat left a message on my voice mail that would shake my world completely.  It was the earth shattering reminder of how short life really is.

Keetz w/her niece, Ava - June 2010

Death or Life?

Just finished having a long discussion with some JW's. What part of "free gift" is so hard to understand? When you're given a gift you are not required to work for it, in order to keep it! And death doesn't meaning lying dormant in a grave until judgment - it's life with Christ forever!! God gave his son as the ultimate sacrifice, so that if we believe, we can spend eternity with Him in Heaven... always & forever!! Yes, we are all sinners... and no not one of us deserve such a gift.... but praise the Lord, God's grace is not contingent on our righteousness (or lack thereof)!! 

Keetz, all that time spent, was for u!! I *know* you're in Heaven now, looking down on me... & I am so happy I'll see you again, someday! <3  Miss you so much!

♫ " Memories surround me; But sadness has found me; I'd do anything for more time. Never before has someone meant more; And I can't get you out of my mind. There is so much that I don't understand; But I know... You're dancing with the angels; Walking in new life! You're dancing with the angels; Heaven fills your eyes!  Now that you're dancing with the angels!

    You had love for your family; Love for all people; Love for the Father, and Son; Your heart will be heard; In your unspoken words; Through generations to come; There is so much that I don't understand; But I know... You're dancing with the angels; Walking in new life! You're dancing with the angels; Heaven fills your eyes!  Now that you're dancing with the angels!

  We're only here for such a short time; So I'm gonna' stand up, shout out, And sing Hallelujah!  One day I'll see you again!! 

    You're dancing with the angels; Walking in new life! You're dancing with the angels; Heaven fills your eyes!  Now that you're dancing with the angels! ♫
 

(Monk & Neagle: "Dancing With the Angels")

Tiph fell down and broke her.....

So....  I am afraid I am going to be missing for awhile.  I  fell 2wks ago (as of last Thurs) and severely sprained /strained /hyper-extended both arms, at the elbows. Yup, leave it to me... if I am going to do it, I am going to go ALL the way.

Ok, ok.... so I didn't actually break anything as the title suggests.... but I there are times I think (and doc confirmed) it wouldve been better if I did.  Sprains are killer painful and , as I am learning, take *forever* to heal.  My diagnosis:  I have to wear both arms immobilized in slings until they heal (which will take a minimum of 6-8 weeks - boo!).... and I am currently 100% dependent on other people for *everything* (yes even the embarrassing stuff).  All I can say right now,  is my husband is a saint... my mother-in-love (and co) is an angel.... and my sister is [already] a life saver (she came last Fri - to stay with/help me as long as needed! yay!)!!  The good news is, I'm expected to have a full recovery when this is all over... but it's going to take a long, LONG time.  Needless to say it's been quite the experience thus far, but God is good, and His extra measures of grace are what are getting us thru this.   

 Thank u in advance for the prayers!! ♥

P.S - Please excuse any errors. I am posting from my phone - which I am finally able to hold/use in slow, brief sessions...

Living Life

Life is not a race~ but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you", "I love you", and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental ~ search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself~ plan for longevity. Recognize the people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.

 
From a picture my mom received for her birthday - unfortunately, the signature was not legible, in order to give credit to the author...   but after some searching, I believe it was Bonnie Mohr that wrote it.

Reflections and Goals for 2011

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.  ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Adventures...

What a busy 3 weeks it has been!  I left the beginning of the month (June 2nd), and spent the next 2½ weeks visiting family in Kentucky, and attending my sister's highschool graduation. Then the Monday before I came home, my husband called me from his brother's phone, to let me know he had been terminated from his job - and they had taken his phone.  Though we knew a job change was something to anticipate for the near future... we didn't expect it to come quite this sudden, let alone in the manner it did. So, once again we're living by faith - trusting that all things work together for good... even though we don't always understand the purpose or reasoning behind the circumstances. Facing that unknown future can become a little daunting a times... but we've been here before, and know that God is good ALL the time... and will be faithful to get us through this rough patch, just like he did our last one! :-)

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him." 2 Samuel 22:31

Monday musings: What is Life?

Reflections and Goals for 2010

Vanessa

~ Tiffany & Vanessa ~ Summer of 1999 ~

Though we've known each other since we were just tikes (two or three?)... and saw each other on a a weekly basis for years.... we were oddly, nothing but mere ships passing in the night. Then one summer - the Summer of 1994 - something suddenly clicked between us... and from then on, we were best-friends! Through the years, she has stood by me during the good, the bad & the ugly. Our friendship has seen it share of tests & trials... yet the bond between us, has remained strong & true. Vanessa has truly been my "bosom friend." - my kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul. ;-) But alas, the pages have turned.. and the time since we shared those carefree days of our girlhood- our long walks, mini backpacks, spy clubs, and summer plays - have now swiftly drifted into nothing but fond memories. Mere short chapters in a much grander story of life. Our lives are forever moving forth, & ever-changing. Yet, I hope she knows that no matter what life brings... or how far apart we live.... she will always hold a very dear place in my heart.

So now, exactly 4 years and one week after she honored me, by standing as my bridesmaid in my wedding... it is her turn. Probably right now, as you are reading this... we are busily bustling around, in preparation for her big-day... which hold no greater honor & joy, than to be standing by her side, as she exchanges her vows, and starts such an amazing new chapter in her life! Congratulations Vanessa! I love you! <3

Goals for 2009

• Get "good" soaps for kitchen/bathroom/hands/KB &amp; Me
• Get Bamboo utensils (Pampered chef?)
• Remove all plastic dinnerware (all cups, plates, utensils, etc)
• Limit other plastics (ie storage, etc)
• Get KB at least one Klean Kanteen - get rid of plastic sippies
• Find a regular time for bible reading/prayer
• Get EO's and learn uses for them.
• Other than our once-a-week Chick-fil-A... not eat fast food during 2009. (esp McDonalds)!
• Limit soft drinks to 1-2x month! (at MOST!)
• Get a sewing machine &amp; become efficient on it!
• Start a schedule for day &amp; reorganize the chores schedule 
• Start a weekly date night
  
  Morning:
• Feed fish
• Unload dishwasher
  
  Night:
• Clean up kitchen (wipe down table/counters - sweep)
• Load remaining dishes in dishwasher - start it.
  
  To Read:
• "How to raise a healthy child in spite of your doctor" by Robert Mendelsohn.
• "Continum Concept" Jean Liedloff
• "Diaper Free Baby"
• "The Natural Child: Parenting From the Heart" Jan Hunt
• "Grace-Based Parenting" by Dr. Tim Kimmel

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... December 09, 2008

Outside my Window... It's night... so it's dark... clear.. and chilly (58°)

I am remembering... Nearly two years ago... when we were just finding out that we were finally expecting! <3>

I am thankful for... My family being able to be with us for so long!

I am thinking... I'm hungry! and I really need to get H & Bryce's pictures done!

I am wearing... White tank... Ashlee's brown skirt with green stripes (I love stealing...ahem, borrowing my sister's clothes...!)

I am reading... Mandie & Joe's Christmas Surprise (I picked it up in the church library)...

From the kitchen... Though it seems as if there is always someone hungry.. and some sort of food being made... there is nothing coming out of there at the moment. (besides the tasty eggnog I just consumed).. Wednesday, I have to make "Texas potatoes" for a Christmas party/dinner... Thursday we are making Mediterranean lasagna for dinner.... and sometime (before Sun evening), we need to make buckeyes for the fellowship (following the play)...

I am hoping/praying... B will find another job SOON! (his current one officially ended last week... though with the big rain storm we had last Saturday, he's been kept plenty busy doing repairs over the last two days!)

I am creating...

I am hearing... my sisters watching BONES.. Marmee & Boo discussing their next move on Spider Solitaire... KB sleeping on my lap...

One of my favorite things... Spending time with my sisters... trying on random clothes at the store... and being random.... all because it's fun!

Around the house... These days, and with this many people... there is always something to do! ~ In the words of Marmee... "unless we're going naked, there's always laundry to do..." ~ There is always someone who's hungry, wanting to eat... there are always dishes to be done... and always something to be cleaned up.... :-)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... We just got back from a random trip to the mall (where we saw our 'little brother' Matt!)... tomorrow morning we are going out to breakfast with our dad... and then Ash & Christina are getting picked up at 10am for the Ditchfield dress rehearsal. Marmee, Becca, KB and I are meeting friends at the park, for a picnic lunch. Wednesday, is Marmee's birthday... and I have to make "Texas potatoes" for our LEARN Christmas party that afternoon... Friday night, we are going to the "Ditchfield Family Singers" Concert (yay!)... Sunday, we have to go in early, to prepare for & put on a special breakfast for our Class-A [Sunday school] kids... then I have to play preludes with the orchestra(cello) before the morning service... then go to play practice... then we have a final run through in the afternoon... and then the big night (ahh!!).

Quote...

"Remember to always say what you mean.
If you love someone, tell them.
Don’t be afraid to express yourself.

Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.
Because when you decide that it is the right time,
it might be too later later.

Seize the day. Never have regrets.

And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family,
For they have helped make you the person that you are today."

Verse...

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. And she brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS."

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

I snapped this picture of Ryan at his Uncle Mark's 40th birthday last week...

Dare to go against the flow....

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... November 17, 2008 (Heather & Bryce's anniversary!)

Outside my Window... It's a cool 71° degrees... with crystal clear sunny skies! - it's another , beautiful day in [earthy] paradise!

I am remembering...

One year ago today...

I am thankful for... Everything the Lord has done for our family over the last year.... and am *SO*thankful that we can all (including Bryce & Heather [& baby Bryce]) be together again, this Thanksgiving holiday!

I am thinking... Man, I need to get going... I have SO much to do before my mom & sisters get here this weekend!

I am wearing... Red t-shirt, Grey & red Aéropostale hoddie, jean skirt, socks (can you believe it? - I'm actually not barefoot for once!), heart necklace, hair pulled loosely back in a clip.

I am reading... my script for the church Christmas play (have to have it memorized by this Sunday - ah!l)... Music, music & more music.. the little devotional booklet Marmee sent me... and "Mandie and Joe's Christmas Surprise" (I checked it out from the church library)

From the kitchen... Hopefully, bread. - I'd like to make a regular (wheat) loaf, & a pumpkin loaf! ... or since I have some sweet potatoes, maybe I'll try this Sweet Potato Streusel Muffin recipe!! I would also love to try to make a neat-looking recipe I found, for English Muffins!

I am hoping/praying... God will give B another job, as this one comes to a finishes.

I am creating... I am getting ready to make these Turkey Placemats for Thanksgiving... all you need is a shoe to trace out the body.... and hand prints (I am going to use KB's hand), cut out from various colored construction paper for the tail feathers... kinda like this:

I am hearing... a lawn mower outside...KB playing.

One of my favorite things... Laying out in the sun, soaking up some good 'ol vitamin D (and hopefully clearing up my skin a bit, too!)

Around the house... LOTS! Gotta get ready for the family to come this weekend! Mainly I need to work on getting KB's room and the spare bedroom picked/cleaned up. I am trying to get all caught up on laundry (it's been a process, after being without the dryer for so long!)... I need to scrub the kitchen floor.... All the carpets need vacuuming... and the bathrooms are in need of a good scrubbing. It would also be nice to give the great room a good mopping, too!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Tonight we are going our for chocolate fondue with the in-laws, Ann, (Tom), & Mimi for Mimi's birthday! - Tomorrow, hopefully we can get to chick-fil-A for dinner (haven't been in *weeks!*)... Wednesday I have learn - where hopefully we can make some major progress on the bells!... Thursday there's a babywearing group... Saturday we have to go pick up our Turkey for Thanksgiving.... and sometime in there, I need to get the house all cleaned up... for when family to comes in, on Saturday!! Sunday afternoon, there is a birthday party for KB's friend Kalina... and Sunday night I have another offertory (5th in a row!)

Quote...

“It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.” - unknown

Verse...

"Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.... Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings..." - Psalm 17:5,8

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Two more very *special* pictures from last year, Heather's wedding...

Tea time!

You know how when you see/do certain things, they just give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside? Last Sunday afternoon, we had a Ladies Tea with our missionary wives/daughters, and as I sat sipping my wonderful cup full aromatic tea... I was suddenly overwhelmed with a whole array of memories! You see, tea has had a very prominent place in my life whilst growing up. Sweet-tea, is probably our family's number one beverage... being pretty much available, at just about any time in our home ~ While hot tea brings back memories of late night chats with Marmee... baking... lessons on manners & etiquette.... dress up, tea parties.... history lessons... EXCEL (where all we had in the way of caffeine for the majority of 8wks, was Earl Grey - hahaha)... and, most fondly, memories of chilly winter days - where Marmee always kept the tea kettle full & constantly warming on the stove, so that we could have hot tea whenever we needed it. (Actually, if you ever go visit her in the winter, you'll still find she still does that!!) .

Then it made me start to think of how really blessed I am. I grew up in house full of tea-loving girly-girls... with a Marmee who constantly pours herself into our lives.. teaching us, training us, guiding us in the things of the Lord. ~ She is truly an example of the faith... who, when steeped in the most challenging "hot waters" of life, trusted God completely to get through.. only to come out stronger & more robust in her walk with the the Lord!! And now, as a young wife & mommy - who is learning the joy & sorrows of life as an adult.... there are honestly times, where I would like nothing more than to run back to those carefree days of afternoon tea parties with the girls... but alas, life moves on, things change... and I only pray that I can be the same example to my daughter(s), as my mom has been to us....

Tea that helps our head and heart. Tea medicates most every part.
Tea rejuvenates the very old. Tea warms the hands of those who're cold.
~ J. Jonker, Amsterdam, circa 1670

Wordless Wednesday

Isn't it interesting how a song that you've sung maybe even hundreds of times, can suddenly jump out at your with a whole new world of meaning? A dear friend recently found comfort in this hymn, and posted the lyrics on her blog. With life circumstances as they've been - and even some as they currently are... it really blessed me. It's a precious reminder that no matter what happens.. or what life throws your way... you can always count on the Lord to help you through.

"Be Still, My Soul"
by Catharina von Schlegel, 1697-?
Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897

1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

4. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... October 20, 2008

Outside my Window... It's *beautiful*!! The sun is shining... the current batch of clothes are hanging on the line... a gorgeous breeze is blowing.... and the air smells fresh and crisp. - It's actually cool enough to have all my windows open!

I am thinking... what can I do for my hubby for Christmas??

I am thankful for... all the fun we had over the weekend... smoothies, fruit stands, lunches with family, and fellowship with friends...

From the kitchen.. I have pureed pumpkin I need to use up... which I am thinking I am going to make into whole wheat pumpkin muffins. We also just go a beautiful spaghetti squash (among other yummy items) at the farmer's market, that I can't wait to use!
And at this moment, DH is in the process of juicing carrots for us! (yum!)

I am wearing... a black camisole... blue gym shorts... plaid apron... hair in a loose ponytail... barefeet.

I am reading... my script for the church Christmas play (still working on that memorizing... thankfully I was extended a week).... Christmas songs in the hymnal (trying to see which ones can be changed into the key of C and still remain in the one octave...)

I am hoping/praying...
hoping.... I'll get these tables for Christmas...
Praying... DH's interview goes well on Thursday.

I am creating... ideas for Christmas gifts... Christmas music for bell practice on Weds.

I am hearing... The birds signing, the wind blow through the trees, the clothes flapping on the line... and law mowers being run, faintly in the distance.

Around the house... I just love the energy I get when there is fresh air blowing through the house! The baby is bathed.... the laundry is slowly getting washed and rotated on the line... the dishes are mostly washed or in the dishwasher (which was just run)... and I just got back from a nice ride on my new bicycle!!

One of my favorite things...
the fruits (& veggies) of the season... white nectarines, pears, apples, sweet potatoes, squash, sweet corn, and pumpkin!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... In-laws coming over tonight to watch a movie.... LEARN Wednesday afternoon... hubby's interview on Thurs morning... [Church] Youth Activity Saturday night... Servant Appreciation Day (at church), Sunday.

Edit (Tues): I just found out we are going to see Presidential Candidate McCain on Thursday afternoon! (cool!)... We might go to the Earthbox place on Saturday morning... and we might get together with JAmes one more time this weekend, before he goes back to CA.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

KB - getting ready to go on our bike ride a little bit ago...

What's your motive?

Our personal green changes came from our desire to live simple, frugal lives for reasons besides the environment .. besides money even. One of those was not wanting to raise our children as consumers and to instill in them a love of the important things in life - like people, not things - without depriving them of childhood joys.

-YarnTotingMama

Inspiration: The Art of Dancing in the Rain

"Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass...
it’s about learning to dance in the rain."I LOVE this saying!!