Happy Saturday! We woke up to a winter wonderland. Rich asked Caleb if he wanted to go outside with him while he shoveled the driveways but Caleb said, “Maybe tomorrow”. So, I got to go instead!
Ethan was out walking his dog and when he came back home we asked him to take a picture. There are several good ones but I liked this one the best.
Enjoy your weekend, dear ones!
It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home. ~Author Unknown
I find my parent’s house very cozy. I love seeing their things all around and the way the house has turned into a home after so many years of marriage; collections, necessary tools for living, decorations, things to do and admire. It’s no wonder the children all like to touch…the house begs to be touched, played with, and looked at. Their Christmas tree was, and always is, a live evergreen, and this year it was decorated with white and blue lights. Mom strung some beaded garland and hung her prettiest ornaments and the end result was magical.
Dad collects penguins and the stuffed regiment stood guard.
The way my Mom has feathered her nest inspires me. My own home always seems like a work in progress, with the emphasis on the W O R K part, not the PROGRESS part.
See, this is not a large kitchen. Yet, everything is useful and has a place. It looks cozy and when you’re in the kitchen you don’t lose your appetite, you get hungry and you want to bake….or make a pot of homemade soup. That’s what Mom and Davy were busy doing the day we visited. Dave was thrilled to help his Grandma. We couldn’t keep him away from the pot as the soup simmered. He just had to keep stirring and tasting.
Blue glass, magnets on the fridge, pictures, Holly Hobbie, morter and pestle, softly patterned wallpaper, a child’s cast iron stove, fresh vegetables, a big kitchen aid mixer to make homemade wheat bread, wooden cutting boards, sharp knives, a pretty floor that’s easy to keep clean, oils and spices out and ready.
Have houseplants gone out of popularity? I’ve been thinking about them lately. My Grandmothers and aunts, my step mother-in-law, and my mom all have lots of houseplants. My mom gave me some of her cuttings this fall when I was out for a visit. Before she gave them to me I had two plants in my entire house. When I look at old magazines, they are filled with tips for homemakers on how to take care of houseplants. It’s TIME TO BRING THEM BACK into vogue again. I remember how proud my Great Grandma was of her Christmas cactus when it bloomed. It was a worthy accomplishment. And houseplants help to make the air quality in our homes better and cleaner.
The tree you see in the picture, decorated all fancy for Christmas, is a tree grown from an orange seed that my sister Amanda planted about 20 years ago. When you rub a leaf and smell it, it smells like citrus.
Dad and E played a game of chess, with Grace watching, in the corner of the livingroom. The computer desk faces toward the window, so they can watch the birds when they sit at it. My mom found a small white cabinet at work and brought it home for the grandchildren. It has toy dishes in it, and a drawer that opens and shuts. There are toy boxes all around with matchbox cars, legos, old purses for dress up, baby dolls. Just beyond Dad are a pair of old wooden shutters that she has covered with framed photos of the grandchildren. Lit lamps also make the room cozy as well.
Grandpa was being silly with Caleb. They had made a light sabor out of an empty wrapping paper tube. It inspires them to be fierce.
But not too fierce.
The little boys were thrilled with Grandma’s gingerbread house, and we let them pick pieces off to eat.
Jacob celebrated his 14th birthday on the day we visited Grandma and Grandpa. And because Grandpa also had a December birthday, we baked a cake and sang for both of them.
Please, don’t pay attention to the fact that I just said my son turned 14.
I was thinking about houses and homes today. It truly does not matter what sort of building/house you live in. It’s the character of the people within it that makes it special. Some are warm and laid back, some are elegant and refined, some make you behave like a prim lady, some make you relaxed and sleepy, some refresh and recharge you…..all so unique and special because the people who live in them are unique and special. Mom and Dad are content and love being at home. They love the Lord and their family and that comes through in the spirit of the home…..but here are also a few concrete ideas:
Tips for homemaking, inspired by my childhood home:
Don’t be afraid to keep the things you love out and around you. Collections are fun.
A bird in a cage is a lovely pet to have. Even if it does bite curious little fingers.
Dark colors are soothing.
Lamps with pretty shades tucked here and there to light darkened corners are very homey and comfortable.
A ticking clock that also chimes the hours is friendly.
Dogs are allowed, and so are cats.
You can take your shoes off at the door, or keep them on.
You can’t have too many dishes or kitchen things.
Keep the curtains tied back or short enough to keep the windows clear and open for natural light during the day.
A bird feeder within sight of the house is always entertaining.
Decorate with lots of favorite family photos.
Glass jars of all sizes are quite handy for storing things.
Offer fresh coffee at regular times.
Mom likes Peacock fiestaware.
Dad has found his favorite online soy candle company; scented lit candles are lovely.
For an easy border around the top of a door frame, cut shapes out of pretty paper (Mom used pictures of fruits) and glue them to the wall. (decoupage)
Houseplants are timeless and always “in”. You will remember to water them.
Be thoughtful of the little ones. Toys are out and ready to be played with.
Serve home-cooked meals.
Be realistic. There truly are always works in progress. Mom is currently doing over Isaac’s room into an office. And even she has to throw out clutter now and then.
Where we love is home –
home that our feet may leave,
but not our hearts.
~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr
In January our happiness caused us to twirl, when we learned our next baby would be a girl.
February 2nd it was fun, our boy Seth celebrated “one”.
In fair March, there was a thrill, when the little boys rolled down a hill.
The April sky was deeply blue, we enjoyed the spring weather, how about you?
In May our family had a blessing beyond compare, a new baby girl so sweet and fair.
In hot sunny June we felt fine, because we were together, and we were nine.
July was as sweet as sweet could be, we took a taste from the sun ripe berr-y.
In August we talked a lot, of Seth and the little sister he got.
In September, in honor of our anniversary day, Rich took me to NYC and I cheered hurray.
October was special for darling Grace, to sing in a big choir with a happy face.
In November the weather was getting so cool, we spent more and more time doing school.
December came and we didn’t feel low, to see little Sarah in her pretty bow.
It’s strange to see the year 20-10 go by so fast,
Enjoy the days ’cause they will not last.
Look forward and ahead, to the new year now,
Appreciate the sweet times, thanking God, that’s how.
We got back home from our visit to family in NY, last night. It was a wonderful time and I’ll be posting pictures from those memorable visits this week.
At 8 o’clock this morning, I woke up too late to get myself and the babies out the door for church, so Rich went with Jacob, Ethan, Grace, David, and Caleb while I stayed behind with Seth and Sarah.
The weather was misty, slushy, and wet. I had my eyes on the great outdoors as I took care of the little ones and got started on the unpacking.
Hours later, after Rich and the kids got back from church and everyone was resting and/or napping, I asked my husband if he would go on a walk with me.
The two of us pulled on our boots and walked away from the house, to the woods, hand in hand. We talked and laughed and remembered other walks, in other times, in other woods. Glad to have today. Glad to have each other.
We walked through mud, wet snow, small puddles. The air smelled fragrant. In the woods it smelled of wet bark and pine, when we came into the field it smelled like slightly warmed earth…still wintry cool, a bit thawed and alive.
Because of all the snow and then the spring like air, we had a very white and foggy morning….I loved how the fog was still gently covering the floor of the woods at 1:30 in the afternoon.
Isn’t it magical?
Rich thought I was crazy when I tasted the drops of water on the pine needles. It was delicious though. I read somewhere that you can make a healthy tea from pine needles. Has anyone ever tried it?
Deer tracks:
Rich, being a stinker during a self-timer photo;
And the one we kept;
When we left the woods we stomped our feet to get the snow off them and walked back up to the house. He’s taking a little nap now and later on we will watch football, drink coffee, and play PIT with the kids.
Happy New Year!
PS, We hugged and kissed, too. Kisses in the fresh air are especially nice. I can’t think of a better way to spend the beginning of the new year…with my beloved husband.
Tomorrow Sarah Joy turns 7 months old. Once again, for the seventh time, I have fallen in gentle mother-love with a sweet-sweet babykins. How thankful I am for our house full of children. What a blessing they are. I never dreamed being a mother would feel this way.
Older daughter Grace and I spent some quiet time together this afternoon, looking at magazines and drinking coffee. She also wrote a letter to her friend, Brooklyn, and I nursed Sarah. Later on, Sarah was sitting on the floor playing and just as cute as could be…..so I scooped her up and had Grace take a couple pictures just outside the door with the snow as a background.
Rich has had this week off from work and he just got back from taking the four older boys to get their hair cut. The two of us are going to sit and drink coffee together now. (A Mom can’t drink too much…coffee…can she?
)
Tomorrow we plan on driving to NY to visit our parents. Please pray for us as we travel. Thank you!
Sending lots of love in the direction of all my friends. I hope all of you are well. Let me know what you’ve been up to, won’t you?
*Shanda*
PS. This dry winter air. Most of the pictures Grace took made me look quite wrinkled around the eyes. It was quite a jolt to see them and realize….I’m getting….old……er………………..
Merry Christmas!
Thankful:
For Monday night, when Rich and I stayed up laughing and talking way past our bedtime. I’m thankful for my husband.
For my friend Kathy. I call her when I’m happy, sad, bored, mad…and she always accepts me for who I am. I love her.
Seth, who says, “Hi ma” and “Hey-o Baby” (Hello Baby) and “Hey-o Po” (Hello, Spot)…his little sweet self is a gift.
Grace, who is changing into a little lady. My friend.
David, who just now snuggled up to Seth and kissed him. He loves his brothers and sisters. Also, he says THANK YOU to me all the time. He notices what I do, and thanks me for it. (Like the muffins I made this morning for breakfast).
Jacob, my firstborn and friend. We went to the grocery store together this morning. He took one list and one cart and I took the other list and the other cart. He is quiet, calm, and dependable. Very much like his Dad.
Ethan, who made me laugh last night when I was playing Christmas hymns on the piano. He got his guitar and confidently played the one and only carol HE knew how to play, making a wild mixture of songs going at once “just because” he couldn’t play anything else and he wanted to join me. He takes care of his dog without being told 95% of the time. He’s growing.
Caleb, my talker. He reminded me last night, when I was being too motherly, that he “KNOWS WHAT TO DO!”
Sarah, my warm and gentle baby. I took a nap with her today.
My crock pot. Dinner is in it.
My freezer. I pre-made 5 dinners today and they are in the freezer now.
All my wonderful friends, far and near.
Early mornings, when I’m up before the children.
I also like to sleep in every chance I get.
Good Books. I’ve learned so much by reading. I’m currently reading This Sacred Moment, Becoming Holy Where you are, by Albert Haase.
Here is a quote from it:
“Jill is the mother of a newborn and a two year old toddler. She knows only too well what it means to empty herself into the lives of her two children. On her ‘bad days,’ the self emptying is an extraordinary challenge that tests her patience. On her ‘good days,’ she gets a feeling of liberation and ultimate satisfaction, knowing her sacrifices are literally giving life to two children. This is the kind of self-emptying that occurs in households around the world, and is another portrait of selfless opennes and contemporary holiness.”
My Father God, who is all powerful, knows all, sees all, and is everywhere past present and future. Of course, such a big God has a big love, and abounding grace. I pray to Him and think about it him often, during the day. My soul can rest in him and I feel safe, just like I do when I’m resting in my husband’s arms at the end of the day.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18
If you leave a comment today, maybe you can share something you are thinking about, and are thankful for. ~
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13
“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred,
and we are better throughout the year for having,
in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” ~Laura Ingalls Wilder
I made a potato stamp. Have you made them before? It’s very easy, just be sure to use your knife carefully. I wanted to do something meaningful on the backs of our Christmas cards and this is what I thought of; the cross. Jesus came as a baby to live his life here on earth until He gave Himself up for us on the cross….and the cross remains as a beloved symbol of our Savior, and our Christianity.
Caleb did the stamping on some of the cards and told me to write, “Caleb did this” on them. (I only wrote it on one of them. )
My kitchen sink was dirty, I was too tired to go upstairs and too tired to drape myself over my deep bathtub, so baby had a bath in my bathroom sink.
Absolutely adorable. I love giving her a bath. I’ve used Bert’s Bees for Seth and Sarah, so just the scent alone makes me happy now.
This is a really happy moment. Little ones in my lap, reading our current favorite Little Golden book.
A common sort of merry moment, at my house;
A new Christmas thing:
I took Davy and Caleb with me to the grocery store and we couldn’t resist this PLASTIC and WATERLESS snow globe. I asked Rich to guess how much I paid for it and he said five dollars. “NOPE!” I said triumphantly, “It was only 3.99!” From the other room, Ethan commented pleasantly, “Well, it does look kind of cheap.” I had to laugh at that. No, I say this is a wonderful snow globe for the little children. They love it. It plays several different Christmas songs as a little fan whirls around small styrofoam balls.
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:
the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis
My mom and dad bought this Minnie Mouse Christmas dress, for Gracie, years ago.
I love Sarah Joy’s little legs and feet and those baggy socks and the way she’s biting her lower lip and her hair bow. 
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. ~Washington Irving
Sing hey! Sing hey!
For Christmas Day;
Twine mistletoe and holly.
For a friendship glows
In winter snows,
And so let’s all be jolly!
~Author Unknown
Favorite Christmas cookies:
Russian Teacakes
| 1 | cup butter or margarine, softened |
| 1/2 | cup powdered sugar |
| 1 | teaspoon vanilla |
| 2 1/4 | cups flour |
| 3/4 | cup finely chopped nuts |
| 1/4 | teaspoon salt |
| Powdered sugar |
This is me at 7 months pregnant.
*December 2008*
This is me at 3 months pregnant, with 10 month old Seth in my arms.
*December 2009*
For the third year in a row I dug out my white jean jacket, green shirt, and fancy green necklace.
The little green jingle bell is lost.
Dear little Seth is one year and 10 months old. His sweet baby sister Sarah Joy is 6 1/2 months old.
We are blessed beyond measure and my arms are full and content.
Truthfully, in this picture my arms are tired. These two are heavy!
*December 2010*
In case you are wondering, no, this year I’m not pregnant.
