The Garden Is In!

A couple of weeks ago the children helped me get the garden in. L got the tomato and pepper plants in the ground. The younger ones helped get the seeds in the ground after C hoed up the rows. They were fascinated with the fact the a handful of seeds would make enough green beans to fill all those jars we have waiting in the canning closet downstairs. We discussed how those dried-up, dead-looking beans would come to life sending out roots into the ground and stems up to the air and then producing green leaves and fresh, new green beans.

All this led to a discussion about how the seeds have to die before they can come to life again, just like Jesus. We talked about how our own sin has to die, and how we live in Christ. I'm so thankful that God is a God of illustrations. Visual, hands-on kinds of lessons make things more clear not only to my children, but also to me

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain" John 12:24

"When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn't grow into a plant unless it dies first. And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a dry little seed of wheat or whatever it is you are planting.

Then God gives it a new body-- just the kind he wants it to have. A different kind of plant grows from each kind of seed." 1Corinthians 15:36-38

"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." Romans 8:11

Heirloom Tomato Plants (thanks to a fellow MOMYS' dh) and Pepper Plants -- Jalepeno, Green Bell, Sweet Red Bell

Seen But Not Heard

That is the way it’s been around here the last few days. No, not talking about the children – talking about me! The family passed around an upper respiratory thingy. I thought I might escape, but it seems they wanted to share with Ol’ mom as well. Bummer.

I could feel it coming on by the time I went to bed Monday night. Tuesday and Wednesday I couldn’t speak above a whisper. So, I took it easy, putting most things on the back burner. Taking care of the ‘must do’ items only.

Times like this can often be blessings in disguise. It has reminded me once again of what an amazing family I have. C and L pulled more than their fair share of household chores and child care. M looked the other way when the laundry wasn’t caught up and his wife was not the best of company.

It also has been a reminder that a quietly spoken word will often get better attention than the same word spoken loudly. I was very aware of how many words I would normally use to express my thoughts, but under these conditions was able to convey my requests with only a few whispers. I see how I speak without thinking, stringing many words together hoping someone hears, hoping someone figures out what it is I am trying to say.

The most difficult part of this infirmity – I was not able to voice ‘Thank You’ for all my birthday surprises! I appreciated everything my family and friends did for me to make it a special day, but couldn’t voice it out loud. I hope they know how much it meant to me, how much I love each of them.


And as an extra bonus – M stayed home today to run my extra errands and do some things around the house so I could take it easy and kick this thing. I can now speak with a gravelly tone and octave or two lower than my usual voice. There are lots of events and projects coming up so I need to be in my top form. Time for my tea w/ lemon and honey!

Big Laundry Monday . . .

. . . has turned to Big Laundry Tuesday

I was up and ready to tackle Mount Laundry yesterday morning, right after breakfast. The assorted mounds were ready and waiting – and then -- no water. What? Couldn’t be. Yes, NO WATER

Apparently, the main water line was accidently cut by a contractor. At noon, the faucets were flowing again, but I never did get back to the laundry room.

And so, this morning, as I throw a few more items on each mini-mountain, I enthusiastically work to scale Mount Laundry once again. I am determined to conquer! We have a big camping trip coming up this weekend, and so need clothes ready for packing, and then when we return – oh, my! I’ll deal with that another day (go ahead, call me Scarlet)

But as I stand there, facing the challenge, I smile. My day would be easier without all these dirty clothes to clean, fold, put away. But then where would I be? No pitter patter of fat little feet slapping down the hallway, no beautiful bouquets of dandelions, no sticky kisses, no scratches and scrapes to miraculously heal with my special healing cream, no late night talks over coffee and hot chocolate, no opportunity to fuss over beautiful young ladies and handsome young men wearing their finest, no chance to be amazed by the talent of a budding young photographer or the ingenuity of a young carpenter . . . I could go on, but you get the idea.

My mounds of laundry have already begun to diminish. My first two are gone. Instead of doing laundry for 10, I’m only doing laundry for 8 and one day I’ll reminisce about how nice it would be to have more dirty clothes to wash again.

I wouldn’t trade Mount Laundry for anything. I going to happily take on the challenge week and week. What challenges are you happily tackling this week?

Tis The Season For . . .

. . . Celebrating Dad’s Birthday!

. . . Mushroom Hunting (no success yet, but they haven’t given up)

. . . An Impromtu Photo Session

. . . Spring Flowers

. . . An Elegant Evening

Simple Pleasures. . .

. . . fresh, spring air after a long cold winter

. . . that first cup of coffee in the quiet of the morning

. . . cheerful song of the newly arrived birds singing outside my bedroom window

. . . warm sunshine

. . . gentle sounds of sleeping children

. . . time with the Lord before everyone else wakes

. . . packing lunch for my dear hubbie



And now I'm ready to begin a brand new day!

This is SO True!

The Bathroom Door Is Closed

Please do not stand here

and talk, whine,

or ask questions.

Wait until I get out.

Yes, it is locked. I want it that way.

It is not broken, and I am not trapped.

I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at times,

since you were born,

because I was afraid some horrible tragedy

might occur while I was in there,

but it's been 10 years

and I want some PRIVACY.

Do not ask me how long I will be.

I will come out when I am done.

Do not bring the phone to the bathroom door.

Do not go running back to the phone yelling

'She's in the BATHROOM!'

Do not begin to fight as soon as I go in.

Do not stick your little fingers under the door

and wiggle them.

This was funny when you were two.

Do not slide pennies, LEGOs,

or notes under the door.

Even when you were two this got a little tiresome

If you have followed me down the hall talking,

and are still talking as you face this closed door,

please turn around, walk away,

and wait for me in another room.

I will be glad to listen to you when I am done.

And yes, I still love you.

Mom

...Author Unknown

copied from lambechops blog, first seen at momys.com If anyone knows where this was first published or the author's name, I'd love to hear from you!

Music to a Mother's Ears

"These potatoes taste very good, Mom. This is a very good supper" - this from the mouth of my most finicky child.

"Cause that's what God wants me to do" - this from the mouth of my 6 year old son when asked why he was hanging up his clean laundry when he was supposed to be in bed. How can I argue with that?

All the hard work pays off. I'll take these small rewards any day! I have the best paycheck ever - it'll withstand even the toughest economy!

A Birthday Fit for a Queen

Yes, the Queen has celebrated another birthday! 8 years old. My, oh my, the years have gone by so quickly. In this family, birthdays are traditionally on the simple side – family gathers around, birthday girl chooses the menu for the day, a few streamers and balloons. Gifts, reminiscing, cake and ice cream always make for a happy birthday. We have never had a ‘real’ birthday party for E yet. But this year, because her birthday fell on a Sunday, it was an easy thing for me to plan.

And so, the Queen had tea with a few of her closest friends to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Fancy dresses, high heels, floppy hats, beads and baubles were the fashion that day.

Mint Tea, Orange Spice Tea, chocolates and a TeaPot-shaped birthday cake were on the menu.

The afternoon was wrapped up after an energetic game of musical chairs.

25 Years Together

Last week hubbie and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary. Wow! That is a Quarter of a Century! I am afraid that if he knew exactly what he’d be getting in this deal, he would never have jumped in. I know I have tested his patience, made life not so easy at times, but I am happy he took the plunge! It’s been quite a road: together we’ve had a little fun, shared a few laughs, shed a few tears, weathered more than one storm, watched the sun rise and watched the sun set. From the beginning, we were committed to loving each other as Christ loves His church – totally and unconditionally, forever.

(gifts from our children and M's parents - C made the cheesecake and quarter pic, L made the wooden plaque)

I am so very grateful for M’s love and affection, his commitment and devotion. He is amazing in the way he provides for us. And looking forward to the next 25!

This is the day that the Lord has made . . .

. . . let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Happy Monday to everyone. The sun is shining and it is warmer today than yesterday! We are working at getting a good start to our week here. It’s Big Monday Laundry Day. Not too big, really, since I did much of the laundry mid-week last week. But just look at the list of treasures I found: a screwdriver, a matchbox pick-up truck, 4 turtles, 2 foam fish-shaped stickers and a harmonica. Hit the jackpot, didn’t I!

Menu for today: Breakfast burritos for b’fast, tuna salad and veggie sticks for lunch, tacos for supper.

School work this morning, and then after lunch we will be welcoming the newest addition to the family – L is going to be raising an orphaned calf. It was a twin and since the mother would probably reject one anyway, they took one of the calves right off and started bottle feeding it. L will raise him to sell next fall.

The hens are averaging 10 eggs a day, we have a couple of ravaging cats and a good natured dog to feed as well, so everyone has someone depending on them. Good training tool.

This afternoon I’ll once again dive into the pile of stuff from my bedroom, do a little more sorting and purging.

Missing C, she’ll be home Wed! They say they are having a good time, but we all will be happy to have her home again.

Off now to get to the above-mentioned activities!
Blessings to you!