Melancholy

As I sit here with my knees elevated, a caution from when I had the blood clot in my leg, I'm watching MASH and reliving so many times during my teens and adult life when watching this same show.  My daughter would only nap with MASH on the TV when she was 2 years old.

It is that time of day, I think, when this particular show causes that melancholy feeling.

Another thing triggers that feeling, watching my daughter drive out of the drive way going to work.  I remember that so very well when I was her age.  The newfound feeling of independence, or so I thought.  How naive I was back then!

If I had it to do all over again, I would save more, love more, do more for others, love more, listen more, sing more, pray over my loved ones more...you can never pray enough.

I think you get the idea.  I'd be willing to wager that many of you who are reading this right now would possibly say much the same.

I want to do more of that above stuff with the rest of my life.

This has been my goal and I know I fall short every day:

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 

She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 

She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 

She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 

She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household 

and portions for her maidens. 

She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 

She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. 

Her lamp does not go out at night. 

She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 

She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 

She is not afraid of snow for her household, 

for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 

She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 

Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 

She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; 

her husband also, and he praises her: 

"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." 

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, 

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. 

(Proverbs 31:10-31)

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, 

not slanderers or slaves to much wine. 

They are to teach what is good, 

and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 

to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, 

and submissive to their own husbands, 

that the word of God may not be reviled.  

(Titus 2:3-5)

These have always been a goal for me.  The only problem has been wallowing in my own guilt for not living up to the expectations in my own mind.  Isn't that how things work?!  We beat ourselves up for not living up to unrealistic expectations we've placed on ourselves.

But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, 

"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." 

(Luke 10:40-42)

Lord, let me be more like Mary and less like Martha.

Amen.

Contemplating Future Home Plans

In my previous post, I wrote about plans for my vegetable gardens in raised beds and how I envision it coming together.   We have some "need to do" projects for our house that will be tackled some time this Spring, Lord willing.  Between putting a new roof and new windows in, that also incorporates a new door and windows for the Sunroom.

The area here will be framed out, replaced with French doors in the middle and a window on each end where the stationary panels are.  To the extreme right, there are 4 panels that will be replaced in the same way--framed out and 4 windows installed.

When looking for houses here in GA to purchase, we decided to look for foreclosures or houses that "need work" so that we could get one for the lowest price possible, paying it off early and doing the majority of the work for ourselves. Our ultimate goal was to become "debt free" as quickly as possible.

Why?  That will be a good topic for another post.  😉

Regardless, making plans to fix things takes time, effort, and money.  Fixing things the least expensive way possible (like a broken dishwasher) is what we've done for years.  If my husband cannot tear it apart, go get the pieces needed, and get it running again in a few hours, then there is truly something wrong with the item.  We have purchased older lawn mower/tractors with attachments for less than a fraction of what it would cost new.  With that, though, there is always something that breaks or wears out.  We replaced so many things on that mower, but it worked for us.  My husband sold that mower when we moved to GA.

We have felt that it is so very important to have goals when our over arching theme is frugality.  There are definitely some "need to do" things that frugality may need to be put by the wayside for quality, but in those cases it is very few times that happens.  However, planning, goal setting, working on those things little by little, ensuring safety of everyone in the home, and being good stewards is what we strive for in our lives.

The choice to live more frugally is simply that--a choice.  Please remember there are all kinds of levels of frugal choices out there.  For many it is a matter of taste or product preference.

We frequent yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, auctions, ebay, facebook flea market groups, and craigslist for a lot of our needs.  When we need to buy something new, we wait until the money is available.  We need to "put off" the "I need it now" mentality relying on credit at every turn because eventually that credit will be used up and there will be no money to pay for emergencies.  This takes personal discipline.  Yes, things happen and you need to dip in to the emergency fund.  That's when you tighten the belt, stop going out for expensive meals, and get the emergency fund back to the level it needs to be.  (I'm saying this to myself just as much as to my readers.  If I don't follow my own advice I'm a hypocrite and I don't want to do that.)

When making plans, we look around and make lists of things we need.  Right now we need some office furniture, some other pieces that I'd like to have for plants, a hall table for a lamp to sit, some clothing items, any craft items dealing with knitting or crocheting, clothing needs and anything else we can think of--all gets put on a list.  I don't bring the list with me when I go to all the above places, but I keep things in mind when I am looking.  I use to make an inventory of everyone's clothing with color, size, type and what I need to look for to get that person to the next size.  That began seasons ahead of when they needed those items.  I had bins in the attic with the next couple of sizes up for each child.  When the oldest son grew out of something it went in to the bin for the youngest.  That was then, now the oldest tries passing off his old clothes to the youngest and he gets laughed at because the youngest has tastes of his own as well as his own size.  LOL

Frugality with making home plans is all encompassing, reaching in to every part of our lives.  We need to be frugal in this area in order to be sure we have resources in this other area to fix it properly or to fill a need that could be filled inexpensively.

One of those things each of us have to personally decide for ourselves is "how far are we willing to take this frugality thing?"  For me, I've tried every kind of paper towels on the market, but I always come back to Bounty.  This is my own personal preference, so I try to find it the cheapest way I can, buy it in bulk or with coupons and don't worry about the money I "could be" saving.  We've purchased generic items and things from Aldi just to try it before buying more than one of that item.  We've found that it's about an 85/15% split with regard to Aldi items.  We usually like just about everything we try from there, but occasionally we find something that just doesn't taste good to us.  Once again, it is purely personal preference, so trying new products that are cheaper than what we've bought in times past has become commonplace for us.

All this to say that in order to be able to afford making changes or fixing things that are broken, we have been frugal in many areas, pushing the envelope in many ways to creatively free up more money.  One of the places I began looking for ideas for greater frugality was The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn.  This book encompasses 3 of her other books that just compilations of her newsletters.  I know many of the ideas in there do not include many couponing ideas, blogging for money, affiliate links, ibotta, or any other new ideas that have come out since the book was published, so keep your eyes peeled for technological advances in saving more money since this book was published.

I realize I may have been preaching to the choir with some of my readers, but I'm finding there is another generation of younger folks who have not heard or understand these concepts.  I'm finding myself in an interesting position that I've never been in before now--one that teaches and guides others in the neat things I've learned.  I'm not the end all for information, of course, but sharing information may help someone who stumbles across my blog.

How are you planning for your future home fixes?

Have a Blessed Day!

Considering the Future

My husband and I are beginning to consider what our lives will be like once our young folks sprout wings and leave our nest.  We are looking at downsizing our home, even though we just moved here last year.  We are looking at possibly having more property, even though it means more work to do the things we'd like to do.

We're realizing that we are limited with how much activity we can participate in at church living almost an hour away.  The special things that happen on days other than Sundays and Wednesdays simply cannot be attended because it isn't just a short jaunt over to the church or to a Couple's Night with our dear folks in our Sunday School class whom we've grown to love.  So we pray.  We'll find out soon enough what the Lord's will is for this as we lay this at His feet.  There is a lot to consider and even still, we consider the necessity of selling our current house when the time comes too.  Lots to consider.

We're realizing that we will be physically limited with how much we can accomplish on a daily basis due to the fact that our young folks will be out of the nest.  I mentioned to my husband that we could get him a good tractor (not to be confused with "new") with accessories that would help him do the work that is needful without needing one or more of the kids around to do it.  But, the other things, like putting up fences or things like that, if course we'd ask the kids to come help.

We're realizing that we'll need a house with 2 master bedroom/bathrooms just in case there is a need for one of our parents to move in with us.  Additionally, we're looking at building an apartment over a garage just in case our oldest son needs a place.  That will give him his own space and as much autonomy as possible.

We've talked about "puttering" with our days on the property.  We've talked about having a garden and having fruit trees and selling the produce.  We've talked about going to different festivals with things that we make to sell.

It's a sweet thought for us to have things like this in mind for our future.  I don't want anything ornate, but simple and all one level, but nothing too big.  I want to be able to have family and friends over to love on them.  I want to bless others and serve the Lord with my husband.

"Ponder the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established." 

(Pro 4:26)

In Christ,

Almost a Month and Lots Happening

As I showed in my previous post, we had concrete floors.  Now, we are pretty close to having them done, minus the threshold pieces.  It looks so much nicer than bare concrete!

The living room floor after flooring installed.  It's lovely!  

From the other side of the room.

Photo Bombed by Biscuit

Getting Gus acclimated to the pool...or just having fun putting him on the inner tube.  LOL

Biscuit's turn! 

A graduation celebration dinner at church.

Visiting with Grandparents and one special uncle.

"And these alligators are found in the Flint River?  I guess we shouldn't swim in there!"

Beautiful daughter with her sewing machine.

The living room window that needs a treatment of some sort.  I'm not sure what, but since this window is so huge, it will probably be something simple.  We have new pillows that I found at the local W*lmart on a 2 for $12 deal, so I couldn't resist adding more color to the room.

I just love my drive home!  This area is so beautiful!  (Sorry for the bug splat on the windshield!!)

The view out my front door.  This is such a quiet neighborhood, it is almost like living in the country!

The morning this picture was taken, I was on my way to get my blood work done and to talk with my Dr about the Trim Healthy Mama Plan (THM) life changes I've been making, as well my right knee.  I found out that my right knee is "bone-on-bone" and it gets worse when I ride/drive for long periods of time.  The verdict?  Less riding/driving, less walking, more THM cooking, and more swimming.  With my blood test results back, I know that I can rest assured that THM is working!  I've lost 35 pounds, my Triglycerides decreased by half, my A1C is 6.1 and my fasting is 105.  I've not seen those wonderful numbers in YEARS!  You betcha I'm sticking with it! 

Strong young men hard at work, replacing worn out steps and putting in new concrete.

One side of my office is going to be a sitting area and I think I have a pretty good start with these wonderful pieces I found at a yard sale and an online facebook flea market group.  The wing back chair is a reclining chair.  The side table is an antique from the 60's or 70's, the lamp I just loved, so I bought it for a good price....and.

...the magnolia swag that I thought was so pretty.

In the next couple of weeks, I'll finally be able to get some curtains up on the dining room window, my oldest son's window, the office, and hopefully our bedroom.  With everything being so busy, I'll be able to sit down long enough to get my sewing machine out to work on some stuff.  I also plan to keep my eyes peeled for more furniture for the sitting area.  I love decorating "on the cheap."  

Have a Great Day!

God Bless,

Unexpected Blessings and a Course

"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. As I have loved you, you should also love one another. By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love toward one another." 

(John 13:34-35)

Many times we've come across people who have asked us, "What brought you to southern Georgia?"  Our response has usually been that the Lord has brought us here.  We share our story with many many folks, but honestly, we didn't know what God had in store for us here where He has placed us.  The reason for putting us right here has been fuzzy for a few months.  We only know a couple of our neighbors, we attend church and other activities in Albany, so the question still was a bit perplexing, "Why did you bring us to this house, here in this little town so far from where we have appointments and activities?"  So we prayed.

"If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall 

give you another Comforter, so that He may be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth, 

whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him nor know Him. 

But you know Him, for He dwells with you and shall be in you. I will not leave 

you orphans. I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world does not see 

Me any more. But you see Me. Because I live, you shall live also. At that day

 you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who 

has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves 

Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him." 

(John 14:15-21)

We decided to just live our lives, just open to God's guidance and direction.  We were not sure what work God still had for us, so we just waited.

The past couple of weeks at Sherwood Baptist Church, the topic has been "Next Level Praying" where the pastors preached about the importance of not only praying and how to pray, but why.  I have always prayed for a variety of people, prayer lists, family members, leaders, and whoever else would come to my mind, but this was different.  This was not only encompassing those people and things I'd already prayed for, but taking them to a whole new level of prayer.

Through all of the teaching on prayer, one of the things that has weighed heavier and heavier on my own heart and mind is not only the need for prayer, and not just surface prayer--but broken hearted prayer knealing at the throne of grace with a love unmatched by anything we've ever experienced type of prayer.  I've experienced this type of prayer many times for the loved ones I hold dear, but the Lord has been teaching me that I need to be broken hearted and pray like this for my neighbors too.

"Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, 

and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great 

commandment. And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 

On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." 

(Matthew 22:37-40)

While many folks here where we live, I'm sure, are praying for our little town, I'm sure this little town could handle just one (if not 4 more--to include our family) people praying with a broken heart for the people here in our town.  

That sounds so very simple, doesn't it?  God brought us here to pray for this little town.  Not just any prayer, but a special type of praying that will I'm sure, add ministry of some sort to it eventually.  

How am I going about this?  I'm glad you asked!  

On Valentine's Day Sherwood launched a prayer initiative for it's members and all those who wish to participate.  As I sat there listening, that still small voice told me that this is one small reason we were here.  We need to pray for our neighbors by name, by address for their families, for their troubles, challenges and ailments, and for their salvation.  The website pray4everyhome.com is where I can keep track of who I pray for and where they live.  Yes, it is a bit stalker-ish, but the information is available from the last census, so it is public record and not illegal.  Besides, I have a hard time remembering names 5 minutes after being introduced to someone, so this is perfect!  God knows their names.  I don't need to remember them.  I just need to pray for them!  

"You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your 

enemy." But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do 

good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and

 persecute you, so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. 

For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the

 just and on the unjust." 

(Matthew 5:43-45)

There are unexpected blessing through all of this experience.  I have personally experienced a greater burden for my neighbors and their eternal home.  I cannot explain it better than that.  I've also experienced greater peace, greater purpose, greater vision for my days.  I have less to do with schooling now that I have one graduated and one more graduating this May.  She is more independent and I have only to check her work every so often and be available if she has a question.  My youngest I finish up with him in about 15-20 minutes, discuss things with him, correct his papers, and move on.  With all this free time on my hands, instead of going back to school, I've been praying about which direction to go with my time.  I get a gentle push for other areas where I can volunteer too, so I'm praying about that.  I'm praying and using Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 as my guide.  I'm just trying to push myself aside to be open to the guiding of the Holy Spirit.

How are you loving your neighbors?

God Bless,

The Reality of Moving After Ten Years

As I sit here in my reclining love seat, the living room around me is a shambles.  There are boxes, books, papers, and clutter everywhere.  The reality of moving after living here ten years is really setting in.

I've decided to begin with the books.  I know that the books are a HUGE hurdle to overcome.  Our homeschool group is having a book sale on May 4th, so I'm taking all of our books that have been weeded out and deemed sale-worthy or given away for free.  A "freeing" thing for me is that after the sale is over, I am going to take the leftover books to Good W*ll and dropping them off.  I've promised my husband that I wouldn't bring them back in to the house and I am following through with my promise.  If you read my blog and go to the homeschool group, meet me at my vehicle before I leave and whatever I have left, you can pick through.  It's yours!

Fortunately for me, it is only my living room that is disheveled.  The rest of the house is in good order, or can be put in to good order in 15 minutes or less.

I have realized, only because it has been in my face so blatantly lately, that it is worth it to declutter the mail and file it right away.  It is worth it to get the needful things filed, to declutter on a weekly basis, and to pitch the junk mail.  It is worth it to burn the things that are over 7 years old.  It is so worth it to get rid of junk!!!   So many times I have overlooked getting rid of those little things just because they might be of use to me some day.  I have overlooked things because I have been so very tired for so very long (Matthew 9:20) and the details have not been done.  After my surgery, feeling so much better, I started slowly working on my house.  It still isn't "up to par", but it is better.

After working on all of the books in the house, getting those packed in boxes and stacked neatly in the attic, it will be time to go through the craft items.  I don't plan to get rid of much, but I plan to get it "move ready" so that nothing will be lost, broken, or jostled.

The next will be the filing cabinet.  I have files and files of homeschooling papers, business papers and so forth that I need to go through to get rid of the "older than 7 years" items and burn it.

I am so pleased with the progress we've made to this point, though.  We have 13 days until we show the house and I want to get all the above things completed by then as well as a good deep spring cleaning and finishing the last little bit of painting that needs to be done.

In light of my recent surgery, just a little over 2 months ago, I am getting my kids to do all the heavy lifting.  They have been such a blessing to me!   The Lord knows that I needed these kids' help years before I knew.

Mr. G has been busy getting all the little projects completed around the house.  He just installed new flooring from the front entry way through the hallway, to the kitchen.  It looks gorgeous!  He just has a little nip and tuck to do with some wood in the kitchen, then some linoleum in the upstairs bathroom, then he'll be done.  I'm so very fortunate to have such a wonderfully handy hubby!

Upon viewing hundreds of houses in Georgia, we've sifted through so many that are too close to flood plains.  I never realized how important it was to be sure of that fact until I saw the potential for flooding in the variety of places.  Thankfully, we have a decent list of houses that are far away from flood potential to look at when we visit shortly.   Then all the fun begins!  

Setting up housekeeping in another house, in another state almost 1,000 miles away is definitely an adventure!   What is more of an adventure is that we're buying a "fixer-upper" to be on our way to being debt free.  We are so very convinced that it is imperative for us to get debt free ASAP in order to be in a position to help others as much as we can--including supporting missionaries when we can.  No one is going to help us do this, but ourselves, and we're going to make this happen for the sake of our future and the future of our children.

We are so very blessed to have been given new eyes to see the Lord's truth in "owing no man nothing but love."   The thought of that freedom makes all the "fixer-upper" work that will need to be done seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

God is so good! 

God Bless,

Preparing for the Coldest Time of Year

This morning as I type this blog post, I am formulating a list of things in my mind that I need to get before the Arctic blast that is heading our way on Sunday night/Monday morning and lasting until Wednesday.  They say that this is the coldest it has been in 10 years or so.  I don't mind those statistics.  What I am thinking more of is that with all the cold headed our way, there are some wonderful recipes I'd like to make, chili to pressure can and lots of tea, hot cocoa and soups to enjoy.

That's right!  I'm thinking of enjoying myself while the cold rages outside.  Now is the time to get all those special ingredients that I need to make sure we have enough to make the things I'd like to make.

Why not concern myself with the cold?  Because I'm ready for the cold.  This is a special time of year that God has blessed us with to do just that, bake, snuggle, read, play games and do all of it around a warm fire.

I work throughout the year to prepare for times like this.  I am prepared.  I love this verse that mentions the lack of fear for the cold and snow.  We're not clothed in scarlet, but we're all warmly clothed.  Look at all the different versions.  It all makes sense to be prepared!

Pro 31:21

(ASV)  She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

(Bishops)  She feareth not that the colde of wynter shall hurt her housholde, for all her housholde folkes are clothed with scarlet.

(ESV)  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

(Geneva)  She feareth not the snowe for her familie: for all her familie is clothed with skarlet.

(GNB)  She doesn't worry when it snows, because her family has warm clothing.

(ISV)  She is unafraid of winter's effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed.

(KJV)  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

(KJV+)  She is notH3808 afraidH3372 of the snowH4480 H7950 for her household:H1004 forH3588 allH3605 her householdH1004 are clothedH3847 with scarlet.H8144

(KJV-1611)  She is not afraid of the snow for her houshold: for all her houshold are cloathed with scarlet.

(LBLA)  No tiene temor de la nieve por los de su casa, porque todos los de su casa llevan ropa escarlata.

(LITV)  She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

(MKJV)  She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

(Vulgate)  lameth non timebit domui suae a frigoribus nivis omnes enim domestici eius vestiti duplicibus

In the Kitchen

This week, according to my calendar, is the week we deep clean the kitchen.  Yesterday was Monday, so it was dusting day.

This morning already, I've taken care of the kitchen windows on the inside.  You see, I'm the detail person.  It is my job to take care of each detail in the house.  What about the every day things?  Well, the children have been trained to vacuum, sweep, mop, do the dishes, unload the dishwasher, dry and put away dishes, wipe the counters and table, wash, dry & fold and put away laundry as well as hanging it out on the line.  So if my kids can do all of this, why do I do anything at all?  Well, as it goes with children, they don't see the details most of the time.  This is where I come in.  

The above schedule helps me to remember which room we're in for the week.  Yes, I need reminding.  I write things down so I don't have to remember it.  With all the appointments, classes and responsibilities I need to take care of, the less I need to remember the better!  This reminder is wonderful!  

I take care of myself better when I know things are done and cared for.  While "everything" isn't done at the end of the day, I know that I can see progress.  I've learned that this is better than not seeing progress, or heaven forbid, things get worse.  I don't kick myself in the pants for not doing xyz because I know it is going to be done on the above rotational schedule. So there is no guilt.  

Does my house resemble "tornado" status at times?  Yes!  But, the wonderful thing is that with one hour of steady work from 10 hands, things are much better!  

Throughout the month I take note of areas that need my attention and when that time comes up, I take care of it then.  This goes for the kitchen as well, unless there is a cupboard full of ants going after that ONE drop of honey that may have spilled.  (Ask Me How I Know!!!!)  Yes, there are times when you absolutely have to take care of those details that are right in front of your face.  It is a wonderful reminder for this Momma to remind children  who use the honey to make sure the bottle is wiped well before placing it back on the shelf.  We don't want any more ants!  Whew!  

Now, I'm sure there is another question running through your mind right now, "Why not just clean the whole kitchen instead of small bits and pieces at a time?"  I'm glad you asked!  I have many many hats that I wear throughout the day that need my attention (call my name, demanding at times...) so in order to maintain my own sanity by making sure those attention grabbers are tended to, I try to make sure the 15 minutes it takes me to tend to details in the room of the week after the necessary people needs are cared for.  Yesterday I wiped down walls.  It took me a little longer than 15 minutes, but I was the only person here at home.  After I was done I hung sheets out to dry and rotated the calendar above to the next 5-6 weeks.  Hurrying in the shower, I shuffled off to get the kids from berry picking, bring them home, push the oldest along to the shower to get ready for an appointment almost 2 hours away.  You see, the details were done in the morning.  This morning it was the windows.

Tomorrow the calendar says "declutter."  The refrigerator needs cleaned out and wiped down.  I need to go through my drawers to see if there is anything I can put in the yard sale we're having over the 4th of July.  I also have a junk drawer that needs some attention.

Thursday it says to "detail the floors."  I'll have my daughter sweep the floors really good this afternoon, then I'll scrub everything after taking them to work in the morning.

What about my husband's days off?  I try to spend as much time as I can with him when he's home.  But, when he's in the garage, I try to get my own work done.  Sometimes it happens.  Other times there are other things that pull at me.  The important thing is that I look at the calendar and make plans to do the work the Lord has given me and plan accordingly when I know I'll be busy.  Thursday I plan to do my Friday work in the afternoon so that I don't have to worry about it when I'm spending time with my hubby.  

Will this system work for you?  I don't know.  You can use it, but feel free to tweak it to your own family, home and needs.  Just pray about it and ask God for His direction.  That's what I did!  

Have a Blessed Day! 

Productivity

The last bit of December, mid January through now has been wrought with so much sickness in our home and now it is making it's way through the ranks.  While everyone has tried to be content and at least comfortable, others have taken on more responsibilities and taken it in stride.

Now it is time for them to be sick and Mom to take care of everyone.

While I was sick, they brought me teas of every flavor with honey or Stevia, along with warm meals or salads.  I talked them through making chicken soup and other dishes while curled up in a ball with a fever myself, sore and achy.

Now it is time for Momma to bless everyone with good hearty soups, wonderful healing teas and clean smelling blankets to curl up in.  

While I'd been sick, when I felt up to it I knitted or crocheted.  In this post you can see the finished afghan I made for a dear friend.  Once I finished that project, I moved on to another UFO [Un-Finished Object] to crochet.

This past week I've finished it, felted it and found wooden buttons for it. 

Knitted pocket.  The felted stitches turn out differently in knitted items than in crocheted.

I'd made a knitted pocket for it, but at this point in time, I'm not sure if I want to put it on the inside or the outside.  I'm also not sure if I'd like to line it or not.  It is a nice sized bag that is very thick.

A closer look at the colors, the simple handles, and the beautiful wood buttons.

Felting crocheted work is different than felting knitted work, I've found.  When putting a knitted piece through the washer the way the knitting is flat and uniform without much texture makes the stitches blend in much easier than with crocheting.  While crocheting felts much the same way with the thickness, it shows much more of the stitches, hence the zig-zag pattern of the white crochet stitches.  This, in my opinion, gives each bag character of it's very own.

Here is the messenger bag that I finished in 2012~

With each felted bag, each pattern is different, with each type of wool, the texture is a little different.  The above bag was made with Icelandic Lopi yarn which is bulky wool.  It's texture is different than any other 100% wool I've used.  This bag will fit a loose leaf notebook/ 3 ring binder easily.  I've also put my laptop in it.  The one I finished above would easily fit both of them in it with room to spare, or it would make a nice diaper bag.

So what is next on my needles?  I have a couple projects that I would  like to begin working on once I get the yarn for Christmas for my mother-in-law and my daughter.  I keep finding these patterns that I'd love to make, but I need to get the materials first.  Go figure!  I need to use up some of my stash at some point, I'm sure.  But, I've come to the realization that it just might be easier to use up the stash simply by sharing the yarn with others who might have a use for it.  

What else am I working on?  Teaching the next generation of young ladies how to make bags too.  What fun!  

Pensive

As with every year's passing, I get melancholy.  While I discontinued "New Year's Resolutions" years ago, I still find myself reviewing the previous year and wondering how to "do it better next year."

Do what?

You name it!  All in the name of setting goals!  :0)

God willing, of course.

I'd like to do just a few things differently or do a few more things this coming year.  I've started them already,  just because I don't wait for New Year's Day, but not on the scale I'd like to get to.

1).  I'd like to send more hand written cards and letters.  I know for the most part hand written letters for me is difficult due to my carpal tunnel issues, but I can type up a storm without problems.  So, I'll just work at it.

2).  I'd like to begin going away alone for one "weekend" or even an overnight, once a year for a time of prayer, journaling and reflection, without distraction.  Maybe I'd go to a cabin somewhere along Lake Erie or some place nice like that where I'm close to nature.  

3).  I'd like to go away 2 "weekends" a year alone with my husband.  In almost 23 years of marriage, we have not taken any weekends or even numerous week days away.  They don't have to be weekends, but if that's where it falls, then that's ok.  We've spent a couple hours here and there away and at most 6 hours, but that's it, recently.  When the kids were little, we did a yearly over night, but it never seemed to be enough for me.  I needed more time with him.

4).  I'd like to plant more flowers....just because...

5).  I'd like to sway to beautiful music together in the arms of the man I love....just because it feels good.

6).  I'd like to ride bikes more often together with my family.

7).  Maybe try going roller skating again.  =0)  [I have a ruptured disc in my back, so this would be questionable.]

8).  I'd love to serve God with my husband in a variety of ways....however He leads.

9).  I'd like to help more people, in any way I can.

10).  More and more and more and more sewing....

11).  I'd like to can and dehydrate lots more, too! :0)

12).  To worship wholeheartedly with my husband.


...of course if it never happens, I'll  be content with what God gives me for now, holding my plans loosely and trying very hard to adjust and redo!  :0)



  Romans 12:1-2  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Canning Time

Years ago, when my Mr. G and I were still newly weds, he taught me how to can.    Growing up, I had always watched my mother and step-mother can all sorts of things, but my mother always told me to watch.  By the time I was in my teens, my step-mother just did all the canning while I was at school, so I never really got in to canning "up to my elbows" so to speak.

Fast forward to today (Monday-Labor Day--coincidence?  I think not!) and my Mr. G is still canning.  

He's making stewed tomatoes, putting all sorts of yummy goodness in to the mix to make it taste good.

Here he's showing JL what to do with the jars and lids.   

Since he did the first batch of stewed tomatoes, it was only right that HJ and I did the 2nd batch.  We love working together in the kitchen and often times, she'll "kick me out" telling me "Momma, I've got this!  You go sit down and rest your back."  What a wonderful blessing she is!  Sadly, I didn't get any pictures of she and I working together.  But, we have memories and smiles of silliness and laughter.

This morning (Tuesday) my Mr. G and I went to look at the gardens before he left for a meeting.  He looked in the back corners, under some shadows and found this interesting tomato.  He told me that it was picture worthy.  LOL

Here it is from another angle.  Sadly, we will not be canning this one.  It has a rotten spot on the bottom.  If you look closely at this picture, you'll see the rotten area in the lower left of the tomato.  This tomato is still a good one for us though.  It will go in to the compost where most likely, it's seeds will produce some volunteer plants for next year.  :)  That's always a good thing!  :) 

If you look on the table in the background, you'll see our stewed tomatoes.  We were able to make 11 quarts yesterday (Labor Day).  Mr. G asked me this morning (Tuesday) if we were going to can all of the yellow and green beans we're growing in our garden.  I told him that I'd like to keep filling our shelves, canning some every day.  I love doing this so that we can have the fruit of our labors through the winter.  An added plus is that our food is chemical free, GMO free and it teaches our children about the importance of putting up their own food for the future.  We can see what goes in to our foods and we can pronounce those things.  We can know without a shadow of a doubt that we know our food is good for us.

We've only just begun our canning time.  I know many people have been canning since the end of July.  Our produce has only just come on.  Our cucumbers haven't done a lot this year either, but the year isn't done yet.  We'll see how much we get from those. 

I'll be adding more pictures as the week progresses.  :) 

Many hands make light work!

Everyone gets in to the bean works!  

Contrary to what one might believe, these are "volunteer" helpers.  =0)

There were more to come in after I took this picture.  The sink was full!  What a blessing!

Today's canning~12 quarts of yellow beans to add to the 5 we did on Sunday and just the beginning of the green beans-2 quarts.

Yes, we pressure can these.

Me and my beautiful daughter.

As with every year, it is a learning experience.  We are ever and always thankful to God for His provision for us.  What a wonderful blessing!

Insomnia and Books

I fell asleep around 10:30PM and found myself awake a little over 2 hours later.  It is now 3AM and I'm still awake.  I figured after reading friends posts on facebook and reading some scripture, I would be able to go back to sleep or maybe even be yawning, but one yawn...and that's it. 

So, I figured I'd go through my books on amazon wish list and share the book reading goals I have for this year.

In no particular order...


I've had this one on my list for a while.  I think I'll figure out a way to read it this year!  LOL



This is another one I've wanted to read for a while.  Scripture intrigues me.  All of the historical information and religious practices intrigues me.  It helps me to understand and put things in to context so much better when I know the history and practices. :)


I enjoy having people over and showing hospitality.  I also love being hospitable to my own family.  I know I could always grow in this area, so I'd like to read this particular book as well as the next one on hospitality. :)




So many times in the past 10 years I have found that the more I focus on what God teaches us in His word, the better I feel.  For example, when Daniel was taken in to captivity by the Babylonians, he requested pulses and water.  Well, from my own understanding, pulses is just oatmeal/grains and vegetables.  When I add more vegetables to my diet, if not completely replacing a meal with a salad, I feel so much better.  What wonderful information!  I'd like to learn more, so I'd like to get this book to give me a "kick start".  :) 


I've added a variety of sewing books because, although I've been sewing for over 30 years (seems strange to say that), I can still learn more techniques, brush up on the newer technology and learn more about the wear and care of different fabrics.  Serging is one of those things that intrigues me.  It may be a "piece of cake" for some, but I've always just zig zagged or used my serging stitch on my machine to make sure my fabrics do not fray.  Once I found this book I realized how much more there is to learn and know about serging.  This may help me in my decision to buy a serger or not to buy a serger.  LOL 



I have the opportunity to join a group of ladies to study this particular book.  Yes, I know I've studied so many others, but I'm intrigued to see what others have to say about the Proverbs 31 woman.  I gleen more and more each time I reread the wonderful books I do have, but sometimes how one person words something speaks differently to some than others.  It is for that reason that I study so many different books on this particular topic. 


This is in no way exhaustive.  I have tons of other books I'd like to read on Faire Aisle Knitting, wool, and spinning, other medicinal, companion planting and organic gardening, among a host of others. 

What would you like to read this year?

Proverbs 31:28

Pro 31:28 "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."

There have been so many times since becoming a mother that I have put my own wants (though they be few) and needs on the back burner so that my kids could have all they needed. I don't share this for your pity, no dear readers, not at all! If you are a mother yourself, I'm sure you've found yourself doing much the same thing in many different and varied ways, just because you're a mother. It is something that mothers all over the world do and if given the choice, they would do it all over again for their children.

This year for Mother's Day, my children and husband were in kahouts with one another! My husband told me on Saturday that he was going to go with the children and pick out my flowers for the year. Ok, I could stay home and enjoy some alone time. Ha! Usually when I have alone time I just really don't enjoy myself much because it is TOO quiet. LOL This changed within a short time and my dearly beloved told me that he'd changed his mind and wanted the whole family to go. I'm sure I looked a little puzzled, so he said, "I want to make sure you get all that you want to pick out." Uhm, ok! I can do this! Needless to say, my dear husband was so very generous! I have been wanting window boxes for my bay window for years and this year was the year they were bought! Hooray! I love flowers! (That is an understatement for those of you who do not know me very well. One can never have too many flowers!)



What a blessing!

Proverbs 31:13

Pro 31:13 "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."



My sock wool arrived in the mail today. My HJ helped me by holding the hank while I rolled the ball. I was able to get the ribbing started this afternoon. I love the colors she chose. My only problem is with the glare from the bay window, I'll have to sit in another place while I work on her socks. That's alright. This is a new pattern I'm working with also. It is the Gumperina sock pattern that I found through Ravelry. If you have a Ravelry.com account, just log on and do a search.

I've been working like a mad woman on dishcloths-both knitted and crocheted, aprons and getting portfolios taken care of for the year. This year it doesn't seem too bad getting things together. I get the priviledge of going through pictures of my kids, putting them all in one place and burning everything on to a CD. It isn't too bad. I'll need to do a little bit of book documentation, but nothing too harrowing.

Today my beloved took me and the children to look for some of our flowers. We found some window boxes and some very beautiful flowers. Now I can enjoy my flowers from the inside of the house as well as the outside. :0)

What have your hands been busy with?