December 2013

 

I need this just about now. So I think I will.

We made these little guys yet again.

 

 

The cardinals are bringing in the season.

 

Advent & Jesse Tree ornaments hung about the tree.

 

What it looked like some time ago.

 

 

We've been reading 'SNOW'.

 

 

Hoping for this.... Remember? It was beautiful!

 

About to pot up some paper whites.

 

And still working on a Christmas Card.

So for now, an oldie but a goodie.

 

Merry Christmas!

November - Gold and Grey 2013

Sewing is such a therapeutic effort, a collecting of frayed edges, within a yarn, a thread that can make it well. November is a healing, thankful time. Earth is collecting all the worn and spent blooms, gathering fodder to renew the soil again. My soul is gathering. Gold and grey, seldom red. Quiet joy by a fire's warmth, a small fire, steady, never over-heating the box, but steadily. A flicker of red, too robust will spend the strength.

 

October rushes through, scattering wrappers all about the house.

The gardens bring about relief from the buzz of sugar

 

 

Every good and perfect gift, really is from above.

 

 

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Common Core Standards ~ The Crashing Scaffolding 2013

I refer to a curriculum in a recent post about children's literature and C.S. Lewis. And I am regularly reminded that a government school, which is systematic in its efforts to provide for a collective population that is incredibly diverse, a one-size fits all education, will ultimately fail. Proponents of this set of standards may disagree that one-size fits all is not accurate. I disagree. Based on personal experience of our family. And that it is detrimental to the love of learning far beyond any other effort in public education in America.
But I knew this. Going in. So it is for me to deliberate when I can muster the energy. But as professors of law are often at their desks, with time to write, I will defer to this letter written by Law Professor from Notre Dame, to Catholic Bishops in opposition to Common Core.
An article about the letter and Common Core can be found here.
I reject it unequivocally, and felt this was one of the best shared synopsis of reasons in which I share belief.

C.S. Lewis on Children's Literature

'I am almost inclined to set it up as a canon that a children's story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children's story. The good ones last. A waltz which you can like only when you are waltzing is a bad waltz.'
The passing of C.S. Lewis was marked 50 years just this week. I am currently carrying a copy of 'The Abolition of Man' in my purse. Perhaps as a talisman against current curriculum. I was so pleased to see National Review on-line quote this precious book. But it is not for children, but about how the education system of his time was failing children, and in turn, society. A culture crashing down on its flimsy 'scaffolding.'
But this reading shared at this link, is one worth considering. It inspires me all over again to consider that book for children, young and old alike, that stands the test of time. Perhaps the woods will inspire, or the cold of this November Day.
God is in it all, Creator of the Universe, Creator of all mankind. God be glorified.

 

Marshall, California, on the road to the Coast ~ 2006

October Already 2013

Celebrating our Anniversary with kids at Jittery Joes Coffee

My stinky big brother is 50 years old. I'm still 29.

 

BUGS! at the Georgia State Botanical Gardens.

 

Lunch at school with 4 monkeys.

 

Free demonstration.

 

And Crash.

 

Boys, life, love, joy.

What we are doing to our boys....

A typical Saturday night at our house.

While I am working on details regarding DAR, I hear from the backyard, an after-school eulogy for a chip monk the cats have caught. The boys 'finished it off' with the b-b gun. Then with a true 'Star Spangled Banner' send-off, they  buried it. Yes, in deed.

Sometimes I feel like I'm in the middle of an extremely patriotic version of 'Lord of the Flies.' We consistently are mending the cuts and wounds of warriors who cross our yard, bearing swords & shield, often wearing their pajama bottoms, wrapped in duct tape. No tribe distinction, just 'warrior'.

This article comes to mind, makes me feel like at least we get this 'wild-thing' right. Or at least we encourage it.

This pod-cast from Circe was excellent.  James Daniels is from Westminster Classical School in Memphis. He so 'the normal guy', but has less than the normal to present. Scroll to 'What we are doing to our boys'.

Some time ago, Henry over heard someone talk about genes, and wondered what that was all about. While we casually sat in our living room, I indicated it is what made him have blue eyes, and daddy have black hair, and he said 'and that's why you have silver hair?' to which I replied, 'no child, YOU are why I have silver hair!'

Love my boys!!

Wallace Stegman's 'Angle of Repose'

 

No book review here. Just an update that tells where I've been. I've finally finished the Pulitzer Prize winner, 'Angle of Repose', by Wallace Stegman. Written about a biographer tracing his family's roots in the west. I find this fascinating as my mother-in-law grew up in much of this region of the country. I am priviledged to have visited her stomping grounds, the only of her children (spouses included) to have seen Spanish Dry Diggins' and driving through Cool, California. This with newborn Henry in tow. Eric had to fly back earlier, and Jack, Henry & I toured with 'the Sisters' the Sierra Nevada's.
No words. So I read them, digest them, and keep on swimming, as Dory (the fish) says.

I am dying to write an essay or letter to the editor regarding media in the children's section. I'm sick of computers in the kids section for parents to check their facebook, while their kids tear apart the library. The writer pictured by her most recent offering 'Flight Behavior' Barbara Kingsolver, writes about his in her recent book of essays. in  round about way, as does another more conservative write I plan to compare and contrast. As well as include my own simple experience with the public library.
My blood pressure goes up tho as I even think about it.

This is what childhood should look like.

Trying to decide which bite to take after a long swim.

Not stuck behind a video game. Or missing the forest (stacks) for the trees (computers).

Tennis for the compulsive sports kid, Tennis for Life at the rec center. Thank you County Sports!

 

While I debate the worth of waiting for the book at the library.... instead of buying at Target.

Patriotism: defined

My friend, Laura Nellie, asked several of the DAR sisters why they were DAR, or something to that effect. Precious as my friend, and name-sharer is, she wanted to know, because sometimes life is too quick to have heart-felt moments of conversation, even with those with whom we share so much.

Usually a DAR starts out saying something about their mother. And I am no different. I joined because my mother handed me my 'paper-work', and said, 'when you have the time, you may want to join.' So I did. But it was because of all the phone calls after she'd presented a Good Citizen Award to a noble young person. No monetary award. Just a medal. But it's not just a medal to me.

When I was in Kindergarten, Mrs. Hepler ( we called her Mrs. Helper) presented me with the Citizenship Award. In Warren County, KY. On 'the other side of the tracks'. I remember riding the bus with children, who I never knew to be poor. I was perhaps poor in worldly goods. Consumerism hadn't shined it's ugly light on perceived poverty yet. We all had shoes. We all ate lunch. We had parents. But there were poor kids on my bus. And in my little corner of the world that award meant the most to me. I was a representative of my class. I wasn't so special, just one of the class. Perhaps I had much to smile about and others didn't. So because I smiled, I received the award.

But when I have been in my darkest moments, and bright as well, as silly as it seems, I can remember that award. And what citizenship means to me now. I like to think that my teacher saw hope in me for the future of our country. Perhaps a candle-bearer. Perhaps. But a citizen, where ever I was.

In DAR I see the doorway to be someone involved in community.  I have had the opportunity and blessing to be involved with JAC (Junior American Citizens) and have so enjoyed the parents who bring their children to be a part of our efforts to educate their children about patriotism and citizenship.

Patriotism: defined. That was the title. I am a 'johnny come lately' patriot. There are many that have been waving and know why they wave the flag. I am behind.
But I know that my ancestor married a patriot, whose wife and child died from exposure to the elements the day before the Battle of Kettle Creek.  They were turned out by those who would defend King George and his corrupt government.  One of the coldest battles, a Valentines Day during the Revolutionary War.

When I stand and wave the flag now... I think of her. I think of the trials of a wife and mother, who lives with the knowledge of the 'first love', raising children and loving a man in the wilderness.
What they did, what they believed, why they stayed.
That's Patriotism: defined. The staying. The living. The dying. Citizenship.

Flags before the 4th of July.

 

So, Laura Nellie, thank you for asking the question. I hope I can continue to perpetuate the memory of those who fought bravely for our freedoms. May we never forget.

 

 

Summer is here ~ May 2013

Record keeping is coming in months now... life is taking over, and I'm glad. The blog is for me, not for my family. And there is only so much selfishness allowed in motherhood.
I gulped a big dose last night at a friends house who even helped me with sick kids. We have had a blessed spring, with joyful completion of a renovation that will be a springboard for living. but along with it has come colds, flu, illness, exaustion from goodness.
So now, I just gulp in the hanging on spring like air, which will be gone tomorrow.
Color - I am enjoying blue again. With punches of color, here and there.
Reading - We are reading "Don Quixote" a wonderfully illustrated version with the boys. hillarious.
Studying - 'Song School Latin', CC Timeline Cards, Bible Stories - Daniel.
Memorizing - Daniel's prayer and blessing of God before he interprets the King's dream.
Enjoying - Beesentials - www.beesentials.net  cream. from farmer's market.
Appreciating - Cecel's art https://www.facebook.com/CecelAlleeArtist in my dining room.
Come on Summer. I'm ready

This piece was amazing... I have a similar one, can't wait to add another.

Kitchen Renovation 2013 ~ Home On Purpose

You gotta want it. You can't give in when you want to cry. Because when you've recovered from the stress of all the choices and the inevitable mishaps, it all comes together into what you never imagined you could design.
Why go to all the trouble?
Our home was just right for all the reasons you just can't 'buy'. Great schools, great pricepoint in a neighborhood, potential for possible re-sale, if the need arose. But it was the one from which most folks ran walked away. Bad carpet, poor use of space, questionable window placement...But the changes were calling us like the Sirens. We're suckers for a challenge. 
And we needed a home. Bad.  
The yard is over an acre. It was a treed lot. It's now 50 trees less than it started. I now look out a kitchen window into a flat yard with a treeline in the back.

After in what was the dining room/school room.

 

I previously had a great view(sans trees), but the kitchen left alot to be desired as it was a drop zone for everyone's stuff, right in my dinner preparations. Now everyone has their own area, that's not in my kitchen!  

Kitchen in previous location. Wall to the right no longer exist!

And the kitchen sink/bar is gone!

View from doorway helps with perspective.

View from the door before.

View from the door after. If you look carefully on the floor

 you can see where the previously room dividing bar/countertop/sink area used to exist.

Now just some fun shots, of my ever so quickly picture friendly staging. Far from finished, but you can see the general idea.

By the way, we left one set of the cabinets on the right of the picture above and put a coordinating granite countertop and tile.

They are not perfect, but serve as a buffet and desk and storage.

I mixed it all up with stainless, white crackle subway tiile and

St. Cecelia granite. A friendly terracotta sheep holds my spoons.

Mason jars are used for rice and beans.

I'm hiding my sugar in the cabinet. For now.

That's a quince tree my neighbor gave me. As soon as the crews quick tromping around the yard, it's going in! That's Jack's plate, a baby gift from Hadley Pottery.

Exterior Before.

 

 

Exterior After.

Colors: Sherwin Williams siding: Anonymous/trim:Creamy. Door stained Dark Walnut. Minwax.

New roof helped with black architectural shingles. Certain Teed.  

 

I tried to get this post up and going, because I knew folks might be in the middle of the same thing. And wonder what it might look like. Should I mix all those finishes in my kitchen? Really. They don't match Edie's exquisite kitchens, but I know I'm not Edie.(love lifeingrace) You have to go with what you like. I knew I loved oil rubbed  bronze faucets, but knew also that I needed my husband not to panic when the finish was damaged. And besides it looked so clean to use chrome. So I got exactly the faucet I've been wanting, and the finish that made sense. To me.

After all as much as I'd love for other folks to come wash my dishes... really,

 I'll be the one in there the most. And truthfully, I spend way to much time on Pinterest. Just got to decide and get packed up for little leage. Make the decision and move on.

I also wanted to share this with folks because I think Edie's Home On Purpose theme is amazing.

We aren't lucky, we're blessed. And we've planned, praying that it will be what God has in mind for our lives. To use our home.  To finish the inconvenient projects and live. Garden, eat, play and enjoy friends, share and serve in our community. So that's what we'll do.

For now, I'm headed to the garden because that's what's for dinner. More pictures to come, because friends-- it's not complete. We have floors and fireplace to go. But the kitchen's open for business.

 

Blessings on your home. Use it to glorify God, serving your family and those who pass your way.

Hebrews 13:2

'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Routine During Renovation

 

Reading through the Bible. Even in the sheet rock dust. Cereal. Toast and the book of 1st Kings. That'll wake you up in the morning.

We are so thankful for our newly renovated home. It's coming together. Just need to snap a couple of more pictures before I post the big reveal. But I cooked dinner in the kitchen for the first time last night. Boy it tasted good!

March 2013

This old girl is getting a face-lift. It only took 2 months to get the plans squared away. But the roofers are almost done today and we'll be working on windows and  paint next week. Then onto the kitchen. Deep breath. I have said a few times, 'what if I don't get it right?' 'Did I really pick that color/design/finish/hardware?' But this may not be my final home. And for certain, it is not my forever home. That's a plan I can't mess with, one made for me by One greater, who won't let me ruin that design.

Where your treasure is laid up, there will your heart be also. Somewhere beyond the blue.

Welcome March. Even with your mighty winds and flurries.

#42 Lifetime Meds ~ In Praise of January

"I believe that God is weary of being called down on both sides of an argument," said Inman to Ada Monroe's father, in the movie & book Cold Mountain.
And I believe he is. But then I remember out of the corner of my mind so many who have gone before with so much more agony or frustration of what seems so unjust in life.
If it is not an argument of gay marriage, modern slavery's existence, hunger & disease, or the safety of our children/2nd amendment rights, I'm sure I can muster something else to exaust my energy.
Like the skin irritation I can't seem to solve, or the cat scratch I thought was a cat-bite on Henry's neck. Or that our public library just received 26 books on Islam from our federal government via, the NEH. Lord, deliver me. Jesus, come.
But I will call Him to me, through prayer and thanksgiving.
Lifetime Meds. That's what I called it. And the Meds don't work lessen you take them, as Ruby would say. She is one of my most favorite characters in literature & portrayed well in the movie. I can imagine Ada Monroe would think so too. Even as refined as she was.

Reading - Marilynne Robinson's When I Was a Child I Read Books.  "The great truth that is too often forgotten is that it is in the nature of people to do good to one another." from her essay 'Imagination and Community.' Great essay on getting along, losing cynicism, even in light of that which reaches our core, and makes us weep. #366
Loving- my children, even when it's stressful and raining. #367
skating with Henry on Saturdays #368
our cat Larry, yes, I said cat. #369
my sweet husband, who is such a sweet father, lover, provider. #370
Eating -  #371 borcht, thankyou Grandma. #372 chinese appetizers from Trader Joes, and their frozen shrimp fried rice.
Watching - "Downton Abbey" along with every other romantic junky. #373 I heard it was exceptional for the reason there are no characters who are side-lined. All characters are significant. The texts on my phone from bff will indicate, they're in our psyche to stay for a while. #374 bff. she's a lifesaver. literally. and she's always just a phone call away.
Sewing - knitting a scarf#375. beautiful yarn #376
Listening - Steven Curtis Chapman, "JOY" album. yes, it's Christmas music, but "In the Bleak Midwinter" is so beautiful.
"I would give Him my heart" rings so beautifully. I bought the Cd through teary eyes, the day of the Sandy Hook tragedy. I will never hear that music again, without thinking of the feelings and the loss of that day. But it's beautiful. and has been yet another lifesaver this season. #377.

Praying -  praying for peace, for moments of nature in my soul. for oxygen. for comfort for those in pain.  #378

Thankyou Ann, for creating this jumping off place, where I find my Meds. Lifetime Meds. Joining others at A Holy Experience.

January 2013

The new year has begun. School is back in full swing. JAC activities are on the horizon. We had a wonderful  birthday for Eric. Chinese was the theme. Everything (thanks to Trader Joes).

 

I realized I like my china again. It comes it goes. I'm fickle.

 

We have realized we need a dog, and then the cat gets in a fight, along with too many other miscellaneous chaos creators happen, and I rethink that whole 'dog thing'.

Everyone is healthy. For now.

I have a pet squirrel. Well not really, but he comes and sits and watches me in the morning. He feeds out of Jack's birdfeeder.

We begin renovation February 4, and I couldn't be more excited.

Happy January.