December 26

Traditions. Moments. Christmas.

New traditions, moments you know you've passed a landmark. No highchairs, actually documenting the cookies that Nana made. Remembering a special book, and reading it with the boys. Actually realizing the book is Ukranian, Eric's ethnic heritage. Letting it go, when the plan to do all the Jesse Tree, just right, doesn't go as planned. But knowing Christ is in their hearts, and will only more fully develop His place through the years. Blessed.

Book List 2010 in Review

So I posted a hefty list last January, of hopeful reads. I did read but only 3 books on my list.

Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis made the list. (personal read)

7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Steven Covey (book club read)

Diligently Seeking God by Gary Henry (daily devotional)

Those were the only 3 on the list I can honestly say, I really read.

I tried to read Giliead... Angle of Repose. But ~ did. not. happen.

I did however, re-read & add other books of course.

The De-Valuing of America: The fight for Our Culture and Our Children, by Willliam Bennett. 1992

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. 1996

Repairing the Ruins: The Classical & Christian Challenge to Modern Education

edited by Douglas Wilson. 1996

Flight from the City by Ralph Borsodi. 1933

Flight from City, was a really, really interesting read. It is a homesteading book, which came on the heels of the crash in 1929, and referenced earlier, but similar economic crashes in our country. What you will find interesting is the similarities in the thinking of people from then & today.

I found Bennett's book an interesting discussion of his time in offices he held during Reagan's administration. I didn't realize he was a Democrat when he came to office. He however was truly one of the most conservative appointees during that administration. He mentions his 'controversial' history, but makes no bones about his dedication to morality & virtue. It is an excellent read for provoking thought in my own noble intentioned but tired mind. It is convicting in ways you wouldn't think. I highly recommend it.

Omnivore's Dillemma ~ page 486. Read.

Ruin's ~ excellent read for a parent who is baffled by the choices of homeschooling & a christian education. Numerous topics discussed, including but not limited to: 'why rhetoric, literature & apologetics' and 'why Latin'., to 'egalitarianism' & 'the Trivium applied'.
It made me think.

That's all the read's I can remember off the top of my head. This was not the year for reading fun stuff, I tried, I really gave it my best shot, but my heart was absorbed in the move, in reflective thought, the how-to's & the task at hand.

Perhaps I'll not be quite so ambitious this year, but I'm sure there will be an excellent read again. I know it's just around the corner....

I Have a Song ~

the view from Newcomb Kitchen sink... where I 'sang' many a song....

I was reminded today talking to my best friend, I didn't talk till I was about 3. It was thought I was, well, slow. Perhaps I am, on many fronts for reasons other than ability, but none-the-less, I didn't say much. My brother was a talker. Still is, and these days he has alot to say, and most of the time, it's worth a listen. But back in the day, I had to fight to get a word in edgewise.

One day when my parents were tape recording us, I spoke up, with intrepid determination,

~ 'I have a song' ~

For years, my Dad has hounded me to write that book,

for I surely won't sing it.

But if there ever was a song, it is because my parents put it there.

Their integrity of heart is demonstrated today,

by the anniversary of 50 years of marriage.

They'll shoot me if you call them or throw a last minute surprise party, I'm so immature, I'm still a little fearful to post this. But some things must be noted. If you've seen anything in this blog worthwhile, it was probably encouraged by my parents, and the steadfast encouragement of their children. Whatever you've seen in their children that stands lacking, it's been because they know the best lessons are learned through experience, not because they didn't try.....

I love my parents, but I'm not alone. I'm thankful for the many & numerous moments they have encouraged many a soul along the path of life. Their dedication to their collective & individual interests or callings have stirred in me often, a melody that can keep me humming about the most mundane of times. I can hear their prayers, I can see their affection for one another. I know their moments of challenge, but most of all I know they have a dedicated love, unsurpassed. They are not perfect - who of us is? I know their weaknesses, their quirks, but they know the dearest of each other & keep that precious to themselves. And that has been a chorus liken to the most beautiful sung by the Mormons in their tabernacle, I can play over & over in my mind.

I thank you Mom & Dad for the 50 years. I celebrate you today, while Jack plays 'Good King Wencellas' tonight, know I appreciate it, because indeed, you did put a song in my heart.

Perhaps if we weren't so 'English' but more 'Celtic' I'd sing 'my song' like this.... love you both...

Shutterfly's 'free' offer to Bloggers

Friend, when I saw this, I jumped. Then I had to postpone my effort to comment because life got in the way. But dawdle no more. Last year I had the perfect card, and alas didn't order. But this year, I'm GOING FOR IT.

Go to this link, to read more about this offer of 50 free folding cards to bloggers.

I love shutterfly. It has made many a photo need of mine ever so simple. Making it easy to share smiling faces like this one of our own boys. As you can tell by the sample cards from Shutterfly, there are numerous options to spell out the joy, so check it out!

Merry Christmas!

{this moment}

Merry and Bright

Our Christmas is bright, beautiful. Amid life, we are festive, even with sniffles, from colds & allergies. The cold weather has been amazing to us, after our season in the seasonless realm of Louisiana. We love & miss Louisiana. But here we are. In Georgia. And we are here to stay. So we continue our house hunt, & goal refining. Reading a little 'Omnivore's Dilemma' will set one to thinking.

I've found Classic Holiday on our tv options and have been enjoying tunes like this one.

May your Christmas be merry & bright.

December 1st

I was ready. December 1st has brought a welcomed relief from many things. Sickness, unseasonal warm weather, anticipation of our Jesse Tree. We actually did it. I'm so excited.

This year Ann Voskamp is offering her book as a download. I'm not sure if it's exactly the same as the published book, or more like a journal, but it includes, to my knowledge, the ornaments. Day 1~~ the reason we need Christ. Sin came into the world. We need a Savior.

December 1st brought a special 1st for me. My first red Cardinal sighting. Beautiful, just as God made him. Off to make some pinecone feeders.

If you are unfamiliar with Ann, this is one of my first encounters with the idea of counting 1000 gifts.

Lifemeds #32

#238 letting go of 'waiting to put the tree up'.

#239 star gazing with Henry on the trampoline.

#240 Jack being old enough/responsible enough to put some of the decorations up himself.

#241 a break from 'school'.

#242 God's provisions for today. Abundance.

#243 health, strength.

#244 visits with out of town friends.

#245 a day with Henry with his best buddy, Eden. and of course her Mom.

#246 him asking , 'Mom, say 'I love you', and him responding, 'I love you too'.

#247 secret jokes with the boys.

#248 my husband taking the whole day to look at houses.

#249 a stash of white beans in the pantry at the end of the month.

If you've ever thought about joining the gratitude community over at A Holy Experience, today is a great day to visit & join. It's simple, and meeting others in this world who are thankful to God for the abundance of blessings in this life is powerful. Reading what others write inspires to look more deeply into our own lifes, and find the soul medicine of grattitude.

Another 'Maybe' House

Every room has paneling, except 3 downstairs. The kitchen was re-done in 1968. As were the bathrooms. It's orginal house was built in 1840. Yeah, one might call this a 'total-gut' job, but it's got potential. The addition is the kitchen which has vaulted ceilings & a working fireplace in the 'keeping' room. The kitchen window looks out on the swing on the tree. It has a barn & pastures, and enormous bedrooms. It actually is plummed with 2 bathrooms upstairs. & 1.2 down. and some acreage not too far from civilization. Finding the balance betwen being in the city & in the country is an issue for us. We were urbanites long enough to need to get to town-- quick!

We'll see. Who knows....

I'm visiting here to get some inspiration.

Boy's and the Outdoors

Not too long ago, I received a call from an old friend who has the most precious little girl named 'Piper'. While we talked she could hear my boys running through the house, crashing into things & the consequential yelps that came with all that rushing about. My threshold for mayhem has grown. I'm a quiet mushroom type person who could sit cozied up by a fire or quietly for hours reading on a summer day. Call it laziness, or whatever, but I'm not inclined to suggest that 4 mile round-trip hike to the top of a mountain to see the waterfall. Or the tromp into the woods to just see what we can see. But your kids will make you do things you never dreamed you would.

Like let your 4 year old walk around with a red-rider bb gun. But we're training him to be safe with a benign rifle before he moves on to a .22. Does it hurt to be shot with a bb gun?(you remember, I have a brother) Sure it does, but he can't pump it past 2....

So while I was talking to Piper's mom, I was invited to go shoot army men in the yard. She was (literally) invited to go to 'twinkle land'.

(Ironically enough they neither wanted to stick their hands in the pumpkin goo. )

Lifetime meds #31 - November 1st

#230 children who wake up healthy in the morning - happy or not.

#231 that halloween is over, the candy will eventually be gone.

#232 beautiful, breathtaking leaves for fall.

#233 the cool weather.

#234 books my son wants to read for school 'The Apple and the Arrow'

#235 his spontaneous recitation of John 1:1-3 during the sermon with the minister.

#236 that the Word came

#237 that Jesus did come, He's worthy of being more than just a friend, He's worthy of our worship as King of our lives.