Spray Paint Might Save the World ~ Bookshelf No. 1 November 2020

  If we've never met, you may think I'm a bit shallow. But once you run back through a few posts, you'll  realize I'm not shallow, just layered. Picture the layers of the ancient city of Troy, Trojan horse and all. I  don't pretend to be as capable as many of my peers. But I have my skills, like-- I can see through a pile of fabric anywhere and spot the block printed French cotton a mile away. Yup. I'm a #wickedthrifter over at #littlebirdtextiles

So when I say,  spray  paint might save the world, take heed.   I was old(er) when I had kids, through adoption, and much like that, nothing has gone according to plan, in my unique universe, or in the world at large. And there is nothing a good dose of green (my preferred color) spray paint can't redeem.  For example, the basket from Goodwill that will hold a variety of things. It could have been trashed- yet, for .99, I have a new catch-all basket to make my activities more efficient as well as colorfully encouraging. 

Before you start to trip out on Goodwill--  I'm also a capitalist. Do you know the  cashiers at your Goodwill? I do. Somebody had a good idea. Donate stuff. Employ people to organize and shelve it. Sell it. 'But what about those bad folks up at the top who make the big paychecks?' Those folks are the risk takers who invest in the rehab of the big-box stores that nobody uses anymore(our local store was a Best Buy.) So now, the once empty big-box store employs folks who work hard. Often they are folks who might not find a job elsewhere. And you know the bonus? They actually have an employment office in the store. Dang. Can this get any better? While I didn't look at the yearly statement for this company, I don't lose sleep over it, because I know the lady who checked me out today, who often shares her happy experience with me, and she will receive a paycheck in a timely manner. And that was enough for me. I left with a .99 basket that is now green that will  hold my dishtowels(I have many green baskets), while I make brownies for my kids.  And I will think happy thoughts about the redeemed item that was not put into a landfill.  Yup. Even recycled.  And even more about the happy lady who has meaningful work. 

Sounds like a win-win to me.  #green #recycle  #community

Which of course leads me to a book. It would seem that such an insignificant experience might not be worth the recounting in such a jaded, confused time in our world. Yet, for literally centuries people have been waking to the same sunshine to decide how they will live out their day. I have a favorite author whose books don many of my shelves. Alexander McCall Smith. He is my go-to for book recommendations because he introduced me to Mme Precious Rmwatswe. I believe everyone should know her. She determined herself to be the proprietor of  The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and therefore, Smith wrote at  least 15 books about her and her community. Her stories are filled with gentle appreciation for her modern culture in Africa, with a regular glance backward to her most noble father who is 'late,'(passed.) (My own introdueced me to these stories.<3) But one I found on my own after meeting her(and her writer) was of another unique period of time and is a stand alone worth every minute. La's Orchestra Saves the World,* asks exactly the question that every person must ask themselves when they wake each day. Is what I do really meaningful, does it matter, and consequently, do I matter. I love the action she undertakes to  move forward in an uncertain time. In a twist of irony, I have had a student who plays French horn, a featured instrument in the book, and a very unique instrument, one that if played well takes one to another level of orchestra and appreciation of the world of music. He, my student, is that type of person and is equal in exceptionality as the instrument of his choosing. His mother commented one day, after lesson number 595, about whether the  playing of the French horn really could save the world-- and I replied, I believed so. For it is is the learning by heart 'something' which trains our minds to seek excellence-- yes, to sense that traction of success, and therefore propels us to hope. And having hope is the essence of that which will truly save the world. 

The books I've mentioned have links to Goldberry Books, an independent bookstore in Concord, North Carolina. The proprietors have opened a brick and mortar store I can't wait to visit. Visit their link to support small business! Their opening in Fall 2020 is the definition of Hope! <3 

 

The Obstacle is the Way -->Discipline of Action ~ November 2019

It is no secret I love new construction, so on the way back from dropping Eric at work, I took a few pictures of these particular houses.  But more importantly the obstacle the contractors faced.

I don't know the diameter of the stump remaining, but I can imagine this  tree was spectacular in its height and dimension. Ironically, I've traveled this road in downtown Athens many times. But I can't remember the tree, or even the timeworn house or houses that were likely torn down. But in their place are two very tidy attractive homes. I can hear the builders talking about this tree, the headache of it's removal will cause. The possible protests from naturalists that abound. But for better or for worse, he moved forward anyway, made the necessary calls, and planned the demolition and the tree's removal. 

From The Obstacle is the Way, by Ryan Holiday

 "But in our lives, when our worst instincts are in control, we dally. We don't act like Demosthenes, we act frail and are powerless to make ourselves better. We may be able to articulate a problem, even potential solutions, but then weeks, months, or sometimes years later, the problem is still there. Or it's gotten worse. As though we expect someone else to handle it, as though we honestly believe that there is a chance of obstacles unobstacle-ing themselves. 

We've all done it. Said: "I am so [overwhelmed, tired, stressed, busy, blocked, outmatched]."

And then what do we do about it? Go out and party. Or treat ourselves. Or sleep in. Or wait. 

It feels better to ignore or pretned. But you know deep down that that isn't going to truly make it any better. 

You've got to act. And you've got to start now." 

Standing at Poplar and Mulberry ~ Athens, GA

Painting with Miss Mustard Seed ~ November 2019

Recently, I won the prize for thrifting in a moment of chance. I snagged the tag for the best piece of furniture among the lot of discarded items and didn't look back. After having several folks ask me if I was really going to buy it, I knew I'd scored a keeper. 
This dresser has found its home in Henry's room. It's wood was quite beautiful, but raw, and needed a protective coating. 

I love Miss Mustard Seed's projects and decided to purchase some of her sealer. I've used it now on two projects and its beautiful. It's clear, non-yellowing and durable. I'll be on the look out for more furniture to experiment with her colors of chalk paint. My favorite is 'Boxwood.' If you're looking for a great  sealer to protect your hard work, I can recommend this for making the finish last. *You'll note, my bottle has been used for 2 coats, so you can see how much I used for the project. Also, the label covered some of the instructions, but I knew I could find instructions at Marian's blog if I needed them. 

*Amazon Affiliate Links

Tatoos, Bumperstickers, Summer ~ July 2019

Standing in line to check out in the Athens-Clark Public Library, I noticed one of the few tatoos I'd consider having. There is something about Rosie the Riveter that strikes at the heart of every woman. And there she was boldly staring me down from the arm of the mother cued up with books and babes in tow.

Norman Rockwell’s ‘Rosie the Riveter’ The Saturday Evening Post 

I knew I'd be crossing the Rubicon of Culture as I spoke up to this strong mama. I don't remember what I said, but it wasn't as stupid as it would be if I tried to recreate it now. She was flattered and kindly turned towards me and greeted my boys. They weren't all smocked up, so we didn't appear to be aliens. Little did she know, she was the pace-setter for the next 10 years of my life.

The next friend I met was at Tae Kwon Do for my homeschooled kids. Juli Wisotsky. My heart swells thinking of that day on the bench in the Carter's Dojo off Alps Road. She was in the process of specializing in adoption law. Already an attorney, she was refining her work to serve now hundreds of parents, both adoptive and birth, in life changing decisions. She took note some years later that one thing she knew about me, I'd always have on the same pendant nechlace, a gift from Drake and Kelley for my birthday, when we first moved here. Lisa Leonard's 'tree of life' with our little family's names circled about the tree. It's a raw and a simply stamped metal pendant. Sacred. I've only added and swapped it out a few times for a more polished version Mom gave me, and the addition:  a small ring from Kelly Bell with a friendship message engraved inside. But I always return to the original pendant. I tend to stick to less painful engravings and stampings to share experience or passion. Take for instance bumperstickers- I blamed the kids for them for a while, but now it's me. I'm the one picking them out and putting them on the van. But I think all these things serve as reminders and markers that declare something about us we wish not to forget. But also, we wish for others to know. A declaration of sorts. But some markers we would change, some mantras we'd rather swap for a newly discovered truth, when the image we bear no longer suits our soul. If  I recall correctly, Juli told me that exact thing, that she wished she didn't have the tatoos, not that she's against tatoos, but because they were a part of a life she no longer lived. They were a reminder of a past she'd given up, a life she'd left behind.
I heard a favorite line about parenting in the movie, 'Eat, Pray, Love'. The character played by Julia Roberts is unhappily married with no kids, struggling in her life-plan, who shares her angst with her friend played by Viola Davis, who has just had a baby. Viola turns to Julia, in character of course, with swagger and gust, holding and consoling her babe, and replies adroitly, "Having a child is like getting a tatoo on your face. You have to be committed.' The Jonas Brothers have a current pop-hit that includes the line, 'You're the tatoo on my brain.' And I think of my children, and that tatoo on my brain and how some thoughts are hidden in our hearts, like Jesus' mother, Mary. Some thoughts we wish we didn't have to hold. But we do. When our children look at us, they expect us to hold every memory, like it was yesterday, just as they remember it. We are the marker-keepers, the arm that wears the tatoo, the van with the stickers, the bearers of the good choices and the bad.
Eric and I would agree that both boys will remember this as a good summer. And that is what I can hope. I hope they remember predictability, consistent joy, safety. I pray they remember their mother and father laughing, praying, keeping a rhythm that is steady, prepared, and ready with space on that same van for the next bumper sticker -- and flexibility and patience for even -- the unexpected tatoo.

December Details 2012 ~ Lifemeds #41

She's been off her meds, Lifemeds that is. She starts again.... today.

Reading Confessions of a Counterfeit Farm Girl by Susan McCorkindale. #352
Ann Voskamp's A Glorious Coming -A Jessie Tree Advent Celebration #353

 

The Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader by Donna w. Payne & Fran Lenzo#354

Bible Reading with Family - I Samuel #355

Listening Classical Conversations Latin Memory Work, Cycle 1. #356
Handel's 'Messiah' #357   Corelli's 'Concerto Grosso' #358

 

Sewing actually, knitting a hat. #359

 
Growing broccoli  #360
Eating the neighbors onions from his garden and apple pie. #361
Watching Christmas classics #362 & advertisements for 'Downton Abbey' #363
Loving my boys excitement over decorations & Christmas #364
Praying for my nephew during finals #365

I'm starting up the LifeMeds. Why did I stop? Joining others to thank the Ultimate Giver at
 A Holy Experience.

Ancient History Reading for Kids & Monkey Bread

After the big change from home education to public, our reading material hasn't changed. We still have the same reading lists to accomplish, whether during the academic school year or throughout the summer.
At the top of our list are books like The Golden Fleece: and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles, by Padraic Colum.



For sometime we have also had and read Colum's, The Children's Homer: The adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy. Both of these volumes are illustrated by Willy Pogany and have proven their award winning qualities to our household listening audience. The stories are simple in their wording, but capture the essence and the feel of Homer, poetic and fresh in feel. We must chart the path of all the characters using a  map/banner from National Geographic that includes both Greek and Roman characters, and illustrates the families of the ancient legends of mythology. (Coincidentally, Beautiful Feet Books has a great post about introducing Ancient literature to kids *here*. They mention these among other books that are favorites of ours.) I must admit. Ancient is my favorite.

It's Birthday Month around here. Jack turns 9, and Henry turns 6. Somehow 1 day events turn into month-long events, but I'm trying to use all my newly delegated energy into joyful celebration opportunities. So today I'm making monkeybread & giving Jack (birthday # 1) a Greek god tatoo book, and a Greek & Roman coloring book. We've already done rock crystals this week, and colored side-walk chalk. And I think there has been a little bionical action figure accumulation going on. But I think the monkey bread is going to be the winner. BTW, I did not follow the recipe here, but I was inspired by the link above to make it... and yes it was from Pinterest. (smile)



Education - Formal & Informal

Finding my voice in this should be easy. I remember reading a fellow bloggers post one time, where she confidentally discussed the big change from homeschool to their choice to enroll their kids in an outside home option. It feels to me like changing skin. In some ways. In some ways not. What does feel right is the need to push through to see the half-full facts. I'm confident, but I'm exausted & nothing feels completely confident when you're exausted. When nay-sayers come from either side, I want to scream, 'don't you think that went through my head a million times?' And even the proponents comments can lead me to think 'but I didn't want that!' It leaves me feeling sorry for snakes who must molt.
Half-full.
Every parent who is actually parenting, is considering what is best for their children. And that's what we've done. So the kids will be attending the local public school. I'm confident in the choice. If you have walked through our last two years closely, you know we've struggled. Moving is a struggle. Change is a struggle. But we know this is the best for us. Right now.
So instead of 'deleting' the previous post about my school room, I plan to leave it. It shows how quickly life can change. How specific and sometimes drastic life can change.

Half-full. Eyes up. Looking ahead. Embracing with everything I've got the opportunity & options available to me in my charmed, blessed existence.

Finishing Projects around the House

I am working on projects that seem to have dragged on all through the academic year. They are big, messy and need full attention.
1st. Painting the walls of the interior. (Mostly done).
2nd Pillow covers (done).
3rd Painting a wicker chair (done) whose ottoman is meneded, painted and already in use.
4th Strip a 'new' thrifted chair, CLEAN, recover along with it's friend the $6 wingback from our homestudy re-do from America's Thrift Store.  She's been waiting for 5 years for new life.

I've already got the education plans printed and books ordered, received and waiting, so I'm taking a break from swimming this morning to literally -- get this house in order!

Most everything I know about the plans-- buy the paint (done). Put on junky clothes (done). But I'm going to need to follow a pattern for my chair re-covers. I can easily cover a cushion, but a chair has 'shoulder's. But this one looks like it's very doable. and the original from Miss Mustard Seed.
Like 2-day doable.

But life happens... kids need structure, projects, lunch. Cat comes in & 'finds' and adds new feature to said new cushion... now cushion needs 'deep cleaning'. Husband calls, asks 'are the bills & budget ready for me to look at?'
Stinky laundry from father's day family campout needs doing. Yes. Real life happens. And it is good.
Pictures to soon to follow.

Spring 2012 ~ Blessed

Spring has come so much faster than I ever dreamed. We needed late winter/February to last longer, because we were trying to create a yard and plant grass. So we've been in hustle mode, trying to capture the moment of a clean slate, a graded yard ready for seed. We did it. Barely. I say we, because even tho I didn't spread the seed or the straw, I swept leaves burned debris, hacked at roots to make way for the bulldozer Eric brought home to finish the prep work. We now have grass coming up and hopefully it will last. Of course, summer has come in April, so I don't know, but at least we tried.
I finished Classical Conversations yesterday along with the boys. It was my first and solo year as of date for tutoring. It was a love-hate relationship we had with the amazing Monday scheduled community classes. I tutored and it was just too much for Henry. It was great for Jack, but as tutor, I often had to sacrifice time/emotion/energy serving the group instead of the individual (Henry). I thought it might be different. It wasn't . My precious director even mentioned to me one day about our initial discussion about which class I might be tutor. ....... Hind sight....
When you know something about your kids, go with it. My gut feeling. I have been a person who could push through anything. Anything, if need be. But this one was tough because the adreneline & positive smile doesn't morph over to your kids, who have decided mutiny would just be a whole lot more fun than active participation. (ironically, my kids can't get enough of Cycle 3 grammar today....)
I am humbled as I've been reading about Piper, who even now may have entered into Heaven's gates. She's a precious 3 year old I only met at a Christmas Parade, but knew was on a time table that wasn't working in her favor. She is a patient currently at St. Judes, her little body collapsing from the symptoms of Leukemia. She's 3. Her mother has been blogging along the way, for which I'll never be able to express adequate thanks. Her reverence & gratitude even in the face of the eminent death of her precious baby has been awe inspiring. Friend who know her situation, are grieving & praying by her side all along the way as she continues to keep us there by her side tangled in the cords that keep Piper alive, lying by her side. Jesus is there, holding her as she holds her baby, in a bed she knew from almost the beginning would be her end.
Jesus grant me the blessing of the grace she's demonstrated.
Keep me from my shallow existence when I become preoccupied with the color of my hair & the buldges I'm not sure I like. Help me hug my children when I want to strangle them.
Lift my raggedy body up when Henry asks me for the millioneth time 'will you play tennis with me?'
Jesus you are so real to me right now. You found me while I hid safely amongst the debris of my world. Not your world.
Thanks for blessings 'gifts' fills the halls of this salmony-pasty-khaki-wanna-be house.
I have shed like all those who read Susannah's blog, more tears for a family I've barely met. But they have been ambassadors to a Hope that's available to everyone. Everyone. A solid hope that in a blink of an eye, she will see her baby Piper, and we'll be united with God and see Him in Glory.
Find me Lord, please, redeeming the time, not selfishly consuming it.
I have to run, can't even sync the pictures of all the amazing activity around the house. The boys swim out the window in the kiddie pool, paddle tennis balls in the driveway and sing History sentences from CC that I'm grateful they remember.
If you visit the Needam family, pray for them, you'll be circled at the throne with thousands, who are there on their behalf. http://www.needhamcrew.blogspot.com/
(' Piper Jean Needham ran into the arms of Jesus today, April 3, 2012 at 3:35pm.')

Easter... has it really been a year?

How can time go so fast? Really. It seems just yesterday I was working out the details of Jack's end of the year performance, and the wedding where Henry was the ring bearer with Eden.. Then came along Easter. Will I be ready this year? Could I possibly ever be ready for anything again?

We watched the special about Steve Jobs last night, innovator/designer creator over at Apple. Had no idea how bright he was, and how life had dealt him a pretty surreal episode when he was ousted from Apple. Then returned to bring it back. In between, he funded and eventually in essence owned Pixar. Pixar. Shazam.

So today, take-away... as I make frozen pizza and work through teaching textbooks with Jack & Starfall.com with Henry, ready to head to TKD-- where will they go, what will they do?

Who really knows.

I saw this paradigm on the web/facebook yesterday. I'll try to link it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkPvSCq5ZXk&feature=share

Title is 'Schools kill creativity'. It was definitely food for thought. Shared by a homeschool mom of 5 with others. Interesting. Btw, I don't think the gist of this presentation is to proclaim homeschooling victorious. It made me wonder-- in general. Pretend you have 'no opinion' on the method. Give it a try. I found it very interesting.

'This is Spring'

So as I arbitrarily start a classical CD of compiled classical music, I think I received at the hospital, (one of those exposure Cd's of music,) -- Jack pipes up and says 'This is Spring'. And I am overjoyed. For it is not spring but winter, but he has remembered even the composers name, 'Vivaldi, Antonio Vivaldi,' he says.
Moments that make a momma's heart sing.

Prayerfully. Thankfully. Joy.

Yesterday, I heard a radio announcer on a christian station talk about an intimate relationship with God. Jack was listening too. I don't usually talk about having an intimate relationship with God. I do try to have an intimate relationship with God. But that's just not a phrase I use. Everybody's jargon is different. But it makes me think of the many Thanksgiving holiday meals I've watched on tv through the years, where everyone goes around the table and gives thanks for what they are grateful but to know one in particular. (One movie 'Eat, Love, Pray' comes to mind vividly) Perhaps to a spouse, but not to the Giver of all things. (We have done this, it isn't always an ambiguous effort. But we stopped with accompanying candles after my nephew, Noah burnt his hand.)

So my thanks today... for gifts & blessings from God. I'll try to make the connection with God as I go through my day, as that is the point I believe. Not just to notice the 'goods', but to notice He who is Perfect & Good.

Health

Food

Warmth from cold temperatures.

Luxuries - cars that run, clothes we like, opportunities above our immediate needs.

Over-the-top opportunity & convenience. Sometimes the cards all line up.

Books, books, books. To think of a day when books were not readily available.

Gumption. Inner strength. That 'little voice', quiet voice, followed by gumption.

Recipes that actually fly.

Personal strength to make your kids eat it. Because you're trying to keep a budget.

January. Month of new things. That matter.

I post with others over at One Thousand Gifts with Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience.

I am blessed knowing all over the world many are determined to seek and acknowledge God's gifts. The Joy challenge is next. Yes. Joy.

The Real January

~~I changed my blog format and its a little out of wack. But that would be what the first 2 weeks of January have been like for us anyway. Do you Jenga? This is Henry's new game. And he's all over it. in fact he's upside down for it.

The weather doesn't help. We've been to the nearby shoals lately and enjoyed the new camoflage in our closets. You can't really see my stick-child in the middle of the picture can you? He's there. They always ask 'can we get wet?' Why, of course you can. What would be the point of coming here. Of course they were frost bitten (at 60*) and had to have hot chocolate with mini-marshmallows when we got home. But that was the point. We needed out of the house & we needed winter. Fire in the hearth winter. And our weather just hasn't given us any.

I made cookies last night while the boys painted miniature electric football teams & soldiers. We call Henry''s 'the blue-men'. Eric painted Georgia men, but came home with U of Florida paints. I told him I didn't think LSU did so poorly the other night that we needed to change teams. He said he just needed an opponent. Not to worry.

I'm a 'johnny come lately' fan of LSU. but you can't not be while living in Baton Rouge. We we're there for 4 years within walking distance of the campus, and I was 'team-less'. A blank slate if you will. Eric was unchanged. But loves it like he loves other SEC teams. He's a 'Big 10' man. I was a woman without sports religion. Remember, I went to school in Kentucky. Land of Basketball. Sorry UK, you don't bring it, in football.

Anyway, 'real January' is here. We start Teaching Textbooks Math today. And continue with all of our other curriculum. We were sick on Monday, so we missed our first CC class, and start up of the new 6 weeks. Our next fine arts 'Artist' is Norman Rockwell. I'm so excited.

December 2011

We painted.








We praised.













We toured. (The Biltmore.)








We imagined.










We baked.










{this moment} happening every moment.
January 2012 for redeeming {the moment} with or without a blog post. The minutes they fly by. They are gone in a blink. Being present is one of the greatest gifts I hope to give my family this year.
Happy New Year~ Love, Joy & Peace to you and yours.

House Renovation & Care

The home we bought and now live in had been empty off and on for about 5 years. It had been a family home which turned into a rental. Eventually it became a foreclosure. A house that hasn't been lived in comes with less than joyful delayed surprises. However, this house after 6 months seems to be in pretty good shape. The obvious issues were resolved within a few weeks. We refinished the floors, removing old carpeting, and changed all the door hardware. Many of the locks on the windows were busted, which we have slowly changed, as cold air was coming in at season change.

We also have some issues with air conditioning equipment access. Eric has a vast HVAC wealth of knowledge, along with his other areas of mechanical engineering. So he knows exactly what needs to be done. We had a drain in the attic which terminated into the eves of the house. Inside the house. This was an all-nighter in the middle of the summer. But now it's fixed. Also the access to the attic, where the monthly filter change is located, had no access steps or stairs. Eric installed a telescopic ladder for access.

Few cosmetic changes have been done, although the hardwoods and the door hardware were incidental cosmetic upgrades. The floors were a mess. The door hardware was mismatched and completely beaten up. Painting has been a minimum, but now it's becoming a necessity.

Enter Pinterest.

Like everybody else, I've been enjoying Pinterest the vortext of creativity & magazine page enjoyment. But I've been using for purpose as well. Yesterday when it came down to deciding exterior paint colors, I searched it and came up with this. The colors aren't up-close, but I could see how the darker color & the trim would work together. Our house is so pale and washed out, and we both want bold colors. The color is a side benefit of the protection it offers from the elements. (All this discussion reminds me of John Grisham's book 'A Painted House'.) So far I've chose 7545 Pier by Sherwin William. I am fortunate that SW has a store closeby, but I've always preferred them for paint.

I've also finally selected a paint color for our anemic bedroom. Silvermist one of SW's new colors in the architectural series, is a nice diversion. More on that later.

Off to paint...

Buying Beef in Bulk

Don't laugh. As I considered purchasing a 1/4 of a steer yesterday from Lazy B Farm I figured it was time to get serious about our refridgerator issues. When we purchased our house June 2011 it worked. Just fine. We then had the floors re-done, and while it rested on the front porch, it decided to give up the ghost. It now gives a less than noble effort at cooling the refrigeration side, while completely neglecting the freezing option. We purchase ice when we really need it, but it's really beginning to get old. Summer in Georgia without ice is less than pleasant. But it's time to get serious about beef, among other things, that I'd like to stock up on--buy in bulk. And quit making those pesky trips for 'just a few things', to our oh-so-convenient Publix. I acutally don't overspend because of the proximity/frequency, but because of the 'kid/distraction' factor.

So I must decide on a model, and just get behind it. I have toyed with the icemaker on the front, but really I'd really rather have an ice-maker separate. They are expensive, but I think in the long run, it will be worth it. I'd rather keep everyone out of the freezer. And keep that stuff COLD. But then to french door or single door. Eric & I both are not crazy about the drawer style freezer. We like old-school. But part of me really likes the idea. We both like stainless steel, and don't mind if it doesn't match everything for a while. Everything else is white, and really it doesn't make that much difference. Which leads me directly back to that everpresent budget. Cha-ching.

I read a great post from Clover Lane about how she budgets household expenditures. Actually how she keeps track of spending. I liked her method. I save receipts, but don't really have a good ledger system. Her's is simple and gets the job done. I particularly like the page on the left hand side that shows what's coming up that will create expenditures. Events like birthdays. August is one of those double whammy months for us. Likewise with the new house, there are some repair/update things that you just have to get done. I'm seeing a major chunk going towards a new fridge, but also shopping places like craigslist.com necessitates being on top of one's budget, and really knowing if it's a good idea right now. Craigslist doesn't have lay-away.

We are currently working on getting our design for the yard, and thus the garden in the works, for our new yard. It is less than we thought we'd wind up with, but I'm very thankful for the size and location of our home/yard. I love it, I'm so thankful. Grateful. I've never given up on the homesteading concepts. No matter where we wound up living. There's too much good thought to throw the baby out with the bathwater. So much so that I'm planning on attending the Ladies Homestead Retreat (with Lazy B Farm) in October. There's some smart ladies there, with lots of wisdom to share. I can't wait to see what comes of this weekend on my horizon. Should be quite a memorable event.

Photo is of kitchen during floor renovation. I've since taken down the wallpaper, and have painted, put up new light fixture, but there's still more paper and more painting. After pictures are coming!

Peace in the Botanical Garden

The State Botanical Garden was just what I needed. This mother's day was wonderful but long. We are packing & ready to get going, but we're really ready. And stress is high. EEk.

This is a photo of the Physic Garden, where many plants meant for human healing are planted. The benefits are some I think I'd really like to try, just about now.

Looking forward to heading back to see the 'Forged in Nature' exhibit, as we had to head to the bike park, to keep the boys contained.

The chickens are in a routine now of coming to their 'fence' in the former garden to be gathered up for bed. It's so sweet. They just wait. To go back to their brooder. They are still little and need to be back in the box but they're so excited about the outdoors. I've been protecting them from the hawks that fly over with our abandoned train table. The boys sit on it and pet the chickens. Henry is the most interested in taking care, although I have to clean him from head to toe regularly, several times a day. It's precious tho. So happy. Happiness.

With What Am I Familiar

While reading a post at Simply Charlotte Mason, I began to get excited about what I can put on the walls at my new house. What I can do with the big blank canvas, that will be our home. Excitement is an understatement. I couldn't be more excited than if it was my wedding day. And for that I was pretty excited. Everything for us has been 'hurry up, and wait'. But that's life. For everyone. We haven't cornered that market.

But this post really struck a cord. I looked back at some younger photos of our kids and longed for some of those simple moments back. When watching 'Busy Town' was enough. When reading 'The Napping House' was really, really fun. We've really been filled with business and blank walls this year. Renting for 5 years now, I've been telling the kids, 'don't bang into that wall! Mr xxxx won't like that.' 'Don't dig that hole, Jack! Mrs.xxxx wont' be happy.' Mind you we've been blessed by a hurricane, or 2 that provided a playground of mulched fallen trees in the front yard, but the toll was taken, the telling them (not to be kids, in their own house). This last month seems to be the most painful. We know where the (unoccupied) house is. We know the neighbors, for whom I'm thankful each day. (they're take on raising kids is much like mine, benign negligence tempered with faithful family training.) But the waiting... We close after we move out of this house, so there will be a short period of homelessness.(we've got this figured out) But that's just, well, what it is. We've navigated crazier waters. White water's in fact. And we're still married, love our kids, and actually still have friends that speak to us.

So why the chickens-- now. I wanted the kids to be able to have them, pick them up, and not have someone tell them to stop. I love petting zoos, but those aren't mine. Sure I still want the boys to be careful. But they go sit in the garden and just play with them. It's precious. And for no matter how long it last, I'm happy I did this untimely chaotic thing.

We may or may not be able to keep them, some covenants are stronger than others. My neighbor is fine with it, we're not in city limits, but covenants are covenants, and I'm a rule keeper. But I'm not throwing in the towel yet. I'm going to have faith. And just not worry. We've been peddling too hard too fast, and we're going to enjoy the blessings of a home in less than perfect shape for what it is. A blank canvas, where we can put our stamp.

An opportunity to guide as I want to present that with which I want the kids to be familiar.

Nature, friends, maybe chickens, art, play, kindness, cooking, bicycles. Homesteading really isn't just about gathering animals. Homesteading is putting down rails, to steal Charlotte's term.

Although, and Eric knows this, I really, really wanted sheep and a big field for cotton, I know we, and I do mean we, know that a home is what is most important, right now. So from a homesteading point of view, I don't see this as failure. I see it as a challenge. A challenge to see what we can do, what changes we can make that will shape our family for the better.

I love shaping a home, and the blessing is mine for the taking.

Thankful am I.

Chickens, School, Weddings

Outside school activities are almost over for our academic year. We'll continue to read and stay active in simple math so it's all not lost for the fall. We are on board for Classical Conversations, But we plan to enjoy the summer! I'm very excited to know what the summer might bring. Having a plan & knowing what might come our way is reassuring. We haven't decided on 'property' perse, but a home in a neighborhood. Yes, my little homestead will be in a neighborhood. So I've been reading 'Urban Gardener' & 'Backyard Homestead' to rethink the plan. But good principles translate if they really are your principles. So the challenge is on.
We enjoyed a wedding in Baton Rouge & visiting friends back in the neighborhood. It was great to watch the kids really wear themselves out.
I promised the boys chickens the day we got back. And I kept my promise. Even before Easter, which meant an overnight trip. Aracona and Silver-laced Wyandotts.
We are enjoying watching 3 week old chickens play, eat & sleep. The boys have named them all, even tho I have no idea which is which. Eric made a brooding box, complete with lid & light, & then spend the day in our mini-fenced garden area when we're home & it's warm. They love bugs. I don't know if that's good for them as young as they are, but I figure if they were free-range hatched, they'd be eating plenty of bugs along with they're mash.
I'm optimistic that our chickens will not cause a stir in the new neighborhood, but we plan to be good neighbors. No matter what. There will be lots of projects to do around the house, and I'd rather us get settled more than we have been than worry about chickens. Really.
Priorities come to light, you do what you gotta do.
the bad news... my computer won't be back till next week, so pictures of my chicks will have to wait. Coming soon, tho! Homeschool curriculum update coming soon.

Mudpies and Other Recipes

When I was little... this was a favorite. Enjoy.