Heart of the Home

Here's the most likely candidate for the heart of our home. I look at these pictures and well, hmmm. I see lots of painting cabinets, & demo on that back wall behind the kitchen table (see the one beyond the fridge). Now if you'll look to the right in the sidebar of my blog, you'll see an amazing link for Houzz's. This is my new best friend when it comes to renovation ideas. It has EVERYTHING. I made a notebook for this particular kitchen, and the picture you see first is the idea I see for this kitchen. The view from the kitchen is amazing.

We'll see what happens. (Thank you Annesta for reminding me, not to worry.)

Lifemeds #33

All things bright & beautiful,

creatures great & small,

all things wise & wonderful,

the Lord God made them all.

#250 snow, falling all night.

#251 savory butternut squash soup

#252 vegetable soup

#253 friends who ask you over to stay a while. visit. play.

#254 games like rummikub

#255 healthy sons.

#256 a husband and his birthday celebration.

#257 bowling with family to celebrate.

#258 bobble-heads.

#259 a testimimony of faith & a new creature in Christ.

#260 my first gift of farm-fresh-eggs.

#261 dreams realized. hope.

Lifemeds to me, counting one thousand gifts, all pointing to the Ultimate Giver. His name be praised because He alone, in the Trinity of His nature, provides every good gift. If there is merit or virture to be found, He is the source.

If you've needed, like me encouragement to become closer to God, start counting and be a part of the Gratitude Community at AHolyExperience.

{this moment}

{this moment}

Friday ritual of celebrating life's moments. No words. Visit others at Soulemama.

Diligently Seeking God ~ Daily

Last year one book I did commit to read was Diligently Seeking God by Gary Henry. It is an excellent sharply honed tool to guide one's thoughts to the greatness of God. In daily terms with daily entries, it pulls in thoughts from great thologians, while breaking down the daily issues of life. Real life.

So this year I decided I'd read through it again. No yearly reading is perfect. I'm sure I'll come across entries I missed, and read them with a new perspective. When I started last year, we hadn't moved. My proverbial 'cheese' was in the same place. Now there are new challenges, new blessings, new influences. But God is still exactly who He's always been. The Great 'I AM'. Never changing, always gracious, just in everyway, merciful in abundance.

Last year I also started counting blessings/gifts over at A Holy Experience, with a Gratitude Community. I have met some of the most beautiful women who show up on Monday with a list of what they've noticed as gifts & blessings in their lives. It's what I called 'daily meds.' Gratitude is an amazing way to notice the Giver. And it's all ultimately from Him. Everything that is good begins with Him. Every virtue, every kindness, every material gift. So once again, I will renew my effort to take note of my blessings. And join others at the Gratitude Community.

Moda Bakeshop

I love quilts. Have started a few. Finished only a couple small ones. I think this one at Moda Bakeshop is precious. Inspiration.

A beautiful finished version using this pattern 'Wonderland' can be viewed here at Tiny Homestead. Last quilt in the post.

Winter Nature

I just ordered a nature series notebook from Anna Comstock on Handbook of Nature Studies. The creek on the back of the property is calling. I'm sure there will be more snow. Sure of it. Looking forward to a little nature. We ordered the Winter Wednesday Nature Pages.

December Snow 2010

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!