~September Summed Up~

September. I blinked and it's gone. Another one for the history books- Another full month of living life. And here, a few captured moments to remember it by before we run full-speed-ahead into October.

There was lots and lots of sanding and staining- more baby steps toward a longed for dream . . . (more on that in another post)

There was a bit of antiquing and finding fall inspiration . . . don't you just LOVE these books turned pumpkins? I'm dying to make some, but how on earth did they cut books into that shape? If anyone out there knows, please tune me in!

There was lots of clothes shopping. More sweaters and layers for the coming cold weather. And new jeans to make way for my ever-expanding waist line. (there's no pictures, but that would be due to the baking I've also been doing)

A new, badly needed haircut. (and in case you were wondering, I'm not smiling in this picture because I've come to realize that no matter how hard I try, my left eye always ends up half shut when I smile causing me to look either intoxicated or mildly disfigured. I'm just accepting that some people are photogenic and I am not one of them!)

There have been daily drives to and from cross country practice for the Youngest- and to weekly meets as well. Last week he came in 2nd place for 7th grade boys and we were very excited for him- he pushed himself so hard, and he found success!

I've been stitching felties again. Makes me happy, happy, happy- and keeps me calm! (looks like 'franken-kitty' with all the pins, poor thing!)

And I've also done a little book-cover making for a birthday present.

And not to forget the kids, they've done lots of growing, growing, growing . . .

(and eating, eating, eating!!) This was the month that the Oldest surpassed me in height!!

I spent a day freshening up the laundry/mudroom with new shelf paper, art, and a rake hanger.

And I celebrated the first day of fall with my favorite fall coffee mug and some straw flowers. 

The 'fall' curtains also found their way into the kitchen . . .

September's weather was really warm and lovely nearly all month.We rambled just about everywhere-

from a graveyard . . .

To a waterfall. And everywhere in between. We took lots of walks in the neighborhood, along the river, in the arboretum and out into The Gorge . . .

And, of course, there were many, many more moments . . . lots of gardening, chats with friends, school papers to fill out a mile high, long and boring teacher presentations, doctor appts, ebay work, a week of miserable allergies, a couple dates with the Husband, soups simmering and new tires for my car (!!!!) As always, a patchwork of life being lived . . .
and, all in all, a lovely September.

10:13 PM - By Unknown 0

~It's That Time of Year Again~

 We had our last cookout of the season . . .

and finalized everything needed for back to school . . .

And then today the backpacks went on and new shoes were tied . . .

The boys were marched outside for their annual torture picture taking . . .
The Youngest went for silly.

The Oldest went for the modeling look. "Hey Ladies, check out this action . . ."

And then, because I'm really cruel, they had to pose with each other.
Don't they look thrilled?

Ah . . . much better. I think.

And off they went . . . and I am dancing jigs around the house!! ;)

The Youngest started seventh grade today . . . and his brother is now a ninth grader. Yes indeed, high school is upon us! Trying to soak it all in . . . wondering where time went and HOW DID I GET THIS OLD?! I remember my own freshmen year like yesterday (actually, better than yesterday. I really can't recall yesterday too well). Crazy stuff . . .

I would normally be way more emotional than I am on this first day of school, but it's also that time of year for the germs- and they seem to have gotten to me extra early this September! So I'm way too tired fighting some bug to make any more of it than it is. And that's probably a good thing. 

So lots of this today . . .

And tea, too . . .

And then it's early to bed for this mama.
Here's to hoping this is all the illness it's gonna be this month!

Happy September!

5:39 PM - By Unknown 0

~Happy May Day~

Did you hear me knocking?

I have some vintage pretties to share with you this May Day.

Consider this basket of pansies to be sitting on your porch, patiently waiting for you to discover them.

And here's a little springtime vignette to celebrate the first of May.

Have a lovely Wednesday and see if you can take a minute to make the day special for someone else, too.

Oh, let's leave a basket of flowers today

For the little old lady who lives down our way!

We'll heap it with violets white and blue,

With Jack-in-the-pulpit and wildflowers, too.

We'll make it of paper and line it with ferns

Then hide- 

and we'll watch her surprise when she turns

And opens the door and looks out to see

Who in the world , it could possibly be!

-Virginia Scott Miner

Cheers!

6:30 AM - By Unknown 0

~This Little Light of Mine~

A warm welcome to you and to the brand new year!

The weather here has finally proven it is indeed wintertime. New Year's Eve gave us our first snowfall, though it was only a dusting. Still, what peacefulness and contentment to have spent an unspoiled hour just watching it fall, changing from tiny little spitting flakes to fat and lacy white confetti.

The 'big birthday week' was full but quite nice . . . that week being the 17-25th as we celebrated Husband's birthday (17th), my birthday (21st) and Jesus' birthday. Though, I admit my favorite week of the whole year is the week after Christmas. The boys were off to Nana's and the Husband and I were all alone to sleep long, eat junk, play card games, watch movies, read and talk. I feel so rejuvenated after a week of slovenliness. I admit the 'back at it' has not been the easiest to go back to.

In fact, yesterday I was a bit down and overwhelmed with life-stuff, and I found myself really wanting to buy something. Silly, I know- especially right after being spoiled with birthday presents- but there it is. I think it has to do with nearly a year of no work and our unemployment soon to run out. Something in me just wants to shop and, yes- this is not the best timing. However . . .

I think God gets it (even though I don't) and more than that, He gives me again just what I don't deserve.

I had to take the Youngest to Walmart yesterday so that he could use his Christmas money to purchase CO2 cartridges for the airsoft gun he received as a Christmas gift.
I haven't been in a Walmart for probably 2 1/2 to 3 years. And you know what I found?

One dollar candles . . . that actually SMELL GOOD! And in a cute little jar to boot! I got 'the nod' from God, and bought myself one little treat. :)
But the good stuff really didn't stop there.
Due to depression and stress and all the difficulties in life over the past year, I really haven't been creating like I used to. Or decorating much. Or really CARING about all the things that normally make me, 'me'.
I've been numb.
But yesterday, I sat down with my little candle, peeled off the ugly label it came with, and decided to do what I've always felt is part of what I was made for . . .

 I made something a little more beautiful.

And as I just DID SOMETHING with what I had . . . I ended up feeling like this little candle and I had something in common.

We both have a little light to let shine . . . and a purpose for being lit up in the first place.

I hope this new year, this fresh start, will find all of us lit up with the purpose we were each uniquely created for.

Cheers!

6:21 PM - By Unknown 0

~ Ahhh, December ~

December around here is very slowly making itself known. My Christmas decorating can be likened to a home improvement project- 90% prep work, 10% finishing/fun and always more time needed to get it done then you would imagine. And money of course . . .

except for this year. At this point Husband has been unemployed for ten months so this is the year we aren't doing presents! Believe it or not, I am super relieved. Don't misunderstand- I LOVE giving gifts . . . really, really love it and I am already missing getting a stocking together for my mom and kids, etc . . . BUT, this year I have been given the gift of simplicity. All the time I usually spend making for loved ones, wrapping, planning- shopping- instead I get to do the projects for myself I never end up having time for . . . like a snowflake garland I've had on the brain for three Christmases now, and maybe this will be the year I actually finish the little vintage Christmas shadow box I started like 5 years ago. I always dream of cookie baking time with my kiddos and making my own tree garland. THIS will be the year!

And, obviously, there is no money for enhancing any Christmas decorating, so I will only be using whatever I have on hand- and again- not a problem! My mind has been spinning like a little top with all sorts of "I could use this for that" sort of thinking, and the only thing stopping me from full-on Christmas decorating insanity is... the prep work.

Yup- I am a pre-Christmas cleaner. Full on, baby. As you can see, I even get down to the chandelier 'crystals'. Not a decoration- not a thread of tinsel- comes up from the basement until the living/dining areas are gleaming.

Oh, and I have a little bit of sliver to polish, too.

So, the tree remains in the garage, the lights in their storage bin (half of which I'm sure won't even light up) and Windex and Wright's Silver Cream are my bff's- at least for the moment.

Come on- someone tell me I'm not the only one . . . please!

. . . Dust the halls with the Swiffer dust pad! fa la la la laaa la la la la

. . . Gleaming silver makes me feel glad! fa la la la laaa la la la la

. . . Donning now rubber gloves and comet! fa la la la la la la la la 

. . . Just in case the cats do vomit! fa la la la laaa la la la la

Cheers!

8:31 PM - By Unknown 0

~All the Autumn's Joys~ November

Happy November~

It hardly seems possible another month has already slipped by.
When we have breaks of sunshine, it comes into the house as a warm glow and outside it illuminates the tree tops while the sky remains dark beyond- it looks more like a stage backdrop with complex lighting then the real world outside my window.

I've been spending plenty of time looking out the window for the last 24 hours due to my back putting me out of commission. But after another chiropractor appointment tomorrow I am hoping the worst will be past and I can get back at it. At least today I can type again- yesterday I couldn't even make it to the chair!

Fortunately we had done some carving previous to my back's issues, so the results were still enjoyed yesterday. This cute little guy is what the Husband came up with.

And the oldest carved this . . .

And the Youngest insisted on this design, but (surprise, surprise) it was actually Mom that ended up doing the intricate and torturous carving while he looked on and gave support. I swear carving this insanely thick gourd had everything something to do with where my back is now. Just a possibility mind you.

And here is the instigator of the kitty pumpkin himself . . .

 He is forgiven for his over-achieving-pumpkin-needs just by being so stinkin' cute in his costume.
(and the minute he heard his father and I exclaiming over how suave he looked with the 'stach he couldn't pass a mirror without checking himself out and constantly worrying over the possibility of smearing it)

And then there is the Oldest . . .

What thirteen year old wouldn't want to be a homeless man?

Hard to believe, but his father collaborated with him on the sign. Fortunately no one took him up on his first request (much to Husband's disappointment).

I'm simply trying to cope with the fact that he used the wrong form of 'to' at the end- I guess that's what happens when you spend eight years of your life homeschooling. ;)

As we welcome November tonight by baking soul cakes (see this post for the scoop on that) we are also continuing to pray for all our countrymen on the east coast . . . without power, without homes, without food.
Our family still needs to have a conversation around what we can to do help out- but regardless of how 'big or small' anyone's help is, let's all do whatever we can to make this new month one full of praise and thanksgiving for all those left to live with such loss.

Cheers!

6:30 PM - By Unknown 0

~Welcome to October~

Hello my friends!

Yes, indeed, it has been much too long since I've had the pleasure of being in this place . . .

There is so much to share; so much to say!

But just 'redecorating' my blog for autumn (can you believe it's autumn?) has taken all I can muster for the moment-

but I will certainly be back soon to catch up and share where life has taken me these past four months.

Meanwhile- thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who have so kindly reached out and said 'hello' in my absence- Your emails and prayers have meant more than you could know. :)

 I've missed you all and am looking forward to catching up with you soon!

Cheers!

9:46 PM - By Unknown 0

~Welcoming June~

~It's the magical month of June~ 

days as rare as the unfurled rose and just as fragrant.

The poem above captures in my heart the thrill of summer's arrival.

Mid-Summer's Day is nearly upon us. The sun stays up way past it's bedtime. 

The children wait impatiently for school to end and the strawberry picking to begin.

The garden becomes our playground; the porch our favorite reading nook.

Only . . .

 the weather has forgotten what dear June should look like, and has instead decided to fall back on what it knows best: namely, March.

Yes, I had to go out in the rain to cut the few peonies that hadn't been dashed to bits by the violent falling of rain drops! Here they are in my kitchen, bringing in what summer cheer I can gather.

We've had lots of thunder, lightening and hail in the last couple of weeks.

Intermingled with all types of rain: the spitting kind, the soft misty kind, the steady yet on-again-off-again kind, hard and cold heavy rain, and the kind that just reminds you of what the ocean poured into your backyard may resemble. The latter rain has thus resulted in our basement flooding twice in two weeks. When you get 1.42 inches in less than an hour, that seems to be what happens.

But we have had dry breaks here and there, though mostly overcast. Still, we seize the opportunity and pretend it's June and summertime- like last Sunday afternoon we took a long walk together.

I couldn't resist capturing the brightness of our neighbor's poppies- aren't they a vision of cheer? 

Especially contrasted with the clouds.

Our walk took us to the playground for 'parkour practice' for the boys and book reading for me.

I don't enjoy watching them doing their crazy, dangerous stunts so keeping my nose in a good book makes everyone happy (or distracted). 

Trying to finish "Elizabeth's German Garden" at the moment. Enjoying it immensely and would rather eek it out a bit, but it's overdue and has many holds at the library on it, so I find myself 'compelled' to finish it soon!

So after our playground time, we were a tad bit nauseous (it was the merry-go-round; the boys think making me sick to my stomach is great entertainment- only this time I managed to make them pretty sick, too. Not sure I can brag much over that one, but there you go).

So, what do three dizzy and nauseous people go walk over to in order to help themselves feel better? 

Why, Diary Queen, of course! Wouldn't you? I mean, there's nothing like the smell of deep fried, fatty food to bring out the best in a rotten tummy! And who wouldn't want ice cream cones on a freezing cold June day to sooth insides and satisfy our need for sweets? Ice cream is practically a cure for anything, right? 

Aren't we brilliant?!

Yes, in answer I think the Oldest here says it best, don't you think?

So, I make a plea to you, June: 

please, come soon! 

If we get any more desperate, I don't know what we may do!

(yes, if you see a mother and her sons out in a torrential downpour, picking unripened strawberries green as a granny smith and just as hard, you'll know who we are!)

Cheers!

10:51 PM - By Unknown 0

~May Day~

Happy May 1st to you!

I just love this month!

To me it is utterly romantic . . . 

(and this is one girl in need of some romance!)

The garden is blooming at every turn,

 the trees are showering down pink and white confetti

covering the streets below to resemble Candyland,

 the climbing roses will open this month and scent the air by the gate with their perfume,

the rain and the sun take their turns with the garden and even so,

the sun goes to bed later and later.

The kids are getting ready for the end of the school year:

performances, recitals, tests, graduations . . .

and the cats are shedding gobs of fur where ever they go!

And to celebrate the beautiful tradition of 'May Day'

I have some baskets of flowers to share!

However, these flowers are quite old . . . in fact they date back to 2008.

(they look well for that age, don't they?)  ;)

And the children delivering them date back four years as well. . .

(oh, they were SO much SMALLER!)

Four years ago, the boys and I (along with another family) had the fun and privilege to make and deliver nearly 200 paper cones filled with fresh flowers to a local nursing home. 

We spent the day prior folding 8x8 scrapbooking papers into cones, gluing them in place, punching holes in the tops and be-ribboning them for handles. Very happy hours those were.

And happier still was the experience of arranging a small bouquet in each and every cone

and then taking them 'door to door' inside the home to share with the residents.

(look how cute that little one is!)

I grew up leaving little baskets of flowers on door handles on the first of each May-

and I figured the older generations would have fond memories of having done the same.

Unfortunately, this is not the greatest picture and it's the only shot I got of one actually hanging on a door, 

but I'm sure you get the idea.

It was a really wonderful experience for all of us

(and the residents too, I hope!)-

in fact, the Younger was remembering it yesterday as he realized May 1st was nearly upon us.

He would love to do it again.

But sadly, as both my kiddos are four years older now, they have school and drama rehearsals and

homework that will keep them busy from morning until evening today-

and there just won't be time for them to spread the May Day cheer.

But I hope others of you will be inspired to keep the old tradition alive- 

(and just so you know, a handful of wilted dandelions lovingly picked and left on the doorstep by a two or three year old are just as welcome as any fancy basket or paper cone! )

Oh, let's leave a basket of flowers today

For the little old lady who lives down our way!

We'll heap it with violets white and blue,

With Jack-in-the-pulpit and wildflowers, too.

We'll make it of paper and line it with ferns

Then hide- and we'll watch her surprise when she turns

And opens the door and looks out to see

Who in the world , it could possibly be!

-Virginia Scott Miner

Cheers!

(all the photos in this post are mine, taken from '08-'11)

12:00 AM - By Unknown 0