Love Comes Softly

{source}

I've been enjoying the day watching the Love Comes Softly series on Hallmark channel while tidying the house, folding laundry, and tending to Kenzie who is sick. I've read many of Janette Oke's books and watching the movies today makes me want to go back and re-read them. I believe, out of all of her novels, the Canadian West series is my favorite...but that's just me. :)

We had grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. We don't normally have sandwiches for dinner, but with Alfred away, Kendall at work, and Kenzie being sick, there was no need to cook a big meal.

Mama and my youngest sister, Taylor, will be here Monday night. They are moving down from Iowa and will be staying with us for a while. My sister, Chelsea, will be down at the end of March. So we will have a full house, but it will be nice to have family around while Alfred is away. He will return March 24th.

We had rain today and I was so thankful to have gotten my grocery shopping out of the way early this morning! My freezer and pantry are becoming well-stocked once again. I was able to stock up on spices (77 cents each) and shampoo/conditioner (88 cents each) at CVS last night and get rain-checks for three items that were on sale but were out of stock. I also got a free mouthwash and a few other odds and ends.

Well, I have rambled on far too long, so I will close for now. Wishing you a restful Sunday...

Lovely Links

The Emotional Power of Cash (Or How I Won My Husband Over) by Fugal in Franklin

The Art of Being Frugal - by guest poster Amber on Keeping the Kingdom First

Help! I Have No Budget for Homeschool! by Milestones Academy

Blessed Beltane by knitting the wind

The Family Company - the Best One to Work For by A Vision Splendid

Secret #8: Selecting Empowering Partnerships and Alliances

This is our eighth week of our blogging book study on the 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women, hosted by Jamie Ridler.

As a writer and primarily a homemaker, I do not have a business in which I seek to earn money. My business is the care and keeping of my home and family. My partner in life and love is my husband, Alfred. Without him, I could not do what I do.

His willingness to provide for our family makes it possible for me to be home with our children and to create a cozy home for us all. My job is stretching Alfred's pay as far as I can and ensuring that we live well within our single-income. That, in itself, forces me to be creative on a daily basis.

But I am also a writer and Alfred fully supports this creative side and is my chief cheerleader and encourager, just as I am his. We make a good team.

Homeschool Books

My girls love hands on activities and projects. Kenzie especially, given she is very spirited and is a girl with high energy. She just goes and goes and goes, but once you get her still she's out like a light. So I thought I'd share a few books that we have on our bookshelves/or have purchased recently to use that make learning fun and interesting.

Science Fun at Home - more than 100 science experiments to try at home {Kenzie is big into science right now}

Right in Your Own Backyard: Nature Math

How to Draw Fairies and Mermaids

Childcraft: About Me {1964}

Childcraft: I Was Wondering {1991}

The Mary Frances Housekeeper: Adventures Among the Doll People by Jane Eayre Fryer

What We're Learning...

Animal Planet
Wyland's Art Studio
Painting
Crafts
Baked Brownies
Reading
Math
Spelling
Writing
Nature Observation
Outdoor Play
Discussed Progeria
Read about Pacific Barreleye Fish
Schoolhouse Rock
Static Electricity
Watched the local news

It is amazing to me to see my children make learning connections on a daily basis. We'll soon start reading Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, then we'll watch the movie afterwards.

I'm waiting for the dvd series Christy, based on the book by Catherine Marshall, from the library, as well as drawing with pencil instructional books, and a biography of Albert Einstein.

In addition to his basic studies, karate, and job, Kendall will also begin doing the projects in Life Prep for Homeschoolers and will have driver's ed lessons with his dad when he comes home from training next month.

I love pulling together a "curriculum" using a variety of resources. No boring textbooks here! I can remember being so utterly bored when I was in school. I can't remember much of what I learned because I learned just enough to pass the test and them promptly forgot the material. I'm just thankful my children are able to follow a different educational path.

Practical Skills

We are bombarded daily with uncertainties. We can and should take steps to prepare for harder times ahead, but we should do it with a willingness to learn new skills that will enable us to maintain a cozy home-life.

Our attitude is of utmost importance. We shouldn't look on these changes as drudgery, but rather we should embrace these learning opportunities. Practical skills will be our saving grace.

I would start by learning how to cook and bake from scratch, or expanding my knowledge in this area by trying new recipes. I would begin to stock the pantry with canned goods and plenty of baking supplies. I would learn how to make my own household cleaners and laundry soap out of common ingredients.

I would plant a garden of veggies and herbs. This will help you stretch your food budget, not to mention your food won't be sprayed with pesticides and it will taste so much better. Even if you live in town or an apartment you could try container gardening.

How about basic sewing skills? Can you sew on a button or stitch a fallen hem?

The point is to learn as much as you can now before the hard times come {if they do}. The better prepared you are, the more confident you will be in the face of adversity. You will be a treasure to your family and a beacon of hope.

Romance

A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry,
And see a fine picture every day of his life,
In order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful
Which God has implanted in the human soul.
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Beauty

Before a girl's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.
Esther 2:12

Can you imagine spending a year in a spa setting receiving extravagant beauty treatments? Esther must have been very beautiful to win the heart of the King. But there are many women in the Bible that were described as beautiful - Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Bath-sheba, Tamar, and Vashti.

While we shouldn't be vain or put our trust in beauty, there is nothing wrong with taking care of ourselves and looking attractive. Husbands, being the visual creatures that they are, appreciate our care and attention to our appearance. And don't we just plain feel better when we've taken the time to look pretty?

Looking and feeling beautiful doesn't have to cost a fortune. What is your best feature? Play it up. Use all those lotions and perfumes that you have sitting on your bathroom shelf. Buy a new nail color or lip gloss. Take a little extra time to style your hair. Put on your prettiest dress or outfit.

Don't save these things up for special occasions. Every day is special simply because you are alive! As wives and mothers, we tend to put everyone else first and end up with no energy to do anything nice for ourselves. Try looking your prettiest for a week and see if your outlook and mood improves. What do you have to lose?

Quiet

My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation,
In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah 32:18

This is such a lovely verse in Scripture! I know for me, the more doom and gloom I hear reported on the news, the more I want to nest and create a peaceful home for myself and my family.

Though things may be crazy outside my front door, within the boundaries of my home and property I am in control. The atmosphere of the home, for better or for worse, is largely my responsibility as the home-keeper.

I have been trying to incorporate more pockets of quiet within the rhythm of our days. The early morning hours are quiet times for me, but my children need periods of quiet and rest whether they realize it or not.

Afternoons are perfect for quiet time. If I am especially tired I like to lay down and rest and I encourage my children to rest as well or to do quiet activities during this time - watch an art show, listen to soothing music, free reading, or arts and crafts.

We have karate practice late afternoon twice a week and the rest of the week they like to be out of doors. Once Alfred comes home, it is time to settle down. He is tired after a long day of work and needs to rest and recharge for the next day.

I highly recommend turning off the tv and listening to soothing cds. The girls and I enjoy Irish music. I just bought a cd called Mystic Irish Rain which has some lovely Irish tunes....all of which have the sound of rain in the background. Or you could try sounds of the sea, thunderstorm, country rain, waterfall, garden, or any number of soothing sounds. Whatever suits your mood or strikes your fancy!

As one of my mentors, Connie, says:
The main thing to bring to your home is peace...Quiet days of love and harmony. This is what keeps children healthy and happy. A quiet mother is such a luxury for the whole family.

Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
1 Peter 3:4

An old journal entry...

October 26, 2008

I want to lead an extraordinary life & make my ow rules. I don't want to live like everyone else. I want to be free-spirited. I want a simple life.

I just want to cook & bake, garden, read, craft, write, observe nature, sing, watch movies, talk with Alfred, laugh & enjoy my life, my home, and my family.

Times are tough right now & may get oven tougher. Sometimes I get real discouraged & want to give up. Then Alfred tells me to have more faith...

I want to be content with what I have & make the best of things. It's not always easy.

But even when I want to give up - something wells up within me....moxie? And it spurs me to get up & keep moving forward. By the grace of God, there go I...

However, I do get a thrill when I manage to score name-brand clothes for mere pennies or when I save lotsof money using coupons. It just bolsters my faith that we will be debt-free. These gifts from God encourage me to make a cozy nest for my family.

And I still have so much to learn! I still have a burning desire to make a difference i this world. It may not be on a grand scale...perhaps more of a legacy that I pass on to my children - to live by their ow lights, to pursue their dreams with passion, to walk lightly upon the earth (for this place is not our home) & to be as self-sufficient as they can. That being good, honest, and kind matters more than material goods and riches. That's a lesson I am still learning...

In essence, I want a well-lived life. To squeeze every ounce of joy possible from each day. To live with passion, from the heart. To connect with nature & the ones I love most.

So in order to have this extraordinary life, I now have to go live it! Spend less time thinking about it and planning and DO it! Take one day at a time & make it count.

I will smile at each new day & say yes to change, to possibilities, to passion, and to life!

A Blog Award

Roberta Anne of Little House in the Desert has graciously passed on this award to me.

The Marie Antoinette award is given to bloggers who are perceived to be 'real in who they are'.

It is always an honor to receive blog awards.
Thank you, Roberta Anne!

Gratitude List ~ Week 8

~ The tinkling of windchimes as they sway in the breeze.

~ Freshly washed curtains and linens.

~ Open windows allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the house.

~ Lovely vintage handkerchiefs.

~ Beautiful dishes and glassware to adorn my table at each meal.

Romantic Bliss

1. Kitchen, 2. pretty organized, 3. breakfast in bed, 4. soft pink roses, 5. My house Featured on Terrys Enchanted Garden website, 6. Long Way Home, 7. My Room~ new paint color, 8. Picnic anyone?, 9. Party Dresses, 10. pretty corner in my room, 11. Rose-covered house on Nantucket, 12. Fantasia Mermaid

The early morning hours are my favorite part of the day. All is quiet as nature slowly wakes up from her sweet slumber and it is at this time when I can think the clearest. Before long, the children will awaken and I will be swept up in the care and keeping of my family and hearth.

{photo: Linda Burgess at Allposters}

I am itching to get out in the yard and work in my garden and soak up the sunshine, but it is not time just yet. I must be patient for a little while longer. Patience is not my strong suit. It is a lesson I am constantly having to relearn.

In the meantime, I am content to work indoors deep-cleaning and prettying things up until the Spring warmth tempts and teases me to come out and play. Of course, by the time mid-summer rolls around, I'll be longing for cooler Autumnal breezes. What's a girl to do?

Little Snippets...

"Remember, never despise a task - any task. In doing any job, you are either creating something or bettering something." ~ from Roses for Mama by Janette Oke

As regards their play, let the children have a joyous, natural, and happy childhood for if you make children happy now, you will make them happy 20 years hence by the memory of it.
***
"A happy, beautifully cared for little girl naturally attracts attention. Shabby, poorly dressed children are not rare enough and pretty enough to make people turn around to look at them and smile." ~ A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

If you don't have a mentor, Be One!
***
Make your life fascinating.

Secret #7: Consulting with Guides

This week on the Next Chapter book club, Jamie asked us to:

"...expand our reach even further by sharing with one another guides that have helped us along the way - books, singers, websites, writers, poems, coaches, maps, videos. Let's spread the love."

Where do I start?

Music has always been a part of my life. It's funny how hearing a song by The Doobie Brothers can bring back fond memories of my childhood. I can see the blonde-haired little girl that I was then who lived at 712 New York Drive in Pensacola, FL (the house is no longer there) and it is like I am there again. I still occasionally dream at night of going back to that house...to recapture the magic and happiness of childhood.

Other musical influences include: Prince, the BeeGees, The Carpenters, Chicago, Boston, Lita Ford, Skid Row, Cinderella, Motley Crue (and many other hair bands), Duran Duran, Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Tammy Trent, Jeremy Camp, Tait, Phillips, Craig & Dean.....the list goes on and on. I really do have an eclectic taste in music.

As a young wife, mother and homemaker I was highly influenced by the writings of Emilie Barnes. I devoured her books for cozy homemaking details and help. I still have many of her books to this day. Fascinating Womanhood by Helen Andelin was also a guide to me, as were books by Elizabeth George. As far as writing goes, my admiration for Sarah Ban Breathnach is no secret.

I became familiar with Lady Lydia of Homeliving Helper long before she began blogging. Her writings have always inspired me and I consider her a mentor from afar. Mother Connie's life and writings also inspires me. Many of you know Laine's Letters, Jewels from Eyes of Wonder, and Rhonda from Down to Earth - all have offered encouragement and inspiration from afar.

The Sarah: Plain and Tall trilogy are my favorite movies to watch. I also enjoy the Love Comes Softly series, Anne of Green Gables, the Waltons, Little House on the Prairie....I'm sure there are many more that I can not think of at the moment.

One day I'd like to have a personal mentor and friend, but for now I find inspiration and guidance all around me and from the power within me.

They Earned Their Yellow Belts!

Sensei Boyer & Mrs. Crissi with the kids...

Kendall with his Certificate of Promotion...

Neutral stance position....

Focus...

Outer blocks...

Kayla with her Certificate of Promotion...

Kenzie with her Certificate of Promotion...

Kendall's belt ceremony


Kendall's belt ceremony 2


I'm so proud of my kids!!!!

Romantic Living

I have always been a romantic at heart. For a time, I gave up on my romantic ideals and femininity but have recently been seeking ways in which to live a romantic-inspired life. Then I remembered the little jewel of a book I have in my bookcase:

The Art of Romantic Living: Simple Touches to Enhance Everyday Life by Susan Wales

This book shows you how to use what you have to make romantic living a way of life. There are ideas on...
~Plant a romantic garden.
~Make your home a loving haven.
~ Setting the mood for romance.
~Fill your home with intoxicating fragrances.
~Choose fabrics, linens, and clothing to enhance the aura of romance.
~ Romance your sweetheart with thoughts, words, and deeds.

Most women long for more romance. How much better it is to create a romantic atmosphere that nurtures our souls rather than expecting our husbands to sweep us off our feet. Let's face it, romantic gestures do not come easily to most men. But I believe they will appreciate our romantic ideals and in time grow more comfortable in expressing their love.

"Love is a fruit in season at all times." ~ Mother Teresa, A Gift for God

The Home Sanctuary

With the instability of today's world, we often feel we have little control over such things as the economy, fuel and food prices, and job security. But the home is under our complete control. The home is where we can let our lights shine and create a sanctuary for our families.

What does a home sanctuary mean to you? Perhaps it means clearing clutter, becoming better organized, or planning your meals. Reducing your debt or outside commitments. Make more time for creative pursuits. Or maybe you have decided to live a simple, greener life.

This is the day for us to create a peaceful home environment...to begin to take the steps necessary to create a home sanctuary. We must allow ourselves time. Time to work at our own pace. Time to think about our lives and the changes we wish to make. Time to allow new habits and a natural rhythm to form in the home.

In order for that to happen, we simply must slow down. We can not rush frantically through life and come out unscathed. Listen to your heart today. What is it you need?

Just Chit Chat

After a glorious weekend together, Alfred is now back in Georgia to finish out his Army training. It will be five more weeks before we will be reunited once again. Thankfully, we are able to talk several times each day by phone so he doesn't feel quite so far away. Amazingly, while he was here I didn't have the first panic attack while away from home.

Last week, we enjoyed Spring-like weather and now it's cold. Frost glistened from the roof tops and the grass sparkled like a diamond carpet. Nevertheless, I saw five big, fat robins in the yard yesterday, so while it may be cold yet a little while longer, I know that Spring is on her way.

Lovely Visits...

Worrying About Money - Homeliving

The Fragrant Home - Penelope's Oasis

Like a Kid in a Candy Shop - Turkey Feathers

Fairy Days - There is no place like home

Enjoy!

Tending Your Dreams

When you open your eyes to beauty and open your heart to your dreams, you may find yourself saying, as the children's book author Tasha Tudor does, "but my whole life has been an entire vacation." Not only does Tasha, an octogenarian, garden profusely ("I just planted two thousand bulbs"), but she paints, plays with her corgis, writes, and does absolutely as she pleases.

She attributes her remarkably content life to being "born under a lucky star. I spot four-leaf clovers all over the place." But Tasha has spent years weaving dreams into the fabric of her life, so now the two are indistinguishable. "I don't ever make plans or keep a schedule," she says. She has known for a long time that life is full of promises to keep. And the rest of us are learning, too.

~Victoria magazine, January 1994

Gratitude List ~ Week 7

~ Alfred sending me flowers & then two days later showing up on my door step in the pouring rain. How romantic!

~ Reading through my old copies of Victoria magazine from the early 1990's.

~ A trip to the chiropractor to align my spine.

~ Rain. We've had more than 7 inches so far and more rain is expected today. I am sure nature appreciates the good soaking they have received.

~ Crying tears of joy and crying as a release from all the stress I have been holding onto these past two weeks, trying to be put on a brave face and be strong, while Alfred was gone... and his holding me tenderly until I was all cried out.

Daydreams

I dream of a life of domestic bliss. Glorious days spent in the garden, reading, stitching, and crafting. Meals enjoyed around a beautifully set table. Conversation and laughter. Joy and coziness. Time outdoors observing nature. Time to simply be...

Housework is a joy, feathering my nest for myself and those I love. Daily walks. Dinner parties, holiday celebrations, and family gatherings. Handmade gifts from the heart. Peace, comfort, security. A secret garden, romantic-inspired decor, a fancy pantry, and lavender scented linens...

Wind-chimes, bird songs, and the wind whispering through the trees. Music, singing, harmonies, and melodies. Watching movies and long naps on rainy days. Daydreams and fairy tales. Drives down country roads. Picnics in picturesque settings. Sunrises and sunsets...

These are what my daydreams consist of...

The Best Valentine's Gift Ever

Photo: Flickr

Alfred is home! Well, for the next few days at least. But it was a total surprise and I cried like a newborn babe out of pure happiness and relief.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Nature and the Little Daredevil

Kenzie recently learned to ride a bike...

...and now she rides so fast! She is my little daredevil.

My view from the back door...

A red-bellied woodpecker who lives in a tree in our front yard...

The red leaf maple tree is beginning to bloom!

Surely Spring is on her way!

Secret #6: Conquering Saboteurs

Photo: Flickr

We're six weeks in to The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women book study hosted by Jamie Ridler. This week is about conquering our saboteurs.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deep fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." ~Marianne Williamson

I have my moments of inadequacy. I know for a fact that I am my own worst enemy. I get swept up in fear, what ifs, doubt, and self-criticism - such a paralyzing fear that has become a vicious cycle. So much so that I dream of tornadoes and my stuffed feelings come out in panic attacks.

I can't help but wonder if my fear is that I don't know my own strength and I could indeed be powerful beyond measure. And if that is the case, people will expect more from me and what if I can not live up to their expectations?

And that leads to more questions...
Why do I feel I need to hide who I am?
Who says I can't be fabulous and live the life I dream of?
Why can't I put myself first?
Why do I feel the need to be a people-pleaser?

How does one conquer the saboteur when it is yourSelf? You take it one day at a time. You are gentle and nurturing with yourself. You create boundaries. You make time for your passions. You count your blessings.

And if all else fails, you fake it 'til you make it...

On the Farm

A couple weeks ago we went down to The Powell's farm to watch them feed the cows.

Here's the girls sitting on Red, the horse.

I love horses. They are such beautiful creatures.

Red again...

A few of the cows...

Here the cows are chasing the truck because they know it's feeding time!

They have the sweetest eyes...the brown one's name is Dumbo.

Mr. Powell gave us a couple of gourds to hang up in the yard. The starlings love to make their nest in them and they are good mosquito eaters, which we desperately need since we live along a creek.

We enjoyed seeing the animals close up and talking to Mr. Powell. It was a very good day.

Feeling Much Better

My medicine has been changed to Wellbutrin which I've taken before and it agrees with me. I was able to take the kids to both Karate practices with the help of Xanax, though I only took a half of a pill. But it's nice to know that I can go about my daily life - even if I need a little extra help at this time.

Alfred surprised me with these beautiful flowers today. Since he won't be home for Valentine's day, he figured this was the least he could do. I was so surprised! I love the pretty teacup and saucer, too. :)

I'm feeling a bit tired now from my meds, so I will close for now.

Sweet dreams, dear friends!

Lovely Visits...

The Singing House from Charming the Birds from the Tree

Truth, Beauty, and Goodness from Little Jenny Wren

Living Beautifully With the New Frugality by Lady Lydia at Home Living

Puttery Treats from Brocante Home

Enjoy!

The Not-so-Good Day

Today was not a good day. The Paxil is not working for me. It is, in fact, making things worse. I had a major panic attack today...the worst one ever and it was so horrible. It was a great setback. The kicker is, I called the doctor's office and left a message for a nurse to call back. No one called! Needless to say, I will not continue taking the medicine. I don't know what else to do.

I just want to be well...