Feeling Productive

Alfred cooked dinner's main dish last night....steaks, and boy were they good! I made the sides - salad and macaroni and cheese for the kids. The girls had a little friend sleep over. I don't know how late they stayed up, but they were as quiet as a mouse.

I worked out in the yard Sunday pulling weeds in the flower beds while Alfred mowed the grass. Yesterday I tackled weed-eating, which I must finish up today. My arms are a tad sore, but it's not unbearable. Alfred didn't have time to get to it so it was my way of blessing him and making his life a little easier. Besides, I like a very neat yard and couldn't stand looking at the weeds! :)

We had rain, glorious rain, yesterday afternoon accompanied by thunder and lightning. All of my plants got a much needed, good watering. Everything was beginning to look poorly. The rain also helped to cool the house down, too.

I am looking forward to another productive day!

17 Years

Seventeen years ago, you made me your wife. It was the happiest day of my life, for I was chosen and loved by you. Over the years we have grown up and grown closer together. We have had our share of both struggles and joys. We are raising a family and are building a life together. We have a history.

We have seen each other at our best and our worst, and our love remains true. We are ever learning, growing, and changing in tandem. You work so hard to provide a living and I work hard to make life worth living.

And so today, on our anniversary, I want you to know how very much I love you for who you are and I appreciate all that you do for our family. You are still the one.

Happy Anniversary, honey!

Gratitude List ~ Week 25

~ Frosty pink nail polish to adorn my toes and lipstick, too!

~ My hair is now long enough to pull up into a pony-tail!

~ A rainbow of pony-tail holders for $1.

~ Limes, grapes, Jell-O, angel food cake, chocolate pudding, and icebox cakes...all things on the dessert menu for the week.

~ The latest issue of Victoria magazine with it's romantic seaside cottage pictures. Sheer bliss, I say!

This and That

My air conditioner is working so much better now! The coil and blower had to be pulled and cleaned to the tune of $225, but in the deep south it is a necessity. Now that it so hot & humid outdoors, I spend most of my time indoors which is a pity as I love being out in nature. With my RA, I swell in the extreme heat. Perhaps that is why I love Spring and Autumn so much? It's neither too hot nor too cold.

Kendall, Kayla, and Kenzie all earned their purple belts in karate this past Thursday when they performed at their belt ceremony. They will now move up to intermediate classes where they will learn to spar.

Alfred has started his college classes and is currently studying Earth Science. Very interesting stuff...

It's been a busy week here. I have housework to catch up on, meals and desserts to plan, and reading and letter-writing I want to get to. So I will close for now and get my day started. Hope your weekend is a lovely one!

Mosaic of Loveliness

{Click to enlarge}

1. Untitled, 2. First Day Of Summer..., 3. Master Bath..., 4. En Le Jardin , 5. Vintage linens, 6. Deborah Paget 1950, 7. vintage rose plates, 8. Detour: Fire Trail, 9. Little Florrie, 10. My new blouse, 11. favourite french enamel terrine, 12. Sit a spell in Heaven, 13. You won't get far on this!14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available

Rain and Repairmen

It finally rained yesterday afternoon allowing us a respite from the heatwave! Today, however, my a/c decided it was going on vacation, so I can expect a repairman around noon. Hopefully it is an inexpensive fix as we just bought the outside unit 3 years ago.

Fingers crossed...

Organizing

I am in the process of becoming better organized. I bought 52 file folders for each week's homeschool plans and lessons after being inspired by Dawn. She is the Queen of organization in my book!

Monday I went through my books and gathered a box to donate. And I've decided that as the kids and I read through all of their books, they will go in a donation box. Most were picked up for pennies and we always have the library.

Today the girls are to sort through their clothes to see what they've outgrown, what is stained, or no longer loved to be donated or trashed. That will help cull the excess of clothes washing.

I also wrote up a chore list and house rules....simple things really that they should be doing already without being told. Now it's in black and white posted on the fridge. It is my hope that they will become more responsible and learn practical skills needed to function in their adult lives in the future.

I have been tackling spaces bit by bit as I notice the need for culling and reorganizing. It feels good to bring a greater sense of space and order to my home.

Jon and Kate Separate: My Thoughts

One of my favorite shows on television is Jon & Kate Plus 8. After last night's show though, I am so sad for them all for it was announced: Jon and Kate filed for divorce.

What is disturbing to me is how the media/paparazzi is crucifying Kate for being a b****, while Jon's alleged affair barely gets a nod. The reasoning is obvious - Jon cheated because Kate was a perfectionist, nagging, controlling...whatever. That's no excuse in my book.

True, Kate could learn to be more laid back, but in my opinion I think Jon is feeling a little resentful that Kate is out on the road doing book promotions while he's at home with the kids. Like he has it so bad! You know they have hired help, unlike in the early days when Kate stayed home with all eight children when they were really little.

The whole situation makes me so sad. Sad because I really liked Jon and thought he was hilarious. Sad for Kate because I believe she really does love Jon and wants the best for her family. Sad, especially, for the children because their once happy family is being broken in two and their world turned upside down.

I just pray that somehow, someway Jon and Kate can reconcile and begin a new chapter together.

Fairy Breath of Summer

Each fairy breath of summer, as it blows with loveliness, inspires the blushing rose.
~Author Unknown

Positive or Negative?

I know a couple of people who are very negative, easily offended, and are quick to get defensive. It would appear that each person has more than their fair share of hard knocks, but I tend to believe that they attract these negative situations to themselves needlessly and unconsciously.

It is the Law of Attraction at work.

Everyone has challenging times, but it's how you deal with those challenges that count. I used to be quite negative myself, but the negativity did nothing to improve my life. I decided change was needed.

I stumbled upon You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hays. With its beautiful illustrations and words of wisdom, there was an internal shift in my thinking. I no longer expect negative experiences and I don't have nearly as many. The movie is also beautifully done and helpful. I am also a spiritual person {not religious!} who finds great comfort and strength in prayer and reading God's Word.

Living well is really quite simple, but we tend to complicate things by over-analyzing and not being true to our authentic selves. In order to drag ourselves out of the mire we need to change our thinking, change the words that we speak, and do things that make us happy. But it has to start with our thoughts.

Change your thinking, change your life.

Gratitude List ~ Week 24

~ Good books

~ The girls finally cleaned their room!

~ Line dried laundry

~ A Bonzai tree - a surprise gift from Alfred
{I've always wanted one!}

~ Romantic Country magazine

Saturday

There hasn't been a whole lot happening here on the homestead the last few days. The heat has been unbearable with the heat index being 107 degrees, so we spend our afternoons lying about reading, resting, or watching tv trying to stay cool. I don't even want to think about cooking...it's simply too hot! So I have started looking for cooler summer meal ideas.

Alfred is now a college man! He has started taking online college courses for information technology {computer programming, web design, networking, etc.} with Columbia Southern University. I am so proud of him for stepping out of his comfort zone and expanding his world!

Wishing you all a Happy Midsummer Night's Eve!

Thursday

Joel left today and while we will miss him, we choose to rejoice in having the past two weeks with him rather than fall into a sombre mood. Besides, he will likely be able to return at the end of summer for another visit and perhaps around Christmas. And there are twice per week phone calls, emails, and MySpace.

With each visit, he feels more at home and bonds of love are being built.

We feel incredibly blessed.


Though the calendar says Summer isn't until June 21st, I would say she has already arrived. We are in the midst of a heatwave and it's only going to get worse until Autumn brings us a reprieve. Until then, we will do what we can to stay cool.

I bought the girls a plastic pool for $5 at a liquidation shop {compared to $13 at Walmart}. It's not big enough to swim in, but it provides cool relief while allowing them to be outdoors in the sun and fresh air. I believe that sun and fresh air makes for happy, healthy children....and adults, too!

Well, I shall close for now. I will have most of the day to myself. Kayla & Kenzie rode along with Alfred and Joel. Kendall will be going to work in a couple of hours. And once again, I will be cleaning house in peace and quiet.

May your days be filled with sunshine...

Thrifting Treasures

On a recent jaunt to a thrift store, I found this lovely pitcher for $2.00...

...and this lovely cottage salt & pepper shaker set with toothpick holder for $2.50.

Who says beauty has to be expensive?

Snapshots

In awe of the sunset...

Pro Skim Boarder, Monster

Pelican in flight

from left to right:
Joel, Alfred, Me, Kendall
Kayla & Kenzie

Simply me...

Water Babies

We will be off to the beach again this afternoon for the third day in a row. It has been positively glorious since last year I didn't go to the beach at all and I truly missed the white sugar sand and emerald sea.

Our children are blossoming in the summer sun and salty sea. Joel loves to surf and skim board. Kendall has taken up skim boarding, too. Kenzie is teaching herself to swim and making great progress. Both Kenzie and Kayla love to float around and ride the waves on their body boards as they giggle and screech with delight.

I am currently re-reading An Unfinished Marriage by Joan Anderson which is set on Cape Cod, making it perfect for summer reading.

What more is there to say? Life is good!

Gratitude List ~ Week 23

~ Chocolate shakes

~ Browsing {and buying a few} books in Barnes & Noble

~ Vintage car shows and karate demos = good, clean family fun.

~ Spending a few hours at the beach later today.

~ Rest

Homemaking

Alfred left at 7:30am, headed to the beach with all the kids. Joel is in a skimboard competetion and I hope he does well.

As for me? I have finally been able to tackle my housework! Do you know how hard it is to clean when people are lying about here, there, and everywhere and are sleeping until noon? It's darn near impossible.

The living room and kitchen are now clean and nearly sparkling, I dare say. I can not begin to describe how maddening general mess and clutter makes me. I feel a radical, ruthless decluttering binge coming on. Seriously, folks!

Now, I'm off to enjoy the oh-so-rare quiet before my family returns. Happy Saturday!

Life

Life has been wonderfully hectic with Joel here and impromptu family gatherings. The sun has been shining gloriously and it tempts me to spend more time out-of-doors. But today, I need to focus on my home as it looks a tad bit neglected.

It is my hope to get my work done in the morning hours, leaving the afternoon free for rest and other occupations such as letter writing! I have many letters that need to be written and a few replies. To those who wrote to me about being pen-pals, please be patient. I have not forgotten!

I was so sorry to hear that Helen Andelin {author of Fascinating Womanhood} passed away earlier this week. I discovered her book in September 1999 and it has been a source of inspiration for me through the years. I wrote to Mrs. Andelin a few times to get her expert advice and received gracious replies. What an honor! May she rest in peace...

May your day be blessed with sunshine and roses...

This and That

The days have grown hot and humid. Already this morning it is 74 degrees. Yard work will now be done either early in the morning or late afternoon once it has cooled down.

Monday evening we discovered another snake as we were watching a burn pile. Alfred think it was the same snake I saw climb the tree in the front yard a couple weeks ago and left its snake skin. It was right along the fence trying to get into the neighbor's yard {and the husband is deathly afraid of snakes} so I helped Alfred wrangle it.

.::Tracy, the snake charmer::.

Once we caught it, the girls and I were able to pet it. It was a non-poisonous snake, so it was totally safe. They are very smooth to the touch. I took pictures, too. He was about 3 feet long. We released him on the other side of the yard along the wood-line and watched him slither his way up into the trees. It was really neat!

Alfred and I went to karate class last night and boy was it tough! I am a little sore this morning, which is okay. It just means I worked hard. I did ten push-ups! I didn't think I could do one. And I jogged, too...and survived!

Slowly, I am stepping out of my comfort zone, trying new things, and challenging myself to do things that I always said I could not do. I have always been overly cautious and with the result of a stifled, narrow existence.

But I have always longed for something more...

Enchantment

We had a deliciously enchanted weekend. Minutes ticked by turning into hours as we enjoyed time spent out-of-doors at the park on Saturday and on the beach Sunday. All of our children together exploring, romping, playing, skateboarding, skimboarding....forming connections and bonding.

Life feels so right in this space and time.

When I release worry and focus on gratitude, life is so much sweeter. I do not ever want to take the simple joys of life for granted, for those are the things that a beautiful life is made of. It is not money, power, success, or grand events.

No.

It is letting go of shoulds and have-tos, choosing instead to embrace my life as it is at this moment while putting together a patchwork of joy, memories, beauty, acceptance, encouragement, and love. Lots of love.

Today, I am looking at life through the rose-colored glasses of enchantment.

Living

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today. ~James Dean

Gratitude List ~ Week 22

~ Barbeque pork sandwiches...Yummy!

~ Having Joel here with us for 2 weeks.

~ Being approved for prescription assistance for my medicine for panic attacks. Without it, I'd be paying nearly $400 per month!

~ Puttering around the house cleaning, decluttering, and reorganizing.

~ Curling up in bed with a book to read before going to sleep.

Go With the Flow

I really did try to take it easy yesterday, but it didn't quite happen. However, I did get to take a luxuriously long nap and catch up on my rest, so I shall not complain.

Our home is bursting at the seams at the moment and I find I am having to do double duty to keep the house in halfway decent shape. Not that I mind. It forces me to simplify, organize, and declutter.

I love being surrounded by family. When I need a little solitude, I head outdoors or retreat to my bedroom. There is a season for everything and right now my life is full and busy. I am learning to go with the flow of life.

Home Again

We made it home safe and sound. All in all, it was a good trip but I am oh-so-tired today! Besides grocery shopping, I am taking it easy today.

Thank you for all of your kind comments and prayers!

On the Road

{source}

Alfred and I are headed out on a mini road trip. We're heading to Tallahassee to pick up Alfred's son, Joel. It's an 8 hour round trip....quite a stretch for me, but I think I'm up for it. Please pray for travel mercies as we'll be traveling through rain.

*Mwah*
xx

Rainy Days

{source}

Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. ~Langston Hughes

The sky is gray as the rain drums upon the roof-top. Never mind that I have things that need to be done today. Mother Nature will have her way. Patiently, I will wait until the sun shines again. Until then, I am content to read, write, putter, nap, and day dream.

Blog Award

Mrs. Honeysuckle has awarded me with the One Lovely Blog Award.
Thank you, Mrs. Honeysuckle!

A Year By the Sea

"I must live a little each day, greet the sun as it rises and revel in its setting, swim naked, sip coffee, talk to animals, meditate, laugh, risk adventures. I must try to be soft, not hard; fluid, not rigid; tender, not cold; find rather than seek. I have been embraced by the sea, tested by its elements, emptied of anxiety, cleansed with fresh thought. In the process, I have recovered myself."
~ A Year By the Sea by Joan Anderson