All About the House

The weather has been so nice lately. It is cool/cold at night but warms up quite nicely during the day. I open up the windows on days like those and at night only turn on the heat if it will be especially chilly, then the temperature is only set to 65 degrees. Even then it hardly kicks on and I shut it off again by 8am. I am anxious to see the electric bill to see if my endeavors to lower the bill have been successful.

Yesterday the girls and I baked a batch of cake-like brownies and banana bread. I had to use up the bananas before they went bad and what better way is there to do that? For dinner, we had chicken and dumplings made from scratch. It's an inexpensive meal that is pure comfort food!

This morning I was up around 5am and I've been going ever since. Took the dogs out to potty twice, took the kitchen trash out, started the several loads of laundry that need to be done today, tidied up and walked out with Alfred as he left for work. I have one load washed and dried, one load in the dryer and one washing and still maybe four loads to do. That's what happens when the kids decide to clean their rooms. Every.Single.Time.

I'm going on a Walmart run with Mama in just a bit to get a few groceries and pick up Kayla's birthday gift - if they have the item she wants. She turns 13 next Saturday! I'll return home to do more cleaning and cooking before I collapse into a tired heap late this afternoon. Ah, the joys of homemaking! It is tiring and yet so rewarding. No two days are ever the same and there are always challenges to overcome.

Who says homemakers sit around eating bon bons all day?

.::smile::.

Meek and Gentle Spirit

What do you do when your husband has a really bad day at work and hears bad news on top of that and is then mad at you? Do you fight back or give him the silent treatment and go to bed angry?

Well that's what happened yesterday. My usually sweet husband was so mad because I let Kendall drive to the store with a tire that was low on air with my sister and then go practice driving only to have the tire blowout. I really thought it would be fine and no one was hurt. Kendall even learned how to change a tire!

So, yeah, he was furious - would hardly talk, didn't eat dinner, stayed in his refuge for most of the evening and went to bed early. How did I handle it? I just stayed sweet as I explained I really didn't know better and thought it would be okay. Then I went about my business as usual. I didn't get defensive or feel the need to fight. Instead I fixed him some of my awesome hot cocoa and gave him plenty of space.

Before he went to bed, he explained that he had had a bad day at work, so it wasn't just me that he was upset about. He began to talk a little more. And I ended the evening by kissing him goodnight and saying I love you. The night ended on a good note.

If I had fought with him, it would have only have made things worse. Things would have been blown greatly out of proportion and the little foxes of bitterness and resentment would threaten to overtake the marriage garden. No, thank you! Instead I clothed myself in the cloak of a meek and gentle spirit and allowed the fire-storm pass. Without fuel, the flames have no choice but to die down.

This morning all is well once again in his kingdom and life goes on as usual.

*

Dear God, please let him have a good day at work...pretty please!

A Refuge

 Our family of five lives in a smallish three bedroom/two bath 16x80 mobile home on a half acre of land. Currently, my mama and youngest sister live with us and my brother stays every other weekend (both are teens), so we have a full house. It can get loud and chaotic around here to say the least.

Yesterday I spent several hours cleaning the master bedroom, bathroom, and closet - otherwise known as the dungeon of doom. I cleaned windows, pictures and mirrors, dusted, vacuumed, washed curtains, sheets, and table scarves. I even bleached the mini-blinds.

Now it is as neat as a pin...a peaceful refuge that my husband and I can escape to when we need a little space and quiet. He works so hard and often comes home frustrated over work issues and I wanted a private place where he can unwind.

Once Spring comes I will paint those rooms a lovely sage green and cocoa with rose and white accents to create a cozy cocoon. The earthy colors will be a reminder of nature's beauty and that I need to slow down, be mindful, and live completely and fully.

Until then, I shall do my best to create a cozy nest with what I have and to take each day as it comes.

Cleaning as Meditation

Sometimes I get discouraged in my work as a homemaker and am in need of a little inspiration. When I get into those slumps it is usually because I have let some area slide out of balance or clutter has been allowed to accumulate. The best remedy for me is to tackle the area causing undue distress.

I find that cleaning and decluttering quiets my spirit. I liken it to a form of meditation. As I clear out the dross, my vision becomes clearer. Creativity and inspiration is reignited. Simplicity reigns supreme. I, once again, find joy in life's simple pleasures.

In the Garden: November

While the nights and early mornings are chilly, the days warm up quickly - but are not unbearably hot. I still have blooming beauties around the yard. The weather has just been simply beautiful. I love to open up my windows each day and listen to the birds singing and the wind whispering through the trees. I must enjoy every moment while I can.

Practical Learning

Sunday afternoon, Alfred showed Kendall how to change the oil in his car. Naturally, I had to take loads of pictures. Kendall couldn't keep a straight face, but that's okay. He is such a cutie patootie!

Our babies sure do grow up fast...

The Circus

Saturday night we took the kids to the small  Loomis Bros. Circus held at our town's fairground. It was my first time seeing a circus and it was a lot of fun. I think I want to join the circus when I grow up!

Can you believe I held a boa constrictor? Alfred didn't think I would do it, but I proved him wrong.

*smile*

Gratitude List ~ Week 45

1. Beautiful weather

2. A full tank of gasoline in the car

3. Food in the pantry

4. Giving to charity

5. Fresh fruit

What are you thankful for today?

My Talented Girl

{Kenzie's self-portrait}

I like to give my children experiences and let them do things on their own as much as possible and as they want to. Take photography, for example. When Kendall bought a new Canon camera, it became the camera to use when one wants a good picture. My old little HP photosmart just didn't do the job any longer.

Kenzie quickly took possession of it. She takes a zillion shots and she is learning what a good picture consists of, all about the use of flash and zoom, and who knows what else.

I love this life!

{My mama's dog, Sally}

A Change of Heart part 7

So Reba took Eliza home as Tyler requested after a few tender words were exchanged between the two. The two women spent the afternoon together catching up and reminiscing. Eliza shared how she had recently recommitted her life to the Lord, as well as Tyler's promis to stop drinking upon hearing the news that they were parents-to-be.

"I just hope he means it this time. I swear, Eliza, you are a saint to be able to put up with that man's antics for as long as you have." Reba said, shaking her head.

"Believe me, I am no saint. I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to leave, but I just couldn't do it. As much as Tyler has done and all the hurt I have endured, I couldn't bear to see the hurt in his eyes. And so, here I stay, praying for a change of heart." Eliza said with feeling.

Reba had never known the kind of heartache that Eliza had experienced. Her husband, Mitch, was a wonderful husband and father to their two daughters - a devoted family man. He made a good living as an architect.

Reba, being independent-minded, was the owner of a very successful beauty salon. She prided herself on staying up to date with the latest hair and makeup trends, as well as fashion. She was always well put-together and stylish. She worked out religiously to keep herself in shape. She was known by her daughters' school friends as the "hot mom" which embarrassed the girls to no end. Why couldn't she be like all the other moms?

Though Eliza and Reba had chosen different paths, they maintained their friendship and knew that if needed they could rely on each other in times of need, support or encouragement. Finally, Reba checked her watch. "Mercy me, look at the time! I've gotta run, 'Liza. I have to pick the girls up from school, run by the salon to check on things and beat it home to prepare dinner. You gonna be okay?" she asked.

"Yes, and thank you for being there, Reba." Eliza said thoughtfully. "That's what friends are for!" And with a kiss to Eliza's cheek, Reba was out the door and gone in a flash.

To be continued...

Copyright by Tracy Hathcock