God Almighty

Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.

Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages.

Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name?

For You alone are holy;

For all the nations will come and worship before You,

for Your righteous acts have been revealed.

Revelation 15:3-4

Boys

Why yes... we did have a lot of rain this morning.

Between the innocence of babyhood

and the dignity of manhood,

we find the delightful creature of a boy.

~Author Unknown

Shades of Blue

Last night some friends and I hosted a baby shower for our friend Abby. To greet guests at the front door I made a rag wreath in shades of blue.

{Bend a wire coat hanger into a circle and then start tying knots. You'll need 6 to 10-inch strips of rags in complimentary colors... I used fabric remnants, an old shirt, hole-y jeans, and a ragged pillowcase. Easy and cheap free!}

For sweet baby James I had fun putting this button suit together in blue-gray. Because the happy mama loves all things that are monogrammed, I embroidered it in white.

The fabric came from a partial bolt that I found on the bottom shelf at the thrift store. The price tag... only $2.99! It washed up beautifully... a soft, delicate cotton weave just right for a new little one. Best of all, I've got more!

Vintage Silver

My mother has long had a love affair with silver flatware, and she has seen to it that her daughters are beautifully outfitted. Every time I bring out my collection to use for a party or a special meal I fall in love with it all over again. Yes, I do believe that I am well on my way to a love affair of my own... it's in the genes. 

Rocker at Sunset

Knitting Thoughts Together

Exactly one month and four days after starting my knitting journey {and after restarting the project at least a dozen times}, I completed my first little baby hat yesterday. Sadly, I did not get a photo of it before it joined the colorful company of many other itty bitty hats all boxed up, ready to be given to a local outreach.

I'll be honest... knitting has not come with the same joy and ease that I experienced with sewing. My fingers are so clumsy with the knitting needles, I can't seem to find a rhythm, and, oh dear, I am so tense -- knitting always seems to induce an achey back.

But, but, but... oh how I love the women who gather in our little once-a-month knitting group. We're such a varied mix of ages and personalities, situations and talents; we encourage one another and we laugh. Being a part of this group of amazing and creative women delights my heart and soul {despite my bumbling fingers}.

So, I will continue to plod along, little by little, with needles and yarn. I may never knit more than the same baby hat pattern over and over and over again, but I will use knitting as a tool to enjoy new friendships while deepening others, to reap creative inspiration, and to contribute {in a small way} to a local outreach. I am discovering that I can love knitting without actually loving to knit.

{I'm curious... is there anything in your own life that you pursue, not because you love it but because you love the relational, creative, or educational opportunities that it provides?}

Nicely Paired

For all of you egg salad aficionados... next time you stir together your favorite concoction try spreading it on an asiago cheese bagel. The two make a handsome couple, and your taste buds will sing!

God Who Pardons

Who is a God like you,

pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression
for the remnant of His inheritance?

He does not retain His anger forever,
because He delights in steadfast love.

He will again have compassion on us;
He will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:18-19

Afternoon Cup

For thirty precious minutes this afternoon the house was quiet. I sat in the sunny warmth of my living room and sipped, then I picked up my embroidery enjoying the pleasant, quiet task.

The serenity ended all to soon with clamors for outside play. {There are, after all, two little people who live here that have a surplus of energy.} And so, we tromped outdoors into the chilly afternoon.

Good thing I drank the tea.

Here's wishing you a few sunny, quiet moments this weekend.

German Delights

Chocolates.

Beautifully and meticulously packaged.

Plenty to share.

Scarves.

Two gorgeous splashes of color...

That I do not intend to share.

I Gonna...

Every night:

"I gonna cook wiff mommy. I be a good helper."

Last week:

"I just finking {thinking}... I not gonna be a monkey anymore. I gonna be a fireman.

Yesterday:

"I gonna get a baby brother... and a birfday pwesent."

Today:

"Dis is my Snart Car {toy Smart Car} from Gormany. I gonna get a basement for my birfday for my other Snart Car."

Tonight:

"When I grow up I gonna turn into a mouse."

{Photo: Cooking Wiff Mommy}

Morning Color

This Good Day

If rain clouds come

or the cold winds blow,

you're the one

who goes before me

and in my heart I know...

that this good day

it is a gift from You.

The world is turning in its place

because You made it to.

I lift my voice

to sing a song of praise

on this good day.

~ words by Fernando Ortega, "This Good Day"

Late last week the professor jetted off to Germany to give a lecture. Upon arrival he promptly fell ill with the stomach virus.

The boys and I spent the weekend with my parents where I endured my own bouts of nausea and chills.

Despite the germs the professor managed to deliver his lecture and take in some of the sights. The boys and I enjoyed being doted on by my parents.

Today... on this good day... I will enjoy the winter sunshine and feeling human again. I will do laundry, run a few errands, enjoy two precious boys, cut up more bed sheets, and look forward to when my dear man will walk through the door. And when he does, I will greet him with bright eyes and a smile... on this good day.

Rachel... I'm thinking of you on this special day! I'll talk to you soon about visits and orchids and such. In the meantime may you know and feel God's blessing and presence upon you today... this good day... your birthday.

The photos:

Winter Sunrise, in Bunny's kitchen

Morning Sunlight, in my parents' dining room

Me, as captured by the Boo

Longtime Friends

Grace and Gratitude

Grace and gratitude belong together like heaven and earth.
Grace evokes gratitude like the voice of an echo.
Gratitude follows grace as thunder follows lightning.
~Karl Barth

I'm learning that the process of growing in the knowledge of God's grace is also an exercise in cultivating an ever increasing measure of gratitude to Him.

While my understanding and humble gratefulness will never equal the depths of His abundant grace... may it ever deepen, may my gratitude to Him ever abound, and may my life refect it.

God is Love

... and his banner over me is love.

Song of Solomon 2:4

Treats to Give

Marshmallows dipped in chocolate and besprinkled by the Boo. Ditto for the shortbread cookies.

Bagged with packets of hot chocolate and carefully personalized by my little school boy. Yields Valentine treats for his classmates. {Yes, I continue my quest to use what we have.}

Boo thinks that these are the best Valentine treats ever. We sure had fun making them. He was very careful to insure that there would be a bag of cocoa and cookies to drop into his own classroom mailbag. Sweet boy.

And, for Boo's wonderful teacher... we'll call it a Truffle-a-Bloom!

For those we love who prefer finer things than marshmallows {ahem, the professor}, a Truffle-a-Bouquet. {I did buy the truffles especially for this... does anyone keep those on hand?}

Valentine's Day Bouquet

My goal: Create fun and colorful Valentine's Day treats for the boys using ingredients and materials that I already have on hand.

Marshmallows, white icing, and sprinkles {three ingredients they love} used to make my version of homemade Peeps. 

Tip: Warm the icing slightly for smooth dipping. Chill the coated marshmallows in a mini-muffin pan.

Bamboo skewers {stained green with non-toxic watercolors} and colorful paper cut outs {gotta love that orange and red combo!}.

Flower pots, tissue paper, and foam or oasis {in my case, old, green Play-doh} needed to make the arrangement.

The little guys will each find a colorful bouquet at their table place on Valentine's Day. No purchase necessary. 

Unfortunately, the professor does not consider marshmallows to be one of the finer things in life.

Slowing Down

The calendar told me that this week would be busier than normal. God has a way of slowing us down when we can't make ourselves stop. Enter the stomach virus.

Ironically, Tukes has been quite jolly despite being under the weather... probably because we're not zipping around town doing "stuff." Candyland, books, and a wagon ride around the neighborhood were on the agenda today. Simplicity at its best.

I kept my camera close at hand all morning and pressed the shutter often. Look, I found beauty in our unrenovated, avocado bathroom. I doubt that I would have noticed if I'd been at the meeting that was on the calendar...

I'm thankful for the change in our plans this week; it has been nice to slow down {before we really even got going}. I'm thankful that He gives us days at home, and that He gives us eyes to see and enjoy our Father's world. 

Simplicity in the sunny office...

...all full of morning light. 

Today was a beautiful, ordinary morning... it made me wonder why I let the calendar fill up more often than I should. We're committed to living simply but I still fall into the trap of thinking that I need a reason for not staying busy. Our family is happier and more content when we have simple, quiet days at home. Isn't that reason enough?

Simple, ordinary bliss today {despite the germs}! Thank you, God, for slowing us down.

Little Bit of Big

He fought the doctor and nurse like he was fighting for his life. He is three years old now and check-ups happen soon after birthdays.

When the dramatics were behind us he managed the gumption and wherewithal to ask for a "wahweepop" {lollipop}. Our kind doctor, eager to make amends, was happy to grant the request. He skipped out of the clinic quite happy.

As he sat in his car seat licking the bright green lollipop, his cheeks still wet with traces of alligator tears, he calmly stated, "Me not wittle. I just a wittle bit of big." And, I smiled at his perspective.

Saturday Work and Play

On Saturday the four boy-cousins stayed busy running and playing, while my sister and I put our heads together {over her kitchen table and my sewing machine} to make this...

A simple and sweet diaper tote bag. It will be a beautiful baby shower gift for her sister-in-law next weekend.

And, how delicately feminine it is! {Yes, the expected baby is a girl!} White eyelet and lavender with a bow... I think I will swoon now, somebody catch me!

God, Our Help

For I am the Lord your God,

who upholds your right hand,

who says to you,

"Do not fear, I will help you."

Isaiah 41:13

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Happy Friday

Today was... 

Flowering quince. Peeking over neighbor's fence.

Today was...

Laundry caught up. Dreamy, fresh linens.

Today was...

Bright parcels mailed. Smiles expected upon delivery.

Today was...

One {hypothetical} coconut cake baked and delivered.

Relief.

Sunlight and Home... and a Winner

When I am at home during the day I love to watch how the sunlight pours through unshaded windows casting a unique and refreshing effect on each room. 

Each hour of each season is different. The light's angles and qualities are constantly changing in a musical, organic way.

Objects that looked tired and ordinary the night before are bathed in a new light. It's energizing and inspiring.

Once dim rooms glow in a golden warmth inviting us to fill its walls with life and laughter and memories. We always accept.

**********

Congratulations to Heather in CT, whose name Tukes drew out of a hat mixing bowl. Heather is the winner of the Sweetheart Pockety Apron, which she plans to pass along to her niece.

Thank you to everyone who entered, and a huge thank you to each of you who take time to visit here! You never fail to make me smile.

Heart Whispers

Four a.m. I've just calmed a frightened little one. He sleeps peacefully now. I, however, am wide awake. With wakefulness my heart is flooded with troubled, anxious thoughts.

Growing up is hard, there is no denying it, but no one warned me about the heaviness a mother's heart feels as she watches her own children encounter growing pains. Night fears are easily soothed away, other struggles... well, not so much.

I sit in the dark, unable to sleep. I am shadowed with anxiousness... and a lack of faith. I begin to confide in Him, the One who calls me by name.

As the eastern sun peeks over the rooftops and treetops, as golden rays gently shine through morning windows He begins to whisper to my heart. In love He reminds me...

...that He is faithful and true

...that He loves my boys more deeply than I do

...that He designed them with a purpose and plan

...that He holds them in the palm of His hand

...that He is close to those who are crushed in spirit

...that He remembers

His whisper enlivens and soothes my weary, worrisome mother-heart. Indeed, His compassions are new every morning.

As the day dawns I sense His presence and I move forward in faith to embrace this good day, praying that I will be ever sensitive to listen to the ever present Spirit.