Aqua Stripes

Last Saturday morning I ventured out, alone...

For a fresh, flippy haircut...

And a gauzy top with aqua stripes.

It was a lovely morning indeed.

Planted With Love

Dear me... what will I do when there are no little boys around to "plant" dandelions for me?!

Morning Comfort

Early morning, I am contemplating and praying. One who is dear to me faces fresh affliction.

My eyes fall on a reference cited by Spurgeon... hands turn pages... my Father tenderly reminds me of His promise, comfort and renewal in the midst of suffering.

My wayward heart is afflicted, yet the cross and mercy give me hope. There are others who are afflicted in heart and flesh... His promise will comfort all suffering.

Yes...

Your promise renews my life.

Psalm 119:50

In this broken world full of broken hearts, broken bodies, broken spirits, all of creation groans...

But, with His help and by His grace each of us can...
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

They Built a Fort

No one explained the significance of the rooftop flotation device.

I have no doubt that its presence was important.

Baby Maple

Newly potted and resting in the dappled shade of mother tree.

God, My Shepherd

He tends His flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in His arms

and carries them close to His heart;

He gently leads those that have young.

Isaiah 40:11

{Photo by the professor.}

Lamplight and Color

Refreshing

Today the temperature reached 85 degrees.

Today we made limeade.

Giving Green With Living Gifts

The mature Japanese maple at the end of our driveway put forth a bumper crop of seedlings this spring. My mother-in-law spotted a sapling of the same variety at a local nursery bearing the price tag of almost $80! Needless to say, I am fluttering over our baby tree sprouts like an overprotective mother hen.

In a few weeks the professor and I plan to pot those tiny seedlings. The boys and I will water them through the long, hot summer. Next spring we'll have maple saplings to give away! 

I'm envisioning teachers' gifts, hostess gifts, birthday gifts, and {perhaps this is a bit unconventional} maybe even wedding and baby gifts... each little tree ready to be planted in a sunny spot in someone's yard. Our costs should be minimal considering we'll only need potting soil, water, pots, and sweat... not a bad deal at all.

In this age of material surplus {do we really need anything more?}, I'm thrilled with the prospect of giving green. And, next spring I'll be excited to distribute my living gifts!

Thinking Eternally

Today I was sharply reminded that life's circumstances often change in an instant... so does my outlook unless it is fixed on what is eternal.

As much as I delight in a morning that is filled with sunlight, I hope that my heart always desires to bask more in the neverending light and glory of the Son. While I love being at home and I enjoy the material blessings that He has given me, I pray that I will ever remember that better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere.

{Photos: morning sunlight in my house, today and yesterday}

Patches of Blue Pockety Apron

The evenings were long and quiet while the professor was away. To help pass the time I kept myself occupied with sewing projects.

The color palette of this pockety apron mimics the sky on a breezy spring day {just like today}... a mix of white and dark gray with patches of blue peaking through to smile at me.

Weekend

Friday night date.

I was the lady in red with toenails to match.

He is ever living out his love.

Saturday morning road race.

My bicycling partner became my running partner.

He persevered and finished with excellence.

{Photo by the professor.}

Sunday afternoon crash.

A kitchen floor nap was essential after a full morning.

He finds ways to remind me that he's still little.

God, Our Provider

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith!

Luke 12:27-28

Cookies in a Pinch

We had impromptu lunch guests today. My floors were covered in cracker crumbs... and dry cereal... and "crunched up" magnolia leaves {don't ask}. Forget the floor mess, having something chocolaty and sweet to serve was much more important. Don't be impressed... I used a cake mix, but, oh, they were good!

Chocolate {Cake Mix} Cookies

In a large bowl mix together one boxed chocolate cake mix, two eggs, and 1/3 cup oil. Stir in some chocolate chips or nuts if you have them. A little splash of vanilla or Kahlua isn't bad either. Using a teaspoon, place scoops of dough on cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. So quick and easy you'll be embarrassed when the guests rave.

Say Hello

"Mommy, I want to say heh-wo on dat bwue phone."


First, he called Daddy... Next, he spoke to Bunny...


Then, he ordered "peppawoni" pizza from Papa John's. {His favorite.}


Aqua Princess Telephone, 1959

Designed by Henry Dreyfuss for AT&T.

Postmarked

So, today was Tax Day... Americans stood in long lines at post offices across the country to insure that the all-important, April 15th postmark was placed on their tax forms. Not so much fun.

But this, this is fun...

Look at what just arrived at our modish house... a special couple's wedding invitation bearing a postmark that made me smile.

The bride-to-be lives in Portland {a city that has absolutely captured my fancy and fascination}. Methinks she went a few miles out of her way to get this special postmark. I don't blame her, I probably would have done it too!

Reunited

I kissed him goodbye at the beginning of the month and he departed from us to lead a segment of a study abroad trip. For the past two weeks he's been teaching and photographing his way across Northern Ireland and up into Scotland. The boys and I, we've missed him, a lot. 

Today we gathered balloons and Dunkin' Donuts {the boys' idea}, took a field trip to the airport, and welcomed the professor home. Oh happy, happy day!

It's been a long two weeks... at times adrenaline and caffeine kept me going, and always the prayers and help of family and friends. Tonight I feel as jet-lagged as my dear husband... who is home!

Goodnight, friends.

Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you...

{Photos: Northern Ireland, all gray and green, as captured by the professor.}

Bluebonnet Smiles

Yesterday the boys each found a packet of Texas Bluebonnet seeds tucked into their Easter baskets berry cartons. After the flurry of a candy breakfast, seersucker shorts, church, and a picnic lunch we planted lupines under the bright sunshine while spring breezes tickled our skin.

Later that evening, after baths and pajamas, we cuddled up together to read Miss Rumphius, the delightful story of Miss Alice Rumphius, a woman who endeavors to visit faraway places, live by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful. In the end, she too, plants lupines.

Last night the boys smiled when they realized that they had joined Miss Rumphius, on a golden and breezy Easter afternoon, in making the world more beautiful. It's the little things that bring smiles, isn't it?!

My Great-aunt Alice, Miss Rumphius, is very old now. Her hair is very white. Every year there are more and more lupines. Now they call her the Lupine Lady....

"When I grow up," I tell her, "I too will go to faraway places and come home to live by the sea."

"That is all very well, little Alice," says my aunt, "but there is a third thing you must do."

"What is that?" I ask.

"You must do something to make the world more beautiful."

The boys and I highly recommend Miss Rumphius, delightfully written and beautifully illustrated by Barbara Cooney, along with packets of seeds for an afternoon of simple pleasure. And, while you're at it, be sure to enjoy Cooney's simple, colorful, and delightful illustrations in Donald Hall's equally charming tale, Ox-Cart Man.

Soft

God of Life

Jesus said to her,

"I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in me will live,

even though he dies;

and whoever lives and believes in me

will never die..."

John 11:25-26

Through Him

and for His name's sake,

we received grace...

Romans 1:5

Saturday Morning

Mercy

Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own,

And the covenant love of Thy crucified Son;

All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine

Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.

from "Thy Mercy, My God" by John Stocker, 1776

Monkeyface

Auntie and Uncle presented each of the boys with a sock monkey. Boo and "Edward" have become fast friends. Tukes, I am sorry to say, is afraid of this friendly {and nameless} fellow.

Spring Things for Blackberry Winter

Today I wore my favorite wool sweater and my red corduroy pants. Last night the temperature dipped down to freezing, I'm told that it will tonight as well. Most folks say that we're having a cold snap... my mother-in-law calls it blackberry winter, a freeze occurring in early spring after the blackberry bushes have bloomed.

It seems my photographing has vastly outpaced my blog posting recently. On this chilly evening during blackberry winter, I invite you to cozy-up with these colorful quilt squares of spring things.

And, because you asked... Lemon-Berry Trifle

{Be forewarned, my trifle-making methods and madness are, perhaps, the most unauthentic, thrown together, fly by the seat of your pants, do it in a pinch methods that you'll ever encounter. But, trifle is easy and forgiving... and it's a spring thing!}

In a large glass bowl layer:

~ lemon pound cake, cubed

~ lemon pudding or pie filling {I used instant}

~ dabs of lemon curd or berry preserves to make it special

~ liven things up with fresh berries... the more, the merrier

~ give it some fluff with a layer of whipped cream

Repeat layers.

Then eat.

The end.

Sunrise, Sunset

Eames chair at daybreak.

Living room wall at dusk.

What A Boy Needs

Lately, it seems that for every warm, sunny day enjoyed there are three gray days of rain. So, it was no surprise this morning when I woke to thunder and raindrops.

Yes, it was a dreary, damp Sunday afternoon. Boo lay around determined not to find something to do and Tukes had a meltdown because there was a raisin in his granola bar {he likes raisins!}. I was on the brink of losing patience... something must be done, quickly!

Clouds and damp withstanding {the rain, it seems, decided to pause}, we donned our old shoes and headed down the hill to the neighborhood creek {which really is nothing more than nicely established and sufficiently wooded rainwater drainage system}. And thus ensued the happiest hour-and-a-half of our weekend.

We tromped along the creek bank following it through the woods... stepping in mud, tossing pebbles in water, climbing on rocks, having a fine time getting dirty. Our wandering led us to a shady bend where the water gurgles as the creek curves. We found an old, rickety footbridge there. Boo crossed it, back and forth, back and forth, declaring that it must be more dangerous than Mary and Laura's footbridge over Plum Creek. Tukes decided that our little spot, "Wooks just wike Shady Gwade" {as in Farewell to Shady Glade, a favorite book}.

We wondered if there were any tadpoles around {probably not yet} or if crawdads were hiding under the water. Tukes found a "worhm" and Boo decided that he simply needed to sit on the bridge, for a long time, because "it's all such a pretty sight."

I stood back watching their delighted exploration. Somewhere between the mud, the splashing, the worm, and the rocks I concluded that all a boy needs is... the happy company of another boy... loving parents to give affection, guidance, food, and answers to many questions... the thrill of a brave adventure... and a shady, muddy creek with plenty of rocks for tossing.

It was two reluctant {and dirty} boys that followed me the long way home this evening. Stepping into the kitchen we removed muddy shoes, washed dirt from fingernails, made waffles for dinner, and watched as it began to rain... again.

God, Worthy of Praise

Praise the Lord!

Praise, O servants of the Lord,

Praise the name of the Lord.

Blessed be the name of the Lord

from this time forth

and forevermore!

From the rising of the sun to its setting,

the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Psalm 113:1-3

Caterpillar Day

Boo came home from school today proud of his caterpillar work, and, rightly so, I must say. I love smiley caterpillars!

Over lunch we discussed when he might start finding caterpillars in the yard. "Soon," I speculated, "I expect we'll have some caterpillar days very soon."

A few hours later Boo was grinning over a newfound friend while Tukes giggled and squealed {in his very Tuke'ish way}, "He's so cuuuuuuute!"

Tick-Tock

There is a Kit-Cat Klock in Boo's room because a boy should have fun while learning to read time. We call this cheerful fellow Felix... he likes to roll his eyes and swing his tail.

Kit-Cat Klock

Making people smile since the 1930's.

Produced by the California Clock Company.

Made in the USA.

Savory Soup

I thought soup season had passed, but {lucky for us} the last few days have been rainy and cool... and {not so lucky for us} we've had a houseful of sickies. Soup has been essential; this week we've enjoyed savory Tex-Mex Turkey Soup. What can I say? There was leftover turkey in the freezer and this recipe sure beats sandwiches.

My changes... I used a can of tomato sauce and a pinch of sugar instead of a can of condensed tomato soup, and I added a sprinkling of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Try making it with shredded chicken, ground beef, or veggie-only if you don't have {leftover} turkey on hand.