It's been very rainy here for the past few weeks which is a welcome relief from the Texas heat. We are getting somewhat settled in to our new school routine and I have already baked two batches of Pumpkin Gingerbread! I love the Fall.
I'm working on a fabric leaf garland right now made from fabric and felt scraps from another project and it's turning out pretty cute. I'll share the patterns and tutorial with you when I'm finished.
Little O has been having so much fun playing in the rain. I wrapped my camera in a zip-loc baggie, grabbed an umbrella and snapped these photos:
Because of all the rain we've been having some super size mushrooms grow in the front yard. We had lots of fun measuring, snapping pics and imagining the little fairy people that might live in them. :)
How is your Fall going? I'd love to hear about your Fall traditions!
Grace & Peace,
♥Melissa~
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain." -Psalm 143:6
"Day
and night I'll stick with God. I've got a good thing going and I'm not
letting go. I'm happy from the inside out-- and from the outside in,
I'm firmly formed."
As promised here are some photos of our camping trip to Caddo Lake. If you think there are too many you should have seen them before I edited...heh-heh. (I took 464 photos this trip,a small number for me really.)
This place is so gorgeous! In the mornings this ethereal mist rolls across the lake and you feel like you're in a movie.
Makes me think of this hymn:
How Great Thou Art (second verse)
When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art! How great Thou art!
Snapped a pic of an early morning canoe-er here.
What a way to wake up Starbucks and this view!
The fall colors this time of year are spectacular.
We saw lots of wildlife on our weekend adventure including this mama & baby turtle with their mossy backs.
I tried to use my digital zoom to get a close up of this woodpecker that we heard while having coffee around the fire one morning.
It came out a little blurry, but look at that red head! Doesn't he look just like Woody?
We took a tour of the lake on this amazing steamboat called "The Graceful Ghost"
The boys loved it and learned that Caddo Lake is a protected wetland ecosystem. (yay, homeschool...uh, campschool.)
I crocheted by the campfire every night! Super crafty, campy-ness!
And of course we had s'mores.
All in all it was a pretty wonderful weekend.
Hope your weekend is lovely and peaceful.
His Grace and Peace,
♥Melissa~
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- "We look at this Son and see the God Who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment." -Colossians 1:15-16
71 I'm not really a "pet" person, but maybe I will be when my boys are grown.
72 I took ballet lessons, tap lessons and piano lessons as a child.
Me (in the center) during a ballet recital in the seventies.
73 I can't dance or play the piano now.
74 I'd like to try again with those lessons someday.
75 And the samba. (it just looks fun)
76 In junior high my mom wrote me a note to get out of school early so I could come home and watch Luke and Laura's wedding on General Hospital.
77 I may occasionally still watch General Hospital (especially if Laura is making a guest appearance), but I will never admit it.
78 I was a "wench" at medieval times for a very short time.
79 It was one of the hardest jobs I've *ever* had (and in a somewhat demoralizing costume no less).
80 I'm a very visual person.
81 I can read something a thousand times and not get it, but show me a picture and voila! (I know...don't say voila)
82 I ♥ photography
83 I love love love trees
84 I have pale skin, green eyes and freckles from my Irish heritage and straight, thick black hair from my Cherokee Indian heritage.
85 My first job was teaching preschool in South Africa.
86 Those kids are in their twenties now.
87 That cannot be true.
88 I swore I would never get married when I was a teenager and now I cry when my husband goes out of town and have an overwhelming urge to go stay with a friend 'til he gets back. I guess I like being married after all. :)
89 I was home skipping school and watching tv when the news broke that President Reagan had been shot. My dad called the house looking for my mom and we talked about it and he never asked me why I was home.
90 That combined with #77 makes it sound like I skipped school a lot, but really I didn't. Junior high was just a nightmare...and then in high school I became a homeschooler...and there is no skipping when you're a homeschooler...*LOL*
91 I am not very good about writing back to people, keeping up with email, etc.
92 It's something that I really need to work on.
93 I have an obsession with old black & white photo booths.
94 I just think they are so cool. me in a photo booth at Amy's Ice Creamin Austin, TX
95 I would love to have one in my living room someday. Wouldn't that be the greatest?
96 I love my morning coffee, very, very strong with cream and sugar.
97 I love my husband & kids more than anything else in this world.
98 I once was lost, but now I'm found.
99 His grace has set me free.
100 I love my life.
----
Whew, so a hundred things you now know about me. I hope we're still friends.
Grace & Peace,
♥ Melissa~
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," -2 Tim 2:19
In honor of my 100th post (which went by many moons ago):
100 Things About Me
1 I love Jesus and have for 25 years. Before that I just didn't know Him, but I would've loved Him if I had.
2 I met my husband thirteen years ago in a christian chat room called "net central" .
3 I feel awkward telling people that. It sounds so cheesy.
4 I haven't been in a chat room since shortly after we met.
5 I lived in Africa with my family for almost four years when I was in high school.
6 It was absolutely some of the best memories of my life so far.
My brother and me at a church service in Africa.
7 I spent the summer in Italy when I was 16.
8 I had a 110 camera and still cringe when I think of the missed photo opportunities.
9 It was so beautiful though and I hope to go back with my husband someday.
10 I won a coloring contest when I was in elementary school and the prize was that I got to be in the Ringling bro circus. It was pretty cool for a little kid.
11 I don't enjoy the circus now and will probably never take my kids to one. I think it's mean to the animals. It makes me sad.
12 I used to teach cake decorating and make elaborate cakes. I even owned a cake decorating business for awhile. You cannot believe the amount of money some moms are willing to spend on a birthday cake.
13 I was a preschool director for a few years. It was not an easy job, but I loved those kiddos so much.
14 I was an elementary ed major, but if I could go back (when?) I would (will?) be a photography/graphic arts major. Is that a major?
15 I would rather be cold than hot. If you're cold you can always get warmer. You can snuggle with someone, put on a jacket, start a fire, wrap up in a warm blanket. When you're hot you can pretty much just get naked and then you're still hot...and naked...which in itself could be uncomfortable.
17 I feel like I should know more scripture due to number 16
18 I'm also a homeschool graduate (and shockingly I'm not socially stunted or inept at life).
19 My family and I lived in Memphis when I was five and I have been told that my two best friends were the mayor's daughter and Jerry Lee Lewis' daughter. I can't really remember that though.
20 I love a hot chai latte, even homemade with *egad* a mix. There is something so soothing about a cup of warm spicy tea.
21 The style of decorating that I love and the way my house actually looks in most rooms are worlds apart.
22 Sometimes I get sad about this, but then I just remind myself that it's a process and everyday and every trip to an antique store or flea market brings me a little bit closer to my vision.
23 I am not a mall person. I really just like being home, but if I'm going to go somewhere the mall is absolutely my last choice.
24 I overuse exclamation points and ellipses (and apparently the words "just" and "so")
25 I am not a grammar fan
26 In spite of what the two above may imply I love the English language and words.
27 I love the color red
28 I love the color pink
29 I really love pink and red together (and sometimes orange and aqua blue)
30 I refuse to pay money to watch a movie with a sad ending (actually I won't watch a sad movie for free either - ha!). I mean isn't life sad enough for a lot of real people without me paying to cry about a fake person's fake life??
31 I hate when I misspell a word so badly that the spell check offers me choices that aren't even *close* to the word I was trying to spell.
32 I could eat Mexican food everyday for the rest of my life. Fajitas are my favorite.
33 I love being a stay at home mom, more than I ever dreamed I would
---
Stay tuned for part 2. (or if you are bored beyond belief just come back Monday...heh-heh)
Grace & Peace,
♥ Melissa~
------------------------------------------------------------------ "You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and You know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven You discover my thoughts." -Psalm 139:1-2
108 yesterday... 106 today ...too... hot... to....blog.... somebody fan me...
Grace & Peace,
♥ Melissa~ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- "But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They're like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers— Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season." -Jerimiah 17:7
I think I'll go for a walk outside now, the summer sun's callin' my name...
summer evening
summer splashin'
summer swimmin'
summer toes
summer swingin'
summer squash
And a recipe for the summer squash:
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
This is so moist & delicious! And what better way to eat zucchini than with chocolate?? (you can replace the oil with applesauce to lower the fat content a bit too)
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 1 Tbsp cinnamon 3 eggs 3/4 cup vegetable oil 2 cups sugar 1 Tbsp vanilla extract 2 cups peeled and grated zucchini 1 cup chocolate chips
4. Cream wet ingredients (eggs, oil, vanilla and sugar) in a large bowl.
5. Add sifted ingredients to creamed mixture and beat well.
6. Stir in zucchini and chocolate chips, mix gently until combined.
7. Pour into prepared pans
8. Bake for 35 to 55 minutes (depending on your oven and the size of the pans) or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
9. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes and remove from pan allowing to cool an additional 10 minute before slicing.
And just in case that song is not already stuck in your head from the title of my post, play this while you're whipping up your zucchini bread it will make you smile:
Hope you're havin' some sunshine days!
Peace and Grace,
♥ Melissa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Oh, how sweet the light of day, and how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour..." -Ecc 11:7
We saw lots of big things on our vacation. It seemed to be a recurring theme. Here are some of them:
A Big grocery basket that is actually a race car! (St. Louis Children's Museum)
A Big truck. (St. Louis Children's Museum)
A Big dino. (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
Big dino bones (Field Museum, Chicago,IL)
Big Banana (Ella's Deli, Madison, WI)
Big Little O (St. Louis Children's Museum - Optical Illusions room)
Big Lumberjack food (Paul Bunyan's - Wisconsin Dells, WI)
and my favorites:
Big Pink Globe (Museum Campus- Chicago, IL)
Big Pink Flamingo Motel (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
Big stuff....good times.
Have a great weekend guys! I'm hoping to do some blog hopping this weekend so I will see you around!
God's Grace & Peace,
♥ Melissa~ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You're well-known as good and forgiving, bighearted to all who ask for help. Pay attention, God, to my prayer; bend down and listen to my cry for help. Every time I'm in trouble I call on you, confident that you'll answer." -Psalm 86:1
I have no time to blog today* so instead you get to see a snap of my new favorite mug.
Hubby bought it for me on our trip to Austin and I *love* *love* *love* it.
It is just the right size and heaviness and I adore the handmade shape with all the little crooked spots and dimples.
The pink flower and "inspire" sentiment make me smile every morning...
And it's pink inside!
What more could you ask for in a mug? Pink, flowers, inspiration, handmade...it's mug heaven!
Do you have a favorite mug? I would love to see it! Blog it and leave me a comment!
Hope that inspires you a little today. See you tomorrow!
God's Grace and Peace,
♥ Melissa~
*interpreted: I wasted my blogging time today looking at crafty stuff on the internet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, You inspire shouts of joy." -Psalm 65:8
(or wednesday...or...you know...whenever I can grab my laptop and hide in the closet for long enough to post something)
one
I've already told you about Red Lead, the wonderful paper art store in St. Louis owned by sisters Chris Schwartz and Sharon Wisely, but I wanted to show you more photos and say again how amazing this store is!
If you have a minute you must go take a peek at the online shop. They have a unique line of stamps that are all so charming.
Here are some more photos of their inspiring space (click on them to see a larger image).
I want to bring a sleeping bag and live here!
A tag skirt with silk ribbon ties! I really need this in my house!
Every display in the store is so clever and unique. I love the umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and do you see the ATC cards dangling in the back? There's a close up of these later.
Sharon and Chris hand pick all the old furniture and display items at antique shows and flea markets.
I am crazy about the collaged chair and the paint-chipped red table! The postcards are displayed in old drawers!
Aren't these frame shelves amazing? What a creative and crafty idea!
Art in glass jars. Breathtaking.
Oh, this round table and all its goodies just makes my heart sing!
Love these microscope slide necklaces. This one is made with their queen bee stamp.
Buttons! The texture and colors of all these make my eyes tingle! Don't you just love that big button frame full of buttons!!?
A display of rows and rows of beautiful ATC's pinned together and hanging from the ceiling... stunning!
In this corner of the store it's always Christmas! How lovely! (A red Christmas tree!)
For those of you lucky enough to live in St. Louis I hope you'll visit Red Lead soon and think of me here in Texas being super jealous of you!
two
In Madison, Wisconsin we stopped for lunch atElla's Deli. It is such a neat place full of creativity and craftiness (not to mention delicious food) so I just had to show you some pictures!
three
Outside of Ellas's is a restored Parker carousel from 1927. Little O wanted to ride, but only on the bench, not on the horses. Apparently they looked a little wild to him.
The wild carousel horse.
four
Inside Ellas' is even more whimsical and fun with all kinds of handmade animated characters, displays and dioramas created by local artists and the owners themselves!
Everyone's favorite elephant.
Teen O found the feet faces a little creepy.
This ketchup bottle jumps over the hot dog and vice versa. Pure genius. heh-heh
This robot has a camera in his face and a monitor on his belly so when you walk up to him you can see yourself on the belly monitor. Little O *loved* it.
five
Even the tables get in on the act at Ella's. Each table has a glass top with a themed-shadow box underneath. We sat at the origami table.
This table was filled with mini instruments.
six
The other fun and crafty thing I did on the trip was to go to a small town "Strawberry Festival" art fair. It was really neat.
I met lots of
talented crafters and artists. I wish I could just tour around the
country going to these types of shows.
seven
The first was a gentleman who owns American Forging. He crafts beautiful pieces from recycled aluminum cans! You really won't believe they used to be cans when you see them.
eight
Next I met Jody Avery and Tammy Mueller of Squiggles and Squares. They make super cute collaged scrabble tiles and dominoes.
I just loved them and bought a scrabble tile necklace with a little piece of the Bible collaged on the front! Go check out their etsy shop to see their jewelry & key chains.
nine
Finally I met Gisela Magdalena Moyer. A paper artist that creates the most amazing paper sculptures.
Her work is bright and beautiful and full of life. The pictures don't do it justice at all. I just couldn't stop looking at each piece. She also has a fascinating life story (don't all wonderful artists?) that you can read about onher website.
I'm saving up for one of her tree pieces, they just make me smile.
ten
That's it for today, I am out of computer time! Hope you enjoy some of those websites and maybe buy some art!
More photos tomorrow!
God's Grace & Peace,
♥ Melissa~ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got...God's works are so great, worth a lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark His craft; His generosity never gives out. His miracles are His memorial— This God of Grace, this God of Love." -Psalm 111:1
And learned lots about dolphins and penguins and whales and lizards!
In fact we arrived at the lizard exhibit at feeding time much to my boys delight (and my horror!).
Lizards eat some pretty gross stuff...I'm just sayin'.
Yes, that is a big, fat, green caterpillar-wormy thing in his mouth...and he swallowed it whole (while it was still squirming!) right after I took this shot..*eww*...
After Shedd we hopped on the train to Chinatown for lunch at the Three Happiness Cafe and some shopping (sorry to mention lunch so soon after the whole caterpillar/lizard thing).
Some students had a haiku exhibit in the station and it was fabulous!
I also enjoyed this warning sign in the station (affixed with duct tape):
And just in case you weren't sure *how* to hold on to your children the diagram shows you with a little highlighted circle for emphasis...I guess so you don't try to hold on to them by their hair or something which would be much less effective I'm sure...
I really fell in love with Chinatown. It just had so much charm and character.
I loved the dragon lamp posts!
And this was my favorite sign in all of Chicago:
Okay lots more to show you tomorrow including a tuesday ten of crafty things I saw on my trip with more photos of the fabulousRed Lead Paperworks!
Hope you're all having a fabulous summer!
Grace and Peace,
♥ M~ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.You know everything I do." -Psalm 139:3
And I discovered a new one! It's for Mommies and I think you're gonna have a lot of fun. There are prizes and special speakers and all kinds of neat stuff!
So right in the middle of our 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days we're gonna join in the Mommyfest party! Yee-haw! (pretend I didn't just say yee-haw, would ya?)
One of the first opportunities to win a prize is the "High Five Photo Contest". You can win a 1lb box of chocolates!!
For a chance to win just head over to the Mommyfest blog on Monday, May 12th and vote for your favorite photo(mine *cough*) or enter a photo of your own (the deadline is tomorrow though so hurry)! Edited to add:Go vote here now!
For the photo part of the contest you have to post a picture of "5 somethings" to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Mommyfest.
I thought about somehow taking a picture of the 5 lbs I would probably gain if I won that 1 lb box of chocolate, but then that didn't seem too appetizing, or practical...and plus there would be the whole "taking a picture of *5 lbs of me*" (ewwww) and....yeah...that idea went out the window.
Fortunately (for all concerned) I thought of a better idea.
I decided a photo of five mommies would be appropriate for the Mommyfest 5th anniversary and also since it's almost Mother's Day, I thought it would be a nice tribute to some of the Mamas in my life.
The top center frame holds an enlarged photobooth photo of my mom and me.
On the second row, from left to right is a photo of my paternal grandmother (granny) holding my cousin, my maternal great-grandmother (nannie) holding *my* mama and her brother, me with my little-O and finally my maternal grandmother (nannie dusty) with me.
It's kind of neat seeing those all together like that. (I had to move them from various places to put them together.)
And it's strange to think how fast time passes.
How quickly you go from being a little girl, to a mama, to a grandma, to a great-grandma and then to a treasured memory.
Makes me want to go hug my boys.
And you know....eat some chocolate.....heh-heh.
Hope your Mother's Day weekend gets off to a great start!
Grace & Peace,
♥Melissa~ ------------------------------------------------------- "I worship you, LORD, just as my mother did, and you have rescued me from the chains of death." -Psalm 116:16 (contemporary english version)
The boys had a blast cutting up giant cereal boxes (we have to buy cereal by the cubic ton) and making helmets out of them the other day.
One of the millions of reasons that I am so appreciative of the ability to homeschool (no matter how I spell homeschool spell check doesn't like it??) our boys.
They would never get the opportunity to be so close if they were both in an institution all day. One would be in kindergarten and one would be in high school and they probably would never even see each other, never mind enjoy each other's company.
Teen-O is so sweet with his little brother and Little-O just adores him. It blesses me so much that the main role models in my little guy's life are his brother and dad, kind, loving, men of God.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the life God has given me on a day like this, watching them laugh and play and learn together. And I am humbled that God trusts me with this. deeply humbled and grateful.
Who knew cereal boxes could elicit such introspection?
♥ M~ ---------------------------------------------------- "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do His work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve Him...Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus." -1 Timothy 1:12 & 14
My new favorite thing to play with is Mixwit. So fun!
This is my new favorite song!
Loved, loved, loved The Clark Brothers on American Idol the other night. Weren't they fabulous?
This is the same song, but a little different version. If you want to get happy listen to this:
Or if you missed the AI performance and want to see it click play:
A photo from the Chuck E. Cheese photobooth:
We are one happy family. I am blessed.
Hope you're having a terrific weekend!
♥ M~ -------------------------------------------------------- Jesus said,
"You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept...Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:14 (the message)
ten random thoughts on tuesday (on wednesday night again - maybe I should rename it "ten on wen"... you know that would rhyme if you said it with a Texas accent...really...try it...."tin on win"...see?)
one
It's cupcake week on Martha Stewart! Have you been watching? So much yummy fun. I think we should have cupcake week around here. Then I can make more of these.
two
My little guy is turning five tomorrow. This hurts. And also makes me feel a little crazy, because *yesterday* I was changing his diaper...yesterday people!
And I don't really want him to stop calling me mama and kissing me every time he walks through the room and saying "I yuv you" instead of "I love you".
But it will happen. I know.
So I'll just treasure every moment and take a million pictures and blog every cute thing he says and does (even if you guys get sick of it...heh-heh)...and then I'll remember...and then I'll start it all over again with grand-children! yippee!
Since his birthday always falls right around Easter we tend to combine the two and he actually *loves* having an egg hunt at his birthday party. He calls it his "easterbirthday". So sweet. So here's some snaps from the party we had on Sunday:
Little O and his great uncle (my uncle). So funny.
Chocolate cheesecake, yum (his request)! I'll post the recipe this week.
Little O attacking the pinata.
I *love* this one. My nephew's little feet as he runs for the pinata candy.
Nephew and Little O grabbing that pinata candy!
Egg hunting at the "easterbirthday"
Squirt gun fight broke out after present opening.
three
Remember the yummy salsa I told you about? The unusual ingredient is watermelon! I know it sounds gross, but I'm telling you it is soooooo good. You have to try it! The watermelon replaces the usual tomatoes. Most people don't even realize this until they taste it. Here is the recipe:
Watermelon Salsa
Ingredients:
3 cups chopped watermelon 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 3-5 cloves garlic, finely minced 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon chopped green onion 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeño pepper (this is spicy, cut it to one if you are chicken) 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a large glass bowl and chill for at least an hour. The longer you let it sit in the fridge the yummier flavors taste together.
2. Serve in the hollowed shell of the watermelon to delight and confuse your guests!
A couple of hints:
-DO NOT rub your eyes after chopping up the jalepeno...you will be sorry if you do.
-You may want to put the chopped watermelon in a colander over a bowl for a half hour or so to let it drain a little bit because otherwise your salsa can be a little too "juicy".
four
I really don't like junk mail. It's like people mailing trash to my house that I have to then sort and make decisions about. Like I don't have enough to do. Junk mail...yuck. I am going to have to think of some crafty things to do with junk mail. Here are some ideas to start: Junk Mail Gems
five
We made a fun craft with our leftover easter egg shells today. Super easy too! Pictures & a tutorial in the next post. (right after this one or maybe before by the time you read this...heh-heh) EDITED: It's here!
six
I'm teaching myself embroidery! It's so fun and it seems to go along with my new love for fabric. I found a really fun link that has lots of free vintage embroidery patterns! So cool!
seven
Another fun link I wanted to share with you is this one-Free printables at Wondertime. Fantastic fun for homeschoolers or even just preschool moms or scrapbookers or babysitters...you get the idea.
eight
Did you see my new button about subscribing to my RSS feed (over there on the right)? I completely made that up. Just thought I should tell you.
I *do* think you'll feel more crafty after hanging out here though. And the best way to hang out here of course is to subscribe to my feed.
I know I've told you about bloglines before (so cool). But just in case some of you still aren't gettin' the whole RSS feed thing, I found a great video to help explain it. It's by the same guys who did the Twitter video I showed you earlier, Common Craft (they're geniuses).
nine
My friend Janice at Everyday Education, wrote a really wonderful article a couple of days ago. It's geared towards homeschooling parents, but really I think if you're a parent at all you will be blessed by this article.
The two lines that spoke to me the most were these:
"Remember that children don’t remember what you do; they remember how you made them feel."
"Understand that this season of life will be over before you know it. Don’t put off doing the fun things!"
Those two lines really speak to what I want this blog to be all about. I'm always striving to have fun with my kids, to soak up every minute of my time with them and make sweet memories with them that they can carry into adulthood and their own parenthood. I want to teach them how good God is and I want to share with you all the ways I figure out how to do this.
I'm actually working on a pretty big project related to this and in the mean time I hope that when you come and visit here you are inspired in some way to create things and have fun and celebrate with your children or even as a child yourself .
Erin at Fully Alive...Ready To Smile (Actually she hasn't done it yet, but said she would so I'm linking her in anticipation...heh-heh...)
Ok, now time to go put up the egg shell craft. Hope ya'll are havin' a great week.
♥ M~
------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Come, children, listen closely; I'll give you a lesson in God worship." -Psalm 34:10
What a lovely, happy Easter we had. And we are still having...on our way to grandma's today. Here's a few snaps 'til tomorrow....Hope yours was lovely and happy too...
More tomorrow....
♥ M~ ------------------------------------------------------ "How blessed is God! And what a blessing He is! He's the Father of our
Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in Him.
Long before He laid down earth's foundations, He had us in mind,
had settled on us as the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy
by His love.
Long, long ago He decided to adopt us into His family
through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure He took in planning this!) He
wanted us to enter into the celebration of His lavish gift-giving by
the hand of His beloved Son." -Ephesians 1:3 (the message)
Okay, I really don't have time to post, but I didn't want my whiney housework post to still be up here at the top all day *tomorrow* too....so...
Here are some random fun shots taken in the last few weeks:
I have memes to do and questions to answer and more stuff from the quilt show to show you so a real post tomorrow!
*random title is a quote from one of my favorite shows ever. anyone know what show?
{heart}you, M~ ------------------------------------------------------------------- "If
you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has
made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit
means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. " Phil 2:1 (the message)
Lots of fun, we still smell a little like camp fire....I'm doing laundry and cleaning out coolers and backpacks...back later with more
photos!
{← new siggie...what do you think? I'm not sure yet.}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- "And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest." -Exodus 33:14
Took the kiddos to the Science Museum last Sunday for a "TechFest" event. I'm not sure I understand the concept of "tech" and "fest" in the same sentence, but whatever. The boys were excited (including the daddy).
I think the people at the museum maybe didn't understand the "fest" part of it either because I didn't find it very festive at all.
But then again my idea of a "fest" includes music, ribbon and balloons and definitely some ice cream.
As you can imagine there was *none* of that.
There *were* a lot of robotic, electronic wire-y things. It was a boy day.
The parking was a mess because apparently they didn't schedule the weekend very well at Fair Park and there was something going on at the Dallas Music Hall, plus the big science "festival", plus a giant antique show/garage sale *all at the same time*.
I tried to talk the boys into going to the garage sale/antique show instead, and shockingly it was a no-go.
"But guys," I said, "there'll be old photos and lace and neat books and antiques..."
{cricket noises}
"Yeah, ok, we'll go to the museum."
It's so hard to get good quickie photos in the museum because of the lighting but here are some snaps from the day:
electricity is cool.
air currents are cooler.
teeth are not that cool, but a giant mouth to walk into *is*.
weather is cool. and pretending to be the weather man...well... it's kind of dorky if you're the daddy, but if you're four...so cool.
looking up is cool.
dallas skyline...pretty cool viewed from the top floor of the imax.
fair park....is really cool...even in the winter...
And God is pretty cool too....going to the museum always reminds me of just how amazing He is.
I heard birdies singing this morning...birdies I tell you! I am so excited spring is coming soon!
two
You might've noticed there's been a slight name change in my ezine. It is now "heART & Soul". That's because there is another neat ezine named "The Heart of the Matter".
So to avoid confusion I decided a name change was in order. I kinda like the new name even better because I think it describes what the zine will be all about (Heart, ART & Soul!). If you haven't subscribed, head over there now! It's freeeeeeee!
three
I have recently become aware that there is a large, gaping chasm
between what I *think* can be accomplished in a day and what can
*actually* be accomplished in a day by a normal human woman. This is
only complicated by my apparent lack of any concept of time.
Case in
point. I was just thinking I would like to have this posted by noon
today so that I can finish up some other things. I look down at my
computer clock (yes...I have a clock *right on my computer*)
and it is 2:00 pm. This has the potential for causing some serious
disappointment as you can imagine. Something I need to work on.
four
I need to start cleaning up for the holidays, no not Easter...Christmas! It's only 309 days away you know.
five
Did you see my 'Neat-O new thing' button? I stole borrowed the idea from my friend Elizabeth.
She has a "link of the week" in her sidebar and I love it. I am alway running across
neat, new things online(well new to me anyway) so I thought the button would be a great way to share it with you!
six
Little O has been cracking me up lately because he thinks the word for
"dizzy" is "bizzy". This makes for some very interesting
conversations. In the grocery store after seeing me rub my temples due
to an impending headache..."Are you gettin' bizzy, mama?" *weird look from the lady across the aisle*
seven
I found such a great, new place for homeschool moms! It's called "The Homeschool Lounge" and it's kinda like facebook for homeschoolin' mamas. It is soooo neat! If you are a homeschooling mama you have to go sign up right now! And come and find me if you do, I go by "OneHappyMama" there.
There are all kinds of fun groups to join and you can post photos and videos and it's all private, member only and *freeeeeeeee*. Also, if you sign up and like it, be sure to blog about it because they are having a giveaway for bloggers!
eight
I've had some inquiries about the buttonsI make, so I thought I'd try something. I'm going to be the "Button Girl"! (you know..."hey, who made your button?" "oh, I found this great button girl".)
So the first person to comment on this post gets a free one. After that, I'm going to make them for a mere five buck-a-roonies ($5.00 ea) (evil spell check is fine with "buck-a" but "roonies" is freaking it out)There will be some limitations with that of course which we can discuss in email.
We'll see how it goes, I might have to charge more later (or you know, pay *you* to take one). But if you're one of the ones who wanted a button for your group or blog or whatever just send me an email with what you need/want and we'll go from there. I'll take paypal and maybe I can figure out how to make a paypal button even! {Oh...and I promise I won't actually turn you *into* a button. heh-heh}
nine
Yesterday my Little O woke up
earlier than usual and came in and climbed up in my lap while I was
checking email. This is what I saw when I looked down.
I never want to forget this. ever.
You think if I just close my eyes
real tight and pretend it's not happening I can keep him from growing
up? Naaah. I guess I don't wanna do that anyway. (well, maybe a little)
ten
When I have to call someone and figure out why they are not doing something they are supposed to be doing, I make a quick list so I don't forget what to ask and if I'm *really* upset I scribble a reminder of how Jesus would like me to handle it at the top of the page.
If I don't do this...well..."Christ like" is not a good description of my behavior. An example is below (it's in my messy *be angry but sin not* handwriting...heh-heh) from one of my many conversations with doctors and nurses over the fiasco with my dad's surgery.
One of the cool things about blogging is that I probably would've never even noticed this little habit of mine if I hadn't been looking for number ten. :)
Grace and Peace friends,
M~ ---------------------------------------------- "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven;" -Ecclesiastes 3:1
As promised here are the photos from our lovely Valentines Day celebrations.
The homeschool party was wonderful. So well organized and a tiny room filled with dozens of sweet, well-behaved children. It made a mama proud. I wish I could show you photos of all the cuties there, but of course I shouldn't without permission. (ooh, I'm tempted though...they were so cute!)
One of the older girls had this t-shirt on that *totally* cracked me up:
In case you can't read it, it says:
Satan is bad. Jesus is good. Be like Jesus!
So funny. I want one.
------------------------------------
This was Little O's first experience with Valentines boxes & cards and he was *so* thrilled to pass out the valentines he'd made. I just love this shot of the little tongues sticking out in concentration.
He was even *more* excited when he got to his box and saw that it was
full. "Mama! Someone put valentines in my box too!" Man, it was cute. He had no idea he was *receiving* Valentines too.
I showed you the fronts of his little valentines in this post. Here's what we put on the back:
He also signed his name and then I scanned it in and printed it so he could glue it on. (I'm a big fan of copywork, but I am not gonna make a 4 year old sign his name 50 times!)
They had crafts set up for each age group. Little O finished his and then joined Teen O in the "teens" area. They were supposed to be making these roses with pipe cleaners, but the glue wouldn't hold so Teen O started crafting a helicopter!
It was actually pretty cool and he had quite the fan club of little boys standing around him whispering as if he were a master craftsman, "How's he doing that?" "Oh cool, look he's making blades" One of them even asked him how long he had been "working with pipe cleaners". (! *LOL*) Of course he didn't mind the attention with two cute homeschool *teen* girls sitting right across from him. (hee-hee, don't tell him I told you that or I'm in *big* trouble!)
After the party (and the requisite running around that comes with having the car for the day) we went home and had our little family party.
I was going to make home made chicken and shrimp lo mein. I even had the meat marinating in the fridge all day, but I was so tired by the time we got home from errands and picking up hubby at work that my fabulous husband suggested we order take out instead (I so love that man). He was going to order pizza but, (and please don't laugh at me here) I had planned little "take out box" favors to go with the lo mein I was going to make so I made him order chinese take out to stick with my theme.
Here are my little favor boxes:
Found them at Target. I plan to reuse them for all sorts of stuff. They are so cute!
This is the cake I made for dessert:
I would give you the recipe, but I tried a new one and let's just say it looks a lot yummier than it was. I do like that pan though. Isn't a heart shaped bundt cake the coolest thing?
By the way, I *have* a recipe for chocolate cake that is the most yummiest recipe *ever.* My brother & sister-in-law demanded that I open a bakery when they tasted it. It's very tender and moist though so I didn't think it would hold up to the bundt shape and I *really* wanted to use that pan! I'll share that cake recipe one of these days. remind me.
So this was my centerpiece. I just stacked a bunch of cake plates and then sprinkled them with little paper hearts left over from making valentines. I put a little heart basket with some tinsel that I've had *for years* on the top.
Ok, well, o-man is *literally* standing over me, waiting for me to come and spend a little time with him before we crash so I will see you all tomorrow.
Blessings,
M~ ---------------------------------------------- "Still, if you set your heart on God and reach out to him, If you scrub your hands of sin and refuse to entertain evil in your home, You'll be able to face the world unashamed and keep a firm grip on life, guiltless and fearless. You'll forget your troubles; they'll be like old, faded photographs. Your world will be washed in sunshine, every shadow dispersed by dayspring. Full of hope, you'll relax, confident again; you'll look around, sit back, and take it easy." -Job 11:12-13
We are baking and scrapping and gluing and having so much valentine-y fun!
{can you tell I'm learning to use the f-stop on my camera?}
50 valentines for homeschool friends.
Cupcake photos coming soon! MMMM...you should smell the chocolatey smell in here. (evil spellcheck says chocolatey is not a word....too bad for him....hmmph.)
Oh, by the way, Quirky wanted to know why so much baking. We are going to our Homeschool Co-op's Valentine's Party tomorrow!
Have a sweet day.
M~ ----------------------------------------------- "Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love Him with all that's in you, love Him with all you've got!" -Deuteronomy 6:5
Saturdays are pretty busy around here, so I thought "simple saturday" would be a good idea. Just photos from the day or the week, or whatever I have time to download.
Here are some from today. I know it's January, but here in Texas it was a crisp Fall day. The boys spent it raking up leaves (Little O in his pj's still - what a life!) and I spent it snapping photos.
Blessings to you all.
------------------------------------------------------- "Surely goodness and mercyshall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." -Psalm 23:6
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