It really IS a special time!!

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Talk about cultivating relationships - let's start with one way it gets played out at home.  So, this has been (obviously) going on for awhile, now, but... it makes we wonder what "people" think (neighbors, etc.) - and yet, quite frankly, I don't care.  We've been doing this sort of thing since each of our kiddo's first days of school. 

It came to mind the other morning while waiting for the Big Yellow 29 - and I'm out on the porch with my son.  He's twelve.  It was cold.  Like... r e a l l y COLD! outdoors - and I started to do what are something that resembled (ahem!) jumping jacks... just to try to keep warm. And.. this is what I hear.

"Mom! - YOU'RE EMBARRASSING ME!"

Really?!?!!  I laughed a little.  Thinking here he is - here we are.  From day one of school mornings waiting for the bus... either I'm here or it's my hubby.  Sometimes it is both of us.  Often, just one. Mostly, just me.

Here's the thing.  I'm pretty much 100% positive - while it may "LOOK LIKE" an overprotective parent hanging out - watching every little thing... that there are kids looking on from inside the bus - wishing it was their mamma who was the one who just took 5-7 minutes outdoors, with them.

It is really is a special time.

This is when - prayers get prayed.  Hugs are given.  A listening ear is offered. Maybe a verse or two from Scripture is shared.  A song.  A ditty...a laugh.  A simple conversation.  And... even a kiss on the forehead with that one last affirmation getting shared.   

Yes!! It really is a special time.  And... while that time may be fleeting.  I'm still going to be there - as long as I'm able.  I don't know that there are too many others who still choose or who are able to enjoy these types of moments with their growing kids.

I hope my kids will remember, these times.  I truly hope they choose to cherish these memories as much as I do and will.

** These verses from Ephesians 3:17-19, are my prayer - for my three beautiful blessings!

Courage has a face!

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This thing called Courage continues to roll around in my heart and mind.  I keep hearing the voices of - "Will you just do it already?"... okay, okay, I croak back - my voice is so barely audible.  

Today, someone encouraged me!!  If the LORD is saying... you should try it again, then, take courage!!

Take it by the hand and let it lead you!!  

These words, from my dear friend, Annie Wiebe, bless me, every time I read her thoughts on Courage.  I asked her permission to share, what she wrote.

***

It takes courage.

It takes courage to be different.

It takes courage to act and not just dream.

It takes courage to work.

It takes courage to say no to distractions.

It takes courage to live the life you want.

It takes courage to keep going when pain sets in.

It takes courage to be strong.

It takes courage to change.

It takes courage to do the things you said you'd do.

It takes courage to accept the critics and keep doing the work.

It takes courage to do something you’ve never done.

You see, we can all do what we’ve always done. That’s easy. Doing something totally different takes courage because there is a high chance it won’t work out in the beginning. 

Courage is part of everything — even the simple stuff you think doesn’t matter.

You deserve to be courageous!!!

Courage is a free ticket that costs nothing financially and costs everything personally.

Courage is putting it all on the line because you believe that you deserve to have the life you want.

All anything you want starts with, is a wee bit of courage. Wake up with courage, act with courage, eat courage for lunch, use courage when you’re unsure, hide courage in your pocket, pull courage out when people stab you in the back, and most of all: keep going, by using courage.

Courage is the answer. Courage can help you no matter where you’re starting from or how far you’ve fallen from the top.

Everything starts with courage. 

So, I'm asking you... Do you have courage?

Courage has a face!  It's a brave one!!
***

A brave-faced photo from my youngest's
8th birthday party, back- end of summer!!

fmf | A Place to Stay!

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 Some of you may know this already - if you follow me on Facebook - but, my girls and I just came back from a quick, 3 day, over the fourth of July - vacay!!  

My hubby and son were off on a week-long, Scout Camping Trip, since Sunday, and so us gals decided we'd go "glamping" and stay with my sister, where she lives.  It was about a 3 hour drive from me and in the beautiful mountains of Central Pa.   So, today's prompt word, vacation, was perfect...

If you want to see photos and hear/read specifics, on our time away you can go find me there, on Facebook, and catch up, that way.  However, here is more of the backstory... to our time away.

***

My girls were eager to pack their bags and grab their pillows and sleeping bags.   A chance to go see their aunt Gladys and spend some time... doing something different., rather than just hanging out all week - with mom - and no Daddy or brother around.  :(

When I think of vacation and what, at least for me, it is meant to be...I can have a certain expectation.

I KNOW that there are many times - out of ones' control - where a vacation can turn seriously stressful.   That may or may not ever happened before.

I'm so, so grateful that this one - for me - was a balm for my soul!!

What made this one so special?  One, I was proud of myself for getting my "road trip on" and making this happen.  It almost felt spontaneous and that was another success.    The thing is... I really needed this getaway and I don't know that I even realized how much so.  I had a few, pretty stressful days leading up to it and so, to feel all that melt away was pretty amazing.

Here is the thing!!   My sister is over the top AMAZING...in how she makes you feel at home!  Things like...

"Here, you take my bed; you can all three be in my room.  I'll take the couch."

"Here, I got you (3) camping chairs.  You said you didn't have any!"

"Here, lets go here - I have a surprise for you - for lunch!"

"Here... I made this strawberry lemonade... for us to take to the beach -at the park- but you can keep the jars; take them home!"

As she cleans out her fridge and we're packing up - out comes all this food... to bless!!

Homemade cinnamon rolls, Homemade strawberry Jam, leftover pancakes, yogurts and fruit...Chicken salad...

I'm telling you.

 She is AMAZING!!!  Her heart is AMAZING!!

Her HOME is comfortable (not uber fancy!) but AMAZING!!!

We stayed up late, too late... chatting the night away. Drinking coffee and swapping stories and reliving memories. 

Encouraging each other; giving counsel...bearing each other's burdens.

As we parted ways this morning - I had given her a handwritten note and card that said...

That her hospitality and generosity is and was beyond expectation in every way.

This is truly and simply was my kind of vacation.

Where my soul found rest!

Reminds me of a verse from Matthew 11:28-30 - these are Jesus' words.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I know she would tell me - not to stay away so long next time.   Come!!! (more often) - for a PLACE to STAY!!!

 ***

Following along and linking up with Five Minute Friday.  

Today's prompt word is: Vacation

Thank you for reading!!

fmf :: Should I tell you..?

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Earlier this month was our 13th Wedding Anniversary. 

I don't know that too many know - but the ones that do, have gotten used to it, or perhaps they've forgotten.  But my husband and I met through eHarm*ny!!

Yes, that is right.

It's funny how we even "forget" that, that is how we met.  You know.  When something God ordains, like meeting your spouse through "unexpected" ways, means many friends and family may be surprised!!  Which they were.

It's not like we kept anything a secret or anything... it is just the way it was meant to be.  Through a short courting period and a nine month engagement...here is what was kept a secret.

Where we were going for our honeymoon!

It drove many, many people crazy.

It drove me semi-nuts...

Wanna know why?

Because.  I didn't know where we were going either.

My hubby had it all planned out.

He generalized what kinds of things I might need to pack... but that was it.

 

Oh, he's so good at surprises.   And... He's done this several times since.  All in good and fun and helpful ways.  Don't worry.  He is not a secretive person or not forthcoming... always honest.  Which, I love and appreciate...

But, it drives our 3 kiddos bonkers, too!!  :)  "Dad's got a secret brewing again...!!"

You know what I think, about the not-knowing part, in regards to our honeymoon?

Should I tell you?  Or, should I keep my thoughts to myself...?

***

 Joining up with Five Minute Friday and the weekly link-up 

on the prompt word : Secret

fmf link up :: tired

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A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

I know that is meant to be a funny.  And, it is.

I immediately saw this word prompt and thought of this photo I had taken from a couple of snows ago - and decided to use this "play on words", with this word, for the Five Minute Friday.  Tired.

Forgive me, but I do think I can pull this all together.  :)

 So... I can relate to this bicycle sitting in between these other two bikes.  It looks like it's lost its footing.  It's balance.  It looks "tired".  Weighed down by the weight of the snow or maybe the wind toppled it - whatever happened.  I can relate.

I need others to keep me upright.   I can't stand alone.  Or, at least, I need them to stand by to keep me from truly falling.

We're never meant to be alone, the Bible says.

I have been really pondering the strength and beauty of relationships...and how we need one another.  I'll admit there are times... I would rather have the peace and quiet...no one needing me for anything.  No one demanding my attention.   But - at the end of the day.  It is super nice to feel supported and "needed".  We need the strength that Jesus and others provide.

- joining in for Five Minute Friday - taking just five minutes and writing 

whatever comes to mind, on the given word prompt.

Naturally, Budding Art and Artists

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When fun - HUGE, GIGANTIC - white things pop in your yard outta the blue and you've got two youngsters, nearly born with pencils and paintbrushes in their hands... these two!... and when Dad and brother are away on a camping trip and you - as a mama - gotta come up with something creative to do with your girls... well.  We didn't have to look far!!

Out in our backyard -we were provided with such an opportunity!!

Look at these art-forms!!

My girls!!  They pulled out their paintbrushes...

I whipped up a batch of homemade cornstarch paints (*recipe below) and my girls went to town.

Painting "the town" - red!!

That's what this became.  Little houses.  A mini town... per say.

**And I, I CANNOT believe it.  I ended up NOT getting a photo of the finished work!!  

It looked like the Mario Brothers.. lived there.  At least, that is what Scott and Caleb said when they got home and saw all the colored (painted) mushrooms, out across the lawn.   

Don't ask me.  I don't know much about Mario and his brothers.

The funny thing is.  These mushrooms only grew in this particular spot on the lawn.  Only to get mowed over once or twice but that is all they grew. 

Such a neat part of Creation!!   I enjoy finding things like this. 

I'm glad I got a photo of these beauties...

I'm glad my girls had the opportunity to see them up close and personal.  So intense, too!!

Did you Jayne's face??

Paint Recipe, anyone?

Equal parts of cornstarch and water. Mix well.  Divide evenly and color with food coloring.  

It all washes off in the rain...

Easy, Peasy.

***

Nature alone is antique, and the oldest art the mushroom.  ~ Thomas Carlyle

Simple Thanks!!

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"Some days just call for escape.  When restlessness or loneliness or just the stickiness of life in a fallen world makes the wall of your home feel a bit close, the remedy may be an adventure..." 

- Sally Clarkson | The Life-Giving Home

When you have friends that ask to take your kiddo's for the WHOLE day, for a second play date, with events similar to this one (homemade popsicles and water fun!).... you have kiddos' that wake up super early; eagerly excited, who can hardly eat breakfast, because their anticipation of a fun, fun day is about to begin!!! 

 

 I'm so, so grateful for willing friends.  Friends..who are willing to take time, to take on more, so that I can have less (stress); that I can tend to an agenda that's been awaiting me...

Some days, I don't know what to say!!  But, thank you!!

***

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.  ~ John Muir

Spread a little love and kindness

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You'll never change your life until you change something you do daily.  
The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.  
~ John C. Maxwell

***
Do you find this to be true for you?

I've been challenged to think on this in some simple, but practical ways..
Know your passions,
Be a helper.
Have Fun!!
Listen and Learn.

Reach out with a word of encouragement to family or friends.
Affirm
Hug a little tighter...
Sing along... or simply listen to uplifting, positive, encouraging music!
SMILE!
Try a new recipe!  Or, stick to what's comfortable... and keep everyone happy!
Make your bed every day!
Keep looking for ways to bless others... be attentive to their needs!

Be a Blessing!!
Spread a little bit of love and kindness

I happened to think of this upbeat song as I was writing here... I hope you enjoy!!
A perfect way to sign off on this post for today!!

Let's decorate... for Christmas!!

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Let the decorating and the re-decorating begin! :)

***

Christmas

My goodness, my goodness, 

It's Christmas again.

The bells are all ringing.

I do not know when

I've been so excited.

The tree is all fixed, 

The candles are lighted,

The pudding is mixed.

The wreath's on the door

And the carols are sung,

The presents are wrapped

And the holly is hung.

The turkey is sitting 

All safe in its pan,

And I am behaving 

As calm as I can.

~ Marchette Chute

This re-decorating part... I have a feeling this will be done again and again.  Thanks to my little stinker who is behaving as calm as she can. :)  An appropriate poem for today!

Have a wonderful week!

** Linking this post with Tuesday @ Ten - Finding the Grace Within

An Ode the Ending of Summer. To the Start of a New Season. Oh! and the Winner of the Mugs and Muffins Giveaway!!!!

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“The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies.”

― J.R. Miller, Home-Making

***

It was a good evening to take a stroll with my two girlies.  Big Brother and Daddy were off on a cub scout camping trip - so, when that happens we always like to do something special.
We didn't go far.  Just a short jaunt around some of the pasture.
It was beautiful.  And, it was a beautiful opportunity to "seek and find" all the things that particularly captured our attention.

The sun was setting - peeking its glances through the leaves.  It caught our eye - we smiled back and enjoyed it's gentle gaze.  Hand-in-hand we strolled.  Chatting about our finds.
We found a cocoon, the moon filling the sky.  The farm from a far, the neighbors flowers and a first fallen leaf.  (It probably wasn't the first - but we won't tell...).  A hive for bees... better said, a wasps nest!!  (Oohh, we wonder if our landlord knows about this.  We'll be sure to tell him the next time we see him...)
We took note of the textured milk-house glass windows, clumps of recently mown off grass, and the tall, TA-AAALLLL silos!!

As summer casts its shadow on the garden wall - along go the flowers.  Perhaps?
A new season is upon us. A new school year!! We fill the backpacks and prep the lunch boxes.  It's the end of the day.  Time for a good night's rest!  And.. sleep we sort of did. :(

School, for the oldest, will be here by morning's light!!  Time for extra hugs and kisses.  Prayers.  Whiling away the nervous jitters and giddy excitement.  Time for extra encouragement and much needed, specific instructions...gentle reminders!!  And... this went for Mama, too!
***
And... here we are!! Early this morning!! Waiting for the big, yellow 54!

 

Jayne's first day of PreK is coming up - in about two weeks! :) She's so super-duper excited.
***
Oh - and before we forget!!
Congratulations - goes out to  Julia, who is the winner of the Mugs & Muffins Giveaway!! {pocket pouch}

Email me your mailing address - Julia - and I will get this giveaway out to you as soon as I am able.

***
Have a wonderful week - ya'll!!