Stay Awhile

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 Stay.   This has got to be one of my MOST favorite words...especially when in the company of a dear and favorite friend.  Either, I've said it often to my parents - as a youngster - when we would be the guests in someone's home.  I would literally beg.... "Can't we stay longer?"  Or, I would and sometimes, still find myself imploring a friend... to stay for just awhile longer - if they were over for just a simple cup of coffee and a chat.  Why change the moment and end it so soon?

Some of my favorite memories are when our kiddos were a lot younger and friends (whom we affectionately termed Fremily) would come over for, say, Sunday Lunch - after service - and we'd be having such a grand ole time; the kiddos playing so hard and the adults chatting it up or doing a project together, with several pots of coffee later.  It was like pulling teeth to separate and because this happened more than once I can safely say it was many a late night that the kids would crash out on the couches or on the floor.    

To me, this word Stay equates to a sense of belonging.  When your heart is "at home"...you want to just stay!!

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Linking up with the Five Minute Friday (FMF) Community!!  This weeks write-up prompt:

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!

Kindness really matters!

Oh my word.  I don't blame a single soul for falling off "my bandwagon" - here at Treasured Up and Pondered.  In fact, if you are reading this... I'm impressed.  Because, I've fallen off... as well.  Obviously.

So, for that... dear friend and reader...I say, if you're here and still "desiring to hear" anything from me - I say THANK YOU!   Yes, thank you for your kindness.... and your patience ... and your prayers.   Please feel my {hugs} and see my smiles...

Truth is.  Our plates are full.   I don't like to say we've been busy - because everyone is and can be "busy". Instead of busy I'll refer to it as - we've been "investing" ourselves into lots of different areas...

We're wrapping up the school year, with the kiddos, in just a few more short weeks.   My husband has also recently finished up a 15-month stent on taking up some Theological studies... he graduates, here, in early June.  His desire in this course has been for himself to grow - as a husband, a father, a leader, a friend; a way to better connect all the dots.  I think he's really grateful and blessed to have gone through this course.  I'm glad he did it and stuck to it.

Our home-based business continues to keep us on our toes... with its highs and lows.  All is fine!!  We continue to learn; grow ourselves as better individuals and leaders...we still LOVE what we do and what it is all about and why.  It's been life-changing, for us!!
We're always willing to share with others - a better way!!  Health and happiness is everyone's hope!!!

Church life is full of changes and challenges.  There are lots of things to be a part of...and areas to serve and mature in.   We don't live super close to our church, anymore - so there is that distance factor that plays a part in how much we can logistically be involved.  We're so grateful to have a wonderful church family...who understands and still encourages us! 
Something to keep in mind.  It really does matter how much you offer in as to what you you'll receive out of church.  There is no perfect situation.... BUT GOD!!! 

One of our most recent endeavors has been the invite to join a family/friends, of ours, in Revolutionary War reenactments.   This is mostly on account of our 11 yr old son.  His passion is beautiful combo of history and music.  So his role, in this "new hobby of ours" is an acting hornist for this particular regime; while the rest of us consider ourselves as camp followers or sutlers.    Doing this as a family allows us all to be involved; all going the same direction - with activities and such.   So far it has been a process; keeping to authenticity is very vital.  I really appreciate learning and understanding all of this.  It really has been fascinating.    How do I mean?    I've been helping to do the sewing for a lot of our 18th century garb.  Any visible seam needs to be hand-sown.  But, not only that... the cloth needs to be 100% wool or linen or cotton.  Only certain colors are of the time period...
So, there are lots of things to learn and lots of events to participate in - and new and interesting people to get to know.   ** I realize, I really should do some posts, with photos, on these, in effort to better preserve our memories - that we've been making as a family.

What else?

Of course - we're gearing up for summer and all its activities. Hoping for a couple of trips... one business related the other a family vacation.
We're also honing in on a few lingering house projects.... such as settling our side flower bed, putting up a washline (I cannot believe I've gone this long with out one! - kinda driving me cray-cray!!) and hopefully getting an outbuilding shed type thingy.   I'm sure there is a longer list...

My hubby and I just celebrated our 14th Wedding Anniversary!!  Yay!!!   Looking forward to forever...

Our son - is getting soooooo tall.  AND, his voice is deepening every. single. day.   It's so crazy how fast they change.  Caught in that place of wanting to still play with matchbox cars and nerf guns while busting out of shoes and his clothes - like a young man, should!!
Oh - and our two girls (ages 10 and 7) both donated 12" of hair.  Their first time of EVER getting their hair cut... even trimmed.  So, of course, the gal probably took a total of 14", till it was all said and done....
I was proud of them.  Of course, this mama shed a tear ever so slightly.  I thought I'd tear up more.  I am sure it was because we talked about long and hard enough to finally just "do it".   Right?   They still have pretty long hair and could almost go for a "round-two" already... but, they don't want it any shorter, at this point. 

***
 Why all this ramble?   I have no idea -- other than, I just needed to get it all out there - as a way to play catch up. Get my fingers back to the keyboard.  I've really missed it.   This quiet, reflective space...   

I will say.  I was having a chat with my 10 year old, this morning.  She "unloaded" it all... the tears were flowing and I was holding her and listening.  The things she shared were real, and raw; things I could easily relate to - as I've been there myself, many times.     One of things I shared, with her,  in return, is that as you grow into a young woman - you will find that this may happen again - over and over and over again!   Relationships and friendships will come and go.  Being kind through them all speaks volumes.  But, yes!  There is what feels like a footprint left on your heart.  Sometimes it hurts.  Sometimes it really leaves an impression.  Sometimes that is all that it is... but sometimes... its meant to be blessing!!!

May someone's kindness towards you - leave an impression - today!!   How about you - for someone else...okay?  It really matters.  I pray my daughter shines like the sun, today!!!

going somewhere

 Found these footsie photos on my camera/phone.   I cannot deny - these feet are my daughter's.  :)

 She got me to thinking... about me, as a youngster, growing up.  And, to this day... I love my bare feet... to be read... I don't like wearing shoes.  But...as a young gal, my issue was occasionally stubbing a toe - as I would be running or walking down the road.  I specifically remember, one time, stubbing my toe extremely hard on the macadam.  OUCHie!!  And, oh the blood... it is a wonder I have that fifth toe still on my foot.  

Probably more than that were the times I would sprain or overturn my ankles, as I'd run across the yard.  Oh, I would have such a horrible time with that.  One time, so that I had no excuse and still had to go to school.. my dad made a "homemade" single crutch, for me, to use - which I was "so embarrassed" by.  I hated that thing!!  I remember taking it to school but refusing to use it... so I hid it in the corner of our classroom.  I'm not sure why I'm telling you all that, other then... I ask.  Why do we "refuse" help?  Especially, when it is being offered.  People looking on - know it is of our best interest that we take the help they offer. 

Oh, and then there was the time  - I KNOW I broke my toe - possibly even two of them, on the same foot.  There is nothing to be done, really, about broken toes... but... to realize... time will heal.  And... we keep moving on, right?

**

Many of you remember, that my word for this year - is Grow or Growth!!

Well... let me tell you.  That has been happening.  I'm so grateful, for it, too!!   One of the books I've been reading is by a man I heard speak for the first time, back in the summer - though, he's been around for like "forever"... is John C. Maxwell.   I fell in love with his teaching style... and wow!!  Because, of that... I'm soaking up his books.  As many as I can.    The one I'm currently reading is: 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.

Amazing!!  I'm currently in a book study with several others and we're going through this book.  You should see my copy... totally underlined and highlighted.  It's dog-eared and notes written in on the side lines.  It's been a perfect book for me to read.  I needed it.

One illustration, John, shared in this book - encourages me soooo much!!  

Found on page 131... He writes.... Inventor Charles F. Kettering, who was the head of research at General Motors, said, "You will never stub your toe standing still.  The faster you go, the more chance there is of stubbing your toe, but the more chance you have of getting somewhere."

John continues...In other words, where there is no struggle, there is no progress or gain.. facing difficulties is inevitable - but learning from them is optional.

~~

In owning my own business... I have had some serious bumps in the road, in the past.   I have stubbed my "toe(s)" from time to time.  Which, in reality, is very encouraging.  And, I will have more "stubbed toes" in the future.   A stubbed toe - brings out all the feelings, doesn't it?  There is this temptation to give up - and hobble off the course.  However, when kept in perspective... the reality is - we've been going somewhere.  Presumably, forward!!!  And, THAT is what is truly important.  TO KEEP ON KEEPING ON!!

You don't get anywhere sitting on the sidelines - cheering everyone else along, now do you?

In my job, I am referred to as an Ambassador.  (The same applies, in that I'm a Christian - an Ambassador for Christ!)  What does an Ambassador do?

Well... they tell.  They bring good news!  They share - all the amazing things they know and have come to learn and understand.  They represent...

I like how this verse in Romans 10:15b says... 

 "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."

You may get tired so rest, if you must, but never, ever quit.

**

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD and KEEP GOING!!!  However....

I am going to share one word of caution.  You can't walk the road alone.  For he that travels by himself - is going too fast!!   We need each other!!  Be sure - your "buddy" is with you - as you go!!!

I hope I've been a blessing here to someone today!!!

fmf | feel the rain

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Some people feel the rain - others just get wet!

A couple of years ago - I can recall...outdoors planting some "gifted" plants and wanted to get them in the ground before it rained.  You know how things "grow"...?  Better to set in wet soil than in dry....however, a good soaking rain (after planting) is especially good!!!
My girlies were out there with me - and before I knew it, here it came.  A gentle but steady - WET - rain.  Getting rather intense, actually.  My first thought was to race indoors and call the girls behind me.  Nope!!

They were having fun!!  Twirling and laughing.  Soaking it all up.  The blessing of feeling the rain - and not just getting wet.   I, on the other hand,   had to really think about that.  As much as I love me a rainy day (and I talk about that often) my first and immediate inclination is to run in and get out of the rain.   I don't know that I've slowed ever down long enough to really feel it.   Maybe I have.  I'm getting better.  At least, I hope so.

You know.  Troubles - they fall like rain...we say.   Why are we in such a hurry to get out of the rain?  Why are we in such a hurry to get out of the troubles - that come?  Blessings also fall like rain - we like to say!
Yet, we're willing to bask in those?   I don't know. 
I'm pondering all of this today... how about you?  Are you a person who just gets wet or do you like feeling the rain?


***

Joining up with Five Minute Friday community where today's word prompt is:

{re post} The Day My Sister Pretty Much Saved My Life.

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Photo courtesy of my Sister Lorene!

On hot days like these last few have been - I think of water.  Naturally.  However, I must be true and say that I do not like to go swimming.  At least, this: Don't make me go under water if I don't have to.  I've had one too many close calls...

Today, I shall tell you about one of them. As, I have once promised, a long time ago...oops! 

A couple of years ago, now, we were at our usual Summer Vacay place - a cabin ~ Dutchman's Paradise ~ that we as a family have gone to pretty much since I was two years of age.  The one small river nearby, similar to this above photo, was pretty full that year.  It made great the idea for going tubing.  There was a small group of us.  Myself, my Uncle Roy (who has since passed on), my sister Lorene, and another cousin or two.  We started out from the one bridge, about 3 miles down the road from our cabin, and our plan was to go on downstream, over to the next road where we would get picked up via a vehicle to come on back to the cabin.  This was probably a two mile tubing trip - I would guess..

Keep in mind,  I was newly married at the time.  My husband had just left, that morning, to get back on the road.  (At the time, he was a Truck Driver). We had just said our Good-byes.  This "day of fun", here at the cabin was just getting started, for everyone...

Our little group.  We were off ... happily aboard our tubes; we set sail.  Lollygagging downstream...it was a beautiful morning, a lovely scenic float all along the way..trees on all sides.  Parts of the river were shaded, water sounds rippling over rocks and the birds singing made it even more peaceful.  I loved it!

This was the day my sister (Lorene) pretty much saved my life.  And, I'm forever grateful.

The group was ahead of me.  I saw the way the river was looking... coming up.  One side was pretty shallow, the other side nice, deep(er) and running pretty good.  It had rounded a bend and the other tubers were soon outta sight.  My turn.

As I was going toward this faster water coming up... I "planned" my maneuvers through there, so I thought.  It looked like a HUGE tree must have uprooted itself over onto the bank and all of it's root system was exposed..I figured I would maybe bump into that, twirl around and keep on floating downstream...naturally, going with the flow.

Except that I hit that root system pretty hard.  I flipped off my tube and could feel nothing below me, around me, above me. I was in a major whirlpool...twirling and swirling... my arm was stretched as far it could go above me.  I came up chocking and sputtering and (I still) absolutely cannot believe it to this day that my glasses stayed on my face. I reached out and found a root to hang onto... and hang on I did!!   While in that churning water - my life was going before me... my newly wedded husband off in a truck somewhere... I was praying... Lord, Jesus!  Help me!  I just knew I was...I WAS GOING TO DIE!!!  I remember telling myself over and over to "not panic" and to keep calm.  To deep breathe.. and to continue praying..

From my sister's point of view at this point   My tube came around the bend, but I wasn't on it.  She leaped into action.  I guess the others had kinda all gotten back over onto that shallow area and stopped to take a break.  Because they, too had just come through that "FAST and FURIOUS" area.. 

All I can remember is hearing my name being called, repeatedly and intensely; telling me to let go and grab the tube!!!   Little did I know that she was in the water herself, at this point - not being able to touch bottom.  Her "screaming" at me - snapped me enough to where I literally had to decide to let go of the root I was hanging onto (for dear life) and grab the tube she was holding out to me.  That right there was probably one of the most important decisions of my life where I HAD TO CHOOSE who or what to trust in, in that moment.

I let go.

I grabbed the tube and she miraculously pulled me out of that torrential whirlpool... My Uncle was now in the wings.  I think I sat there on that stony bank - opposite of the river - for a long while.   The problem was.  We were what? two hours into our float? We HAD TO FINISH.  People were waiting for us - or would be, at least.  And, THERE was NO WAY I could walk anywhere.  This was in the middle of absolute nowhere.  Literally.  I had to face it and keep going.

The rest of the 2 hours, floating downstream, was pretty non-eventful.  Thank God!  And beautiful...I truly was one Grateful Soul.. that my sister had presence of mind in knowing what to do in that moment.  The Lord was with us, for sure that morning.

My nose still burns of water, in the memory...

One of the funny things of that morning is that I can distinctly remember my Mom - jokingly, looking my way, while holding out a yellow rope, and saying something about, "Are you sure you don't want to have this along with you, while your tubing?".  I remember kinda blowing her off - as if to the fact that we would be fine..
Little did I know ... it would be me who needed it.

I guess that isn't very funny.  But we could have used the rope, too!  I suppose.

I just know this one thing, for sure.  You probably won't ever find me out there tubing again.  At least at this point - I don't think so. 

Unless...of two things.  One, my sister must be along and two, we take along a strong yellow rope!  haha..

This incident  and neardeath experience aside... I really did enjoy myself.



::  This photo is not of where this actually took place.

***
There are so many things I could pull from this.  So many analogies.. but I think if you read in between the lines, you know what they are.

What are your thoughts?? 

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 | restore {It's time to move!}

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Joel 2:25a... So, I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust have eaten...

Today. This weekend.  It will be exactly one year ago... that our lives would be ultimately changed.  I don't want to say "turned upside down"...but, at times, it sure has felt that way.

On these dates, back on

June 16-17, 2017

Our family had just purchased our first home and had plans to move (on the 17th) and the night before, our move, I was in a pretty much head on collision (my girls were with me, our vehicle totaled... and I sustained a fractured sternum.)  This was not planned!!

Albeit to say.  I was no help with the move.  I was the "last thing" moved out of the old (farm)house and the "last thing" settled into the new one.  I had to sit and watch others settle my new home for me...

Oh, I healed up - but it took time.  And, to this day... I can still feel the effects.

Looking back, this was a pretty stressful year.  Up until this point we had been on an AMAZING health journey, since 2015 - where we felt like we were in our early twenties again, even though - truth be told I literally just turned 45 years of age...this past Sunday.  I would have easily told you, before all this happened, that I felt like I was 23, 24... something like that?  It was incredible.  This part of "going back" is different as in, its a way of going forward.  I think you know what I mean.

However, stress can really, really play havoc on a person's body.   To the point where you just "wanna go back".  Give up!!!   Back to where life was "easier".   Back to where life "wasn't bumpy".  Where is wasn't "hard"...

(cue.  the story of the Children of Israel - in the desert - wanting to go back to Egypt.  Remember that story?)  The thing is... Stress, in this context, for me, made it feel like I literally was going backwards in my health... and I think I did.  It wasn't fun. Or, impressive.  To gain weight again, again?  To not have the same energy and zest that I had just experienced months prior.

This health journey we're (still) currently on, though... wow!! If it wasn't for these products and such, over the course of this past year... I honestly DO NOT KNOW where we would be, right now.  They have helped us, get through, so much.  So, so much.  It would have only been worse..

In a different aspect... because, it is also a nice little side-hustle for us... and in building this business (which, it is growing, by the way!!)... but, it too has been hard.  And, stressful at times.  What business isn't, right?

So - through out this year, the theme of my heart has been the word - Grow or Growth!!  It has been that one word, for my year! and if you've been reading here for awhile or even if you're new... you know I've talked about this... word!!  Quite a few times...

Well. I wanna switch gears here for a second and I hope you stay with me... I promise I will bring it all back around.

You know the thumbs up/like button on social media?   I wanna talk about this for a second, but in a different sort of way.

So, with our side business and health journey... My hubby and I were able to attend our second convention, this past weekend.  Held in Orlando.  Obviously, we flew.  I have only flown a handful of times.  And, I'm always grateful that I am with my hubby - that he's by my side.  (On a side note... the day I fly solo - without him - I will know I have grown a "couple of inches" in my confidence.  Wow!!)... anyway.  SO,I'm not real confident and we're about to take off.   The plane is full... and I have to tell you.  Where I happened to be sitting... I could see straight into the cockpit area.  For whatever reason the cabin doors were open still and I had a small window to see into the cabin area.  I could see the Captain's head looking over towards his co-pilot...and then next thing I saw in that little window; my little line of vision, was The THUMB'S UP to the air-traffic controllers!!!!

This meant the Captain was ready.  The plane was loaded and ready.  And - we began the motion of going and moving forward and upward.

That momentum propelled us to leave behind where we were and move on the greater heights.

Thumbs up - meant it was all Okay!!

It was a very powerful moment for me... and it still is as I think about it.  (yes, there are tears as I'm typing.)   Why do I think I ever want to go back... "back to Egypt"?

I want to live my life in such a way - that others feel the "thumbs up".  That they will see and feel a positive influence.   That they will be encouraged by my SMILE and words offered in hope!!  That they will want to hear what I have to say and will love me for it.

Whether it is in their health; their finances; their various opportunities.... as a ticket agent of influence I'm moving forward and upward... and folks are welcome to come along for the ride.

Obviously, we cannot control our destiny.  That is in the hands of GOD Almighty.    But, I believe he calls us to walk through hills and valleys.  He is the God of the Mountain as well as God in the Valley.   Sometimes, it will be those two steps forward, that one step back.

But... when we trust the process.  I'm going to say it again...

BUT, WHEN WE TRUST THE PROCESS... we can rest confident  our life is in his hand!  He's got big things in store for us.  Changes, planned or unplanned, on our behalf, are all still part of HIS plan.  No matter what we feel about it.  Whether we like those feelings or not.  Or, if we have to "stop" and let others do for us, for awhile.  

I just want to add this at the end, real quick.  That Thumb's UP motion from that Captain spoke volumes to me.   I felt a peace wash over me... Something I was surprised by.  To me it was a signal and sign of  "agreement".  All was right, and okay!!  It's time to move.  It's to keep going.   

IT'S TIME!!!

Thumbs Up!!

*** 

Linking up with Five Minute Friday - for the prompt word : restore - I have taken liberty to go beyond the five minutes, with my own theme, yet in keeping with the prompt.   Thank you for reading!! 

fmf :: play

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What is fmf, you ask??   Five Minute Friday.
An opportunity to share in five minutes, your thoughts, on the prompt word given.  Not a lot of overthinking or time spent...
This week's word was: Play

 ***

Oh the things you find when one of your kiddos asks if they can play with your phone!!

Scrolling through... it makes me nearly laugh at all the fun and creativity this girl provides...
Here are just two I've found, recently, on my phone...
Silly girl!!  I often find she's recorded videos, songs... antics. :)

Being the middle child - she is often adaptable to others taking charge at what to play but before long - you can hear her calling the shots and everyone, then, follows Aubrey... :)

My daughter is a lot like me - growing up.  As the oldest child, I was always creatively coming up with new ideas and things to play - make believe. 
One day I'd be a nurse, the next a school teacher, the next a mom...
Always pretending to be someone else and someone older than me.  I NEVER played things as my own age...my bike was always my car!!!
Oh, and when it was time to do the dishes or help in the garden...
Nope.  I was off, playing or hiding... pretending I had to use the bathroom.  BAAADDDD!!!

I don't know what I would have been like had my parents a cell phone to play on.

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Linking up with fiveminutefriday.com

When Push comes to Shove

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So. What's going on,with our housing situation?  I know a lot of you dear folks are wondering, interested and would like to know.

Push is coming to shove and changes are all around us.

Just a few days ago, the farm went under contract. Pretty much - it's been SOLD!   Let the cleanout - begin!!  We're not sure, but we think a small (larger home) housing development is going in. (Don't quote me!)

A short year ago... we had a farm sale here and that was a "sad day".  This is, in a way, almost sadder.  I had no idea there were so many treasures hidden, buried deep within the "guts" of this ole farm.   

Things that belong in an auction house - in my opinion.  :)

But even more - are the memories and stories that if only these walls could talk.

Honestly, this puts us (our family) in position for some immediate changes (at least, in the next couple of months) to begin afresh with our own "new adventures".

Lord Willing, we'll be buying a house... 

A home of our own... where out lives will continue on to tell our own stories.  

This place.  This farm was our home for the past eight years.  Our roots run deep...here.

Intertwined. And, this ripping and pulling away feels hard to bare.  Feels hard to face.   It feels like a birthing.  The pains are great.  
Taking our breath away...

We need lots and lots of prayer... as the days ahead continue. We ask for peace, patience, and God's continued providence... in our lives!!

**You know what else this will mean?  The nature of the photos/my photos, for this blog, are going to change.  And, see!!  Now, I made you sad too!  
I'm so sorry...

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Celebrate

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Before another "normal" day slips by... I want to say....

We have had quite a few things to celebrate over the past several months.  Things that I've been just too busy (?) to share... and that is not my heart.  So here, we are...

Birthday's -  for all three of my kiddo's

One is now nine.  One is eight. and One turned five!!

And, then of course there is the entry to Kindergarten - for my youngest - that just makes my heart go pitter patter!!  I'm excited and yet, I can't believe it.

STOP GROWING UP! I want to say...

My husband earned his Wood Badge - with Scouts!

And, Caleb has advanced to Weblo's... we're looking forward to another great Scout Year!!

Most recently, something to celebrate is the Baptism - for both my son and my husband.

I know I'm a little like, way behind the times here - but wanted to at least get these special moments documented... so, forgive me for these being so "late in the game".  If you follow me on Facebook - you may have seen a lot of these photos, already... 

For the record!

Enjoy the photos!!

Caleb wanted to play "happy birthday" while we sang..

The eight year birthday - around here is a big deal!  There are so many photos I could share for Aubrey's birthday - as she had a special time celebrating with a sleepover, outdoor movie and lots of other fun!!  It was hard just picking only a few..

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Kindergarten has been such a blast for Jayne, this year!!
This photo was from her first day of school!

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Again, there are (I'm sure) many other moments of things I could have documented here... where I've neglected to get them up on the blog here... but, such is life.

These are blessings just the same and I don't want to forget them - just the same!!  I love my family!!  I love what each one means to me in their own unique and special way...  I love seeing the way our family is growing, changing and coming into it's own.

:: I wonder what the next few weeks and months will bring!?!?!?    God sure has been so good, to us!!

A Safe Refuge

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Every house where love abides 

And friendship is a guest

Is surely home, and home, sweet home

For there the heart can rest.

~ Henry Van Dyke

I've been thinking about Emilie Barnes - sad that her life on this earth has recently passed.  But what an encouraging life of influence she led and how that legacy will continue to endure...

I will always think of Emilie as a mentor in my life.

She will be greatly missed.

A Safe Refuge

A welcoming home is a place of refuge, a place where people worn by the noise and turmoil and hostility of the outside world can find a resting place.  A welcoming home is a place that you and others can enjoy coming home to.

If you live in a house with small children, you may already be shaking your head.  "What do you mean, 'noise and turmoil of the the outside world'? I have to leave home to get away from noise and turmoil!"

But even in the rough-and-tumble of family living, home can be a safe haven and even a place of quiet (at least some of the time).  And especially if noise and activity crowd your life, making the extra effort to create a sense of refuge in the midst of it can pay off wonderful dividends.

Besides, a refuge is not a hole where you disappear to eat and sleep and emerge to go about the business of life.  A welcoming home is where real life happens. It's where personalities are nurtured, where growth is stimulated, where people feel free not only to be themselves but also to develop their best selves.  That caring, nurturing quality - not the absence of noise or strife - is what makes a home a refuge.   

-  The Spirit of Welcome: The Spirit of Loveliness, by Emilie Barnes

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My prayer - Lord, that I would continue to grow this spirit of nurture, welcome and loveliness... every single day... help me!!  Both in my heart and in my home..

Happy Mother's Day!

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*** warning: buttercup photo overload ;)  Enjoy!!

Flowers on the windowsill are never an exception.  They are always the rule this time of year!

I caught my girls out in our "empty" cowpasture - over the weekend.  These photos were taken through the dining room window.  I don't prefer they wander the meadow and usually it's a strong "no-no" for them to be out there but I guess since there were no cows and the buttercups kept calling their names (wonder how I could tell?)... I let them continue.  Simply capturing these moments.

They do know that it'll probably be the VERY last time - they can do this.  The grasses will be too high and the tick's will be out aplenty before too long.   This is what we will have to deal with - with no cows to keep the meadow grass at bay.  We miss "our" cows.  Truth is.  

We've never seen so many buttercups in one place before.  ((sigh))

We love they're yellow glow under the chin!!  Buttercups are so dainty and precious..

For now.  I will take ALL their bouquets of buttercups they can collect and call it a Happy Mother's Day - in advance!

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If you are Blessed.  Be a Blessing!!