~Trusty Joyfully~

Splendor and Beauty

2012-01-27T22:18:00.001-05:00

Some know the significance of these words in my daughter's life. MMH is both splendid and beautiful. Her beauty is not just that which we see on the outside, but is the beauty of a young woman learning to follow God more closely and to see what He has planned for her life. It is the beauty of trust as she watches her friends' lives change in ways different from hers, but trusts that God is still at work.

And, lest you think I'm too sappy, beauty is also present when God gives us strength to tell her "no," or "try again," or any of the other words and phrases we might use when she chooses a poor path or makes a doubtful decision.

But, tonight splendor and beauty did describe her appearance. I love my daughter!

Sometimes, despite seeing how much she's grown I still catch a glimpse of the precious baby I once held.

We had a lot of fun shopping for her outfit.

I never shopped for a wedding dress, as I wore my mother's. Nor did I attend a formal dance where I was able to shop for my own dress. So being able to accompany MMH on her dress excursion was a treat!

The occasion was a "Formal Masquerade Ball" in honor of her friend's Sweet Sixteen. MMH designed and created her own mask.

And that's my girl... sorry for the blur, someone else took the photo at the party. But, that's the sweet smile I love so much.

Soon it will be your turn our splendid and beautiful daughter. Sweet Sixteen is just around the corner for you.

Love,

Kim

Why every train needs a cow catcher...

2012-01-07T19:52:00.000-05:00

Earlier, on facebook, you may have read of my kids' crazy conversation as they created their gingerbread train. The phrases "time of death" and "blood and gore" are not the usual words you hear as kids are busy with their gingerbread creations. My kids, however, are "just a bit ~~different~~ ~~odd~~ strange.

Anyway, for those who read those words on my facebook status update, below are the pictures which help to explain. And, in case you wonder where they get it from? I thought of the cow. (Thanks April for that part of my birthday gift last year... as you can see, it came in handy!)

Hope you enjoy!
Love, Kim

Blessed is the man...

2012-01-07T19:04:00.000-05:00

James 1:11-13

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹¹ For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

¹² Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life whichthe Lord has promised to those who love Him. ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

As I was working today I realized again that I should be continually thanking the Lord. Yes, it was while I was working hard that I realized this because I COULD work hard. In 2010 I had suffered some sudden symptoms suggesting I might have suffered a heart attack. After MANY MANY doctor visits, blood tests, scans and the like it was determined that was not the case. For those who have been reading this blog for a while you might remember this post. It took several months and then my original doctor had mentioned the words "gluten intolerant." Without going into details he also described the testing methods and at that time I was just not interested. But, he told me I could also try eating gluten free. After four months of battling the idea of changing life so drastically I embarked on this new diet, with my husband's blessings.

It's now been a year or more, and Senior Son has had to walk the same path I have. But, we're making progress. Tonight I'm cooking two dinners... one for the gluten eaters and one for Josh and I. Yes, it's a bit more work, but in the end we are healthier, happier and able to be more awake, more active, less depressed. I've continued to study about gluten intolerance and learned that there are many diseases associated with this... chronic fatigue, depression, and fibromyalgia, to name a few. But, with God's great mercies Josh and I are moving beyond these side effects and learning a new way to live. And, on top of that, we are learning to be thankful for each bite we can eat safely and happily.

So, while to some this may seem a trial, and in the beginning it was quite difficult to balance the gluten intolerance (and then my added wheat allergy... not even touching wheat products) with caring for my family and myself, God has given me new joy in accomplishing even a seemingly easy task like dinner... which isn't as easy as it once was. I'm very blessed to take from the hand of the Lord what He offers and to grow because of that, not despite that. That's the new focus.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.---2 Corinthians 4:17-18

May God grant you His many mercies because of the trials you face, big or small, and may you all grant Him all glory.

Shalom,

Kim

If one tree falls on the lawn...

2012-01-04T20:33:00.001-05:00

and there are 7 people standing around. Does anyone hear the scream? Not the tree's scream, mind you. My scream. "Watch the stand! Watch the wall! It's hooked on the rug! On your jeans! Watch out for the wall! You're going to do what?!" Aaggghhhhh....

And so ends the life of our beautiful tree. It now lies in a huddled heap awaiting pick up. Where it will be turned into mulch. Josh suggested sawing it and using it for firewood. But, I ask you, with our rusty handsaw? I think not...

It was a lovely month with our ~~mini~~ MONSTER tree. The tree of epic proportions. The tree of which many stories will be told. From the first time WeeOne and I spotted it on the tree farm, to the amusing task of MMH and I hauling it up the basement steps, to my several attempts to get the lights just right, and finally to tonight's epic performance... If it were a joke it would read...

"How many men does it take to get a tree out of the house?

Answer? 4

one to get the tarp,

one to point out that we needed a way to dispose of the water

one to laugh at me

and one to lift it and bodily throw it over the front stone wall and down one story to the lawn below.

Oh...

and one woman yelling helpfully, "Watch out. Be careful. Don't break anything."

It was a humorous site. Although I have yet to look out at my tree, now sitting forlorn and abandoned in the front yard. You know, that dead tree is a special decoration out there now!

Anyway... that's the story of the end of our Christmas tree. Tomorrow we might just be able to remove the stand from the tree. Here's hoping!

Oh... and one of the boxes has gone missing in which we stored Christmas decorations... so, the putting away of all things Christmas has ground to a halt. Meanwhile, it's delightful to listen to Dear, Aaron, Josh, MMH, WeeOne and our "adopted son" Graham sitting upstairs and laughing at Dr. Who.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Love, Kim

Aged Women...

2012-01-01T01:09:00.000-05:00

Welcome 2012. This is my last year in my forties. Yep, I'm admitting it here in public. Or at least to those few who still chance to read this blog. According to some I'll soon be joining the ranks of "aged women" although many days I don't feel aged at all. But, if years count I guess approaching 50 counts for something!

I've been doing a lot of thinking and praying this year. I've been studying and learning. I've gone through many changes, both good and bad. And as I sit here in the first hour of 2012 I want to be careful of what I hope for in the new year. I could resolve to strive for health, diet, exercise, and many more things. But, as I sat down to jot a quick post what came to mind was the Titus 2 woman.

³ that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

⁴ that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

⁵ to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:

Titus 2: 3-5

And, so I'll be praying that the Lord will grant me His wisdom so I may become more of who He wants me to be, and less of who the world expects me to be. No lengthy posts here, just a hope for biblical womanhood this year, and that I may impart that as well to my daughters.

Galatians 1:3
Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ,

Blessings!
Kim

Blessings Unfold

2011-10-09T00:41:00.000-04:00

It has been an eventful summer since last I wrote. For that matter it's been an eventful beginning to the fall season and a new school year. Over the summer we dealt with unexpected hitches in the boys' education, health concerns for Young Man, along with his missions/class time in Alaska rather than job time in VA, four births which stretched me to the utmost, a change in Dear's employment thanks to the "BRAC" act (Base Reduction And Closure) which shipped his job to CA; the loss of one of his dear friends due to suicide, and then just to make life interesting we learned that I have a "life altering" allergy to poison ivy, and wheat.

But, we persevered. One of the things that I hoped to focus on this summer was service to others. I realized that in our sports centered year last year we had missed many opportunities to serve. So, rather than a summer job, summer schooling, or the like the girls and I would find ways to serve others this past summer. Mostly what we did was to make ourselves available to young mothers who needed help with childcare, at no cost. The girls served a young mother of two children who was on her own while her husband served overseas, they helped watch two young children of another mother who had recently given birth, and were available and used by a number of others. This past fall they have helped to make food for a dear friend as her husband fights cancer. They also come willingly to visit, even thought it's hard, and we usually cry on the way home, we are glad to be of some use.

But, something hit home the other day. Remember that wheat allergy I mentioned? Well, after my poison ivy incident occurred, we learned that not only was I gluten intolerant, but I actually had contact dermatitis when exposed to wheat. So, when I found myself chair/bed bound due to exposure to both wheat and poison ivy my girls took over... cooking, cleaning, changing my ice packs, bringing me food. At the time I was very grateful. Then a friend commented that I was seeing the fruits of the lessons learned over the summer. How funny. When I thought of serving others it never really occurred to me that they would be serving me here at home due to that lesson. Another night found MMH painting the bathroom vanity..."because it needed it, and I wanted to do it," she said; and when I awoke from an antihistamine induced nap I found that WeeOne had cleaned the entire kitchen, even down to the hand washing of pots and pans AND cleaning the trap in the sink. Today it hit home again as WeeOne happily fixed the dryer vent where my larger fingers wouldn't fit. She was 100% pleased with herself for being such a help.

I pray that as they grow older the blessings of serving others continues to unfold in their lives and that they never lose this joy.

²⁵ But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

²⁶ If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. ²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Jame 1: 24-27

Shalom,

Kim

The end is in sight... sort of

2011-05-15T22:16:00.004-04:00

It's been a long year. For those who have followed you know that last year at this time I was very sick... mono, CFS and FM. This year, although I wouldn't say I'm 100%, I feel so much better. That's not to say there haven't been hard days, but over all a big improvement. And, there's been an incredible improvement in attitudes as well.

MMH was just baptized, and joined the church. That was a huge thing, and the fact that it happened on Mothers' Day made it all the sweeter. WeeOne has been learning about stepping out and stretching her world. When Big Sis had to quit track WeeOne was NOT happy, but she stuck with it, and made new friends. And academically I've also seen such huge strides.

I did take a very low profile in teaching for our Friday co-op. I only taught art this year, which I believe makes for 7 years in a row of teaching art. But, praise God, I'm done with art, at least for now, and next year have the joy of teaching 2 or 3 high school classes: 2 semesters of communications, 1 semester of missions based reading and perhaps a year of "The Fallacy Detective." Exciting stuff. At least to me.

Back to this year... one of the focuses in art this year was photography. We began with a full 10 weeks or so of photography under my tutelage, and then just finished 5 weeks this past Friday under Kristin Peters, who does photography on the side. Such a nice end to the year!

Anyway, thought you all might enjoy a few of the kids photos, so enjoy! Part of these last five weeks was learning to alter the photos, and currently we're using a free trial of Adobe Photoshop Elements. What a toy! (The first three are by WeeOne, shot at the local university. The last shots are by MMH, and are explained below.)

Just a quick note on MMH's rose photos... we had a special time for just the high school students. I supplied them each with a rose and told them to try as many shots as they could think of taking... these were just a few of MMH's shots. Quite gorgeous I think!

Anyway, we have just completed our Friday co-op, have two days of standardized testing and 2 weeks left in Western Civ. After that it's just math for the summer, as usual. So, by the end of May we'll basically be done. I'm so grateful, as last year at this time I wasn't even sure I could do another year. The Lord has been gracious, and not only restored much of my energy, but is renewing in me the desire to teach. (As long as it's not art!)

Shalom,
Kim

1% + 98%

2011-05-14T22:01:00.001-04:00

What does that equal? Well, it equals a successful track season for WeeOne.

I am not now, nor have I ever been, an athlete. I have enjoyed simple sports: biking, swimming, playing "Kick the Can" with neighborhood kids, but I was never part of organized athletics. Well, there was one season where I was a "student manager" for the girls Varsity volleyball team, but...

Somehow, when the boys left home for college I figured my days of being a "sports mom" were done. After all, I had girls. I was a girl. I didn't do sports. My girls wouldn't do sports. Guess again. MMH decided her 8th grade year that she wanted to play volleyball. Mind you, she had never played before, nor did she even know the rules to the game, she just knew she wanted to play. Then around comes her freshman year and volleyball was at the forefront again. At least until that season was over and basketball began. Two sports? Not even the boys did that.

Then around Christmas we started hearing the word "TRACK"... but it wasn't coming from MMH, rather it came from WeeOne. She of the never-ending energy had decided that Track and Field would be HER sport. After all, she knew how to run. Right? HA! And then, horror of horrors, big sister decided she ALSO wanted to participate. At which point I thought I might lose my mind. Three sports in one year? I was tired, tired, tired of the driving, but Dear gave the go-ahead, so we went ahead.

Week 2 hit in the Varsity track team and MMH had to drop out... Osgood Slaughters (let's simply say debilitating knee pain) was the causal agent. Meanwhile WeeOne had begun her season and she was NOT happy. Actually the word "QUIT" was heard being murmured and mumbled from her region of the back seat after practice each day. We talked about learning how to "stay the course" how to "run the race that is set before you" and many other such things. In the end, we simply said, MMH HAD to quit, but you may NOT quit. Just tough it out.

Goals were set, and eventually met, and finally one day she exited practice with a smile on her face. Within one week she was saying that she might think about running next year, and a week later she told us she was 91% sure she would run. Meanwhile the rains kept coming down, meets kept getting cancelled and we all began to wonder if this would be a season with no competition.


Always a good idea to let your coach know if you're leaving the field. Ahem!			Note WeeOne in the upper left corner.

FINALLY made it to the start line. ALWAYS wait till they say if your heat is or is not running before you walk off.

Finally her first meet came around and she was able to compete. She didn't win, but she did win one of her heats, and she did well. And, when it all ended this past week she said, with a big smile on her face, "I'm 1% + 98% sure I'll be running next year." Now THAT made for a successful season!

This is the face that sums it up. She decided she wanted to run, and run fast. She won this heat.

So, all in all a good year. Tonight at the dinner her coaches recognized her as the team member that never complained, and also the team member who really improved her time. I'm proud, she did indeed run the race set before her.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... Hebrews 12:1

I pray she may run all her races in such a manner.

Shalom,
Kim

It's a blustery day out Piglet!

2011-04-23T00:48:00.001-04:00

I received a call an hour or so ago from my brother. In St. Louis. Where the tornadoes ripped through. He's fine, and so is the family. RELIEF!

The weather has been interesting here, balmy and gorgeous one day and blustery and blowing another day. It seems that I've been the same. Some days calm and peaceful and other days storms rage inside. (And I must admit this whole post was inspired by my friend on her blog.. her last post). Nevertheless, this has been a long time coming.

Aunt Sue (the baby)
Aunt Carol (the big sister)
Mom (my mom!)

I've been blogging for a number of years now. Different names, different hosting sites. Different writing styles. All the while I've been writing these posts to family far and near so they could "keep up" with us even though we don't get to see each other often. Because, in truth, they are always as near as my heart and my prayers. I miss them VERY Much. This weekend I get to see my mom. FINALLY. It's been a long two years... give or take. Long story behind all this, but God is always at work and I'm so very grateful. Then in a few months I head north and see my aunt and uncle. Our mutual trip to a state park was just too much for them, and so we're trying this new approach. And just a week or so later my other aunt will be down here for a family reunion and I'll even see my cousin. I can't even remember the last time I saw her!

Meanwhile, life changed so much last year as Chronic Fatigue took such a huge toll, along with a previously unknown case of mono. YIKES! I'm learning to live a different way, trust God in different areas, and enjoy each moment more. Usually. Not always. But I'm trying.

"For to such belongs the kingdom of God."
an assemblage completed in November 2010
(still for sale)

Previously this blog consumed me. Hours a day of writing. I wanted so badly to be heard. To be noticed. To be listened to. Now I'm happy to live and learn from God. I still enjoy creating, but am creating more at home and not as much for sale. Although the sale will still happen in November, Lord willing.

Josh... learning so much from God.
I'm just excited to watch him grow.

Aaron...enjoying a bit of free time.

I think what I'm learning is to learn to live life HERE. At Home. Not online. As the time approaches that my boys both graduate college, same school year!, I'm realizing that time with family is more fleeting than I realized. And, while our oldest is nearby, and will probably stay nearby, our second hopes to end up in Africa. As in across the ocean, south of the equator, far away. And, that's as it should be. As I seem to have always known it would be. The Lord had called him, from the womb. And, truth be told the Lord has called each of us to something... some to be saved, some not, some to serve over seas, some to be served, He has a purpose for each of us. I want to fulfill the purpose He has for me.

At the birth of Canaan. Such a blessing!

So, I'm living life. Searching for his will. Learning to love my husband more. Enjoy my kids more. And not to worry so much about what everyone thinks. It's all learning and sanctification and I thank God for the process.

Shalom!

Wow!

2011-02-25T14:58:00.000-05:00

I am quite ready to say good bye to the white stuff!!!!

Time flies!

My son is a nut job!

Sometimes that's all you can say. It has been so crazy here with schedules, school, the end of volleyball and all of basketball, babies being born, family visits, trips away and all the rest. In the midst of all this I started to revamp the look of the blog and then just gave up as life took over.

Life with CFS continues to determine what each day and week will be like. Currently I've just finished the second week of living gluten free (GF from now on) and hope to see that make a difference in my energy level. According to quite a bit of research I should see a change in the first 2-4 weeks. While I haven't noticed a huge change in my energy per se I have noted that my digestion has improved and my daily prilosec meds are not needed quite so frequently. That may not sound huge, but if, in the end, my digestion changes enough it may mean that I can once again eat berries, seeds, nuts and legumes. That would be a happy day indeed. In the meantime I'm learning to eat differently and even seeing a bit of a weight loss. Just a bit, mind you, but even a bit is a happy thing.

That's what I like to do in the afternoon!

I recently attended a birth and learned much about the mercies of God. Also about the forgiveness of brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm always sad when afterward I know I should have done something different. God was quite merciful and as I confessed this to the couple we had a sweet time of forgiveness and fellowship. It's all a learning curve and I am so grateful to be able to work with believers as they give birth to their children.

At some point I'll update the photos, or not. We'll see, but at least you've now heard from me. I'd like to do a giveaway also... jump on over to Whimsy and The Word and you'll see some possibilities for the prizes. Keep watching!

It seems I've reached that milestone,

2010-12-25T22:58:00.000-05:00

you know, the one where you're in the kitchen and just smiling and humming to yourself because you can hear your family members all over the house... yes, that's the milestone I've reached. I was standing at the kitchen counter yesterday just smiling and humming when I realized I was humming. (Evidently I hum a lot, but I don't always hear myself doing so.) Now Gram was a great one for humming. You knew she was happy by the volume of her humming, the louder and more tuneless it was then the more content you knew she was. I find for me that I hum hymns and praise songs when I'm truly content. So, after going through all the verses of various hymns and Christmas carols I giggled and realized I had become Gram.

all the "grands" last summer (plus Insop)

Of course there's another side to this story. Dear's mother has always been busy in the kitchen "fixing for us" while we're there. In their old house this really bothered several of us because it meant she was away from us. We actually worked hard to get her out of the kitchen so she could enjoy her kids. Now, in their newer house the kitchen has that "open" concept right on the great room which means whoever is working is still in the middle of everything. Nevertheless we have continued to encourage her to sit, relax and enjoy. But today it dawned on me... she is enjoying. She is doing what a mother loves to do, she is fixing for her kids. So, I'm guessing I won't be so quick to push her out of the kitchen, but I'll be sure we're there to help her all we can.


Senior Son fixing Christmas dinner last year

I just wonder what milestone I'll reach next as my children grow older and more capable. I'm already being asked to leave the kitchen on certain nights when I'm tired. The girls take over and truth be told they're pretty handy in the kitchen. Wee one makes good pancakes, mac and cheese, grilled cheese and quesadillas. MMH makes everything from fried chicken salad (she does her own chicken tenders!), to chicken fried rice, spaghetti and anything with garlic and mushrooms! For that matter, both boys have learned to cook as well, Senior Son as a "Bobbite" and Young Man learned this past summer while he lived in VA working on an internship. Just tonight he mentioned that he didn't have to use a recipe for hamburger stroganoff anymore, and no, I don't mean the boxed stuff!

It seems that I've reached a point where my kids are more able to do for themselves. I wonder if I'll be able to let go? Well, just listen for the humming and you'll know how I'm doing with it all.

In the dark night

2010-12-24T03:02:00.001-05:00

I sit here in the silence and just savor these quiet moments.

For some reason this year the weeks leading to this Christmas week were way too rushed, way too full, and not nearly as focused on Advent as I'd wish. The Advent tree in the dining room has had its ornaments added as afterthoughts every few days, rather than diligently each evening with Bible reading. I'm feeling a bit sad that this year I am not truly as focused on Christ and the advent of his birth as I have been in the past.

So, although being awake at 2 in the morning is not my most favorite thing it is giving me time to reflect on this amazing event that took place over 2000 years ago, and was foretold for thousands of years before that.

14"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

A virgin shall be with child. Where else is this possible but with God himself? And a son named Immanuel...

from Hebrew `immānū'el, literally: God with us

Imagine, so many centuries before his birth, God told us through His word, that He, through His son would come to live with us. At a time of year when so many are acutely aware of the failings in their family, of the ache they'll hold next to their heart for some reason, of the sadness they'll experience as they mourn someone not with them God himself tells us that He will come to live with us, and his very name as God the Son, will mean "God with us." What an amazing promise. What joy and hope that should give to us. Rather than sitting and pondering the perfect menu, fretting over missing lights (my bad!), or going deep into debt for that perfect gift, God instead wants us to prepare for the coming of His son, our savior.

Although it's been late in coming to my heart this year I am so thankful that God has given me this quiet moment to savor the beauty of this season.

If you'd like to enjoy some music that will help you to focus, please click on the link below and enjoy our Christmas sing along... you'll have to click each link (there are 21), but it's worth it. For "Redemptive History" go right to link 6... I pray this will bless you and will speak to your heart!

Prelude-Good Shepherd Band Christmas Sing-A-Long 2010 from Church of the Good Shepherd on Vimeo.

Please note... this link just takes you to the first of the videos... click on the words below and you'll go to the page where you can find the entire menu, scroll fashion on the right of the page... yes, there are 21 links, but just watch over a period of hours if you don't want to do it all in one sitting. This is an amazing time of worship and giving thanks to God!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... or maybe just the North Pole!

2010-12-22T20:12:00.000-05:00

My deep pondering posts must be buried somewhere deep within my subconscious mind, because at this moment I can barely spell, let alone compose a rich thought provoking post. In lieu of that I'll simply give you a glimpse into the life of a simple mid-western family as the nights get longer, the clouds get darker, and the ground becomes covered with white stuff!

The month began with prayers from a certain young someone for snow for her birthday. (She prays for this every year.) Well, it worked for her party day, and she was fine with that, although we weren't sure the party would happen given the state of the roads. Don't you love this meeting of mighty mini snowmen?
(And since this snow there have been quite a few more, and all before "true winter" began!)

Next was the party itself. In keeping with her love of snow she requested a snowflake cake. I think this was a success!

Next she worked for a few hours one night in creating this special piece of art for her daddy. However, when all was said and done she told him it was only for him to look at and that he couldn't keep the money. (It's now been sorted and counted at the bank and has filled her wallet with $22 in bills!)

Thanks Gretchen for this lovely flower. I rarely buy these for myself. Such an unexpected treat!

The scarlet blooms remind me that Christ's blood was necessary to cover my sins

Nostalgia... my Gram's angels, and Grammie Boldt's nativity.

This was the first year that I let someone else put up the nativity. It was a wedding gift from Dear's Grammie and Grampie.

What do you think Mary pondered as she knelt in a lowly cattle stall? I'm sure it was dark, less than clean, probably drafty, perhaps it was downright cold. And yet, here she was giving birth to God's only begotten child, our Savior.

And now to less weighty matters: my Christmas tree. The transformation took some time, some dollars, some ingenuity, and the total removal of everything we had placed on it to begin with.

Missing are Gram's (or Grandma Clara's) mercury glass bead garlands, the Victorian tin icicles, and MANY MANY MANY golden white lights on green wires (so the wiring doesn't show). After going through ALL the boxes in the entire basement I have no clue where these items are.

But, with the addition of several spools of wired ribbon, crystals from a chandelier, and new lights (thanks to David) it's beginning to look quite festive. (Not pictured are the new string of beads from April... double indents! WOW!)

I actually really like the crystals!

This is my little vintage tree in the "vintage area" ...note the Shiny Brite ornaments, vintage tree reflector flowers, and tucked under the tree are 3 of Gram's Christmas candles.

My "April section"... all from April. The Bingo cards are really a cool depiction of the song "The 12 Days of Christmas", the piece was made by April and Rett.

The stockings all hung by the... well, by the front door actually. Note my awesome stocking! It's hanging on the one stocking hanger that has been broken and repaired ever year for 4 years. Some traditions should NOT continue!

Silver tea pieces from Grampa Gene's train days... plus some silk flowers from my wedding.

Flowers... made out of mini vintage ornaments, old chopsticks, and vintage light reflectors.

Maybe April should just do the whole house... just sayin'! These are also from April!

The three trees... they needed a home, so into the family room they went!

Made this years ago... it's great for little hands to hold, play with, and NOT break.

There were two weddings this month. Congrats to Josh and Nisha, and also to Lane and Lizzie. I brought peppermint bark to Lane and Lizzie's dessert reception. First I had to crush the candy canes,

and then I had to melt a LOT of chocolate.

Hmmm, I must not have taken a picture of the finished bark.It was quite good.

And now it is quite gone!

Centerpiece on our dining table.

Art project for co-op. Yes... I copied my centerpiece idea. This is MMH's project.

I'd write more, but currently the keyboard only takes note of every third key I hit, making this very tedious!

May God grant you a soft heart to truly hear the message of Christmas!

Welcome to my home... the place in which God has worked.

2010-12-11T00:37:00.001-05:00

April asked us to write about what we think of when we think of home. I've been mulling this over the whole week, and although this post is too late for her contest I wanted her to know it has been thought of.

Home... we all want that home that's just right, furniture arranged just so, no dust, no dirt, good music, friends, etc.

But, in reality what does go into making a home? I've now been married for almost 26 years and we've lived in three different homes... a super tiny apartment, a 900 sq. foot home and our present home of 2,000+ square feet. That's one description of a home... 2300 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, stone raised ranch. That covers the physical aspect of our home.

I could go on to say that the home was built in the 70's, and so as much as I try to add touches of vintage flair here and there the home needs to speak for itself and only looks "right" when I put in "mid century" type items. I have to limit the vintage to bits of bling, rather than rooms of random stuff.

I could mention that our home houses our family. When we first moved here it was two parents, two kids and some birds, then a rabbit, then more birds, then no rabbit, then a dog, then a sister, then another sister, then one brother moved out, and now the other's away at college, and we have a new dog and fewer birds. That covers the bodies that fill our home.

But, what truly makes this a home? It's not just the size or number of rooms, it's not the age or decor, and it's not the number of family members or furry or feathered friends. What makes this a home is the memories created here, both good and bad. The recollection of the many ways in which God has used this home to sanctify me as I didn't trust God to provide, to bless others as they needed a place to sit and cry, to hear Bob's hearty laugh as they carted him, chair and all, up the basement steps. It's the milestones in life... 2 newly adopted daughters joining us, our first meeting with special friends like Dave and Vanessa, childbirth classes in the basement where I learned to laugh at my own mistakes and be overcome in awe at what God had called me to do, it was the anniversaries, birthdays, celebrations and quiet moments by the fire. It was time to learn how to create things of beauty with April, it was moments when she allowed me to hold her beautiful daughters. It was even moments when I conceded my Scrabble title... first to Josh and then to Rett. It was David caring for me as I was sick, me fixing him his favorite meals. It was memories of our Christmas tree, our Easter meals, our visits with the Jeffries, and so many others. It was memories of Rita Cuffy getting the last word on Pastor Tim, of sweet counsel offered to me by many friends, tears shed with my husband and then wonder as he led us through a study of Job that taught me much about the truth of suffering and God's providence. It's the recollection of HEARTH coming into being in my living room with Janet and Anne, of dear Barbara coming over numerous times as our friendship grew and life paths changed, it's the wonder of teaching David, Isaac, Natalee, and others and watching them grow into amazing young people along with my own children.

What makes this a home is the journey God's taken our family on while we've lived here. Yes, it's a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home, covered with stone, but filled with the memories of many days which God gave us to learn, enjoy, grow, sorrow, grieve, mourn, laugh, and always days in which we honored Him and thanked Him for his loving care.

I'd love to have each of you become a part of our home. You're welcome any time.

Time for Anticipation

2010-12-09T10:17:00.001-05:00

( A quick apology: it was time for a change, and so I tried. As my kids would say..."epic fail Mom!" Well, I'll try again later. At least I feel like red and white dots work more with the season than apricot colored hummingbirds!)

My lights and beads and icicles are still lost, but the holiday spirit is alive and well. We are walking around singing snippets from Handel's "Messiah," humming Christmas carols, and occasionally bursting out in memorized portions of scripture. Today is present wrapping day, at least as many as are here already. The stockings are beginning to be filled and we are SOOOO looking forward to our church's 4th Annual Christmas Song Along.

Sadly it seems we won't see Young Man till next week. Sigh... He is studying Missions Aviation and at the end of the term they are full with many projects, papers, tests, stage checks (university flight test) and check flights (FAA flight test). This means that ALL the flight students need planes and flight times on the same week. And, not everyone gets the slot, day or even week they desire. So, although dorms close on Friday, they retain an open dorm for flight students for another full week, at no extra charge, knowing that many (if not most) of them will still be there. So, although we had hoped to see him on Friday, then resigned ourselves to Saturday or Sunday, it now appears it will be sometime next week. This is part of the "learning to let go" stage... I am no longer his teacher, I no longer do his laundry or cook his meals, I have no real say in his school calendar and have just begun to realize that in 18 months this will no longer be his home. He'll be looking for a job and moving out; and then, Lord willing, when he has enough flight hours, he'll be applying to be sent to the missions field, and his hopes are for Africa. So, just learning to let go of this little bit... a few days during break... is all part of that process.

Senior Son graduates this spring or summer, and so although he'll also be looking for work, I think he hopes to stay in town, so he'll be "blessed" with my continued nearness. (ha ha ha ha!) At least he'll know he can come over for the occasional meal, for New Year's donuts and for his "hot milk" birthday cake.

So, there is much to anticipate: a break from our usual daily chores, a return of Young Man, more time with Senior Son, visits with family, but most of all, this is the time to anticipate the wonder of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us, willing to be the propitiation for our sins. Truly, not only a time of anticipation, but also of thanks!

If you were my Christmas tree lights...

2010-12-02T11:09:00.001-05:00

and my grandmother's vintage mercury bead tree garland and the Victorian tin icicles where would you be hiding?

I put them away somewhere "special" so that I could do them QUICKLY and FIRST before all the ornaments went up.

And now?

Let's just say we've been through almost every storage box in the house and they are NOWHERE to be found.

My tree is supposed to look like this...

Instead it's a sad, dark, beadless tree. Poor tree!

Seriously... any ideas?

Ah well... maybe we'll have a dark and less sparkly tree this year.

I need to refocus on the true meaning of Christmas.

And then I know my heart will be filled with joy.

Just sayin'!

cyber sale goin' on at Whimsy and The Word

2010-11-30T08:52:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that on my art blog at Whimsy and The Word you can buy any of my arts and crafts that are listed in the most recent posts. This can be a great deal as the discounts go up with each item you buy! So, if you're looking for some gifts for giving you might check it out to see if I have something you'd be interested in.

Below I've shown just a small sampling of what you'll find over there. I hope it wets your whistle!

"Bit of Charm" style... Drama Queen

$25

Domino Necklace...Friendship

$10

"For to such belongs the kingdom of God"

14x18 assemblage/collage wall art

$65

Glossy Black

bracelet...$45

earrings...$20

Pierce My Heart earrings

$15

Primary Swirls

beaded antique bottle

$10

Now, don't you want to go shopping?

thanks!
Kim

Sweet Success

2010-11-27T17:06:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends and Readers, Today's sale was a huge success. I so appreciate all who came by, even just to say "hi". I felt loved and supported. Dear and WeeOne were in to visit, helped to haul out to the car, and generally happy encouragers. Yesterday, set-up day, MMH and WeeOne helped as Dear had to work. They didn't even complain when I left ALL my tablecloths at home and we had to go back before we could even begin to start unloading. Then, after all their help the girls went grocery shopping and I even received a 45 minute foot massage from WeeOne. I'm telling you, I just feel loved and spoiled.

The new location was AMAZING, with much room, ample parking and a happy atmosphere. We had 35 artists, and boy were they talented! Without sharing numbers I'll just happily say that my sales this year almost quadrupled from last year. Thank you to all my customers. It was encouraging to speak with some of the people who stopped by and commented on the "Christian slant" of my art, along with a number of other artists. I'm glad that people saw testimony of God's truth in some of my pieces.

The big hits of the day are pictured below.

A Bit of Charm necklaces

Amazingly, this year people preferred the more expensive versions.
Go figure.

Domino necklaces

I happily sold half of all I had made of these to one customer.

I hope the recipients of these enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them.

This was a good batch of domino necklaces!

I was able to sell this set as a gift.

I hope the recipient knows how much love and thought went into this purchase.

A sweet sweet story.

All in all it was a fun and fulfilling day. Comments on the display were gracious and generous. Comments on the wall art warmed my heart. While the wall art didn't sell this year, my bottles began to sell and those didnt' move last year. We'll see what comes next.

Be watching...

Blessings,

Kim

2010-11-20T21:10:00.000-05:00

Now don't go falling down in a faint. I'm actually here and posting. I'm so sorry about the long silence, but life just gets busy sometimes and one has to live it rather than write about it. So, that's what I've been doing. I've journeyed spiritually through questions about my creating, and in the end, I'm back to creating and very happy about it.

Next Saturday I'll be hosting my booth at the second annual Art & Soul Holiday Craft Fair. And the above are just a sampling of what you'll see. My prices are reasonable... Christmas tags/ornaments as low as $1.00 and wall art no higher than $65.00. There's something for everyone, and if you don't see it there I'll do my best to create it for you... yes, even in time for Christmas, Lord willing!

So, visit Art & Soul Holiday Craft Fair online on Facebook and invite your friends to come and wander and enjoy the many booths you'll find there. Hope to see you there!

Housekeeping ain't no joke.

2010-09-08T23:34:00.000-04:00

Except in this house it just became one. Actually, it's rather an ongoing joke.

You see, I'm a bit OCD in my tendencies in some areas, but not all. So, there are some things that must be done regularly or I just get crazed. For instance, it doesn't matter if no one will be visiting, my bed MUST be made every day. It doesn't matter that we don't usually allow anyone else to use the master bath, but it must be picked up and the sink wiped clean each day. However, I don't always fold my laundry as it comes from the dryer, sometimes the dishes sit on the counter overnight and today I discovered that I don't always check the crevices of the couch.

You see, we have some new furniture arriving soon and the old is leaving on Thursday. And, because we really like the people who are getting the furniture we decided to vacuum it one more time. I had Wee One put her hands in the crevices this time... I know, I sound like a bad parent, but putting my hand in a small place where I'm not sure what I'll find just creeps me out. Now, mind you, I HAVE BEEN doing this for months, and afterwards, each time, I've taken the hose attachment from the vacuum pushed it down there and cleaned.

However... my hand is larger than Wee One's and I perhaps couldn't reach as far, AND the hose may have pushed things farther in. Whatever the case, today, as she dug in the crevices, this is what we found... be strong you faint at heart, you might want to skip the list...

Wee One's wallet, complete with $17 and 3 gift cards
MMH's calculator
nail clippers
a walkie talkie
an old play car tube
a cookie wrapper
a plastic heart necklace
a dog toy
3 pieces to our peg board set
hair tie
a card to Candyland
a playing card
several Kleenex... they don't really look used, just crumbled up
$1.50 in change
a rubber band
a blue bead
a purple counting chip
an arrow from a Lego set
a pencil
a straw
and a chocolate chip... we did NOT eat it

So, ahem... I'm beginning to feel like housekeeping is a joke here. I just don't take it seriously enough. That or my hands are just too big to shove all the way down the side of the couch. Either way, the couch is now clean, the pillows are packed up in bags ready to go and I hope we do better with our new furniture.

I dare you to put your hands down the crevices in your couch and see what you find. If you do, please comment here... I'd like to feel a little bit better, although I think that's not too likely. Oh well...

Shalom,
Kim

To eat or not to eat...

2010-09-07T10:59:00.005-04:00

that is the question of the day here.

Okay, so you all know I could stand to lose a ~~few~~ many pounds. And many of you also know I've recently been diagnosed with a number of ailments all conspiring to make me tired. What you may or may not know is that in addition to this I have not been able to eat seeds, nuts or legumes for years now. No idea why. At least until recently.

While going through my myriad of doctor tests the word "celiac" kept coming up. I kept saying, "No, I eat bread. ALL THE TIME." Then someone else who is very similar to me in health issues and temperament shared that recently he had discovered he had celiac's disease. His wife shared many of the things they had been learning and I got curious. Enter the Internet search.

Lo and behold I find that frequently Celiac's Disease is misdiagnosed as Chronic Fatigue with an accompanying anemia of undisclosed origins. I also find that it can cause problems with digesting foods, weight problems, fatigue and anemia. Hmmm.

Now you also probably know I'm not overly fond of having to see the doctor. And, it's not just the embarrassment of having ailments, it's also the idea of paying for even one more test. So, as of today I'm beginning a gluten free diet. I could use your prayers. I am SERIOUSLY addicted to wheat... bread, muffins, pretzels, pasta, YUM!

(a happy clam!)

Well, this morning after a trip to the physical therapist for MMH we made a trip to one of our local specialty stores and I picked up gluten free pancake mix and a gluten free brownie mix. I just made the first pancakes and they are seriously good! Not even joking. I added a few chocolate chips to the batter as I really don't like syrup and butter on pancakes and I'm happy as a clam. I also found that the same mix makes muffins, so I think I'll be fine for breakfasts.

But bread??? Are you kidding? I thought it couldn't get much worse when I had to give up berries, unless of course I also had to give up chocolate. But, bread? I need prayers you all. I LOVE BREAD!

The other thing I learned that gives me some hope is that eating too much of the gluten carrying foods, like flour, can kill off the villi in your gut. This in turn causes digestive issues that you may not understand.Meaning... there is a modicum of hope that if indeed this is Celiac's disease, and if indeed I can be good about eating right, then maybe, just maybe, I can once again eat berries, and tomatoes, and cucumbers and zucchini and yellow squash in all their seedy tasty goodness. I think I could handle that. Right now I'm just sitting here dreaming of chocolate dipped strawberries. Yep.. I could handle that.

So, if you all know of any good tips, recipes, products, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE send them my way.

Blessings, Kim

I had to eat my words!

2010-09-04T22:47:00.002-04:00

Not quite literally, but just about.

For the past week I've been looking forward to having friends over for a Mexican feast and a rousing game of Scrabble. Now, I don't usually toot my own horn, but I'm not bad at Scrabble. However, I do have this one problem. I'm ~~just a bit~~ HUGELY competitive. (Actually, Dear had to ban me from family games for 2 years so I would stop gloating. Sad, isn't it? And you'd think it would have worked...) Well, I started "talking trash" to my dear hubby and my friend's hubby about how I would ~~take them down~~ respectfully beat them. Well... I'm sure if you know me you know how "gracefully" (cough cough!) I handled this.

Then I began to recall some other games where I had been beaten. So, I changed the phrasing saying instead that my friend and I would beat the men. But, in the end my pride got in the way and I asked that each score stand on it's own merit. (Cue the music in minor key!)

I even labeled the score sheet in the following manner:

DEAR RETT APRIL "The Champ"

What? Did you say something about pride going before a fall? Well, yes, it did. I didn't come in last, but I also didn't come in first. Or second. Just sayin'!

And, of course, because I am ever the gracious (okay, grumpy) loser I challenged Rett to a fast game of "Bananagrams." Which I won. Quickly. Of course I have played this game at least a jillion times, or even a jillion and one. (Yes, Rett has never played.) So, there's a new level of word play out there. We all need to ~~beat April~~ aspire to April's level of play in Scrabble. Um yeah... that's what I meant to say. But, I still think I'll win at Bananagrams. At least till I lose.

Then I'll have to eat my words. Again.

What? Did you expect all my posts to have great merit? Sorry... this is life in the fast lane. Occasionally we slow down, eat enchiladas and spell poorly... well, at least I do.

Shalom!
Kim

And bravely taking the mouse in hand...

2010-08-27T14:24:00.004-04:00

I left-click to find myself back in blogger land. Yes, it's been months, dry, draining and dreary sometimes. Joyful, joyous and joyfully odd other times. But, it's been a time to regain strength, redraw the lines, regroup and rediscover who I am.

Last spring I found myself feeling more and more tired. I was tired all the time. I was tired of being tired. And I was tired of being tired of being tired. It was an endless and draining circle and finally I went to the doctor. And I went some more, and some more, and still have a ways to go. Good news is that it is nothing life threatening, but it is life changing. The final "sort of" diagnosis was Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and perhaps Fibromyalgia (FM), and definitely anemia. Add on to that I am now in the process of working on a sleep apnoea diagnosis and you can begin to understand the fatigue that was taking over my life. But, despite these things I was so grateful it was nothing worse.

Somehow, I thought I would just sleep and feel better.Well, sort of. But not really. I have to redefine things a bit. I have to prioritize and I have to learn to "bank energy" to be able to keep running. You know how a low battery can keep on working, but it's almost worse than no power at all? That's me. It's better to just recharge, and that takes time, and then go on.

So, here I am. For the moment. I have no idea if I'll have enough energy to continue the blog, and the babies, and the crafts on top of being a wife, mother and homeschooler, but I'm prioritizing and blogging is low on the ladder.

God is always faithful. I haven't forgotten that. I think that's why I'm not curled up in a fetal position in some corner having a poor me pity party. God always gives us the strength we need. When I'm at a birth I always wait for that perfect moment, the moment when the mother looks up with a confused look and says, "I can't do this." That's when I tell her, "That's right. You can't. But Christ can, and you can do it through him, because of him, with him." So, that's where I'm at.

I can't do this. But He can. And so I really have to follow His plan. Not my own. And, oh beauteous thought... in the process I'm learning to be a better mom. And maybe a better teacher. I'm learning to really enjoy those moments with the kids, or even with my dear husband. And I'm appreciating the fact that I'm getting more help and more understanding and that they really know I'm not just being lazy. Such a gift.

You all, it's been a hard summer, but also a wonderful summer. I really feel blessed that God has seen fit to continue to sanctify me. There are times I whine and say, "I can't do this anymore." And then I remember... I can't do it alone, but rather, with His hand holding me up and guiding me then I can lean on His strength and make the grade.

Shalom,
Kim

~Finding Your Voice~

2010-07-13T10:19:00.002-04:00

4I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,

5because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints;

6and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake.

7For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Philemon 1: 5-7

So often when we speak of "finding our voice" it means that we get brave enough to rashly speak our minds. At times this may be a good thing, but so frequently this is merely opening the way for sin to enter our lives.

And yet, there are times when someone else finds their voice, or rather recalls the words of scripture and with that voice come to us and tell us what we need to hear. At that time our voice should be a willing "thank you" rather than a complaining or grumbling spirit.

When I was dealing with some hard things in my life I found several friends who would listen to me. They would listen for minutes, for hours, for days,weeks, months.... they were there. BUT... they would also tell me when my voice crossed from sharing a hurting heart to becoming a grumbling spirit. I am so thankful for that. God calls us into fellowship with other believers and it is such a wonderful opportunity to truly love one another. We can weep with those who weep, laugh with those who laugh, and give sound advice... godly advice... not our own words, but God's very own word... to one another.

Sometimes finding your voice means you are open to sharing your pain and allowing others to guide you in a godly way through your time of grief, and other times finding your voice means simply speaking the word of God to another lost sinner searching for God's truths.

I am so thankful that my friends found their voices and spoke, and continue to speak, God's word into my life and so help me to follow him more clearly. My heart truly continues to be refreshed through those whom God has placed in my life. I pray you both have and are such godly people yourselves!
Shalom,
Kim

Three for Three

2010-07-05T09:55:00.000-04:00

As of Friday at 9:56 p.m. the third of the three babies I was on call for showed up in this world. She is a lovely little girl and her mama is AMAZING! Can't share the details... not mine to share... but let's just say that although things were not exactly as planned they worked out very well in the end! God is so merciful and gracious!

Now I just have to write two birth stories. ACK! I'm behind by three weeks for one, but should be timely with this one.

Still learning how to balance the fatigue and life... I'll admit this past week and weekend really took it all out of me, but I think today I'm beginning to get some life and energy back.YEAH!

Now it's time to plan for school.... I'll try a more in depth post on this later.
Blessings all!
Kim

Ah... sweet release!

2010-06-29T20:59:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned earlier I've spent months following up/following through with symptoms, tests, dr. visits, etc. On Friday I was FINALLY released from the cardiologist. Yeppers... totally healthy heart and no heart attack. YEAH!!!!

So, at present I have to learn to live with "chronic mono" (means I can easily get it again and again), and possible FM and Chronic Fatigue. Working on the anemia with meds and diet. As you can see it means I am still tired. But at least I know my heart is not just waiting to give out.

One thing the dr. mentioned (besides exercise and weight loss... duh!) is reducing stress. So, that is now what I have to face. How do I reduce stress in a healthy way? Living causes daily stress. What I have to figure is what/how I can approach my daily life so as to reduce this and/or to handle it better. Obviously God's Word and prayer will have to figure in here richly.

Sorry again for the lack of photos. Not sure you really wanted to see me in a hospital gown with 13 leads stuck on me while trudging the treadmill. NOT a pretty site!!! By the by, did you know that in order to be sure the leads are well attached they sandpaper your skin? Just sayin'.... OUCH! Also, part of the process was an ultrasound of my heart. Which was cool and all, however that wand had to be pushed in hard and let's just say I don't feel the need for a mammogram after that episode. But hey, it's so worth it to know that my symptoms don't add up to anything serious. VERY relieving. Thank you God!!!

Well... no excuses now for laying down on the job...

Oh... and I forgot to post this after I wrote it, so since then some of our very best friends in the world came for a quick, but WONDERFUL, overnight visit. It's always a treat... laughter, memories and rich fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you God for our friends... what a blessing!

Shalom,
kim

Life and schedules

2010-06-24T11:43:00.000-04:00

So, with this new fatigue I'm dealing with I find more and more that life has to be adjusted. I simply can't do as much in a day as I was used to doing even a few months back. I hope we find all the answers soon as I am tired of being tired. I do give thanks that the Lord has placed us so that I can seek the medical information I need...

I went to an auction on Tuesday evening. Dear told me "Just go and have fun." I went. FAST! I had seen post cards in the listing... alas... although there were quite a few there were not that many that I wanted. HOWEVER... there were tablecloths... and an old sewing drawer (use these to store my spools of ribbon).... which I won. YEAH! I might get pics up later or I might not. But, I was happy to have a bit of a break. Spent the time sitting with the Proudians and enjoyed chatting off and on.

Sleepovers seem to be the theme this summer... along with my Dr. appts. We've had several each week. Yesterday Wee One's sleepover overlapped with MMH's friend's jewelry lesson... we taught her how to make a beaded necklace and a domino necklace. Hope she enjoyed her final pieces.

Well, back to life here. I might finish the jam today. Or not... we'll see. Hope you all are doing well.
Shalom,
Kim

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T21:39:00.001-04:00

We had a delightful day with Dear, minus the one episode that put him in bed for a bit. Not sure what hit his tummy, but glad he felt good enough to be up and eat the meal we had planned.

We're at that point in life where we have "enough stuff" and so it's fun to make memories for our gifts to each other. (Although I rarely turn up my nose at chocolates or flowers!) So, in honor of Father's Day we planned a meal of Dear's favorites. Too bad I didn't get a picture... see, I'm not quite back in the swing of things yet. We grilled hot dogs, brats and yummy burgers, we also had "Sutton Slaw", a salad of organic greens from the farmer's market, mounds of local sweet corn and a peach pie with Breyer's French Vanilla... the peaches for the pie and the tomato for the burgers and the corn were all also from the market. It was a tasty lunch if I do say so myself!

Senior Son and a friend joined us as his friend had had "car troubles" ... can you say "smoking?" and he was waiting for his mom to pick him up. Sadly they didn't get to celebrate Father's Day with his dad as he is out of the country and kind of dealing with his own version of "Terminal"... you might pray the paper trail and red tape can be worked out so he can come home. We were so glad that Senior Son had a few hours off so he could join us for lunch. Yesterday he replaced light bulbs for us in the ceiling fixtures and on Monday he began some computer work for us. Hopefully both computers will soon be fully functional.

Later, after the boys left, our friend April and her daughter Li'l Pie joined us for dinner and more pie. Actually the first pie...as it was too hot to eat earlier while the boys were here. We are so enjoying our time with her family and we're hoping to meet the newest member "Baby Fwementime" soon... that's the name her big sister has bestowed upon her. Dear April blessed me with one of her handmade totes... guess I should have taken a picture....I stole this one from her site...MidwestMagpies. Here's a link to more of her bags: these are listed on Etsy... try "LuckyCharmCreations" SO CUTE!!! This was a thank you... albeit early... for being her doula. I would have had to wait, but she was worried that I would actually try to buy it from her, so she came over with many choices tonight and I picked the original one I had fallen in love with on her site.

So... back to my Dear. I want to thank him here, as I have already at home, for: Saying "no" to us when needed, "yes" to us more times than we deserved, for loving all of us, caring for us, providing for us and sticking with us in a time when so many families drift apart or are split apart in divorces.I know we all have annoying quirks and habits, we can all be less than we want, but we all love him dearly and hopefully our time with him today showed him a fraction of that. (Even Young man called from VA to wish his dad a "Happy Father's Day" and share with him about what's going on in his life this summer.)

(missing from this photo...Senior Son and your's truly... I do NOT like getting my picture taken!)

From Left to Right:

front row: wee one

Back row: Young Man, MMH, Dear

Thanks Dear! We Love You!

3.5 gallons...

2010-06-19T18:03:00.001-04:00

and counting!

We've run out of sugar, Sure Jell, and lids... plenty of rings left... explain that please.

So, we're not quite half way through with the strawberries. And here I thought I'd never match my 72 jars in one year achievement. However, looks like I may top it. If my energy holds out. If I don't burn myself again. And if I do not totally get sick of strawberries. I'd postpone the rest till Monday, but not sure I have the room in the fridge for the berries and I had to get them today while they were on special, since I came back today to get the other special and those were gone. Ah well... at least I didn't totally miss this year as I did last year. Granted, these are CA berries, but still...

back to the jam!

Lazy Saturday...

2010-06-19T13:41:00.001-04:00

Not actually.

I had to miss out on attending a picnic 2.5 hours south of here with Dear as I am now "on call" for the next birth. Yep, it's a week early, but we're all taking bets this baby is coming well before her due date.

So, Dear left to update our license plates and registrations (so grateful he did this!), he returned home a bit later to do my plate and leave Senior Son's plate sticker/registration here. YEAH! Then he headed south to the picnic. We'll see him later this evening after the picnic and after he's had a chance to treat his dad to dinner.

Senior Son and MMH will be heading an hour or so north to a wedding today. Congrats to Abram and Sara. Later my two will come back to town and go rock climbing. Obviously I'm here... waiting on baby. Come on baby!

Wee One and I hit the Farmer's Market. Always a good time. Today we saw a juggler, a blue grass band (VERY enjoyable), an elderly Chinese gentleman playing a stringed Chinese instrument, and a guitar duo. We picked up lots of goodies for Father's Day.... sweet corn, garden fresh tomato, peaches for pie and fresh greens for a yummy salad! (We also stopped at the Bakehouse booth and got a zebra cookie for me and foccacia for Wee One.)

Then back home to pick up mail we forgot, load up the trash and recycling. HINT: when hauling in a small pick up make sure the lids are on TIGHTLY on the bins! The local highway now has some recycling and a bin lid on it... so sorry. I don't like to pollute, but you seriously can't run out and grab the stuff.

After the post office, dump and recycling we hit several garage sales. No luck. Then Menard's to pick up canning jars, lights and hose heads. Then on to the grocery to get berries on special (it's time to make jam!), and all the ingredients for a yummy Father's Day meal that we couldn't get at the Farmer's Market... hot dogs, brats, buns, Cole slaw fixin's, etc.

So, we're unloaded, the jars are being washed in the dishwasher, we'll eat lunch and begin to jam.... and if we have some good music on we might just jam with our jam... ya never know!

Blessings, Kim

The pictures above are old pics of the market... the big smokestack is from the old Johnson Creamery building which abuts the market. I just love the color of the produce, the mix of people and the music we enjoy as we meander around.

Long time, no posting!

2010-06-18T11:43:00.000-04:00

Greetings Dear Family and Friends,

I know it's been a LONG time since I last posted. So much has happened. Where to begin?

Perhaps at the beginning. For a number of months I had been tired. SOOOO tired. I kept attributing this to schedules, pressures, lack of sleep. Just before our 25th anniversary I made a promise to go to the doctor and track down what was going on as soon as we got back from our trip. Which I did.

I did this however after I experienced something we thought might be a heart attack. At this point and time the doctors are still following through, but rather than heart issues it appears that I have some other stuff going on. All this to say that the tired feeling was real and for a reason. Anemia was one of the culprits, and we're working on that. But, the other culprit or culprits are still being tracked down. I have a large positive score for Epstein Barr and they are saying such things as: may have had a recent bout of mono, may be prone to chronic mono, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, etc. In other words, we're just not sure.

On the good side, I am learning to take care of myself physically. That's not always easy for moms as they want to be and do and take care of everything and everyone themselves. However, this body is the Lord's temple and I have not been caring for it, and need to do so. So, on top of continuing to follow through with the doctors I am losing weight. To date it's just over 8 lbs. in 3 weeks. Not bad, but not great, but progress. I'm balancing what I eat and how much I eat. Good news is NO DIABETES! I am quite grateful!

So, blogging may be scarce.

Of course, add to that our crazy summer, another birth this past Saturday, and upcoming birth that looks to be early and you might have an idea of my life.

On to other good news. I recently filled an order for 8 necklaces... all domino necklaces and were to be the "BFF" variety ... it was a lot of fun. But, on top of the ladies liking these two of them wore them while shopping and a store owner saw them and is interested in my work. We'll see what happens with that.

I hope you are all doing well and having a great summer. I still get on and check blogs, just not as frequently because I need more sleep and that means less time for other things. So, feel free to drop a comment, send an email or just check in. I hope that by the end of July (and the end of my tests) that I am more rested, and ready to hop back in to the blogging world on a more regular basis.

Love to you all! May God bless each and everyone of you.
Shalom,
Kim

The count is 1 and 2

2010-05-27T19:26:00.000-04:00

That is one birth completed and two to go.

It went great, but I am TIRED.

That's it for now.

God is ever so gracious!

"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world." John 16:21

Such a beautiful testimony to God's grace and a gracious promise to laboring women!

Born: Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 1:04 a.m.
Weight: 7 lbs. 6 oz.
Height: 19 1/2 inches
Congrats to Dave and Vanessa and their young men at home waiting to welcome their new brother!

~Weaning is painful~

2010-05-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not talking about weaning a baby. I'm talking about myself. I'm in the process of weaning myself from various things: too much facebook, too much blog reading, too much food, too much stuff... you get the picture.

I found, as I mentioned in a previous post, that I was getting rather discontent with my life when I focused too much on the Internet stuff. I was trying to be somebody else. Not the somebody God made me to be. As for the food... ACK! I need to lose 50-60 lbs. I've been working at it bit by bit, but then not being too particular. So, now it's serious. I'm working on it, while trying not to let weight loss become a new idol in my life. I simply want to be healthy: spiritually, emotionally and physically.

So, consequently, if you see less on the blog, not to worry. I'm just busy finding what God wants me to do with my days. Plus I plan on enjoying my summer with Dear and the girls. Young Man has come and gone. He was home for 12 days between the end of school and the start of his internship. It became very evident to me, and to MMH, that he is now a man. While he "comes home"... it's definitely for a visit and not because he lives here anymore. He wants to work, to be useful, to be used by God. So, although he'll "pop into the nest" now and again, basically we've emptied half the nest as Senior Son "moved out" officially a few years ago. Sad and sweet... it's what mothers do. They work hard so as to put themselves "out of a job" so to speak.

But, with Wee One and MMH still at home I'm still busy. VERY busy. Oh, and on-call for two babies. Expecting to be part of some incredible times here, could be today or up to 3 weeks from now. (All depends on the Lord's timing.)

Hope you're enjoying your summer break. We are. There are still lots of pictures I need to share, but they will have to wait for another time.

Hugs,
Kim

Mulch +

2010-05-19T13:23:00.001-04:00

Mulch + tarp + a few weeks break in the gardening + wet weather =

snakes!!!

When we lifted the tarp off the mulch today one mama and one baby came out of the pile. I carried, shooed and corralled the mama towards the woods. Unfortunately the baby went back IN the pile. EEK!!

And, I don't know if mama's coming back.

I'll put pics up later.

Desperately trying to finish the mulching before MORE rain comes ... making this work kinda hard... all this rain... and the snakes and all...

hmmm... I wonder if there are more babies, or a daddy snake in the pile?

blessings, Kim

~Rethinking my sidebar~

2010-05-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

Now, while that title may make no sense to you, dear reader, recently I read a certain post by a friend and once again had to think carefully about my blog, and facebook, and my other blogs, and business sites, etc. and so on.

You see, as she noted, while the Internet can be a great tool, it can also be a time stealer. And, in my case, it can make me covet... things, ideas, popularity, etc. Even just this morning I hopped on over to an etsy site and instead of being amazed at this person's creations I began to feel the bite of envy as I wondered (and whined... can you just hear it?)... "Why didn't I make any etsy sales?" And, in the scheme of my life? WHO CARES! Seriously... who really cares? I tried it. It didn't work. I tried it another way. It didn't work. This isn't a poor me party... just stating facts. I can't try to be someone else. I can't make their creations. I can make what I make. If others like it, great. If not... well... no big deal. I have one more art show scheduled in November I believe, and I'll try it there. If it doesn't work out then I can just create gifts for those I love. Seriously... isn't that enough? I can show my love through the work of my hands. I don't NEED to make money. Dear is always reminding me that MY job is NOT about making money... it's about keeping our home, teaching our girls, and helping birthing families. Those are the BIG things in my life...

So... how does this seeming rabbit trail relate to my sidebar? Well, you'll see a variety of blogs on my sidebar. Some are friends in person. Some are "friends" in bloggy land... we've not met face to face, but have exchanged numerous emails and the like. And the others? They are the "I wannabe like them" blogs... and they'll have to go. Or, they might be the "Why is HER blog so popular?" blog and it needs to go also.

My blogging is not about popularity. I tried it that way... it made me miserable and discontent. My blog is not about being the best homeschooler, doula, artist, whathaveyou... No, my blog is a sharing of my life and my thoughts with first my family, then with real life friends and finally with some of my Internet friends. My links may link to blogs that are or are not popular. But, if you can't see Christ in my posts and my sidebar then I am missing the target. BIG TIME!

Finally... speaking of "time"... bits of time are not a big deal, but bits of time spent surfing the web and building up envy are NOT okay. So, I'm rethinking my links. Some will stay. Some will go. Some MAY be added. Or not. But, my time is going to be spent in learning to be a better handmaiden for the Lord. My time needs to be spent cleaning out closets, ironing clothes, grading math pages... NOT "peeking in others' windows" via blogs and facebook. I'm not exiting this world, but I am limiting it so that God may have more room in my heart and my life... after all, it does belong to Him!

Blessings all,
Kim

Male Headship in the homeschool

2010-05-12T10:40:00.005-04:00

11A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

1 Timothy 2: 11-15

Having home schooled all of our children, with two now in college, I have learned many lessons over the years. Perhaps one of the best, although not one talked about much is the need for male authority, not only in the home, but in the home school as well. In years past when we had an agrarian society and boys worked in the fields with their dads, or family-owned businesses thrived and children were expected to be a part of this you might more readily see the daily interaction of sons and fathers in areas other than purely dinner conversation. More recently there is less and less time for dads and sons (and dads and daughters as well) to spend important time together where men teach young men how to become men (or, where men teach daughters what to look for in men as men come courting).

How does one achieve this in today's society? Dads are busy, often having long commutes to work, leadership meetings within the church and even working on jobs at home. Well, I'm not going to speak to this... I don't care to preach to the men, I'll leave that to other men. But women, we have a number of options.

Make sure that the husbands/fathers are part of the home school. It may not mean that they teach a class or grade a paper, but please don't cut them out of the school time because "they are so busy" or "you know better what to do." I know that I did this in the past because as a "trained educator" I was "obviously" (NOT!) much better trained to educate our kids. Instead, have the kids share about their day with dad at the table, have papers out so Dad can see what they are doing, ask him about curriculum or co-op choices. So often the dads have a different and VALUABLE opinion about what to do that we simply can't see because of our intense daily involvement.
Do not "hide" your kids at home. For a while there was quite a movement to hide that you were homeschooling lest the authorities paid a call. If you are following your state laws, keeping good records and providing a good or "equal" education then there is no need to hide the kids at home where all they may have is mom, mom, mom all day... and no interaction with any males at all.
Take advantage, with your husband's say so, of using other methods of teaching: online schools with male teachers, co-ops where other dads may be able to teach or train, and by all means use the young men within your own church. We used 4 or 5 young men, and our senior pastor, in our co-op to help teach doctrinal ideas. We figured if it was right and good for the church it would be right and good for our home schools to not have the women teaching as authorities in matters of doctrine. Interestingly a number of these young men went on to attend pastor's college and have become wonderful leaders. Hopefully the blessing went both ways!
Be sure that you don't schedule your child's life so that he (or she) does not have time with Dad. Sometimes we are so involved "keeping up with the Joneses" that we have every minute of their day scheduled never allowing time to visit, share, question, talk to or pray with Dad. He' s far more important in your child's life than you may realize.
Don't sequester yourself. Talk with other home school families and see what they do and if that might be something to try. Don't separate your homeschooling life from time with your husband. He not only needs to know what the kids are doing/learning, he also needs to know what you are teaching/learning. Be sure to share with him, ask his advice, come to him for leadership and share your prayer requests.

In the meantime, here are two recent blog posts on my pastor's blog that might be helpful to you:
Post number one and Post number two. Additionally, if you click to "As Thy Days" you will frequently find excellent posts on homeschooling (or a wonderful family life) and I would recommend paying attention. Anne is a quiet woman, but when she speaks it is worth listening.

Feel free to ask questions... that's how you learn.
Blessings, Kim

We're ba-aaack!

2010-05-03T15:16:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the "radio silence" but I hate to announce to the Internet world that we're leaving on a trip. Dear and I traveled, sans children, to Sanibel Island, FL where we had a little R&R in celebration of our anniversary.

Many many wonderful highlights of the trip will follow... but I want to have the pictures to go with the narrative, so you all have to wait.

In other news, Senior Son is completing his web page project for his computer class and .... drum roll...
it's a Whimsy and The Word web page... yep... no Etsy, no ArtFire (although I'll still list at ArtFire), but my very own web page. How cool is that. Of course, he still has to get a server going, and get the page finished, and the kinks worked out, and I have to figure out paypall ... but hey... I can dream.

In the meantime you can still purchase from my other blog located at WhimsyandTheWord.blogspot.com, or use my Etsy or ArtFire links on the sidebar. And, as always I'm quite happy to work on special orders... currently I'm working on a mini-collage that will be divided 8 ways into friendship necklaces... when the friends are all together the necklaces can be placed together to complete the collage. Pretty cool, eh? I thought so. Occasionally I have a good idea.

Anyway... I'm doing things in this order:

finishing the photos and narrative for Senior Son's web project... I have to finish today.
writing a birth story... finish by Wed.
teaching a childbirth class for a couple for whom I'll be the doula.. class is tonight
working on plans for an art project for my last art class of the year
attending the funeral of my friend's mom
beginning the last month of "Starting Points" teaching
finishing Denise's necklace... (Hi Denise...I'm starting over because I was inspired today!)
Packing up the prizes and necklace and sending them to Denise
praying for my boys and their finals this week
attending Bible study
viewing "Around the World in 80 Days" in play form, about an hour from here, with our co-op
having our last academic co-op (next week is something special)
Other things... eat, cook, clean, laundry, etc.

Oh... and my anniversary gifts as if the trip weren't enough? A CD that Dear compiled for me and put our pics on the front, a poem he wrote (framed... twice... one for up front and one for wherever), and a Cherry Red Chevy S10 truck to replace Bluebell who has gone to live with dear friends since I think we all despaired of me EVER learning to drive a stick shift. Pictures will follow. New truck... Cherry Baby... as in "Sherry Baby"... as in the song... Dear helped me on this one. If something else comes to us we'll rename her. She's really really pretty and she has an ah-ooga horn! She seats four so our whole family can cram in there... if the boys aren't home.

Oh, and finally... Young Man added another cert to his pilot's license AND has a paid internship in VA this summer working as an airplane tech/mechanic. How cool is that? Although, I will miss him a whole whole lot. At least we get him for about 2 weeks before he has to head East.

Blessings,
Kim

~Giving Thanks~

2010-04-23T23:23:00.000-04:00

I've had many occasion to give thanks recently:

my husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage
Kaitlyn and Andrew had a beautiful baby girl and taught me a lot about a godly marriage in the process
Young Man completed his stage check... meaning one more accreditation on his Pilot's License
and tonight... Senior Son was inducted into the honor society.

Bear with me as I wipe a tear, praise God and breathe more easily. You see, although Senior Son was a GOOD student in high school, earning a scholarship and entree' into the honor's college... it took him three years to find out that playing computer games 24/7 is NOT the best way to: a) pass your course, b) honor your parents... or at least obey them, nor c) bring glory to God.

HOWEVER...

as my dear MIL pointed out tonight... God was NOT finished with our son. Not by a long shot. We had to be tough, cut out the financial support, ask him to live elsewhere and pretty much be tough. In the end, God won the day. God had HIS way with our son and that's what I am so excited about.

S.S. moved into Bob's house as one of the six young men hired each year to care for Bob, who has CP. He returned to church, our church, and set up some accountability boundaries. He found a number of paying jobs. He changed majors. He started being INVOLVED in church fellowship, NOT merely Sunday morning attendance, he took responsibility when offered, he studied, he learned about the phrase, "Sorry, not tonight. I have homework." He prayed, he read the Bible and he trusted God.

Tonight our son, who was "invited" to leave his past Alma mater was inducted into the honor society at his present school. Last semester he offered us a gift... his report card. At the last school it would have been full of "F's" , but this time it was a 4.0! Even better than the grades was seeing our son begin to have a vision for his future, to see him search for God and to see him start to mature. Is he all the way there? Nope... God is still working with him. And I'm giving thanks!!

WE love you son!
Blessings,

Mom/Kim

~Congratulations to our Winner!~

2010-04-23T07:44:00.001-04:00

At 1:00 a.m. I headed down to the blog, tallied up the names, wrote each entry on a slip of paper (many of you had multiple entries... good job), and put them in a bowl.

This morning I shook the bowl, handed it to my daughter and she drew....

Denise's name. Denise of "ShortyBear" .... see my sidebar. Please visit Denise's blogs. She is an incredible godly woman who is trusting God in the valleys. She will bless your socks off.

For the rest... I wish I could give a prize to all. But, if you want to buy something from one of my sites... or my Whimsyandtheword blog I'll happily give you a 10% discount on anything ALREADY made...

Thanks so much.

Be watching for another giveaway on Whimsy.... my son is working on a web page for me so I'll have my own site on which to list... when that happens I'll probably do another giveaway for the grand opening.

Blessings all and thanks so much for visiting me!
Kim
p.s. Denise... I'll need your snail mail address... you can email it to me.

~ Giveaway ends in 4 hours!~

2010-04-22T20:07:00.000-04:00

Anyone who's interested has four hours left in which to enter my giveaway...

click the link on the sidebar to see the rules, which are basically, comment, become a follower, find my other blogs (linked in the contest post) become a follower, bring in new followers...

LOTS of ways to enter. Great prizes.. an altered bottle, altered journal and "Bit of Charm" necklace... check out the contest post to see the pictures.

Hurry hurry!

Blessings, Kim

~Thankful Thursday~ Thank You Lord for my daily work...

2010-04-22T10:17:00.000-04:00

"8"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9"Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

10but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. "

Exodus 20: 8-10

Recently I've been having trouble feeling motivated to do my daily work. It sounded more fun to sleep late, read a book, visit, whatever... anything except the daily drudge of laundry, dishes, and other household chores.

Of course as I lazed around I was quick to note that my daughters were NOT completing THEIR chores. And, of course, I was also quick to comment upon this. Loudly. Pointedly. At them. AHEM! Part of my comments included the phrase... "and just where did you learn not do do your chores?" And then I heard myself. And say myself. And I was ashamed.

First point, ask my daughters for their forgiveness. Not only was I hypocrite... holding them to a standard I had no desire to reach. But, I was teaching them, albeit quite poorly, that it was more important to indulge yourself rather than to do what God had given you to do.

Then of course came time with God. Time in which I needed to both ask for forgiveness and wait for His exhortations... these came via scripture, friends' blogs, and daily "nudges" by the Holy Spirit. After that it was time for praise and thanksgiving that the Lord would even listen to one such as I, forgive me, exhort me, encourage me, and still allow me the privilege of daily work.

Yes, I returned to the point of realizing it is a privilege for me to work hard each day, accomplishing the work which God has given me to do. Right in the Word He tells us that we are to labor 6 days. When I can remember that then I am just fine and can do my work, even joyfully; and in the process it seems my family is happier, I am happier, and things are actually getting done.

Speaking of which, I must bid you all adieu in order to finish today's chores. May you also be blessed to enjoy that which God gives you to do each day!

Shalom,
Kim

For more "Thankful Thursday" posts please jump over to Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

(p.s. ... today's the last day to take part in my giveaway.... just look for the button on the upper right of the sidebar.)

And how does your garden grow?

2010-04-21T10:59:00.000-04:00

(some of my lilies a few years ago)

The day after a migraine I usually am a bit slower on the uptake. So, although I was up and cooking last night, went with Dear to pick up the van (with the nail now OUT of the tire and the tire patched), and I even did a small grocery run I was still going slow this morning. The upside is:

no rebound headache
a sparkly clean counter top
home made waffles for breakfast
a heart ready and willing to work

I always wonder where I got my love of cooking. My mom, although loving to bake didn't really "love" the idea of cooking a big meal. Which made sense, because neither did her mom. They both loved gardening. And, so when we were told we were going to have a vegetable garden in the darkest, dirtiest, weediest, buggiest part of the yard and I was informed that I would have the honor of weeding said garden... me with my bug, plant, and pollen allergies... well, perhaps that explains my love/hate relationship with trying to grow things.. in dirt, near bugs, and weeds. YUCK!

(The only year the bush flowered.. I'm trying fertilizer this year.)

But today the question is, "Do I actually finally iron and put away the laundry or instead go out and play in the garden a bit more?" Usually if I find myself actually WANTING to be gardening I head out because I'm here to tell you I do NOT love gardening. I tolerate it. Most times. Sometimes I flat out ignore it, which is how I ended up hiring two young men to pull YARDS of poison ivy off the house and out of the beds. Now we're using the dreaded spray to be rid of the stuff. I HATE spraying, but with all of us being allergic and MMH needing shots if she so much as looks at it that's they way Dear chose for us to go and I'm happily following along.

I'll try to get some "after" shots of the flower beds when I'm done. They're not a showpiece by any means, but so much better than when they were merely bushes and weeds. The bushes came out by the plumber's truck when we found a leak in our water main, the bradford pear tree came down when an ice storm decimated 1/3 of it... That left us with some odd looking empty beds. It's been a slow go, both due to finances and my love/hate relationship with gardening, but today we have the following:

plum tree
dwarf japanese maple
little miss kim lilac bush
clematis
hydrangea
dianthus
asiatic lilies
day lilies
tiger lilies
daffodils
creeping periwinkle
snap dragons
hardy geraniums
one returning mum... long story
a couple of hyacinth
morning glory that's being sprouted in a pot

Seriously, it's really quite pretty right now. I keep adding bulbs here and there and am learning to add perennials rather than annuals so I don't have to keep adding more and more. But, the occasional annuals make their way in as I think they are so pretty.

(This is one love I DID get from Gram... she always had a bank of lilies by her back porch.)

Our deck is usually fairly simple. We have a hanging pot of pansies, a basket in a stand of pink geraniums and hens & chicks in a planter... simple, but nice. When I bring out the colorful tablecloths, the fiesta flatware and luray plates we have plenty of color.

Well, that's it for now. I've been enjoyng time focused on my family and home after a rush of childbirth classes and a birth. All of which I LOVE, but it's nice to take a small break. Very small. I start teaching the next batch of classes tonight and have two births coming up in late May/early June.

One way or another we manage to keep busy, keep school running and have some fun in the process. This weekend April and I get to make a long awaited junkin' run to a HUGE flea market in Evansville. I'll post pics of my/our finds later.

Hope you're enjoying your day! I am actually looking forward to getting back to my flower beds. What's in your garen?

Of course, these aren't quite in bloom yet, but they're bushing up by the lilies!

Blessings, Kim

p.s. Don't forget to enter my giveaway, tomrorrow's the last day. The link is in the sidebar!

Choosing Curriculum

2010-04-17T08:09:00.001-04:00

Many of my friends just returned from the Cinncinnati, Ohio Homeschoolers Convention. I hear it's even bigger and better than the one in Indy which I attend most years. BIGGER? BETTER? That's a little daunting.

Over the years our pastor has spoken about the world of Christian publishing, with which he is quite familiar as both his family and his wife's family are involved. I am beginning to see that that same may be true of homeschooling publishers.

As a Christian homeschooler it's important to me that the curriculum I use, especially for the younger grades, is based on strong doctrine. However, taking a math book (which doesn't necessarily need doctrine, per se) and sticking a bible verse on each page does not a Christian text book make. I am learning. Sadly, over the years I learned the hard way, often times plunking down hard earned money and ending up with something that looked to be the next best thing since sliced bread, only to find two months into the year that either it was more of the same, or not even that good.

When we go to the conventions we need to have several things in mind:

budget: much like a house, clothing or car, we need to set a budget for our schooling. Sometimes it may be okay to extend, but ask your husband, don't just do a spur of the moment purchase.
WHO are you teaching? Remember, you are teaching your child, not yourself. Maybe this is a way you would have liked to learn, but is this a way in which your child CAN learn?
Prepare: spend a few months BEFORE the convention studying up on what you are interested in purchasing. Maybe have a few alternate choices if you have something this year that you know you need to change.
Submit: Run the changes by your husband. One, he may have some insight for you, two he'll help you to keep a cap on your spending, or conversly encourage you to spend on something you should rather than "save money" which in the end may cost you dearly.
Involve: As your children become older, junior high and above, you might involve them with some of the choices.
Study: As your children hit high school age look at the classes, look at what your child thinks he may be doing as a life's calling and then try to suit much of his learning to that goal. Example: Young Man is now earning a degree as a Missionary Aviator. So, in high school we geared his language to where he thought he might be called to serve, rather than Advanced Biology we had him take Intro. to Aviation and rather than Chemistry we had him take Introduction to Electronics... all of these are things he needed to help prepare him, but also to help him be sure that this actually was where God was calling him to serve.
Flexiblity: After all this, be open that you may, indeed, find something new at the convention. Think long and carefully before grabbing it. I had a number of books I sold at used book sales which I had never or only barely used. Sometimes it's worth the price of shipping to give yourself time to think and pray.
Lists: Bring a list for each child. This helps in the end to make sure you didn't forget anything. I was so pround when I came from convention this year that I had purchased everything I needed. Then I realized I had not purchased our language program. In the end this was okay, because we changed our course based on some good advice, but if I had brought my list I might not have been so quick to think I was done.
PRAY! Before you go and while you are there pray. Don't think you have to be a cookie cutter homeschool mom. It's so tempting afer one of those great talks to come down hard on ourselves and think, "I should be like so and so and then I'd have great success in my homeschooling." God has created you to be a unique individual, and your children likewise. Don't try to become just like everyone else. DO base your homeschooling on scriptural truths, DO submit to your husband, DO remain accountable whether to your husband and/or to a co-op or a friend, but DO NOT try to become someone you are not.
Unique: DO NOT assume each of your children are gifted alike. Each of my four kids is very unique in their personality, style of dress, abilities, interests and life goals. That's 100% fine. God makes individuals... remember, some are the hands, some are the feet, maybe someone in your family is an elbow. They may not look as important as a mouth, but try to be a servant to someone without bending your arm and you realize that elbows are also important.

I hope this helps a bit. It's a bit tardy in its posting, but even now this may help as you look at what you've already purchased. Maybe somethings are a perfect fit and others just need to be returned. Enjoy the process, it does give you a unique insight into each child. Hopefully you will know them better and better each year and truly enjoy who God has made them to be as you go about choosing their curriculum.

Shalom, Kim

p.s. Don't forget to sign up for my giveaway... and yes, this includes my local homeschool friends and church friends as well. I'd love to have your names in the drawing! Simply click on the button located in the upper left portion of my sidebar to find the rules and ways to enter!

~Run the Race Well~

2010-04-15T09:31:00.005-04:00

It's SPRING! Yep, with all caps. That means the weather's getting lovely, the birds are singing, the garden beckons, and it's everything we can do to keep ourselves motivated to finish our daily tasks for school, let alone keeping a clean house, because, after all, who wants to stay in when we can go out?

1Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of
witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12: 1-3

I need to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, reminding myself it's not just me, myself, and I out there. It's not even just me and the girls. It's all of us LIVING FOR CHRIST. That means that each thing we do we ought to be able to invite Jesus to be a part of what we're doing and know that he would feel welcome. If I know I should be teaching grammar, but instead I want to go to an auction, I can simply ask myself where Jesus would feel most valued, or welcomed, in my life. If I'm doing something that isn't exactly what I should be doing, even though it's not "bad," then I know I wouldn't be as comfortable inviting Christ to partake in this activity with me. That's a simple test for me. Then I know I put aside the things that entangle.

The other thing I see in this verse is that we run with endurance. This says to me that the race is not easy. There are simply days when I want to put the girls on the big yellow bus that comes to the corner of our street. It would be so simple (metaphorically speaking of course!) to just send them out the door and do my own thing. But, that would be running without endurance. Would you honor a runner who part way through the race hopped in a cab because they were tired and then got out just short of the finish line so they would appear to have run to the end of the race? I didin't think so. That's what I have to remind myself. No cab. No school bus. No short cut.

I may be tired. I may be interested in other things. The girls might whine. I might whine. (The dog whines all the time!) But, we have a race and for our family it's homeschooling. So, we're going to finish the race this year, Lord willing, with God's help, inviting Jesus to join us. It's then I know we're most likely to honor him. When Christ is with us I know we will not grow weary and lose heart, rather we'll be inspired to finish because he himself ran the race unto death, death on a cross, just for us. How can we do less?!

So, what's your race? I pray you will finish well also.

Shalom,
Kim

p.s. Don't forget my giveaway... it's linked on the sidebar to the right! You have till April 22.

Giveaway... change in plans

2010-04-14T17:41:00.002-04:00

Okay all, this is making me sad, sad, sad. But, I've had exactly one comment on my contest. One. That's it.

So, I'm opening this up for one more week. That's it... Till April 22. Prizes leave this house on Friday, April 23.

So, here's the deal:

leave a comment here and mention your favorite thing on this blog
become a follower and leave a comment to let me know
bring a new follower, they leave a comment and share that YOU brought them here, you BOTH get entered
visit my Whimsy and The Word blog and become a follower
bring a new follower to Whimsy and the Word, have them leave a comment and mention this contest and YOUR name, and you BOTH get entered.

EASY as pie. Lots of ways to get more than one entry.

~Now, perhaps the problem is this: You haven't seen what you're going to get. So, here's another change, I'm picking out a necklace for the winner...And there are at least two other gifts as well.

"A Bit of Charm"copper necklace, "The Miss Emily" on a 22 inch copper ball chain, embellished with a lovely antique button. The back reads "Contemplate" in lovely coppery glitter.

The Plain Princess... an altered notebook. 4.5 inches tall and 3.25 inches wide. The front and back have lovely paper cut outs dating from the early 1900s and late 1800s, layered with trim, scrap papers and coated in glitter. All sealed with a matte sealer to keep it fresh and lovely.

"Fairy Tales in Glass"... DREAM... altered bottle with an excellent reproduction of a vintage postcard, layered on top of ledger paper from the late 1800's. covered with beeswax, embellished with vintage buttons, a lovely crystal, the tag "Dream"and all tied up with a gorgeous coppery rose bow.

All told this prize package is worth almost $40.00.

So, please please please share this with your friends. If you or someone else uses my button and blogs about the contest that will be another entry! (Just be sure and tell me so I know.)

Contest is open now... and closes next Thursday.

One more note... besides Peggy, because she already entered... open to US residents only... shipping and handling gets really intense otherwise... sorry lovely ladies... maybe in the future I'll be able to do this. But, I am keeping Peggy in the drawing... only fair since I added this later. No worries.

Blessings, Kim
p.s. Denise wins something no matter what... she's the only who posted to date. So, Denise, email me and we'll work out what kind of necklace you want... then I won't send it till next week in case you win this version of the contest as well.

~25 Years and counting~

2010-04-13T16:09:00.000-04:00

April 13, 1985

25 years
4 kids
2 births
2 adoptions
1 trip to China
ups
downs
thick
thin
sickness
health
better
worse
continued faith in God
continued love for each other
learning to lead
learning to submit
commitment
promises
vows
love

September 2002

Lessons Learned in Childbirth ~Husband Led Childbirth~

2010-04-10T10:56:00.005-04:00

(as found on ~Doulas~ one of my other blogs)

As you may have noted if you saw the list of blogs I work on, I have some varied interestes. For many many years, about 25, I've been involved the birthing community, first through La Leche League as a group leader and a breastfeeding support person, then through ASPO/Lamaze as a childbirth educator and an "unofficical birth coach" and now, most recently through Childbirth International as a certified labor doula. All in all, you could say that I'm hooked. I love to be involved with families as they are preparing to give birth, giving birth, or need some support post-partum.

A few weeks ago we hosted the first ever "Indiana Christian Childbirth Expo" and while it was not a huge affair, as numbers go, it allowed us to share some important thoughts with the people who did attend. Below is a copy of the talk I was supposed to give... long story... which I did end up sharing with about 7 women there as a personal testimony. All this to say.. it might be worth a read... it continues to encourage me very much in what I do. But, even more, it is a great reminder that I NEED my husband... he is my spiritual head in this family, the family leader and "the final word" when need be. Such a blessing!

HUSBAND LED CHILDBIRTH

Hi, my name’s Kim and I’m a labor doula. The road I took to get to this point started even before my own first child was born. As I’m a storyteller you’ll probably hear more story than lecture, but the idea of husband led childbirth has been a constant theme as I walked this path.

Twenty five years ago I attended my very first birth ever. My husband and I had a young unmarried woman living with us while she was experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Hers was rather a typical story, college romance, a baby conceived and the birth father becoming absent. As she needed someone to help her I soon became her birthing partner. Imagine a young married woman, having never had children, all my friends were childless or single and here I was trying to tell this young woman what to do. However, by the time she gave birth I knew my life would never be the same.

But, it was not merely the realization that God might have been placing a call upon my life to serve the birthing community it was the beginning of a journey that led me to understand that the birth room, whether it be in a hospital, birthing center, a home, or even the back of a car is not removed from God’s created order of things.

22Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

23For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.

24But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

26so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

27that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

28So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself;

29for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,

30because we are members of His body.

Yes, the woman’s body is doing the work. Yes, the woman is experiencing the pain. Yes, the woman is rather central to this issue. Nevertheless God still expects the husband to be the head of the house. Not merely a coach barking orders, but rather a godly man who is willing to lay down his life for his bride. He will not shirk the hard things, but that doesn’t mean he has to do everything.

I’d like to share some stories and help you see what I learned over 25 years.

That very first birth I attended to I’ve already mentioned. There was a mother, her baby and me. The father was notably absent. In fact, within the next two years he would have removed himself altogether from his child’s life, and from the life of the woman he had sworn to love. I learned that although women are very good at giving birth, and I can be an adequate to excellent birth partner, I can never replace the husband/father in the birthing room.

Several years later we gave birth to our first two children. Both preemies. Both a bit scary due to circumstances. But I recall that although I had no idea what I was doing the first time… we gave birth on the second day of childbirth classes… I was totally dependent on my husband’s voice and his touch. When all else was new, scary and out of my control I could look to him to keep me focused, to love me and to help me. The second time around was a wild ride as we gave birth 13 minutes after arriving at the hospital. We went to sign in, it’s one in the morning, my water has broken, my contractions are about 90 seconds apart and I’m seriously in labor. I finally told the person in the office that I HAD to get off my feet or I was going to have the baby. I’m not sure if she believed me or just wanted my panting body out of her office, but she called for a nurse and sent me upstairs. I was no sooner in my room than I wanted to push, BUT I held on till Dear made it to the birthing room. I needed him there. I knew what I wanted in the birth, but what I needed was my husband. I needed his strength, his sense of order, and his very presence. Not only that but as soon as our son was born and the room became still and my husband spoke the entire roomful of medical staff watched as our son turned directly towards him, recognizing the voice he had heard for months already. That moment once again established that idea of husband-led birthing. After that birth I trained to become a childbirth educator, and from there began accompanying clients into the birthing room.

Of course over the years not all my clients were Christians, and to be honest, not all my clients were married, but for married Christians I truly believe that the husband still needs to be the head… even in the birthing room.

One of the things I have learned through scripture, the preaching of the word, and good teaching is that the Bible never contradicts itself. So, as we heard earlier, the husband is the head of the wife, and that does not change merely because she’s demanding, hurting, or busy. It’s at those very moments where God’s love manifests itself so strongly.

Another year, another birth. This was my second time working with this couple. Their plans, as plans are wont to do went a bit astray. Childcare, in the form of a family member, just wasn’t happening. Despite frantic phone calls no one showed up to watch baby number one. Well, it seemed obvious to me that I would just step into the childcare roll and allow mom and dad to work together in the birth of their next child. But, I was suddenly confronted with a brand new issue. My client asked her husband to watch the child, and for me to be her sole birthing partner. While I understood that she wanted someone with experience, my presence upstairs while her husband was downstairs seemed to mock the very marriage God had created. And yet, was it? Who made the decision for me to remain in the birthing room?

Again, another few years, another birth. An odd call from a mom close to her due date and every 2-10 minutes the phone went dead as she dropped it and breathed heavily. Finally her husband came on the line and I asked what was happening when the phone went dead each time… “Well,” he says, “she sort of doubles over, holds her stomach and starts breathing.” I tried to keep a calm voice as I asked how long this had been going on, meanwhile trying to figure out the timing of running back to our picnic site, establishing a ride home for my family and zooming to the hospital. I learned this had been going on for about 6 hours and her husband finally convinced her to call me. Although no pattern had been established, she was close to delivery. She would not believe she was in labor because the contractions were not setting up a pattern. But, she would listen to her husband who suggested she call me and that’s when she learned she had to get to the hospital, fast. By the way… she arrived fully dilated to 10 cm. and had a baby within 2 hours.

As you can see time after time women doubted, needed help, needed guidance and their husbands stepped in. Some by direction, some by stepping back and having someone else do what they felt needed to be done.

When I spoke to several couples about the expo and this talk, one of the husbands wanted to know how I defined “husband-led.” He was afraid, or perhaps concerned, that what I expected was for the husband to always be present at the birth, for him to have done a huge amount of reading, and for him to make all decisions on his own.

Let’s step back and see what I really mean. One of my favorite quotes regarding childbirth is taken from a sermon preached my Martin Luther in 1522. The sermon is entitled “The Estate of Marriage” and in section three he has the following to say:

A wife too should regard her duties in the same light, as she suckles the child, rocks and bathes it, and cares for it in other ways; and as she busies herself with other duties and renders help and obedience to her husband. These are truly golden and noble works. This is also how to comfort and encourage a woman in the pangs of childbirth, not by repeating St Margaret legends and other silly old wives' tales but by speaking thus, "Dear [so and so], remember that you are a woman, and that this work of God in you is pleasing to him. Trust joyfully in his will, and let him have his way with you. Work with all your might to bring forth the child. …If you were not a woman you should now wish to be one for the sake of this very work alone, that you might thus gloriously suffer and even die in the performance of God's work and will.

This then is the first work, and main work of husband led childbirth. Husbands are to lovingly remind their wives that their very bodies were created for this purpose. They are honoring God as they strive to deliver their child. There need be no fancy rhetoric, barked commands, or fearful suggestions. The wives are to take strength from their husband’s words.

I know, I’ve already heard it, some woman may say, “But my husband is not that interested.” Or perhaps, “He wants to be there, but doesn’t want to upset the doctor.” Or again, “I’m not sure I trust him.” Wives, your husband is not called to suddenly have both a medical and counseling degree in order to be the perfect caregiver and advocate. What he is called to do is to love you and care for you. This can look different in different births. It may be the husband knows his wife needs a certain person in the room with her, or that she needs to call for help, or simply that she must do what he says at that moment until something else comes for her to do.

About three years ago I was asked to be a doula for a young couple having their first child. The husband is a godly man, and has a strong personality. The wife is also strong with a strong sense of order and how things must be done. The pregnancy and then the birth was a time of testing for her to learn to step back and listen to her husband rather than her own desires. It became easier for her over time and it was beautiful to watch. But, I still hear that question from the other night. WHAT is the husband to do? Well, this husband basically told me what he would do and what he wanted me to do. I could deal with the birthing matters, and he would love his wife. He did not abdicate, he made an informed decision. I was the one who had studied this and experienced this. But, as regards to loving his wife and encouraging or even exhorting her, that was his place.

More recently still I began to actively teach the idea of husband led childbirth. The birth I attended was very sweet and touching, again a young couple, first child. I had told them during classes that there may come a point when the wife lies to the husband. I know this shocked them, it shocks most couples. But, I added, she is not meaning to lie, it’s just that there’s a point at which her body wants, NEEDS, HAS TO start pushing. The problem is that sometimes it’s not quite ready, or you’re without someone to actually catch the baby. Imagine her surprise when this happened to her. I was behind her, watching, her husband was holding her hands, and I happened to notice that she had stopped her breathing pattern, tucked her head down and was holding her breath. I bent forward and whispered in her ear, “Look at your husband and submit to him. “ I figured this was the moment when I’d either get a tongue lashing or I’d see the power of God at work. She looked up, her husband looked her in the eyes and said, “Jess, put your head up, blow and stop pushing.”

Funny thing is at the time I didn’t realize what had happened. But as Jess and I spoke later she said that was a memory that was stamped on heart for ever. She had to stop doing what she wanted, trust her husband and follow him. She told me, “It was the biggest relief I had felt in a long time to know I could depend on you to guide us, Paul to lead me and know that if I followed I was not stepping outside of God’s will and could trust that I was doing the right thing even though it was still very hard physically!”

That’s the moment when I knew I wanted to share this with all of you. As I said earlier I’ve attended births for 25 years now. I’ve been to births where the husband was a college frat guy watching a game with his buddies as his wife labored, I’ve been with a single mom who had no one else and I’ve been with husbands and wives where the husband continued to be the head of the household. It won’t always make for a “perfect birth”, as a matter of fact, things may appear to go terribly wrong, but in the end you will know that your marriage will grow stronger, you’ll love your husband more than ever, and he will love you even more for walking this path… the woman’s path of birthing… and for listening to him, trusting him and honoring him with your respect.

God cares for us in many ways. During birth he gives us doulas, midwives, nurses, doctors, family and friends, but the biggest support he offers to you is a husband who is not afraid to lead… in whatever way that works out in your birth story. May God bless you all as you walk this path.

Shalom, Kim

(A Quick Reminder... Don't forget my giveaway... it's still going. Just click on the link in the sidebar and you'll be redirected to that post! Come on... join in the fun!)

AH HA ... a contest!

2010-04-08T10:53:00.003-04:00

(Please note... this has now been edited)

Hey Ladies,

I reached 100 posts and didn't even realize it. So, here we are, post 101. It's funny as I've reached this same point several times over the years as I start and restart blogs. Just part of who I am I guess... always needing to start fresh.

Well, as promised, I'm holding a giveaway. Now, the key here is two-fold, and I'll be quite upfront with it. I want to thank my current readers, but I also want to gather in some new followers.

~So, if you are already a reader/follower, please comment and share what you have enjoyed about this blog.

~If you join as a new follower, please let me know (leave a comment)... that will give you a chance in the drawing.

~If you bring someone along as a new follower, not only do they get one chance, but you get a second chance. Just be sure to have them mention your name (or blog) in their comment. Each person should share why they enjoy this blog.

And the prize? Well, part of it will be that I will make a "Bit of Charm" or a "Domino" necklace for you. We'll work on it together, via email. The other part? Well, it will be something else I have made. A surprise. (Hint... I've been working notebooks, notecards, memory boxes and all sorts of things, so your prize will fun and if you want more ideas of what might be in the winning giveaway just visit WhimsyandTheWord.blogspot.com and see what else I've been making!) YEAH! I'm sure you are wondeirng though, "What necklaces?" I've shown two below to whet your appetite, BUT

~Well, visit my OTHER (WhimsyandTheWord) blog and if you become a new follower there (or are already a follower and leave a new comment) I'll give you ANOTHER entry in the drawing. Yep, that's right. And the rules continue as above... if you bring someone else to THAT blog as a follower then I'll happily give you each a draw in the entry. Of course, if you come to the other blog, you'll have to comment... here or there... as I have noted above, just note that it's for my blog contest.

Now, here's another fun thing. I would LOVE to have this grow bigger. So, if you want to save the picture in the post and use it on your blog's sidebar and link it to this post or in a post about this giveaway that will give you ANOTHER entry in the draw.Yep, I guess I'm feeling generous today.

Oh, and the important question, "When will this end?" Well, I guess let's give it one week. April 15 the contest will end at midnight Eastern time.

A recap of the ways to enter:

leave a comment here about your favorite post, or why you like this blog
become a new follower and leave a comment
bring a new follower, and have them leave your name/contact info in their comment
become a follower of my other blog
bring a follower to my other blog and have them inclued your name/contact/blog info in their comment.
use my picture above in a post or on your sidebar. (you'll have to email that you've done so in order for me to know)

That makes for a lot of possible ways to earn an entry. Enjoy.

In case you just don't think you'll like the necklace, in case you just don't want to be bothered with going to the other blog... here's a hint of what I've already made and what we can design together for you... IF you're the winner.
If you visit the other blog search under "necklaces" and you'll see more of what you could win.

Playing Catch Up!

2010-04-07T12:14:00.001-04:00

Today is the first day in a long while in which I'm starting to feel myself again. It's been a busy few weeks here and the future also promises to be quite busy.

As the weather's been warmer Dear has been coming home earlier and we've been eating on our deck each night. What a treat!

We're all enjoying the swing each day. Sometimes we cuddle up and listen to the birds, other times we're out reading in the sun, sometimes it's just a good place to escape, pray and think.

This was a fabulous find at one of the best garage sales I ever attended. Turns out the person running the sale was closing out her antique business, but she was doing it at garage sale prices. I think I paid perhaps 50 cents for this lantern. Young Man wanted me to clean up the rust. ACK! Instead I've left it out to weather some more. In the evenings we light the candle and enjoy the flickering light as we eat.

"MMH" loves to lean on the deck and dream.

Okay... she doesn't really. But, she was amenable to a pose or two for me as I work on my "The Artistic Mothers" photography assignment.

We're supposed to shoot photos of our kids regularly. A while back we were to get them "in action." I thought this one was fun. Looks like she's flying...

If you jump to my other blog you'll find that I've been busy making jewelry.

And finally, if you jump to my third blog you'll find that I shared a testimony at our first Indiana Christian Childbirth Expo.

It's been busy and it's nice for things to slow a bit.

Coming up:

I'm doula for births with the following due dates: April 9, May 29, June 6, July 8 and Oct. 1.

I also have several sets of childbirth classes to teach over the next two months.

Dear and I celebrate 25 years of marriage next week!

Later we'll take a glorious trip to Sanibel Island WITHOUT the kids and enjoy some time together!

July will find Dear turning 50! We hope to do the Durango/Silverton railroad experience!

China Sisters Reunion comes back in mid July as well... July will be crazy!

Have a glorious day!

Shalom, Kim

Still alive and kickin'

2010-03-25T18:18:00.000-04:00

But boy have I been uber busy!!! Times 10!!!

Somehow, as things have a way of doing in my life things got rearranged until on Saturday I had two jewelry booths and a childbirth expo. Now, granted, one of the booths is AT the expo, but still.

So, here's how it works.

Today: get up, clean the upstairs, work on art, eat, teach worldview, work on art, deliver math papers, work on art.

Friday: get up, work at co-op, eat, drive one booth's worth over to Magpie Market, set that up, come home, deliever Wee One to a sleepover, eat dinner, meet Dear at Senior Son's Honor Society initiataion (WAY TO GO SON!), come home, work on art. Complete the ten minute talk/testimony I am to give on husband-led childbirth. SLEEP.

Saturday: get up, finish pricing or working, load car, get to church, set up booth, set up expo, prepare.

Oh, and did I mention I go on call for a birth starting tomorrow? I actually told the mom to tell her baby to wait till after 5 p.m. on Saturday. Seriously!!!

But, I'm quite excited about this expo. The dream began almost three years ago as three of us from our church talked about a birthing ministry. Two of us have completed our doula certifications, and one may yet do so. One of us, NOT me, has plans to complete her CBE certification, and then mabye... later... maybe... if my hubby says yes, I can recertify through Apple Tree ministries for my CBE. But, to jump back to Saturday. We are hosting the FIRST EVER Indiana Christian Childbirth Expo. We will have speakers, vendors, giveaways, birthing plan station, ask a doula station, lending/browsing library, hands on materials to help explain the process and even a coloring corner for the kids. Oh, and of course nothing happens at church without food. Yes, food. And the cost? FREE FREE ABSOLUTELY FREE!

We've invited doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, expecting moms. We've run it on two radio stations and posted flyers everywhere while handing out personal invites to those we meet around town. Here's hoping for a wonderful turn out and a God honoring day.

Blessings, Kim

~Song of Solomon 2: 11-13~ (as posted on my other blog)

2010-03-11T10:09:00.001-05:00

11For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

12The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land;

13The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell.

For no other reason

2010-03-06T22:43:00.002-05:00

than the fact that I really enjoy shooting pictures, messing with them with the software and playing with them a bit. Wee One always laughs about my photo choices, but she is pretty good natured as you can see here. Can you imagine what it would have been like had she really dropped that in her mouth?

I'm hoping you all had such a lovely day as well. Wee One and I traveled to a nearby park for this photo shoot. We had a lot of fun. I asked if she minded going with me and she said,

"I don't mind walking or pausing, so I'm okay."

Too cute.

As I saw these silos through the woods I had a vision for what I would do with the shot. Of course it would have been much better had I found a way to get rid of the power lines.

However...

That's hard to do when you're standing right by the pole. So, just get a shot of the pole and play with that as well.

I have a thing for old style farm findings. Out in the middle of this park is a gorgeous old windmill. I had never thought to alter the photo this way till today. So cool! Did I ever tell the story about my FIL? I think it was my FIL who climbed the windmill on the family farm in NE. If I recall he might have needed some assitance in getting back down.

I should probably mention he was quite young at the time... perhaps under 5 years of age.

Hope I have that correct. I'd hate to be making up stories.

Hope you enjoyed our day at the park. I'd show you all the photos but there are 83 more and that's a bit much!

Blessings, Kim

~ CLD CBI~

2010-03-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

I'm sure that makes no sense to most of you, but to me it is a BIG accomplishment.

As of 5 minutes ago those are the initials I should be allowed to place after my name stating that I am now a fully Certified Labor Doula through Chilbirth International.

I've done it. Actually, God did, and my dear husband, and my friends and family and the prayers of many.

Thanks to all of you. This weekend, the first sunny one in months, is now a celebration!

Blessings,
Kim

Superb Saturday

2010-03-06T00:46:00.000-05:00

It's done.
192/200

That was a lot of time... from 2:30 p.m. Friday till 12:44 a.m. on Saturday... minus a dinner prep break, dinner break, time out to have tea with hubby and pick up a few groceries. back home and DONE!!!!!

Now we'll see what I have left and kick it into HIGH GEAR!

Thank you God for your mercies, for your faithful servants who have lifted me in prayer all day. Thank you for this calling to serve laboring women. May I serve you and give you all glory.

AMEN!

FABULOUS FRIDAY!!!

2010-03-05T21:24:00.000-05:00

Babara can just about say, "I told you so."

You see, I have this little itty bitty problem with being a perfectionist. If I can't do it "just so" then I don't want to do it. Sometimes this is good. Often it is prideful, sinful and just plain old bothersome.

I've put off taking my physiology tests for about 11 months. Yes, that's about right. I was afraid I wouldn't have a "good enough" grade. Mind you they want a 50% or higher and I'm used to being in the upper 90s, but I just wasn't sure. (Not to mention I had already passed Lamaze's physiology exams, pitted against nurses!)

I've now finished 5 tests of the 8 required. Grades so far: 98%, 100%, 95%, 90%, 100%. Guess I should have trusted the Lord all along. If this is where He is calling me then he will see me through. I just get all focused on me me me me. Makes ME sick of ME.

Thank you God.

Lord willing and my printer working I'll finish by bedtime tonight... even if that's early this morning. Then one short section left and I'm done and can apply for my certificate. Maybe I'll be done by the Birth Expo.

Only sad piece of news is that no body guessed the correct date. I truly wasn't aiming for a date... just an open time slot.

That being said, there will be a giveaway... just keep watching!

Back to the printer and the tests. Thanks all for your prayers. I have felt so buoyed up today. Seriously, God has allowed me to finish another two art projects, homeschooling, co-op, Bible time, home cooked meals and much more. I am so thankful!
Shalom,
Kim

Hold me accountable!

2010-03-04T17:29:00.000-05:00

Okay... here it is.

I PLAN TO TAKE MY PHYSIOLOGY EXAMS TOMORROW AND SATURDAY. Please pray for me. I am not going into this in the same way I usually do, however, I do know I have passed Lamaze physiology exams in the past and so I am not clueless.

May what I do honor God... now and in the manner in which I use that which I learn.

Thanks!
Kim

New Items Listed

2010-03-03T00:19:00.001-05:00

You're welcome to visit my other blog... my "blogfolio" at Whimsy and The Word to see my latest listings. These are all listed on ArtFire. Or, simply click on the links to the right of this page and you'll be taken to the ArtFire site (or try my Etsy site for my "Bit of Charm" necklaces... I happily make special orders, just ask.)

"Old Style Romance" $30

"Imagine" $20

Blessings, Kim

Full of hot air! Or not...

2010-03-01T11:47:00.000-05:00

Okay, not exactly hot air. Actually it was very cold out and my front right tire was LOW on air.

In the great spirit of many determined women before me I tackled the problem WITHOUT reading how to fill a tire with air. I've never filled a car tire before, but I have filled a bike tire. Can it be that much different?

Apparrently so!

Let's run through all four of my attempts to fill my tire. Yes, I said FOUR... and I'm proud of it.

First try... warning light comes on and I actually have a pressure gauge and know how to use it. Three tires at 35psi and one at 28psi. Aha. So, now find the air hose at the station... that can be trickier than it sounds as some of these gas stations disguise their air hoses by hiding them between the vacuuming stations. But... I digress. Having found the hose and while holding the cap in one hand and the hose in the other I manage to drop the cap IN the tire. Or UNDER the tire. Never matter... I can't reach it as my bloody finger attests. Note to self: tire rims are SHARP on the inside edges. So... we'll deal with the cap later. I have a hose, an end and a lever and no knowledge of how to do this. And, do you know that 3 minutes of air costs 75 cents? I'm not kidding. AIR! Why don't I just blow into the tire and fill it. Just kidding... kind of. So, I attach the end, push the lever, attach the end don't push the lever, check with the gauge and repeat like 27 or 10 times. Hmm.... 27psi which means I'm going backwards from what I intend to do.

Hmmmm

Maybe another gas station.

Oh... I have to find that dumb cap. Move the car forward a few feet and start looking. AHA! Screw it on and head to the next station.

No, I don't know why I thought a different station would make a difference, but I did. And it didn't. Well, it did, but in the wrong way. Plus 75 cents more for AIR! Seriously, are they kidding? Repeat the above, minus losing the cap in the tire, and now I am at 26psi. Hmmm... it looked so easy when Dear did it. Call Dear, and wait for a reply. Drive off. Stop and remember to put the cap back on. WHERE IS THE CAP? I put it in my pocket so I didn't lose it. I have 7 pockets on my coat! I have change, receipts, a used kleenex, a Subway gift card, lint, a gum wrapper.... hmmmm WHERE IS THE CAP??????? Open car door and empty all pockets onto seat. NO CAP. Oh... I have pockets in my jeans... and there it is.

Ah yes... no call from Dear. Drive on and hope I'm not killing the tires.

Go home and ask Dear at dinner about how to fill the you know what tire. Aha! PUSH the lever to put the air in... go to the gas station. It's now pitch black outside. I'm working in the dark with a black tire and an unlit gauge and have poor night vision. FLASHLIGHT! Yes, I have one. Batteries aren't dead... but they're well on the way. By this time I have now paid my $2.25 in quarters for AIR and hadn't managed to fill the tire so I decide to wait till the next day.

I go to the FOURTH gas station. Yes, I'm still working under the premise it will make a difference. And it did. First off their air hose is marked in BIG letters "AIR" and it is free. As in NO MORE QUARTERS... which is good because I ran out last night. In the dark. And, there is no useless lever on the air hose. Just stick the hose on and hold it. And at this point as my hind quarters are raised high in the air and facing the major road through town I'm beginning to wonder what kind of view I am presenting to the world. Note to self: lose a few pounds, or 50. Just sayin'....

Put the gauge on. YEAH! Get in and start the car. The light is still on. Consider all the words I am NOT going to say in front of my daughter and ask her to find the warning lights section in the owner's manual. She starts to read, "... and it will turn off in a ..." and lo and behold the light turns off, the tire is filled.

Now I guesss I need to fill the gas tank as well. Sadly I DO know what that warning light means.

Blessings, Kim

~Ode to Bluebell~

2010-02-27T23:45:00.001-05:00

This is Bluebell.

She was lonely and covered in snow.

Today she was not covered in snow.

She was not lonely.

She was jumping around the parking lot at church.

Today I learned, sort of, to drive a stick shift.

Bluebell really wants to go to a big auction or a great garage sale.

But only if there is easy parking that doesn't require hills or backing up.

Isn't she pretty?

I tried to find another photo.

I have no idea where it is.

Bluebell... you are going to have so much fun this summer.

Once I learn how to let the clutch out.

SLOWLY!

Blessings, Kim

p.s. if you want to see some cool photos of my art and craft work jump over to

http://whimsyandtheword.blogspot.com/.

bookmark it.

become a follower.

find some cool art.

comment.

you get the idea :~)

Please visit the new blog site!

2010-02-23T19:11:00.001-05:00

I've put in hours and hours of reshooting all my pieces. Not done yet, but getting close. As I upgrade the photos I also upgrade the photos on my online sites. However, I am including all information for each piece right in one place at "Whimsy and The Word." Stop on by... you might find something you really like!
Blessings, Kim

And this was Texas!

2010-02-23T14:44:00.006-05:00

Every year on the weekend closest to Valentine's Day LeTourneau University hosts a parents and family weekend. As Young Man is now in his second year this is our second year for this, as well as one previous year when we went while he took part in a scholarship competition.

Now mind you, I'm talking Texas. You know, BIG, south of here and WARM. NOT! This is what we arrived to find:
And, in all sincerity, it was not the bitter cold of our climate, and there were many beautiful sites to be seen.

Saw this lovely bush/shrub outside of the Student Foundation Building. I had to be quick with the shot, because although there was a LOT of snow it was also warm and so the branches kept dumping their loads. I wasn't so worried about losing this shot as I was about the tree branch overhead dropping it's load down my neck!

Believe it or not the pansies were blooming in the hotel gardens. The juxtaposition of the spring/winter seasons and the vibrant yellow against the pure white just screamed at me to try to get a snapshot.

And yes, I DO count this as a lovely site. It's Young Man's pilot's license. We delivered it to him as the government had mailed it to our home address rather than his college address. Can you believe it? He's actually a certified licensed pilot. Praise God!

Ha. Funny Boy! I asked him to stand underneath this verse which is painted on the entry wall of their flight hangar. I should have figured. He quite takes me at my word. Um yeah...

And finally, a picture with a story. Three years ago we traveled to the campus for his scholarship competition. While there the aviation students-to-be were invited to the airport to see the planes in which they would train. Young Man had actually already piloted one of these as a student pilot in a summer camp the year before. But I'm ahead of myself. While waiting his turn to go up one of the staff asked if I would be accompanying him. Now most of you who know me know I am PETRIFIED of flying. As in, get out the little bag, don't talk to me and you can pry my nails from your leg about an hour after take off. (And yes, I know we had to take 8 flights to get Wee One from China to the USA... let's just say that God is still in the business of miracles!). So, while trying to come up with excuses... I have a broken leg, I'm allergic to flying, I'm very ill and should be on medication... all of which were obviously false I somehow got into this teeny tiny plane. We all had headsets and I moved my mic away from my mouth as I was very busily praying, "Please God don't let me die." over and over and over and over and over... ad infinitum

The pilot asked if I would move my mic so he could hear what I was saying. I politely declined. Then he asked Young Man if he had ever flown one of these before and when hearing the affirmative offered him the controls. It may be the only time Young Man ever has the opportunity to have me as a passenger. While he was, and is even more so now, a quite capable pilot, I am NOT a good passenger and the air was ROUGH and I'm happy to say that I didn't use the little bag, but it was in my hands.

The end.

Okay, the pilot took back the controls and landed. We fell in love with the school. He's now a sophomore and a pilot, and Lord willing will be serving as a missionary aviator at some point in the future.

That was Texas, cold, snow, a pilot's license delivered, and a sudden trip back. Snow storms... quite the experience this year.

Blessings, Kim

~Grand Opening of the New Blog~

2010-02-22T12:14:00.004-05:00

In keeping with my move to making my art more easily found, more easily marketed and more easily seen... I have decided to begin a blogfolio of my artwork. If you jump over to the other site you'll note I give Kara the credit for this idea.

While some who read here may enjoy my art, that is not the main purpose of this blog. I will still post photos here, but probably not as many or with the total story for each. All my art will still be available via my Etsy or ArtFire stores, and also you can simply email me and ask me to make something. (This works over on the online sites as well...)

Currently the photos are not yet posted as I am re-shooting every piece in order to provide the best pictures possible. I've been learning more about how to shoot the pieces and my sweet Dear gave me a new camera for Christmas... so now I'll put both the knowledge and the camera to good use.

I'll still be posting here, and also on my doula site, but will now be posting my art at my other site... http://whimsyandtheword.blogspot.com/.

Blessings!
Kim

I'm baaaack! (and a special offer at the end!)

2010-02-16T09:21:00.009-05:00

Nope, I didn't fall off the face of the earth, just had to dig and shovel and dig and shovel and drive and drive and dig and shovel. Nope, I won't leave you with that...

Mr. Snowman, aka "Frosty", continued to have modifications made day by day. Yes, Dear and I have warped humors. I'll spare you from the "tipsy snowman" photos we made... hey, when you come out and your snowman is upright but just barely the photo begs for a "tipsy"sort of focus.

And the snow kept coming. So much in fact that Frosty himself decided to pitch in and help with the snow removal.

But, as you know all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy... well, it makes all of us a bit crazed. So, sledding and snowboarding down the front hill were the next orders of the day.

And of course, if you're messing with the snowman you'd best include him in your Superbowl wishes... and yes, he PROUDLY wore the blue shirt of the Colts. Poor poor colts! See the ball? I think he was ready to help out Manning if he could!

Dear gave him some tips on proper etiquette for a Colts fan.

Poor Frosty... he was so sad!

Now, for all who have read this far... THANKS for your patience! If you really want a thank you then simply join as a Facebook group member to "Whimsy and The Word" and you will qualify for a 20% discount on all pre-made items in either of my online art shops... (see the sidebars). That's right... all you need do is join my FB group and you're set to go. Is there a catch? Well, this only runs through Friday night, so hurry.

Happy Snow Day!
Kim

Let it snow...

2010-02-05T23:34:00.007-05:00

FRIDAY MORNING:

6:45 a.m. found me sitting in front of the TV saying, "Please let schools be cancelled." Which is, if you think about the fact that I'm a homeschooler, rather funny. But the night before our co-op had mostly decided that if the local schools had a snow day (We were due for 4-8 inches, plus other yucky stuff.) that we would cancel our co-op. So, as the names scrolled past on the screen and I saw our whole community of schools shut down I was quite happy.

7:15 a.m. found me in front of the computer waiting to hear that co-op was cancelled.

7:17 ditto

7:19 a nibble... another mom was hesitant as we were hearing about possible ice accumulations

7:21 all cancelled, and back to bed.

10:25 the snow started. YEP... it didn't start till then. It had rained, but was so warm that nothing was freezing. So, we ran to the library, grocery, movie store and gas station then home again. (We COULD have had co-op.... oops!)

Noon: lunch

soon after: NAPS... you see, most days if the local schools have snow days we keep on with our work, after all unless it started snowing IN our house there would be no reason to cancel. But, on Fridays ALL our classes are taught OUTSIDE our home, so we had a real snow day... sleeping in, eating funky foods, reading, napping.

When I woke up it was REALLY SNOWING... and so we cancelled evening activities and prayed Dear would arrive home safely. And he did... and when he did we all piled out to shovel and play in the snow with him. And this is what the rest of the day looked like.

While waiting for Dear I decided to take a shot of "Bluebell." This is the truck which Dear bought for me. Isn't she cute? I can't drive her. She's a stick shift and I was taught to two foot drive, so to me the left foot is the brake foot... you can imagine what I do in a stick shift! When the weather eases up I'm going to learn to drive my baby!

I couldn't bear to make tracks in the snow, so I stood off back of the birdhouses, leaned forward, angled the camera and shot the picture. Not bad!

I love the look of pristine snow on the ground and the site of a gentle snow fall in the evening.

It's just waiting for a dry day so we can swing! And yes, we do swing in the winter months as well... but not when our behinds will get frostbite!

Just before Dear got home WeeOne decided to "Do" her hair just to be funny. Hmmmm. Not exactly a style I think will catch on!

YEAH!! He made it home safely!

In progress... our snowman looks a bit tipsy!

Please note the lovely snow covered bucket... of towels... yes, that's still from when our hot water heater broke... it kept raining on the towels and I just didn't want to haul them in wet or wring them out in the rain. Ah me...

Here are the girls and Mr. Snowman. My aunt sent a "kit"to complete snowmen... see all the cute little things that make the nose, eyes, mouth, etc? That was all part of the kit. How fun is that?!

They're both keepers, but I know which one is cuter!

Blessings!
Kim

Latest Creations

2010-02-05T12:38:00.004-05:00

It's been a bleak and weary number of days, but last week I was struck by the creating muse and grabbed some vintage dominoes, paper, glitter stickers, beads, linen cord and buttons and went to work.

"Bubbly Love"

First try... ah, not so great. I didn't like the bubbles in the finish. I used a glue that said it could be used as a sealant. I don't think so. As a matter of fact? I KNOW it's not so. Not unless I want to pop every bubble with a pin. Ah well... live and learn.

"Bliss"

Second try... THIS I LOVE!!! This time around I simply used "Modpodge." Much nicer finish. Oh, and the edges, which I didn't show, are wrapped in copper. Really fun .

Third try... well, it's not done yet. I'll be adding a bit more to this third one and it will have a sort of fairy face on it. Guess you'll just have to wait and see. I think these will go up on my ArtFire shop.

Then, I made this button necklace a while back. It had issues. The buttons liked to flip and the dangle liked to come off. So... I let it sit a while. (I was mad at it and it was getting a time out!) Just this week I took it apart, started over and remade it. Now it hangs beautifully and nothing is coming off!

"Beautiful Buttons"

Hope you enjoyed these peeks. I've several more pieces in progress, but they just aren't done yet.

Blessings,
Kim

Happy Birthday to Me

2010-02-03T08:55:00.007-05:00

Nope, I'm not telling when it was, but it was a good one. And yes, I will freely tell all. I am happy happy happy to be 47 years old. For some reason it just feels like a GREAT age. Go figure. 43 freaked me out, but 47 is a good year. A very good year.

That, of course, is NOT my real birthday cake. That was after a big snow and I kept looking at the scalloped edges of the birdbath thinking, "That looks like a HUGE cake." So, I decorated it. Yes, my daughters thought I had lost my mind, but it was fun. The dots are vintage buttons, the candles are real, and in the center is a small pottery basket holding vintage flowers, a glittery bird and a pink parasol. Cute? I thought so!

My real cake was a huge sheet cake... feeds 50... from Coldstone Creamery. YUM!! I think it's called "Midnight Madness" or something of the sort... chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, chocolate ganache, chocolate piping and chocolate curls. Of course, for those who didn't like chocolate we also had yellow cupcakes, a platter of fruit, bowls of grapes and piles of cheese cubes. Don't you love the classy paper towel covering the fruit platter on the right? I forgot to take it off for the photo. Oh well... red and green apples and fresh pineapple chunks are resting underneath.

Dear was so sweet. He cut and served the cake. He also packed up containers for those not present. (APRIL... come get yours!)

And? The house was CLEAN, and PICKED UP, and ORGANIZED... as per my previous post.

So, at the end of the day Dear and I sate in front of the fire and just relaxed and enjoyed the memories. What a sweet day!

Here are a few more shots... well, two, of the snowy day. They're cute and my first attempt to "accessorize" my front step. Baby steps readers. Baby steps.

Three of the birdhouses that I painted with their first coats. They await some additions to make them really awesome. Hopefully I'll find what I'm looking for at an auction or garage sale. Speaking of which... garage sale season should start soon. I hope. Okay.. 2 months, but still!

Cute sled? Yep, I thought so. Can't remember if this was Dear's or mine. Oh well... you know it's VINTAGE!

Happy Wednesday!
Kim

With a little push...

2010-02-01T21:08:00.003-05:00

I managed to clean my "studio."

HA! Bet you all thought I was going to say I finished my exam. Nope, not yet, but I'm aiming that way.

Some friends are coming over, some who have NOT seen our house before, or my "studio." That always makes me laugh to say "studio" because for real? NOT!

We have a nice sized raise ranch style house. We have a nice sized basement, an "L" shape comprises the finished area. The unfinished area holds: my "pantry" (large metal shelves to hold my dry goods, canned goods, boxed goods, extra pans, paper goods, etc.) a washer/dryer, storage, hanging racks, a storage closet, NEW water heater, furnace and a "dorm fridge" which holds soft drinks and bottled water.

The "L" shaped area holds: craft storage, craft storage, art storage, art storage, shelves of stuff, weight bench, Pilate's equipment, antique rockers, wall to wall book shelves, doll house, large TV for games, videos, etc. and two computer desks... oh and a file cabinet and more shelves for homeschooling books, supplies, curriculum, etc. As you can see.... A LOT. Next to the fish tank I have my vintage enamel topped table set up, and next to that in a recessed area in the wall I have some book and board bookcases using baskets to keep supplies sorted. Tonight I emptied each and every basket, wooden box, sewing drawer and enameled pan in order to sort, organize and clean up. If someone wants to look at my work area I'd rather them study what I have made or am making rather than to study my HUGE PILE O' MESS! Oh yes! The last 6 buying trips I have just dumped bags, bins and boxes on the floor and left them. I have walked around, worked around, piled around and all but lived around those piles.

Today they are gone! I have only three teeny tiny piles on the floor: one for a friend to sort through, one for gifting and one large enamel ware basin which I have yet to decide on (it's holding my knitting and a piece in progress at the moment).

And yes, I said the last 6 buying trips. Although I have quite a bit here I don't necessarily have all I need for what I'm working on at the moment. So, this past weekend my dearest sweetie took me to a large antique/collectibles show in order to fill up a bit. I spent just about what I had budgeted, but HALF of that was for Christmas presents for the kids and my sweet in-laws supplied funding for a portion of the rest. (It was my birthday gift from them.) THANK YOU!

I found BUTTONS and BUTTONS and BUTTONS and ... well, more stuff. I can't list the presents because the kids read this. But, I did find two mini lanterns... pencil sharpeners which the girls loved, a mini photo in a metal frame circa 1857, a vintage shoe buckle all sparkly with rhinestones, vintage leather baby shoes (was looking for those for my next piece), post cards (of course!), and... well, hmmm, that's about it. I know I know.. but that's really all. I think...

Seriously, the last button man about put me into button overdrive. I spent over $50 on his buttons and that was AFTER he marked a $55 button card down to less than half-price, sold me 12 bake lite buttons for less than the first 6 cost and generally made me giggly and happy like a little kid when mom hands him a dollar as the good humor man drives up. Yes... as a good as ice cream on a hot summer day. I have christened this man the "button king"... maybe I should call him the "button emperor." I have never met anyone more knowledgeable about buttons. I am so glad I did my homework! (Thanks April for telling me any number of times to "look it up in a book" because I did and I knew more about the buttons than I had before. ) He made a profit, but I spent less, CONSIDERABLY less, than I might have. And now I hope to complete more of what I have been working on. When I do you'll see pictures here.

Speaking of which... I'm still trying to learn about generating traffic... both here and at ArtFire and Etsy. If you all have any good advice I'd love to hear it. But, in the meantime I'm reading blogs and not being so all-fired stuck on myself. I'm enjoying reading others' posts and I'm trying to step outside of my little world I had built.

Well, those are all things a little push will do. Now if I would only take that test...

Blessings, Kim

"And in your brotherly kindness, love"

2010-01-27T08:04:00.005-05:00

As any of you women know your house is "YOUR" domain. NOT!

Your house is a home to your family, a refuge for your husband where he may look forward to the end of the day, refresh himself from the world's drudge and be well loved. It is a place where your children may learn not the world's ways, but the ways of Christ in regards to loving one another.

In regards to this last statement I recall one young man saying to me about his family and brothers, "I'm his brother and I 'get' to beat him up all I want. But just let anyone outside of this family try that on my brother and I'll back him up 100%!"

On the one hand that is incredibly funny. And, to be honest, that is just how that brother was. He was quick to pick on his brother (any of them), but he would not let anyone outside of the family harm a hair on his brother's head. But, how much better if we also learn to love one another? I realize that as a "not male" person... i.e. a woman I don't always understand the importance of all things male... (beating up your brothers?) but I'm trying to learn so as to support my (almost grown) sons and my husband in a way which attests to their manhood and does not try to feminize them. That would be dreadful.

In the meantime I also have daughters and I need to help them to learn to work together as well. If any of you have daughters you know that although things may rarely get physical there are often verbal battles being fought... and not always openly. I need to learn to share "my" domain graciously and to set an example. I also need to learn to have an eagle eye and to recall that daughters and sons require some different parenting tools.

This year both girls are taking Latin. At first they begged to take it. Then they begged not to take it. But I am determined they will finish the year. Part of the plan was to have them work TOGETHER... they work on flash cards, conjugations, declensions (and what ARE those anyway?!) and all the other ~~icky~~ fun stuff which the study of Latin entails. (Did I mention I have NO CLUE HOW LATIN WORKS? NONE? Whenever I have tried to help, no matter how hard I try it comes out as Spanish about 90% of the time!) So, in order to receive help and practice they must learn how to work together.

Well, yesterday as we continued our discussion as to what MMH would take for a language in high school (EEK! THAT'S NEXT YEAR!) WeeOne said... "OH, then I don't have to take Latin anymore because you (me, the "mothernator") can't help me and she won't be taking it. Much to my surprise, and pleasure, MMH said, "Of course I'll still help you. Just because I'm not taking that class doesn't mean I won't be willing to help you."

Ahhh... such a sweet sound. One child willing to help another. Without being asked. Perhaps the plan is working. Not to mention that WeeOne's Latin won't begin to sound more Spanish than not. And, did I mention Senior Son coming over a few days ago and asking to help with the chores? Yes he did. He vacuumed all the dead lady bugs from our light fixtures in the basement. Seriously... for those who live in this area you know what a big job that can be. And yes, I should have done it in November, but they were still moving! Not to mention the fact that I would have missed this moment with my son. (And yes, this was a manly chore... it takes a TALL person to reach the light fixture, a brave person to open that thing up where bugs were/are living, and a strong and coordinated person to hold the vacuum in the air in one hand while maneuvering the hose with the other!)

I am truly enjoying watching my boys become men. I am also enjoying watching the girls practice the skills that I pray they need some day if the Lord calls them to be wives and mothers. I do feel very blessed and fortunate to see them learning to work (and learn) together.

Shalom, Kim

5Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,
6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,
7and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
10Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
11for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

2 Peter 1: 5-11

You should've taken pictures!

2010-01-26T21:47:00.002-05:00

Famous last words. A year ago I carried a camera everywhere for the blog. I drove my family absolutely batty. In truth I often heard, "You can't blog this." AH....

Yesterday MMH and I tackled the beginning of some projects. It all revolved around this old crumbling velvet, metal work covered incredible photo album. SERIOUSLY NEAT! About 2/3 of the way through she says, "You should've taken pictures." DRATS! And I even have a new camera.

Well, here it goes without the pictures.

unwrap 85 layers of paper from the album
reconsider for the 100th time if you're really going to take this baby apart
take a big breath
hold it
pull on the metal
BE CAREFUL... turns out the metal work is all held on with spikes and finishing nails. OUCH!
Now comes the next tough part... how do I carefully take each page out so I can use it for a wall hanging?
scissors
different scissors
start cutting
breathe
breathe more
call MMH
don't look
don't listen to the RRRRRIIIIPPPPING noise of the paper
breathe
slowly take the photos out of the pages (did I mention there were also some really cool photos?)
pull out ALL the valentine postcards from the card catalog where they are stored
keep watching MMH do her work
go to bed and dream about the blasted book
get up and look at it several times in the night
get MMH to help finish ~~"destroying"~~ ahem... "altering" it this morning
throw away 84 layers of paper
use last layer to wrap the covers... I'm saving the velvet for my bottles and collage pieces
put it away
leave everything on the floor
question my sanity
postpone creating one more day

Yes, I should have taken pictures because this was a seriously cool item. MMH found it for me at "Yellow Moon" and kept telling me to get it. OVER AND OVER AND OVER. And I didn't listen. And the sales lady wrote up the whole sale. And I changed my mind. And she wrote it again. (And I added another item. And apologised.) And MMH helped me with the vision for what this could be ... the parts more than the sum of the whole.

And now I simply don't want to do it. Silly me. It's not a "poor me" pity party. It's an "I'm too pathetic for words" laugh at me party. So, laugh along and maybe I'll actually get the pieces together tomorrow. Cause, on top of all this I have a special piece I want to make for someone as a surprise.

We'll see.

And, at least I finally shoveled the walk, and read many many chapters of the book I'm teaching next week, and did the dishes, and went to the library, and post office and met Senior Son at the pizza restaurant for dinner. AND?

He gave me the first chapter of the book he's writing. Can't wait till I have it all. It's part of a trilogy and I continue to be ever so excited to see him growing, maturing and having VISION for his future. God is so wonderful!

Shalom, Kim

Sometimes I wallow and miss the world...

2010-01-26T05:48:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,
Sometimes I am so ashamed of myself when I realize that just when I thought I was strong I was just wallowing in my own life. I hope you all can forgive me.

I just spent a bit of time visiting Denise's blog. I used to do this regularly, but somehow just lost sight. I am ashamed to think that I want you all to read my blog and yet I don't want to have to read other blogs. Isn't that sad? Well, week after week Denise leaves such sweet comments and from the past I know that she is a true prayer warrior. Today I finally read her posts from between Christmas and now and realize that she has been walking through her own tough time. REALLY tough.

Please visit her blog, read her story... and pray. I've added a prayer button on my sidebar, the code is on her blog. I will be, in the Lord's strength, praying for my blogging "friends"... whether I know them or not. And I hope you all can forgive me for my self-focus... just call it sin. The Lord is always so gracious and merciful to us when we come to Him. I am forever grateful!

Now I'm praying that "Shortybear and Lovebug" will have many more years in which to "dance" (read her posts) and to share the love of Jesus with each other as they share it with us. What a sweet story they share!

Blessings, Kim

This and That

2010-01-25T20:24:00.002-05:00

What an odd day... kind of a relaxing day of much work. Weird, huh?

I should have mentioned that we are hosting an Indiana Christian Birthing Expo on March 27. Would be great to be a full fledged doula by that point. And, by all means, if you are expecting or hope to be sometime in the near future please join us. Please email and I'll be happy to share details.
I LOVE my mentoring time with young women. I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! Spent a great day with Becky, and her precious Isaiah today. Such a blessing!
After a nap... yes at almost 47 I do enjoy my naps... the girls and I did some "running around." We hit an antique store and found some things (folio, silver skeleton keys, bottle, book, "pink elephant" juice glasses and books-last two items belong to MMH, then on to Michael's... at least two of us have some major projects in the works. (Watch my shops!) Sahara Mart... YUMMO! A new jar of honey... orange blossom, a new big bag of rice (we were out of both) and treats for each of us (Thanks Dear!): rice crackers for WeeOne, 68% with nibs dark chocolate for me and dark chocolate with orange rind for MMH. OH YES!!!!!!! Then home to get library books and drop off MMH (she's made her fried rice for dinner... from scratch... best we've ever eaten including time in China!), while she cooked WeeOne and I stopped at gas station then library. Now home.
Took apart an antique photo album (see above). Hope to have projects finished by tomorrow.
Got a bunch of school done.
Piano tuner came... if you need one in our area I'll happily recommend him.
dishes, vacuuming family room and picking up.
Now it's off to dinner and to watch "Monsters vs Aliens" a dreamworks video with the girls.

Happy Monday. We're getting SNOW!!!!

Blessings, Kim

One-and-a-half years and counting

2010-01-25T08:57:00.004-05:00

Yep... that's how long I've been working on my doula certification. I could have been done quite a while ago. That is, I could have been done had I not been procrastinating and wallowing in all my "poor me" phases.

So, here it is. I talked to my doula friend last night and she said, "Just do it." Doesn't she sound like a Nike commercial? Funny thing is that I've been trained through ASPO/Lamaze as an CBE (childbirth educator) and physiology was a HUGE part of that training as well. I've been teaching childbirth classes for about 18.5 years and attending births since before I had children. But somehow I got it in my head that I just couldn't pass this test (series of tests). And... here is where you will laugh... it's an open book, untimed test. Yep... that's right. So, I just need to get it done.

After that it's just one short unit about being a doula... I've been reading reams on the how to's, I've set up my doula blog and I already have clients calling from church and a few from another website in which I take part. You'd think I'd do this already.

So, here's my latest contest. Everyone make/post a guess on when I will actually finish my physiology tests. If anyone gets it just right, to the day, I'll send them one pack of my "Simple Faith" note cards as seen on my Etsy shop.

Maybe that will kick me into gear and I'll get going. Off to be ready for the day. I'm on call today as a back up, I have a meeting with a new client (a dear friend), and of course homeschooling as well.

Blessings,
Kim

Okay Y'all,

2010-01-24T20:09:00.003-05:00

I need a little help here.

I am blogging for several purposes. The main one of course is to keep in touch with family and friends. (I wish they'd comment here, but they rarely do. I should at least mention that they email their comments to me though.)

However, the other reason is to provide an introduction to my art. Currently I have one show a year. And, by dint of the community we're in I am told my more Victorian style art will not sell as well. So, I've been working on new venues: Etsy, ArtFire, a shop in a nearby town. But, with very few readers here that gives me little exposure on the online venues unless someone just happens upon my work.

So, here are my questions:

Are there things that would make this blog more visible?
(As in how can I draw in more readers?)
Do giveaways help?
If I said, "For every piece ordered, if the buyer mentions the reader who suggested my work, then the reader will also receive a small gift/token/art piece." Will that encourage anyone to share my blog or Etsy or ArtFire sites?

Really, I'm not desperate, but I am looking to learn and figure all you who read blogs must know what makes a blog more readable or at least more read... I hope that makes sense.

Anyway, I'm just working on this for this site for now, but will, in future, use it also on my doula blog site which you can find listed on my profile page. Thanks ever so much. I really appreciate all the help.

Blessings, Kim

Organization

2010-01-22T13:54:00.002-05:00

It's all about organizing the past few days. Or weeks. Or years...okay, I'm a bit OCD about organizing. Although, you might not realize this if you stepped in the house. I'm also a perfectionist which means that if I can't always do it perfectly I may simply not do it at all... a daily dilemma!

So, recently I've started filing my paperwork... color coded, and labeled, and visible in a slot on my desk so I can easily see/find/remember to file my paperwork. I've been in the process of organizing art supplies, like with like. Not all done by any means, but getting better. To that end I purchased a vintage library card catalog last year and keep many of my smaller supplies organized that way: postcards/photos, reproductions, angel wings, jeweled brads, etc. and so on. Once I started adding larger things like boxes, bottles and books it got a bit more interesting, but a series of baskets is holding things for now.

IN the kitchen and on the "pantry" (glorified term for open shelves in the work/laundry room) I have things organized by type: for instance, in my spice cupboard one shelf is for baking supplies and one is for cooking. Where they double over I sometimes have two of the same item, one on each shelf. Cookbooks are in two locales... regular use cookbooks are on the counter, specialties are in a cupboard. On the shelves in the workroom the baking goods are in bins, the pasta/rice are in another bin, canned goods sorted by fruit or veggie and then by type. You get the picture. Even my closet has it's own system... by color first, then by sleeve length. Slacks for regular use are on one side, slacks for special use or a different season are on the other side. Ditto for skirts and dresses.

It doesn't mean that everything is always in its place, but everything SHOULD have a place. Now I'm trying to help the girls organize their school work. We (meaning mostly they) seem to have a problem with finishing all the assignments each day. Rather than forcing my style on them I've asked them to each design their own way to keep track. (Wee One asked for help, and at age 10 I was happy to oblige. MMH designed her own system.) So, we'll start these on Monday and see how they work. We already keep lists posted of daily times for each subject, daily chores, weekly chores, etc. Not only does this remind them to keep these things done, but it also removes the whining/arguing/complaining (or a lot of it anyway), because we worked out these lists together. I tell them they can argue with the list, but they'll never win because the list won't talk back. Nor will it change.

I'd show you the lists and all, but then I'd have to take photos and upload/download/overload, something and so you'll just have to trust me. I'm a person of lists... I can't always find them but I love to make them!

April even created an "auction bag" for me so I'd quit dragging in everything and just bring what I needed. It's really cute! It holds my wallet, tax ID, phone and keys, paper, pen. That's it. It doesn't hold the grocery list, credit cards, make up, medicines, extra key chain, calendar, receipts, etc. JUST THE ESSENTIALS. She's so smart!

Well, that's it on organization. I know that was so terribly exciting (not), but perhaps it will help someone out there figure out what to do with their stuff. OR, maybe you'll come up with a clever organizational tip for me. I'd love it! I'll put it on my list. If I can find the paper. And the pencil. And remember to do it.

You get the picture.

Happy END OF THE WEEK!!!!
Blessings, Kim

Always buy extra!

2010-01-21T10:55:00.003-05:00

Or at least enough... paint that is.

A while back MMH came to me and said, "Mommy, (can you tell this is a while ago?!), is it supposed to be raining in the entryway?"

EXCUSE ME... IN???????????? the entryway. And yes, our roof had sprung a leak and it was raining in the entryway. And, of course, as ceilings that are full of inches and inches of water are wont to do it warped, buckled, bubbled as it were. And, eventually (we all know how quick to fix these things I am ... hA!) we called our friend Tim to please come fix our ceiling... and he did lots of other wonderful fixes too. And, he even spackled my hall as he had leftover. Which was all great... but of course then I had to paint. And did I mention how quick (NOT!) I am to deal with all this?

Well, finally the other day I had had enough and grabbed the paint... oh yes, I had bought it last August!... and started in. And MMH says, "I thought I got to do that?" (She's working off some Christmas debt.) And so she started. And NOT being genetically linked to me she decided to finish the job. So, we've been moving furniture, unscrewing switch plates, and generally creating havoc. But, she's a GREAT painter and I was happy to have it done. Then, today as we went to finish and the paint can looked dry I sent Wee One to the basement for the "other can" ... and found-

A DIFFERENT COLOR! ARGH... as in, I bought the other color for the living room (I used three colors, and yes it is nice, they are very pale and it's subtle, and quit laughing, because I like it and that's what matters. RIGHT? right.) okay... so, now the old paint can is draining (How long does it take to drain about 1/2 cup paint from a can?!) and I realize I have no excuse to not repaint the other wall (and the front door)... I already have the paint. Did I mention I have to do the ceilings in the living room, dining room, hallway, kitchen and family room? And the basement? And the girls' room needs a whole new everything... but that will be their job over break or summer vacation.

Oh well... enough procrastinating. I hope the paint's drained. I hope we have enough. I hope after this summer I don't paint again for another 5 or 20 years!

Have a great day!
Blessings, Kim
p.s. Did I mention the water heater broke and tried to flood the workroom? Did I mention that all the decorations (and then some) that I had just put away all had to come out so I could mop up the yucky water? Yes... it's been an interesting week. But, all things considered, we're fine. We have a house over our heads, our health, each other, and most importantly we know God is in control and NONE of this happens outside of His will. AMEN!